12.13.25

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to the reading of the Courier Journal for Saturday,
December thirteenth, twenty twenty five, which is brought to our
Louisville listeners via Louisville Public Media. As a reminder, Radio
I is a reading service intended for people who are
blind or have other disabilities that make it difficult to
read printed material. Your reader for to day is Melody Ryan.
We'll start with the five day forecast brought to us

(00:22):
by w h a S local forecast. A little snow
this afternoon, accumulating up to an inch. Cold, rapidly worsening
travel conditions with low visibility and slippery roads. Temperatures falling
to near the record of to tonight with a little
snow accumulating up to an inch. Extreme cold can be dangerous.

(00:44):
Partly sunny Tomorrow. Extreme cold can be dangerous Monday, mostly Sunday.
Tuesday not as cold to day, high thirty three, remaining cloud,
cloudy and cold. Tonight, low seven, a little snow. Sunday cold,
low high eighteen, low one, periods of sun. Very cold.

(01:07):
Monday high thirty three, low twenty five, mostly sunny and cold.
Tuesday high forty four, low thirty eight, partly sunny, not
as cold. Wednesday high fifty two, low forty nine, considerable cloudiness.
Thursday high sixty one, low thirty four, cloudy, showers. Warm

(01:28):
from the Almanac, temperature high thirty four, temperature low twenty nine,
normal high forty eight, normal low thirty three, record high
seventy four in two thousand seven, record low minus three
in nineteen seventeen. Precipitation Thursday zero point one four inches month,
today zero point eight eight inches normal month to day

(01:51):
one point five one inches year to date fifty three
point one eight inches normal year to day forty five
point seven two inches. Air quality Friday moderate Today moderate,
sun and moon Saturday sunrise seven fifty one am, sunset

(02:11):
five twenty three pm, moonrise one fifty four am, moonset
one thirty three pm. Sunday sunrise seven fifty two am,
sunset five twenty four pm moonrise two fifty four am,
moonset one fifty five pm. The headlines from today's front

(02:33):
page are Indiana lawmakers vote down new map, snow Day,
and Heaven Hill at ninety A look back at the
Legacy Distiller. The first article from today's front page is
titled Indiana lawmakers vote down new map. Republican senators defy
pressure from Trump. By Katherine Palmer and Terry Collins USA. Today,

(02:58):
Indiana state lawmakers have rejected a proposed map that would
have created two new, heavily red leaning districts, a blow
to President Donald Trump's hotly contested redistricting campaign. The state
Senate on December eleven voted down a plan that would
have made Indiana join a half dozen other states that
passed new congressional maps ahead of the twenty twenty six midterms.

(03:20):
Trump was unable to convince enough Republican state senators to
approve the redistricting plan, even though the GOP holds a
supermajority in the chamber. In a rare setback for Trump's party,
twenty one Republicans voted against the bill, more than the
nineteen who voted for it, while all ten Democrats voted
against it. During a signing ceremony at the White House

(03:41):
hours later, Trump downplayed his defeat in Indiana. I wasn't
working on it very hard, Trump told reporters, adding that
he's won the state in the last three presidential elections.
It would have been nice. We would have picked up
two seats if we did win. The President then took
aim at Senate Leader Roderick Bray, one of the twenty
one Republicans who voted against the bill. He'll probably lose

(04:03):
his next primary whenever that is, Trump said, I hope
he does, because he's done a tremendous disservice. Indiana's redistricting
vote came amid much scrutiny for lawmakers, even deft threats,
as the map would have given Republicans gains nationally while
both parties engage in a multi state redistricting face off
to take control of the US House during Trump's final

(04:25):
two years in office. Friends, we're better than this, are
we not, said Republican state Senator Greg Good, who voted
against the bill. In response to threats, use your common
sense in my vote will reflect that common sense. Before
the vote, Republican state Senator Spencer Deary said he was
voting against the bill. Derry said he refused to be

(04:47):
bullied by the federal government and that his opposition was
not in contrast with his conservative principles, but in line
with them. It's time for patriots to stand by the constitution.
Deary said, it's time to say no to pressure. From Washington,
dar and the outsiders who are trying to run our state.
Democratic State Senator Lakeisha Jackson described the map as fragmentation

(05:08):
with consequences. The proposed new boundaries would have reshaped the
two districts currently held by Democrats, splitting Indianapolis into four districts.
What this map does is dilute the voices and divides us,
says Jackson, who then borrowed a quote from the Reverend
Martin Luther King Junior, the time is always right to
do the right thing. Eric Holder, chair of the National
Democratic Redistricting Committee, praised Indiana lawmaker's courage in a December

(05:32):
eleventh statement. Holders said the votes are a hopeful sign
and perhaps an indication that democracy could outweigh party loyalty
heading into the twenty twenty six midterms. As Washington Republicans
continue to fuel this national gerrymanderin crisis, their counterparts and
state capitals across the country should ask themselves, what would
Indiana do? Said Holder, the former attorney general under former

(05:54):
President Barack Obama, and the answer is stand up for
the people and tech democracy. The vote wasn't as close
as expected and took only minutes to conclude amid shouting
from protesters in the gallery. Republican state Senator Liz Brown,
who supported the redistricting, said not passing the map would
limit the interest of Republicans in Indiana, whos your voices

(06:17):
are going to be harder to hear. Brown said, without this,
they're going to be silenced because there will be no
conservative voices in Washington. The few from this state will
be yelled and screamed abt, not unlike some in our gallery,
by the Democrats controlling our Congress. Meanwhile, many Republican state
senators opposed the redistricting, and including Bray, the state Senate leader.

