Tag: thoughts and stuff

I’m sorry, but today’s show isn’t being blogged in great depth, because there really wasn’t much of a show. It was open-mic, and only three people called in. The first caller just wanted to say hi, the second to mention veteran’s day and complain about a few aspects of local government, and the third to ask whether they will be scheduling an interview with a fourth-grader who had wrote an editorial on littering.
Listeners were reminded of the Ghost Walking Tour that debuts tonight, and that the Thorobreds fight Pendleton County on the hilltop tonight.

On this morning’s Coffeebreak:
Rick’s guest was Donald Ritchie, news writer and photographer for The Cynthiana Democrat.
Before beginning the interview and discussion with Donald (in order to fill some time until Donald arrived), Rick asked Chris if he had any knowledge as to why there had been a train stopped in town yesterday afternoon. Although the radio station had received many calls, asking as to whether they had any information, no answers were available.
Chris mentioned that the guest on his program tomorrow morning will be Roger Slade, who is spear-heading the Ghost Walk.
Rick spoke with Donald on the article published about Nick Clooney’s presentation at the high school. Donald stated that the information and Clooney’s presence was unbelievable.

Discussion went to technology for a moment, where Rick and Donald mentioned The Cynthiana Democrat’s website, http://www.cynthianademocrat.com. Donald mentioned that the site is in the midst of being modified, and that an updated version should be available soon. In a relation to this discussion, where mention had been made of comments by viewers/readers of the site and of WCYN’s website, Rick mentioned a listener of his program who had seen the guest list for this morning’s program. The listener called Rick yesterday evening to verify that Donald was set to be this morning’s guest, and requested that Rick ask Donald whether there will be stories run on the forthcoming demolition of Ingles Stadium. Donald stated that he was sure that there will be many stories published on the school system’s historic playing field, though he is unsure as to whether he shall get the liberty of reporting.
Rick asked Donald as to whether he gets free reign on the stories he can cover, or whether he is assigned to stories and events. Donald explained that it is a 50/50 mix, where the paper is a small operation, in relation to the community’s size. Donald does get assigned to stories, however, where there is not a high number newsworthy events in the area, he, as well as others, do get the liberty to do random pieces on various aspects of the community. Donald stated that he prefers to report on stories that are “off the beaten path.”
Rick raised the question of whether Donald has experienced having people talking to one another in the check-out lanes of stores in hopes that their ideas of news stories are heard; or whether Donald has been directly approached by people in the community, stating what they believe should be reported. He stated that both of these situations happen on a fairly regular basis.
When asked whether the citizenry participate and sit-in on the commissioner’s meetings and fiscal court meetings, Donald replied be stating that it seems to be a some unspoken “general rule” that the public does not attend–that seemingly the public does not want to get involved. To this, Donald added that until people actually get involved, and make their voices heard, the local bodies of government will have no choice but to continue to move forward on any issue in manners that they, not necessarily the public, see fit.
Discussion went to the topic of the new recreational park, and the use thereof. Donald stated that the other day, it could be estimated that there were 400-500 people present at the park for for various activities, including a VBS event, and soccer games. Rick offered an opinion that it doesn’t seem that the governing body of Cynthiana has any interest in further development of the park, where there has been no money allotted in the budget for any work or maintenance of the park. When asked his opinion on the matter, Donald replied in agreeance, and stated that he believes that the city government is simply doing the same thing that it has for the past 75 years–that they hopped on board on a project because it was a seemingly good idea that received some public interest, and then rely upon the rest of the county to foot the bill. In a related comment, Rick asked Donald if he had any thoughts on the Cynthiana-Harrison County Business Park, with regard as to whether the $80,000/yr property manager and the government are spending adequate time in searching out and handling potential investors/business/corporations. Donald stated that he doesn’t believe that the government is being active enough, however he has no way to have backing for his opinion, where the meetings on development of the park are held behind closed doors.
Rick commented that at one time there were more dominant an influential citizens within our community that offered suggestions and ideas, which were heard, and that these people aren’t around anymore–and no-one has stepped in to fill their shoes. Rick also told us the story of an elderly woman who wrote in not too long ago, who mentioned the differences of our home between her childhood and her grandchildren. The woman rattled off the names and types of businesses that were here around then, and noted that they’re no longer around, and that there is nowhere near the business there had once been–finalizing her statement by saying that it’s no wonder our children are bored and causing trouble–there’s nowhere to go! Donald agreed with these points, went on to say how few of his classmates live here due to this, and how fewer the numbers are of proceeding graduating classes staying home, in direct relation to this problem of poor civic and economic infrastructure .
Discussion was made of how lacking Harrison County is when it comes to our highway transportation routes. While many of us remember how terrible US HWY 62 E had been, we look now at the now ten-year-old (approximate) revision of the highway and are pleased. Though the highway is better, it still remains a small two-lane country highway, that does not support heavy flows of mass transportation to the larger of our neighboring cities. The highway did complete a need ten years ago, when it had been revised, but since then, the largest factory at the end of that road has doubled (if not tripled) in size since then–no supplier to that company would want to place operations here for the now poor construction of that highway.
The questioned was raised as to how Paris, which had been (relatively) similar in size and composition has boomed over the past year while we remain stagnant. Donald believes that the reason is the increased size of the stretch of US HWY 27/68 between Lexington and Paris. Prior to the new construction Donald and his wife (as many of Harrisonians) traveled to Lexington using an alternate route, which bypassed Paris altogether. Since the addition of the two lanes, Donald has been traveling 27/68 to and from Lexington–and with that increase of travel on the highway, new businesses have popped up along the way, allowing for the commuters to stop by on their way.
Though today’s show was plagued with negative undertones concerning Cynthiana, Rick and Donald managed to end with the mention of people who are trying to revitalize the town and businesses, by mentioning the remodeling/restoration of the Rohs Opera House. Donald also mentioned the upswing in sports activities through the Upward program and other church/faith related activities which have begun to serve the needs that the recreation department has seemingly neglected.

