Kentucky
We’ll see you online: Getting rural Kentucky connected
(LEX 18) — Internet connectivity can be an issue in many parts of the Commonwealth. In Somerset, the Center for Rural Development is hoping to change that.
The center services 45 counties in rural Kentucky, equating to about 1 million people getting connected.
“Why can’t our kids in Eastern Kentucky, these rural parts of America, not have what kids in New York City or Los Angeles have? Why is that?” said Richard Taylor, who works on the broadband projects at the center.
Center director Lonnie Lawson says their goal is equal opportunity.
“Many times the rural areas get forgotten, all of the loud voices come from the urban areas where all the population centers are, but if you look at all the tragedies that have happened in this country over the years, the majority of them are in rural areas,” said Lawson. “Your emergency responders have to be just as trained, your leaders have to be just as trained.”
The center has been pushing for more internet access since 2005, but Lawson said it’s really taken off in the last couple of years.
In April in Rockcastle County, they were able to get 120 homes online, but they have their sights set much bigger. They’re currently working on a plan for 16 fringe counties in Eastern Kentucky to get connected; about 25,000-30,000 homes.
“They take medical appointments, there are public safety aspects to it, there’s education, there’s work from home, all of those come off the table if you don’t have a good broadband connection,” said Taylor.
Taylor said one of the challenges of getting broadband out into rural areas is Kentucky’s limestone. It’s hard to drill through and very costly, which creates a barrier.
He said they’re still full steam ahead, though, via their two programs, Move The Needle and Broadband Is A Service.
“Making certain that no one gets left out, internet for all is what we are calling it, internet for all,” said Lawson.
To learn more about the Center for Rural Development, click here.
Kentucky Derby outfit ideas for women 2025 KDF Spring Fashion Show
Get inspired by the looks from the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show.
The Kentucky Derby Festival’s annual spring fashion show is fast approaching and it will be a night filled with color, statement looks and fresh trends.
The theme of the 2026 Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show, held this year on March 26 at Caesars Southern Indiana, 11999 Casino Center Drive SE in Elizabeth, Indiana, is “Color Rush: Fashion at the Speed of Life” and will showcase bold colors and fashion that captures the energy of the season. Think sleek accessories, bold looks, and all the finishing touches that make a Derby outfit unforgettable.
“Designers embrace bold color-drenched palettes paired with luxurious textures, fringe that sways with every step, feathers that flutter, satin that shines and tulle that adds playful drama,” Christine Fellingham, fashion show producer, said in a news release. “These aren’t just outfits; they’re expressions of how you feel.”
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The runway show will feature outfits and accessories from Dillard’s and Dillard’s Men. There will also be looks from several local boutiques, including Glasscock/Glasscock Too, Lady Luck Boutique, Magnolia & Fig, Mamili Boutique, Pineapple Paisley Boutique, Rodeo Drive, Sapphire on Spring Boutique, That Cute Little Shop and Work the Metal.
Hats are from Rhorer Couture Millinery, the Derby Festival’s Official Hat Designer, and hair and make-up are provided by J Michael’s Spa & Salon. Some of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s official products will also be featured at the event.
“We’re proud to return as the Title Sponsor and continue supporting our community as Louisville gears up for Derby season,” George Tanner, store manager at Dillard’s Mall St. Matthews said in the release. “The Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show celebrates the style and spirit of this time of year, and at Dillard’s, you’ll find everything you need for every event that comes with it.”
First produced in 1990, the Kentucky Derby Festival Fashion Show was originally created as a venue for unveiling the Festival’s Board of Director’s uniform. It was so successful, the Festival decided to make it a permanent addition to the Festival schedule.
Here’s what to know about the Kentucky Derby Festival 2026 Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show:
When is the KDF Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show?
More than just a fashion show, the Thursday, March 26 event is a fun night out with friends for those 21 years and older.
The pre-show kicks off at 5 p.m. with boutique shopping and cocktails. Before the doors open for the runway show, vendors from various boutiques will be set up on the second floor of the casino, and cash bars will be available. Doors to the casino’s expansive showroom open at 6:45 p.m., with dinner served at 7 p.m. Guests have a full hour to dine, mingle, and soak in the excitement before the runway lights come up at 8 p.m.
Where is the KDF Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show?
The spring fashion event takes place at Caesars Southern Indiana, 11999 Casino Center Drive SE in Elizabeth, Indiana.
What are my ticket options for the KDF Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show?
Main Floor tickets, which include dinner, are $150 or $1,500 for a table of 10 (includes reserved dinner seating and show). A cash bar will be available during the boutique shopping hour (cocktails not included with your ticket).
Purchase tickets at kdf.org.
Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com
GRANT COUNTY, Ky. (WKRC) – Drivers on Interstate 75 and Interstate 275 in Northern Kentucky will encounter lane and ramp closures Thursday as crews repair potholes.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said work near mile marker 153 on I-75 will begin at 8 a.m., with the southbound on-ramp from KY 36 closed between the 0.0 and 0.4 mile points.
A right lane on I-75 southbound will also be closed from mile marker 154.3 to 152, covering about 2.3 miles.
The closures are expected to remain in place until 2 p.m., weather permitting.
There will also be a single lane closure on Interstate 275 eastbound beginning at 9 a.m. from east of Turkeyfoot Road (KY 1303) (81.44 mile point) to west of Madison Pike (KY 17) (80.51 mile point).
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That closure is expected to remain in place until 3 p.m.
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