Across Kentucky

THE WORLD’S LARGEST MURAL OF SECRETARIAT was unveiled in a public dedication on Nov. 19 in Paris. Gracing the side of the historic Baldwin Hotel on Main Street, the threestory mural—painted by eastern Kentucky artist Jaime Corum—is the first phase of the Secretariat Park Project, which will include landscaped green space with decorative benches and accent lighting. A life-size bronze sculpture of the 1973 Triple Crown winner will serve as the centerpiece of the park, scheduled to open in November 2023.

Combs Collection at Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg has dedicated a collection of historical papers belonging to the late Bert T. Combs, who served as governor of the Commonwealth from 1959-1963. Along with a bronze bust of Combs, the papers are housed in the university’s Grover M. Hermann Library.

“{Combs’] vision transformed state education, while other states followed this reform,” Cumberlands President Dr. Larry Cockrum said at the dedication. “Roads developed under his administration created jobs and provided access to remote areas … Gov. Combs had a tremendous impact on the lives of all Kentuckians, and we are honored to be part of his legacy.”

A native of Manchester, Combs attended what was then Cumberland College in the late 1920s before obtaining a law degree from the University of Kentucky.

The University of the Cumberlands previously had established the Bert T. Combs Scholarship to help qualified Kentucky students meet full-tuition costs by making up the financial difference between tuition expenses and the students’ federal, state, KEES and merit scholarships.

The Bert Combs Papers can be accessed during library hours. For more information, visit ucumberlands.edu/library.

SOAPBOX DERBY CHAMP

Twelve-year-old Brayden Locher of Owensboro became the 2022 FirstEnergy AllAmerican Soap Box Derby Rally Stock World Champion in Akron, Ohio, in July, capping off a stellar season in which he scored 30 wins. The Rally Stock is one of seven divisions in the championships. Boys and girls ages 7-20 race their gravitypowered vehicles in local competitions around the country to gain points to qualify for the championships. To qualify, a racer needs 600 points. Brayden had 1,142 heading into the championships, ranking second overall in number of points.

Along with a trophy, Brayden received a $3,000 college scholarship and a world championship ring.

2 Mac King (1959), Hopkinsvilleborn magician with a residence at Harrah’s Las Vegas

3 Katie George (1974), Miss Kentucky USA 2015 from Louisville, now a sideline reporter for national sporting events

7 Martha Layne Collins (1936), governor of Kentucky from 1983-87

7 Jennifer Leann Carpenter (1979), Louisville-born actress best known for Dexter (2006-13)

18 Josh Dallas (1978), Louisvilleborn actor known for Once Upon a Time and Manifest

22 Diane Sawyer (1945), Glasgowborn journalist and television show host

28 John Y. Brown Jr. (1933), governor of Kentucky from 1979-83

30 Trish Suhr (1974), Middlesboroborn comedian best known as the “Yard Sale Diva” on the Style Network’s Clean House

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

2 Bryson Tiller (1993), singer/rapper from Louisville

4 Patty Loveless (1957), member of the Grand Ole Opry from Elkhorn City

7 Rand Paul (1963), United States Senator from Bowling Green

8 Crystal Gayle (1951), Grammy Award-winning singer from Paintsville

13 Nick Clooney (1934), newscaster, historian and television host from Augusta

14 Emayatzy Corinealdi (1980), Fort Knox-born actress best known for 2012’s Middle of Nowhere

16 John Carpenter (1948), Bowling Green film producer and director

20 John Michael Montgomery (1965), country music singer from Nicholasville

22 Terry Meiners (1957), radio personality from Louisville