Good morning, Frankfort.

The Salvation Army of Franklin and Anderson counties thanked locals on Thursday, Jan.

8 for holiday season support that helped over 500 children and seniors (including the Angel Tree program). The organization will continue its community assistance programs through 2026.

New Riff Distilling has announced a Malted Rye Single Barrel whiskey that will join its bespoke barrel program at Newport distillery this month.

The six-year-old whiskey is crafted from 100% malted rye (its unique profile meets high trade partner demand).

Gov. Beshear’s new budget proposal will pay FFA membership fees to help students join local chapters statewide.

The plan allocates $200,000 this year and $250,000 next year to remove cost barriers in agriculture education.

KYTC said Licking River Bridge will close at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan.

12 for demolition preparations, and motorists will need to detour using the Girl Scout Bridge.

Gov. Beshear announced today a statewide carbon monoxide safety initiative (inspections have begun at schools and will expand to daycares and senior living facilities) to help protect community buildings during colder months.

State Sen. Greg Elkins filed legislation in Frankfort to improve battery disposal — his proposal creates a Covered Battery Stewardship Program to reduce fire hazards at landfills as local agencies set up safe battery collection sites.

Gov. Beshear announced nearly $3M in grants for nine projects to improve industrial access and railway infrastructure yesterday.

The projects in seven counties funded track rehabilitation, road upgrades and crossing improvements to boost safety and support local business.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will close the left lane of I-64 East at mile marker 53.15 near U.S. 127 from 7 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday for bridge work as part of the I-64 improvement project between the Frankfort exits.

Immanuel Baptist Church will host a support group for families and parents of addicted loved ones every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in room 134.

The group, coordinated by local facilitator Shellie Brown with help from a regional non-profit (PAL), offers peer support and education for those coping with substance abuse.

Harrison Memorial Hospital now offers the FDA-approved RDN procedure— the Symplicity Spyral System—to help patients with high blood pressure who have not found relief from lifestyle changes and medication; the new local option spares rural residents the need to travel far.

The Kentucky housing market is expected to grow steadily in 2026 as interest rates remain near 6%, following a 4.6% home price increase in November and over 3,000 sales averaging $278,000.

Cynthia Trgo (broker at Diamond Real Estate) noted that lower inflation is stabilizing prices.

Pom Pom Penguins

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Paul Sawyier Public Library — Free entry — Design your ideal winter companion using everyday materials in a family-friendly craft event.