Good morning, 270. It’s Wednesday, October 9th. This is the 270 Daily News, the only local news source you’ll find with both excellent news coverage AND corny dad jokes. How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh? 10 tickles. 🐙 

In today’s news:

• 2022 Paducah Christmas murder trial

• Mayfield honors 2021 tornado victims

• Best fall hiking spots in the 270

-Chase

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Weather Report

Wednesday:☀️High- 76 Low- 48

Thursday: ☀️ High- 78 Low- 50

Friday: ☀️ High- 78 Low- 50

News

Paducah Man on Trial for Christmas Day 2022 Shooting

John Sommerfield of Paducah is on trial for the murder of 50-year-old Bobby Tabor following a Christmas evening shooting in 2022. The trial began Monday, October 7, at 9 a.m. in the McCracken County Courthouse Circuit Court.

According to police reports, the incident occurred during a gathering where Sommerfield, Tabor, and two teenagers were drinking together. A fight broke out between Sommerfield and Tabor, leading to Tabor’s fatal shooting.

During opening statements, the defense claimed that Sommerfield acted in self-defense, stating that he was attacked by Tabor while asleep. However, the prosecution argued that the evidence did not support a robbery attempt and portrayed Sommerfield as escalating the conflict by using a gun.

The lead investigator testified that Sommerfield’s story did not align with the crime scene, as there were no signs of a struggle or expected evidence in the area where he claimed the altercation occurred. Testimony from Tabor’s two sons indicated that relations between their father and Sommerfield were initially calm before they woke to find Tabor shot.

We will keep you updated as the trial continues.

Mayfield Honors Tornado Victims with Memorial Bench Dedication

Tuesday afternoon at the Mayfield Lions Club Park, the community gathered to honor the 24 lives lost in the devastating tornado that struck on December 10, 2021.

The event began with a warm welcome from Lions Club President Mike Crider, followed by a heartfelt prayer led by Bro. Al Chandler, Pastor of Northside Baptist Church. As the crowd joined in the Pledge of Allegiance alongside local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, the atmosphere was one full of unity and reflection.

The focal point of the event was the unveiling of the "Buddy Benches," a project brought to life through the tireless efforts of Jeremy Prince, Chief Deputy at the Graves County Sheriff's Department, and a coalition of community partners. The idea for these benches originated from a need to memorialize those who perished during the storm. Inspired by the concept of Buddy Benches, created by Christian Bucks to foster friendship and support, Jeremy saw an opportunity to create lasting tributes to the victims.

In his speech, Prince shared the story behind the benches, from the idea's inception to the incredible effort required to make it a reality. Each bench was made from 200 pounds of recycled bottle caps—approximately 36,000 caps per bench—collected from across Kentucky and beyond, with contributions coming from as far away as California, Kansas, and Pennsylvania. With support from the Mayfield Lions Club and the Purchase Players, the community's spirit of generosity and determination transformed a vision into a meaningful memorial.

"On December 10, 2021, we lost homes, businesses, and places of worship, but those losses pale in comparison to the 24 lives we lost on that tragic day," said Prince. "These benches are our way of ensuring that their memories live on, as a reminder of the impact they had on our community."

As I’ve went back and read the speech given by Jeremy, a thought repeats itself. Every bench represents not just those who were lost, but also the countless people who had a hand in creating them. How moving it is to consider that each time someone touches, sits on, or simply sees these benches, they are connecting to the thousands of memories tied to their creation. Each bench contains the essence of everyday moments—like the twist of a bottle cap at a child’s birthday party, a Sundrop or Coke opened at a Friday night football game, or a simple drink shared among friends. The bottle caps came from lives lived and shared, representing the community’s resilience and unity. The thought that so many hands across the region contributed to these benches adds a layer of beauty, somberness, and an almost ungraspable depth to their presence.

The benches are placed at locations throughout Mayfield and Graves County, serving as permanent reminders of the lives they represent:

• Graves County Public Library honors Robert G. Baldree.

• Graves County High School Eagle Field remembers Devin Burton.

• Kess Creek Park holds the benches for Anna Cook and Jessie Cook.

• Mayfield/Graves County Ballpark is home to benches for Jeff Creason and Kathy Greem.

• Mayfield Lions Club Park has benches dedicated to Robert T. Daniel and Lannis Joe-Marshall Ward.

• Dunbar Park remembers Jha’Lil Dunbar.

• Purchase Players Community Performing Arts Center honors Pam Gilbert.

• Graves County Court Facility remembers William Derek Gilbert.

• KY 121 Basketball Courts honors Daniel Gingerich.

• Jackson Purchase Medical Center remembers Emma Gingerich.

• Scott Thompson Tennis Courts honors Jacob Gingerich.

• Graves County Fairgrounds is the location for Marilyn Gingerich’s bench.

• Harmon Park remembers Elijah Blaze Lewis.

• The Bungalows at Mayfield honors Iv’an Ramirez Lopez.

• Mayfield High School Tennis Courts is the home of Jill Monroe's bench.

• Eddie Williams Park remembers Ollie Reeves.

• Graves County Fiscal Court Admin Building honors Rosa “June” Sanders.

• 10th and Farthing City Park is home to the bench for Kayla Marie Bobbett Smith.

• War Memorial Stadium remembers Bobby Wayne Spradling Jr.

• Mayfield City Hall is the location for Jamey Lynn Waggoner’s bench.

• Kiwanis Park remembers Janine Denise Johnson Williams.

A moment of 24 seconds of silence followed, one second for each life lost, as attendees bowed their heads in remembrance.

