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Good morning, 270. It’s Wednesday, October 23rd. This is the 270 Daily News. In response to yesterday’s audience poll, in which you all overwhelmingly voted job creation and economic development were the biggest issues in our area, we wrote an article on the topic below. Please feel free to email us with your feedback or thoughts, as this will be a topic we will cover closer moving forward.

In today’s news:

• Economic growth in West Kentucky

• $3000 phone scam

• Mother-Daughter business startup

Let’s get into it.

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Weather Report

Wednesday:☀️High- 81 Low- 55

Thursday: ☀️ High- 75 Low- 47

Friday: ☀️ High- 83 Low- 57

News

Economic Growth in West Kentucky: Are We Really Benefiting?

Economic growth in West Kentucky has been a double-edged sword. While the region has seen new projects and business developments, from hotels to fast-food franchises, many local residents are left wondering if this kind of growth is truly benefiting them. Sure, these developments bring jobs, but what kind of jobs? For many, the answer is frustrating: low-paying positions that don't help individuals build a stable future. We conducted a poll asking readers what the biggest problem in West Kentucky is, and overwhelmingly, it was job creation and economic growth. Many have written in to express their dissatisfaction, highlighting that while new developments increase tax revenue and infrastructure, they don’t necessarily translate into higher-paying, stable jobs for the community.

Manufacturing and Trade Jobs: The Region’s High-Paying Options—But at What Cost?

In West Kentucky, high-paying jobs in industries like manufacturing still dominate the landscape. These positions are some of the few that offer wages sufficient to support a family, but they often come at the cost of grueling work schedules, physical danger, and health risks. Many workers face difficult hours, long overtime shifts, and even exposure to harmful chemicals. One of our readers recently expressed frustration, noting that while these jobs pay better, they don’t offer an acceptable quality of life for many people.​

Despite their risks, these jobs remain among the highest-paying options available locally, leaving residents with limited choices: work in dangerous environments or settle for low-wage work in the service industry. For those who do not want to take on the risks of factory work or trade jobs, the opportunities to earn a decent wage are scarce.

The Push for Higher Education and the Reality of Leaving for Better Opportunities

As in many parts of the country, local parents in West Kentucky strongly encourage their children to pursue higher education. College degrees are viewed as a ticket to higher-paying jobs, yet the reality is that few such positions exist locally for graduates. Many young professionals who attain specialized degrees—whether in healthcare, technology, or engineering—are forced to move out of the area to find work that matches their skills. This results in a significant “brain drain,” where the most educated and skilled workers leave for larger cities like Louisville or Nashville, leaving the region without the workforce necessary to attract higher-paying industries.​

This situation creates a frustrating paradox for families: while higher education may lead to better opportunities, it often pulls talent away from the area, leaving behind a population that struggles to fill the remaining low-wage jobs. Parents see their investment in education, time, and money yield few local benefits as their children move away, draining the local economy of potential.

Local Businesses vs. Chains: The Cycle of Low Wages and Limited Economic Impact

The increasing presence of national chains in West Kentucky has been another point of frustration for locals. While these businesses may provide lower prices for consumers, they also bring with them a cycle of low wages, high turnover, and little reinvestment in the community. Many of the jobs created by chains—whether in retail or hospitality—are part-time, offer few benefits, and pay only slightly above minimum wage​.

At the same time, local businesses, those that typically pay better and are more invested in the community, are struggling to survive. Chains are able to undercut small businesses on price, and many locals opt for the cheaper option, even if it means supporting businesses that don't reinvest in the area. As fewer people shop locally, these small businesses are forced to close, or at the very least, pay lower wages for even college-educated employees, further limiting job opportunities and contributing to a cycle where low-paying, low-quality jobs dominate the region.

Breaking the Cycle: Paths to Better Economic Growth

To truly serve the people of West Kentucky, economic growth needs to focus on more than just bringing in new businesses. It needs to create opportunities that provide long-term, stable employment with wages that can support a family. Here are some ways the region can break the cycle of low-wage jobs and foster meaningful growth:

• Attracting Higher-Paying Industries: Prioritize industries that offer safer, higher-paying jobs, such as tech, healthcare, and renewable energy. These sectors offer better wages, benefits, and working conditions, and can provide a more stable economic base for the region​.

• Reducing the Tax Burden: As expressed by many residents, rising taxes are a major concern, particularly when they feel they are paying for projects that don’t directly benefit them. Reforming local tax policies to ease the burden on middle- and low-income families—such as offering property tax relief or reducing certain fees—could provide much-needed financial relief and allow residents to invest in their own businesses or homes​.