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This morning’s sponsors were:
State Farm Insurance, the Harrison County Board of Education, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, BluegrassTradingPost.com, Chase Jewelers, Whalen & Company, Eastside Pharmacy, and the Bourbon Community Hospital.

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There will not be a run-down of this morning’s Coffeebreak… Sorry.. I went to sell plasma this morning, and was only able to hear the first fifteen minutes of the broadcast before losing reception of the signal… I can, however, inform you that Rick’s guest was Jack Keith, and that during that first fifteen minutes they spoke about that “G” sticker…

On this morning’s Coffeebreak:
Rick’s guests were Bruce Florence and Carrie Smith of Maysville Community and Technical College’s Licking Valley Campus.
Before getting into the discussions of MCTC-LVC, Bruce announced that the Harrison County High School has a guest speaker appearing this afternoon in the high school auditorium. Nick Clooney will be present to present the story of the “ongoing, slow-motion genocide” that is taking place in Darfur. Clooney has presented presented these images before, one of the most recent being at Wilmington College–an article published by the Wilmington News Journal of that visit is available at . Clooney’s presentation will begin at 1:00p.m. Citizens are welcome to attend, and may contact the Harrison County High School at 859.234.7117 for more information.
Bruce announced that registration for the spring semester of KYVU classes began yesterday.
On a sad note, Bruce mentioned that KCTCS is unsure of how their enrollment numbers are fairing, for it was recently discovered that through the course of counting students, some had been counted twice, as they had dropped their status from full- to part-time or vice versa.
Carrie, speaking on behalf of the Continuing Education program mentioned that there are two classes available to the public which still have plenty of space. The first class is the learning of sign language, which will meet on Tuesday nights, beginning on October 9th–the class earns a 1/2 college credit. The second class is on the use of Microsoft Powerpoint. The Powerpoint class will meet on Monday nights, beginning October 15th, and will earn 1/2 college credit as well.
Carrie also proudly announced that there will be classes available for the citizens of Berry, at the new community center, which will make use of the newly installed computers and broadband Internet service. Courses will cover the basic use of a PC, including how to use e-mail, ebay, and how to browse the Internet. Each class will be limited to eight students.
Rick approached the topic of the expansion of the Licking Valley Campus. Bruce stated that after having funds denied for the past three years, she feels optimistic that the school will be awarded funds for an addition this year. In the meantime, Custom Wood Products will be erecting a storage building for the school to temporarily house equipment that is not currently in use. Bruce stated that, “the need for space is really overwhelming.” 
The last topic of discussion this morning was the “Ghost Walk.” Bruce reminded us that there will be, through the month of October, a walking tour of haunted locations in Cynthiana. Discussion then went to the ghosts that haunt WCYN (which is one spot on the tour). [I will publish the text of the tour’s advertisement in the next post. – Jeremiah]

This morning’s sponsors were:
State Farm Insurance, the Harrison County Board of Education, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, BluegrassTradingPost.com, Chase Jewelers, Whalen & Company, Eastside Pharmacy, and the Bourbon Community Hospital.