(06:39):
In turn, Trump has threatened to pull support for Bray
and endorse primary challengers to take his seat. Anybody that
votes against redistricting and the success of the Republican Party
in DC will be I'm sure met with a MAGA
primary in the spring, Trump said in a December tenth
social media post. A day later, the President reiterated that
threat to reporters, mentioning by name during assigning ceremony at

(07:02):
the White House. I'm sure whenever his primary is it
in two years, I'm sure he'll go down. Trump's out
of Bray, who will be up for re election in
twenty twenty six. I certainly will support somebody who wants
to go against him. Trump united the nationwide redistricting battle
during the summer when he convinced Texas Republicans they urgently
needed to draw a new congressional map, even though there

(07:23):
was no new census state of prompting such a move.
California voters then overwhelmingly approved a move to redraw their maps,
billing the measure as a means of negating Texas's gains
by adding five Democratic leaning districts. Other states controlled by
Republicans and Democrats have also reiterated initiated recent redistricting efforts.

(07:44):
Before he voted in support of Indiana's redistrict map, Republican
state Senator Chris Garton gave an impassioned speech and pointed
to other states where Democrats control every district. We're here
to be agents of American greatness, Urdan said, by passing
the spill, we are ampulel finding the Hoosier voice system
that is saving this country. Garton added, the White House

(08:05):
has made the call in its time for Indiana to answer,
but Indiana didn't respond to Trump's plea, as the current
Republican majority remains razor thin in the US House, the
key to one party's control for Trump's last two years
in office. To date, six states have redrawn their maps
that determine congressional district boundaries. The shifting lines bunching votes

(08:25):
together in different ways that are meant to favor one
or the other party in the US House. The next
article on today's front page is titled snow Day City
Preparing as more snow, bitterly cold temps expected for weekend
by Lillian Mertzmyr and Carolyn Neil. Louisville residents will face
frigid temperatures and the potential for additional snowfall after an

(08:47):
overnight winter weather system covered the city with snow December twelve.
More than four point five inches of snow was recorded
at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, according to official
readings from the National Weather Service in Louisville, though some
areas in the metro saw both higher and lower amounts.
On either side of Interstate sixty four, several local school

(09:10):
districts operated on a delayed or remote schedule for the day,
including Jefferson County Public schools, Oldham County Schools, and Clarksville
Community Schools. In WS meteorologist Brian Newdorff said another winter
weather system is expected to move through the area December thirteen,
following a similar pattern to the December eleven twelve system.

(09:31):
The forecast shows a chance of one to three inches
of additional snow, with higher amounts possible for areas north
of Interstate sixty four. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly
in the following days, according to recent forecasts from the NWS.
According to the NWS Forecast Pope Points Tool, temperatures will
dip into the teens December fourteen. Single digit temperatures are

(09:54):
possible going into December fifteen, with highest in the teens
and windhills at or below ze zero. According to recent forecast.
Nordos said December fifteen temperatures will be some of the
coldest air or the area has seen so far this season,
adding residents might want to start checking their pipes to
see if they're frozen and keep a coat in their
car in case of emergencies. The Metro Snow Team is

(10:16):
working to clear roads and get Louisville ready for additional snowfall.
Greenberg said during a December twelfth news conference. You will
continue to see trucks out on the road, continuing to
treat the road as deemed necessary, whether it's additional salt
or what have you. Greenberg said, the predictions are that
the next line of weather could be anywhere from one
to three inches on top of the four in some

(10:37):
cases more than that inches that we had overnight. Louisville
Metro public Works Executive Director Wes Snyders said the team
started the season with around thirty two thousand tons of salt.
After three snow events, around seven thousand tons have been used.
We're going to do some work once the weather warms
up today after this initial event to replenish the domes

(10:58):
from our storage facility. Snyder said, that's something that we're
keeping an eye on in terms of the salt supply.
Were in good shape there after the weekend snow events.
Snyder said the department will look at potential damage to
roadways caused by the salt. I think one of the
benefits that we're seeing with the brining and the enhanced
focus on brining is that it potentially reduces the amount

(11:20):
of salt you have to apply because it is pre treated.
Snyder said drivers should also take precautions as there could
be some slick spots on the road, he said. The
next article in today's edition is titled heaven Hill at ninety,
a look back at the legacy distiller by Olivia Evans.

