Murray State University to celebrate Homecoming 2021: 99 years and counting
MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University is preparing to welcome alumni back to campus the week of October 18-24 for Homecoming 2021. A full schedule of activities, events, reunions and more are scheduled to take place as Racer alumni return, with all planned in-person activities following health and safety guidelines.
Highlights include:
A Taste of the Arts 2021 – The College of Humanities and Fine Arts will host its annual fundraising gala on Thursday, October 21 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Murray Room of the CFSB Center. The event is sponsored by FNB Bank. A Taste of the Arts showcases the many talents of Murray State students in the Art & Design, Music and Theatre Arts while providing fine dining and a live auction for attendees.
50th Anniversary Golden Class Reunion – Each year, Murray State University celebrates the graduating class of 50 years ago. This year, the University honors the classes of 1970 and 1971 with a dinner and program on Friday, October 22 beginning at 5 p.m. in the CFSB Center’s Murray Room. Golden Reunion participants are also treated to a campus tour and VIP seating for the Homecoming Parade.
Black Alumni Reunion – Events include a networking and awards reception on Friday, October 22 beginning at 7 p.m. at the CFSB Center.
Homecoming Parade – The parade will begin Saturday, October 23 at 9:30 a.m., traveling along Main Street from downtown to campus. This year’s grand marshal is Nancy Lovett, the great-granddaughter of Murray State University founder Rainey T. Wells, and his wife, Tennessee Wells. Lovett is the granddaughter of Joe Thomas Lovett and Laurine Wells Lovett, for whom Lovett Auditorium is named.
For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be live streamed at murraystate.edu/streaming.
Tent City – Tent City will follow the parade, starting at 10:30 a.m. inside the walls of Roy Stewart Stadium on the east side of the track. A beloved Homecoming tradition since 1989, Tent City provides the University’s Greek organizations, student clubs, academic departments and residential colleges the opportunity to welcome alumni home and to give the public a snapshot look at all they have to offer.
NPHC Plaza Groundbreaking – The National Pan-Hellenic Council has a vibrant history at Murray State. Throughout time, Murray State has been home to all “Divine Nine” organizations, with members having the opportunity to connect, engage and share in the brotherly and sisterly love that binds them together.
With a great deal of enthusiasm, a new National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza Campaign is underway, to raise vital dollars to support the construction of a new plaza on the main walkway of Murray State’s campus. The plaza will include a brick column containing each organization’s Greek letters and crest, along with bricks spanning out from each column.
A plaza groundbreaking will take place on Saturday, October 23 at 11 a.m. near the corner of 15th and Olive Streets.
Homecoming King and Queen Coronation, Football game – The Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at Roy Stewart Stadium in conjunction with the 2 p.m. football game against Austin Peay.
This year’s Homecoming Court is:
Mollie Beck (Mayfield, Kentucky)
Paige Carter (Berea, Kentucky)
Kristen Lyons (Murray, Kentucky)
Ellie McGowan (Fredonia, Kentucky)
Courtney Rager (Bremen, Kentucky)
Ty Allen (Berea, Kentucky)
Zaid Haija (Murray, Kentucky)
Ian Puckett (Mayfield, Kentucky)
Hayden Smee (Cape Girardeau, Missouri)
Walter Steely (Sebree, Kentucky)
Murray State capped off a thrilling win over Southeast Missouri State University last weekend with a game-winning field goal. Tickets for the Homecoming game are available at goracers.com or by calling 270-809-3000.
A detailed schedule of events along with important information regarding Murray State’s Homecoming activities can be found at murraystate.edu/homecoming. For further questions, please contact the Murray State University Office of Alumni Relations by calling 270-809-5600.
Calloway County Teacher Noraa Ransey is Chamber Educator of the Year
Calloway County teacher Noraa Ransey was named the inaugural Educator of the Year by the Murray-Calloway Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented to Ransey at the Chamber’s annual banquet on October 15.
Ms. Ransey has been a teacher for seventeen years, all at North Elementary in Calloway County. She hasearned a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree from Murray State University. She earned her National BoardCertification in literacy in early and middle childhood and is currently serving on a committee for the NationalBoard. She is a minority teacher mentor for the National Association for Multicultural Education. She is activewith the National Education Association, Kentucky Education Association, and Calloway County EducationAssociation. Ms. Ransey was named the 2020 KEA Teacher of the Year.
