Written by Cindy Abraham

“I was born in the Parris Island Naval Hospital in 1957.  The Code of this location was to  "Improvise, Adapt and Overcome.” This code has underlined my whole life.” Cindy Abraham
 
Over the past two centuries, my paternal and maternal families were centered in Eastern Kentucky (with the exception of the years my brothers and I spent in a proverbial boot camp due to my dad’s Marine background). My father was a die hard member of the GOP in Montgomery County and my mother was a ‘Yellow dog Democrat’.  At this point you may notice that ‘improvise, adapt and overcome’ were healthy directions for children of this beginning.  
 
My playmates were mostly boys (brothers and male cousins) and we “green broke” our horses, fished, learned how to raise hogs and cattle, went hunting and just enjoyed running around wild on family farms. 
 
I attended Mt. Sterling High School and life was sprinkled with cotillions, fancy dresses,  rival football games, and basic 70’s teenage mischief. One of the highlights of the year was Mt. Sterling Court Days where court was held once a month and people came for miles to buy, sell, and trade.  
 
It was the mid-70's and the Vietnam War was drawing to a close. Mt. Sterling embraced our troops who were loyal to the directives of the United States and our Commander in Chief. After graduating in 1975, I continued my education at Transylvania University. 

While at Transy I majored in political science. After a couple of years, I decided to take a hiatus and move to Hilton Head, South Carolina. I always had an interest in art and decided to pursue it. While there, I worked in an art gallery and studied with local artists. In 1981, I went back to school. 
 
One of my brothers was at the University of Kentucky, so I decided to move to Lexington where I would stay in his apartment for awhile. Within the first month, I met the man I knew was going to be my husband. He was my brother’s best friend, Richard Abraham. 

Richard and I hit it off pretty quick.  We had many of the same interests and experiences. Both of us had traveled to Europe while in high school. Both families had first hand experiences with the Vietnam War. Richard’s cousins had served and lived to tell about it.  I know today’s youth may not understand the political implications of the Vietnam War. It ‘colored’ the notions of those that came back from the war and those affiliated with its presence.  
 
I wasn’t raised to be judgmental. Both sides of my family have been educators for the past 100 years.  My great grandfather rode a mule into Appalachia regularly to teach.  We were taught to examine people and situations and make decisions based upon character. 

However, when I announced to my mother that I was marrying Richard (remember as a daughter of a marine, you NEVER bring home an intended until you’ve decided to stand your ground, no matter what) she said, “I hope he’s Jewish."  

My family’s only concern was for ‘the union’ itself and the perceived difficulties I might encounter, rather than saying Richard was not for me, because of the color of his skin.  
 
After much flurry of conversations and concerns, my Grandmother Caudill and my Grandmother Nolan made ‘the ruling.’ Grandmother Caudill said, “If they marry, then he is family.  No more shall be said about it.”  Grandmother Nolan said, “He is a Christian. Done is done”. Contrary to many notions, Richard’s family had more difficulties with him marrying me.  But here we are, 38 years later and smiling.

We got married in 1983 while in college. Shortly after the nuptials, Richard attended a professional football camp in Texas. When he returned from the ‘try-out,’ he said, “Cindy, I know you think I’m big, but girl, those guys are giants!” On that note, Richard decided to continue advancing his strengths in personal training, music and working with special needs kids.  
 
While Richard finished up college, I worked for a CPA firm in Lexington. In 1984, we were blessed with our first daughter Scytha T. Abraham. After moving to Paducah, our second daughter was born Mckynleigh. 
 
So here we are, in Richard’s hometown. He worked in the medical field while I worked in retail. I kept up with my art and went from painting on canvas to making dolls and toys. I actually sell items under “Kentucky Lace: Island Creek Critters.” 
 
When it was time for my girls to start school, there were some concerns. Back in eastern Kentucky, I had come from a long line of educators so I was familiar with the process. My oldest was in public school for four years before I decided that homeschooling would be the best option. There were two reasons why I homeschooled. First, I was a registered volunteer with McNabb Elementary within the Paducah City Schools for a number of years and observed the tying of hands of our educators. Second, the Kentucky Education Reform Act was initiated.
 
One of the girls' outlets for social interaction with their peer groups was the Market House Theater. The Cochran's style of theater classes had a tremendous influence on both of the girls. I attribute much of their confidence and self-assurance to this organization. 

