By Aaron Mudd - BG Daily News - Photos by Austin Anthony - BG Daily News

Mike Greer is teaching the basics of using metalworking machines to a group of pupils at a workshop at the Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Transpark Center. 

Greer, an assistant professor of computerized manufacturing and machining, kept a watchful eye Monday on students as they took turns learning to use a lathe, a piece of equipment that shapes metal as it’s spun on a wheel like a piece of clay. 

Although the demonstration might be routine for Greer, it’s not for his students. That’s because several of the “students” are actually high school teachers and other personnel who want to learn more about advanced manufacturing so they can better guide students into viable careers. 

Educational sessions like these are a part of two summer sessions hosted by SKyCTC to help change perceptions around careers in advanced manufacturing by educating high school teachers and counselors. The first session began Monday and will run through Friday and another session is next week. Funding for the camp comes from a National Science Foundation grant and helps keep the camp free for participants. Along with projects and activities throughout the week, the camp also provides lunch to participants and a $500 stipend for those who complete the week. 

Just like Greer’s regular students, participants in the camp started off by learning the basics of machines like lathes and surface grinders. Greer, who has taught at SKyCTC since 2006, teased participants as he explained the complexities of each machine. After showing them how to use a surface grinder, which involves turning two hand wheels in a precise way to grind grooves into a metal block, participants struggled to use it properly. It became clear to the participants that the work isn’t easy and requires skill. 

Destiny O’Rourke, a college and career readiness coach at Bowling Green High School who tried both the lathe and the surface grinder, said there’s a lot of precision, attention to detail and math involved with manufacturing careers. Although the camp lined up with her expectations, O’Rourke said high school students sometimes have different perceptions of what manufacturing work is like. They tell her it’s like working on an assembly line or in a sweatshop. 

In Cristen Olson’s experience as a BGHS chemistry teacher, students often don’t fully recognize their options.

“I want my students to have access to all the opportunities in the community,” she said. 

Fellow BGHS chemistry teacher Susan Morgan said the camp gave her real world examples to convey course concepts to students. Understanding the importance of converting between the U.S. standard and metric measuring systems is one example, Morgan said. 

Greer, who has been in the tool and die trade since 1978, said most people don’t realize the good living that can be made in his field.

For Greer, the result means more than the process. 

“It’s the satisfaction of knowing that you made that with your hands.”

By JUSTIN STORY bgdailynews.com

Thirty-one years after beginning her professional life in Bowling Green teaching inmates at Warren County Regional Jail, Mary Ford closed out her career Tuesday at the jail, offering congratulations and encouragement to those who had earned their GED diplomas.

Ford, who is retiring as the program manager for adult education at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, spent the time in between motivating people to better themselves through education.

Ford’s involvement in adult education here evolved from being a GED instructor at the jail to overseeing the GED program, basic computer skills, college readiness, employability and other adult programs offered by SKYCTC.

Warren County Jailer Jackie Strode said Ford’s unflagging optimism as a mentor to people struggling to find their footing in a changing job market is one of her most impressive qualities.

“She’s just a positive person who saw the importance of the GED program at the jail and she’s never stopped helping,” Strode said. “Her attitude has been, ‘I want to help them, because they’ve taken the first step toward helping themselves.’ ”

Ford graduated with a degree in business education from Alcorn State University in Mississippi and earned a master’s degree in education and behavioral science studies from Western Kentucky University.

After an unsatisfactory stint as a student teacher, Ford eventually transitioned to adult education, finding her niche helping those without a high school degree who found themselves stifled by a lack of education and wanting to make up for lost time.

“This was a second chance for most of these people, and they were really into it and worked hard to get it,” Ford said of the students she taught. “They had made mistakes and couldn’t go any further, and I felt they were really sincere about learning.”

The format of the GED was changed near the end of Ford’s career so that the test is more difficult, but it is also meant to give a clearer indication of a student’s readiness for post-secondary education.

While Ford had some reservations initially about the changes, she sees the importance of the new test and believes the graduates are better prepared for professional and educational opportunities.

Ford occasionally hears from people she has taught over the years who thank her for her help.

“They still remember you and appreciate you and let you know it,” Ford said.

When Anthony Cartmel of Russellville was in high school, he thought he wanted to be an automotive mechanic. In fact, his plans were to take automotive technology classes at the Russellville Area Technology Center (RACT) and then complete his training at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC). However, when he tried to sign up for the automotive classes, he was told the class was full and he would have to pick another program.

