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Articles by Macey Fix
Old Forester’s Melissa Rift Took the Long Way to Master Taster, and Found Belonging in Bourbon
Old Forester’s Melissa Rift Took the Long Way to Master Taster, and Found Belonging in Bourbon by Macey Fix, Queer Kentucky | Kentucky's Only LGBTQ+ Newsroom September 25, 2026 From her back porch in Louisville, Old Forester’s Master Taster Melissa Rift guided me through how to enter the world of bourbon. She suggested starting with cocktails, like whiskey sours and highballs, then working up to lower-proof pours in the 80-90 proof range.
Lexington's professional soccer club reveals name, crest
The inaugural season will begin next spring LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The USL League One soccer club has revealed its name and crest. The club will be named Lexington Sporting Club, stylized as Lexington S.C., and its crest features a vibrant green horse figure against a dark green background. The process to design Lexington S.C.’s crest involved 14 listening sessions with members of the local community, more than 300 responses to brand surveys, and more than 1,500 responses to stadium surveys.
Crews on the scene of a fire in Lexington
Fire crews say smoke and flames are visible LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Crews are on the scene of a fire in Lexington. According to the Lexington Fire Department, crews were dispatched to the 7900 block of Old Richmond just before 10:30 a.m. Tuesday for the report of a fire. When they arrived, firefighters say they saw smoke and flames coming from a detached garage. Crews say the fire is still active and are working to extinguish it.
Urgent adoptions needed at Clark County Animal Shelter
CLARK COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Adoptions are urgently needed at the Clark County Animal Shelter. The shelter posted to social media Friday, saying a lot of new animals were brought in and the shelter is now full. According to the shelter, many of the animals won’t be available until after they can see a vet next week, and many dogs have been at the shelter for a significant amount of time with no interest. The shelter is asking for help in saving the dogs by finding homes for them.
Beshear vetoes bill revamping Kentucky jobless benefit rules
Governor vetoes House Bill 4 FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ/AP) – Governor Andy Beshear on Friday vetoed a bill revamping rules for jobless benefits, condemning it as a “callous” measure that would spur more population losses in struggling rural regions of Kentucky. House Bill 4 would increase work-search requirements for people receiving jobless benefits and tie the length of time recipients get benefits to the unemployment rate.
Lexington bourbon company to release commemorative Citrus Bowl bottle
In honor of Kentucky football’s winning season LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A Lexington bourbon company is releasing a commemorative Citrus Bowl bottle in honor of University of Kentucky football’s winning season. RD1 Spirits is releasing an exclusive Citrus Bowl edition of Wm. Tarr Kentucky Whiskey that will be sold at the RD1 Spirits Pop-up Tasting Room and Gift Shop in Lexington. The limited release features a collectible label that pays homage to Kentucky’s winning record of 10-3.
Kentucky bill to legalize sports wagering clears House panel
The bill is now one step closer to becoming a law FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ/AP) — Supporters of legalizing sports betting in Kentucky mounted a late-session push Wednesday, winning initial bipartisan backing as the measure cleared a House committee. The bill has more hurdles to clear in the fast-paced final days of the 2022 legislative session. Similar measures died in prior years, reflecting the divisiveness of gambling issues in the Bluegrass State. But a leading supporter, Republican Rep.
Free hot dogs on Tuesdays at Lexington Legends games
The Legends will e offering free hot dogs every Tuesday this season LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Lexington Legends have announced free hot dogs will be offered every Tuesday this season. The team says the free hot dogs are made available through a partnership with Friends of Coal, which, according to the Legends, has been strong for years.
Valet parking service reopens at Blue Grass Airport
The service has been unavailable due to the pandemic LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Valet parking service is reopening at Blue Grass Airport. The service has been unavailable due to the pandemic, but is reopened now that case numbers have been consistently lower. According to the airport, valet parking is available for all passengers and visitors at a rate of $22 per day.
