Good morning, Frankfort.

Franklin County held a volleyball tournament on Saturday that raised over $10,000 for player KeAaron Jones’ family after his cancer diagnosis.

The event, coordinated by coach Tom Marshall on the Franklin County campus, united the local volleyball community with support from players, volunteers, and parents.

Buffalo Trace is opening the John G.

Carlisle Cafe on May 11 in the historic Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse. The 4,900 sqft cafe offers lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and hosts a three-week lineup of daily events with free meals, tastings and meet-and-greets.

Manufacturing plant Hyster-Yale in Berea was honored as 2026's Coolest Thing Made in KY after a state contest that spotlights local production.

Employees celebrated on Monday - a win that highlights 52 years of producing military forklifts for government supply needs.

Franklin County Schools opened new auxiliary gyms at Western Hills and Franklin County High School on Friday with ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and both facilities offer a regulation basketball court plus separate spaces for wrestling, dance, cheer, golf, and softball, with the FCHS gym hosting a volleyball tournament on Saturday.

Frankfort Independent Schools join 34 districts in the 2026 Summer Boost program, a KDE + Summer Food Service initiative providing 1,000 free books to families for reading and math practice during the summer break.

Families should check with local meal sites for enrollment details.

Kentucky State University is hosting a symposium on soilless farming supported by a $7 million NSF grant that fuels research into hydroponics and aquaponics.

Dr. Avinash Tope said the event is key to preparing a skilled workforce and advancing sustainable practices.

Kentucky has received $94.4 million from the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement payment to invest in rural communities + to boost agricultural diversification, early childhood development and healthcare improvements under General Assembly oversight.

Jake Nawrot, a Kentucky quarterback commit, advanced from the junior varsity team to record over 3,000 yards and 41 touchdowns and is now the No. 2 quarterback in the 2027 class.

He is set to join coach Will Stein's squad and work to refine his skills for his senior season.

Western Hills' boys volleyball team beat Henry Clay 4-1 on Thursday; junior Shiv Patel made 32 assists and six aces, earning him Traditional Bank Athlete of the Week honors as the Wolverines improved their state ranking ahead of their final five regular season matches.

Multiple local sports events are scheduled from Thursday to Tuesday as baseball games feature Frankfort hosting Carroll County Friday and Boyle County Saturday while softball, volleyball, track and tennis matchups are planned at venues including Western Hills and local schools; Kentucky State contests Morehouse Friday and Saturday.

Painted Clay Pot Mushrooms

11 a.m. — Paul Sawyier Public Library — Free entry — Get creative and add a whimsical touch to your garden with handmade clay pot mushrooms for all ages.

2026 River Rat Run 3K

6-8 p.m. — River View Park — Registration fees apply — Enjoy an evening of fitness and community at the River Rat Run 3K race.