Good morning, 270. It’s Wednesday, October 2nd. This is the 270 Daily News, the newsletter that’s like putting on the first hoodie of fall. 🍂

Although you may be sweating profusely if you're wearing a hoodie right now between the hours of 9am-9pm. It’s feeling like summer this week. But hey, we all know every year, we say how ready we are for the cold weather… Until it’s been here about two weeks, and we’re on our third bag of cough drops, having to run our cars for 15 minutes before getting in, and already thinking about summer vacations, so I’ll take it while it’s here.

Also, those small circles with the social media icons at the top of the page are an easy way to share this with your friends. It will truly only take 2 seconds and will help get the word out to more people, just like you.

And with that, let’s get on with it.

-Chase

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Weather Report

Wednesday:☀️High- 73 Low- 51

Thursday: ☀️ High- 81 Low- 52

Friday: ☀️ High- 83 Low- 58

KY News

Letcher County Sheriff Resigns After Fatal Courthouse Shooting

In a tragic event that has left the tight-knit Appalachian community of Letcher County, Kentucky, horrified, Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines stepped down from his post this past Monday after being charged with the fatal shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins. The incident, which took place inside the judge’s chambers on September 19, has shocked residents of Whitesburg, the county seat.

Stines, 43, had served over 22 years in law enforcement before the shooting, which followed an argument between him and Judge Mullins, according to state police. Mullins, 54, who had held the judgeship for 15 years, died at the scene. While police have confirmed the argument, details surrounding the motive remain unclear. Authorities have noted that Stines had recently been deposed in a federal investigation involving one of his deputies, though his attorneys deny any wrongdoing in connection to that case.

The sheriff, who pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, has been held in a separate Kentucky county while awaiting trial. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 20 years to life in prison and could potentially face the death penalty due to the killing of a public official.

Governor Andy Beshear had publicly called for Stines to resign, stating that every Kentucky county needs an active sheriff to ensure the safety of its people. Stines' resignation came before the governor could formally begin the removal process. According to Stines' attorney, Kerri Bartley, his decision to retire was not a concession to the charges but rather an effort to allow someone else to serve the community while he faces the legal proceedings ahead.

"Shawn Stines has made this decision to allow for a successor to continue to protect his beloved constituents," Bartley said in a statement. She added that Stines deeply appreciated the support of his staff and the people he had worked with over the years. The sheriff also requested privacy for his family during this difficult time.

Both Stines and Mullins were well-respected figures in the community, with many praising Mullins for his dedication to public service and his efforts to help people struggling with substance abuse. Stines had also been involved in combating the opioid crisis, and the two had worked together for years. Their tragic end raises serious questions of how such a close working relationship could unravel in such a devastating way.

As the legal process unfolds, the community continues to mourn the loss of Judge Mullins, who was remembered during his funeral as a man of integrity and dedication to public service. Meanwhile, Letcher County awaits the appointment of a new sheriff, hoping for stability as they navigate the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.

Local Links

270 News

West Kentucky Prepares for Annual Fire and Building Conference as Marshall County's Burn Law Takes Effect

As October begins, West Kentucky is seeing key developments that impact both local professionals and residents. In Paducah, the Fire Prevention Division is hosting the 12th Annual Combined Conference for Fire Service, Electrical, and Building Professionals. Taking place on October 17-18 at the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center, this free event will provide classes and networking opportunities for professionals in fields like fire service, construction, and electrical work. Attendees can also earn continuing education credits for the State of Kentucky.

Meanwhile, over in Marshall County, residents are reminded that the seasonal Burn Law, enforced by the Marshall County Fiscal Court, goes into effect today. Under the law, open burning is prohibited between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., a precaution designed to reduce wildfire risks during the dry fall season. The law aims to protect the community as local fire services gear up for what can be a busy time.

With both the Paducah conference and the Marshall County Burn Law in place, West Kentucky is placing a significant focus on fire safety. As fire service professionals prepare for vital training and residents are asked to follow burning restrictions, the region is working together to ensure a safer fall season.

🔥 A Few Tips for Burning Safely:

• Check Local Regulations: Always follow local burn laws and restrictions, such as seasonal burn bans or time limitations (like the Marshall County Burn Law), to avoid fines and reduce the risk of wildfires.

• Choose the Right Weather: Only burn on calm days with low wind speeds to prevent embers from spreading. Avoid burning during dry or windy conditions, as these can increase the chances of fire spreading uncontrollably.

• Prepare the Area: Clear at least a 10-foot perimeter around the burn site, removing any dry leaves, grass, or flammable materials. This creates a firebreak to help prevent the fire from spreading.

• Keep Water and Tools Nearby: Always have a water source, like a hose or bucket, ready to quickly extinguish the fire if it starts to spread. Shovels and rakes can also help to control or put out small fires.

• Never Leave a Fire Unattended: Stay with the fire at all times until it is completely extinguished. Even small fires can quickly grow if left unsupervised.

• Fully Extinguish the Fire: Once you're done burning, use water to douse the ashes until they are cool to the touch. Stir the ashes to make sure everything is fully out and won't reignite.

