Darren Warren was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a 16-year-old, spending time at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Warren began treatment for cancer, having his first chemotherapy session on Jan. 5, 1999. After three years and 120 chemo sessions, Warren went into remission and has used his experience to encourage others.

“To be able to survive something like that and come out the other side, I do my best to give back,” Warren said. “St. Jude allowed me to do what I love more than anything in the world: play country music.”

Warren is now breaking into the country music charts, singing and opening for acts like Travis Tritt, Emerson Drive and Trace Adkins. He recently sang at the finish line of the St. Jude Country Music Marathon fundraiser in Nashville, Tenn., on April 28.

Warren, of Melber, always dreamed of being a musician, and said it was the push from his family, friends and fans that helped get him through the frightening days of cancer.

“It seems very hard when you’re diagnosed with cancer, but attitude is a large part of the battle,” Warren said. “Stay positive with it and take care of yourself, but most of all, believe that you can overcome.”

Lack of rain increasing recreational boating dangers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is releasing just enough water from Lake Barkley to maintain navigation in the lower Cumberland River.

Minimum water levels required to maintain navigation in the Cumberland is 302 feet above sea level. After the lake release, the river level below Barkley Dam was 303.85 feet, enough for river commerce. A lack of rain in the Cumberland and Tennessee river basins has caused lake and river levels to be currently down. Lake Barkley is down 2.7 inches, a record low for the month of May.

Low river and lake levels pose a hazard for recreational boaters, as well as commercial boats. Boaters are advised to slow down, be alert for shallows and shoals and stay between marked channels. Always wear you life jacket.

‘Bully’ director makes stop in Paducah

Lee Hirsch, the director of the movie “Bully” stopped for a meet-and-greet at Maiden Alley Cinema on Friday after an online campaign led by local anti-bullying advocate Susan Guess and the Guess Anti-Bullying Foundation brought him to Paducah. The night included a showing of the movie and a question-and-answer session.

The movie is being credited with creating awareness on the subject of bullying and how to change the culture.