Gov. Steve Beshear today announced that the state’s Web portal, Kentucky.gov (http://www.kentucky.gov), has been recognized by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) as one of the top five sites in the nation for 2010. The nonprofit agency ranked the site fifth among state Web portal entries in this year’s Best of the Web contest based upon innovation, functionality and efficiency. Louisville’s website, Louisvilleky.gov, placed second in the nation for city websites.
“My administration’s firm commitment to keeping government accessible and open to the public has once again earned Kentucky national recognition for its online resources,” said Gov. Beshear. “We work very hard to maintain and improve the site as new technology and resources evolve. This ensures Kentucky.gov is a reliable resource for our citizens to gain information in a timely and accurate manner.”
This award completes a trifecta of national recognition for the state’s websites. The Open Door e-transparency site was recently named best in the nation and the state’s stimulus reporting website, Kentucky at Work, garnered a national second-place award for excellence in accountability for citizens.
Site Offers Services, Accountability for Citizens
CDG is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government.
According to Cathilea Robinett, executive director of CDG, Kentucky.gov successfully provides government leaders with a way to effectively communicate with citizens while increasing public trust.
“Kentucky.gov, with its increased focus on transparency, is achieving the essence of what it means to be a more open and accountable government,” said Robinett. “The portal gives Kentucky constituents a view into the government’s budget and allows them to see that their tax dollars are put to good use. The site’s increased usability features ensure citizens can conduct their business with the state quickly, efficiently and hassle-free by taking advantage of the multitude of services and transaction options the site offers.”
The site offers multiple services for users. Citizens can use the site to renew driver licenses, register vehicles, find voter information, buy hunting and fishing licenses, register businesses and review the state’s budget.
“Kentucky’s continued commitment to improve service to the businesses and citizens it serves through improved and streamlined technology methods is reflected in this improvement to number five in the nation for this year’s Best of the Web award,” Kentucky Chief Information Officer Phil Baughn said. “Kentucky.gov offers a variety of government-related services and information around the clock.”
History of Excellence for State Websites
Kentucky.gov is the official website of the Commonwealth. The site is managed and operated using no tax dollars through a public-private partnership between the Commonwealth and Kentucky Interactive, the Frankfort-based official eGovernment partner for the state. Kentucky Interactive helps state government entities Web-enable their information services, and is part of eGovernment firm NIC’s family of companies. (NASDAQ: EGOV)
In April 2010, Kentucky was the only state in the nation to receive an ‘A’ rating for openness in government spending for its Open Door website, online at http://opendoor.ky.gov, based upon a report issued by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. The site was also named one of the best of its kind nationally by the Center for Study of Responsive Law, a nonprofit organization that researches government and corporate accountability. The Commonwealth was recognized as a national leader for transparency in state contracts for publishing the full text of state contracts.
Similar to Open Door, the Commonwealth’s stimulus spending site, Kentucky at Work, online at http://kentuckyatwork.ky.gov, received national attention in January 2009. In a report issued by Good Jobs First, a national policy resource center, Kentucky was recognized for receiving the second highest rating nationally for accountability to taxpayers.
“This most recent reward for a Kentucky government website continues to highlight Gov. Beshear’s persistence for transparency and openness in government,” said Jonathan Miller, secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet. “A critical element for providing that transparency is making our internet presence as user friendly and comprehensive as possible and that’s what this award indicates.”
Kentucky at Work and Open Door are both maintained by the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Congratulations to each of these Kentucky websites for the honors they’ve received… may the recognition continue to roll in!
The annual sale of native Kentucky wildflowers will be held at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28.
During this public sale, shoppers can choose from numerous species of native plants including favorites like the cardinal flower, purple coneflower, passion flower and many more. All native plants are priced at $5 to $6 each. This sale is only held once a year.