Paducah Approves New Hotel Downtown

The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a development agreement with National Hospitality, LLC for a new hotel on city-owned property at 519 North 3rd Street. The hotel will be built near the Paducah Convention Center and Holiday Inn Riverfront. The city purchased the land in 2015 and will transfer ownership to the developer, with the option to reclaim it if the developer defaults. The hotel is planned to have four stories and 120 rooms, with an estimated $15 million investment. The City is offering incentives, including up to $250,000 for infrastructure costs and tax reimbursements over five years. The final hotel brand will be announced soon, and public input will be gathered.

Quick Question

Local Links

🏈 Mayfield High School will appear on the TODAY shows Friday Morning Lights segment this Friday at 7am CT, You can go to War Memorial Stadium to support the Cardinals and be a part of the event live.

🐴 Large Animal Supply Drive being organized by Calvert City Woman to assist Hurricane Helene Victims.

👮 McCracken County Police arrested two individuals and are seeking help finding a third in a Fentanyl trafficking case. Information leading to arrest could result in up to $1000 reward.

🚔️ Drug investigation leads to the arrest of 3 in McCracken County on Meth charges.

🏞️ Paducah Parks and Rec is accepting registrations for many things currently, including junior and adult tennis, tiny tots craft series, tiny tot and RecWay basketball, and entries for the Veterans Day Parade and Christmas Parade. Yeah, it’s only 84 days till Christmas.

🏠️ A boy’s group home is being shut down in Calloway County, with more closures likely to come.

REMINDER: October 7th is the last day for Kentuckians to register for the general election, learn more here.

270 Life

Your Guide to WKY Pumpkin Patches

Huyck Farms | Paducah, KY

Not only will you find all the pumpkins and mums your heart desires, but they also have fresh apples and apple cider.

A-Maize-ing Farms | Mayfield, KY

As the name cleverly states, they have a maze. But it’s not just any maze, it’s the largest corn maze in Kentucky! Also, the maze layout is Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. There are also, of course, pumpkins, mums, fall decor, inflatables, and Hay rides on Saturdays.

Garrett Farms | Paducah, KY

Yes, they have mums and pumpkins, but Garrett Farms is far more than a pumpkin patch, this is a one-stop shop for all locally grown vegetables and fruit. They also have fresh bread from Kirchoff’s Bakery!

Penny Pumpkin Patch | Murray, KY

This family farm has served Calloway County for more than 20 years and has all of your fall decoration needs, as well as great spots for pictures. They are always doing little events for the kids as well.

Cayce’s Pumpkin Patch | Princeton, KY

They have 15 colors of mums this year, as well as squash, pumpkins, and more, they also have fun for the kids, including some small rabbits and hens.

📆 Things to do

Wednesday, 10/2/24

Paducah

Free Health & Wellness event: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Murray State University’s Paducah Regional Campus. This will include free flu vaccines, blood pressure checks, BMI screenings, mental health resources, and CarFit evaluations.

Home School Jump: 1-3pm at Vertical Jump. Fun physical education for home schooled kids only.

Greenway Trail Fun Run: 5:30 pm. Details here.

Paducah Scavenger Hunt: 11:00am at Pipers Tea & Coffee. Admission: $24. More info here.

Murray

West Kentucky Chuck Wagon Races: 5pm at 1560 Cherry Corner Road, Murray, KY, 42071, United States

OcTUBAween: On the second and final day of the OcTUBAfest celebration, come see the large Tuba/Euphonium ensemble and small chamber groups perform at 7:30PM in the Performing Arts Hall! This event includes costumes and candy!

Mayfield

Coffee with a Trooper: 7:30-10:30 am @ Cafe Au Latte located at 1011 Paris Road, Mayfield, KY

Karaoke Night at Wings Etc: 7-11pm. Go sing your heart out.

Thursday, 10/3/24

Paducah

Coffee with a Trooper: 7:30-9:30am @ Buzz Donut and Coffee located at 4790 Village Square Drive, Paducah, KY

Paducah Scavenger Hunt: 11:00am at Pipers Tea & Coffee. Admission: $24. More info here.

Bats in Kentucky 101: Join Bat expert Jordan Tandy at the McCracken County Public Library from 5:30-6:30 to learn more about bats local to the area and even how to attract them to your own backyard.

Karaoke with Tiffany Dawn @ Social 360: 6:30-8:30pm. Social 360 is located at the Atomic City Family Fun Center.

Murray

Morning Mystery Book Club: @ the Calloway County Public Library at 10 am. Register here.

After School Imagination Station: Kids aged 5-8, 4-5pm at the Murray Art Guild.

Reading Night at the Farm: Bring your kids to A Place to Be Farm Sanctuary to read to the animals. You can bring your favorite book or choose from the books at the farm. 5:30-8:30pm.

Clay Date: Bring your significant other or a friend to build a mug by hand! Starts at 6 pm at MAG. More details here.

Paint-n-Sip: Bring a friend and your favorite beverage to the Murray Art Guild from 6-8pm. Painting and light refreshments. Learn more.

The Little Shop of Horrors: Cinema International - Film screening by MSU at 7:30pm. Admission is free and there’s also a discussion afterward for all who want to stay and dive deeper.

Karaoke Night at Tap 216: Your show, your voice, your night. 9-11:55pm

Mayfield

Groundbreaking for City Hall and Police Station: 10:30 am at 211 East Broadway, Mayfield, KY

Karaoke Night at Wings Etc: 7-11pm. Go sing your heart out.

Marshall

Marshall County vs Owensboro Varsity Football at 7pm at Marshall County High School

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Today’s Quote

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