Inmate saves deputy during medical emergency
The jailer is thanking an inmate for his "heroic" actions JESSAMINE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – An inmate saved a deputy during a medical emergency, according to the Jessamine County Jailer. The jailer says around noon Tuesday, a deputy was driving a crew of four inmates back to the jail that had been picking up litter as part of the roadside litter program. That’s when the jailer says the deputy’s sugar level bottomed out and he passed out at the wheel while driving on Chrisman Mill Road.
Knox County armed robbery suspect arrested in Bell County
BELL COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ/WRIL) – An armed robbery suspect is in custody after traveling across county lines. WRIL Radio reports deputies with the Knox County Sheriff’s Department reported to a call of a robbery on Thursday. At the scene, deputies say they learned a person robbed the store clerk at gunpoint, the fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. According to WRIL Radio, the suspect was later identified as 35-year-old Lee Warren of Flat Lick.
Police searching for suspect after he allegedly shot someone
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Police are searching for a man who officers say shot someone. According to police, officers responded to Chase Place around 5:30 this morning for the report of a domestic incident. Police say a man shot another man inside a home. Police say the victim was taken to the hospital. His condition is unknown at this time. According to police, officers know the suspect’s identity and are actively searching for him.
Man arrested after punching officer who was helping him in the face
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A Lexington man is in custody after police say he punched an officer in the face. According to police, officers responded to Man o’ War Place around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday to help an emergency crew. Officers say while they were helping a man needing medical assistance, that man suddenly turned around and punched an officer in the face. Police say the man then ran off. According to police, the man was found on Waller Avenue.
Kentucky soldiers going to Europe to boost American forces
The Corps will support NATO’s eastern flank FORT KNOX, Ky. (WTVQ/AP) – About 300 soldiers from Fort Knox’s Victory Corps are being deployed to Germany and Poland to bolster U.S. Army forces in Europe. The Corps already has soldiers stationed at an operational command post in Poznan, Poland, but the Army says it is deploying the Corps’ main headquarters to Europe as well.
Frankfort police launch homicide investigation after body found
FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Frankfort Police Department is investigating a homicide. Police say a officers found an unresponsive person on East Main Street early Thursday morning. Thursday afternoon, police announced they believe the death to be a homicide. According to police, there is no danger to the community related to this incident. Categories: Featured, Local News Tags: Body Found, Death, Frankfort, Frankfort Police, homicide, homicide investigation
Police ask for help in finding teen who's been missing for nearly 2 weeks
GEORGETOWN, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Georgetown Police Department is asking for help in finding a missing teen. Police say 16-year-old Harley Watson was last seen on February 18 on Degaris Mill Road in Georgetown. Police describe Watson as 5-feet tall, around 120 pounds, with greenish blue medium length hair. Police say she wears purple framed glasses, and that she took a large black fuzzy jacket with her when she left.
Suspect in fatal home invasion makes first court appearance
Shannon Gilday is accused of breaking into the home of a former lawmaker and shooting and killing a woman in her bed MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Shannon Gilday, the suspect in a fatal home invasion, made his first court appearance today. Gilday is accused of killing 23-year-old Jordan Morgan when he broke into her family’s home on Willis Branch Road in Madison County on February 22. Gilday appeared virtually from the Madison County Detention Center.
Louisville Zoo temporarily closing some areas to protect birds from avian flu
None of the zoo's birds are currently showing signs of the disease LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Louisville Zoo is taking precautionary measures to keep its birds safe and healthy as cases of avian flu are confirmed in Kentucky. The zoo has temporarily closed its public walk-through aviaries and is moving some birds to protected areas out of an abundance of caution. This is being done as a precautionary measure as none of the zoo’s birds are currently showing clinical signs of the disease.
Seventeen Kentuckians indicted on animal fighting charges
Kentuckians facing charged from four separate indictments LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – More than a dozen Kentuckians have been indicited with various offenses related to animal fighting and cruelty, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says 17 Kentuckians have been indicted in four separate indictments issued by a federal grand jury sitting in London.
