Leigh Searcy

Louisville

Reporter at WLEX-TV (Lexington, KY)

3x Regional Edward R Murrow & Emmy Winner

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Articles

Garrard County Distillery closure leaves woman seeking refund for birthday celebrations

6 days ago | lex18.com | Leigh Searcy

GARRARD COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Tammy Downey's plans for a family celebration have turned into a frustration that feels all too personal. In February, Downey paid a $500 rental fee for a July party at Garrard County Distilling Company for her parents' 75th birthdays. By mid-March, the distillery had shut its doors and furloughed its workers, leaving Downey scrambling for answers and a refund. "I'm angry about it," Downey said.
Breaking down how flock cameras work

1 week ago | lex18.com | Leigh Searcy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Flock cameras are proving to be a game-changer for local law enforcement agencies as they aid in tracking stolen vehicles and those tied to other crimes. In Scott County, the sheriff's department has found these cameras particularly helpful, and now there's a push to install specialized flock cameras along north and southbound I-75 at the Grant and Fayette County lines to capture pictures of license plates of speeding vehicles. Capt.
Frankfort flood victims face tough decisions ahead

1 week ago | lex18.com | Leigh Searcy

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Big Eddy Road in Frankfort is among the hardest-hit areas following recent flooding and a landslide. Three of Franklin County's six condemned homes are located on the road. Nat Reynolds, who moved to his home in 2020, finds himself in a difficult situation. Reynolds lives next to the three homes that have been condemned but remains cautiously optimistic about his own home's future.
Homes impacted by flooding and mudslides stuck in limbo

2 weeks ago | lex18.com | Leigh Searcy

WOODFORD COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — In early April, from the deck of a boat, LEX 18 witnessed firsthand the devastation that flooding brought to Clifton. The Kentucky River rose high enough to swallow homes up to their roofs, evoking memories of the Great Flood of 1978. Now, nearly a month later, uncertainty looms over those who've lived along the river for decades.
Victim of Bryan Station dean and coach speaks to LEX 18 after traffic dispute

2 weeks ago | lex18.com | Leigh Searcy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — LEX 18 is learning more about the reported gun incident that involved the dean of students at Brian Station High School, John "Jay" Bordas, after he was arraigned last week on a wanton endangerment charge. Court records show the charge stems from an incident that began at the intersection of Clearwater Way and Fiddlers Creek in February. A man reported he had to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting a driver who ran a stop sign as he approached the three-way stop first.
1 of Kentucky's largest medical marijuana facilities unveiled in Clark County

3 weeks ago | lex18.com | Leigh Searcy

WINCHESTER, Ky. (LEX 18) — A big day in Winchester as local and state officials unveiled one of Kentucky's largest medical marijuana facilities. Cresco Labs hosted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at its new site in Winchester, marking the beginning of a crucial venture in the state's burgeoning cannabis market. Currently a vast but empty 25,000-square-foot building, Cresco Labs' facility is set to grow into one of Kentucky's largest cannabis cultivation centers.
Fallen Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley honored with memorial highway

3 weeks ago | lex18.com | Leigh Searcy

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (LEX 18) — In front of a crowd of family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers, a permanent sign was unveiled to honor Deputy Caleb Conley on U.S. Highway 62, now designated as the Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley Memorial Highway. Conley died in the line of duty during a traffic stop in May of 2023. Jolene Conley, Caleb's mother, expressed the significance of this dedication. "This dedication of U.S. 62 is so appropriate for him," she said.
Franklin and Woodford Counties deal with landslides after flooding

4 weeks ago | lex18.com | Leigh Searcy

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — The aftermath of the April 2025 flood has left significant damage in Franklin and Woodford Counties, with landslides worsening the situation in several areas. In Franklin County, Judge Executive Michael Mueller reported that six homes have been condemned, three of which are located on Big Eddy Road along the Kentucky River. "They got what they could but now it's too dangerous - especially that home," Mueller said, referring to the house in the greatest peril.
Bryan Station dean of students and coach arraigned on wanton endangerment charge

4 weeks ago | lex18.com | Leigh Searcy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — John "Jay" Bordas works at Bryan Station High School as an assistant boys' basketball coach, head golf coach, and dean of students. Tuesday afternoon, he appeared in Fayette County District Court for an arraignment on a single charge of first degree wanton endangerment stemming from a February incident. Bordas' attorney entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. According to a criminal complaint summons, the incident happened during a traffic encounter on February 13.
Woodford County resident faces mudslide threats after April flood

1 month ago | lex18.com | Leigh Searcy

WOODFORD COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — As the community of Clifton grapples with the aftermath of the April flood of 2025, some people recall the devastating flood of 1978. Among them is Gary Wilson, a longtime Woodford County resident, who helped many of his friends during the historic flood. The flood of 2025 has been more destructive than its 1978 predecessor, Wilson said, largely due to the excessive mud.