Help is on the way for local restaurants in Marshall County, Kentucky after indoor dining was halted across the state of Kentucky to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the virus that has killed over a quarter million people across the US. Indoor dining closures began last Friday evening and will continue until December 13, 2020 per Executive Order from Governor Andy Beshear.
Today, November 23, an Emergency Meeting of the Marshall County Fiscal Court was held to discuss signing an Emergency Executive Order by Judge Executive Kevin Neal. All commissioners supported the order that's designed to provide certain items of personal property to restaurants to encourage outdoor dining. Options like tents will be made available over the next several days and will be allotted through the Emergency Management office. "During this time when so many of our local restaurants are struggling to remain in business due to these orders from the Governor, we have to come together to step up and help in any way we can. Some of these small businesses don't have drive- thru capability or outdoor seating like the larger chain restaurants have. This is so much harder for them and their employees to overcome." said Neal. Restaurants in Marshall County who would like more information about options can contact the Marshall County Emergency Management office at 270-527-4739.
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Christmas in the Trees reversible parade in Paducah, Kentucky happening December 5 from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Floats to have music, lights and decorated Christmas trees. The reversible parade is happening in Paducah on December 5 and there's no better time to get your group together and plan for a COVID-19 socially-distanced Christmas event. The Parks and Recreation Department in Paducah is accepting applications for your float entry which will take place in the middle of town at Bob Noble Park in Paducah.
What is a reverse parade or an inverted parade? It's a stationary parade. Instead of the floats passing by excited parade goers on the street, the public will drive-by the floats. There's a limit to the number of floats to keep CDC compliant. Once entries top 42, that's it. The deadline is November 30 at 5 pm to fill out the submission forms and participate as a parade float. On Saturday, December 5, the drive-thru parade begins at 5:30 pm and ends at 9:30 pm. The entire community is invited to view the sparkling event. If you're familiar with the Christmas lights and decorations inside Noble Park and the whimsical characters and child-like fun, imagine the excitement it will bring to all those that attend on Saturday. Attendees will enter the park at H.C. Mathis Drive and continue through Noble Park to exit at Cairo Road. The floats will be lined up along Noble Park Trace Road. There will be a balloon display as well. Fascinating balloon creations will greet you at the entrance and say goodbye as you exit the park. And, Santa Claus will be checking his naughty and nice list as well as making a special appearance. Some of the float requirements include music, lights, and a Christmas tree. There's no electricity on site so floats will need to be powered by generators. The judging for the parade entries will be at 4 p.m. on December 5 with the following float categories: themed, religious, school, and musical. The full list of guidelines and the application to enter a float for the Christmas in the Trees event can be found at http://paducahky.gov/christmas-float-event. For more information about Parks Department-related activities, call 270-444-8508 or visit us online at www.paducahky.gov. Bring in the New Year in your pjs and purchase a New Year's Eve Home Party Pack from the Charity League of Paducah raising funds for Easterseals West Kentucky The Charity League of Paducah will bring in the New Year COVID-19 style. The spread of the coronavirus is hampering the ability for local charitable organizations to raise money for nonprofits and the Charity League of Paducah is no different. Each year, the League plans a New Year’s Eve bash that raises money for Easterseals West Kentucky. Last year, they raised approximately $25,000.
