I know I haven’t seen any of these guys running around, but word is that they run rampant at nights because it is cooler.  The hogs cannot be hunted at night though, only during the day.  Pig hunting  season never closes, so if these wild pigs are spotted they can be shot.  Many residents have been spotting them and calling in complaints.

Of course, Pulaski County is not he only place experiencing a rise in feral hogs.  There are many cities across the United States that are losing crops, food supplies for deer, and creating messes on ranches.  Here is some footage from other feral pig cases.

In Texas they do not play when it comes to hunting these porkers. The dogs come out and all to help reduce the wild pig population in the area that can cause serious troubles.
Georgia farmers feel like they are fighting a losing battle when it comes to the surplus of feral hogs in there area.

• Toys for Tots – The U.S. Marine Corps holds a toy drive each year to collect toys for children in families that are unable to provide toys and gifts.  Drop off locations vary, but many local businesses and organizations offer places for you to leave new and unopened gifts that will end up under a less fortunate child’s Christmas tree.  People can even give cash donations to the organization in order to help in collection efforts.
• People aren’t the only ones in need this time of year, or year round for that matter.  Animals also need our help during the holidays.  You might find that many places are collecting food for homeless pets or money for local shelter.  Anderson’s Office Supply had a food drive for animals in need this season.  Monetary and food donations can mean life for animals that might not otherwise live.
• Other ideas for giving back this time of year in Somerset would be to offer your time to volunteer efforts.  You don’t have to spend money to offer up a little of your time to help feed those in need or work at local thrift stores.

When you do your part in giving during the holidays, you will find that you are happier and more cheerful.  Giving is a good feeling!

Only after these steps have been completed is it okay to request insurance information from the other party.  You are entitled to that information, so do not leave without asking for it.  You will need it to file a claim in not only the case of damages to your vehicle, but also any injuries you might have sustained in the collision.  And always, always go the doctor after an accident and follow his advice exactly.  Some of the kinds of injuries people get from car accidents don’t make themselves apparent for several days or even weeks following impact.

For more helpful resources and thing you should know, see the infographic here:

On December 3rd, Somerset will be having a range of Christmas festivities in the downtown area.  You may already be familiar with the tree lighting ceremony and the parade that were on different days, but this year the events will be on the same day.  On top of having two of the most cherished Christmas traditions on one day now, you can also expect to see a showing of “It’s A Wonderful Life outdoors.”

All those involved in making the day of Christmas activities are intent on keeping the Somerset traditions alive and well.  They have spent a lot of time planning the events to make it so you can enjoy an entire day of fun without having to come back to town the next day.

The Christmas parade will start at 5pm, and it will be followed by the tree lighting at 7pm.  An hour later at 8pm, the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” will begin.  Area restaurants will be catering and offering foods, vendors and people will set up booths for crafts, and more fun will be going on so you can make a full day out of it all.

Since we are gearing up for Christmas, I thought I would share an infographic that shows what most people are going to be buying this year.  It is interesting.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.

Somerset is keeping the festivities going on Halloween night too.  That Monday night the Police Department is hosting a Halloween event in the parking lot where you can get free glow sticks, pizza, and more.  This year the Halloween hours for the town are from 6-8 PM in order to keep everyone safe and sound.

In celebration of Halloween, a bit early, here is an infographic for you all to enjoy.  It is 500 years of costume inspiration that you will surely enjoy.  It starts with the 16th Century and Queen Elizabeth and ends with the 2010s and the Angry Birds.  Whatever you decide to dress up as this Halloween, we hope that you have a ton of fun and stay safe.  Don’t forget to go out and spend some time in town too!

You can’t really blame them, once you have seen the beautiful, lush countryside, the regal mountains and deep, cool lakes of scenic Kentucky.  Even though we can’t all be lucky enough to live here, thank goodness for YouTube and the following video that is a true tribute to a state anyone would be proud to call “My Old Kentucky Home.”

