Latest news with #WEHT
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Governor Beshear's 'Pre-K for All' Initiative comes to Owensboro
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear traveled to the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce where he joined Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, local officials, educators, business leaders and parents to rally support for the 'Pre-K for All' initiative, which aims to advance the commonwealth's public education system and job growth. 'Access to quality child care and preschool opportunities are critical for Kentucky to ultimately advance educational attainment levels in all grades and to allow more parents to participate in the workforce,' said Scott Davis, chair of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. 'We know that children in early-learning environments frequently have better academic achievement and better language development skills. Also, a higher percentage of them are more likely to graduate high school and attend college. Furthermore, ensuring that more Kentucky children have access to early-learning opportunities can play a significant role in closing the socio-economic gap between those who have financial means and those who do not.' Beshear helps break ground on $20M facility in Muhlenberg County During his remarks, Governor Beshear mentioned key points that support how children, families and businesses will benefit from the initiative. This is what is in his intiative: Increases Kindergarten readiness for all Kentucky 4-year-olds. According to KY Stats, more than half of Kentucky's children – 53.8% – are unprepared when they show up for their first day of kindergarten. Eliminates child-care deserts. According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 79 of Kentucky's 120 counties – nearly two-thirds – don't have access to enough child care to serve every family who needs it, with the majority of those located in Eastern Kentucky. Boosts parents take-home pay. A long-term study from Yale found that providing pre-K increased the earnings of parents and caregivers by nearly $9,000 annually, a trend that held for at least six years. This amounts to $54,000 for Kentucky families as their kids grow. Saves Kentucky families out-of-pocket child-care costs. By reducing child-care costs, Pre-K for All will ease financial strain for hard-working families and strengthen the foundation of Kentucky's economy. Grows Kentucky's labor force by 40,000 to 70,000 Kentuckians. According to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, over time, Pre-K for All is projected to grow Kentucky's workforce by up to 70,000 people. Grows Kentucky's economy. In addition, a study from Yale shows that every dollar invested in pre-K generates $10 that cycles through the state economy. Gov. Beshear stressed that Pre-K for All is a nonpartisan issue, noting that 18 states – including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia and West Virginia – offer pre-K access for all 4-year-olds. 'They have gotten it done, and so can we,' the Governor said in outlining his plans. As part of the initiative, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order creating the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, comprising 28 leaders from across the commonwealth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rain doesn't slow down WC Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — The WC Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival is going strong despite rain in Downtown Henderson. The food booths opened for lunch and bands kicked off soon after. First time festival goer Dave Lach of Nashville says he is a huge fan of Tinsley Ellis, who performed this afternoon. Lach says the Handy Fest stacks up against any of the bigger blues festivals around the nation. 'This is our first time at the festival,' Lach said. 'We started out our journey in Chicago, with the Chicago Blues Fest, went to Memphis for a few days, and I saw the lineup here and it looks fantastic, and so far it is.' Organizers gear up for Handy Blues and Barbeque Festival Joanne Shaw Taylor hits the stage Friday night at 5 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beshear helps break ground on $20M facility in Muhlenberg County
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear joined Muhlenberg County officials and leaders from Biomass Engineering and Equipment at the groundbreaking for a new $20 million facility that is expected to create 250 jobs for Kentuckians. The new operation is located at Paradise Regional Industrial Park in Muhlenberg County. Officials say the new site includes updated equipment and increased operational space to meet growing consumer demand and allow growth in sales. 'Kentucky's manufacturing industry remains a key catalyst for our continued economic momentum and thriving economy,' Governor Beshear said. 'Today's groundbreaking event is an exciting step for not only BE&E, but for the community and families of Muhlenberg County. These 250 job opportunities will provide a substantial economic boost to the region, and I appreciate BE&E for their belief in the commonwealth and our people.' Biomass Engineering and Equipment supplies machinery and support services to various industries, including animal feed, chemical production, biofuels and advanced recycling. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
