Kentucky news

• James Kevin Woodrum

  16-10-2026 16:53 via State-Journal
  
  James Kevin Woodrum, of Midway, passed away peacefully at home on October 13, 2026, at the age of 51 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on September 11, 1975, in Frankfort, KY. He attended Good Shepherd School and Church and after graduating from Franklin County High School, he joined the military serving in the National Guard. His last place of employment was with Kentucky state government but his most prominent and rewarding career was with Dairy Queen, where he dedicated many
  
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• City, county look to update 35-year-old 911 interlocal agreement

  29-10-2026 04:35 via State-Journal
  
  1991.
  “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” was number one at the box office. Nirvana released “Nevermind,” popularizing grunge, flannels, ripped jeans and teen spirit. It was the year that “Sonic the Hedgehog” on the Sega Genesis was the top-selling home video game and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System introduced gamers to 16-bit.
  Thirty-five years ago was also the last time the City of Frankfort Board of Commissioners and the Franklin County Fiscal Court updated its interlocal coopera
  
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• I-64 lane, ramp closures planned next week

  29-10-2026 04:31 via State-Journal
  
  Motorists are advised of upcoming nighttime lane and ramp closures on Interstate 64 East in Franklin County starting on Monday.The right lane of I-64 East at mile point 56.8 (near KY 2821) will be closed from 6 p.m. to midnight on Monday. Additionally, the ramp at Exit 58 (U.S. 60–Versailles Road) will be closed from 6 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday.
  The lane closures are necessary for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews to perform routine roadside maintenance of the interstate. Motorists shoul
  
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• Police, fire blotter (Oct. 27)

  29-10-2026 04:29 via State-Journal
  
  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 5:25 a.m., deputies were called to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on Isaac Shelby Circle West.
  • At 7:43 a.m., city firefighters and EMS were called to a rescue at Holiday Inn Express on Vandalay Drive. A caller reported a male was stuck in an elevator between the first and third floors.
  • At 7:44 a.m., o
  
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• Guest columnist: Mayor supports current commissioners

  29-10-2026 04:29 via State-Journal
  
  As you cast your ballot in the coming days, I encourage you to reflect on the direction of our city, the progress we have made, and the opportunities still ahead. And I encourage you to re-elect Katima Smith-Willis, Leesa Unger, Kelly May and Rob Richardson as Frankfort City Commissioners.
  For nearly two years, I have had the privilege of working alongside the current Frankfort City Commission. I want to share a few observations about our work together and the progress we have made. I believe th
  
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• Donors needed: Nov. 11 blood drive at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist

  29-10-2026 04:29 via State-Journal
  
  The Kentucky Blood Center will host a blood drive at Forks of the Elkhorn Baptist Church from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.
  The event will take place in the Cross Center aerobics room at 480 Duckers Road.
  The need for blood is constant. Kentucky Blood Center needs approximately 400 blood donors daily to supply more than 70 hospitals in Kentucky.
  Blood transfusions are used for everything from cancer treatments to premature births, surgeries, anemia, diseases, car accidents, and more. Withou
  
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• Local gamer participating in livestreamed charity marathon

  29-10-2026 04:28 via State-Journal
  
  Frankfort resident Kaleb Brown and his tabletop group, Swan Attack, will play Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
  for 24 straight hours — midnight to midnight, Saturday, Nov. 7, through Sunday, Nov. 8 — in a livestreamed charity marathon raising money for Extra Life, the Children’s Miracle Network program that benefits Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville.
  The event marks Brown’s 10th year running charity marathon game sessions and the group’s second year playing together. The team has se
  
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• Ready and waiting: William Joseph Crisis Nursery seeking federal funding before opening

  29-10-2026 04:27 via State-Journal
  
  William Joseph Crisis Nursery (WJCN) is a faith-based nonprofit and the first crisis nursery in Kentucky, allowing children to stay housed for 30 days while parents navigate different crises, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, or homelessness. However, a lack of federal funding has inhibited the crisis nursery’s ability to serve those who need it and cover costs.WJCN is a part of a national coalition of crisis nurseries with 40 locations in 19 different states. According to Executive
  
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• Franklin County’s girls volleyball team loses to Tates Creek in regional tournament

  29-10-2026 04:27 via State-Journal
  
  Franklin County’s girls volleyball team lost to Tate Creek 3-1 (23-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19) Monday in the first round of the 11th Region tournament at Tates Creek.
  The Lady Flyers end their season at 18-10.
  This year’s seniors are Sinicah Woods, India Farrier, Alex Perkins, and Drew Bevington.
  