By happenstance, he enrolled in the Machine Tool program at RATC, and the rest, as they say, is history. He found a true passion for Advanced Manufacturing.  In fact, Anthony, while attending RACT, won the Gold Medal in the Regional Skills USA competition in Machining.

By the time Anthony enrolled at SKYCTC in the Computerized Manufacturing and Machining Technology Program, he had a good foundation in lathes and milling machines and the fundamentals of applied machining, and he had a real love of the craft.

When CGS Machine and Tool called the College looking for someone to work part-time while attending school, Anthony’s name surfaced.

“Anthony is one of those students who has a real knack for advanced manufacturing and machining,” says Brian Sparks, Associate Professor of Engineering Technology at SKYCTC.

The flexible schedule at SKYCTC allowed him to work at CGS while going to school. He was able to come to work in the evenings and apply what he’d learned that day in class at SKYCTC.

“Every class I took at SKYCTC applied to what I do at CGS,” says Anthony.  “In fact, one class I never thought I would use in my job, Algebra, I have never stopped using since I left school,” he said.

CGS Machine & Tool, Inc., employs approximately 50 workers at its Bowling Green facility. The company machine’s and fabricates parts for companies such as; Link Belt Crane, Bendix, BG Metalforming, Nasco, and Holley Automotive, to name a few.

“Anthony has far exceeded our expectations,” said Frankie Skipworth, Operations Manager at CGS. “We couldn’t have picked a better person to run the 7-axis machine.  Machining seemed to click with him.  I rank him as one of our best machinists on the floor.”

Anthony says the equipment at SKYCTC was exactly comparable to what he now works with at CGS.  That gave him great experience and a good foundation to prepare him for his current job. The Okuma Multi-Access Lathe is the most high-tech piece of equipment that he has worked with.  Only two other companies in the state have that machine.  He has been working with this machine for over a year and it is “what he had been waiting for.”

“The technical programs at SKYCTC teach hands-on skills related to a specific skillset and knowledge based careers,” says Steve Allen, President and Plant Manager at CGS. We can work advanced manufacturing students while they are in school and many times hire them when they graduate, earning a great salary with little or no college debt to pay back”.

When Anthony graduated from SKYCTC in 2008, he became full-time at CGS and has worked there ever since. He currently lives in Auburn with his wife and two children.

Individuals can get ready to enroll for fall classes at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College with the college’s Admission Fair July 30. 2015.

The Admissions Fair will be held on the College’s Main Campus at 1845 Loop Drive in Bowling Green, Kentucky from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Participants can meet with SKYCTC representatives for one-on-one assistance with completing the admissions application, applying for financial aid, exploring program options, and scheduling an advising and registration appointment.

Those interested in enrolling are asked to bring all transcripts, GED, & scores

Individuals don’t have to wait for the Admissions Fair to sign up for classes. Registration is going on now. Fall classes begin August 17.

For more information, call (270) 901-1000.

Bowling Green, Ky. (July 20, 2015)– The following Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College students have been named to the Dean's List and President’s List during the Spring 2015 semester. To be named to the Dean's List a student must have attained a grade average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.To be named to the President’s List a student must have a 4.0 grade average.

President’s List students are designated by an * after their name.

Honored by county of residence are:

ADAIR COUNTY

Patrick Kahn

ALLEN COUNTY

Lillian Grace Berry, Breana Alys Boards, Austin Blake Ferrell, Jeffrey Allen Gammons, Elisa Marie Jones, Andrea Shea Parrish*, Moriah Arielle Peterson*,  Katina Jean Shelton*, Amy Lee Shockley*, Brandon Dean Stewart*,  Michala Ann Thomas, Connie Lynn Walters*, Lori Beth Willoughby, Shawn Michael Willoughby

BARREN COUNTY

BRECKINRIDGE COUNTY

Tayler Anthony Whitfill

BUTLER COUNTY

Chelsea Nicole Dockery*, Kimberly Louise Dreise, Jamie Lynn Hale*, Zachary Alexander Hicks*, Aaron Michael Jacobs, Cheryl Menes Lindsey, Lydia Rae Murphy, Branden Lane Penner, Felicia Nikole Richardson, Henry Kent Romans, Stephanie Faith Todd

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Justin Lee Clark, Amber Nichole Grubb

