Good morning, 270. It’s Tuesday, October 8th. This is the 270 Daily News, the local newsletter more satisfying than hitting every green light when you're running late. 🚦 

In todays news:

• Tragic UTV accident in southern Illinois

• Cairo bridge update

• Interview with Art Guild of Paducah’s President

Also, did you know the Happy Birthday song was written by two sisters from Kentucky? I had no idea.

Anyway, with that random fact out of the way, let’s get into it.

-Chase

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Weather Report

Tuesday:☀️High- 74 Low- 52

Wednesday: ☀️ High- 77 Low- 48

Thursday: ☀️ High- 79 Low- 50

News

Johnson County Mourns Loss of Student in Tragic UTV Accident

The people of Johnson County are grieving the loss of 13-year-old Brayden Ames, a 6th-grade student at Buncombe Grade School, who died following a tragic UTV accident on Sunday afternoon, October 5. The accident, which involved three children, also left two other students injured. They were treated at the hospital and have since been released to recover at home with their families.

Brayden, who was airlifted to Deaconess Medical Center in Marion, succumbed to his injuries, leaving the community and his school profoundly shaken. His mother, Ambyer Ames, is a 5th/6th-grade teacher at Buncombe Grade School, deepening the sorrow felt throughout the school community.

In a message to families and the community, Buncombe Superintendent Jamie Kerley shared the grief felt across Buncombe, Cypress, Vienna, and Johnson County. "We are profoundly shaken by the loss of Ames as a school and community. We ask for prayers for the Ames family, the two students recovering, and our entire community during this incredibly difficult time," he wrote.

Brayden is remembered for his kind heart, infectious smile, and positive attitude. He was an active participant in the school’s baseball, cross country, basketball, and track teams, making friends with everyone he met.

Social workers and clergy were available at Buncombe Grade School on Monday to support students and staff through this time to provide counseling and emotional care. Superintendent Kerley emphasized that while school will be in session, the primary focus will be on providing support and comfort to those who need it.

The Buncombe community continues to rally around the Ames family and those affected by this tragedy, keeping Brayden’s memory alive through the stories and love shared by those who knew him.

The Agenda

Cairo Bridge Safety Updates and Future Plans: What You Need to Know

Here’s the latest on the Ohio River “Cairo” Bridge, which connects U.S. 51, U.S. 60, and U.S. 62 between Ballard County, Kentucky, and Cairo, Illinois.

Safety Measures Implemented on October 7th
Yesterday, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) implemented new safety measures aimed at ensuring safer travel across the aging Cairo Bridge. Starting early Monday morning, crews placed traffic lane markers along the bridge’s curbing and posted new signs of the reduced speed limit of 20 mph.

The adjustments are part of KYTC’s efforts to safeguard the structure and travelers, the declining condition of the 85-year-old bridge is a top priority of the cabinet.

Looking to the Future: The US 51 Bridge Project
While these immediate safety actions are in place, KYTC is also planning for the long-term replacement of the Cairo Bridge. Opened in 1939, the current bridge has served as a crucial link between Kentucky and Illinois for over 85 years. With about 6,600 vehicles crossing daily, maintaining safe crossing is essential for the region.

The new bridge, now in its Final Design phase, will be a tied arch structure. This design was chosen for its lower cost, improved constructability, and long-term maintenance benefits. It will be 40 feet wide, featuring two lanes with 8-foot shoulders to accommodate both vehicles and bicycles. The bridge is designed for a 100-year operational life and will be able to withstand a 1,000-year seismic event, addressing the earthquake risks posed by the nearby New Madrid fault line.

The construction of the new bridge is set to begin around 2028, with the new crossing to be located about 1,000 feet upstream from the existing structure. Until then, KYTC remains committed to maintaining the safety and functionality of the current bridge.

As this project progresses, we’ll continue to provide updates on what to expect and how it might impact your travel plans.

Governor Beshear Celebrates New Investments in Hickman County, Tours Mission House

Governor Andy Beshear visited Clinton on Thursday to tour the nearly completed Mission House, a new community resource that will soon open as a food pantry and low-cost clothing store. The Mission House project has received $1.5 million in funding from Kentucky’s Community Development Block Grant program, managed by the Department for Local Government.

During his visit, the governor also highlighted a total of $757,104 in funding for various improvements throughout Hickman County. These investments include $500,000 for upgrading the baseball fields at Hickman County Recreational League Park, aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities for local families and children. Additionally, $89,540 has been utilized to resurface Reilly, Shelton, and Cox Roads, improving travel conditions for residents.

The funding package also supports economic development in the area, with $76,564 allocated from the state’s job-ready, build-ready site development fund to construct an entryway to Enterprise Park, an industrial site in Hickman County. A further $91,000 is dedicated to advancing the site’s development, with the goal of attracting new businesses and industries to the county.

Hickman County Judge/Executive Kenny Wilson expressed optimism about the community's future, saying, “The additional funds celebrated today will improve the lives of our people and bring new business to town. We’ll continue working with our state officials to build a brighter future for Hickman County.”

These investments build on recent developments at Enterprise Park, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony held last month for Gibson Electric’s new facility at the site. The combined efforts signal a bright future for Hickman County, with new opportunities and resources for the community.

Local Links

🚗 Two Paducah teens injured in roll-over car crash on Sunday

🚨 Florida man arrested in McCracken County in possession of cocaine.

