Kentucky news

• Franklin County Schools board proposes reduced tax rate

  14-08-2026 05:05 via state-journal.com
  
  The Franklin County Board of Education is proposing a lower tax rate for the 2025-2026 school year.
  At its meeting Monday, the board proposed a tax rate of 72.1 cents on real and personal property, a reduction of 2.1 cents from the current rate of 74.2 cents.
  The proposed tax rate is expected to produce $39,129,409.12, an amount that is $2,039,453.68 above the 2026 revenue.
  The board is expected to vote on the tax rate at a meeting later this month.
  The tax rate for the 2026-2027 school year is
  
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• Capital Avenue Bridge work to be done by November

  14-08-2026 05:09 via state-journal.com
  
  Though the majority of the construction cones and equipment are gone from the Capital Avenue Bridge, work continues underneath the structure and is expected to wrap up by November.
  Office of Emergency Management Director Ray Kinney said the “highly visible” project has been very successful on his end.
  “They’re working underneath on the Rebecca Ruth side and also on the Blanton’s Landing side,” he told the Board of Commissioners at Monday’s meeting. &ldqu
  
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• Overnight lane closures planned for I-64

  14-08-2026 05:07 via state-journal.com
  
  Starting Sunday, there will be overnight alternating lane closures on Interstate 64 East and West in Franklin County.
  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet stated that overnight alternating lane closures will occur nightly from 7 p.m. through 6 a.m. from Sunday through Friday, Aug. 21, on I-64 East and West between mile markers 53 and 58 (between U.S. 127 and U.S. 60). The overnight alternating lane closures are necessary for contract crews to apply a concrete overlay to the I-64 bridges over U.S.
  
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• Green Hill Missionary Baptist Church to host 135th anniversary celebration Sunday

  14-08-2026 05:06 via state-journal.com
  Green Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 127 Green Hill Ave., will host its 135th anniversary celebration at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
  The guest speaker will be Deacon Robert Robinson Sr. of Shelby Congregational Methodist Church.
  
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• Frankfort Independent board hears about tax rate options

  14-08-2026 05:06 via state-journal.com
  
  The Frankfort Independent Schools Board of Education got its first look at tax rate possibilities for the 2026-2027 school year at its meeting Monday.
  The district received tax reports on Aug. 5.
  The compensating rate for the upcoming year would be 103.2 cents, and a 4% rate would be 107.3.
  The current rate is 102.9.
  The compensating rate would generate $ 3,710,443.31 in real estate revenue and $244,191.56 in personal property revenue.
  The 4% increase would generate $3,857,854.33 in real estate
  
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• Police, fire blotter (Aug. 12)

  14-08-2026 05:05 via state-journal.com
  
  The following calls were received by the Frankfort Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Frankfort Fire and EMS, and Franklin County Fire Department on Wednesday:
  • At 4:17 a.m., county firefighters and EMS were called to a possible structure fire on Georgetown Road.
  • At 5:57 a.m., city firefighters and EMS conducted a fire investigation on Schenkel Lane.
  • At 6:28 a.m., officers responded to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on Thornhill Bypass.
  • At
  
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• Franklin County’s girls golf team places second, first in tournaments this week

  14-08-2026 05:05 via state-journal.com
  
  It was a busy start to the week for the Franklin County girls golf team. On Monday, they traveled to The University Club of Arlington to compete in the Model Ladies Golf Tournament.
  They posted a team score of 326 to secure a second-place finish. They were led by Mary Clayton Rodgers, who shot a 71 (one-under par) to take third place. Emerson Bowling shot a 73 to tie for fourth place. Lyla Hardesty placed 22nd and Charlie Hix 43rd in a field of 99 players.
  On Tuesday, they played in the Owen Cou
  
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• Frankfort Elks Lodge donates $5,800 to new FCS teachers

  14-08-2026 05:04 via state-journal.com
  
  In today’s economic world, teachers are finding it increasingly difficult to get the materials they need. A local community organization is hoping to make it easier.
  On Aug. 4, the Frankfort Elks Lodge #530 donated $5,800 to the Franklin County Schools Board of Education. The funds will help 29 new teachers in the district attain the materials they need.
  The idea came from Elks Lodge Secretary Mark Skeeters, who recognized the help his organization gave teachers in the past but wanted to p
  
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• Beshear hosts Team Kentucky blood drive

  14-08-2026 05:04 via state-journal.com
  
  For just the second time in its history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low.
  “What that means is our friends and families that might need help are at risk,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “And so all of us, most of us, can roll up our sleeves and give.”
  The Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) is feeling the deep impact of lower donor turnout and has been unable to fill hospital orders at 100% because of
  
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• Tracy Duane Spencer

  13-08-2026 22:50 via state-journal.com
  
  With great sadness, we share the passing of Tracy D. Spencer. Tracy passed away on August 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife, daughters and sons-in-law after a short but fierce battle against Peritoneal Mesothelioma.
  A Celebration of Life is being held at Anderson County Community Park from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026.Tracy was a hardworking, fun-loving, fearless and dedicated husband, dad and papaw. Tracy enjoyed all things outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, boating an
  
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• CARTOON: Back to School

  13-08-2026 21:39 via state-journal.com
  
  CARTOON: Back to School
  
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• Rosetta ‘Mickie’ McDowell

  13-08-2026 21:23 via state-journal.com
  Services for Rosetta “Mickie” McDowell, 81, mother of Robert Devers, will be 1 p.m. Monday at LeCompte Johnson Taylor Funeral Home. Visitation will be 11 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the funeral home. She is survived by her son. McDowell died Tuesday, Aug. 11, in Indiana.
  
