Lexington/Richmond

Lexington Council Gives Preliminary OK for Food Trucks

Stu Johnson, WEKU and Stu Johnson, WEKU — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:35:43 +0000

Lexington’s City Council has given initial approval for food trucks to conduct business on certain public streets. The matter was debated at length during this afternoon’s work session at city hall. In the end the count was 13 yes votes, one no vote, and one abstention. Now the matter will go on the council docket for a formal vote. If given final approval, food trucks could be found during the day in specific zones by the first part of June.

Parking Authority Backs Food Truck Pilot

Stu Johnson — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:58:55 +0000

It’s on to Lexington’s City Council for a food truck pilot project. The compromise today got an initial go-ahead from the Parking Authority Board. The six month trial run allows food trucks in designated downtown zones during daytime hours. Since they’d occupy metered spaces, the compromise required the Parking Authority’s approval. It came with a number of requested modifications. The revisions continue the ban on food trucks along Mill Street but allow them on an extended portion of Vine. Council member Shevawn Akers, who’s work group constructed the compromise, predicts the council will also approve.

"Pill Queen" Loses License

Dan Adkins and Georgetown News-Graphic — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:05:07 +0000

Lee Ann Marlow’s vanity plate may provide a clue about how she came to lose her medical license. It read “Tilulae Regina,” which Marlow later testified is Latin for “pill queen.” Marlow, a physician with ties to a now-closed Georgetown pain-management clinic, was stripped of her Kentucky medical license on May 2 by the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure.

Board accepts Lexington's food trucks ordinance

Jim Warren and Lexington Herald Leader — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:52:12 +0000

The Lexington Parking Authority board of commissioners voted Thursday to accept the proposed new food trucks ordinance, subject to seven modifications. Commissioner Wayne Masterman, who operates Portofino restaurant on East Main Street, cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing that the proposed ordinance involves "too many unknowns, and too many unknown consequences." Read more...

GPS aids Lexington Garbage Collection

Stu Johnson — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:32:25 +0000

Using G-P-S technology, Lexington’s garbage collectors hope to improve their efficiency. Speaking to Lexington’s council, Technical Project Manager Brittney West says the high tech should accelerate waste collection and hopefully lead to move recycling. “We’ve put in a group of containers and we’re gonna see where the drivers are picking up and where they’re not picking up and if they’re not picking up in an area, we can focus on that and see if we can promote recycling,” explained West.

Food Truck Plan Goes Before Parking Authority

Stu Johnson — Wed, 15 May 2013 01:17:40 +0000

A modification in a compromise over Lexington’s Food Truck proposal is in the works. The pilot project gets another review tomorrow morning. The six month pilot project, allows food truck vendors to set up in designated downtown zones during the day. Since they’ll be in metered parking spots, the Lexington Parking Authority must first approve. But, as Council member Diane Lawless explains, there could be a lot of competition over the best spots. “I’m not clear about what was decided about those spaces. Is it first come, first serve, etc. And that certainly is a very big issue if the Parking Authority does permit these,” said Lawless.

Renewed revenue worries restrict Budget Writers

Stu Johnson and WEKU News — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:36:22 +0000

If they’re not careful, Lexington’s budget writers say their expenses could outrun city revenues. The council’s now reviewing the mayor’s spending plan for next year. Council member Chuck Ellinger says there’s no guarantee Lexington will collect enough tax money to cover their costs.

Re-interment for exhumed remains at Eastern State Hospital

Kentucky News Content Service — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:35:30 +0000

FRANKFORT – A ceremony of remembrance Tuesday marked the re-interment of the remains of 178 individuals that were exhumed in 2011 on the Eastern State Hospital Campus in Lexington, now home to a new Bluegrass Community and Technical College education facility.

Parking Restictions Trouble Lexington Leaders

Stu Johnson — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:08:34 +0000

Downtown parking in Lexington continues to undergo change. Last summer, the city’s Parking Authority took over operation of metered spots and many public garages. Most recently, the refurbished annex garage was reopened and rechristened as the Helix Garage. But Council member Bill Farmer worries not all the changes are improvements. “I just see a lot of tickets being given and I see a change in culture and that’s part of what your entity does is it changes things as it goes and I understand that. That doesn’t mean that I may be overjoyed by some of those changes,” said Farmer.

Lexington Code Enforcement Debated

Stu Johnson — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:54:34 +0000

Questions about code enforcement procedures and staffing dominated discussions this week at city hall. The man who directs officers charged with keeping homes and businesses safe and sound appeared before a council committee. Early in the meeting, Council member Diane Lawless set the tone by reminding city officials of continuing problems around the University of Kentucky, where too many residences are poorly maintained and yards are filled with trash.

