Structure fire impacts traffic, including one school

MOUNT VERNON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A structure fire in Mount Vernon caused traffic disruptions near Rockcastle County Middle School Wednesday morning. The Mount Vernon Fire Department responded to Pitman Street around 7 a.m., finding an active fire and deploying multiple fire trucks to the scene. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the affected family, and mutual…

Critchfield Meats Wholesale Division celebrates Grand Opening

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Critchfield Meats celebrated the grand opening of its new food service facility in Lexington Wednesday morning. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Jaggie Fox Way, marking a major expansion for the company, which has been a staple in the Greater Lexington area for 56 years. Local leaders attending the event included Mayor Linda Gorton,…

Tree Week is branching out with new celebration

VERSAILLES, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Tree Week is branching out in Versailles with a free, family-friendly event this Friday. Life Adventure Center will host a drop-in celebration at its pavilion on Milner Road from 3 to 5 p.m. The event features guided nature activities, tree-inspired crafts for both kids and adults, and complimentary snacks provided by Estepp Energy. Tree…

Georgetown Police investigating a serious overnight crash

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Georgetown Police are investigating a serious crash that sent two people to the hospital Tuesday night. Officers were called to a three-car accident around 7:30 p.m. on I-75 northbound near mile marker 127. Police say traffic suddenly stopped, causing one driver to rear-end another — which then caused the struck vehicle to collide with…

Man due back in court in connection to an officer involved shooting

BEREA, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A man charged in connection with an officer-involved shooting at the Berea Walmart is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning. Police say Dustin Allen was arrested after an incident in April, when officers attempted to approach him regarding a stolen vehicle. Investigators report Allen put the car in reverse, striking an officer and…

The Center for Women and Families honored lives lost to domestic violence

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Center for Women and Families is continuing efforts to honor victims and raise awareness about the issue. During a ceremony held Tuesday morning, the names of individuals lost to domestic violence this year were read aloud as flowers were placed on empty chairs—each representing a life…

New mechanic program with Valvoline launching in Lexington

LEXINGTON, KY. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A new program launches in Lexington Wednesday afternoon — aimed at preparing the next generation of automotive workers. Valvoline Global is kicking off its “Aspiring Mechanics Program,” a five-year initiative designed to create more career pathways for young mechanics. The event begins at 1 p.m. at The Hill on Midland Avenue and will feature…

UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging is marking 40 years

LEXINGTON, KY. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A major milestone for one of Kentucky’s leading research institutions — as the University of Kentucky celebrates 40 years of groundbreaking work to fight Alzheimer’s disease. The UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging is marking four decades of continuous funding from the National Institute on Aging. The celebration began at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning inside…

Versailles police investigating juvenile stabbing at Big Spring Park

VERSAILLES, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Versailles police say one juvenile was stabbed during an altercation at Big Spring Park on Tuesday evening. According to a post from the Versailles Police Department, officers responded to the park around 6:03 p.m. Tuesday, for a report of a stabbing. When officers arrived, they determined there had been a fight between two juveniles…

Man accused of terroristic threatening Halloween display due in court

STANTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Powell County man accused of using a Halloween display to threaten government officials is due back in court for a preliminary hearing. According to court records, 58-year-old Stephan Marcum is facing charges of terroristic threatening and intimidating a witness. Kentucky State Police said Marcum was arrested on October 4 after investigators discovered what…

KU and LG&E propose rate increases for Kentucky customers

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Rising prices can be seen everywhere — from the gas pump to the grocery store — and now, some Kentuckians could soon see higher utility bills. Kentucky Utilities (KU) and Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) have filed requests with the Kentucky Public Service Commission to raise rates. If approved, KU customers could see an…

Escaped inmate is recaptured and booked back into detention

MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Madison County inmate who escaped Friday has been captured. Kentucky State Police says 26-year-old Jeremy Ward walked away from the Bluegrass Career Development Center Friday evening. Ward was serving time for multiple drug trafficking and burglary charges, as well as possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. Authorities launched a manhunt…

Search for missing man in Laurel County

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Deputies are asking for the public’s help to find a missing man. According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, 38-year-old Brady Scott Cavanaugh was last seen Friday morning around 8:15 near West Hal Rogers Parkway in London. Authorities say they’re concerned for his safety and have been searching the area since his disappearance….

Laurel County man facing federal charges scheduled for court hearing

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Laurel County man was scheduled for a court hearing Tuesday after investigators say they found drugs, weapons, and even a deer carcass hidden on his property. According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, 53-year-old Scottie Shelton was arrested earlier this month by DEA agents. Investigators say they discovered a large amount of…

Kentucky drivers urged to use caution as “Antler Alert” season begins

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – It’s that time of year again — the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has issued its annual “Antler Alert.” Officials say deer activity — and collisions — sharply increase in October, November, and December, with nearly half of all wildlife crashes happening during these months. Last year alone, Kentucky saw more than 3,400 deer-related crashes, six…

Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control hosts pop-up vaccine clinic

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control is celebrating a big success after hosting a pop-up vaccine clinic Monday. Officials say more than 130 pets received vaccinations during the event, which was held at Christ Centered Church. Organizers thanked the community for the strong turnout and said they enjoyed meeting so many pets and their…

Kentucky State Representative says he’s retiring

MCCREARY COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – After more than two decades in public service, State Representative Ken Upchurch says he’s ready to step away from politics. Upchurch, who represents Kentucky’s 52nd District — which includes McCreary, Wayne, and parts of Pulaski County — announced he will retire when his current term ends on December 1, 2026. He first joined…

Ky. elementary teacher, soccer coach arrested on sexual abuse charges

MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A teacher with Madison County Schools is behind bars, accused of sexual abuse of a child under 12. 40-year-old Charles Hamilton was arrested Monday. He is currently being held in the Madison County Detention Center without bond. According to the school district, on Sept. 8, they were notified by the Department for Community…