Mid-afternoon at the McCracken County Courthouse in Paducah, Kentucky as early voting is set to end Monday evening. It's election day. Finally, the world, America, individual states, and local communities will have the results of an election year like no other, or so we think. Let's face facts, it's highly unlikely that we'll have the results of a president this evening. It would be ideal to have the answers tonight, however, it it doesn't happen, we'll know soon enough.
According to McCracken County Clerk Julie Griggs, most of McCracken County's totals are expected to be released early evening. The clerks office said the early in-person voting and received mail-in ballot counts should be released shortly after the polls close today. In-person Election Day votes could be released to the community by 7:30 pm. Mail-in ballots that have already been received have been processed and are ready for release. Approximately 11,700 people in McCracken County took advantage of in-person early voting. The clerks office also has received 8,600 absentee mail in ballots with 800 still MIA bringing the total number of votes (early in-person and mail in ballots) counted to date to 20,300. The remaining mail in ballots will be counted if received by end of day Friday. There have been 67 medical emergency ballots sent out. Voter turnout for the 2016 election in McCracken County was 31,307. An estimate has been made based on early voter turnout to date and that estimate for the 2020 election will more than exceed 2016. Kentucky has never participated in early voting so there's no previous history by which to make accurate predictions. As in-person voting continue on Election Day Tuesday, November 3, the numbers will continue to add to the count.
0 Comments
The "We need you" Trump slogan is spreading across the country. As voter turnout continues to exceed expectations, now more than ever grassroots efforts and ignited campaigns are working overtime. Voter turnout in 2016 was nothing like the 2020 election. The uniqueness of the '2020' situation has everybody guessing the results. Listening and watching the polls is counterproductive. Getting out and spreading the word is the answer to this year's contest. The Trump campaign has long known its best shot at winning was finding new voters in its strongholds, rather than persuading swing Democrats or independents. They used Trump’s raucous rallies in small towns and places that rarely get presidential attention to attract those voters to an unconventional campaign. Voter registration and data collection efforts were launched around those events. There are signs of success: In Florida, the party has registered 475,500 Republicans over the past four years, outpacing gains of 395,600 for Democrats. The campaign has claimed that as many as a quarter of attendees at rallies did not vote in 2016. In the Midwest, Trump trains and rallies are forming up and until the day of the election. In fact, there's one planned for this weekend. The November 1st event is hosted by the West Kentucky Trump Supporters Times and locations for the Trump Train:
Owensboro - The old Kmart on Parrish leaves at 11:50 Henderson - The Fairgrounds leaves at 12:30 Madisonville - Madison Square leaves at 1:15 Hopkinsville - Tie Breaker water park leaves at 2:00 Bowling Green - Walmart on Morgantown Rd. leaves at 3:20 Henderson County - Fairgrounds leaves at 5:20 Please arrive at least 30 minutes before 'the train' leaves the station. The caravan will remain on the road. People waiting at the stops will join 'the train'. Join 'the remind group' by texting @bf84gk to 81010. There will be updates throughout the trip. Remain in the right lane and maintain a 55 mph speed or below. Leaders: Owensboro - Brittany Holmes; Henderson - Bobby Proctor; Madisonville - Jim Pendley; Hopkinsville - Rachel Back; Bowling Green - Brittany Holmes Downtown Paducah in front of the transient boat dock Trump supporters fly their flags.
The Trump Train Caravan is a group of patriotic citizens showing their support for President Donald J. Trump. The event has spread across the country with the show of support by waving American flags, Trump flags, decorated cars/trucks, signage, and red, white, and blue clothing.
In downtown Paducah, The Trump Train Caravan filled the parking lot in front of the transient boat dock on the floodwall river-side down from the Paducah/McCracken Convention Center. As the caravan began to form their train, horns were blowing, flags were flying, and supporters (for the most part) remained in their vehicles. McCracken County isn't the only county in western Kentucky forming Trump Train's on Saturday. Ballard County began their day at 8 a.m. with plans to join McCracken County residents in their support of President Trump. In Murray (Calloway County) Kentucky, a Trump tailgate rally was held at the Cheri Theaters. Headed by U.S. Congressman James Comer residents were asked to bring lawn chairs, decorate their vehicles, invite family and friends, and wait for a special message to be delivered. This event started at 10 a.m. Saturday. Now more than ever, Trump supporters are taking to the streets, meeting at town halls, and spreading the 'get out and vote' message. The election is only 8 days away and early voting is still ongoing, as well as mail in voting. In some counties, ballots are already being calculated. According to recent news reports, the U.S. Postal Office is working hard to keep up with all of the ballots to deliver the mail in a timely fashion. The hope is that all will run smoothly and every vote will be counted. Since in-person voting is available, you may feel more comfortable casting your vote at your polling location. Kentucky early voting is October 13 through November 2, except on Sundays. For those voting by mail, postmarks need to be marked by November 3. The General election is November 3. Voting hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 1 - 3 pm, come out and enjoy the drive-by block party at Big Ed's located at 701 North 8th Street in Paducah, Kentucky. Music, food and community are on the agenda.