Native shrubs, wildflowers and grasses are the preferred shelter and food source for Kentucky’s wildlife. These low-maintenance plants thrive in the state’s climate and soil conditions. They also require less water than exotic species. Plant experts will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice on creating beautiful wildflower gardens. In addition, visitors can tour the Salato Center and see wildflowers in full bloom.
The Salato Center has a variety of native animals for the public to see, including a black bear, an eagle, bobcats, elk, deer, bison, snakes and fish. The center has numerous indoor exhibits and miles of hiking trails open to the public. Fishing is available at two lakes. While some programs may require a registration fee, general admission to the Salato Center is free.
For more information, call 1-800-858-1549, ext. 4445. Learn more about upcoming events at the Salato Center on the Internet at fw.ky.gov. The Salato Center, operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is located at the department’s headquarters at #1 Sportsman’s Lane (formerly #1 Game Farm Road), off U.S. 60 in Frankfort, 1.5 miles west of U.S. 127. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The center is closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.
If you’re thinking about getting a little boating in before summer ends, Barren River Lake State Resort Park has a great deal for you.
Rent a pontoon boat for all day for $175 plus tax and the park will throw in a lodge room for free. The lodging offer is good for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights with the boat use for the following day. The park is also offering a two-night package with the use of the boat for two days for an additional $150 plus tax.
The park also has overnight packages that include a john-boat for fishing or ski-boats.
The offer is good through Oct. 15, 2010 and does not include holidays. Gas is not included. The offer is based on availability. To view the coupon, visit http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/br/ and click on “Summer Boating Offer.”
Barren River Lake State Resort Park near Glasgow has a lodge, cottages, Driftwood Restaurant, golf course, fitness center, gift shop, fishing, picnic areas and hiking trails. The resort is located 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take I-65 to the Cumberland Parkway east, to US 31E south.
For more information and to make reservations. Call 1-800-325-0057.
There’s still plenty of summer left and the Kentucky State Parks would like to invite you to visit before it ends.
Several parks are offering special rates during July, August and September 2010. With the kids out of school, this would be a perfect time for a few days to get away to a park for some swimming, boating, fishing, hiking or just some relaxing.
Kentucky State Resort Parks offer recreational programming in the summer months and many have marinas. All have restaurants open daily.
For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Here are the parks and the discount offers: (Note-Please call the specific parks for these discount offers unless otherwise noted)
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill: Carter Caves is offering special rates to allow its neighbors a chance to visit and spend a few days exploring caves, walking trails and enjoy some planned recreation activities. Call the park at 1-800-325-0059 and ask for the “Neighbor Special” Sunday through Thursday night good through Aug. 15. This features a lodge room in Lewis Caveland Lodge for $64.95 a night plus tax. If available, you can get a two-bedroom cottage for $99.95 a night plus tax. Rates are subject to availability. Offer is good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and cannot be used with any other discount.
Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough: Call the park and ask for the “Neighbor Special” Sunday through Thursday night good through Aug. 15. Get a lodge room for $64.95 a night plus tax. If available, you can get a two bedroom cottage for $99.95 a night plus tax. Rates are subject to availability. Offer is good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and cannot be used with any other discount. 800-325-1713
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville: Call the park and ask for the “Neighbor Special” Sunday through Thursday night. Get a lodge room for $64.95 a night plus tax. If available, you can get a two-bedroom cottage for $99.95 a night plus tax. Rates are subject to availability. Offer is good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and cannot be used with any other discount. Call 800-325-0146.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin: Is offering lodge rooms at $64.95 Sunday through Thursday during July and August as well as offering Woodland rooms at $79.95 during August. Moonbow nights are excluded from this “Neighbor Special.” Call (800) 325-0063 for reservations.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton: The park is offering special rates in August on Sunday through Thursday nights. You can reserve a lodge room for $59.95; a one-bedroom cottage for $79.95; a two-bedroom cottage for $99.95; and a three-bedroom cottage for $119.95 a night. This “Neighbor Special” is available if you call 1-866-462-8853.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown: During August, the park is offering rooms in the Lure Lodge for $64.95 a night Sunday through Thursday. This “Neighbor Special” also includes two-bedroom cottages for $139.95 on those same days. To get this special, call 800-325-1709
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville: On Sunday through Thursday during August, you can reserve a lodge room in the picturesque Oaken Lodge for $64.95 a night. Call for your “Neighbor Special” at (800) 325-2282
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet: The park is offering $10 off accommodations when a guest presents a ticket stub from the Maysville Balloon Race July 30th and 31st. The offer is good on those dates only. Blue Licks Battlefield is also offering a “Neighbor Special” from Aug. 23 to Sept. 30 Sunday through Thursday with a $59 a night lodge room. Call 800-443-7008.
