The majority of funds, administered through the Northern Kentucky Area Development District, will be used for training and education, which can include college, certifications and other credentials. The training and education will be targeted to six areas that are showing growth in the northern Kentucky region including advanced manufacturing, health, information technology, logistics/distribution, energy and services.
 

In addition, staff at the local Northern Kentucky One Stop Career Centers will advise displaced workers on careers, provide assessments of skills, prepare them for the job search with resume writing and interviewing techniques, and help them with job placement.
 

“This grant allows us to take the Comair employees who were laid off from point A to point Z and ultimately help them nail down a job,” said Barbara Stewart, director of the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board.
 

Stewart said about 350 former Comair employees who were laid off in September 2012 will be assisted with the funds.
 

While the Comair layoffs impacted workers who were employed in Kentucky, many of the workers reside in Indiana and Ohio, due to the proximity of the airport to the border of Kentucky. In an effort to meet the needs of all of the workers displaced by Comair, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has developed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Indiana and Ohio, which indicates that the NKADD will serve any workers displaced by the closure of Comair, regardless of their state of residence.
 

The MOA describes the parameters of the multi-state partnership; core and intensive services will be provided by the area where the affected worker comes to access services, but training will be paid for by NKADD for all Comair clients, assuming the training meets NKADD’s criteria for approval.
 

Of the $2,774,736 announced today, $1,356,574 will be released initially. Additional funding, up to the amount approved, will be made available as the Commonwealth demonstrates a continued need for assistance.
 

The NEG covers Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton counties in Kentucky; Decatur, Franklin, Henry, Marion, Perry, Ripley, Rush and Switzerland counties in Indiana; and Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio.
 

National Emergency Grants are part of the U.S. secretary of labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. NEG funding is administered by the Kentucky Department of Workforce Investment’s Office of Employment and Training in the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.
 

For more information, click here or call 859-371-0808 in Florence or 859-292-6666 in Covington.
 

From Office of the Governor

SPECIAL NOTES
 

Traffic could be congested near Fifth-Third Pavilion at Cheapside Park for Central Bank Thursday Night Live, which will be held from 4:30-8 p.m. Thursday, May 23.
 

The Division of Engineering issued grading permits during the period May 10-16 for the following addresses: 1970 Winchester Road, 3543 Tates Creek Road and 2560 Sir Barton Way. Permits are issued for six months and can include some blasting.
 

SIGNIFICANT TRAFFIC IMPACT
 

Portions of the following streets will be blocked at times through Saturday, May 25, for milling and paving:
Chestnut Street between East Sixth Street and East Seventh Street;
DeWeese Street between East Main Street and East Short Street;
East Loudon Avenue between Bryan Avenue and Idlewild Court;
Effie Road between Erie Road and Bamberger Road;
Elm Tree Lane between East Short Street and West Fourth Street;
Emerson Drive at Meadow Lane;
Meadow Lane between Emerson Drive and East New Circle Road;
Ohio Street between East Third Street and East Seventh Street;
Radcliffe Road between Rye Lane and Haggard Lane;
Shandon Drive between Parkside Drive and Burgoyne Drive;
Silver Lane between Thurman Drive and Lin Wal Road;
West Short Street between DeWeese Street and Elm Tree Lane;
Warnock Street between East Second Street and East Third Street;
Withrow Way between East Third Street and Grinstead Street.
 

The right outbound lane of Winchester Road will be blocked between Dayton Avenue and Liberty Road through Friday, May 31, for utility work.
 

DeRoode Street will be CLOSED between Versailles Road and McKinley Street 24 hours a day through Dec. 31, for work on the Newtown Pike extension project. Motorists can access the neighborhood from Merino Street to McKinley Street to Byars Alley.
 

MODERATE TRAFFIC IMPACT
 

The sidewalk of Carlisle Avenue will be closed between Bryan Avenue and Oak Hill Drive through Saturday, June 1, for culvert work.
 

Traffic on Industry Road will be diverted as needed at Durman Drive through Monday, May 20, for sewer work.
 

Hernando Alley will be CLOSED between East Vine Street and Water Street 24 hours a day from Monday, May 20, through Friday, May 31, for construction work.
 

The sidewalk on Rose Street will be blocked at Water Street on Monday, May 20, and Tuesday, May 21, for cable work.
 