Displaced Lexington Residents Seek New Homes

Stu Johnson — Wed, 08 May 2013 02:42:59 +0000

More than 150 residents of Lexington’s Pimlico Apartments must find new homes. A multi-million dollar renovation at the public housing complex will force their relocation. But, finding a place won’t be easy… Residents have a couple options. While work is done repairing the Pimlico complex’s structure problems…they could rent from private landlord…paying for the move with a federal voucher. But, resident Jessica Spivey says landlords who accept federal vouchers are hard to find. “We have not been given any help as far as builders or renters or landlords that accept section 8. It was here’s the voucher. You are on your own. That’s where we need help,” said Spivey.

No Injuries in Lawrenceburg Glass Plant Fire

Lindsey Erdody and The State Journal — Sun, 05 May 2013 17:41:45 +0000

Dark smoke from a massive fire in Lawrenceburg Friday afternoon could be seen from Frankfort to Lexington. The smoke was coming from a large glass debris pile that caught fire in an industrial park where Dlubak Glass is located. At least eight fire departments flocked to the scene to battle the blaze including departments from Woodford, Mercer, Anderson, Franklin and Jessamine counties and Lexington, Versailles and Lawrenceburg.

Fire Breaks Out at Industrial Park in Lawrenceburg

Valarie Honeycutt Spears and Lexington Herald-Leader — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:54:41 +0000

UPDATED: Fire broke out Friday at the Dlubak Glass Co. in Lawrenceburg. The Lexington and Versailles fire departments were sending firefighters to help. Amanda Hillard, a secretary at the company, said a large pile of shredded vinyl material was engulfed in flames in an industrial park on Industry Drive, just of U.S. 127. Hillard said all nine employees were out safely.

Food Trucks For Factory Workers

Stu Johnson — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:39:42 +0000

Factory and office workers in Lexington could see new lunch time items available in coming months. But, it might mean a trip outside. While the debate in Lexington rages over food trucks, those vendors might find less resistance at workplaces. Worried about competition, the owners of many brick-and-mortar restaurants want to limit a food truck’s access to public spaces…keeping them from doing business on public streets. However, with a small change to the Lexington’s zoning restrictions, Planning Director Chris King says businesses without indoor dining facilities for their employees could open their gates to food trucks.

Rupp and Convention Center Designers to be Selected Soon

Stu Johnson — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:42:29 +0000

In about a month, more details are expected on who should design the renovation of Lexington’s Rupp Arena. The overall project to refurbish the sports arena along with the Lexington Convention Center carries an estimated price tag of close to 300-million dollars. Frank Butler is project manager for the Rupp Arena Arts and Entertainment District. “We’re really now starting to ramp this up. I would anticipate sometime probably towards the end of May beginning of June, we will have selected our architects and our construction manager and we’ll be in full blown moving the project ahead,” said Butler.

Council Talks Spending Surplus

Stu Johnson — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:15:01 +0000

Lexington leaders have narrowly voted to beef up the city’s rainy day fund. With the city’s financial outlook improving Council member Jennifer Mossotti wants to set aside two-point-seven million additional dollars in an economic contingency fund.

“But, my concern is that revenues are gonna be flat this year and if we have some kind of disaster or a need that we need to use this economic contingency fund for, we would have that ability to do so,” said Mossotti.

Memorial Run in Lexington Saturday to Honor Victims of Boston Marathon Attack

Josh Kegley and Lexington Herald-Leader — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:55:40 +0000

A memorial run will be held in Lexington on Saturday in honor of those injured and killed in a terrorist attack during the Boston Marathon. Walkers and runners are invited to meet at John's Run Walk Shop on South Ashland Avenue at 7 a.m. Saturday to take part, said Keith Cunningham, an avid runner and organizer of the event.

Judge Rules EKU Must Release Arts Center Records

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:26:37 +0000

Madison Circuit Judge William G. Clouse Jr. ruled Tuesday that Eastern Kentucky University must release the majority of documents the Herald-Leader is seeking related to the departure last June of EKU Center for the Arts director Debra Hoskins. The university and Hoskins have 14 days to appeal the ruling or produce the documents.

Still Studying Downtown Traffic Flow in Lexington

Stu Johnson — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:51:08 +0000

There’s still no consensus among Lexington leaders over changing traffic flow in downtown. Another study into converting some one-way streets to two-way travel is in progress. Vice Mayor Linda Gorton says it remains an issue up for debate. “There’s still lots of answers that we need and I don’t want people in the public to think ‘this is a done deal because I don’t believe it is,” said Gorton

Owners of Bully Breed Dogs Rally to Their Defense in Lexington

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:48:11 +0000

Nearly 300 turn out to attend the second annual Bully Breed Awareness Walk in downtown Lexington. The event, presented by PAWS: Promoting Animal Welfare and Services, a student-run organization from the University of Kentucky's Center for Community Outreach, is designed to raise awareness of breeds such as pit bulls and bulldogs, which organizers said are often mischaracterized as dangerous.

