Matt Markgraf

If you're looking for a little light reading, search for the article, "Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid." It was the first publication describing the discovery of DNA, which overhauled the study of biology and genetics. 50 years later, The Human Genome Project was complete.

It’s Thursday, April 25

An exhibit of quilts by Dr. Nancy J. Dawson is on display at the Hotel Metropolitan in Paducah through Saturday. The quilts tell the stories of African Americans throughout history. The exhibit is open daily from 10 to 4, and Dawson gives a lecture tonight at 6.  For more information, visit thehotelmetropolitan.org.

At 625 feet, The Woolworth Building was tallest in the world for 17 years. Business pioneer Frank Woolworth commissioned the building for $13.5 million, which he paid for in cash. During the opening ceremony on this day in 1913, Rev. S. Parkes Cadman called it the "Cathedral of Commerce."

It’s Wednesday, April 24

The Kappa Department of the Murray Woman's Club holds its annual Evening of Chocolate Delight tomorrow evening at 5:30 at the clubhouse. Proceeds benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates of Murray and Calloway County. Tickets are $8 in advance by calling 227-7304 or $10 at the door.

He's probably best remembered as the man who lost to Abraham Lincoln. Democratic Illinois Senator, Representative, and presidential candidate Stephen A. Douglas famously defeated Lincoln in a debate in 1858. This actually helped Lincoln define republicanism, whereas democrats had a "house divided," which shaped the 1860 presidential election.

It’s Tuesday, April 23

The Pennyrile Area Development District presents “Caregiving: Keeping the Balance” tomorrow night at 6:30 at St. John United Methodist Church in Hopkinsville.  The class focuses on the challenges of caring for the elderly or disabled, the resources available, and specific caregiving tips.  Pre-register by calling 886-1049.

Happy Earth Day! Founded by US Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, the significance of April 22 was to fall between spring religious holidays and school exam finals. Thousands of schools participated in the first Earth Day, and now 192 countries observe the holiday. Enjoy the outdoors today!

It’s Monday, April 22

The Paducah Symphony Orchestra has announced the first PSO Summer Music Camp for elementary, middle, and high school students, to be held June 17th through the 21st at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.  The camp includes ear training, music theory, and master classes and concludes with a Summer Showcase.  Register online at paducahsymphony.org.

Inspired by the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the Boston Athletic Association first held the Boston Marathon on this day in 1897. The first race was 24.5 miles long and had 15 runners (10 finished). Now with over 20,000 participants and 500,000 spectators, it's considered America's oldest and most revered marathon, and will certainly persevere.

It’s Friday, April 19

The Murray State University Horticulture Annual Plant Sale is tomorrow morning from 8 to noon at the Pullen Farm Greenhouse Complex. The sale includes hanging baskets, flowers, tomato plants, herbs, vegetables, and trees. The greenhouse is located on Hickory Street, off 94W.

We continue our occasional series previewing good reads for young adults from Katherine Farmer, Coordinator of the Racers Children's Preview Collection at Murray State University. This week's recommended read is Dodger, by Terry Pratchett, a 2013 Printz Honor recipient for young adults that The New York Times describes as "a masterwork from a treasure and hero of a writer... that will delight you."

"The House that Ruth Built" opened on this day in 1923. Located in South Bronx, it was the home of the Yankees for 85 years, hosting 6,581 games. The iconic stadium was demolished in 2010, and a new Yankee Stadium opened across the street to much celebration and some controversy.

It’s Thursday, April 18

Murray-Calloway County Hospital’s Wellness Works program offers a free community health screening tomorrow morning from 8 to 10:30 at the Stewart County Senior Citizens Center. The screening includes an osteoporosis heel scan, blood pressure checks, and blood sugar screenings. For more information, call 270-762-1348. 

George Lucas picked up the pen and wrote 13 pages called The Star Wars on this day 40 years ago. It had parallels with Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress, but no Sith, no Death Star, and no Darth Vader... Not yet! The first film came out in 1977, and is the 3rd highest grossing film worldwide (adjusted for inflation).

It’s Wednesday, April 17

Murray State faculty members violinist Sue-Jean Park and pianist Matthew Gianforte present a duo recital tonight at 7:30 in the Performing Arts Hall on the campus of Murray State University.  The program features the “Spring” Sonata by Beethoven and the Franck Sonata in A Major.  The concert is free and open to the public.

WKMS News Director Chad Lampe joined other journalists from around the state Friday, April 12 on KET's Comment on Kentucky with host Ferrell Wellman. Lampe spoke about the ongoing issue regarding the Murray State University Board of Regents' non-renewal of President Dr. Randy Dunn's contract.

Click here to watch the episode on KET's website.