http://http://www.kentucky.com/141/index.xml News, sports, and entertainment from Kentucky.com en-us Copyright 2009 Kentucky.com Communities 60 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 03:45:37 EST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench webmaster@kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/649132.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/649132.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:01 EST
It's a challenging course, and the competitors haven't been given time to practice. They must keep their eyes on the obstacles, but also listen intently for directions from their coaches.

This sport — called agility — could stump an Olympic star. But the canine athletes running the course — from tiny Chihuahuas to Labrador retrievers — take it all in stride.

Agility has quickly gained popularity in the United States since the first exhibitions in the 1980s and has a strong following in Central Kentucky, where dogs such as Misty, an American Eskimo owned by Mary Barry of Lexington, can compete on courses of various levels of difficulty and also learn obedience and other skills. Misty, who was rescued from a Western Kentucky animal shelter, was introduced to the sport about two years ago.

Agility helped Misty bond with her owner and “has helped her focus tremendously,” Barry said. She also gets to socialize with other pets.

“She has to meet the new dogs first or she won't pay attention to me,” Barry said. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/648928.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/648928.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:09 EST
The Jemima Johnson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will sponsor two essay contests.

The American History Essay contest will be for students in fifth through eighth grade in public or private schools or home-schooled. First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected for each grade level.

The topic is: "What message did the Gettysburg Address communicate to our war-torn nation in 1863? How are the ideals articulated in the speech still relevant for our country today?"

The essay is to be typed or handwritten in ink. All of the essays must be the student's original work, and the essay must have a bibliography listing all references used.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/648926.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/648926.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:46 EST
"If this ball flies over and hits that (Lego), then do we lose points?" Seth, a sixth-grader at Tates Creek Middle School, wanted to know.

Their coach said yes.

"It's going to hit," said Beau, a sixth-grader at Beaumont Middle. He insisted that they change strategy.

But Jonathan, a Beaumont eighth-grader, thought they were on track.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/649160.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/649160.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:15 EST
The Woodford County Chamber of Commerce hosted a reception Dec. 29 honoring Patsy Shryock, who is retiring from her job as staff assistant after 10 years. Woodford County Judge-Executive John Coyle presented Shryock with a certificate of appreciation for her dedication to Woodford County as well as a certificate noting her induction into the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Versailles Mayor Fred Siegelman named Shryock an Honorary Citizen of Versailles and Midway. Mayor Tom Bozarth presented Shryock with a proclamation naming Dec. 29 Patsy Shryock Day. Shryock said her retirement plans include more exercise, more travel, and volunteering.

Also recognized at the reception were outgoing ­Woodford County Chamber of Commerce Board members Sharon Hughes and Vickie Fister.

Christmas store assists 450 children

The Saint Leo School Christmas Store, an annual event serving Woodford County residents in need, was held Dec. 20. The store assisted the families of more than 450 children in Woodford County. Parents chose from a variety of new and gently used toys donated to the store. Thanks to cash donations of $2,000, new toys, hats, gloves, underwear and socks were also provided. All remaining items were sent to the holiday store organized by the Catholic Action Center in Lexington.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/648927.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/648927.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:46 EST
The Jessamine County Health Department is seeking volunteer coaches for seniors in a new program, "A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls." Coaches need good communication and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults. Coaches also need to be able to lead low- to moderate-level exercise for the January classes. Call Lori Morgan at (859) 885-4149, Ext. 1029.

Equine center needs hay

Kentucky Equine Humane Center is in need of hay donations to feed the more than 50 horses in its care. Donations of feed or grain are also appreciated. Call Cyndi Greathouse at (859) 881-5849.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/649140.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/649140.html Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:13 EST
Army Reserve Pvt. Seth C. Thompson has been deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Thompson, a military intelligence analyst, is assigned to the 345th Psychological Operations Co. of Dallas. He has two years of military service.
He is the son of John and Drucilla Thompson of Versailles.

Army Reserve Pfc. Brandon K. Smith has been deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Smith, a psychological-operations specialist, is assigned to the 15th Psychological Operations Battalion of Cincinnati. He has more than two years of military service.

He is the son of Darrell L. Smith and Darlina G. Wysocki of Lexington and a 2004 ­graduate of Lexington Catholic High School.

Army Reserve Pfc. Timothy J. Thiessen has been deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Thiessen, an ­intelligence analyst, is assigned to the 345th Psychological Operations Co. of Dallas. He has more than one year of military service. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/641723.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/641723.html Wed, 31 Dec 2008 03:09 EST
And when they pass away, they leave a hole in our hearts.

Sometimes, the best therapy is to share their stories with others.

By popular demand, the Herald-Leader again offered bereaved pet owners the opportunity to pay tribute to their deceased pets. We received more than 50 tributes, far more than we can print. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/642594.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/642594.html Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:40 EST
The Herald-Leader is looking for people to blog and post pictures about events and news in their county at Kentucky.com.

We'll pick the best of those blogs just send us the URL for your blog post for consideration each week to feature in the Communities section and on the Communities Web page.