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Topics discussed on this morning’s Coffeebreak:
Rick opened the show with discussion of the window sticker that has been grabbing attention of UK fans–“G: The Coach.” If you haven’t heard about this latest craze in UK fandom, you can find the story that was published in the Lexington Herald-Leader at .
Rick plans to get in contact with Ashley Keith, the sticker’s creator, to see about distributing them at the station.
Rick reminded the listeners of the game that will be taking place on the hilltop tonight; and to tune in at 7:00p.m. for the pre-game show, followed by live coverage as the Harrison County Throrobreds battle Lexington Catholic.
Rick extended thanks to Steve Moss, yesterday’s guest.
The first caller for this morning’s open mic forum was Charlene, from Southside Elementary School, who notified everyone of the tailgating party that will begin at 5:30 in front of the school. Concessions will be sold to benefit the fund for the Southside fifth grade-class’ year-end field trip. With the purchase of a $5 ribeye-steak sandwich combo or a $3 hotdog combo one aids the fifth graders in visiting Shakertown, and finalizing the trip with seats to see the Lexington Legends.
The second caller of the day asked what problems the station was experiencing, for they had noticed that the signal had grown week. Rick and Terry explained that a component had burned out on the new transmitter, and was sent off for repair/replacement. Hopefully withing the next few weeks the part will return, be installed, and allow the station to broadcast with a clearer signal.
Rick and Terry mentioned the streaming audio available on WCYN.com.
Rick asked a question as to whether anyone saved any money this year on gasoline, due to the drought. Terry exclaimed that he felt as if he had saved a bit, furthering his statement by explaining that he hadn’t mowed his lawn in nearly two months.
Terry reminded Rick and the listeners that Chris Winkle will be back in the station on Monday. With Chris’ return, morning listeners will once again be able to awake to “Wink in the Mornings” with news, announcement, and much more.
After the first break, Charlie Garnett of the local 5/3 Bank called for a live on air advertisement. 5/3 announced a competition among the local branches in opening the highest number of student/minor checking accounts–with this challenge, Mr. Garnett is asking for Harrisonians to come to his aid. The student/minor checking accounts are “free” accounts, that offer five free non-5/3 ATM transactions. In addition, anyone amongst the first ten student/minor a checking accounts opened today with a minimum of $50 has the opportunity to earn $53 should they keep their account in good standing for the first six months.(Certain rules and conditions may apply. Visit your local 5/3 bank or the website for details). The branch will be open until 6p.m. tonight.
The third caller this morning was the lady who had asked about the Pleasant Street Bridge on Monday’s show. Rick notified her that he had contacted Mr. Fryman at the State Highway Department, and discovered that the state is responsible for the maintenance of the bridge. The caller also asked as to what the excitement at the new recreational park is. Rick explained that there are soccer games going on at the park.
Another woman called in, to suggest that Rick interview the chairperson for her graduating class of UK. Her fifty year reunion is this year. The woman also mentioned that the Lexington Herald-Leader ran a story on tonight’s game.
In the following call, a woman called about the Texaco sign on the side of the garage at the residence on the corner of Church Street and Oddville Avenue. The woman is concerned that the sign may be a hazard of some sort for motorists that pass by. She explained that she had drove by the residence last night, and at first thought that the bright red glow emanating from the side of the garage was a fire.
A few moments later, another woman called to simply state that she loved the Texaco sign.
Rick openly asked to Terry and the listening audience as to whether he was remembering correctly that Northfield Oil had been a Texaco distributor–no affirmation to this query was made.
A gentleman residing on Church Street called in to express his liking of the Texaco sign. He stated that he didn’t see it as a nuisance, nor had he heard of any neighbors complaining. The listener mentioned that he recalls their being two Texaco stations in Cynthiana; one being the location where Custom Cuts now operates, and the other having been located on the corner of Pike and Church streets.
Theresa Philpott called in to state that she loved yesterday’s show, and to offer her opinion that Amber will not stray from local television, for she is more of a hometown girl. Theresa also expressed her joy in seeing people at the new recreational park–she stated that it is a “Welcome sight.”
The final caller announced that Connersville had received 3.1 inches of rain overnight. He, too, stated that he liked the Texaco sign and seeing the use of the new park.
In recap of the show, Rick mentioned the story in the Herald concerning tonights football game. Rick also reminded the audience of the tailgate party at Southside, the promotion at 5/3 Bank, tonight’s pre-game show and live coverage, and invited anyone who wishes to come down to the station to see the “G” sticker.
Today’s Coffeebreak sponsors were:
The Harrison County Board of Education, BluegrassTradingPost.com, Cockrell’s Auto Center, Whalen & Company, Eastside Pharmacy, Jetubs, Bourbon Community Hospital, First United Methodist Church of Cynthiana, and 5/3 Bank.

