Good morning, Frankfort.

A new LendingTree study shows that raising a small child in a two-earner household in Kentucky costs $218,777 over 18 years, a 14.5% increase from 2023 — the state remains among the 10 least expensive places for child-rearing as annual expenses average $19,149 on essentials — with costs covering childcare, rent, food, and transportation.

On Monday night, the Franklin County Board of Education met for the first time since severe floods hit the area and 9-year-old Gabriel Andrews was swept away on his way to his bus.

Board officials said they provided grief counseling and used spring break to help families — efforts aimed at supporting the community during recovery.

Cleanup has begun in Frankfort a week after the river’s crest along Wapping Street—30 dumpsters have been filled as crews work from building to building to remove wet materials while checking for lingering moisture; owner Jeff Smith said his team will work for another two weeks to complete the restoration.

Kentucky’s federal delegation supported Governor Beshear’s request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms produced more than a foot of rain and caused flash flooding, blocked roads and fatalities across the state.

Federal, state and local agencies worked after his April 2 emergency declaration to assist with rescues, debris removal and infrastructure repairs—further federal aid is needed.

Kentucky’s congressional delegation sent a letter on Tuesday that backed Gov. Andy Beshear’s request for a federal major disaster declaration after heavy rains starting April 2 caused flash floods, blocked roads, and forced evacuations.

The letter said federal help is needed as near-record river levels and damaged infrastructure have left many without power or safe water — officials are continuing rescue and repair efforts.

The Kentucky Supreme Court will hear a case on Lexington's ban on no-knock warrants tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the Capitol courtroom.

Justices will decide if the city had to bargain with police before the ordinance—passed in 2021 after Breonna Taylor's shooting—went into effect.

Earth Day Festival

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Liberty Hall Historic Site — Free entry — Celebrate Mother Earth with live music and family activities in historic gardens.

Keeneland Spring Race Meet

11 AM – 5 PM — Keeneland Association Inc — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling live horse racing at the historic Keeneland racetrack.

Royal Run 5K

12:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Lakeview Park — Entry fee required — Experience the inaugural 5K run benefiting the Frankfort Christian Academy.

2025 Bourbon & Browns Fundraiser

6-10 p.m. — Liberty Hall Historic Site — All proceeds benefit Liberty Hall Historic Site — Celebrate Kentucky Derby with a distillers’ showcase and local cuisine.

2025 Downtown Frankfort Derby Breakfast Celebration

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Downtown Frankfort Inc — Free entry — Celebrate Derby season with live bluegrass music, delicious brunch, and family-friendly activities.

River Rat Run 3K

9:00-10:30 a.m. — River View Park — Registration fee required — Run through vibrant colors and enjoy the scenic beauty of Frankfort's River View Park.

Bright Futures in Mental Health Luncheon

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Capital Plaza Hotel — Ticket info not provided — Celebrate Mental Health Month and hear insights from keynote speaker Eric Friedlander.