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Paramount Restoration LLC

Bob Blackburn
4401-D Dixie Hwy, Elsmere, KY 41018
Contractor's Bio

Water Damage Restoration in Lexington, KY

Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.

Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Sullivan University Lexington in Lexington to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Lexington, KY is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.

Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Lexington. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.

Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:

insurance claim process
Navigating the insurance claim process

We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.

quality completion
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion

We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

You might also be thinking about:

safety and health

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

assessment

Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.

expenses

Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.

structural

Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.

Protecting

Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.

You might also be thinking
might also be thinking
Minimizing

Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.

trustworthy

Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.

Ensuring

Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.

updates

Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.

involved

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

At Disaster Response

At Disaster Response, It's All About You

Like Mary Todd Lincoln House in Lexington, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Lexington.

Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.

We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.

The Disaster Response Difference

number-one

Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes

In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.

number-two

Insurance Advocacy

Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

number-three

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.

Disaster-Response Difference
Disaster Owner

Bob Blackburn

Paramount Restoration LLC

Disaster Response Introducing Paramount Restoration LLC: The Premier Choice for Emergency Clean-Up**

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From water and fire damage to mold remediation, ( Paramount Restoration LLC ) doesn't just follow industry norms-they set new ones. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that ( Paramount Restoration LLC ) exceeds expectations, delivering cutting-edge solutions for your emergency needs.

When you choose Disaster 911 and ( Paramount Restoration LLC ), you're opting for a dynamic partnership that prioritizes effective, next-level recovery. Don't settle for the ordinary-when disaster strikes, choose the best in emergency response.

4401-D Dixie Hwy, Elsmere, KY 41018

lm-phoneCall Us
Guide-Water-Damage.png

Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Lexington, KY

Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.

As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Magnolia Springs Lexington in Lexington for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.

What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Lexington, KY, Different from Others?

One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Lexington?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.

But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:

Investing-damage

Cost

Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.

specialized training

Technicians

Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to

disasters happen quicker

Time

Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Jacobson Park in Lexington. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.

significant investments

Tools

Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.

helping with water damage

Process

For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.

Reliable Water Damage

Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network

We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.

What Does Disaster Response Fix?

As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Lexington, KY, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.

  • Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
  • Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
  • Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
  • Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Waveland State Historic Site in Lexington, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response Fix

Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.

What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?

We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Lexington restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:

Infrared

Infrared Cameras

Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.

Moisture

Moisture Meters

We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.

Air Movers

Air Movers

This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.

Generators

Ozone Generators

These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.

Xtractor

Xtreme Xtractor

This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.

Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About

Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Lexington, KY, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:

Clean Water Damage

Clean Water Damage

Clean

This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.

Gray Water Damage

Gray Water Damage

Gray-Water

Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.

Black Water Damage

Black Water Damage

Black-Water

The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.

If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:

Stop the Source of Water
  • Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
  • Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
  • Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.

Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Lexington, KY

Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.

We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.

After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.

Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.

  • Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
  • Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
  • Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
  • Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
Disaster Response Fix

The Water Damage Company in Lexington, KY, You Can Trust

When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Merrick Inn Restaurant in Lexington. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.

As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.

Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Lexington rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.

Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!

Latest News in Lexington, KY

Central Ky. school district violated Open Records Act, Attorney General rules

The Jessamine County Board of Education violated the Kentucky Open Records Act when it denied a request for public records on the basis of where the requester lived, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has ruled.The requester, Nicole Smith, had correctly stated she qualified as a resident of Kentucky, the Open Records Decision announced October 20 said.Smith filed a request to the board for data about capital and operating expenditures for the 2024 fiscal year on behalf of Acme Research Institute of Kentucky on Aug. 7....

The Jessamine County Board of Education violated the Kentucky Open Records Act when it denied a request for public records on the basis of where the requester lived, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has ruled.

The requester, Nicole Smith, had correctly stated she qualified as a resident of Kentucky, the Open Records Decision announced October 20 said.

Smith filed a request to the board for data about capital and operating expenditures for the 2024 fiscal year on behalf of Acme Research Institute of Kentucky on Aug. 7.

The Office of the Attorney General ruling said the board denied the request because it contained no information about the “Kentucky residency for Acme” or the commercial purposes, if any, of the request.

Smith described the purposes of her request and asserted that it complied with the law’s residency requirement. First, she said Acme was a foreign business entity registered with the Secretary of State. Also, she said she was an “individual that is employed and works at a location or locations within the Commonwealth.”

Smith explained she worked from a “home office” located in Kentucky.

In response, the Jessamine school board denied the request because Acme was a Kentucky corporation with its principal office in Texas. The Attorney General ruled it is immaterial whether, as the school board argued, Acme is a domestic corporation or a foreign corporation with or without a location in Kentucky.

