A helping hand for storm victims

The road to recovery is a long one for those who were affected by the deadly tornadoes that tore through western Kentucky on December 11.  The philanthropic arm of Kentucky Oaks Mall is contributing to that effort.  The Cafaro Foundation has donated $10,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with disaster relief.  Additional donations were contributed to the Red Cross through a portal on the mall’s website.

For more information on ways to assist recovery efforts, you can find your local chapter’s contact information by searching your zip code at www.redcross.org.

Kentucky Oaks Mall is located on Interstate 24, Exits 3 and 4, in Paducah, Kentucky.  The mall complex has been serving the people Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois, and Eastern Missouri since 1983.   For more information about mall merchants and events, go to www.kentuckyoaksmall.com.  Kentucky Oaks Mall is owned and managed in association with Cafaro-affiliated companies, based in Niles, Ohio.

The Cafaro Foundation is a charitable entity established by the Cafaro family in loving memory of William M. Cafaro, the founder of the real estate development and management company that bears his name.  For over a half century, Mr. Cafaro, along with his wife Alyce and brother John A. Cafaro, enthusiastically supported churches, schools, hospitals and other charitable causes.  Since its inception in 1996, the Cafaro Foundation has awarded millions of dollars in grants to worthy organizations and individuals.

Viva Versona

The quest for fashion is often about finding a look that’s distinctive and personal.  That’s what fashionable women will find at Versona, a new retailer coming soon to Kentucky Oaks Mall.  When it opens late this spring, the new Versona store will occupy more than 8,800 square feet of space near the mall’s Center Court.

Versona is a fun apparel, jewelry and accessories brand with a unique approach to fashion priced right every day.  It’s for the women who will take risks with her fashion, but not her budget. Versona offers her a one-stop-shop to complete her look from head to toe.  Versona is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with nearly 70 stores in 18 states.  The new store at Kentucky Oaks Mall will be only the second Versona in the state of Kentucky.

Kentucky Oaks Mall is located on Interstate 24, Exits 3 and 4, in Paducah, Kentucky.  The mall complex comprises over one million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment, and has been serving the people Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois, and Eastern Missouri since 1983.  Customers find trusted names like Dillard’s, JCPenney, DICK’S Sporting Goods and nearly one hundred other specialty shops and eateries.  For more information about mall merchants and events, go to www.kentuckyoaksmall.com.  Kentucky Oaks Mall is owned and managed in association with Cafaro-affiliated companies, based in Niles, Ohio.  One of the nation’s largest privately held shopping center developers, the Cafaro organization has developed in its history more than 30 million square feet of commercial real estate in 14 states.  For more information, visit www.cafarocompany.com.

Drivers react positively to double crossover diamond interchange in Paducah

Shamarria Morrison WPSD-TV | October 9, 2019

PADUCAH — It’s been a little over two months since the multimillion-dollar double crossover diamond interchange project was finished in Paducah at I-24 exit 4. Many businesses and drivers near Kentucky Oaks Mall in Paducah complained about the weeks of construction. Some people were apprehensive about the change, but now they are on board after getting a chance to experience it.

If you didn’t know any better, you’d think you’re driving on the wrong side of the road at the double crossover diamond interchange.

“It was kind of odd at first, because you’re switching sides, but I’m used to it,” said Phillip Barnett. “I love it.”

Barnett has lived in McCracken County for 60 years. He said if you just follow the arrows, you’ll be fine.

Jerry Barefield came from Illinois to Paducah Wednesday to celebrate his birthday with his mom. He calls the interchange a blessing in disguise.

“It’s kind of confusing at first, but I’m getting used to it. It’s taking a lot of congestion out of the area,” Barefield said. “So, it’s working out pretty good, especially for the holiday coming up.”
In initial studies the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet conducted found the interchange needed to change for your safety. A two-year crash report showed 58% of traffic crashes were rear-end crashes and the cause was stop and go traffic.

“I can remember trying to get through the traffic prior to it being built, and it seems like this is a whole lot speedier. It’s faster,” Barnett said.

Construction was a headache for people in the beginning, but it seems like a faster flow of traffic was just what was needed.