Drew Adams

The Kentucky Office of Unemployment and Training reported Wednesday that the jobless rate for the state fell to 8.6 percent in March, from 8.7 percent in February. The rate was 1.1 percentage points below the March 2011 rate. The March numbers mark the ninth consecutive month the jobless rate has declined. The largest job gains were seen in transportation and utilities with an increase of 1,900 jobs, followed by the leisure and hospitality sector with 1,800. The manufacturing and construction sector both reported job losses in March.

Somehow oops doesn't seem to cover it...

NPR reports a failed missile test yesterday may make North Korea more belligerent and confrontational.

Louisiana State University says they've approached Murray State head coach Steve Prohm about filling their open coaching position. An LSU spokesperson tells WAFB in Baton Rouge they did meet with Prohm, but he is not a candidate for the coaching spot vacated by Trent Johnson. Johnson left LSU for the top spot at Texas Christian University earlier this week.

The latest from the web:

WAFB: Prohm Speaks to LSU

A flagpole flying the Confederate battle flag off Interstate 24 near exit 16 will be the centerpiece of a new park honoring Confederate soldiers.  The Sons of Confederate Veterans are funding construction of benches and a circle of bricks to represent southern soldiers who fought to secede  from the United States in the 1860s.  SCV Kentucky Division Commander John Suttles tells The Paducah Sun the land for the park was donated by a man who had Confederate ancestors.  McCracken County Judge-Executive Van Newberry says he's worried about what visitors to Paducah and the county will think upon

An Oklahoma-based company has purchased Dippin Dots, Incorporated.  The Paducah-based Dippin Dots is currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings and a court-mandated change in ownership.  The Oklahoma company, which goes by the same name, struck the deal yesterday in U.S. bankruptcy court to purchase Dippin Dots for more than 12.5 million dollars.  Dippin Dots' Paducah factory employs 165 people.

Today on NPR:  North Korea flexes its muscles.

Kentucky Legislation:

Governor Beshear signed a bill keeping federal unemployment tax hikes from turning into law.

Beshear has signed the Amish Buggy Bill into law.

Jackson Purchase:

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for the region tonight. A clear sky and lack of wind between 3 and 8 am will bring temperatures near or below freezing. The NWS suggests disconnecting water hoses to reduce the risk of burst pipes and take in or cover plants sensitive to cold. Click here for a complete list of counties effected by the advisory.

The National Champion Kentucky Wildcats’ Trophy Tour will make a stop in Paducah on Friday. The visit is part of a state wide trip both by the championship trophy and the Wildcat’s coach, John Calipari. Fans will have the opportunity to take a picture with the trophy during the event at the Park Avenue Kroger between 7:30-8:30pm on Friday.

The Paducah City Commission has approved a three year contract with American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees local 1586. The union represents employees in the city’s engineering, public works and parks departments. If ratified by vote in by City Commissioners, the new contract would take effect July first. Both city and union officials site a cooperative spirit in coming to an agreement quickly.