Latest news with #RedbudRide
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
County tourist commission addresses several funding requests
The London-Laurel County Tourist Commission responded to several funding requests for events at its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 15. The first request discussed was one by Fishers of Men, whose event had already taken place Saturday, April 12. The group requested $1,500 but said that any amount would be 'fine.' The commission was unable to address the request sooner due to not meeting in March. In light of this, commissioners ultimately decided not to contribute any funds. 'They had a fairly successful event,' said PR and Events Director Travis Shortt, who had been in contact with the group. 'They're trying to build it back up here in Laurel County.' The event drew in 74 fishermen, consisting of both locals and those from outside of the area. Next was the Come-Unity Cooperative Care Horse Show, which was a $1,500 request. The commission had budgeted $500 for the show but agreed to give $1,500 this year. Also requesting funds was the Redbud Ride committee, asking for $5,000. The tourist commission had $3,000 budgeted for the event. Sticking with that, Commissioner Randy Singh made the motion to contribute only the $3,000. Shortt, who serves on the event's committee, said that he finds the amount appropriate, with the opportunity of increasing it in future years based on the ride's success. 'Let's take it a year at a time,' Executive Director Kim Collier agreed. The final request discussed by the commission was one made by Pittsburg Marine for a fishing tournament at Laurel Lake, which is planned to become an annual event. The organization did not make a specific request, stating that any amount would be acceptable. The commission had not previously funded the event, but chose to contribute $1,000 this year. London City Tourism Commissioner Todd Roberts was present, reporting that the commission was in the process of hiring a manager for the Fairgrounds. 'We basically made that hire and they'll start marketing and hopefully they'll come to some of your meetings and working with you all,' said Roberts. 'That's a real big deal out there. There's a lot of stuff that could happen out there.' The London City Tourism Commission has since made that hire, with Christina Sowders of Corbin being the one to enter the role. The meeting closed with the entering of an executive session to discuss personnel. The London-Laurel County Tourist Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month at Heritage Hills, located at 472 Falls Street in London. The commission's next meeting will take place May 20 at 12 noon.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Executive Director Kristen Strawser talks London Downtown, Redbud Ride
Kristen Strawser, 34, was named executive director of London Downtown in November 2024. After 10 years with the organization, former director Julie Rea stepped down from the position late last year. Strawser, already having served on the London Downtown board for nearly a year, promptly took on the role — bringing a fresh yet experienced perspective. "I've always been passionate about small towns and the way vibrant downtowns can serve as the heartbeat of a community," Strawser said of her decision to accept the position. "Before stepping into this role, I was already involved with local events and small business, so when the opportunity presented itself, I was excited and honored to be considered." In the short time Strawser has served in her role as director, she has already begun planning exciting new ideas for the upcoming year. "This year, my focus is on increasing community engagement and fostering relationships to enhance the events we already have in place. We're also working on strengthening our event lineup to bring even more people downtown consistently," Strawser stated. "Think outdoor activities, themed nights, and events that highlight local art and food. We'll be sharing more soon." Strawser shared that the London Downtown board has started refreshing the "look and feel" of certain events, creating new partnerships, and exploring ways to make downtown more kid-friendly and family-focused. When it comes to existing events, Strawser said the Redbud Ride stands out to her. "It's one of those events that showcase the beauty of our area and brings in new visitors," Strawser stated. "I love the energy it brings downtown." With time, Strawser hopes to see downtown London develop into a space where "families make memories, small businesses thrive, and visitors leave wanting to come back." "I want it to feel alive—not just during events, but all the time," Strawser stated. "I'm incredibly excited about what's ahead. I'm grateful for the support so far and can't wait to keep building something special for our little town." Strawser, born and raised in London, attended South Laurel High School. In addition to her recent role, Strawser is a business owner. Strawser's business, Moody Cows, is a local ice cream shop located at 318 North Main Street in London. Strawser encourages anyone interested in volunteering at London Downtown events, beautification projects, and creative initiatives to contact the organization through the website at or social media. To contact Strawser directly, text or call (606) 260-7628. For additional information regarding London Downtown, contact londonkydowntown@
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Secretary of State speaks at Chamber of Commerce's April luncheon
