Trick or Treating for the City of Lancaster will be observed on Thursday, October 31st from 6-8 pm
The City of Lancaster will also be holding their 4th annual Halloween Hoopla at 5:30 pm at City Hall. Bring your little ghosts and goblins to meet our local City Police, Fireman, EMS and enjoy free popcorn!
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Nineteen students are candidates for Homecoming 2019 queen at WKU.
WKU will play Charlotte in the Homecoming football game at 3 p.m. Oct. 19 at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. At halftime, the Homecoming Court will be introduced, followed by the crowning of the queen.
Candidates will participate in numerous activities during Homecoming Week including a fall social on Oct. 13, an interview on Oct. 15, a volunteer experience and banquet celebration on Oct. 16, Chili and Cheese Luncheon and Pep Rally on Oct. 17 and the Homecoming Parade and Big Red’s Roar on Oct. 18. WKU students will cast their votes for queen in online balloting on Oct. 16.
For more about WKU’s Homecoming 2019, visit http://alumni.wku.edu/homecoming.
Candidates are:
Allyson Taylor of Lancaster, daughter of TJ and Sheila Taylor. She is an Accounting major and is sponsored by Delta Sigma Pi.
Shelby Blythe of Auburn, daughter of Lee and Jill Blythe. She is a Corporate Communication major and Marketing and Event Planning minor and is sponsored by WKU Student Alumni Ambassadors.
Dana Brown of Pittsboro, Indiana, daughter of Steve and Diane Brown. She is a Sport Management major and Business Administration minor and is sponsored by Alpha Delta Pi and Sigma Chi.
Jaci Coomes of Louisville, daughter of Jeff and Mary Coomes. She is an Elementary Education major and is sponsored by Chi Omega, Kappa Sigma and Alpha Tau Omega.
Megan DeVore of Bowling Green, daughter of David and Tami DeVore. She is a Communication Sciences and Disorders major and Healthcare Administration minor and is sponsored by WKU Spirit Masters.
Kayla Ditto of Elizabethtown, daughter of Ed and Debbie Ditto. She is a Middle School Science and Science & Math Education major and is sponsored by Phi Mu and Phi Delta Theta.
Sarah Foltz of Hopkinsville, daughter of Fredrick and Ruth Foltz. She is a Hospitality Management major and Floral Design, Event Exposition and Convention Planning minor and is sponsored by Sigma Kappa.
Julia Hext of Louisville, daughter of Mike and Emily Hext and Jeff and Debbie Clark. She is a Finance major and is sponsored by Rho Lambda.
Erin Houchins of Bowling Green, daughter of Larry and Traci Houchins. She is an Exercise Science major and is sponsored by Alpha Omicron Pi, Farmhouse and Lambda Chi Alpha.
Aubrey Kelley of Somerset, daughter of Stephen and Stacey Kelley. She is an English (Professional Writing) and Political Science major and is sponsored by Kappa Delta and Phi Gamma Delta.
Laura King of Bowling Green, daughter of Rodney and Linda King. She is a Corporate and Organizational Communication major and Performing Arts Administration and Musical Theatre minor and is sponsored by HonorsToppers.
Abigail King of Lexington, daughter of Scott and Peggy King. She is an Accounting major and Business Data Analytics minor and is sponsored by Alpha Gamma Delta and Kappa Alpha Order.
Taylor Lewis of Nashville, Tennessee, daughter of Derek Lewis and Jodi Sheffield. She is a Sport Management major and Business Administration minor and is sponsored by National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Mariah Morgan of Ferdinand, Indiana, daughter of Rick and Patty Morgan. She is a Public Relations major and Sales & Marketing minor and is sponsored by Alpha Xi Delta and Sigma Phi Epsilon.
Abigail Price of Richmond, daughter of Devon and Rita Price. She is a Biology major and Psychology minor and is sponsored by Baptist Campus Ministry.
Addie Ringenberg of Dickson, Tennessee, daughter of Jason and Suzy Ringenberg. She is a Communication Sciences and Disorders major and Psychology minor and is sponsored by Delta Zeta and Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Cristine Shive of Hodgenville, daughter of Chris Shive and Angela Recter. She is an Agriculture major with Ag-Business Concentration and Business Administration minor and is sponsored by Sigma Alpha and Delta Tau Delta.
Lyn Dawsyn Steenbergen of Glasgow, daughter of Derron and Krista Steenbergen. She is a Strategic Marketing & Business Administration major with certificate in Applied Business Data Analytics and is sponsored by Omega Phi Alpha and Pi Kappa Alpha.
Claire Vannauker of Bowling Green, daughter of Chad and Ashli Vannauker. She is a Communication Sciences and Disorders major and is sponsored by Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council.
Office of Highway Safety launches new campaign to reduce crashes, fatalities
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 8, 2019) –The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is driving home a safety message to motorists aimed at preventing crashes by encouraging two life-saving actions behind the wheel- buckling up and putting down the phone.
