Photo via Tim Stark, TMB Marketing and PR
TMB PRESENTS CHECKS TO LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS
During a special presentation between games at The Murray Bank Crosstown Classic, The Murray Bank presented superintendents of the Murray Independent School District and the Calloway County School District with a donation in the amount of $13,475. The donations were made on behalf of all The Murray Bank Spirit Debit Card holders bringing the program total to almost $183,000, with over $91,000 going to each school. The Murray Bank offers a Laker card and a Tiger card and each features the logo of the school of choice on the face of the card. Customers of The Murray Bank can choose which school themed card they want and with each swipe, The Murray Bank will make a donation directly to the school districts.
MURRAY MAN FACING DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGE
At 12:07 Saturday morning, an officer with the Murray Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on South 12th Street. The officer utilized MPD’s K-9 Ringo to assist on the traffic stop, which led to the discovery of approximately 8.4 grams of methamphetamine, other illegal items, and cash. 34-year old Robert Simmons of Murray was charged with Improper Turning, Failure to Signal, and Trafficking in Controlled Substances. He was lodged in the Calloway County Jail.
MSU MUN TEAM BRINGS HOME THREE AWARDS
The Murray State University Model United Nations team competed at the Midwest Model United Nations virtual conference last month and brought home three awards: Economic and Social Council, represented by Jasmine Neal; UN Environmental Assembly, represented by Mallory Harrington; and Delegation as a whole. Model UN is a simulation of the United Nations where students play the role of delegates from various countries. In the simulation, student delegates attempt to find solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. Participating in MUN allows students to debate global issues, strengthen communication skills, and learn about the UN and its member states. Club members attend MUN conferences and represent Murray State both regionally and nationally.
MEADE HONORED DURING KSP CEREMONY
On March 18, the Kentucky State Police honored 14 civilian employees in-person, during a private ceremony in Frankfort. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, last year’s civilian award ceremony was postponed until it was safe to hold an in-person event in accordance with Healthy at Work and CDC guidelines. A Post Operations Support Award went to Cathy Meade, Administrative Specialist III at Post 1 Mayfield.
CCHD REPORTS 2 NEW COVID CASES; LOCAL SCHOOLS REPORT NONE
The Calloway County Health Department reported 2 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday. That brings the total number of county cases during the pandemic to 3,401. Of that total, 3,338 have recovered, 14 are isolated at home, none are hospitalized, and there have been 49 deaths. Last week, no cases or quarantines were reported from the Murray Independent School District, Calloway County School District, or Murray State University.
VACCINATION CLINIC SIGN UPS CONTINUE
The Murray Regional Vaccination Clinic is administering vaccines to the community by scheduling appointments online. There will be 1,100 available appointments for the upcoming vaccine clinic on Wednesday from 8 am to 5 pm. If you are in Phases 1A-1C, you may book an appointment for the Murray Regional Vaccination Clinic. If you were previouly placed on the Calloway County Health Department call list, please use this online system to book your appointment at this time. Sign up at www.murraykyvaccine.org. If you have questions about the new scheduling process or do not have internet access, please call 270-762-1197.
CALLOWAY INCIDENCE RATE DOWN SLIGHTLY
Calloway County’s Incidence Rate per 100,000 on Monday was 4%, which was down from Sunday’s rate of 4.4%. Lyon County’s state leading rate was up slightly to 149.6%. The rate is mostly due to a peak of over 550 active cases at Kentucky State Penitentiary. Lyon County’s rate is almost two times higher than second place Simpson County’s rate of 75.4%. Only 8 counties in the state are red zone counties for covid cases.
STATE POSITIVITY RATE AND HOSPITAL RATES CONTINUE TO FALL
At Monday’s COVID-19 update for Kentucky, 294 new cases and 11 new deaths were reported, raising the total to 5,799 Kentuckians who are listed as covid deaths. As of Monday, there have been over 4.77 million coronavirus tests performed in Kentucky with a positivity rate of 2.93%, which is lower than last Monday’s rate of 3.99%. There are 434 Kentuckians hospitalized which is 30 less than last Monday, including 95 in ICU, which is 19 less than one week ago. At least 49,111 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.
GAS PRICES HIGHER THIS WEEK
Gas prices in West Central Kentucky are five cents higher this week at $2.75 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. After weeks of seeing almost daily increases, the national gas price average is showing signs of stability, holding steady at $2.88 for the last 5 days. A decrease in demand and a simultaneous increase in supply and refinery utilization has contributed to slower movement in gas price increases. Also, crude oil prices declined on the week largely due to market concern that demand may stumble as some countries restart coronavirus restrictions to curb growing infection rates. In the week ahead, motorists can expect fluctuation at the pump. However, with crude prices moving lower, large increases at the pump are not likely.