Residence Inn guests evacuate due to hazmat situation
One person taken to the hospital LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Guests at the Residence Inn in Lexington have evacuated from their rooms due to a hazmat situation, according to the Lexington Fire Department. Lt. Jessica Bowman says fire crews responded to the Residence Inn on Wall Street at 8:48 a.m. Wednesday for a report of a person experiencing difficulty breathing. Lt. Bowman says when crews arrived, they discovered an employee at the inn had a reaction after exposure to pool chemicals.
Complaint: Home intruder shot, killed woman in her bed
Court documents give new information in the death of Jordan Morgan MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Court documents are giving new information into the death of Jordan Morgan. According to the criminal complaint, Shannon Gilday shot his way in the Morgan family’s home on Willis Branch Road around 4 a.m. on February 22. The complaint says Gilday entered through an upstairs doorway and entered the upstairs bedroom.
Lexington mayor lifts mask mandate in city buildings
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Employees and members of the public will no longer have to wear a mask in government office buildings in Lexington. Mayor Linda Gorton made the announcement Tuesday. While masks are no longer required, Mayor Gorton said people can continue to wear masks if they feel more comfortable doing so. She says employees are encouraged to put their personal and family safety first.
Teen killed in Pulaski County fire
The 16-year-old victim has not yet been identified PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – A 16-year-old is dead after a fire in Pulaski County, according to the Pulaski County Coroner. The coroner says the fire was at a home on Dry Branch Road around 4 Thursday morning. No other details have been released at this time. Pulaski County Fire and Kentucky State Police are investigating. Categories: Featured, Local News Tags: Fatal Fire, fire, Pulaski County, Teen Killed
Landon Hayes was fatally shot on February 6 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Father Jim Sichko, a missionary of mercy commissioned by Pope Francis and priest with the Diocese of Lexington, has paid for the funeral expenses for 10-year-old Landon Hayes. Father Sichko made the announcement on social media Wednesday. Hayes was killed Sunday morning in a murder-suicide at a home at 572 North Upper St. in Lexington, according to Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn.
Asbury student arrested for solicitation of kidnapping
Former youth ministry major sought help in kidnapping a female student WILMORE, Ky. (WTVQ) – A 19-year old youth ministry major is custody following his arrest for solicitation of kidnapping, according to The Asbury Collegian. The Asbury Collegian reports freshman Jonathan D. Mitchem, 19, is being held in Jessamine County Detention Center on $50,000 bail after he made comments online about wanting to help in planning to kidnap a female student. Mitchem was arrested on Jan.
Clark County Preschool switches to NTI days after fire
The district says there was an overnight kitchen fire at the preschool CLARK COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Clark County Preschool will be closed for the rest of the week after a fire. According to a social media post made by Clark County Public Schools on Wednesday, the kitchen caught fire overnight. The district says there is smoke damage. The district did not give other details on the fire.
UPDATE: Deadly Rowan fire involved shed, RV being used as shelter
KSP believes the fire was accidental January 18, 2022 Macey Fix, Maddie McQueen, UPDATE 5 P.M. JAN. 18, 2022 MOREHEAD, Ky. (WTVQ) – According to the Morehead Fire Department, a call came in just after 7 Tuesday morning for a shed and RV that had gone up in flames. After the fire had been put out, KSP says firefighters discovered two bodies inside. KSP says the remains were sent to the State Medical Examiner’s office to be identified.
Items gifted to the pope for sale in auction
All proceeds benefit storm victims in Western Kentucky LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Items that were gifted to Pope Francis are now up for auction. Father Jim Sichko visited Vatican City to celebrate Christmas Eve mass with Pope Francis. While he was there, he gifted the pope with a bottle of old fashioned vintage bourbon from 1995, as well as a signed basketball from University of Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari.