The right lane of Wilson Downing Road will be closed between Nicholasville Road and Brigadoon Parkway from Tuesday, May 21, through Friday, May 24, to replace utility poles.
 

The northbound right turn lane of Winthrop Drive will be blocked 24 hours a day at Man O. War Boulevard through Friday, May 24, for utility work.
 

Lanes of Locust Avenue will be blocked as needed between Oak Hill Drive and Bryan Avenue through Friday, May 31, for utility work.
 

NOTE: Citizens can call the Traffic Hotline through the city’s Traffic Management Center at 258-3611 to hear traffic updates or check local road conditions. The public can get information on accidents, lane blockages, snow and ice trouble spots and road closures through Twitter (@lexwrecks) or through the Crosstown Traffic Show. The show broadcasts live from 6:30-8:30 a.m. weekday mornings on cable GTV3.
 

From LFUCG

“Approximately 15 million Americans have their identities used fraudulently each year with financial losses exceeding $50 billion,” General Conway said. “By shredding any documents that contain bank account numbers, credit card information, Social Security numbers, birth dates, pin numbers or even old tax returns, you can prevent this information from falling into the hands of criminals.”
 

Members of Conway’s Office of Consumer Protection will be available during the shredding event to answer questions related to identity theft, scams and other consumer protection issues.
 

As one of the fastest-growing crimes in America, the BBB says it is more important than ever to protect yourself against identity theft.
 

“We are pleased to again partner with the attorney general’s office to offer this valuable opportunity for the public to help protect their identity by securely disposing of unneeded sensitive documents,” said Jack Frank, BBB of Central and Eastern Kentucky president and CEO. “We appreciate our BBB Accredited Business, Cintas, for making this free event possible. We also want to thank BBB Accredited Business Lowes Home Improvement for providing the location.”
 

The public may bring documents to be shredded by on-site, certified Cintas employees during the free event. Documents will be constantly monitored and protected. A strict five box limit will be enforced to reduce waiting times (no businesses please). Paper clips and rubber bands are permitted but Cintas cannot accept CDs, binders, electronics, pharmaceutical bottles or other media.
 

For more information on how to protect yourself against identity theft, click here or here.
 

From Office of the Attorney General

“This was the most cost-effective path for the taxpayers,” Comer said. “The shutdown of the fuel lab was a laborious and complex task, and I am grateful to the leadership of Larry Cox in guiding this project to conclusion.”
 

The Fuel Lab Task Force appointed by Comer recommended the shutdown of the lab. Cox, executive director of the KDA’s Office of Consumer and Environmental Protection, negotiated with Core Laboratories of Deer Park, Texas, to perform fuel quality testing for the department. With the completion of this project, Cox, who was appointed deputy commissioner last month, will re-enter retirement to his hay farming operation in Hart County effective June 15. Benson Bell, currently a division director under Cox, will take over as executive director of Consumer and Environmental Protection. Comer has no immediate plans to fill the deputy commissioner position.
 

“Larry came on board to help guide us through a difficult period,” Comer said. “His experience was an invaluable asset to this office. We knew we only had him temporarily, but he achieved every goal I set out for him, and he leaves this office in great condition.”
 

The fuel lab was funded during the previous administration, and taxpayers were led to believe it would generate revenue. A 2012 audit requested by Comer revealed the lab was hemorrhaging $900,000 per year. Core Laboratories is providing the service at a cost of $330,000 per year. With additional savings in personnel and benefits, the department’s actions will save taxpayers more than $600,000 per year.
 

From Kentucky Department of Agriculture
 

You might also be interested in reading Shutting down state fuels testing lab will save as much as $600,000 a year, Comer says.

My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown (Photo from visitbardstown.com)

“Kentucky Cultural Districts are proven cultural destinations for visitors and provide a high quality of life for residents,” Beshear said. “Arts and culture in these communities play a vital role in creative and economic development, not only for the cities but for the entire Commonwealth.”
 
The Kentucky Cultural District Certification Program is an initiative of the Kentucky Arts Council. A cultural district is a well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use area of a community featuring a high concentration of cultural amenities that attract local residents and visitors alike. Cultural districts can be found in any type of community, from small and rural to large and urban.
 