Launching today, the state’s first Buckle Up Phone Down campaign features videos, radio spots, digital advertising and a new dedicated website,kyhighwaysafety.com, to promote the initiative.
“The campaign offers compelling stories from credible sources urging drivers to buckle up and put the phone down,” said KOHS Acting Director Jason Siwula. “We believe that if all drivers practice these two, simple behaviors, we will see a dramatic reduction in fatalities and injuries on our roadways.”
According to KOHS, each year in Kentucky, distracted driving results in more than 50,000 crashes, more than 15,000 injuries and approximately 200 deaths. Distracted driving behaviors, like texting, emailing and talking, are discouraged and drivers are advised to not interact with their phone.
“If you must use your phone, safe practices like waiting to text until you parked off the roadway or having your passenger give you driving directions can reduce the risk of preventable crashes,” said Siwula.
Both drivers and passengers should buckle up each and every time they get in a vehicle. While more and more cars feature modern safety features to reduce crashes and fatal injuries, seat belts still rank supreme. According to KOHS, each year in Kentucky, more than half of those killed are not wearing a seat belt.
“Sometimes even the most attentive drivers are involved in a crash caused by other drivers,” said Siwula. “That is why wearing a seat belt is the best defense against serious injuries and death.”
Overall, highway fatalities in Kentucky declined in 2018 to 724, down from 782 in 2017.
“While this achievement demonstrates safety is trending in the right direction, a single fatality is frankly one too many and we’re asking for the public’s help,” said Siwula. “By working together to promote safe driving practices, we can make a difference and save lives.”
As of Oct. 7, preliminary numbers indicate there have been 576 fatalities in 2019, up 21 compared to the same time last year. Approximately 220 of those fatalities were unbelted and more than 120 involved distraction.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 7, 2019) – Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is reminding Kentuckians that today, October 7, is the last day to register to vote for the 2019 Kentucky General Election.
“The 2019 General Election is quickly approaching, and today is the last chance for Kentuckians to make sure they can make a difference at the ballot box come November 5,” said Grimes, Kentucky’s Chief Election Official. “If you are already registered, I encourage you to take a moment to check that your registration is up-to-date and accurate.”
Kentuckians can easily register and update their registration with GoVoteKY.com, the Commonwealth’s online voter portal. Online and paper applications are accepted until 4 p.m., local time today, October 7. Mail-in voter registration applications must be postmarked by today, October 7.
To be eligible to vote, Kentuckians must:
Be a U.S. citizen.
Be a Kentucky resident for at least 28 days before Election Day.
Be at least 18-years-old on or before the General Election.
Not be a convicted felon, or if convicted of a felony offense, must have obtained a restoration of civil rights.
Not have been adjudged "mentally incompetent."
Not claim the right to vote anywhere outside Kentucky.
Kentuckians who are 17-years-old but will be 18-years-old on or before November 5, 2019 are eligible to register and vote in the upcoming General Election.
Voters who have recently moved need to update their voter registration information by no later than today, October 7.
Over 175,000 Kentucky voters' records have been designated as "inactive" by the State Board of Elections without the approval of Secretary Grimes. She has raised concerns to the State Board of Elections that many of these "inactive" voters voted as early as the 2018 General Election.
"With that State Board of Elections designating voters as inactive or active, it's important that Kentucky voters go review and update their registration," said Grimes.
Voters may check their current registration status and where they vote at GoVoteKY.com. For questions, contact your county clerk or the State Board of Elections at (502) 573-7100.
The Lancaster City Council will meet for their regular monthly meeting on Monday evening at 7pm at Lancaster City Hall. The agenda for the evening is as follows:
Average price for a gallon of unleaded in the
Commonwealth dropped 12 cents week over week
LEXINGTON, Ky. — After leading the country with the largest week-over-week rise in average gas price, Kentuckians have seen the average gas price decline. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in the Commonwealth dropped 12 cents week over week to land at $2.41. That’s 5 cents higher than a month ago, but still 33 cents less than a year ago.
Lexington’s average gas price jumped a quarter immediately following attacks on two Saudi Arabian oil facilities in mid-September, but average prices in the city have now dropped to $2.36 compared with $2.53 just a week ago.
While the national average may have only decreased by 2 cents on the week, 10 states saw pump prices decline by a nickel or more. Today’s national gas price average of $2.65 is 7 cents more expensive than last month, but 23 cents cheaper than a year ago.
“Crude oil prices have dropped close to where they were right before the drone attacks on the Saudi oil facilities,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, public and government affairs, AAA Blue Grass. “This is helping to push gas prices cheaper in most of the country. Americans can expect this trend to continue, except for those filling-up on the West Coast, where refinery disruptions are causing spikes at the pump, with California seeing the largest spike at plus 28 cents.”