EDMONSON COUNTY

Tyler Scott Bullock, Caleb William Childress, Nathan Shane Elmore, Ryan N Hennion, Wilson Dean Jenkins, Christopher Michael Jones, Charles Everett Peck, Jr., Kristal Lee Tennison*, Rachel Kate Thomas*, Robert Wayne Weikel, Samuel Paul Whittington*, Kelsea Leigh Wilson

GRAYSON COUNTY

Brian Dowling*

GREEN COUNTY

Thomas Lee Noe*

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Caleb James Thomas

HART COUNTY

Deborah Nichole Carey, Kelly Michelle Carver, Jonathan Delond Davis*, Melanie Ann Harper, Allyson Beth Kessler*, William Thomas Moldon III, Larry J Norwood, Jorel Dane Rayner, Daniel R Tyler, Sarah Josie Wilkerson

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Whitney L. Cowles*, Jamie Lee Decker

LOGAN COUNTY

William Patrick Abell, Dylan Scott Anderson, Jeremy Scott Anderson, James A Barry, Charles Michael Bradley*, Christina Marie Farmer, David Earl Foster*, Stacy Hartley Hyer*, Marybeth Ashley Johnson*, Julie Danielle Kahl, Haylee Raquel Lamb, Jeremy Matthew Lewis, Tyler Dale Lyons, Brandon Lee Marcum, Michael Aron Marshall, Michael W. Masterman, Thomas Scott Miller, Katherine Ann Moore, Sheridan Keith Overholt, Christopher Lloyd Pearson, James Dale Scott, Judy Darlene Scott, Stacy Justin Smith, Tamala Ray Smith, Kaleb Seth Stratton*, Leslie Ewing Watkins, John Alexander Wright, Sean Paul Wright

METCALFE COUNTY

Sydney Blake Edwards, Kayla Marie Froedge, Kiefer Ray Holmes*, Charlie Andrew Miller, Brandon Lee Rigsby, Erin Elizabeth Underwood, Jimmy Lewis Walker

MONROE COUNTY

Amy R Fletcher*, Erica Danielle Milam*, Amber June Russell, Charles Dylan Wood*

MUHLENBURG COUNTY

Eric Ryan Harper, Chad Richard Moore, Skyler Phillips

OHIO COUNTY

Alicia Spring Haynes

OLDHAM COUNTY

Taylor Loren Brown

SIMPSON COUNTY

Charley Jo Allen, Byron Scott Ball*, Katie Michelle Baxter, Amanda Lee Cardwell, Bobbie Jean Chandler*, Janet Clifford*, Jamie Ruth Creasey*, Malina Starr Cunningham*, Wendy Renee Delk*,  Susianne Elizabeth Eaker, Maria Lynn Fykes, Shania Le'shae Gamble, Rya Jasmine Grimes, Eric Lee Higginbotham, Casey Jo Keen, Samantha Michelle Kelley, Holly Brooke Malone, Casey Dillon Phillips, James Earl Shoulders, Jessica Ashley Spears*, Brian William Strain

