Rick Howlett (KPR)

Stevens Returns to Kentucky Derby

Rick Howlett (KPR) — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:07:16 +0000

Jockey Gary Stevens is returning to the Kentucky Derby starting gate this year. After seven years of retirement, Stevens will be back in the irons aboard Derby starter Oxbow.

50-year-old Stevens says he began to feel the urge to return to the saddle about a year and a half ago, and became more serious about a comeback after starting a new training regimen. He says stepping away and working as an NBC racing analyst have given him a fresh perspective.

Orb is the Early Favorite in 20-Horse Kentucky Derby Field

Rick Howlett (KPR) and The Associated Press — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:25:39 +0000

The post positions are set for Saturday’s running of the Kentucky Derby.

Orb has been made the early 7-2 favorite for the Derby and a full field of 20 horses.

Trained by Shug McGaughey, Orb drew the No. 16 post on Wednesday. Four horses have won from there, most recently Animal Kingdom two years ago. McGaughey is in racing's Hall of Fame, but the 62-year-old trainer has yet to win the Derby in six previous tries. He says he's happy with the post position draw.

Election Day Alcohol Sales Bill Not Dead

Rick Howlett (KPR) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:24:14 +0000

Kentucky lawmakers came as close as ever this year to repealing the state’s ban on Election Day alcohol sales. The bill isn't dead yet, but appears unlikely to gain final support and reach the governor's desk.

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz: Pope Benedict's Resignation Sign of 'Deep Humility'

Rick Howlett (KPR) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 22:15:35 +0000

The head of the Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville says he’s grateful for Pope Benedict’s spiritual leadership over the past eight years.

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz was appointed to his post by Benedict nearly six years ago.

Kurtz says like most everyone, he was taken aback by the pope’s announcement that he will resign, effective at the end of month.

Overlay Option Chosen for New Western KY Area Code

Rick Howlett (KPR) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:24:09 +0000

The Kentucky Public Service Commission has approved a new area code for western Kentucky. The new area code, 364, will be added to the current 270 footprint in early 2014. PSC Spokesman Andrew Melnykovich says with the overlay people who currently use 270 won’t have to change numbers, but there will be a different dialing pattern.

Broadcasters Renew Call For Cell Phone Radio Receivers

Dan Conti (KPR) and Rick Howlett (KPR) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 21:47:28 +0000

The Kentucky Broadcasters Association is joining other industry-related groups in urging cell phone companies to install radio receivers in all their phones.

"Everybody has a cell phone, let’s face it. And the need for such a service on these phones becomes very noticeable, especially in the event of severe weather," said KBA President Gary White.

"You know, we had some tornadoes back earlier this year. We’ve got all of the activity that’s happened up on the east coast now. Let’s face it, we’re going to get more and more severe weather as we move on."

2012 Kentucky Historic Preservation Conference Comes to Princeton This Week

Chad Lampe and Rick Howlett (KPR) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:51:47 +0000

The 2012 Kentucky Historic Preservation Conference begins this week in of Princeton.

The two-day conference will include sessions on selling historic properties, best practices for preserving endangered historic sites and converting schools and other public buildings into affordable housing.

Ham auctioned for $300,000 at KY State Fair

Rick Howlett (KPR) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 21:44:01 +0000

The Kentucky State Fair grand champion country ham fetched $300,000 at a charity auction Thursday. Since 1964, the top ham has been auctioned at the close of the Kentucky Farm Bureau country ham breakfast. This year’s top bidder was Louisville optometrist Dr. Mark Lynn.

Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame nomination deadline approaches

Rick Howlett (KPR) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:30:00 +0000

There’s one week left to nominate human rights advocates for the 2012 Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

KY State Parks celebrate 50 years

Rick Howlett (KPR) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Special events are planned in the coming months at six Kentucky State Resort Park lodges. The lodges are turning 50 years old. Parks spokeswoman LaDonna Miller says the celebrations will begin next month.