Free Party! The Kentucky Center is throwing a party in honor of BLUE MAN GROUP

The Kentucky Center is throwing a party in honor of BLUE MAN GROUP – and you’re invited! Make plans to join us Friday evening, March 2, from 6-8 p.m. at this free, fun and festive event.

Enter to win prizes including a pair of front row tickets to BLUE MAN GROUP, an extended test drive from Mini of Louisville, and free bread for a year from Blue Dog Bakery & Café!

Listen to live music from The Blue Umbrellas!

Enjoy cash bar featuring Blue Moon beer and “Something Blue” Martinis made with Little Black Dress vodka!

Snap silly pictures with your friends inside the Magnolia Photo Booth!

View “Project Blue Drum,” a collaborative art project created by the Louisville Visual Arts Association Open Doors program, inspired by BLUE MAN GROUP.

BLUE MAN GROUP performs at The Kentucky Center April 10-15. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday morning, March 2. The Kentucky Center box office will remain open during the BluLu Bash so that party guests can purchase tickets for this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.

Kentucky Events Calendar

Blue Man Group	Whitney Hall Louisville, KY	Tuesday 4/10/2012 7:30 PM	view tickets
Blue Man Group	Whitney Hall Louisville, KY	Wednesday 4/11/2012 7:30 PM	view tickets
Blue Man Group	Whitney Hall Louisville, KY	Thursday 4/12/2012 7:30 PM	view tickets
Blue Man Group	Whitney Hall Louisville, KY	Friday 4/13/2012 8:00 PM	view tickets
Blue Man Group	Whitney Hall Louisville, KY	Saturday 4/14/2012 1:00 PM	view tickets
Blue Man Group	Whitney Hall Louisville, KY	Saturday 4/14/2012 7:00 PM	view tickets
Blue Man Group	Whitney Hall Louisville, KY	Sunday 4/15/2012 1:00 PM	view tickets
Blue Man Group	Whitney Hall Louisville, KY	Sunday 4/15/2012 6:30 PM	view tickets

Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3 Rupp Arena Presale Password

Preferred Customers
SAVE 20%*
during this
Exclusive Presale Opportunity!

Thu. APR. 19 - Sun. APR. 22 | Rupp Arena

Hurry! Offer Ends Thu. MAR. 1
Use Customer Code Z5545

*Exclusions apply. See SPECIAL NOTES for details.

SPECIAL OPENING NIGHT OFFER!
TICKETS $14!
Thu. APR. 19 at the 7:00 PM performance.
(Excludes Front Row and VIP seats. No double discounts. Cannot be used for prior purchases or group sales orders. Service charges, handling and facility fees may apply.)

Have you heard the buzz? The toys are back in town!
Disney On Ice presents Disney·Pixar's Toy Story 3!

The blockbuster movie, Toy Story 3, and memorable moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are hitting the ice in this sensational live production coming to your hometown! Catch all the heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home in their most daring adventure ever. A few new faces join the fun including Barbie's groovy bachelor Ken and Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear. It's the biggest Toy Story experience on ice, jam-packed with fast-paced adventure such as Buzz's galactic battle with Emperor Zurg and a hoe-down at Woody's Roundup. Rediscover the humor, friendship and charm of Toy Story when Disney On Ice presents Disney·Pixar's Toy Story 3 takes family fun to infinity and beyond!

Concert News and Ticket Information

Kentucky School Closings, Monday, February 20, 2012

SCHOOL
ANNVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: Closed Monday
BREATHITT COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
CALVARY CHRISTIAN-BARBOURVILLE: Closed Monday
CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
CORBIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
EAST BERNSTADT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
EKU CORBIN CAMPUS: Classes Begin 1 Pm On Regular Schedule
EKU MANCHESTER CAMPUS: Classes Begin 1 Pm On Regular Schedule
HARLAN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
HAZARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
JACKSON COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
JACKSON INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
JENKINS INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
JUNE BUCHANAN SCHOOL: Closed Monday
KNOTT COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
KNOX COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
LAUREL COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOLS: Two Hour Delay
LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
MAGOFFIN COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
MCCREARY COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
MOREHEAD STATE UNIV. - PRESTONSBURG: Closed Monday
MOREHEAD STATE UNIV.- JACKSON: Closed Monday
MORGAN COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
OWSLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
PERRY COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
PULASKI COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
RED BIRD MISSION SCHOOL: Closed Monday
RIVERSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL: Closed Monday
SOMERSET CHRISTIAN SCHOOL: Closed Monday
UNION COLLEGE: Plan B
UNIVERSITY CENTER OF THE MOUNTAINS: Closed Monday
WHITLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
WILLIAMSBURG INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS: Closed Monday