As reported in the Murray Ledger and Times, Amy Cloud was the master of ceremonies and is the current executive director of the Association of Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives. Cloud gave high-praise on behalf of the Chamber to the first grade teacher.
“Our award winner tonight shares her life and experience with her students,” Cloud said. “She herself is a survivor of childhood trauma, broke the cycle of addiction, and was the first to go to college in her family. Teaching is her gift, serving is her joy, and she spreads this joy wherever she goes. She champions them to do great things and be the best they can be. Our award winner has been recognized for her excellence in education and service on a local, state, and national level, and tonight we add one more award to her many achievements.”
“All of our educators deserve this award,” said Ransey. “Our community is full of educators that change lives in their classrooms every single day. We are blessed with two amazing districts. I am who I am today because an educator believed in me. Along my journey, I’ve had many struggles, trials, and blessings. The blessings are what I hold on to. Thank you to the Chamber, and thank you to everyone who continues to believe in, love, and show up for me and all of our kids.”
McConnell: Spending Will Get No Republican Support
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says the infrastructure measure being proposed by Democrats will get no support from Republicans. The Kentucky Republican said yesterday that the Biden administration wants to spend their way out of rising inflation and all it will do is make the problem worse. McConnell said that what’s known as the human infrastructure plan is not free like the Democrats say it is, and it contains tax hikes that will hit American families the hardest.
Over 17-Hundred New COVID-19 Cases Being Reported In Kentucky
Over 17-hundred new COVID-19 cases are being reported in Kentucky. Governor Andy Beshear announced the new cases yesterday, along with 29 additional deaths. Just over 12-hundred people in the commonwealth are hospitalized for COVID-19 related illnesses, with 226 on ventilators. Over 728-thousand Kentuckians have tested positive for the virus and more than 94-hundred have died since the pandemic began.
Over the weekend, the Kentucky National Guard commenced Operation Fortified Guardian, in which a surge of service members received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.
More than 600 vaccines were administered to Army and Air Guardsmen over the weekend. As of Monday, Oct. 18, approximately 70 percent of the force have received their first vaccination and 58 percent have received their second vaccination.
At the direction of the secretary of defense, it is now mandatory for all service members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The requirement to be fully vaccinated is June 30, 2022 for Army Guardsmen and Dec. 3, 2021 for Air Guardsmen. These dates take into account that many units are still meeting virtually. Service members may request an exemption from COVID-19 vaccines for religious, health or administrative reasons, but administration of those exemptions rests at the Departments of the Army and Air Force, respectively.
The Kentucky National Guard will continue administering the vaccine until all service members are protected against COVID-19.
For the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic support, the Kentucky Guard still has a presence in 20 hospitals across the commonwealth and more than 300 service members still on duty.
Western Kentucky Cities Launching Craft Beer Trail
Nine destination marketing organizations in cities in the western part of the Commonwealth are partnering with their craft breweries to launch a craft beer trail called West Kentucky Brewery Hop. The hop features 13 craft breweries between the cities of Paducah, Murray, Benton, Bowling Green, Glasgow, Hopkinsville, Henderson, Beaver Dam, and Owensboro.
Anyone who is 21 or older can participate in the West Kentucky Brewery Hop by obtaining a passport from a participating CVB or craft brewery. The passport will guide you to each of the breweries on the trail where you can try local craft beer and receive a passport stamp. Following the completion of the trail or getting stamps from at least seven breweries, the passport can be mailed to the Henderson Tourist Commission to claim a prize. Once the passport is verified, you’ll be mailed back your passport and a West Kentucky Brewery Hop pint glass.
Kentucky State News Brief
Owensboro Won’t Change Curfew For Minors
(Owensboro, KY) — Owensboro is upholding its curfew for kids. Earlier this week, city officials decided those under 18 will still be allowed to stay out until one o’clock in the morning. Reverend Demarcus Curry had asked the city to scale the curfew back by four hours to 9 o’clock. Reverend Curry said he wants to keep kids off the street late at night.
Grammy-Award Winning Artist Cancels Owensboro Show
(Owensboro, KY) — Country and blues artist Jason Isbell’s December concert in Owensboro is being canceled. Owensboro Sportscenter officials say Isbell won’t play the venue on December 5th as previously scheduled. However, the Grammy-award winning artist is still scheduled to play other shows in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania in the days before and after the canceled Owensboro show. Isbell has canceled shows in Mississippi and Texas in recent months because the venues wouldn’t adhere to his band’s health and safety standards requiring everyone attending the show to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or negative test for the virus.
