GOVERNOR ADDRESSES ECONOMIC ISSUES
Governor Steve Beshear yesterday announced several steps his administration is taking to continue building Kentucky’s economy and ensure that basic services and financial institutions are protected. During a wide-ranging briefing with reporters, Beshear said he is creating an Economic Action Team that will help ensure that banks, the housing markets and services such as health care coverage are maintained. Other measures Beshear discussed include a future health insurance and home mortgage information website that will be unveiled soon...the creation of two task forces designed to continue to improve the "skill level and education of our workforce...and a special cabinet meeting next week where senior administration officials will begin compiling ideas and potential initiatives to help Kentuckians confront economic challenges. Although Kentucky is not experiencing the severity of problems confronting some states, Beshear indicated looming problems. General fund receipts fell by 4.6 percent in September compared to last year at this time. For the first quarter of the 2009 fiscal year, receipts have grown by only .9 percent. The enacted budget requires growth of 2.6 percent to meet budgeted needs. At the same time, road fund receipts have decreased by 11.4 percent from September 2007 and have declined by 4.5 percent in the first quarter of this fiscal year.

HOMECOMING AT MSU
It's homecoming weekend at Murray State with activities throughout Friday and Saturday. Today's highlights include Alumni Golf at Miller Memorial, the Pullen Farm Pavillion dedication, and the annual 5K walk-run. At 9:30 Saturday morning, the annual Homecoming Parade begins on 4th Street with over 200 entries, and Dr. Charles and Marlene Johnson serving as Grand Marshals. At 11 tent city opens at Stewart Stadium, and then it's the football game between Murray State and Tennessee Tech at 3. Before the game, the 2008 homecoming queen and king will be crowned. Several other activities and alumni parties follow the game, with a few events even trickleing over into Sunday. For a complete list of homecoming events, log on to murraystate.edu

PULLEN DEDICATION TODAY
Murray State University will break ground for an arboretum during a special ceremony at noon today at the Pullen Farm located just off of 94 West of Murray. This event will also serve as a kickoff for the annual Fall on the Farm community event coming Octtober 18. An arboretum is a place where an extensive variety of woody plants are cultivated for scientific, educational and ornamental purposes. Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Richie Farmer, will be one of several special guests in attendance and will bring news from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in relation to special projects and programs of the MSU School of Agriculture such as the planned Arboretum, Fall on the Farm and the Breathitt Veterinary Center located in Hopkinsville. In addition, Paul Radke from the MSU office of development, will introduce the "Friends of the Arboretum" project and Emily Harned, president of the Agriculture Leadership Council, will present highlights of this year’s Fall on the Farm. The public is invited to attend this celebration and learn about the next phase of development planned for the university’s Pullen Farm complex and community events sponsored for area families.

KSP ARRESTS 3 GRAVES FIREFIGHTERS
Three Graves County Volunteer Firefighters are in jail as the result of a State Police investigation. On September 14, Kentucky State Police received a complaint alleging that three volunteer firefighters were involved in a physical altercation while at a fire scene on Tobacco Road in Graves County. Trooper Trevor Pervine investigated, and yesterday he arrested the three men charging each with third degree assault. Those arrested include Randall Huggins Jr., Chester Wilford Jr., and David Wilford, all Graves County residents, and members of the Clear Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

CITY FLUSHING SUNDAY
The City of Murray Water System will be flushing fire hydrants Sunday beginning at 7 and going till 4. In case of any discoloration customers should allow their cold water to run until clear. Washing of clothes should wait until flushing is complete and the water is clear.

WOMEN IN TELKECOM GOLF DAY
The Program of Distinction in Telecommunications Systems Management (TSM) at Murray State University recently hosted the 3rd annual AT&T Women In Telecom Golf Day at the Miller Memorial Golf Course to raise money for TSM scholarships. Due to the support of several companies around the region and the generosity of AT&T, three female students will receive scholarships for the 2009-10 school year. Over 40 women representing more than 10 companies and organizations attended the event. Recognizing that an event of this type wasn’t available in this area, the Golf Day was started in 2006 to create a means for women working in the telecom field in this region to network, while they leaned to play golf or improved their skills if they were already familiar with the game. This remains the only event in this area of its type, with proceeds raised going to provide scholarships for female MSU telecommunication students.

RECITAL SUNDAY
The Music Department of Murray State University will present a Faculty Showcase Recital at 3:30 on Sunday, in the Performing Arts Hall of the Doyle Fine Arts Center. Donations will be accepted at the door with all proceeds benefiting the department of music scholarship fund. Suggested donations are $10 for adults and $5 for students. The Showcase Recital will feature solo and ensemble performances involving 14 faculty members.

ACT TESTS SET
To help high school juniors and seniors who are preparing for the ACT, Murray State University will host a workshop on Saturday, October 18. The workshop is designed to give students an effective and affordable way to prepare for the ACT. The workshop costs $45 is scheduled from 9am-Noon that day at Murray State University with an identical session at MSU's extended campus in Paducah. Additional help is available for specific areas of the test at $10 more. To find out more, call 809-3659. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

ACROSS KENTUCKY
The winds of September 14 have officially beenb declared a disaster. The President has issued an order declaring a disaster in 34 Kentucky counties. The counties suffered millions of dollars in damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ike. Federal funding is now available to the state and eligible local governments.

The first debate in the Third Congressional District race is today. Incumbent Democrat John Yarmuth and challenger, Republican Anne Northup will meet at a noon forum in Louisville. The debate will be broadcast on Louisville Public Radio in Louisville.

Thousands of Kentuckians will be heading outside on Sunday. It's "Second Sunday" and more than 70 counties are taking part. The U.S. Extension service program advocates shutting down part of roads and streets and inviting citizens to take part in some type of physical activity. This will occur this Sunday afternoon. Activities like walking, cycling and stroller pushing are planned.

Parents and others will have the opportunity will have the opportunity to learn more about how to protect their children on the internet. Attorney General Jack Conway, who has already established a CyberCrimes Unit is partnering with the Kentucky Department of Education and Kentucky Child Now. The groups are holding a conference in Lexington next month.