BUSINESS
ALBERT BALLA DANCE STUDIO- CORBIN: Closed Monday
BEACH FORK ARH CLINIC: Closed Monday
BIG CREEK ARH CLINIC: Delayed Until Noon
HYDEN ARH CLINIC: Delayed Until Noon
INSEAM ALTERATIONS & SEW STUDIO: Closed Monday
JACKSON HEWITT TAX- LAUREL, ROCKCASTLE: Three Hour Delay
LARRY ADAMS MARTIAL ARTS - PERRY COUNTY: No Classes Monday
PDS COPIERS- LONDON: Plan A
PHYSICIANS EXPRESS CARE LONDON: Two Hour Delay
PRIMP YOUR PUP GROOMING- SOMERSET: One Hour Delay


DAYCARE
QUEST ADULT DAY CARE: Closed Monday

February Events at Rupp Arena MIRANDA LAMBERT, DRAKE, and DISNEY LIVE! THREE CLASSIC FAIRY TALES

MIRANDA LAMBERT: ON FIRE TOUR
featuring CHRIS YOUNG & JERROD NIEMANN
Sunday, February 26; 7:30pm
Hundreds of the best Arenacross riders from around the globe will compete for their chance to be one of just 32 riders to make a pair of 16-rider main events in the Arenacross and Arenacross Lites classes. The national series travels throughout the country to many of the most renowned arenas in the United States, bringing in 150 truckloads of dirt to sculpt a man-made dirt battleground. Technical obstacles, close competition, and impressive airtime combine to create one of the most unique spectacles in the sporting world.

DRAKE: CLUB PARADISE TOUR
with SPECIAL GUESTS A$AP ROCKY & KENDRICK LAMAR
Wednesday, February 22; 8:00pm
A passionate and dynamic performer renowned for his energetic performances and creative stage designs, Drake's The Club Paradise Tour promises to be a sonic and visual spectacle on a scale unlike anything he has accomplished in his already legendary, critically acclaimed career.
Joining Drake on the North American run of The Club Paradise Tour are special guests Kendrick Lamar, a rapidly rising young rapper who was crowned "New King of the West Coast" by hip hop icons Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg and A$AP Rocky, a much buzzed about rapper whose chopped and screwed rap style has garnered positive press from publications such as The Fader, New York Times and Stereogum.

DISNEY LIVE! THREE CLASSIC FAIRY TALES
Sunday, February 19; 1:00pm & 4:00pm
Monday, February 20; 11:00am
Prepare to step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right in your hometown. Featuring dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects, audiences will be captivated by the humor, fun and adventure of these spellbinding stories. Dream with the princesses, cheer for the heroes as they conquer evil villains, and marvel as these classic tales are brought to life in a theatrical experience that's pure magic.

RUPP ARENA TICKETS

Kentucky SCHOOL Closings, Monday, February 13, 2012

SCHOOL
BREATHITT COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
JENKINS INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS: Two Hour Delay
LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
LESLIE COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday; Plan A
OWSLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
PERRY COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday
RIVERSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL: Closed Monday
WOLFE COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Monday


BUSINESS
SAHARA MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE- FAYETTE

Kentucky 1 Of 10 States That Will Be Free Of No Child Left Behind law

The Associated Press has learned that President Barack Obama on Thursday will free 10 states from the strict requirements of the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law. The move gives long-sought leeway to states that promise to improve how they prepare and evaluate students.

A White House official says the states are Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Tennessee. The official says the only state that applied for but was denied the flexibility is New Mexico, which is working to get approval. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the states had not been announced.

