Mt. Sterling, Kentucky native and resident, Larah Helayne is making incredible music at the young age of sixteen. She sings, she writes and she plays up to ten instruments including guitar and banjo, calling herself "the banjo girl." If you've been listening lately, you've probably already heard the title track from her upcoming release titled "Roots." We were thrilled to have Larah in the studio to play and to talk about her music, her upcoming release party and the healing and support she finds in music and the local music community. She played tracks from the new release as well as covers.

Larah's Music Page on Facebook

Listen to her full interview on the player below.

BEATTYVILLE, Ky. – The City of Beattyville and the Lee County Fiscal Court has announced the first-ever Bring Business to Beattyville competition.
The competition is a regional collaboration with the city, county, the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP), Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR), Kentucky Highlands investment Cooperation (KHIC), Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED), Morehead State University’s Small Business Development Center, and Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative, Easter.
The competition is open to entrepreneurs, startups or existing small businesses in Lee County or a contiguous county.  The winner will be able to occupy a building in Beattyville for $100 a month for the first year.  Additionally, the winner will receive an incentive utilities package from the City of Beattyville for the first year, specialized pricing from area web development companies (for promotion and marketing), accelerated business coaching and training, special prizes including a cash award, access to GIG internet from PRTC, and have access to capital from SKED.
The building is located along the Kentucky River in the downtown district next door to a newly constructed RV park. The building is move-in ready with several large open spaces, access to ample parking, a full-size kitchen with room for seating, and then several small office spaces.
Beattyville is a vibrant community located near the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park. It has become a destination for adventure tourism with close access to world-class hiking, biking, rock climbing, and is the birthplace of the Kentucky River.
To assist competitors and encourage solid business ideas to locate in the space, a series of open houses for the space along with specialized workshops including individual consultations with business development specialists will be held prior to the November 30 deadline:

• October 30, 2018 | Community tour and walkthrough of the building – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  View the space and imagine how your business could operate – Contact Teresa Mays
• October 30, 2018 | Be Boss Online Workshop – Booneville, KY – Owsley County Action Team – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Program will cover all aspects of digital marketing. Register: https://conta.cc/2P8ydz4
• November 7, 2018 | One-on-one consultation at Beattyville City Hall – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visit with business assistance resources from KHIC/EKCEP/SKED/SBDC and get application assistance.
• November 13, 2018 | Be Boss Online Workshop – Booneville, KY – Owsley County Action Team – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Program will cover all aspects of digital marketing. Register: https://conta.cc/2P8ydz4
• November 20, 2018 | One-on-one consultation at Beattyville City Hall – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Visit with business assistance resources form KHIC/EKCEP/SKED/SBDC and get application assistance.
• November 27, 2018 | Community Tour and walkthrough of the building – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• November 30, 2018 | Applications are due by email or in person at Beattyville City Hall. 
• Week of December 3, 2018 | Judges will review all competition submissions, contact applicants, and declare a winner. Winner will be notified on December 10, 2018.

 
For competition entry, applicants should email or present a copy of the application in person to Teresa Mays at City Hall, Beattyville by 4 p.m., Friday, November 30, 2018. The application is available at http://www.beattyville.org/2018/10/bring-business-to-beattyville-competition/.   
For more information, contact Teresa Mays, main street manager for the City of Beattyville, by phone at (606) 464-5007 or by email at tmays@beattyville.org, or Ian Mooers, economic and entrepreneur liaison at EKCEP, by phone at (606) 438-9927 or by email at imooers@ekcep.org.

​Want a Great Job but don’t want to travel? Stantek Manufacturing located right here in STANTON, KY is NOW HIRING
Starting Pay $10 per hour  - temp to hire and up to $12 per hour within 1st year once hired full time
Great benefits including, paid time off, holiday pay, medical insurance as well as profit sharing opportunities
Don’t want to work full time? Part time positions are also available
Starting Pay $10 per hour  - temp to hire and  up to $11 per hour within 1st year once hired full time
Local employment, great pay, and a Great work environment
Call Monday thru Thursday to setup an interview at 606-663-8200.

John R. Miller and Chloe Edmonstone were kind enough to make time in their busy touring schedule to visit with Angela for WSKV's Friday Night Backroads listeners. John has a newly released album called "The Trouble You Follow." Hear the interview and the great tunes using the player below.

John R Miller & the Engine Lights
Website
Bandcamp
Facebook

Sean Whiting has gone from truck driving to full time singing and song writing and says he has no regrets. Give a listen to our interview with Sean discussing all things music in his world. Be sure to check him out live at one of his upcoming shows! 

Sean Whiting
Website
Facebook
Bandcamp

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bonnie J. Hackbarth
bhackbarth@healthy-ky.org
877-326-2583 (Office)
502-552-3770 (Mobile)
​
(LOUISVILLE, Ky - February 2, 2017) More than 70 percent of nearly 234,000 Kentucky adults who still didn't have health insurance in early 2016 said they were working either part- or full-time, and nearly half had incomes low enough to qualify for Medicaid insurance, according to the latest snapshot from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky's ongoing study of the Affordable Care Act implementation in the Commonwealth. Nearly 45 percent of these uninsured adults had completed high school, and another 37 percent had taken at least some college courses or earned a college degree.
 
