A large crowd turned out for downtown London’s “Holiday At the Market,” which was created to encourage residents to purchase Christmas gifts from local small businesses, crafters, artists, and farmers. The city of London Tourism along with the London-Laurel County Farmer’s Market sponsored the event.
Space heaters kept the market nice and warm for shoppers as they walked along rows of bright crafts and gifts from area artists. Hot chocolate and Christmas songs from local youth gave the event a festive holiday spirit.
The London-Corbin Airport has been awarded a $809,332 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help rehabilitate the runway.
U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) made the announcement Thursday afternoon.
In July, the airport was also awarded a $1.85 million competitive grant through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The funding is part of a $5 million project to repair and upgrade nearly 6,000 feet of existing runway that has severely deteriorated, developing significant safety hazards.
“Our small airports are as essential as highways to economic development and progress in Southern and Eastern Kentucky,” said Congressman Rogers. “As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have been a long-time advocate for federal funding that boosts rural airport operations. With immediate access to I-75, the London-Corbin Airport is a hub for business development and incredible opportunities, including visits from national leaders, such as Vice President Mike Pence who landed at the airport in August. I applaud the board for diligently competing for grant opportunities necessary for repairs and upgrades at this vital regional airport.”
“We appreciate the investment of these federal funds to help us make critical repairs to our runway,” said Matthew Singer, Airport Manager. “This airport is an incredible asset for our region and we are dedicated to maintaining its value to Laurel County and the area as a whole, as we continue to grow and recruit new opportunities.”
In May, Congressman Rogers and Governor Bevin visited the London-Corbin Airport to celebrate a new Aviation Maintenance Technician Training Program in partnership with Eastern Kentucky University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, supported by grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
According to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs.
Mayor Troy Rudder and Judge-Executive David Westerfield joined Governor Matt Bevin and other officials to announce plans to complete the final segment of KY 30 along the 37-mile corridor that stretches from KY 11 in Booneville to the Hal Rogers Parkway in London.
At the end of August, a contract will be awarded to straighten the 13.5-mile curvy corridor between US 421 in Jackson County to Travellers Rest in Owsley County, reducing the length by 3.5 miles. A shorter, straighter path means drive times will be cut in half from 21 minutes to 11 minutes. KY 30 is the most direct route from Lee, Jackson and Owsley Counties to I-75 south, businesses in London, western Kentucky and Tennessee.
The announcement was made at the Department of Highways garage on West Ky. 80 in London.
The United States Census 2020 is now taking applications for Census Takers! $14 an hour and $0.58 per mile.
The City of London hopes to receive an accurate count of our citizens in 2020 to help improve our roads, schools, emergency services, local jobs, shopping choices, as well as state representation in Congress. Help improve your local community by becoming a Census Taker!
To apply online visit 2020census.gov/jobs or call 1-855-JOB-2020.
The U.S. Census states that 2020 Census jobs provide great pay, flexible hours, weekly pay, and paid training.
May was a very busy month for industrial and retail development in London and Laurel County. Paula Thompson, executive director of the London-Laurel County Industrial Development authority, has provided her monthly update on all these new developments:
Kentucky’s Appalachia Aviation Maintenance Technician training program at the London-Corbin Airport made possible with ARC grant with EKU’s Aviation Program the project will train 86 FAA Certified Maintenance Technicians with average annual salaries of $61,000. Enrollment begins this fall and classes will begin in January 2020.
Four founding university partners for the New University Center of Southern Kentucky located at Somerset Community College. The universities include the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University, and Morehead State University. This partnership was created upon workforce needs, community demands, and student availability. Now, high school graduates will have the option to stay close to home to get a four-year degree at an affordable rate. Enrollment begins this fall.
Latest unemployment figures have been released for 2019 for the month of March, Laurel Co. reported 4.9 percent.
Brand new to London is Five Below retail in the London Marketplace. Five Below is the third retailer to choose space in the Kmart re-development project. They are expected to be open in late September of 2019.
New development coming to downtown London – Block 300, located across from First Christian Church. The development is in the design stages but plans include a restaurant with outdoor dining, retail space for the arts, and locally crafted Kentucky-made goods, jewelry, vintage, and boutique retail shops will also be included. Upstairs living will be offered including a luxury 1,700 sq. ft. condo, as well as others.
Grace Health is expanding to London with a new 16,000 sq. ft. facility they will rehab the Levi Lanes Bowling Center located on South US 25. Construction will begin soon.
Horizon Healthcare is coming to London alongside Grace Health providing medical services and counseling.
Advent Health has opened a new clinic location at 102 Professional Drive on Hal Rogers Parkway. The clinic offers general medicine, pediatric care, obstetrics, and gynecologist services.
Mindsight Behavioral Health has located to 311 West Fifth Street.
Mills Monuments located at 1670 Hwy. 192 East is now open for business.
