Good morning, 270. It’s Friday, October 11th. Welcome to all of our new subscribers! 👋 Just want to remind everyone, we care about your opinion! We want to know what news and content you want to see in the inbox every morning. If you're 100% perfectly happy with the way we do things now, you can let us know that, too. ALL FEEDBACK, good or bad, helps us make this better. As a new publication with a modern approach, we want the audience to guide the ship, not the other way around. 🚢 

In today’s news:

• Are refugees coming to Paducah?

• 2024 Cadiz Ham Fest

• How to carve the perfect pumpkin

Let’s get into it.

 As always: feel free to provide feedback at [email protected]

Support local journalism and get exclusive benefits by becoming a 270 Insider. Help bring local stories to life and join us today!

Weather Report

Friday:☀️High- 81 Low- 50

Saturday: ⛅️ High- 82 Low- 53

Sunday: ☀️ High- 83 Low- 60

News

Mayor Addresses Refugee Relocation Rumors in Paducah

Paducah Mayor George Bray and City Manager Daron Jordan recently addressed concerns and misinformation surrounding a potential refugee relocation program in Paducah, providing clarity during a city commission meeting and through a social media post.

The rumors began after Catholic Charities, affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Owensboro, held a meeting with the Healthy Paducah Coalition to discuss how the U.S. State Department’s Refugee Resettlement Program might impact the local area. Mayor Bray clarified that the meeting was purely informational and not affiliated with the city or county, aiming to explain how the resettlement process functions in Western Kentucky.

In a social media post, Mayor Bray outlined the facts: the Refugee Resettlement Program, managed by the U.S. State Department, seeks to place vetted refugees with legal status who face persecution due to their race, religion, political beliefs, or social group. Under federal law (8 U.S. Code Section 1522), local consultation is required before any placement occurs.

Paducah is being considered as a potential site for resettling up to 30 refugees, including Spanish-speaking and possibly Afghan individuals, starting in 2025. The mayor emphasized that these refugees are thoroughly vetted and come with initial financial support until they can settle into the community. He also noted that Catholic Charities has a transparent approach, stressing that no refugees would be relocated to Paducah without securing housing, resources, and community approval.

“There’s a lot of misinformation that’s gotten out,” Bray said at the city commission meeting. “We’ve got a passionate community, and it’s great to see the passion, but there’s been a lot of misinformation.” City Manager Daron Jordan read a letter from the Diocese of Owensboro, emphasizing that any resettlement would be contingent on local support and resources.

Bray assured the community that he would continue working with Catholic Charities to ensure transparency throughout the process, inviting Judge Clymer and other leaders to participate in future discussions. He highlighted that the resettlement program has a long history in Kentucky, with refugees being successfully integrated into both rural and urban areas since 1975.

Community member Rick Robertson, speaking at the meeting, appreciated the city’s efforts for transparency but noted that many residents remain cautious about the program.

Bray said in the comments of his Facebook post, “For those of you wondering exactly what the future process will be, we will have more answers for the community after the October 28th meeting with Catholic Charities and the Healthy Paducah Coalition.”

270 Daily will be watching this closely and keep you updated on the issue as more information surfaces.

Cadiz Ham Festival 2024: A Weekend of Pork, Fun, and Tradition 🐖 

The 48th Annual Cadiz Country Ham Festival is here, bringing a blend of tradition and fun to downtown Cadiz on Friday and Saturday, October 11th and 12th, from 10 AM to 10 PM. Rain or shine, this celebration of all things ham is the perfect family outing with delicious food, live music, and carnival rides.

A Rich Tradition

Since its start in 1977, the Ham Festival has been a community favorite, honoring Trigg County’s heritage of country ham curing. What began as a small gathering with 30 booths and a tricycle race has grown into a regional event, known for its annual Ham Show and Judging Contest, where visitors can see award-winning hams and appreciate this centuries-old craft.

All About the Pork

From juicy pork chops to the famous 10-foot ham biscuit made by Helping Hands, there’s something for every appetite. Sample local BBQ from Triplets or Slow and Low BBQ, offering everything from spicy homemade sauces to sweeter flavors. It’s the perfect opportunity to savor the region’s best pork dishes while supporting local causes.

Fun for the Whole Family

Main Street is transformed into a bustling market with 200 booths selling crafts, candles, and delicious treats. Step into the Janice Mason Art Museum for the Trigg County Quilt Show, or marvel at sand sculptures crafted by Damon Farmer, a highlight since 2011. For vintage car lovers, the car show is a must-see, featuring rare classics.

Nonstop Entertainment

Live music, magic shows, and comedy acts keep the festival lively at the Downtown Renaissance Stage. Pull up a hay bale, relax, and enjoy the tunes that make this festival special.

Join the fun this weekend in Cadiz to celebrate history, flavor, and community at the Ham Fest 2024—where good times and great tastes await!

