Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
Good morning, Frankfort.
Local artists built a 57-foot-long art installation in Clifton to share the neighborhood's history through bright colors and touchable tiles.
The project, created by residents over five years for both blind and sighted people, will open to the public on Oct. 10—inviting the community to explore art in a new way.
Kentucky soybean farmers are preparing to harvest nearly 2 million acres amid a trade dispute as China—the largest buyer—has stopped buying U.S. soybeans because of tariffs and high input costs, which may force farmers to shift to other crops if yields fall.
For nearly 30 years, the DoD Fresh program has delivered fresh produce to schools and What Chefs Want now partners with state agencies to supply local fruits and vegetables that support Kentucky farmers—helping schools shift from out-of-state sources to local options.
The initiative aims to enhance meal nutrition while keeping about $7 million in school funding within Kentucky.
Yesterday, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education announced the 2025 membership of the Kentucky Faculty Advisory Network—adding two representatives from Kentucky State University to faculty from public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
The network will offer guidance on statewide postsecondary policies.
On October 2, the Kentucky Supreme Court heard arguments on a bill to fund public charter schools — critics say it could drain funds from traditional schools while supporters claim that parental choice boosts accountability.
The hearing revealed a sharp split between those insisting on tighter control and those urging more school choice — setting the stage for future changes in how education is managed.
More than $20M in federal funds will help rural and high-poverty schools through the GEAR UP Elevate initiative — the Kentucky Education Development Corporation will receive over $3M each year for seven years to support 27 schools in 12 districts with academic support, mentorship, and college readiness programs.
A guest columnist in the State-Journal urged drivers to slow down in work zones after Governor Beshear signed HB 664—an act that lets the Transportation Cabinet use automated speed cameras to protect workers.
The law comes after more than 1,300 work zone crashes, including seven fatalities and 298 injuries, and it is expected to improve safety for all on Kentucky highways.
Lt. Gov. Coleman and the Kentucky State Police broke ground last month on a new Drivers’ Skills Pad at the training academy in Frankfort, a $2.7 million project where troopers and cadets will practice advanced driving techniques safely.
The course, set to be completed in June, will allow law enforcement to refine skills such as high-speed pursuit driving and evasive maneuvers — measures expected to reduce crashes and enhance public safety.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health issued a statewide Health Alert after confirming 19 West Nile Virus cases and 2 La Crosse encephalitis cases, including one death.
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department reported four hospitalizations in zip codes 40502, 40505, and 40509—prompting officials to urge residents to use repellent and remove standing water.
Frankfort’s Department for Public Health issued a Health Alert warning of rising West Nile Virus, with 19 reported cases and one death, and two confirmed cases plus two suspected cases of La Crosse virus; officials advise residents to prevent mosquito bites by using EPA-approved repellents and wearing long sleeves—especially during peak mosquito hours.
Western Hills High School boys soccer team celebrated Senior Night during Tuesday's game against Woodford County where they lost 3-0.
The Wolverines ended the regular season with a 6 to 8 record— and will face Frankfort at 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the semifinals of the 41st District tournament.
Haunting on the Hill
7-10:30 p.m. — Sullivan House Visitor Center at Leslie Morris Park at Fort Hill — Free entry — Experience a hauntingly good time at the Spooky Trail this October.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Frankfort.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.