Sounds Good

Todd Hatton speaks with Mike Manning, Chief Ranger, and Brian McCutcheon, Park Superintendent, of Fort Donelson National Battlefield in Dover, Tennessee about events and activities this summer. In this interview, Manning also describes the historical significance of the fort during the Civil War. Work starts on a new museum, with new exhibits like gunboats, earthworks, and the effects on regional populations. For now, see the traveling exhibit, "Life and Limb: The Toll of the American Civil War, " on display now in the welcome center. Later this summer, see an Army/Navy Exhibit offered by longtime friends of the park. See more on the Fort Donelson website. 

Whether you call it 'La-Mis-ur-AHB' or 'Les-Mis-ur-AH-bluh,' this blockbuster opens at Paducah’s Market House Theatre this weekend and Kate Lochte speaks with director Michael Cochran about the experience of adapting this classic novel by Victor Hugo, and recent Oscar-winning film, to the local stage. Show dates are June 6-9, 13-16, and 20-23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at mhtplay.com. 

Murray sportsman and Murray Ledger & Times writer Kenny Darnell visits Sounds Good to speak with Chad Lampe about Kentucky turkey harvest success this year, and the decline in the Purchase Region. Also, he speaks about issues for boaters and fishermen regarding Kentucky Lake water levels and the new processing facility for Asian carp in our region.

Chad Lampe speaks with Becky Monarch on Sounds Good about the Bluegrass State Games. This is the largest amateur participatory event in Kentucky. Entering their 29th year, the Games' size and scope annually rank among the top three state games in the country. According to their website, the Games are the signature event of the Bluegrass Sports Commission, designed to provide Kentuckians of all ages and skill levels a wholesome avenue for positive development through sports and physical activity. See more at BlugrassStateGames.org.

Lindsey Harlan, Director of CASA by the Lakes, visits Sounds Good to speak with Kate Lochte about fundraising time for the Court Appointed Special Advocates Fundraiser. CASA for Children by the Lakes is a non-profit organization that recruits, trains, and supports quality volunteers whose mission is to advocate for the timely and safe placement of abused and neglected children. See more about CASA at VolunteerMurray.org.

Murray native, and Maryville, Tennessee resident Kim Trevathan is on the water again with a book with a new book recounting his kayaking places where dammed reservoirs give way to the current of rivers that feed them. Trevathan signs his new book Liminal Zones: Where Lakes End and Rivers Begin at Murray State this Friday. See more about Trevathan and his work at Amazon.com.

Did you know western Kentucky had a botanical garden? It's located at 25 Carter Road in Owensboro and open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., seven days a week during growing season (March until mid-November). Kate Lochte speaks with Susie Tyler on Sounds Good about summer events and activities, such as the Hot Air Balloons and Dazzling Daylilly Festival on June 21. The garden offers self-guided and guided tours, educational events, and rentals for weddings, business meetings, etc.

See beautiful pictures of the garden, ways to volunteer, and more.

If you've been thinking about getting your GED, but haven't been able to do so yet, the Kentucky Adult Education Council on Postsecondary Education is making this opportunity available for free through July 31. On Sounds Good, Kate Lochte speaks with GED Administrator Jacqueline Korengal about how to take GED testing. 

Murray-based portrait artist Joy Thomas has captured the likeness of members of the community and leaders in government and business. Some of her commissions include the official portrait of Secretary of the US Navy, Richard Danzig; New York Jets owner, Robert Wood Johnson; and recently, John E. Bryson, the 37th US Secretary of Commerce. Her work has been on exhibit across the country, featured in magazines, and has won several awards, including first place in "The Best Paintings of 2000" competition by The Artist's Magazine. In 2006, she published The Art of Portrait Drawing, which is available on Amazon. She came to our studio to speak with Kate Lochte on Sounds Good about her work.

Please note: The very beginning of this interview got clipped.

Murray Art Guild Director Debi Danielson speaks with Kate Lochte on Sounds Good about summer events and activities at the guild. Some adult workshops include pastels, photography, live drawing, and weaving. Youth workshops include drawing, woodworking, photography, watercolors, pastels, metalworking, and more! Click here for the full list of workshops and more.