Discount starting in August. The Kentucky State Parks have an online coupon good for a $59.95 lodge room Sunday through Thursdays from Aug. 15-Sept. 30 at selected parks. Get the coupon by visiting www.parks.ky.gov The parks where this coupon is good include: Blue Licks Battlefield, Greenbo Lake, Pennyrile Forest, Buckhorn Lake, Jenny Wiley, Rough River, Carter Caves and Kenlake. Call the park or make the reservation online and use the code “BACKYARD.” Holidays are excluded. There are a limited number of rooms for this offer at each park.
The Kentucky Diabetes Prevention and Control Program and a steering committee of 12 diabetes organizations are taking steps to develop and implement a Kentucky Diabetes State Plan, the Kentucky Department for Public Health announced today. The group hopes to involve as many interested people and organizations as possible in various parts of the process.
“This comprehensive action plan will provide a roadmap to guide our collective efforts over the next few years to better meet the needs of Kentuckians with, and at risk for, diabetes,” said Steve Davis, M.D., DPH deputy commissioner.
Approximately 445,200 Kentucky adults have diabetes and another 611,000 Kentuckians ages 40-74 have pre-diabetes and are at very high risk for developing the disease.
DPH and partners are gathering input from consumers to learn more about the support people with or at risk for diabetes have received or would like to receive from their doctors, employers and communities to manage their diabetes and help them stay healthy. To get this information, all adults with or at risk for diabetes in Kentucky are invited to answer a few questions through an online survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Kentucky_Diabetes_Consumer_Survey_2010.
The survey is active until Aug. 12, and respondents will not be asked to give any personal identifying information.
“We need input from as many people as possible to help shape a plan for a strong system of support to help people with and at risk for diabetes stay healthy,” said Theresa Renn, coordinator, Kentucky Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.
Organizations represented on the steering committee for this effort include the Kentucky Area American Diabetes Association; the Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center at the University of Kentucky; the University of Louisville College of Medicine; Diabetes Educators Cincinnati Area; the Greater Louisville Association of Diabetes Educators; the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; the Kentuckiana Endocrine Club; the Kentucky Association of Diabetes Educators; the Kentucky Diabetes Network; the Tri State Association of Diabetes Educators; the University of Kentucky Division of Endocrinology; and the University of Louisville Pediatric Endocrinology.The Kentucky Diabetes State Plan will be released in spring 2011. For more information about the plan, contact Janice Haile, Green River District Health Department, (270) 686-7747.
If you love NASCAR like we do, and you’re anywhere near Owensboro, Kentucky on Sunday July 18, 2010, grab your Hermanator t-shirt and head to Windy Hollow!
Windy Hollow Speedway and the Big Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross have teamed up for a night of great racing and fund raising! This Sunday night Windy Hollow Speedway will host the very popular NASCAR driver and Speed TV personality Kenny Wallace at the Owensboro, KY race facility. Wallace will be on hand racing his Federated Auto Parts UMP DIRTcar Series open wheel modified as well as helping the Red Cross. Wallace will also step into a car he has never seen before and battle it out with some well known locals from the racing world in the Prelude to the Box Car Nationals to benefit the Big Rivers Chapter.
