Two Kentucky Schools Named U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools
The U.S. Department of Education announced two Kentucky schools – Arlington Elementary (Fayette County) and Robert D. Johnson Elementary (Fort Thomas) – have earned the 2024 Green Ribbon Schools award.
The award goes to schools that focus on three pillars:
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Reducing environmental impact and cost;
Improving the health and wellness of students and staff; and
Providing effective environmental and sustainability education, which incorporates STEM, civic skills and green career pathways.
Arlington Elementary and Robert D. Johnson Elementary are among 41 schools, 10 districts, three postsecondary institutions, and one early learning center being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and offer effective sustainability education.
Kentucky Interim Education Commissioner Robin Fields Kinney congratulated the two Kentucky schools for earning the honor.
“Moving to more sustainable practices and improving the overall health and wellness of the people within our buildings is always a priority,” said Kinney. “The work that Arlington Elementary and Robert D. Johnson Elementary have done to become Green Ribbon Schools is truly remarkable.”
The Kentucky Environmental Education Council is the nominating board for Kentucky Green Ribbon Schools.
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.
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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.
What will Moeller’s Matt Ponatoski bring to Kentucky football, baseball?
Hear what Moeller senior had to say about signing to play football and baseball at the 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.
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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.
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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.
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.”
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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.”
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.
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“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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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.
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“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.
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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.”