TAYLOR COUNTY

Lindsey Erin Wise

TODD COUNTY

Matthew Daniel Cox

WARREN COUNTY

Stephen Robert Alford, Dylan Joseph Angle, Dustin Dwayne Appling, Adam Paul Baack, Clint Tyler Bailey, Chelsey Marie Beals, Edin Becirovic, Sonia Berman*, Travis Robert Besaw, Shannon D Botts, Amanda Ann Brabham, Crystal Dawn Bratcher, Chad Jason Brook*, Paul Bradford Browder,  Kimberly Sue Brown, Sjon-paul Cameron Brown*,  Makenize Victoria Brumit, Paul John Buchner,  Billy James Burgett, Jessica Nicole Burke, Roger Dale Burns, Jeffrey Burton, Rebecca Nichole Cadena, Blake Andrew Campbell, Rachel Renee Carson*, Robey Noel Carson*, David Alexander Carver*,  Shannon Felisha Chichester, Allison Faith Clark, Richelle Elizabeth Cline, Jeremy Wayne Coleman, Laura Ashley Cohron*, David Wallace Cole*,  Lauren Megan Copas,  Clay Boone Cornelison, Laura Geanine Cox, Paris Scott Cross, Jason Todd Crowley, Catherine Ashley Cummings*,  Warren Arthur Curtis, Nejra Delic, Darrell Alan Dicey*, Caleb Scott Dillingham*,  Jeffrey Scott Downing, Justin Alan Dunn, Adam Jeffrey Duvall, Tyler Cain Duvall*,  Hoikenani Eliza Figueroa, Christian Flores*,  Isaac Nathaniel Ford, Laura Kathryn Forsythe*,  Megan Taylor Giles,  Seth Colin Glasscock, Emily Claire Golden*,  Autumn Lea Gosser, Brandon Wayne Graham, Jill Meagan Graham, William Fletcher Gregory*, Richard Jarred Grimsley*, Brandon Taylor Hall*,  Joseph Hall, Travis Clay Hardcastle,  Lindsey Harper, Sherry Helit, Jeremy P. Henderson, Summer Renea Hendrick, Darin Deneil Houchins*, Matthew Ryan Hudson, Patrick Wayne Hunt, Brandon Glen Hurt, Havanna Jade Hurt*, Caitlynn Elizabeth Hymer, Joseph James Ignacio, William Howard Janes, Caitlyn Rene' Johnson*, Catherine E. Jones*,  Christina Marie Jones,  Maegan Danielle Jones, Samantha Kaye Kalass, Chelsea Danielle Kirby*, Kimberley Maechelle Lawrence*,  Ashley Marie Lenau, Laura Lee Lewis*, Roger Carl Lincoln*, Jonathan Adam Locke*, Travis Dwight Lowe*, Juan Carlos Luna, Michaela Lillia Manning, Courtney N Mckain*, Britni Michele Miller, Faith Marie Miller,  Hayley Nicole Miller, Sandra Christina Moore, Thomas Alan Moss,  Brandon R. Murphy, Sevil Akramovna Mushtalova*, Jeffery L. Myers, Kelly Joe Nash*,  Randy Allan Neal, Jessica Nicole Neudecker, Emily Marie Nole,  Olivia Frances Obermyer, Lauren Davis Oller, Wanda Lynn Orick, Shelby Lynn Pagel, Preston Parrish, Robert Earl Pate*, Yash Nikeshkumar Patel*,  Brandon Robert Patterson,  Effie DeLois Peay, John Robert Poole*,  John E Porter,  Sarah Leeanna Poston, Marisela Quintanilla, Joseph Lee Ramsey, Sarah Elizabeth Redding,  Kimberly Jill Renfro, Jacob Alan Riley,  Samantha Isabel Rivera, Cynthia Ann Roberts*, Amber Rebecca Robinson*,  Dinastee Nikole Robinson, Steven Steele Rogers,  Pantea Saba, Jonathan David Sackett, Tiffani Breanna Saltsman, Rebecca Jo Sanders, Jonathan Stephen Schaefer*,  Julie Banner Schuck,  Kayla Michelle Schwindel, Alexandra Nicole Scott*,  Jessica Gwen Seckel, Benjamin Michael Settle, Anjel Sha Shears, Jannah Kolby Shive*,  Frederick Charles Siegle,  Leighia Michelle Simouth, Chris Allen Slamans, Cody Andrew Smith, Madison Haylee Smith*,  Morgan Nicole Smith, Tiffany Lynn Sprinkle, Keitan Anderson Stacks, Darlene Kay Stewart*, Hayden Jones Thomas, Jacklyn Dawn Travis*,  Storm Thomas Turner, Phoenix Denison Turner*, Kay-dee Vales*,  Jennifer Lane Vibbert, Chester Daniel Vincent*,  Carl Edwin Waters, Riley Lynn Watson, Emily Anne Wells, Jackie Allen White*, Morgan Brooke White, Daphne Dawn-Marie Whitley, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Wilson*, Kristi Renea Woolbright*,  Ashley Colleen Wurst, Heather Emily Yule*, Marina Ivanavna Zerskaya*, Sara Lindsey Zwakenberg*

OUT OF STATE

Raymond Andrew Osborne*, Washoe,  NV
Amber Nicole Goad, Macon, TN
Heather Louise Turner*, Macon, TN
Shannon Victoria Wright*, Macon, TN
William John Houser*,  Sumner, TN
Mandy Marie Matsumoto*, Sumner, TN
John Lewis Hall, Middlesex, VA

 If you are traveling to the Main Campus of SKYCTC, Monday, July 27 - Thursday, July 31st, you will need to take an alternate route.