The law requires all students to be proficient in reading and math by 2014. Obama's action strips away that requirement in exchange for a viable substitute plan.

Kentucky School Closings, Wednesday February 8, 2012

SCHOOL Closings

BATH COUNTY SCHOOLS: One Hour Delay

ELLIOTT COUNTY SCHOOLS: Two Hour Delay

FARMERS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: Cancelled Wednesday

FLEMING COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Wednesday

LEWIS COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Wednesday

MAGOFFIN COUNTY SCHOOLS: Two Hour Delay

MORGAN COUNTY SCHOOLS: Two Hour Delay

ROBERTSON COUNTY SCHOOLS: Closed Wednesday

Cincinnati Reds Baseball and Softball Camps Kids Ages 6-14 Louisville, Lexington, and N. Kentucky

Be a part of the official Reds Baseball and Softball Camps this summer! Ages 6-14, eight locations in Reds country

Camp Locations

    Louisville: June 4-8
    N. Kentucky: June 11-15
    Lexington: June 18-22
    Indianapolis: June 25-29
    Cincinnati: July 9-13
    Columbus: July 16-20
    Dayton: July 30-Aug 3
    Cincinnati: Aug 13-17

Sign Up Here

Cincinnati Reds Tickets

87th Annual Kosair Shrine Circus Broadbent Arena Family Four Pack Ticket Special

Get your tickets before it's too late

87th Annual Kosair Shrine Circus

February 9 - 12

Broadbent Arena

Meet Captain America prior to every performance

Buy Tickets Online Here:


Or take advantage of this:

Special offer at the Box Offices

*Purchase a Family Four Pack at the cost of
$80, $75 or $70 (Price depends on seat location)
and you will receive 4 Circus tickets plus
a voucher good for 4 hot dogs and 4 soft drinks

*Offer only valid on the Sunday, February 12th


Kentucky Events Calendar

The University of Kentucky's International Hospitality Program (IHP) is seeking volunteers to serve as "host families" for international students.

Did you Know: You can help make far away from home seem a little bit closer. Whether you're single, married, old, or young, volunteer to serve as a "host family" with the University of Kentucky (UK), International Hospitality Program (IHP). Provide companionship for a year and create a lasting bond for a lifetime.

The University of Kentucky's International Hospitality Program (IHP) is seeking volunteers to serve as "host families" for international students.

Each year, around 300 new international students arrive at the University of Kentucky, representing 104 different countries around the world. IHP host families are there to provide friendship and support for these international students while they are far from home.

 
The students do not live with host families, nor do the host families bear any financial responsibility for the students. The program gives volunteers an opportunity to interact with and provide needed companionship to students from other cultures, without the same level of commitment that having a live-in exchange student requires.  

 
Although the host family commitment lasts only for one year, many students and their host families form lifelong bonds, says Judy Phillips, IHP board of directors secretary and public relations chair.

 
"It's as enriching an opportunity for the host family as we hope it is beneficial to the students," Phillips said.


Students and new hosts both undergo a brief orientation and training session to understand what is expected on both sides. Once a student is matched with a host, activities vary depending on their mutual interests and availability.

 
IHP sponsors several events throughout the year, including a welcome picnic in August (co-sponsored by the Lexington Rotary Club), shopping trips at the start of each semester, an ice cream social, a square dance and chili supper, and a Valentine's Day reception. A holiday turkey meal is served in January to welcome the students who arrive mid-year.

 
Hosts may be single or maried, live with or without children, and be of any age. Those interested in joining IHP may contact Judy Phillips at (859) 277-2224 or Mary Lynne Vickers, host development chair, at (859) 361-9603, preferably by Jan. 31.

Eleven Kentucky students representing school districts statewide have been selected to serve on the first Next-Generation Student Council

Congrats to students in The Boone County Schools, Bullitt County Public Schools, Burgin Independent, Butler County, Fayette County Public Schools, Henderson County, Jefferson County Public Schools, Laurel County, Murray Independent, Pikeville Independent and Russell Independent on your selection to the first Next-Generation Student Council, a new group formed by Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday.

Eleven students representing school districts statewide have been selected to serve on the first Next-Generation Student Council, a new group formed by Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday.

