Good morning, Frankfort.

Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort celebrated filling its 9 millionth bourbon barrel last week after finishing a 10-year, $1.2 billion expansion project that raised its capacity by 150%.

The distillery—tested by a spring flood that affected 90% of its campus—is now 100% open and welcoming visitors.

Kentucky State Police are investigating violent threats to Parole Board members after false information about Ronald Exantus led to a doxing incident—members received repeated threats even though the board had voted to keep him in prison while state law required his release.

Michelle Gross, a middle school math teacher at Spencer County Middle School, was named the 2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year on Tuesday after more than 700 nominations and nine teachers were honored with the Kentucky Teacher Achievement Award.

She will use a six-month sabbatical as an ambassador for the Kentucky Department of Education — a role that includes a $10,000 award and support from Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman.

Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman stressed that adopting Pre-K For All is essential for boosting family income and expanding child care amid federal education cuts—she noted the plan would raise parents’ earnings by nearly $9,000 and add 70,000 workers, addressing the needs in 79 counties lacking enough child care.

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education was awarded a seven-year—$35 million GEAR UP grant from the U.S. Department of Education—announced on Tuesday.

It will serve more than 10,000 students in eight districts and help them prepare for college and training programs.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman filed a lawsuit against Roblox after finding out his own child created an account at age 10 without permission & he argued that the online platform lets predators easily contact young users.

The lawsuit seeks fines per violation and demands that Roblox add safety features like age verification to keep children safe.

State and local leaders have implemented the High Five program in Bourbon County to urge drivers to buckle up — the county is one of nine using the initiative to boost road safety.

Frankfort sophomore Josh Tandy returned to golf in 2023 after a four-year baseball break and tied for fifth in last week's round at Winchester Country Club, earning him the Traditional Bank Athlete of the Week title.

He will compete in the state tournament final rounds at Bowling Green Country Club on Friday and Saturday—his return to the sport shows strong promise.

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.

Van Morrison Tribute by Van the Band

7:30-9 p.m. — Grand Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy the music of Van Morrison with classics like Brown Eyed Girl and Moondance for a night to remember.