Severe Weather: Staying Safe to air at 9 tonight on KET

As so many of us know, severe weather — destructive winds, hail, lightning, floods, and tornadoes — can occur any time of the year, and with the events of Wednesday fresh in our minds (as well as the possibility of more to come on Friday), it's a good idea to get all the information you can on how to stay safe when the worst does happen.

On KET tonight, Severe Weather: Staying Safe will air, and experts will outline steps you can take to reduce the risk of death and injury.  Viewers are invited to call in with their questions for host Bill Goodman's guests this evening.

His guests will be:

• John Heltzel, director, Kentucky Emergency Management
• Tony Edwards, National Weather Service warning coordinator meteorologist, Jackson County
• Bruce Thomas, Midland Radio

The program will air live at 9 p.m. Central time (10 Eastern) tonight on KET, with rebroadcasts on KET's Kentucky Channel Monday, Mar. 5 at 10 a.m. CT; Tuesday, Mar. 6 at 6 a.m. CT; and Wednesday, Mar. 7 at 4 a.m. CT.

Severe Weather: Staying Safe is a production of KET in partnership with the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and the Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee, and is produced and directed by Nick Helton.

Information for this story was provided by KET.

Ky. congressman receives Champion of Public Broadcasting Award

U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky./5th)

A Kentucky congressman has received an award for his support of public broadcasting.

The Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) today presented U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) with the Champion of Public Broadcasting Award during the 2012 APTS Public Media Summit in Washington, D.C.

“I am honored to accept this kind award from the Association of Public Television Stations,” Rogers said. “I applaud APTS for their efforts to bring quality programming and educational content into the homes of all Americans.”

The award is given to members of Congress and other individuals who safeguard the ability of local public television stations to provide educational, informational, cultural and other essential public services to their communities.

“We’re so proud to see this Champion of Public Broadcasting Award be presented to our great Kentucky Congressman, Hal Rogers,” said KET executive director and CEO Shae Hopkins. “Throughout his distinguished career, Congressman Rogers has remained committed to improving the lives of the people he serves in eastern and southern Kentucky, and indeed the entire Commonwealth. A champion of education, Congressman Rogers has strongly supported the mission of KET and public broadcasting to provide access to quality educational programs and instructional resources. We are grateful for his longtime support and friendship.”

▼Read more of this story after the jump.

Serving Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981, Rogers is currently in his 16th term representing southern and eastern Kentucky. Throughout Rogers’ 29-year tenure on the Appropriations Committee, he has served on eight different subcommittees, including leadership roles as Chairman or Ranking Member of three subcommittees.

“Congressman Rogers is a longtime supporter and friend of public television, especially KET, his local station,” said Patrick Butler, president and CEO of APTS. “As Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Rogers has safeguarded federal funding for public broadcasting, even while leading the necessary effort to restrain federal spending and reduce the national debt. His support is directly tied to the education mission of public television, which stations like KET perform so well, and we are very grateful to the Congressman for standing with us in these most challenging times.”

Butler concluded: “Congressman Rogers has a long history of serving the special needs of rural America and the Appalachian region, and those needs include the education, job training, informational and other services that public television provides in even the most hard-to-reach areas of our country. KET is the only statewide broadcast medium in Kentucky. We at APTS are grateful to our colleagues at KET for demonstrating the full potential of public television to serve the American people, and we are especially honored to call such a distinguished public servant as Congressman Rogers a champion of public broadcasting.”

Information for this story was provided by KET.

REMINDER: KET's Education Matters to look at the importance of arts education

On the newest edition of Education Matters, “New Directions in Arts Education,” guests take a look at how arts education contributes to a student’s overall academic success. The program airs tonight at 8 p.m. CT on KET.

In the program, arts educators explore the growing body of research that links the study of dance, drama, visual arts and music to overall academic success. They also discuss Kentucky’s new Program Review for assessing each school’s arts and humanities program.

In addition to the panel discussion, the program features a visit to Berea for the annual Walk with the Arts, where students interact with storytellers, potters, musicians and other artists making a connection between creativity and learning.

Panelists on the program include:

• Robert Duncan, arts and humanities consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education
• Sara Francis, orchestra teacher at Edith B. Hayes Middle School in Fayette County
• Scottie Billiter, assistant principal at Letcher County Central High School

KET TeleFund 2012 to include exciting programs, rewards for supporting Ky.'s public TV network

Phantom of the Opera, Bob Ross and more highlight KET’s TeleFund 2012, taking place March 3-18. This year, viewers can expect an exciting blend of programs celebrating many legends of music, performing arts and so much more. TeleFund is an opportunity for viewers to donate toward KET’s mission to provide quality, trusted programs that educate, inspire and entertain.

As always, those who donate during TeleFund will have the chance to receive tickets to a wide range of concerts and experiences, including Celtic Woman, Sesame Street Live and more.

“KET serves all Kentuckians with our rich and diverse educational programming and services,” said Shae Hopkins, KET executive director and CEO. “Our more than 34,000 members that support KET help make this possible. TeleFund 2012 provides an opportunity for our viewers to help ensure KET can continue to purchase, produce and provide the quality programs they enjoy, value and expect.”

