Good morning, 270. It’s Monday, October 14th. This is the 270 Daily News, the newsletter that’s like the smell of tobacco barns, never gets old. Fall temps are officially here this week. Time to head to Walmart and get ingredients for chili! 😍 

In today’s news:

• Two arrested after 2-year-old swimming pool drowning

• DUI hit and run involving Amish Buggy in Graves

• Fall DIY crafts with your kiddos

Let’s get straight into it.

-Chase

 Don’t keep us a secret, tell your friends to sign up! 👍️ Sent this email? Sign up for free.

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

Weather Report

Monday:☀️High- 65 Low- 46

Tuesday: ☁️ High- 59 Low- 42

Wednesday: ☀️ High- 62 Low- 36

News

Two Graves County Residents Arrested After Tragic Drowning of 2-Year-Old Child

Two Graves County residents have been arrested following an investigation into the death of a two-year-old child. The Kentucky State Police responded to an emergency call on June 17, reporting an unresponsive child found in a backyard pool at a residence on KY-849 in Graves County.

First responders rushed to the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but despite their efforts, the child was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.

Following the incident, the KSP and the Department of Community-Based Services launched a joint investigation into both the circumstances surrounding the child's death and the overall living conditions of other children in the home.

On October 3, the findings of the investigation were presented to the Graves County Grand Jury, leading to multiple indictments against the child's father, 27-year-old Nathaniel Purcell, and his girlfriend, 26-year-old Courtney Amacher, both residents of Melber, Kentucky.

Purcell faces a series of charges, including second-degree manslaughter, seven counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, four counts of second-degree criminal abuse of a child 12 years old or under, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Amacher was similarly charged with second-degree manslaughter, seven counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, four counts of second-degree criminal abuse of a child 12 years old or under, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following their indictment, Purcell was taken into custody and lodged at the Ballard County Detention Center, while Amacher was detained at the Marshall County Detention Center.

The case raises many questions about how such a preventable tragedy could have occurred. Authorities continue to investigate the home’s conditions and the events leading up to the child’s drowning, underscoring the importance of child safety in such environments.

As the legal proceedings unfold, both Purcell and Amacher are facing serious charges, and the case will likely continue to draw significant attention in the coming months.

Driver Arrested After DUI Hit-and-Run Involving Amish Buggy in Graves County

A 49-year-old man from Arlington has been arrested and charged following a hit-and-run collision involving a vehicle and an Amish horse-drawn buggy in Graves County. The crash occurred on Friday, October 11, along Kentucky Highway 80 West, just east of Fancy Farm.

According to the Graves County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, identified as James Gholson, struck the buggy, seriously injuring its occupant, 55-year-old Roy Mast of Dublin, Kentucky. Mast was transported to Jackson Purchase Medical Center by ambulance for treatment of his injuries.

Despite the frightening incident, Mast was primarily concerned about his horse, Molly. Fortunately, Molly was found a few miles away with only minor scrapes on her legs and, although shaken, was otherwise unharmed. Mast himself sustained a few cuts on his arms but was not seriously injured.

Following the collision, Gholson fled the scene, driving westbound on Highway 80. Witnesses provided a description of the vehicle, which led deputies to coordinate with the Carlisle County Sheriff’s Office. Gholson and his heavily damaged vehicle were later located at a residence near Arlington, where he was taken into custody.

Authorities confirmed that Gholson was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He was driving with a suspended license due to previous DUI convictions. Despite initially refusing to submit to a blood test, deputies obtained a search warrant and collected samples for further testing.

Gholson now faces several charges, including driving under the influence (DUI), driving on a DUI-suspended license, and leaving the scene of an accident. The incident has raised concerns about the dangers of impaired driving and the vulnerability of Amish travelers on local roads.

Local Links

🚔️ Two Murray residents were arrested on meth charges in Mayfield on HWY 80 at 12:15 am Friday, Oct 11.

🐶 Dog attacked and killed by other dogs at Ceglinski Animal Clinic in Paducah.

🇺🇸 Gov. Andy Beshear ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, Oct. 12, from sunrise to sunset in honor of the medical helicopter crew who died in a crash in Owenton on Oct. 7.

🚨 On 10/10/2024, Dylan Morris (19) of Benton, KY, was served an indictment warrant from Marshall Circuit Court for charges of procuring a minor electronically and distributing obscene material to minors.

🚨 On 10/10/2024, Chris Lovett (54) of Benton, KY, was arrested on a criminal complaint warrant from Marshall District Court for charges of 2nd-degree stalking and 2nd-degree terroristic threatening.

