Kentucky news

• Loretta Dunavent

  27-09-2026 05:08 via state-journal.com
  
  Loretta Frances Thomas Dunavent passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at UL Health Shelbyville Hospital in Shelbyville, Kentucky. She was 93 years old and was born on December 29, 1932, on the Thomas family farm in Owen County.
  She is survived by her children, Judy Zeigler, Kenneth Dunavent, Emma Bass (Ron), Annette Calvert and Leslie Dunavent; and grandchildren, Melissa Zeigler, Michael Dunavent, Jenny Bass (Bobby), Leigh Ann Calvert, Christopher Calvert and Ben Dunavent; great-grandchildr
  
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• Kentucky State earns seven top-50 rankings in 2027 U.S. News guide

  27-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  Kentucky State University earned seven top-50 rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges guide, including two top-10 placements and two more in the top 20. Six rankings compare Kentucky State with other regional colleges in the South; the seventh places it among historically Black colleges and universities nationwide.
  Kentucky State’s highest placement came in the new Best Value for In-State Students category, where it tied for No. 2. The ranking weighs academic qu
  
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• Western Hills’ volleyball team defeats Frankfort 3-0

  27-09-2026 20:57 via state-journal.com
  
  Western Hills’ volleyball team had standout play from its frontline and backline, and the Lady Wolverines defeated Frankfort 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-18) Thursday at F.D. Wilkinson Gymnasium.
  “I felt our backline was good,” WHHS coach Kelcie Turner said. “We’re trying to run a different defense and I feel like that’s working out as well, too.
  “I’m very happy with how they showed up to play tonight. Our front row was really good. They adjusted to what
  
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• KOHC to celebrate its 50th anniversary

  27-09-2026 20:57 via state-journal.com
  
  With history as rich as Kentucky’s it takes generations to preserve it. On Friday, Oct. 9, join the Kentucky Oral History Commission (KOHC) as it celebrates its 50th anniversary — reflecting on its milestone and where oral history goes next.From 1 to 2:30 p.m., panel members will take the stage at the Thomas D. Clark Center to discuss various experiences preserving voices, documenting stories and speak on the past, present and future of the KOHC. The anniversary will be located at 10
  
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• Franklin County’s football team beats Lincoln for second win in a row

  27-09-2026 20:57 via state-journal.com
  
  Franklin County’s football team evened its record at 3-3 and racked up two straight wins with a 61-33 victory over Lincoln County Friday at Benny Watkins Field.
  Now the Flyers have three straight district games ahead of them.
  “We’ve got to play better,” FCHS coach Eddie James said. “We’re still finding our way on defense, and we’re still young. They made some adjustments. They’re a well-coached football team.
  “We pulled away late, but we&rsqu
  
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• Frankfort’s boys soccer team beats Franklin County in shootout

  27-09-2026 20:57 via state-journal.com
  
  For a 41st District rivalry game, Thursday’s matchup between Frankfort and Franklin County’s boys soccer teams went about as expected.
  FHS won 4-3 in a shootout at Benny Watkins Field to improve to 10-3 overall and 2-1 in the district.
  “I always reiterate whoever we play not to overlook them, especially if they’re a district opponent,” FHS coach Austin Farmer said. “It’s always funny; it never fails. Every time we see a district opponent, these types of
  
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• Capital City Museum offers spooky events in October

  27-09-2026 20:56 via state-journal.com
  
  With October looming on the horizon, the Capital City Museum plans to make the spooky season educational and unforgettable.
  “The museum is really happy to be involved in so many October events,” Museum and Historic Sites Supervisor Eleanor Hasken-Wagner said. “What we’ve realized is there’s a love in this community for the eccentric, for the odd, for the unique, and that gives us the opportunity to tell really cool stories.”The month kicks off with Museum Afte
  
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• 78th Annual Christmas Parade: A Holly Dolly Christmas

  27-09-2026 20:56 via state-journal.com
  
  This holiday season, the 78th annual Christmas Parade pays tribute to country music icon Dolly Parton with the year’s theme: “A Holly Dolly Christmas.”On Saturday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. parade-goers can experience a magical Christmas evening filled with twinkling lights, a jolly Santa Claus riding on the Commonwealth Credit Union float and exciting marching bands.The parade begins its adventure at Commonwealth Credit Union, located at 417 High St. The route then turns left onto High
  
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• Susan Wood

  27-09-2026 05:22 via state-journal.com
  
  Susan Carter Wood, 85, passed away on Saturday, September 19, with her loving family by her side. She was born on June 27, 1941, in Frankfort, Kentucky, to Melvin and Bessie Carter.
  Growing up in Frankfort, she spent her days playing in the fields of her family’s Lakeview Farm, learning life lessons she would pass on to her children, grandchildren and countless others as an adult. She graduated from Franklin County High School in 1959, where she was a cheerleader, and then from Stephens Co
  
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• Underwater Moonshine Festival set for Oct. 9-10