            The eleven, listed by school district, are:

·   Boone Co.                       Logan VanWay, 10th grade, Boone County High

·   Bullitt Co.                        Forrest Miller, 12th grade, North Bullitt High

·   Burgin Ind.                       Brittany Hughes, 12th grade, Burgin High

·   Butler Co.                        Steven Peay, 11th grade, Butler County High

·   Fayette Co.                      Cory Banta, 12th grade, Bryan Station High

·   Henderson Co.                 Jake Walker, 11th grade, Henderson County High

·   Jefferson Co.                   Natalie Fahrbach, 11th grade, Louisville Male High

·   Laurel Co.                        Blair Walden, 11th grade, South Laurel High

·   Murray Ind.                       Tiffany Parham, 10th grade, Murray High

·   Pikeville Ind.                    Iman Ali, 11th grade, Pikeville High

·   Russell Ind.                      Morgan Casto, 10th grade, Russell High

 

“I’m looking forward to meeting with this group of students and hearing their ideas and thoughts about Kentucky’s public education system,” said Holliday. “These students represent the ultimate goals of our state’s educational efforts, which should culminate at the high school level with all students ready for college or careers. I’m very interested in hearing how they think Kentucky is doing in that area.”

            Public school students in grades 10-12 were invited to apply for membership in the Next-Generation Student Council, which will provide valuable feedback from Kentucky students and engage student leaders in learning by doing. This group will meet with the commissioner and Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) staff, both in person and virtually, to discuss how decisions made at the state level are affecting students throughout Kentucky and provide feedback -- from a student perspective -- on critical issues impacting Kentucky students and schools.

The Next-Generation Student Council is a year-long program for Kentucky public school students in grades 10-12. The council seeks students with refreshing ideas and thoughtful insight into how schools and student achievement can be improved. Students who represent the diverse academic, geographic, demographic and school-size variables particular to Kentucky are encouraged to apply.

A committee of KDE representatives reviewed and scored all applications based on the answers provided to the questions. Appointments to the council were based on how well the applicants communicated their ideas and goals. This first group of students will serve during the 2011-12 school year, and those who are not graduating seniors during that school year may reapply to serve in the 2012-13 school year.

The first meeting of the Next-Generation Student Council has been set for Feb. 28 in Frankfort.

##

For more information contact:

Lisa Gross
500 Mero Street, 6th Floor CPT
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-2000 x4604
lisa.gross@education.ky.gov

Bed Bug Problem At Laurel County elementary school

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS  

LONDON, Ky. — Laurel County health and school officials are trying to eliminate bedbugs at an elementary school.

Teachers first noticed the insects before the Christmas break at Hunter Hills Elementary. They have been found in isolated areas of the building, according to WYMT-TV in Hazard (http://bit.ly/zNfLxF ).

    Mark Hensley, who directs the county heath department, said bedbugs are creative hitchhikers and likely came to school in the clothing and backpacks of students whose homes are infested.

Mark Hensley, who directs the county heath department, said bedbugs are creative hitchhikers and likely came to school in the clothing and backpacks of students whose homes are infested.

Hensley said the bugs are more of a nuisance than a threat to health.


Information from: WYMT-TV, http://www.wkyt.com/wymtnews

ACTIV8, a college leadership training program, is now accepting applications through March 23

ACTIV8, a college leadership training program, is now accepting applications through March 23. Students may receive academic or internship credit for the program, but it is up to the individual to seek this out and work out the details with their college or university. This program emphasizes the importance of community and social responsibility through the combination of art and leadership using the non-profit model.

Visit the website for program components, application, and the recommendation form.

Matthew Mitchell's UK Hoops Basketball Camp 2012

Matthew Mitchell's UK Hoops Basketball Camp 2012

A Message from Coach Mitchell

I would like to take this opportunity to personally invite you to the 2012 Kentucky Women's Basketball Camps. Our camps guarantee an exciting and fun-filled experience. The camps provide a complete, in-depth basketball experience emphasizing fundamentals in order to allow young girls to reach their full potential. In addition, our camps allow participants to receive great instruction from the Kentucky Women's Basketball coaches and players.

