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The Kentucky State Fair Board has named the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation’s top executive as its new President and CEO. David S. Beck, 63, has served as CEO of Farm Bureau since 1995, and brings over 40 years of experience in agriculture and governmental affairs to Kentucky Venues. The State Fair Board is the governing body for Kentucky Venues which manages the Kentucky Exposition Center and Kentucky International Convention Center.
“I’m truly humbled and excited for the opportunity to lead Kentucky Venues,” said Beck. “Kentucky is thriving like never before, and I look forward to enhancing the properties and working with our partners to market and grow our business to attract even more national and international events.”
A native of Lyon County in western Kentucky, Beck is a graduate of Murray State University and began his career with Kentucky Farm Bureau in 1977 as an area field service director.
“David Beck successfully led a large organization, involved in major state and national legislative regulatory issues affecting agriculture and rural Kentucky,” said Don Parkinson, Secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “He brings a wealth of business expertise to lead the sixth largest convention operation in the nation.”
A five-member search committee was appointed by KSFB chairman Mark Lynn in January to review applications for the position which has been vacant since September, 2017. The Board will vote to officially approve Beck’s contract at its April 26th meeting with a start date of July 1.
Credit: KY State Parks
Golfers can get a 20 percent discount off the normal rate at all Kentucky State Parks golf courses Monday through Thursday through May 24, 2018.
You can get the discount by reserving a tee time online at http://parks.ky.gov/golf/tee-times/
The discount does not apply to overnight golf packages.
The park system offers excellent play at courses across the state. Parks with courses in western Kentucky include Kentucky Dam Village, Lake Barkley, Mineral Mound, Pennyrile Forest, Barren River Lake and John James Audubon, a 9-hole course. Courses in central and southern Kentucky include My Old Kentucky Home, Lincoln Homestead, Dale Hollow Lake and General Burnside Island. Eastern Kentucky courses include Grayson Lake, Yatesville Lake and Pine Mountain.
For phone numbers and other information about golf at Kentucky State Parks, visit http://parks.ky.gov/golf/
The largest field in the 17-year history of Kentucky’s National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) state tournament produced impressive individual performances and an overall team title for Madison Central High School.
The event was held March 29-31 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville and drew a record 6,504 students from 396 schools across the state.
“The excitement this weekend was contagious. It was heartwarming seeing so many happy faces,” said Lisa Frye, state NASP coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “Archery continues to grow in the schools across the state. The children absolutely love the sport. By the looks of all the parents and grandparents that I saw, I’d say they love archery, too.”
Elementary, middle and high school student archers competed for individual and team honors. After practice rounds, each competitor shot 15 arrows at bullseye targets from 10 meters and 15 more from 15 meters for a total possible score of 300.
Anderson County High School freshman Henry Thompson swept the boys’ overall titles in the Kentucky NASP state tournament and the newer Kentucky NASP/International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) 3D Challenge with a score of 298 in each.
The 3D Challenge differs from the traditional bullseye state tournament in that archers shoot at six lifelike foam targets depicting various game animals. The 3D targets are set in a diagonal line from 10 to 15 meters and the scoring rings are the same size and shape of the rings on standard NASP bullseye targets.
The girls division of the Kentucky NASP state tournament came down to a shootout between Simon Kenton High School sophomore Holly Snow and North Laurel Middle School seventh grader Savannah Philpot. They tied for first place with scores of 295. Snow won the tiebreaker and the girls division overall title.
Madison Central won the overall team title in the 2016 Kentucky NASP state tournament and this year finished ahead of Bullitt Central High School. Muhlenberg County High School, Henderson County High School and Lexington’s Lafayette High School filled out the top five.
Pulaski Northern Middle School and Morgantown Elementary won their respective divisions.
The top 10 seniors in the boys and girls divisions in the state tournament received $1,000 scholarships to apply to any post-secondary education.
Lincoln County High School freshman McKenzie Settles earned top individual honors in the girls division of the 3D Challenge. Anderson County High School won the 3D Challenge’s overall team title.
Complete state tournament results are available online at nasptournaments.org. Click on “Tournaments” then select “Kentucky” and “Completed This Season” from the dropdown menus.