  26-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  Underwater Moonshine Festival will take place Oct.9-10 at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., 283 Crab Orchard Road. The event begins at 6 p.m. each night.
  Born from the spirit of the acclaimed Underwater Sunshine Festival, Underwater Moonshine Festival offers independent music, authentic songwriting, and Kentucky hospitality to the heart of bourbon country.
  Founded by Adam Duritz, of Counting Crows, the Underwater Sunshine Festival was created to champion emerging artists, connect musicians with new
  
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• The magic of monarch butterflies

  26-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  A miraculous migration
  Imagine leaving Kentucky for a small area in Mexico, where you have never been, and getting there without a map. Monarch butterfly migration spans about four generations each year — one long lived “super generation” that migrates south to Mexico in the fall and then three to four short lived generations that move north from Mexico in spring and summer.
  The “super generation” overwinters in oyamel fir (an evergreen conifer) forests located in c
  
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• The hall, y’all!: Frankfort announcer headed to Kentucky Broadcasting Hall of Fame

  26-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  Frankfort’s Charlie Baglan has been named one of five inductees for the 2026 Kentucky Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The honor is presented by the Kentucky Broadcasters Association and recognizes a career of exceptional and enduring contributions to the radio and television profession.
  “My success only happened thanks to supportive leadership, talented co-workers, stations and state agencies who were willing to let creative people be creative,” Baglan said.
  While his career has bee
  
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• Reception planned for local artist

  26-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  Join Mark Crowdus for an art reception on Sunday, Oct. 11, from noon to 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.Located at 211 Washington St., citizens can spend the afternoon viewing exotic art pieces from a Frankfort resident who has spent years working on art with various designs and styles. The exhibit will conclude on Oct. 31.For further details, call First United Methodist Church at 502-227-7430.
  Crowdus has been a resident of Frankfort since 1978. He graduated from Western Hills High Scho
  
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• Planting by the signs … and other things: Putting your garden to bed for the winter

  26-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  Last week we talked about preparing plants for over-wintering. This week we’ll take another step toward getting ready for colder weather to come with some tips on preparing your garden for winter — right after the Quick Takes for the remainder of September.
  And like last week, I have shared this information before, but it merits reviewing each year.
  Then in my Oct. 3 column, I will share the October overview — a few days into October — for those planting in a protected e
  
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• Paul Sawyier Public Library News — Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2026

  26-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  Sunday
  2 p.m.: Bluegrass Theatre Guild Presents “Twinderella” (for all ages). Everyone deserves a fairy tale — even Bob — Cinderella’s long-lost brother. PSPL is partnering with Bluegrass Theatre Guild to bring the play “Twinderella” to the River Room for four performances. Everyone is invited to attended this special production.Monday
  6 p.m.: Remembering Wendell Berry (for adults). Join us as we honor the life and work of Kentucky novelist and poet Wend
  
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• North Frankfort Baptist Church Revival and Homecoming Oct. 2-4

  26-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  North Frankfort Baptist Church Revival and Homecoming will be Oct. 2-4 at the church located at 7945 Owenton Road. Services will begin at 7 p.m. nightly. On Oct. 4, Sunday School will begin at 10 a.m. with the church service at 11 a.m.
  A Homecoming Day dinner will take place after the service on Oct. 4. Bro. Brian Fossett, from Georgia, will preach. The services are open to the public.
  
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• Capital City Chorale to host Tuesday practices through December

  26-09-2026 21:00 via state-journal.com
  
  The Capital City Chorale will practice from 6:30-8 Tuesday evenings through December in the choir room at First United Methodist Church, 211 Washington St.
  Capital City Chorale is a community choir for residents of Franklin and surrounding counties. The chorale is a non-audition group that accepts any and all who enjoy singing choral music. The choir has a fall and spring semester with performances throughout the year. The fall semester typically runs September-December. The spring semester runs
  
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• College Park home to many prominent African Americans

  26-09-2026 07:05 via state-journal.com
  
  Editor’s note: This is the 33rd in a series of in-depth stories based on the findings of the City of Frankfort’s African American Historic Context Report, which was funded in part by the city and a grant from the Kentucky Heritage Council. This section of the African American Historic Context Report is an overview of Frankfort and the Black neighborhoods documented as part of the reconnaissance survey of African American resources and focuses on the built environment and architectura
  
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• WesBanco Student of the Week: Frankfort’s Cleveland excelling in classroom

  26-09-2026 07:04 via state-journal.com
  
  Jaloneé Cleveland is new to Frankfort High, and she’s making a name for herself.
  Cleveland, a freshman at FHS, has been named the Student of the Week.
  “I would like to amplify the efforts and intelligence of Jaloneé Cleveland,” an FHS teacher wrote in nominating Cleveland.
  “She is a natural leader, collaborator, listener, and always gives her all. She has consistently hit her marks and gone above and beyond as a student. She makes claims, supports them with
  
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• KYTC plans I-64 East lane closures

  26-09-2026 07:03 via state-journal.com
  
  Nighttime lane closures on Interstate 64 East start on Monday in Franklin County.The right lane of I-64 East at mile marker 48 (near KY 151) will be closed from 6 p.m. to midnight on Monday. Additionally, the right lane of I-64 East at mile point 50.5 (near Evergreen Road) will be closed from 6 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday.
  The lane closures are necessary for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews to perform routine maintenance of the interstate. Motorists should heed signage and use caution whe
  