This year, the party will be celebrated in the comfort of one's home compliments of the Charity League of Paducah and several local sponsors. The transformation from eveningwear to pjs will ‘party on’ with a New Year’s Eve Home Party Pack. Local sponsors like Wagner Wine & Spirits will be the Champagne Toast Sponsor. They’ll be responsible for ‘poppin’ the cork on the bubbly spirits while participants bring in the year at home. Another local company, Chambers Roofing Company will contribute to the New Year’s Eve Party Packs. I don’t believe a new roof is one of the party favors, however, there will be other goodies contributed by the local company. The cancelation of Snowball 2020 was decided sometime around the first of November. With that difficult decision, ideas to replace the highly-successful annual party were in the works. Thankfully, the alternative plan came together quickly. The Easterseals of West Kentucky is the primary non-profit beneficiary of the fundraiser and the need is great. The mission of the nonprofit is to enhance the quality of life for children and adults of all abilities promoting personal development, independence, inclusion, and equality. There will be three different party packs sold and filled with New Year’s Eve supplies like champagne, flutes, snacks, sweets, party hands and more. First is the Banterra Bank VIP “Bank on New Beginnings” party pack for $250. Second is the Paducah Bank ‘Happy WOWYear’ party pack for $150. Third is the Chambers Roofing ‘Raise the Roof’ party pack for $100. The history of the Charity League of Paducah began in 1928 when a group of six women wanted to raise $150 to purchase a couch and chair for the Friendly Home for Children. From that meeting, the first ‘Snowball was thrown’. The same group of women held four Snowballs and in 1932, the Charity League of Paducah was established. Their first project was the Lending Library located in Rudy’s Department Store nicknamed, “The Macy’s of Paducah”. The 1937 flood claimed the beautiful, exquisite store and the Lending Library project moved to the Charity League House. Other fundraisers were created throughout the years and in 1952, a variety show ‘the follies’ raised money and donated funds to the construction of the West Kentucky Easter Seals Center. If you would like to read more about the history of the Charity League of Paducah, follow this link: https://paducahcharityleague.com/history/ Paducah is fortunate to have a group of dedicated women raising money for those in need. To purchase a party pack or make a monetary donation, contact Hillary Landry, Charity League President at charityleagueofpaducah@ gmail.com. All orders must be placed by December 4. Paducah Public Schools Superintendent Donald Shively addressing the school board members and the community virtually from his home after testing positive for COVID-19. The Paducah Independent School District Board of Education called a special meeting Monday evening to hear parent/community comments regarding Superintendent Shively as well as listen to Shively address the board and concerned parents/citizens.
After the special meeting, a regular meeting followed. Due to COVID-19, the in-person meeting was closed to the public. A virtual meeting replaced the physical meeting and was livestreamed on the Paducah Board of Education Facebook page and the Paducah Tilghman High School web page. The special meeting prior to the regularly scheduled meeting was to allow members of the community to share comments with the board regarding Paducah Public Schools Superintendent Donald Shively's circulated Halloween party photo from 2002. The photo pictured Shively in blackface, do-rag, gold chain, and PTHS football shirt. After the parents and concerned citizens shared their thoughts and opinions, Shively addressed the board and those watching virtually. He began by saying, "I'd like the opportunity to share what I've been trying to do." First, he apologized for the 'horrible and hurtful' act and expressed the numerous times he's asked for forgiveness and hopes that one day he'll be forgiven. Shively said he's committed to a dialogue and has met with Tilghman students in-person and virtually. He's spoken with faculty and staff members across the district so all could 'share what they wanted to share.' He said, " Two weeks ago last Monday, I cleared my calendar from eight in the morning until six at night for parents or groups of parents that wanted to talk." There have been talks with community leaders and community groups across Paducah either in-person, by email, text, or phone calls. Shively said there are things he's learned through these conversations. "I chose to get into education; it's about helping others and you dedicate your professional life to doing that." He continued, "Now, with what's happened, with what's come to light, the choice I made seeing how you can hurt people and destroy trust is just heartbreaking." The superintendent estimated he'd spent 100 hours of communication and dialogue discussing the situation and he believes he has a much better understanding of the pain and hurt his actions caused. He believes there needs to be more discussions on race and racism within the community. Shively said he's been questioned on how did this happen? Why did you make this decision? He's tried to understand how this must feel knowing he can't walk in their shoes. There's been trust broken and he understands. In the end, 'it's always been about what's best for the students.' Members of the Board have said they won't be making any immediate decisions on Shively's future at Paducah Public Schools. One of the board members Mary Hunter Hancock said the board has received 139 messages with different ideas on Shively's future with Paducah Public Schools. Some have said remove Shively, some suggest reprimanding him, while others want to retain him. Regardless of tonight's events, the superintendent will remain the leader of the Paducah Public Schools at present. If you would like to read comments from parents and members of the community, go to the Paducah Public Schools Facebook page. Superintendent Donald Shively tests positive for COVID-19 and virtual learning continues for PPS11/12/2020 Paducah Public Schools Superintendent Donald Shively along with 30 other Paducah Public Schools employees have COVID-19 related quarantines. Shively has tested positive for the virus but not all employees are dealing with the same circumstance.