GRDHD Reports Rise In COVID-19 Cases
(Owensboro, KY) — The Green River District Health Department is reporting a rise in COVID-19 cases. Yesterday, the GRDHD reported more than 230 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 123 in Daviess County, 43 in Henderson County, 34 in Ohio County, 14 in McLean County, 13 in Webster County and seven in Hancock County. There have been over 36-thousand cases in the seven county district since the outbreak began. There have also been nearly 560 COVID-19-related deaths.
Lexington Legends Claim Another League Title
(Lexington, KY) — The Lexington Legends are celebrating a successful first season in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. They clinched the league championship last night with a, 13-to-two, playoff win over the Long Island Ducks. Overall, the Legends have won three league championships over the last three seasons.
Name, Cause Of Death Released For UK Student Found Unresponsive
(Lexington, KY) — The Fayette County coroner says 18-year-old Thomas Hazelwood was the University of Kentucky student who recently died. UK police say they received a call Monday night reporting an unresponsive student at the FarmHouse Fraternity. Hazelwood was taken to the hospital where he later died. The coroner believes his death was caused by accidental alcohol toxicity. Police are investigating.
UK Community Holds Vigil For UK Freshman Dead From Alcohol Toxicity
(Lexington, KY) — The University of Kentucky community is remembering a freshman who died. A prayer vigil was held last night to help process grief over the death of 18-year-old Thomas Hazelwood, who was known by his middle name Lofton. Hazelwood was found unresponsive Monday night at the FarmHouse fraternity and was taken to the hospital, where he died.
McConnell: Spending Will Get No Republican Support
(Washington, DC) — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says the infrastructure measure being proposed by Democrats will get no support from Republicans. The Kentucky Republican said yesterday that the Biden administration wants to spend their way out of rising inflation and all it will do is make the problem worse. McConnell said that what’s known as the human infrastructure plan is not free like the Democrats say it is, and it contains tax hikes that will hit American families the hardest.
Daviess County Accounting Unexpectedly Absent Students
(Daviess County, KY) — Daviess County Public Schools is trying to account for unexpectedly absent students. The annual problem occurs went students who are expected to be attending schools in the district do not show up when the school year begins. DCPS expects to have eleven-thousand students each year, but 818 didn’t show up when this year began. Officials say reasons vary from losing track of when the school year starts, moving away, or students not being ready to come back.
Tennessee State News Brief
Subject Of AMBER-Alert Found
(Undated) — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says a missing four-year-old boy has been found. The TBI issued an AMBER Alert yesterday on behalf of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for Matthias Noah Anderson. Matthias was later found in south Georgia. His non-custodial father Tristan Anderson is in custody.
Tennessee Lawmakers To Meet In Special Session On COVID-19 Mandates
(Nashville, TN) — The Tennessee General Assembly will meet in a special session next week. The special session to address COVID-19 restrictions is scheduled to start Wednesday, October 27th. It’s expected to last into the first week of November. Limiting the governor’s emergency power and regulating the authority of private businesses to implement mask or vaccine mandates are among the issues that may be addressed.
TDH Updates State Coronavirus Cases
(Nashville, TN) — There are over eleven-hundred new coronavirus cases in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Health reported the new cases yesterday, bringing the total since the outbreak began to over one-million-267-thousand. Nearly 90 additional COVID-19-related deaths were also reported, with the total number standing at nearly 15-thousand-970. There are over 14-hundred COVID-19 hospitalizations in Tennessee.
Middle Tennessee Town Ranked Among Best Small Cities In America
(Brentwood, TN) — A Middle Tennessee town is getting some national recognition. Brentwood is number three on the personal finance website WalletHub’s list of Best Small Cities in America. The site compared over 13-hundred cities with populations between 25-thousand to 100-thousand. It looked at over 40 key factors, including housing costs, school-system quality, and restaurants per capita.
>>Peak Fall Foliage Still At Least A Week Away
(Undated) — There’s a delay in peak fall foliage colors this year in Tennessee. Forecasters say the delay is being caused by above average temperatures. They say the vibrant fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains are expected to start appearing at the end of this month and the beginning of next month.
