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Articles by James Priewe
Brew at the Zoo: Halloween Bash returns
AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - The Akron Zoo’s Brew at the Zoo returns Saturday, Oct. 7 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The event is themed for Halloween, and guests are encouraged to dress up in costumes and participate in a costume contest. Local breweries and wineries will be at the zoo offering tastings of beer wine. Tickets include eight tastings.
City of Oberlin, Ohio EPA work to solve unusual taste, odor in drinking water
OBERLIN, Ohio (WOIO) - The Ohio EPA approved the installation of a powder activated carbon treatment system on Sept. 22 to mitigate taste and odor issues. The City of Oberlin and the Ohio EPA are currently investigating the cause of an unusual taste and odor in the city’s drinking water. The Ohio EPA says the system is operation. The Oberlin City Public Water System collected water samples and sent them to a lab for testing. The test results are not back from the lab. Copyright 2023 WOIO.
Fentanyl, methamphetamine found during Wayne County traffic stop
WAYNE COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - A woman is in jail after drugs were found during a traffic stop. The Wooster Police Department and agents from the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency conducted the traffic stop on Sept. 6. The Medway DEA said 110 grams of suspected fentanyl, 90 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, paraphernalia, and money was found. The female was arrested and transported to the Wayne County Jail, said the Medway DEA. Charges are still pending. Copyright 2023 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Westlake police charge semi-truck driver with OVI after crash
WESTLAKE, Ohio (WOIO) - A 34-year-old Columbus man is charged with OVI after a crash involving a semi and a car. Westlake police say it happened on Sept. 1 at 10:20 a.m. on Crocker Road. When officers arrived, they found a large box truck had slammed into the back of a Ford Focus, and police said the car was pushed about 100 feet. Police said the truck driver appeared confused while officers were gathering information, and smelled alcohol on the man’s breath.
US Marshals check on 223 sex offenders in Lake, Geauga counties
PAINESVILLE, Ohio (WOIO) - The U.S. Marshals Service along with the Lake and Geauga County Sheriff’s Offices conducted a sex offender compliance operation during the month of August. During August, officers conducted checks on 223 registered sex offenders in Lake and Geauga Counties. USMS said 219 of the offenders were in compliance with state laws, four were not in compliance and under investigation, and three arrests were made for criminal violations.
Hearing over possible removal of Paducah City Commissioner David Guess coming up later this month
PADUCAH — In about two weeks, hearing will be held that could lead to the removal of Paducah City Commissioner David Guess. The hearing comes after texts Guess sent a city employee that contained a statement with racist connotations came to light. Last month, the Paducah City Commission presented Guess with a formal letter — signed by all the other commission members — asking him to resign. Guess declined that request. A public hearing is set for 4 p.m. on Jan. 17.
More than 150 people receive care packages on first day of Santa for a Senior distribution
PADUCAH — People formed a line outside Family Service Society Wednesday morning, waiting for the annual Santa for a Senior distribution to start. Inflation has more families struggling to get by, and the agency is seeing more people who need assistance this holiday season. More than 150 people went through the line Wednesday, picking up their bags. Each household will receive five care packages, including two bags of food, one bag of produce, a hygiene bag and a small gift bag.
A look at tornado relief funding in Kentucky, one year after deadly tornado outbreak
Saturday will mark one year since a deadly tornado outbreak struck the Local 6 area. It was one of the deadliest tornado events in Kentucky's history, killing 81 people. Since then, the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund received more than 150,000 donations totaling more than $52.3 million. Initial distributions from that fund went to pay for victims' funeral expenses.
Mayfield Rotary Club honors WPSD weather team
MAYFIELD, KY — Saturday marks one year since a tornado outbreak altered countless lives in many communities in the Local 6 area. Monday morning, the WPSD Local 6 weather team received a special honor from the Mayfield Rotary Club. "The Mayfield Rotary Club Award of Excellence. Never before in the annals of Graves County history have so many owed so much to so few as we owe the WPSD weather crew," said Rotarian Fred Biggs, presenting the award to Local 6 Chief Meteorologist Trent Okerson.