• Supporting Local Businesses: Encouraging residents to shop locally through buy-local campaigns or offering incentives for supporting small businesses can help keep money circulating in the community. Governments can also support small businesses by offering grants, low-interest loans, or tax breaks that allow them to compete with large chains​.

• Investing in Education and Training: While college degrees often lead to jobs outside of the region, vocational training programs that prepare residents for jobs in growing industries like healthcare or advanced manufacturing could help keep talent local. By aligning education with the needs of local industries, West Kentucky can create a workforce that is prepared for the jobs of the future​. A good example of this being done currently is the Paducah Innovation Hub, which we wrote about briefly here.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Growth

West Kentucky’s path to jobs and growth requires more than just building new businesses and facilities. Economic growth should benefit everyone, not just the corporations that come in or the local government’s tax base. The current approach to growth, which often results in more low-wage service jobs, leaves many residents feeling frustrated and financially strained. For real change to occur, the region must focus on attracting industries that provide safer, higher-paying jobs, support local businesses, and reduce the financial pressures on working families.

I don’t claim to be an expert in economic development, nor do I have all the answers for what West Kentucky needs. However, the concerns raised here aren’t solely my personal opinion, they reflect the feedback, worries, and frustrations expressed by many readers of 270 Daily. In our recent polls and community discussions, job creation, wage growth, and economic stability were repeatedly highlighted as major issues. My hope is that this article helps to elevate those voices and encourage thoughtful consideration of the kind of growth that will truly benefit our community.

$3,000 Lost in McCracken County Phone Scam

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office has issued an urgent warning to residents after multiple reports of a phone scam circulating in the area. In recent incidents, scammers posing as law enforcement have been threatening residents with arrest over fraudulent warrants unless they pay large sums of money.

In one case, a resident was told to pay more than $4,000 to avoid arrest, with the scammer even escalating the call by introducing a fake "Lieutenant" to apply more pressure. Thankfully, the resident recognized the scam and hung up before losing any money.

Unfortunately, another resident was not so lucky. They were scammed out of $3,000 after being convinced to make a Bitcoin payment while staying on the phone with the scammer, who had spoofed the Sheriff's Office number to make the call seem legitimate.

How to Protect Yourself

These scammers often sound convincing, even using real phone numbers of local authorities or providing bits of personal information. Here are a few tips to protect yourself:

• Never send money over the phone – Law enforcement will never demand payment or threaten arrest in exchange for money.

• Don’t trust caller ID – Scammers can easily spoof numbers to make it look like they’re calling from a local office or police station.

• Hang up if something feels off – If you’re threatened or pressured, hang up immediately and verify the information directly with the authorities using an official phone number.

• Stay skeptical – Even if they claim to know personal details, never share more information over the phone.

If you receive a suspicious call like this, contact your local law enforcement to report the scam. Stay alert, and share this warning with friends and family to prevent others from falling victim to these schemes.

Local Links

👮‍♀️ Livingston County Sheriff's Office seeks public help identifying vehicles caught on camera damaging Ledbetter park on consecutive nights.

🛻 A car left overnight at Hickman County High School had a bullet hole in it the next morning, police say it was shot from a far distance, potentially someone hunting who did so accidentally.

🚔️ Calloway County man arrested in possession of meth & cocaine

🚨 Man Arrested at Crittenden County Park on Multiple Charges After Assault, Strangulation, and Weapon Possession

🚗 A woman in Cadiz was arrested after being passed out in her car in a store parking lot with a meth pipe in her lap

A 22-year-old UT Martin alum was shot & killed by her ex-boyfriend at a breast cancer awareness walk on Saturday, October 19th.

270 Spotlight 💡 

Building a Dream: A Mother-Daughter Duo Brings Permanent Jewelry to West Kentucky

Starting a business with a family member can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. For this mother-daughter team, the journey began with a shared love for permanent jewelry and blossomed into a thriving local venture. In this interview, Kari (Mom) shares the story behind their business, how they choose products for their store, and why supporting local vendors is at the heart of their mission. Discover how their passion for customization and community has shaped their unique shop, and why they believe shopping local makes all the difference.

How has the process been starting a business with your daughter? And whose idea was the store?

The process of starting this business with my daughter has been fun and rewarding, but a lot of work. We have put in a lot of hours with training and learning. I feel like we are constantly learning and developing, which is essential to business.

