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CKCF hosting evening of ‘culture, cuisine, and conversation’

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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.

KDPH warns of whooping cough dangers after second infant death reported

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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.

Elizabethtown signs Friendship City agreement with Seosan, South Korea

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Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory said hosting Mayor Lee Wan-Seop and the delegation from Seosan, South Korea, as the two cities sign a Friendship City agreement is the proudest he has been during his time in office.

“We can’t wait to see where it takes us, what opportunities arise from it, and we’re just starting today, so lots of things are coming that are going to be fruitful, I think, for both cities, and we’re really excited about it,” Gregory said.

The two cities held a signing ceremony for the agreement during the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce’s June luncheon Wednesday at Phillips Grove. According to a release from the city: “The Friendship City agreement opens the door to future cooperation in business, education, culture, and tourism between Elizabethtown and Seosan City. Both cities are excited to explore joint projects and reciprocal visits that will enrich their communities for years to come.”

Lee said while their populations are different, Elizabethtown and Seosan have many similarities including their relationship to larger neighboring cities and a focus on growth. He thanked the city for their hospitality, and said through a translator: “I’ll never forget the friendliness that you have shown to us, and I am strongly aware that you have high expectations for these exchanges going forward.”

E-Town officials took the Seosan delegation on a tour that included the T.J. Patterson Industrial Park, BlueOval SK, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park, and the Lawn Party concert at Freeman Lake Park.

BlueOval SK optimistic for future despite slower than expected market

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BlueOval SK External Affairs Director Keli McAlister says the company is aware that the EV market has not grown as quickly as originally projected, but with sales seeing an 11 percent increase in Quarter One the company is confident their operation is part of a “growing, emerging market.”

“In a nutshell, this year it is estimated that one in four new vehicles that are sold in the United States will be electrified in some way,” McAlister said. “That means they will be full electric vehicles, they will be plug-in hybrids, or a traditional hybrid.”

McAlister gave an update on the company at the Hardin County Fiscal Court’s meeting Tuesday. She discussed common questions the company has received including the potential impact of tariffs and the current status of the Kentucky Two plant, which is still on pause.

“The construction for the most part is completed,” McAlister said. “It has met all safety requirements, and it is shelled out. The interior is empty, and the market will determine when that building is ready.”

When discussing safety, McAlister said after an investigation that lasted about a month, the root cause of the April 27 fire at the plant was determined.

“There was a misalignment of a shaft within a pump,” McAlister said. “The misalignment was likely due to the fact that our equipment is made to run 24/7. It’s supposed to stay on all the time. We’re in what’s called a testing phase right now, so our equipment is turned on and off, on and off.”

When asked about rumors regarding Nissan potentially joining Ford at the plant, McAlister reiterated the company’s previous statement that their parent companies are “always looking for new business opportunities” but Ford is currently their only customer, and she said any news on a new customer would come directly from BlueOval SK.

McAlister said about 1,400 employees have been onboarded, and full production is still on track to begin in the second half of this year.

‘Stephen Foster Story’ kicks off season Saturday

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The official state outdoor musical of Kentucky returns to the stage this weekend. 

The Stephen Foster Story will take to the stage at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre this Saturday as the musical kicks off its 66th season in Bardstown.

Featuring classic songs such as “Oh! Susanna”, “Camptown Races”, and Kentucky’s state song “My Old Kentucky Home”, The Stephen Foster Story “follows America’s first great composer, Stephen Collins Foster, as he paves the road for future songwriters through love, heartache, and the struggles of the time.”

The Stephen Foster Drama Association will run productions of the musical select nights from June 14 through August 9. Tickets to opening night include a pre-show performance by the band Puncheon Creek, complimentary light refreshments, and a cast meet and greet.

The musical has been staged at My Old Kentucky Home State Park since 1959. Visit www.stephenfoster.com for more information and to order tickets.