## Lights, Camera, Construction! Oldham County Gets a Blast From the Entertainment Industry Get ready, Oldham County, because the curtains are about to rise on a brand new chapter! After months of anticipation and debate, a green light has been given for the long-awaited Oldham County Entertainment Center. This sprawling complex, poised to become a regional hub for fun and entertainment, will be built right across from Oldham County High School, forever changing the landscape of the community. But what can locals expect from this exciting new addition? And what impact will it have on the students and families who call Oldham County home? We delve into the details, exploring the vision behind the Entertainment Center and the ripple effects it promises to bring.
Court Approves Oldham County Entertainment Center to be Built Across from OCHS
Michael Swansburg’s Role and Statements
Michael Swansburg, Jr., the legal representative for JAMP Enterprises LLC, played a pivotal role in addressing the concerns raised by the Oldham County Fiscal Court regarding the proposed Oldham County Entertainment Center. Swansburg outlined the company’s revised plans, emphasizing that the entertainment center will primarily focus on non-alcoholic entertainment, with alcohol sales being incidental to food service, much like a standard restaurant. He highlighted that only two of the three properties bordering Oldham County High School (OCHS) currently sell alcohol, asserting that the new development will align with existing standards.
JAMP Enterprises LLC’s Legal Strategy
Swansburg’s legal strategy involved addressing each concern methodically. For the alcohol sales issue, he emphasized the limited scope of alcohol sales and the adherence to food service regulations. Regarding pedestrian crossings, Swansburg pointed out that state law mandates that pedestrians yield right-of-way to vehicles, and the new design includes ample parking to discourage walking across Highway 393. He also cited consultations with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which had no objections after assisting with the design of entrances and easements. Additionally, Swansburg noted that fencing or signage discouraging pedestrian crossings is advised by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet but was deemed impractical due to space constraints.
Developer’s Perspective
Adam McIntyre’s Involvement and Responses
Adam McIntyre, the architect and developer of the project, provided detailed responses to magistrates’ concerns. He agreed to a binding element to ensure no alcohol advertising would be visible from the exterior of the building, addressing Magistrate Stephanie Hawkins’ request. McIntyre also assured the court that the parking lot could handle overflow traffic, reducing the risk of blockage during peak hours. He noted that the design included extensive consultations with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which ultimately raised no objections to the development plan.
Architectural and Developmental Considerations
The entertainment center is planned to feature six indoor multi-use courts primarily for pickleball, an outdoor lawn with games, a playground, and a cafe with a drive-thru. The design considerations included ample parking to discourage pedestrian crossings and consultations with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to ensure traffic management. The architectural design also took into account the need for a family-friendly environment, with plans for a playground and recreational facilities.
Public and Stakeholder Reactions
Local Reaction
The public reaction to the proposed entertainment center was mixed. While some community members expressed support, others raised concerns about safety and the potential impact on students crossing Highway 393. Blake Haselton, a retired Oldham County Schools Superintendent, expressed his concerns, stating that the location was not ideal due to safety issues. However, McIntyre and Swansburg rebutted by noting the extensive revisions made to address these concerns and the difficulty in finding the perfect piece of land.
County Officials’ Reactions
County officials had varied reactions to the proposal. County Clerk Amy Alvey reported on the 2023 audit and the turnover of excess fees, noting that her office handled a significant number of renewals and registrations. Jailer Jeff Tindall sought approval for new transportation vehicles, emphasizing the need for additional resources. Judge Executive Voegele concluded the discussion by stating that the project is needed but acknowledged the need for further discussion on the alcohol issue.
Judge Executive Voegele’s Final Remarks
Judge Executive Voegele’s final remarks underscored the court’s approval of the project while acknowledging the need for ongoing dialogue regarding alcohol sales. He emphasized the project’s necessity and the steps taken to address community concerns, setting the stage for future discussions.
Recent Health Advisories and Community Events
U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer
Health Risks of Alcohol Consumption
At a time when many are making resolutions to improve their health, a recent advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General highlights the significant health risks associated with alcohol consumption. Alcohol is identified as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., trailing only tobacco and obesity. The advisory confirms that alcohol consumption is directly linked to several types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and cancers of the esophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and voice box. Alcohol contributes to nearly 100,000 cancer cases and about 20,000 cancer deaths each year. Despite these alarming statistics, less than half of Americans are aware of the connection between alcohol and cancer.
