Whiskey Provides Coal Mining's Start in Western Kentucky?

Anyone familiar with Western mining history knows that saloons and alcohol were a mainstay in any mining town. But, which brand was most popular? According to records, it appears to be the Overholt Rye Whiskey of Pennsylvania. It went overland to the California Gold Rush in 1849 and remained the whiskey of choice for many miners.

However, Overholt was more than the beverage of choice for many miners. Its owners were instrumental in creating the Western Pennsylvanian coal mining industry.

The story of Overholt whiskey began over two hundred years ago when a Mennonite family moved from eastern Pennsylvania to an area south of Pittsburgh. Like many farmers of that era, they made their own whiskey, especially since moving the grain to market was costly and whiskey was easier to transport. However it was one of the sons, Abraham Overholt, who came up with the idea that they should sell their own whiskey to their neighbors. So, in 1810, he opened up a distillery in a log cabin.

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Forget the Food Network—Think CGH Cooks!

Sylvia Wilkins recently sent out an email requesting your favorite recipes and the stories that are behind them. Go home and pull out your recipe cards and bring them in, because it is time to share. There are few things in life that stir up memories more than food—be it the smell of cookies baking in the oven or that special casserole that you always make for the kids. Share your favorites with all of us and we'll all be able to spread a little more Christmas cheer this year! Please send them in by next Tuesday for the upcoming newsletter and we'll be sure to share them before the Christmas holidays. Send them to sylviaw@cghinsurance.com. And we'll be waiting...

Workers’ Compensation Premium Rate Ranking Summary

National premium rate indices range from a low of $1.10 in North Dakota to a high of $5.00 in Alaska, with a median value of $2.48. Two jurisdictions have an index rate above $4; 10 are in the $3.00-$3.99 range; 29 are in the $2.00-$2.99 range; and 10 have indices under $2.00. Indices are based on data from 51 jurisdictions, for rates in effect as of January 1, 2006. Classification codes from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) were used in this study.

Take a look at the full breakdown by state by clicking here.

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