Martha's Vineyard continues Thanksgiving tradition of feeding community members, including those who are homebound
PADUCAH — Martha's Vineyard in Paducah saw a large crowd on Thanksgiving. For more than three decades, the local nonprofit has served a free Thanksgiving meal for the community. This year, Martha's Vineyard is seeing more people in need of food assistance. The ministry also provided a lot of carry-out meals for homebound folks. Christie Bell says Martha's Vineyard was prepared to serve more people than usual this year. "There's a huge need in this area now.
Sonography student club hosts Sound Off for Hunger food drive
PADUCAH — Sound Off for Hunger: The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Student Club at West Kentucky Community and Technical College held a food drive Tuesday. Anyone who brought in a canned food item for the college's food pantry could get a free non-diagnostic ultrasound exam. These are just some of the donations they collected Tuesday. It's a way to help collect food for students who need it, and gives students a hands-on learning experience.
Reidland Elementary recognized as Family Friendly Certified School
Reidland Elementary School was recognized Monday as a 2022 Family Friendly Certified School. To become Family Friendly Certified, a school has to show it is prioritizing family engagement. Only 32 school across the state are certified, and McCracken County Public Schools says Reidland Elementary was one of the first five to be certified. For more information from the school district about this certification,
11 months later: Share your tornado story with Local 6
It's been 11 months since a deadly tornado outbreak struck the Local 6 area. Dozens were killed, and entire communities were destroyed. Since the Dec. 10-11, 2021, outbreak, communities, businesses and families have been working to rebuild.
Horses and Hope Pink Mustang Tour visits Paducah, spreading breast cancer awareness message
PADUCAH — The Horses and Hope Pink Mustang Tour stopped in our area in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The tour aims to honor survivors of breast cancer and raise awareness about screenings. The mustang stopped at Texas Roadhouse in Paducah on Monday. At the event, breast cancer survivors received a free lunch, and visitors could add the name of a friend or family member who survived to the car. Organizers also handed out information about mammograms and different programs for women.
Donate Life display honors memory of Livingston County woman, encourages organ donation
LIVINGSTON COUNTY, KY — About 1,000 people in Kentucky are waiting for an organ transplant. To raise awareness about the importance of becoming an organ donor, Livingston County on Friday unveiled a new Donate Life poster. The poster features Amelia Wilson, who was the wife of Livingston County Attorney Allen Wilson. Amelia received a liver transplant when she was a student at the University of Kentucky in 2005. She went on to earn first a bachelor's degree, then a master's and a doctorate.
Sawing Logs Chainsaw Carving Competition kicks off in Aurora, Kentucky
AURORA, KY — The fifth annual Sawing Logs Chainsaw Carving Competition kicked off Friday in Aurora, Kentucky. One of the carvers this year is 15-year-old Parker Richardson. He's a third-generation carver. "Not that I don't want to be at school, but I want to be here to, one, try and make some money, have fun, and meet more people," Richardson tells us.
Marshall County woman celebrates 106th birthday
BENTON, KY — A special birthday celebration was held Monday in Benton, Kentucky. Friends and family gathered at Lake Way Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to celebrate the 106th birthday of Lena Mae Tucker. She was born in Marshall County, where she grew up on a farm and was the youngest of nine children. She went on to work at the shoe factory in Marshall County for 30 years. When asked what her secret to a long life is, she said "I have no idea.
Columbia Theater holding American Graffiti Bash to raise money for restoration
PADUCAH — For the first time in 30 years, there will be live music inside the Columbia Theater in downtown Paducah. Saturday, the Columbia Art House is hosting an American Graffiti Bash to raise money for the ongoing efforts to restore the theater, which first opened in 1927 and closed in 1987. Specifically, the money raised will be used to restore the structure and façade of the building. The event will include live music, a play zone for kids, food trucks and more.
Birth to Five Illinois holds grand opening for Vienna location
JOHNSON COUNTY, IL — Build a statewide infrastructure for child care: That's the goal of the Birth to Five Illinois program. On Friday, Birth to Five Region 21 held a grand opening ceremony for its office in Vienna, Illinois. Birth to Five aims to build equitable access to inclusive, high-quality early childhood services for all children and families.
Marshall County students learning money management skills through 'Star Bank'
MARSHALL COUNTY, KY — How would you teach high schoolers how to manage money? Marshall County High School decided the best way is to let students run a bank. It's called Star Bank, and it's put on by CFSB. It gives students first-hand learning experience on how to open accounts, save money and learn about taking out loans.
