Leadership Kentucky 2019 in Western Kentucky
By: Tim Kraus, PE (Leadership Kentucky Class of 2019)
Vice President, Chief Engineer
Louisville Water Company
The third session for the 2019 Class of Leadership Kentucky in Western Kentucky was a busy session. Wednesday started with the class breaking up into groups to tour one of three coal mines in Union County. The options were an underground tour at either River View Coal or Warrior Coal or the training facility tour at Elk Creek.
Thanks to Alliance Coal for hosting us and allowing their employees to take time to escort the class. Prior to descending several hundred feet below the ground, we learned about the history of coal in Kentucky and how the decline in the industry has affected the economics of the State. While in the mine, the class viewed all aspects of the coal mining process. It all was quite impressive. After the coal mine tour, we drove to dinner at the Crowded House in Madisonville to hear the Honorable Richard Frymire, former County Judge Executive, and retired Major General, USAF address the class. The night was polished off with a surreal virtual reality gaming experience at The Ledge.
On Thursday the class drove to Lake Barkley to catch a bus to Eddyville to tour the Kentucky State Penitentiary (KSP). After checking into KSP we met with Warden DeEdra Hart (the first female Warden), her staff and with Interim Commissioner Kathleen Kenney. The class toured many cell houses, the sewing shop, and the execution house. We concluded the tour with panel discussions; one with four inmates, and another with members of the prison staff. The tour of KSP was an emotionally draining, therefore the reception following the tour at the Harper House in Cadiz was well-received. Thanks to Planters Bank for rolling out the red carpet with food, drink, and entertainment. The day was concluded with a short yet expressive, open class discussion on the deck at Lake Barkley about the day.
Friday began with a choice of field activities lead by Lake Barkley Park Staff. Choices were a scavenger hunt, archery, and nature/bug walk. Afterward, we heard the story of Lake Barkley provided by Nick Edmunds, Lake Barkley’s Recreation Director. The day closed out with a presentation by Kentucky Department of Park Commissioner Donnie Holland and Paige Thompson who highlighted many gems of Kentucky – our State parks.
The Western Kentucky session was an enlightening and eventful session!
