​The purpose of POW/MIA Recognition Day is to ensure that America remembers to stand behind those who serve and to make sure we do everything we can to account for those who have never returned.
Observances of National POW/MIA Recognition Day are held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools and veterans' facilities. It is traditionally observed on the third Friday in September each year. This observance is one of six days throughout the year that Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag. The others are Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.
The flag is to be flown at major military installations, national cemeteries, all post offices, VA medical facilities, the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the official offices of the secretaries of state, defense and veterans affairs, the director of the selective service system and the White House.
A Pentagon ceremony featuring members of each branch of military service is held annually on National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

​Presidential Proclamation on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2018
Click here for President Trump's Proclamation


 

​We have been notified through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the FY2018 Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) Open Application Period that will open on September 24, 2018.
 
Fire Departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations can apply for Operations & Safety, Vehicle Acquisition, and Regional Projects.
 
The deadline for applications is October 26, 2018.
 
There are several mandatory requirements that must be met to participate in the program.  If you have an interest in applying, please contact Ashley Johnson or Angie Crawford at the PADD office (270-886-9484 or 1-800-928-7233).  More information can be obtained at www.fema.gov.

​Barbara J Fox
[email protected]
KY FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2018)

The Department for Public Health (DPH), within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), has launched First 72 On You information campaign during the month of September – National Preparedness Month (NPM), to increase emergency preparedness efforts for Kentuckians and their families. This week’s spotlight is on preparing older adults for disasters and emergencies.
Older adults may be more vulnerable than younger adults during a disaster because they are more likely to have impaired physical mobility, decreased hearing and vision, chronic health conditions or social and economic limitations that may interfere with their ability to prepare for and respond to disasters.
“Emergencies and disasters can be particularly stressful on seniors,” said Dr. Jeffrey Howard, DPH commissioner. “Take responsibility by planning for emergencies before they happen. Being prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours after an emergency or disaster strikes will lessen anxiety and provide peace of mind so you will be able to do what needs to be done to take care of yourself.”
Planning for emergency preparedness measures for seniors should take into consideration some additional precautions to include:
Maintain a supply of personal, health and home supplies, including a two-week supply of prescription medications, enough ready-to-eat food and water to last at least three days, first aid supplies, matches, spare batteries and a waterproof container for essential documents. Be sure to rotate the stock of items in your kit so they have not exceeded their expiration date.
Individuals with mobility issues should plan on how to evacuate or discuss with care providers. If you use a motorized wheelchair, have a manual wheelchair as a backup.
Those blind or visually impaired should keep an extra cane by the bed and attach a whistle to it. Be cautious when moving, as paths may have become obstructed. Also have a predesignated person and a plan in place in case evacuation becomes necessary because many blind individuals depend on public transportation that may not be operating during an emergency.
Deaf/hard of hearing individuals should keep extra batteries for hearing aids with emergency supplies. Store hearing aids in a container attached to a nightstand or bedpost so they can be located quickly after a disaster.
If your relative receives assistance from a home healthcare agency, find out how they respond to an emergency. Designate backup or alternative providers that you can contact in an emergency.
Individuals with disabilities should contact their local fire department and/or police station now to inform them that they have a disability so that this information could be kept by the agency in case of a disaster.
Throughout September, DPH has been spotlighting preparedness topics to include overall preparedness for families and older adults. Preparedness for pets will be spotlighted during the week of Sept. 24-28. Additional information about the campaign will be posted on the CHFS Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/kychfs where Kentuckians are encouraged to like and share posts among their networks of friends.
The nationwide effort of NPM is organized each year by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to encourage citizens to prepare and plan for emergencies in their homes, business and schools. This yearly observance was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness awareness in the U.S., a fitting time to join the effort to help communities prepare for emergencies, such as natural disasters and potential terrorist threats, and to encourage individuals to take action.
For more information about preparing for and responding to emergencies visit http://ready.gov/seniors.
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The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is home to most of the state's human services and healthcare programs, including the Department for Medicaid Services, the Department for Community Based Services the Department for Public Health, the Department for Aging and Independent Living and the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. CHFS is one of the largest agencies in state government, with nearly 8,000 full- and part-time employees located across the Commonwealth focused on improving the lives and health of Kentuckians.

