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The recent cold snap experienced across Kentucky effectively ended the state’s worst outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in white-tailed deer in a decade.
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a viral disease transmitted to deer by biting flies or midges. It does not affect people or pets, and outbreaks cease at the first frost, which kills the bugs.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources receives and confirms EHD deer mortalities each year but the outbreak this year was severe by comparison. The department started receiving reports of sick or dead deer in some east Kentucky counties in July. August brought confirmation that a common strain of the EHD virus was to blame.
The department encouraged the public to report suspected cases, and the public responded. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife fielded 1,822 individual reports and documented 4,586 suspected EHD cases through phone calls and an online reporting system.
“Kentucky Fish and Wildlife would like to thank the public for its assistance,” said Dr. Iga Stasiak, state wildlife veterinarian with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “The incredible response we received was invaluable in helping us gauge the extent and intensity of this year’s severe outbreak. The public’s feedback through those outlets helped biologists monitor the situation in real-time and generate incredibly helpful maps.”
This year’s outbreak affected multiple states across the Appalachian Plateau. In Kentucky, it was primarily confined to counties along and south of Interstate 64 and east of Interstate 75. The epicenter of the outbreak in Kentucky appeared to be in Floyd and Pike counties.
The severity of this year’s outbreak in east Kentucky is comparable to that seen in other parts of the state in 2007. While EHD can cause significant regional population die-offs, populations recover with time, Stasiak said.
“The herd is resilient,” said Gabe Jenkins, deer program coordinator with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “We had probably the highest densities of deer that we’ve ever seen in that part of the state. Yes, it knocked them back pretty hard but the population will rebound.”
Herd estimates after the 2016-17 hunting season pegged the statewide deer population at about 850,000 animals.
Kentucky’s deer seasons are continuing as scheduled this year.
“Department biologists will be looking closely at harvest data and monitoring the deer herd ahead of next year’s hunting season,” Stasiak said. “We will also be monitoring deer at several check stations throughout the hunting season to identify deer that may have been exposed to the disease and assess the degree of immunity in the herd.”
Although EHD is not transmissible to people, the department reminds hunters to avoid eating animals that appear to be sick and asks that sick deer be reported to the department either by calling 1-800-858-1549 between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Eastern) weekdays or contacting their local private lands or public lands biologist, depending on where the animal was observed.
In one of bourbon country’s largest single projects, Gov. Matt Bevin and leaders of Stoli Group broke ground recently for Kentucky Owl Park, a nearly $150 million lakeside complex to include a distillery, visitors center, cooperage, rickhouses, bottling center, restaurant and other facilities at Bardstown’s 420-acre Haydon Materials Quarry.
“Global demand for bourbon continues to bring significant economic impact to Kentucky through jobs, investment and tourism,” said Gov. Bevin. “This new project by Stoli Group in the heart of bourbon country will serve to accelerate this trend. Stoli Group will offer numerous employment opportunities and support many families in and around Nelson County. I congratulate the company and look forward seeing this concept come to life over the coming years.”
Site prep and construction for the project’s first phase — which includes the distillery — could begin early next year with an opening targeted for 2020. It would create approximately 57 of the park’s anticipated 77 total full-time jobs. The park will be home to Stoli Group’s newly created American Whiskey Division, including its storied 140-year-old Kentucky Owl brand.
“Stoli Group will put great resources into these endeavors — both the distillery experience and the growth of this very important category for our company. As master blender, Dixon Dedman will continue to manage the production of Kentucky Owl — the crown jewel of the new division, which will remain a small batch offering,” said Dmitry Efimov, head of Stoli Group’s American Whiskey Division. “This site will be home to additional brands that we will create or acquire. With the continued strength and growth of American whiskies and bourbons, we are beginning to evaluate those opportunities.”
Stoli Group purchased the Haydon Materials Quarry, formerly Cedar Creek quarry, along John Rowan Boulevard in Bardstown, to provide a unique topographical setting. In the long-term, company leaders plan to establish the park as a premier destination on the Bourbon Trail. Their plans include a freshwater lake for fishing and recreation, a gourmet restaurant, a convention center and hotel, a vintage passenger train and a refurbished train station.
Established in 2013, Stoli Group is responsible for the management, distribution and marketing operations of SPI Group’s global spirits portfolio. One of the world’s leading wine and spirits organizations, SPI Group is an independent company headquartered in Luxembourg committed to a mission of building a respected portfolio of select premium brands. Additionally, SPI Group develops large-scale real estate projects, including the Finos Tequila distillery in Jalisco, Mexico and the award-winning Bayou Rum distillery and visitors center in Lacassine, Louisiana, and farms 14,000 acres of agricultural land, including for its Stoli and elit Vodkas in Tambov, Russia.
