Berry Craig's Notebook

Berry Craig, a WKCTC professor of history, has been the host of Berry Craig's Notebook since 1989, the year he came to the college after spending a dozen years as a daily newspaper columnist.  A 30-minute talk show, Berry Craig's Notebook features a variety of guests and topics.  Craig has talked baseball with a New York Yankees scout with a quartet of World Series championship rings and has listened to a harrowing tale of a World War II B-17 bomber crewman shot down in the English Channel. In between, Berry and his guests have discussed politics, history, civil rights, women's rights, labor unions, movies, religion, humor, psychology, ecology, music, business, and more.

One of The First - April 6, 2012
Paducah Junior College was one of the first desegregated schools in the country and Leon Biles was one of the first African-American students to attend. In this episode of Berry Craig's Notebook, Leon Biles and Paducah historian John Robertson will discuss the political and social climate surrounding Paducah during this critical time.
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Guitar Maker - April 6, 2012
Brian Parks had a student that needed an art project. Brian came up with something he thought the student would find fun and interesting. Little did Brian know that he would end up being the one who got hooked on building cigar box guitars. Berry Craig sits down with local cigar box guitar maker Brian Parks and talks about the method behind his madness in this episode of Berry Craig's Notebook.
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Jerome Bettis - March 30, 2012
Berry Craig and John Roberson discuss the experience of their fifteen minutes of fame. Both were recently, featured on NBC's "Who Do You Think You Are?" as Jerome Bettis, former NFL running back, searched for answers to his past.
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Eggner's Ferry Bridge - February 17, 2012
Two spans of the Eggner's Ferry Bridge over Kentucky Lake were torn down after being crashed into by the Delta Mariner on January 26. The bridge which had stood since 1932 is now impassable. The Eggner's Ferry Bridge has a storied history, but was already marked for replacement by 2017. Chief District Engineer Jim LeFevre of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet discusses the near future of the bridge with Berry Craig. The Delta Mariner, a huge ocean going vessel, was built to ferry Boeing Delta IV rockets.
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Major League Baseball - November 18, 2011
The 2011 Major League Baseball season had many stories to tell. Berry Craig interviews Leon Wurth, Pro Scout for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Joey Fosko, Sports Columnist with the Paducah Sun. The hot stove league is cranking up. They discus the rise of the St Louis Cardinals and the fall of the Boston Red Sox. Is Albert Pujols staying or going? What about Prince Fielder? Leon also tells his dramatic story of how Jorge Posada was drafted.
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Penn State - November 18, 2011
One of America's greatest public universities has fallen from grace. The news at Penn State has shocked the country. Forty counts stand against Jerry Sandusky, former football coach for the Nittany Lions, that he abused eight boys over a fifteen years.
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Berlin Wall - November 4, 2011
The Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961 by the communists. The wall cut off West Berlin from East Germany and from East Berlin. 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the construction the wall. The wall was torn down in 1989.
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African American Ancestry - October 21, 2011
Searching for ancestors can be rather difficult, especially if you are African American. Slaves were prohibited from making any type of a legal contract, which can make research particularly difficult. Pam Smith talks with Berry Craig about the difficulties she has had in researching her past. Her difficult search has rewarded her though as she has traced her genealogy back to Thomas Jefferson and Meriwether Lewis.
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Kentucky Education - October 21, 2011
KERA, the Kentucky Education Reform Act was adopted in Kentucky schools in 1989. There have been many pros and cons to this system. Currently there is legislation in the works, Senate Bill 1, to refine the education system. Dr. Craig Carter, KEA UniServ director, speaks with Berry Craig about these issues and more with the Kentucky education system.
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Western Kentucky Politics - October 14, 2011
West Kentucky is often overlooked in state politics. Once geographically isolated, western Kentucky has a rich history. Berry Craig interviews George Humphreys of Madisonville Community College about the politics of this region and about his proposed book, "The Democratic Rock of Gibraltar: The Rise and Fall of Western Kentucky Democratic Politics from the New Deal".
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Union Station School Historical Park - September 23, 2011
The Union Station Rosenwald School served as a school for local African American children from 1928 until 1966. McCracken County's schools integrated in 1966 and Union Station students were then transferred to Lone Oak schools. The school building was abandoned at that time, ending segregation of education in the county. There is a push to rehabilitate the building and create a county park around the building.
