Hello and Welcome!
I'm sure you'll find this forum to be a great place to learn more about bees and beekeeping. Please post your location in your profile. Much of beekeeping is "location-specific", so we'll be better able to answer your questions if we know where you are.
You shouldn't have that much trouble finding other beekeepers in Kentucky. Find a local club and get involved:
http://www.kyagr.com/statevet/bees/association/index.htmClubs are great for finding mentors and getting connected with nearby beekeepers. Plus, club members can recommend local suppliers of bees and equipment.
Keep us posted on your progress!