Rachel Vaughan (right) and Rachel Wilson (left) attended a two-week music camp in Pensacola, Fla. Classes included music theory, music history, private lessons and recital performance. Photo provided

Students performing in the Christmas piano recital at Greater Lighthouse Church were (row one) Colin Berry, Bayley Ranes, Rebecca Vaughan, Olivia Stokes, Liam Coursey, Noah Crider; (row two) Tori Pullin, Colton Harper, J.T. Harper; (row three) Amanda Vandiver, Katie Wilhite, Amarissa Pullin, Queenie Phelps, Augusta Eli, Emilee Adams; (row four) Bethany Orten, Jakin Orten, Hayleigh Berry, Courtney Nixon, Breanna Woodruff; and (row five) Frances Beshear (teacher), Rachel Wilson and Allison Adams. Not pictured are Courey Simms, Kaylee Simms, Tyler Simms and Rachel Dwire. Photo provided

When you see Linda Gentry around town tomorrow, wish her a happy birthday. On Thursday, Feb. 4, Linda turns the “big 6-0.” Now, Linda says that she’s fine with marking her 60th birthday; she’s not having any meltdowns over it. I hope you have a great day, Linda.

Hi, Parents,

Winner of The Paragon of Madisonville's recent "Crazy Hat Day" was Syamala Rao. Participating residents and staff designed and decorated hats and wore their work of art throughout the day. Photo provided

Good morning Hopkins County. I hope this finds you all in good health and good spirits.

Suresh Devineni, hematologist oncologist at the Trover Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center, has achieved board certification in medical oncology through the American Board of Internal Medicine. Board certification demonstrates a physician's exceptional expertise in medical oncology. Certification involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is designed and administered by specialists in the area of oncology.

Hello Anton and happy birthday, Seth and Jake Short. Feb. 3 has many birthdays I am sure, but double ones are twice the fun for twins. When you see Debbie and Richard Short, ask if they called the boys and sang, or if they sent them a text message on their special day. 

Hello to all of you. We hope you are having a great day. With it being the month of February, we have two major events. Yesterday was Groundhog Day, when a little furry animal predicted the rest of the winter for us. And then there is “Love Day,” where we should buy chocolate and flowers. So get out and get some shopping done. You may want to buy a new outfit or order yourself some flowers and put them on your husband’s credit card.

Greetings to everyone, once again, from the west end of Hopkins County. As I am writing this column, we are gearing up for another snowstorm, so back to the grocery store with 1,987 other people. Smile. Stay safe, warm and fed.

Hey, Hopkins County. How are ya? All is well here in Earlington, at least for the moment. There is a winter storm in the forecast for tonight and rumors of snow accumulation over six inches. The kids are excited that there might be no school tomorrow. Just after the one-year anniversary of that horrific ice storm that we all endured, I’m left hoping that just this once, the weatherman’s predictions might be wrong. A little snow might be okay, but just a little, and hold the ice, please. Earlington’s own “weather girl” Shellie Rambo keeps all of us E’tonites informed of the latest breaking weather and road conditions, so I’m sure she’ll be on location or on facebook giving updates as they develop. Yesterday was Groundhog Day, and whether or not that groundhog saw his shadow, I am certainly longing for the first signs of spring.

Murray State University's Madisonville Regional Campus has announced that Penny Farrell was the Student of the Week for Jan. 25-29, 2010. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in integrated studies and is interested in a career in human services. 

The Technology Transfer Program of the Kentucky Transportation Center has announced that Magistrate Karol Welch of the Hopkins County Fiscal Court has completed the 2009 Kentucky Roads Scholars and also the Road Masters Training Series. She was honored along with other graduates on Nov. 10 at the James E. Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville.

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom will host a job fair on Feb. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. and Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to seek employees for the 2010 season. All ages and backgrounds are being sought, especially college students in need of an internship in marketing, finance, food service and hospitality. For more information call (502) 366-7508.

Samuel Folk was awarded a bachelor of science degree from Eastern Kentucky University during commencement ceremonies Dec. 19. He is the son of Billy and Patty Folk of Madisonville and a graduate of Hopkins County Central High School.

For the fifth year, regional college-bound students who received a cancer diagnosis prior to the age of 21 may be eligible for one of two $1,000 scholarships to be awarded by The Foundation for Health at Owensboro Medical Health System.

"Lives of great men all remind us

Eastern Kentucky University has announced the names of those students who achieved president's list and dean's list for the fall 2009 semester.

Several students have been honored for artworks submitted for the Rhoads Scholar Middle School Exhibit at Glema Mahr Center for the Arts' Anne P. Baker Gallery.

Centre College has released its dean's list for the 2009 fall term, an honor reserved for students who maintain at least a 3.60 grade point average.

The musical comedy, Church Basement Ladies, comes to the Glema Mahr Center in Madisonville, KY on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 7:30pm, and Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 2:00pm