Matt Markgraf

On this day in 1988, the Seikan Tunnel opened allowing rail travel from from Honshu to Hokkaido in Japan, becoming both the longest and deepest rail tunnel in the world, and the longest undersea tunnel in the world. Swizterland aims to beat the record with the Gotthard Base Tunnel beneath the Swiss Alps in 2017.

It’s Wednesday, March 13

The Paducah Symphony Orchestra hosts its Beat Beethoven 5K Run/Walk Saturday morning at Noble Park.  Race participants start to the opening notes of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and try to finish the 5K before the music ends.  Race-day registration starts at 7:30, and the race begins at 9.  See more at paducahsymphony.org.

If you gathered the family around the radio on this day in 1933, chances are good you heard President Roosevelt's first "fireside chat." The 'chats' were FDR's effort to communicate directly to citizens. With a cheery voice and demeanor, these made him quite popular and made it imperative that a president be both charismatic and stoic.

It’s Tuesday, March 12

The Mayfield-Graves County Food Pantry seeks donations of food or money. During March and April, donations are applied to the Feinstein Challenge, a matching program providing one million dollars nationwide to food pantries.  Drop off donations at 424 S. 9th Street in Mayfield Monday through Thursday from 9:30 to noon.  Call (270) 247-6333 for more information.

On this day in 1993, Janet Reno became the first woman to serve as Attorney General and would eventually become the second longest serving Attorney General after William Wirt (in 1829). In 2009, the American Judicature Society awarded her their highest honor for "her commitment to improving our systems of justice."

It’s Monday, March 11

The McCracken County Public Library hosts “Gross to Great! Picking Produce for Your Family’s Health and Wallet.”  The free class is tonight at 6.  Registered dietitian Laura Duff teaches participants how to tackle unfamiliar tastes, boost their families’ health, and lower grocery bills.  For more information, call 270-442-1166.

Chicago area pianist, composer, and band leader Kelly Brand has been on the music scene for well over a decade and a half entertaining jazz lovers with her innovative compositions and arrangements. Her original compositions, as well as her covers of musicians like Bobby Hutcherson, have enthralled listeners from the concert stage to her stellar recordings. Murray State History Professor and host of Café Jazz Dr. Brian Clardy spoke with her via telephone in an interview that was aired recently on the Wednesday night broadcast. Hear is the full interview. Discover more of her work at kellybrand.com.

Philips and Sony were in dead heat debuting the compact disc, but Philips edged out the competition by a week and made the first public demonstration on this day in 1979. The demo showed that it was possible to use optical recording and playback to reproduce audio in stereo quality.

It’s Friday, March 8

Neighborhood Watch Training is offered tomorrow evening at 5 at Kelly Baptist Church in Hopkinsville.  Everyone in Christian County is invited to attend.  Neighborhood Watch is a network of neighbors trained in home and self protection, suspect identification, and how to serve effectively as eyes and ears for law enforcement agencies.  For more information, call 885-1530.

Alexander Graham Bell raced to the patent office in 1876, beating out Elisha Gray for a patent, which he was granted on this day that covered "the method of, an apparatus for, transmitting vocal or other sounds telegraphically..." What better reason to make your pledge today to WKMS  by calling 800-599-4737! We appreciate your support!

It’s Thursday, March 7

There’s an opening reception tonight for the Paducah School of Art National Photography Invitational. The exhibit features works by leading artists employing a contemporary approach to the art of photography.  The reception is at the WKCTC Clemens Fine Arts Center Gallery from 5 until 7.

WOW! You are wonderful! The WKMS Spring Fundraiser goal was met at the end of All Things Considered on Wednesday afternoon (April 17)! The community has joined together to raise over $130,000 in financial support, keeping public radio going strong in the Four Rivers Region.

Sounds Good: The Week of May 20

Monday: In the first hour, Dietician Laura Marbury of the Southeast Dairy Association tells us how to fight the yearly, inevitable weight gain of one to three pounds. In the second hour, Chris Kerlick joins us to promote SamFest IV at Hidden Creek Resort this Saturday. It benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.