👃 Weird smells are being noticed around WKY this week.

🔫 Shooting in Nashville on Saturday leaves 1 dead, 9 injured.

270 Life

Fall Crafts: Fun DIY Projects You Can Do With Your Kids or Grandchildren 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 

As the cool fall air settles in, it’s the perfect time to gather around the table and get creative with some DIY projects. These fall-inspired projects bring the warmth and beauty of the season into your home using easy-to-find materials, many of which can be sourced locally here in West Kentucky.

1. Corn Husk Dolls

This is a fun and simple craft that kids will love, especially after a visit to a local farm or pumpkin patch. These corn husk dolls can be customized in endless ways, from funny faces to little characters that kids can play with.

What You’ll Need:

• Dried corn husks (available at local farms or craft stores)

• Markers or paint

• Glue

• Googly eyes, yarn, buttons (optional)

• Popsicle sticks

Instructions:

• Soak the dried corn husks in water for a few minutes to make them flexible and easy to work with.

• Once softened, let the kids glue the corn husks onto popsicle sticks to create puppet bodies.

• Decorate the puppets using markers or paint. Add googly eyes, yarn for hair, and buttons for clothes to give your puppets personality.

• Let them dry and then use them for a fun puppet show or to act out favorite fall stories.

Head here for inspiration.

2. Painted Pine Cones

This easy craft is perfect for kids and can also serve as a festive fall decoration around the house. After a quick nature walk to gather pine cones, the painting fun can begin!

What You’ll Need:

• Pine cones (gathered from the yard or local parks)

• Non-toxic acrylic paint

• Paintbrushes

• Glitter (optional)

Instructions:

• Collect pine cones on a nature walk with the kids, then give them a quick wash to remove dirt.

• Paint the pine cones in fall colors like red, orange, yellow, or even metallics for a more polished look. Add glitter for extra sparkle!

• Let them dry and place them in a bowl for a simple centerpiece, string them together to create a garland, or use them as table decorations.

Head here for inspiration.

3. Leaf Rubbing Art

Leaf rubbing is a timeless fall activity that can be both fun and educational for kids, teaching them about different leaf shapes and types while creating colorful works of art.

What You’ll Need:

• Fall leaves (gathered from outside)

• Crayons

• White paper

Instructions:

• Go outside with the kids and collect a variety of fall leaves. Look for different shapes and sizes.

• Place the leaves under a sheet of white paper, then have the kids use crayons to gently rub over the top. Watch as the leaf’s shape and texture appear on the paper!

• Use multiple colors to create a fall-themed collage. Frame their creations and hang them up to show off their artistic talents.

Head here for inspiration.

4. Fall-Themed Mason Jar Lanterns

Mason jar lanterns are a great craft that kids can help with, and they add a cozy, glowing touch to your fall décor. Perfect for lighting up your porch or as a centerpiece for the dining table.

What You’ll Need:

• Mason jars (any size)

• Fall leaves (real or artificial)

• Mod Podge or glue

• Battery-operated tea lights or small candles

• Twine or ribbon

Instructions:

• Collect some colorful fall leaves from outside, or use artificial leaves from a craft store.

• Coat the outside of the mason jar with Mod Podge or glue, then press the leaves onto the jar’s surface.

• Once dry, tie some twine or ribbon around the top of the jar for an extra rustic touch.

• Place a battery-operated tea light inside the jar and watch the soft, autumnal glow light up your space. These make great nightlights for kids' rooms or seasonal décor for your home.

Head here for inspiration.

5. Apple Stamps

Turn one of fall’s most beloved fruits into a fun art project with this easy apple stamp activity. It’s a great way for kids to get creative and make their own autumn-themed artwork.

What You’ll Need:

• Apples (cut in half)

• Non-toxic paint (red, orange, yellow, and brown work well)

• Paper

• Paper plates (for holding paint)

Instructions:

• Cut apples in half and let the kids dip the cut sides into different colors of paint.

• Press the apple halves onto paper to create fall-themed apple stamps.

• Let them experiment with patterns, making rows of apples or overlapping colors to create unique designs. Once the paint dries, you can turn their artwork into seasonal cards, wrapping paper, or wall art!

Head here for inspiration.

6. Pumpkin Painting

Instead of traditional pumpkin carving, which we gave tips on here, try painting pumpkins with the kids for a mess-free and creative alternative. This project is perfect for younger children and still lets them enjoy decorating pumpkins in a fun way.