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• Fred Wingate

  13-08-2026 18:23 via state-journal.com
  
  Fred “Freddy” Lane Wingate, 74, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2026, at his sister’s home in Menifee County.
  The son of Scott T. Wingate and Naidra Jean Lane Wingate, he was born on May 17, 1952, in Frankfort, Kentucky. A proud 1972 graduate of Frankfort High School, Freddy dedicated 27 years to serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky through his work with Kentucky State Government. Following his retirement, he continued his service with the Legislative Research Comm
  
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• Donald Lee May

  13-08-2026 18:19 via state-journal.com
  Don May, 77, passed away on August 10, 2026. He was born on March 15, 1949, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, to Charles Carlis May and Myrtle Mourice May (née Hodnett).
  Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. In 1995, he moved to Frankfort, Kentucky, with his wife, Mary Anne, and their son, Sean.
  Don graduated from both the Community College of Beaver County and Robert Morris College. He had a diverse and seasoned career in finance, sales and insurance, predominately
  
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• Paul Patrick Canty

  13-08-2026 18:17 via state-journal.com
  
  Paul Patrick Canty, 70, passed away peacefully August 10, 2026.Raised in Woodford County, Paul was a University of Kentucky graduate who farmed his family’s land for most of his life. While he preferred solitude, he had no shortage of friends and was known for his kindness, ingenuity and generosity.Family will remember him for his appreciation of the simplicities of life, his mischievous curiosity, and most importantly, his dedication to those he loved, especially his parents, whom he is n
  
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• Recovery Rally set for Sept. 3

  13-08-2026 05:24 via state-journal.com
  
  A new month will bring a new reason for all to raise awareness about addiction.
  On Sept. 3, join Gov. Andy Beshear and other speakers as they celebrate National Recovery Month at the state capitol from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  Speeches begin at 10 a.m.
  National Recovery Month celebrates Americans in recovery from addiction. The event will showcase inspiring stories of resilience and hope. Additionally, there will be community resources available including access to naloxone. Naloxone, also referred to b
  
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• Meeting, event center costs rise; groundbreaking set for fall

  13-08-2026 05:23 via state-journal.com
  
  Though it has yet to be built, the cost of the city’s meeting and event center has increased.
  At Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, City Project Manager Chuck Knowles said the construction industry has been hot lately. He cited statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which report that the average increase in non-residential building construction and materials is 8 to 10%.
  “So, with that being said, Red Draw (Development) submitted a price increase for the project
  
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• Ingram reappointed to Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission

  13-08-2026 05:23 via state-journal.com
  
  Attorney General Russell Coleman announced the reappointment of Van Ingram to the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KYOAAC) for a two-year term.Ingram, of Frankfort, was reappointed to represent the treatment and prevention community. He is the executive director for the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.
  “For too long, Kentucky has been at the center of the drug crisis. But we are also blessed with some of the nation’s best leaders in recovery,” said Attorney
  
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• Tacos N’ Tequila fundraiser planned Aug. 28

  13-08-2026 05:22 via state-journal.com
  
  LEXINGTON — The countdown is on! Bluegrass Greensource’s annual Tacos N’ Tequila fundraiser returns to Greyline Station on Friday, Aug. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m., bringing together Lexington’s favorite food and beverage vendors for a festive night of tacos, tequila, music, games, and community, all in support of a more sustainable Central Kentucky.
  Now in its seventh year, Tacos N’ Tequila is Bluegrass Greensource’s signature fundraising event, made possible by the
  
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• Guest columnist: Don’t rig courts against conservative Americans

  13-08-2026 05:22 via state-journal.com
  
  Conservative activists have repeatedly prevailed at the Supreme Court in recent years.
  But now, some in Washington want to take away the financial lifeline that enables those conservative activists — along with many small business owners — to have their day in court.
  Nearly two dozen House Republicans, led by Rep. Ben Cline (VA-6), are pushing ahead with the Protecting Our Courts From Foreign Manipulation Act. The bill would impose lengthy new disclosure requirements in any lawsuit w
  
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• Letter: Franklin County Emergency Food Pantry in need of volunteers, funds

  13-08-2026 05:21 via state-journal.com
  Dear editor,
  Commendations and expressions of appreciation to The State Journal’s new initiative, coordinated by Phil Case, to highlight, identify and support all the “volunteer” initiatives and opportunities in Franklin County. Unfortunately, we have far more volunteer opportunities in our community, than we have available volunteers.
  As a volunteer with the Franklin County Emergency Food Pantry, we were fortunate to have Phil not only writing about our recent Kiwanis Food Dri
  
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• Police, fire blotter (Aug. 11)

  13-08-2026 05:20 via state-journal.com
  
  The following calls were received by the Frankfort Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Frankfort Fire and EMS, and Franklin County Fire Department on Tuesday:
  • At 6:35 a.m., deputies were called to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on Leestown Road.
  • At 8:26 a.m., deputies, city and county fire, and EMS responded to a possible injury motor vehicle accident on Interstate 64. A caller reported a two-vehicle accident involving a semi-truck and a car. The caller
  
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• Franklin County’s boys golf team edges Sayre in conference play

  12-08-2026 05:07 via state-journal.com
  
  Franklin County’s boys golf team defeated Sayre 155-157 Monday at Juniper Hill. Sophomore Cason New set a career best with a one-over par 36 to lead Franklin County. He was followed by Noah Casey with a 37, and three Flyers — Myles Williams, Brooks Young and Zach Broughton — at 41.
  In the reserves match, freshman Ethan Bird set a new career best with a 43.
  The Flyers move to 2-0 on the season in conference play with the win.
  FCHS went to Battlefield Golf Course in Richmond Satu
  
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• United Way Basham Sower Memorial Golf Classic will be Aug. 21

  12-08-2026 05:06 via state-journal.com
  
  United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) will host the 2026 Basham Sower Memorial Golf Classic on Friday, Aug. 21, at Juniper Hill Golf Course. Golfers, businesses, and community partners are invited to register a team or participate as an event sponsor.
  Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. tee time. The scramble-format tournament is $300 per team and includes lunch. Prizes will be awarded to the first- and second-place teams.
  “The Basham Sower Memorial Golf Classic reflects the s
  
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• Deputies locate stolen vehicle, charge driver

  12-08-2026 05:06 via state-journal.com
  
  Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputies allegedly nabbed a local man accused of stealing a vehicle on Monday.
  Deputies were patrolling Holmes Street at around 9 p.m. while attempting to locate a vehicle that was stolen out of Franklin County when the vehicle was sighted traveling eastbound. A traffic stop ensued and the driver, Anthony Engler, was arrested.
  Deputies determined that Engler was driving on a suspended license due to multiple previous infractions. He was also unable to provi
  
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• Guest column: What I learned behind the badge and the headset: When trust meets access

  12-08-2026 05:02 via state-journal.com
  
  I have spent years of my adult life behind the scenes of public safety. I started my career at 20 years old, working in an administrative role supporting emergency medical services. I was young, eager to learn and completely unaware of how much that opportunity would shape the rest of my life.
  My first exposure to public safety was not through a patrol car, a fire truck or an ambulance. It was through the people and systems working behind the scenes to support those answering the call. I quickly
  
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• Guest column: What I learned behind the badge and headset

  12-08-2026 05:02 via state-journal.com
  
  I have spent years of my adult life behind the scenes of public safety. I started my career at 20 years old, working in an administrative role supporting emergency medical services. I was young, eager to learn and completely unaware of how much that opportunity would shape the rest of my life.
  My first exposure to public safety was not through a patrol car, a fire truck or an ambulance. It was through the people and systems working behind the scenes to support those answering the call. I quickly
  
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• Franklin Circuit Court indictments (Aug. 11)

  12-08-2026 05:02 via state-journal.com
  
  The following people were indicted by a Franklin Circuit Court grand jury on Tuesday:
  • Katlyn Parker, 40, of Frankfort, two counts of intimidating a participant in legal process, a Class D felony, and two counts of menacing, second-degree disorderly conduct, and public intoxication controlled substance (excludes alcohol), all Class B misdemeanors.
  • James L. Ferguson, 55, of Frankfort, three counts of torture of a dog or cat, a Class D felony, and four counts of second-degree cruelty
  
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• Luttrell retiring as president, CEO of Goodwill Kentucky

  12-08-2026 05:01 via state-journal.com
  
  The Board of Directors of Goodwill Kentucky announced Tuesday that president and chief executive officer Amy Luttrell has informed the Board of her decision to retire following an accomplished tenure leading one of Kentucky’s largest nonprofit organizations.
  Luttrell has served as President and CEO of Goodwill Kentucky since 2014, leading the organization through a period of unprecedented growth and transformation. Luttrell’s retirement marks the culmination of a career dedicated to
  
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• You Asked: When will the potholes on Ann Street be repaired?

  12-08-2026 04:58 via state-journal.com
  
  Though short in distance, Ann Street has become a bumpy ride for motorists, compliments of a series of potholes in the roadway.
  For months, drivers have been asking city leaders when repairs will be made to one of the city’s main arteries. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced this week that it has awarded a contract to correct base failures and resurface the street over the next two months.
  On Wednesday and Thursday, there will be overnight weekday closures of Ann Street from the
  
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