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Kentucky Politics - September 9, 2011
Gerald Watkins, professor of Political Science at WKCTC, offers his insight into Kentucky politics. Berry Craig, host of the program, questions Watkins on the 2011 Kentucky governor's race, the 2012 Paducah mayor's race, and the proposed merger of McCracken County and the City of Paducah.
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The Civil War - September 2, 2011
American Civil War reenactments draw a fairly large following with often very enthusiastic performers. Alex Whitworth and Cody Sheets are WKCTC students who are avid Civil War reenactors. Join Berry Craig as he interviews the two students and joins them for a demonstration.
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1937 Flood vs 2011 Flood - May 5, 2011
Join Berry Craig as he and John Robertson, Paducah Historian, compare and contrast the floods of 1937 and 2011.
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Islam - April 27, 2011
Iftakhar Choudhury is a 16 year resident of Lone Oak. He travels the region presenting programs on Islam, his faith, to various groups.
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Roy Duncan - April 26, 2011
The Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive of World War II. Join Roy Duncan as he relives the heroic 500 mile march in 6-12" of snow. Duncan was a radio operator in the machine gun division of the US Army 11th Armered Division.
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Living with Diabetes/Juvenile Research Foundation Walk - April 8, 2011
Ronda Cartwright and her Daughter Emily talk about how Emily deals with her diabetes. They also talk about the upcoming benefit walk for the Juvenile Research Foundation Walk.
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8th US Colored Heavy Artillery - April 1, 2011
The 8th US Colored Heavy Artillery originated in Paducah in 1864 and did garrison duty until 1866. Efforts are underway to construct a monument to these soldiers. Berry Craig interviews John Robertson and Betty Dobson.
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Shawnee - February 18, 2011
Barney Bush is a poet, writer, musician, recording artist and educator of the Shawnee culture. Bush is working to establish a Shawnee cultural center in Southern Illinois.
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Tom Neilson - February 18, 2011
Tom Neilson is a singer, songwriter and folk musician. Born in upstate New York, Tom sings for all those who believe that folk music has the power for political change. His award-winning songs been performed in 20 countries on 5 continents.
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Matt Schoor, Author - February 4, 2011
A small rural town tucked away in the hills of Kentucky is the setting for Elijah, by Matt Schoor. One church rules the town --there is no dissension, no discord or strife -- until a mysterious stranger, Elijah, arrives with an incredible power to heal.
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Charles Daughaday - January 14, 2011
Retired Murray State University Professor, Charles Daughaday, shares his social commentary of the modern culture through poetry.
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40th Anniversary of OSHA - November 19, 2010
In 1970, a federal law created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. An agency of the US Department of Labor, OSHA works to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by enforcing standards for workplace safety. Randy Gray, 25 year OSHA State Inspector and current safety consultant, tells of the relatively short history of OSHA and where it is heading.
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Lindsey Wilson College - November 12, 2010
WKCTC students are able to continue their college education at Lindsey Wilson without the long commute. WKCTC students will be able to earn a bachelor’s, and eventually a master’s degree, in counseling and human development by attending classes at the WKCTC Paducah campus.
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Calling all Colors - November 5, 2010
Area middle school students come together for a day of activities centered around cultural and ethnic diversity November 12 at Lone Oak United Methodist Church. The event is coordinated by the Interracial Women's Group.
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Baha'i Faith - October 22, 2010
Connie and Floyd Donley tell about the relatively short history of Baha'i Faith, as well as its beliefs, its mission for world peace and the oneness of all major religions.
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Lloyd Tilghman House and Civil War Museum - October 15, 2010
Lloyd Tilghman was a railroad construction engineer and a Confederate general in the Civil War. He was killed at the Battle of Champion Hill. He is best known for his defense of Fort Henry in 1862.
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Somalia - October 1, 2010
Somalia has been in almost perpetual unrest for many years. Recently, refugees have fled the state in droves and many have landed in our area. Learn of the Somalian people and of the current culture clash occuring in Mayfield, KY.
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Christopher Columbus - September 24, 2010
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Christopher Columbus was truly a navigator, explorer, and colonizer. Was one of the greatest discoveries in history really just a gross miscalulation? Learn the true story of Christopher Columbus.
