•An accident on Highway 127 sent one person to the hospital. According to the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, three vehicles were involved in the collision when one car was struck from behind, pushing that car into the opposite lane. One of the drivers, Brody Mundy, was injured and airlifted to an area hospital.
•The Shopville Road Bridge has been reduced to a 3-ton limit, which means school buses are not able to drive across the bridge and must reroute to the 80 Bypass. The Pulaski County Fiscal Court will discuss the two bids to fix the bridge. Judge Executive Marshall Todd said the opening of bids doesn’t mean the county has the money to start a project.
•A project announced by the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority is set to make an impact on regional economy – the proposed Burnside Island Resort. Ryan Sheridan, the project manager, said the Burnside Island Resort will boost the tourism economy. The island project will include up to 30 cabins, full-service seasonal land and water rentals, entertainment venues, a variety of food and beverage outlets, and up to 9,500 square feet of ballroom and meeting room space for conferences and events.
•A study looking into a four-year residential public university in Hazard is still being discussed. The Hazard Community and Technical College would be expanding programs to offer bachelor’s degrees and building infrastructure to house students. Administrators have identified some target programs to expand including bachelor’s degrees in science, nursing, education, criminal justice, business, and information technology.
•Governor Andy Beshear is announcing the craft beer chosen for the Kentucky State Park’s 100th Anniversary. The Governor, along with Louisville-based Against the Grain Brewery, announced on Wednesday that five percent of the proceeds will provide future improvements in the parks system. The light lager will be available in four-packs of 16-ounce cans at participating state parks and retailers throughout the Commonwealth until mid-December.
•The annual Country Christmas Festival at Bear Wallow starts November 29th with attractions including the trail of lights. The festival will be open every Saturday and Sunday through December 23rd.
•The Somerset Mall will feature Santa’s Workshop beginning Saturday, November 30th. Santa’s workshop will include unique custom printed ornaments, Santa hats, and Christmas gift wrapping services.
•The state of Kentucky has started its first online auction of confiscated bourbon. The bidding closes at midnight on December 11th. The proceeds will support programs promoting responsible alcohol use by adults and awareness programs for youth. You can bid on the Team Kentucky website.
•The Somerset Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce will have their monthly luncheon and 15th Annual Holiday Auction on Tuesday, December 3rd. The silent and online auction features decorative items, rare bourbon bottles, gift cards, laptops, TVs, and more. The lunch and auction at the Center for Rural Develop begins at noon with the proceeds going toward scholarships for local students to attend Somerset Community College.
•The Christmas shopping season officially started on Black Friday, November 29th. According to Deloitte’s Holiday Retail Survey, holiday shoppers are expected to spend eight percent more than last year, for an average of nearly $1,780.