Wallace will step into a custom built box car replica of his Federated Auto Parts modified and run on foot against the following entries:
Richard Cunningham from www.circlesville.com (a national dirt track media source)
Malcolm West from Racing Radio Live and the Nashville Super Speedway
Angie Baird- American Classifieds/Thrifty Nickel
Alan Slaton- EZ Buy Auto Sales/EZ Graphics
Jay Velotta- Windy Hollow Speedway announcer/Radio Goes Racing
Billy Egeler- Windy Hollow Speedway announce/Radio Goes Racing
These racers will run a small race on foot inside their custom built cardboard creations in an effort to raise funds for the Red Cross. Donations will be accepted before the event, which will be held during intermission on Sunday. There will also be an autographed door from Kenny Wallace’s modified up for grabs to the highest bidder during an auction held at intermission. Wallace will be available for autographs during the evening’s intermission festivities and after the racing events.
Gates will open at 4pm with racing starting at 6pm at Windy Hollow Speedway. It will be an action packed night of stock car racing and box car racing at its best!
For more information on the Box Car Nationals presented by Circlesville.com and the Carousel Child Care Center visit www.circlesville.com .
Windy Hollow Speedway is located just 9 miles southwest of Owensboro, KY off of Kentucky Highway 81 on Windy Hollow Road.
GATES OPEN AT 3:30 PM
DRAW CLOSES AT 6 pm
RACING AROUND 6:15 pm
About Kenny Wallace
Kenny Wallace, who won the first race he ever entered, thank you very fast, was born in the hometown of my favorite baseball team – St. Louis, Missouri. Kenny is the youngest of three brothers and, and Kenny Wallace.com points out, racing was a household reality before any of the boys could wheel a car.
He currently lives in North Carolina with his High School sweetheart, wife of 25 years, Kim. The couple have three daughters (something we have in common).
One of the very best things about Kenny is that he’s as big of a St. Louis Cardinals fan as I am. I love you, man.
From Kenny Wallace.com:
After winning that first race in 1982, Kenny decided that his place in racing was in the driver’s seat. That day was a preview of things to come. In 1986, Kenny joined the ASA ranks winning Rookie of the Year honors.
Links for Kenny Wallace Fans
If at all possible, make it out to Windy Hollow Speedway Sunday night. Great Speedway. Great cause. Great driver.
Visit Windy Hollow Speedway‘s Website
One new location, two expansions lead to new and retained jobs
Gov. Steve Beshear visited Henderson, Kentucky today to announce three economic development projects that will create as many as 30 new jobs, as well as retain an additional 32 jobs in the community. Accompanied by company and community leaders, Gov. Beshear revealed Legacy Plastics will relocate its manufacturing facility from Evansville, Ind. to Henderson, Ky. to accommodate the company’s growth. Additionally, Henderson-based Matrix Composites and Sunrise Tool and Die will expand their operations.
“The location of Legacy Plastics and the expansion of Matrix Composites and Sunrise Tool and Die reflect the hard work of Henderson County officials and demonstrate the confidence these companies have in the area’s workforce,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky looks forward to a long and successful partnership with each of these exceptional companies.”
Legacy is a leading custom thermoplastic profile extrusion company that produces parts for GE refrigerators and display materials. The company is moving into a 25,000 square-foot facility located at 1116 5th Street in Henderson. The relocation represents a nearly $1 million investment and 20 new and relocated jobs.
Matrix Composites, a locally owned manufacturer of woven and knitted fiberglass reinforcements, has been in operation since 1993. The company’s products are used in a number of applications, including ballistic panels, marine applications, automotive, as well as construction, recreational and energy products. Matrix is currently located in a 25,000 square-foot facility in the Henderson Corporate Park, but has purchased the former 157,000 square-foot AMI Building, allowing the company to initially add 10 new jobs with a significant opportunity for more in the future. The expansion will also result in a $3.1 million capital investment.