This event and this dedication is a reminder that, even in loss, the bonds of community remain strong. Mayfield’s Buddy Benches will not only honor those who are gone but also serve as a space for new connections and friendships, just as Christian Bucks intended when he first conceived the idea. Through these benches, Mayfield remembers, heals, and hopes.

Local Links

🚁 Three Air Evac crew members die in a helicopter crash en route to a patient in Owen County, KY.

🚔️ A traffic stop in McCracken County on October 7, 2024, led to the arrest of Josiah Fisk of McKenzie TN, and Kristin Smith of Hardin, KY after deputies found Fentanyl pills, Methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia in their vehicle.

🔫 A Crittenden County woman, Carla Belt, was arrested after allegedly threatening a man and law enforcement with a shotgun, barricading herself inside a home, and facing multiple charges, including wanton endangerment and possession of methamphetamine.

📍 Body found of the Carbondale man missing since August. No foul play is suspected, police believe this was accidental.

💵 The Murray Calloway County Community Foundation received a $67,000 donation from Rudolph Tire and Rudolph Freight to support the Main Street Youth Center Endowment, providing ongoing financial benefits for the organization.

🚘️ Paducah’s Minnich Avenue will be temporarily closed Thursday for Paving Project, further details here.

270 Life

🍂 🥾 Fall Hikes: Best Trails for Crisp Mornings in West Kentucky

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, there’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of fall than a morning hike. West Kentucky offers plenty of trails where you can soak up the season’s vibrant colors and take in the cool, refreshing air. Here are some of the best local spots to get your steps in this autumn.

Land Between the Lakes: Hematite Lake Trail

• Just a short drive from anywhere in the Purchase area, Hematite Lake Trail is a 2.5-mile loop that winds around a peaceful lake. Multiple small bridges and even stepping stones to walk over shallow water sections. The reflections of fall colors on the water make it a perfect spot for photos, too. Here’s the trail info.

Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge: Refuge Loop Trail

• This trail is ideal for a relaxed walk with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the changing foliage. Located near Benton, the 2-mile scenic loop lets you explore the wetlands and forested areas of the refuge. Trail info here.

Columbus-Belmont State Park: River Overlook Trail

• For those looking for a bit of history along with their hike, this trail in Columbus-Belmont State Park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and a chance to explore the remains of a Civil War site. The 2-mile trail winds through rolling hills and along the riverbank, providing sweeping views of the river framed by autumn colors. Details here.

Fort Massac State Park: Scenic Trails Across the River

• Just across the Ohio River from Paducah, Fort Massac offers a range of trails that wind through forests, along the river, and around historic sites. The 1.5-mile loop trail is a favorite for an easy morning walk, with beautiful fall foliage and a touch of history. The views of the river from the bluffs are especially stunning during this time of year. View the trails here.

Kess Creek Park: Family-Friendly Fall Walks

• For a more laid-back stroll, Kess Creek Park in Mayfield offers paved trails perfect for families. It’s a great spot to take younger kids or just enjoy an easy walk under a canopy of colorful trees.

Paducah Greenway Trail

• The entire out and back distance is 7.6 miles but you can turn around anytime. If you make it to the end you get to see beautiful downtown and the riverfront. You can also bike this if you don’t want to walk the full distance. More info here.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park – Blue Springs Trail

• For those who want a bit more of an adventure without the ruggedness of a hike, the Blue Springs at Lake Barkley State Resort Park offers a 1.5-mile loop through beautiful woods. It’s a little more secluded than some of the busier spots, providing a peaceful escape with stunning views of the lake and vibrant fall foliage. More about the trail here.

Kentucky Dam Village State Park –KY Lake Dam Trail

• The KY Lake Dam Trail at Kentucky Dam Village offers a serene walking experience with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding woods. The trail is about 2.8 miles out and back and offers plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the crisp fall air. More about the trail here.

Lace up your hiking boots, grab a camera, and head out to enjoy the views and the sound of crunching leaves under your feet! 😁 

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📆 Things to do

Wednesday 10/9/24

Paducah

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

Murray

Splat Art Play Studio: Ice cream machine 10am-2pm. More details here.

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

Wheel Throwing: Murray Art Guild 5:30-8:30pm, more 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: 5pm mellow mat yoga, details here.

Thursday 10/10/24

Paducah

Annual Harvest Festival: Starting 10am Thursday and going till Saturday at 3pm. Event by Troutt Old Time General Store and Market Inc.

Exploring Careers with 4H: Military Day, from 9am-3pm at McCracken County Cooperative Extention.

Chic-fil-A Spirit Night: 5-7pm at Paducah Chic-fil-A by the Tri State Heartland’s Casting for Recovery. More here.

Thursday’s at the Grand: Live Bluegrass music at the Grand Lodge on Fifth from 4:30-9:30pm. More details here. 

Evening Upstairs: The Ghostly World: 5:30-6:30pm at the McCracken County Public Library.

Murray

Splat Art Play Studio: Slime Fest @ Splat! 10am-2pm. More details here.

Karaoke at Tap 216: 9-11:59pm

Mayfield

How to Preserve Historic Cemeteries: At the Graves County Public Library from 6-7pm. Details here.

Marshall

Laugh and Learn: 10-11am at Marshall County Public Library Calvert Branch. More here.

Victorian Ghost Painting: 2-3pm at Marshall County Public Library Calvert Branch. More here.

Free Osteoporosis Screenings: 12-1pm at Marshall County Public Library Hardin Branch. More here.

LBL Creatures of Hairy Potter: 2-3pm at Marshall County Public Library Hardin Branch. More here.

A Centered Space: 5:30 pm energy medicine and sound healing, details here.

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