Students honor Crittenden County sixth-grade teacher Mandy Perez, named 2023 Teacher of the Year
CRITTENDEN COUNTY, KY — Students and teachers lined the hallways at Crittenden County Middle School to honor teacher Mandy Perez. Perez was named Kentucky's 2023 Teacher of the Year on Tuesday. RELATED: Crittenden County Middle School teacher Mandy Perez named Kentucky Teacher of the Year Students held signs and cheered on Perez, who teaches sixth-grade English and language arts. Perez has taught in Crittenden County Schools throughout her 18-year career.
Graves County High School marks National Farm Safety and Health Week with Ag Safety Day
GRAVES COUNTY, KY — It's National Farm Safety and Health Week. It's a time to talk about ways to reduce the number of farm-related injuries and deaths by promoting safe practices. That's why the Graves County High School agriculture department hosted an Ag Safety Day on Tuesday. The event featured several presentations on dangers about farm work and equipment. Agriculture teacher Kelvin Howard said the goal is to keep students safe. "That's what accidents are.
Demolition continues at Graves County Courthouse
MAYFIELD, KY — Crews are continuing their work to demolish the Graves County Courthouse, which was severely damaged by an EF-4 tornado on Dec. 10. Youngblood Excavating and Contracting is tearing down three buildings in downtown Mayfield, including the courthouse, Mayfield Fire Station 1 and the American Legion building. Local 6 talked with one person watching the demolition. "When that Dec.
West Kentucky woman witnesses funeral procession of Queen Elizabeth II in London
April Wright from Barlow, Kentucky, witnessed history Monday. She and her family lined up to see the funeral procession of Queen Elizabeth II. They waited about four hours to see the casket go by. Wright's fiancée is from London, and she told us they had this trip to the city planned in advance. She talked with Local 6 via Zoom about the emotions of the day. "Everyone was just somber and sad. They we're celebrating the life of the queen but, at the same time mourning it as well," Wright said.
Basketball courts being repaved in Paducah
PADUCAH — Basketball courts across Paducah are getting resurfaced, the city's parks and recreation department says. WPSD video of crews working on the courts at Robert Coleman Park, which is at 1100 Walter Jetton Boulevard. Next, they'll work at Voor Park, which is at 1201 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, followed by Noble Park at 210 Recreation Trace. The resurfacing project will cause temporary closures at those courts for roughly three to four days, the city says.
Case involving man accused of throwing explosive at Murray State students heads to grand jury
MURRAY, KY — The case of a Murray, Kentucky, man accused of throwing an explosive in the direction of a group of college students will go before a grand jury. Jack Epperson is charged with two counts of attempted assault and one count of possession of a destructive device. Kentucky State Police investigators say Epperson allegedly approached several female students near a housing complex on the Murray State University campus and threw a Molotov-cocktail style explosive in their direction.
Retired teacher celebrates 105th birthday in Mayfield
MAYFIELD, KY — A special birthday celebration was held Tuesday in Mayfield, Kentucky. Friends and family gathered at the Bungalows in Mayfield to celebrate the 105th birthday of Imogene Monroe. Monroe is a retired teacher, so her birthday party was decorated like a classroom with a teacher's desk, blackboard and textbooks. Talking with Local 6, she told us about her favorite student. "I remember that he always did every bit of his work — all of it," she said with a smile.
Paul talks tornado recovery in Mayfield; protesters in Bardwell call out his vote against PACT Act
WEST KENTUCKY — Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul made a stop in Mayfield Wednesday afternoon to discuss tornado recovery. He toured the damage and discussed rebuilding efforts. Paul talked about the efforts underway to help the people of Mayfield. "I think that everybody wants to get it done," Paul said. "Is everybody satisfied with the pace of FEMA? No one is ever satisfied with the pace of FEMA. And there are, I mean, we've had problems before trying to get the money out in a timely fashion.
American Legion Legacy Run stops in Mayfield to honor veterans and tornado victims
MAYFIELD, KY — More than 250 motorcycles passed through the city of Mayfield this afternoon as part of the American Legion Legacy Run. They stopped at Harmon Park for about an hour, where they held a commemorative ceremony honoring veterans and their families, as well as people impacted by the Dec. 10 tornado. They concluded the event at the park with a wreath-laying ceremony.