(11:40):
On a December day in Bardstown in nineteen thirty five,
five brothers filled their first barrel with bourbon, laying the
foundation for the Spirit's empire known as Heaven Hill. While
the Shapira brothers weren't at the time acclaimed spirits makers,
they were astute businessman with an appetite to take the
post Prohibition world by storm. As the company celebrates its

(12:01):
ninetieth anniversary this month, Heaven Hill has weathered industry highs
and lows, a massive destructive fire, the global burden boom,
and company leadership transitions, all while maintaining its commitment to
award winning products. Today, Heaven Hill is known worldwide for
its vast American whiskey collection, including Evan Williams and Elijah

(12:21):
Craig Dee Betty Vodka, and its tequila portfolio of Lunazoul
Tequila and Tequila Ocho. With Alan Latts, Co, President of
Heaven Hill, noting the distiller sells almost as much tequila
as it does bourbon. There are very few public or
family owned companies that last into the third generation or

(12:41):
last ninety years, Lats told The Courier Journal ahead of
this distiller's ninetieth anniversary. But what, we're just getting started,
and there's so much more app opportunity. Heaven Hill co
president Kate Lotts said the company stays abreast of consumer
wants for spirits products, noting the consumer in n nineteen
thirty nine, when the first heaven Hill products were ready

(13:03):
for consumption, is vastly different than who is in the
market in twenty twenty five. In those first thirty five years,
we really pretty exclusively focused on bourbon and American whiskeys,
Kate Latts said, Now consumers are not just being a
bourbon drinker, not just being a VIKA drinker, but drinking
across the spectrum of products. Even so, the company is

(13:24):
still making strides in the bourbon world, seeing success with
its Elijah Craig Mulligan, the official PGA Championship drink, and
winning a slew of accolades, including Elijah Crag Barrelproof rye
being named the Whiskey of the Year by Whiskey Advocate.
What we do is about enhancing the enjoyment of life
for consumers around the world and lifting the human spirit,

(13:47):
and we do that through our amazing portfolio of distilled
spirits products kate Let's set. We continue to grow our portfolio,
we continue to increase our capabilities, and all of this
has brought us to being one of the leading companies
in the distilled spirits industry. And while heaven Hill has
a firm grasp on the market today, that hasn't always
been the case in its nine decades. In nineteen forty two,

(14:10):
business operations were paused during World War II. Then in
nineteen ninety six, heaven Hill experienced a catastrophic fire at
its Bardstown distillery that destroyed roughly ninety thousand barrels of
product and temporarily ended the company's distilling operations in its hometown.
In twenty twenty one, some four hundred and twenty workers

(14:31):
at heaven Hill walked out on a strike that last
four weeks, but through it all the company persisted. In
nineteen seventy, Max Shapira joined the company, moving it into
the second generation of family leadership and bringing new ideas
and innovation. Most recently, in twenty twenty two, Kate and
Allan Latt's third generation of the founders, were named co

(14:52):
presidents of heaven Hill as Shapiro transitioned to executive chairmen,
and while Kate Latts initially expressed doubts on if she
wanted or should be the next president of the family
owned company, Shapiro said he never had any hesitation with
naming Kate and Alan Latts as co president because he
knew their years of experience at Procter and Gamble working
in consumer packaged goods, coupled with their professional skill set

(15:15):
would usher in a new era of success. The biggest
thing that I've ever done was to have these two
come back to the company and have that desire to
carry on the family business into our now third generation,
Shapiro said. Alan Latts, who now who met his now
wife and Shapira's daughter, Kate Ladds and undergrad at Duke University,
said part of what has given heaven Hill It's decades

(15:38):
long edge in the industry is that the distiller has
been a craft company for ninety years. Right after prohibition
ended in nineteen thirty three, Tons of people like the
Shapira brothers started hopping into the whiskey business, similar to
the rich surgeons seen with Bourbon boom in the mid
two thousands, and as the myriads of a small startup

(15:58):
whisky company. T Shapiro said the passion and business management
of heaven Hill helped set it apart from the others.
The skill in artistry that goes into the making of
all our products, but especially our American whiskies, is the
number one job for us, Alan Latts said. The year
long celebration leading up to heaven Hill's ninetieth anniversary also

(16:19):
brought with it the September grand opening of the two
than two hundred million dollar heaven Hill Springs Distillery, returning
the distiller to Bardstown after nearly thirty years. The company
also opened its new flagship corporate offices in Louisville in July.
We're much more than a bourbon company company, but bourbon

(16:39):
is at the heart and soul in the roots of
where we came from, Alan Latts said. What's next for
heaven Hill. The second and third generation of heaven Hill
leaders are excited about the next ninety years of building
their company. We've been through a whole lot over ninety years,
sometimes good, sometimes not so good, but by and large,
we've got this great platform on which to build for

