Cabell Co. bans smoking in bars, gambling parlors

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — The Cabell-Huntington Board of Health is giving bars and gambling parlors 30 days to comply with a new smoking ban.

Board members unanimously voted Wednesday to extend the county’s ban on smoking in public places to bars and gambling parlors.

Delegate Doug Reynolds sent a letter to the board voicing his opposition to the move. Reynolds says he couldn’t a ban on a legal product.

Gambling parlor owner Phillip Mann says gambling parlors and bars will lose business as a result of the ban, which will result in lost jobs and a lower tax bases.

Similar arguments were made in other counties that banned smoking in bars and gambling parlors.

Learn online safety tips at BCPL

ASHLAND, Ky. — Protecting yourself and your family online is the topic of a free class being offered next week at Boyd County Public Library.

“Protect Yourself Online” starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at the Main Branch, 1740 Central Ave.

Scott Menifee, school resource officer for the Ashland Police Department, will give tips on how to keep your information and identity safe online. Specifically, he will discuss how to protect yourself from online fraud and identify theft. He will also share ways parents can protect their children from online predators, and answer questions anyone may have.

Anyone, regardless of computer knowledge level, is invited to take part. For more information, call Amanda Clark at (606) 329-0518, ext. 1140.

To learn more about all library programs and services, visit www.thebookplace.org.

Valentine’s Day card campaign ends Feb. 7

ASHLAND, Ky. — There’s still plenty of time to lend a “hand” to Boyd County Public Library’s annual Valentine’s Day card campaign.

The Hands that Touch a Heart program runs through Feb. 7. Children can stop in any branch, at any time, and make a personalized card that will either be sent to U.S. soldiers serving overseas or given to residents of local nursing homes.

This is the sixth year for the campaign, which has resulted in about 3,500 homemade cards. This year’s goal is 1,000. “We are about halfway to our goal, so we really need folks to come to the library and make cards — or call us and we will send you the supplies,” said Amanda Gilmore, community relations coordinator.

Children trace their hands on the card, and then decorate it any way they wish, and add their name and a personalized message. All ages are welcome to make a card, with parents assisting the very young.

Outside groups are also encouraged to participate.

Teachers or leaders of groups that want to participate should contact Amanda Clark at aclark@thebookplace.org or 606.329.0518, ext. 1140.