Western Kentucky travelers got good news Friday about the future of the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge that spans Kentucky Lake between Aurora and Fenton. Gov. Steve Beshear’s office released a statement saying that an underwater bridge inspection team found no significant damage to the piers, giant columns that support the bridge.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd said that work to restore traffic to the bridge could begin in a few weeks. The state will now seek bids for the repair work needed for the 80-year old bridge. In the meantime, a ferry service, which would allow vehicles to drive on a boat and be shuttled across the lake to the other side, would likely be used in the time it takes to repair the bridge.

A 322-foot span of the bridge was destroyed when struck by an 8,600-ton cargo ship on the night of Jan. 26.

Teen of the Week

McKell Davis is the Mid-Continent University Teen of the Week. Davis, a senior at Heath High School, has found success in achieving her goals in beauty pageants and agriculture, with a goal of becoming Miss Kentucky. She is also active in the FFA and plans to major in agriculture at Murray State.

In May, a Teen of the Year will be chosen from the weekly winners, who will receive a four-year scholarship to Mid-Continent or a $2,500 scholarship if the winner choses another school.

Winter snow chills South

A winter storm dumped several inches of snow on a band of southern states, triggering accidents on slippery roads and knocking out power to tens of thousands. Parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia were affected.

Gas at highest for time of year

Gasoline prices have never been higher this time of the year. At $3.53 a gallon, prices are already up 25 cents since Jan. 1 Authorities say prices could reach a record $4.25 a gallon by late April.

The surge in gas prices follows an increase in the price of oil.

Higher gas prices could hurt consumer spending and curtail the recent improvement in the U.S. economy.