Chad Lampe

Republican Kentucky Congressman Ed Whitfield (KY-01) visited WKMS this week to discuss many of his ongoing projects. You can hear the full interview above, or see a brief summary of topics below.

Tail Water Fishing on Cumberland River:

UPDATE: We have posted the the PDF full report here. The PDF has been displaying oddly on some browsers here is a Microsoft Word Document (it will prompt the open of Microsoft Word on your computer).

Murray State University’s Board of Regents has released the ad-hoc contract review committee’s draft report. WKMS obtained the report through an open records request. The 17-page document was sent to board members days before they voted against extending President Randy Dunn’s contract on March 15th.  Dunn's contract expires June 2014. Board of Regents Chairman, Dr. Constantine Curris, said following the vote, he received no feedback from board members. The report identifies positive and negative trends during Dunn’s six-year presidential run in the areas of academic standings, enrollment data and financial management.

A Fort Campbell soldier from Daviess County Kentucky died Wednesday during an attack on his unit in the  Shinwar District of the  Nangarhar Province in Afghanistan. Sgt. Michael C. Cable, 26, was a member of the 327th Infantry Unit, First Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

Murray State has announced four finalists in its search for a new provost. Current provost, Bonnie Higginson, announced her plans to retire in September, 2012. She will finish her work as Provost in June.

Dr. Jack Rose chairs the search committee and expects, despite a decision by MSU's board of regents not to extend President Randy Dunn a new contract, to continue with hiring the university's chief academic officer who is often noted as  the "second in command" at a University. 

Some Murray State faculty members are in the early stages of starting a local chapter of an educators union following a Board of Regents vote against extending current president Randy Dunn’s contract.

MSU’s Faculty Senate previously issued a letter to the board supporting a new contract for Dunn.

English Professor Kevin Binfield hosted a small group of faculty members Tuesday for officer elections to form a local chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).  Binfield says forming the union may strengthen faculty voices.

Murray State University’s Board of Regents Chairman Dr. Constantine (Deno) Curris has responded to a letter from the university’s Staff Congress that expressed the body’s concerns over metrics the board used when it decided not to renew President Randy Dunn’s contract.

A Lexington-based attorney with a history representing former Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher has sent a complaint to Murray State’s Board of Regents Chair alleging a violation of Kentucky’s Open Meeting law.

Jim Deckard sent the complaint to Dr. Constantine Curris Thursday. Deckard, referencing media reports, says a quorum of regents gathered at regent Sharon Green’s home and discussed board business the night before the board’s quarterly meeting.

The Murray Police Department hosts an eight-week citizen’s police academy this May. MPD Crime Prevention Sergeant Dave Howe says the academy provides a framework where citizens can learn more about police work in general, and how the Murray Police Department serves the community. The 8 week program begins May 6th with  Monday evening meetings from 7-9 p.m. Topics include: 911 communications, narcotics investigation, criminal investigations, DUI enforcement, traffic accident investigations, and other parts of the criminal justice system including corrections and courtroom procedures.  

Two Kentucky newspaper editorials call into question a social gathering held for five or six Murray State Regents the night before a failed vote on renewing a four-year contract for MSU President Dr. Randy Dunn.  MSU's Board of  Regents voted 7 to 4 against extending Dunn a new four year contract on Friday.  On Thursday evening Regent Sharon Green invited regents who don't live in Murray  to her home for a social gathering.  Board Chairman Constantine Curris told WKMS he thought 5 or 6 regents were in attendance and they discussed university business.