Lexington Herald-Leader week in review

FCPS meal prices may rise amid $1.5M fund deficit

Fayette County Public Schools is facing a $1.5 million deficit in its nonprofit school food service account, prompting the Kentucky Department of Education to advise that meal prices must increase for the 2026-2027 school year, Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said. A KDE spokesperson clarified that the district may instead offset the shortfall using funds from a non-child-nutrition source. FCPS has not raised student meal prices since the 2022-2023 school year, despite rising costs for food, labor, and supplies. The district says it loses money on every paid meal served, with federal reimbursements for free meals absorbing the program’s losses. A similar price increase proposal was rejected by the school board last year. Families are encouraged to apply for free meal benefits through the MySchoolApps website. Any changes require approval from the Fayette County Board of Education.

Reported by Valarie Honeycutt Spears, published April 17

Board member reports harassment after clinic vote

Ross Boggess, a Lexington Board of Adjustment member, says he has faced repeated harassment following his vote to approve a mental health clinic in the Chevy Chase neighborhood. The board voted 4-2 on April 13 to grant a permit for Roaring Brook’s 52-bed inpatient facility at 319 Duke Road, drawing fierce opposition from Chevy Chase residents concerned about proximity to nearby schools. Boggess says a resident confronted him at Woodland Park hours after the vote, and he filed a police report over the interaction. He also says someone spit on his shoes the following Wednesday and that he has received hateful voicemails. Some social media posts have alleged a conflict of interest tied to his podcast co-host’s real estate firm, which brokered the Duke Road property, though Boggess denies any direct professional affiliation.

Reported by Adrian Paul Bryant, published April 20

KY officials react to AG’s post on Coleman’s campaign

Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced April 20 she will run for governor in 2027, drawing mixed reactions. Attorney General Russell Coleman’s response on X sparked particular controversy: “A respectful reminder: Jacqueline Coleman isn’t my sister. She’s not my ex-wife. And she will never be Kentucky’s Governor.” Critics called the post unprofessional, while some Republicans offered support. Kentucky Democratic Party Executive Director Morgan Eaves and former U.S. Department of Education appointee Wesley Whistle both condemned the post on X. Paintsville city council member Nicholas Hazelett praised Jacqueline Coleman’s professionalism by contrast. Rep. Kim King, R-Harrodsburg, backed the AG’s post, saying it “wins the day.” Jacqueline Coleman has twice won election alongside Gov. Andy Beshear, who is term-limited. No other major candidates from either party have announced a 2027 gubernatorial bid.

Reported by Christopher Leach, published April 21

LG&E and KU are partnering on pumped storage project

Louisville Gas and Electric Co. and Kentucky Utilities are partnering with Rye Development on the Lewis Ridge pumped storage project in Bell County, which could become Kentucky’s first water-powered battery energy system. The $1.3 billion facility would move water between two reservoirs at different elevations, generating enough electricity to power nearly 70,000 homes annually and supporting up to 2,300 jobs during a four-year construction period. The project received a federal preliminary permit in 2022, with a final license hoped for by 2027. Rye Development CEO Paul Jacob said the mountainous Appalachian terrain, with its abundance of former coal mine sites, makes Eastern Kentucky uniquely suited for replicating this model across the region. The project is also expected to generate about $1.6 million in new local tax revenue and aligns with Governor Andy Beshear’s statewide energy strategy, KYE3.

Reported by Piper Hansen and Austin R. Ramsey, published April 18

Former EKU professor sentenced in wife’s death

Glenn Jackson, 45, a former Eastern Kentucky University lecturer, was sentenced on April 21 to 14 years in prison in connection with the death of his wife, Ella Jackson, 47, who disappeared in October 2019. Jackson entered an Alford plea on reduced charges of manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence, meaning he does not admit guilt but acknowledges prosecutors have sufficient evidence for a conviction. He could be released in under eight years due to credit for time served. Ella’s remains were found in Pulaski County in 2020, and a medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, noting a significant skull fracture. Both of Ella’s sons delivered emotional victim impact statements at the hearing. Her former husband, Jason Hans, called the plea deal “absolutely not justice.” A wrongful death suit filed by Hans may now proceed, and he can also move forward with seeking legal guardianship of Ella and Glenn Jackson’s young son.

Reported by Taylor Six, published April 21

Lexington furniture store downsizes after 36 years

Another Man’s Treasure, a Lexington new and used home furnishings store with 36 years in business, is consolidating its two locations into one. Owner Dennis Gibbs and his wife Dottie Gibbs have sold their 2550 Regency Road building and plan to complete the move by sometime in May. The couple’s Third Street location, which opened in 1992, is being revamped to offer a larger retail space. The store, which began on Brown Avenue in 1991, is known for its eclectic mix of antique, one-of-a-kind, new, and closeout furnishings, and for making upfront offers to those looking to sell home items. A moving sale was announced on social media. Gibbs described the decision simply as “trying to lighten our load a little bit.”

Reported by Karla Ward, published April 18

This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 4:17 PM with the headline "Lexington Herald-Leader week in review."