Molding Tomorrow's Manufacturing WorkerMadisonville, KY(2009-11-20)A five and a half million dollar National Science Foundation grant is enabling a multi-college, industry-partnered collaborative across several states to produce the manufacturing worker of tomorrow. Kentucky's Community and Technical College is one school system spearheading the initiative and its Madisonville campus is already showing results.
Interview with Murray State's President - November EditionMurray, KY(2009-11-20)Every month, Murray State President Dr. Randy Dunn sits down with WKMS News Director Chad Lampe to discuss what's happening in and around the MSU community. This month, they talk about finding funding for the university, and the possibility of faculty and staff raises.
Franz Wisner Speaks in MurrayMurray, KY(2009-11-20)Franz Wisner is the author of Honeymoon with My Brother, a book he wrote after being left at the alter by his fianc . Wisner decided to still go on the honeymoon, taking his recently divorced brother along for the journey, excluding the rose petals and champagne. After bonding and feeling rejuvenated, they decided to quit their jobs, sell their homes and continue traveling for two years, visiting 53 different countries.
"Birdman of Alcatraz" rests in Metropolis, IllinoisMetropolis, IL(2009-11-20)Sixty-six years ago Robert Stroud died in a hospital prison in Springfield, Missouri. Stroud was better known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz" for his research into the diseases of canaries. He found fame in the 30's through a series of newspaper articles. A book and then a movie a few decades later made Birdman a household name. But when he died in 1963, few in the nation paid attention. His remains were interred in a small cemetery on the southern tip of Illinois.
Murray High Tigers Could Set Records Tonight Murray, KY(2009-11-20)It's every Coaches dream to have a perfect season. The Murray High Tigers began their winning streak back in August, something not seen here for 16 years.
Bowling Green musician is "Mandolin Performer of the Year"Bowling Green, KY(2009-11-19)A musician who spent much of his youth playing in a Bowling Green family band is the International Bluegrass Music Association's "Mandolin Performer of the Year." It's one of the highest honors a bluegrass musician can receive. Kentucky Public Radio's Dan Modlin talks with Jesse Brock of the band, "Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper."
"It Might Get Loud" at Maiden Alley CinemaPaducah, KY(2009-11-19)An Inconvenient Truth director Davis Guggenheim brings us It Might Get Loud, a new documentary about the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant musicians of the last forty years Todd Hatton spoke with Larry Thomas about this film featuring Jack White, The Edge, and Jimmy Page playing this week at Maiden Alley Cinema in Paducah. And it's only fair to warn you...this story really might get loud.
Local Agency Holds Homeless Awareness ForumPaducah, KY(2009-11-17)The face of homelessness is changing. That's the message advocacy groups are sending for national Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. In Kentucky, the annual homeless count tallied six thousand people earlier this year. Monday in Paducah, the Paducah Cooperative Ministry held a forum to bring attention to the rural homeless. Angela Hatton brings us this report from the event.
"Qulitmaking that Saw U.S. through the War Years: 1941-1945"Paducah, KY(2009-11-13)The Museum of the American Quilters Society in Paducah is hosting the exhibit, "Quiltmaking that Saw U.S. through the War Years, 1941-1945," through December 15th. Todd Hatton brings us this story on the kinds of quilts on display and what they say about the nation that made them.
Murray State Jazz Ensemble performs "all-Gershwin" showMurray, KY(2009-11-13)The Murray State University Jazz Ensemble presents an All-Gershwin concert next Tuesday at 8 p.m. Mark Welch spoke with the ensemble's director - Todd Hill.
Dido and Aeneas this weekend at Murray StateMurray, KY(2009-11-13)Rebecca Feldhaus spoke with Erin Silliman who portrays Dido in this weekend's performance of Dido and Aeneas at MSU's Performing Arts Hall in the Fine Arts Building. The performances are Friday November 13th at 8pm, Saturday, November 14th at 3:30 and 8pm, and wraps up on Sunday November 15th at 3:30pm.
New Funds Surface for Kentucky Lock and DamGrand Rivers, KY(2009-11-13)Products from 20 states or more pass through the Kentucky Lock and Dam sitting on the Tennessee River on the Marshall and Livingston County line. Work continues on its long awaited additions. Rebecca Feldhaus looks into the overall impact of this ongoing project in Western Kentucky.
White-Collar Jobs Spike in Montogomery CountyClarksville, TN(2009-11-13)In the last two years, Montgomery County, Tennessee has experienced an increase in white-collar jobs. Hemlock Semiconductor, a massive manufacturing plant is taking up lots of agricultural land and offering new jobs to the unemployed. The county is known for its high corn and wheat production, but could this new surge of white collar jobs be the end of successful blue-collar careers in the area?
Regional United Way changes focus in tough economyMurray, KY(2009-11-13)In a tight budget year for many organizations and corporations, community needs are on the rise. The Murray Calloway County United Way has been traditionally a fundraising organization for specific agencies that support the community in various ways. This year though marks a change in direction for the local organization. Chad Lampe finds out more with the United Way's Director of Resource Development Aaron Dail.
Military treasures in Frankfort, KentuckyFrankfort, KY(2009-11-13)Wednesday was Veterans Day, and in Frankfort, a powerful new exhibit on military history opened at the Kentucky History Center. Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeigh got a preview.
