🌱 Patch AM: Could a $250 city tree voucher upgrade your Paducah yard?

Cheers Paducah! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Could a $250 city tree voucher upgrade your Paducah yard?
• What investigators say led to the deadly shooting at a Paducah nightclub
• Paducah community reflects on the life of Kal “Rickie” Castleberry

Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Very cold with plenty of sun, with a high of 21 and low of 13 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Monday: Sunny and not as cold, temps: high: 38, low: 24.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny and not as cold, with a high of 50 and low of 36 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Tree Voucher Program nears Jan. 9 deadline (wpsdlocal6.com) — Paducah homeowners still have time to apply for a $250 Tree Voucher to plant approved shade trees on single-family residential property within city limits before the January 9 deadline. Vouchers, funded by a $150,000 city allocation and usable at two Paducah nurseries, aim to rebuild the city’s tree canopy and will be valid through the end of 2026 if your application is approved.
   

2. Man Arrested in Illinois After Fatal Nightclub Shooting in Paducah (marshallcountydaily.com) — Paducah police say a woman was fatally shot early Friday at KC’s Bar and Grill on Park Plaza Drive, and a 38-year-old suspect was later arrested in Illinois. Investigators describe the case as domestic-violence-related, with the victim identified as a Paducah resident. The suspect is being held in Illinois while authorities work to return him to Kentucky.
   

3. Kal 'Rickie' Castleberry, 65 (marshallcountydaily.com) — Paducah readers will recognize Kal “Rickie” Castleberry’s roots at Reidland High School and Paducah Community College, where he began a career that spanned engineering and HVAC sales. Remembered as a generous “jack of all trades,” he poured his energy into woodworking, tinkering in the garage, and especially time with his wife, sons, and granddaughters.
   

4. Transportation departments: All lanes to reopen Friday on I-24 bridge (wpsdlocal6.com) — If you’re driving between Paducah and Metropolis, all lanes on the I-24 Ohio River Bridge are expected to reopen by Friday night as Phase 1 of a major rehab project wraps up. The three-year, $38 million effort continues with new lane restrictions starting March 1, 2026, so officials urge drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones.
   

5. Two more KY school boards decide against off-campus Bible classes; one approves (kentucky.com) — Kentucky school boards are split over allowing off-campus Bible-based “moral instruction” during the school day, with Boone, Kenton, Oldham and Warren counties rejecting LifeWise Academy’s proposal while McCracken and Marshall counties approved it. The Paducah-area McCracken County decision means Lone Oak Intermediate students may soon attend optional off-campus character education classes, as districts statewide navigate new state law and legal guidance on these programs.
   

📸 Around Paducah

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Paducah

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Monday December 15

• MCHS Band Christmas Concert
  McCracken County Public Schools Paducah, KY 42003
  7:00 pm

Tuesday December 16

• HMS G vs. Lone Oak
  McCracken County Public Schools Paducah, KY 42003
  5:30 pm
• HMS B @ Lone Oak
  McCracken County Public Schools Paducah, KY 42003
  5:30 pm

Thursday December 18

• HMS 7G/7B/8B @ St. Mary
  McCracken County Public Schools Paducah, KY 42003
  5:00 pm

📣 Paducah Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 14

• Christmas Celebration at Lone Oak
  3601 Lone Oak Rd , Paducah
  9:00 am

Monday December 15

• MCHS Band Christmas Concert
  McCracken County Public Schools Paducah, KY 42003
  7:00 pm

Tuesday December 16

• HMS G vs. Lone Oak
  McCracken County Public Schools Paducah, KY 42003
  5:30 pm

Thursday December 18

• HMS 7G/7B/8B @ St. Mary
  McCracken County Public Schools Paducah, KY 42003
  5:00 pm

Friday December 19

• Live at Dry Ground Brewing
  Dry Ground Brewing Company , 3121 Broadway St , Paducah
  8:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• I'm reaching out to the Paducah community.
  What people in the community don't understand when they post their lost or found pets on missing pages in this area. Most people are blocked from. We… (Nextdoor Oakdale)
• EDIT: dog found and returned to owner!
  Loose dog on north 36th off pines. No collar. Very nice and friendly. (Nextdoor North Pines)

• Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. posted a job opening for Inventory Control Associate (Seasonal) in Paducah. Apply here.
• Wendy's posted a job opening for Team Member * in Paducah. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Paducah here.

Ok Paducah! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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