Opportunities

Laura Kirkpatrick of Stanford, one of the top two finalists in "America's Next Top Model," knew all along that she didn't win, but she threw a belle-of the-ball party anyway. Well-wishers, many of them dressed in black T-shirts with hot pink writing that proclaimed "Laura is my America's Next Top Model," filled the Lincoln County High School auditorium Wednesday night to watch the final show of the competition that offered a chance for models shorter than 5 feet and 7 inches an opportunity to win a contract with Wilhelmina.

Local artists who are interested in increasing their exposure can check out a new initiative sponsored by The Arts Commission of Danville/Boyle County. This drive will be the focus of a reception, with special guest Tammy Cornett of the Kentucky Proud Market, set for 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Community Arts Center. "It is important to us that our local artists have as many venue opportunities as possible," said Ann Nichols, executive director of the arts commission. She added the arts commission was contacted by the Kentucky Proud Market to facilitate it in Danville and Boyle County.

HARRODSBURG ? It wasn't the way he wanted to win the starting goalkeeper's job for Mercer County, but Aaron Steele has certainly made the most of the opportunity. The Titans senior was competing with fellow senior Zach Bailes for a starting spot under first-year coach David Welsh. But when Bailes injured his hamstring early, then suffered a concussion, the job went to Steele. "I was really disappointed. Zach's a really good friend of mine, and I always hope for the best for him. I hope he still comes back and gets his chance," Steele said.

David Berry, director of gaming for the Clark County Band Boosters, has a suggestion for local agencies that depend on charitable gaming to raise funds. "We need to come up with other forms of income, other forms of fundraising," he said. That's because Berry is skeptical of a new proposal from the state Department of Charitable Gaming, which is seeking to implement a computerized accounting system designed to monitor gaming in Kentucky and cut costs to charities. Department officials presented the proposal to about 50 charity representatives Wednesday night as part of a state-wide sweep to promote the program, address concerns and hear public discussion.

The Boyle County girls still haven't won their own tournament. And their coach still isn't losing any sleep over it. Boyle did just about everything it Saturday could to win the Little Caesars Classic, but Tates Creek got the only goal to win the championship game 1-0. This is the fifth year the Rebels have hosted a tournament, and the fifth year they have watched another team take home the big trophy. But while Boyle coach Brian Deem said he was disappointed that his team came up short in a battle of top-25 clubs, he said it isn't a damaging defeat.

CINCINNATI ? Trevard Lindley could maybe be excused for not making the first interception he had a chance at here Saturday, but he knew the second one he dropped could have been a potential touchdown. The Kentucky senior cornerback didn't make the same mistake the second half. He picked off a Daniel Raudabaugh pass at the Miami 25-yard line, avoided one tackle, managed to stay just inbounds and went into the end zone midway of the third quarter in UK's impressive 42-0 victory over the Redhawks.

Bruce Caudill spent some of his summer vacation stuffing envelopes ? hundreds of them. And he did it for free. "Look at all this potential here for changing lives," said Libby Suttles, arms open in front of her as to present the stacks envelopes covering the table. Suttles is marketing director for Heart of Kentucky United Way. Caudill, 19, is a student at Danville High School. Twice a week during the summer he volunteered at Heart of Kentucky United Way on Third Street, stuffing envelopes that will reach hundreds of people whose pledges will make a difference in someone's life.

The graduation season continued through June 25, when the final class of 2009 graduated from The Jessamine County Adult Education and Family Literacy Program. This year, 71 of 86 students who took the test received their GED's, giving the class a pass-rate of 83 percent. Program Director Janice Crane, said the celebration at East Jessamine High School was a time for the students to revel in their accomplishment and hard work. "Tonight is a special celebration of hard work, good choices and the opportunities that will come to you as a result of your achievements," she said.

On Tuesday I voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, a comprehensive piece of legislation that creates clean jobs, moves us away from foreign dependence on oil, tackles pollution, and transforms our economy to face the challenges of the 21st century. Supporting the bill was not an easy decision. I struggled with this legislation, and I recognize the good points on both sides of the issue. But I believe we have to take this opportunity to invest in the future of our economy, and we have to act before the environmental crisis gets worse.

I've spent years as a broadcast news anchor, and these days frequently find me in a studio doing an interview or recording a commentary. So I couldn't resist turning the pages of a new book about the late Paul Harvey. I frequently mention the founding fathers leading the War of Independence against King George. But Harvey was a founding father in his own right - one of radio's founding fathers. But he would have fit right in with Jefferson and Franklin, despite arriving on the scene years later.