Whitney Carman, an extension agent in Hancock County and the former Director of Consumer Affairs for the Kentucky Beef Council, is the recipient of Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 27th annual Farm Public Relations Award. She was recognized on December 6 during the general session of KFB’s annual meeting at the Galt House in Louisville.

Carman was nominated for her role in leading the Kentucky Beef Council’s public relations efforts during the past three years. She wrote and distributed industry-related press releases on behalf of the organization and maintained relevant content on the group’s website and Facebook page. In addition to her traditional roles in public relations, Carman traveled across the state to spread the word about beef. She made regular appearances on various TV shows while also coordinating a guest chef for the programs who could also speak about his or her beef cattle operation.

The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) is seeking permission from owners and/or users of private drinking water wells statewide to obtain groundwater samples.

The project is part of a targeted study to determine if domestic water wells are being impacted by human-influenced pollution and/or events of nature. Owners of wells selected for inclusion in the study will receive free testing of their well water.

Water collected from water wells will be tested for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and total coliform bacteria that are found in untreated human and animal wastes, as well as for the presence of iron-related bacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria and slime-forming bacteria. Samples will also be tested for caffeine.

The National FFA Organization announced today that 20 Kentucky FFA members will receive a total of $24,500 in scholarships.   Among the winners was Corbin Wilson of McLean County High School.  The senior will receive $1,000 courtesy of Tyson Foods.

National FFA Scholarships are provided by over 130 corporate sponsors nationwide.  Selection criteria varies by scholarship, but includes scholarship, FFA involvement, Supervised Agricultural Experience Program accomplishments, and community involvement.