The award recognizes Dick’s lifetime of contributions to the qualities and values of rural life in Kentucky. Born in Cincinnati, he first worked as a writer for WHAS Radio and TV in Louisville. CBS News hired him in 1966 and he worked there for 19 years. He received an Emmy in 1972 for his coverage of the attempted assassination of Gov. George Wallace. Since 1989 he has written the column, “The View From Plum Lick” for Kentucky Living magazine. Since 1992, Plum Lick Publishing Inc., has produced seven of Dick’s books.
Dick was inducted into the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame in 1987. He and his
wife, Lalie, live in Bourbon County on a farm purchased with British crowns by his ancestor, Joshua, in 1799.
The electric co-ops of Kentucky have presented the Distinguished Rural Kentuckian Award annually since 1982, to recognize people who have improved the quality of life in the state. The first recipient was author Jesse Stuart of Greenup. Other recipients include Cawood Ledford, Governor A.B. “Happy” Chandler, KET’s O. Leonard Press, Dr. Louise Caudill, Wendell Berry and Senator Wendell Ford.
Dick accepted the award at a banquet during the 57th annual meeting of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives. Several speakers at the meeting discussed how electric cooperatives can remain successful during a difficult business climate, especially in the electric utility industry.
The Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, based in Louisville, represents 26 local, user-owned, electric cooperatives, which provide electricity to about one-third of the homes and businesses in the state, covering parts of 117 of the 120 counties in Kentucky.
Kentucky Association of
Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
4515 Bishop Lane * Louisville, KY 40218
502-451-2430 * FAX: 502-459-3209 Terms of Use
October 27 accepted the 2003 Distinguished Rural Kentuckian Award from the
