WQXE News
Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman says the Beshear administration’s Pre-K for All Initiative is an investment in the future of Kentuckians.
“Prison populations are projected by third grade literacy rates,” Coleman said. “The number one indicator of third grade literacy rates is kindergarten readiness, and the number one indicator of kindergarten readiness is access to pre-k, so we can invest in our young people on the front end, or we are literally going to pay for it on the back end. I don’t know about you, but I would rather build preschools than prisons in Kentucky.”
Coleman was the keynote speaker at the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce’s luncheon Wednesday.
According to a release from the governor’s office, the Pre-K for All Initiative aims to increase kindergarten readiness for all four-year-olds in Kentucky, eliminate childcare deserts, save Kentucky families on out-of-pocket childcare costs, and grow Kentucky’s labor force, among other goals.
An executive order from Beshear created a Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, which is tasked with collecting feedback on pre-k needs across the state. Coleman encouraged those in attendance to participate.
“It’s going to take all of Team Kentucky to speak up, to act, and to get involved, so as our advisory committee travels the state to hear from Kentuckians, I encourage you to get involved,” Coleman said. “We need the business in the private sector. We need education. We need higher education. We need all of our folks involved as we make this a reality.”
More information on the initiative is available at www.prek4all.ky.gov.
The United States Army will celebrate its 250th anniversary this Saturday, June 14, and Fort Knox is joining in on the festivities.
“We invite everyone to come celebrate with us at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, located just off post,” said Fort Knox Garrison Commander Colonel Chris Ricci. “The museum is hosting a free and open to the public Army birthday celebration event on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
The event will kick off with a swearing-in ceremony where about 10 future soldiers will recite the Oath of Enlistment.
“Following an opening ceremony, the museum’s going to unveil a new museum exhibit all about Fort Knox’s rich history, and then there’s going to be a cake cutting ceremony and brief remarks from an installation leader,” Ricci said.
All are welcome to attend. Visit the U.S. Army Fort Knox Facebook page for more information.
The Central Kentucky Community Foundation, with the support of the Benjamin Fund, invites you to their upcoming evening of culture, cuisine, and conversation at “Grits, Greens, and Ghosts: Culinary Stories of Black Appalachia with Author Crystal Wilkinson.”
Wilkinson is a former Poet Laureate of Kentucky.
“She wrote a book called Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts, which talks about her upbringing in Appalachia and her ancestors, and how cooking and her family recipes make her feel closer to her ancestors,” said Benjamin Fund Coordinator Julia Springsteen.
The event will be held at Water’s Edge Winery and Bistro on Friday, June 20, and in addition to stories attendees will enjoy tastings inspired by Wilkinson’s recipes.
“We find that people come together over food and history, and so the goal of this is to maybe teach people some things that may not have known about Appalachia and black people in Appalachia through history, and also come together through some good food and stories,” Springsteen said.
Friday, June 13 is the deadline to reserve a seat. Visit www.ckcf4people.com or contact the Community Foundation to purchase tickets.
State health officials are reminding residents of the importance of vaccination after an additional death from whooping cough was reported.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health announced this week that two infants have died from pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, in the commonwealth in the last six months.
According to a release from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, whooping cough is a very contagious respiratory illness. Symptoms vary based on age and vaccination status, but they typically begin with a runny or congested nose and mild coughing. This can develop into rapid, violent coughing fits that can cause a whooping sound, along with vomiting and labored breathing.
Health officials in July of last year said whooping cough cases began increasing to levels not seen in over a decade, with 543 cases reported in 2024. 247 cases have been reported so far this year, and officials anticipate cases will continue to increase into the summer and fall.
The KDPH is emphasizing the importance of vaccination against whooping cough, especially for mothers during pregnancy and for all infants beginning at two months. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department offers DTaP vaccinations at all of their health centers. Contact the health department or your primary care provider for more information on vaccines.