Paramount set to host auditions for ‘Hairspray’

ASHLAND, Ky. — The Paramount Arts Center will hold auditions for the musical Hairspray on Monday and Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Auditions are open to ages 12 through adult. Those auditioning are asked to have a prepared song with sheet music or a karaoke track.

An accompanist will be provided. Those auditioning will also be taught a dance combination and will be asked to read from the script.

A large racially diverse cast of singers, dancers and actors is needed including: 15-20 teenagers, 5-10 African-American teenagers, 10-20 adults including a large number of parts targeted to African-American females.

No appointment is necessary for auditions and you may come to either audition night – but please be prompt! Auditions begin sharply at 6:30 p.m.

Rehearsals begin the week of Jan. 24-28 and performance week is March 20-26.

For additional information or questions please contact Melanie Sweeney at melaniecsweeney@aol.com.

KDMC workers reject latest offer for union contract

ASHLAND, Ky. (AP) — Service workers at King’s Daughters Medical Center have rejected a contract offer and plan to hold informational picketing in 10 days.

Spokesman Anthony Caldwell of Service Employees International Union District 1199 said the employees voted “overwhelmingly” against the offer from KDMC.

The union represents about 600 service, maintenance, housekeeping, laundry and dietary workers at the hospital. Their contract expired Nov. 30.

Caldwell said workers were dissatisfied with part of the offer that would change health care insurance deductibles, with staff layoffs and with executive bonuses. He says workers plan to hold informational picketing on Jan. 11 and that the union is ready to continue negotiating.

The Daily Independent reports that hospital spokeswoman Betsy Donahue said in a statement that officials are disappointed the offer was rejected and are eager to return to bargaining.

Ironton native makes honor roll at Marietta College

MARIETTA — Jeffrey Lucas, of Ironton, has been named to the fall 2010 Dean’s High Honors List at Marietta College.

Any full-time Marietta College student completing at least 15 credit hours with a grade point average of 3.75 or better in a given semester is recognized as a Dean’s High Honors List student for that semester.

Lucas, a graduate of Ironton High School, is majoring in petroleum engineering at Marietta.