Dreaming Creek Brewery Opened on May 18th. They provide a large array of craft beers in downtown London. Children and leashed pets are welcome.
In the London Marketplace Kohl’s construction progress is coming right along. Construction should be finished in late August and their Grand Opening is scheduled for September 29th, 2019.
Masa Sushi and Japanese restaurant continues to make progress on their 4,000 sq. ft. restaurant located at Bacho Way beside Center Target and Walmart on KY-192. Masa will feature six Hibachi tables and general seating. A sushi bar and full service bar will be in the restaurant. They are expected to open in late August.
Relocations in the London area include:
Fiesta Mexicana is relocating to the former Ruby Tuesday building on KY-192 and is expected to be moved and open in mid-July.
Chris Herren Family Dentistry is moving to Carnaby Square Shopping Center, across from Goodwill. There will be an in-office lab and seven exam rooms. They are expected to be in their new building in mid-June.
Dayton Freight has moved 1509 American Greeting Card in Southern Laurel County. They provide transportation and logistical services.
Spero Health Clinic Rehabilitation and Counseling provider is moving June 17th to KY-192.
Elevate Fitness is moving to 205 North Hill Street beside Carousel Florist. Owner, Susannah Zawko, says the Grand Opening is scheduled for July 1st, 2019.
The London Shop has moved to 202 North Hill Street behind The Abbey restaurant. Their new location provides a wide variety of unique and elegant gifts with a southern twist. A salon will be included in this location as well.
Maple Leaf Furnishings are moving to 1224 South Main Street across from A.R. Dyche Cemetery on June 2nd.
Main Street Games and Comics has moved to South Main Street.
London Power Equipment has moved to 630 Bill George Road.
Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield welcomed Congressman Hal Rogers, Governor Matt Bevin, EKU President Michael Benson and ARC Co-Chair Tim Thomas to the London-Corbin Airport Monday for an announcement about a new aviation training program.
The Appalachia Aviation Maintenance Technician Training Project plans to provide training and certification to displaced coal workers, veterans and individuals from rural communities through EKU’S Aviation Program.
“This project will train 86 FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certified maintenance technicians — AMTs, during the three-year grant cycle, then sustain 32 annually,” Benson said.
The London Laurel Co. Industrial Development Authority has announced the third store that will join Kohl’s and Planet Fitness in the former Kmart location on Ky. 192. The fourth and final store will be announced at a later date.
Five Below is a store with unlimited possibilities where tweens, teens and beyond are free to Let Go & Have Fun in a color- popping, music pumping, super-fun shopping experience where you’ll always find the coolest stuff for $5 or less. Five Below is one of the fastest-growing retail chains in the country.
Executive Director Paula Thompson gives more information on the construction progress inside the building, as well as an expected opening date for FIve Below.
Kohl’s, one of the country’s premier department stores is coming to London. With about 1,200 locations, it is the largest department store chain in the United States and will be opening its newest location in the old Kmart building.
The announcement was made Monday evening by Paula Thompson, executive director of the London-Laurel Industrial Development Authority, Judge-Executive David Westerfield and Mayor Troy Rudder.
“I began working to get Kohl’s to come to London in 2009,” Thompson said. “Our community needs a department-type store for affordable family clothing along with a wide selection.”
“We are very excited to welcome Kohl’s to our London business family,” Mayor Rudder said. “They bring with them a history of great service to their customers. Kohl’s and London will be a winning combination.”
“We are pleased Kohl’s is coming to London,” Judge Westerfield said. “This will bring much-needed clothing options for families in Laurel County and surrounding counties who come here to work and shop.”
Kohl’s will be one of four new businesses located in the former Kmart building at the London Marketplace on Ky. 192. Planet Fitness has already been announced and the remaining two businesses will be announced at a later date.
Demolition is underway inside the building, and new entrances and facades will go up soon, with an early fall opening date, Thompson said.
Kohl’s will occupy 36,408 square feet of the 94,000 square feet Kmart building and Planet Fitness will occupy 22,306 square feet.
The department store placed advertisements for a London store manager and assistant managers on Indeed.com Monday evening.
Kohl’s is headquartered in the Milwaukee suburb of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, operating stores in every U.S. state except Hawaii. Kohl’s became the largest department store chain in the United States in May 2012, surpassing its biggest competitor J.C. Penney. The company had $19 billion in revenue in 2017.
A new gallery shop is located at 1006 West 5th St. in front of Salon Vogue. The Mountain Heritage Artisans Guild (MHAG) gallery shop features the work of artisans who are members of the Guild that includes everything from painted works to hand-carved musical instruments.
The MHAG calls London their home but reach into residences and workshops in many towns in the Cumberland Valley region and beyond.
The work of the Guild’s members represents contemporary, traditional and experimental forms. They promote fine art, folk art and original handmade crafts.
The gallery shop’s hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10am-6pm.