Quick stats across the nation
The nation’s top 10 largest weekly changes are: California (+29 cents), Ohio (-15 cents), Nevada (+13 cents), Michigan (-12 cents), Kentucky (-12 cents), Illinois (-10 cents), Delaware (-9 cents), Indiana (-7 cents), Iowa (-7 cents) and Minnesota (-6 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Louisiana ($2.30), Mississippi ($2.30), South Carolina ($2.32), Arkansas ($2.32), Alabama ($2.33), Texas ($2.35), Virginia ($2.35), Oklahoma ($2.35), Missouri ($2.36) and Tennessee ($2.37).
Central U.S. prices are down at the pump
Motorists in the Great Lakes and Central States saw some of the largest pump price drops on the week with Ohio (-15 cents), Michigan (-12 cents), Kentucky (-12 cents), Illinois (-9 cents), Indiana (-7 cents), Iowa (-7 cents) and Minnesota (-6 cents) all landing on the top 10 list for largest weekly declines. All states in the region saw prices decline by at least two cents since last Monday.
Gas price averages in the region range from $2.36 - $2.72. Illinois carries the most expensive average, which ranks as the 12thhighest in the country. Missouri touts the cheapest state average in the region, which is the 9th least expensive in the country.
Gasoline stocks drew down to 50.9 million barrels, which is a 1.5 million barrel year-over-year deficit. Stock levels could continue to decline. The latest EIA data shows the regional refinery utilization dropped 4% to 92% for the week ending Sept. 20. This combination could cause some fluctuation in gas prices in the week ahead, potentially pushing gas prices more expensive.
Oil market dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI decreased by 50 cents to settle at $55.91. Oil prices were mostly mixed last week after EIA’s weekly report revealed that total domestic crude inventories grew by 2.4 million barrels, bringing the total 419.5 million bbl. The current level is 23.5 million barrels higher than where it was at this time last year. The higher level has kept prices in check as concerns that global crude demand may be impacted by the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China.
Additionally, crude prices have also been shaken as a result of market concerns that global supply could be reduced due to escalating tension in the Middle East. Crude prices increased moderately last week after the U.S. Department of Defense said it would deploy radar systems, Patriot missiles and about two hundred personnel to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defenses after an attack on two of its oil facilities earlier this month. If EIA’s report shows another crude inventory build, crude prices could end the week down. However, any escalation in the U.S.-China trade war or tensions in the Middle East could see them spike.
Motorists can use AAA Mobile app for current gas prices
Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
The Garrard County Board of Education will meet tonight, Sept. 30, at 7pm at the Garrard Educational Center on Maple Avenue in Lancaster.
The agenda is as follows:
You're invited to
A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY & OPEN HOUSE
FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER 27, 2019
12:00 NOON
SHELTER INSURANCE
CINDY LANHAM
100 NORTH PAULDING ST.
The Garrard County Water Association has lifted their Boil Water Advisory. A previous delay in cancelling the advisory was due to Department of Water regulations, according to GCWA.
Find regular updates about water conditions for GVWA customers at the GCWA website at garrardwater.com.
The City of Lancaster has lifted their Boil Water Advisory, but according to the Garrard County Water Association the Boil Water Advisory will remain for GCWA customers for at least another 24 hours.
The delay is due to Department of Water regulations, according to GCWA.
As soon as the Boil Water Advisory is lifted for county residents it will be posted here along with the GCWA website at garrardwater.com.
The Kentucky Motion Picture & Television Hall of Fame in partnership with The Grand Theater in Lancaster, KY have confirmed who will be the first three inductees into the 2020 inaugural class of the Hall of Fame.
Read More
Due to a water main break on Waterworks Road in Lancaster that was repaired earlier today, the entire Garrard County service area including the City of Lancaster is under a boil water advisory until further notice. A water main may also result in low pressure.
Read MoreThe banquet will be this Thursday, September 19th, at 6 p.m. at the Denny House in Paint Lick.
Read MoreWASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), along with Congressman Eliot L. Engel (D-NY-16), led a group of 92 bipartisan lawmakers in a letter today to the Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Norman “Ned” Sharpless on the urgent issue of medical drug shortages.
Read MoreWASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, this week spoke on the House floor to mark Opioid Crisis Awareness Week.
Read MoreReports came in at 4pm on Thursday, Sept. 12, of a vehicle on fire on KY 34 in northern Garrard County near the KY 34 and US 27 junction. At the time of this post the vehicle was reported as fully involved and the battery in the vehicle had exploded.
The driver told emergency dispatchers at Bluegrass 911 that there was still a half a tank of gas in the vehicle and the fire was spreading toward the grass as emergency crews were in route.
No other information is available at this time.
A fire broke out at around 2:30 at a building on South Campbell Street in Lancaster on Thursday afternoon.
The building is owned by Lancaster City Councilman James Bushnell and previously was the site of a Dry Cleaners and Book Store.
Smoke filled the sky north of Lancaster on Friday night as reports came in of a fire at a residence on Lexington Road about 1 mile north of Lancaster, just past Spurlin Funeral Home.
Initial reports indicate that the home is owned by Jim Spurlin and no one was injured. It appears the property is a total loss, with nothing salvageable.