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On this morning’s Coffeebreak:

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Rick’s guest was Steve Moss, Sports Director* for WKYT. Moss has been working with WKYT for 19 years.
Topics for discussion involved Q&A on how WKYT goes about planning for coverage of high school events, and University of Kentucky events.
Several references to newscaster Amber Philpott, Cynthiana native–HCHS Class of 1999, were made.
Sponsor’s of this morning’s Coffeebreak were:
BluegrassTradingPost.com, Bourbon Community Hospital, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, Whalen & Company, Eastside Pharmacy, the Harrison County Board of Education, Chase Jewelers, and Joe Cochran – local State Farm Insurance representative.

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*I believe that I had heard Rick announce that Steve is the sports director, however it can be noted that the sports blog credits Steve as the Executive Sports Producer and Senior Sports Videographer. I do not know what credits are correct. – Jeremiah

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A run down of this morning’s Coffeebreak (for anyone who actually cares and reads about it) will have to come at a later date… While I was listening and taking notes, I was doing so in the car, while on my way to Lexington to sell plasma (and just returned).
I do not have the time at this moment to write anything on this morning’s show, for I’ve got a bunch of housework to do, and a few more errands to run before I go to class tonight.
Sorry…

On this morning’s Coffeebreak:
Rick’s guest was Trish Jenkins, of the Cynthiana Lions Club. Discussion was the upcoming Lion’s sponsored Taste of Home Cooking School.
The Taste of Home Cooking School is an event that is presented by Taste of Home Magazine, a bi-monthly publication of “mouth-watering menu for each issue are delicious foods for everyday meals and special occasions, all prepared with ingredients that are readily available.” http://www.tasteofhome.com/content/AboutUs.aspx
Trish Jenkins is organizing this year’s event, which is only one of three shows that the magazine are presenting in Kentucky this year. Tickets, which are available at the Harrison County Extension Office, Ken’s New Market (both Cynthiana and Paris locations), and The Cynthiana Democrat, went on sale yesterday. Two hundred tickets have sold thus far.
This year’s theme will be focusing on quick and easy family Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
The cooking school will take place at the Harrison County High School Auditorium on November 1st, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $9.00.
As always, there will be various vendor/organization booths and concessions available in the auditorium foyer. The Lion’s Club will also be selling two cookbooks published by Taste of Home: Taste of Home Cooking and Taste of Home Baking. The books will be sold at a discounted rate of $25 each. Limited quantities are available.
While the Lions have not decided where proceeds from the event will go, it is agreed that the monies will remain within the community.
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In response to yesterday’s question in regards to who is responsible for the Pleasant Street bridge, Rick contacted Travis Fryman, of the State Highway Department. Travis stated that the bridge, and all bridges that are a part of a KY or US highway are the responsibility of the state. Travis also stated that he has put in a request for repairs to the bridge.
Sponsors of this morning’s show were:
BluegrassTradingPost.com, Bourbon Community Hospital, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, Whalen & Company, Eastside Pharmacy, the Harrison County Board of Education, and Chase Jewelers.