It's time to commit to either vote early or vote on November 3rd. Rock the Vote has been empowering encouraging voters to engage and 'be vocal' since 1990. The organization 'Rock the Vote' was founded in 1990 by Virgin Records America Co-Chairman Jeff Ayeroff, to encourage young people to vote. It is geared toward increasing voter turnout among voters ages 18 to 24. Rock the Vote is known for its celebrity spokespeople and its partnership with MTV. All are welcome and please, if you're able to volunteer, reach out to one of the block party organizers, Toya Benberry, Betty Dobson, or Mayor Brandi Harless. All are availabe on Facebook. The Paducah Mayoral Candidate forum was held Thursday evening in Paducah and hosted by the Paducah/McCracken County NAACP. The forum was town hall style and consisted of three mayoral candidates: Richard Abraham, George Bray, and write-in candidate Dujuan Thomas. The moderators were news anchors from WPSD.
Before answering questions, statistics were presented to the candidates by Shamarria Morrison from News Channel 6. Statistics concerning Paducah's demographic make-up based on race, median household income and black/white business ownership. The first question dealt with racial data on business ownership in Paducah. According to WPSD stats, 81 percent of business owners in Paducah are white and less than one percent are black. Candidates were asked what solutions they might have to reduce the gap. Commissioner Abraham said he would take advantage of the new HUB at PTHS for training purposes. He said he would visit historically black colleges and encourage graduates to come to Paducah to work and live. Businessman George Bray said his family had a company in Paducah for 150 years. He said he advocates for the black community and believes he can help drive ownership among black businessmen. Thomas responded first on his plan to help unify the community and assist those in need. Thomas said he would be the leader the people could depend on and that he would donate his first year's salary to the citizens of Paducah. Bray said he would tap into his connections with The United Way. He also mentioned his involvement in 'the tip jar' project that raised money for restaurant staff during the early weeks of the pandemic. And Abraham said that 'the city and municipalities are doing what we can and our partners are standing up. We work best when everyone takes responsibility." The Breonna Taylor grand jury indictment was a talking point for the candidates. Bray said that he believed Kentucky's attorney general did a good job explaining the indictment as it stands. He admitted there are still questions that need to be answered. He said, "Paducah's not Louisville. We have a great police force and effective leadership." Thomas said, "Breonna Taylor didn't receive justice. He said the community of Paducah is under-represented by minorities. He mentioned Raynarldo Henderson, Lakilia Bedeau, Robert Shy, and Corbin Snowden as four black candidates running for office this election year. Thomas said change can be made by representation. Another forum question dealt with confederate flags and confederate statues and whether or not they should remain in the public eye. Thomas said "Considering the current climate, you don't put these (confederate) statues on a pedestal. They don't have statues of Hitler in Germany. " He went on to say that he didn't believe in erasing history and a museum may be a more appropriate place to remember heritage. Bray said that having the confederate flag flying on interstate 24 at exit 16, 'isn't a good look for this community.' Bray discussed the tug of war between those wanting to keep confederate statues versus those that wanted them removed. He said, "If the black community comes together and are unified and there's a way to preserve our history, I'm all for it" The question was asked that if elected mayor, to what lengths would they go to represent the entire city of Paducah. Abraham said he believed the "southside's going to get a lot of love over the next few years." With planned community meetings to fix sidewalks, gutters, and other necessary repairs to get it thriving again. Bray said he would work with groups such as the Midtown Alliance that helped to revitalize Fountain Avenue to provide leadership and guidance to rejuvinate other areas of the city. Each candidate was asked for their plans for a greater business community and each had a brief answer. Abraham referred to students he's mentored in the past and wisdom he's imparted, "if you show up drug free and on time, you can make a living for you and your family." He went on to say that a lot of funding goes into GPED. He said, "We just need to make sure we're ready when the big companies come visit." Bray said a big problem is that many "don't have access to capitol and don't have access to training." He said, "we need to tailor to the workforce and the skill level we have available now." Thomas' plan for a greater business community is, "By using common sense and focusing on priorities." One of the more interesting questions was about youth leadership. How will we nurture our youth in Paducah? Bray said he had a long history of mentoring. He said there's a program the city participated in many years ago and thought it might have been under the leadership of Mayor Gerry Montgomery. It was a plan that provided teens an opportunity to work for the city during the summer months. He'd like to bring it back. Each candidate made closing remarks. Thomas said he's the "common sense candidate." And he wants to represent the under-represented. Abraham said he understands how government works. He believes in our police department and their desire to be 'visual with the citizens.' Bray said he believed this election is 'the most' important to Paducah.' He said, "I have a track record for success in everything I've done." After all was said and done. Each candidate was able to share their platform with the, mostly virtual audience. Remember to register to vote if you haven't already. There's several ways to vote this election year. November 3 is the day. U.S. Senate Candidate Amy McGrath was in Paducah today to launch her new Paducah staff office location at 101 - 109 Broadway Street at the corner of 2nd and Broadway. The event was held at the Gazebo located directly across the street from Doe's Eat Place.
