KENTUCKY (7/20/18) — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has entered into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help Kentucky food producers comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule. Under the cooperative agreement, the FDA will release a total of $2.84 million to Kentucky over the next three years. The funds will be divided among the…

KENTUCKY (7/20/18) — Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, state education leaders in Louisiana decided to take over and rebuild the shattered New Orleans public school infrastructure using charter schools, which by their very nature are more innovative and rapidly responsive than their traditional counterparts. Such speed and innovation were sorely needed in the Big Easy after…

LOUISVILLE, Ky (7/20/18) — Spine surgeons and researchers at the University of Louisville, concerned about potential opioid misuse resulting from pain management related to surgery, have discovered positive news in a study of back surgery patients. The study, conducted by researchers in the UofL Department of Neurological Surgery, has determined that patients undergoing surgery for degenerative…

HENDERSON, Ky. (7/19/18) — The Kyndle 4th Friday Networking Luncheon will be held noon Friday, July 27 at the Kyndle training room, 136 Second St., Henderson. RSVP to info@kyndle.us or call (270) 826-7505. Lunch is sponsored by Lori Tuggle of Shelter Insurance. SurfKY News

MADISONVILLE, Ky. (7/19/18) — Madisonville Police Department released the following reports today: Ashley R. Picou of Madisonville was charged July 19 with fourth-degree assault-dating violence. Christopher Lee Blair of Madisonville was charged July 18 with public intoxication (excludes alcohol) and third-degree criminal trespassing. Norman Rigney of Madisonville was charged July 19 with failure…

KENTUCKY (7/19/18) —In this week's column, Rusty explains timing on amount of Social Security benefits paid. Dear Rusty: I am 63 ½ and I am officially retiring from my job on Aug. 1 because I’m physically unable to do the work anymore. I have qualified for a pension from work and I also want to start receiving my Social Security benefits. What happens if I choose to go back to work full time or…

FRANKFORT, Ky. (7/19/18) — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary June 2018 unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The unemployment rate for June 2018 was up from the 4.1 percent reported for May 2018. The preliminary June 2018 jobless rate was down 0.9 percentage points from…

FRANKFORT, Ky. (7/19/18) — Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles and the Farmer Veteran Coalition have announced a new logo for the nationwide Homegrown By Heroes agricultural marketing program. “The new Homegrown By Heroes logo refreshes the brand while more accurately representing active-duty members of the armed forces and military veterans in agriculture,” Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan…

HOPKINS COUNTY, Ky. (7/19/18) — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close a section of Kentucky 892 in Hopkins County Friday. Kentucky 892/Hickland Road will be closed during daylight hours, between Kentucky 862 and Thomas Moore Road, to allow a cross drain to be replaced, KYTC Spokesman Keith Todd reported. The road will close 7 a.m. and it is expected to reopen to traffic around 2…

MADISONVILLE, Ky. (7/18/18) — Madisonville Police Department released the following reports today: Jeremy J. Steverson of Madisonville was charged July 17 with fourth-degree assault-domestic violence. Roger Ted Barnett of Madisonville was charged July 17 with fourth-degree assault-domestic violence. Devon J. Manion of Louisville was charged July 17 with failure to appear (Jefferson County).…

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7/18/18) — U.S. Rep. James Comer (KY-01) has been selected to serve on the conference committee tasked with negotiating a final version of the Farm Bill. While the House of Representatives and the Senate both passed a Farm Bill in late June, there are several key differences between the two versions that must be resolved before a final Farm Bill can be signed into law, providing…

HOPKINS COUNTY, Ky. (7/18/18) — Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office released the following reports today: Stephanie Hansen of Elkton was charged July 17 with failure to pay. Tony Pettus of Earlington was charged July 17 with no registration plates, second-degree fleeing police in a vehicle and three counts of failure to appear. SurfKY News

KENTUCKY (7/18/18) — Kentucky State Police is competing with state law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S in the American Association of State Troopers “2019 Best Looking Cruiser Contest.” The winning photo will be featured on the cover and premier January position of the association’s 2019 wall calendar. KSP’s photo features one of its newest Dodge Charger cruisers in front of the state…

PADUCAH, Ky. (7/18/18) — Tammy Zimmerman was recently named to the Baptist Health Board of Directors, the governing board for the entire Baptist Health system to include its hospitals, healthcare facilities, programs and affiliated corporations. The role of the Baptist Health Board of Directors is to provide oversight of the Baptist Health organization and ensure that it fulfills its mission. She…

MADISONVILLE, Ky. (7/17//18) — Madisonville Police Department released the following reports today: Amanda C. Carlton of Madisonville was charged July 17 with second-degree disorderly conduct. Kelvin K. Bell of Madisonville was charged July 16 with theft by unlawful taking/disposition (less than $500). April R. Atkins of Madisonville was charged July 16 with driving on a suspended or revoked…

HOPKINS COUNTY, Ky. (7/17/18) — Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office released the following report today: Kevin Morris of Dawson Springs was charged July 16 with two counts of failure to appear in court. James Cumbee of Dawson Springs was charged July 17 with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine-second offense). SurfKY News