Lexington Officials Find Ways to Handle Abandoned Property

Beverly Fortune and Lexington Herald-Leader — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 15:58:54 +0000

The owner of a two-story home on Lexington's West Third Street died in January 2008 without heirs to assume responsibility for the property. The house remained empty for years, and Faith Harders, who lived next door, watched with concern as the house deteriorated. "My greatest fear was a homeless person would break in, start a fire to keep warm and burn the house down," Harders said of the house at 543 West Third. That happened a few years earlier to a vacant house across the street, she said. Harders called LexCall 311 to notify the city's code enforcement office about the house. That's how the city learns about most run-down and abandoned property.

Private Money Sought for Town Branch Commons

Stu Johnson — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:26:42 +0000

Private dollars will fund more study into Lexington’s Town Branch Commons Project. The feasibility study’s part of a proposal that resurrects Town Branch Creek and creates a waterfront attraction in downtown Lexington. Downtown Development Authority President Jeff Fugate says they’ll soon make their ideas public. “Don’t have a hard feasibility date. What I will say is coming in later in the spring and through the summer we will have public presentations of the project, opportunities for the public to engage with the designers and the planners,” said Fugate.

Animal Control Recognition

Stu Johnson — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:15:18 +0000

April tenth of 20-12 is a day Lexington Animal Care and Control Officer Ashley Browning won’t forget. Browning was trying to restrain a vicious dog when she suffered significant injuries. “My equipment, I couldn’t get the dog off me so, he did attack me, had me down. The owner showed up and got the dog off and basically after that I had to endure all the issues with a dog bite, get taken to the hospital, the stitches and all that kind of thing,” said Browning.

Former EKU Director Indicted on Tax Fraud

Kentucky Press News Service — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:06:47 +0000

FRANKFORT - Attorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Special Prosecutions Wednesday announced the indictment of the former director of the Training Resource Center of the College of Justice and Safety at Eastern Kentucky University on tax fraud charges.

Lexington Mayor Unveils Budget Plan

Stu Johnson — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:09:36 +0000

Lexington’s Mayor calls it a ‘conservative budget’. Jim Gray also says the proposal, that would spend nearly 300-million dollars, signifies ‘good business.’ The Mayor’s budget proposal reflects a two-point-seven percent increase in spending. A major difference in this budget plan over previous years is limited borrowing. Mayor Gray says it’s no longer burdened with major ticket items. “We are on solid ground today because of the reforms we have made in the last two and a half years; pension reform, health insurance reform, collective bargaining,” said Gray.

EKU Selects Michael Benson as 12th President

Charles Compton — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:52:04 +0000

After a two-hour, closed-door meeting, regents at Eastern Kentucky University today named a new president. Dr. Michael Benson will leave the top job at Southern Utah University and take over at EKU. Board of Regents Chairman Craig Turner is “delighted” with Benson’s selection.

“I think his even-keeled demeanor, as we put it, will be accepted very easily here on campus, and we think he’s got the leadership qualities that we’re looking for,” said Turner.

EKU Regents Meet to Select President Today

Jim Warren and Lexington Herald-Leader — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:37:52 +0000

Eastern Kentucky University could have a new president by the end of the day Friday. The university Board of Regents and the EKU Presidential Search and Screening Committee have scheduled a joint special meeting for 10 a.m. Friday to consider three candidates.

U.S. 60 Reconstruction Could be Problematic on Keeneland's Opening Day

Greg Kocher and Lexington Herald-Leader — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:55:01 +0000

Arrive early. Leave later. Drive carefully. That's the advice Keeneland and Lexington police have for racing patrons as they prepare to navigate the reconstruction of U.S. 60 on the way to the track. Keeneland's spring meet starts Friday and continues through April 26.

EKU President Prepares to Say Goodbye

Jim Warren and Lexington Herald-Leader — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:48:41 +0000

When Doug Whitlock first arrived on the Eastern Kentucky University campus, he was a wide-eyed freshman, a hometown boy and the first member of his family to attend college. When he departs this summer, Whitlock will be retiring as Eastern's 11th president, ending an association with the school that dates almost 50 years.

No Change in Franchise Fee Suggested

Stu Johnson — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:33:33 +0000

Unlike last year, a proposed increase in the franchise fee levied by local government in Lexington on utilities is not on the table. The cost of those fees, which are paid by water, natural gas and electric companies, are often passed onto consumers. The fees should remain unchanged, but city attorney David Barberie says it’s not set in concrete.