The next step for many of the archers who competed in the state tournament is the 2018 NASP Eastern Nationals scheduled May 10-12 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
The National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament will be hosted by Louisville Parks and Recreation’s Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation program (AIR) from April 12-15, and the organization is looking for volunteers to help staff the event.
There are a large array of opportunities for those interested in helping out with the event, AIR administrator BJ Levis said. The NWBA is recruiting for the following positions to volunteer for throughout the 2018 NWBT: shot clock; rimekeeper; scorekeeper; event setup; event breakdown; water service; registration/will call assistant; statistician; store assistant; 50/50 raffle volunteer; and greeters/unloaders.
Click here to register.
Louisville has hosted the tournament since 2013. For more information, visit www.nwba.org.
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners offer healthy events and services in April to benefit the entire family including a month-long athletic shoes collection for JCPS students; employment recruitment opportunities with FedEx Ground, ElderCare 4 Families and Sodexo; a Family Spring Fling at Portland Community Center and much more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Now through May 4, Athletic Shoe Collection for JCPS Students at Neighborhood Place locations
Donate new or gently used athletic shoes now through May 4th to benefit JCPS students in need, grades Kindergarten through 12th grade Drop off at any of the eight Neighborhood Place locations (find addresses here) or at the Edison Center, 701 W. Ormsby Ave., 2nd floor, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sample items include running shoes, basketball shoes, Chuck Taylors or sneakers. Sponsored by the 15th District Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Clothing Assistance Program (CAP) in partnership with (JCPS) and other community partners.
April. 3, FedEx Ground Employment Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. Call (502) 313-4700 for more information. A FedEx human resources recruiter will talk one-on-one with individuals interested in a career as a package handler with FedEx Ground.
April 3, ElderCare 4 Families Employment Recruitment at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 244-8446 for more information. An employment recruiter will be on-hand for ElderCare 4 Families, a non-medical in-homecare service for seniors provide help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and personal care.
April 3, Car Seat Safety Check at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call Norton Children’s Hospital at 629-7358 to make an appointment. Learn how to install your child’s car seat or booster seat. Find out if it’s time for a change. Car seat-fitting by appointment only.
April 3, 10 and April 17, Free Tax Preparation Services at First Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 502-305-0005 or visit louisvillekyvita.cascheduler.com to make an appointment and to check out IRS documentation needed. Sponsored by VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) with support from First Neighborhood Place.
April 5 and 9, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities
Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
- April 5, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
- April 9, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4089 for more information.
April. 5, Community Dental Care Information Sessions at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Road (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24). Call 502-366-4442 for more information. Community Dental Care is a full-service dental organization designed to increase access to health care in communities with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. Representatives will be on site to provide information about services offered and to assist in scheduling appointments for dental needs or for pediatric health needs.
Mondays and Thursdays, YMCA’s “Caring and Learning with Me” program at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call Keyonna Humphrey at 974-8457 for more information and to register. This free program provides a wonderful learning environment for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers focusing on play and exploration. The adult caregiver is required to attend with the child/ren and you may also bring other children ages (0-2).
April 10 and 29, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting
Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
- April 10, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 6 – 8 p.m.
- April 29, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., at the Academy of Shawnee, 6 – 8 p.m.
April 12, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. Call 341-5400 for more information. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered.
April 12, 25 and 26, Weekly Resource School at Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place
Located at 1411 Algonquin Pkwy. Contact Nannette Bertram Dix at 634-6057 to RSVP and for more information. The Bridges of Hope staff is teaming up with an array of service providers to provide weekly programming and resources focusing on substance prevention, self-sufficiency, health, safety and resiliency. All workshops are free and open to the public.
- April 12 and 26, CHOICES, presented by the Center for Women and Families, is an educational and support program for people affected by and/or sexual violence, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- April 25, ADHD, presented by Our Lady of Peace, will explain how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) impacts children beyond impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Open to parents, grandparents, teachers, counselors and other concerned individuals, 5 – 8 p.m.
April 14, Family Spring Fling at the Molly Leonard Portland Community Center, 12 – 4 p.m.
Located at the Portland Community Center, 640 North 27th Street. Call 776-0913 for more information. Join us for a day of free fun and games, prizes, food, vendors, “Rec on the Go”, nutrition education, free health screenings and more. Sponsored in collaboration by Portland Community Center, Kentucky State University, 4H, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, JCPS Family Resource Youth Services Centers of Byck Elementary, Portland Elementary, Atkinson Elementary, Kammerer Middle, Western Middle, Ballard High and Academy at Shawnee schools.