(17:00):
the future, and we see a whole lot of opportunities,
Shapiro sat. For Shapiro, the most important thing heaven Hill
can do as the spirit's market continues to face challenges
stemming from global trade and the consumer trend of drinking less,
is to focus on what has been the foundation of
the company for years. Its position is a thriving, independent,
family owned and led company. I don't know that we

(17:23):
ever refer to the roughly one three hundred people that
are part of our company as employees. We really call
those one thy three hundred people part of the extended
heaven Hill family, Shapiro said. That's a really big piece
of what we do and how we do it. Without
our people, we would not have been where we are today,
without any question. Looking ahead to the fourth generation, it

(17:47):
remains to be seen if the lot's two children will
join the company full time. While both ages twenty two
and twenty five are currently pursuing different careers after graduating college,
the two still help out with heaven Hill accounts. Kate
Latts said sharing proudly that her son recently helped Ta
Kila o Cho land at a bar in New York.

(18:07):
All three heaven Hill leaders agree that the future of
the company is oriented on propelling its core brands like
Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Deep Eddy Vodka. Additionally, the
trio said consumers should expect new innovative products to hit
the market place and be on the lookout as heaven
Hill expands its international presence. We have great brands that

(18:28):
have good momentum in the market place, Shapiro said. We'll
look forward to continuing to invest in our businesses both domestically,
certainly in Bardstown, and we look toward the international markets
to be a focus of some opportunity as well. And
in much the same way the five Shapira brothers who
filed a single bourbon barrel, filled a single bourbon barrel,

(18:50):
started an empire that's still standing ninety years later. Today's
leaders at heaven Hill have their sights set beyond the
immediate future. It's like planting a tree, Allen Latts said,
We're not going to necessarily benefit from all the shade
that this new tree that we're planting today will provide,
but we know that future heaven Hill will thrive and

(19:11):
benefit from what we're doing. The next article in today's
edition is titled House Panel Democrats release Epstein photos showing
Trump Clinton. See some of the newly released images of
the high profile people in Jeffrey Epstein's emails at USAToday
dot Com by Bart Jansen, Sarah d Weyer, and Zachary

(19:33):
Schulmer USA Today. House Democrats received another trove of ninety
five thousand pictures from accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein's estate
and release nineteen images December twelve that show Presidents Donald
Trump and Bill Clinton, and other high profile figures. It
was not immediately clear why Democrats on the House Oversight

(19:54):
Committee chose to release these, particularly particular nineteen photos, which
included images of sex toys and separately snapshots of various
VIPs whose past association with Epstein were already widely known.
The photos were provided without any captions identifying or providing
the occasions, dates, locations, or contacts to the famous people

(20:15):
shown in them. One picture shows Trump, who had a
long friendship with Epstein in the nineties and early two thousands,
posing for a photo with women whose faces are blacked out.
He has seen chatting or sitting next to women in
various pictures. One portrays assigned for a Trump condom. Trump
has not been accused of wrongdoing in the Epstein investigation.

(20:38):
He has consistently denied knowing about the late financiers abuse
and sex trafficking of underage girls, and said he broke
off ties before Epstein pleaded guilty to prostitution charges. Other
images show Clinton below an autograph director Woody Allen, Microsoft
co founder Bill Gates, and Andrew Boughton Windsor, the former

(21:02):
British Prince who was recently stripped of his title by
his brother, King Charles I. I. Allan is shown in
one image talking to former Trump advisor Steve Bannon. Allen's
name appeared in Epstein's emails previously released by the Republican
majority on the houseover Site Committee. He is mentioned in
emails between Epstein and Boris Nillock, a biotech venture capitalist,

(21:24):
and Peter Thiel, the co founder of PayPal. Numerous public
figures connected to Epstein have been again tainted by the
association this year, as more information about their communication with
Epstein has surfaced. The photo release is the latest push
by Democrats to encourage the Justice Department to release all
of its files on Epstein's criminal investigation. Congress has set

(21:47):
a December nineteen deadline for the release. Under legislation Trump
first opposed and later signed, three federal judges have allowed
the release of grand jury transcripts and other evidence from
investigations of Epstein and his aide, Gison Maxwell. All we
want is full transparency, said House Minority Leader Hakim Jeffrey's
Democrat New York. The next article from today's edition is

(22:10):
titled Aubryo Garcia Released from detention facility by Michael Collins
and Natalie Nesa alund Usa Today. In a whiplash series
of events, federal judge on December twelfth blocked an effort
to have Kilmar Abrago Garcia returned to custody a day
after his release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention. On

(22:34):
December eleventh, District Judge PAULA Zence ordered the immediate release
of Abrago Garcia, the Salvadorian migrant at the center of
a case that has spotlighted President Donald Trump's hardline immigration policies.
Zence said the Trump administration had no legal basis to
expel him from the country and misled her at a
November hearing. Abrego Garcia left the detention facility in Pennsylvania

