xt7k3j393b6d https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7k3j393b6d/data/mets.xml The Kentucky Kernel Kentucky -- Lexington The Kentucky Kernel 2006-10-26 Earlier Titles: Idea of University of Kentucky, The State College Cadet newspapers English Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. The Kentucky Kernel The Kentucky Kernel, October 26, 2006 text The Kentucky Kernel, October 26, 2006 2006 2006-10-26 2020 true xt7k3j393b6d section xt7k3j393b6d NTUCKY CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE Taxi Co. and UK partner up for safer rides By Dariush Shah dshafa®kykemelcom A local taxicab company has signed a contract with the University of Kentucky in a bid to make travel safer for students. American Taxi Cab Co. entered into an agree- ment with UK yesterday to provide a $2 flat rate service to students within two areas: around UK’s campus and in downtown Lexington. Another benefit of the program is that it has been approved for the Plus Account program. al- lowing students to pay without cash or credit cards. though the payment service isn't yet available. "We just wanted a safer way for kids to get home,“ said Meredith Marcum. She is the president of Genesis. a student organization that focuses on finding safer ways for students to drink. Genesis. along with Student Government and UK‘s Office of Student Affairs. made the push for the service. “For Genesis. it‘s not about not drinking," Mar- cum said. “it‘s about doing it safely or in safer ways.“ In the past three years, two UK students have been killed in incidents where alcohol was a factor. Brian Muth. an incoming accounting sopho- more, had been arrested for being intoxicated and was released into custody of a friend before he was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer on New Circle Road in August 2004. in August 2005. Thomas Byers, an English sophomore. was running from police when he was struck and killed by a train near Virginia Avenue. Although the program has benefits for those who have been drinking and need a safe way home. it’s not intended solely for alcohol—related activities and isn't about encouraging irresponsible drinking. Marcum said “It‘s not just for those who choose to use it on the weekends (to party)." Marcum said. “It’s for any day." The new program is also beneficial to anyone concemed about walking alone at night. Marcum said. "We’re just providing a safe way for students to get there," she said. “As a student — a female stu- dent — getting home safely can be very complicat- ed and very difficult, and I think having this option is wonderful." Chris Martha. the general manager of American Taxi, said the number of students expected to use the service makes it possible for the company to of- fer the $2 flat rate. “We want to keep it cheap enough so that in- stead of people walking they’ll take a taxi," Martha said. “With us, it’s more about volume. That way. drivers are willing to do it.“ American Taxi will be accepting the Plus Ac- count for all taxi services. Martha said. but the $2 See Taxi on page 7 Tai Kidwell, a fourth year pharmacy student, gives a flu shot to Lexmgton reSI ent Elizabeth Hobson yesterday afternoon in the softball iompllex par ing ot. The UK Chandler Medical Center Will be offering drive- through flu shots again tomorrow from 9:30 am. to 3:30 pm in the arkin lot of t e UK occer and Softball complex. PHOTOS av ED MATl'HEWS l STAFF A healthier kind of DRIVE-THROUGH ‘ UK Medical Center makes flu shots convenient for the community By Emily Hunkler news@kykerne|.com With flu season beginning. the UK Chandler Medical Center is offering drive- through flu shots for the third year in a row. “Tire community absolutely loves it." said Sharon Berry. a registered nurse and hospital safety officer. “it provides a more convenient method. and we can get a lot done in a short amount of time." The service was offered yesterday from 7:30 am. to 3:30 pm. and will be available today at the same time in the UK Soccer and Softball Complex parking lot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. the flu is a conta- gious respiratory illness caused by influen- za viruses. it can cause mild to severe ill- ness. and at times can lead to death. “Me and my wife get sick sometimes. and we decided to take the preventative measures of getting the flu vaceine." said Sergio Budar. 34. who also took advantage of the service last year. “it apparently works well. because I didn't get sick last year." According to the CDC. more than 200.000 people a year on average are hos- pitalized from flu complications and about 36.000 die. Last year the drive-through llu service drew about 1.400 people. “Our goal this year is 2.000." said Kathleen Kosper. the service director. "We can give as many vaccines as we need to: we are not too worried about running out." “Every year we have a line of cars waiting before we even open." Kosper said. The shots cost $20. and the service ac— cepts Medicare Part B. Only those at least l8 years old are eligible for the vaccine. “It‘s great." said Mindy Dean. 46. “I can drive in and drive out with no wait. and I am on my way." The drive—through form of vaccination is practiced nationwide and does more than make the vaccination more accessi— ble. “It is a good test to see if we could do mass immunization in the case of a bioter- rorism attack." Berry said. “The more im— munizations we can do in an amount of time. the less likelihood there is of an out- break." Symptoms of the flu include fever. headache. exhaustion. muscle aches. dry cough. runny nose. sore throat. and stoni- ach symptoms such as nausea. vomiting or diarrhea. Those who received flu shots had to fill out a form beforehand to ensure they would not have an allergic reaction to the vaccination, Chandler: Students key to improving politics By Alice Haymoirtl newsOkykernelcom In an effort to raise a little money and get some people together. UK College Democrats hosted an informal fundraiser last night featur- ing US. Rep. Ben Chandler. who spoke to those in attendance. About 35 people. both students and other members of the community. gathered at the home of Jennifer Miller. a part-time political science instructor at UK who is also a member of the Fayette County Democratic Executive Committee. As Santana played in the background. stu- dents milled about. chatting with each other and several Democratic candidates from Ken- tucky before Chandler addressed the group. He encouraged students to continue to be involved in politics in America. hummus-afloat. “l‘m tickled to death that you all are doing this at UK.” Chandler said in regard to the stu— dents in College Democrats and their efforts and involvement. He said he understands how difficult it is to maintain an interest in modern politics. consid« ering the nasty political commercials on televi— sion and the animosity found on different sides of issues. But he also emphasized the impor— tance of trying to improve this situation. “You have to look at the stakes.“ Chandler said. “The stakes are your future. “You guys have a chance now to get in on what I think is a big wave in the country." Chandler said. Chandler is currently running for re—elec- tion to his seat in the US. House. He serves as the representative for Kentucky's 6th District. which includes Lexington. Chandler has no Re- publican opponent in the race. Since he became involved in Kentucky pol- itics in l9‘)l as the state auditor. Republicans have been dominant. Chandler said. But he thinks this is about to change. finally going back the other way." he said. things around. Chandler said. He specifically addressed debt and education. saying Republi- cans have left the weight of paying off the na~ tional debt on the backs of young people. dent would have to pay is almost as much as they will owe in student loans by the time they graduate. With Republicans cutting student loans. (‘handler said. “Students don‘t have the kind of relief that they need from their gov- cmment." does to help education. the better. He said there “This year. for the first time in 15 years. it‘s Democrats may have a chance to turn Chandler joked that the amount each stu» Chandler said that the more government See Chandler on page 7 SG divided on domestic partner resolution By Blair Thomas news©kyl