Columns

Warmer weather brings more pest problems. Horn flies and face flies are key pests of Kentucky cattle. Both species breed in fresh manure piles, but they present different threats and management problems. Fortunately, you have a variety of fly control options. Horn flies are blood feeders. They remain on animals most of the time, taking 20 to 30 small blood meals per day. More than 100 flies along the sides and backs of each animal every day during the fly season can mean 12 to 15 pounds lower weaning weights for spring calves and poor gains for older animals. The close association between the horn fly and the animal, however, does...

One of the more troubling developments — from the point of view of a journalist, anyway — has been the rather sudden ramping up of vitriolic hatred and distrust of “the media.” Two newspaper-printing facilities relatively nearby received bomb threats over the weekend. A journalist was body slammed by a Montana candidate for U.S. House of Representatives for asking a question about health care, of all things. The candidate won following the assault, and his behavior was explained away and excused by many. Windows at one of Kentucky’s largest newspapers were shot out Sunday. I think harsh words towards the media are starting to manifest themselves into harsh actions. That’s cause for concern. “The...

Times of great stress and rebuilding in our lives can be very difficult. That is why a month dedicated to the topic of rebuilding our lives is so important. In the world of golf, they call it a mulligan or a do-over. It is a chance to take stock and grow as people. Many things can happen in our lives where we have to regroup and start anew. No two people are alike. The best solution for one person facing a difficult issue in life may not be the best solution for another person. Our lives are all about choices. With each choice we make there may be good...

A University of Kentucky entomology student has developed a list of bee-friendly trees and shrubs for the Ohio Valley region. The list can help homeowners, who have a desire to participate in bee conservation efforts, find the right plants for their yards. “This list allows the average homeowner to participate in meaningful bee conservation efforts using science-based plant recommendations,” said Bernadette Mach, a doctoral student in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment who is working with Professor Daniel Potter’s program. In the past five to 10 years, researchers estimate that pollinator populations have declined between 30 and 60 percent, depending on the pollinator. While much of the attention has focused...

This is a week of celebrations for me. This Thursday my wife Judy and I will celebrate our 53rd wedding anniversary. Also this Thursday I will celebrate the completion of 30 years at this newspaper. And finally, my wife and I will attend the induction of Rodger Bird into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in Louisville, also on Thursday. It has been 53 wonderful years of marriage. We have three daughters and four grandchildren. We couldn’t have been blessed more. I had no idea when Judy and I went to lawyer Terry Forcht some 50 years ago to have our first Will drawn up that I would later meet with...

Mosquitoes are appearing earlier than normal this year. University of Kentucky entomologists encourage Kentuckians to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites on themselves and their pets. “Mosquitoes breed in standing water. The recent rains we have had, coupled with the upcoming warm weather, may help them get off to a strong start,” said Grayson Brown, entomologist in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. This past week, UK entomologists captured Asian tiger mosquitoes in Central Kentucky. These mosquitoes normally appear in this area in mid-June and populations begin to climb throughout the summer, peaking in late July, early August. The mosquitoes tend to arrive in Western Kentucky a little earlier...

If you’re buying a house, you probably know what turns you off in homes that you tour: messy, cluttered houses, strong odors, and so on. Most people can’t wait to get out of a house like that. When you are selling your house, be sure to prepare. Avoid these major turn-offs and you go a long way toward making your home a place visitors won’t be in such a hurry to leave. Pets - Pets help make a house a home, but signs of pets often turn off home buyers. Clear away messes and eliminate all pet odors. It is best to have your pet out of the house with...

Whitley County is planning a party in 2018. It’s going to be a big, year-long party as the county celebrates the 200th anniversary of its founding. Williamsburg is also planning a big bicentennial celebration that will center around a month-long celebration in April 2018, which is the month the decision was made that Williamsburg would be the county seat of the newly formed county. Planning is already underway for both celebrations. Williamsburg hopes to have t-shirts commemorating the bicentennial ready to sell at Old Fashioned Trading Days this year. Starting in early January 2018, the city plans to put up banners across Main Street to commemorate the anniversary. Businesses will be asked to...

The average age of farm operators in Kentucky is increasing, and over the next several years, many farm families will consider transitioning their farm to the next generation. The decision of when and how to begin the farm transition process can be difficult; often, farm families avoid the issue because it can be a difficult topic to discuss. It is important to realize that at some point every farm business will experience a transfer of ownership, either with or without owner participation. The farm business can transfer in one of two ways: either as a viable farm business or as a set of assets. Typically, the goal of many families is...

The Whitley County Farmers Market is in full swing. Many of our local vendors have strawberries available. A perennial Farmer’s Market favorite, growers harvest Kentucky strawberries during May and June. They are a very refreshing snack and they are full of vitamins. Just one cup provides a great source of vitamin C, which according to the American Cancer Society, could help lower your risk of cancer and gastrointestinal tract problems. They are also a good source of vitamin A, iron, fiber and folic acid. Folic acid is a particularly important for pregnant women and those trying to become pregnant, because it helps prevent certain birth defects. As you will see...