The announcement came on Wednesday by a school district spokesman. Of the 30 quarantined staff members, some will be quarantined due to the exposure to the virus. Others are caring for family members that have tested positive while some have tested positive. Students will continue to learn virtually from November 16 through November 20 based on recommendations by the Purchase District Health Department because of the rise in positive cases in the community, said Paducah Public Schools Wayne Waldon. There will be students that will have NIT days on November 23 and 24 as well. Schools will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday November 25 - 27. The Tornado takeout meal program will deliver once a week on Thursdays, providing six days' worth of meals for those under the age of 18. During a special called meeting on Wednesday, November 11, a decision was made that students at McCracken County Schools will continue to learn virtually into December. The announcement was made by Superintendent Steve Carter who shared some of the districts COVID-19 numbers with the board.
Carter said, "What's going on in our community filters into our buildings." The rise in cases in McCracken County since November are being reflected in the rise in numbers within the walls of our schools in McCracken County. There were 2,700 new positive CoV-2 cases reported in Kentucky by Governor Andy Beshear on Wednesday. This is the reason for the called meeting and the continuation of virtual learning in the McCracken County School District. The positive cases are undeniable and Carter made special note of it. It's the belief of the leaders of the school system that keeping students' mental health at the forefront is crucial. The spread of the virus must be squashed. Carter said, "But it's got to be in a safe, controlled, very tight process." Kentucky's positivity rate is 8.12% inching closer and closer to the numbers of the neighboring state of Illinois. The hope is that this time of virtual learning will help get the virus exposure under control. The school district for McCracken County will continue to track the COVID-19 numbers within the district for future decisions on when students can safely return to the classroom. Board members of the school district will continue to follow the numbers in our area. The City of Paducah and several organizations that have planned Veteran's Day events tomorrow. The annual Veterans' Day Parade in Paducah will not take place this year due to the high incidence of COVID-19 in our area.
The first event is the Veterans' Day Sunrise Reveille. It will take place at the corner of Broadway and Water Street beginning at 6 am. Reveille will be played as the flag rises by members of the US Coast Guard. Traffic will be halted at the Gazebo on Broadway. Social distancing and masks are advised. "I love this holiday," said City Manager Jim Arndt. "It's a powerful way for recognizing our active and former members of the military. I urge everyone to take some time on Veterans' Day to thank veterans for their service." There will be an unveiling of an American flag mural at second and Broadway on Veteran's Day in downtown Paducah. It's part of the Quilt City USA mural series created by Melinda Bula of El Dorado Hills, California and painted by Stefanie Graves, Cowango Studios in Paducah. The unveiling will take place at 11 am at the floodwall adjacent to the Schroeder Expo Center and Julian Carroll Convention Center at 415 Park Street. It's requested that participants remain in their vehicles during the official unveiling. The McCracken County Public Library is holding a virtual Veterans' Day event at 7 pm tomorrow. The event will be led by Colonel Fred Johnson retired US Army. Johnson is the author of Five Wars: A Soldier's Journey to Peace. Deployments include Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia. There will be a Distinguished Veteran Award, Patriot Award, and essay winners announced tomorrow brought to you by the City of Paducah and WPSD. The coronavirus is raging through the Midwest and Kentucky isn't being sparred. Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear reported 2,318 new COVID-19 cases in Kentucky, the second largest number since reporting positive results. Granted, 1,400 positive cases where from a backlog of cases in Fayette County.