Memphis City Council Approves Plan For COVID Fund Projects
(Memphis, TN) — The Memphis City Council is approving a plan to spend 20-million dollars in American Rescue Plan funds. Councilmembers say the plan approved yesterday prioritizes the needs of the people. It includes over two-million for youth initiatives, including an HBCU scholarship program. There’s also three-million for a food desert initiative in North Memphis, and funding for solid waste, public transportation and affordable housing grants and loans.
Shelby Co. Commissioner Arrested During White House Protest
(Washington, DC) — Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer is being charged with a crime. She was one of about two-dozen people arrested at a rally in front of the White House yesterday. The protest was led by Declaration for American Democracy, the League of Women Voters and People For the American Way. They gathered to demand President Biden use his influence to end the filibuster over the Freedom to Vote Act.
TSU Awarding Over 1,600 Scholarships To SCS Students
(Undated) — Tennessee State University is awarding more than 16-hundred scholarships to Shelby County Schools students. Many of the students gathered at Pursuit of God Church and Southwind High yesterday where they received full and partial academic scholarships to attend TSU. Other presentations will be held next Monday at Whitehaven High, East High and Cordova High.
SCHD Updated COVID Numbers
(Memphis, TN) — The Shelby County Health Department is updating its coronavirus numbers. SCHD reported 82 new COVID-19 cases and 26 newly confirmed cases in children yesterday. Health department director Dr. Michelle Taylor said she’s hoping a vaccine will soon be approved for children aged five to eleven. Right now, school-aged children account for about 30 percent of Shelby County’s 16-hundred active cases.
National/World News Headlines
PA Biden Visit Today Amid Spending Bill Talks
(Scranton, PA) — President Biden is headed to his hometown of Pennsylvania today to pitch his economic plan. He’s been negotiating with Democrats on the size of a three-and-a-half trillion dollar spending bill. He told progressives the price will be cut in half and the final bill would likely drop tuition-free community college and scale back child tax credits. The talks could decide if the bill moves forward, along with a bipartisan infrastructure bill.
NYC Gives Workers COVID Vaccine Deadline
(New York, NY) — A COVID vaccine mandate in New York is extending to city employees. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this morning that they must have at least one shot by Friday of next week. And those who get it at city-run vaccination sites will get an extra 500-dollars. Those who refuse to comply will be placed on unpaid leave. Uniformed correction officers are getting extra time. Their deadline is December 1st due to staffing issues at Rikers Island.
Queen Elizabeth Cancels Trip On Doctor’s Advice
(London) — Queen Elizabeth is cancelling a trip to Ireland tomorrow on doctor’s orders. She’s been told to rest for a few days. The 95-year-old is said to be in good spirits but disappointed she can’t keep her commitments. Buckingham Palace says she looks forward to rescheduling her visit in the future. The Queen just hosted a reception at Windsor Castle yesterday. That’s where she’s been staying since the pandemic began.
Poll: 78% Of Republicans Want Trump 2024 Run
(Undated) — It looks like more Republicans support former President Trump possibly running again in 2024. Out of 13-hundred voters polled by Quinnipiac University, 78-percent hope he’ll try for the White House again. That’s a ten-percent jump since May. On the flip side, 94-percent of Democrats and 58-percent of independents believe he shouldn’t attempt it. Trump has said he’s made a decision but isn’t ready to reveal it yet.
FL School Shooter To Plead Guilty This Morning
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) — A crucial moment in the nation’s deadliest high school shooting is about to unfold. Nikolas Cruz already confessed to opening fire in Florida three years ago and gunning down 17 people, most of them students. This morning, he’ll change his plea to guilty. The move avoids trial and jumps to the sentencing phase, scheduled to start early next year. The 23-year-old is hoping for a life sentence but the death penalty is still on the table.
Netflix Walkout Today Over Chappelle Special
(Hollywood, CA) — Some Netflix workers are planning a walkout today in protest over Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special, “The Closer.” Many feel his jokes are transphobic and harmful to the LGBTQ community. The streaming giant’s co-CEO admits he “screwed up” in handling employee concerns. Ted Sarandos tells Variety he should have addressed their pain, but doesn’t believe the show amounts to hate speech. He wants to make it clear he supports artistic freedom.
Study: Dogs Can Develop ADHD Like Humans
(Finland) — A new study shows man’s best friend can get attention deficit disorder just like people. Researchers in Finland found that dogs can develop a condition similar to ADHD. It depends on their gender, age and breed, as well as how much attention they get from their owner. The head of the canine research group said their new findings can help to better identify and treat canine hyperactivity.
