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Post by Trix on Jan 25, 2019 14:26:01 GMT -5
The United States Government will Re-open for at least 3 Weeks.
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Post by Trix on Jan 12, 2019 23:03:04 GMT -5
Hiker rescued in Red River Gorge By Justin Roth - January 12, 2019
POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – A hiker with a leg injury who was stuck in Red River Gorge is safely out. The Powell County Search and Rescue Team carried out a male hiker with help from Wolfe County.
The hiker was stuck near Martins Fork North of The Nada Tunnel.
Powell County says it’s the team’s first rescue of the year.
The crew also says trails are slippery so if you’ll be hiking be careful and stay away from cliff edges.
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Post by Trix on Dec 11, 2018 6:59:44 GMT -5
Lost hikers found at Red River Gorge By Morgan Henry December 10, 2018
WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ)- The Wolfe County Search and Rescue says they were able to locate three lost hikers in the Red River Gorge Monday evening around 7. They say on their Facebook page that they were able to contact the group and get a set of coordinates off a mobile device. The hikers were located at a campsite on a trail near Grays Arch.
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Hikers Safe After Getting Lost In The Red River Gorge Alexia Walters 5:24 am December 11, 2018
(LEX 18)– A group of hikers is safe after getting lost in the Red River Gorge on Monday night. Wolfe County Search and Rescue received a call from Menifee County Search and Rescue around 7 p.m. to help find three lost hikers. The rescue team was able to contact the group and retrieve a set of coordinates from their mobile device. A team was dispatched and located the trio at a campsite on a user defined trail off of Grays Arch.
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Post by Trix on Nov 14, 2018 6:50:35 GMT -5
First responders emphasize safety after two incidents at Red River Gorge By Victor Puente Posted: Mon 5:50 PM, Nov 12, 2018 Updated: Mon 5:53 PM, Nov 12, 2018
WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - After two incidents for hikers at the Red River Gorge, rescuers are encouraging all hikers to be more prepared.
The first incident occurred on Saturday night, as a group of hikers called for help after one of them injured her knee on the Douglas Trail. It took rescuers hours to carry her back to the trail head, and the effort had to be paused once because she showed signs of mild hypothermia.
Then, on Sunday night rescuers received a call from three hikers who were lost on Swift Camp Creek Trail. Within a couple hours, the hikers were guided to safety.
Most hikers, according to first responders, do not plan in case they have to spend the night in the woods-- which leaves them vulnerable to dangerous situations.
"Extra layers to stay warm, a means of fire and maybe a source of light," said Drew Stevens of Wolfe County Search and Rescue on what hikers should bring.
Adam and Lisa Manning, experienced hikers, said they bring a first aid kit, flashlights, two kinds of knives and a helmet on their adventures. Their planning comes from experience, because they got lost on a trail once before.
Along with being prepared with supplies, rescuers say if you get lost in the woods but are able to use a cell phone, then stay where you are.
In Sunday night's rescue, the group sent their GPS coordinates to first responders via their cell phone. New cell towers in the gorge have assisted rescuers, per first responders.
Staying in the same place is always best until rescuers can help.
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Post by Trix on Nov 11, 2018 23:54:03 GMT -5
Emergency Crew Rescues Injured Hiker In Red River Gorge
David Nichols 10:48 am November 11, 2018
WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — An emergency crew with the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team came to the aid of a hiker Saturday afternoon after she was injured in the Red River Gorge.
According to the group, it received a 911 call around 2:30 p.m. after a female hiker injured her knee near Eagle Point Buttress.
The group’s crew members located and carried the hiker out. In addition to the knee injury, the hiker also suffered from mild hypothermia.
The rescue operation lasted more that four hours.
The group says a climber also was injured in Muir Valley but was able to exit the area with help from other climbers.
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Post by Trix on Nov 2, 2018 13:52:37 GMT -5
Chimney Top Road Update - The road repairs are continuing on Chimney Top Road in the Red River Gorge. The road is closed for construction during the weekdays and open on the weekends beginning on Fridays at 5 p.m. The road closes again on Mondays around 8 a.m. Also, please know that KY Highway 613 is still closed just west of Indian Creek Road. To access Indian Creek area, drive in from KY Highway 77 (the steel bridge over Red River). No access is available via Stanton. - - - USFS
December 5, 2018
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Has reopened but may close once more soon for further repairs.