🗑️ Paducah Compost facility is reopened

🎵 Graves County Native Ruble Sanderson gets inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

🐟️ The Fishing Pier at Mike Miller Park, located in Benton, is complete

🚔️ 21-year-old Murray man arrested on Lowes Dr in Murray with several charges, including possession of Methamphetamine.

👨‍⚖️ Update on trial for Eastern KY Sherriff Convicted of killing District Judge Kevin Mullins.

🏢 Paducah Board of Commissioners meeting is at 5 pm at City Hall (300 South 5th Street)

270 Life

🎨 5 Questions with the President of the Art Guild Of Paducah, David Lucht

Paducah has long been known for its thriving arts community, and much of that vibrancy can be traced to the efforts of local organizations like the Art Guild of Paducah. Since its establishment in 2009, the Art Guild has been key in fostering creativity and bringing the arts to the forefront of our region’s culture. Today, we’re excited to share an interview with David Lucht, the president of the Art Guild, where we discuss everything from how the arts contribute to the local economy to ways anyone—whether they consider themselves “artsy” or not—can enjoy and support the arts in our community.

What would you say to someone who thinks they don’t “get” art? How can art be enjoyable or meaningful even for those who don’t consider themselves artistic?

I would say, “You’re not alone!” I have spent a lifetime making art and appreciating art made by others. I don’t understand a lot of it. But that to me is part of the fascination. You encounter a strange object and you become an investigator. A good art object should provoke curiosity. Some of the information it holds can be revealed by learning about art history and the various approaches to art making. But much of art appreciation involves simply looking, making your own references, examining how it makes you feel.

The inhibitions to understanding art come largely from thinking there is a right answer, or that there is a secret interpretation that only the artistic crowd knows. Not true.

Anyway, the fact is, art shouldn’t aim at teaching us something specific, it should aim at agitating our interpretive senses.

Mainly, have fun with it. Love it or hate it.

How has the Art Guild evolved since coming to Paducah in 2009?

We’ve come a long way. The Guild has actually been around for several years before 2009 but functioned more as a support group with other artists. After 2009 we took on the job of running a retail space which has brought more of a professional focus to our organization.

I view our mission as closing the circle on the artistic process so that the experience of actually selling artwork becomes integral to the creative process.

In your opinion, how does the Paducah arts scene contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the region?

If you include all of the creative arts that Paducah has become known for, by that I mean, visual arts, theater arts, music, literary arts, culinary arts, then I would say the reach and impact of art in Paducah is monumentally important. And it’s not simply a matter of enhancing the life experience of our citizenry, but bringing about a regeneration of civic enthusiasm. The spirit of pride in our town has ripple effects through the whole economy.

What are some upcoming events or exhibitions that people in the community should look forward to, even if they’re new to the arts scene?

We currently have an excellent exhibition of fiber arts from two of our guild artists on exhibit in the gallery. “High Cotton and Dyed in the Wool” features art by Patience Renzulli and Valerie Pollard. The show runs through October. Next month Michael Terra exhibits his new digital paintings. We have a regular program of special exhibits and featured artists during the year. You can find the schedule on our website. artguildofpaducah.org

For those looking to support local artists, what are some simple ways they can do so, whether or not they have a background in art themselves?

I would suggest that you stay tuned in to the great variety of art events put on by our local galleries and craft shops. The Paducah Visitors Bureau has a great calendar online. You can’t help but be entertained and enriched if you make the effort to stroll through the gallery spaces downtown. And by all means, buy the artwork lovingly made, handcrafted by your creative neighbors!

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📆 Things to do

Tuesday 10/8/24

Paducah

Bagels & Business: Small business networking opportunity from 7:30am-8:45am at 2961 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah, KY. Details here.

Art Through the Lens 2024: 10am-6pm at the Yeiser Art Center

BRUSH CLEANING Mini Makeup Class: 6-6:30pm at F.A.C.E Makeup Artistry Admission: $25

Adult Red Ball Tennis: 10am at the Noble Park Tennis Courts

Murray

Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble: 7:30 PM 9:00 PM at the Lovett Auditorium, 1499 Olive Boulevard Murray, KY, 42071, event details here.

Fall Festival @ Splat!: 10am-2pm everyday from Monday Oct. 7-Saturday Oct 12 at Splat Art Play Studio

Marshall County

Laser Light Shows at Golden Pond Planetarium & Observatory: 5:30pm PL-Taylor Swift, 7pm PL-Laser Beatles

A Centered Space: 10am Chair Yoga, 6:30pm Yoga + Nidra, both with Alison, more details here.

A Centered Space: 5pm mellow mat yoga, details here.

Wednesday 10/9/24

Paducah

Tech Class: Managing Digital Photos: 10am, event by McCracken County Cooperative Extension 2025 New Holt Road, Paducah, KY

Paint Fan Dance: Event by McCracken County Cooperative Extension 2025 New Holt Road, Paducah, KY From 1-3pm, event details here.

STOMP at the Carson Center: 7:15 PM, get tickets here

Murray

Fall Festival @ Splat!: 10am-2pm everyday from Monday Oct. 7-Saturday Oct 12 at Splat Art Play Studio

Wheel Throwing: Murray Art Guild from 5:30-8:30pm, details here.

Mayfield

Ada Lovelace Day: Program your own music box, 3:30-4:30 at Graves County Public Library. Details here.

Marshall County

A Centered Space: 10am Chair Yoga with Alison, details here.

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