MURRAY TO GET FIVE MILLION DOLLARS FROM ARPA
Governor Andy Beshear announced more than $157 million in funding yesterday for more than 360 non-entitlement cities in Kentucky from the American Rescue Plan Act. Non-entitlement cities are those with populations under 50,000 that did not file for a different distinction with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and were required to submit budget certification forms to the Department of Local Government. The City of Murray will receive just over 5 million dollars, with just over 2.5 million dollars coming in the first tranche. The funding will arrive as soon as next week to offset expenses related to COVID-19, including the costs of personal protective equipment, vaccination clinics, loss of revenue, payroll and more.
MARCUM TO REPLACE MANNING AS SOLID WASTE COORDINATOR
At this week’s Calloway County Fiscal Court meeting, magistrates approved the appointment of Bill Marcum as the county solid waste coordinator, replacing Gidget Manning who is leaving county government for a new job. The court also approved the appointment of Darryel Lee to replace Joyce Morrison on the Senior Citizens Center board, and Lisa Farris to serve on the Park Board. She replaces Tony Ryan who resigned from the board..
MSU GETS 1.5 MILLION DOLLARS FROM BENEFACTOR
Arthur Fields recently made a transformational gift of 1.5 million dollars to the Murray State University Foundation. Fields is a 1967 accounting and 1968 MBA alumnus of MSU’s Bauernfeind College of Business. One million dollars has established the Arthur W. Fields Fund for Excellence in the College of Business and $500,000 has established the Arthur W. Fields Sigma Chi Scholarship to offer financial support for members of MSU’s chapter of Sigma Chi fraternity. Fields was recognized by Murray State in 2000 as a distinguished alumnus and was honored by Murray State’s Beta Alpha Psi national accounting fraternity as its outstanding alumnus that same year.
GREAT BEGINNINGS READY FOR AUGUST 12
Murray State University’s Great Beginnings program for incoming students kicks off on August 12 with a variety of activities, events and programs to assist new students and their families with the transition to college life. More than 30 returning students will serve throughout Great Beginnings as ambassadors to mentor new students, assist with campus move-in, while participating in programs themselves. As the University prepares for the start of the fall semester on August 17, there is still time for prospective students to apply and register for the 2021-22 academic year by calling 270-809-2896.
QUARLES ADDRESSES FOOD INSECURITY
Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles says the COVID pandemic has only served to increase food insecurity across the state. Quarles stopped in Owensboro Wednesday to talk about the increase in food insecurity and the efforts to fix it. Prior to the pandemic, one-in-seven adults and one-in-five children experienced food insecurity in the Commonwealth. During the COVID crisis, those numbers increased to one-in-five adults and one-in-four children who don’t have proper availability of food. The Ag commissioner says poultry producers and farmers as well as faith groups and food pantries are all working to reduce hunger in Kentucky.
KSP LOOKING TO REGAIN TITLE
The Kentucky State Police hope to regain the title of ‘America’s Best Looking Cruiser’ and need your vote to do just that. The American Association of State Troopers hosts an annual calendar contest and encourages state law enforcement agencies across the U.S. to submit a photo entry that is unique and represents its state. Last year, KSP took second place and was included on the calendar for the month of February. KSP won the national contest in 2018. Voting is underway through 11 am Augues 3 on the AAST Facebook page. The top 13 finishers will earn a spot on the 2022 calendar.
IN AND AROUND KENTUCKY
FRANKFORT—Over 360 cities across Kentucky are set to receive increased funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. Governor Andy Beshear announced yesterday that over 157-million dollars will be distributed to offset costs related to COVID-19. Covered expenses include everything from payroll, loss of revenue, personal protective equipment, vaccination clinics, and more. The governor’s office says the money could be received as soon as next week.
HARRODSBURG—-No one is injured after a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Harrodsburg. Norfolk Southern officials say the cars that went off the tracks were empty. Houses and buildings near the derailment site were undisturbed. Crews are working to clear the train and reopen crossings into town.
SCOTT COUNTY—While many Kentucky schools will continue to offer a virtual learning choice, some schools in the central part of the commonwealth are taking that option off the table. Scott County’s superintendent says the district originally planned to offer the option, but found the number of students involved was so small that the program wasn’t effective. The commonwealth’s education commissioner is recommending that districts consider offering a variety of options to students, but emphasized that the decision is a local one. Scott County is offering resources to students who can’t attend for medical reasons.
PIKEVILLE—Charles Booker’s 2022 campaign for the U.S. Senate is underway. Booker stopped in Pikeville yesterday to kick off his effort to unseat Republican Senator Rand Paul. The campaign comes after he was defeated by Amy McGrath in the 2020 Democratic primary during his attempt to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Booker calls his run for the Senate a signal for change and says he is fighting for Kentuckians.
OWENSBORO—Owensboro isn’t getting an outer loop connection any time soon. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said yesterday the connection can’t be built at this time. KYTC based the decision on the current conditions, traffic projections, engineering analysis, and public feedback. KYTC says a full report on the study will be posted on its planning website by mid-fall.
OWENSBORO—Owensboro will be the place to be later this summer for fans of old school boy bands. Members of NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys, and 98 Degrees will be part of this year’s Friday After 5 finale. Some of the members of those groups make up the band All the Cool Kids. ATCK will perform in Owensboro on Friday, September 3rd.
ILLINOIS—A newly signed telehealth bill will create more options for Illinois patients. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the measure yesterday that will allow patients to access telehealth without first having to see a provider in-person or provide a reason. The bill also requires insurers to reimburse providers at the same rate as for in-person care. Pritzker has demonstrated support for the practice previously when signing a March 2020 executive order to expand access to telehealth.