Please NOTE:  Due to construction, Loop Drive will be inaccessible from Morgantown Road on Monday, July 27th and will not be accessible again until Friday, July 31st .  Loop Drive will be assessable from Veterans Memorial Parkway via Stonehenge Avenue and Rock Creek Drive.  See directions below:

From Veterans Memorial Parkway, turn onto Stonehenge Avenue, turn right onto Western Green Avenue, turn left onto Rock Creek Drive.  Loop Drive is at the end of Rock Creek Drive.  You may enter the college through Gate 3 or Gate 4. 

We apologize for the inconvenience. 

Bowling Green, KY (August 10, 2015) –Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) is excited to announce that they will introduce a new Student Ambassador program beginning in the Fall of 2015. The Student Ambassador program is being created based on research that shows that having a peer mentor can help increase student success rates among college students.

“Not only will our Student Ambassadors assist in recruiting efforts for SKYCTC but they will also be assigned specific students so that they can act as a tutor, career coach and help with advisement.  Student Ambassadors will also help new students be more engaged with student life activities,” said Kyle Barron, Director of Student Life and Engagement. 

Student Ambassadors are required to have a grade point average of 3.0 out of 4.0, completed 12 credit hours at SKYCTC and supply a completed application including letters of recommendation. After that an extensive interview processes was conducted to select the current 18 Student Ambassadors.  Each campus will have a Student Ambassador assigned to that location.  The Student Ambassadors also must complete a two week training intensive to be ready to serve in this role.

The current Student Ambassadors are (pictured left to right): (front row) Terri Hanson (Main), April Hilty (Glasgow), Rachel Haynes (Glasgow), Jennifer Jackson (Main), Erin Underwood (Transpark/Main), Sandra Moore (Main), (middle row) Krystal Neal (KATI), Ashley Herald (Main), Jessica Spears (Franklin), Katherine Wyatt (Main), Richelle Cline (Main), Emily Nole (Main), Riley Watson (Main), (back row) Taylor Brown (Main), Justin Potter (Main), Aaron Jacobs (Main), Adam Duvall (Main) and Dakota Reed (Transpark/Main).

BY BRIAN HANCOCK EDITOR@FRANKLINFAVORITE.COM

It was a day out of the office, so to say, for several kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin-Simpson.

Monday, they got out of the club and visited Wild Winds Farm here in Franklin. Owned by Roger and Rhonda Barton, the farm lies northeast of Franklin and offers chickens and Muscovy ducks along with their prospective eggs to the public.

Two-legged creatures weren't the only animals kids at the club got to interact with, though. The Bartons' five-acre farm also has several different horses, cows, and even a donkey.

Club kids got to rub them between their ears and learn a little bit about each of the animals as well. Linda Larson, a friend of Barton's and an affiliate of the American Camp Association, explained to the group that she has to trim horses' hooves periodically, or else they'll lose their balance.

A horse's brain is about the size of a tennis ball, added Larson, and you can always tell if a horse likes you if their ears are pointed towards you.

The kids were also taught about the differences between omnivores and herbivores, and how the two kinds of animals have different kinds of teeth and jaw structure. They got to touch the skins of animals such as raccoons and groundhogs as well.

"I think they really enjoyed it," said Barton. "I know I did. The kids were inquisitive and asked a whole bunch of questions. They answered all of ours, and were bright, eager and happy to learn."

Wild Winds Farm also partnered with SKYCTC on the day, which brought a drone out for the kids to observe. Lance Lockhard, the agriculture specialist in Butler County for SKYCTC, flew the drone high above the farm's rolling hills for all of the kids present.

"I really liked the drone and the horses," said Teresa Miskic. When she tried a homegrown tomato offered by Barton, though, she was speechless.

Barton, who works at SKYCTC as an administrative assistant, plans to bring more kids out to her farm in the future. The college holds ‘Career Craze Camps' during the summer, and an agricultural edition of the camp will be held next year. Middle school students will be invited out to her farm for a day camp over the course of four consecutive days. If interested in any of the Career Craze Camps, contact SKYCTC at 270-901-1000.

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) will host their annual “Evening with Industry”, Healthcare and Manufacturing, for high school students and residents of Barren and surrounding counties, Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at Barren County High School.

The event will feature speakers from Business and Industry in the areas of healthcare and technology. High school sophomores, juniors and seniors are especially encouraged to attend and take advantage of the opportunity to speak with area industry representatives, regarding; employment opportunities and what education and training is needed to secure employment with these companies.