During Telefund, viewers may donate by calling 1-800-866-0366 or visiting ket.org/support/. Gifts allow KET to continue to deliver programming that provides insights, discoveries, culture, excitement and entertainment to communities throughout Kentucky — as well as provide a safe haven for the Commonwealth’s youngest citizens through award-winning PBS children’s programming.

Program highlights and more can be found after the jump.

Program highlights for TeleFund 2012:

Bob Ross: The Happy Painter takes a behind-the-scenes look at Ross’s journey from humble beginnings to an American pop-culture icon. Famous Ross enthusiasts, including talk-show pioneer Phil Donahue, film stars Jane Seymour and Terrence Howard, and more provide insights into the man, the artist and his legacy. The program premieres Saturday, March 3 at 9 a.m. CT and Saturday, March 17 at 9 a.m. CT on KET.

A lavish production celebrating the 25th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece, Great Performances “Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall” stars Ramin Karimloo as The Phantom, Sierra Boggess as his protégé Christine Daae and Hadley Fraser as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny. The romantic trio is backed by a complete cast and orchestra of more than 200, as well as surprise special-guest appearances. The program premieres Sunday, March 4 at 7 p.m. CT on KET.

Doc Martin—Behind the Scenes is a compilation of footage about the show’s characters; the town of Port Isaac, Cornwall, United Kingdom, where the show is filmed; what it’s like working with Martin Clunes, who plays Doc Martin; how the character of Doc Martin originated; and the worldwide popularity of the series. The program premieres Thursday, March 8 at 8:30 p.m. CT on KET.

Suze Orman’s Money Class reveals her expert advice on what actions people should take in light of the new economy. The program airs Saturday, March 3 at noon CT and Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. CT on KET.

Music programs abound during this year’s Telefund. Celtic Woman — Believe, filmed at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, includes an array of visual and musical effects, including a 20-piece orchestra and the 16-piece Atlanta Bagpipe Band. The program airs Saturday, March 3 at 7 p.m. CT and Saturday, March 17 at 8 p.m. ET on KET.

Jackie Evancho, the America’s Got Talent sensation, stars in Great Performances “Jackie Evancho: Dream With Me in Concert.” The 11-year-old’s solo concert includes “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “All I Ask of You,” and “O Mio Babbino Caro.” The program airs Monday, March 5 at 7 p.m. CT on KET.

In Peter, Paul and Mary: Carry It On: A Musical Legacy, singers Peter, Paul and Mary and two of their mentors, Pete Seeger and Ronnie Gilbert, recall the cultural revolution of the 1960s when music became a unifying force amid the hopeful, idealistic and sometimes turbulent movements of social change. Performances include archival footage of "Blowin' in the Wind" from the 1963 March on Washington and "The Times They Are a-Changin'" from the Newport Folk Festival, plus clips from the trio's previous television specials and intimate rehearsal renditions of songs from the 2004 album In These Times. The program airs Saturday, March 3 at 10 a.m. CT on KET2.

On Big Band Vocalists, Nick Clooney and Peter Marshall host this look back at the greatest “crooners” and “canaries” of the 1940s, featuring the greatest vocalists of the period: Louis Armstrong, Perry Como, Doris Day, Peggy Lee and more. The program premieres Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m. CT on KET.

Legends of the 1960s unite in 60s Rock, Pop and Soul, an all-new live performance. Co-hosts Peter Noone and Davy Jones sing their biggest hits. The program airs Saturday, March 3 at 9 p.m. CT on KET. Then, skip to the next decade with Superstars of 70s Soul Live, where soul diva Patti LaBelle hosts performances by 1970s Motown, R&B, soul and disco legends. The program airs Wednesday, March 7 at 9 p.m. CT on KET2.

Joe Bonamassa: Beacon Theater—Live from New York features the blues rock guitarist performing at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London, where he’s joined onstage by Eric Clapton. The program airs Sunday, March 4 at 10 p.m. CT on KET.

Ticketed events

Viewers who donate during TeleFund 2012 may request, as a thank-you gift, tickets to concerts and other events. Ticketed events for TeleFund 2012 include:

• Human Nature: March 28, The Palace, Louisville
• Sesame Street Live, April 1, The Brown, Louisville
• Celtic Woman: Believe Tour: April 10, The Palace, Louisville
• The Temptations and Four Tops: April 15, EKU, Richmond
• Aretha Franklin: April 28, EKU, Richmond
• Riverdance: May 4, EKU, Richmond
• News and Views with Bill and Renee: May 10, Frankfort
• Joe Bonamassa: May 11, Rupp Arena, Lexington
• Kentucky Collectibles: May 19-20, KET studios, Lexington
• Coasters, Drifters, Platters: June 5, EKU, Richmond

More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at ket.org.

Information for this story was provided by KET.

KET's Education Matters to show how arts education contributes to student success

On the next edition of Education Matters, “New Directions in Arts Education,” guests take a look at how arts education contributes to a student’s overall academic success. The program airs Monday, Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. CT on KET.