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I wrote an email to Rick, Terry, and Chris at WCYN a few moments ago. Here is a copy for your viewing pleasure:

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1. The Staff page:
   • While both on air and behind the scenes staff are listed, the page seems to be lacking.
   • Short biographys of the staff would give an interesting and personal touch.
   • mailto: anchors would be a nice addition to the e-mail addresses listed.
2. Employment page
   • The paragraph is centered instead of justified. Just an error I noticed.
3. Photo Album
   • The page is blank. Why not throw some photos up there? Possible pictures could be of the building, transmitters, staff, equipment, events, regular guests, etc.
4. About Us
   • WCYN has an interesting story. Why not share it?
   • The station’s birth, past owners and programming.
   • The station’s sale and “re-birth” or continuing tradition.
   • This page could be used to link back to the staff page where mention of the current staff had worked throughout the history.
5. Advertisers
   • Only one advertiser is listed on this page…
6. Wink Web Solutions
   • I noticed that this page is not linked anywhere. I had to google it to find it.
   • Link the page, and list it on the advertisers page if revenue from this would be desired.
   • Cute biker animation…

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On this morning’s Coffeebreak…
At the beginning of this morning’s show, Rick made the announcement that today is an important day–it’s his mother’s birthday. Happy Birthday to Rose Chasteen.
Mention was made that in spite of the change to fall, we are still experiencing summer weather–today’s high will be near 90°. Is it due to global warming? Peggy and Terry think so, Rick’s unsure.
Rick asked a question to Terry–Rick asked Terry whether he had smelled the stench around Pleasant Street. Rick had been stopped by someone, and asked whether it was due to the new waste water treatment plant. Rick believes that it may just be the river. (Personally, I agree… There is a smell over in the Ladish area…) Rick plans to find out.
Rick asked when fall break was for the Harrison County Board of Education. A caller informed Rick that break is the week of October 8th (this is listed on the Board of Ed. website). Rick thanked the audience for listening – the Coffeebreak Nation.
Rick mentioned that he believed that people need to laugh more–it seems that not near enough people enjoy a good laugh. This led into the discussion of Abe Lincoln being on a plane. Apparently in regard to the Lincoln story, Al Roker had said something very amusing on The Today Show during the cutaway to the local weather–to which all on the New York set were laughing, and those at  WLEX were rolling as well.
Rick announced that today’s show would be an open mic forum. Rick offered two suggestions for callers: WCYN’s programming and the website. These subjects were never touched.
One elderly woman called in with a question in regards to the condition of the Pleasant Street Bridge (Terry referred to it as the Belmont Bridge). The caller asked who has the responsibility of maintaining the bridge–the city, county, or state? Rick had no immediate answer. Rick will find the answer to this question at a later date.
Another woman called in asking about a noise in the broadcast–an underlying hum that is audible during the Coffeebreak show and Trading Post. The caller also raised an issue where she believes that there is a dire need for a “sit-down family restaurant” similar to that of Cracker Barrel or Golden Corral. The caller believes that it is a shame that the citizens in Cynthiana must drive out of town to enjoy a decent meal.
Terry believes that the problem may be related to a problem that happened over the past weekend–an amplifier blew on the transmitter.
Another caller stated what he believed might be the cause of the stench. Out of curiosity, the caller tells us, he had drove to the new waste water treatment plant to see what a million and a half dollars was worth, and noticed the unkempt fence row in front of the building. The caller asked whether Rick knew if there were plans to clean the mess up. Rick stated that there weren’t any plans to clean the mess. Rick informed the caller that he would call back to tell him more of the story in private.
In reference to the prior call on local dining, Terry asked how long it had been since the closing of McKnight’s Boarding House. Rick plans to research that query.
The final caller on the show was a nearly 80-year old woman, who stated that her father had worked on the Pleasant Street bridge in 1936. The company that erected the structure was Clark, Stewart, and Wood. They had attempted to erect the bridge once and much to their misfortune floodwaters washed all the forms and materials away. Rick asked the caller when she was born, to which the caller replied December 27, 1927. Rick encouraged the caller to call back on that date, so that he might wish her a happy eightieth birthday.
Coffeebreak’s sponsors were:
BluegrassTradingPost.com, Bourbon Community Hospital, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, Whalen & Company, Eastside Pharmacy, and the Harrison County Board of Education