KYTC's project schedule for the week of June 15 to 21, 2025
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) anticipates some work zone construction and maintenance activities could impact traffic during the week of June 15 through 21. The KYTC says all work scheduled is subject to change depending on numerous factors, including the weather. The road project schedule, as it impacts the Eyewitness News coverage area, is: Daviess County Brush cutting on I-165 (67-68 mm) all week with lane closure Monday Mowing on KY 554 and KY 815 Culvert replacement on KY 140 (2-3 mm) with road closure Tuesday Mowing on KY 81, KY 1207 and KY 1514 Culvert replacement on KY 140 (2-3 mm) with road closure Rail mowing on KY 142 (0-3 mm) Wednesday Mowing on U.S. 431, KY 140, KY 554 and KY 2127 Rail mowing on KY 142 (0-3 mm) Thursday Juneteenth Holiday Friday Mowing on U.S. 231 and KY 298 Hancock County Rail mowing on U.S. 60 (2-17 mm) all week Monday Mowing Tuesday Sign installation on U.S. 60 (4-10 mm) Wednesday Sign installation on U.S. 60 (4-10 mm) Thursday Juneteenth Holiday Friday Sign installation on U.S. 60 (4-10 mm) Ditching at the intersection of U.S. 60 and KY 3543 with flaggers Henderson County Crews will be brush cutting on U.S. 41 (0-3 mm) south all week Monday Ditching on KY 2243 (1-3 mm) Mowing on various state routes in the city limits Pothole patching on various routes Tuesday Ditching on U.S. 60 west (6.9-7.1 mm) Mowing on various state routes in the city limits Pothole patching on various routes Wednesday Ditching on U.S. 60 west (6.9-7.1 mm) Mowing on various state routes in the city limits Pothole patching on various routes Thursday Juneteenth Holiday Friday Ditching on U.S. 60 west (6.9-7.1 mm) Mowing on various state routes in the city limits Pothole patching on various routes Hopkins County Slide repair all week on U.S. 41 (12-13 mm) with lane closure Mowing on KY 112, KY 281, KY 862, KY 879, KY 1337, KY 2082 and KY 2339 all week Rail mowing all week on KY 813 (0-3 mm) McLean County Cross drain replacement on KY 136(0-4.5 mm) with road closure Monday Mowing on KY 81 (0-12 mm) Tuesday Mowing on KY 1589 (0-3 mm) and KY 2385 (0-5 mm) Wednesday Mowing on KY 891 (0-3 mm), KY 2110 (0-2 mm) and KY 2226 (0-3 mm) Thursday Juneteenth Holiday Friday Mowing on KY 1080 (0-5 mm) and KY 1412 (0-6 mm) Ohio County Ditching on KY 261 (0-1 mm) with flaggers all week Ditching on KY 85 (10 mm) with flaggers all week Monday Rail mowing on KY 69 (0-7 mm) with flaggers Pothole patching on I-165 Tuesday Rail mowing on KY 69 (0-7 mm) with flaggers Pothole patching on I-165 and Western Kentucky Parkway Wednesday Rail mowing on KY 69 (0-7 mm) with flaggers Pothole patching on U.S. 62 (12-18 mm) Thursday Juneteenth Holiday Friday Pothole patching on U.S. 62 18-25 mm) with flaggers Litter cleanup on I-165 and Western Kentucky Parkway Union County Crews will be pothole patching various routes through the week Crews will be ditching KY 141, 359 and KY 1180 all week with flaggers Monday Mowing on KY 359 and KY 360 Tuesday Mowing on KY 130, KY 270 and KY 492 Wednesday Mowing on KY 270, KY 492 and KY 2101 Thursday Juneteenth Holiday Friday Mowing on KY 668, KY 871, KY 1598 and KY 2834 Webster County Crews will be mowing various state routes all week Monday Washout repair on KY 132 (3-4 mm) Tuesday Base failure repair on KY 143 (3.5-4 mm) with road closure 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Wednesday Base failure repair on KY 143 (3.5-4 mm) with road closure 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Thursday Juneteenth Holiday Friday Pothole patching on various routes KY 136 at Beech Grove to be restricted to local traffic Guardrail repairs Officials say a contractor for the KYTC will be conducting guardrail work around the district that could result in temporary lane restrictions. Monday and Tuesday Western KY Parkway WB (47.3 mm and 63.7 mm) in Muhlenberg County I-165 NB median (33.9) and SB (33.6) in Hopkins County Western Kentucky Parkway WB (42.4 mm) and EB (42.7 & 42.8 median) in Hopkins County Tuesday and Wednesday Western Kentucky Parkway WB (44.9, 46.2, 48.7, 48.9 and 46.8 mm) and EB (47.3, 48.2 and 53.9 mm) in Muhlenberg County Wednesday and Thursday Western Kentucky Parkway WB (61.2 and 62.3 mm) and EB (63.1 mm) in Muhlenberg County I-165 NB (53.6, 58.1 and 67.5 mm) in Ohio County Thursday and Friday U.S. 60 EB (17.9 mm) and WB (17.9 mm) in Daviess County KY 285 (2.1) in Henderson County U.S. 41 SB (7.2 mm) in Webster County KY 56 EB (5.6 mm) in Webster County Friday and Saturday Western Kentucky Parkway EB (65.9, 68.1 and 77.1 mm) and WB (66.8 mm) in Ohio County Highway markers can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
CWD surveillance measures in effect for three KY counties
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Officials say new Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance measures are now in effect for Henderson, Union and Webster counties, following the detection of CWD in a deer harvested just across the Ohio River in Posey County, Indiana. Officials with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) say, in response, the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a CWD Surveillance Zone for the three counties, expanding the state's existing surveillance area, which includes Ballard, Breckinridge, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hardin, Hickman, Marshall, Meade and McCracken counties. The zone brings specific regulations to help limit the spread of the disease among deer. Board approves proposed tuition increases at Murray State, WKU Officials say these are the key regulations now in effect: Mandatory testing Hunters in Henderson, Union and Webster counties must bring deer harvested during the first three days of modern gun season, which is November 8 to 10, to a staffed check station or CWD Sample Drop-Off site for testing. Carcass transport limits Whole carcasses or high-risk parts from deer harvested in the zone cannot leave the three counties. Permitted items for transport include de-boned meat, clean skulls and teeth, antlers with or without a clean skull cap, hides and finished taxidermy mounts. Carcasses of deer harvested outside the zone may be brought in. Rehabilitation ban The rehabilitation of deer is prohibited within the surveillance zone. For the 2025–2026 deer season, under the authority of the commissioner, two key changes take effect in all counties that are designated within the CWD Surveillance Zone. According to officials, baiting is now allowed in all counties within the CWD Surveillance Zone, provided it is not distributed through contact feeders like troughs, funnels and gravity feeders without spreading capabilities. This change overrides the previous baiting ban, aiming to give hunters more opportunities to harvest deer while reducing deer densities. A statewide prohibition of feeding is still effective from March 1 through July 31. Also, feeding and baiting is illegal on all Wildlife Management Areas. Man identified after drowning in Pike County lake KDFWR says while permitted with limitations, baiting promotes unnatural congregation of deer, increasing the risk of CWD transmission through saliva, urine and feces from infected animals. Hunters should weigh this risk before choosing to bait. Officials also note to manage deer populations and improve disease monitoring, a special two-day antlerless-only gun season will be held on September 27 through 28, in all CWD Surveillance Zone counties. During this special season, hunters are required to drop off the head of harvested deer to a CWD Sample Drop-off site. Hunters may harvest any deer without visible antlers, including button bucks. However, no deer hunters—whether using firearms, bows or crossbows—may take an antlered buck in a CWD Surveillance Zone county during this weekend. Hunter orange requirements are in effect during this season. According to KDFWR, Chronic Wasting Disease is caused by abnormal proteins called prions and affects white-tailed deer, elk and other animals in the deer family. There is no known cure or vaccine, and the disease is always fatal in infected animals. The disease is not known to be transmissible to people, but as a precaution the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends not consuming meat from deer that test positive for the disease. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife always recommends not consuming meat taken from animals that appear to be sick or in poor condition. Lincoln State Park to close some facilities for dam repair Officials say hunters all across Kentucky are encouraged to submit samples through the CWD Sample Drop-Off sites or CWD Sample Mail-in Kits at any time during the hunting season. The test comes at no monetary cost to the hunter, and results are typically returned within four to six weeks. Back in February, there was a second positive case of CWD confirmed in Posey County. The infected, wild, white-tailed deer was a 2.5-year-old male harvested in Posey County. The deer was confirmed positive for CWD by two independent tests. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
