Kentucky
Kentucky's new wind turbine offers path toward sustainability
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky now has a brand new wind turbine and an extra renewable energy and power source.
Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) are elevating energy-saving alternatives for Kentuckians.
“We have over $92 million in active federal awards that are powering all of the renewable energy and energy research projects that we have across our portfolio right now,” said Aron Patrick, director of research and development at PPL Corporation.
Mercer County’s new utility wind turbine stands 165 feet tall. It will record and determine whether wind energy is a suitable power product for the state.
A single utility wind turbine is being tested in Mercer County to minimize the negative impact of energy on the environment. Thousands of solar panels and more support the site. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)
The University of Kentucky (UK) is studying the turbine’s performance efficiency. Grants from the U.S. Department of Energy support the site.
“In the past, historically, oftentimes we’ve thought that there was not going to be enough wind in Kentucky to be able to generate much electricity,” said Larry Holloway, UK KU endow professor of electrical and computer engineering. “Things have changed dramatically in the last few years.”
Patrick said modern wind-towers are larger and have longer blades. Plus, the cost of both solar and wind energy sources has been declining in recent years, which is why they’re testing this turbine for future use.
Pollinator habitats that hold 64 native plants and 200 sheep surround the turbine, maintaining the vegetation under 44,500 solar panels.
The site also relies on other conservation methods to minimize the negative impact of energy on the environment. Patrick added in a year, he expects the new wind turbine to produce enough energy to power 16 homes.
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.
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