 "A significant majority of uninsured Kentuckians were working adults, and most had at least a high school education, yet many were still struggling to make ends meet," said Ben Chandler, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. "Health system reforms must take these facts into account to ensure that hard-working, low-income Kentuckians have access to important wellness care and preventive health screenings that can improve the quality of their lives while reducing costs for the entire health care system."



The snapshot showed no statistical change in the rate of uninsurance in Kentucky from 2015 to the window of time from February through April 2016. More than a quarter of the remaining uninsured during that window were children, and another 34.5 percent were young adults ages 19 to 34. And nearly half of Kentucky's more than 320,000 uninsured adults and children had incomes low enough to qualify for Medicaid, but were not enrolled in the government health insurance program.
"We simply have to get the younger population covered by insurance, public or private, so they can get the health care they need to reduce their chances of developing chronic diseases later in life," Chandler said.
 
A copy of seventh quarterly snapshot from the Study of the Impact of the ACA Implementation in Kentucky is available here. Previous snapshots and other special reports from the study are available here.

####
About the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky 
Since the Foundation opened its doors in 2001, it has invested more than $26 million in health policy research and advocacy, as well as demonstration project grants across the Commonwealth. Funded by an endowment, the mission of the nonpartisan Foundation is to address the unmet health care needs of Kentuckians by developing and influencing health policy, improving access to care, reducing health risks and disparities, and promoting health equity. Follow the Foundation on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, and visit our website at www.healthy-ky.org.
Media Contacts:
Bonnie J. Hackbarth
bhackbarth@healthy-ky.org
877-326-2583 (Office)
502-552-3770 (Mobile)

Angela Koch
akoch@healthy-ky.org
877-326-2583 (Office)
502-759-2171 (Mobile)

We received the following email this week:

Hi. Don B, formerly of Richmond KY now living in Adelboden, Switzerland, staying in touch with home by following the Wildcats and listening to a WSKV. Home : ) 

I wanted to vote for Kip in the Morning as my favorite DJ but don't see his name on the list. He's got a nice style and really good taste in music. Can you help me?

Thanks for makin' me feel at home.

Don

I've never been to Adelboden, Switzerland before and the mere thought of being THAT FAR away from the only place I've called home leaves me a little unsettled inside. It's also hard to imagine that someone would be listening to Pickup Country 104.9FM from so far away. But when your roots are nourished in Kentucky - it's sights and sounds and people - something inside is always calling you closer to "home." And we know there is no substitute for home.

Reading Don's email made me smile. It is a great privilege to be part of a station that broadcasts the sounds of home to local listeners and those abroad. Whether they listen for music from the region, for the fastest 1.5 hours in radio or just to hear someone speaking with our Kentucky accent, I'm honored to learn we have Kentucky family listening from Switzerland. Thank you, Don, for your email.

You can listen like a local too from anywhere: 
From your computer: LISTEN HERE
​From your mobile device : GET THE APP HERE

​Just to let you know, you can now choose Kip as your favorite DJ on our HOME PAGE. Pickup Country Mornings With Kip airs Monday through Friday from 5AM to 8AM. He plays a great variety of music styles and often features local bluegrass, country and acoustic artists. For a taste of "home," give him a listen.

Have a great day, and thanks for listening.

​
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: 
For Immediate Release
Rick VanMeter
January 26, 2017
(202) 225-4706
 
Rep. Barr’s Office Seeks Wounded Warrior for Congressional Fellowship
 
Washington, D.C. – The office of Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) is seeking a wounded warrior or medically retired veteran for a paid fellowship in his Lexington office.  The position is sponsored by and will be hired through the U.S. House of Representatives Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program.
 
“I am honored that my office was selected to participate in the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program,” said Congressman Barr.  “Several of members of my staff have served our nation in uniform and I look forward to having another veteran join our team in service to the people of the Sixth District.”
 
The Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program was established to create employment opportunities for veterans within the House of Representatives.  These two-year fellowships provide veterans with experience to broaden their career opportunities, while helping Members of Congress and their staffs to better understand the needs and perspectives of those wounded in service to our nation.
 
The program is limited to veterans who have served on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, with less than 20 years of service and who have a minimum 30% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Interested veterans should submit a resume, copy of the last DD214 issued, and letter from the VA indicating a 30 percent or greater rating, which is not necessary if medically retired, to housewoundedwarriors@mail.house.gov.
For more information and questions, interested applicants should contact the Wounded Warrior Program Office at 202-226-1965.