How does alcohol cause cancer? When consumed, alcohol is broken down into a substance called acetaldehyde, which damages DNA. Alcohol also creates inflammation, alters hormone levels, and can help other cancer-causing substances, like tobacco, to be more easily absorbed in the body. The risk of developing cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Even moderate drinking can elevate the risk. For certain cancers, including breast cancer, the risk begins to increase with just one drink per day. A woman’s chance of developing breast cancer rises from about 11% with less than one drink per week to about 15% with two drinks daily.
Recommendations for Individuals and Healthcare Providers
The Surgeon General recommends several steps for individuals and healthcare providers to mitigate these risks. For individuals, it’s crucial to be aware of the relationship between alcohol and cancer risk when deciding whether and how much to drink. If you don’t drink, don’t start. If you do drink on a daily basis, consider cutting back or quitting altogether. For those who need help reducing alcohol use, talking to a healthcare provider about resources is a crucial step. Healthcare providers are encouraged to implement changes including updating warning labels on alcoholic beverages, reassessing recommended alcohol consumption limits, and expanding alcohol screening and education.
Leah Winer, M.D., a surgical oncologist at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, emphasizes the importance of these measures. “The advisory provides a timely reminder of the health risks associated with alcohol consumption and the need for informed decision-making,” she says. “By raising awareness and providing resources, we can help individuals make healthier choices and reduce the burden of alcohol-related cancers.”
Upcoming Events at Oldham County History Center
Ohio River History Cruise Cocktail Series
The Oldham County History Center is set to host an Ohio River History Cruise Cocktail Series, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment. The series will feature three dates, each focusing on a different aspect of Ohio River history. The first event, on April 24, 2025, will present “Turtle Island: Native American Culture” by Miskwaadesi Ikwe, also known as Reta Underwood. Underwood, a senior elder and enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, will explore the Anishinaabeg way of life and the cultural stories of the Native American tribes. The second event, on June 26, 2025, will feature Dr. Nancy Stearns Theiss discussing “Pirates, Treachery, Battles and Escapes on the Ohio River.” Theiss will delve into the darker side of Ohio River history, including mutinies, slave escapes, and the notorious Harpe Brothers. The final event, on September 25, 2025, will introduce “Meet Mary Miller: First Licensed Steamboat Operator on the Ohio River,” portrayed by Terry Chambers. Chambers will explore Mary Miller’s life as a steamboat captain, running freight from Louisville to New Orleans and the challenges she faced.
Event Details and Ticket Information
The 2025 Ohio River History Cruise Cocktail Series includes a three-hour cruise from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Ohio River, featuring heavy appetizers and a cash bar. The cruise will depart from Captain’s Quarters in Prospect. Tickets are priced at $75 per person and can be purchased through the Oldham County History Center by calling 502-222-0286, emailing [email protected], or purchasing online through Eventbrite.
For more information on the Ohio River History Cruise Cocktail Series and other upcoming events, visit the Oldham County History Center website.
Conclusion
In a significant development, the Oldham County Entertainment Center has been given the green light to break ground and bring a wide range of entertainment options to the community. The project, approved by the Oldham County Fiscal Court, will be built across from Oldham County High School, providing a convenient and accessible location for residents and visitors alike.
The approval marks a major milestone in the efforts to revitalize the area and provide a hub for entertainment, dining, and community events. The center will feature a mix of restaurants, bars, and retail spaces, as well as a state-of-the-art movie theater and bowling alley. This development has the potential to boost local economic growth, create new jobs, and enhance the overall quality of life in the community.
As the Oldham County Entertainment Center takes shape, it will undoubtedly become a gathering place for locals and a destination for those looking to experience the best of what Oldham County has to offer. With its unique blend of entertainment options, the center will undoubtedly become a staple in the community, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community spirit. As we look to the future, it is clear that this development will have a lasting impact on the area, and we can’t wait to see what it will bring to the community.