​Join us for a FREE “Cultivating Small Business Seminar” on November 1, 2018.  We have exciting speakers conducting workshops which will help you build and expand your business!  Be here by 8:30 for registration and a light breakfast.  We will be providing networking along with a delicious Innovation Luncheon.  The seminar will end at 2:30 PM.  Seating is limited, so make your reservation now!    Register Here

AGENDA:
8:30am- 9:00am
Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00am
Welcome - Audrey Lillpop, Farmers Bank & Trust
9:05am- 9:20am
Madisonville Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation 
Micro Loan Program, 1 Million Cups
9:20am-9:50am
Small Business Development Center – Chris Wooldridge 
Consulting and Research
9:50am-10:10am
Community Ventures Corporation – Ron Burkins
Financing options available 
10:10am-10:20am
Break
10:20am-10:40am
Pennyrile Area Developmet District  - Amy Frogue/Jason Vincent                                              Revolving Loan Program
10:40am-10:50am
Pennyrile Area Development District, Business Liason - Molly Deahl                                   
On-the-Job Training
10:50am-11:15am
Small Business Administration – Michael Ashcraft 
Web Tools, Financing
11:30am-1:00pm
Farmers Bank Innovation Luncheon
1:15pm-2:00pm
Cabinet for Economic Development – Marilyn LeBourveau
Small Business Tax Credit, Exporting, Small Business Credit Initiative
2:00pm-2:30pm
USDA – Robi Fauser-Fink
2:30 pm
Wrap up

​The PADD Board of Directors held their monthly meeting on Monday, September 10, 2018 at the PADD Office in Hopkinsville. Judge Executive Donnie Carroll, PADD Board Chair, introduced U.S. Senator Rand Paul who posed the question "Is the world getting better or worse?". He shared statistics related to poverty, life expectancy, unemployment, and discussed the benefits of keeping government small, allowing people to manage their own money efficiently, taking control of who writes regulatory legislation, and finding a balance of environment and economy to do our best to protect the planet. Federal, state and staff reports were provided. Guest Speaker Andria Barkett, Program Administrator, Kentucky Department of Corrections, gave a slide presentation overview of the Western Kentucky Reentry Council (WKRC) which helps reintegrate justice involved individuals into our local communities by promoting successful rentry through advocacy, economic support and local resources.

​The monthly meeting of the PADD Board of Directors was held at Baptist Health Madisonville (BHM). Baptist Health Madisonville President, Rob Ramey, welcomed guests and shared historical and current facility information stating they are making improvements to provide excellent rural health care services while facing economic challenges. The best way to succeed is to work collaboratively. PADD Treasurer, Denise Sutton, presented the Financial Report. Federal and State reports were provided by Rep. Jim Gooch, Rachel McCubbin (Paul), Amelia Wilson (Comer), Morgan Alvey (McConnell), Mark Welch (KYTC), and Marta Elliott (USDA).

Staff reports were presented by Amy Frogue, Jill Collins, Sheila Clark and Molly Deahl. Ray Hagerman, President, Hopkins Co. EDC, shared successes in Hopkins Co. thanks to their partnership with PADD and shared information about two upcoming events.

PADD Chairman Judge Donnie Carroll introduced guest speaker, Kim Humphrey, Director of Employee & Community Programs, Alliance Coal Company - River View Coal, shared information about the coal industry, its economic impact, and production facts.

Jason Vincent, PADD Executive Director, reported several board members and guests had the opportunity to take a tour of Warrior Coal Mine prior to the board meeting and he expressed his appreciation to Kim Humphrey for coordinating the tour.

​John Holiday, Kentucky 911 Service Board Chair and Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, announced the grants awarded for the board’s 2018 grant cycle. The following agencies in the Pennyrile area were chosen for funding: City of Marion $70,000 (dispatch phone system); Pennyrile Emergency Assistance Board (Caldwell County) $63,000 (replacement of 911 phone system); and Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court $3,900 (integrated protocol software). The 911 Services Board provides direct grants or matching money to: establish and improve E911 services in the Commonwealth; provide incentives to create more efficient delivery of E911 services by local governments; and to improve 911 infrastructure by wireless carriers. A complete list of grant recipients can be viewed on the Kentucky 911 Service Board web page: http://911board.ky.gov.  Congratulations to all our worthy recipients in the Pennyrile area!

