PADUCAH — Evergreens Plant Shop, Coffeehouse and Wine Bar announced Friday that it has received the Best of Kentucky Award — an annual voter’s choice award that highlights Kentucky’s favorite and finest establishments.

According to Guide to Kentucky, the Best of Kentucky Award is the highest designation it awards to businesses that receive the most votes from the commonwealth. On Tuesday, Evergreens Owner Jean Alford explained what the award means, how the business began, what she believes has contributed to Evergreens’ success and her reaction to the award.

“I was astounded,” Alford said. “Honestly, it’s a testament to our loyal customers. When we were nominated, we were emailed a form that said, ‘Vote for best coffeehouse.’ I had them at the doors, I had them in the restrooms, I had them at the register, on the tables — friends, family alike.”

She added that the customers and staff are what have brought her passions — and Evergreens — to life during the last few years.

“I wanted to create an environment that was community-friendly. People can come play games. People can come meet,” Alford said. “When I was traveling from Chicago to move here, that’s what I was looking for.”

Before opening Evergreens, Alford said she had developed a passion for plants, which led her to obtain her nursery license. She then began selling her plants at the farmer’s market, but she faced difficulties maintaining their condition during harsh weather and while traveling. This ultimately led to the search for a designated property — and the creation of Evergreens.

“We actually started this process in 2023,” she said. “I saw this spot, and I just thought this would be great because it’s on the other side of town, it’s by the college, it’s by the interstate, and I loved this loft.”

The location of Evergreens is one aspect that Alford attributes to earning the Best of Kentucky Award, and she said the focus has been on creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

“If you’re a parent, and you work all day, and you pick your child up, and you just want to have one-on-one time with them, play a board game, let them do homework while you work on your laptop — those were thoughts that were going through my mind,” Alford said.

Additionally, being located near West Kentucky Community and Technical College has also provided opportunities for Evergreens to cater to college students and their needs.

“When we first opened, we had some students and teachers. It took a minute, and then I got a phone call asking if I would — last year on [WKCTC’s] Giving Day — donate coffee to the students and staff,” she said. “So, I did. I went there, popped up a tent and handed out coffee.”

The menu is another way Alford said Evergreens aims to welcome everyone, having expanded it to include energy drinks, lemonades, teas, dirty sodas, Italian sodas, shakes and smoothies.

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Above all, Alford highlighted the importance of supporting the community and recognizing that there is room for everyone, even when it comes to businesses offering similar products.

“It’s not easy, especially after opening and then several coffee places opening up, but I think each one [is] unique — some are drive-throughs, some are not [and] some you can sit down and eat,” she said. “We’re not in competition. There’s room for everybody. Everybody has their own unique thing, and I think that the most important thing is — support a local business.”

In light of the shop celebrating its second anniversary this July, Alford said her favorite part of owning Evergreens has been the customers and their shared passions.

“It’s such a joy that people like or get excited about what you’re passionate about — when you see the ladies that love the plants or the decor,” Alford said. “We also have some local artists that feature their stuff, and that’s very exciting for me, too — to be able to have that.”

To celebrate both the anniversary and the Best of Kentucky Award, Evergreens will be hosting a Community Appreciation Day on July 29 during business hours.

“In the morning, we are going to do some type of offer. We’re going to do a game — a spin-the-wheel when they come to the register to order — and they might get a free beverage, or they might get a discount, or they might get a free pastry,” Alford said.

She also noted that, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be live music in addition to the spin-the-wheel prizes and discounts.

“We are incredibly honored and deeply humbled by this recognition,” Alford said. “When we first opened our doors, our goal wasn’t just to serve great coffee, but to build a welcoming space for our community. This award is a testament to our hardworking team and the amazing customers who support us every single day.”

CAMPBELL COUNTY, Ky. — Kentucky residents ages 18 to 20 will now be able to obtain a provisional concealed carry license under House Bill 312, which requires proper firearm safety training and background checks.

Gun safety advocates are stressing the importance of knowing the law and handling firearms responsibly.

Jeff Poynter has been teaching concealed carry safety for nearly a decade. He said training is critical for anyone looking to carry.

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“If you don’t have the training and know what to do, then you shouldn’t be using it,” Poynter said. “They will go over the laws, they will go over safe handling in the house, safety around children, their responsibilities when it comes to that, safety in their vehicle, safety while they’re carrying.”

Poynter also said gun owners should continuously revisit their safety training.

“It’s a perishable skill. It needs to be maintained,” Poynter added.

Kevin Michalowski, a former law enforcement officer with over 30 years of firearm safety training experience and a member of the United States Concealed Carry Association, said it is also important to know the laws beyond Kentucky’s borders. In Ohio, for example, there is no legally permitted concealed carry under the age of 21.

“It is your responsibility when you’re carrying your gun to make sure that you are carrying it legally and only carrying it where you are allowed to carry it, where that permit allows,” Michalowski said.

Kentucky State Police said applications for the new provisional concealed carry permit are expected to open in mid-September.

Michalowski said getting proper training is what separates responsible gun owners from the rest.

“If you’re going to carry a firearm, you need to get training. You need to understand where you can legally carry that firearm and what you can and can’t do with it,” Michalowski said. “The people who get that training are far more responsible than the people who don’t.”

You can find more information on the legislation by clicking the link here, with information on the Kentucky State Police website here.

Have a story idea or tip for WCPO 9 Northern Kentucky reporter Logan MacDonald? Email him at Logan@WCPO.com.

KENTUCKY – The Kentucky Department for Public Health is investigating 100 reported cases of cyclosporiasis statewide, 61 of which have been confirmed.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the microscopic parasite Cyclospora; the highest risk of infection is for people living in or traveling to subtropical regions.

Foodborne outbreaks are associated with various types of produce, such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and mixed greens.

Symptoms typically begin two to 14 days after exposure.

The most common symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, and abdominal cramping. It is commonly treated with a combination of antibiotics.

Public health experts are urging people to follow food-safety guidelines to reduce the risk, such as washing hands with soap and warm water after handling produce, cleaning food preparation areas and tools with soap, and water and washing all fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking.