Kentucky news

• GE BEES win back-to-back Spellapaloozas

  11-08-2026 21:02 via state-journal.com
  
  Frankfort’s Ed Lawrence says it took him 54 years to earn his bachelor’s degree in humanities, summa cum laude, from the University of Kentucky. But it took him only two attempts with two outstanding teammates to capture two consecutive Spellapalooza championships.
  Competing against 17 other teams Friday evening, Lawrence and Lexington’s Elise Mandel and Kevin Nance — named the “GE BEES” — won the popular spelling bee, a major fundraiser for Thorn Hill E
  
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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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• Police, fire blotter (Aug. 10)

  12-08-2026 04:58 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 Monday:
  • At 12 a.m., officers were called to a shots fired complaint on Allnutt Drive. A caller reported hearing two shots.
  • At 6 a.m., deputies, city and county fire and EMS responded to an injury motor vehicle accident on Devils Hollow Road. A caller reported a concrete truck crashed on a bridge and the male driv
  
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• Black bear sightings occur in Franklin County

  12-08-2026 04:58 via state-journal.com
  
  Black bear sightings in Franklin County aren’t common, but they aren’t out of the question either. Last week, several sightings of a juvenile black bear were reported by residents in Franklin County.
  Susanna Bard and her husband, Brad Suddarth, saw a black bear on their property off Hanly Lane.
  After Suddarth woke up on Aug. 2, he noticed that a cooler containing dry cat food for their four outdoor cats that sits at their front door was out in the driveway. When he opened the door to
  
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• Gall turning passion for exercise into fundraiser for children to participate in sports

  12-08-2026 04:56 via state-journal.com
  
  When Peter Gall opened Undisputed Fitness in 2023, part of his plan was to give back to the community.
  He’ll be doing that in a big way with the Run KY For Kids later this month.
  Gall plans to run across Kentucky, starting in Mayfield and ending in Belfry, beginning Aug. 18. He plans to cover the 450 miles in 20 days.
  “It started out as kind of like a crazy idea,” said Gall, whose gym is located at 312 Lewis St. “I’m always looking for ways to be able to give back.
  
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• Local sports calendar — Aug. 12-18, 2026

  12-08-2026 04:53 via state-journal.com
  GIRLS SOCCER: Western Hills plays at Paris today at 7 p.m., and the Lady Wolverines are at Bourbon County Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Frankfort plays at East Jessamine today at 7 p.m., and WHHS and the Lady Panthers will meet in the Capital City Classic Monday at 8 p.m. at Western Hills. Franklin County plays at Montgomery County today at 7 p.m. and at West Jessamine Saturday at 5 p.m. The Frankfort Christian Academy plays at Model Friday and hosts Sayre Saturday. Both games begin at 6 p.m. TFCA hosts
  
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• Faith, marriage help make Coleton Price a better player

  12-08-2026 04:52 via state-journal.com
  
  Baylor transfer Coleton Price is being counted on to anchor the Kentucky offensive line for new coach Will Stein. The 6-foot-3, 308-pound Price started 30 games at Baylor, allowed just one sack, six quarterback hurries and seven total pressures in 2025. That’s why he is again on the preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy that goes to the nation’s best center.
  Price’s faith is important to him. He has the Bible verse Ephesians 6:10 tattooed on his right arm. The verse say
  
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• Guest columnist: Ky. can lead on data centers without leaving communities behind

  11-08-2026 21:28 via state-journal.com
  
  Mention data centers, and you’re likely concerned about increasing electric bills, water consumption, noise, and whether these facilities truly benefit the communities where they’re built.
  Those are legitimate questions and the same ones I would ask if a major project were proposed in my own community. Kentuckians deserve honest answers whenever a significant economic development opportunity comes to their hometown.
  The good news is that today’s data centers, and Kentucky&rsquo
  
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• Velda Redmon-Staggs

  11-08-2026 16:19 via state-journal.com
  
  VERSAILLES — Velda Florence Redmon-Staggs, 90, passed away peacefully onto the presence of her Savior on Saturday, August 8, 2026. A native of Versailles, she was born on June 28, 1936 to the late Virgil “Hicks” and Mildred Southworth Redmon.Velda retired from Texas Instruments, was a member of South Elkhorn Christian Church, and grew up attending Hillsboro Baptist Church. A graduate of Versailles High School. Velda was an avid UK Sports Fan, loved the Cincinnati Reds and loved
  
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• Capital City Airport hosts Relay for Life

  11-08-2026 05:03 via state-journal.com
  
  It may have been in a new location, but the spirit remained the same.
  On Friday, families, friends, church groups and advocates came together for Relay for Life at the Capital City Airport.
  Relay for Life celebrates cancer survivors, honors caregivers, remembers those who lost their battle with cancer and helps to raise funds for cancer research.
  The evening event included live music by Kentucky-based group BareBones and food trucks from Auntie Anne’s, Papa Johns and Kona Ice.
  So far, $39,
  
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• Police, fire blotter (Aug. 7-9)

  11-08-2026 05:01 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 over the weekend:
  Friday
  • At 8:05 a.m., officers were called to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on Limestone Drive.
  • At 8:09 a.m., officers at the police station on West Second Street were notified of a stolen vehicle.
  • At 8:45 a.m., deputies, county fire and EMS responded to an injury motor vehicle accident
  
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• Letter: Lives worth living for the whole fauna

  11-08-2026 05:01 via state-journal.com
  Dear editor,
  Vegetarians battle exploitative livestock mass production. The growing age class percentages deduct their amount off living only for our survival. The method, however, culminates in no life at all for the animals.Almost all agree status quo is a bargained disgrace. Law precedes business in policy. Whether our ancestors taking those little boars and oxen was ethical, we are not about to deviate. It may have been, and sticking to the path can be done gracefully.
  Associations ought to
  
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• Guest columnist: AI will be ‘death by a thousand cuts’

  11-08-2026 05:01 via state-journal.com
  
  AI (Artificial Intelligence) is harming humanity, and it’s our fault.
  AI used to be a tool, an assistant to help with small pieces of the task we were performing. Now it has become the performer, and we are the small piece. The business person doesn’t want to make a spreadsheet of last quarter’s earnings, so let AI do it. The college student doesn’t want to write that paper on Medieval political structures, so let AI do it. As we take the easy way out, praising thefunctio
  
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• Hinkley wins fifth Capital Classic title

  11-08-2026 04:58 via state-journal.com
  
  On Thursday, the Frankfort Country Club hosted 64 golfers for the 62nd annual Capital Classic Women’s Invitational Golf Tournament. The Capital Classic is one of the longest-running women’s golf tournaments in Kentucky.
  Lizzie (Loy) Hinkley, from Jamestown, shot a bogey-free, three-under par 69, taking home first gross in the Championship Flight and the overall title.
  Hinkley is no stranger to the Capital Classic’s winner circle, having won the tournament in 2016, 2017, 2018 an
  
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• Flyer Fall Baseball Camp is Sept. 12-13

  11-08-2026 04:58 via state-journal.com
  
  The Flyer Fall Baseball Camp will be Sept. 12-13 at Franklin County High School.
  The camp is open to players 8U-12U and will meet from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each day.
  Campers will work on hitting, fielding, base running, catch play, pitching and the mental game.
  The cost is $100 per camper. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Awards will be given each day to the camper of the day, and a Camp MVP Award will be given.
  For more information or to register, contact coach J.T. Riddle at 502-871-2510.
  
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• CARTOON: Nature’s newest predator

  10-08-2026 22:10 via state-journal.com
  
  CARTOON: Nature’s newest predator
  
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