Madison County’s Linda Hager Pack and Pat Banks celebrate release of third book about Appalachia
R. David Shew Linda Hager Pack and Pat Banks held a successful book signing this past Saturday, May 9th at Hager Cabinets. Over 200 people showed up as Linda welcomed everyone to the book signing while Pat signed their third book, Appalachian Plants: In the Garden, in the Yard, and in the Wild. Linda had signed several […]
Cherie DeVaux and Golden Tempo write history on first Saturday in May 2026
R. David Shew The sun shined bright on Churchill Downs and the state of Kentucky this past Saturday. Cherie DeVaux became the first woman in 152 years to win the Kentucky Derby, and Jose Ortiz became the ninth jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby on the first Friday and first Saturday […]
Berea hosts 38th annual East Kentucky Leadership Conference
Berea, “The Folk Arts and Crafts Capital” of Kentucky welcomed the participants of the 2026 East Kentucky Leadership Foundation Conference. Mayor Bruce Fraley and Dr. Cheryl Nixon, the President of Berea College, welcomed those in attendance to the reception and awards banquet which was held at Churchill’s this past Thursday. Both Fraley and President Nixon […]
Family support defines 2026 Mr. Basketball Jake Feldhaus
By R. David Shew Thursday afternoon this writer who is a sport’s junkie was fortunate enough to interview the 2026 Kentucky Mr. Basketball, Jake Feldhaus, and Madison Central basketball coach Allen Feldhaus who happens to be Jake’s uncle. For those who do not know, both Jake’s grandfather Allen Feldhaus Sr. and his father Deron Feldhaus […]
Happy belated Valentine’s Day from Renfro Valley, Exile, and Briley Jean
R. David Shew Exile came to Renfro Valley on Valentine’s Day and did not disappoint. Sonny LeMaire talked about enjoying coming back to Renfro Valley and how much the audience at Renfro Valley means to the band. J.P. told the story of growing up in the Old Barn Theatre listening to his mother and the […]
Richmond’s Famous landmark “The Dog” has new plans/new owners
R. David Shew It’s official! Robbie Robertson and Jack Vanwinkle closed the deal Friday the 13th on the purchase of The Family Dog from Robbie and Jean Robinson. The partners are excited about owning the landmark on First Street that once housed Speck’s, The Steakout, and The Family Dog. Bottom line, The Family Dog is […]
Jerry Seinfeld comedy routine a hit again at EKU Center for the Arts
R. David Shew Jerry Seinfeld was taking questions from the audience at the end of his comedy show when a member of the audience asked what it was about central Kentucky that keeps him coming back. Jerry told the crowd that Kentucky was a very friendly place and nice place to visit. Maybe Jerry should […]
David Stipes retires from Richmond Industrial Development Board
By R. David Shew The Executive Director of the Richmond Industrial Development Board, David Stipes, officially retired from Richmond city government today. Stipes is the son of John and Dottie Thomas Stipes and is a native of Richmond. David graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Technical Agriculture in 1980 […]
Chapter 2025 comes to a close and the beginning of chapter 2026
R. David Shew According to the Chinese Zodiac, something that I do not study very often, 2025 was the year of the Wood Snake. Per my Internet research and we all believe whatever is on the Internet, the Wood Snake symbolizes wisdom, renewal, transformation, and strategic growth. Also, it is time to let go of […]
Passing of the torch, Richmond Rotary spearheads the annual RPD appreciation day in big fashion
R. David Shew The Richmond Rotary Club helped the Richmond Police Department kickoff the Christmas holidays by celebrating the eleventh annual RPD Appreciation Day at the Police Department Thursday evening. In 2015, Steve Rosenberg held the first annual RPD Appreciation Day, and this year Steve passed the baton off to the Richmond Rotary Club who […]
Friendships
R. David Shew Something that is important to me is friendships. I will always remember when my father told me “Son, if you have five true friends, you are a fortunate person.” Over the next fifty plus years, I have begun to understand what my father was trying to teach me. Last April my great […]
Madison County Community Fund donates to Berea Food Bank and God’s Outreach during food crisis
R. David Shew The Madison County Community Fund Board recently voted unanimously to send $5,000 each to the Berea Food Bank and God’s Outreach Madison County Food Bank. Due to the continuing government shutdown and lack of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Board decided to provide assistance to these two organizations. […]
EKU celebrates completion of Alumni Coliseum with ribbon cutting