Scytha is married and lives in Paducah. She’s a Registered Nurse and has blessed us with five grandchildren. Mckynleigh is engaged and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Her pursuit has been the stage since she was four years old. When asked at a young age what she wanted to be when she grew up, she stated, "I am going to be a star."  She was performing on Broadway Tours before COVID shut it down. She has her Life Coaching Certification and is building a business that’s gaining traction while waiting for Broadway to reopen.  
 
In 1996, Richard co-founded VIP (Vision Inner-City Paducah) with the late Carol Hoover. We continued our involvement in street ministry and had a talk radio show on WGCF called ‘The Safe Haven Show.’ We ministered to inmates and youth fleeing abusive situations. We discovered that south of Owensboro, Kentucky, there was no safe organizational home for these youth. 
 
Since the local youth distress issue wasn't being addressed by our city commissioners, Richard was unhappy with their lack of interest or action.  He said there weren't enough questions being asked by it members.  “The people aren’t being represented,” he said. In 2000, Richard decided to run for office and won a seat on the Paducah City Commission.
 
Richard has always stated that “hard questions should not be a problem and citizens need to see transparency in those they’ve elected”. I truly believe that Richard accomplished everything that God put him to address during his 14 years of service on the Paducah Board of Commissioners.  As Richard said, “if God wants me as mayor right now, no man can stop it.  And if He doesn't want me there, I do not want to be there.”

As for me, along with the joy I've had as Mrs. Richard Abraham, I, like many others, have experienced abuse, pain, loss, and hardship over the last 63 years.  Again, the “...adapt and overcome’ life motto,  has served me well.  I am a believer in our Creator and in His son Yeshua ha Mashiach. This has strengthened me beyond words. 
 
I’ve been married to an All American, public servant, teacher of the Word, excellent father, one that has dined with a U.S. President and sang for another, a certified personal trainer/life coach, sports and radio announcer, and advocate for troubled youth and those with special needs.  If I accomplish nothing else in my life, being his wife has been beyond fulfilling and always exciting. Who knows...he may be drawn to another genre of public servitude in the future. Stay tuned for the next journey.
​

Around the time the UK Wildcats were slammed by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Dr. J. Kyle Turnbo and his wife Nicole sat down in the comfort of their home for a ‘live’ Facebook chat with friends, family, colleagues, and the community. As the COVID-19 vaccine awaits emergency authorization from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), the Turnbo’s offered their time and expertise based on drug manufacturers’ press releases and other findings. 

Dr. Turnbo and Nicole Turnbo RN have been very accessible to the media by answering the community's questions and giving information via social media. On Saturday, December 5, Nicole sent out a Facebook post asking friends and family if they would be interested in a ‘live’ Facebook chat to answer questions about the Covid vaccines. And, if there’s interest, what are some of those questions. Everybody jumped online with a definitive ‘yes’ for the opportunity to learn more. Sunday morning, Nicole posted to tune in at 5 pm.

On Tuesday, December 8, information on the phase 3 trials will be released. The FDA vaccine advisory panel will meet on December 10 to discuss the emergency authorization of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. If approved, distribution of the vaccine will begin immediately. On December 17, clinical data will be available for review of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine pending emergency use by the panel as well. 

The first question discussed was the approval process for the vaccine. Some are concerned that the drug companies may have rushed to market and the vaccine may not be ready to go. Dr. Turnbo called it “unprecedented warp speed”. 

Dr. T shared an example of 'warp speed' use regarding the polio vaccine. In 1955, Jonas Salk revolutionized the meaning of warp speed. A test group of 1.8 million children were in the trial phase. Children in the US, Canada, and Finland were given the vaccine. One year later, the vaccine was deemed safe and effective and became part of the childhood diseases vaccination protocols. 

The C-19 vaccine has been in the Phase 3 stage for two months. Typically, it’s a six month phase, however, the need for the vaccine is immediate. During this Phase 3 trial, over 100,000 people have been vaccinated. For traditional vaccines, the majority of side effects happen within the first six weeks. Therefore, the two month trial falls within this timeline. 

Another reason for the “unprecedented warp speed” is the new technology used to create the vaccine. The technology that has been studied for over a decade is messenger RNA vaccines or mRNA vaccines. The mRNA vaccine takes advantage of proteins to trigger an immune response of immunity to CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. 

The benefits of the new technology includes the use of a non-infectious element, shorter manufacturing times, and the potential to target multiple diseases. “It’s revolutionary,” said Nicole.  

