Gov. Beshear To Host 56th Annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast
Event will feature basketball players Dominique Hawkins and Peyton Siva
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 11, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear will host the 56th annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Tuesday, March 12, at the Exum Center at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. The theme for this year’s Prayer Breakfast is “Forward Together in Faith, Empathy and Compassion.” The event begins at 7:30 a.m. EST (doors open at 7 a.m.), and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman will serve as emcee.
“As we do each year, we will gather in fellowship to renew our bonds with one another and to celebrate our relationship with God,” said Gov. Beshear. “This year, we’re putting a focus on moving forward, together, and how we can do that with compassion and with equity, so we don’t leave anyone behind.”
Former University of Kentucky men’s basketball point guard Dominque Hawkins and former University of Louisville men’s basketball point guard Peyton Siva will be the keynote speakers at the breakfast. Both athletes have cited their faith as a major driver in their lives. Hawkins, a native of Richmond, Kentucky, is involved in youth sports in Central Kentucky. Siva, originally from Seattle, Washington, is still involved in Louisville’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
A feature of the event is the annual William Cooper Faith and Community in Action award. Established in 2009, the award is named for Rev. William Jefferson Cooper Sr. of West Port, Kentucky, who founded the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast in Kentucky after attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. The recipient of the 2024 Cooper Award is Stable Recovery, whose mission is to provide a safe and stable living environment for men in early recovery. The Lexington-based organization is a peer-driven therapeutic community with a focus on equine-related employment opportunities.
Faith leaders participating in tomorrow’s event include Rabbi Shani Abramowitz of Ohavay Zion Synagogue in Lexington; Dr. Muhammad Babar of Muslim Americans for Compassion; Rev. Dr. Steven M. Kelsey, archbishop of Spirit Filled New Life Church Ministries in Louisville; Rev. Dr. Walter Malone Jr., pastor of Canaan Christian Church in Louisville; and Rev. Leslie W. Whitlock, pastor of First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in Frankfort.
State leaders will also play a role, providing “Prayers for Our Leaders.” Rep. Derrick Graham will represent the legislative branch; Kentucky State Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller will represent the judicial branch; and the Lieutenant Governor will represent the executive branch.
Recording artist Chanson Calhoun will provide the musical entertainment at the Prayer Breakfast. Calhoun is a native of Louisville whose most recent release, “Rebirth,” is available on most music streaming platforms
Gov. Beshear: 32 Communities Selected for More Than $3.9 Million To Improve Parks, Outdoor Spaces Across Kentucky
Funds will help communities expand recreation spaces, enhance accessibility for all Kentuckians
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 15, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced his selection of 32 projects that will enhance accessibility and upgrade parks and recreation spaces throughout the commonwealth.
The federally funded Land and Water Conservation Fund has allotted $3.9 million to communities across Kentucky for a wide variety of outdoor, health-related improvements, including the renovation or replacement of playground equipment, construction of walking paths and bringing recreational facilities into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines.
“These dollars improve parks across Kentucky and make them more accessible to all Kentuckians,” said Gov. Beshear. “We will continue to make our parks a priority. They bring a sense of community, offer a place for our families to spend time together outdoors and are worthy of continued investment.”
To receive the federal funds, which are administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government, selected applicants must undergo federal review and receive approval from the National Park Service.
Gov. Beshear was joined in Frankfort yesterday by local officials of three communities selected for funds:
The city of Berea plans to use $245,000 to repair the pool at Berea City Park.
“The city of Berea is very pleased to receive this award,” said Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley. “This is very much needed and will be put to good use.”
The city of Jeffersontown plans to use $245,000 to help construct an amphitheater at Veterans Memorial Lower Park.
“Veterans Memorial Lower Park is a veteran’s park that is second to none, and people enjoy it every day,” said Jeffersontown Mayor Carol Pike. “Everybody calls and wants to know when we’re going to finish it, and because of Gov. Beshear we’re going to be able to do it.”
The city of Henderson plans to use $245,000 to make improvements to Anthony Brooks Park. Improvements include installing a splash pad and restrooms and updating play structures.
“Henderson is on a roll, and a lot of that has to do with the help we are receiving from the state government,” said Henderson Mayor Brad Staton. “This grant of $245,000 may not be the largest individual receipt of money that we have had in our city, but it is going to be one of the most impactful. We are going to be reaching a population with a park in their area that hasn’t been touched in decades. This will make a big difference for the families that live in the area and the children who play in the area.”
Gov. Beshear also honored Jessica Hill, the administrator of the Land and Water Conservation Fund at the Department for Local Government. Jessica passed away last Friday. Jessica was a conservationist and her love of nature showed in her work.
Gov. Beshear Declares State of Emergency Following Tornado, Severe Storms
Governor activates price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 15, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency after severe storms swept through the commonwealth Thursday.
The storms produced a tornado, heavy rain, large hail and strong winds that damaged private property and public infrastructure and disrupted utilities. The state of emergency allows the state to further help affected communities and families, including opening up General Butler State Resort Park, where 33 individuals are currently sheltering.
“We have significant damage to a number of structures, especially in Milton, in Trimble County. Though, thankfully, every report we have received, up until now, indicates there have been no fatalities and only a couple of minor injuries – and that is the most important thing,” Gov. Beshear said. “I am going to be on the ground tomorrow morning in Milton to see the damage myself. My promise is that we are going to work with everybody to do the very best to support them during this difficult time.”
The Governor also activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storms. With the state of emergency in place, consumers in the commonwealth can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General. Under state law, price gougers can be held accountable.
Yesterday, the Governor was in direct contact with county judges and mayors involved and visited the state’s Emergency Operations Center to get updates.
Storm Updates
- No fatalities and only a couple of minor injuries were reported.
- Emergency declarations from Carroll, Gallatin and Trimble counties. A tornado has been confirmed in Trimble County.
- 5,973 customers are currently without power, with Trimble County having 3,914. Crews are working around the clock to restore power.
- General Butler State Resort Park is sheltering 33 individuals.
- Likely over 100 structures were damaged.
- Kentucky Emergency Operations Center has been activated with essential partners to provide support as needed.
- Emergency managers and other emergency personnel, including Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), have deployed to affected areas to assist.
- A portion of Kentucky Highway 36 stretching from Trimble County into Carroll County remains closed to motorists, and state highway crews are working to clear roads of fallen trees and debris.
- KYTC staff have also assisted Kentucky Emergency Management with drinking water deliveries to Trimble County.
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, year-round, confidential crisis counseling and emotional support resource for survivors, responders and anyone in the U.S./territories struggling with distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster.
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