Spring-cleaning season has arrived and for many Kentuckians that means burning unwanted debris.  The Kentucky Division for Air Quality (DAQ) reminds you to learn before you burn.  Illegal burning could result in fines of up to $25,000 per day per violation.

Many people may not realize that burning trash is illegal in Kentucky. “Today’s trash is different than the trash our grandparents used to burn,” said DAQ Director John Lyons.  “Plastics, chemicals, and other synthetic materials are far more common in the things we throw away.  Burning this trash releases high levels of toxic pollutants such as dioxins, sulfur dioxide, lead and mercury.”

The 2013 Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) “Farmer of the Year” application process is now open, and the organization is seeking the Commonwealth’s finest nominees for this prestigious award.

FB initiated a “Farmer of the Year” awards program as a way to recognize its members for their commitment to excellence in agriculture, efficiency in farming practices, sound financial management and outstanding leadership in their county Farm Bureau and other civic organizations. Eligibility and guidelines are included with the application, and can be downloaded atkyfb.com/federation/. All applications must be postmarked by July 1.

There's a new crime alert for residents of Hopkins County.

Madisonville Police report a spike in cases of so-called electronic crimes and "Get rick quick" schemes.  These come in the forms of lottery, check cashing, and inheritance scams.  Police say the crooks often start with smaller amounts to go unnoticed.