KSP investigating murder in Lincoln County
Man shot during argument LINCOLN COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky State Police are investigating a shooting in Lincoln County. KSP says troopers responded to Mountain Shop Store on KY 501 around 6:00 p.m. Monday, where Greg Galloway was found shot. Galloway was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lincoln County Coroner. Through the initial investigation, KSP found that Robin Dunn got in an argument with Galloway. Galloway was shot by Dunn during the argument, according to KSP.
UPDATE: KSP identifies body found near I-75 in Laurel County
Body was found near exit 38 by a driver Update from December 23, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky State Police have identified a body found in Laurel County. Kentucky State Police say 56-year-old Edsel D. McQueen, of London, was found dead off I-75 exit 38 Thursday morning, after a driver noticed him lying in the grass near a wooded area. The cause of death has not yet been determined. Kentucky State Police is calling this an active death investigation.
UPDATE: Louisville man ID'ed as victim in fatal Frankfort shooting
Incident happened at about 8 a.m. on Owenton Avenue, man found in the street. UPDATE POSTED 3:40 P.M. DEC. 9, 2021 FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ). Frankfort Police have identified the victim in Thursday morning’s fatal shooting as 24-year-old Aundria D. ‘Dre’ Scott, of Louisville. Frankfort resident Camron Green is charged with murder and evidence tampering the in the incident, which happened at about 8 a.m. in the area of 421 Owenton Ave.
UPDATE: Owsley County Sheriff accused of assault arrested
December 9, 2021 Hagan Wells, Macey Fix, UPDATE POSTED DECEMBER 9, 2021 AT 12:10 P.M. PERRY COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Owsley County Sheriff Bret Lynch has been arrested. This comes after an arrest warrant was issued for him regarding an assault complaint that happened during the girls’ basketball game on December 3 at Perry County High School. According to the Three Forks Regional Jail, Lynch was arrested this morning by the Owsley County Sheriff’s Department. Lynch’s bond has not yet been set.
Police searching for suspect after ATM stolen from Georgetown bank with forklift
Police say the suspect took a forklift from a nearby construction zone and stole the ATM GEORGETOWN, Ky. (WTVQ) – Georgetown Police are investigating after a suspect stole an ATM from the Stock Yards Bank and Trust with a forklift. Police say someone went to the bank attempting to use the ATM around 5 a.m., but realized it was gone, with wires, papers and a damaged awning left behind.
Scott County Magistrate Bill Burke dies
The County Judge-Executive says Burke died Saturday evening. SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Bille Burke, a Scott County magistrate, has died. Burke died on Saturday, Nov. 27., according to County Judge-Executive Joe Pat Covington. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marilyn and his family,” said Covington. Burke served the 6th District since 2015. Prior to that, he was a Command Sergeant Major with the U.S. Army. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
Visitation, funeral services announced for Casey County student
Casey County High rocked with two deaths in three days CASEY COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – The funeral and visitation dates have been set for Casey County High School Student Brooklyn Clements. The visitation will take place at McKinney-Brown Funeral Home – Liberty on Campbellsville Street in Libery.
UPDATE: 28-year-old woman dies in Scott County crash
UPDATE POSTED 3:50 P.M. FRIDAY, OCT. 8, 2021 SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – A 28-year-old woman died Friday from injuries suffered in a head-on crash in Scott County and a 9-year-old remains in critical condition. Scott County Sheriff’s investigators said Kristen Charron died at the University of Kentucky Medical Center where she was taken following the wreck which happened at about 7 a.m. near 1851 Long Lick Road between Glass Pike and Lloyd Road north of Georgetown in Scott County.
