Good morning, Kentucky. Here's what you need to know today.
Your Weather Planner: Rain will overspread the region from west to east on Thursday, leading to a soggy afternoon commute for many. Fortunately, temperatures will remain seasonably mild.
The Big Story: An Army UH-60 helicopter from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, crashed after colliding with an American Eagle flight coming from Wichita, Kansas. The airliner had 60 people on board, and there were four crew members aboard the helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the incident.
Around Kentucky, there's growing concern about the state's child welfare system. Reports indicate many potential foster families are hesitant to take on children with behavioral or acute mental issues. A federal judge has paused the funding freeze imposed by the administration of former President Donald Trump, yet confusion arose, and the funding order was eventually rescinded.
Meanwhile, the Ramsey Theater Company is gearing up for its upcoming performance honoring Floyd Collins, the legendary cave explorer who tragically lost his life inside Sand Cave one hundred years ago. On the anniversary of his death, staff from Mammoth Cave National Park and cast members paid tribute by singing selections from Floyd Collins: The Musical. Musical director Alan White remarked, "It’s almost like are people looking down from the afterlife keeping up on you?" The story of Collins captivated the nation, drawing massive public interest back in 1925, and its theatrical adaptation has made its way to Broadway this year.
Cast member Benjamin Carter, who portrays Skeets Miller, expressed excitement about performing such unique material. "It feels surreal to get to play in a show about real people telling real stories."
Jesse McFarland, the lead character, noted they are invoking local lore by saving a seat for Collins during their performance. According to superstition, not inviting Collins, when passing his grave, could make him unhappy. Their performance is set for one night only, on March 8.
Turning to economic news, Kentucky's unemployment figures have revealed shifts across the labor market for 2024. Mike Clark, the Director of the Center of Business and Economic Research at the University of Kentucky, states, "People are coming to the labor force at a faster rate than employers are adding them to the labor." This uptick affects regions such as Warren, Barren, and Logan counties, which are reporting the highest unemployment rates. Despite the available job opportunities, many residents are actively searching for stable employment.
According to the Kentucky Center for Statistics, the region’s population has grown approximately 1.8% since 2020, indicating rising competition for jobs as more people enter the workforce. COVID-19 recession recovery efforts are underway, signaling available resources for those who are unemployed.
Lastly, from Livingston County, authorities are seeking assistance to locate 13-year-old Jacey Campbell, described as 5'6" and 140 pounds with brown eyes and auburn hair. She was last seen on Ditney Road wearing pink apparel. The sheriff's office urges anyone with information to contact them or the Kentucky State Police.
Also making news, a pedestrian accident was reported on Friday night when Beau Hester, walking near the shoulder of U.S. 641, was struck by the side mirror of a vehicle. Hunter Smith of New Concord was identified as the driver. Hester sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported for medical care; the incident is under investigation.
Stay tuned for updates on these stories and more as Kentucky navigates through the day. We'll be back tomorrow with another roundup!