Author: Associated Press

Police officer fired for giving information to protesters

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky police officer has been fired for giving information about the department he worked for to Black Lives Matter protesters. The Lexington Herald Leader reported officials in Lexington announced the decision Friday after a nine-hour hearing and more than two hours of deliberation. Jervis Middleton argued that he shouldn’t be terminated because the information he…

2 die in weather-related incidents in Kentucky, police say

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky State Police say two people have died in separate weather-related incidents. Police said 61-year-old Darlene G. Skinner Ragland of Corbin died Tuesday after officers were sent to a home in southern Laurel County on a carbon monoxide poisoning call. Residents were using a generator at the home. In western Kentucky, police said 25-year-old Melissa Sheerin…

Lawmakers won’t meet this week due to winter weather

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky lawmakers won’t reconvene until next week because of the harsh winter weather hitting the state. House Speaker David Osborne and Senate President Robert Stivers decided Tuesday to call off meetings this week due to concerns about travel conditions. Days missed this week will be made up later this month and in March. Lawmakers are now…

Kentucky Historical Society launches show about ancestors

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky Historical Society is launching a new television program called “Kentucky Ancestors Town Hall.” A statement from the Kentucky Historical Society says the show will debut Feb. 20 on WTVQ in Lexington and then on other channels around the state over the following week. Officials say a team from the Kentucky Historical Society will use…

Coronavirus slows bourbon tourism in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Bourbon tourism in Kentucky has slowed to a trickle because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association said Tuesday that visitors took a total of 587,307 tours last year at distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. That’s down 66% from 2019, when stops topped 1.7 million. The association says…

Lassere stepping down as CEO of Muhammad Ali Center

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Donald Lassere is stepping down as president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. His stint was highlighted by the center’s rebranding and launch of humanitarian awards named for the boxing great. Lassere is leaving to become president and CEO of The Chicago History Museum. During his nearly nine-year tenure, he expanded the Ali…

Nominations sought for David Karem education award

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky education officials are accepting nominations for the David Karem Award. A statement from the Education Department says the award recognizes a policymaker, education leader or citizen who has made a positive, statewide impact on public education in the state. It is named for former Kentucky Board of Education Chairman David Karem, who also served as…

Wildlife refuge in western Kentucky adds 437 acres

HENDERSON, Ky. (AP) — U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says the Green River National Wildlife Refuge in western Kentucky is expanding by 437 acres. A Thursday statement from McConnell says the land will be used for conservation, hunting, fishing and economic growth. It is expected to open to the public later this year for some recreational opportunities, including wildlife…

Paul touts in-person voting as lawmakers craft election bill

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Rand Paul is urging lawmakers back home to encourage in-person voting to protect election security. Paul’s comments came Thursday as Republicans prepare election legislation in Kentucky. Three GOP House lawmakers say they’re crafting the bill but didn’t offer details. They told a House committee that it will be introduced Tuesday. Kentucky allowed widespread mail-in…

Police: Man flees in high-speed chase, then runs out of gas

BEAVER DAM, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky State Police say a man has been charged with nearly striking an officer with his car and later leading authorities on a high-speed chase that ended when he ran out of gas. Officers responded to a road rage incident Monday night and attempted to perform a traffic stop, but the motorist fled and nearly…