And more events for the Roots and Heritage Festival. This plus more, straight ahead on Lexington Now. ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ Hello, everybody. Thanks for joining us for this edition of Lexington Now, an update of events and news in Lexington-Fayette-Urban County government. I'm David Sullivan. Welcome to the show. The north side of Lexington opened the city's largest library branch on Friday, September 12th. Mayor Jim Newberry and Governor Steve Beshear, along with other state and local officials, helped cut the ribbon on the nearly $8 million facility. Here's more. ♪♪ What an exciting day for Lexington. What an exciting day for the entire Commonwealth. And even more important, what an exciting day for the north side of town. You know, years ago, during what I call the last century, I actually served this area as state representative in the Kentucky House of Representatives. And I can remember at that time fighting to make sure that the north side of town got its fair share of attention from city government. And, boy, have we come a long way. Look at what we have today on the north side of Lexington. I am very excited to help dedicate a state-of-the-art library for a city whose citizens have demonstrated both a desire and a real need for its public library system. For this year alone, the libraries in Lexington have had almost two million visits and over a million web hits. By the end of 2008, their total circulation will be approximately three million. And they will have hosted over 2,600 events for children and adults. I happen to know a little bit about this library system because if you go in the computer, you find library cards for both Jane and Steve Beshear. The Lexington Public Library recently received the highest level of library service awarded by the State Department of Libraries and Archives. It has also earned a reputation for being one of the top library systems in the entire United States. This is a facility that has just about more of everything. More computers, you heard about the number just a few moments ago, that's terrific. It's got more space, more than twice as much as the old facility, more meeting rooms, more books, and more room to house one of my favorite programs, the Central Kentucky Radio Eye and the library's cable channel. This branch is a wonderful addition to the Russell Cave Corridor, and we're delighted to have it here. It builds on the progress that we're seeing up and down the Russell Cave Corridor these days and times, and we're delighted to have it here. I, too, want to thank the members of the Council who are here, Councilmember Tom Blues and then Councilmember Linda Gordon and Councilmember Jim Gray, Vice Mayor Jim Gray, for being here today. Governor Beshear is right, it does take a team effort to make these types of things happen, and without the Council's support, we wouldn't be here today. But I want to go back and finish on a note about the Central Kentucky Radio Eye. Many of you know that the Radio Eye broadcasts live and recorded readings of print materials for blind, visually impaired, or physically handicapped citizens. This is an all-volunteer service, and it is crucial to its listeners, and through the expanded services that Central Kentucky Radio Eye will be able to offer through this facility, we'll make our community more accessible to a number of our citizens, and I am very, very grateful for all of the work that folks involved with Central Kentucky Radio Eye have done. So let me just conclude by saying thanks to Governor Beshear and Representative Crenshaw for all that the state has done to make today possible. Thanks for being here with us. And finally, congratulations to the Board and the staff and everyone who has made this facility become a reality. It's a great day for Lexington. Thanks. Thank you. The fall season is approaching, and that means we are about to enter the cold and flu season. It's important to remember to get flu shots, and that's just what Mayor Newberry and Governor Beshear did to help encourage citizens to get flu vaccinations and to promote the Fayette County Health Department's flu vaccination program. In October, the Health Department will provide free flu shots on Saturday, October 4th, and Saturday, October 11th. To get more information on their flu vaccine clinics, call 288-2483. The Governor and Mayor were also part of the groundbreaking for the new addition to the Livestock Disease Diagnostics Center on the U.K. Agricultural Research Campus along Newtown Pike. The $28.5 million expansion of the facility will double existing square footage and allow U.K. to fulfill its state mandate to safeguard animal health. Although I know many of you who are here understand the significance of this facility and many of our legislators have done much to advance its cause, there are a lot of folks driving up and down the road today that don't have a clue what this place is all about. But I can assure anyone that this facility has a profound impact on Kentucky's agriculture and how it relates not only to farmers here in Kentucky but to interests around the world. This is a wonderful facility to have in Lexington. The center helps protect our nation's food supply. It helps to maintain the health of our livestock herds. It helps to maintain the financial health of our livestock farmers all across the state. It is appropriate to have a facility here in Lexington, the horse capital of the world, and in Kentucky, the largest beef cattle producer in the eastern half of the United States. Obviously, agriculture is a cornerstone of our economy and the health of our livestock industry is enormously important to the entire state and certainly to Lexington and Fayette County. But as someone who has long advocated the need for our economy to be built based on our horse, health care, and high-tech industries, I want to talk about the importance of this facility to our equine industry. In the mid-1980s, I had the pleasure of working at Airdrie Stud. That was when I first became aware of the significance of this industry, of this facility, on a daily basis to our horse industry here in Kentucky. And, Dean, while MLRS was tough, it would have been a whole lot tougher had it not been for the hard work of the staff here at the facility, and we're very, very grateful for all that they did. And I think last year, we had over $3 billion in Farmgate cash receipts just from the livestock industry. So, you know, that shows the importance. We're a forage-based state, and during the ag diversification, a lot of people are doing more in the areas of animal