Bright Star at Maiden Alley CinemaPaducah, KY(2009-11-13)Bright Star is the story of the secret love affair between 23-year-old English poet John Keats and the outspoken girl-next-door, Fanny Brawne. Ben Whishaw and Abbie Cornish lay the unlikely lovers, and Jane Campion, director of The Piano, helms this sumptuous drama. Todd Hatton speaks with Larry Thomas about Bright Star, on offer at Paducah's Maiden Alley Cinema this week.
Regional agencies boost efforts to combat Western Kentucky food shortfallMayfield, KY(2009-11-13)In October, the federal Census Bureau reported Kentucky's poverty rate at 17.3 percent. That's 4 points higher than the national average. With many families in western Kentucky struggling to pay for housing, focus on proper nutrition can fall to the wayside. An increased need for food assistance has prompted agencies in the region to step up efforts to help feed the hungry. Angela Hatton reports.
McConnell cuts ribbon for Murray Industrial ParkMurray, KY(2009-11-12)Kentucky U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell visited Murray Thursday, November 12th, to cut the ribbon to the new Murray Calloway County Industrial Park and further his political agenda during a keynote address to Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Cabinet members. Chad Lampe has more on Senator McConnell's visit.
Gateway Gives Area Students Second ChanceMayfield, Ky.(2009-11-12)Mayfield's alternative Gateway Academy High School has graduated more than 300 since 2002, and now is placing students in paid work experience internships through the Workforce Investment Act. The school has given area students Meagan Hawkins and Michelle Davis a second chance. Jacque Day visited them in Mayfield, and has this story.
Military Treasures Frankfort, KY(2009-11-11)It's Veterans Day, and in Frankfort, a powerful new exhibit on military history is opening at the Kentucky History Center.
Metropolis's "Amazing Oscar Micheaux"Metropolis(2009-11-06)Oscar Micheaux is largely regarded as the first African-American filmmaker to produce and distribute feature films. He began his career in 1919 in the infancy of the American movie industry at a time when theaters across the nation were still segregated. He challenged Hollywood's stereotypical depictions of black characters. Many of his films vanished into obscurity, only recently uncovered. Jacque Day looks into the life and legacy of this trailblazer born in Metropolis, Illinois.
Kentucky Representatives seek to pass "state sovereignty" resolutionKentucky(2009-11-06)As part of what appears a national movement, a group of Kentucky legislators are working to pass a resolution supporting "state sovereignty" that counters what they see as an unconstitutional expansion of federal power. Todd Hatton speaks with the sponsor of Kentucky's resolution about where it came from - and the chair of the committee it was filed with about where it may be going.
Inside the world's largest carbon capture storage facility (part 1)Louisville, KY(2009-11-06)Tuesday the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a mark up session on the Seante climate change bill "The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act." If passed it could require a 65% cut in greenhouse gas emissions, namely carbon dioxide, in the nation's existing coal-fired power plants by the year 2020. Some high profile lobbying groups are fighting the bill, but some of the biggest emitters aren't.
Murray State introduces free bike shareMurray, KY(2009-11-06)The green movement in Murray is no longer below the radar, with monthly recycling drop offs, private companies providing recycling services, and expanded public transportation the city. University officials are working in concert to provide greener options to students and residents. Last week, Murray State University introduced a new fit and green option, a free bike share program.
PSO Artistic Director Candidate, Janna Hymes conducts Viva Italia at Carson CenterPaducah, KY(2009-11-06)Janna Hymes is currently Music Director of two ensembles: Maine Pro Musica and the Williamsburg Symphonia. She's a finalist in the Paducah Symphony Orchestra's Artistic Director Search and conduct the orchestra in its concert at the Carson Center tomorrow night. Kate Lochte speaks with Janna Hymes about her take on tomorrow night's program.
New Book Highlights Cave Guide's LifeBowling Green, KY(2009-11-06)A man who has spent much of his career exploring and writing about caves has written a historical novel about the life of mammoth cave guide Stephen Bishop. It's a unique book, written from the perspective of bishop's wife. Like her husband, Charlotte Bishop was a slave. Kentucky Public Radio's Dan Modlin has this report.
Illinois lawmakers hope to 'port' jobs to Massac CountyMetropolis, IL(2009-11-06)Illinois Lawmakers hope a bill they passed last week to create a river port on the Ohio in Massac County will spur job and economic growth in the southernmost counties.
New Kentucky Distillery Makes Whiskey the Old-Fashioned WayPembroke, KY(2009-11-06)Before prohibition, close to 200 small distilleries dotted the Kentucky landscape. These days, there are only 200 nationally. In Kentucky, big businesses control the spirit production market with signature names like Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, and Buffalo Trace. In Christian County, a new distillery is reviving old liquor making traditions. Angela Hatton has this story.
Futurist on Western Kentucky Climate ChangeWestern Kentucky(2009-11-05)Next month in Lexington, the Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center is holding a conference to discuss the statewide effects of climate change. Wednesday night at the Sierra Club meeting on the Murray State campus, futurist Ivan Potter led a similar discussion, but with a focus pointed toward our region. Jacque Day sat down with Potter to discuss his ideas, which some might call radical, for how to begin turning the tide.
The early life of psychic legend Edgar CayceHopkinsville, Ky.(2009-10-30)Edgar Cayce is the subject of more than 300 books, numerous documentary films and television programs, and at least one play: "The Freak." He's been called the "most phenomenal psychic of the 20th century." And he's been called a fake. But over the last hundred-plus years, believers and skeptics alike have been drawn time and again to the story of this simple man from Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Jacque Day looks into Cayce's early life, where the legend was born.