We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Overnight Camp • June 10 - 13

The individual camp is for students entering grades five through twelve next fall and is designed to develop the total basketball player. Campers receive detailed instruction about ball handling, passing, dribbling, footwork, defense and rebounding. Each camper participates in league games as well as a variety of individual competitions. For young girls there is no better way to enjoy vacation than to shoot some hoops on the University of Kentucky campus and learn from the Wildcats.

Overnight Camper- $300.00
Includes room, meals, camp fee and camp t-shirt

Commuter Camper - $250.00
Includes lunch and dinner, camp fee and camp t-shirt
Daily Schedule (Tentative)

Sunday
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.     Registration (Cash & Check Only)
5:00 p.m.     Pizza Party
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.     Orientation and Instruction

Monday – Tuesday
7:30 a.m.     Wake Up
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.     Breakfast
9:00 – 11:30 a.m.     Individual Skill Instruction
11:30 – 12:45 p.m.     Lunch
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.     Team Instruction, Lecture, League Game
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.     Dinner and Relaxation Time
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.     League Games
10:30 p.m.     Lights Out

Wednesday
7:30 a.m.     Wake Up
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.     Breakfast
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.     Championship Play
11:00 a.m.     Closing Ceremony
What You Should Bring

    2 Pairs of Basketball Shoes
    8 Pairs of Gym Shorts
    8 T-Shirts
    16 Pairs of Socks
    1 Pillow & Pillow Case
    Sheets for a Long Single Mattress
    Blanket
    4 Towels
    Toiletries
    Any needed medications

(This clothing and equipment list is only a recommendation)

(Please do not include the key deposit in your tuition balance check. The key deposit is fully refundable upon Check-out if the room key is not lost.)

Camp Deposit is $100.00
Elite Camp • June 22 - 24

Come and join us for UK Hoops' third annual elite camp. This camp is designed for the serious minded, advanced player looking to take their game to another level. Campers will receive individual instruction on their skill development. Position play is the main focus and players will work on skills that will make them a better all around player. This camp is for students entering grades seven through twelve in the Fall.

Overnight Camper - $200.00
Includes room, meals, camp fee and camp t-shirt

Commuter Camper - $170.00
Includes lunch and dinner, camp fee and camp t-shirt

Daily Schedule (Tentative)

Friday
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.     Registration (Cash & Check Only)
5:00 p.m.     Pizza Party
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.     Orientation and Instruction

Saturday
9:00 – 11:30 a.m.     Individual/Position Instruction
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.     Lunch
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.     Individual/Position Instruction
4:15 – 5:45 p.m.     Dinner
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.     All Positions Together for Team Skill Work

Sunday
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.     Individual/Position Instruction
11:30 a.m.     Closing Ceremony

(Please do not include the key deposit in your tuition balance check. The key deposit is fully refundable upon Check-out if the room key is not lost.)

Camp Deposit is $50.00
Day Camp • June 26 - 28

The day camp is open to girls entering grades two through eight next Fall. The camp focuses on fundamentals of the game and is designed to excite young girls about the game of basketball. Campers will be divided into groups based on age and ability. There will be games and daily fun competitions. Campers are asked to bring lunches each day; drinks will be provided.

Includes camp fee and camp t-shirt
Day Camper ……………$150.00
Daily Schedule (Tentative)

Tuesday — Thursday
7:30 – 9:00 a.m.     Registration (Cash & Check Only)
9:00 – 11:30 a.m.     Individual and Team Instruction
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.     Lunch
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.     Competitions and League Games

There will be a closing ceremony at 3:00 PM on the last day of camp.

Camp Deposit is $50.00
9th Annual Team Camp • June 20 - 22

    Instruction from the UK Hoops camp staff and counselors
    Location: University of Kentucky has top of the line athletic facilities including the state-of-the-art Joe Craft Center
    Certified Officials
    Every team is guaranteed 7 games
    Overtime Tournament

Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales at Rupp Arena Lexington, KY

Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales at Rupp Arena Lexington, KY
Sunday, February 19; 1:00pm & 4:00pm
Monday, February 20; 11:00am

Prepare to step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right in your hometown. Featuring dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects, audiences will be captivated by the humor, fun and adventure of these spellbinding stories. Dream with the princesses, cheer for the heroes as they conquer evil villains, and marvel as these classic tales are brought to life in a theatrical experience that's pure magic.