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• Alisha J. Camden

  28-10-2026 16:17 via State-Journal
  
  Alisha June Camden, age 90, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Services will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Tim Jumpp officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026.Ms. Camden was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, on June 13, 1936, to the late Edward Camden and Adele Vanoy Camden. She retired as a clerk from Kentu
  
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• Traditional Bank Athlete of the Week: Frankfort’s Toma Washington accounts for 422 yards in win over Berea

  28-10-2026 02:26 via State-Journal
  
  Frankfort sophomore Toma Washington spent some time away from football. He’s made his return this season memorable.
  In the Panthers’ 62-0 win over Berea Friday, Washington was responsible for 422 yards of offense, and he has been named the Traditional Bank Athlete of the Week.
  Washington completed five passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns, and he rushed for 291 yards and four touchdowns. He carried the ball just eight times, averaging 36.4 yards per carry.
  Washington has played football
  
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• Franklin Circuit Court indictments (Oct. 27)

  28-10-2026 02:26 via State-Journal
  
  The following people were indicted by a Franklin Circuit Court grand jury on Tuesday:
  • Noah L. Carpenter, 41, of Frankfort, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), third offense, a Class D felony; possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor; public intoxication involving a controlled substance (excluding alcohol), a Class B misdemeanor.
  • Christopher Jacobs, 44, of Frankfort, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (cocaine), third offense,
  
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• Police, fire blotter (Oct. 26)

  28-10-2026 02:25 via State-Journal
  
  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 7:41 a.m., officers were called to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on High Street.
  • At 8:38 a.m., deputies at the sheriff’s office on River Bend Road took a theft report.
  • At 8:53 a.m., officers took a vandalism complaint at Prince Hall Village Apartments on Prince Hall Village Drive. A caller reported a
  
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• Three vying for two spots on FIS Board

  28-10-2026 02:24 via State-Journal
  Editor’s note: Candidates are listed as they appear on the ballot.
  Elisabeth McNicol Wilson
  1) Why are you running for the School Board?
  There are many reasons I am running for a seat on the Frankfort Independent School Board. First of all, I am a 1998 graduate of Frankfort High School, and it would mean so much to be a part of the district that helped shape me into the person I am today. My husband is also a member of the “Long Blue Line” as a 1999 graduate, and my sons are heading along
  
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• FRMC hosting trunk-or-treat on Thursday

  28-10-2026 02:24 via State-Journal
  Frankfort Regional Medical Center, part of HCA Healthcare, will host a family-friendly trunk-or-treat event alongside Frankfort Fire and EMS from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot at 299 Kings Daughters Drive.
  Families are invited to enjoy Halloween treats, festive activities and hands-on fun while learning important fire prevention and safety tips. The event will also feature live safety demonstrations and interactive learning opportunities designed to help families stay safe.
  
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• Candidates for magistrate opine on hot button topics

  28-10-2026 02:24 via State-Journal
  
  Editor’s note: Candidates are listed as they appear on the ballot.
  3rd District candidate Russ Greenwell did not respond before presstime.Kelly Dycus, 3rd district magistrate1) What projects would I like to see completed during my tenure?
  I would like to see the Holmes Street housing project funded and completed, and I would like to see the pool and wellness center built. These two projects are important to our continued growth and to children and adults alike.
  2) How will you plan to address
  
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• FCS candidates weigh in on issues

  28-10-2026 02:23 via State-Journal
  Editor’s note: Candidates are listed as they appear on the ballot.
  Franklin County Schools, 2nd Educational District
  Candidate Adam Scott did not respond before presstime.
  Larry Perkins
  1) Why are you running for the school board?
  If re-elected I would continue to put kids first in every decision I make. After losing my father in a house fire as a kid, I saw firsthand how kids that were poor didn’t have the same opportunity as the other kids. Losing a son three years ago, I started providing
  
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• Sheriff candidates share their views

  28-10-2026 02:22 via State-Journal
  Editor’s note: Candidates are listed as they appear on the ballot.
  Logan Curry1) What three ways do you intend to make Franklin County safer?First, I will restore a dedicated narcotics unit. Franklin County needs deputies who have the time, training and resources to investigate drug activity and hold those bringing dangerous drugs into our community accountable.
  Second, I will work to increase the number of deputies on each shift. Adequate staffing allows us to respond effectively, spend more
  
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• City commission candidates address local issues

  28-10-2026 02:22 via State-Journal
  Editor’s note: Candidates are listed as they appear on the ballot.
  Katrisha Waldridge
  1) How will you increase affordable housing in the city?
  Affordable housing is bigger than any one person. To secure affordable housing in Frankfort, partnership and intentionality will be the driving force. I would bring the focused organizations to the table, including city, county, state and any stakeholders. This would include Habitat, Bluegrass Community Action, Housing Authority, Veterans, American Red
  
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• Hugh T. Locke Jr.

  27-10-2026 21:23 via State-Journal
  
  Services for Hugh T. Locke Jr., 89, will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the funeral home. Condolences may be shared at www.harrodbrothers.com. Locke died Sunday, Oct. 25.
  
