Kentucky

2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year: Prioritize teacher pay, early childhood education

Published

2 years ago

January 16, 2024

Press Room

2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year: Prioritize teacher pay, early childhood education

Kevin Dailey

As the 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, I have been gifted the incredible honor and opportunity to represent teachers across the Commonwealth – their brilliance, their passion, their dedication.

An impossible task.

The best I can hope to do is to do what I have done my entire career: take the charge openly, wholeheartedly, and with my eye set on improving the lives of others. To me, that is what it means to be a Kentuckian. It is to be selfless, enduring, and energetic.

With that in mind, I’d love to talk about two items on the legislative agenda that I feel are priorities in education in the Commonwealth – teacher compensation and early childhood education. Full disclosure, I do not claim to be an expert on either of these issues. While I can’t provide expert testimony, I can provide a perspective rooted in values forged from a life of service to this great Commonwealth.

Not to sound like a politician, but I truly believe the future of Kentucky is bright. My confidence in that comes from my privilege to witness the incredible minds of the next generation of Kentuckians. And what a privilege it is. Their creativity, compassion, and capacity to change this world is only limited by the support they are given along the way, at home and in the classroom.

These young minds ARE the future.

And if you believe, as I do, in a Kentucky that leads instead of follows; in a Kentucky that thrives through adversity, instead of succumbing to it; if you believe in this next generation of Kentuckians, you MUST give them the support to reach their potential.

You MUST support their teachers.

To do that, you have to invest in public education, and that begins with paying teachers a fair, appropriate, and competitive wage.

These are the professionals that have dedicated their lives to YOUR children and grandchildren. Not only to teach them reading and writing, but to help them learn how to face adversity and overcome it; how to question the world around them and how to find their place in it; and to instill in them that no matter where they came from or what home looks like for them, that they are loved and that they matter. This is a role that should be revered for its importance to our democracy and our future. We must recruit and keep the best teachers in the classroom and our current pay structure doesn’t do that.

If you want to ensure Kentucky’s future is bright, pay your teachers.

Next, fully fund early childhood education in Kentucky.

We hear so often in public statements that everyone wants “what is best for kids.” If that is the case, then we need fully funded preschool and full-day kindergarten.

Children who receive early childhood education are given a strong foundation to build upon. These children are provided opportunities to learn social skills through cooperative play, gain access to books and guided support for academic readiness, and the chance to build critical thinking and independent problem-solving skills.

Every parent with the resources to provide this type of head start for their child undoubtedly does so. But not every parent has the resources. And Kentucky’s children should not be at the whim of their parent’s budget.

If you want to ensure Kentucky’s future is bright for ALL Kentuckians, fully fund preschool and all-day kindergarten.

At the end of the day, we all want what is best for Kentucky today and tomorrow. There are certainly disagreements that can be had on how exactly to ensure that outcome.

What is undeniable is that for Kentucky to have the best future possible, young people – all of them – need access to a FULL education, instructed by highly-effective professionals who are equipped to guide them on whatever path they may choose.

To that end, I strongly encourage you to find a way to increase teacher pay and to fully fund early childhood education services. The future of our students, and the future of Kentucky, depend on it.

Kevin Dailey is an eleven-year veteran in education, beginning his career at Gallatin County High School and currently teaching social studies at Ballyshannon Middle School (Boone County). Dailey was named the 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year and earned the Milken Educator Award in 2021.

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Kentucky

Cyclosporiasis spreads across Kentucky

Published

2 hours ago

July 16, 2026

Press Room

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – Cyclosporiasis is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food and water — is making people sick across several states, including Kentucky.

Dr. Patricia Tellez-Watson said, the illness is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis and spreads when someone ingests contaminated food or water. “It is an intestinal infection caused by this water-borne, food-borne microscopic parasite,” she said.

Symptoms can include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Tellez-Watson said, cases are often sporadic, but outbreaks can happen — especially during hot, wet months, when the parasite can survive in the environment long enough to become infectious.

Health experts recommend taking extra precautions with food and water. Washing hands and thoroughly rinsing produce before eating or cooking can reduce risk.

Watson also urged people to be cautious with fresh produce, particularly pre-packaged items, and to consider using bottled water.

Officials have confirmed cases in Bowling Green, though it’s unclear how many.

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Kentucky

Drafted by Reds, Matt Ponatoski enrolls at University of Kentucky

Published

14 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Press Room

Drafted by Reds, Matt Ponatoski enrolls at University of Kentucky

Moeller two-sport star Matt Ponatoski had a decision to make after being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds.
Ponatoski chose to enroll at Kentucky where he could play both baseball and football.

Dual-sport star and Moeller alum Matt Ponatoski’s final decision still awaits, but signs are pointing towards Lexington, KY.

After committing to the University of Kentucky as both a quarterback and pitcher, Ponatoski was selected in the 18th round (No. 542 overall) of the 2026 MLB Draft by the hometown Cincinnati Reds. While Ponatoski was ranked No. 208 on the MLB’s draft board and expected to be selected higher, doubts around whether he intended to go pro this year caused his stock to fall.

Ponatoksi has until the MLB’s signing deadline on July 27 to make a final decision, but the Moeller product has seemingly signaled his intention to stick with the University of Kentucky. He enrolled at the University of Kentucky on Wednesday, July 15, per a Kentucky Sports Radio report, indicating he will join the Wildcats football team in the fall.

The Man of Moeller was just the third player in the history of the Gatorade Player of the Year award to win for two different sports in the same season. Doing so in his junior year, he joined Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss and National Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Joe Mauer.

For Wildcats football, Ponatoski would come in as a four-star quarterback prospect and helped give new head coach Will Stein a top-25 recruiting class in the nation. He threw just one interception in his senior season for the Moeller Crusaders, completing 66% of his passes for 2,395 yards and 28 touchdowns.

For Kentucky baseball, Ponatoski would join up with fellow freshman and former Louisville Trinity pitcher Grayson Willoughby, who won Kentucky Mr. Baseball and withdrew his name from the draft. Willoughby, a top-rated pitching prospect, felt MLB teams were attempting to low-ball him and thus chose to stick with the Wildcats. Ponatoski is fresh from a season leading Moeller to the state championship game, recording a 1.37 ERA on the year.

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Evergreens earns Best of Kentucky Award ahead of two-year anniversary

Published

1 day ago

July 15, 2026

Press Room

Evergreens earns Best of Kentucky Award ahead of two-year anniversary

line at evergreens — On July 14, customers gather at Evergreens.
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Kennedy Williams

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.”

wine bar at evergreens — 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.
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Kennedy Williams

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.
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Kennedy Williams

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.

frog at evergreens — On July 14, a crocheted frog enjoys an ice cream cone while resting on an Evergreens countertop.

Kennedy Williams

On July 14, a crocheted frog enjoys an ice cream cone while resting on an Evergreens countertop.

Kennedy Williams

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.”

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