News

Editor’s note:  The following message provided by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

Last night, the General Assembly passed a one-year budget to respond to Kentucky’s uncertain economic future in light of COVID-19.

I extend my appreciation to the General Assembly for their swift work, and wish them good health as they return to their families and communities.

This budget keeps higher education funding at its current level with no additional cuts.

The Kentucky National Guard has named two MSU alumni as its new Army chief of staff and Army deputy chief of operations. 

Col. Joe Gardner (95) was chosen as chief of staff, replacing Brig. Gen. Bryan Howay, who was recently promoted. He reports directly to the Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Hal Lamberton on Army National Guard matters and assists in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization.  

Unemployment rates rose in 59 Kentucky counties between February 2019 and February 2020, fell in 48 and stayed the same in 13 counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Oldham County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 2.9 percent. It was followed by Shelby County, 3 percent; Fayette County, 3.1 percent; Hancock, Marion, Scott and Woodford counties, 3.3 percent each; and Boone, Campbell, Jessamine and Spencer counties, 3.4 percent each.

Kentuckians age 50 and older spoke to officials on Monday about the coronavirus and the state's response to the public health crisis.

Led by AARP Kentucky, the tele-town hall gave residents a chance to phone in questions about how to prevent the spread of the virus, the availability of masks and other supplies, and how to navigate grocery shopping and other daily tasks while maintaining social distancing.

It's estimated that 1 in 4 Kentuckians has undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Local prevention programs across the state are working to help residents control their blood sugar and decrease their risk for diabetes-related complications - especially amid the growing coronavirus pandemic.

According to the CDC, people with diabetes may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Mary Beth Castle, health educator with the Johnson County Health Department, teaches a weekly CDC-recognized diabetes-prevention class.

Kentucky Secretary of State Michael G. Adams today thanked state legislators of both parties for passing legislation that would grant the Governor, Secretary of State and State Board of Elections additional flexibility in the conduct of the 2020 primary election now set for June 23.                       

Adams testified before a Senate committee, asking for legislation to empower a change to the “manner” of an election in case of a state of emergency. Current state law permits the Governor and Secretary of State to change the “time” or “place” but not “manner” of an election.

In anticipation of a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Supreme Court issued new amendments today that strengthen the social-distancing order that has been in place in courts statewide since March 16. The order restricts dockets, jury trials and jury service during the pandemic.

Administrative Order 2020-16, dated April 1, 2020, replaces in its entirety Administrative Order 2020-13, dated March 26, 2020. The new amendments are in effect through May 1 and provide that:

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky has announced that it will furlough approximately 1,000 of its retail employees.

The furloughs are a direct result of revenue losses related to the temporary closing of its 66 stores due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Goodwill will continue to provide furloughed employees the benefits they currently receive for as long as possible and expects to bring them back as stores reopen.

Expressing condolences, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday that seven more Kentuckians died after becoming ill from the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and urged Kentuckians to continue to take precautions and sacrifice to stop the spread.

“Today, we lost seven Kentuckians, which is something I never thought I would have to announce,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is why we were working so hard to reduce our contacts and protect the people around us. This is a virus that comes for the most vulnerable and we have to make sure we’re protecting them.”

Students from Morehead State’s Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics and their faculty coaches from the School of Business Administration (SBA) earned four first-place awards at the Entrepreneurial Coal Land Redevelopment Program (ECLRP) Regional Challenge held Thursday, March 12. 

The Kentucky Department of Tourism, within the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, is excited to announce the release of a series of videos dedicated to highlighting the best of the Bluegrass State.

A rising junior at one of Kentucky’s public or private high schools will win a $500 scholarship and a photo shoot at his or her school through the “Promote Your School” scholarship contest, sponsored by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

The school must participate in the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) program for a student to be eligible to enter. To be considered for the scholarship, students must submit an essay about one of these two subjects:

*How I will inspire others to do better.

Jimmys – Gotta Have It (Brown Cow)

Frank Bey – All My Dues Are Paid (Nola Blue)

Toronzo Cannon – The Preacher, The Politician Or The Pimp (Alligator)

Mike Zito – Rock ‘N Roll: Tribute To Chuck Berry (Ruf)

North Mississippi All Stars – Up And Rolling (New West)

Jimmy Johnson – Every Day Of Your Life (Delmark)

Robert Randolph & Family Band – Brighter Days (Provogue)

Albert Cummings – Believe (Provogue)

Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday issued an order to limit Kentuckians’ out-of-state travel and offered a 10-step plan to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Right now we have more cases in other states,” the Governor said. “What it means is your likelihood of getting infected and potentially bringing back the coronavirus may be greater in other states than ours. You need to be home anyways.”

With spring sports canceled and students taking courses remotely, the empty gyms and locker rooms at Transylvania University’s Clive M. Beck Center will soon fill a critical need in the community: temporary shelter for clients of Lexington’s Hope Center.            

Beginning Tuesday through April 30, the Beck Center’s practice gym will serve as a shelter for 40-50 individuals who regularly stay at the Hope Center. The additional space will allow Hope Center staff to meet social distancing recommendations from local, state and federal health officials.

Editor’s Note: The following statement provided by Downtown Morehead, Inc.

Driving through Downtown Morehead, the effects of the corona virus are apparent.

Restaurants are doing curb service, salons are closed down, students have all gone home, and the streets are barren.  However, through the cloud of uncertainty, it is important to stay positive and focus on the future. 

During this time of social isolation and distancing, we will remain in contact and be available via the approved methods.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced Saturday that 92 new cases of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were confirmed in Kentucky, marking the largest one-day increase in the commonwealth amid the global pandemic.

“This is why we have social distancing. This is a virus that spreads like wildfire,” Gov. Beshear said. “So, yes we are going to see more cases in Kentucky.”

That brings the total cases in Kentucky to 394. Sixty-four people infected with coronavirus in Kentucky are believed to have recovered and nine have died related to the virus.

St. Claire HealthCare furloughed 300 staff who are not directly involved in the delivery of care or participating in the COVID-19 response Thursday. 

While preparing for the predicted surge in COVID-19 patients, SCH has also taken action to keep its patients safe. All elective surgeries and screening diagnostic procedures, outpatient therapy services, sleep lab testing, aesthetics procedures, and more have been postponed until further notice. SCH has fully complied with CDC recommendations and mandates from Governor Andy Beshear aimed at reducing the spread of illness.

Editor's Note: The following message provided by the Morehead Community Recycling Center

Dear Community,

I must unfortunately inform you that your Morehead Community Recycling Center is temporarily suspending all business as of 4:00pm on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

This decision is in light of the Coronavirus pandemic, and the recent executive order from Governor Beshear stating that all non-life sustaining operations are required to be closed by 8:00pm on March 26, 2020.

Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday tightened restrictions on businesses and banned residential evictions under a state of emergency declaration aimed at addressing the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Governor offered details about the new executive order as he warned against complacency in Kentucky’s fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.