According to Dr. Turnbo the safety data is “very impressive”. He’ll be able to take a look more closely when the trial information is released on December 8. In addition to side effect data, he said that the disease prevention looked ‘very good’ coming in at 95% effective. In addition, there were nearly 100% reductions in fatalities associated with the COVID-19 or serious symptoms. These findings are ‘significant.’ 

Another question was about how the vaccine is administered. Most have heard that there are two shots that need to be administered for the Pfizer and Moderna C-19 vaccine. Dr. Turnbo said the window of time for the second shot is 28-30 days. He also said that if you get your first shot from one of the drug companies, you need to stick with that brand for the second shot. 

More Questions Answered

How long are you immunized? There’s no clear cut answer to this question since this is a new virus. Dr. Turnbo said, “Nobody knows but with 95% effectiveness one would assume six months to a year.” 

Could someone get COVID-19 from the vaccine? Some said they got the flu after getting the flu vaccine. Dr. Turnbo said, “Nobody gets the flu from the flu vaccine. People get an immune response.” Possible side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine could be inflammation of the muscle at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache, low-grade fever. He said, “It sounds like coronavirus symptoms.” If you have some of these mild symptoms you know the vaccine is working. “Congratulations, you get immunity.” said Dr. Turnbo. Symptoms would only last a day or so. 

What about ‘herd immunity’? Dr. T said, “No disease or virus has been completely eradicated naturally.” 

Is there an advantage of getting the vaccine even if you’ve had COVID-19? The chances of having severe symptoms are lessened by getting vaccinated. We don’t know how long someone has the antibodies in their system to fight off the virus again. 

Who will be the first to get vaccinated? More likely than not frontline healthcare workers that are in the Covid units will receive the first vaccine, as well as long-term care facilities. The Covid floors would include healthcare workers and those cleaning the patient rooms. For long-term care facilities, it would make sense for those taking care of residents to get the vaccine. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the residents. 

Should the vaccine be mandatory? At this point, Dr. Turnbo doesn’t believe the vaccine should be mandatory. There’s still more to learn about the vaccine and time will make that determination. 

Dr. T said, “If everything is approved by the advisory panel, I’ll be much more comfortable  getting vaccinated myself and recommending it to my patients.”  It’s risk and benefits.  ​

It’s not a defining moment but an important one. Jackie Smith was the 1986 Miss Kentucky USA and contender for Miss USA who carried a couple of secret weapons; a big heart and a beautiful smile. She said, “The Miss USA pageant opened my eyes to the possibilities outside my tiny world of experience.” The tiny world she references is the small town of Metropolis, Illinois population of 6,000.

Jackie said, “Ok, this is funny...I loved baton twirling and competed in the USTA (United States Twirling Association) and NBTA (National Baton Twirling Association) until entering high school. The NBTA USA motto is ‘winning is participating’. Accept new friendships as you extend your friendship to your fellow competitors. Baton twirling of yesteryear fashioned big hair, painted faces, flashy costumes, and willowy young women. It's the lessons learned behind the scenes that prepared potential beauty queens like Jackie for future endeavors.

The first eleven years of education for Jackie happened in Massac County. In addition to academics, she participated in cheerleading and countless piano lessons. As she matured, so did her dreams. The little town of Metropolis didn’t give Jackie all she wanted. It was time to move forward and shake things up. She wanted to work in downtown Paducah and become a member of a teen board at Jeans Department Store. “I couldn’t work afternoons as planned, so I decided to change schools,” she said.

Jackie started at Paducah Tilghman High School the second full week of classes in the fall of 1981. “I loved Tilghman. It was the best move for me. It taught me to become independent, step out of my comfort zone, and make new friends.” After graduating from high school in 1982, Jackie attended college at Murray State University as an accounting major. She became very active in student government, concert committee, sorority, and as a little sister in a fraternity.

​During Jackie’s junior year at MSU, she was crowned Miss MSU. The pageant win was a preliminary to Miss Kentucky USA. Though Jackie wasn’t your stereotypical pageant girl (the MSU pageant was only her second), she won and traveled across the state attending festivals, riding in parades, engaging in public speaking, and emceeing pageants. ​

Next stop, the Miss USA pageant in Miami, Florida, known for its sandy, white beaches, Cuban culture, and all-night parties, this little Kentucky girl had eyes wide open for over a month with 50 other beautiful women all vying for the same prize. “It was exhilarating and intimidating at the same time. One of the greatest experiences of my life,” she said. 