Cross-country canoer stops in Paducah to discuss nearly 2-year trip along America's waterways
PADUCAH — He's paddled 22 rivers across America. Neal Moore made a stop in Paducah again Wednesday to talk about his nearly two-year trip. Moore said he traveled more than 7,000 miles, and he really wanted to connect with nature and see all the river towns along the way. "Explore her, connecting the river ways, the waterways — also, connecting us as people. During the last couple years, during a time of great division, to come through and to just meet the real people.
Judges appointed to fulfil Jameson's duties during suspension
We’ve learned the names of the judges appointed to take over for 42nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge Jamie Jameson. This comes after Jameson was suspended Friday with pay by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission amid allegations of misconduct surrounding his campaign and courtroom practices. The Paducah Sun is reporting retired Kentucky Supreme Court Justice David Buckingham will hear Jameson’s docket in Calloway and Marshall counties.
Fulton County Transit Authority collecting supplies for eastern Kentucky flood victims
FULTON COUNTY, KY — The Fulton County Transit Authority is stepping up to help flood victims in eastern Kentucky. The transit authority is collecting donations and delivering them to those in need. FCTA is focusing on the area served by LKLP Community Action, which provides public transportation. The transit authority is looking for items like nonperishable food, bottled water, diapers and Pull-Ups, baby formula, cleaning supplies and small personal hygiene items.
Third-party audit shows how much disaster relief funding Mayfield has received
MAYFIELD, KY — We now know how much money the city of Mayfield received after the Dec. 10 tornado. Mayfield leaders requested the audit to provide greater transparency and clear up any confusion in the community about how much money the city itself received.
Illinois GOP candidate running for governor faces backlash for comparing abortion to the holocaust
Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is facing backlash after comparing abortions to the holocaust. NBC 5 Chicago is reporting the comment was made during 2017 when he was running for the Illinois House. In a statement, Bailey now says the holocaust was a "human tragedy without parallel." "In no way was I attempting to diminish the atrocities of the holocaust and its stain on history,” the statement says.
State police raid gas station in Metropolis, Illinois
METROPLIS, IL — Local 6 is working to find out why a gas station in Metropolis, Illinois, was raided. Video shows Illinois State Police troopers at the Phillips 66. Local 6 reached out to Illinois State Police to find out why they were there. The agency told us to reach out to the Illinois Department of Revenue. We did, but we have not yet received a response. When we do, we'll report any updates on air and online.
Sheriff, county clerk reflect on service to McCracken County as they prepare to retire
This time Friday, McCracken County will have a new county clerk and sheriff. Current County Clerk Julie Griggs and Sheriff Matt Carter are retiring. A party was held Thursday afternoon for Carter. His family, members of law enforcement and the community came out to thank carter for his service. Carter served as sheriff for one term and has worked for the sheriff's department since 2000. "The deputies really make this place. They really do.
Fewer than 1,000 tickets left for St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway
You're running out of time to buy your ticket for this year's St. Jude Dream Home. As of Tuesday morning there are only 912 tickets left out of the 8,500 that were available this year. Each ticket is $100, and if you get your ticket now before Aug. 5, you'll be put in the running for a bonus prize! You could win a $1,000 Visa gift card courtesy of Dean Owen, CPA, a 1$,000 Stanley Steemer gift card, or cleaning appliances and supplies valued at $1,500, courtesy of CX3 LLC in Paducah.
Dresden mayor sues city board of aldermen
DRESDEN, TN — The mayor of Dresden, Tennessee has filed a lawsuit against the city's board of aldermen. The Weakley County Press reports that Dresden Mayor Jeff Washburn's civil complaint is asking for a "permanent restraining order and restoration of rights of office." The suit comes about a month after the board voted to censure Washburn and requested his resignation. The board also reinstate the city's Facebook page with the city recorder as the administrator.
Cape Girardeau City Council votes to recommend Contour Aviation as next air service provider
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO — The Cape Girardeau City Council voted 7-0 Monday to recommend making Contour Aviation the next service provider for the airport. The vote comes after SkyWest announced earlier this year it would be leaving the Cape Girardeau Airport, among others. The Cape Girardeau Airport Advisory Board recommended Contour Aviation to the city council. Contour will offer a 30-seat jet offering two flights a day to Nashville.
