Researchers need the public's help in finding more nesting sites of Kentucky's remaining barn owls.

Barn owls, with their distinctive heart-shaped faces and dark eyes, were plentiful across Kentucky as late as the 1960s. Currently, however, there are only about 25 documented nesting locations statewide.

Wildlife biologists with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources need to locate as many barn owl nesting sites as possible to gain a deeper understanding of why this species has declined in the state.

Barn owls have gradually lost their historic nesting and foraging habitat as landowners cut down the old trees damaged by storms and converted pastures, hayfields and grasslands to row crops. Biologists, however, are looking for additional reasons for the decline. Researchers are also asking for the public to report any dead barn owls, so that specimens can be collected and examined.

The burn ban that was put into effect on June 22 in McLean County has been lifted according to EMA Director David Sunn.

Sunn said last week that there are areas of McLean County that haven't received a lot of rain this summer so he's requesting that extreme care be taken when doing any outside burning. 

From Larry Caplan, Extension Educator -- Horticulture for the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, Vanderburgh County---

We are getting an early start on summer.  I just want to remind you that if you are going to be working in the yard/garden/farm, that you protect yourself from the sun.  Not only can you receive a painful sunburn, but there is a chance of developing skin cancer (melanoma).

Cover your skin with gloves, a hat with ear and neck protection, long sleeves, and pants. Button up the neck of long sleeve shirts. Light cotton reflects heat and is cooler for working outdoors.