Currently, there are 1,102 hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 including 281 in intensive care units and 129 on ventilators in Kentucky. The numbers are continuing to rise as the state's positivity rate is now 6.5%. There were 20 reported deaths on Thursday. Out of 120 counties, 80 of them are in the red zone due to high coronavirus incidence rates. Now is the time to wear masks, wash your hands, social distance, and do all that we can as Kentuckians to slow/stop the spread. See below for additional recommendations to follow during this critical time. Paducah Public Schools has decided to join McCracken County Schools and begin virtual learning today, Friday, November 6 in response to recommendations set forth by the Purchase Area Health Department. There will be some students in our area that will struggle with virtual learning. School systems are still waiting on computers to be delivered. In addition to lack of equipment, some student's don't have the internet in their homes. Increasing broadband access across the state was a big political issue in western Kentucky this election. One yet to be resolved. McCracken County Schools said the increase in the number of staff members in quarantine is the reason the school district is switching to all virtual learning. Both district plan to reevaluate virtual instruction on a weekly basis. The next review is scheduled for November 13. Recommendations for slowing the spread of COVID-19: Employers should allow employees to work form home when possible. Government offices that don't provide critical services nee to operate virtually. Reduce in-person shopping; order online or pickup curbside. Order take-out; avoid dining in restaurants and bars. Prioritize businesses that follow and enforce the mask mandate and other guidelines Don't host or attend gatherings of any size. Avoid non-essential activities outside your home. Reduce overall activity and contacts, follow existing guidance, including the 10 Steps to Defeat COVID-19. Barbecue on the River Executive Director, David Boggs, was sentenced to eight years in jail after stealing more than $29,000 from the fundraising event. Boggs was charged with theft by unlawful taking.
Boggs' pastor and sister spoke on his behalf asking for his sentence to be probated. The request was denied. Also speaking at the sentencing was Boggs himself. The defendant said he was embarrassed. He apologized to his friends and members of the Barbecue on the River and said he failed them. The judge considered probation for Boggs, but felt the time should fit the crime. The judge believed it was necessary for him to go to jail. This year's Barbecue on the River was canceled due to COVID-19. An alternative to the event took place in the form of a pick-up/delivery scenario. The fundraiser dubbed 'Barbecue off the River' raised money for various charities this past September. Barbecue on the River 2021 dates have been announced. The dates for next year's fundraiser are September 23 - 25. The Board is in the process of reviewing emails, texts, phone calls, conversations, and letters received after the 2002 Halloween photo was released two weeks ago on social media of Paducah Superintendent Shively in blackface while at a party.
At least 100 protestors gathered Sunday at PTHS demanding Superintendent Shively's removal11/2/2020 The ongoing protest demanding to remove Paducah Public Schools Superintendent Donald Shively and members of the board of education continued Sunday at Paducah Tlighman High School in Paducah, Kentucky. Approximately 100 protestors marched in front of the high school with signs calling for removal and to get out and vote.
The protests and marches stem from a photo that circulated on social media a couple of weeks ago picturing Shively and one other in blackface at a Halloween party in 2002. Shively was wearing a Paducah Tilghman Tornado shirt, gold chain around his neck, and a do-rag. The woman in the picture had an Afro hairstyle and a padded bottom. The caricatures representing African-American students have upset students, parents, and the community. Robert Shy, founder of 3E Leadership Academy was at the protest and shared his thoughts with WKY Community Living. The Academy is an organization that’s goal is to increase the academic level of students in Paducah and surrounding areas. It’s focus is to help students prepare for college or any post-secondary educational institutions. “Many of Dr. Shively’s supporters state they want him to stay because he has brought many diversity programs to the district and student achievement has increased. That was going to happen regardless of who was in charge because the percentage of minority students has increased tremendously over the last seven years. The achievement increases are faux.” said Shy. “There’s a school within a school at Paducah Middle School and Paducah Tilghman. There’s a school for the middle class and well-to-do students and there’s a school for the poor and African-American students. There’s tremendous segregation within our segregated schools and African-American students aren’t performing well. The achievement gap has increased. The Nation’s Report Card which is a great evaluation of state’s and school districts backs this statement up.” Shy believes that if the sole purpose to keep Shively on as superintendent is because he’s helped advance African-American students academically, that’s simply not the case and he should be removed from his position. The leader of the protest was Martaj Marks, a recent Paducah Tilghman graduate. Melinda Jones, a former employee of the Paducah Public Schools was also an organizer of Sunday’s march. Speakers at the event were Martaj Marks, parents Melinda Jones, Randy and Michelle Marshall and several high school students. Both black and white students represented those in favor of dismissal. According to Shy, there were no opposing parties at the march. He said the main message from the gathering was that ‘kids are being failed by the superintendent and the board of education. Both need to resign.’ As Halloween 2020 comes to a close, it's time to sit and reflect. The plan this year was to proceed with Halloween door-to-door trick-or-treating but with rules to help keep families safe.
