The Murray Sentinel

01/12/2026

UPDATE: At 3:22 p.m., the university provided an update, which read in part:

ATF, the Murray State University Police Department, along with other local agencies, have searched the buildings and determined that there is no credible threat. The Office of Homeland Security has also advised that the threat was a hoax.

For individuals who left their possessions inside Waterfield Library earlier today, there will be a member of the Murray State University Police Department at Waterfield Library until 4:30 p.m.

Classes inside these buildings will resume on Tuesday, January 13.

The safety of our campus community is always our highest priority.

Thank you again for your patience, cooperation and calm response.

*****

According to a Racer Alert notice sent at 12:50 p.m., Murray State University received an email this morning, indicating a bomb threat to a campus library. Officials believe it is likely that this is a hoax, out of an abundance of caution, several buildings have been closed. See the graphic for more information.

01/12/2026

The filing deadline to run in the 2026 primary election passed Friday, meaning ballots for the May 19 primary are now set. Below is a breakdown of the local races in Murray and Calloway County.

In total, 11 candidates are running unopposed, including nine incumbents. The two exceptions are 42nd Judicial District Judge Chris Hendricks and Mayor Danny Hudspeth. Because they are running unopposed, the following candidates will not appear on the primary ballot:

- District 5 State Rep. Mary Beth Imes (R)
- 42nd Judicial District Judge Chris Hendricks (nonpartisan)
- Coroner Ricky Garland (R)
- Sheriff Nicky Knight (R)
- County Attorney Brian Ernstberger (nonpartisan)
- Magistrate, District 1 Ricky Stewart (R)
- Property Valuation Administrator Nikki McMillen-Crouch (R)
- County Clerk Antonia Faulkner (D)
- Constable, District 1 Jebediah Lamb (R)
- Constable, District 3 Tim Stone (D)
- Mayor Danny Hudspeth (nonpartisan)

Kentucky uses closed party primaries, meaning only registered party members can vote in their party’s primary election. The following races will be determined by registered Republicans in May:

- County Judge-Executive: Valerie Frederick (R), Kenny Imes (R) and Paul Rister (R)
- Jailer: Shane Henley (R), Mark McCuiston (R) and Brad Rowland (R)
- Magistrate, District 2: Larry Crutcher (R) and Kenneth Reynolds (R)
- Magistrate, District 3: Don Cherry (R) and Cole Houston (R)

There are two contested partisan races that will be decided in the general election on Nov. 3. Candidates in those races are:

- Magistrate, District 4: Darrell Beane (R) and Davin S. Tabers (D)
- Constable, District 4: Brandon Jay Eldridge (D) and Chesley Thomas (R)

The Murray City Council race is nonpartisan and will be determined in the general election. Here are the candidates:

William “Chip” Adams III
Linda Avery
Jeremy Bell
Holly N. Blalock-Herod
Wesley Bolin
Linda Cherry
Ken Claud
AJ Cunha
Martha “Marti” Erwin
Marty Futrell
Bonnie Higginson
Sue Hood
Thomas Hornbuckle Jr.
Monty McCuiston
Gayle Rogers
Rose Ross
Alice Rouse

01/12/2026

Congratulations to the next Mayor of Murray, Danny Hudspeth!

No one filed to run against the long-time city council member and former interim mayor before the filing deadline for the 2026 general election passed on Friday.

In the photo: Hudspeth speaks during the candidates' forum hosted by the Murray Woman's Club in advance of the 2024 general election. (Jessica Paine/The Murray Sentinel)

01/10/2026

MURRAY – Dr. Laura Foltz has been named Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services at Murray State University, with the contract subject to approval by the Murray State University Board of Regents. The appointment of Foltz concludes a national search, and she will commence her role at Murray State on Jan. 26.

Click the link to read the full press release.

MURRAY – Dr. Laura Foltz has been named Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services at Murray State University, with the contract subject to appr ...

01/09/2026

The Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees Quality Committee will meet at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 14, in the hospital’s Garrison Board Room. See the agenda below.

01/09/2026

The Murray Board of Education will hold a special called meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, in the Murray High School cafeteria. This meeting is in lieu of the regular January meeting. See the tentative agenda below.

01/09/2026

The Murray Human Rights Commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, at City Hall. See agenda below.

01/09/2026

Meeting Notice: The Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees will hold its annual city/county meeting at noon on Friday, Jan. 16, in the 2nd floor meeting room at the CFSB Sycamore Banking Center, 414 South 12th St., and via Microsoft Teams.

Those planning on attending in person are asked to RSVP to [email protected].

Microsoft Teams connection details:
HTTPS://BIT.LY/ANNUALCITYCOUNTYMTG2026
MEETING ID: 28283465889809
PASSCODE: DN9RY9SS

01/08/2026

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today Kentucky is the first state in the nation to launch a lawsuit against an artificial intelligence chatbot company that has preyed on children and led them into self-harm. Filed in Franklin Circuit Court, the complaint alleges Character Technologies, its owners and its product Character.AI broke Kentucky law by prioritizing their own profits over the safety of children.

Click the link to read the full press release.
https://themurraysentinel.org/kentucky-files-nations-first-lawsuit-against-ai-chatbot-accused-of-endangering-kids/

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today Kentucky is the first state in the nation to launch a lawsuit against an artificial intell ...

01/08/2026

John “Johnny” Thomas Gingles, age 74, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Jan. 6, 2026.

He taught physical education at North Elementary and, over his 27-year career, coached various sports at Calloway County High School. Upon retiring from teaching, he continued to work and serve the community as the elected District Four Magistrate for 23 years. In addition, he served eight years as a member of the Murray-Calloway County Parks Board and 20 on the Calloway County Board of Health. In 2011, Governor Steve Beshear appointed him a Kentucky Colonel.

Johnny was also well known for his hobbies and side businesses, including starting and running the Penny Pumpkin Patch in 1992 with his children.

Click the link to read Johnny's full obituary.

July 1, 1951 – Jan. 6, 2026 John “Johnny” Thomas Gingles, age 74, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Jan. 6, 2026. Johnny was born on ...

01/07/2026

The Murray City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday (1/8) at City Hall. See agenda below.

Please note that the Long Range Planning Committee meets at 5:20 p.m., and the Public Works Committee meets at 5:50 p.m.

01/07/2026

The Calloway County Board of Education will hold a work session Wednesday (tomorrow) at 7 a.m. at the central office.