SKYCTC admission, faculty, and financial aid personnel will also be on hand to answer question about programs offered and enrollment procedures. Representatives from the SKYCTC Glasgow Technology Campus as well as the Glasgow Health Campus will be available to answer question about the Industrial Maintenance, Computer and Information Technologies, and Allied Health and Nursing programs offered at the two campuses.

The event is free and open to the public and will conclude with a free dinner for everyone who attends.

Students and their parents interested in attending the event are encouraged to call 270-659-6928 so the College can get an idea of how many will be attending.

Crowds filled the dining hall as people are served bread and soup during the Empty Bowls event Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Money raised will be split between Manna Mart, the food pantry at HOTEL INC, and the Life Care Ministry run by the University Church of Christ. Photo by: (Miranda Pederson/photo@bgdailynews.com)

Cynthia Baker was excited to find the 20 bowls she made in her art class at South Warren High School were among hundreds of others by local artists at the third annual Empty Bowls fundraiser Wednesday at Knights of Columbus Hall. 

“It’s really cool to walk in and see that’s your bowl,” the 17-year-old Baker said. “It’s really inspiring to see something that we’ve made be such a contribution.”

Hundreds of guests at the event, which raises money for local food pantries, picked one of 750 bowls and ate meals of soup and bread donated by restaurants. They took home the bowl as a reminder that people face hunger daily.   

Empty Bowls outgrew its original location at St. James United Methodist Church, where event organizer Garry Taylor is a member. The church ran out of space last year for both the bowls and guests, so it was moved to Knights of Columbus Hall this year.  

“It’s really exciting,” Taylor said. “When I did the first one, it was my hope that this would become a big annual event. I think we’re off to a good start.”

About $7,200 was raised Wednesday, and the money will be split between Manna Mart, the food pantry at HOTEL INC, and the Life Care Ministry run by University Church of Christ. 

Nearly a quarter of the bowls were made by students of Casey Bates, an art teacher at South Warren. She heard about Empty Bowls from Taylor and has encouraged students to make bowls for the event all three years. 

“I just thought it was really cool,” Bates said. “It’s just strictly artists having a way to give back to the local community. I just think it’s awesome because we know exactly where (the money) goes, and we know it’s feeding people in Bowling Green.”

Among the event’s volunteers were culinary arts students from Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, who made vegetable beef stew, potato soup and cornbread for the guests to eat. 

“You get to use your skills to help other people,” SKYCTC student John Sackett said. “It’s a win-win thing.”

Edwards Fields of Frankfort, a volunteer through Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College where he works, serves soup during the Empty Bowls event Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Money raised will be split between Manna Mart, the food pantry at HOTEL INC, and the Life Care Ministry run by the University Church of Christ. Photo by: (Miranda Pederson/photo@bgdailynews.com)

Empty Bowls is not only an opportunity for culinary students to serve their community, but it gives them experience feeding a large group of people, according to Jason Lindsey, executive chef and instructor at the culinary arts program.

“This will help them understand that there’s a need to help everyone, not just to make a dollar,” he said. “You’re actually serving the leg you stand on. The community ... is what you stand on. It gives those eye opening moments.” 

Shari Strode of Bowling Green attended Empty Bowls for the second year in a row.

“It’s just a really unique fundraiser for a really good cause,” she said. “The symbolism of the empty bowl is a good touch. It makes it meaningful.”

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and each of its 16 colleges are partnering with African-American and Latino churches throughout the state to host college information fairs for prospective college students and their families. Since 2011, KCTCS colleges have partnered with more than 150 churches and have shared the Yes You Can Go To College message with more than 33,000 individuals. This community-based outreach effort is paying off, resulting in increased college attendance among African-Americans and Latinos in Kentucky.

The day will promote higher education to show students how they can achieve a college education. It will also highlight the role of parental involvement and early preparation in facilitating successful access to college for African-Americans and Latino populations. It is part of the KCTCS Super Sunday statewide effort to encourage early planning for college and the involvement of community members as mentors for young people.

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College’s (SKYCTC) Super Sunday and Super Sabado events were postponed due to inclement weather. The events have been rescheduled for the following dates:

Super Sunday at Trinity Full Gospel Baptist Church

200 Center Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Service at 10:45 am
College Fair: Immediately after the worship service.

Super Sunday at State Street Baptist Church

340 State Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Service at 10:00 am
College Fair: Immediately after the worship service.

Super Domingo Latino Event at St. Joseph Catholic Church

434 Church Avenue, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Service at 12:30 pm
College Fair: Immediately after the worship service.