To purchase tickets for Disney Live click here

Kentucky Event Calendar

Eastern Kentucky University’s student-produced weekly newspaper, The Eastern Progress, won 11 awards, including four first-place awards, at the 2011 Kentucky Press Association awards banquet on Friday, Jan. 20.

Competing against all of Kentucky's university newspapers, The Eastern Progress won first-place awards for Best News Story, Best Feature Story, Best Headlines, and Best Editorial Page. The newspaper also won two second-place awards for Best Editorials and Best Extended News Coverage. The Progress also won a third-place award for General Excellence.

The newspaper's editor-in-chief, Taylor Pettit, of Landing, N.J., took home three awards: for news reporting, investigative reporting and extended news coverage. Managing Editor Seth Littrell, of Independence, won awards for editorial writing and extended news coverage, and Features Editor Adam Turner, of Louisa, won awards for headline writing and for best features page.

First-place awards for the Progress were: Best News Story, Pettit; Best Feature Story, Morgan Caldwell, Prestonsburg; Best Headlines, Turner; and Best Editorial Page, Kaylia Cornett, Morehead.

Second-place awards went to Littrell, Best Editorial; and Pettit, Littrell and Darren Zancan, Chicago, Ill., Best Extended News Coverage.

Third-place awards for the Progress were: Best Investigative Story, Pettit; Best Feature Photograph, Trey Burke, Woodstock, Va.; Best Sports Section, Ryan Alves, Lawrenceburg, Tyler Miller, Georgetown, and Zancan; Best Lifestyle (Features) Page, Turner, Jaclyn May, Richmond; and General Excellence, Progress staff.

Looking for a challenge? Consider the 2012 Kentucky State Park’s Family Adventure Quest that you complete at your own pace.

Challenges will take your team across the state to parks and historic sites in search of your next adventure and photo op.  While some challenges will require seeking answers through park visits, most will require use of a digital camera.  In order to be eligible for prizes upon completion, Quest photos will need to be submitted in electronic format on CD.

The more you complete, the more you win!

Park gift cards: 25 correct = $50 or 20 correct for $25!

Every team that turns in at least 10 completed quests will receive a certificate for a free lodge room stay (Sun. – Thurs. nights) and passes to park museums!

Download a registration form today or call 1-800-255-PARK to request a registration form by mail.

Registration fee of $15 (2-6 people/team) gets you:
Information packet containing your 25 challenges
Commemorative insulated tote
2012 Park-themed planner calendar

Only those correctly completing the challenges are eligible for prizes.

Photos submitted as part of this challenge become the property of KY State Parks.

What Past Participants Are Saying

"We had an awesome time trying to complete the Quest.  It was a great family bonding experience!"
- Team Green '10, Lawrenceburg, KY

"We definitely enjoyed visiting the different and fantastic parks & shrines of Kentucky. It has been an awesome educational experience."
- Hourigan/Tinker Team '10, Louisville, KY

We loved it!  Out family had lots of fun.  We plan to do it again!
- Team Stotts '09, Louisville, KY

"What a story to tell at the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site.  I thought I would never pull my husband and son away to leave….This was quite an adventure."
- Jo Ellen Stephens '09, Crofton, KY

"We love FAQ.  Its been great doing this challenge & going to parks we probably would not have visited otherwise."
- The Brunsons '09, Somerset, KY    

"We truly enjoyed this Quest! I believe we visited twelve state parks this year. We learned alot and created many great memories. Thank you for creating this program."
- Team Havens '08, Louisville, KY

"Wow – what a great park system we have in our Commonwealth. My wife & I have been visiting a lot of them over the past couple years. We did the Family Adventure Quest with my mom and dad last year, and did our own this year. We had great fun! Just wanted to thank you guys for the good work you are doing for our parks and our people. We have a state park system that is the envy of the nation."
-The Deans '07, Louisville, KY

Applications for 2012-2013 Teaching Ambassador Fellowship Now Open

 “We have a set of amazing teachers each year who spend a year with the Department and help drive our policy discussion…I have come to rely on the Teaching Ambassador Fellows for their invaluable feedback and their ability to facilitate dialogue with teachers across the country.” – Secretary Arne Duncan

