ACTC hosting dance, drum ensemble

ASHLAND, Ky. —Ashland Community and Technical College will present two free musical Black History Month programs on Thursday in the J. B. Sowards Theatre at the College Drive Campus.

The  African Drumming & Dance Ensemble from Eastern Kentucky University will perform at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.  Using authentic-style African instruments, the ensemble presents traditional West African  song, dance and drum arrangements. The program is presented by ACTC with support from Ohio University-Southern.

Gospel Night, a performance by singers and choirs from throughout the Tri-State area, will be held at 7:00 p.m.  The program is supported by ACTC and community Black History Month sponsors.

 
Judge rules Louisa owes $481,000

ASHLAND, Ky. (AP) — A judge has ruled that a small city in eastern Kentucky must pay nearly $481,000 in fees and expenses stemming from a federal lawsuit over the Clean Water Act.

The Independent of Ashland reports U.S. District Judge Amul R. Thapar ruled last week that the city of Louisa owes that much to the American Canoe Association and the Sierra Club. The organizations sued the city nine years ago accusing it of violating the federal Clean Water Act.

Louisa City Attorney Eldred E. “Bud” Adams Jr. filed a motion to stay the award pending the outcome of the city’s appeal of an earlier ruling in the case. He says having to pay that amount in full would in effect bankrupt the small city of 2,000.

Let the Olympics begin at BCPL

ASHLAND, Ky. — Boyd County Public Library will host its own version of the Winter Olympics at the Main Branch on Feb. 20.

The fun starts at 2 p.m. The Main Branch is located at 1740 Central Ave.

The program, for ages 5 to 12, doesn’t include the more traditional winter sports, like skiing, skating and bobsledding. Instead, test your skills in the “duck walk” race, top spinning and (boiled) egg toss.

For more information, call 606.329.0518, ext. 1300. To find out more about other library programs and services, visit the online branch at www.thebookplace.org

KDMC hosting Family Fun Day

Ashland, Ky. – “Be Good to your Heart” is the common theme throughout King’s Daughters Medical Center’s February celebration of Heart Month. Special activities will include Family Fun Day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Center Court area of Kyova Mall, Cannonsburg.

Family Fun Day events are sponsored, in part, by the Kentucky Heart Foundation, are free and will include:

— For adults, a free health screening to include checks of total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood oxygen and blood sugar. Appointments are not needed.

— Health education for all ages to include tips for heart disease and stroke prevention, tobacco cessation, and early heart attack care.

— Children’s activities to include the Heart Challenge Course, heart BINGO and Stuffee, the oversized health education doll. Children will be able to listen to Stuffee’s heartbeat, take his pulse, and hold soft sculpture reproductions of the heart, lungs, intestines and stomach.

— Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than 34 percent of all deaths annually. Every 38 seconds, an American dies of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. While death rates from cardiovascular disease have declined, the burden of heart disease remains great.

KDMC is a locally controlled, not-for-profit, 465-bed regional referral center, offering comprehensive cardiac, vascular, medical, surgical, maternity, pediatric, rehabilitative, psychiatric, cancer, neurological, pain care, wound care and home care services.

Septic seminar has been cancelled

LINNVILLE — The Septic System Seminar hosted by the Lawrence Soil and Water Conservation District on Thursday is cancelled.

It will be rescheduled at a later date.

St. Mary’s to host Red Cross blood drive Thursday

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — St. Mary’s Medical Center will host an American Red Cross blood drive on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 212 of St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute building. Those interested in donating blood are asked to call St. Mary’s blood bank at (304) 526-1062 or (304) 526-1063 to schedule an appointment.

In 2009, 10,207 units of blood from the American Red Cross were transfused to more than 3,000 patients at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Hatfield-McCoy Trails brings thrill-seekers to Huntington with Arenacross Championship

Huntington, W.Va. — The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System will be the exclusive off-road trail sponsor of the 2010 Action Sports Arenacross Championship.

“This is one of the most exciting and competitive indoor motocross racing events around the country,” said Jeffrey Lusk, Executive Director, Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority. “We are really excited to be part of bringing this opportunity to Huntington,”

The event takes place Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at Big Sandy Superstore Arena. The Huntington event always draws over 500 mini, amateur, and pro riders and nearly 10,000 loyal motorcycle racing fans.

Competitors beginning at 5 years old on 50cc mini bikes along with amateur riders of all ages and skill levels and talented professional riders will compete both nights.

“Many of the professional riders are seeking stardom on the National racing circuit,” said Mike Pinkerton, director of marketing for Hatfield-McCoy Trails.