Local/Regional News

By Kristin Espeland

By Bartlett - Lytle

Lexington, KY – Urban County Councilman Donald Blevins, Junior has been appointed to replace his father, Donald W. Blevins, as Fayette County Clerk effective January first. Alan Lytle reports.

By Kentucky Public Radio

Frankfort, KY – The remnants of Hurricane Ike swept through Kentucky September 14th, leaving a trail of debris, downed power lines and at least one fatality.

More than 300-thousand customers of Louisville Gas and Electric, mostly in Jefferson County, lost power during the storm. Fierce winds also knocked out power to at least 76-thousand customers of Kentucky Utilities, mostly in western Kentucky.

Lexington, KY – Jim Tinker says bad weather, and the hectic holiday season has resulted in fewer donations .this at a time when demand for blood is traditionally high.

The Blood Center is offering free 10 dollar gift cards to anyone who donates blood or platelets this week. Complete information on their "Holiday Heroes" program is available at kybloodcenter.org.

By Kentucky Public Radio

Frankfort, KY – Education Secretary Helen Mountjoy says Kentucky Educational Television is a member of the 18-percent club. That means they've already experienced an 18-percent reduction in their budget in the current calendar year. Now, they're facing another four-percent cut. "An additional four-percent cut in KET amounts to over a half-million dollars. And it's going to mean that they're probably going to have to reduce eight more positions."

By Bryan Bartlett

Lexington, KY – Central and eastern Kentucky residents who have fallen victim to the economic downturn will receive additional help thanks to a new emergency needs fund. Bryan Bartlett has more.

By Kentucky Public Radio

Frankfort, KY – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear touts the fiscal, as well as the physical benefits of raising the state's cigarette tax some 70 cents in his weekly radio address.

By Kentucky Public Radio