FCPS announces morning bus route cancellations for Tuesday, September 28
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fayette County Public Schools again announcing bus route cancellations as the district experiences staffing shortages. Morning bus routes cancelled on Tuesday, September 28 are: AM Bus 1810 Douglass/CGW Crawford AM Bus 320 Liberty Douglass/CGW Morton More information can be found HERE. On Monday, the district approved a plan to set bus route cancellations on a weekly rotating schedule so families can plan ahead of time.
FCPS announces bus route cancellations Thursday, September 23
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fayette County Public Schools announcing bus route cancellations again this morning as the district experiences continued staffing shortages. Bus routes cancelled on Thursday, September 23 are: AM Bus 408 Arlington Northern Leestown AM Bus 214 Maxwell Tates Creek High Tates Creek Middle AM Bus 2126 STABLES More information can be found HERE.
FCPS announces morning bus route cancellations Tuesday, September 21
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fayette County Public Schools continues to announce bus route cancellations daily as the district experiences staffing shortages.
Monoclonal antibody infusion clinic temporarily closing due to shortage
Baptist Health Corbin / Facebook CORBIN, Ky. (WTVQ) – Baptist Health Corbin is closing its monoclonal antibody infusion clinic due to a shortage of the medication. According to a social media post made by the hospital, a new shipment is expected and the clinic will reopen when it arrives. According to Governor Andy Beshear, Kentucky hospitals are being affected by a national shortage of monoclonal antibody treatments.
FCPS announces bus route cancellations Monday, September 20
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fayette County Public Schools continues to announce bus route cancellations daily as the district experiences staffing shortages.
FCPS announces bus route cancellations Wednesday, September 15
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fayette County public schools has announced morning bus route cancellations for Wednesday, September 15. The district continues to face a bus driver and bus monitor shortage.
Kentucky reaches settlement over placement of foster kids
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky officials have reached an agreement over how the state will oversee treatment of foster children placed with private agencies. The settlement came from a two decades-old federal lawsuit alleging religious coercion of children and discrimination of LGBTQ people by Sunrise Children’s Services. Sunrise is a religious-based agency run by the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
FCPS announces bus route cancellations Tuesday, September 14
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fayette County public schools has announced morning bus route cancellations for Tuesday, September 14. The district continues to face a bus driver and bus monitor shortage.
FCPS announces bus route cancellations Monday, September 13
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fayette County public schools has announced morning bus route cancellations for Monday, September 13. The district continues to face a bus driver and bus monitor shortage.
Hiker dies from apparent heat stroke
STANTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – A man has died from apparent heat stroke while hiking. According to Wolfe County Search and Rescue, the team was requested for mutual aid by Powell County Search and Rescue around 3 p.m. Sunday. Wolfe County Search and Rescue said quick access was made to a man near the Auxier Ridge trail head when the team arrived.
University of Kentucky Police Department searching for persons of interest in assault
Persons of interest / University of Kentucky Police Department LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Authorities in Lexington want the public’s help in finding persons of interest in an assault. The University of Kentucky Police Department posted a photo of the persons of interest on its Facebook page. The department says the assault took place on Saturday, September 4 around 2 p.m. on Hilltop Avenue and University of Kentucky Drive near William T. Young Library.
FCPS announces bus route cancellations Wednesday, September 8
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fayette County public schools has announced morning bus route cancellations for Wednesday, September 8. The district continues to face a bus driver and bus monitor shortage.
At least one woman injured during Lexington apartment complex fire
LEXINGTON, Ky (WTVQ) – Crews are working to extinguish a fire at the Pinebrook Apartments on Tates Creek Road in Lexington. Police received reports of a fire just before 1 a.m. Friday. According to police, a woman broke her ankle after jumping from a second floor balcony to escape the fire. At least four apartments in the complex are damaged. Police say 3 dogs have been rescued. No other injuries have been reported at this time. The cause and origin of the fire are currently unknown.
FCPS announces bus cancellations Friday, September 3
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Fayette County public schools has announced more morning bus route cancellations for Friday, September 3. The district continues to face a bus driver and bus monitor shortage.
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