State Rep. Bob Damron received the Distinguished Service Award from Leading Age Kentucky, a statewide association of not-for-profit long-term health care providers, at a ceremony in Louisville. Damron was nominated for the award by Wesley Village Senior Living Community in Wilmore for legislation he sponsored that supports and promotes the growth of full-service, continuing-care retirement communities such as Wesley Village. A reception in appreciation of Damron's distinguished service over the years was held at Wesley Village on Oct. 18.

Race winners announced

The 4th annual Run for Ralph & Ryan 6K was held Oct. 14. Proceeds from the event provide college scholarships for a senior student athlete from East Jessamine High School and West Jessamine High School in the names of local heroes Ralph Sallee and Ryan Robinson. Top finishers were: Gavin Davis, overall and 1st place male; Mikah Bailey, second place, male; Joe Bandy, third place, male; Jennifer Lien, first place, female; Libby Barnes, second place, female; and Amy Gatliff, third place, female.

Diabetes class offered

The Jessamine County Health Department will sponsor a diabetes self-management training at 9 a.m. Oct. 24 at 215 East Maple Street, Nicholasville. The class will explain diabetes medicines, high and low blood sugars, monitoring, foot care, long-term complications, healthy eating habits and more. Call (859) 885-4149, Ext. 1027 to register for the class.

Guided tour of Jessamine Creek Gorge on Thursday

Join biologist Julian Campbell for a rare guided tour of the Jessamine Creek Gorge on Thursday. The area is recognized by the Kentucky State Heritage Land Conservation Fund Board as one of the state's most valuable treasures. Learn about the ecological, biological and geological history and significance of the area. For information, call (859) 492-3115.

Toddler nets college money for summer of reading

Lane Hack of Wilmore, age 18 months, won $1,000 toward his college education for participating in the Jessamine County Public Library's summer reading program. He was one of eight winners from across Kentucky who were chosen at random.

The prize was awarded by the Think Big Save for College program sponsored by The Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. The program encourages children to read during the summer months while reminding parents of the importance of establishing a strong educational foundation, academically and financially. An additional $500 was awarded to the Jessamine County Public Library toward future reading programs.

The Jessamine County Library has many resources to help students and future students succeed. Visit the library at 600 South Main Street, Nicholasville, or online at Jesspublib.org.