What You’ll Need:

• Small pumpkins (local pumpkin patches are great for finding unique varieties)

• Non-toxic paint

• Paintbrushes

• Stickers, googly eyes, glitter (optional)

Instructions:

• Set up a painting station and let the kids choose their pumpkins.

• Paint the pumpkins using bright colors or fall tones. Encourage kids to get creative with patterns, stripes, polka dots, or even turning the pumpkins into funny characters with faces.

• Add stickers, googly eyes, or glitter for extra decoration. Once dry, place the pumpkins around your home or porch to show off their creations.

Head here for inspiration.

7. DIY Scarecrow

Creating a mini scarecrow is a fun project for the whole family and can double as fall yard décor. Customize it with old clothes, hay, and a little imagination!

What You’ll Need:

• Old clothes (flannel shirts, jeans, hats)

• Straw or hay (available at local farm supply stores)

• Twine

• A wooden dowel or stick

• Fabric markers (optional)

Instructions:

• Gather old clothes you don’t mind stuffing with hay. Tie the ends of the sleeves and pant legs with twine so the hay stays inside.

• Stuff the shirt and pants with hay or straw, and secure the pieces together with twine.

• Use fabric markers to draw a fun face on a cloth or burlap head. Add a hat, scarf, or bandana for extra personality.

• Prop the scarecrow outside in your garden or by the front porch for a cute, kid-friendly fall decoration.

Head here for inspiration.

Get Creative with Local Materials

These fun and easy fall crafts can be enjoyed as solo projects or as family activities. Using locally sourced materials like leaves, apples, pine cones, and even bourbon barrels can give your crafts a true West Kentucky feel. Happy crafting this fall! 😊 

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

Monday 10/14/24

Paducah

OverBooked Club: 5:30-6:30pm at the McCracken County Public Library, details here.

Make your own Pumpkin Spice sugar scrub: at the McCracken County Public Library, details here.

Murray

Lit & Stitch Book Club: 1:00 PM 2:00 PM at the Calloway County Public Library

710 Main StreetMurray, KY, 42071United States (map)Fall Festival @ Splat!: 10am-2pm every day from Monday Oct. 7-Saturday Oct 12 at Splat Art Play Studio

Adult Acting Workshop Series: 6:00 PM 8:30 PM at 520 Main Street Murray, KY, more details here.

Mayfield

Mayfield City Council meeting: at 5 p.m., Monday, October 14, at 221 E. Broadway.

Paint & Sip: 6:30 pm at the Fancy Farm Vineyard & Winery. $35 per ticket. Only 25 spots available. Info here.

Vanished Walk Thru Drama: At Chief Cornerstone Baptist Church, reserve a spot. Tour times are available 10/16, 10/19, 10/20, and 10/23

Marshall County

Abnormal Art Class: Turn thrift store art into abnormal art by adding whimsical, eerie, or macabre creatures onto existing scenes! 3:30-4:30 at Marshall County Public Library

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

Tuesday 10/15/24

Paducah

Story Time: 10-11am at the McCracken County Public Library, details here.

Laugh & Learn: 11am-12pm at the McCracken County Public Library, details here.

Resource Fair: 4-6pm at the McCracken County Public Library, details here.

Murray

Brown Bag Book Club: 12:00 PM 1:00 PM at the Calloway County Public Library

After School Studio: 3D / Multimedia: 4:00-5:30 PM at the Murray Art Guild 403 Maple Street Murray, KY

Hand Building @ MAG: 6:00-8:00 PM at the Murray Art Guild 403 Maple Street Murray KY, more info here.

Mayfield

Say Boo to the Flu: Graves County Health Department at Ruler Food, 3-5pm

Marshall County

Sew Fetch: 4-5 pm at the Marshall County Children’s Art Center, more info here.

Stroller Stories: 10-10:30am, bring your kiddos for a walk with storytime. More info here.

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

Know of any events coming up? Send us an email to get it to the 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

High School Scores 🏈 

McCracken County 59, Henderson County 57

College Scores 🏈 

Vanderbilt 20, Kentucky Wildcats 13

Murray State 27, Indiana State 31

Louisville Cardinals 24, Virginia 20

Today’s Quote

That’s all for today! Thanks for reading 270 Daily! 😁 

If you like the newsletter, could you do us a solid and send it to your friends? We’re on a mission to become West Kentucky’s favorite unbiased news source.

Before you go, could you let us know: