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Saving Stories: Former Vice Mayor Isabel Yates details her journey into politics, predicts future Lexington challenges

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Lexington is about to turn 250 years old in the year 2025, and Saving Stories will be featuring a number of familiar voices from our community. Jump starting that look back is this episode featuring former Vice Mayor Isabel Yates. The Nunn Center interviewed Yates in 1996 for a project involving members of the Lexington Fayette Urban County local government. Listen as she details how she got involved in local politics and talks about a number of then pressing issues that seem all too relevant today - especially issues of growth versus preservation. Isabel Yates celebrated her 100th birthday this past October.

Although not originally from Lexington, Isabel Yates moved to the Blue Grass in 1963. She was a teacher, as well as co-owner of a local tour business here in Lexington, where she became very knowledgeable about the community's local history and its importance as a tourist destination.

In 1991, while in her mid 60s, Yates decided to run for City Council. She was elected and served the 4th district. And then from 1998 to 2002, she was the first woman to serve as vice Mayor.

While in office Yates championed a number of city-oriented projects including McConnell Springs and the restoration of the Kentucky Theatre.

Learn more about the collection at the link below:

https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt7tx921g79h

Alan Lytle has more than 25 years of experience as a Kentucky broadcaster. Over that span he has earned multiple awards for anchoring, writing and producing news & features for WUKY. He took home the Kentucky Broadcasters Association's Best Radio Anchor award in 2021.