Secretary of State Michael Adams, R-KY, served as the keynote speaker at the London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce's April luncheon. Adams — Kentucky's 86th SOS — was a first-generation college graduate, attending Harvard Law on low income aid. He worked for Sen. Mitch McConnell and former governor Ernie Fletcher before moving to Washington, D.C. to serve as council to the U.S. Deputy Attorney General in the second George W. Bush administration. Due to Adams' experience, he was appointed to the Kentucky Board of Elections in 2016, then Secretary of State. Adams' primary purpose for speaking at the event was to bring awareness to human trafficking. 'Laurel County and the 15 counties around have more reports of human trafficking than we have in Jefferson or Fayette,' he said. 'This is not a derby problem. This is a problem just under where we can see that happens in every community in our state.' Adams went on to share that Kentucky has had 1,000 reported cases and 2,700 victims that have been identified. 'That's the ones that we know about. That's not the ones that we don't know about,' he clarified. In an attempt to fight against the issue, Adams launched Kentucky Businesses Against Trafficking (KBAT), an initiative which raises awareness of human trafficking among the business community and attempts to protect the identities of victims. Furthermore, Adams discussed the importance of bipartisan election legislation, and not ruling out ideas due to the party they are attached to. 'In six straight legislative sessions, we have had bipartisan election legislation pass into law. Every other state in our country hasn't done that even once,' said Adams. 'We've built bipartisan public confidence in our election systems. We have suggestions and input from both sides. That's why, when other states are going backwards, we're going forwards.' Air Evac Lifeteam sponsored the luncheon, with Program Director Letch Day speaking on its behalf. Day shared that the medical transport agency is coming up on its 45th anniversary. The agency has over 150 bases across the United States. The parent company — Global Medical Response, or GMR — has over 375 air medical transports. 'We are over an hour from a level-one trauma center. So, if you were transported by ground, it would take over an hour to get to a level-one trauma center. If you're transported by air, we could have you there in about 30 minutes,' said Day, emphasizing the agency's importance. 'Statistics show that trauma patients coming from a rural area have a greater chance of not surviving. That's where we come in.' More can be learned about the agency at London Tourism and Parks Director Chris Robinson discussed upcoming events, with the closest ones being the Redbud Ride this Saturday and Spring Forward Business week kicking off Wednesday. Nearly 40 local businesses will help celebrate this year's Spring Forward Business Week. Visitors can enter to win a $1500+ prize package filled with gift cards and 'swag' from participating businesses. Community members only need to visit a participating location, scan the QR code, and submit their entry for a chance. The oppurtunity lasts through Saturday. The chamber welcomed one new member — Chase McWhorter of Chase F. McWhorter Law, P.S.C. McWhorter is an associate attorney at Cessna & George Law Firm who focuses on family, civil, and criminal cases. The 'much-anticipated' results of the NCAA Bracket Challenge were also announced at the luncheon. The first place winner was Bill Gray, second was Mike Hacker, and there was a third place tie between Garry Conley and Jason Burton. Hacker was not in attendance. Golden Corral Buffet and Grill catered the luncheon. Upcoming ribbon cuttings include Loyal Friends Pet Cremation on April 25 at 10 a.m., Live Wire Enterprises on April 28 at 9 a.m., Baptist Health Occupational Med. Urgent Care of Corbin on April 29 at 11:30 a.m., and Baptist Health of London May 16 at 10 a.m. The next London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce luncheon is set for May 15 at 12 noon at the London Community Center. To learn more about the chamber, visit the Facebook page or call 606-864-4789.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Redbud Ride offers a route for everyone
Cyclists at different skill-levels require different routes — that's why the RedBud Ride offers four. These include the yellow, orange, green, and red routes. While riders can decide for themselves which route best fits their comfort and experience, the most commonly recommended option for beginners is the yellow route, a smooth, 24-mile loop that travels from downtown London to McWhorter Church and back. Advertisement Second in difficulty is the 34-mile orange route. It is a modest route, great for first-timers seeking a challenge or experienced riders interested in keeping a more casual pace. The green, intermediate route entails 72 miles. The route will have several short hills, as well as some flats. The route is known for being scenic and will once again be part of the Kentucky Cycling Challenge, which contains five rides including the Redbud Ride. In the case that an individual participates in all five rides on the list, they will receive custom gear for the year. The red — and pinnacle of the Redbud Ride — is the most advanced route. It has been chosen by cyclists across the nation as the 'Best Century Ride in America." Advertisement The route will be a part of the Kentucky Century Challenge again this year. The challenge requires cyclists to complete at least 250 miles to earn rewards. All adult routes are on public roads and highways. Kelvin Hibbard, London Downtown President, shared that riders are expected to follow all state traffic and bicycle safety rules, as the Redbud Ride prioritizes safety, with six safety and gear (SAG) drivers patrolling the routes in clearly marked vehicles and four medically trained Red Cross riders biking alongside participants to assist if needed. Each of the four routes will be marked with signs, colored arrows, and street