Jackie said she made many friends as Miss Kentucky in 1986. One such friend was a celebrity icon, Halle Berry. She was Miss Ohio USA in 1986 and became the first runner-up for Miss USA. “She was as sweet as she was beautiful,” said Jackie. From that experience, Jackie gained more confidence as a public speaker and learned a few tricks of the trade about style, clothing, and beauty.

While in Miami, contestants participated in five weeks' worth of events. The fourth week of preliminaries landed Jackie in the hospital. The day before she was to compete, she was hospitalized due to a lack of rest and proper nutrition. She developed strep throat and couldn’t introduce herself. “I had no voice,” she said. Though the pageant results weren’t in her favor, Jackie said, “I learned that beauty truly comes from the inside.” She went on to say that pageants can amplify insecurities about body image. “It’s wonderful for people who don’t look for self-worth in the opinions of others.”

​Jackie’s first job was in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and realized quickly that she was homesick. An accounting position opened up at the P & L Railroad in Paducah so Jackie dusted the dirt off her shoes and headed home.

It was after the move that Jackie took notice of one particular person; the person that eventually became her husband. “I met Rex while I was Miss Kentucky at a fashion show fundraiser at the Irvin Cobb Hotel in Paducah. We were friends and even double-dated with other people. We realized quickly that we had a lot in common and wanted the same things out of life,” said Jackie.

Rex was seven years older than Jackie but it didn't hamper how they felt about many of the same issues; one of those issues was politics. In college, Jackie was very active in student government.  “My father-in-law and my husband were always involved in the political process,” she said. Rex started in the Democratic Party and later changed affiliations. The interesting thing about the couple is they have their belief system and values but don't begrudge others for having an opposing opinion. Jackie said she prays for the nation no matter who's in charge.

Jim Smith, Jackie's father-in-law was a well-known businessman in western Kentucky. His company, Jim Smith Contracting, was founded in 1969 in Smithland. The family-owned businesses included coal mining, fuel distribution, hotels (notably the ‘Big E’ in Paducah), rock quarry, and highway, bridge, and road construction. Today, Rex is the sole owner of the business. 

Both Jackie and Rex share a passion for fitness. “Our first date was running a 10K, and I beat him’” said Jackie. After three months of dating and many long nights of deep conversations, Rex asked Jackie to marry him. “There was never any doubt that he was and is the only one for me,” she said.

The family that raised Jackie, her adoptive parents, were able to share in the couples’ nuptials. After the death of her parents, Jackie was ready to find her biological family. In 2017, she met her mother, father, and two sisters. “My mother is only 73 and is beautiful and very young at heart. My father was a career military man playing football for the marine corps,” said Jackie. “My parents met again after they discovered me and had lunch at the diner where they dated as high school sweethearts. They’ve become very good friends.”

​Jackie and Rex have four children and two grandchildren. The children are Jay (33), Sam (31), Callie (28), and Gabbie (19). “My greatest talent and passion so far is being a grandmother,” said Jackie. “I was born for this job. I’m a hands-on teacher, cuddler, reader, cheerleader, rocker, and lover of the two most precious beautiful children on planet earth. Charlie is a three-year-old fair-haired blond girl who looks much like my family and Ford is a nine-month-old boy with big brown, dreamy eyes and a mischievous smile like his mother.”

As part of giving back to the community, Jackie is the incoming chair of the Paducah Beautification Board, co-chair of the Dogwood Trail, a board member on the MSU Foundation, and an active member of First Baptist Church of Paducah. She’s worked with the American Cancer Society, The National Bone Marrow Society, Community Kitchen, and Starfish Orphan Ministry.

The Smiths love to travel. “My favorite city to visit is New York. My favorite beach is Seaside and my favorite vacation includes England and Greece,” said Jackie. The family has a farm in Livingston County that’s the perfect place to get away from it all. “The kids like to spend time there,” she said. They also enjoy ‘making a fuss’ over holidays, baby showers, weddings, and anything worth celebrating.

From a personal perspective, Jackie said she always needs a purpose. “I get up every morning optimistic. I bounce back quickly. I’m a fixer-upper. I don’t throw out anything or anybody. I try to help people get back on their feet.”