Local Links

🌀 Hurricane Helene relief in Mayfield Friday 12-6pm and Saturday 9am-5pm at the old Walmart Plaza. List of items needed, click here.

🚔️ Calvert City Man arrested in Oak Grove on drug charges, as well as three women also arrested on drug charges, separate incidents.

🏎️ Man arrested following a high-speed pursuit that ended in a collision with a pedestrian-vehicle in Hopkinsville.

22-year-old Madisonville man charged with the murder of 2-month-old.

☠️ Northern Kentucky woman in custody after mother’s body was found dismembered on her property. Warning Graphic

💄 WKCTC has new and fully renovated cosmetology program facilities; the grand opening is October 15th, details here.

270 Life

How to Carve the Perfect Pumpkin: A Step-by-Step Guide 🎃 

Carving pumpkins is a timeless fall tradition, bringing out creativity and fun for all ages. But achieving that perfect jack-o'-lantern takes a bit of planning, the right tools, and some helpful tips. Note: This won’t turn you into Michelangelo, but it will make the process as easy and fun as possible. 😁 

Supplies You’ll Need

Preparation Supplies:

• Pumpkin (choose one that is firm with a flat bottom for stability) *Go support a local pumpkin patch; don’t get it from Walmart. 🙂 

• A plastic tablecloth (to protect surfaces)

• Permanent marker or pencil (for sketching your design)

• Large bowl (for collecting seeds and pulp)

Carving Tools:

• Serrated knife or pumpkin carving kit (kits come with specialized tools for precise cuts)

• Large spoon or ice cream scoop (for cleaning out the pumpkin)

• Small paring knife (for detailed cuts)

• Pushpin or small nail (for outlining intricate designs)

• Toothpicks (for repairs or adding small details)

Cleanup Supplies:

• Paper towels or a damp cloth (for wiping up spills)

• Trash bags (for disposing of pumpkin pulp and seeds)

• Bleach solution (one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) or vinegar (for preserving the pumpkin)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose the Right Pumpkin: Pick a pumpkin that is fresh, with a sturdy stem and a flat bottom so it won’t roll around while you carve. Avoid pumpkins with soft spots or bruises, as these can rot quickly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace: Lay down newspapers or a plastic tablecloth to protect your surfaces from pumpkin guts and seeds. Keep your tools and supplies within reach so you can work efficiently.

Step 3: Cut the Lid (or Bottom): Use a serrated knife to cut a circular lid around the stem, angling the knife slightly inward to create a notch—this will prevent the lid from falling into the pumpkin. Alternatively, cutting from the bottom allows for easier candle placement and keeps the top looking neat. Make the opening large enough to fit your hand through.

Step 4: Scoop Out the Pulp and Seeds: Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, remove the seeds and pulp from the pumpkin’s interior. Scrape the sides to make the walls about 1 inch thick; this will make carving easier and help the pumpkin last longer. Save the seeds for roasting if you like!

Step 5: Draw Your Design: Use a permanent marker or pencil to draw your design on the pumpkin. If you’re using a stencil, tape it to the pumpkin and use a pushpin or small nail to poke holes along the outline. This will serve as a guide for your carving.

Step 6: Carve the Design: Begin with the larger areas and work your way to the smaller, detailed parts. Hold the pumpkin steady with one hand while using a serrated knife or small paring knife with the other. Cut slowly and carefully, using gentle sawing motions.

Step 7: Clean Up the Edges: Once your design is complete, use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away any marker lines or debris. For cleaner edges, use a small knife to trim any rough parts of the design.

Step 8: Preserve Your Pumpkin: To help your pumpkin last longer, spray the inside and cut edges with a bleach solution or vinegar. This helps prevent mold and keeps the pumpkin fresh. You can also apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the carved edges for added moisture retention.

Step 9: Light It Up! Place a tea light, battery-operated candle, or LED light inside your pumpkin. If you cut from the bottom, simply place the pumpkin over the light source. For a lid-top pumpkin, cut a small hole in the lid to allow heat to escape if using a real candle.

Step 10: Display and Enjoy Now that you’ve carved the perfect pumpkin, it’s time to show it off! Place it on your porch, in a window, or wherever it will shine. Just remember to bring it inside on particularly warm or rainy days to prolong its life.

Tips for a Perfect Carving Experience

Use Proper Tools: Pumpkin carving kits may seem unnecessary, but they often include small saws and tools that make intricate designs much easier.

Keep Your Hands Dry: Wet hands can cause the pumpkin to slip while carving, so keep a towel nearby to dry your hands regularly.

Be Patient: Take your time with each step, especially when cutting. Rushing can lead to mistakes and possible injury.

Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to try new designs or use stencils for inspiration. With practice, you’ll get better each time!

With these steps and tips, you’re ready to create a stunning jack-o'-lantern that’s sure to impress. Happy carving!

Community journalism needs the entire community for it to succeed.

Become a 270 Insider member today and join other local supporters who help us keep this train a movin.

