Matt Kelley

People from across the buckeye state are finding out what it’s really like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. The Food Stamp Challenge; sponsored by the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies asks participants to feed themselves for week on the equivalent of the average food stamp recipient gets, which is about twenty three dollars .Executive Director Phil Cole explained how the challenge works to  WNKU’s Matt Kelley.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will be presenting a special program called “From Civil War to Civil Rights…to Human Rights” next Wednesday to explore the history that redefined our country. Event organizer Jodie McFarland told WNKU’s Matt Kelley that radical change began in the U.S. more than a hundred and fifty years ago, and continues today around the world. (get details at  www.freedomcenter.org)

Teams from around the region are studying their dictionaries in preparation for the twentieth annual Adult Spelling Bee sponsored by the Literacy Council of Clermont and Brown Counties. Executive director Susan Villardo says they expect more than twenty teams to compete this year. WNKU's Matt Kelley asked Villardo where the idea for an "adult" spelling bee came from. (get registration information at www.clermontbrownliteracy.org )

One local veterinarian is going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to helping cats. Doctor Gwen Steffen is organizing her annual Blu Cat Benefit to raise money for no-kill shelters, and assist those who foster cats waiting to be adopted. The event at the Leapin’ Lizzard Lounge in Covington will feature Blues music and entertainment, as well as a silent auction and door prizes. Doctor Steffen explained why the event is so close to her heart to  WNKU’s Matt Kelley…

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has a new state beekeeper. Agriculture Secretary James Comer recently announced the appointment of Sean Burgess to the post of state apiarist. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked Burgess what the official beekeeper’s role is, and why it’s so important to agriculture. ( get more information at www.kyagr.com) 

The Kentucky Enquirer reports there is a slight risk for severe weather after 5 p.m. EDT today, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio. The main threats would be high winds gusting up to 60 mph and hail an inch or larger, said meteorologist John Franks. A half inch to an inch of rain could fall through the evening hours. 

FRANKFORT – Calling it “a critical bill for the health and safety of Kentuckians,” Governor Steve Beshear Tuesday signed House Bill 1 – legislation designed to reduce the destructive impact of prescription drug abuse on Kentucky families.

The 48 hour film project is right around the corner. The competition will take place during the third weekend in May this year, and organizers are hoping an earlier start date will help attract more local college and high school students.

People from all walks of life will be participating in the 23rd annual “Take Back the Night” vigil and march on April 26th in Cincinnati. This year’s event will focus on the Green Dot program aimed at bystander intervention. WNKU’s Matt Kelley asked keynote speaker Ann Brandon how the green dot program works. (get more information at www.takebackthenight.org)

April is Earth Month and some people say there’s no better time to think about how we’re treating our planet, and in particular our water supply. Volunteers from across Ohio are partnering with the Sierra Club to become “Water Sentinels”. Club spokesman Jeff Cox says the EPA simply doesn’t have the man-power to monitor all of Ohio’s waterways. He explained to WNKU’s Matt Kelley how the citizen monitors are helping.