Campaign yard signs were on hand for those that wanted to support McGrath by placing signs in their front lawns or businesses. While waiting for the McGrath event scheduled to start at 12:30 pm CST, the announcement for the Breonna Taylor grand jury indictments were set for 12:15 pm today. For Kentucky, both the political race between McGrath and Senator Mitch McConnell and justice for Breonna Taylor are just a couple of passionate issues that could change the course of history for Kentucky and the United States. Another important issue for all Americans is COVID-19. McGrath said, “We’ve lost 200,000 Americans which should make us angry. We’ve got to tackle the coronavirus.” McGrath discussed social security, healthcare, and getting out to vote. She said, “We need to protect social security that working Americans paid for,” she continued, “Kentuckians shouldn’t have to work three jobs in order to make ends meet. You know that Kentucky can do better.” Earlier today, McGrath visited Owensboro, Kentucky. She said, “I’ve been going around Kentucky, showing there’s another way.” One way is to get out and vote. “How we win this thing is to get out our cell phone, text friends, and tell them to get out and vote. Tell people how to vote. They need to register by October 5 in Kentucky. Ballots must be postmarked by November 3. There’s no excuse why people can’t vote," said McGrath. If you need to register to vote or request a ballot, go to govoteky.com Packed with boaters over the Labor Day weekend, Trump supporters formed Trump Trains and flotillas showing support for the 45th President of the United States of America. Facebook Trump train on Lake Barkley in Kentucky (photography by Roberta Friend Rhodes) The sheer numbers of boats across our nation’s waterways in support of President Donald J. Trump has been astounding. Trump is best when the air is electric and the energy is off the charts. So far this year, the 2020 Presidential campaign has been anything but electric. In fact, it’s been a dud.
COVID-19 has taken away the ability to come together as a country in support of either political party. The DNC held a virtual convention while the RNC focused on limited in-person participation. It’s hard to get fired up with masks, social distancing, and ‘wash your hands’ signs everywhere you turn. The boat parade campaign was genius. It didn’t originate with Trump organizers, however, they knew a good thing when they saw it. If there’s no way to cheer for your candidate in large, energetic rallies, the next best thing is massive pro-Trump flotillas. The boat parades are recreating Trump rallies with social distancing built in. They are literally expanding their base and adding voters by building on ‘organic energy'. In western Kentucky, Trump supporters were making waves during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Barkley and Kentucky lakes witnessed a Trumpsters rally cry. The Trumptilla joined like-minded boaters together for an all-out adventure across the beautiful lakes of western Kentucky. Across the wakes on the lakes with other conservative fans, spectators could witness Trump signage, cardboard cutouts, and Trump masks all on hand to honor the 45th President of the United States. In a ‘bigly’ way, the base rallied behind the president pledging their support and honoring their country. Local boaters, Melanie Graves Bell and Roberta Friend Rhodes captured photographs and videos of the events over the weekend. It was one of those moments that made one proud to be an American. Rhodes, an amateur photographer, took pictures of Trump trains and lone boats proudly waving the American flag while displaying Trump signs on the Lake Barkley side. Rhodes said on her Facebook post, “We are having fun on Lake Barkley and I love watching them all.” Melanie Graves Bell and her crew shared Trump rally pictures and videos on the Kentucky Lake side. Trump fans that couldn’t be on the lake were able to see events unfold through Bell’s eyes. Bell made the comment on Facebook that Trump was there, in fact, 'he was in a couple of boats...at the same time.’ Organizers made big plans for the Saturday rally which was part of the Trump 2020-September 5th-Land/Air/Sea event. It was packed with boat parades by sea and float parades by land. There were airplanes flying overhead with banners and skydivers that made a splash down in the water during the boating patriotic party. At the end of the day, there were fireworks displays from Calvert City, Kentucky that could be watched from land or sea. Rickie Goode played ‘Proud to be an American’ on his boat along with garnishing a cardboard cutout of Trump. The video, shot by Cindy Shoulta, is on the Kentucky Lake side close to the dam. The videographer was standing at ‘the new beach’ at Kentucky Lake. She pans the camera around slowly showing decorated cars, flags, and people standing on the dam, the beach and the grassy slopes. It’s quite a display of patriotism. The Labor Day boat parades weren’t the first flotillas of the season. The first Trumptillas happened in west Florida in early May. The boat parades were started by MAGA's (Make America Great Again) in south Florida