Lexington Brief

Local news, organized by what happened.

General 1 outlet · LEX18

Two sentenced to 10+ years in prison in Richmond meth trafficking case

Richmond residents Destiny Burns, 24, and Aaron Whittamore, 33, were sentenced Monday to 11 and 12 years in prison, respectively, for conspiring to distribute and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. U.S. District Judge Chad Meredith handed down the sentences in the Eastern District of Kentucky case. Investigators said a traffic stop on Aug. 22, 2025, led to the discovery of about 2,035 grams of methamphetamine and $1,109 in cash.

Government 1 outlet · LEX18

Mayor appoints 2 leaders to independently review Lexington's license plate reader programCity says plate reader review is not focused on police

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton appointed attorney and former city Ethics Commission chair Allison Connelly and Greater Clark Foundation President and CEO Timothy Johnson to co-chair an independent review of the city’s license plate reader program. The panel will assess whether the system meets best practices and community expectations and consider changes, including a different vendor. Lexington has 125 readers, and Gorton said the review is not focused on police or allegations of wrongdoing.

Health 1 outlet · LEX18

Kentucky health officials remain confident as measles cases remain below 100 mark

Kentucky has recorded 94 measles cases, its highest total since 1991, but remains below 100 as cases surge in other states. Health officials say 99% of Kentucky cases involve unvaccinated people. Melissa Phillips of the Lincoln Trail District Health Department said staff are monitoring five confirmed cases across its six-county area and warned that measles is highly contagious and can be deadly.

Public safety 1 outlet · WKYT

Lexington Fire Department names junior fire chief at pinning ceremony

The Lexington Fire Department named Squires Elementary fifth-grader Harper its junior fire chief at a pinning ceremony Tuesday morning. The program, run with Fayette County Public Schools, asked students to write an essay and create a poster about safely charging lithium-ion batteries; Harper’s entry was selected. During Fire Prevention Week, Harper will work alongside department staff and be fitted for a fire suit.

General 1 outlet · The State Journal (Politics)

Bobby Scruggs, 74, longtime construction professional and outdoorsman, diesBobby Scruggs, 74, spent career in commercial construction

William Robert “Bobby” Scruggs Jr., 74, died Oct. 4, 2026, surrounded by family. Born in Lebanon, Kentucky, he worked in commercial construction, lived in several states and returned permanently to Kentucky in 1998. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sharon, son Robert and two grandsons. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 9 at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church in Midway, with visitation at noon.

General 1 outlet · WKYT

Kentucky leaves begin changing color as dry fall continues; peak typically comes mid-OctoberHorticulturist points to Red River Gorge for fall colors

Leaves are beginning to change color in parts of Kentucky as dry fall weather continues. Carrie Spry, a horticulturist with the Clark County Extension Office, said recent sunny days and cool nights support fall color, while drought stress is also affecting trees. She recommends the Red River Gorge for viewing, citing mature trees, higher elevations and nearby water. Peak color typically arrives in mid-October.

Sports 1 outlet · WKYT

Kentucky State basketball player to be released from ICE custody

Kentucky State University senior center Aminata Seck will be released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody Tuesday after posting a $2,500 bond, attorney Sadiqa Reynolds said. Immigration officials detained Seck Aug. 7 at Louisville International Airport as she traveled with the team to a tournament. She was reportedly held after missing a visa deadline tied to a previous surgery. Seck is from Dakar, Senegal.

Schools 1 outlet · The Lane Report

Hermitage Farm adds Blue Equity, Russ Smith and other partners to ownership group

Hermitage Farm’s hospitality ownership group in Goshen, Kentucky, is adding Blue Equity, Auctus Point Holdings, former University of Louisville basketball standout Russ Smith and The Indigo Road Hospitality Group. The partners join Cara Osborne and Steve Brooks, who bought the farm’s hospitality operations in January, including Barn8, tasting facilities and tourism offerings across about 160 acres. Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown will retain the adjacent working horse farm. Financial terms and specific

Public safety 1 outlet · LEX18

Several inmates facing new charges after Whitley County jail attack and escape

Kentucky State Police say four inmates seized control of the Whitley County Detention Center on Sunday night, injuring several deputy jailers during an alleged attack in the control room. Charles Randle, 42, escaped before troopers restored order and was captured late Monday. Randle, James Fields, Roy Cox and Anthony Tucker now face charges including attempted murder and assault; Randle also faces an escape charge. The injured jailers were treated and released.

Public safety 1 outlet · WKYT

Officers stabbed with pencils, attacked during Whitley Co. jail escape, 4 inmates charged

Three correctional officers were attacked Sunday night during an escape attempt at the Whitley County Detention Center in Kentucky, and one required emergency surgery for facial fractures and head cuts. State police said officers were stabbed with pencils, sprayed with a substance and struck with a mop bucket. Four inmates face charges including attempted murder; escaped inmate Charles Randle, 42, was captured Monday while walking along Highway 2792.

General 1 outlet · Kentucky Lantern

KY ag commissioner applauds Trump’s move on untaxed diesel, but says Beshear can still act

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell praised President Donald Trump’s order allowing on-road use of red-dyed diesel without federal taxes through year’s end, saying it could ease harvest costs. Shell also asked Gov. Andy Beshear to temporarily suspend Kentucky’s ban on the fuel for farm vehicles on public roads during harvest. The federal order does not change state rules; Beshear’s office says it is reviewing the request. Shell said the governor could limit any effects on road funding.

Load more stories