Police chief provides update during Paducah City Commission meeting
PADUCAH — During Tuesday night's Paducah City Commission meeting, Paducah Police Chief Brian Laird shared the next steps involved in updating the outdated E-911 center. Laird reminded commissioners that the equipment needs to be replaced. Commissioner Carol Gault said the E-911 committee is close to formally recommending the city enter into what's called an RFP with Federal Engineering at a cost of roughly $50,000.
McCracken County Republican primary candidates vie for voters' favor at Paducah-McCracken County NAACP forum
MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY — For the second night in a row, voters in McCracken County heard from candidates running for public office. The Paducah-McCracken County NAACP chapter held its McCracken County Candidate Forum Tuesday night. RELATED: McCracken County primary candidates share stances on important issues during Farm Bureau forum Incumbent Judge Executive Craig Clymer is running for a second term.
Auditor Harmon discusses Kentucky's unemployment insurance
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to two problems related to unemployment in Kentucky: unsettled claims and fraud. On Tuesday, Kentucky's State Auditor Mike Harmon sat down with Local 6's Mike Mallory to discuss the state's unemployment insurance system. Auditor Harmon said his office is seeing improvement in the area of fraud, but it's still there. "Just in our amount of testing we did, the small amount we did, we found like $118,000 worth of fraud," Harmon said.
Local NAACP calls for nonrenewal of Paducah superintendent's contract
PADUCAH — Members of the Paducah-McCracken County NAACP again continued their calls for nonrenewal of Paducah Public Schools Superintendent Donald Shively's contract. NAACP member Amina Watkins spoke directly to the school board — and Shively — during the meeting. "If we're going to get past this, if we're wanting to inspire our students to continue to strive for that excellence, we've got to expect that for ourselves. If there is a misunderstanding in where I stand, I want to clarify that now.
City holds meeting on benefits of adding Northside Paducah to National Register of Historic Places
PADUCAH — Another neighborhood in Paducah could soon be on the National Register of Historic Places. Tuesday night, the city held a meeting at House of Hope Ministries at 1731 North 11th St. so people living in the Northside neighborhood could learn more about the nomination process. The video above includes Sky 6 footage of the neighborhood. The Kentucky Heritage Council explained that inclusion on the register comes with state and federal tax credits.
Barkley Regional Airport shares update on new terminal project's progress
Barkley Regional Airport, Facebook PADUCAH — Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah on Tuesday shared an update on how its new terminal is coming along. The airport shared photos of the terminal's construction progress via Facebook. Crews have progressed from a rough graded site, with foundations and underground utilities in place. They've been working on masonry walls, and concrete slabs are being poured.
Authorities arrest South Fulton man charged with child rape
SOUTH FULTON, TN — A South Fulton, Tennessee, man is charged with raping a child. The man, 34-year-old Thomas Mulcahy, was arrested by the Obion County Sheriff's Department Sunday night, The Current reports. The newspaper reports that the South Fulton Police Department was notified of an incident involving a 13-year-old boy on Feb. 1. The police chief said the investigators found evidence of multiple interactions between Mulcahy and the boy.
Work continues on the 2022 St. Jude Dream Home
MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY - Crews are working on this year's St. Jude Dream Home. Currently, they're working on the framing. This year's home is located in Paddock at the Oaks subdivision, just south of Paducah along U.S. 45.
Fiscal court talks possible renovations for Carson Park's Floral Hall, honors Benny Heady
MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY — During their meeting Monday, members of the McCracken County Fiscal Court discussed renovating Floral Hall at Carson Park to get more public use out of it. The also discussed using Floral Hall for public meetings. The fiscal court also honored Benny Heady Monday night for serving on the West McCracken Water District Board. He rose from secretary to chairman during his tenure on the board.
New lighting on water tower spotlights McCracken County unity message
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Alexander County in southern Illinois... Pulaski County in southern Illinois... Ballard County in western Kentucky... Carlisle County in western Kentucky... Graves County in western Kentucky... McCracken County in western Kentucky... Marshall County in western Kentucky... * Until 600 PM CST Thursday. * At 1156 AM CST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area.
Local WWII hero's 100th birthday celebrated in Paducah
PADUCAH — He's a local hero who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year if he was still alive. Now, he'll receive his own marker in Arlington National Cemetery. Randall Barnes, WPSD Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Harry J. Loe Jr. was celebrated in Navy style Monday at the River Discovery Center in downtown Paducah. His sisters, the U.S. Navy, the Seamen's Church Institute and many others gathered for the occasion.
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