Applications for the U.S. Department of Education’s fifth cohort of Teaching Ambassador Fellows opened on January 21st and are scheduled to close on February 22nd, 2012. Since 2008, this highly competitive program has enabled a total of sixty-nine outstanding teachers, each with a record of leadership, strong communication skills, and insights into educational policy based in classroom expertise to work with the Department on a full or part time basis.  For more information about the application process, you can visit our program page at www.ed.gov/programs/teacherfellowship or go directly to the applications for the  Washington, Classroom, and/or Regional Fellowship on www.usajobs.gov.

The Teaching Ambassador Fellowship was created because we believe that teachers should have meaningful opportunities to both contribute to and understand the policies that impact their students and school communities. Also when families, students, and teachers want information about education, it is most often to teachers that they turn.

The Teaching Ambassador Fellowship program offers three separate year-long paid positions: the Washington Fellowship is a full-time appointment based at the Department’s Headquarters in Washington. The Classroom Fellowship enables teachers to participate on a part-time basis for the Department, in addition to their regular school responsibilities, working in collaboration with the Department’s Regional Offices. For the 2012-2013 year, the Department has proposed a third track, the Regional Fellowship, which is a full-time appointment based at one of the Department’s Regional Communications Offices  – Atlanta, GA; Seattle, WA; and either Boston, MA, New York City or Philadelphia, PA.

All Teaching Ambassador Fellows spend one year learning about key federal programs and policies; sharing their expertise with federal staff members; and providing outreach and communication about federal initiatives to other educators on behalf of the Department in order to help teachers understand and implement these efforts at the federal, state and local levels, to improve the likelihood of their success.  For the Fellows, the program adds greater knowledge of educational policy and leadership to their toolkits to contribute to solutions at all levels for long intractable challenges in education.

Teacher leaders — please consider applying and share this information with your colleagues!  Call 1-800-USALearn or email us at TeacherFellowship@ed.gov with questions.

Disney On Ice : Disney Pixar's Toy Story 3 Rupp Arena Tickets Presale Password

Disney On Ice : Disney•Pixar's Toy Story 3
Rupp Arena
Lexington, KY
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 10:30 AM

Onsale to General Public
Start: Fri, 03/02/12 10:00 AM EST

Preferred Presale Password is LAUGH
Start: Mon, 01/23/12 10:00 AM EST
End: Fri, 04/20/12 06:30 AM ED

Kentucky Event Calendar

UK Video Game Developers Group Musicians, artists and others get your game on! Global Game Jam 2012, Jany 27 - 29

Musicians, artists and others get your game on! On behalf of the Video Game Developers Group: Global Game Jam 2012, Jany 27 - 29, Awesome Inc. An annual event where a bunch of people get together and make games in 48 hours. RunJumpDev, Awesome Labs, and UK's Video Game Developers group are working together to host. Meals and snacks will be provided. Email Video.Game.Developers.Group@gmail.com for details

Global Game Jam 2012 Registration Open

RunJumpDev – Global Game Jam 2012 is a event where participants come together over a weekend and build new games.  Everyone is given a common theme or constraint and the fun is seeing the different, creative directions that people take the idea.  In the beginning people pitch game ideas and teams are formed.  The teams then build small games or prototypes and finally present them at the end of the weekend.

RunJumpDev, Awesome Labs, and UK Video Game Developers Group are working together to host the event at Awesome Inc.  The Bluegrass Business Development Partnership is sponsoring the event, so meals and snacks will be provided and everyone can concentrate on making awesome games!

New to game development?  RunJumpDev and UK Video Game Developers Group will be hosting workshops about using Unity 3D.  More information about the workshops coming soon.

The game jam is for 48 hours from Friday, January 27th at 5pm to Sunday at 5pm.  Then we will have a results party where cash and prizes will be awarded.  We encourage participants to spend as much time working on their games, but it’s fine if you need to come and go.  And if you can’t participate in the event, you can attend the results party.  Come see the games, eat some food, and talk about how the games were made.

Space is limited so sign up today!