​For Immediate Release
Gatlinburg Relief Fund in place at SmartBank


Gatlinburg, Tenn. – December 1, 2016 – In the wake of this week’s tragic wildfires in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation has established the Gatlinburg Relief Fund which will directly benefit the families impacted by the wildfires.
The relief fund is being managed by SmartBank, an East Tennessee-based community bank with multiple branches in Sevier County. Anyone who would like to contribute to this fund may either drop off a monetary donation at a SmartBank location (listed below) or by mailing the donation to PO Box 1910, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, 37868-1910. Checks should be made payable to “Gatlinburg Relief Fund.”
 Additionally, the foundation is accepting online gifts here or at www.smartbank.com.
“Since the fires began earlier this week, we have been inundated with calls from people wanting to know how they can help,” said Billy Carroll, SmartBank President & CEO. “After talking with Gatlinburg officials, they are requesting that anyone wishing to help, make a donation to the chamber’s Gatlinburg Relief Fund, where the dollars can have the greatest impact.”
The Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization created to assist the local business community and citizens through various charitable efforts.
 
SmartBank Locations
Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – 2430 Teaster Lane #205, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Sevierville, Tenn. - 1011 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
Gatlinburg, Tenn. - *currently closed*
Knoxville, Tenn. - 5401 Kingston Pike #600, Knoxville, TN 37919
Knoxville, Tenn. - 202 Advantage Place, Knoxville, TN 37922
Chattanooga, Tenn. - 835 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Chattanooga, Tenn. - 2280 Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
East Ridge, Tenn. - 4154 Ringgold Road, East Ridge, TN 37412
Hixson, Tenn. - 5319 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343
Ooltewah, Tenn. - 8966 Old Lee Highway, Ooltewah, TN 37363
Destin, Fla. - 4405 Commons Drive East, Destin, FL 32541
Panama City, Fla. - 2411 Jenks Avenue, Panama City, FL 32405
Pensacola, Fla. - 201 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
###
Contact: Kelley Fowler
(865) 868-0611
kelley.fowler@smartbank.com

Kentucky Republicans will cast their votes for Republican candidates for president at the 2016 Kentucky Republican Presidential Caucus caucus on Saturday, March 5.

Voting hours are 10:00 am – 4:00 pm local time.  A Republican voter may come to their assigned caucus location anytime during that time to vote.

The voting process will be similar to a typical Kentucky election.  Voters will show identification, sign in, and vote by secret ballot.  However, the voting locations are different.

Most counties have a single caucus location, while some of the most populous counties have multiple locations.  Republican voters can determine their assigned caucus location by visiting http://rpk.org/caucus/where/

By holding caucuses on March 5, Kentucky Republicans will have more influence on the presidential race, at a time when candidates are still competing to win more states and delegates to secure the presidential nomination.

Kentucky voters must have been registered as Republicans by December 31, 2015, to be eligible to vote in the caucus.

POWELL COUNTY VOTING LOCATIONS
Stanton Elementary School (Cafeteria)
654 Breckenridge Street
Stanton, KY 40380

MONTGOMERY COUNTY VOTING LOCATIONS
Clay Community Center
3400 Indian Mound Drive
Mt Sterling, KY 40353

CLARK COUNTY VOTING LOCATIONS
Robert D. Campbell Junior High School
620 Boone Ave
Winchester, KY 40391

ESTILL COUNTY VOTING LOCATIONS
*Note:  Jackson County and Estill County will be holding a joint Caucus:
Old Court House
108 Main Street
McKee, KY 40447

LEE COUNTY VOTING LOCATIONS
*Note: Lee County and Owsley County will be holding a joint Caucus:
Community Center at Kiwanis Park
500 Happy Top Road
Beatyville, KY 41311

WOLFE COUNTY VOTING LOCATIONS
Campton Elementary School
Campton-Baptist Road
Campton, KY 41301

​MENIFEE COUNTY VOTING LOCATIONS
Menifee Recreation Center
62 Sycamore Street
Frenchburg, KY 40322

MADISON COUNTY VOTING LOCATIONS
Silver Creek Elementary School
75 Old US Hwy 25
Berea, KY 40403
(Get Directions)
Precincts voting at this location:
A101 Big Hill-Blue Lick, A102 East Berea, A103 Gay-Stephens, A104 North Berea, A105 South Berea,
A106 West Berea-Mayde, A107 Clay, A108 Silver Creek, A109 Bobtown Redlick, A110 Walker Branch,
C106 Brassfield Bearwallow, D103 Menelaus Todd West, D104 Menelaus Todd East, D106 Kingston
EKU Perkins Building
521 Lancaster Ave
Richmond, KY 40475
(Get Directions)
Precincts voting at this location:
B101 Saratoga-Arlington-Roseda, B102 North Chenault, B103 South Chenault,
B104 Newby Jones-Valley View, B105 West Richmond-College-Bre, B106 Greenway, B107 Killlarney,
B108 North Whitehall-Daniel Bo, B109 South Whitehall-Daniel Bo, B110 Forest Hill, C101 Lost Fork,
C102 Redhouse, C103 McCreary, C104 College Hill, C105 Waco, C107 Moberly, C108 Kavanaugh,
C109 East Richmond, C110 Dillingham, C112 Courthouse-Central, C113 Watertower,
C114 City Hall-Telford, D101 Tevis Cottonburg Poosey, D102 Burnam Highpoint, D105 South Richmond,
D107 Army Depot, D109 Francis, D110 Eastern Campus, D111 Deacon Hills, D112 South Crutcher,
D113 North Crutcher