agriculture, and it's so, so important that we have these diagnostic labs, not just, you know, for special projects, which, you know, I think was mentioned, the equestrian games, 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games are coming. And, you know, there's going to be 60 nations represented there, and people and animals from all those nations will be coming here. And, you know, it's really, really important that we're able to take care of the needs so that we put on a quality event in the event that something happens, and, you know, to take care and ensure a safe equestrian games for 2010, because Kentucky is going to be on a world stage, and we certainly are looking forward to that. I want to add my congratulations and thanks to those of others who have been up here, to the General Assembly, because they, as well as I, recognize the importance of this expansion and renovation of this facility, and everybody stepped up and did what they needed to do so that this $20 million is available to break this ground today and to get started and to have a state-of-the-art facility here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. And, my friends, this is a prime example of what we can do when we work together. If we don't work together, we don't end up getting much done. But when we come together, as Commissioner Farmer and I have, in terms of our commitment to move the agricultural economy in this state forward, when we come together as the legislature and I did with the Commissioner to get this $20 million in the form of a bond issue to be paid out of the agricultural funds in this budget, that's what I'm talking about when it comes to getting something done. And you know what? This lab is not a Republican or Democratic issue. It's not a partisan issue, just as most of the issues that face us that are important are not partisan. They are Kentucky issues. Agriculture is a Kentucky issue. This lab is a Kentucky issue. And I'm darn proud of the fact that we all stepped up, regardless of what side of the fence you're on politically, and came together to do something really important for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Roots & Heritage Festival is now in its third week and runs through mid-October with a handful of events still to come. We have Eugenia Johnson-Smith with details on the step show, basketball tournament, and the Roots & Heritage Festival ball. I'm Eugenia Johnson-Smith and I'm on the planning committee for the Roots & Heritage Festival. This is the 20th year for the festival this year. I chair the step show, which has been going on for approximately 14 years. We started out on the street during the street festival. We've moved to Dunbar Center and to the air-conditioned gym. And then last year we went out with the Heritage Classic out to UK and performed again outside. However, this year we're going to be back in the air-conditioned at the Dunbar Center at 545 North Upper Street. And the event is free of charge. And it's going to be on Saturday, September 27th, starting at 2 o'clock. And you can come out and see all kinds of step groups. Over the years we've had participants from the local Greek organizations, from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, have participated in the past. We also have groups from the local middle schools. We've had Bronze Station Middle School, Tate's Creek, Dunbar, and also the high schools as well have participated in the past. And we've even had some dance troupes to participate. I think last year we had the Most Wanted group and just different groups, Gaines Way dancers. You can still go ahead and you can hit our website for the application. There will be a number posted on the screen that you can call for information as well. And it's not too late. The deadline for the applications will be the Monday prior to the event. Yes, we're real excited about the Festival Ball, and that's coming up on October 11th. And it's going to be at the Crowne Plaza, which was the Campbell House. And tickets are still available. They're $50, and there will also be a graphic with the phone number to contact for those. And during that event, there will be dinner and dancing. And it will be a real fun event. Also, we'll be having the play, which is called Constant Star, and it's Actors Guild. And it will be at the Arts Center downtown on Main. It starts on September 11th and runs through October 5th. So be sure and check that out. The basketball tournament is going to be following the step show. So it also is free of charge. So if you come out to the step show, you'll want to hang around for that. New this year with that, we're going to have a Policeman's and Fireman's Challenge basketball game. So that should be real exciting. If anybody's ever been down to the Horseman's game where they do the flag football or out to the Legends game where they do the baseball game, you know that they are very competitive. So it's going to be a really good thing. And then I think they're also going to have a couple teams that won during the dirt ball out at Douglas Park. So there will be also a female girls game. And it should be a real fun event as well. If anyone would like additional information about anything that's going on this month, you can go to www.rootsandheritagefestival.com for more information. We look forward to seeing you. Thank you. McConnell Springs, the historic site associated with the founding of Lexington, is putting on a benefit this month to raise money for improving the site. Rita Keys, event chair for the Fall Fling at the Springs, with more about this annual fundraiser. I'm Rita Keys. I'm the chair of the board of directors for the Friends of McConnell Springs. I'm also the chair of the Fall Fling Committee, which is our main fundraiser of the year. I spend a lot of time at the Springs working in the office and organizing events. We've had a lot going on here this year and looking forward to a lot more. Last year we decided to have the Fall Fling at the Springs instead of having it at Keeneland. We felt like we called it back to our roots and we wanted people to come to the Springs and enjoy a special event and help us with our fundraising project. This year is called Branching Out at the Springs, our theme. We really have branched out this year. We've done a lot of things here. We have our new sculpture that's in place that was created by Erica Strecker. We've had our DVD premiere. We are just now getting the planning stages started for our wetlands projects, which will be right over there, and we're really excited about that. We're glad to have people