Sen. Rand Paul toured the River Counties earlier this summer in an event labeled not a campaign event. The ever unpredictable Kentucky senator never mentioned the election at two stops in Hickman and Fulton Counties on the tour. Instead, he spent more time listening than talking.

FRANKFORT - Looking to better insulate Kentucky Retirement Systems (KRS) from politics while making the agency more publicly accountable, state Rep. James Kay pre-filed legislation today that would block future gubernatorial re-organizations of its board of trustees, lift secrecy on investments and limit the size of any future raises that KRS leaders receive.

The 2016-2017 Hickman County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class visited tourism sites on Tuesday.

...Students spent time looking through the Society's archives, finding pictures of family members.

"Look at Grandma's hair!" was overheard more than once.

At a steering committee meeting on September 8th, facilitator Jonathan Miller announced the results of an online pick the best name with best acronym contest to name the group formerly known as the River County Economic Development Project. Miller said the overwhelming choice was Western Kentucky Alliance for a Vibrant Economy- WAVE.

After organizing committees and writing a plan, the next step was a kickin' logo. One that is sharp and recognizable. One that embodies all the vibrant forward motion that WAVE wants to project. One that says great people, great jobs, great pay, opportunity for growth, happiness and bluebirds and all things chocolate. One that costs the four counties participating in the economic development project nothing.

Free. Zero. Zip. Nada.

Murray State University Hutson School of Agriculture Dean Tony Brannon announced at the WAVE steering committee meeting the gift of Eagle Rest Plantation in Ballard County to the university. The gift is valued at over 2.5 million dollars and is one of the largest in the school's history.

UPDATE: A link has been added to the story to sign up to attend this event.

Governor Bevin has agreed to be a speaker at the WAVE conference.

WAVE, (West Kentucky Alliance for a Vibrant Economy), the effort by four Mississippi River Counties for jobs and attention, is planning a two day "confluence" at Columbus-Belmont Park October 24-25^th.

There are multiple House races going on in the far western end of the state, but the challengers are getting little attention from media and party leadership in Central Kentucky.

Sadly, that's no surprise to natives living as far from the capital and still be in the Bluegrass State.

Thinking just how the piece of wood looked totally out of place nestled within the bed of soft spoken rain drops and fiber of the morning rain, I reached toward it.

To my surprise, the stick rose up on small powerful legs. In an instance my human world was being confronted by an alien creature, the kind sometimes found in late night B-movie monster movies.

The famous Abbott and Costello burlesque routine riffing on a baseball line up- "Who's on first?" Answer: "Who" was our first thought as we read and listen to the ongoing battles between universities, foundations, a student newspaper and now public watchdog media group.

WKCTC has earned a place on the ten finalists' list every year the Prize has been awarded

Friends gathered in Clinton to honor Harry Lee Waterfield, Sr. at the first event of Heritage Days to recall Waterfield, his life, times and family.

Everybody had stories- especially his son, Harry Lee Waterfield, Jr. who recalled his father's life in politics.

(Clinton, KY) - Lloyd Callison, co-owner of Clinton Hardware with his wife, Sharon, calls running a hardware store a dream come true. He and his wife acquired the small corner hardware store almost three years ago when the last owner retired. Callison purchased a building next door and is expanding the hardware store by moving the main building "two doors down."

Quarles urges feds to reconsider positions
that could hinder industrial hemp research

Kentucky ag commissioner says government principles contradict Congressional intent

Paducah, KY - Paducah Tilghman High School seniors Jose Roberto dos Remedios and Claire Kelly have achieved the distinction of National Merit Semifinalist in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The Ports of Hickman and Paducah are getting portions of a $500,000 matching grant program from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

For a full list of grant recipients and amounts, follow the jump.

Gov. Matt Bevin Recognizes Sacrifice of Fort Campbell Soldier

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 12, 2016) - Gov. Matt Bevin today recognized the sacrifice of 1st Lt. Jeffrey D. Cooper, a Fort Campbell soldier who died while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Car Show and Viewer Choice contest going on until 6:00 at Clinton Bank this evening.

Go. Look. Vote.

The Hickman County Museum opened the Quilt House on Thursday, September 8, 2016. Colorful quilts cover traditional and unusual surfaces.

The Hickman County Museum is located 221 E. Clay Street in Clinton. The Museum is open on Wednesdays or by appointment.

For a slide show of the exhibit, follow the jump.

Despite an uncertain weather forecast, shoppers showed up early at St. Jerome's Parish to shop and chat with their neighbors.

The Fancy Farm Arts Sale is becoming a stop on the fall circuit for craftspeople.

We shopped with friends from Frankfort who had fun picking up early Christmas presents.

I bought a tree...

First District House member Ed Whitfield contacted Gov. Bevin on Monday and announced he will resign effective September 6th. That's the day that Congress reconvenes after the summer break.

Gov. Bevin has scheduled a special election for November 8th. That's the same day as the general election.

Confused?

(Clinton, KY) - With the Labor Day Weekend approaching, it seems a good time to sit down with a small town employer.

Our friend, Greg Godby, was the logical choice. He owns and operates Greg's Market, a mini-chain of local grocery stores in three of the smallest towns in Western Kentucky: Clinton, Bardwell and LaCenter, employing a mix of 75 full and part time workers...

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources Commissioner Greg Johnson told the Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Environment in early August that Asian carp is widespread in West Kentucky and along the Ohio River while most black bears are still found in Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky. Efforts are underway to control both species, said Johnson, who first tackled questions about the carp issue.

The Hickman County Arts Council cordially invites the public to visit the old courthouse building and see the display case they just finished preparing for exhibit. Members contributed "treasures of past days."