Jessamine County Schools Superintendent Sara Crum told the Herald-Leader Thursday that the Jessamine County School District is committed to fully adhering to all state laws and regulations.

“To ensure that we handle open records requests in an appropriate and compliant manner, our legal counsel routinely reviews requests and advises the district/board on how to proceed,” she said

Due to a misunderstanding relating to whether the criteria for Kentucky residency was met within the request, the district was advised to deny the request, Crum said.

“When we were informed that the individual requesting this information on behalf of an out-of-state company did indeed meet the residency criteria, we immediately responded to correct this mistake and provided the requested information,” Crum said. “We regret the delay in providing the requested information and any inconvenience that it may have caused.”

This story was originally published October 25, 2024, 10:16 AM.

Lexington Herald-Leader

(859) 379-4967

Staff writer Valarie Honeycutt Spears covers K-12 education, social issues and other topics. She is a Lexington native with southeastern Kentucky roots.

Where to watch, how to follow the UK men’s basketball exhibition vs. Kentucky Wesleyan

Where to watch and how to follow Wednesday’s men’s basketball exhibition game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers:Game time is 7 p.m. (EDT) at Rupp Arena (capacity 20,545) at C...

Where to watch and how to follow Wednesday’s men’s basketball exhibition game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers:

Game time is 7 p.m. (EDT) at Rupp Arena (capacity 20,545) at Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.

None: The game telecast is available only via internet streaming on the digital SEC Network Plus or ESPN Plus platforms.

Where to find SEC Network Plus or ESPN Plus:

If you have a cable subscription that includes the SEC Network, you should be able to stream the SEC Network Plus broadcast for free via the WatchESPN app.

If you subscribe to ESPN Plus, you should be able to stream the game via that platform.

For additional information, you can contact ESPN Customer Service at (888) 549-3776, (800) 727-1800 or at https://support.espn.com/hc/en-us.

Announcers: TBA

Over the air: WLAP-AM 630

Statewide list of UK radio network affiliates: Click here

Satellite radio: None

UK Sports Network broadcast team: Play-by-play, Tom Leach; analysis, Jack Givens

Live updates: Join the conversation with Herald-Leader sports columnist John Clay during the game at Kentucky.com.

Live video: You can live stream the game online from WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN app, depending on your TV service provider.

On X (the social-media platform formerly known as Twitter): @johnclayiv; @markcstory; @BenRobertsHL; @cdrummond97; @kentuckysports; @heraldleader

Facebook: Photos and links on Kentucky.com and KentuckySports.com pages

The Kentucky roster: Click here

The Kentucky Wesleyan roster: Click here

Kentucky-Kentucky Wesleyan series history: Click here

The odds: Not available

For comprehensive postgame coverage: Kentucky.com

New pasta place at Fayette Mall hopes to be ‘most ambitious place in Lexington’

An ambitious new restaurant set to debut at Fayette Mall wants to be your new favorite restaurant.Mileta, which plans to open Nov. 9 near The Cheesecake Factory, bills itself as “Italian-ish” with a wide-ranging menu that will include pasta, as well as steak, seafood and locally sourced items.The latest on food, dining and bourbon delivered right to your inbox for free. See what's happening in the world of bourbon, including buying, tast...

An ambitious new restaurant set to debut at Fayette Mall wants to be your new favorite restaurant.

Mileta, which plans to open Nov. 9 near The Cheesecake Factory, bills itself as “Italian-ish” with a wide-ranging menu that will include pasta, as well as steak, seafood and locally sourced items.

The latest on food, dining and bourbon delivered right to your inbox for free. See what's happening in the world of bourbon, including buying, tasting tips and more on Tuesday. Stick around for the biggest restaurant news in Central Kentucky on Thursday. Sign up here.

“Pasta is at the heart of the menu,” said owner Dallas Rose, but with a contemporary feel. “It’s more Italian in ethos than in execution. It’s not going to be fettuccine Alfredo and spaghetti and meatballs. ... We want to get the best local ingredients we can, highlight them, treat them with respect.”

Working with executive chef Alex Green and director of operations Aaron Wood, they aspire to be something special that can appeal to many different diners.

To showcase their pasta, they plan to make it in-house in a glass-walled corner room of the restaurant, which is centered around a marble-topped bar, with custom banquette seating along a wall, with tables scattered around.

Although it might seem an unusual choice to open a high-end restaurant in a mall, Rose and Green, said in an interview that they are thrilled with their choice, in part because of the high foot traffic and the convenient parking.

“I had this concept in mind and wanted to do it in the right location,” Rose said. “I knew I wanted to do it on the south side. ... I wanted to do it in my backyard, open a restaurant my friends and family could go eat at. ... We’re really excited about this location.”

There also is seating near the windows on the kitchen so you will be able to see Green and the other kitchen staff at work.