come to the Springs. It's still amazing that a lot of people in Lexington do not know we're here and do not know what to expect when they come here. The Fall Fling will be on September 26 from 5.30 to 9.30 p.m. The tickets are $50 apiece. You can reserve a table for eight if you want to buy eight tickets, so all you and your friends can sit together. The event includes a wonderful dinner, which is catered by South Van Events. If you've ever been to a function where they've catered, you know their food is just really, really fine. We have live music by Sassafras, a local band. They were a big hit last year, good listening, good dancing, if you want, just a really excellent music group. We also have a silent auction. We're really excited about that. Items are starting to come in. We have a frame print by James Archambault of Cumberland Falls. We have some wonderful restaurant coupons from the Black Tulip and Midway, some Suggins, some Malones. We have some other art pieces, some really great donations from the wood carvers, canes, and actually they have turned some pens, some ink pens, out of the wood from the bur oak, which is one of the oldest trees here in the park, and that will be real exciting to put on the auction table as well. Invitations were sent out this week. The invitation will also be in our newsletter, which will be coming out in a couple days. The invitation is on our website, which is www.McConnellSprings.org, or you can call me. My phone number is 859-278-4615, and I'll be glad to help you get an invitation, or you can just send me your reservation and I'll take care of it. Talk about some of the things we have done besides the sculpture. We just recently purchased a 65-inch screen TV for the education center with the sound system and the microphone. This year we're really trying to start raising money for a project we are in the process of getting approval for and developing, which is the recreation of some cabin structures here on site that would replicate what William McConnell or people, the settlers after him, actually lived in during that time in the 1700s and 1800s. That is what we're currently trying to raise money for from this fundraiser. But we always are supportive of the park and Laurie and her staff as far as improving the educational programs they have here and the environmental programs that they have here, as well as trying to make the park look really nice for visitors. Time now to get you up to date on traffic issues with our weekly lane closure report provided by GTV3's Crosstown Traffic with information on delays, detours, and local road construction. Here's a look at this week's lane closures from Crosstown Traffic and the Traffic Management Center. ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ Tune in to Crosstown Traffic every weekday morning from 6.30 to 8.30 a.m. on GTV3 for live traffic surveillance cameras, collision and impact reports, and up-to-the-minute lane closure information. ♪♪ He was a champion, a master's champion. Play golf where champions played and honed their golf skills on a daily basis. Play the Gay Brewer Jr. Golf Course at Piccadilly. Walk the same fairways and read the greens like Gay did many years ago. Choose your irons and wedges carefully as you swing away at this beautiful design course layout. The course also has a fully stocked golf shop and a great dining area after a great 18. The Gay Brewer Jr. Golf Course at Piccadilly. Call 288-2990 for your tee time. In Lexington, Kentucky, as in most cities, Founders Day comes once a year. Its citizens, old and young, gather to remember the city's beginning. It was June, 1775, a time of great possibility. William McConnell claimed land around Sinking Springs, known today as McConnell Springs, while his brother Francis claimed land further to the east. Because the British encouraged their Indian allies to attack the Kentucky settlers, it would be four years before Lexington was more than a name. In fact, the Kentucky frontier nearly emptied as settlers fled back to the eastern colonies. Those remaining took cover at Fort Harrod, Fort Boonesboro, Bryan Station, and Logan Station. William and Francis McConnell took refuge at Fort Harrod and remained there until 1779, when they left with Robert Patterson to help build a stockade fort at Lexington and, perhaps more importantly, protect their land interests as more settlers poured into the Kentucky frontier. Lexington has reclaimed its story, the story of McConnell Springs. Time for another lineup from Police Detective Robert Sarantonio on this week's edition of Bluegrass Crimestoppers. I'm Detective Robert Sarantonio with Bluegrass Crimestoppers. Now we're going to show you several wanted people that Lexington police are looking for. If you have any information on this, please call us at Crimestoppers. It's anonymous at 859-253-2020 or star 2020 from your AT&T cellular telephone. ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ Thank you for watching the Crimestoppers segment. If you have any information on any of these people that were featured, please call me at 859-253-2020 and star 2020 from your AT&T cellular phone. And remember, this is anonymous. All we want is your information, not your name. And now, stay tuned for more on Government TV Channel 3. ♪♪♪ Come and experience what everyone's been talking about. The 5th Annual Urban Life and Style Tour brought to you by National City Bank and the Lexington Downtown Development Authority. Visit unique homes and residential condominiums within the downtown area of Lexington. Experience this outstanding event on either bicycle or just enjoy a great walk downtown. Be sure and experience the 2008 Urban Life and Style Tour on Sunday, September the 21st from noon until 5. Call 425-2296 for more information. Each week on Lexington Now, we go over the public meeting schedule, and it's a full schedule ahead this week for the council and other government agencies. Remember, you can go to lfucg.com for a complete meeting list. ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ Parks and Recreation is looking for public input as the division updates its Parks Master Plan. To participate in an online survey, go to www.lfucg.com forward slash parks or call Parks at 311. That's all for this week's show. We'll be back next week with more news and information from the Fayette County government. Until next time, for Lexington Now, I'm David Sullivan, and that's it for now. ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ Please stay tuned as we keep you informed about events, services, and programs in your government. ♪♪♪