(22:59):
at four five pm Eastern Time December eleventh, set his attorney,
Simon Sandeval Mosemburg, he was en route to his family
in Maryland. However, an immigration judge then filed a new
order saying Abrego Garcia must report back to ICE custody
by eight a m December twelve. Garcia's lawyers asked the

(23:21):
judge to issue a temporary restraining order to block the
new detention order. Zince did so, preventing immigration authorities from
redetaining Abrego Garcia. It was the latest turn in a
labyrinthine series of events for Abrego Garcia, a sheet metal
worker who entered the United States illegally in twenty twelve.
He was living with his wife and three children in Beltsville, Maryland,

(23:43):
when he was detained by ICE agents on March fifteen.
Arbrego Garcia was deported, even though an earlier order prevented
him from being returned to his home country. In Al Salvador,
he was held in a notoriously violent prison, where he
said he endured severe meetings in psychological torture. The Justice
Department blamed its deportation on an administrative error, but insisted

(24:06):
he was a member of the MS thirteen gang, which
he has denied in her December eleven orders, and said
it is troubling that the Justice Department continued to hold
a Brigo Garcia in custody for months on the grounds
that it was going to expel him to another country
without taking any steps to actually remove him from the
United States. Sandoval Mozenburg celebrated the release order, saying we

(24:29):
remain hopeful that this marks a turning point for mister
Abrigo Garcia, who has endured more than anyone should ever
have to. The Trump administration pushed back strongly. Tricia McLaughlin,
spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, called the ruling
naked judicial activism by an Obama appointed judge. This order

(24:50):
lacks any valid legal basis, and we will continue to
fight this tooth and nail in the courts, she said.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt also slammed the judge's decision.
Abrado Garcia is a proven human trafficker. He is a
proven gang member, She said. The next article in today's

(25:11):
edition is titled action sought on coach allegations. Speaker say
school district putting students at risk by Lillian Metzmeyer. Several
community members demanded answers and action during a special meeting
of the Shelby County Public Schools Board December eleventh, as
district administrators continued to investigate allegations of inappropriate behavior by

(25:34):
Collins High School boys basketball coach Chris Gaither. The meeting
took place roughly a week after former s CPS student
Hailey Murphy Weddell delivered a letter to the district December
four alleging she was groomed by Gaither. According to previous
reporting by The Courier Journal, Gaither is currently suspended with

(25:55):
pay and under investigation for the second time this season.
During the meeting, multiple people who signed up to speak
gave their minutes to other speakers who said they were
victims of district teachers. One of the speakers, Laura Willis Kopelman,
who published a public letter detailing her experience as a
student in the district in twenty nineteen, said it was
clear that there was still an active risk inside Shelby

(26:17):
County Schools Our district has a documented pattern of failing
to respond to allegations and allowing predators to exploit loopholes.
For years, complaints have gone unanswered, and we all know
a pattern where a teacher begins a relationship with a
child mere days after graduation. She said, let me be clear,
that's not a loophole. It's a systemic failure that places

(26:38):
students at ongoing risk. It's a form of deliberate indifference
under the law. Willis Copenland said trauma informed training should
be mandated for each educator in the system so they
can recognize grooming and intervene before She also asked the
board to commission an independent investigation on how past and

(26:59):
recent allegation have been handled, which drew applause from the crowd.
Hannah Ross, a current Bully Bullet County principal, also spoke
about her experience in the district, saying that she was
also abused by a former Shelby County School's teacher who
married her as soon as she turned eighteen. Now, as
an adult woman and a mother and a school administrator myself,

(27:20):
I knew the community saw what was going on and
they knew it was wrong. I know that any of
the players that were involved would have protected their own
child if it had happened to them. Ross said, I
know that every adult in my situation chose to shield
a colleague, a family member, a friend, a reputation, and
employee over a child that they were tasked to protect.

(27:42):
Many audience members expressed anger when the board attempted to
move to other agenda items and asked questions about why
Gaither was reinstated. Shelby County Schools Superintendent Joshua Matthews reiterated
that the situation is being handled as a personnel issue,
and both he and the board are limited in what
they can say. Pupa respectfully. You keep saying this is

(28:03):
a personnel issue. This is a family issue, said Ryan Weddell.
Hailey Murphy, Weddell's husband. I thought this was a great
community until I found out about her story before we
got married. You have terrible people within your school system.
According to a December eleven agenda, board members were scheduled
to conduct a closed session to discuss personnel disciplinary actions

(28:24):
and meet regarding Matthew's formative evaluation, but it was unclear
if the disciplinary actions were in regards to gather. The
next article in today's edition is titled Mom's trial and
death of son to be in Louisville. Jurisdiction moved in
murder case by Lillian Metzmyer. Jefferson County grand jury returned

(28:46):
an indictment December eighth against de John Anderson, the woman
accused of killing her five year old son and leaving
him in a suitcase in southern Indiana. In twenty twenty two,
moving the case to Louisville, Jefferson County District Courts records
show Anderson, forty, of Atlanta, is facing charges of murder, manslaughter,

(29:06):
criminal abuse involving a child twelve or younger, in abuse
of a corpse. Her cash bond is said at five
hundred thousand dollars. In a December ninth Facebook post, Washington
County Prosecutor Tara Hunt announced she had made the complex
and difficult decision to request the Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney
to review the investigation into the murder of Cairo Jordan.