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Underground Railroad - April 23, 2010
Learn the role that Kentucky played on the Underground Railroad. Learn about legal and political frictions and differnent folklore of the various routes.
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Earth Day - April 16, 2010
Earth Day is a day to encourage appreciation for the environment. Our community has several events to celebrate Earth Week.
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Bazooka - March 5, 2010
Paducah's alternative zine is celebrating its first anniversary. Bella Bazooka speaks with Berry Craig about the paper which calls itself "Only Slightly More Offensive than Cable."
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Ice Storm - February 12, 2010
Berry interviews Paducah Street Dept. Super Intendant Pat Stephenson and City Commissioner Gerald Watkins about their experiences on the anniversary of the ice storm.
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Don Maley - February 5, 2010
WKCTC professor and actor, Don Maley, shares some of his favorite tales with Berry from the classroom to the stage.
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The Berlin Wall - November 13, 2009
It has been twenty years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Join Berry as he interviews Dr. Dave Krueger, about the reasons for the fall of the wall. Dr. Krueger retired as professor of history from Paducah Community College.
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Greater Paducah Sustainability Project - October 2, 2009
In it's third year, Greater Paducah Sustainability Project, takes recyclables such as basic electronics, glass, aluminum, plastics, and scrap metal. For more information, visit recyclenowpaducah.com.
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Mesoamerica - September 30, 2009
Renowned Mexican Anthropologist Charles Goff gives a unique insight into the history of Mesoamerica.
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Mountaintop Removal Roadshow - September 14, 2009
The Mountaintop Removal Road Show teaches about the impacts of mountaintop removal on coalfield residents, communities and the environment.
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Rev. Gregory Waldrop - May 1, 2009
Learn the about the history of the United Methodist Church. Rev. Gregory Waldrop began life in Mayfield, Kentucky. He gradutated from the University of St Andrews with a Masters in Theology and then went to Duke for his religious education. Waldrop is pastor of Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church in Paducah.
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Mark Donham - April 17, 2009
Berry Craig talks with Mark Donham about one of his songs being chosen for American Public Media's radio variety show - A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. "As Long As the Stars Shine" was written for his wife, Kristi Hanson. Donham says it was strange to hear his song being performed by another singer but the song being chosen for the radio program was a great opportunity for him as a songwriter.
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Afghanistan - April 3, 2009
Berry Craig talks with Richard B. Davis Major, USAR (Ret.) about his service in Afghanistan. Davis reenlisted in the Army Reserve after the events of Septemer 11 in 2001.
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U.S.S. Enterprise Tribute - February 20, 2009
Berry Craig talks with Chuck Tate, the House Manager and Events Coordinator for The Carson Center in Paducah, Kentucky about a recent tribute to the U.S.S. Enterprise at the performing arts center. Veterans from around the region, paid homage to one of the most decorated Naval carriers in history and the servicemen who served on the vessel during WWII. Tate says the tribute was important because "it was a chance to educate the young people of our community about the vital role the U.S.S. Enterprise played in the war."
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Comparing the 1937 Flood and the 2009 Ice Storm - February 20, 2009
Berry speaks with historian, John Roberston about the differences between the 1937 flood and the 2009 ice storm. Which was the most devastating to the region?
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Azores Islands During World War II - January 23, 2009
Louis Chappell, World War II Veteran, tells of his story on the Azores Islands.  Beginning in 1943, Portugal leased bases on the islands to the British.  The location of the Islands proved excellent in the search for German U-Boats.
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West Kentucky Journal of Politics and Issues - January 23, 2009
Berry speaks with Ivan and Mary Potter, publishers of West Kentucky Journal of Politics and Issues, a non-profit news platform coving Western Kentucky.  They also publish Mississippi River Journal, which reaches 10,000 homes.  www.westkypolitics.org
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Lincoln's Journey of Remembrance - January 16, 2009
Join Berry Craig for an hour special looking back at an incredible river journey from Rockport, Indiana to New Orleans, Louisiana. The flatboat voyage commemorated the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. Captain, Robert Cherry, Jr.; First Mate, Sterling Edwards; and Photojournalist, Millie Carter share stories of the historical trip.
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A Christmas Carol - December 5, 2008
Join Berry Craig for an in depth study of Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Berry interviews WKCTC Associate Professor David Nickell and Assistant Professor Legetha Spelbring.