​The PADD Board of Directors held their monthly meeting on Monday, July 9, 2018 at the PADD Office in Hopkinsville, KY. The board elected four of their members to serve as officers for the next two fiscal years and approved the 2019 Fiscal Year Budget. Jason Vincent, PADD Executive Director, recognized outgoing Board Chair Lori Harper for her service to the PADD Board of Directors and expressed appreciation for her dedication and contributions and welcomed incoming Board Chair Judge Executive Donnie Carroll (Hopkins Co.). Federal and state reports were provided and the FY 2019 Work Plan was presented by members of the Management Team. New board members Mike Cherry (Caldwell Co), Mayor John Choat (City of Eddyville), and Judge Todd Mansfield (Todd Co) were welcomed.

Outgoing board chair, Lori Harper, recognized

Incoming board chair, Judge Executive Donnie Carroll,  welcomed

New board member, Judge Executive Todd Mansfield (Todd County)

New board member, Mayor John Choat (City of Eddyville)

New board member, Mike Cherry (Caldwell County)

​The Pennyrile Area Development District Board of Directors elected four of their members to serve as officers for the next two fiscal years at their July 9, 2018 Board of Directors meeting held in Hopkinsville, KY. Judge Executive Steve Tribble administered the Oath of Office.

The new officers are: Board Chair – Judge Executive Donnie Carroll of Hopkins County; Vice Chair – Mayor Scott Marshall, City of Guthrie; Secretary – Judge Executive Perry Newcom of Crittenden County; and Treasurer – Mrs. Denise Sutton of Lyon County.

​Pictured L to R: Judge Executive Perry Newcom, Mrs. Denise Sutton, Judge Executive Donnie Carroll, Mayor Scott Marshall and Judge Executive Steve Tribble

​Mayor Carter Hendricks and the Tri Counties Elder Abuse Council celebrated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Pardue Lane Dog Park on Friday, June 15, 2018.  Mayor Hendricks released 9 purple balloons representing the 9 counties in the Pennyrile District.  The event was held in partnership with Hopkinsville Parks & Recreation “Movies in the Park”.  The council provided snacks and information about Elder Abuse Awareness and how to report it.

​World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2018 was celebrated today by the Hopkins/ Muhlenberg Elder Abuse Council in downtown Madisonville.  The council along with several community partners came together and bagged over 250 large bags of food that was collected during May – Older American’s Month.  These bags will be given to seniors in the Hopkins county area that may need a little assistance.  Mayor Jackson attended the event and read a proclamation in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  Thanks to our many partners that made all this possible.

​Friday, June 15, 2018 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. On that day, communities in the USA and all over the world will sponsor events to highlight solutions to this systemic social challenge. The Pennyrile Elder Abuse Council is proud to host two events to participate in this national conversation.

Hopkinsville, KY – 7:00 PM – Pardue Lane Dog Park – The Tri Counties Council along with Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation will celebrate with “Movies in the Park”.  Join us for free snacks, goodies and information on how to keep our senior population safe.  We will be releasing 9 purple balloons representing each of the counties in the Pennyrile District at 7:45 PM.  Despicable Me movie will begin at 8PM.  Bring your chairs, family and your furry friends for a delightful evening.

Madisonville, KY – 11:00 AM – Old Hopkins County Courthouse - The Hopkins / Muhlenberg Council will celebrate with a cookout.  After conducting a food drive in May we will be packing 200 bags of Senior friendly food that will be distributed to seniors in need in and around Hopkins county.

​A crowd of over 500 gathered at the James E. Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville, KY on June 11, 2018 to celebrate the 49th Annual Dinner Meeting of the Pennyrile Area Development District.

The annual event, sponsored by Planters Bank of Hopkinsville, gives all local officials, legislators, business and civic leaders, and others from throughout the Pennyrile the opportunity to look back on the year’s activities.

The following Board Members were recognized for milestone years of service to the PADD Board of Directors: Judge Hollis Alexander, Judge Executive for Trigg County, for five years of service; John Sumner, Citizen Representative for Trigg County, for five years of service; Judge Chris Lasher, Judge Executive for Livingston County, for ten years of service; William McGee, Mayor’s Designee for the City of Smithland, for ten years of service; Mayor Jenny Sewell, Mayor of Dawson Spring, for ten years of service; and Gary Jones, Citizen Representative for Muhlenberg County, for fifteen years of service. Outgoing Board Member George Barber, Citizen Representative for Caldwell County, was also recognized for his service to the PADD Board of Directors. PADD Staff who reached milestones of service were also recognized.