Sen. Jimmy Higdon, of Lebanon, said Stoli Group promises to grow the state’s strong reputation in the bourbon industry.
“I am so pleased to hear Stoli Group has chosen this Bardstown location to be Kentucky’s newest bourbon-based economic development project,” Sen. Higdon said. “Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry has showed no sign of slowing, and with this huge investment in the region and the creation of new Kentucky jobs, I have no doubt that Stoli Group will join the ranks of great distillers.”
Rep. Chad McCoy, of Bardstown, said the project will have a substantial impact on the already thriving local bourbon industry.
“Stoli Group understands the rich tradition of bourbon in the commonwealth, and we are thrilled the company is expanding a recently acquired family business to Bardstown,” said Rep. Chad McCoy, who serves as vice-chair of the Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee. “The distillery is a boon for our community and will cement Bardstown’s transformation into the premiere bourbon destination for Kentuckians and people from all over the world.”
Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton said the company has found the perfect home in Nelson County.
“We are extremely happy to have Stoli Group’s American Whiskey Distillery join our growing family of distilleries in Bardstown and Nelson County,” Mayor Heaton said. “Bardstown is known as the Bourbon Capital of the World. This new investment is a testament that there is no better place to make bourbon, educate and entertain visitors than Bardstown, Kentucky. The announcement comes as a result of much hard work by many people in the public and private sector here. The City of Bardstown is proud to be a part of this exciting project.”
Nelson County Judge-Executive Dean Watts said the project will have a positive impact on the community.
“The announcement of Stoli Group’s American Whiskey Distillery coming to Nelson County is excellent economic news,” Judge-Executive Watts said. “We appreciate their investment in our community and look forward to helping with their success.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in September preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $2 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
In October, KEDFA approved SPI Group for up to $1.2 million in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.
In addition, SPI Group can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal year 2017, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for more than 120,000 Kentuckians and 5,700 companies from a variety of industry sectors.
The Kentucky Center Presents
DAN AND PHIL WORLD TOUR 2018
INTERACTIVE INTROVERTS
Thursday, August 2, 8 p.m.
The Kentucky Center
Fans 14-and-under must be accompanied by someone 18+
Photo: The Kentucky Center
Dan and Phil present their new stage show – Interactive Introverts. Two internet dwelling, insecure nerds standing under the spotlight to give the people what they want: an epic interactive experience of rants, roasts, battles, stories…and surprises that will make you laugh, cry, cringe – and puts the audience in control unlike anything before!
The Kentucky Center is the official ticket service for this event.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, November 14, at 4 p.m., online, by phone (502-584-7777), and at the box office (501 W. Main Street, Louisville 40202).
There are NO PRESALES for this tour; all available tickets go on sale at the same time.
Limit 8 tickets per transaction.
Standard tickets start at $30, reserved seating, fees apply.
A limited number of VIP packages are also available for $149, reserved seating, fees apply. A VIP ticket gives you one of the best seats for the show, access to a Meet & Greet with Dan and Phil, including a selfie on your own phone/camera, and an exclusive gift.
The North American International Livestock Expo (NAILE) still has nearly a week of agricultural showmanship left, but tonight marks the last night for the associated 2017 Great Lakes Circuit Finals of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
From barrel racing and roping to the rough stock events of bronco and bull riding, the North American Championship Rodeo brings fast paced action to freedom hall as dozens of cowboys and cowgirls compete for a purse of tens of thousands of dollars in prize money. The action kicks off at 7:30 PM in Freedom Hall.
The first two nights of go ’rounds are wrapped up and now the competitors seek to lock in the glory and prizes of finishing at the top of the list among the seven main events, which include bareback bronco riding, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping, barrel racing, and the thrilling crowd pleaser – bull riding.
The event isn’t just roping and riding either. Throughout the competition, the crowd is entertained with numerous acts such as the “The Most Recognized Cowboy in the World,” Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey, the illuminating equestrian riding show from the Red Rock Riders Drill Team, and the comedy routines of the PRCA rodeo clown.
Tonight’s event also features two special promotions. To mark Veterans Day, in honor of those who have served our country, active military members, veterans and first responders will receive 50% off of their admission. Tonight is also Kid’s Cowboy Hat Night – the first 500 children in the lobby of Freedom Hall after 6PM will receive a free straw cowboy hat.
You won’t want to miss this action packed evening at Freedom Hall!