“On behalf of Historic Downtown Bardstown’s Cultural District Committee, we are honored to be included in this elite group of incredible Kentucky communities,” said Anne Ballard, Bardstown director of downtown development. “We believe this certification will bring more awareness to the arts and help to grow our cultural amenities in Bardstown.”
 
Last year Bardstown was named the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America” in the Rand McNally and USA Today Best of the Road competition. The city has also been recognized as one of the 100 Best Small Towns in America and one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns. It is the second-oldest city in Kentucky and is home to Federal Hill, the inspiration for the state song “My Old Kentucky Home.” Bardstown is also known for its bourbon industry; an eclectic shopping district; Kentucky’s oldest outdoor drama, “The Stephen Foster Story;” My Old Kentucky Home State Park; vintage trains; and museums dedicated to the Civil War and railroads.
 
Situated on the banks of the Ohio River in northeastern Kentucky, Maysville has long been a community that placed high value on arts and culture. From its numerous shops and galleries, to its award-winning theaters, historic buildings, and collectible, antique and craft shops, Maysville is a not-to-be-missed cultural destination.
 
“The City of Maysville is honored to be recognized as a cultural arts district,” said Mike Thomas, chairman of the Maysville Cultural District committee. “This certification represents vitality in promoting and creating economic, creative and cultural opportunities for our residents and guests. By blending resources and creating a well thought-out plan, the district will move us toward a more economically healthy and culturally strengthened environment in which to live, work and create.”

Maysville on the river (Photo from ky.gov)

 
Kentucky Cultural Districts demonstrate a strong commitment to forming partnerships among arts and cultural entities, businesses and local governments.
 
“I congratulate and welcome Bardstown and Maysville into the Commonwealth’s collection of cultural districts,” said Lori Meadows, arts council executive director. “We look forward to working with our two newest certified cities to showcase arts and cultural opportunities in their communities and across Kentucky.”
 
Bardstown and Maysville join Berea, Covington, Danville and Paducah on the list of Kentucky’s certified cultural districts.
 
For more information about the Kentucky Cultural Districts, click here.
 
You might also be interested in our story about Bardstown being named one of America’s best small towns: Five best small towns in America include two from Kentucky: Bardstown and Murray.
 
From ky.gov

A short graveside memorial, given by Sister Clara Fehringer, of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, followed the ceremony in the existing Eastern State Hospital Cemetery where the remains were buried.
 

“I applaud those involved with the project for working to recognize the history and the future of this site,” said Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary Lori H. Flanery. “Our staff in the Division of Engineering and Contract Administration has worked closely with all parties involved to ensure that the remains were treated with respect and dignity and honorably laid to rest today.”
 

Talk of constructing a new hospital and new BCTC campus began in 2008, which prompted state and local officials to closely examine how to move forward.
 

Anticipating the discovery of additional unmarked graves after ones were found in a 2005 construction project, the Finance and Administration Cabinet’s Division of Engineering and Contract Administration hired the Kentucky Archaeological Survey in 2011 to examine the entire grounds before beginning construction of the new BCTC classroom building. This process ensured that any newly found gravesites would be carefully removed by the team of archaeologists.
 

Spearheading the project was Dr. David Pollack, director of the Kentucky Archaeological Survey, which is jointly administered by the University of Kentucky’s Department of Anthropology and the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office.
 

Kentucky Archaeological Survey archaeologists worked to systematically identify, unearth and temporarily relocate the remains to the University of Kentucky’s Laboratory of Archaeological Research for processing and examination.
 

“The examination of the human skeletal remains from the cemetery provided a unique opportunity to learn more about the lives of those who resided at Eastern State Hospital from the late 1830s to the early 1860s, and how they were treated when they died,” said Dr. Pollack.
 

“It is important that we remember the past even as we look forward to the opening of the new Eastern State Hospital in the near future,” said Stephen Hall, commissioner of the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. “That facility is a mark of how far we have come and will ensure that Kentuckians have access to the treatment they need in the high-quality setting they deserve. But the history of Eastern State Hospital and the individuals who have lived and died there over its many years of operation must be preserved and honored.”
 

BCTC, soon to offer classes in the new building, will be responsible for upkeep of the cemetery and is committed to maintaining it as a place of remembrance and respect.
 

