Good morning, Frankfort.

Citizen Foster Care Review Boards in 38 eastern Kentucky counties need volunteers to review foster care cases and make recommendations for safer, permanent placements for children—applicants must complete criminal checks and six hours of training via Zoom—and the boards aim to support the state foster care program efficiently.

Coats for Kids held its 40th winter coat drive on November 20th as Bill May said he and his wife Jenny started the program in 1982 to help local children in need.

School staff check for students missing proper winter wear so that community donations let them buy new coats from wholesale suppliers — a program that has supported families for many years.

GE Appliances announced last Thursday more than $150 million in contracts with U.S. suppliers as it shifts key production from China to its Louisville facility — awarding over $40 million to Kentucky vendors and supporting a new combo washer/dryer line.

The project will create 800 jobs and is set to begin production early in 2027.

Kentucky produced 24.3 million tons of coal in 2024—a 14% drop from 2023—with the number of mines falling from 112 to 94.

Fewer than 3,800 miners worked statewide as coal generated 67% of its electricity.

Dr. Jason Miner, representing Jobs for America's Graduates Kentucky, explained the program's plans to boost job skills and local opportunities—additional details are expected as the initiative advances.

WKYT meteorologist Chris Bailey predicted a colder, snowier winter for Kentucky in his annual forecast, noting December will be 3 to 5 degrees below normal with 4 to 8 inches of snowfall and a strong chance for a white Christmas.

He said central areas are expected to receive 16 to 24 inches while some eastern parts may see over 35 inches—details that point to rough winter weather ahead.

Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police are urging Kentuckians to donate non-perishable food items for the annual 'Cram the Cruiser' food drive—designed to help local families—while Post 15 will host a cruiser donation event at Kroger, 399 Campbellsville Bypass in Cambpellsville from 9 a.m. CT/10 a.m. ET until Noon CT/1 p.m. ET on December 5.

The Frankfort Plant Board approved an agreement with National Content & Technology Cooperative to keep Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies and Hallmark Drama on classic cable until September 2028 during a special meeting Monday.

The board also backed agreements with Weigel Networks, NBCUniversal and Versant and plans to launch the Nextband NOW package on Dec. 1 to offer a lower cost option for cable subscribers.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Thursday that GE Appliances will award $40 million to four Kentucky plastics suppliers to boost laundry manufacturing as part of a $150 million award across ten states.

Local companies such as EPC in Lebanon, Jones Plastic in Williamsburg, Plastic Products Co. Inc., and a Frankfort facility are set to benefit—supporting U.S. manufacturing strength.

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.

The Nutcracker by Kentucky Dance Academy

7 p.m. — Grand Theatre — Tickets available through KY Dance Academy starting December 2nd — Experience the magical journey of The Nutcracker as it unfolds with dance and storytelling.