Everyone is invited to attend either of this year’s Super Sunday and Super Domingo events.

Bowling Green, KY (September 9, 2015) – Jeff Downing and Aaron Sowell, advanced Culinary Arts students at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC), competed in the Kentucky State Fair Cast Iron Chefs Cooking Competition on the Gourmet Garden Stage on Friday August 21.

The Kentucky State Fair Cast Iron Chefs is a 30 minute cook-off with a mystery basket that included flat iron steak, cheese crackers, sour cream, and apricot marmalade. The challenge was to create a breakfast dish featuring the KY Beef Councils steak and KY Proud products and make three serving of each entree for the judges. Each student was teamed with a SKYCTC Chef instructor who served as their assistant.

Jeff and Aaron are both advanced students in the Culinary Arts program and received State Fair Blue Ribbons and custom cutting boards for their performance. This will become an annual competition event for SKYCTC Culinary Arts students.

Release from Bowling Green Area Chamber

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, launched the On Track motorsports education initiative, in partnership with the Warren County Area Technology Center, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, Western Kentucky University and Holley Performance Products.

Earlier this year, the Chamber, in partnership with the Bowling Green Economic Development Authority, purchased two second-generation Chevrolet Camaros from Holley and donated them to Warren County Area Technology Center and Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College.  During the 2015-16 school year, students will completely rebuild the cars using multiple educational disciplines, including science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). During this process, industry experts will work closely with students and faculty to aid in the development of the cars as well as the curriculum. In 2016, the cars will compete in the Holley LSFest Grand Champion competition, while also being judged on their business/marketing plan as well as their use of STEM educational principles.

"This collaborative approach involves Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Business, Automotive, and Welding standards.  This mixture of theory and real-life application will provide kinesthetic learners with the opportunity to learn academic standards while actually touching and experiencing the "why" they need to know a particular concept," said Eric Keeling, Warren County ATC principal. "This initiative will inspire excitement and passion for students who are interested in all things automotive."

The Warren County Tech Center will establish build team partners in each of their sectors, collaborating with each of the feeder schools.  Greenwood High School will provide the Science team, South Warren High School will provide the Business team, Warren Central High School will provide the Physics team, Warren East High School will provide the Math team, and Bowling Green Independent Schools will provide additional Marketing services for the build team.  At present, Cannon, Shiloh, SCA, and Bowling Green Metal Forming have offered representatives to serve as mentors.  Dr. Greg Arbuckle of Western Kentucky University's Engineering Department is serving as the Engineering advisor.  Kim Phelps and Meredith Robinson of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce will advise the Marketing team.

"The last few months have been both exciting and confirming.  The community support for On-Track has been over-whelming.  This confirms the importance of the program to the area and that as a community we are on the right track," said Chris Cumens, vice president of finance and administration at SKYCTC. 

"With over 4,000 manufacturing job openings anticipated in 2016, the On Track initiative will help stimulate the development of highly-skilled talent for the future workforce of South Central Kentucky," said Mayor Bruce Wilkerson. "I'm eager to be a part of this pioneering endeavor."

The On Track initiative is a crucial piece of the Chamber's commitment to the development of talent for the future workforce of South Central Kentucky. According to the 2013 Urgent Call to Action study, South Central Kentucky will have 9,000 job openings in manufacturing alone by 2020. The On Track initiative introduces STEM concepts in a practical setting that will help develop a highly skilled talent pipeline for South Central Kentucky.

According to Chamber President and CEO Ron Bunch, "The On Track initiative plays an important role in workforce development in South Central Kentucky.  Through this initiative, students will not only learn valuable skills in the STEM disciplines, but they will also be introduced to automotive career pathways and opportunities they may not have thought possible.  The motorsports community is strong in South Central Kentucky and we are delighted to be able to support an initiative that will train future workers to support and grow our automotive manufacturing industry."

"The motorsports and automotive industries are an important part of the fabric of South Central Kentucky. I am pleased to witness the realization of an initiative connecting the growth of our economic development and setting high education standards on a national level," said Mike Buchanon, Warren County Judge-Executive.

For those businesses and individuals who wish to receive more information, or be involved in the On Track initiative, we are seeking monetary and product donations as well as mentors. For more information, contact Kim Phelps at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce by calling 270-901-4611 or emailing kim@bgchamber.com.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.(WBKO) -- A school shooting is the worst fear any place of education has. More than 10 people killed in Oregon last week makes the shooting at Umpqua Community College the deadliest on a college campus in 2015.

