News from the South - Kentucky News Feed
Reflecting on her mountain roots, Debra Lambert takes public oath as Kentucky’s chief justice
by McKenna Horsley, Kentucky Lantern
April 15, 2025
FRANKFORT — During her investiture as Kentucky’s first female chief justice, Debra Lambert said her experience growing up in Eastern Kentucky shaped the path she’s taken in life.
Lambert, a native of Bell County, said her parents, James and Kathleen Hembree, “weren’t given much in the way of educational opportunities.” Her father worked as a coal miner at the same mine his father worked at before him, and her mother’s father “was a Baptist preacher who thought high school was only appropriate for his sons but not his daughters.”
With a piece of coal company scrip tucked in her shoe for good luck, Lambert was publicly sworn into her office on the high court Tuesday, surrounded by her family, fellow justices, and members of Kentucky’s other government branches, including Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and Republicans Senate President Robert Stivers and House Speaker David Osborne.
“So, for my brief experience and tenure as chief justice of the commonwealth, I think my parents’ philosophy will guide me well — work hard, be joyful and be fearless,” Lambert said.
Lambert’s four-year term as chief justice began in January. She represents the 3rd Supreme Court District, which includes southern parts of Central and Eastern Kentucky; voters elected her to the court in 2018.
Several speakers noted that the current Kentucky Supreme Court is historic for women, not only under Lambert’s leadership, but also because the majority of the justices on the court are women and recently elected Justice Pamela Goodwine is the first Black woman to sit on the court.
“When we do the work of this court, which is interpreting our Constitution, our statutes, looking at cases that were heard throughout the commonwealth for error, we are neither man nor woman … ,” said Justice Angela McCormick Bisig. “We are all legal scholars working together side by side, regardless of those issues. So quite frankly, we don’t discuss it a lot among ourselves, but today I really just want to sing it from the rooftops, because it is a historic day in our state that we have this situation with this Kentucky Supreme Court.”
Lambert and Goodwine were set to have their investitures in January shortly after assuming their offices, but the events were postponed amid severe winter storms. Goodwine’s investiture will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Capitol.
Justices on the court selected Lambert to serve as chief justice in September. She succeeds retired Chief Justice Laurance VanMeter in the role. He administered the oath of office to Lambert and Deputy Chief Justice Robert Conley Tuesday.
Lambert now lives in Pulaski County with her husband, Joseph Sharpe. Lambert earned her degrees from Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky College of Law. She previously was married to former Chief Justice Joseph Lambert, who left the Kentucky Supreme Court in 2008.
Before joining the Supreme Court, Lambert was on the Kentucky Court of Appeals and was appointed as a family court circuit judge in the 28th Judicial Circuit by former Democratic Gov. Paul Patton in 1999. She practiced law in Mount Vernon as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney and city attorney.
Lambert also led the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health and volunteers as a certified suicide prevention trainer.
Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jamie Lucke for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com.
The post Reflecting on her mountain roots, Debra Lambert takes public oath as Kentucky’s chief justice appeared first on kentuckylantern.com
News from the South - Kentucky News Feed
Bowling Green man faces drug charges following traffic stop
SUMMARY: A Bowling Green man, William Anderson, 43, was charged with drug trafficking after a traffic stop in Trigg County for a vehicle with only one taillight illuminated and expired registration. Deputies searched his vehicle with permission and found suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale, syringes, a glass pipe, and drug paraphernalia, along with over $5,200 in cash. Anderson admitted to being involved in a drug deal, transporting a bag in exchange for money, and using some meth earlier that evening. He was taken to the Christian County Detention Center and faces charges including first-degree meth trafficking and drug paraphernalia offenses.
The post Bowling Green man faces drug charges following traffic stop appeared first on www.wnky.com
News from the South - Kentucky News Feed
Under the big top with a Contortionist at Venardo's Circus
SUMMARY: Venardo’s Circus is performing at the Waterfront until August 10th, featuring world-class jugglers, acrobats, and clowns. The show, starting nightly at 7 p.m. with additional weekend shows, includes a Broadway-style performance titled “Far Beyond,” exploring life after achieving dreams. A highlight is the multi-talented contortionist “Snow Bunny” from Miami, who also performs aerial acts. Audience members can choose their own seats and enjoy pre-show shopping. Tickets are best purchased online at bernardoscircus.com. With incredible acts and a lively atmosphere under the big top, Venardo’s Circus promises an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Under the big top with a Contortionist at Venardo’s Circus
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News from the South - Kentucky News Feed
Goodbye to the heat… comfortable weekend weather on the way
SUMMARY: The heat is easing with a comfortable weekend ahead. Northeasterly breezes and drier air follow a front that brought showers and storms yesterday, leading to lower humidity and below-normal temperatures. Friday will be pleasant with highs near 84°F and plenty of sunshine. Saturday remains calm and warm with low humidity and breezy conditions. However, shower chances increase Sunday, especially in central and southern Kentucky, due to an incoming system. This rain may continue into Monday and Tuesday with scattered storms, easing by midweek. Temperatures will stay in the middle to upper 80s, with dry conditions returning by Thursday.
WLKY Meteorologist Matt Milosevich has the latest on a break from the heat and humidity, plus when rain chances return in the forecast.
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