Author: Associated Press

Eyeglass lens producer opens headquarters in Kentucky

HEBRON, Ky. (AP) — An eyeglass lens producer has celebrated the opening of its new U.S. headquarters in Kentucky. The relocation of its corporate offices to Hebron, Kentucky, caps a $20 million construction project by Zeiss Vision Care. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says the project will create about 75 full-time jobs. The expansion primarily involved updates to the company’s optical…

Cybersecurity concerns lead Kentucky to rebid contract

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky is extending its search for a company to modernize its pandemic-stressed unemployment insurance system. The state is seeking a contract partner to overhaul its outdated technology for processing jobless claims. State Finance and Administration Cabinet spokeswoman Jill Midkiff said Wednesday that the state will go through a rebidding process. She says that’s due to the…

Report: Appalachian states face billions in mining cleanup

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A new report says the cleanup and reclaiming of coal mines in seven Appalachian states will cost billions. The report by the environmental group Appalachian Voices says Kentucky and West Virginia have the largest bills coming due. Total reclamation liability for the two states is between $4.1 and $5.8 billion. Less than half of that is…

University of Kentucky honors medical education supporter

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A University of Kentucky graduate has been honored for his $22 million gift in support of medical education at the state’s flagship university. UK officials say Dr. Michael D. Rankin’s gift is the second-largest single gift in the university’s history. It will support scholarships in UK’s College of Medicine and construction of a new health education…

Angel’s Envy distillery expanding to welcome more visitors

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Bourbon tourism is getting another boost from a distillery in Kentucky’s largest city. Angel’s Envy says it will be able to accommodate twice as many guests once an $8.2 million expansion is completed next spring at its downtown Louisville distillery. The craft distiller says the project includes a new event space and bar, a larger retail…

Federal grants available for domestic violence programs

LOUISVILLE, Ky (AP) — Applications for federal grant funding for Kentucky projects that serve or focus on victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking will open Aug. 2. Applications can also include project proposals that support complementary new initiatives and emergency services for victims and their families. Gov. Andy Beshear urges “victim advocacy services, law enforcement agencies,…

Covington diocese welcomes new bishop

COVINGTON, Ky. (AP) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington has a new bishop after the departure of Bishop Roger Foys. Foys reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 last summer. He has been bishop since 2002. He will be replaced by John Iffert, a pastor in the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois. Iffert, 53, was ordained to the priesthood in…

John Rotz, Hall of Fame jockey, dies at 86

WARRENSBURG, Ill. — John Rotz, a Hall of Fame jockey who won the Preakness and Belmont Stakes during his career, has died at 86. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame says Rotz died at his farm in Warrensburg, Illinois, southwest of Champaign, on Monday. No cause of death was given. Rotz won 2,907 races during a 20-year…

West Virginia launches effort to promote Appalachian cuisine

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia’s governor has launched a program to showcase chefs across the state. Officials say the West Virginia Chef Ambassador program aims to promote culinary innovation and farm-to-table experiences with the goal of expanding the state’s agritourism industry. Gov. Jim Justice launched the program Monday in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Tourism. Nominations are…

Kentucky county clerk offices can’t process vehicle papers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says county clerk offices are unable to process vehicle-related transactions due to system problems. The cabinet says Kentucky residents should contact their county clerk offices to see whether they are open for other business and be prepared for delays. Vehicle registrations can be renewed online at drive.ky.gov. The release says the registration…