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• General election voting starts Thursday

  27-10-2026 17:00 via State-Journal
  
  With several local candidates vying for office, voting for the Nov. 3 general election starts Thursday.
  Registered voters can cast ballots on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at three locations — Yes Arts (the former Frankfort Plant Board building at 317 West Second St.; Capital City Christian Church at 15 Locust Drive; and the Capital City Activity Center at 202 Medical Heights. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
  On Election Day, the polls will be op
  
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• Western Hills’ football team loses to Shelby 42-13

  27-10-2026 02:23 via State-Journal
  
  Western Hills’ football team lost to Shelby County 42-13 Friday in Shelbyville.
  Christian Nicholson and Jayden Courtney scored touchdowns for the Wolverines, and Ashton Lewis kicked an extra point.
  WHHS (1-8) plays its last regular-season game Friday at Frankfort.
  
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• PHOTO: 41st District volleyball all-tournament team

  27-10-2026 02:23 via State-Journal
  
  The 41st District volleyball tournament took place last week at Great Crossing. The host school won the tournament, defeating Franklin County in the championship match. An all-tournament team was named at the conclusion of the title match.
  
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• Police, fire blotter (Oct. 23-25)

  27-10-2026 02:22 via State-Journal
  
  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 12:59 a.m., city firefighters and EMS were notified of a gas leak on Mero Street.
  • At 3:34 a.m., officers were called to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on East Main Street near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
  • At 8:45 a.m., deputies were notified of a drug offense on Doctors Drive.
  • At
  
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• Two Franklin County runners, one from Western Hills qualify for state cross country meet

  27-10-2026 02:21 via State-Journal
  Franklin County qualified two runners and Western Hills qualified one for the KHSAA State Cross Country Championships at the Class 2A Region 4 meet Saturday.
  FCHS’ Gannon Gortney and Lauren Pelfrey and Western Hills’ Jayden Mattingly qualified as individuals for state at the regional meet, which was run at Idlewild Park in Burlington.
  Gortney finished 24th in the boys race in a time of 18 minutes, 17.19 seconds, and Mattingly placed 36th in 19:22.68.
  In the girls race, Pelfrey was 28th in 22
  
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• First Christian Church to host Fall Fling Nov. 4

  27-10-2026 02:20 via State-Journal
  First Christian Church will host a Fall Fling from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the church located at 316 Ann St.
  The event includes chili, a food sale and a large yard sale in the gym. Some of the food available for purchase will be beer cheese, pimiento cheese, olive nut and benedictine.
  Lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The yard sale will run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
  
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• Frankfort’s cross country teams qualify for state

  27-10-2026 02:19 via State-Journal
  
  Frankfort’s boys cross country team finished second and the FHS girls team was third at the Class 1A Region 5 meet Saturday, qualifying both teams for the KHSAA State Championships.
  The regional meet took place at Scott County Park.
  FHS’ Jamie Bessinger had the highest finish for the local runners, placing fourth in the girls race in 21 minutes, 33.36 seconds.
  Also placing in the top 10 for Frankfort were Eli Marshall, sixth in 17:59.41, and Leo Wilder, ninth in 18:10.19, in the boys race.
  T
  
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• Lyric Theatre research earns Kentucky State professor top paper award

  27-10-2026 02:18 via State-Journal
  
  Research into how a Lexington theatre helped shape Black community identity has earned Kentucky State University’s Dr. David L. Shabazz the Top Overall Paper Award at the 95th annual Kentucky Communication Association conference.
  The honor recognizes the paper judged to make the strongest contribution to the communication field among those submitted to the annual conference. Selection considers the research question, methods, findings, and implications for future scholarship.
  An associate prof
  
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• Police: Woman assaulted male victim in recliner

  27-10-2026 02:17 via State-Journal
  
  Frankfort Police arrested a local woman Saturday afternoon after she allegedly assaulted a male, who was sitting in a recliner.
  Officers were called to an area gas station at 1:36 p.m. to make contact with the victim. He told police that Hilliary Parks struck him multiple times with a closed fist while he sat in the living room. Law enforcement noted that the victim had visibly bruising to side of both eyes along with blood on his left eye and forehead.
  FPD then located Parks at a residence on P
  
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• Charles ‘Butch’ Graves

  26-10-2026 20:03 via State-Journal
  
  Charles Leslie “Butch” Graves, 76, passed away on October 20, 2026, in Frankfort, Kentucky, after a short illness. Butch was the son of the late Bobby Graves and Edith Purvis Haydon.
  Services will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 2 p.m. with Chaplain Franics Parker officiating. Visitation will be at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday.
  He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marcella.He also leaves behind his aunt, Sue Carol
  
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