Author: Associated Press

Soggy spring, summer drought hurt Christmas tree crop

SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A soggy spring followed by a summer drought has hurt the Christmas tree crop on at least one Kentucky farm. Elizabeth Werkmeister Shafer told The Courier Journal she lost half of the 600 trees she planted this year at her Werkmeister Christmas Tree Farm in Bullitt County. After an unusually wet spring, Louisville saw record-low rain…

Kenlake State Park in western Kentucky getting upgrades

Photo credit: parks.ky.govAURORA, Ky. (AP) — Kenlake State Resort Park is getting about $560,000 in improvements under a state initiative to upgrade Kentucky’s parks. The funding will include a new roof for the lodge at the park. It’s part of the state’s “Restoring the Finest” initiative. Kenlake State Resort Park will have received about $1.2 million in improvements since 2016….

Free Christmas trees offered by Land Between the Lakes

Photo Credit: Land Between the Lakes Communications DepartmentGOLDEN POND, Ky. (AP) — Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky and Tennessee is offering free cedar Christmas tree permits starting this week. The permits are available online Friday through Christmas Eve. Permits, maps and guidelines are available online. The permits are also available in person at the park’s Administrative…

McConnell on 2020 Senate reelection bid: Touting leadership

LONDON, Ky. (AP) — Setting likely themes for his 2020 reelection bid, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says his leadership role allows Kentucky to “punch above its weight” in national politics. Speaking to a business group in London, Kentucky, the Republican leader also referred Monday to Democrat Amy McGrath as his “likely opponent.” Without naming her, McConnell predicted a “robust”…

New federal wildlife refuge established in western Kentucky

Photo Credit: Lee Andrews, USFWSHENDERSON, Ky. (AP) — U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials along with political leaders have announced the establishment of a new national wildlife refuge in western Kentucky. The Green River National Wildlife Refuge was established with the acquisition of a 10-acre (4-hectare) parcel donated by the Southern Conservation Corp. The tract in Henderson is the first part…

Program to help teens quit tobacco offered in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky health officials are offering help for teenagers who want to quit using tobacco products, including smoking and vaping. The service is free and can be reached by calling or texting (855) 891-9989. The program, called “My Life, My Quit,” connects the teen to a “quit coach” who will provide free and confidential support. Each teen…

Officials received calls about gas smell before explosion

CAMPTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky officials received calls complaining about the smell of gas before an explosion that killed two people at a home near the rural community of Campton on Saturday. Wolf County Emergency Management Director Marcus Stephens told WLEX-TV that someone at the home called twice about a gas smell coming from the basement. Stephens said gas company…

6 Kentucky counties chosen for post-election audits

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky attorney general’s office says six counties have been chosen for post-general election audits. Assistant Deputy Attorney General Michael Wright says the counties selected at random were Boyle, Gallatin, Henderson, Kenton, Oldham and Powell. Kentucky’s general election was Nov. 5. The attorney general’s office says the counties’ selection doesn’t imply irregularities are suspected. Under the…

Police department sues Ky newspaper over records request

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky police department is suing a newspaper in an attempt to avoid releasing investigative records into its defunct youth program, where two officers were convicted of sexually abusing minors. The Courier Journal reports it’s being sued by Louisville Metro police, despite a state attorney general’s ruling that the department violated state law by denying the…

Kentucky senior chosen for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

OWENSBORO, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky high school senior has been chosen to play tuba with the Great American Marching Band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports Trent Woolard had to go through a strenuous audition process that began in March. The 18 year old lives in Owensboro and is a student at Daviess County High…