It has schools, including other community colleges, thousands of miles away reminding students and staff about safety plans in place.

"We do have a communication plan in place that does include messaging via text if anything were to occur on campus or the local community. We also have good communication with the local police department," said SKYCTC Interim Vice President of Student and Organizational Success, Brooke Justice.

The main campus of SKYCTC in Bowling Green not only has its own security personnel, it also has dozens of cameras covering almost every corner in view with the click of a button.

Students who heard about last week's shooting say it upset them, but doesn't have them worried enough to ask for change.

"We're all close and nice to each other. It's easy to be friendly with each other. Nobody has any problems with each other," commented student Emily Gillespie.

"The fact that it happened at a community college and I'm at a community college, doesn't mean it's going to happen at every community college. As far as gun control, it happens. It can't be controlled literally by anybody. Someone can always find their way to get their hands on a gun," said student Moriah Isomura

The school says it plans to keep safety in foreground, but it's not going to push things any further just yet.

"Currently we don't have any intentions of going forward with metal detectors on campus. We do want to make sure that we still uphold our crisis management plan and included in that plan we'll make sure to do routine evaluations and reviews to see if there are any opportunity for improvements," added Justice.

Link to video news story

Bowling Green, Ky. (WBKO) -- Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College hosted a free Sexual Assault, Dating Violence and Stalking seminar featuring speakers and a panel from Hope Harbor.

The event also featured a question and answer session and an information table providing literature.

Hope Harbor provides nonjudgmental and confidential support services to those affected by sexual assault or abuse and attempts to reduce the risk of victimization in the Barren River Area Development District.

Hope Harbor is a non-profit crisis counseling center that provides one-of-a-kind services to victims of sexual assault and their families and friends. These services are available to residents in Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, and Warren Counties in Kentucky. The main office is in Bowling Green with satellite offices for additional counseling services located in Franklin and Glasgow

Don't know what to do with your used mobile phones and accessories? Here's a great way to get rid of them while helping others. Drop them off at any Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) campus from Oct. 12 – Nov. 13 to assist victims of domestic violence. SKYCTC is participating in the statewide HopeLine from Verizon project and has collection boxes set up at each of the college’s six campuses in Bowling Green, Glasgow, and Franklin. Faculty, staff, students and community members may donate any type of phone from any carrier.

Phones donated to HopeLine are refurbished and recycled in an environmentally safe way with proceeds going toward the financial support of domestic violence awareness and prevention initiatives. Verizon also donates new wireless phones through the HopeLine program, complete with service and data, to domestic violence shelters and non-profit organizations for use by survivors.

Since 2001, HopeLine has collected more than 11.4 million phones, donated more than $29 million in cash grants, and provided more than 190,000 phones with wireless service and data to domestic violence organizations nationwide. 

"Kudos to every KCTCS participant, from Dr. Box to administrative staff, to faculty members and students, for standing strong against sexual and dating violence on community and technical college campuses across Kentucky," said Marion Nolan, Verizon associate director in Kentucky.  Nolan and her Kentucky team have collected thousands of devices for HopeLine since the program was launched in 2001. "The beauty about HopeLine from Verizon is that it enables everyone to take that stand, simply by digging in the backs of drawers and closets to find those phones and accessories they're not using anyway, and donating them to fight this scourge."

At the conclusion of the Kentucky Drive, Verizon will present grants totaling $50,000 to:

• Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence (KCADV), which mobilizes and supports member programs and allies to end intimate partner violence.
• Legal Aid Society, which provides free legal services to the most disadvantaged in the community, including survivors of domestic violence.

• UK Office for Policy Studies on Violence Against Women, which works to enhance direct services to victims, legal response and legislative reform related to violence against women through policy research and analysis, and empirically driven advocacy and practice.

For more information on the Hopeline initiative at SKYCTC, contact Millie Wells at 270-901-1153.

Drop boxes for your used phones and equipment are:

Franklin-Simpson Center - Contact - Rhonda Barton

Glasgow Health - Contact - Chandana Ariyawansa, Office B-203 

Glasgow Technology Campus - Contact – Mark Powell

KATI - Contact - Amy Norrod, Office #216 

Main Campus - Contact – Millie Wells, Office #119, Building H

Transpark Center - Contact - Marsha Shorts