Nearby there is the Rose Room, which will be available for private parties.

Green said the menu will rotate with the seasons to incorporate as much Kentucky flavor as possible.

“I think we’re going to be the most ambitious restaurant in Lexington,” Rose said. “We want to be the favorite. We want to cook the most delicious food we can.”

He said they’ve hired talented chefs and managers who will be able to deliver on that.

Prices will be moderate-high; pastas will be in the $20-$30 and two people will be able share small plates for under $50, Rose said. Prices will top out at $40-$70.

The cocktail and wine program also will feature “crushable” and delicious, he said.

“It’s going to feel like a dinner party in here,” he said. “No white table cloths.”

And no dress code.

The restaurant will start with dinner and add lunch once the staff is comfortable, Rose and Green said.

Where: 3565 Nicholashville Rd. Suite 932

Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 4 to 10 p.m. for now.

Online: miletarestaurant.com

This story was originally published October 25, 2024, 5:00 AM.

Auburn vs. Kentucky Prediction: Points at a Premium in Lexington

Tension within the fan bases of both the Auburn Tigers and Kentucky Wildcats are high and getting worse by the second. Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops nearly left for Texas A&M, then fielded an offense that is still struggling, d...

Tension within the fan bases of both the Auburn Tigers and Kentucky Wildcats are high and getting worse by the second. Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops nearly left for Texas A&M, then fielded an offense that is still struggling, despite five offensive coordinators in five years. Auburn put all its eggs in Hugh Freeze’s basket, and yet the offensive genius is leading one of the worst offenses in the country.

It’s safe to say that Saturday’s game is more about the loser than the winner, as the loser will likely miss a bowl. Can either side rise to the occasion, or is it simply a matter of not being the worst team on the field? Find out what we think in this Auburn vs. Kentucky prediction.

Auburn vs. Kentucky Betting Preview

All Auburn vs. Kentucky odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. The CFN Spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.

Neither Kentucky nor Auburn expected to enter this game under .500 and will desperately want to win Saturday. The line for this game hasn’t really moved after opening at Kentucky -2.5, but the total has ticked up from 42.5 points.

MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor

The implied final score of this one is a close Kentucky win, around 23-21, given the current spread and total. That’s indicative of the poor offensive display expected in this one, as neither team has scored more than 21 points against a Power Four opponent this season.

According to CFN FPM, Auburn has just a 28.4% chance of leaving Kentucky victorious on Saturday. However, things don’t get much easier, as the Tigers finish the season with two games more difficult than this one. Here are their winning probabilities for the rest of the season:

Conversely, Kentucky has a 71.6% chance of overcoming the Tigers at home. It’s extremely important that the Wildcats get to 4-4 Saturday — they’ll be heavy underdogs in two of their four remaining games.

Here are their winning probabilities for the rest of the season:

This has the potential to be like a slow-motion car crash. You know it won’t end well, but you just can’t seem to look away.

The offensive issues for these teams have been obvious but in different ways. Kentucky had a huge question at quarterback in the offseason. Sure, there’s some talent at the skill positions; sure, Brock Vandagriff was a five-star recruit in 2021. But Kentucky’s hopes of turning around its offense relied on an unproven upperclassman playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

Vandagriff is tied for 17th in the SEC in passer rating and is 18th in yards per attempt. The running game hasn’t helped much either, as the Wildcats are 83rd nationally in yards per rushing attempt.

On the flip side, Freeze sold Auburn fans not on his quarterback but on the promise that with a strong group of skill players and his play-calling ability, it wouldn’t matter that the Tigers never got a quarterback from the transfer portal.

The results have been predictable.

Payton Thorne has six interceptions, most of them at inopportune times. Even when he’s playing well, which has been more often than many predicted, the Tigers’ offense has looked completely out of sync.

Auburn and Kentucky’s offensive lines have been poor, and a lack of offensive identity has each outside the top 100 in points per game.

FREE: Sign up for the College Football Network Newsletter to receive unique stories from the world of college football directly to your inbox!

Expect a low-scoring game, but don’t be surprised if either team hits a big play or two. Both defenses have been stout, but they have given up their share of long passes. Just ask DJ Lagway, who averaged nearly 37 yards per completion against the Wildcats last week.

All of the numbers scream to take the under, but I think both teams could accidentally run into some passing success. I still think it will be low-scoring, but it could come close to crossing the total. It’s going to come down to turnovers, something Auburn can’t help but gift their opponent.

Take Kentucky and the points, barely, in an ugly win.

Prediction: Kentucky 24, Auburn 21

College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.

