Business

Coalition Forms to Oppose Electricity Rate Increase in Western Kentucky from Smelter Deal

Kenny Colston (KPR) — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:24:59 +0000

A coalition of western Kentucky businesses and residents has formed in hopes of minimizing the fallout of an electricity rates deal between Big Rivers Electric Co-Op and western Kentucky aluminum smelters.

Paducah Coca-Cola Plant Takes Steps Toward National Historic Register

Drew Adams — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:20:09 +0000

A Paducah building which sat for years and in disrepair has now received initial approval for the National Register of Historic Places.

Lourdes Reduces Workforce

Drew Adams — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:58:07 +0000

Lourdes Hospital of Paducah has laid off 1.9% of their non-clinical and management workforce.

Hospital spokesman David Simmons would not confirm the total number of people who lost their jobs, however using the 2012 staffing totals would bring the number to approximately 30. Simmons wouldn’t say why the hospital is reducing its workforce.

Atmos Energy to Raise Prices

John Null — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:58:24 +0000

Kentucky Atmos Energy customers may be hit with a rate hike in the near future.

The company has asked the Kentucky Public Service Commission for a $13.3 million rate increase to help with infrastructure improvement costs. This means a monthly gas bill increase of about $4.50 for the average Atmos customer.

Glass Door Manufacturing Company Brings 110 Jobs to Elkton

Chad Lampe — Mon, 13 May 2013 21:13:53 +0000

Glass Door Solutions LLC, a newly-formed company, plans to lease a facility, create 110 new, full-time jobs and invest more than $3.5 million in Elkton, Ky.

Western Kentucky Coal Miners Could Lose Benefits in Bankruptcy Case

John Null — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:54:10 +0000

A pending federal bankruptcy court decision could affect thousands of Kentucky mine worker benefits.

Patriot Coal Corporation, which operates two mines in Union and Henderson counties, wants to modify their collective bargaining agreements with the United Mine Workers Association. Patriot will replace all health care benefits for retirees with a Voluntary Employee Benefit Association trust. Patriot doesn't plan to replace the health insurance program for current employees.

Cadiz Council Considers Restaurant Tax

Rob Canning — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:10:09 +0000

The Cadiz City Council is exploring a three percent restaurant tax. Cadiz and Trigg County Tourism Commission Executive Director Bill Stevens says the revenue would go towards the commission’s marketing budget to promote local business and tourism which has been struggling to compete with neighboring counties' budgets in recent years.

KY Medicaid Managed Care Group Announces Layoffs

John Walker and The Associated Press — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:22:50 +0000

One of Kentucky's Medicaid managed care groups will begin laying off workers next month to prepare for shutting down. Kentucky Spirit Health Plan, a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Centene Corporation, announced last fall that it would exercise a contractual right to end its contract with the state effective July 5^th. The organization notified state and local government officials and its 145 employees of the impending layoffs yesterday.

More Truckers on Kentucky Roads

Stu Johnson (KPR) — Wed, 01 May 2013 21:17:08 +0000

Nicer weather has a few more truckers traveling Kentucky’s interstates. Overall, the trucking industry remains flat, but the head of the Kentucky Motor Transportation Association says recent figures are promising. Jamie Fiepke says trucking tends to decline in November and pick up in March.

“From that point forward, that’s when you really start seeing the industry pick up, especially in a good economy, you’ll see it really take off and you’ll see truck everywhere. And you’re gonna see more and more trucks,” said Fiepke.

Given such demand, he says finding find enough drivers is an ongoing challenge. Fiepke says new safety regulations allow for a better review of drivers by trucking companies and insurance firms before they’re hired.

Big Rivers Electric Rates Likely to Increase

Whitney Jones — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:48:54 +0000

Big Rivers Electric’s decision to let Century Aluminum out of its contract in August, may mean significant electric rate increases throughout the region.

Big Rivers spokesperson Marty Littrel said the aluminum smelter will be able to buy electricity elsewhere on the open market. But since the smelter is Big Rivers’ biggest customer, Littrel said the power supplier has to raise rates about 20 percent.

“All we’re trying to do is cover our expenses here,” he said. “We’ll likely have to idle a plant because this is a huge revenue loss for us.”