Kentucky news

• State lawmakers hear public’s data center concerns

  02-10-2026 20:20 via state-journal.com
  
  With such a high volume of discourse over the rapid growth of data centers, state lawmakers gave the public a chance to voice their concerns on Thursday.Held in the Capitol Annex, people from across the commonwealth each had three minutes to speak and present their thoughts and opinions to Rep. Adam Moore (D-Fayette), Rep. Adrielle Camuel (D-Fayette), Rep. Anne Gay Donworth (D-Fayette), Rep. Vanessa Grossl (R-Fayette, Scott), Rep. Lisa Willner (D-Jefferson), Rep. Al Gentry (D-Jefferson), Rep. Er
  
  Read more

• Candidate forums set for Monday and Oct. 19

  02-10-2026 20:19 via state-journal.com
  Two candidate forums featuring the county’s only contested local offices are being hosted by two community organizations this month.
  Together Frankfort and Development Interest Group Frankfort (DIG) are partnering with Kentucky State University and Cable 10 for the forums to be held at KSU’s main auditorium, 400 E. Main St.
  The Frankfort Board of Commissioners forum will be at 6 p.m. Monday. The sheriff and magistrate candidate forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19. Both are
  
  Read more

• Frankfort Independent board approves working budget, sets tax rate

  02-10-2026 20:18 via state-journal.com
  
  The Frankfort Independent Schools Board of Education approved a working budget for fiscal year 2027 at its board meeting Monday.
  The budget will be $16,013,707.43, an increase of $1.8 million from the previous year.
  The board also approved a tax rate of 105.2 cents per $100 on real and personal property and 47.4 cents on motor vehicles.
  The 105.2 tax rate is a 2% increase from the previous rate. A 4% increase would have been a tax rate of 107.3.
  The 2% tax rate as opposed to the 4% tax rate resu
  
  Read more

• City, AOC secure FEMA reimbursement funds

  02-10-2026 20:18 via state-journal.com
  
  Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that his administration has secured more than $21.9 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster funds to reimburse Kentucky cities, counties and utilities for expenses incurred during severe weather events in 2019, 2021, 2025 and 2026 — including two in Franklin County.
  “From federally declared weather disasters to the pandemic, Kentucky was owed millions of dollars to help our communities and our people recover and I am proud
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• WesBanco Student of the Week: Western Hills’ Assibey-Mensah leads by example

  02-10-2026 20:17 via state-journal.com
  
  Western Hills junior Dorian Assibey-Mensah is a standout in the classroom and on the football field, and he is the WesBanco Student of the Week.
  Assibey-Mensah was selected as the Franklin County Schools Student Champion of the Month for September, and FCS Superintendent Mark Kopp read the nomination for Assibey-Mensah at the district’s Sept. 14 board meeting.
  “Dorian is an outstanding student, athlete, leader and role model who consistently demonstrates what it means to live out the
  
  Read more

• Police, fire blotter (Oct. 1)

  02-10-2026 20:17 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 8:05 a.m., officers and EMS responded to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on Kings Daughters Drive near U.S. 127 South.
  • At 8:41 a.m., officers were called to a non-injury motor vehicle accident on Versailles Road.
  • At 8:48 a.m., officers took a vandalism complaint on Woodgate Road. A caller
  
  Read more

• ‘Phil’-ing in: Retirees remain active volunteering at history center

  02-10-2026 20:16 via state-journal.com
  
  Their backgrounds are as varied as their jobs, but all the volunteers I met at the Kentucky History Center have the common desire to help preserve history and the willingness to offer their time and talents to do so.
  Kristen Wheatley, volunteer program coordinator, planned an intensive visiting schedule with several of the volunteers — 30 minutes or so with each, gather their stories and what they do, and move to the next.
  As “time to move” approached, Wheatley seemed to appear
  
  Read more

• Franklin County Schools board passes working budget

  02-10-2026 20:16 via state-journal.com
  
  A working budget for fiscal year 2027 has been passed by the Franklin County Schools Board of Education.
  The board passed the budget at a special called meeting Monday at Bondurant Middle School.
  The working budget for FY27 is $104,293,542.77 for all the funds, and the contingency fund is $7,174,380. Last year’s working budget was $93.1 million.
  School districts are required by Kentucky state law to maintain a contingency fund of at least 2% of their total budget expenditures.
  In August, t
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Becoming Kentucky History Center volunteer is a process

  02-10-2026 20:06 via state-journal.com
  
  Occupying an entire city block between Ann and Mero streets and fronting on Broadway in downtown Frankfort, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History — commonly known as the Kentucky History Center — is 167,000 square feet dedicated to preserving the heritage of the state.
  In 2025, according to Dana Zinger, director of marketing and communications, more than 31,000 visited the center — and more than a million have been welcomed since it opened in 1999.
  Curating the more t
  
  Read more

• PHOTO: Frankfort Elks Lodge #530 donates funds to Capital City Activity Center/Meals on Wheels Greater Frankfort

  02-10-2026 04:56 via state-journal.com
  
  Frankfort Elks Lodge #530 recently donated $3,500 to Capital City Activity Center/Meals on Wheels Greater Frankfort. The funds came through the Gratitude Grant Program from the National Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.
  