“Our new college campus will bring to this important historical site a new dynamic future of educational opportunity that will benefit the neighborhood, city and region,” said Dr. Augusta Julian, president of BCTC.
 

The Finance and Administration Cabinet invested more than $60,000 in 2011 to make improvements to the once overgrown and dilapidated cemetery. New wrought iron fencing and a gated, arched entry were installed. A new walkway and landscaping were also included in the renovation of the cemetery. Memorial grave markers, once located throughout the hospital property, were relocated outside the new entry to the cemetery.
 

The design and work to preserve the cemetery and existing grounds was focused on honoring the former patients of Eastern State Hospital. Members of the Eastern State Hospital Preservation Project and Cemetery Club were also instrumental in the cemetery restoration.
 

Construction is nearing completion on the new Eastern State Hospital, which is scheduled to open this summer. The 239-bed, approximately 300,000-square-foot facility will provide a modern setting for inpatient psychiatric treatment; a new neuro-behavioral unit for specialized services for individuals with acquired brain injuries; a long-term care unit serving individuals with psychiatric disabilities requiring nursing facility level of care; and acute inpatient behavioral health treatment.
 

In addition to the hospital, the new Eastern State Hospital campus includes three 11,000-square-feet personal care homes, each with the capacity to serve 16 people. These personal care homes will offer less restrictive care that promotes each patient’s return to a community setting. The $129 million facility will replace the current pre-Civil War era Eastern State Hospital; the second oldest psychiatric hospital in the country.
 

From the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet
 

You might also be interested in reading Archaeologists exhume remains of 170 people at Eastern State, begin work to learn their past.

HealthFirst has spent about $250,000 in public funds to develop a new public health clinic on Southland Drive. Questions have been raised about the deal after the clinic announced last month that it might abandon the project because it doesn’t have enough money to operate the facility.
 

Edelen said that while Lexington has no direct control over HealthFirst, Gray has acted appropriately in contacting the auditor’s office.
 

“My office will conduct a limited review of the Southland Drive project to try to determine what went wrong in an effort to expand health services to low-income Lexingtonians,” Edelen said. “Questions about how a quarter of a million dollars were spent need to be answered.”
 

“A new health clinic is at stake here,” Gray said. “Federal dollars are funding the project and it is important they are spent properly. Regrettably, concerns have been raised and they must be addressed. The appropriate oversight authority is our state auditor and I have encouraged him to review the issues.”
 

Edelen said auditors will focus solely on the project and the federal grant money that was spent to develop it.
 

From the Office of Mayor Jim Gray

Agriculture Commissioner James Comer (left) welcomes Dr. Bradley A. Keough as the state deputy veterinarian. (Photo from KDA)

“Dr. Keough’s veterinary and management experience and his commitment to public service are unmatched,” said Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, who chairs the SBA. “We are honored to add him to our team at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.”
 
Immediately prior to his appointment as deputy state veterinarian, Keough served as president of Buffalo Trace Veterinary Services in Versailles. Before that, he served as a shelter veterinarian for the Franklin County Humane Society and as an associate veterinarian for the Animal Medical Center in Frankfort.
 
A major in the 445th Medical Detachment, Keough has completed three deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He has served in numerous countries in the Middle East and Africa as well as the Dominican Republic and Peru.
 
“I am excited to start this new chapter in my career and grateful to the State Board of Agriculture for this opportunity,” Dr. Keough said. “I hope to use my years of veterinary practice and military experience toward the advancement of agriculture and the professional and consistent management of the department.”
 
Keough was presented to the SBA by Kentucky State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout. Keough replaces Dr. Sue Billings, who retired from the department at the end of 2012 after nine years as deputy state veterinarian. Keough and his wife, Jacqueline, have two children, and they are expecting a third child in July.
 
From ky.gov

Gov. Steve Beshear appointed Keller in April to serve as the justice from the 6th Supreme Court District. Justice Keller was a Court of Appeals judge for the six years prior to being selected for the Supreme Court. With her appointment, the seven-member Supreme Court now has three female justices for the first time ever.
 

Justice Keller was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Justice Wil Schroder, who retired in January 2013 due to health issues.
 

The 6th Supreme Court District is composed of Bath, Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Fleming, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Henry, Kenton, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas, Oldham, Owen, Pendleton, Robertson, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties.
 

From the Supreme Court of Kentucky