Founded in 1989, Sunrise Tool and Die manufactures and repairs plastic molds weighing up to 10,000 pounds. The Henderson plant is currently operating at capacity, limiting the company’s ability to expand into larger markets. The company plans to invest $2.5 million in its facility, allowing it to seek additional business opportunities and maintain its existing 32 employees. The investment project will consist of increasing crane capacities from five to 15 tons, ceiling heights from 20 to 26 feet and increase floor space to meet the demand for larger capacity molds and more profitable business opportunities.
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Sunrise Tool and Die for tax incentives up to $250,000 through the Kentucky Reinvestment Act, a program that was expanded in the Governor’s Incentives for a New Kentucky bill last summer to assist companies that need to make significant capital investment in Kentucky facilities in order to remain competitive. Without the renewed investment and state assistance, Sunrise Tool and Die would likely see a decrease in sales and would be forced to consider alternative locations.
“The mere fact that Sunrise Tool, Matrix Composites and Legacy Plastics will produce more jobs in the area is an excellent boost to our citizens,” said Sandy Lee Watkins, Henderson County Judge Executive. “Expanding businesses also play a crucial role in the business community. We must not overlook the worth of having these three companies in our region and the impact they have on the economy.”
“As part of our continued strategy to further expand businesses in the Northwest Kentucky region, our economic development efforts are focused on retaining and growing jobs, which these three companies display and are being rewarded for,” said Henderson, Kentucky Mayor Tom Davis.
A detailed community profile for Henderson (Henderson County) can be viewed at http://thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=031. Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com.
Kentucky’s First Lady is thinking about the young people in Kentucky – specifically about their reading habits. She has created a Summer Reading List for Kentucky’s young people. Even kids who don’t live in Kentucky will love these fascinating books.
Jane Beshear’s summer reading list is one each child should complete this summer.
In an effort to increase student reading during summer break, First Lady Jane Beshear today announced her Top 10 Summer Reads as part of the First Lady’s Reading Recommendations initiative.
“Educators have long known that reading over summer vacation leads to improved performance when school resumes, and fosters a lifelong love of reading,” said Mrs. Beshear. “The books on my summer reading list have been chosen not only to entertain and educate students throughout the summer months but to increase their awareness of the outdoors, community service and compassion for others.”
- Summer Reading is Killing Me!, Jon Scieszka (Ages 9-12)—“In this latest adventure of the time warp trio, Fred, Sam and Joe find themselves traveling through time when Fred puts their summer reading list in The Book, which causes them to meet up with a number of familiar children’s book characters.” (On Amazon: Summer Reading Is Killing Me! #7 (Time Warp Trio)
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- Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt (Ages 9-12)—“This enchanting and timeless tale is a story of fantasy while also tenderly dealing with the real world issues of mortality and the cycle of life.” (On Amazon: Tuck Everlasting
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- The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton (Ages 13-18)—“This classic tale of the struggle of young boys trying to find their place in this world is as relevant a social commentary today as it was when it was published more than 40 years ago.” (On Amazon: The Outsiders
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- Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O’Dell (Ages 9-12)—“This 50th Anniversary edition is the story of a young Indian girl separated from her tribe and stranded on an island for many years. It provides a strong female lead character in a story of human resourcefulness and a will to survive.” (On Amazon: Island of the Blue Dolphins
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- Slow Down for Manatees, Jim Arnosky (Ages 4-8)—“This beautifully written and illustrated story encourages young readers to be mindful of the world they share with other creatures and the threats that humans sometimes unknowingly pose to them.” (On Amazon: Slow Down for Manatees
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- Riddle of the Reef, Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz (Ages 4-8)—“This book features adventure and an important message of conservation as Riley and his family visit Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.” (On Amazon: Riddle Of The Reef (Adventures Of Riley)
