Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has declared a state of emergency in Pike and Shelby counties, hard hit by thunderstorms and flash floods Saturday evening.High winds brought down tree limbs and power lines in Shelby County and other parts of the region, leaving hundreds of utility customers without power.The situation is much worse in Pike County, where severe weather is blamed for two deaths. Flash floods damaged or destroyed dozens of homes and several communities are without tap water. At least four shelters are now open.The emergency declaration frees up state resources to provide disaster relief, including the activation of National Guard troops.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.