Good morning, this is Lexington Local Pulse for Saturday, January 25, 2025. We're starting off the weekend with a mix of news, updates, and events that shape our community.
First off, let's talk about some breaking news. Just a few days ago, three individuals were arrested in connection with the shooting death of Gregory Williams on Chinoe Road back in November 2024. This development brings closure to the family and the community, and we appreciate the diligent work of our local law enforcement[3].
Moving on to the job market, it's a great time to be in cybersecurity in Lexington. The field is booming, with a projected 33% increase in analyst positions by 2024 and competitive salaries averaging around $92,640. Major employers like Lexmark, Link-Belt, and Valvoline are actively recruiting, and certifications like CISSP and Security+ can boost salaries by 10-15%. Local education initiatives, including the University of Kentucky and Bluegrass Community and Technical College, are providing pathways into high-paying roles in network security, incident response, and risk management[2].
In other job news, the current unemployment rate in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is not available for this month, but as of January 2022, it was 3.40%[4].
Switching gears to real estate, we don't have any major updates on notable property sales or new development projects today. However, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on local listings and construction updates.
From city hall, there are no significant decisions affecting daily life to report today. However, we do have an update on school statuses. Fayette County Public Schools will determine school status based on Tuesday morning road conditions, so parents, keep an eye on those announcements[1].
Weather-wise, it's been a challenging week with storm responses, and residents are losing patience. We're hoping for clearer skies today, but always check the latest forecasts before heading out[1].
In new business activity, we're excited to announce that the rodeo is coming to Lexington this weekend. The American Contender Tournament East Region Finals are happening today and yesterday at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park[5].
For upcoming community events, don't miss out on the rodeo if you haven't already. It's a great way to spend the weekend with family and friends.
In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we're always proud of our students and athletes.
For a feel-good community story, let's highlight the educational initiatives at Bluegrass Community and Technical College. They've secured a $650,000 NSF grant and are redesignated as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through 2028. Their programs offer up to 60 credit hours tuition-free through the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, making cybersecurity education accessible to everyone[2].
Finally, in today's crime report, we've already mentioned the arrests in connection with the Chinoe Road homicide. We urge everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to our local law enforcement.
This has been Lexington Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.