Evan Leake

Rockford

Anchor and Reporter at WLEX-TV (Lexington, KY)

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Articles

Lexington man shares journey to raise brain cancer awareness

4 weeks ago | lex18.com | Evan Leake

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Ryan Simpson has had an eventful year, which is a massive understatement. The eager pilot in training was ready to earn his wings when the universe grounded him in a way no one could've saw coming. “I was sitting at my house and just randomly had a seizure out of nowhere. They said they found a mass in my brain, which was pretty scary," Simpson said.
Operation Ornaments supporting tornado victims

1 month ago | lex18.com | Evan Leake

SOMERSET, Ky. (LEX 18) — Margaret Simkins is a self-described Christmas hoarder, which made her the perfect candidate to join Operation Ornaments. "Some sew, some knit, some crochet. I take toilet paper rolls or I'll take a tin can and stomp it," Simkins said. Simkins joined the cause after seeing our first story on Operation Ornaments, the nonprofit dedicated to supporting communities impacted by natural disasters.
Community works to rebuild after Somerset church destroyed by storms

1 month ago | lex18.com | Evan Leake

SOMERSET, Ky. (LEX 18) — The road to recovery is a long one across our region after last week's deadly storms. It caused a lot of emotions for Pastor Doug Couch as the tornado missed his home in Monticello only for him to see his church eviscerated in Somerset. “It breaks your heart. The day I came into the church for the first time, I felt such a spirit of unease. You felt like the building was still moving.”Redeemer Lutheran Church is truly a shell of its former self.
Deep End Fitness helping Kentuckians reach new depths in the water

1 month ago | lex18.com | Evan Leake

VERSAILLES, Ky. (LEX 18) — Water is kind of a love hate thing. Some people thrive in it, while others are terrified of the thought of being wet. Regardless of experience, Deep End Fitness was established to make everyone more comfortable in the water. “Deep End Fitness is a water based functional fitness program. We use breath work and movement in the water to help build water confidence and mental strength," said instructor Sam English.
Bath County nonprofit preparing for annual summer camp

1 month ago | lex18.com | Evan Leake

BATH COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — While summer break is about to begin, not every school in our area will stay empty after the final bell rings. Crossroads Elementary is set to place to host to a tradition of fun for people with disabilities. The annual summer camp through Special Needs Camp of Kentucky. "During camp, we'll do arts and crafts. We also take field trips, stuff they don't get to do normally, Special Needs Camp of Kentucky president Katelyn Harvey said.
Centuries of history on tap at Sig Luscher Brewery

1 month ago | lex18.com | Evan Leake

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — The last seven years have been a whirlwind for Tim Luscher. Living in New York at the time, he flew into Kentucky to see a friend in a movie that ultimately never happened. Those busted plans led to an unexpected opportunity being born. "I met up with some friends and the story of the brewery got brought up. I made a statement that 'if these things happen, I'll reopen the brewery.' The next day, as it would happen, they did happen," Luscher said.
Archeologists help dig deeper into history of Henry Clay Estate

1 month ago | lex18.com | Evan Leake

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The pursuit of uncovering history is never ending. There is always more to uncover about the past and technology of today can help unearth our roots. Cultural Research Analysts is on the hunt for history everyday, using tools like a gradiometer. "It measures the Earth's kinetic field and any magnetic fields that are local. Anything that's in the ground may produce a magnetic field.
A year after historic Derby-Oaks double, trainer Kenny McPeek reflects on career milestone

1 month ago | lex18.com | Evan Leake

(LEX 18) — For trainer Kenny McPeek, the past year has been a whirlwind of celebrations and commemorations after achieving one of horse racing's rarest feats – winning both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks in the same year. "I don't know how many different memorabilia and bourbon bottles and prints and programs and things like that. It's a real honor. I think if that's the price I've got to pay for a historic achievement then that's fine," said McPeek.
Kentucky shop owner shares passion for Derby memorabilia with collectors worldwide

1 month ago | lex18.com | Evan Leake

(LEX 18) — A small shop in Mt. Washington, Kentucky, has become a destination for Kentucky Derby enthusiasts looking for memorabilia from racing's most famous event. "We're at Kentucky Derby & Sports Memorabilia located in Mt. Washington, Kentucky. Business is still going and running. We're thriving right now and having a good time," said Witt. Steve Witt started his store almost nine years ago, settling into his new Mount Washington location last year.
Behind the scenes: The data keepers of horse racing that track every move at Keeneland

1 month ago | lex18.com | Evan Leake

(LEX 18) — While spectators cheer from the grandstands at Keeneland, a crucial operation unfolds high above the track where chart callers meticulously document every moment of each race. Mitch Gerson and Matthew Metz serve as chart callers for Keeneland races, working for Equibase, the official data provider for the thoroughbred industry in North America. "The best way to explain it is we are the data keepers for the horse racing industry.