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Vice President Alben Barkley Commemoration, Part 2 - November 7, 2008
This month marks sixty years since Alben Barkley was elected as Vice President of the United States. His life will be commemorated in Paducah November 17-23. Learn about Alben Barkley - the loving and doting grandfather - from his granddaughter, Dottie Barkley Holloway.
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Vice President Alben Barkley Commemoration, Part 1 - November 7, 2008
This month marks sixty years since Alben Barkley was elected as Vice President of the United States. His life will be commemorated in Paducah November 17-23. Learn about the events that will celebrate the life of a man who was so deeply involved in the history of Paducah, Western Kentucky, and our great nation.
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Energy Employee's - October 31, 2008
Berry interviews Gary Vander Boegh, Commonwealth Environmental Services Vice-President. Vander Boegh says the Energy Employee's Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act has serious problems. He fights for the Kentucky workers who were employed at the Paducah uranium enrichment plant beginning in the early 1950s who now suffer from various illnesses related to chemical and radiological exposures. Vander Boegh says at least 30,000 workers have yet to contacted for compensation. He says many are afraid to come forward. Find out more at Commonwealth Environmental Services website.
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Dr. Dave Krueger - October 3, 2008
Berry interviews former WKCTC professor, Dr. Dave Krueger about the crisis on Wall Street.
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Louis H. Chappell, WWII Veteran - September 26, 2008
Berry interviews Bronze Star recipient, Louis H. Chappell about his service in WWII. He shares stories about his close call with a buzz bomb, battles in England and France, and what it was like when he returned home from the war to his hometown in Paducah, Kentucky.
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Ethics of War and Peace - September 12, 2008
Berry interviews David Nickell, associate professor of socialogy at West Kentucky Community & Technical College about how the different cultural perspectives influence our decisions toward war and peace.
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Trace Lasley - August 29, 2008
Berry interviews Trace Lasley, former WKCTC and UK student who traveled abroad to fulful his dream of studying in Ethiopia.
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B-29 Bomber Crash - August 15, 2008
Berry speaks with Gary Teckenbrock about the commemoration ceremony of the July 1, 1945 B-29 bomber crash near Soldier Creek in Marshall County.
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Eric Streit - August 15, 2008
Berry interviews Eric Streit, writer, actor, producer. Streit is currently the field producer for Little People Big World.
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Paducah Cooperative Ministry - May 2, 2008
Berry Craig interviews Heidi Suhrheinrich of Paducah Cooperative Ministry.
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Retired and Senior Volunteer Program - May 2, 2008
Berry Craig talks with Al Knudson of RSVP.
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John Robertson - April 18, 2008
Berry Craig talks with John Robertson, former WKCTC History Professor. John is the most recent receipient of the Lifetime Dedication to Kentucky History Award.
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Abraham Lincoln - March 28, 2008
The two-hundredth birthday of the honest Abe is approaching.  Berry and retired WKCTC Professor, Dave Krueger, discuss the life of Abraham Lincoln.
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George Wilson, Buffalo Bills Free Safety - March 7, 2008
Berry chats with Buffalo Bills free safety, George Wilson. Wilson, a Paducah Tilghman graduate, who played at the University of Arkansas. He was a starter for three years at the University of Arkansas and led the Hogs in receptions for two years.
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Diabetic Footcare - March 7, 2008
Berry interviews Board Certified Pedorthist, John Ryan, about the dangers of diabetes.
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Hotel Metropolitan - February 29, 2008
Berry Craig talks with Betty Dobson about the continued renovation of Paducah's Hotel Metropolitan. Bettie shares stories of the hotel's beginnings, the history of the previous owners, and of the many famous African-Americans who have stayed in the historic hotel over the years. Della Reece, B.B. King, Lou Armstrong, Satchel Page - just to name a few.
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Land Between the Lakes - January 25, 2008
Land Between The Lakes is an inland peninsula formed when the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers were impounded, creating Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley -- one of the world's largest man-made bodies of water. Berry interviews WKCTC's Sociology Professor, David Nickell. Berry and David about the heritage many Kentucky and Tennessee families have with the Land Between the Lakes. David talks about his writings that document how lives for many generations were forever changed as the US government began the transformation of the LBL into a 170,000 acre national recreational area.
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