I was born in 1983, obviously in Somerset.  I was browsing the old internet and I came across some pretty awesome video footage of Somerset, Kentucky from when I was just three years old.  The Somerset of 1986 looks very similar to current day Somerset and the downtown area video footage will reveal just that.  Now the Somerset High School video is priceless.  I loved the fashion it just makes me laugh.  I had never paid attention in band I guess because I had no clue that Mr. Webb had been there that long!  These are just so great, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

49% of people move because they found a better place to live, or they bought a house.

I know that as a renter, I only decide to move if I can find some place cheaper with the same amenities. Otherwise, you better believe I’m staying put! Many renters also take the plunge into home ownership, which means, you have no choice but to pack up and move on out!

26% of people move due to family concerns.

Many new parents will move back to the state they grew up in so that they can be closer to family. Also, aging parents are often the cause of a move.

17% of people move for work.

A job offer, a promotion, or a relocation. Many of us are packing up in order to please the boss man.

6% are moving for miscellaneous reasons.

Think college, retirement, or just because!

So, why do people move? Well, there you have it. Everyone who moves can pretty much be put into 4 categories…and not many of us are moving just because. I wonder if the statistics were any different when the economy was better? Do you think more people found themselves simply to be in a warm climate when the job market was better? Pretty interesting to think about.

This will be the sixteenth Master Musicians Festival, and each year it seems to get better and better.  The musicians and talents that perform are from a variety of influences, backgrounds, and genres.  You will find the ecclectic blends of music is something rare for any type of festival, but not the Master Musicians Festival.  After the festival they give money to help out Master Musicians of the future generations!

Tickets

You can find your tickets online and the festival’s website.  You can also get them at the gates.  Online advanced tickets are cheaper, but wither way you’re getting a great deal.  Advanced adult tickets for Friday’s festivities are $20, while at the gate they will be $25.  For Saturday, the advanced prices are $25, and at the gate they will be $30.  Children at the age of 12 or younger will be admitted free, so that is free fun for your little ones.

Friday’s Performances

There will be four groups set to perform starting at six o’clock in the evening at the festival.  The Sooners start the night out right with their comedic and talented country and rock blended act.  An hour later Velveeta Jones will make their way to the stage to croon to the audience their bluesy specials.  At half past eight the Master Musician, Guy Clark will perform some of his impressive songs.  Finally finishing the night of right will be the acoustic band Mountain Heart.  They have performed with some of the greatest country music talents around, and they know how to get a crowd excited.

Saturday’s Performances

The day of music starts at noon with the group of five boys from ages nine to twelve in a group called One Way.  After that some other incredible acts will take the stage.  Highlights will surely include, The Southern Kentucky Songwriters Guild, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, The David Mayfield Parade, and Chris Knight.  Other performances are sure to be stellar as well.

Hopefully I’ll see you out there enjoying the entertainment and talent.  Also there will be places for you purchase bulk herbal incense, one of my favorite things!  It really is an incredible event, and Somerset is the perfect place to hold it.

Just yesterday there were several complaints that were called in that firework stands all over Somerset were not set up to legally sell fireworks in town.  They had not met the regulations.  You see, they all should have applied in town for merchant permits, and that was not properly done.  So, law enforcement officials were recruited to go to all of the stands and check to see that they had the proper documentation.  Even Kentucky’s Attorney General was in the mix of things, as it was his letter saying that all vendors must comply with laws that began the whole process.  If the vendor did not have the appropriate documents, then they were forced to immediately shut down the stand.  So the sparks started to fly.  The good news out of all of it is that there really wasn’t a whole lot of serious drama regarding this.  The vendors respectfully did as they were told.

It was confirmed that all eight of the vendors that were originally set up in Somerset were shut down due to not have filing for and paying for the proper permits that they definitely needed to have had.  In the neighboring Burnside, the only firework stand that was set up is still there and apparently complied.

The good news is Burnside isn’t too far away, but maybe, just maybe the vendors could get the permits by the Fourth of July.  It is highly unlikely though.  If you were looking to enjoy some great explosive fireworks this year, then you might have to change up your plans a bit, but hopefully this will teach the vendors so that next year there will not be as much firework related drama in town. Guess we’ll be spending the 4th researching Direct TV Packages.