(29:30):
Although Washington County has been fully prepared to prosecute this case,
shifting jurisdiction ensures the strongest legal foundation and prevents any
future of ruling from overturning a conviction due to a technicality.
Hunt Road in the post. In twenty twenty two, a
mushroom hunter found the body of five year old Jordan
near a roadway in a heavily wooded area and the

(29:53):
seven thousand block of East Holder Road in Washington County,
twenty five miles northwest of Louisville. According to previous reporting
by The Courier Journal, Indiana State Police led the initial investigation,
arresting Anderson in connection with her sons killing. In twenty
twenty four, Don Coleman, a friend of Anderson, was sentenced
to thirty years in prison after pleading guilty to the

(30:15):
charge of conspiracy to commit murder in twenty twenty three.
The prosecution will now be directed by the Commonwealth's Attorney
Jerina Weathers and her office Hanset. Anderson's next court appearance
is scheduled for December fifteen. Now it is time to
read the obituaries. We read only the name, age, and location.

(30:36):
If you would like further information on any of the obituaries,
please call us during the weekdays at eight five, nine, four, two, two, six,
three nine zero, and we will be glad to read
the entire obituary for you. I will repeat that number
at the end of the listings. Robert Kerzinger seventy five, Louisville, Kentucky.

(30:56):
If you would like further information about any of the
listings today, call us on weekdays at eight five nine
for two two six, three nine zero, and we will
be glad to read the entire item to you. The
next article in today's edition is titled Old Time Holiday Magic.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill offers Historical Christmas by Lillian Metzmeyer.

(31:21):
Looking to combine some history with the holidays. At Shaker
Village of Pleasant Hill, visitors can learn the history of
Kentucky Shakers from the seventeen hundreds to the nineteen hundreds
while sipping on a warm hot chocolate. The Mercer County
Designation Destination is home to the county's country's largest private
collection of original nineteenth century buildings and is the largest

(31:42):
National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. According to its website, a
once historical village turned non profit landmark destination, Shaker Village
of Pleasant Hill has plenty to offer, including its thirty
four historic Shaker structures, thirty six miles of trails, a restaurant,
and an inn. The fun continues during the holidays with
Christmas decorations and themed activities throughout the village. It's a

(32:06):
really magical time here, Shaker Village Chief marketing Officer Shelby
Jones set. We have white lights strung on all the
fence rows, our lamp posts have holiday greenery swags. Shaker
Village's main holiday events include its Christmas by Candlelight and
illuminated evenings. All ages are welcome, as well as dogs,

(32:27):
provided they stay on a leege at all times, Jones said.
At Christmas by Candlelight, visitors are invited on a candlelit
tour through Shaker Village's historic buildings, festively decorated for the holidays.
While exploring the village, guests can also learn about the
Shaker's practices and beliefs, as well as the history of
Christmas in America while holding a candle lit lantern. Guests

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can participate in Shaker Village's walking tour December nineteen, twenty
one and twenty six through twenty eight, with an option
of five PM or seven five thirty PM or seven
thirty tours. General admission is fifteen dollars with an additional
five dollars fee for ticket issuance. Tickets are ten dollars
for annual passholders. Families can register for tickets online. At

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illuminated evenings, visitors can enjoy the village's holiday decoration. On
select Saturdays, guests can create a unique holiday craft at
the elf shop, stop by the hot chocolate station before
sitting by the bonfire, or hop on the jingle Bells Shuttle,
an educational tractor ride around Shaker Village. A variety of
area musicians will perform holiday favorites in the nineteen eighteen

(33:37):
twenty Shaker Meeting House. Jones said, that's the same building
where the Shakers worshiped and danced and sang. She said
it's a very special building and the acoustics in there
are pretty amazing, so any musical performances really shine in there.
Shaker Village also added a Gingerbread contest in twenty twenty
five to include more fun offerings for the community. Jones

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said guests can view the houses on display in the
Center Family Dwelling until December twenty and have a chance
to vote for their favorite. Winners will be announced December
twenty second dates for the twenty twenty five illuminated evenings
are December thirteenth and twentieth, from four to eight pm.
Tickets are eight dollars for visitors ages three and up.

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Annual pass holders in ages under two gain free admission.
Tickets are not available to purchase online and events, but
Jones said walks up tickets where the event never sell out.
A full calendar of events is available on the Shaker
Village of Pleasant Hill website, including a special three course
holiday lunch and a children's tea time with missus Claws.