- - - USFS
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Temporary Road Closure - Chimney Top Road in the Red River Gorge is currently closed due to severe deterioration of the road surface. We are working to implement a temporary fix until contract road repairs can occur.
- - - USFS
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Post by Trix on Sept 17, 2018 22:34:38 GMT -5
Ale-8 launches new campaign By Winchester Sun Published 10:39 am Monday, September 17, 2018
This week Ale-8-One announced a new fan-engagement campaign aimed at encouraging preservation. “Ale-8-One is proud of its Kentucky roots, including the refreshing ginger and citrus soda it’s been family-crafting for 92 years and the beautiful outdoor spaces in the Commonwealth,” a press release issued by the company this week said. “Among the company’s favorite natural locales is the Red River Gorge, a world-renowned haven for hikers, bikers, climbers and paddlers.” After working with environmental nonprofits and 1% for the Planet for several years, Ale-8 launched the “It’s Our Bluegrass. Make It Last.” campaign in support of the Red River Gorge and Kentucky outdoors. Fans can participate in the campaign two ways. “First, they can ‘purchase with a purpose,’” according to the press release, “as Ale-8-One gives back 1 percent of longneck returnable glass bottle and tallboy can sales to help preserve beautiful areas in Kentucky like the Gorge.” 1% for the Planet is a global organization that connects dollars and doers to address the most pressing issues facing the planet, according to the release. The network includes more than 1,200 member businesses, numerous individuals and thousands of nonprofit partners in more than 40 countries. Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, their members have given more than $150 million to environmental nonprofits. For more information about 1% for the Planet, visit www.onepercentfortheplanet.org. The 1 percent donation by Ale-8 includes Cherry Ale-8 16-ounce can sales, which have just become available in Winchester, Lexington, Frankfort and Morehead areas. Fans can also enter a video contest showcasing Kentucky’s great outdoors. Fans are asked to share eight-second videos showcasing their favorite outdoor space in Kentucky using the hashtag #ItsOurBluegrass. The company will donate $8 to its local partners in the Gorge for each of the first 125 videos posted on Ale-8’s Facebook page. The contest will begin Sept. 16 and weekly winners will receive outdoor adventure prize packs. “Among all of the beautiful places in Kentucky, we have a real passion for the Red River Gorge which is right in our backyard,” said Ale-8-One’s chief operating officer Ellen McGeeney said in the release. “We spend time there with our families and friends and are proud to support the preservation of the Gorge. We’re excited to have our fans join us in this campaign to help ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy its tall cliffs, winding rivers and scenic views.” For more information about the contest, follow Ale-8 on Facebook or go to ale8giveaway.com
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Post by Trix on Sept 3, 2018 5:38:47 GMT -5
Hiker rescued after fall in Red River Gorge By Veronica Jean Seltzer
September 2, 2018
RED RIVER GORGE (WTVQ)- Saturday night a hiker fell in the Red River Gorge as a bad storm came through.
The Wolfe County Search and Resuce Team says lightning almost struck the hiker and he was trying to seek shelter when he fell down an embankment and went over a small cliff on Auxier Ridge Trail.
Around 8 p.m. Saturday night, rescue crews found him.
Miraculously, he wasn’t hurt so rescuers say they put him in a harness and raised him up the nearly 200 foot cliff line.
The hiker is now reportedly home in Nashville.
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Post by Trix on Sept 3, 2018 5:37:12 GMT -5
Researchers study copperheads at Red River Gorge By Echo Gamel August 30, 2018
RICHMOND, Ky. (AP) – Researchers are studying copperheads at the Red River Gorge to reduce interactions between people and snakes.
An Eastern Kentucky University statement says the Richmond school is working on the study with the U.S. Forest Service, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Louisville Zoo.
Biology professor Stephen Richter says student researchers are measuring, tagging, releasing and tracking copperheads. He says the data will help determine how the snakes live, including where they hibernate, feed and breed.
U.S. Forest Service District Biologist Christina Wampler says the study’s results are helping officials make high traffic outdoor areas less attractive to copperheads.
Officials say people should be extra vigilant when hiking and camping. Richter says the best tip to avoid getting bit by a snake is to leave it alone.
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Post by Trix on Sept 1, 2018 14:38:56 GMT -5
Missing Women Found Safe In Gorge Alexia Walters 12:21 pm August 28, 2018
MENIFEE COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– Three female campers who were reported missing in Red River Gorge have been found safe, authorities report.
