Features

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Kentucky is accepting applications for the Wetlands Reserve Program. Upcoming application ranking cut-off dates are March 15, May 1, June 15 and July 31. 

WRP applications are continually accepted and those applications received after the cut-off dates will be deferred until the next ranking cycle.

The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their property.

Natural Resources Conservation Service in Kentucky is accepting applications for the Grassland Reserve Program. The application ranking cutoff dates for 2010 are March 15 and June 1.   

The focus of GRP in Kentucky will emphasize preservation of native and naturalized grasslands and protection of grazing operations with excellent land management practices.

Call before burning

The LaRue County Fire Department requests notification of controlled burns to avoid unnecessary runs. If you plan to burn wood or brush piles, call 358-3122 or 358-9876, Ext. 6, first.

Blood drive training

American Red Cross blood drive volunteer training will be 9 a.m. March 16 at the Red Cross office, 405 W. Dixie Ave., Elizabethtown. Volunteers must be at least 18. Call 765-4979 to register or for more information.

Woman’s Club to meet

LaRue County recently received approval of $130,000 to offer the County Agricultural Investment Program this year. This program combines all the old model programs previously offered by the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy into one grant program that is administered by one agency instead of several; in our case, the LaRue County Beef Cattle Association. The grant administrator is Dyan Puckett.

The Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program is accepting nominations for its ninth class, which begins in January.

The 18-month program focuses on fine-tuning the leadership skills of 20 active farmers or agribusiness professionals. It is funded by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, farm organizations, agribusinesses, alumni and program participants.

The LaRue County Extension Leadership Banquet was held in January. Bobby McDowell Awards of Excellence were presented to Linda Grimes and to the family of Mike Ovesen in his memory. 

Ovesen, 63, was the longtime chief executive officer of the Kentucky Pork Producers Association.

He was CEO of the Pork Producers from 1987 to 2009. He operated a family farm in Magnolia from 1972 until his death. Ovesen also served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart.

FFA emblem fundraiser

Southern States is supporting FFA by selling FFA emblems for $1 through March 14. After you buy an emblem, you can sign your name on it or the name of a child you care about. The emblems will be displayed in the store. Proceeds are split between the local FFA chapter, the state FFA association and the National FFA Foundation.

On his last day in office, Jan. 20, 2001, former President Bill Clinton signed a piece of paper that finally put closure to a troubling time in the life of Hodgenville resident Woodie Handley.

The paper was a presidential pardon, granting forgiveness to Handley for a crime he committed as a young man more than 40 years earlier. It was one of 140 pardons – many of them controversial – issued by Clinton his last day in office.

Our young people are the future leaders and decision makers of the nation. 4-H offers youth a prime opportunity to explore and engage in leadership roles. By participating in a leadership role in organizations like 4-H, young people have the opportunity to develop critical thinking, communication and life skills that will aid them in making crucial future decisions.

Many leadership experiences are geared toward older youth, but younger youth also have the opportunity to become leaders early in their 4-H career.