April 19, Passport Health Care Informational Table at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. A community engagement representative is onsite to answer any questions that Passport members have regarding their plan, benefits and updates on the upcoming waiver.
April 21, Second Annual Spring Parkhill Community Resource Fair at St. Ann’s Campus
Located at 1515 Algonquin Pkwy. Contact Nannette Bertram Dix at 634-6057 for more information. Themed “Sowing the Seeds of Hope”, this event invites community members to come together to connect with agencies and individuals providing helpful resources and services.
April 26, Park DuValle and Parkland Bring it Back Meet Up at Ujima Neighborhood Place 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call Brianna Harlan with the Center for Neighborhoods for more information at 724-9486. All residents are invited to this opportunity to meet neighbors and to socialize. The Center for Neighborhoods has a great team of people that bring a diversity of skills and perspectives to the work of neighborhood engagement, education and planning.
Attorney General Andy Beshear, along with a bipartisan group of 48 other state and territory attorneys general asked congress to eliminate federal restrictions that limit their states’ ability to investigate and prosecute the abuse and neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries.
The letter sent to U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg, R-Mich., and Peter Welch, D-Vt., in support of their legislation, H.R. 3891, which would expand the authority of state Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs) to detect, investigate and prosecute Medicaid patient abuse in non-institutional settings.
“Our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit works hard to protect our most vulnerable Kentuckians from fraud and abuse,” Beshear said. “Kentucky families need congress to change out-of-date laws so that my office can pursue more cases of abuse and neglect of Medicaid patients.”
Currently, Beshear’s MFCU investigates and prosecutes Medicaid provider fraud, resident abuse complaints in Medicaid-funded health care facilities and receives and reviews abuse and neglect complaints through the Elder Abuse Hotline.
In May 2017, Beshear joined with attorneys general from 36 states and the District of Columbia to send a letter, to the United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. The attorneys general urged the government to expand its policy regarding the use of federal funds to investigate and prosecute Medicaid abuse and neglect cases.
The department concluded that the expanded authority would require a change in federal law that could not be done through the regulatory process. H.R. 3891 was introduced in direct response to the attorneys general letter and subsequent response from the department.
Beshear has made protecting Kentucky families one of his office’s top priorities.
Upon taking office, one of the first steps Beshear took was to expand Kentucky’s Elder Abuse Hotline to 24/7 to help ensure seniors are protected both day and night.
To report any instances of patient abuse or Medicaid fraud to the Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Hotline call, 877-ABUSE TIP.
To date, efforts by Beshear’s office through civil settlements and criminal restitution resulted in over $71 million in obligations to the state and federal Medicaid program, Medicare, Tricare, commercial payers and other entities.
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission has recommended expanding modern gun season for deer to 16 days statewide, increasing the number of deer allowed on a statewide permit from two to four, and increasing some license and permit fees for non-residents.
The proposals were among multiple recommendations to deer, waterfowl and migratory bird seasons made by commission members at their March 23 meeting in Frankfort.
The commission recommends hunting, fishing and boating regulations for approval by the Kentucky General Assembly. Legislators must approve all recommendations before they become law.
The changes recommended by commission members are designed to help thin the state’s deer herd in more densely populated areas while boosting numbers where deer populations are lower than desired. Changes also will boost many opportunities for hunters.
All deer-related regulations will go into effect for the 2018-2019 seasons, if approved by legislators. Click the “details” link for more information on each change.
Deer-related recommendations approved by the commission include:
- Creating an antlerless-only modern gun hunt during the last weekend of September in Zone 1 counties. (details)
- Expanding the modern gun deer season to 16 days statewide. (details)
- Modifying the statewide deer permit from a two-deer limit to four deer (details), and the youth deer permit from a one-deer limit to four deer. (details) Hunters would still be limited to one antlered deer statewide, regardless of zone or method.
