Kentucky news

• Honett finds new career teaching with service dog at his side

  10-09-2026 04:34 via state-journal.com
  
  Brian Honett planned to make the Air Force his career, and being an elementary school teacher was never on his radar.
  But through a series of life changes, Honett is a fourth grade science and social studies teacher at Collins Lane with his service dog, Dee, at his side.
  Honett was medically retired with PTSD from the Air Force after 13 years and nine deployments, a decision he didn’t agree with.
  “I really enjoyed what I was doing,” he said. “I had planned on staying in.
  
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• Van Winkle Family announces release of its annual whiskey collection

  13-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery announced that the 2026 Van Winkle Whiskey Collection is on its way, once again delivering one of American whiskey’s most sought-after and closely watched annual releases.
  Produced in highly limited quantities, the collection represents four generations of Van Winkle whiskey-making tradition and decades of patience, with six aged expressions ranging from ten to twenty-three years. The 2026 collection includes Old Rip Van Winkle Han
  
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• ‘The Road to Paradise: Photographs by Linda Bruckheimer’ on exhibit at Grand Theatre until Dec. 2

  13-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  There’s a term for the small, forgotten, out-of-the way roads that connect towns across rural America: “Blue Highways.” Author William Least Heat-Moon coined the phrase as a nod to old roadmaps that color-code highways red and backroads blue.
  Acclaimed photographer and Kentuckian Linda Bruckheimer pays homage to America’s Blue Highways — and the destinations to which they lead in a new exhibition in the Stewart Gallery at the Grand Theatre in Frankfort. Featuring ph
  
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• Parkinson’s Support Group to meet Sept. 17

  13-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at The Cross Center at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church, 480 Duckers Road, Midway, located at the back of the church. Snacks will be shared at 6 p.m. The guest speaker, Kelsey Lewis, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, will present at 6:30 p.m.Lewis serves as a staff partner for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), acting as a dedicated ambassador and liaison between M
  
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• Janice Cunningham

  13-09-2026 04:24 via state-journal.com
  LAWRENCEBURG — No public services for Janice Louise Kays Cunningham, 65, will be held. According to her wishes, Cunningham will be cremated. In memory of her love for animals, memorials are suggested to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Arrangements are entrusted to Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared at www.ritchieandpeach.com. Cunningham died Friday, Sept. 11, at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington.
  
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• Paul Sawyier Public Library News — Sept. 13-19, 2026

  12-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  Sunday
  2 p.m.: Live at the Library — Twist of Fate (for all ages). Join PSPL at Ward Oates Amphitheater for a performance by Frankfort’s own Twist of Fate!
  Monday
  4:30 p.m.: Build-a-Bot (for grades K-2). No tools needed! Just your imagination and a few everyday items to build your very own robot.
  Tuesday
  4:30 p.m.: Beyond the Plate for Families (for families with kids of all ages). Join us for a fun night of cooking using the library’s mobile kitchen! Learn kitchen skills, how
  
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• Kentucky Historical Society to present ‘Guerrilla Warfare in Kentucky’ as part of Civil War History Day

  12-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  As part of Civil War History Day, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) will present “Guerrilla Warfare in Kentucky” from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Brown-Forman Room at the center, located at 100 W. Broadway St. The cost is $30 for members, students and educators and $40 for non-members. The price includes a boxed lunch. Registration is required.
  How did Kentuckians experience the Civil War at home? How did they confront guerrilla warfare? How was the conflict remember
  
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• East Nash Grass to perform at the Grand Theatre Sept. 25

  12-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  Mandolin player Harry Clark talks about his first visit to Nashville at age 18, which was a total failure.
  “I gave up after a year and went back home to Arkansas,” Clark said. “I returned five years later with dedication to play every time I could.”
  Maddie Denton, East Nashville player, talks about her early years, where she taught high school biology and commuted 45 minutes from Murfreesboro to play on Monday nights at Dees in Madison often for just tips.
  In 2024, things
  
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• Capital City Activity Center/Meals on Wheels Greater Frankfort News — Sept. 14-18, 2026

  12-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  Monday8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Billiards.
  10:30 a.m.: Ol’ Elkhorn Pickers. Come listen to some great music.11 a.m.: Hand and Foot Card Club.
  Noon: Tai-Chi. Join Victoria for this slow gentle movement and physical posture.
  Tuesday
  8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Billiards.
  9:30 a.m.: Game Day. Join us each Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. to see what fun game is being played.
  10 a.m.: DJ Alex. Enjoy game day as you listen DJ Alex spin your favorite tunes.10 a.m.: Knitting and Crochet. These ladies will h
  
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• 48 years: Nance retires from First United Methodist Church

  12-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  Most every Sunday across the last 48 years, Roy Nance was on the organ bench for the opening of the traditional worship service at First United Methodist Church, 211 Washington St.
  That run ended with the postlude on Aug. 16 and Nance’s retirement.
  Reflecting on the day, Nance said he had no regrets, and he didn’t feel sad.
  “The choir loft was filled with members of the current choir and many of those who’ve sung with me across the years. And I know I will be back to fill
  