(34:40):
Where is Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Shaker Village of
Pleasant Hill is at three five zero one Lexington Road
in Harrisburg, about an hour and a half drive from Louisville.
Visitors are welcome to stay overnight in one of the
villages seventy two on side hotel rooms. When is Christmas
at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Christmas by Candlelight towour
twe Tickets are available for December nineteen, twenty one, and

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twenty six through twenty eight for five thirty pm or
seven thirty pm. Shaker Village's twenty twenty five illuminated evenings
will be from four to eight pm. December thirteen and twenty.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is open year round from
ten am to five pm Tuesday through Sunday. The venue
is closed December twenty four and twenty five. The next

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article in today's edition is titled Kroger to build new
distribution center, add four hundred thirty jobs in Franklin by
Lillian Metzmeyer. Kroger announced plans to build a three hundred
ninety one million dollars distribution center in Simpson County, according
to a December eleven news release from Governor Andy Basher's office.

(35:45):
According to the release, the new distribution center in Franklin
would bring around four hundred thirty full time jobs to Kentucky.
The Cincinnati headquartered grocer currently operates more than one hundred
locations across the Commonwealth. Company may manufacturing and distribution facilities
and a regional headquarters in Louisville. I want to thank
leaders at Kroger not only for this announcement of a

(36:08):
new potential distribution center in Simpson County, but also for
their continued commitment to the Commonwealth over many years, Basheer's
said in the release. Simpson County Judge Executive may Send
Barnes and Franklin Mayor Larry Dixon both expressed excitement over
the project and strengthening the local economy and the release.
It's really great to have a corporate partner like Kroger

(36:29):
choosing to locate in our community, Barnes said. Basheer has
announced a number of private sector expansion projects throughout his
time in office, and has obtained a total of forty
four billion dollars in announced investments, the highest investment figure
secured jing the tenure of any governor in the Commonwealth's history,
and twenty billion dollars more than the next highest total,

(36:51):
according to the release. Other large economic development projects Basher
recently announced included Toyota's one point three billion dollar investment
in Scott County and Ford Motor Company's two billion dollar
commitment in Louisville. According to the release, the Kentucky Economic
Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved a fifteen year incentive agreement

(37:11):
with Kroger December eleven under the Kentucky Business Investment Program,
which can provide up to twelve million dollars in tax incentives.
K e DFA also approved the company for up to
one million dollars in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise
Initiative Act. The Act allows approved companies to receive refunds
for Kentucky sales tax and use tax on various construction

(37:36):
costs or equipment used in development and research. The next
article in today's edition is titled analysis Trump unveils new
sanctions on Venezuela. Why is US hardening stance against nation?
By Catherine Palmer USA. Today, President Donald Trump is continuing
to ratchet up pressure on Venezuela after United States military

(37:57):
forces seized an oil tanker off the south of the
American country's coast and unveil new sanctions on it. The
December ten seizures the latest escalation and a standoff between
the American president and Venezuelan President Nicholas MADUROL. Trump has
been vocal about his desire for the Venezuelan president to
step down and has accused Maduro's government of drug trafficking

(38:19):
and terrorism. The administration plans to transport the tanker to
a US port and claim the oil it's carrying. The
White House set largest one ever seized. Actually, and other
things are happening. The President said, I assume we're going
to keep the oil from the ship. He added. Later,
White House Press Secretary Caroline Lovett told reporters during a
December eleven news conference the oil tanker is currently under

(38:42):
a forfeiture process. US officials are aboard the vessel, interviewing
crew members and seizing evidence. She added, there is a
legal process for the seizure of that oil, and that
legal process will be followed, Levett set Lovett said the
oil tanker seizure was an example of Trump delivering on
his campaign promised to stop the flow of illicit drugs
into the country. The Press secretary also said the Department

(39:06):
of Justice obtained a warrant to seize the vessel that's
part of Iran's shadow fleet, known for carrying black market
sanctioned oil to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Attorney General
Pam Bondi confirmed on December ten that the tanker was
used to take sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. The
Venezuelan government has called Trump's position a colonialist threat, and

(39:29):
in response to the tanker seizure, accused the United States
of blatant theft ruders reported officials have also described the
seizure as an act of international piracy and said it
would denounce the incident before international bodies. The Trump administration
also ramped up sanctions on the country, according to multiple

(39:49):
media reports on December eleven, including on three of Maduro's
nephews and several other tankers that help export the country's
ample oil supply. Three people with knowledge of the ma
told USA Today the cargo on board was owned by
a businessman with ties to Maduro, and the boat was
bound for Cuba. Venezuela is an oil rich country whose

(40:09):
economy has collapsed in recent years, promoting widespread poverty and violence.
The country faces international scrutiny for alleged corruption and oppressive
crackdowns by the ruling government. Maduro was the handpicked successor
of former socialist leader Hugo Chavez. Maduro's United Socialist Party,
widely considered a left wing dictatorship, has held elections considered undemocratic.