Neighborhoods across the state of Kentucky and in other parts of the country had established certain rules and guidelines for this year's Halloween gatherings. For instance, distributing candy was to be a 'no touch, clean, and sanitize' scenario. In one Paducah neighborhood, approximately 10% of homes followed 'no touch' candy distribution, 40% of the candy givers wore masks and social distanced, leaving the remaining neighbors sticking to the traditional 'trick-or-treat' approach...according to one of the trick-or-treating families. Jefferson Street in Paducah is typically overrun with trick-or-treaters. It's the Halloween 'hot spot'. The beautiful scenic street located in the heart of the city is lined with brick two story homes built in the 1800s. Many of the homes were built for riverboat captains and those that worked on the Ohio River. Due to COVID-19, the Jefferson Street Neighborhood Association decided week's ago that the regular Halloween celebration that attracts 1,000s of trick-or-treaters each season would be altered. They wanted to encourage families to stay in their own neighborhoods in order to follow CDC guidelines regarding large gatherings. That being said, there were no elaborate decorations, no creepy displays of horror, and fewer homes providing candy. In fact, one of its residents donated the usual money spent on candy and decorations each year to local charities. As the world is experiencing the effects of COVID-19 once again, now is the time to follow local, state, and CDC guidelines to mitigate the spread of the disease. If you've paid attention to world news, Europe is shuttering businesses for the second time since the pandemic began. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson said England will enter its second lockdown now through sometime in December. "The virus is spreading even faster than the reasonable worst-case scenario of our scientific advisors, whose models ... now suggest unless we act, we could see deaths in this country running at several thousand a day," Johnson said in an address to the nation. Halloween 2020 had a COVID-19 plan to help keep everyone safe. Seeing the actions of many in our neighborhood...it's no wonder McCracken County is in the red zone. Now is the time to act and keep your family safe. As it stands, school districts in our area are in the process of returning to virtual learning, hybrid instruction, or are keeping a close eye on incidence rates. They are alerting parents that students should be ready for in-person classes to be disrupted. Halloween is a fun time. It's full of laughing children, delicious chocolates, creative costumes, and family fun. Saturday night's free-for-all was disappointing and shocking. If we're unable to follow a few sensible rules during a Halloween event, what's going to happen over the holidays? Be sensible America. Caldwell County is seeing its ‘fair share’ of COVID-19 positive cases. The Pennyrile District Health Department reported 120 cases on Thursday, October 29, involving school students and staff that had been in contact with a COVID-19 positive person and were quarantining. As it stands, four of the students have tested positive. According to the Pennyrile Health Department two cases were confirmed Thursday, one on Tuesday, and one on Monday. All ages 5 -18.
Caldwell County Interim Superintendent Heath Cartwright posted a letter to the school district website informing the public about the quarantine. This particular quarantine began on Tuesday, October 21. In a release from the superintendent’s office, it said, “Due to an increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases and the number of staff and students being isolated/ quarantined, please be prepared for a possible change to virtual or hybrid instruction for a period of time. At this time, we have 19 staff members and 82 students being isolated/quarantined (Approximately 30 of the 82 students are from two primary school classrooms where contract tracing determined the need for each class to be quarantined by the health department). The superintendents news release may be read in its entirety below). The release also stated that the rise in cases is a cause for concern and for students and parents to be prepared for the possibility of a return to virtual learning. The Executive Director of the Pennyrile District Health Department said that those who are contacts to the positive cases shouldn’t be confused with those who actually test positive for COVID-19. Positive cases are isolated for 10 days of their positive test or as they start to show symptoms. Contacts of positive cases are isolated for 14 days from their last day of the contact with a positive case. A possible reason for the higher contact numbers in a primary care classroom is due to the amount of circulation an instructor has to make with the little ones. Their needs require more personal contact as opposed to a middle or high school classroom instructor. The health department is working closely with those in the school district trying to determine those that have been in close contact with an infected person. The district is being cautious translating into a larger number of quarantined individuals. This is Caldwell County Primary School’s third classroom to be under quarantine. The number of contacts prompted Cartwright to send out parent communication sharing with parents what needs to happen in order to remain on an in-person schedule. As it stands, there have been no plans to change to a hybrid or all virtual learning schedule but there is the potential. Caldwell County is back in the red zone with 44.8 confirmed cases per 100,000 people over the last seven days. Photo of Paducah Tilghman High School property in Paducah, Kentucky It’s the battle of the petitions on change.org. After the blackface Halloween photo of Paducah Public Schools Superintendent Donald Shively circulated on social media more than a week ago, a petition started calling for the ‘Immediate Removal of Superintendent Donald Shively and Elected Members of the Board.’ Now, there’s a petition ‘To Keep Dr. Donald Shively as Superintendent of Paducah Public Schools.”