WKCTC TO HOST ECONOMIC SYMPOSIUM
The 2021 Regional Economic Development Symposium, “Retooling Post COVID” will be held in a virtual format through West Kentucky Community and Technical College April 15 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. The symposium will feature panel discussions with local economic development leaders, presidents of area chambers of commerce and local elected state legislators about their roles in navigating workforce and economic needs after the pandemic. To register for the event, contact Tina Clark at tina.clark@kctcs.edu or by calling 270-534-3821.
IN AND AROUND KENTUCKY
FRANKFORT—Governor Andy Beshear is signing a bill to cap the cost of insulin. After signing House Bill 95 into law yesterday, Governor Beshear said “health care is a human right.” The bill caps the cost of insulin at 30 dollars for a 30-day supply for diabetic Kentuckians with state-regulated health-care plans or for those with plans purchased on the marketplace exchange, state employees and those under group plans. Beshear called capping the cost of insulin the right thing to do to support Kentuckians who have had to risk their life or be afraid of permanently damaging their health due to the cost.
FRANKFORT—Governor Andy Beshear is addressing growing violence in Louisville. Following a press briefing yesterday, Governor Beshear said solving the record violence will be a group effort, including law enforcement and community leaders. Beshear also said he believes the high level of violence is actually being caused by a small group of people. There have been over 40 homicides in Louisville so far this year.
OWENSBORO—In-person classes and activities are resuming today at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro. The campus went into quarantine last week due to an increased number of COVID-19 cases. KWC officials said yesterday the threat level from the virus is back down to Level Two after being at Level Four last Monday. There were more than a dozen total active cases among students when the campus paused.
FRANKFORT—Governor Andy Beshear is asking Kentuckians to use good judgment while on spring break. Governor Beshear said yesterday that parents who plan to take school-age children out of state for spring break shouldn’t do anything while on vacation that they wouldn’t do here. Beshear urged Kentuckians to avoid large crowds and take precautions. He said families who don’t stick to the most stringent COVID-19 health protocols should opt for virtual learning when they return from vacation.
LOUISVILLE—Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant is cutting one of its three shifts for this week. The plant in eastern Jefferson County has also cancelled an overtime shift building Super Duty pickups on Sunday. The cuts were made due to the global shortage of computer chips that has been impacting automakers since January. The plant is expected to return to full production next Monday. Kentucky Trucks builds large pickups as well as the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.
LEXINGTON—Fayette County Public Schools is making plans for in-person proms and graduation ceremonies. Graduation ceremonies will be held at Rupp Arena. Ceremonies for Henry Clay, Frederick Douglass, and Tates Creek high schools will be held on Wednesday, May 19th. Lafayette, Bryan Stations, and Dunbar high schools will have their ceremonies on Thursday, May 20th while each high school will find outdoor venues for prom on Saturday, May 22nd.
TENNESSEE—The number of COVID-19 variant cases found in Tennessee is growing. The Tennessee Department of Health reported 172 cases of the UK variant and one case of the South African variant among Tennesseans yesterday. TDH officials say the number of UK variant cases has increased by more than 80 since last Tuesday. The UK strain is considered to be more contagious but not deadlier.
TENNESSEE—Natural causes are being cited in the death of a convicted murderer at the Riverbend Maximum Security Prison. Death row inmate Derrick Quintero died at the prison early yesterday morning. The 59-year-old and a co-defendant were convicted for the June of 1988 murders of a couple in their Stewart County home after escaping a Kentucky prison. Quintero’s exact cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.
TENNESSEE—A project in Goodlettsville is expected to save the city tens of thousands of dollars. Goodlettsville is changing out its street lights for LED lights. The project is more than 80-percent complete. The move is expected to save nearly 100-thousand dollars annually.
TENNESSEE—Country superstar Carrie Underwood will perform a virtual Easter Sunday concert. The performance will be streamed on Underwood’s Facebook page from the Ryman Auditorium. My Savior: Live From The Ryman will be held on Sunday morning, April 4th at 11 o’clock. Underwood’s new gospel album My Savior will be released this Friday.
ILLINOIS—Residents in Southern Illinois are being told to stay cautious after an earthquake was reported in the region. A two-point-three magnitude earthquake happened near Thompsonville in Franklin County yesterday morning. No injuries or damages were reported, but the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is encouraging families, schools and businesses to participate in the annual earthquake drill called the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut to stay prepared. The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is scheduled to take place in October this year.
