Latest news with #BrandonStorm
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fiscal Court presents $1 million check toward Fairgrounds project
Following a special-called meeting Wednesday, April 30, the Laurel County Fiscal Court presented a $1 million check to London Tourism and Parks in support of the London-Laurel Regional Fairgrounds project currently underway. The funding was secured by Senator Brandon Storm last year through the Kentucky Legislature, and the Laurel County Fiscal Court was the designated agency to receive and administer the funds. "We are extremely appreciative of all contributing stakeholders in the Laurel County regional Fairgrounds Project. The Laurel County Fiscal Court, City of London Tourism Commission, and the City Of London are working together to create a legacy project for our community that will be enjoyed by our locals as well as people from around the nation," said Phil Smith, Chairman of the London Tourism Commission. "Thank you, Senator Storm, for advocating for this project and other projects that help to improve the quality of life for this region." Executive Director of London Tourism and Parks Chris Robinson also commented, stating, "We are grateful to Sen. Storm for securing funding for this transformative project, and to the Laurel County Fiscal Court for their partnership in revitalizing the Fairgrounds into a space that will strengthen our community, support future economic growth, and boost tourism in our region." Although Sen. Storm was unable to attend due to scheduling issues, he expressed his support for the tourism commission, thanking it for "bringing this vision to [him] and allowing [him] to work on the endeavor to secure the financial funding last budget cycle." "I'm fully supportive of City and County Tourism and I absolutely love our community," Storm wrote. During the meeting, the county submitted a proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-26. "We can't pass this around because it's just a proposal," Laurel Judge Executive David Westerfield explained. "We can't hand it out until it's approved." Additionally, the county approved the accounts payables and an unspecified surplus item for online auction without further discussion. The Laurel County Fiscal Court regularly meets at 8:45 a.m. on the second Monday and 9:30 a.m. on the final Thursday of each month.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Wyan-Pine 5th graders participate in mock 'We the People' congressional hearing
Wyan-Pine Grove Elementary School fifth graders in Social Studies teacher Kristy Patton's third block class had the unique opportunity of participating in a mock "We the People" congressional hearing last Wednesday, April 30. At the hearing, three different groups of students took turns introducing themselves, giving speeches, and answering follow-up questions by judges. Judges at the simulated hearing included Superintendent Denise Griebel of Laurel County Public Schools, State Senator Brandon Storm (R-London), and State Representative Shane Baker (R-Somerset, District 85). Also present to assist with the hearing was Glenn Manns, Civics Empowers All Students Coordinator for We the People. "Students researched various topics about our government using We the People curriculum," Patton commented. "All fifth grade students were provided with the We the People curriculum this year to boost students' success in civics, literacy, and related competencies through inclusive teaching to become engaged and informed citizens to take an active role in democracy." The fifth graders showcased their knowledge on civics topics as a panel, defending their respective position based on the United States Constitution. Each group focused on a different unit. The first group consisted of Nate Warren, Kinslie Smith, Jennifer Do, Korben Allen and Atreyu Smith. This group of students discussed Unit 2 of the curriculum, which addresses which major conflicts required the framers of the Philadelphia Convention to make compromises, why it was difficult for the framers to reach an agreement on how to resolve their conflict, and how the compromise of later adding a Bill of Rights affected the Constitution. Group two included Izayah Patterson, Avery Damron, Isaiah Smith, Cole Knuckles, Cooper Harris, and Camila Mascorro. The group addressed the topics of Unit 3, pertaining to how the Constitution organizes government, the powers of the president, and how the framers used separation of powers and checks and balances to limit the powers of government. The third and final group consisted of Max Barnard, Raelyn Ivy, Colt Collins, and Sadie Hamlin. This group discussed what freedom of expression is and why it is important to democracy, how the Constitution protects freedom of expression, how the Constitution protects freedom of religion, and what freedom of the press should entail — all of which is addressed in Unit 4. We The People: Civics that Empowers All Students is a "federally funded project of the Center for Civic Education." The project is intended to support effective educator development. To learn more about We the People, visit
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
SB 27 approval will bring Parkinson's Disease Research Registry to the state
Kentucky will soon have a Parkinson's Disease Research Registry following a unanimous vote by both the House and Senate. Due to the passage of Senate Bill 27, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Storm (R-London), the new registry will be established within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The cabinet secretary will create an advisory committee, set regulations, and designate Parkinson's and related diseases for reporting. The advisory committee is required to include representatives from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and the University of Louisville School of Medicine. A system will be set up to collect and share data regarding Parkinson's disease, while ensuring patient safety by excluding personal information such as social security numbers and birthdates. Healthcare providers must submit reports beginning January 1, 2026, and patients will be given the option to opt out. The registry's data will be accessible to researchers, and a public website will provide reports and information. The cabinet is required to submit annual updates to the legislature. Jane Williams, executive director of local nonprofit Parkinson's in Motion, has been closely involved with SB 27, having testified in Frankfort. Williams said the registry is especially intended to provide demographic data to determine where individuals with Parkinson's are located. 'The first day we testified in the Senate, it was so moving to me that people in Frankfort were talking about Parkinson's disease,' Williams commented. She said securing the registry feels 'very humbling,' and she is 'very, very pleased.' Funding for the registry will be discussed by the advisory board at a later date. Learn more at
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bill safeguarding parental rights of Kentuckians with disabilities clears another hurdle
From left, Family Court Judge Marcus Vanover, Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, and Crystal Adams, director of the Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities with the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health, address a legislative committee, Feb. 27, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) FRANKFORT — A bill that would ensure Kentuckians cannot have parental rights removed or adoption petitions denied solely based on disability is almost to the legislative finish line. Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, passed the House Families and Children Committee unanimously Thursday morning. Disability alone could not cost Kentuckians parental rights, chance to adopt if bill becomes law Family Court Judge Marcus Vanover, a member of Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health (KJCMH) and chief circuit judge in Lincoln, Pulaski and Rockcastle counties, cited case law that shows 'the need for change in Kentucky and to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not being wrongfully discriminated against on the sole basis of the disability.' A 2022 Kentucky Supreme Court order established the commission, which 'is charged with exploring, recommending and implementing transformational changes to improve system wide responses to justice-involved individuals experiencing mental health needs, substance use, and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities,' according to the Kentucky Court of Justice. This bill was a recommendation from the commission. It's already passed the Senate, where it originated. Now it can go to the House floor for a vote. If it passes there, it heads to Gov. Andy Beshear's desk for a signature or veto