When asked about Jackie’s perfect day, she said, “I’d have three cups of black coffee with thirty minutes of quiet time. I’d work for an hour or so. Walk on the beach at Marco Island with my best friend engaged in a long talk; maybe a couple of hours in New York with my girls shopping. The afternoon would be spent with my grandchildren in the park. I’d cook a fabulous supper for my husband and boys while listening to stories about their day. Then, sit on the back porch by the fireplace with Rex, a great bottle of cabernet, listening to 70’s music.” ​

After graduating high school in 2012, Azia attended the University of Kentucky in Lexington. It was here that things started to fall in place...educational goals aligned with career aspirations. She did spend a moment or two in the dietetics field, but quickly discovered, it’s children and families that tug at her heart-strings. “I knew I wanted to work with kids,” said Azia. This was her true passion. Saving one family, one life, through hard work, dedication, and prayer. Azia’s major was Family Science and her goal was to work with kids and the family unit. 

Along with her studies, Azia participated in a mentoring program called College Mentors for Kids. By joining a college mentoring program, students can transform other’s lives as well as their own.

Kids would go to the university campus for fun, hands-on activities and to connect with college student mentors like Azia. Student mentors help kids believe in a brighter future. The mission focuses on opening windows of opportunity for underserved children. The idea is to expose impressionable children to positive pathways to make healthier and wiser life choices.

Opportunities like being financially independent and giving back to communities isn’t always the life these children witness. The program makes a big difference on both sides of the fence...the children and the mentor. College students learn to give back to communities through volunteering. It helps to develop leadership skills and make meaningful, impactful relationships. It changes lives. 

After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree, Azia continued her education at UK pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work. 
 
Azia's first career job started as an intern at KVC Health Systems. KVC is a non-profit organization that helps families with in-home therapy, behavioral healthcare, foster care, adoption and children’s psychiatric needs. The program helps to equip children, families, and adults in crisis with the skills and resources needed to change a negative trajectory. 

For two years, Azia was a Comprehensive Community Support Assistant helping to bridge the divide between public schools and parents to cut a child’s negative behavior through support services such as therapy. 

“One client that struck a chord with me was an eight year old foster youth. She was so sweet but feisty and hated when I showed up at her school. Kids would ask her if I was her mother,” Azia said. “She would throw tantrums when she saw me coming. By the time she calmed down, it was time to return to class. One day she asked if I would stop seeing her during the school day. The little girl said she already felt uncomfortable because she was a foster child.” Azia started working with her after school. After weeks of after school meetings, the bond between the two became very special. Listening to the needs of a child can make all the difference in the world. This part of Azia’s job is a game changer.  

Soon, a transfer to another department within the company transpired. Azia moved to Family Preservation and Reunification. FPRS provides in-home, community-based intensive services to cut safety risks jeopardizing children’s placement in the home. It’s designed to help families stay safely together, divert children from being placed in foster care or a residential treatment center, aid reunifying children from out-of-home placement, and improve family relationships. 

Azia moved back to Paducah three months ago. She accepted a position as an Independent Living Coordinator in the Training Resource Center at Murray State University. The program offers independent living services to youth in home care and who have aged out of the system. 
​
The common thread throughout Azia’s career has been to help those in need. “I think some of the youth we meet have been through more than we can ever imagine and they deserve more attention and empathy,” said Azia. Working with youth after they turn 18 is such a critical time. Twenty thousand youth age out of foster care each year and they are at risk for poor educational outcomes, experiencing homelessness, and unemployment. Part of Azia’s role is to help those at MSU avoid becoming a statistic. ​

When the twins go to college leaving mom and dad empty nesters, the Hutchesons have big plans. “Our ultimate goal is to do the Great Loop,” said Hutcheson. America’s Great Loop is a system of waterways that encompasses the eastern portion of the U.S. and includes the Atlantic, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, The Great Lakes, the Rideau Canal, and the Mississippi and Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway. It’s estimated that by boating 50 miles a day it will take nine months to complete. 

Hutcheson and Crystal recently moved from their home of 15 plus years in Lone Oak to the very familiar westend Paducah. The family lived next door to the Murts. Their children are close in age and have been the best of friends. In fact, Jack will come around the old neighborhood at Christmas time to help the Murts decorate for Christmas. The Hutcheson children are very fine young people and will go on to do great things. 

When describing Hutcheson’s perfect day, he said, “It’s forecasted to be 70 degrees, calm and I’m on the water fishing”.  