The photo that was taken in 2002 pictured Shively in blackface, Paducah Tilghman shirt and a gold chain around his neck. The other person in the photo was a woman in blackface, Afro hairstyle, and a padded bottom. Since the photo’s release on social media, there has been an outcry from Paducah Public Schools parents, students, and the Paducah-McCracken County NAACP calling for the superintendent’s resignation. There have been student walk-outs and parent protests demanding Shively be fired. Students of Paducah Tilghman High School had a meeting with Shively only days ago. Parents weren’t allowed in the meeting. No word on the content or mood of the meeting. The local chapter of the NAACP met with Shively for several hours a few days ago. Their minds are made up...they want him gone along with members of the Board of Education. As it stands, The ‘Immediate Removal’ petition has nearly 1,700 signatures. The ‘Keep Shively’ petition is getting closer to 1,000 signatures. What does all this mean for the school district? Time will tell. The ‘To Keep’ petition states: Dr. Donald Shively has maintained the legacy and the Academic Excellence that the Paducah City Schools have accomplished over the years. Please sign our petition to keep Dr. Donald Shively as the Superintendent of the Paducah City School System. Your signature will be greatly appreciated. The students and the people of Paducah need the guidance that he is able to provide to allow our students in Paducah to compete as they move forward in their lives. The “Get rid of’ states: A picture has surfaced of Superintendent Dr. Donald Shively and his ex wife Heather Knott Shively dressed in blackface displaying themselves lampooning African-Americans. It is unfitting that someone in his position or any learned member of our community display such racially insensitive actions towards the demographic of humans that he has been assigned to lead. We feel that immediate removal of Dr. Donald Shively and board members is the only appropriate measure to move forward and begin the healing process, this is a violation of EPSB standards of behavior that governs educators. These actions must be held accountable, the board has blatantly disregarded the voices of the community and we call for immediate removal of all seated members including Dr. Donald Shively. Superintendent Shively has shared with students, parents, the school district, and the community just how sorry he is about his 2002 decision to dress in such a fashion. He said the photograph is terribly offensive. In an interview with another news service, Shively apologized and stated that he knows there’s a lot to be done to help the community heal. In a statement, Shively wrote, “My goal is that this extensive process not only will help me to grow as a person and as a leader, but that it also will serve as a catalyst for improved understanding, sensitivity, and racial harmony in our community.” Both sides are fighting for what they believe is right. No one is a winner here. We know the goal of both parties, it’s very clearly stated on the petitions. This Sunday is a planned protest asking for Shively and the board members’ jobs. The protest is to take place in front of Paducah Tilghman High School at 1 pm. The organizer has been speaking with a group from Louisville regarding their participation in Sunday’s protest. There’s much more to take away from this incident than a photo from a party almost two decades ago. Communities are hurting. The racial divide is as wide as a river and deep as an ocean. Keeping a dialogue open will help. The protest planned for Sunday is said to be a peaceful demonstration. Let’s hope so. Changes taking place due to red zone COVID-19 positive cases in western Kentucky
McCracken, Calloway, Marshall, and Hickman counties are in the red zone for COVID-19 meaning they have 25 or more average daily cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents. Today, the Purchase Health Department (PDHD) reported 37 new cases in McCracken County, Marshall County reported 11 new cases, Calloway County reported 16 new cases on 10/29, and Hickman County reported 2 new cases on October 29. For these reasons, western Kentucky businesses and school districts are changing operating procedures and teaching instructions. The McCracken County Public Library is returning to curbside service. The library said the decision was made to return to curbside service in keeping with recommendations from Governor Beshear. Curbside services will begin October 31and will remain curbside through at least November 6. At this time, the