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- Mountains Beyond Mountains, Tracy Kidder, (Ages 14-18)—“A New York Times Best Seller and Pulitzer Prize winner, this book tells the remarkable and inspiring story of Dr. Paul Famer’s efforts to bring healthcare to the poor and sick of Haiti.” (On Amazon: Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World (Random House Reader’s Circle)
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- Gods of Manhattan, Scott Mebus (Ages 9-12)—“The first in a series of books about a spirit world that exists within Manhattan, the story of Rory and his kid sister Bridget provides a great deal of adventure and fantasy, as well as a little history of New York City.” (On Amazon: Gods of Manhattan
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- When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, Kimberly Willis Holt, (Ages 11-15)—“Set during a small-town, Texas summer, this book tells the story of 13-year-old Toby Wilson, his struggle to find how he fits into this world and the realization that, as difficult as his life may seem, others may have it worse than him.” (On Amazon: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
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- Scat, Carl Hiaasen, (Ages 9-12)—“When their unpopular biology teacher inexplicably goes missing, Nick and Marta set out on an adventure to unravel the mystery of Mrs. Bunny Starch’s suspicious disappearance.” (On Amazon: Scat
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What’s new at Genuine Kentucky:
I added a new article to the Bird’s Articles: How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
How neighborly!
Beautiful Carter Caves State Resort Park would like to show its appreciation to its neighbors with a special deal for lodge rooms and cottages. Call the park (1-800-325-0059) for a reservation and ask for the “Neighbor Special” that’s good Sunday through Thursday (July 11, 2010 – July 15, 2010).
Here’s what the “Neighbor Special” will get you: A lodge room in Lewis Caveland Lodge for $64.95 a night plus tax – a savings of $45! If available you can get one of the Two Bedroom Cottages for $99.95 a night plus tax – a savings of $100!! Rates are subject to availability. Good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and can not be used with any other discount.
Carter Caves invites its neighbors to visit them and spend a few days exploring wonderful caves, walking beautiful trails and enjoying other recreation activities. And there’s no better time to take advantage of all of this than now – in the middle of the summer right before the kids get ready to go back to school
Call the park at 1-800-325-0059 and ask for the “Neighbor Special.”
Read more about Carter Caves State Resort Park in our Kentucky State Park Section.
Kentucky is notorious for its great fishing. With Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Barren River Lake, and many others, its little wonder Kentucky fishing is popular with fishermen (and women!).
However, if you can’t make a trip to one of Kentucky’s larger lakes or streams, don’t hang up your fishing pole just yet – great fishing is still waiting at a nearby farm pond! You’ll see proof positive on “Kentucky Afield” this weekend, July 10 and 11.
From his cell phone, a private land owner shows host, Tim Farmer, a snapshot of an 8-pound largemouth bass caught the previous week. That was incentive enough to grab some gear and remember the value of farm pond fishing. Often dismissed because of small size or lack of scenic beauty, a well-balanced pond packs plenty of excitement. Tune in as Kentucky Afield goes to Fayette County for the proof.
Elsewhere, just like the temperature, noodling season is hot. Kentucky Conservation Officer Mickey Craig takes Farmer to the Ohio River in Campbell County to try the bare-hand technique on some whopper catfish.
Also on the show? Geese! Canada geese molt their flight feathers in mid-summer. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources migratory bird biologists Rocky Pritchert and John Brunjes show us how researchers take advantage of this opportunity to gather the birds and attach leg bands.
Avid Bird Watchers like me won’t want to miss this story.
“Kentucky Afield” is a production of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. It is the longest continuously running outdoor television show in the nation. The program airs at 8:30 p.m. Eastern /7:30 p.m. Central Saturdays, and repeats at 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central Sundays on KET 1. To see the latest news about “Kentucky Afield” television and view your favorite show segments from the past, sign up today for the electronic newsletter. Visit fw.ky.gov on the Internet and click the Kentucky Afield Newsletter icon.
