Good morning, 270. It’s Friday, October 18th. This is the 270 Daily News. There’s a chill in the air now. Meaning chapped lips, hoodies, and hot chocolate season. If your home or office seems a little too calm, start a discussion on whether whipped cream or marshmallows are the superior hot chocolate topping. 😅

In today’s news:

• Man confesses to MEWS building arson & robbery

• Calvert City plant being sued

• A chat with the author of “Ghostly Tales of McCracken County”

Let’s get straight into it.

-Chase

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News

Mayfield Man Confesses to Burglary and Arson in MEWS Building Fire

Mayfield Man Arrested for Burglary and Arson at Mayfield Water Electric Service Building

A 26-year-old Mayfield man has been arrested and charged in connection with the recent burglary and arson at the Mayfield Electric & Water Systems (MEWS) building on West Farthing Street.

Hunter Mitchum was taken into custody on Wednesday after an investigation by the Mayfield Police Department led officers to a residence on Taylor Drive. A search of the home uncovered items stolen during the burglary. During questioning, Mitchum admitted to breaking into the MEWS building and setting it on fire.

Mitchum now faces multiple charges, including Arson 2nd degree, two counts of Theft by Unlawful Taking (auto) over $10,000, Criminal Mischief 1st degree, and 12 counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card. He is being held at the McCracken County Regional Jail as the investigation remains ongoing.

Westlake Vinyls Seeks Dismissal in Lawsuit Over Chemical Emissions from Calvert City Plant

The families suing Westlake Vinyls in Calvert City are facing a legal roadblock. The chemical plant has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the plaintiffs lack solid evidence to support their claims.

The lawsuit, which the Bryant Law Center filed on behalf of local residents, accuses Westlake of gross negligence due to harmful chemical emissions. These emissions include ethylene dichloride, which has been linked to increased cancer risks, according to a report released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this year. The EPA’s report showed that toxic emissions from the plant, recorded at three separate testing sites, exceeded safe levels, putting nearby residents at risk of developing cancer over time.

Westlake’s Defense: No Tangible Injury

Westlake, represented by the law firm Stoll Keenon Ogden, is arguing that the plaintiffs do not have concrete proof of harm. Their legal team, led by attorney Adam Goebel, said that Kentucky law requires proof of an actual injury to claim damages. “Mere exposure to a substance that may cause a theoretical increased risk of some harm in the future is not enough,” Goebel said.

This motion to dismiss has created uncertainty about whether the lawsuit will proceed. A hearing in Marshall County Circuit Court will determine if the case moves forward or gets dismissed. Judge Andrea Moore, who is overseeing the case, has expressed her commitment to remaining impartial despite her local ties to the area.

Background of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit centers on the findings of the EPA, which conducted air quality tests at three locations in Calvert City: Johnson Riley Road, Calvert City Elementary School, and the LWD Superfund Site. All three testing sites showed levels of ethylene dichloride and other chemicals that exceed the EPA’s acceptable lifetime cancer risk threshold.

The families suing Westlake argue that these emissions have damaged their properties and pose long-term health risks, including increased rates of stomach, lung, and liver cancers. Attorneys for the plaintiffs, including Ron Parry and David Bryant from the Bryant Law Center, argue that the lawsuit is focused on property damage and public health concerns. They claim the plant’s emissions are damaging the environment and nearby properties.

Westlake acknowledges that the plant is emitting chemicals, but they dispute whether these emissions are causing actual damage. They believe the plaintiffs' case is more focused on hypothetical risks rather than proven harm.

What Happens Next?

A court hearing will be held to determine the future of the case. Judge Moore will review both sides’ arguments and decide whether the lawsuit will proceed or be dismissed. There is no deadline for when the decision will be made, and the outcome could determine whether local residents will receive compensation for the alleged environmental and health impacts.

Local Links

🚚 FedEx truck in Calloway County crashed into a bean field, causing extensive vehicle damage, the driver only had some cuts on their face and arms.

🚔️ 3 meth dealers arrested in Paducah after police executed a search warrant.

👮‍♂️ Eddyville is having major trouble filling its police force, which currently is a police force of 1, Chief of Police Jordan Parrish.

👻 A car wash in Jackson, TN turns into a Tunnel of Terror, with pirates, skeletons, and ghosts, this is a great idea that a car wash around here should definitely steal!

🫲 Hopkinsville teenager charged with abuse of a teacher for threatening to slap the teacher.

📕 Ballard County Schools removed several books from their high school library following cryptic mailers from a political action committee, but clarified the books had not been recently checked out and were never available in the elementary library.

👩‍⚖️ Former UK student sentenced to 1 year in jail for racial remarks caught on camera.

