Gary Pitts

AP Report...

For the first time in two years, the entirety of the 101st Airborne Division is on post at Fort Campbell. The return of the last 186 troops of a combat aviation brigade from deployment in Afghanistan marks the first time that all units were on base together since 2010. The news comes as President Obama's plan to withdrawal some 33,000 troops from Afghanistan continues.

As Rick Santorum climbs in the polls, can he attract the vote of one of the largest voting groups in the nation (women)?

NPR reports even if Santorum can win the nomination, one of the greatest obtacles in his path to the White House is a struggle shared by many GOP candidates, appealing to women.

A Clarksville, Tennessee woman facing charges stemming from an incident in which police say she hit her toddler over the head and left him lying on a dark stretch of interstate has plead guilty. The Paducah Sun reports 30-year-old Cynthia Palmer could spend nearly a decade in jail after pleading to charges of assault, wanton endangerment, public intoxication, and driving under the influence.

The Murray-Calloway County United Way Chapter has reached its annual fundraising goal. Chapter Executive Director Aaron Dail says as of yesterday, United Way pledges are at over $331,000 dollars, more than $41,000 dollars over the goal. Dail says the 2011 campaign involved more than 40 businesses and 72 employee volunteers coordinating with their respective companies. The organization also received the largest donation in its history in this campaign, $140,000 dollars from Chuck and Sarah Jones of Murray. 

Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo says the plan to make the University of Pikeville the ninth state university will not be derailed by the hectic session.

Stumbo is the main legislative supporter of the measure. And he says despite redistricting, expanded gambling legislation and other barriers or distractions, his bill will continue moving forward.

The latest step is a hearing today in the House Education Committee.

Some area residents may have felt a rumble this morning as US Geological Service officials say a magnitude 4 earthquake took place in Southeast Missouri. Reports say the quake started around four o’clock this morning, about 5 miles north of East Prarie, Missouri. The epicenter was around 3 miles deep. There are no reports of damage at this time.

The Murray State Men's Basketball team is creeping back up in the national rankings following two wins last week. The Racers moved up two spots in the AP poll to number 14, and two in the ESPN poll to number 12 after successfully navigating past Southeast Missouri State and then number 16 ranked St. Mary's.

The Hickman Fulton County Riverport has received money for much-needed dredging. Director Greg Curlin says the Army Corps of Engineers told him earlier this month that $1.9 million dollars in disaster relief money would be used for a one-time dredging at the riverport. Curlin says without the dredging, low summertime water levels would have made it difficult for barges to make it into the harbor.

…face it, I’m older and have more insurance.

NPR reports as economic struggles have kept more people from retiring, and brought many out of retirement, age discrimination claims are up. But it’s tough to prove.

Metropolis, Illinois has a new Police Chief. At Monday's City Council meeting, Mayor Billy McDaniel appointed Harry Masse to take over following Chief Mike Worthen's retirement. Masse served with the Illinois State Police for 27 years. He's also a US Army veteran, and a graduate of the FBI police executive academy. Mayor McDaniel says since Masse already receives benefits from the State Police, his appointment will save the city money and help save jobs. The Paducah Sun reports Masse is set to transition into the position this week before taking over March 2nd.