Charles Compton (KPR)

EKU Presidential Price Tag Climbs 62%

Charles Compton (KPR) — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:05:56 +0000

The price for a president is going up at Eastern Kentucky University. EKU’s new President will earn two-thirds more than its outgoing CEO.

The new president at Eastern Kentucky University will earn 400-thousand dollars a year…a big increase over what Dr. Michael Benson earned at Southern Utah University. His job there as president grossed over 281-thousand dollars a year.

EKU Selects Michael Benson as Next President

Charles Compton (KPR) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:16:12 +0000

After a two-hour, closed-door meeting, regents at Eastern Kentucky University today named a new president. Dr. Michael Benson will leave the top job at Southern Utah University and take over at EKU. Board of Regents Chairman Craig Turner is “delighted” with Benson’s selection.

EKU Cuts Spending, Regents Promote Early Retirements

Charles Compton (KPR) and Whitney Jones — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:22:11 +0000

While Eastern Kentucky University is working to cut spending by $23 million, its Board of Regents will promote early retirements to before instituting layoffs. Chairman Craig Turner says a plan the regents approved Tuesday morning offers incentives to professors willing to work part-time and staff members who qualify for early retirement.

“The objective here again is to treat everybody as fairly as possible, providing incentives for them to potentially retire, and based upon those numbers, then that will determine how deep cuts go on the reduction plan itself,” Turner said.

Stumbo Says Hemp Bill Could Live On

Charles Compton (KPR) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:45:51 +0000

A measure to regulate hemp farming in Kentucky might not be dead yet. House Speaker Greg Stumbo said repair work’s underway on the bill, which has stalled in the House. Still, the Lexington Herald Leader reports Stumbo did not commit to a House vote on the measure.

EKU President Announces Retirement

Charles Compton (KPR) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:48:06 +0000

During a meeting this morning of faculty and staff at Eastern Kentucky University, President Doug Whitlock announced his retirement. Whitlock, who's spent his higher education career at EKU, says his administration will end at the conclusion of this academic year.

Christian Appalachian Project founder passes away

Charles Compton (KPR) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 08:00:00 +0000

The Roman Catholic missionary who founded the Christian Appalachian Project passed away early this past Thursday. Since World War Two, Monsignor Ralph Beiting served the people of eastern Kentucky through a series of social service programs. Kentucky Public Radio’s Charles Compton knew Monsignor Beiting, and brings us this appreciation.

New Pest Threatens Kentucky Hardwood Stands

Charles Compton (KPR) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 21:06:47 +0000

A new pest threatens Kentucky’s hardwood trees. This one is called the Asian Longhorned Beetle and has destroyed tens of thousands of trees in the northeastern United States, Ohio and Illinois.

ITGA Conference Bridges Students and Community

Charles Compton (KPR) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:37:27 +0000

In college towns, locals are often in conflict with school officials and students. An organization dedicated to eliminating such conflict holds its annual conference this week in Richmond.

Few competitive primary races means poor voter turnout in Kentucky

Charles Compton (KPR) — Wed, 23 May 2012 02:14:15 +0000

With relatively few competitive races on yesterday’s ballot, the vast majority of Kentuckians opted out of the political process. A record number are registered to vote, but, Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes set turnout Tuesday at an estimated 11%.

Keeneland Breaks Records

Charles Compton (KPR) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:18:41 +0000

Records in both overall and single day attendance were broken this spring at Keeneland Race Course. Over 40,000 people visited the Lexington facility on April 14th for the Bluegrass Stakes. In total, spokeswoman Amy Gregory says over 269,000 people were in the stands during the 15-day meet.

“We’ve actually been very blessed with some terrific weather this spring. And, we’ve had just some fantastic racing, the support of our horsemen has been wonderful.”