R. David Shew Eastern Kentucky University held a special ribbon cutting this morning celebrating the completion of Alumni Coliseum remodel. The project was completed with new seating installed and updated video boards among other final touches. President David McFaddin, Director of Athletics Kyle Moats, and Senator Jared Carpenter addressed the crowd along with two current […]
Remembering Richmond Police Officer Daniel Ellis 10 years after tragic death
By R. David Shew The Richmond Police Department held their annual Memorial Celebration today for Officer Daniel Ellis, who lost his life in the line of duty on November 5, 2015. Community members gathered at the Richmond Police station for the annual dedication. Chief Rodney Richardson talked to his officers about their service and paid […]
Homecoming ’25, Straight No Chaser – Holiday Road
By R. David Shew To close out the EKU Homecoming weekend, the a cappella group, Straight No Chaser, came to the Eastern Kentucky Center for the Arts and entertained those in attendance from the opening video to the closing encore. The musical entitled “Holiday Road” helped this EKU alumnus close out and up and down […]
The Bond: Two Hearts – One Spirit, Madison County’s Cody Dorman and the statue dedication of Cody’s Wish
By R. David Shew Sometimes in life, you are where you are supposed to be. Being a thoroughbred lover, this morning at the Kentucky Horse Park was a special moment in my life. Kelly, Leslie, and Kylie Dorman along with sculptor, Jocelyn Russell, gathered together with the Darley family and unveiled the Cody’s Wish monument. […]
Exile and Alex Miller highlight big musical weekend in Madison County
R. David Shew The sound of music echoed through the hills of Madison County this past weekend. Friday night featured the return of Exile to Madison County at Chenault Winery. It was a wonderful end to Summer with the group returning to their music roots. The weather was perfect to say the least, and the […]
McFaddin delivers State of University address in Richmond
R. David Shew The Richmond Chamber of Commerce held its annual State of the University luncheon today at Baptist Health Arena on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. David McFaddin, Eastern’s 14th President, updated the construction underway on the Campus Beautiful, and the power point presentation was full of information about Eastern Kentucky University. McFaddin […]
Baptist Health quilting group entertains Rotary Club of Richmond
The program at the Rotary Club of Richmond was “stitched with love” this week. Sara Sringfield, the Director of Community Health and Engagement at Baptist Health Richmond, was the program chair, and Sara invited the Baptist Health quilters to share their quilting skills with the members of the Rotary Club of Richmond. This group of […]
Old friends and Lake Cumberland, Boogie G at Richmond Centre
R David Shew Had lunch at Millstone Social Thursday with a high school buddy, his wife, and a few others. My buddy, Tom Mangus, was passing through town with his wife, and Tom wanted a hot brown. After lunch, we drove down to Lake Cumberland to visit Don Lewis and his wife, Debbie. Don was […]
Lyle Lovett & his Large Band throws down
R. David Shew If you were in attendance last night at the EKU Center for the Arts, you were entertained for two hours and half by Lyle Lovett & his Large Band, 14 incredible musicians. Lyle kicked off the show with a few gospel tunes such as “Do Not Pass Me By,” “I’m a Soldier […]
Richmond life, changing of the guard at Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, and RAAC brings in Alex Miller & more
R. David Shew It has been a good week to stay inside and enjoy the air conditioning. The oppressive heat and humidity have limited outdoor events for me. It has been a good week in Richmond with a number of activities around town. Wednesday, the Rotary Club of Richmond held their weekly meeting at the […]
Evening with Cody’s Wish at Gallery on Main
By R. David Shew The Gallery on Main sponsored an “Evening with Cody’s Wish” and held a silent auction to honor local artists Tuesday night. A live auction will be held at a future date to raise money for the Gallery on Main and participating artists. Kelly Dorman, the father of Cody Dorman, told the […]
Diamond Rio makes momma cry at Chenault Winery
By R. David Shew Diamond Rio came to town. The rain stopped. The crowd sat back and were treated to a special evening at Chenault Winery. My two dates, Momma and Darlene, enjoyed every minute. Driving out Barnes Mill Road to the show, a fool passed our car on a double yellow line. When we […]
Kentucky Derby to Celebrate 151 Years
By R. David Shew My family moved to Kentucky in August 1970. Ten months later, I learned a lot about the Kentucky Derby. Secretariat will always be one of my favorite thoroughbred horses. Big Red and Ronnie won the Kentucky Derby in 1973 which was my high school graduation year. If you have not ever […]
