Kala Dunn

Common Sense was published anonymously by Thomas Paine on this date in 1776. An immediate success, it presented the colonists with an argument for freedom from British rule at a time when seeking independence was still undecided. Paine donated his royalties to Washington's Continental Army.

It’s Thursday, January 10

Starfish Orphan Ministry holds a public meeting Sunday afternoon at 2 in their offices on the second floor of 1000 Broadway in Paducah.  Learn how to make a difference in the lives of orphaned children through mission trips and local volunteer opportunities.  See details at starfishorphanministry.com.

The Star of the West was a Union merchant ship, fired upon as it delivered supplies to Fort Sumter in South Carolina. While the incident didn't technically start the Civil War, it was the first time shots were exchanged between the North and South, resulting in strong talk and the inevitable attack.

It’s Wednesday, January 9

Staff from the Land Between the Lakes Woodlands Nature Station present the story of the bald eagle’s recovery in our area, plus tips on how to spot eagles in the wild, at tomorrow night’s Evening Upstairs at the McCracken County Public Library.  The free program starts at 7 in the Second Floor Meeting Room. 

The RMS Queen Mary 2 is the largest ocean liner ever built, weighing 148,528 tons. Operated by Cunard Lines, she services Southampton to New York. On board, you'd be able to choose between fifteen restaurants, five swimming pools, a casino, ballroom, theatre, and the first planetarium at sea.

It’s Tuesday, January 8

Tickets are now on sale to see the Harlem Ambassadors, visiting the Paducah Tilghman Gymnasium on February 1st at 7PM.  The group offers their unique brand of Harlem-style basketball, featuring slam dunks, tricks, and comedy routines.  Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Paducah Day Nursery.  Tickets are available at any Paducah Bank location.

On this day in 1948, Kentucky Air National Guard pilot, Captain Thomas Mantell crashed and died in pursuit of a UFO. Witnesses had reported a westbound circular object near Maysville with a "flaming red cone trailing a gaseous green mist." Some think it was a weather balloon, but no one knows for sure...

It’s Monday, January 7

Angels Attic Thrift Shop needs donations of clothing, furniture, appliances, household items, and toys.  Proceeds support the Angels Community Clinic, which helps Calloway County residents without medical insurance.  Bring items to 972 Chestnut Street Monday through Saturday from 8 to 5, or call 762-0505 for pickup.

At the time of his death in 1862, Samuel Colt was one of the wealthiest men in America. He was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, and one of the first to employ the assembly line. On this day in 1847, Captain Samuel Walker ordered 1,000 revolvers with six-shots instead of five, for use by the Texas Rangers in the Mexican-American War.

It’s Friday, January 4

The American Red Cross offers an Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course tomorrow from 9 to 3 at the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce.  The course teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies. Two-year certification is awarded to students successfully completing the course. To register, visit redcross.org and click on Take A Class.

iPhones, iPads, iPods... oh my! Apple is one of the world's largest tech companies by revenue, the third-largest mobile phone maker, and the largest publicly traded corporation in the world by market cap, larger than Google and Microsoft combined. If you want to by some shares, right now they'll cost you $547.50 a pop.

It’s Thursday, January 3

The Jackson Purchase Friends of Bluegrass hold a Bluegrass Night tomorrow at 7:30 at the Kentucky Opry in Draffenville.  Bands include Rick and Janise Lambert and Ted Belue & The Belue-Grass Boys.  There’s an open jam in the lobby before the show.

Isaac Asimov was a prolific American writer (born in Russian SFSR) and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. A master of science fiction, his most famous works are the Foundation, Galactic Empire, and Robot series. His short story, "Nightfall," was voted the best sci-fi story of all time. Read it here.

It’s Wednesday, January 2

The Humane Society of Calloway County seeks foster homes for pets.  Foster homes provide love, attention and safety for a period of time until the animal’s perfect family comes along.  The Humane Society pays for vet visits, medication, collars, leashes, ID tag, microchip and crates.  To learn more about becoming a Humane Society foster home, call 270-759-1884.

Happy New Year! This day didn't always mark a new year. Until 1752, when the British adopted the Gregorian Calendar, the new year fell on Lady Day: March 25. Some famous New Year's babies include: Paul Revere, Betsy Ross, and J. Edgar Hoover.

It’s New Year’s Day

The 2013 Murray Half Marathon offers a 13-week training program starting this month.  The program is designed to help runners of any skill level train to run or walk the half marathon, the half marathon relay, or the 5K race.  Participants meet Saturdays at 10AM.  See details at the Murray Half Marathon Facebook page.

Have a Happy New Year! Thank you for listening to and supporting WKMS!

It’s Monday, December 31

The REAL Hope Youth Center holds their third annual Shiver on the River: Chillin’ for the Children.  The fundraising event is tomorrow at noon at the Paris Landing marina boat ramp, rain or shine.  For a $25 donation, take a dip in the lake, receive a t-shirt, and enjoy a meal at the Paris Landing State Park restaurant.  Registration starts at 11:30. 

The 1958 NFL Championship Game at Yankee Stadium was the first NFL playoff game to go into sudden death overtime. The final score was Baltimore 23, New York 17. Televised by NBC to an audience of 45 million, the game marked the beginning of the rise of NFL in American sports popularity.

It’s Friday, December 28

Market House Theatre in Paducah offers a new trimester of Footlights, beginning January 5.  Classes meet on Saturdays and are available for kids in grades 1 through 12.  The Middle and Elementary troupes prepare a show, and the High School troupe does comedy improv and scene work.  Register by calling(270) 444-6828.