On Sound Good, Kate Lochte speaks with Mary Ann Gardener, Executive Assistant to the Provost of Murray State University, who directs on-site organization of this Saturday's Murray State University Commencement Ceremony. Hear about when traffic will be at is peak. Also, hear an interview with Dr. Bob Jackson, Associate VP for Institutional Advancement, Office of Development, about planning for the Commencement's Guest Speaker, U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell. 

Kate Lochte speaks with Victoria and Michael Terra who are co-directing the 2013 Lower Town Arts & Music Festival, May 17 through 19. It features more juried artists than ever. Two stages featuring a variety of excellent musicians. An expanded Taste of Paducah. Art Cars. And... a new competition "Top Potter Showdown." The festival website is www.lowertownamf.com.

Click here for information about our live broadcast from LowerTown.

Murray State University’s Board of Regents Chairman wants to vote again on President Randy Dunn’s contract on Friday. Board Chairman Constantine Curris released a statement Wednesday asking the board to vote again to reinforce the board’s responsibility to act in an open and transparent manner.

The board first voted against extending Dunn a new contract on March 15th following a social gathering at a regent’s home. The Kentucky Attorney General has since deemed the gathering, where a quorum was present and university business was discussed, an illegal board meeting.

Some Johnson County Illinois residents are asking their county commissioners to consider supporting a 2-year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” as oil and gas companies continue to look at southern Illinois land for extraction. 

Johnson County Economic Development Director Ronald Duncan said if fracking begins it could bring some money the county’s way.

“If we take examples of the economic impact that it’s had in other places,” he said.” I’m thinking specifically of southeastern Ohio, the Dakotas. You see this very, very strong impact up front. A lot of people coming to town, a lot of trucks, a lot of lunches sold at the counter. Just the sheer number of people doing that work coming in perhaps could boost the retail trade here in our community significantly.”  

Gov. Steve Beshear said a special session of the Kentucky General Assembly to redraw legislative districts for the House and Senate is likely to happen this fall. He said details are still being worked out.

“I’m talking with legislative leaders in the House and Senate right now and I think everybody, if we can work it out, would probably like to do it in the fall,” Beshear said. “And let everybody have the summer while kids are out of school and they have some vacation time, and then wait until we get back in school before we have the special session.”

A pending federal bankruptcy court decision could affect thousands of Kentucky mine worker benefits.

Patriot Coal Corporation, which operates two mines in Union and Henderson counties, wants to modify their collective bargaining agreements with the United Mine Workers Association. Patriot will replace all health care benefits for retirees with a Voluntary Employee Benefit Association trust. Patriot doesn't plan to replace the health insurance program for current employees.

On May 18th hundreds of volunteers will descend upon Lake Barkley State Resort Park to provide labor for some much needed repairs. The project is called 'Pass It On' and it's spearheaded by Leadership Trigg County. Trigg County Chamber of Commerce President Beth Mann spoke with Chad Lampe about the planned work.

Mann also discusses the impetus for the project and how this program could leverage state financial support for the Park.

They weren't the first to reach the top of Mt. Everest, but on this day in 1978, Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler became the first to the summit without supplemental oxygen. Before them, such a feat was thought to be impossible. Messner did it again in 1980.

It’s Wednesday, May 8

Angels Attic Thrift Shop seeks donations of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing; furniture; appliances; household items; and toys. Sale proceeds benefit Angels Community Clinic, which provides health care to the working uninsured in Calloway County. Bring donations to 972 Chestnut Street Monday through Saturday from 8 to 5, or call 762-0505 for pickup.