Tag Archives: kentucky

Kentucky Appalachians Face Challenges in Recovering from a Series of Disasters

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Historically, Eastern Kentucky has faced significant flooding issues. As moist air ascends the Appalachian mountains, it releases moisture into the valleys. However, during extreme rainfall, this water quickly flows into lowlands, causing many local streams to be overwhelmed. A study revealed an alarming number of fatalities during the catastrophic flood of 2022, which occurred near Troublesham Creek, a 168-mile tributary of the North Fork Kentucky River, impacted by historical mountaintop removal mining.

For numerous residents of Hazard, the increasing frequency of flooding has transformed lives. Once a thriving hub for coal production, the town’s economic prospects have drastically declined over recent decades, burdening long-time residents with both financial struggles and flood damage.

Eastmon, who has faced flood dangers since 2007, describes the trauma left by these events.

“Whether it’s witnessing someone stuck in a tree or seeing someone underwater, it affects you,” Eastmon shared. “Everyone here has been influenced in some capacity.”

Local volunteer firefighter Ronnie Dillion assisted in rescuing Craig, a flood victim near Trouble Creek in 2022. Dillion’s family has deep roots in Hazard, yet he plans to relocate to London, a sizable city approximately 60 miles west of Hazard. He mentioned that the recent flooding has been a breaking point for many residents who are already struggling.

The flood devastated Dillion’s home, creating a cave-in in part of the ceiling. He noted that rebuilding is particularly challenging due to the limited job opportunities available locally.

“This place is my home, but there aren’t many opportunities for younger people here,” Dillion lamented. “We can’t pursue our dreams or do what we love in this environment.”

In February, part of Ronnie Dillion’s home was destroyed by a massive flood. A volunteer firefighter, Dillion has few employment opportunities in flood-covered dangers and struggles to repair his home.
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According to the latest Census data, over 25% of Perry County residents live below the federal poverty line. At its peak in 1990, the coal industry employed over 29,000 individuals, but since then, Kentucky has lost approximately 85% of those jobs, as reported by Kentucky Statistics Center. In Perry County, employment fell by 23% in 2023.

Jason Naylor, a researcher at the University of Louisville focusing on climate change in Kentucky, points out that Eastern Kentucky is particularly susceptible to climate impacts and increased flooding.

“There are numerous social vulnerabilities,” Naylor noted.

Eastmon shares that some neighbors believe governmental actions contributed to the 2022 flood, and there’s a significant loss of faith in public officials within the community following the disaster. Eastmon herself has applied for a home-buying program in Perry County, hoping it will bring her closer to her children.

“I keep sharing our story, hoping someone will hear it and help us escape our situation,” she expressed.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Bourbon Chick: Cicadas Emerge in Kentucky After 17 Years of Slumber

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Kentucky is often referred to as the land of horses, bourbon, and bluegrass, and it will soon welcome a large influx of Cicadas.

Billions of these winged insects will begin to emerge from their infamous underground mating rituals, having spent weeks below the surface.

This year, Cicadas are expected to emerge in nearly 12 states, with the highest concentration occurring in Kentucky and Tennessee. They will also be spotted in parts of Illinois, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York.

Some locals refer to them simply as “Chicada” this season due to their prominence in Kentucky.

“They’re the experts in entomology at the University of Kentucky,” noted Jonathan Larson, assistant professor of entomology.

Seven different types of cicadas can be found in North America, appearing every 13 or 17 years depending on their species.
USDA Forest Bureau

These are known as regular Cicadas, which spend a predetermined number of years underground before surfacing to find mates. Seven species of these cicadas exist in North America, emerging either every 13 years or every 17 years.

This year’s Cicadas belong to Brood XIV, which follows a 17-year cycle.

Larson remarked that the nickname “bourbon chick” fits well, as the lifecycle of these insects parallels the distillation process of Kentucky’s renowned whiskey.

“We let the bourbon age,” Larson explained. “It’s placed in barrels in the dark for an extended period, which is somewhat similar.”

Larson mentioned that sightings of Cicadas have already started in southern Kentucky counties, but the main event will kick off in the coming weeks as the soil temperature rises.

“I anticipate that in the next two weeks, we will really see them everywhere,” he said.

When that time comes, certain areas will be literally swarming with Cicadas. However, it’s not just their sheer numbers that create an unforgettable experience; it’s the distinct high-pitched noise they make as well.

Cicadas can produce sounds reaching up to 100 decibels, which is actually their mating call used to attract females. After emerging, females only have a few weeks to find mates and lay eggs before they die.

“It’s all wild and beautiful, strange and wonderful,” Larson enthused.

While Cicadas pose no danger to humans, they can become quite bothersome, particularly when large amounts of their bodies accumulate post-mortem.

“During the early stages, there’s no unpleasant odor, but about five weeks later, if enough die in one spot, a decomposing smell can develop,” Larson noted.