​

A passion for the weather began at an early age for Jennifer Rukavina Bidwell. At two years old, she realized the potential power of Mother Nature. One afternoon, a thunderstorm blew up in Canton, Ohio. Rukavina’s mother, Madalana decided to take a closer look out a nearby window. With two-year-old Rukavina in tow, while gazing out the window, lightning struck. It was loud. The two-year old began to scream and cry. She was clearly upset by the bolt of lightning. “My mom believes this was the catalyst that made me so afraid of storms,” said Rukavina. 

Growing up in Canton, Ohio, Rukavina attended GlenOak High School in Plaintownship. Canton is about 60 miles south of Cleveland. Cleveland is on Lake Erie and an hour from the Canadian border. When Rukavina was younger, she recalls the town being in a tornado path. Most houses had basements, including Rukavina’s home, and there were times when she would sleep in the basement even during ‘general thunderstorms.’ “My mother made the suggestion that I go to the library since I was so afraid of storms and read about it,” said Rukavina. 

While at GlenOak, Rukavina participated in choir and was part of an all boys golf team. “I wasn’t always a weather nerd,” she said. In 1997, the girls didn’t have a golf team so she and another girl played on the boys' golf team. “It was a great experience. Everybody on the team were great friends. I even lettered,” she said.  

After graduating high school, Rukavina attended college at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. She’s a fifth generation Golden Flash and was encouraged to continue the tradition. She majored in political science with an emphasis on international relations. Rukavina stated there were two classes at Kent State that she liked. One was meteorology and the other aviation. Neither had anything to do with her major. A degree in meteorology didn’t exist at Kent State so she chose to take any weather-related elective available. 

If you're unfamiliar with past events at Kent State University, it's unfortunately tied to the May 4, 1970 massacre or Kent State massacre. Four people died and nine were injured at the hands of the Ohio National Guard. This was at the height of the Vietnam War and students on campus had  organized a peaceful protest opposing further expansion into neutral Cambodia. The protest turned deadly and was followed by a massive student outcry calling for justice across many U.S. campuses.

It was at Kent State that Rukavina faced her fear of storms. During her four years at the university, she worked at the campus television station as an ‘on air’ weather person. “Once I started covering storms, I gained control over my fears. When I was out in the field, I wasn’t afraid." Rukavina continued, "but if a storm appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the night, I was still scared." 

In addition to being a full-time student and weather reporter for the campus television station, Rukavina was very active in Greek organizations. She was a member of Alpha Phi sorority and served her senior year as president. As part of her legacy, she created a philanthropic project for Kids of Shriner’s called the Teddy Bear Treatment. 

“My grandfather was a Shriner and he would drive sick kids to hospitals and burn victims' units. It was something we could do together. It was special,” said Rukavina. Her grandfather, O. Wayne Matter was older and lived only a few years after the project started. Rukavina said it was nice to have something so important to share.  

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree, Rukavina spent the next two years at Mississippi State earning a Master’s Degree. While studying, she worked part-time for the local CBS station filling in on weekends as their weather person.

Shortly after graduating, Rukavina landed her first full-time career job at a television station that had a DMA (Designated Market Area) Nielsen ranking of 75. That television station was in Paducah, Kentucky. She accepted the position as weather anchor in 2004 for the NBC affiliate WPSD News Channel 6. The DMA is a three market split between Paducah (NBC), Harrisburg, Illinois (ABC), and Cape Girardeau, Missouri (CBS). According to Nielson rankings 2020-2021, the split market is now ranked 84. 
​
The size of the market was a great career opportunity for Rukavina. It was also where she met husband Jeff Bidwell. Interestingly, Bidwell didn’t have a great first impression of Rukavina. On her first day on the job, she had an intense migraine so it wasn’t the best day for introductions. As time passed, the two found they had a lot in common. Rukavina said, “We had the same group of friends. We both enjoyed going to Murray State ballgames, and we both really liked sports.” 

Rukavina is a ‘big’ Cleveland Browns fan. Growing up just outside of Cleveland, sporting orange and brown was almost required. “Jeff likes to plan surprise trips to Cleveland games,” said Rukavina. “I’ll wake up on Saturday mornings with a cup of hot coffee sitting beside me next to the bed and he’ll tell me to get up and pack a bag.” The last time Bidwell surprised her with a trip to see the Browns was for the season opener at the new stadium. “I got the full experience, including tailgating,” she said.  It was one of the more memorable trips and she still smiles when discussing the adventure. 

Another trip for the books was Alaska. Rukavina and husband Jeff shared a trip with a group of 'soon to be' friends through Holiday Vacations sponsored by the television station. Most of their travel companions were in their 60’s and 70’s. “It was so memorable. It forced me to relax and there was so much to see and do.” 

