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Assistance Being Offered to Displaced Coal Miners in Western Kentucky

Wikimedia Commons

Workers at two Western Kentucky coal mines are preparing to be laid off in the coming days. 

The Genesis Mine in Centertown previously announced it would close Feb. 24, but Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston said on Tuesday that Saturday is expected to be the last day of operation. 

Two informational sessions will be held in Muhlenberg County on Wednesday for the 250 workers at that Genesis mine.

"We will talk to them about job search, unemployment insurance and how to apply, the different services that are available at a career center," said Juliet Allen, workforce programs coordinator with the West Kentucky Workforce Board.

The two sessions for the Genesis Mine employees will take place at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Career Advancement Center in Central City. 

Meanwhile, the Poplar Grove Mine in McLean County declared bankruptcy and is currently for sale.  The mine terminated about 45 employees last week, or half of its workforce.  Those workers can attend an informational session on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the McLean County Courthouse in Calhoun. 

Some mines are struggling to stay in business as industries switch from coal to cheaper and cleaner forms of energy. 

The closures can have a ripple effect throughout communities.  The closure of the Genesis Mine alone is expected to result in $2 million a year in lost revenue from occupational taxes and coal severance dollars for Ohio County.

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.
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