In the program, arts educators explore the growing body of research that links the study of dance, drama, visual arts and music to overall academic success. They also discuss Kentucky’s new Program Review for assessing each school’s arts and humanities program.

In addition to the panel discussion, the program features a visit to Berea for the annual Walk with the Arts, where students interact with storytellers, potters, musicians and other artists making a connection between creativity and learning.

Panelists on the program include:

• Robert Duncan, arts and humanities consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education
• Sara Francis, orchestra teacher at Edith B. Hayes Middle School in Fayette County
• Scottie Billiter, assistant principal at Letcher County Central High School

Education Matters is a KET production, produced by Nancy Carpenter. More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at ket.org.

Information for this story was provided by KET.

KET announces Young Writers Contest for kids in grades K-5

Does your child have a good story to tell? KET has invited children in kindergarten through 5th grade to submit their original illustrated stories to the 2012 KET Young Writers Contest.

KET will select winners at each grade level and award prizes. The first-place stories in each grade level will be published online on the KET website.

The contest is now underway and ends April 15. Read the rules, fill out the entry form, and send in those stories to:

KET Young Writers Contest

600 Cooper Drive

Lexington, KY 40502-2296

I know we've got some talented kids right here in Western Kentucky (last year, Skyla R. of Beaver Dam won third place in the kindergarten category for her entry, The Unicorn of Courage), so parents, I hope you'll encourage your kids to take part in this great contest!

Information for this story was provided by KET.

Slavery By Another Name debuts tonight on KET, other area PBS stations

Throughout February, KET is broadcasting special programming to celebrate Black History Month and the rich heritage and cultural contributions of African Americans. Highlighting this year’s programming is Slavery By Another Name, which debuts tonight at 8 p.m. CT on KET and Wednesday at 8 p.m. CT on KET2.

Slavery By Another Name is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Wall Street Journal senior writer Douglas A. Blackmon. A Sundance Film Festival selection for 2012, the program explores the little-known story of the post-Emancipation era and the labor practices and laws that effectively created a new form of slavery in the South that persisted well into the 20th century.

Blackmon examines the concept of “neoslavery,” which sentenced African-Americans to forced labor for violating an array of laws that criminalized their everyday behavior. It was a system in which men, often guilty of no crime at all, were arrested, compelled to work without pay, repeatedly bought and sold, and coerced to do the bidding of masters. Tolerated by both the North and South, forced labor lasted well into the 20th century.

In addition to KET, other area public television stations will also air Slavery By Another Name tonight and later. They are:

• WNIN-9.1 (Evansville)
• WVUT-22.1 (Vincennes)
• WSIU-8.1 & WUSI-16.1 (Carbondale/Olney)
• Please consult your station of choice for broadcast times.

Information for this story was provided by KET.

KET to look at innovations in rural health care in a special report airing tonight

While the health problems in rural Kentucky are well-reported, much less visible are the community and health care leaders who work to improve conditions. Remaking Rural Health: A KET Special Report explores how advocates across the state are making innovative changes locally to deliver the health care rural Kentuckians need. The program airs tonight at 8 p.m. CT on KET and Monday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. CT on KET2.

Due to alarmingly high rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes, Kentuckians are dying younger and living more unhealthy lives than people in nearly every other state. While these problems affect all Kentuckians, they disproportionately impact rural Kentuckians.

Remaking Rural Health: A KET Special Report looks at several ways in which health care advocates and practitioners are working to improve conditions, including, but certainly not limited to: prevention, strategic use of nurse practitioners, enhanced community outreach and more.

Information for this story was provided by KET.

Kentucky's budget is the subject of tonight's Kentucky Tonight

It's no secret that the Commonwealth of Kentucky has a real mess on its hands when it comes to plugging all the holes in the state's budget for the next two years. What services should be cut? Which should be spared? 

Gov. Steve Beshear has already submitted his proposal to the General Assembly, and four men serving in Frankfort who will help decide what the state's next step will be are scheduled to appear with host Bill Goodman on KET's Kentucky Tonight this evening at 7 p.m. CT.

Goodman's guests will be:

• State Sen. Bob Leeper (I-Paducah), chair of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee
• State Rep. Rick Rand (D-Bedford), chair of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee
• State Rep. Bob DeWeese (R-Louisville), vice chair of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee
• State Sen. Ray Jones (D-Pikeville), member of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee

In addition to airing live on KET this evening, Kentucky Tonight can be seen online at 7 p.m. CT tonight by visiting ket.org/live, and will be broadcast on radio in Western Kentucky on the following radio stations Tuesday at noon CT:

• WKMS-91.3 FM, Murray
• WKMD-90.9 FM, Madisonville

TELEVISION REBROADCASTS:

• Tonight at 11 p.m. CT on KET KY
• Tuesday at 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT on KET KY
• Wednesday at 1 a.m. CT on KET and 4 a.m. CT on KET KY

For a video preview of tonight's program, click here to visit Bill's Eye.