Although thousands of cicada species are found globally, regular cicadas are unique for spending the majority of their lives underground, feeding on tree roots, before surfacing every 13 or 17 years.

Typically, the first Cicadas surface in early to mid-May, but most often they emerge in June when temperatures rise. Larson stated that cicadas generally wait for the soil to reach approximately 64 degrees Fahrenheit before breaking through.

Their reliance on environmental signals raises questions about the impact of climate change on Cicadas and their mating rituals.

“If it’s warmer sooner this year, they might start emerging earlier than expected,” Larson explained, noting the potential for extreme weather events like flooding or freezing, which have been prevalent in Kentucky recently.

This area remains a focal point of research as scientists investigate the long-term effects of climate change on Cicada populations.

In the meantime, Larson and other entomology enthusiasts from various states are gearing up to witness this remarkable phenomenon.

“I hope people take the time to experience it,” Larson encouraged. “What’s happening here is unique; you won’t find this anywhere else, so we suggest engaging in Cicada tourism if you can.”

Citizen scientists can also contribute to research by snapping photos and recording geographical details of sightings using the CICADA SAFARI app.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

What Defines a Kentucky Derby Champion? A Big Heart, Powerful Lungs, and Strong Legs

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Horses have honed their abilities, such as running, jumping, and pulling, as humans have bred and trained them for various purposes over thousands of years. The 151st Derby, the most-watched horse racing event, not only highlights the skills of these animals but also raises concerns about their treatment and well-being. Advocates have long voiced worries about injuries and fatalities, especially after twelve horses died at Churchill Downs two years ago.

There’s no doubt that the relationships between humans and horses have transformed warfare, agriculture, and society.

Timothy Winegard, a historian at Colorado Mesa University and author of the recent book, The Horse, remarked, “We’ve combined our intellect with the horse’s size, strength, stamina, and speed to create the most unstoppable animal coalition.”

Why Are Horses So Powerful?

The horse’s heart and lungs contribute significantly to its remarkable power.

Hearts typically weigh between 10-12 pounds (4.5-5.4 kg), roughly 1% of the horse’s body weight, compared to about 0.5% for a typical human heart. The famous horse Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown in 1973, was later found to have a heart weighing over 20 pounds (9.1 kg).

A horse’s heart is designed for exercise, with a resting heart rate around 34 beats per minute that can rise to 220 or 240 during a race—much faster than a human’s maximum during intense exertion.

Derma Sotogake training on the mornings of the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
Andy Lions/Getty Images

“One unique aspect of horses is their incredible capacity to circulate blood throughout their bodies. They can achieve high heart rates while remaining safe,” explained Sarah Reed, a researcher at the University of Connecticut.

Additionally, horses possess a lung capacity of 60 liters, ten times that of a human.

“This extensive lung capacity allows oxygen to efficiently transfer from the air to the blood, which is essential for sustaining aerobic energy,” noted Farmer.

Recent research published in the journal Science indicates that genetic mutations enable horses to mitigate the adverse effects associated with ultra-high energy production.

“Horses are exceptional athletes because they can deliver significantly more oxygen to their muscles than elite Olympic athletes. They have larger energy reserves and more efficient systems…and these mutations play a role in both aspects.”

What Contributes to a Horse’s Speed and Skills?

Various biological characteristics enhance a horse’s abilities.

Horses store excess red blood cells in their spleens, which are released to enhance oxygen transport during intense exertion.

“During exercise, adrenaline triggers the spleen to circulate these excess red blood cells,” said veterinarian Hillary Clayton. “Essentially, what a horse accomplishes is a form of ‘natural blood doping.’”

Honoring Marie at Churchill Downs in 2024.
Charlie Riedel / AP

Furthermore, a horse’s brain is adept at processing sensory information and reacting swiftly. Although their frontal lobe—the section associated with thinking and planning—is proportionally smaller than that of humans, horses are hardwired for play and independent running without fear, as explained by Dr. Scott Bailey, a veterinarian at Clayborne Farm. This focus is critical for athletic performance.

The bone structure and muscle makeup are also advantageous. The ligaments and tendons in their hind legs function like springs, and as Farmer noted, like other large prey animals, they possess “long, slender legs designed for running.”

What Are the Risks for Horses?

Adjustments that enhance a horse’s speed also increase the risk of injuries. Their slender legs endure the impact of each stride, and over time, repetitive stress during racing and training can lead to tendon and ligament damage, Reed stated.

In 2023, fatalities occurred not only at Churchill Downs but also at other major racecourses, affecting public perceptions of the sport and prompting changes. No specific cause of death was identified. However, in 2024, Churchill Downs improved the equipment used on its racing surfaces and added a veterinarian dedicated to horse safety and integrity.

Source: www.nbcnews.com