library will assess the county’s COVID-19 status. Curbside will be available: Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm; Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm. With curbside service, library patrons can place items on hold and have them brought to their vehicles by the library staff. The news release further stated that the library will also offer curbside printing for documents. Paducah Public Schools will continue with in-person instruction. In the news release today, the school district said though the county is in the red zone, the incidence of infection and related quarantines for Paducah students, faculty and staff has decreased as of late. The district intends to make these types of decisions on a weekly basis. Families should get prepared for virtual learning. As always, if you’re running a fever or have been around anyone that’s tested positive for COVID-19, stay home. Murray-Calloway County Hospital is limiting visitors due to the surge in positive COVID-19 cases. Calloway is one of 68 counties in the red zone in Kentucky. Starting Monday, the hospital will allow one visitor per person during the hours of 4 pm to 6 pm daily. In their news release, the hospital said the policy change is being made based on the state’s recommendations and the hospital will reevaluate the status each Thursday based on the rate of incidence. Murray Independent and Calloway County Schools will transition to NTI until November 13. Both school districts will go to non-traditional instruction due to the increase in COVID-19 increases. Starting November 2, all extra-curricular activities will be suspended in both school districts. Starting Wednesday November 4, all students in both districts will transition to online learning only. On November 13, both school districts will reassess the status. Murray Independent School District Superintendent Coy Samons says preschool and head start centers in the district will remain online through November 30. The school district will continue to provide meals to children ages 0-18. More information is available on their website. Submitted by the City of Paducah PADUCAH – The west side of Market House Square will reopen to vehicular traffic on Monday, November 2 in time for holiday shopping. This weekend, City crews will be removing the picnic tables currently located on the edge of the roadway.
The street reopening is in time for the annual Holiday Open House which is set for November 7 and 8. During those two days, local merchants in downtown and other parts of Paducah will preview holiday goods and hold-in store promotions. Visit the Paducah Main Street Facebook page for more information about the participating merchants. Paducah Main Street Director Katie Axt said, “We are opening up the streets to facilitate take-out dining and curbside pickup for holiday shopping. This year, there is No Place Like Local for giving the perfect gift. When you shop local, you can feel good knowing that unique present also helps sustain the small businesses that hold up our community.” The west side of Market Square has been closed to vehicular traffic since May 22 to allow the expansion of outdoor seating for the restaurants. Since dine-in services were offered in limited capacity due to the State of Kentucky’s Healthy at Work Guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City assisted the restaurants by closing the roadway to vehicles and providing picnic tables for use by the designated restaurants. Paducah Main Street, in partnership with the City’s Public Works and Parks & Recreation Departments, worked with the businesses and restaurants on the Dining on Market House Square! initiative and has received positive feedback. Axt added, “We are glad that the project helped our local food establishments at a critical time, and we look forward to offering Dining on Market House Square again next spring. Paducah Main Street knows that during these times, flexibility and continuing excellent service are of utmost importance.” If you would like to provide your feedback regarding the closure of the roadway to vehicular traffic, please send an email to kaxt@paducahky.gov. Paducah Tilghman High School is the location of the planned protest this Sunday A planned protest is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, outside Paducah Tilghman High School in Paducah, Kentucky, according to another news report. The protest is in response to a Halloween photo from 2002 of Superintendent of Paducah Public Schools Donald Shively in blackface. The picture circulated on social media one week ago.