270 Life

Unveiling West Kentucky’s Haunted History: A Chat with Paranormal Investigator & Author Paula Kelly

Local paranormal investigator Paula Kelly brings Paducah’s haunted history to life in her book, Ghostly Tales of McCracken County. Combining spine-chilling stories with rich historical context, Paula’s work has captivated both ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike. As she prepares to release her second volume, Ghostly Tales of Western Kentucky, in December, we spoke with Paula to discuss what inspired her passion for the supernatural, the fascinating lore behind local haunts, and why these ghost stories continue to resonate with the community.

Where did your passion for ghost stories and the supernatural come from & what sparked the idea for your book?

I am a paranormal investigator with a passion for the supernatural that began in 2012. Growing up, I was always captivated by the local stories and legends. Since I embraced my role as a paranormal investigator, many people in the community have approached me with their own experiences and tales. This influx of stories inspired me to create a book that captures the essence of our town's rich tapestry of supernatural narratives.

Do you think West Kentucky's history and geography make it more prone to ghostly happenings?

Kentucky is widely regarded as one of the most haunted states in the United States, with Western Kentucky being mainly known for its ghostly occurrences. This area is steeped in a rich history, from the Trail of Tears and the Civil War to the devastating flood of 1937 and various local tragedies throughout the Jackson Purchase communities. Additionally, Western Kentucky's abundance of waterways and limestone geology contributes to its paranormal activity. Limestone and water can draw, store, and release electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which are often linked to hauntings. This natural phenomenon enhances any supernatural activity, making the region a fascinating area for those interested in the paranormal.

Putting the supernatural aside for a second, your book is filled with local history, would you say someone who's not into ghostly tales would still enjoy the book because of what they can learn about Paducah?

I have structured each location in the book into two to three segments, covering its history, local legends, and our personal experiences during investigations. The book serves well as a reference tool for historical locations in town. It is already being utilized as a reference resource in the special collections at the McCracken County Library.

Why do you think people are so fascinated by ghost stories, especially when they're set in their backyards?

Approximately 50% of people are fascinated by ghost stories, particularly those rooted in their hometowns. This interest stems from a natural curiosity about the unknown and a desire to connect with local history. When ghost stories are set in familiar locations, they resonate more deeply, allowing individuals to relate to their community's past. These narratives help people connect with the experiences of those who came before them and the historical events that may have shaped their neighborhoods.

What is the locals' reaction when they hear about the ghostly tales in your book? Are there any skeptics or people who've shared their own stories with you?

The book is in modest demand, although I haven't received extensive feedback. However, my husband Gavin Kelly and I host a local public ghost hunt every year. During these events, people often come to me asking about specific locations or stories they've heard. This interest certainly encourages me to keep writing in the future!

Which story in your book do you think would make the best movie or TV show?

One notable location, "Stella's" (formerly known as Shandies), was featured in a show called Truth or Legends in Your Hometown. This location will be included in season 2, premiere in spring 2025 on Roku TV. My husband, Gavin Kelly, and I are co-hosts of the show. Additionally, we are discussing filming another location for a documentary that will air on a major network. Unfortunately, I can't share too many details about this project due to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) regarding the location.

What are you currently working on, and how can the 270 Daily readers find your book?

My second book, titled Ghostly Tales of Western Kentucky, is set to be released in December 2024. This new volume will explore several counties, including two locations in McCracken County that have not been previously covered. I have conducted in-depth research into each site's history and local lore, and we investigated each location. This thorough approach is the reason for the nearly two-year gap between my books. Additionally, I will be touching on cryptozoology in this upcoming release. Readers can find my books on the Barnes & Noble website; locally, they are available at Pages Turned in Lone Oak or along Lone Oak Road. You can also follow my adventures on Facebook at "Ghostly Tales"—you can't miss it, as my first book is the profile picture for the page.

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📆 Things to do

Friday 10/18/24

Paducah 

Live2Lead: Leadership training at the Commonwealth Events Center from 9am-4pm, event details here.

Halloween House Yard Hunt: 6:30-10pm at 4745 Mayfield Metropolis Road, Paducah, KY, 4745 Mayfield Metropolis Rd, Paducah, KY, details here.

Remax Fall Festival: 4-7pm at Four Rivers Harley Davidson, free hot air ballon rides! More info here.

Paint Party at Evergreens: 6:30-8:30pm, Admission is $35. More info here.

Fall Fling at The Dirt Road: 10am Friday to 4pm Saturday, more details here.

Jordan Rainer Straight Shot Tour live: at Paducah Beer Werks from 9-11pm, more info here.

