By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today

The front steps of the Old State Capitol, on West Broadway in downtown Frankfort, was the site of an event to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Kentucky State Parks System.

The Old State Capitol, which now serves as a museum, played a significant role as a backdrop in establishing the Kentucky State Parks system. In 1924, State Geological Surveyor Dr. Willard Rouse Jillson, who led the first state parks commission, delivered a historic speech there to members of the General Assembly in which he underscored the importance of acquiring and preserving natural parks for the enjoyment of future generations.

In 1926, Pine Mountain, Natural Bridge, Fort Harrod and the now-closed Blue and Gray were recognized in the legislative record as the first four Kentucky State Parks.

Gov. Andy Beshear told the gathering there are numerous state parks sites that attract visitors from across Kentucky and beyond.

“Natural Bridge, where people come to see the famous rock formation and hike the Red River Gorge. Or Pime Mountain, where there is nothing more beautiful than hiking Chain Rock in the fall. Or Cumberland Falls, which houses our Niagara of the South, where you can see the luminous moonbow, one of the few places in the world where people can witness this miraculous and wonderful sight.”

Kentucky is now home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses, with breathtaking views of mountain ranges, waterfalls, wildlife, scenic hiking trails, caves to explore, fishing, boating, kayaking, nationally recognized golf courses, camping, lodges, historic sites, museums and more offering opportunities for exploration, entertainment and education to Kentuckians and visitors from across the world.

Along with their natural, historic and economic significance, Gov. Beshear has used Kentucky State Parks and their dedicated teams to respond to tornadoes, flooding and other natural disasters by opening their doors to Kentuckians during difficult times.

“For a century, Kentucky State Parks have served visitors from within the Commonwealth and beyond, imprinting memories on generations of children who have grown up to bring their own families to visit,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “Parks are integral to tourism, while also supplying jobs and supporting nearby businesses such as restaurants, retail and recreational facilities.”

For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.

BATH COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) – In 2015, Aaron Williams was on his way to a homecoming dance in Bath County when he got into a crash that would change his life forever.

“His back tire fell off, and he overcorrected, and down the hill, he went and hit a tree. The car burst into flames,” said Aaron’s father, Chris Williams.

Chris Williams describes the night his son Aaron crashed on his way to his homecoming dance. The crash left him critically injured. Williams says his son died that night, taking his last breath before the ambulance was able to arrive on the scene.

“They said, This boy is gone. But the ambulance came down the road about the time he took his last breath and stopped breathing and startled him, and he started breathing again. Now that set a road that where he is today, that that next breath,” said Williams.

Nearly nine years later, Williams still finds it difficult to recall the conversation with his son’s doctor.

“He said, Mr Williams, your son won’t live through the night,” said Williams.

Yet, Aaron did live through the night. He’d go on to spend 43 days in a coma. Williams says hundreds of people came to the hospital to pray for his son. Friends, family, and strangers alike. One night at UK Hospital, he saw a large group passing around candles.

“I said, who you having prayer for? And they said, Well, there’s a boy named Aaron Williams who was in a car wreck, and we’re going to pray for him. I said, Can I join you? I didn’t tell them,” said Williams.

It’s those prayers that Williams credits for his son’s recovery. Countless stories like this are detailed in his book, “From Death to Life: The Aaron Williams Story.”

“I didn’t know when I was writing; I didn’t realize what it would do. I was just telling my story, but telling this story has helped people,” said Williams.

Williams has received letters and calls from people with stories similar to Aaron’s, asking for prayers and thanking him for giving them hope.

“I wrote it at the cost of my son, but what this book details gives people hope. When you’re told there is no hope,” said Williams.

Today, Williams says you’d never know what his son had been through by looking at him. He’s learned to walk again, enjoys playing basketball, and recently made the Dean’s List at Morehead. While Aaron has changed his major a few times, his current plan is to become a lawyer.

The book, “From Life to Death: The Aaron Williams Story,” is available now. To purchase, click here.

Copyright 2024 WKYT. All rights reserved.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – Check your tickets!

The Kentucky Lottery says Saturday’s Powerball drawing produced a $150,000 winning ticket.

The winning ticket was purchased at Clark’s Pump-N-Shop at 100 Isaac Shelby Circle Way in Frankfort.

Saturday night’s winning Powerball numbers were: 26 – 51 – 54 – 61 – 69 Powerball 25.

The winning ticket matched four white ball winning numbers and the Powerball, winning $50,000, but the prize was multiplied to $150,000 since the winner added the Power Play feature to their ticket.

The Kentucky Lottery advises the winners to:

• Sign the back of their tickets.
• Keep them in a secure location.
• Claim their prize within 180 days from the date of the drawing.

Winners must claim their prizes at lottery headquarters, 1011 W. Main St. in Louisville. They should contact the lottery at 1-877-789-4532 to make an appointment to claim their prize.

Copyright 2024 WKYT. All rights reserved.