Fayette County

Tragedies, triumphs in Kentucky: See the Herald-Leader’s best news pictures of 2022

Herald-Leader staff report

As we say goodbye to 2022, we take a look back at some of the Herald-Leader staff photographers’ favorite and best breaking news and feature photos of the past year.

The images below and more in the year-in-review video slideshow above, document the Commonwealth dealing with tragedy, such as flooding in Eastern Kentucky, tornado cleanup in Western Kentucky and funerals for three police officers killed in the line of duty.

But our our photographers also told stories of people coming together for good times, like music legend Elton John’s Rupp Arena concert and the Kentucky Derby back at full capacity.

If you wish to buy a reprint of any Herald-Leader / Kentucky.com image, email Brian Simms at bsimms@herald-leader.com.
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Gwen Christon stands in an aisle at the Isom IGA in Isom, Ky., on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022. Christon began working at the store as a cashier months after it first opened in 1973. She now owns the store with her husband, Arthur. Last July, historic floods ravaged the store and parts of Eastern Kentucky killing 43 people.
Gwen Christon stands in an aisle at the Isom IGA in Isom, Ky., on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022. Christon began working at the store as a cashier months after it first opened in 1973. She now owns the store with her husband, Arthur. Last July, historic floods ravaged the store and parts of Eastern Kentucky killing 43 people. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Patrons enjoy the merry-go-round ride at the Lexington Lions’ Club Bluegrass Fair at Masterson Station Park in Lexington, Ky., Thursday, June 9, 2022.
Patrons enjoy the merry-go-round ride at the Lexington Lions’ Club Bluegrass Fair at Masterson Station Park in Lexington, Ky., Thursday, June 9, 2022. Silas Walker swalker@herald-leader.com
Legendary singer Elton John performs at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., on Saturday, April 9, 2022. The two-hour, twenty-minute show concluded with “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” for the 16,000 in attendance.
Legendary singer Elton John performs at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., on Saturday, April 9, 2022. The two-hour, twenty-minute show concluded with “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” for the 16,000 in attendance. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The coffin carrying Jacob Chaffins is brought to Gethsemane Gardens in Prestonsburg, Ky., on Thursday, July 7, 2022. Chaffins, a Prestonsburg police officer, was killed in the line of duty in July. His service concluded a three-day long stretch of funerals honoring the fallen officers killed during a violent ambush in Floyd County. Lance Storz allegedly opened fire on Floyd County sheriff’s deputies attempting to serve an emergency protective order, according to local officials.
The coffin carrying Jacob Chaffins is brought to Gethsemane Gardens in Prestonsburg, Ky., on Thursday, July 7, 2022. Chaffins, a Prestonsburg police officer, was killed in the line of duty in July. His service concluded a three-day long stretch of funerals honoring the fallen officers killed during a violent ambush in Floyd County. Lance Storz allegedly opened fire on Floyd County sheriff’s deputies attempting to serve an emergency protective order, according to local officials. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The lot where Parkette Drive-In once stood sits empty except for the neon sign on Lexington’s New Circle Road, October 20, 2022. One of Lexington’s oldest and most nostalgic restaurants, the Parkette closed in June after 70 years of serving fried chicken and fish served in boxes, “Poor Boy” double-decker burgers made-to-order, chili dogs, onion rings and hand-spun milkshakes. The neon sign will stay but the land has been leased to the Lexus car dealership next door, which will landscape and pave it to use as a parking lot.
The lot where Parkette Drive-In once stood sits empty except for the neon sign on Lexington’s New Circle Road, October 20, 2022. One of Lexington’s oldest and most nostalgic restaurants, the Parkette closed in June after 70 years of serving fried chicken and fish served in boxes, “Poor Boy” double-decker burgers made-to-order, chili dogs, onion rings and hand-spun milkshakes. The neon sign will stay but the land has been leased to the Lexus car dealership next door, which will landscape and pave it to use as a parking lot. Silas Walker swalker@herald-leader.com
Dogs approach the Colville Covered Bridge in Bourbon County, Ky. The bridge, which is open to traffic, was originally built around 1877.
Dogs approach the Colville Covered Bridge in Bourbon County, Ky. The bridge, which is open to traffic, was originally built around 1877. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
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