Shelly Baskin

Murray Calloway Co. Hospital CEO Talks Financial Trouble, Job Cuts

Shelly Baskin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:21:21 +0000

Last week, Murray Calloway County Hospital announced the elimination of 28 jobs. MCCH CEO Jerry Penner says the cuts are results of a turbulent healthcare environment including low patient volume and declining Medicaid reimbursements. Shelly Baskin speaks with Penner about the details surrounding the cuts, and the financial trouble related to Managed Care Organizations and the Affordable Care Act.

MSU Regents Vote Down Contract Extension for Dunn; Faculty Regent Jack Rose Resigns

Shelly Baskin and Chad Lampe — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:10:31 +0000

Murray State’s Board of Regents has voted 7 to 4 against extending President Randy Dunn’s contract. The decision comes despite the letters of support for Dunn from the school’s faculty senate and staff congress, as well as 27 west Kentucky school superintendents.

MCCH Announces Layoffs and Cost Cutting Measures

Shelly Baskin — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:39:25 +0000

Murray Calloway County Hospital is laying off 28 employees and implementing other cost cutting measures this week. MCCH President Jerry Penner says in a press release that the cuts are a response to a $7.5 million shortfall in patient volume since last October and a decline in Medicaid reimbursements. Penner says the cuts are regrettable but necessary to keep the hospital running.

KY General Fund Revenue Declines in February

Shelly Baskin and The Associated Press — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:33:27 +0000

Kentucky’s General Fund revenue saw a sharp decline last month. Budget Director Jane Driskell says collections fell 5.2%, costing the state nearly $30 million. Coal severance tax revenue had the largest loss, with 24. 5%. Both individual income tax and cigarette tax revenue dropped about 14%. Driskell says 41% increases in corporate income tax and property tax collections failed to offset the losses.

Belmont Beats the Racers in OVC Championship OT

Shelly Baskin and The Associated Press — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 03:12:20 +0000

The Murray State Racers were not able to seal the deal in OT in their 70-68 loss to the Belmont Bruins at the Ohio Valley Conference Championship tonight in Nashville. This was the Racers' first loss in the conference final since 2000.

Murray State Advances to Men's OVC Championship

Shelly Baskin and The Associated Press — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 16:26:13 +0000

The Murray State Racers put up an 81-73 victory over the Eastern Kentucky Colonels Friday night to advance to the Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship. The Racers will face Belmont on Saturday for a chance at their 16th overall and second straight OVC title.

Man Charged with Shooting Hickman Mayor Pleads Guilty

Shelly Baskin and The Associated Press — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:05:54 +0000

The man charged with killing Hickman Mayor Charles Murphy early last year has pleaded guilty today as part of a plea bargain. Under the agreement, 31-year-old Tommy Lattus pleaded guilty, but mentally ill, and will serve more that 37 years in prison for the murder. A formal sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 28^th.

School Superintendents Write Letter of Support for Dunn

Shelly Baskin — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:15:36 +0000

The superintendents of 27 western Kentucky school districts have unanimously voted to support an extension of Murray State University President Randy Dunn’s contract. The superintendents are members of the West Kentucky Educational Cooperative.

Edelen Voices Opposition to Special Taxing District Bill Amendment

Shelly Baskin and The Associated Press — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:47:54 +0000

Legislation intended to increase oversight of Kentucky’s special taxing districts has cleared a Senate committee, but with a change that State Auditor Adam Edelen called unacceptable.

New Candle Plant Bringing 150 Jobs to Fulton

Shelly Baskin — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:59:39 +0000

A major candle manufacturer is establishing a new plant in Fulton, Kentucky, bringing 150 new full-time jobs to the city. MVP Group International is a candle and fragrance goods manufacturer based in Charleston, South Carolina.