  Read more

• Ashbrook Hotel launches on-site restaurant Field Note

  02-10-2026 04:47 via state-journal.com
  
  The Ashbrook Hotel announced the launch of Field Note, the new identity of its on-site restaurant, led by Chef Mikey Miller on Thursday.
  Field Note will be open Wednesday through Sunday and will serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, with a seasonal menu crafted around ingredients heavily sourced from regional farms and producers.
  Set within The Ashbrook Hotel — the former residence of Col. E.H. Taylor Jr., the founder of today’s Buffalo Trace Distillery — Field Note pairs a historic
  
  Read more

• Police, fire blotter (Sept. 30)

  02-10-2026 04:46 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 8:02 a.m., officers took a fraud complaint at Hickory Hills Apartments on Marlowe Court. A caller reported a friend coerced her into signing a fraudulent check.
  • At 10:29 a.m., officers took a theft report at Juniper Hills Apartments on Louisville Road. A caller reported a bike had been stolen.
  &bul
  
  Read more

• Bridgeport Christian Church to host haunting afternoon of classic literature

  02-10-2026 04:46 via state-journal.com
  
  Bridgeport Christian Church will host a readers theatre production, “Medley for the Dead of Night,” on Sunday, Oct. 18. The church is located at 175 Evergreen Road.
  The program will begin at 3 p.m. and is expected to last about one hour.
  The production will include selections from classic literature favorites: “The Raven,” “The Bells,” and “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe; “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs; “Macb
  
  Read more

• Kentucky State football ranked No. 1 in country in HBCU poll, No. 24 in NCAA II poll

  02-10-2026 04:44 via state-journal.com
  
  Kentucky State football continues to climb to new heights as the Thorobreds have reached the top of the HBCU Division II Coaches Poll powered by BOXTOROW, earning the No. 1 ranking in Week 4 following a historic road victory over Albany State.
  The Thorobreds, 4-1 this season, received 17 of the 18 first-place votes and totaled 179 points to move up one spot from No. 2.
  Kentucky State strengthened its case for the top spot with a 24-16 victory over Albany State on Sept. 26, defeating the Golden R
  
  Read more

• Guest columnist: Data centers benefit ratepayers, homeowners

  02-10-2026 04:44 via state-journal.com
  
  The data center battle is about more than money, but one thing is clear: There are potentially massive financial benefits to individuals both as ratepayers and homeowners.
  Getting real-life data on the modern hyperscale data center has required a bit of “wait and see.” Supply and demand indicators are not always immediate; economic revenue projections need to be verified, and reports of whether data centers make electricity and property taxes more affordable need to bear out. New dat
  
  Read more

• Allan Parris

  01-10-2026 21:31 via state-journal.com
  
  Allan Lee Parris, 69, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026. A native of Frankfort, he was born on November 28, 1956, to the late Edward and Betty Dunn Parris.
  He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother and friend, and beloved “Uncle Allan” to his nieces and nephews, whose lives he touched with his generosity, laughter and love.
  Allan was a proud graduate of Franklin County High School. Following graduation, he built a successful career as a construction project management s
  
  Read more

• Tom Doyle

  01-10-2026 21:20 via state-journal.com
  
  Tom Doyle passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. with Bill Doyle officiating. Visitation will be at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Thursday.Tom was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 13, 1948, to William Patrick and Leenor Francke Doyle. He graduated from St. Xavier High School, class of 1967, and Bellarmine College, class of 1972, with a bachelor’
  
  Read more

• CARTOON: Out of the swamp

  01-10-2026 19:53 via state-journal.com
  
  CARTOON: Out of the swamp
  
  Read more

• CARTOON: I won’t leave a broken country

  01-10-2026 19:50 via state-journal.com
  
  CARTOON: I won’t leave a broken country
  
  Read more

• Ag Roundup turns Kentucky State campus into living classroom

  01-10-2026 04:29 via state-journal.com
  
  A young calf drew students toward a livestock display. Nearby, Kentucky-grown pawpaws, aquaculture systems, drones, and hands-on science showed visitors to Kentucky State University’s fourth annual Ag Roundup that agriculture reaches far beyond the farm.
  Held Sept. 24–26, the event welcomed approximately 1,600 middle and high school students from 33 schools across seven counties. They met researchers, farmers, industry representatives, community partners, and Kentucky State students,
  