As part of your membership, you’ll get an ad free experience, exclusive articles, a much more detailed events page, and a special weekend round up of all the things you might’ve missed each week!

📆 Things to do

Friday 10/10/24

Paducah

Haunted Rock Shop Tour & Ghost Hunt: 7am-11pm, details here.

Wicked Paducah Walking Tour: Event by Atomic City Fun Center, 6:30-7:30pm. Learn more here.

River City Ghost Tours: By Market House Theater, tours at 6:15, 7:30, and 8:45. See more here.

Timmy Perdue live: 6-8pm at Broussard's Cajun Cuisine, 123 North 2nd Street, Paducah, KY, more here.

Canvas Paint Party: Event by Better than Ever, 6pm at 100 Cave Thomas Drive, Paducah, KY. Details here.

Gary Bobo @ Social 360: From 07:00-9:00 pm, 3801 Hinkleville Rd, Paducah, KY.

Murray

Wishing Well BBQ @ Splat! 10am-2pm, more info here

Comedy Night with Max Pryce: 8:30-10:30pm at The Big Apple Grill. $10 admission. Details here.

Mayfield

Haunted Fall Festival: 5:30-8:30 pm at Cartwright Grove in the Mayfield Graves County Fairgrounds.

Night of the Living Dead: At Purchase Players, Event page here.

Industrial Slaughterhouse: FB page here.

Marshall County

Dr Morgs. Haunted House: 7-11pm at the Marshall County Stave Mill Construction Site. Admission: $8

Saturday 10/11/24

Paducah

15th Annual Ratoberfest: 6am-5pm at Beacon Dragway. More info here.

Bringing Back the Block: Vendor Excellence Expo: 10am-3pm at The House of Ross Coffee Bar. More here.

Fall Fiber Festival: 7:30am-1pm at Yeiser Art Center, details here.

Paducah Downtown Farmers Market: 306 North 2nd Street, Paducah, KY 4200 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Power of Pink Mixer: Event by Paducah Tennis Association at 6pm. More here.

Wicked Paducah Walking Tour: Event by Atomic City Fun Center, 6:30-7:30pm. Learn more here.

Darren Knight AKA Southern Momma: Southern Momma comedy tour at Paducah McCracken County Convention Center. Get tickets here.

Karaoke with Mark Ryan @ Social 360: 6:30-9:45pm. Details here.

Little by Little in concert: at the Clemens Fine Arts Center at 7:30pm.

Smoking Saturdays: 7pm At The Old Fashioned Cigar Bar. Info here.

Paducah Symphony Orchestra, Tchaikovsky's Sixth: At the Carson Center, 7pm. Get tickets here.

Murray

Downtown Farmers Market: 7am-12pm

Super Saturday: Penny Pumpkin Patch, fun for the whole family. Face & Pumpkin Painting, bouncy houses and more. More here.

Squawking Squirrel Storytelling: Bring your kids out at 2:30pm to learn about animals through fun storytelling. More here.

Annie Workshop: 1-2pm at Playhouse in the Park, details here.

Lake Chem Harvest Fest: 2:30-8:30pm at Lake Chem Community Federal Credit Union Murray-Calloway Central Park Murray, KY. Details here.

Standup Comedy Show: Playhouse in the park, 7 pm, more info here.

Mayfield

Spooktacular Painting: 2-6:30pm at Honey Hill Farms, event details here.

Haunted Graves ParaCon: 9am-7pm By KTP at Mayfield Graves County Fairgrounds.

Haunted Fall Festival: 5:30-8:30 pm at Cartwright Grove in the Mayfield Graves County Fairgrounds.

Night of the Living Dead: At Purchase Players, Event page here.

Industrial Slaughterhouse: FB page here.

Marshall

Fall Bird Banding Demonstration: 8:30-11am at Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, more info here.

A Centered Space: 6pm Somatiq breathwork journey with Steve, more info here.

Dr Morgs. Haunted House: 7-11pm at the Marshall County Stave Mill Construction Site. Admission: $8

Close By

Date Night at Sugar Hill Flower Farm: Bonfires, Hay Rides, and Flowers. 5-9pm, more info here.

Know of any events coming up? Send us an email to get it to other 270 Daily readers.

📸 270 Cam

Want even more? Insider members get a comprehensive events listing every Thursday, plus a weekly Saturday round-up edition with behind-the-scenes content. Becoming a member helps support the ongoing production of the 270 Daily newsletters and journalism. Become a member here.

Sports

No High School Football this weekend. 👎️ 

College Matchups 🏈 

Vanderbilt @ Kentucky Wildcats, Saturday, Oct. 12, 6:45pm

Murray State @ Indiana State, Saturday, Oct. 12, 12 pm

Louisville Cardinals @ Virginia, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2:30pm

Today’s Quote

That’s all for today! Thanks for reading 270 Daily! 👋 Have a great weekend and make some great memories!