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• Kaylee Tinsley leaves behind legacy of kindness, love

  12-09-2026 05:45 via state-journal.com
  
  Although Kaylee Tinsley’s life was cut short, she was still able to make a lasting impact on her friends, family, and the community.
  “To me, when I think about Kaylee and try to sum her up, it’s just love,” Kaylee’s mother, Lisa Tinsley, said. “She loved everybody. It didn’t matter your background or color, she loved everyone big and loud.”
  Kaylee was killed in a car accident on July 3 after the vehicle that she was a passenger in was struck by ano
  
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• Police, fire blotter (Sept. 10)

  12-09-2026 05:44 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 Thursday:
  • At 4:11 a.m., officers took a theft report at Circle K on Schenkel Lane. A caller reported a female shoplifter.
  • At 5:01 a.m., deputies responded to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on Interstate 64 West.
  • At 7:56 a.m., officers were called to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on East Main St
  
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• Guest columnist: September brings memories of loss, hope for moving forward

  12-09-2026 05:43 via state-journal.com
  
  As is usual for me in September, I find myself thinking about loss. It’s hitting particularly hard now because of recent losses and anniversaries of past losses.
  This year marks 25 years since my wonderful friend Darcy Valentine died. That’s how 2001 started, with that awful phone call on April Fool’s Day. At the time, I didn’t think things could get much worse. I was wrong.
  Everyone over a certain age has a memory of September 11. For most of them, it’s where they
  
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• Student of the Week: Capital Day’s Saranon a cheerful, supportive classmate

  12-09-2026 05:41 via state-journal.com
  
  Ganya Saranon is cheerful, kind, and supportive, and the second-grader at Capital Day School has been named the Student of the Week.
  “She always, no matter what, has a smile on her face that just brightens anyone’s day,” Capital Day teacher Cindy Kinsella wrote in her nomination. “She is always there to comfort a friend. Once, a friend was embarrassed and crying during a presentation to the school, and Ganya hugged her and told her it would be OK. She is only 6, but she i
  
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• Wienermobile celebrates 90th birthday with stop in Frankfort

  12-09-2026 05:40 via state-journal.com
  
  Grill-ready Evie and Corndog Carly relished the opportunity of bringing the Wienermobile to Frankfort on Thursday to celebrate its 90th birthday.
  Designed in 1936 by Carl G. Mayer, nephew of Oscar Mayer, the 13-foot metal hot dog on wheels was constructed in Chicago to promote Oscar Mayer products during the Great Depression.
  “The goal of this is to bring joy to people,” Carly Bowden told The State Journal. “We love to bring smiles to people.”
  For Bowden, the experience h
  
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• Western Hills’ boys soccer team stays on a roll with win over TFCA

  12-09-2026 05:39 via state-journal.com
  
  Western Hills’ boys soccer team is on a roll.
  “I think we’ve been playing pretty good,” WHHS’ Elias Chavez said after Thursday’s match. “Since the beginning of the year we’re 10-0 including scrimmages.”
  The Wolverines kept their win streak alive with a 4-0 victory over The Frankfort Christian Academy Thursday at WHHS.
  Chavez had a hat trick, scoring three of Western Hills’ goals, and Brandon Chavez scored the other goal.
  Elias Chavez sc
  
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• Boye Grant Burton

  12-09-2026 05:37 via state-journal.com
  
  Some lives unfold through carefully planned choices; others are shaped by unexpected encounters and relationships that alter their course. The life of Boye Grant Burton, affectionately known as Grant, was such a journey. Grant was born on February 5, 1953, in Wilmington, Delaware, to the late Teddy and Helen Burton. After graduating from high school in Wilmington, Grant earned his undergraduate degree from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and then attended Southern University Law School in B
  
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• Jo Ann Reynolds

  11-09-2026 19:55 via state-journal.com
  A gathering of family and friends for Jo Ann Reynolds, 84, will be 10 a.m.-noon on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be shared at www.harrodbrothers.com. Reynolds died Aug. 22.
  
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• Alysia Douglas

  11-09-2026 17:24 via state-journal.com
  
  Alysia “Sissy” Louise Douglas passed away September 9, 2026. Born July 18, 1955, in Frankfort, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy Douglas Mason and Alfonso Douglas. She was a graduate of Second Street School and Frankfort High School. She attended Kentucky State University, and went on to work for Kentucky State Government as a Program Administrator. Alysia played with Brickettes Softball and was a member of Jasmine Social Club.She was also a member of First Baptist C
  
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• Former Frankfort mayor recalls 9/11

  11-09-2026 14:32 via state-journal.com
  
  Bill May served Frankfort as mayor for a record five terms. During his tenure, the September 11 attacks unfolded, changing both him and the world.
  “Knowing who to call was a big help,” May noted. “We went on high alert (once the attacks occurred) and thankfully I was able to do a lot of training with the state some years prior to handle something like that.”The following is a Q&A with May about the events of Sept. 11, 2001:
  State Journal: Did the experience on the day
  
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• Harry K. Rogers Jr.