The girls had been missing for 24 hours and were last seen at Callies Lake Campground in Powell County before leaving to go kayaking. Rescue crews searching for them found them stranded in Swift Creek in Menifee County.
The kayakers were expected out Monday evening. When the kayakers did not return, one of the girls’ boyfriend received a text that the group was stranded.
Officials requested assistance from Redriveradventure Ky for a canoe to be used to paddle up the river. Unfortunately, water levels were not conducive to use a vessel in addition, would not be allowed in the wilderness area. Based on the low water levels, the decision was made to hike up the trail instead of using the canoe.
A rescuer was able to locate the kayakers approx 3/4 of a mile from the one lane bridge paddling/portaging their boats down the water and all three were uninjured.
Video link:
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Post by Trix on Aug 13, 2018 6:35:49 GMT -5
Meet a professional venom extractor who wrangles the world's deadliest snakes Jessi Joseph 10:24 AM ET Fri, 20 July 2018
Jim Harrison has lost fingers, gone into a coma and had his heart stop four times – all while doing his job.
As a professional venom extractor, Harrison spends his days wrangling the world's deadliest snakes at the Kentucky Reptile Zoo, a tourist attraction and research facility that he runs with his wife. The zoo is reportedly home to the largest collection of venomous snakes in the world.
"The last bite I had was the South American rattlesnake," Harrison tells CNBC. "I had descending paralysis within minutes. I don't even remember leaving the parking lot here."
Harrison and other professional extractors "milk" the venom from particular types of snakes to be used for medical research. The venom Harrison extracts through a delicate process that involves inserting the snake's fangs into a cup and rubbing its head to release the substance is used in developing pain medications and researching cancer treatments.(Though venom can only be extracted a few times in a given period, depending on the type of snake, the process is harmless to the animal.)
Harrison says the reason he risks life milking snakes is to help others.
Harrison tells CNBC he sells King Cobra venom for about $100 a gram, which is helpful, because maintaining the zoo's 2,000 snakes isn't cheap. In addition to standard expenses, Harrison spends $25,000 a year on mice alone.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists is $62,290 per year, but Harrison doesn't take a paycheck, choosing instead to pump his earnings from venom extraction into the zoo.
"There's a reason I don't take a salary — I do it just to save lives," he says. "Most people, when they think of venom, they think of death. When I think of venom, I think of life. I basically volunteer my life to save other people's lives."
— CNBC's Christopher DiLella contributed to this report.
Watch the Video:
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Post by Trix on Jul 26, 2018 6:38:55 GMT -5
Body is Confirmed as that of the missing hiker:
Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team
MISSING PERSON UPDATE: We are sorry to report the subject was located by a dog team this morning at approx 6:00 am and he was deceased. Indications are that he may have slipped coming down an embankment and struck his head where he had a pre-exiting injury from an automobile accident several years ago. Please keep his family and all responding units in your thoughts and prayers. A special thanks to Neil Alexander and Bill Reed for bringing in a highly effective cadaver dog early this morning. The location the subject was found in would have been nearly impossible for search teams to have visually found him.
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Could potentially be the end of the search. NOT confirmed yet: ------------------------------
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Multiple agencies search for missing Red River Gorge camper By WKYT News Staff | Posted: Wed 9:22 AM, Jul 25, 2018 | Updated: Wed 10:23 PM, Jul 25, 2018
SLADE, Ky. (WKYT) - The search for a man reported missing in Red River Gorge has intensified, with search and rescue crews from Menifee, Wolfe, Powell, and Lee counties, along with members of the National Guard, joining in the effort.
According to Powell County Search & Rescue, the main concerns among crews are that the missing man, Leslie Reynolds, may be dehydrated. They are also concerned that Reynolds, who has a brain injury from a car crash and suffers from schizophrenia, may not have taken his medication.
Crews started searching the area around the Bison Way trailhead in Menifee County Tuesday night after Reynolds called his family, saying he was lost. Searchers say they were able to find his camping area, but couldn't find him.
Speaking with WKYT, crews say they intend to search until he is found, even if that means staying on-task after dark.
Reynolds is described as being 5'7" tall, 215 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. He also has a large circular tattoo on his right shoulder. Anyone who sees Reynolds is asked to call 911 to notify authorities.