In presenting the Annual Report, Executive Director Jason Vincent thanked everyone for contributing a tremendous amount of leadership and vision to the entire region. The Area Development Districts’ goals of regionalism, sound planning, efficient coordination of programs, and support to local government are more important now than they were 49 years ago. We look forward to what the 50th year of our service brings to the Pennyrile region.

Motivational Speaker, Dr. Robert Lemon, inspired the audience by sharing his stories of perseverance and stating “Now is Your Time” to make a difference.

​The Kentucky Pride Fund, administered by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Waste Management, awarded 47 recycling and 27 household hazardous waste (HHW) grants, and 5 Composting grants totaling $4,999,933.67.  The Kentucky Pride Fund is funded through the $1.75 fee for each ton of municipal solid waste disposed of in Kentucky landfills. The grants require a 25-percent local match in the form of cash or “in-kind” personnel, educational materials, educational activities and advertising to promote the program from the cities or counties receiving the awards.  Pennyrile Area Development District provided technical assistance in the submission of applications for recycling and household hazardous waste grants.

Pennyrile grant recipients, along with the grant amounts are as follows:
 
Recycling Grants:
Christian -Pennyrile Solid Waste Management Authority - $156,979.00
City of Madisonville - $32,125.00
Hopkins County Fiscal Court - $138,047.00
West Kentucky Regional Recycling - $49,819.55
 
Household Hazardous Waste Grants (HHW):
Christian - Pennyrile Solid Waste Management Authority - $11,700.00
Lyon County Fiscal Court - $10,750.00
Trigg County Fiscal Court - $12,500.00

​Friday, June 15, 2018 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. On that day, communities in the USA and all over the world will sponsor events to highlight solutions to this systemic social challenge. The Pennyrile Elder Abuse Council is proud to host two events to participate in this national conversation.

Madisonville, KY – 11:00 AM – Old Hopkins County Courthouse - The Hopkins / Muhlenberg Council will celebrate with a cookout.  After conducting a food drive in May we will be packing 200 bags of Senior friendly food that will be distributed to seniors in need in and around Hopkins county.  WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF SINGLE SERVING POUCHES OF TUNA, CHICKEN OR SALMON which can be dropped off at the PADD office.

Hopkinsville, KY – 7:00 PM – Pardue Lane Dog Park – The Tri Counties Council along with Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation will celebrate with “Movies in the Park”.  Join us for free snacks, goodies and information on how to keep our senior population safe.  We will be releasing 9 purple balloons representing each of the counties in the Pennyrile District at 7:45 PM.  Despicable Me 3 movie will begin at 8PM.  Bring your chairs, family and your furry friends for a delightful evening.

​As Americans, we believe in justice for all. Yet we fail to live up to this promise when we allow older members of our society to be abused or neglected. Older people are vital, contributing members of American society and their maltreatment diminishes all of us. Just as we have confronted and addressed the social issues of child abuse and domestic violence, so too can we find solutions to address issues like elder abuse, which also threatens the well-being of our community.

Our policies and practices make it hard for older people to stay involved with and connected to our communities as they age. As a result, older people are more likely to experience social isolation, which increases the likelihood of abuse and neglect. We can design stronger societal supports to keep our older people connected and protect them from abuse, whether financial, emotional, physical or sexual. When we address a root cause, like social isolation, we also make it less likely that people will neglect themselves (self-neglect). Older adults who are socially connected and protected from harm are less likely to be hospitalized, less likely to go into nursing homes and less likely to die.

We can and must create healthier and safer living environments for older adults, including their homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

Get more information about how to make a difference by visiting the National Center on Elder Abuse https://ncea.acl.gov or by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to explore local community services and supports.  You may also contact the Pennyrile Elder Abuse Council by calling Cindy Tabor at 270-886-9484.
 

​A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 14, 2018 for Novelis North America, manufacturer of rolled aluminum found inside many consumer cars and trucks, that will be building a $300 million, 400,000-square-foot facility in Guthrie, KY. The plant is expected to create over 125 jobs after its anticipated opening in 2020. Officials on hand included Senator Rand Paul, Congressman James Comer, and Governor Matt Bevin.

​Jill Collins, Director of the Pennyrile Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living at PADD, presented the 2018 Pennyrile Senior Center of the Year to the PACS Todd County Senior Center on May 9, 2018  during the annual district training conference at Lake Barkley Convention Center.  Those present to accept the award were Charlotte Lyons: Senior Center Coordinator, Sue Rose and Brenda Johnson: Pennyrile AAAIL Advisory Council Members.