- Changing the following counties from Zone 2 to Zone 1: Union, Henderson, McLean, Muhlenberg, Todd, Mercer, Mason and Hart. (details)
- Changing the following counties from Zone 3 to Zone 2: Warren, Allen, Monroe, Barren, Metcalfe, Adair, Edmonson, Butler, Breckinridge, Meade, Hancock, Daviess, Taylor, Casey, Lincoln, Boyle, Madison, Clark, Montgomery and Bath. (details)
- Changing the following counties from Zone 4 to Zone 3: Garrard, Pulaski, Wayne and Laurel. (details)
- Allowing hunters to take only one antlerless deer with a firearm in Zone 3. (details)
- Setting a Zone 4 season bag limit of two deer, consisting of one antlered and one antlerless deer. Antlerless deer could only be taken during youth gun seasons, during archery and crossbow seasons, or the last three days of the December muzzleloader season. (details)
- Allowing hunters to take a bag limit of deer in each zone, independent of the other zone’s bag limits. (details)
- Modifying the additional deer permit from a two-deer limit to 15 deer. Hunters would still be limited to one antlered deer statewide, regardless of zone or method. (details)
- Prohibiting devices designed to entangle and trap the antlers of a deer. (details)
- Creating a special deer hunt program that would allow modern gun hunts for deer outside of the normal season. This would only apply to nonprofit conservation organizations working under Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s recruitment, retention and re-activation guidelines. (details)
- Allowing a person to use an unlimited number of deer control tags. The current limit is five tags. (details)
- Removing the requirement to sign a deer control tag at the time of transfer from landowner to hunter. (details)
- Requiring the hunter to sign a deer control tag at the time of harvest. (details)
Commission members also took several steps at their meeting to simplify some waterfowl regulations and to increase opportunities for hunters. Waterfowl regulations will go into effect for the 2018-2019 seasons, if approved by legislators. Recommendations include:
- Increasing the northern pintail daily bag limit from one bird to two for the 2018-2019 duck seasons. (details)
- Changing Northeast Goose Zone season dates to correspond to the statewide goose seasons. (details)
- Removing the September closure for goose hunting in the Northeast Goose Zone and the West-Central Goose Zone. (details)
Commissioners also made several recommendations affecting Sloughs Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Henderson and Union counties. These include:
- Allowing expanded waterfowl quota hunts on the Sauerheber Unit. (details)
- Removing blind site hunting restrictions on the Sauerheber Unit. (details)
- Developing a check-in system for quota hunt participants on the Sauerheber Unit. (details)
- Creating a lottery for unclaimed blinds or hunt sites on the Sauerheber Unit (details) and removing the ability to occupy unclaimed blinds. (details)
- Creating a quota hunt for the Jenny Hole Unit, with spots allocated by a weekly drawing. (details)
- Closing the Jenny Hole Unit to waterfowl hunting, except for quota hunt participants. (details)
- Prohibiting boat use on the Jenny Hole Unit from Thanksgiving Day to the last Sunday in January, except for quota hunt participants during limited hours. (details)
Recommendations affecting Ballard WMA in western Kentucky include:
- Removing the requirement to hunt from a blind in the Ballard Zone. (details)
- Mandating that hunters accurately report waterfowl harvest on their harvest cards. (details)
Commission members proposed several changes to the existing regulations governing sandhill crane hunting. These would expand hunting opportunities and establish a second refugee area on public property. Proposals include:
- Changing the sandhill crane quota hunt application period from late November to the month of September to align it with quota hunt application periods of other game species. (details)
- Increasing the number of sandhill crane permits and tags issued. (details)
- Lengthening the sandhill crane season and increasing the statewide bag limit. (details)
- Allowing hunters to take more than two birds in a season, if they have the required number of tags. (details)
- Requiring participants to buy a hunting license by Sept. 30 to be eligible for a permit. (details)
- Establishing a new refuge for roosting birds by closing portions of Green River Lake to sandhill crane hunting. (details)
In fisheries-related business, the commission proposed new fishing regulations for Rockcastle River WMA in Pulaski County. These include a daily creel limit of 10 bluegill or other sunfish, four catfish, 15 crappie and one largemouth bass that must be greater than 15 inches long.
Commissioners also recommended adding mooneye and goldeye to the restricted movement list of fish species to help blunt the spread of Asian carp into new waterbodies.
The commission also proposed changing some non-resident license and permit fees. (details)
The next regularly scheduled Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting will be 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time), Friday, June 8, 2018. Meetings are held at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife headquarters, located at 1 Sportsman’s Lane off U.S. 60 in Frankfort.