For more information or instructions, e-mail Communities editor Risa Richardson at rrichardson@herald-leader.com. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/642587.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/642587.html Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:40 EST
The Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises Inc., a non-profit lender based in Berea, recently was named one of the awardees of the Wachovia NEXT Awards for Opportunity Finance. FAHE received the $25,000 Innovation Award for its pioneering application of low-income housing tax credit financing in rural areas. In less than two years, FAHE Capital a new business of FAHE has successfully used the tax credits to bring more than $17 million in private equity investments to develop affordable rental units in rural communities. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/642586.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/642586.html Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:44 EST
Air Force Airman 1st Class Jessica M. Kirksey has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. She is the daughter of Tracey Kirksey of Lexington and a 2008 graduate of Bryan Station High School.

Air Force Airman Donnell S. Davis has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. He is the son of Miguiel Davis of Lexington and a 2008 graduate of Dunbar High School.

Air Force Airman Adam C. Humphrey has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Humphrey is the son of Chris Humphrey of Lexington and a 2006 graduate of Tates Creek High School. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/642585.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/642585.html Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:44 EST

Fayette County

Marriage Licenses

Misty Dawn Marler and Matthew Sherman Cornelius. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/637182.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/637182.html Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:53 EST
Some kids gawk in awe and fascination. Others jump on his lap and give him hugs and kisses and have to be lugged and bribed away.

Still others wait in line with their parents for hours, only to freeze with fear when it's their turn with to meet with the jolly fellow.

We asked readers to send us cute pictures of their kids and pets with Santa.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/637007.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/637007.html Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:31 EST
Ron Shashy, a Lexington ear, nose and throat surgeon, competed Oct. 25 in The Great Floridian Triathlon, an Ironman long-distance event in Clermont, Fla. Shashy completed the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon in 10 hours and 56 minutes. He placed 17th among approximately 275 competitors.

He competed in the event less than six months after breaking a pelvis and separating a shoulder in a bike accident in North Middletown.

He is training to participate in the Ironman European Championship on July 5 in Frankfurt, Germany, and in the Ironman Louisville competition on Aug. 30. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/637013.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/637013.html Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:31 EST
Georgetown-Scott County Parks and Recreation received the Department of the Year award during the 2008 Kentucky Recreation and Park Society state conference. The award was given to the department employees for exemplifying viable parks, facilities and programs. Director Lois Holmes received the prestigious Fellow award. Sherri Nicholas, superintendent of recreation, was awarded the Professional of the Year award, and Kimberly Ethridge, a University of Kentucky doctoral candidate in family studies, received the Student of the Dr. Alton Little Graduate Scholarship Award. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/637012.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/637012.html Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:31 EST
Gov. Steve Beshear proclaimed Kentucky Human Rights Day on Dec. 10 in the state Capitol. The event commemorated the 60th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Kentucky Division of the United Nations Association held the ceremony for which the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights was a co-sponsor. The Kentucky e_SDHpCommission on Human Rights received 421 discrimination complaints from July 1, 2007, to June 30. That number was just short of an all-time agency high of 423 complaints in the previous reporting year.

The Kentucky Human Rights Commission is the state government agency that enforces state and federal laws against discrimination.

]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/637011.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/637011.html Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:31 EST
Albin C. Whitworth, visiting professor of music and organist of the chapel at Asbury Theological Seminary, entertained guests of President George W. and first lady Laura Bush at a White House Christmas open house on Dec. 11. Whitworth, a world- renowned organist, pianist and composer of church music, played holiday selections on the piano during one of seven official Christmas open houses at the White House. Whitworth and his wife visit Washington, D.C., each December to enjoy the Christmas music at Washington Cathedral.

Last year, he was introduced to one of Laura Bush's aides during a tour of the White House. After learning about Whitworth's musical talent, the aide asked Whitworth if he was interested in applying to play for one of the holiday open houses. He applied, and in October he was invited to play.

]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/637010.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/637010.html Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:31 EST
Recently, 26 St. Leo School middle school students attended the Kentucky Youth Assembly convention in Louisville and Frankfort, developing and presenting bills. Gregory DiBiasie was named an outstanding legislative delegate, and Olivia Ramsey was named an outstanding premiere legislative delegate. Gregory was one of 10 chosen out of 1,400 students. Olivia was distinguished among all sixth graders at the event.



Many cats need homes ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/629385.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/629385.html Wed, 17 Dec 2008 07:41 EST
Nothing could be further from the truth.

The neighborhood, just 3 years old, prides itself on being a close-knit community that knows how to have fun.

"We get together for Christmas parties, birthdays, pool parties, graduations, luncheons, just any way we can to keep neighbors connected," said Karen Guarnieri, who was one of the first to move into the subdivision in 2005. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/629390.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/629390.html Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:48 EST
The award is given biennially.

Imhoff has served at the helm of the Lexington Public Library since 2003, and under her leadership, the library has enjoyed tremendous growth, both in terms of facility improvements including the newly opened Northside Branch and the Village Branch, which was opened in 2004 and expanded in 2008, and the number of people attending its various programs.

"We want the library to serve as a community commons, the heart and soul of a community," said Imhoff, who will serve as president of SELA for the next two years. "Other than public parks and the public library, there is no other place in a community that serves all ages with accessible, free programs." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/629394.html http://www.kentucky.com/141/story/629394.html Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:49 EST
Take the other day, for example, when he was holding a bag of dog food in the grocery store checkout line.

"Got a dog?" the man next to him asked.

That was more invitation than Creacy needed. ]]>