Of Men and Cars: Opening night at Market House Theatre, 7:15pm, more info 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.

Wildflower Honey & The Hot Biscuits: Live at Social 360, 7-10pm. Details here.

Murray

Messy Friday: 9-10am at the Murray Art Guild, for 3-5 year olds, more info here.

Trunk or Treat: 5-7pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church, details here. 

Mayfield

Freaky Friday Teen Night Done Right: Mayfield Graves County ASAP, post-game.

City of Mayfield Halloween Town Scavenger Hunt: Can get your booklet from City Hall starting Friday from 8am-4:30pm

Pumpkin Dans Jack-O-Lantern Trail: At Featherstone Farm, 6:30-9:30pm.

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

Midlife Crisis live: At Wings Etc. At 7pm.

Industrial Slaughterhouse: FB page here.

Marshall County

Food Truck Friday: 11am-1pm at the Marshall County Public Library Benton Branch parking lot, info here.

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

Kent Curtis Family singing at SGSU fall convention at the Kentucky Opry Theatre. Details here.

Josh Wilson Concert: 7pm at the Marshall County Extension Office

A Centered Space, The Good Wu Pre-show: 5:30pm At the Pavilion at Memorial Park across from the Civic Center. Details here.

Saturday 10/19/24

Paducah

Walk4Water: 9am at Paducah Riverfront Wilson Stage, registration and info here.

Barktober: 1-5pm at Pebble Creek Kennels, event details here.

Fall Fling at The Dirt Road: 10am Friday to 4pm Saturday, more details here.

Friendship Fall Festival: 4-6pm at 146 S Friendship Rd, Paducah, KY, event by Friendship Baptist Church, info here.

Paducah Area authors book reading and signing: At Pages Turned from 12-3pm, learn more here.

41st Annual Bikers Toy Run: 11am-4pm at Four Rivers Harley Davidson, Info here.

20th Annual Distillers Dinner: 6:30pm at The Carson Center, event info and ticket information here.

Maiden Alley Cinema Oktoberfest: 1-6pm at Maiden Alley Cinema. Music, food, and more. Details here.

Tennessee Riverline Free Paddle Event: 8:30am at the Paducah Recreation Center. More info here.

Fire on the River: Event by Radiant Hope Ministries, 5-10pm at the Wilson Stage on the riverfront. Details here.

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

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

Midlife Crisis Live: @ Social 360: 7-10pm

Uncle Diego Live: At The Johnson Bar, 9pm, info here.

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

Murray

Downtown Farmers Market: 7am-12pm

LBL Bridge to Bridge Run: 8am-12pm, more info here.

MSU Homecoming Parade: 9:30-10:30am on Main Street

Halloween Treasure Hunt: At Trends N Treasures from 10am- 6pm, event details here.

Battle of the Bands: 3-9pm, winner determined by donations, for Hope in Murray & Hope Calloway. Details here.

Annual Ghost Walk: by Playhouse in the Park, registration at 6, walk starts at 6:30. Info here.

MSU Symphony Band & Wind Ensemble: 7:30-9pm at Lovett Auditorium

The Artisans: Cinema International: 7:30-9:30pm at the Faculty Hall, North 16th Street Murray, KY

Mayfield

Camo for Cole 5K: Starts at 9 am at Independence Bank

Pumpkin Dans Jack-O-Lantern Trail: At Featherstone Farm, 6:30-9:30pm. PLUS: Saturday Fall Barn Market: 9am-3pm

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

The Good Wu Healing & Arts Festival: 9am-4pm at the Calvert City Civic Center, free admission, more details here.

Death & Doughnuts Book Club: 9:30-10:30am at Marshall County Public Library Benton Branch, info here.

Myths & Monsters: Youth book program at 9:30am-4:45pm at MCPL Benton Branch

Altona’s Annual Hayride: 4pm at Altona Baptist Church.

Dusty Bottoms Band live: At the Beer Garden, 7:30-11:30pm, more info here.

Jay Humphreys Trio: live at The Kentucky Opry. More info here.

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Sports

Friday Night Lights Matchups! 🏈 

High School

Ballard Memorial @ Fulton County

Allen County-Scottsville @ Calloway County

Marshall County @ Graves County

Mayfield @ Crittenden County

McCracken County @ Christian County

Murray @ Caldwell County

Warren East @ Paducah Tilghman

College Football Saturday

Miami @ Louisville, 11am

Illinois State @ Murray State, 2 pm

UK @ Florida, 6:45pm

Today’s Quote

That’s all for today! Thanks for reading 270 Daily, you’re cooler than the other side of the pillow! 🥶 

Have a great weekend, see ya Monday!