signage. Volunteers drive the routes in advance to highlight any potholes or road hazards. Curves and turns are painted with colored arrows on the pavement — red route riders follow red arrows, blue route riders follow blue, etc. In addition to physical markers, cyclists can download free GPS maps of the routes through this link: Hibbard stated the the GPS system offers detailed, turn-by-turn navigation, including parking instructions, elevation changes, and rest stop alerts. It is available at no cost and can be programmed directly into a participant's phone. Advertisement All routes include multiple rest stops — about nine total— spaced approximately 15 to 20 miles apart. These stops offer cyclists the chance to rest, eat or hydrate, and use the restroom before heading out again. Although most participants finish by mid-afternoon — around 2 to 3 p.m. —organizers remain on-site until the final rider returns to ensure each cyclist completes their route safely. Hibbard shared the event will take place rain or shine. For more information about the four RedBud Ride routes, visit
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
City attorney warns city council of possible violations
At Monday's London City Council meeting, City Attorney Larry Bryson addressed council members regarding violations he believes they have recently committed. The alleged violations committed pertain to the 'calling and conducting of meetings, the enactment of ordinances, and improper interference with city administration and employees.' 'I've been City Attorney in London with four different mayors, including Mayor [Randall] Weddle, and 17 different city councils. I counted a few nights ago. I've never, in all those years, had the experience with a city council that we've had for the last several months,' Bryson stated. 'I am ashamed. We used to be known for the Redbud Ride, for the Chicken Festival. People come from all over the world for those. People come from other counties to enjoy our parks, especially our walking parks. Now we're known for our council meetings.' Outside of the meeting, several community members continued to protest the death of 63-year-old Doug Harless, the victim of a Dec. 23, 2024, London Police officer-involved shooting for which the city has also been under scrutiny. It has now passed 100 days since Harless' death, with residents still demanding justice. Bryson's presentation primarily focused on the council's special-called meeting March 20 — which he, Mayor Weddle, and City Clerk Katelin McPeek did not attend. According to the advisory, council members illegally called a special meeting in violation of KRS 83A.130(11). This statute mandates that special-called meetings must be called either by the mayor or the majority of council members through a written request. 'You're engaged in hate and politics, and it should stop,' Bryson told the council. 'How about some of these executive session meetings we've had that were illegal, that you sat in on and allowed to happen?' Council Member Justin Young asked. 'I'll take it back to September of '23 when you all had an executive meeting and brought me in just to blast me and we weren't talking about anything else,' Council Member Kelly Greene added. 'What did you all accuse me of, Larry? Would you like to tell everybody here?' Bryson responded that he was not prepared to tell the public. He went on to state that the ordinance summaries discussed at the March meeting were not certified by an attorney, therefore the ordinances were vetoed by Mayor Weddle. As Bryson continued his advisory, he and Council Member Judd Weaver began to argue as well — Bryson stating that Weaver 'gave him the finger' in front of his 11-year-old grandson. City Council Attorney Conrad Cessna then stepped in. 'There are things that we need to make sure — from my end to that end, that we need to clean up in this city,' Cessna stated, motioning at the table where he, the council, mayor, and city clerk sat. 'I'm being diligent in what you're saying and I think everyone is. They're asking legitimate questions to the questions that you're posing towards them. If we could stick to that, that would get it better.' The comments between Bryson and council members continued, with Young and Greene telling Bryson to sit down. 'Get back to your business and go on,' Young said. Bryson responded, 'Thank you, Justin. How long did you go to law school?' 'About as long as you went to truck driving school,' Young responded. Once their argument ceased, Bryson went on to suggest that the council is 'abusing power' and using 'intimidation against city employees.' To support his argument, he played clips from previous meetings — one of which shows Weaver agreeing to community member Doug Phelps' statement that the council 'is going to have to realize its power of the purse.' Weaver denied having done so, stating, 'I did not. That was not my voice.' The final topic during Bryson's advisory was budget. City Council Member Anthony Ortega inquired if council members have no authority to speak with the financial director regarding the budget, to which Bryson confirmed they do not. He closed by saying, 'If you want to change the law, go to Frankfort,' before returning to his seat. In regard to regular business, the following items were approved at the meeting: — signing of a London Cemetery Board memorandum — signing of a London Cemetery Board easement — Street Department surplus. To view the live-streamed meeting, visit The City of London page on Facebook. To watch a livestream of the protest, visit the Sentinel-Echo Facebook page. London City Council's next special-called meeting will take place at 12 noon Friday, during which there will be a second reading of Ordinance 2025-02, a vetoed measure regarding the details of their regular meetings.
