Columns

With 2016 squarely in our rearview mirror, I thought now might be a good time to reflect on some things that may be taking place in 2017 and what kind of an impact they could have locally. • Williamsburg call center - Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison, Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. and many others recently began efforts to collect unofficial job applications to prove that we can find 500 people to fill jobs at a call center that is considering opening in the Williamsburg area. A business that employees 500 people would be a nice shot in the arm for our local economy, which is still struggling despite an official...

After a few weeks of above-average temperatures, Kentuckians will feel the chill with an early-January cold snap. University of Kentucky agricultural meteorologist Matt Dixon explained that the combination of cold air and winds create dangerous and emergency-category periods of livestock cold stress. Livestock producers should make sure animals have adequate shelter, water, dry bedding and feed to make it through cold spells. Pet owners should bring pets indoors. UK livestock specialists said animals have a higher requirement for energy in the colder months, so producers should have high-quality grains and forages on hand to meet their needs. “The average horse, with a lower activity level, should eat between 1.5 and 2 percent...

Have you ever thought that you do not like to exercise?   Does just the word “exercise” make you unhappy?   Staying active does not have to be a choice you dread every day. There are many benefits to being active on a regular basis. These include: Helps your body keep a healthy weight Lowers the risk of heart disease Lowers the risk of some cancers, specifically breast cancer and colon cancer Lowers stress levels and improves mental health Lowers the risk of diabetes Are you persuaded that you should be physically active?   Perhaps you think that you should be active, but think it is just not a lot of fun.  Here are a few ideas that you...

One of the best ways to stop the spread of germs and stay healthy is to keep your hands clean. Wash your hands with warm soapy water: • before and after preparing food • after touching raw eggs, meat, poultry and fish or their juices during food preparation • before eating • after using the bathroom • after changing a diaper • after touching garbage • after handling pets, pet food or pet waste • after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing • before and after caring for someone who is sick • before and after treating a cut or wound Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub for at least...

Spring Calving Herd Divide the herd into groups for winter feeding • weaned heifer calves • first-calf heifers, second-calvers and thin mature cows • the remainder of the dry cows which are in good body condition • herd sires Be sure that weaned heifer calves are on a feeding program which will enable them to be at 65 percent of their mature weight before the start of the breeding season. Rations should be balanced to achieve gains sufficient to get heifers from their current weight to that “target” weight. Begin feeding the lowest quality forage to dry cows which are in good condition during early winter and save the best hay for calving time or for...

As a kid, I can remember my mom dragging me to the Corbin Kmart when it first opened in October 1978. At the time, it was kind of a big deal. Wal-Mart didn't exist in these parts at the time. The Corbin Kmart was huge or at least it seemed that way to a seven-year-old, whose mom was dragging him around the store as she and her friends shopped for what seemed like an eternity. I will admit that the "blue light specials" were kind of neat. For those too young to remember, Kmart would bring this flashing blue light around to various parts of the store during various times in the...

Ever wonder why newspapers, television stations, magazines and other forums run end of the year reviews and top 10 lists around New Year's Eve and New Year's Day each year? There are actually a few different reasons. One BIG reason is that the week between Christmas and New Year's Day traditionally is a slow one and this helps us fill space or airtime or whatever the case may be. (It's one of those things we aren't supposed to admit though so don't tell anybody...LOL.) Of course, another reason is that it's interesting to go back and reflect on the events of the past year. As I flip back through each issue...

Wintertime can be dangerous for travelers. Not only do you sometimes have to contend with deteriorating road conditions caused by snow and ice, but life-threatening situations can arise if you find yourself stranded on the road for a significant amount of time. Here are some tips to help you prepare and make your wintertime travels safer. It is always helpful to have the following in your car in case of an emergency: A cell phone, portable charger and extra batteries Jumper cables Blankets and extra layers of clothing like hats, coats and mittens A flashlight with extra batteries A first-aid kit Water and nonperishable snacks Shovel and a windshield scraper In addition to self-preparations for winter, make sure...

Many people today have less time to prepare meals and fewer cooking skills. They may eat meals away from home and spend money on foods that are not nutritious. When meals are cooked at home, you have more control over your nutrition and food budget. If you are a good cook, consider sharing some of your talents to help others learn to cook. Volunteer opportunities to work with adults and children in cooking programs are increasing in many communities. Some people just need ideas and recipes to get them started. Encourage everyone to serve plenty of fruits and vegetables for colorful, healthy meals. Helping someone change behaviors takes time and...

There was a time when almost everyone had animals – lots of animals! Folks grew up living with and understanding animals. They had to understand them. They rode horses, plowed with draft animals, hunted with dogs, milked a cow or two and generally co-existed with farm animals. People learned how to understand what an animal was thinking. If a horse has his ears laid back instead of pointing forward, he’s trying to tell you something. It’s important to be able to tell when a cow is agitated, too. Folks also chose horses that had “cow sense”. Their dogs had “cow sense”. Cattlemen had “cow sense”. What in the world...