and continued to Florida’s Gulf Coast, Arizona’s Lake Havasu, South Carolina and Southern California. The boat parades were being called Trumptillas and the captains and crews were ‘MAGA’ boaters. News Channel 8 in south Florida reported the organizers from the coffee shop called Conservative Grounds were on a quest to break the record for the most boats for any one event in the Guinness Book of World Records. The idea was to have the largest boat parade ever recorded. The record holders were out of Malaysia celebrating Malaysia Day with 1,180 boats. Organizers from Clearwater, Florida had 1,600 boats register for the event in early May. Some have predicted over 2,000 boats were in attendance. According to News Channel 8’s report a public relations person from Guinness responded by saying, “We confirm we have received an application for the title and attempt. We are currently awaiting evidence of review.” The review typically takes 12 - 15 weeks. Trump organizers have taken note and are in full support of the boat rallies. Florida has the highest number of registered boats in the nation, close to one million. The state of Wisconsin, which held a very successful rally, had the fourth highest registered boats at right around 600,000. Both of these states and many others are highly-contested and considered battle grounds. Some, such as Arizona and Georgia, both holding big pro-Trump rallies are swing states further energizing the crowds and increasing momentum. With only two months to go, it’s time to rally the troops, flotillas, whatever armory is available for both candidates. Without increasing momentum and taking charge, it’s leaving too much up to fate. The need to find social distancing opportunities to cheer on your candidate is crucial. It will be interesting to see if there’s more tactics planned or unplanned that will ‘make waves’ over the next few months. McGrath and former Wildcat social media sensation Rex Chapman talk healthcare in Paducah on Monday8/30/2020
U. S. Senate Democratic candidate Amy McGrath will be in Paducah Monday, August 31, 1:30 pm., at the Port of Paducah located at 300 S. 3rd Street in Paducah, Kentucky. Special guest Rex Chapman, former Kentucky Wildcat and NBA player will be at the news conference with McGrath to discuss plans to improve and expand health care.
Chapman is now an addiction recovery advocate having battled an addiction himself. The duo confirmed plans via twitter tonight. "I'll be in my old stomping ground tomorrow - western KY with my buddy Amy McGrath. Anxious to see old friends and friendly faces," tweeted Chapman. "I'll explain how Mitch McConnell has failed Kentucky on opiods. He was elected my Junior year in high school. I'm no 52. Out of touch..." The Kentucky Wildcat legend (1986 - 1988) and 12-season NBA player was the first-ever draft pick for the Charlotte Hornets. He also played for the Washington Bullets, the Miami Heat, and the Phoenix Suns. After several injuries while playing basketball, Chapman was prescribed Oxycontin and thus became his addiction to pills. After Ocycontin was Vicodin. After Vicodin was Suboxone. He hit rock bottom in 2014 after an arrest for shoplifting and selling stolen goods. He checked into rehab and has been clean ever since. Chapman became a social media sensation after posting a tweet on Twitter in January 2019 of a dolphin leaping out of a wave and body-checking a guy on a paddle board. "We had more deaths announced last week than in any week since we've been battling this virus," said Governor Andy Beshear in the daily COVID-19 briefing.
Kentucky reported 373 new cases of COVID-19 today for a total of 43,899 cases since early March. The highest positive numbers to date occurred in mid-July with almost 1,000 cases. Included in the numbers today, were 4 deaths for a total of 885 across the state of Kentucky. Beshear shared a chart that examined the number of positive cases week over week since the coronavirus outbreak. The chart shows the plateau numbers prior to the big hit in July. Kentucky is at another plateau...a much higher plateau. Beshear is concerned that if numbers spike again at the current plateau, Kentucky will be in serious trouble. He warned Kentuckians not "to let our guard down because we’re tired of being cooped up." Beshear reminded people spring and summer beach vacations appeared to be the source of some outbreaks in Kentucky when people returned. A travel advisory is still mandated. Kentucky's travel advisory because of high coronavirus rates include: Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Nevada and Idaho. People are advised to avoid travel to those states and if they do to self-quarantine for 14 days after returning to Kentucky. Beshear announced the first outbreak of COVID-19 at one of the state's four veterans nursing homes. The home is located in eastern Kentucky and reports nine residents and one staff member tested positive. A new Executive Order was signed today dedicating $15 million of federal coronavirus relief funds to create a Health at Home Eviction Relief Fund. For more details, review the slide contained in this article or refer to kentucky.gov. |
Written by
|