Kentucky News Now – July 30th 2015

MAKER'S MARK-LAWSUIT

Judge rejects claim that bourbon was falsely advertised

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that accused Maker's Mark distillery of false advertising for promoting its bourbon as handmade.

Two California plaintiffs said they were misled by the Kentucky bourbon producer's handmade claim on its bottles, known for their red-wax seal.

They said the claim enticed them to purchase Maker's Mark instead of a less expensive whiskey.

Their lawsuit was dismissed this week by U.S. District Judge John A. Houston in California. The judge said a reasonable consumer would not interpret the handmade claim to mean no equipment or automated process was used to manufacture the whiskey.

Plaintiff attorney Mona Amini said Wednesday they are still reviewing the ruling.

Clarkson Hine, a spokesman for Beam Suntory, parent of Maker's, says the company was confident it would prevail.

GE FIRE

GE plant fire probe finds problems with sprinklers, hydrants

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — An outdated sprinkler system, alarms that didn't activate properly and inoperable fire hydrants contributed to the intensity of an April fire at General Electric's Appliance Park that destroyed a giant warehouse.

The Courier-Journal reports an investigation by Louisville Metro's Arson squad says the company had been warned of the problems more than a year ago by an insurer. Among other things, that warning said the building's 1950s-era sprinklers would not be able to handle a fire stoked by the heat of burning plastic parts.

GE is disputing the arson squad's report, saying it contains factual errors. GE also says there was nothing that could have been done to save the building.

Neighbors and a cleanup contractor have sued GE over the blaze.

CAMPUS TOUR

Online tour allows visitors to see Murray State from home

MURRAY, Ky. (AP) — Prospective Murray State students, parents and alumni who want to take a look at campus are now able to do so without leaving home.

Murray State has released an interactive online campus tour with images, videos, links and detailed descriptions of 20 campus locations.

Four Murray State students guide visitors around the locations, providing information at each stop.

The tour also includes a GPS component for smartphone users on campus so they will know when they approach a stop on the tour.

Public relations specialist Allie Douglass says students who don't have a chance to visit schools in person before choosing where to go to college can use the tour to get a feel for Murray State and what it offers.

STATE POLICE APP

Mobile app for Kentucky State Police now available

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — People who want to report a crime, access forms and submit confidential tips may now do so through a mobile app for Kentucky State Police.

But police say it's not for use in an emergency, and people should still use 911 for such events.

The app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android users by searching for "KSPOLICE."

Some of its features include a voice messaging tip line, ability to send a photo tip and access to the sex offender registry.

State police Commissioner Rodney Brewer said in a news release the app is also able to geo-target specific locations within the state with emergency push notifications, such as traffic issues, severe weather, missing persons or escaped prisoner notifications.

BATTLE OF BLUE LICKS

Revolutionary War re-enactment planned at Ky. state park

MOUNT OLIVET, Ky. (AP) — Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park is hosting an annual re-enactment of a Revolutionary War battle next month.

The event commemorates the 1782 battle that included Daniel Boone and other pioneers along the Licking River. The outnumbered pioneers were defeated by British soldiers and Native Americans. Boone lost his son in the fighting.

The event is planned for Aug. 15 and 16, and will feature pioneer camps, entertainment, trail walks, historical programs and two battle re-enactments. The first is at 3 p.m. Saturday and the second at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

Admission to this event is free, and Pioneer Museum will be open through the weekend with free admission.

The resort is located 45 miles northeast of Lexington off historic U.S. 68.

FOOD STAMPS-FARMERS' MARKETS

Food stamps being used at more farmers' markets

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer says food stamp benefits can be used at an increasing number of farmers' markets in the state.

Comer says up to 225 farmers' markets and individual producers now use Electronic Benefit Transfer equipment — a more than 10-fold increase from 21 markets participating in 2010. EBT equipment lets customers buy foods at farmers' markets with food stamp benefits and to pay with debit or credit cards.

Comer says the EBT equipment helps both customers and farmers.

He says consumers can buy locally produced foods and Kentucky farmers can make a better living.

Nationwide, farmers' markets redeemed $16.6 million in food stamp benefits last year, compared with $4.2 million five years ago.