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• Frankfort’s boys soccer team celebrates Senior Night with win against improved TFCA

  26-09-2026 07:03 via state-journal.com
  
  Frankfort’s boys soccer team celebrated Senior Night Tuesday with the first of three straight district games this week.
  FHS defeated The Frankfort Christian Academy 5-0 at Capitol View Park to even its district record at 1-1. The Panthers lost to Great Crossing 4-3 on Sept. 17.
  “It’s great to come out and have a senior night like we had tonight against a district opponent,” FHS coach Austin Farmer said. “I think the boys definitely were determined to clean up some t
  
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• All-way stop to be installed at Mero-Ann intersection

  26-09-2026 07:03 via state-journal.com
  
  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet advises motorists of an upcoming change to the traffic pattern at the intersection of Mero Street (KY 420) and Ann Street (KY 2261) in Franklin County next week.
  An all-way stop will be installed at the intersection of Mero and Ann streets on Wednesday by 3 p.m. Intermittent lane closures will be possible between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to support the work. The new traffic pattern is being implemented to support an upcoming highway safety improvement project that wi
  
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• Police, fire blotter (Sept. 24)

  26-09-2026 07:02 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 8:04 a.m., officers were called to a shots fired complaint on Langford Avenue. A caller reported hearing one shot possibly from Hickory Hills.
  • At 12:24 p.m., deputies, city and county fire, and EMS responded to an injury motor vehicle accident on Interstate 64.
  • At 1:14 p.m., deputies were not
  
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• Frankfort’s Tandy, Franklin County’s Williams qualify for state golf tournament

  26-09-2026 07:02 via state-journal.com
  
  Frankfort’s Josh Tandy and Franklin County’s Myles Williams have qualified for the first round of the state golf tournament.
  Tandy and Williams both shot one-over par 73 Tuesday in the Region 9 tournament at the University Club at Arlington in Richmond to tie for eighth place.
  Williams eagled his final hole of competition to claim a spot at state. Teammate Noah Casey entered a four-man playoff for the final two individual spots and state alternate. He bogeyed the playoff hole to get
  
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• Carl Burke

  25-09-2026 18:03 via state-journal.com
  
  Carl Burke, 80, of Frankfort, passed away at home on Wednesday, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Dorton, Kentucky, on January 1, 1946, to Ocie Mullins and Cecil Burke.
  Carl was guided in life by his faith. He was a member of Dorton Old Regular Baptist Church since 1977 and was called to preach in 1980. He worked as a diesel mechanic for the Kentucky Department of Transportation where he retired. He thoroughly enjoyed mechanic work and held several certifications within his field.
  
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• Carol Martin

  25-09-2026 15:37 via state-journal.com
  LAWRENCEBURG — Services for Carol Jean McHenry Martin, 87, will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at First Christian Church, 300 S. Main St., Lawrenceburg. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. A second funeral service will be 10 a.m. (CST) Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the chapel at Paris First Methodist Church, 324 W. Court St., Paris, IL 61944. Visitation will be 9 a.m. (CST) until the time of service Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow at Fairv
  
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• Toys ahoy: Captain’s Treasures creates a space for kids

  25-09-2026 06:33 via state-journal.com
  
  To a child, a toy might be the biggest treasure there is.
  “Toys are ways for children to tell their stories and speak with a voice that might not be theirs,” says Daniel Floyd, owner of the new toy store Captain’s Treasures. “That’s how kids can learn different perspectives.”“If you’re playing with Batman and Superman, you now have to see things from Batman and Superman’s perspective,” Floyd added.
  From Barbie to Spider-Man, Hot Wheels
  
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• Police, fire blotter (Sept. 23)

  25-09-2026 06:31 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 8:13 a.m., deputies responded to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on Georgetown Road.
  • At 8:38 a.m., officers took a theft report on Blackburn Avenue. A caller reported their vehicle and their neighbor’s vehicle had been broken into.
  • At 11:07 a.m., county firefighters conducted a fir
  
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• Franklin among counties with lowest August jobless rate

  25-09-2026 06:30 via state-journal.com
  
  Unemployment rates fell in 96 counties — including Franklin — between August 2025 and August 2026, rose in 11 counties and stayed the same in 13 counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.2%. It was followed by Cumberland County, 3.4%; Campbell, Scott and Todd counties, 3.5% each; Boone, Fayette, Franklin and Kenton counties, 3.
  
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• Rodney Lynn Craft

  24-09-2026 20:20 via state-journal.com
  
  Rodney Lynn Craft, age 78, passed away on September 21, 2026, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center after a valiant battle with multiple health issues.
  Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on March 16, 1948, he was the son of the late Albert B. “A.B.” Craft and Marjorie Cundiff Craft. He was preceded in death by an infant sister.Rodney was a faithful servant, follower of Christ, and member of the Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church in Midway, Kentucky. His family was his everything. He ch
  
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