Kentucky
Kentucky Senate panel votes to move the Fish and Wildlife Resources Department
Reorganization bills are typically a part of any Kentucky legislative session. But one drawing emotional committee testimony involves moving the Fish and Wildlife Resources Department to the Department of Agriculture. More than one member spoke about tempering executive branch politics in appointments. Madison County GOP Senator Jared Carpenter said billions of dollars in hunting and fishing licensing, federal dollars, and grants come through Fish and Wildlife.
“You don’t think that people up here get excited and want their hands on some of those dollars to use for not what we’re wanting to use for. That’s why this has become such a major issue. That’s why we’re concerned about it,” said Carpenter.
Representatives of hunting and fishing groups spoke out against the bill. They contend the Department of Agriculture would have less interest in preserving wildlife stock across the state.
Mike Abell told the committee he understood there were some leadership issues on the commission. But he added it comes and goes with leaders and changing systems to fix leadership issues is a bad plan.
Larry Richards of LaGrange said agriculturally-minded commission members could act to reduce wildlife stock.
“Need only increase bag limits and lengthen seasons over a decade to reduce wildlife populations that took us nine decades to recover. This type of action could see our wildlife population decimated and leave us explaining to our grandkids why there’s nothing to hunt or fish,” said Richards.
GOP Bill Sponsor Jason Howell of Murray said there’s a need for stability in Fish and Wildlife. Howell said there had been “slow-walking” hiring and travel request decisions. He said there would also be additional marketing impacts and that the Agriculture Commissioner and Fish and Wildlife Commissioner both support the change.
The bill passed out of committee.
“The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is a financial supporter of WEKU.”
Kentucky
Kentucky is poised to land either Donnie Freeman or Sebastian Rancik this weekend, per report
Jones posted on Twitter that “Kentucky will have (absent a major change) either Freeman or Rancik by tomorrow,” while also noting the Wildcats still need to add another shooter and another big to round out the roster.
One of the top targets is Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound sophomore forward transferring from Syracuse. Freeman arrived in Lexington on Tuesday night and began his visit on Wednesday before leaving without a commitment. While there was concern he could land at UConn, that visit has since been canceled, leaving Kentucky and St. John’s as the top teams.
Freeman averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last season, while adding nearly a block and a steal per contest. He shot 47.4% from the field but 30.2% from 3-point range across 23 games.
The other option is Sebastian Rancik, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound sophomore forward transferring from Colorado. Rancik visited Kentucky starting Wednesday through Thursday and brings a versatile skill set, averaging 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while shooting 33.1% from 3.
Either Freeman or Rancik would provide a significant boost at the power forward position for head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky has already added guards Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins in the portal.
Kentucky football coach Will Stein reflects on new position
Will Stein was officially introduced to fans and media as the head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, replacing Mark Stoops.
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football had its first spring game under new coach Will Stein at Kroger Field on Saturday.
The offense, in blue jerseys, had its moments. So too the defense, donning white uniforms.
Ultimately, the blue squad earned a 23-18 victory in a game called just after noon because of inclement weather.
Stein admitted he “got emotional” as he charged onto the field prior to kickoff.
“I know it wasn’t a real game, but when I ran on the field, I definitely — man, I felt it,” he said. “It was like a wave running over me. And very, very, just cool.”
While it doesn’t count in the standings, Stein walked away pleased.
“I think we got a lot of really good work,” he said. “That’s the goal of spring is to improve with fundamentals and technique, learn how to practice, learn what winning edges that we need throughout spring to go into summer and fall and prepare the team for play. And we came out of the scrimmage clean. There (were) no injuries, which to me, that’s the biggest win of the day. I could (not) care less about the score.
“If we come out clean, that’s good. The Wildcats won.”
New starting QB Kenny Minchey looked about as expected, with sharp passes evened out by moments of inconsistency. Martels Carter Jr., a defensive back who is lining up at running back this spring, scored a touchdown and had several nice runs.
And the defense forced multiple three-and-outs and also picked off one Minchey pass on a two-point conversion.
This story will be updated.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
-
Vermont40 seconds agoWrong-way driver stopped on I-89, charged with DUI
-
Virginia7 minutes agoParachutist Slams into Jumbotron at Virginia Tech Spring Game
-
Wisconsin19 minutes agoUS animal rights activists clash with police over Wisconsin dog breeder
-
West Virginia25 minutes agoThe 2026 WVU Tommy Nickolich Award Goes to a Parkersburg Native
-
Wyoming31 minutes agoWyoming Gov. Mark Gordon won’t seek a third term. He won’t rule out running for other offices, either
-
Crypto37 minutes ago1 Cryptocurrency to Buy While It’s Under $80,000
-
Finance43 minutes agoBudget crisis is top concern for MPS leader Cassellius | Opinion
-
Fitness49 minutes agoI’m a running coach — I’ve just tested shoes actually designed for women’s feet, and they’re a total game changer