The business idea started when we were on vacation in Florida, where we were first introduced to permanent jewelry by getting matching bracelets. The idea to bring the business of permanent jewelry home was a big dream and was originally suggested by Aven. I was much more skeptical, but after doing about 6 months of research, we dove in head first.

Starting the store was actually an idea that came from our customers. We started with solely pop-up events and vendor fairs, and as we have been in the community, customers ask where they can come see us again. Thus, the idea for a store was born.

What do you think it is that attracts people to permanent jewelry?

I think women and men are attracted to permanent jewelry because it's something different than just buying jewelry at a store. It's customized to their taste and they can choose to add connectors or charms to fit any style. We also have a lot of customers tell us they have trouble finding things the correct size when they're shopping in stores, so having an option where it can be customized to the size of their wrist, ankle,etc. really helps those that have difficulties. We also have customers that are excited about not having to remember to put their jewelry on or take it off daily. We also do offer clasps on the jewelry, so for those customers that like the idea of customized jewelry but don't want it welded on, they can have a clasp added.

How do you decide what to bring into the store? It seems with the limitless brands and products out there it has to be challenging to decide what customers in our area would want.

We're passionate about supporting local small businesses. So when the space we selected for our store offered more room than we needed for just permanent jewelry, it gave us the opportunity to allow local small businesses to have a space to sell their items. There is an application process as well as an invitation process to help decide what to bring into the store. We look for good quality products that we know may appeal to our customers. We also make sure that no two vendors are selling the same type of items to allow for equitability in their sales. You will ONLY find items here provided by small local businesses! Shopping here is a great way to support locals! We're also always looking for additional unique, great-quality vendors to bring in, so if there are others interested, they should contact us.

It looks like you source some local products from other vendors in the area, do you feel it’s important for local businesses to collaborate and work together to be successful?

All of our products are from local small businesses. I feel it's very important to uplift and support each other. I think the more we can work together to support each other, the better we grow as a community. We were blessed in our early days to have small businesses support our efforts, so that's one of the reasons we're so passionate about helping promote these other vendors. We're all here to help provide for our families, we all start somewhere, and we all need support from each other as well as our communities.

What would be your 5-second pitch on why people should shop local?

Shopping local directly helps to support local families and helps to grow a bigger sense of community.

Go follow them on Facebook here and check out the store at 3331 Lovelaceville Road, Suite D, Paducah, KY

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📆 Things to do

Wednesday 10/23/24

Paducah

Coffee Hour Community: 8-9am at Sprocket Paducah, details here.

Beginner Soft Basketry Class: 6-8pm at Messy Cat Creations, downtown Paducah. More info here.

Dear Evan Hansen: A Tony Award-winning musical, 7:15pm at the Carson Center, get tickets here.

Todd Belt Music: At the Old Fashioned Cigar Bar at 7pm, details here.

Murray

Toddler Story Time: 9:30-10am at Calloway County Public Library, info here

Multi-age Story Time: 10:30-11am at Calloway County Public Library, info here

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

Mayfield

Karaoke Night: @ Wings ETC. at 7pm

Marshall County

Story Hour: 10-11am at Benton Branch Marshall County Public Library

After School Program: 3:30-4:30 at MCPL Benton Branch

Myths & Monsters: 3-4:45 pm at the Marshall County Public Library Benton Branch, more info here.

A Centered Space: 10 am chair yoga with Alison, details here.

Thursday 10/24/24

Paducah

Annual Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction: Broadway Church of Christ at 5:30pm. More info here.

Of Men & Cars: Market House Theatre, 7:15-9:15, get tickets here.

Faith in Film Series: Movie Night at Maiden Allet Cinema, Sound of Hope, The Story of Possum Trot. Details here.

Thursday’s at the Grand: 4:30-9:30, food, cocktails, live music. More info here.

Murray

After School: Imagination Station, 4-5pm at the Murray Art Guild. Details here.

Empty Bowls with Needline Murray-Calloway: 5-7pm at the Playhouse in the Park deck. Details here.

Jesse Pierce Paint Night @ Splat: 6-8 pm, $40 per person. Details here.

Decorate Your Christmas Tree like a Pro: 6-8pm at The Ribbon Shed, 1306 South 12th Street Murray, KY, more info here.

Wheel Throwing Thursday at MAG: 6-8pm at Murray Art Guild, info here.

Thursday Night Karaoke: at Tap 216, 9-11:55pm

Marshall County

Marshall County Public Library: Thursday’s events here.

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

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