Author: Associated Press

Kentucky judge accused of making sexual advances, favoritism

(Credit: Pixabay)COVINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission has filed charges against a family court judge, accusing her of favoritism, making sexual advances and other misconduct. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Kenton County Family Court Judge Dawn Gentry faces nine misconduct-related charges. The commission says an investigation revealed the judge made inappropriate sexual advances, traded jobs for donations to her…

Bevin order aimed at blocking higher pension for Adkins

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Outgoing Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has issued an executive order that would prevent state Rep. Rocky Adkins from collecting a higher state pension due to his senior position in Gov.-elect Andy Beshear’s administration. The executive order was issued Thursday, just days before Bevin leaves office. His action would prohibit “pension spiking.” It occurs when former legislators are…

Trade-related relief payments cushion some Kentucky farmers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Agricultural economists say international trade uncertainty looms over Kentucky’s farm economy. But they say the farm sector was able to maintain stable income levels with a boost from government relief payments to farmers hit by low commodity prices caused by the trade conflict with China. The University of Kentucky ag economists said Thursday that statewide farm cash…

Abbey of Gethsemani added to registry of natural areas

Photo credit: VisitBardstown.comFRANKFORT, Ky. – The Abbey of Gethsemani has been added to the Kentucky Natural Areas Registry. The Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves announced Wednesday that it was recognizing the abbey’s historic stewardship of more than 1,500 acres of land in Nelson County. State officials say the designation is voluntary and is designed to recognize stewardship and awareness of…

Memo says Gov.-elect Beshear facing massive budget shortfall

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A memo from outgoing Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration says Gov.-elect Andy Beshear faces a massive budget shortfall as he prepares to take office. The memo from Bevin’s budget director estimates the shortfall could exceed $1 billion over the next two years. The memo says additional funding will be needed for pensions, corrections, Medicaid and employee health benefits….

Kentucky mom accused of stabbing baby at Thanksgiving dinner

PRESTONBURG, Ky. – Kentucky State Police have arrested a mother accused of stabbing her 4-month-old baby during a struggle with the child’s father at a Thanksgiving gathering. News outlets reported Wednesday that the child was taken to a hospital. An update on the baby’s condition hasn’t been given. Arrest documents show 38-year-old Katherine Stepp is charged with assault, wanton endangerment,…

Incoming Kentucky AG Cameron makes appointments

File PhotoFRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Attorney General-elect Daniel Cameron has made appointments of two attorneys to lead his criminal and civil divisions. Cameron announced Wednesday that Amy Burke will serve as an assistant deputy attorney general overseeing the office’s criminal justice matters. Cameron earlier this week appointed Victor Maddox as an assistant attorney general serving as civil chief within the…

Outgoing governor urges successor to ‘do the hard things’

FRANKORT, Ky. – Kentucky Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has urged his successor to confront the toughest tasks facing the state. In a Tuesday interview with The Associated Press, Bevin said that includes continuing to shore up the state’s underfunded public pension systems. Democrat Andy Beshear defeated Bevin in last month’s election and takes office next Tuesday. Bevin predicted that state…

Kentucky man charged with posing as officer, attacking woman

LONDON, Ky. – Authorities in Kentucky have arrested a man who they say posed as a police officer, pulled a woman over on a rural road and attempted to rape her. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office charged 46-year-old Walter Earl Darling with attempted rape, impersonating a peace officer and related charges Monday. A sheriff’s office statement says Darling was pretending…