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Post by Trix on Jul 14, 2018 0:17:43 GMT -5
Federal Lands Access Program project will mean delays on KY 77, KY 715 in Red River Gorge Travel to tourist attractions to be impacted through August
JACKSON, KY – A highway project that begins July 11 on KY 77 and KY 715 in the Red River Gorge in Menifee, Powell, and Wolfe counties will cause traffic delays until the project is completed by the end of August. The work will take place on KY 77 between the north end of the Nada Tunnel in Powell County and mile marker 2 in Menifee County, and on KY 715 between the KY 77 intersection in Menifee County and Pine Ridge in Wolfe County. The project involves widening and paving of pull-offs and parking areas, resurfacing and pavement rehabilitation, guardrail installation, and placement of new signage along the routes that provide access to the Red River Gorge. Drivers should expect delays when the work is ongoing. Flaggers and signage will be used to control traffic during working hours. The $802,542.45 project is funded through the Federal Highway Administration's Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP). The program is intended to improve transportation facilities that provide access to, are adjacent to, or are located within federal lands. FLAP supplements state and local resources for public roads, transit systems, and other transportation facilities, with an emphasis on high-use recreation sites and economic generators. The project will be completed by Aug. 31, in time for the busiest tourist season in the Red River Gorge.
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Post by Trix on May 17, 2018 13:18:13 GMT -5
Saturday, June 2nd, 2018 Menifee County: Indian Creek, Red River Gorge Geological Area, near the split of Forest Roads 9A and 9B. Look for signs. Registration from 8-10 a.m., with fishing from 9 a.m. to noon. For ages 5 to 15, with prizes awarded. Adult must accompany children. Bring one pole per child. Call (606) 663-8100 for more information. Fish Without A License For Free June 2, 3 Posted: May 17, 2018 11:31 AM EDT Updated: May 17, 2018 11:31 AM EDT FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will celebrate Free Fishing Weekend June 2-3. Free Fishing Weekend, an annual event since 1992, offers residents and non-residents the opportunity to fish Kentucky waters without a license or permit. Limits on the size and number of fish that anglers may keep still apply. Additionally, anglers may keep trout without possessing a trout permit during free fishing weekend. With special events across the state planned for Saturday, June 2, most families can find fishing opportunities just a short drive away. A number of events are geared toward kids under age 16. Several include a free hot dog lunch, bait and loaner fishing equipment for anglers. Families wanting the fun to last the entire weekend should consider a state park stay. Kentucky has a number of parks situated at prime fishing lakes. Find out more online at parks.ky.gov. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources also stocks dozens of community lakes across the state as part of its Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) program. Most of these lakes received a stocking of channel catfish in May. To find the nearest lake, go online to fw.ky.govthen search under the keyword, “FINs.” In addition to fishing derbies for kids, U.S. Forest Service boat ramps outside of developed campgrounds at Cave Run Lake or Laurel River Lake are free to use on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3. www.lex18.com/story/38214481/fish-without-a-license-for-free-june-2-3
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Post by Trix on May 9, 2018 4:03:01 GMT -5
CDC: Diseases From Mosquitoes, Fleas, Ticks Triple Posted: May 08, 2018 2:45 PM EDT Updated: May 08, 2018 7:46 PM EDT POWELL COUNTY, Ky (LEX 18) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials have released new information saying the United States is not fully prepared for the increase seen in diseases spread by insects. As the weather gets warmer, more people will be hiking the Red River Gorge. Twins Joan and Jean Cooper from North Carolina frequent the Gorge, saying that the people there treat them like family. Despite the new information from the CDC, the twins will continue to hike and spend a lot of time outdoors. Officials said that the number of disease cases from Mosquito, Tick, and Flea bites have more than tripled in recent years and nine new germs spread by those bugs have been discovered since 2004. "We have not had a tick on us here at Natural Bridge since probably 2006," said Joan. "We be sure to wear our bug bracelets here and here, and then we also have in our pocket to keep bees away, a Bounce sheet." They suggest you do the same if you want to avoid joining the CDC statistics. Always use bug spray and try to leave as little skin exposed as possible. If you're hiking, the Coopers said it is important to stay on the trail. Info: www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/vector-borne/index.htmlVideo Link: www.lex18.com/story/38141318/cdc-diseases-from-mosquitoes-fleas-ticks-triple
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