Matt Markgraf

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 The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, a Newberry Winning book for ages 8 and up that School Library Journal describes as a must-have, that the characters will capture readers' hearts and never let go.

Appropriately dreary today, we remember civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. He was shot and killed on this day in 1968 by James Earl Ray at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. His assassination led to a wave of race riots. Just days after his assassination, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

It’s Thursday, April 4

The Nature Station at Land Between the Lakes offers a “Signs of the Spring Season” Hike Saturday afternoon at 1:30.  Take a guided hike in search of bird calls, budding trees, and early blooming flowers.  The program is free with admission to the Nature Station.

Forty-five years ago today, Martin Luther King Jr. gave what would be his final public speech at the Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee. In it, King challenged the United States with calls for unity, economic actions, boycotts, and nonviolent protest. The next day, he was assassinated.

It’s Wednesday, April 3 The William Clark Market House Museum celebrates Paducah’s history with its Gala Grand Opening on Saturday.  During the open house, visitors enjoy free admission and door prizes from noon to 4. The museum is located on South Second Street of Market House Square in historic downtown Paducah.

On this day in 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon led a small fleet to what he thought was another island. He named it La Florida, because of its verdant landscape. Legend says Leon was searching for the Fountain of Youth to cure his aging, which he thought could be found in Florida.

It’s Tuesday, April 2 The second annual Mutt Strut is Saturday morning beginning at the corner of 15th and Olive streets. Registration for the 5K run and 1-mile dog walk starts at 7:30, with the 5K beginning at 8:30 and the dog walk starting at 9:30.  To pre-register, call 759-1884.

If you remembered to check for the whoopee cushion under your chair today, you were prepared for the annual day of pranks that dates back centuries, from the Roman festival Hilaria to the Medieval Fest of Fools. Best to take NPR's advice, "If something smells funny, remember what day it is." 

It’s Monday, April 1

Dr. Michael Muscarella presents a program on Gardening as Therapy tomorrow evening at 5 at the McCracken County Extension Office.  Dr. Muscarella is Director of Rehabilitation Services at Baptist Health Paducah.  The free program is part of the Toolbox Series of the Purchase Area Master Gardeners Association.

Did you turn off your lights at 8:30 last Saturday night for Earth Hour? Over 35 countries participated in the first international Earth Hour on this day five years ago. City skylines and landmarks shut of nonessential power, cutting hundreds of tonnes of carbon dioxide and thousands of megawatts. Next Earth Hour: March 29, 2014.

It’s Friday, March 29

The Homeplace at Land Between the Lakes features an 1850s Country Wedding tomorrow afternoon from 1 to 3.  Watch interpreters in period costumes participate in the wedding ceremony, then enjoy traditional refreshments, music, and wedding games.  Admission is $5 for adults or $3 for children.  See details at lbl.org.

Do you remember watching Wild Kingdom while you were growing up? If so, then you may remember host Marlin Perkins, who game many Americans their first exposure to environmental conservation and the protection of endangered species. He died in 1986, but his show lives on today, on Animal Planet.

It’s Thursday, March 28

Kids ages six to twelve can spend an evening using the Laser Pegs 3D Light Board to design structures and discover the science behind light at this week’s Friday Night Science Class at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.  The two-hour class starts at 5PM in the Emerging Technology Center.  The cost is $20.  To register, call (270) 534-3335.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Becca Kilby, winner of the WKMS Sounds Good Singer/Songwriter Invitational! With roughly 340 votes tallied, she's going to the Dylan concert having received 160 votes. Jeff Finley came in second with 90 votes. Thanks to everyone for voting! Hear the winning song and the finalists below.

Henry Royce met Charles Rolls at an Automobile Club in 1904. Their first car, the Rolls-Royce 10hp was unveiled a few months later, which ran quiet even when topped out at 39 mph, at a price of £395. Royce lived by the motto, "Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble."

It’s Wednesday, March 27

U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield hosts a Town Hall Meeting tomorrow afternoon at 2 in the Curris Center Dance Lounge on the campus of Murray State University.  Representative Whitfield addresses the general political climate in Washington D.C. as well as specific key legislative issues including sequestration, gun control, and biennial budgeting and appropriations.  A question-and-answer session follows. The public is invited to attend.