Business

(Lexington, KY) – Forcht Bank is proud to welcome Lynn Hudgins as a new Treasury Management Officer. Hudgins joins the bank after holding various leadership positions in the Lexington community. Lynn will be joining an existing team with a focus on providing customer support and technical expertise in business banking solutions and technology. “Lynn’s work ethic and commitment to serve the Lexington community speaks for itself,” said Tucker Ballinger, President & CEO. “She brings a wealth of leadership experience that cannot be overlooked. We’re thrilled to have her on our team.” Lynn prides herself on her community involvement and has already made a lasting impact on Lexington. She is a past member...

CARF International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) recently awarded London, Kentucky based Horizon Health with its highest accreditation award. This three-year stamp of approval followed an intensive on-site review and evaluation during which time CARF surveyors assessed Horizon Health’s compliance to a strict set of standards that reflect a healthcare organization’s pledge to excellent care, environmental safety and services that promote and enhance the quality of life for the organization’s clients. Horizon Health is a locally based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives and restoring health to individuals, families and communities in Southeastern Kentucky impacted by the opioid crisis through community engagement and comprehensive outpatient care. Horizon Health combines...

With severe winter weather upon us, outdoor activities can result in wounds for an unfortunate few. Precipitation, such as snow, sleet and freezing rain, can make sidewalks and parking lots dangerous.  Falls are much more prevalent during these weather conditions and can result in skin tears and painful abrasions. Sitting close to fireplaces, space heaters or other heat sources can cause burns on the extremities. Many diabetics experience neuropathy keeping these burns from even being noticed, leading to an increased risk of infection. Megan Barton, APRN, of the Wound Care Center cautions, “One of the most common, but often underestimated conditions during this winter season is frostbite.” Frostbite occurs when your skin...

A local community mental health agency is receiving nearly a quarter million dollars in funding to establish a crisis stabilization unit for those with substance use disorder in Corbin. On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear along with the Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) and the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (KDBHDID) announced that a total of $4,645,070 has been awarded to 12 nonprofit organizations throughout the commonwealth. Cumberland River Comprehensive Care has been awarded $248,600 to implement a crisis stabilization unit at Cumberland River Behavioral Health in Corbin for people with a substance use disorder, according to a release from the governor’s office. Cumberland River Comprehensive Care will...

Susan Arnold has been named President of Management Advisors, Inc. in Hazard, KY. Ms. Arnold has over 35 years’ experience in long-term health care management, most recently as Regional Director of Operations for five long-term care facilities owned by Management Advisors, Inc. She is a University of Kentucky graduate with a Bachelor of General Studies Degree with a focus in Health Administration. Ms. Arnold’s licenses, certifications, memberships and recognitions include: • Licensed Nursing Home Administrator since 1986. • Administrator of Wolfe County Health & Rehabilitation Center from 1991 to 2013. • Management Advisors, Inc. Consultant from 2013 to present, most recently as Regional Director of Operations for five facilities. • Served two terms on the Kentucky...

A Corbin nonprofit organization that serves primarily pregnant and post-partum females with substance abuse issues is receiving $20,000 from the Team Kentucky Fund, which is closing after all pending applications have been addressed. Independence House is one of the 19 qualified nonprofit organizations evenly splitting the $380,000 donation, according to a release from Gov. Andy Beshear Monday. “This generous gift will help Independence House clients by providing much needed facility upgrades. Those upgrades will improve the quality of care that the women receive while at Independence House,” said Tim Cesario, M.S., LCADC, CSS regional director of recovery services, Cumberland River Behavioral Health. Each of the organizations awarded the money serve Kentuckians by...

The News Journal has brought home 15 awards, including a second place finish in General Excellence in the large weekly newspaper division of the Kentucky Press Association’s Excellence in Kentucky Newspaper Awards contest. This was the first time in five years that the News Journal hadn’t won first place in General Excellence. The News Journal won a total of five first place awards, five second place awards, including General Excellence, and five third place awards. “We are very proud of the accomplishments of our award winning staff,” said News Journal Publisher Don Estep. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by our peers in this manner, and we feel these awards...

Unemployment rates increased in Whitley, Knox, Laurel, Bell and McCreary counties between November 2020 and December 2020, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Whitley County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.9 percent in November 2020 to 6.5 percent in December 2020. Whitley County’s December 2020 unemployment rate was 1.6 percent higher than the December 2019 unemployment rate. During February 2020, which was the last full month before COVID-19 shutdowns started, Whitley County’s unemployment rate was 5.0 percent. Laurel County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.1 percent in November 2020 to 5.8 percent in December 2020. Laurel County’s December 2020 unemployment rate was...

Unemployment rates decreased in Whitley, Knox, Laurel, Bell and McCreary counties between October 2020 and November 2020, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Whitley County’s unemployment rate decreased from 8.0 percent in October 2020 to 5.8 percent in November 2020. Whitley County’s November 2020 unemployment rate was 1.0 percent higher than the November 2019 unemployment rate. During February 2020, which was the last full month before COVID-19 shutdowns started, Whitley County’s unemployment rate was 5.0 percent. Laurel County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.9 percent in October 2020 to 5.1 percent in November 2020. Laurel County’s November 2020 unemployment rate was...

The Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is welcoming four new members to its board of directors. Following recent elections, Kristina White, Samantha Schuhmann, Lisa Harrison and Randy Bargo were elected to serve on the board of directors. White is a business development and marketing representative for The Job Shop Staffing Services. Schuhmann is director of marketing at Pepsi-Cola, Breaktime Vending & Madison Vending. Harrison started her media market career at the Times Tribune in 1984. Bargo has worked in banking for over 20 years and has been assistant vice president for Cumberland Valley National Bank & Trust in Corbin for the past 16 years. The four new board members join current board members Heather Barrineau,...