The couple married in 2016 and between them have four kids. Jeremy Andrew is Rukavina’s son and will turn 15 years old soon. When Rukavina learned she was pregnant, she had two names picked out, depending on whether she had a son or daughter. Both represented names of hurricanes. Andrew for the category 5 storm that struck the Bahamas, south Florida, and Louisiana in 1992 and  Camille which was the second most intense cyclone to hit the U.S. in 1969. Bidwell has three children: Kate (16), Ryan (14), and Elliott (12). 

A little over two years ago, WPSD chose not to renew Rukavina’s contract. For the first time, she found herself unemployed. The company signed Bidwell a month before letting Rukavina go. “I felt stuck,” she said. The company is known for having its employees sign non-compete agreements and Rukavina's non-compete was for a year. “I was bewildered at being let go,” she said. The company gave her a 30 day severance. “A big majority of the household income came from my job,” said Rukavina. After the initial shock, Rukavina took some time, decompressed, and planned her next move. 

Opportunities started to present themselves. The Weather Channel showed interest in Rukavina’s participation in their Earth Science Series. She had a minor role in season one with a larger role planned for season two. The season is slated to air early spring. Bidwell had a side gig delivering flowers during the busy season for a local wholesaler. Rukavina thought she could do that too. So, for four months, this is exactly what she did. 

Purchase Ford in Mayfield reached out to Rukavina. She started shooting commercials for the dealership. Rukavina said they were very supportive when she was ‘let go’ from the television station and wanted to help in some small way. 

As Rukavina reflected, she recalled her love of plants and gardening when she was a teenager. Working after school for a plant nursery in Canton, she really fell in love with the industry. As an adult, she started with outdoor pot designs. While delivering flowers in Paducah, she decided to start a floral business. 

Part of the preparation for owning a flower shop included training with a Ft. Campbell florist on designing indoor flower arrangements. “It came naturally, it felt good, and it wasn’t hard to pick up,” said Rukavina. The Bidwells invested in three local floral businesses; The Paducah Flower Company, The Murray Flower Company, and Jeannette’s Mayfield Flower Shop, an 88-year-old pre-existing business. “The goal is to have flower shops all over this end of the state,” said Rukavina. 

The Paducah Flower shop opened in February 2020 just before COVID-19 shuttered businesses. “We had just opened and were hardly able to get product in from the wholesaler. Local florists were closing because they had no product,” said Rukavina. The Bidwells closed shop for two weeks. “March and April were very tough.” she said. During this time, she didn’t pay herself a salary and only used the income from sales to pay employees, rent, utilities, basic business needs. 

The three shops now have 10 employees, two are part-time designers that came out of retirement. One is Betty Hall, former owner of the Green Door in Paducah. The shops have fresh-cut flowers, plants, chimes, and a variety of gift items.  

Rukavina said she doesn’t miss the late hours working at the television station. Having a ‘normal work schedule” has its benefits. Her son Jeremy has been ‘working out’ with the Paducah Tilghman High School baseball team. “He’s played travel ball since he was a kid. He’s a freshman now.” said Rukavina. 

Rukavina participates ​in the baseball boosters at PTHS and helps with fundraising. These are things she wouldn’t get to do if she still worked at the television station.

Being a big outdoorsy person, Rukavina prefers activities that take place in the fresh air. She’s especially fond of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area located in Kentucky and Tennessee. “I love LBL. It’s my quiet space where I can relax, exercise...it’s a feel good place for me,” she said. 

The time Rukavina took to regroup and reset after leaving the television station was very Zen. She took note of the hours spent working late and the time it took away from family life. The weather is still very much front and center for Rukavina. She has a Facebook page called Jennifer Rukavina - Meteorologist and Storm Specialist https://www.facebook.com/MeteorologistJenniferRukavina   with over 37,000 followers. Season two of The Weather Channel’s Weird Earth Series is about to unleash its season opener. And, the flower shops are another way to keep her grounded and in tune with mother earth. Keeping the projects flowing is what makes her tick. I’m sure there’s much more to come. 

"As the eagles soar and the birdies fly, this golfing duo share days gone by"

​February is here and it's brought a friend, old man winter. With the mix of snow and ice, the frigid temperatures continue to keep its grip on middle America and the Northeast. At a time when COVID-19 continues to affect our way of life, a sudden blast of arctic air adds to the isolation and uneventful daily routine. Adding insult to injury, Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter on February 2 after seeing his shadow. Everyday DOES seem like groundhog day. 

