Introducing Janet Patton & Chris Leach

We want you, our readers, to know who it is that’s bringing you the news you’re reading here at the Lexington Herald-Leader. You’ve likely seen the names that accompany a story, but that’s still a bit impersonal.

Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to the reporters, editors, producers and other staffers who work here at the Herald-Leader — the folks who work hard to bring you the news you’ve come to rely on and trust over the years.

This week, we’re thrilled to introduce you to two more people.

Janet Patton

Who’s hungry for restaurant news? I know I always am. I’m Janet Patton, and I write about restaurants, food trends and, of course, all things bourbon-related.

I’ve been in Lexington and at the Herald-Leader since 1992 and have covered a lot of different things, including horses. I have been writing about food and bourbon for about 10 years, give or take, and it’s the best job at the newspaper. I get to talk about restaurants, eat great food and sample amazing whiskey.

I believe in the power of local print journalism to shine a spotlight on what’s good and what’s bad in a way no one else can.

Our LexGo Eat & Drink newsletter has all the restaurant openings and closings and where to find great stuff to eat and drink in the Bluegrass every Tuesday and Thursday. And for hot scoop on dining, check out our lively Food and Dining news group.

Got a tip or want to just chew the fat? I love to hear from readers, jpatton1@herald-leader.com.

Check out some of Janet’s recent work:

• ‘More lucrative than heroin.’ KY liquor store raids part of sweeping bourbon investigation

• Lexington restaurant inspections: Rodents, raw sewage & 9 closures (one place twice)

• Kentucky Bourbon Festival offers chance to win a dozen rare bourbons. Here’s how to enter

• Sneak peek: New taco and tequila restaurant coming to Lexington distillery district

• What will Kentucky’s $133.6 million Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville Resort have?

Chris Leach

Hello, I’m Chris Leach and I am the breaking news reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader. I have been the breaking news reporter for a little over two years and I have covered some intense stories during that span, like the city’s domestic violence and homicide trends. Unfortunately my first opportunity to meet new people is usually on their darkest days. It’s part of the job sometimes.

Before coming here, I was the sports editor for the Anderson News in Lawrenceburg and graduated from University of Kentucky in 2018. My wife and I are originally from Arizona and we both have enjoyed making new friends here and establishing roots in Lexington.

Please feel free to reach out to me anytime! The best way to do so is through my email, cleach@herald-leader.com.

Read some of Chris’ latest work:

• Task force: More arrests made, more people wanted in major Central KY drug trafficking bust

• Investigation finds cause of Kentucky train derailment that led to Thanksgiving evacuations

• Unique corporate aircraft hangar coming to Blue Grass Airport in fall 2024

• Lexington’s new police facility was ‘built with a purpose,’ chief says

• Sister of Lexington domestic violence victim speaks out as leaders raise awareness

Thank you for being a reader, and hopefully a subscriber as well, although if you’re not the latter we do encourage you to remedy that. We’ll see you back here next week with more smiling faces to introduce.

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