According to a news report, the protest is being organized by a group, 'Paducah Marches for Justice'. This group is a private Facebook group and may only be accessed by joining the group. A few days ago, a petition was published on the Paducah-McCracken County NAACP Facebook page asking for residents to sign the petition to remove Shively and members of the Board of Education. That post is no longer up on their website. The originator of that post lives in Louisville, Kentucky and has the petition available to sign on their Facebook page. The expectation for the protest is said to be peaceful. Most of the information regarding this particular protest is coming from the WPSD website. The organizer Martaj Marks is the administrator on the 'Paducah Marches for Justice' social media page. She's expecting a large turnout and is speaking with her Louisville contacts about participating in the march. As this story continues to unfold, the Paducah-McCracken County NAACP is still demanding Shively stepdown as superintendent of Paducah Public Schools. The events that have transpired since the time the story broke last week are continuing to snowball. More information will be forthcoming. Stay tuned and stay informed. Paducah - McCracken County NAACP Facebook page profile picture Members of the community are in the process of signing a petition for the immediate removal of Superintendent Donald Shively and elected members of the Board of Education. The petition, posted on the Paducah/McCracken County NAACP Facebook page, set a goal of 1,500 signatures. After posting the petition Tuesday morning, 1,140 signatures have been collected. The petition, started by Savvy Shabazz, is in response to a photo that circulated on social media last week. The photo was a picture of Shively in blackface wearing a Paducah Tilghman shirt and gold chain around his neck. He was accompanied by a woman in blackface with an Afro hairstyle and padded bottom. The picture was taken in 2002 while Shively was a teacher at Paducah Tilghman High School. According to reports and posts/tweets on the petition, students and parents of the Paducah Public Schools believe their voices aren't being heard. The group of petitioners believe the removal of Shively and the board is the only way for healing to begin. Some of the comments posted on the petition include: "When he made the decision to dress as black face he was already in an education system by 2006 he was already teaching at Paducah Tilghman High School as a chemistry teacher and football coach, he was teaching the very kids you made a mockery out of. How does he expect us to respect him and accept you apology? During this time in 2006 or 2002 whenever the photo was taken, he knew it was wrong!" India Broady "His behavior was not only highly offensive but violates the code of ethics by having on school apparel while promoting alcohol use.' Brendae McClure There are a number of comments like this on the petition website. If you're interested in reading more comments, go to the Paducah/McCracken County Facebook page. President JW Cleary released a statement earlier today: Today members of the Paducah McCracken County NAACP met with Dr. Donald Shively. Among those present were the NAACP President, NAACP members, a retired educator, community member, and parent representative. We met for approximately two hours to discuss the superintendent's blackface photo incident. Our stand has not changed, we are still calling for the resignation of the superintendent. During the course of the meeting, Dr. Shively gave no indication the he intends to resign. We have requested to meet with members of the Board of Education as soon as possible to discuss the matter further. Eighteen years ago at a Halloween party, Superintendent of Paducah Public Schools dressed in blackface along with a female friend. At the time, Shively was a teacher at Paducah Tilghman High School in Paducah, Kentucky.
Fast forward to 2020, Shively is at a crossroads. He's been an advocate for the students at the Paducah Publics Schools and has been supported by many in the community that have said he's done more good than harm. Monday afternoon, October 26, Shively released a statement regarding his action plans to move forward following the events that transpired after the photo circulated on social media. Have you ever wanted to see the inside of a police vehicle...without REALLY seeing the inside of a police vehicle? Here's your chance along with other first responder vehicles on First Responders Educational Day. Great educational experience for young children that love to play with their police cars and fire trucks. (PADUCAH, KY) – The Paducah Parks & Recreation Department is partnering with the Paducah Fire and Police departments for the first-ever First Responders Education Day. The event will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 28, which coincides with National First Responders Day.
During the day on October 28, videos will be posted on the Facebook event page that showcase Paducah firefighters and police officers as they give virtual "Touch-A-Truck" style tours of their vehicles and the equipment they use on a daily basis. These educational videos are for all ages but specifically for preschool and elementary children. The Facebook event page link is https://www.facebook.com/events/843621713050771/. In 2017, Congress designated October 28 as National First Responders Day to honor firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and others who are first on the scene in stressful or dangerous situations. If you have a question about First Responders Education Day, contact Recreation Specialist Zachary Boyarski at zboyarski@paducahky.gov. For more information about other Paducah Parks & Recreation activities, visit www.paducahky.gov or call 270-444-8508. |
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