Same day same way. We eat, sleep, and pass the time scrolling through our phones or watching reruns on television. There are so many streaming services, limitless cable channels, numerous movies on demand, the list goes on. It's time for a little romance, we think. It's time to forget our troubles, we believe. It's time to make a detour and escape reality, we silently shout. Suddenly, you land on the Hallmark channel. 

Hallmark movies are our guilty pleasures with fairytale endings. Most movies are easy to predict, and the plots are quite similar, but we don't care. The problems are identifiable. And nine times out of ten it’s about lost love.

These romantic trysts are mainly set in small town USA where traditional values are the cornerstone to long-lasting relationships. Maybe there’s a death,  a bitter divorce or possibly bad choices. The point is, something good will come out of something not so good.

This love story dates back more than 60 years in small town USA Ridgely, Tennessee. If you’re unfamiliar with this community of southern folks, it’s located in the northwest part of the state and minutes away from Reelfoot Lake State Park. After the 2010 census, population was recorded at 1,795 residents. 

One of the perks growing up in this area was enjoying Reelfoot Lake. The lake holds a lot of appeal to those in the surrounding community. As recorded history states, a massive earthquake along the New Madrid Fault in 1811-1812 produced the formation of the 20 miles long and seven miles wide natural wonder. The upheaval caused the land on the east side of the Mississippi River to sink, causing a hole to form and water to rush in. And, the old wives' tale circulating suggests those living on the land got swallowed up by the earth never to be seen again.

If you haven't been to this neck of the woods, it's worth a visit.  The lake is primed for fishing, boating, hunting and once upon a time, sunbathing on the sandy beaches.

The setting is the early 50’s when life was simple. In Ridgely, many were farmers, factory workers, or employed by one of the local small businesses on the downtown square. Parents didn’t have the same fears they do today. Children would leave in the morning to play outside and would show up for supper as it turned dark. Most of the children’s activities revolved around playing street ball, tag in the cotton fields or playing on the school yards playground. Games included football, basketball, jumping rope, hopscotch, maybe even a little kick the can.  

Margie Davis Fields and David Fields’ friendship goes back to this simple time. The two started off as playmates. David said, “Two childhood friends had the time of their life.”  

“Margie was the tomboy and loved hanging out and playing ball with me and my pals.” said David. It was more of a sibling friendship than any that resembled a physical attraction. “During the early years, Margie Gale was like my little sister and I dated EVERY single one of her friends,” chuckled David. 

Before entering first grade, David, his sister, and mom moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Since David’s grandparents lived in Ridgely, he would spend each summer and winter vacationing in Ridgely at their home. Luckily for Margie and David, the relationship continued to be nurtured throughout their high school years. 

During the 50’s, Ridgely had as much to offer as every other little town in America. In fact, Reelfoot Lake had three of the best beaches around. Kids and their families would go to Sunkist, Edgewater and Magnolia beaches to enjoy swimming, water slides (playground slides attached to floating docks), sandy beaches, and concession stands. Kids could get Coney dogs, ice-cold Coca-Cola, cotton candy, or any tasty carnival treat. Any kid would love to live in this time and place.  

Margie and David remained friends through high school. “We went off to college, married another, and started families...and our story should have ended here,” said David. Fifty years later, David succumbed to social media pressures and joined Facebook. David isn't proud of this. He’s never been fond of computers and only jumped on the internet if it was necessary. Obviously, Facebook wasn’t necessary but for their love story, it’s a good thing he did. 

“Little did I know my life was about to change,” said David. Margie had been on a trip to Florida with several of her girlfriends from high school and posted pictures of the vacation on Facebook. The pictures represented a trip down memory lane for David and he thought, ‘I know those girls’ so he posted a comment to one of the pictures. “As luck would have it, Margie Gale was the one that responded and we decided to meet for dinner,” said David. 

The two hit it off right away. The conversation flowed and the good old days were reminisced. “Fifty years had passed and that same ‘little sister’ rapidly became my ‘little sweetheart.’ We dated for two years and decided to complete this Hallmark movie and get married. It didn’t snow but it sure was a happy ending.” said David. 

This particular Hallmark movie, not surprisingly, ends like all the rest that have come before it. The two enjoy hanging out together and doing much of the same thing like golf, and golf, and golf. The perfect ending for these two is an eagle on the 18th hole. Ba Da Ba!