Visit us on Facebook to see more photos of the action.
The Kentucky Derby Museum announces a $6.5 million renovation and expansion project, adding over 11,000 square feet of brand new space and renovation of an existing 5,000 square feet. It will be the largest expansion of the Museum’s footprint since the building was constructed in 1985 and one of the largest renovations since a major refurbishing project following damaging flooding in 2009.
The expansion will provide a greater visitor experience for guests with an emphasis on new exhibit space. The recently acquired D. Wayne Lukas collection will be featured in its own permanent gallery. It also creates space to display key pieces of the Bill Shoemaker collection, which has been housed in the Museum’s archives for many years. The expanded second floor will feature other exhibits, plus additional meeting and rental space.
The Museum will build an entirely new third floor within the expansion footprint to house administrative offices, a large conference room and storage areas.
On the ground level, a new stable will house the Museum’s resident Thoroughbred and miniature horse. The area will include seating for educational programming. It also features more than 7,400 square feet of covered space that can be set for various events, including outdoor weddings, dinners, parties and more. With the addition of the new rental space, the Museum will be able to host events with as many as 1,300 people.
The Museum closed out fiscal year 2017 with a record-setting attendance number, welcoming more than 230,000 visitors through its doors, an increase of 5.6 percent over the previous fiscal year. The energy of that success compelled the Museum’s Board of Directors and leadership team to pursue an expansion project and enhance the overall visitor experience.
“We wanted to build upon the momentum of our recent growth and take the Museum to the next level. With this expansion, we’ll create a new, dynamic way to present our mission to engage, educate and excite everyone about the extraordinary event that is the Kentucky Derby to guests from around the world,” Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO Patrick Armstrong said.
“The Kentucky Derby Museum is one of the city’s iconic attractions drawing both leisure and convention travelers looking for an authentic Louisville experience,” Karen Williams, President & CEO of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau said. “The expansion and renovation will offer our visitors even more one-of-a-kind opportunities to enjoy the thrills and traditions of the legendary Kentucky Derby.”
Construction is set to begin after Kentucky Derby 2018 and is expected to be complete by November, in time for the 2018 Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
Belle of Louisville named best of the best award winner from American Bus Association for the hard work and dedication of the group sales and marketing team giving careful attention to the motor-coaches when they arrive for their cruises.
More information can be found at the American Bus Association website.
Winner Gets Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Taking a lesson from Willy Wonka, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Foundation is giving away a Golden Ticket for the 2018 Festival. The lucky winner (and a guest) will experience the Derby Festival like never before! The Golden Ticket includes a Derby Festival package valued at $3553. This is a once in a lifetime chance to attend many of the Festival’s most anticipated (and often sold out) events. Raffle tickets are 50 dollars each and ONLY 500 will be sold. Taking a lesson from Willy Wonka, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Foundation is giving away a Golden Ticket for the 2018 Festival. The lucky winner (and a guest) will experience the Derby Festival like never before! The Golden Ticket includes a Derby Festival package valued at $3553. This is a once in a lifetime chance to attend many of the Festival’s most anticipated (and often sold out) events. Raffle tickets are 50 dollars each and ONLY 500 will be sold.
The Golden Ticket raffle is also for a good cause. Proceeds benefit the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Foundation – the charitable arm of the Derby Festival. The Golden Ticket raffle is coordinated by The Fillies, Inc., a volunteer organization that works closely with the Derby Festival year-round.
The Golden Ticket package includes:
- 2 Grandstand Box tickets to 2018 Kentucky Oaks on May 4, 2018
- Hot air balloon ride for 2 people during the U.S. Bank Great BalloonFest™
- 2 tickets to The Fillies Derby Ball®
- 2 tickets to They’re Off!® Luncheon
- 2 VIP tickets to Thunder Over Louisville
- 2 tickets to the Great Steamboat Race on the Belle of Louisville
- 2 tickets to Kentucky Proud WineFest
- 2 VIP viewing seats at the Republic Bank Pegasus® Parade
- 2 tickets to The Children’s Tea® with the Derby Festival Princesses
- 2 signed 2018 KDF Official Posters
- $100 gift card for Official KDF Merchandise
- 2 complete sets of 2018 Pegasus® Pins – including a Gold Pin!
- 2 memberships to KDF’s Thorobred® VIP program in 2019
Raffle tickets are on sale NOW. They can be purchased at the Derby Festival office at 1001 S. Third Street in Louisville, by calling (502) 584-FEST, or online at KDF.org. The winner will be drawn at the Macy’s Derby Festival Spring Fashion Show at Horseshoe Southern Indiana in March.