  Read more

• Police, fire blotter (Sept. 29)

  01-10-2026 04:28 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 9:20 a.m., officers took a theft report at Dollar General on Holmes Street.
  • At 10:10 a.m., county firefighters conducted a fire investigation on Georgetown Road.
  • At 12:02 p.m., officers were notified of lewd behavior at Sally’s on Leonardwood Drive. A caller reported a male exposed himse
  
  Read more

• Western Hills’ Chavez sets school career scoring record in boys soccer

  01-10-2026 04:24 via state-journal.com
  
  Western Hills High School senior Elias Chavez has officially broken the school’s all-time career soccer scoring record, accumulating 107 goals and counting as the current season continues.
  Chavez surpassed the previous school record of 98 goals held by Austin McClease. With 34 goals scored so far this season, he is currently tied for first place in total goals across the state. He is also on other KHSAA state leaderboards, including placing in the top 10 for total points (goals, two points
  
  Read more

• Three Franklin County golfers qualify for final rounds of girls state tournament

  01-10-2026 04:23 via state-journal.com
  
  On Tuesday, three members of the Franklin County girls golf team traveled to StoneCrest Golf Course in Prestonsburg to compete in the first round of the KHSAA State Tournament.
  All three qualified as individuals for the final rounds of the state tournament.
  FCHS’ Mary Clayton Rodgers tied for fifth place with 72, Emerson Bowling shot a 75 to tie for ninth place, and Lyla Hardesty tied for 21st place with an 82.
  The top three teams from the first round and the top 15 individuals not on thos
  
  Read more

• Guest columnist: That way lies madness

  01-10-2026 04:23 via state-journal.com
  
  Shakespeare’s King Lear laments, “That way lies madness” as he obsesses over his daughters’ betrayal. Today millions of Americans, if not driven to madness, are certainly driven toward emotional distress. President Donald Trump and MAGA like to call this “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS). Perhaps to them it’s just another way of “owning the libs”. Nevertheless, millions of citizens are deeply distressed (obsessed) by this corrupt and violent
  
  Read more

• Guest columnist: Planning before the data center power surge

  01-10-2026 04:23 via state-journal.com
  
  Kentucky’s competitive industrial electricity rates, ample land and water, expanding fiber networks and support for major development position the Commonwealth to attract data center investment, jobs and long-term tax revenue. Kentucky also has an opportunity many states missed: the chance to write the rules before costs are locked in. Major data center proposals are already testing every part of our electric system, from generation and transmission to local land-use decisions. Choices now
  
  Read more

• Western Hills Bilby Law Office Players of the Game

  01-10-2026 04:22 via state-journal.com
  
  Western Hills is naming a Bilby Law Office Player of the Game after every football game.
  
  Read more

• BREAKING: Glenns Creek Distilling on fire

  30-09-2026 23:23 via state-journal.com
  
  Area firefighters, including crews from the Franklin County Fire Department, are currently on the scene of several structure fires at Glenns Creek Distilling on McCracken Pike.
  “I don’t know how to write this so I’ll just say that we are all OK, but lost several buildings,” Glenns Creek Distilling posted on its Facebook page at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
  Franklin County Judge-Executive Michael Mueller said that the FCFD sent multiple engines to assist in extinguishing the
  
  Read more

• A Celebration of Life for Catherine Mary Vedder will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Orlando Brown House, 202 Wilkinson St.

  30-09-2026 21:36 via state-journal.com
  A Celebration of Life for Catherine Mary Vedder will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Orlando Brown House, 202 Wilkinson St.
  
  Read more

• Joanne Mayo Rice

  30-09-2026 19:43 via state-journal.com
  
  Joanne Mayo Rice was born on January 22, 1944, in Rogersville, Tennessee. She grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee, where she attended Woodlawn School, then graduated from Clarksville High School in 1962. Her childhood best friend to the end was Molly Lisenbee Cook.
  Joanne met her husband while attending Austin Peay College. They later married on September 18, 1963. Joanne and Bill were married for 63 years.
  After moving to the Murray, Kentucky, area, Joanne made dear friends among farming neighbor
  
  Read more

• Man charged with killing trooper is repeat offender

  30-09-2026 15:08 via state-journal.com
  
  A Tennessee man with a lengthy criminal history was ordered held without bail Tuesday after being charged in the fatal shooting of a Kentucky state trooper, officials said.
  Emonnie Dion Branch was arrested and charged in Louisville on Monday night in the killing of Trooper Hayden Phillips, who was shot when he pulled a vehicle over on Interstate 65 in Warren County, Col. Phillip Burnett Jr., commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, said during a news conference.
  Branch, 51, of Portland, Tennes
  
  Read more

Follow @NewsKentucky_ on Twitter!