General in charge of the US Space Force inducted into Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame

In our Uniquely Kentucky stories, Herald-Leader journalists bring you the quirky and cool, historic and infamous, beloved and unforgettable, and everything-in-between stories of what makes our commonwealth remarkable. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com.He’s not Captain James T. Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise, but...

In our Uniquely Kentucky stories, Herald-Leader journalists bring you the quirky and cool, historic and infamous, beloved and unforgettable, and everything-in-between stories of what makes our commonwealth remarkable. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com.

He’s not Captain James T. Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise, but Gen. Chance Saltzman, the most senior military officer leading the U.S. Space Force, has been compared to him before.

“We’re not here to defend against aliens. We’re not here to do interplanetary explorations. We have NASA to do that,” he said in an interview Saturday.

But Saltzman does have something in common with Star Trek’s William Shatner, who portrayed Kirk: Both have strong Kentucky connections.

Saltzman was born in Owensboro and grew up in Bowling Green, where he graduated high school in 1987. He then attended Boston University and launched a 28-year career in the Air Force before transitioning to the Space Force in 2020 and taking its top job in 2022.

And on Saturday, Saltzman, a four-star general and chief of space operations for the Space Force, was inducted into the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame in Lexington.

The Space Force, which has a budget of about $30 billion, is the newest and smallest branch of the military, with about 17,000 enlisted military and civilian staffers, who are referred to as “guardians.”

Though the military’s history with space goes back more than 60 years, the Space Force was established just five years ago, with a mission of “securing our nation’s interests in, from and to space.”

Saltzman, the second person to hold the chief of space operations title, said in an interview Saturday the Space Force has an important role to play in keeping Americans safe, as well as protecting our way of life.

“Space is critical to the United States — not just from a military standpoint,” Saltzman said. “If you drove here with Google Maps, that GPS signal that’s telling your phone where it is, that’s your United States Space Force. GPS is critical to our economy. In fact, the timing signal that it provides connects all of the internet computers. It connects everything from your bank transactions to getting gas at the pump. When you swipe your card, you’re using space capabilities.”

Phone systems, radio and television services operate because of equipment in space, and agricultural operations have come to rely on information provided by satellites.

Saltzman said American adversaries including Russia and China “have invested heavily to build capabilities to deny us our space capabilities,” and the role of the Space Force is to prevent them from doing so.

“We have to deny our adversaries the use of space against us,” Saltzman said. “And that becomes kind of our primary mission. We call it space superiority. Protect ours and deny the adversary the use of space against us.”

Saltzman described the current political situation as “a state of competition” with “constant friction” between American interests and those of other world powers.

He said the “emerging threats” of years ago are here now, as China and Russia have both shown that they can shoot and destroy satellites with missiles. They also have developed technologies that sound like something from a science fiction novel — Saltzman said China has shown the capability to use a grappling arm “to grab onto a satellite and drag it out of its orbit so that it can’t be used for mission.”

“The Russians launched what we call a nesting doll,” he said. “...One satellite, another satellite comes out of that one, and then finally, this little kill vehicle comes out and attacks a satellite and destroys it.

“We’re getting ahead of those threats,” Saltzman said.

The Space Force is also constantly tracking about 46,000 objects orbiting the Earth, from satellites to a glove lost by an astronaut during one of the Apollo missions, helping ensure collisions don’t occur in the increasingly congested area above Earth. Saltzman likened it to the role air traffic control plays.

And the Space Force is responsible for launching satellites and rockets.

While most Space Force guardians work from computer stations on the ground communicating with satellites, one of its guardians was recently tapped by NASA for a space mission.

Col. Nick Hague, an astronaut who had already spent more than 200 days on the International Space Station, commanded the NASA SpaceX Crew-9 mission that launched Sept. 28 and is aboard the ISS for a five-month mission focused on scientific research.

The Space Force operates from six main bases, including three in Colorado, two in California and one at Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Saltzman, who is stationed at the Pentagon, still has a home in Warren County.

He said he was humbled to be inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame in his home state.

“I just still feel like somebody doing the job that they’ve been asked to do,” he said.

Other inductees into the Aviation Hall of Fame Saturday included Ralph G. Anderson and Wallace Sidney “Sid” Park, both of whom were inducted posthumously.

Anderson founded the engineering firm Belcan, and Park helped found Kentucky’s first commercial airport, Bowman Field in Louisville.

Jim McCormick, chairman of the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame committee and a member of the board of trustees at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, said this is the 28th year for Hall of Fame inductions.

The committee seeks nominations for inductees, who are then selected through a ballot vote by museum members and members of the hall of fame.

McCormick said the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame wants to make sure Saltzman “is recognized as someone from Kentucky who is doing us proud.”

Nominations for future inductions are welcome, he said.

“There are people whose stories we don’t know,” he said.

This story was originally published October 21, 2024, 5:30 AM.

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