  11-09-2026 14:25 via state-journal.com
  
  For someone with a common name, Harry Rogers lived an uncommon life.
  The Frankfort native, who distinguished himself in athletics, the military and retirement, even made Aug. 31, 2026, exceptional — Rogers had ice cream with his family, went to sleep and died peacefully.
  He was 97.
  He was born Harry Kavanaugh Rogers Jr. on Nov. 19, 1928, to Lola New Rogers and Harry K. Rogers, Sr. He got the nickname “Chug” from an aunt for reasons unknown. Rogers also adopted “H.K.&rdquo
  
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• Frankfort High finds temporary home at First United Methodist

  11-09-2026 04:25 via state-journal.com
  
  Frankfort High School remains closed, but FHS students are back in class at First United Methodist Church.
  FHS has been closed since a fire broke out in a third-story classroom on Aug. 30.
  While the fire was contained to the one classroom, smoke and water damage forced the building to be closed.
  That’s where FUMC stepped in.
  FHS students had virtual instruction the week of the fire and returned to classes Tuesday at the church following the Labor Day weekend.
  “The First United Method
  
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• Community mourns former Franklin Circuit judge

  11-09-2026 04:24 via state-journal.com
  
  Roger Crittenden, former Franklin County Circuit Court judge, died on Monday at the age of 81.
  After three years in the United States Army, including a tour in Vietnam, he went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky in 1975. Following graduation, Crittenden began his career in public service at the Kentucky Cabinet for Human Resources and the Kentucky Council on Higher Education.
  In 1980, he was elected as Franklin County District Court judge and served for 12 years. He then was elected
  
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• PHOTOS: Frankfort High School girls soccer team faces Great Crossing

  11-09-2026 04:21 via state-journal.com
  
  Frankfort High School girls soccer team played Great Crossing on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Capitol View Park. Great Crossing won 8-0.
  
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• Franklin County’s boys golf team finishes fourth in conference tournament

  11-09-2026 04:17 via state-journal.com
  
  Franklin County’s boys golf team finished fourth in its conference tournament Sept. 5 at the Woodford Club in Versailles.
  FCHS’ Myles Williams shot a one-over par 72 to lead the team, and Cason New shot a varsity career low of 79.
  Williams (first team) and Noah Casey (second team) were named all-conference.
  Rockcastle County defeated Boyle County in a playoff to win the team title.
  FCHS was also recognized at the end of the tournament for winning the regular-season North Division cha
  
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• Frankfort man accused of assaulting, strangling mother, daughter

  11-09-2026 04:13 via state-journal.com
  
  A local mother and daughter were reportedly assaulted and strangled by a Frankfort man early Wednesday.
  Police were called to a Murray Street residence at 4:33 a.m. regarding a domestic assault in progress. The female victims allegedly told officers that Damon Smith had attacked them and was passed out.
  Police observed red marks around both the victims’ necks as well as scratch marks on one of the women’s backs. Additionally, each victim complained of pain in various areas of their b
  
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• Local poet awarded Individual Artist Fellowship Grant

  11-09-2026 04:11 via state-journal.com
  Gov. Andy Beshear announced this week that Team Kentucky is awarding $42,000 in grant funding to 16 literary artists across the commonwealth — including one from Frankfort. The funding is made available through the Individual Artist Fellowship and Emerging Artist Award programs, which recognize artistic excellence in creative nonfiction, fiction, play and screenwriting, and poetry.
  “Kentucky writers help us tell our stories, preserve our history and inspire new ideas,” said Bes
  
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• Police, fire blotter (Sept. 9)

  11-09-2026 04:10 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 9:04 a.m., deputies responded to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on U.S. 127 South.
  • At 9:29 a.m., officers were called to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on East Todd Street near Logan Street.
  • At 10:35 a.m., officers responded to a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on Louisville Road
  
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• Fiscal court approves new tax rate; honors fallen firefighter

  11-09-2026 04:09 via state-journal.com
  
  The fiscal court last Wednesday began its regular meeting with a moment of silence in honor of Franklin County Firefighter Kolby Tucker.“There were 67 (EMS and firetruck) apparatus that showed up from counties all over — it was a very good thing to have and a good thing to see,” said Mike Harrod, 4th District Magistrate. “In my 20 years at the fire department, I’ve never seen anything like that; it was great.”
  Following the time of silence, the court then proc
  
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• Carlos Pugh

  10-09-2026 22:40 via state-journal.com
  
  Carlos Pugh, 90, of Frankfort, Kentucky, passed away on September 8, 2026.
  Born July 13, 1936, in Breathitt County, Kentucky, Carlos was the son of the late Mason and Lona Caudill Pugh. He proudly served in the United States Army, including in Vietnam, and later worked in heavy machinery.
  Carlos was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alma Joyce, who passed away in 2013. Their life together was central to who he was.
  Carlos devoted much of his life to serving Kentucky’s veterans. He ser
  
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