Matt Markgraf

It was called "a merger of equals" and one of the biggest in the history of modern industry. On this day in 1998, Daimler-Benz purchased 92% of Chrysler for nearly $40 billion. Despite being one of the "Big 3" US automakers, Chrysler was sold off in 2007, declared bankruptcy in 2009, and is currently owned by Fiat.

It’s Tuesday, May 7

The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive takes place this Saturday in Mayfield and Graves County. Residents can leave canned or boxed food items at their mailboxes for postal carriers to pick up for Need Line. No glass containers, please, and items must be at the mailbox by 8:30AM. Cards should arrive in the mail today with more information.

On this day in 1998, Kerry Wood tied Roger Clemens' record of 20 strikeouts in a single game, pitching for the Chicago Cubs against Houston Astros. Wood finished the season with a 13-6 record, earning him Rookie of the Year. He went on to play 15 seasons and was named a two-time National League All-Star.

It's Monday, May 6

The Calloway County Courthouse centennial celebration is tomorrow afternoon at 2 on the north side of the courthouse. Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham is the keynote speaker. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony. The public is invited to attend.

Standing at 1,451 feet, it held the lofty rank of tallest building in the world for nearly 25 years... The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) is still the tallest in the US, and is currently the 7th tallest worldwide. Most importantly, the restrooms on the 103rd floor are the highest in the Western Hemisphere.

It’s Friday, May 3

The Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County announce the opening of an exhibit featuring the Kentucky Heritage Quilt Society’s 2012 Challenge Quilts. The pieces interpret the theme “It’s About Time.” The exhibit is on display tomorrow through May 11. For more information call (270) 887-4270.

Look for us at the blue and white 91.3 tent near the main stage at the LowerTown Arts & Music Festival, 7th and Madison Streets, Paducah, May 17, 18, and 19. Click lowertownamf.com to get the full scope of this regional festival celebrating the rich music, art, theatre and food traditions of this part of the country. Have fun browsing the galleries and artists in this historic arts neighborhood near the riverfront in Paducah.

It's been called "an icon of modern art, a Mona Lisa for our time." The pastel version (the most colorful) of Edvard Munch's The Scream sold at Sotheby's auction for nearly $120 million last year, setting a new record for the highest price paid for a work of art at an auction. The taker was businessman Leon Black.

It’s Thursday, May 2

The Wheels and Wings bike ride, formerly Ride for the Refuge, is Saturday beginning at LaCenter First Baptist Church. Registration starts at 7AM and the ride starts at 8. Fifteen, thirty, sixty, and hundred mile courses are offered. For more information, visit the Wheels and Wings Facebook page or call 983-0261.

On this day in 2003, President George W. Bush made an historic jet landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln and gave a televised address announcing the end of major combat operations in Iraq. The banner drew criticism for being premature, which the administration later acknowledged, as warfare and casualties had increased after the speech.

It’s Wednesday, May 1

Friday at noon as part of the Music at Midday series, organist Anna DeFoe gives a brief recital at Grace Episcopal Church in Hopkinsville. She performs compositions by Pachelbel, Jean Langlais, and Camille Saint-Saens on the historic Estey pipe organ. 

One of the most recognized artists in country music turns 80 today! Nelson defined "outlaw country" with his signature sound on Shotgun Willie and Red Headed Stranger in the mid 70s. He continues to tour extensively, with his beloved guitar Trigger, putting out albums virtually every year, pleading with mammas to not let their babies grow up to be cowboys.

It’s Tuesday, April 30

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.

The controversial "American tribal love-rock musical" Hair opened at the Biltmore Theater on Broadway on this day in 1968. A product of hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution, many of its songs became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement. "This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius!"

It's Monday, April 29

Murray-Calloway County Hospital's Wellness Works program offers a free community health screening tomorrow morning from 9 to 11 at the Trigg County Senior Citizens Center in Cadiz. The event includes blood sugar and blood pressure screenings. For more information on the Wellness Works schedule or about the screenings offered, call 762-1348.

From Press Release: Land Between The Lakes (LBL) received excessive rainfall throughout the day Saturday leading to extremely saturated soil conditions that caused the temporary closure of Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area, as of April 29th, until further notice. Turkey Bay management will re-evaluate trail conditions as the weather improves. 

The Carol Burnett Show won 25 Emmy Awards, and was listed by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Best TV Shows of All Time. Her contributions to film include Pete 'n' Tillie, The Four Seasons, Annie, and more recently Horton Hears a Who! Happy Birthday Carol Burnett!

It’s Friday, April 26

The Calloway County Sheriff's Office and the Murray-Calloway County Parks Department present "Touch A Truck" tomorrow from noon to 2 at Central Park. Kids and families can visit the Arcadia Drive parking lot to climb in vehicles including fire, rescue, safety, bucket, farm and construction equipment pieces. For more information, call 762-0325.