Good morning, Frankfort.

Gov. Andy Beshear and Mayor Layne Wilkerson will light the Frankfort Christmas tree today at 6:30 p.m. on Broadway Street, kicking off Candlelight Weekend—offering live music, family activities, and a donation drive for the Frankfort Feeds fund.

State Rep. Vanessa Grossl said she will file a bill in the 2026 session to license outdoor childcare programs so providers can add nature-based learning to regular childcare.

The proposal aims to boost quality childcare options in rural areas + help families access more educational opportunities.

At a meeting in Owensboro, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education added new members Jai Bokey, Dennis Repenning and Michael Wheeler.

Bokey (who serves as vice president at VSoft Consulting Group), Repenning (a lawyer with over 45 years of experience) and Wheeler (a student at the University of Kentucky) join the council to help shape future postsecondary policy.

Frankfort Parks and Recreation will raise Juniper Hill Golf Course fees in 2026 after the Parks Advisory Board fully approved the changes, with weekday cart fees rising by $2 and weekend fees by $4 + walker fees and aquatic center rates staying the same.

The adjustments are planned to cover rising maintenance costs and bring course pricing in line with nearby competitors.

Kentucky's hemp industry faces a threat as Sen. Mitch McConnell added language in a government funding bill to ban hemp products with more than 0.4 mg THC—an action that could end the $28 billion market and affect 350,000 jobs if it becomes law.

Sen. Rand Paul and industry groups now oppose the measure and are seeking House intervention before the one-year implementation period begins.

Kentucky State Parks will start major renovations over the winter off-season—Lake Cumberland will receive new guest rooms and upgraded common areas while King Lake and Carter Cave will also see changes backed by over $130 million in state funds.

These updates include behind-the-scenes improvements to older campgrounds to meet modern camping needs.

After the final lawn cut and leaf cleanup, locals can swap summer tools with snow throwers, generators, and chainsaws.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute offers 8 quick tips—service before storage, fuel management, and safe handling—to help residents avoid repair bills as winter nears.

The Kentucky women’s basketball team remained undefeated with a 90-30 win over USC Upstate Wednesday night—Tonie Morgan tied the single-game assist record with 16 assists.

All five starters scored in double figures as the team will travel to Marshall Saturday at 1:00 p.m. on ESPN.

2025 Frankfort Christmas Parade

6-8 p.m. — Downtown Frankfort Inc — Free entry — Experience the wonder of lights, music, and holiday characters at the 77th Annual Christmas Parade.

Asleep At The Wheel Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Grand Theatre — Cost Not Specified — Celebrate over 50 years of American roots music with Grammy-winning band Asleep at the Wheel.