(40:36):
After the country's twenty twenty four elections, international observers and
Venezuelan opposition leaders said Maduro has soundly lost he has
remained in power. TROMP has accused Maduro of being a
drug trafficker, sending fentanel that has contributed to the American
opioid crisis, and blaming the country for a wave of immigration.
Over the past several months, the administration has amplified its

(40:58):
hardened stance towards the South America nation, including deploying a
major military build up near its coast. In August, the
United States doubled the reward for information leading to the
capture of Maduro to an unprecedented fifty million dollars. The
United States says he is linked to drug trafficking and

(41:19):
criminal groups. In November, the State Department designated Maduro and
other high ranking government officials as part of a foreign
terrorist organization, Cartel de los Soles. Experts have told USA
Today that Cortel de los Soles is a loose network
of corruption and not a real drug trafficking organization. The

(41:39):
Venezuelan president has denied having any links to the illegal
drug trade. The Department of Justice indicted Maduro another top
Venezuelan officials on drug trafficking and corruption charges in twenty twenty.
The oil tank seizure comes as the US has built
up military forces around Venezuela for months and carried out
repeated strikes on both in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern

(42:01):
Pacific Ocean. Since September, the administration is known to have
carried out strikes on nearly two dozen boats in international waters,
including in the Caribbean, that killed eighty three people. The
administration claims the hits have targeted suspected drug smuggling boats
from Venezuela and is meant to deter drug and human traffickers.
While critics have called the strikes illegal and said they

(42:23):
amount to extradicial assassinations, the Venezuelan government has repeatedly claimed
Trump's actions are intended to gain access to the country's
lucrative oil and gas reserves. Venezuela has the world's largest
share of crude oil reserves by country. According to the
data from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, it

(42:43):
exported more than nine hundred thousand barrels of oil per
day in November, Reuters reported its main buyer is China.
The next article in today's addition is titled sunscreens in
US could soon get new ingredient by Mary wall Oldridge USA. Today,
America is catching up to worldwide trends for sun protection.

(43:06):
The Food and Drug Administration announced a proposal on December
eleven to allow the addition of biomotronazol to sunscreen, an
ingredient that has been popular in other countries for decades.
Biomotronasol offers more stable, long lasting protection against both types
of ultraviolet rays that damage the skin. It has the

(43:28):
added benefit of being gentle enough for use on young children.
The FDA announcements said it could become available in time
for next summer. The agency has historically moved too slowly
in this area, leaving Americans with fewer options than consumers abroad.
FDA Commissioner Marty Macari said in a press statement, We're

(43:48):
continuing to modernize the regulation of sunscreen and another over
the counter drug products. Americans deserve timely access to the best, safe, effective,
and consumer friendly over the counter products available. Bomotridnossol or
b E m T is a chemical compound that absorbs
both UVB and UVA rays. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation

(44:11):
that things sunscreens are designed to protect against. Names like
UVB and UVA distinguish between the different kinds of rays
that make up radiation. According to the University of Texas
MD Anderson Cancer Center. As far as our skin, the
difference between the two isn't huge. Tanning and burns happen
faster with UVA than UVB. UVB can be filtered by

(44:35):
barriers such as windows and clouds. Sun block works to
block both in two differing ways, putting a physical barrier
between your skin and the sun with minerals or by
using a chemical that absorbs rays before they can reach you.
B e Mt is one of the latter that concludes
readings from the first section of the Courier Journal. For

(44:57):
today will continue reading from the scene section. The first
article in that section is titled Just in Time for
Christmas Ten Bourbons Whiskeys to Try this Month by G. G. Reid,
Louisville Courier Journal. Christmas is almost here, and if you're
looking for an idea, a new bourbon makes a great gift.
There are numerous new expressions to look forward to this month,

(45:20):
including the twenty twenty five casks Strength release from Caslinky Distillery,
a new flagship portfolio from Copper and Kings, a twenty
year Kentucky Straight bourbon from Mitchedu Distillery, and more. Here's
what to know about the ten new bourbon releases this month,
Blade and Bau released thirty year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

(45:43):
Blade and Bau has released its thirty year old Kentucky
Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the oldest ever released by the brand.
First laid to rest in the spring of nineteen ninety three,
The hand selected expression is a blend of liquid pulled
from forty two barrels bottled at fifty four four point
five percent ABV. My vision for this thirty year old

(46:04):
project was to create a bourbon that captured decades of time, complexity,
and nuance, something that would stand as a milestone in
Blade and Bow's portfolio. Nicole Austen, Diago's director of American
Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities, said in a news release.
Each barrel was assessed individually to determine whether it was
suitable for blending or strong enough to stand alone. The

(46:27):
expectation of a bourbon of this age is often that
it will be overroped, harsh, or simple, but what I
discovered was truly surprising. Many barrels revealed incredible depth, rich
vanilla and layered fruit character, opening with bright, inviting aromas
of zesty lemon and fresh raspberry, mingling with warm ginger
and cinnamon. The bourbon evolves to reveal rich notes of fig,

(46:50):
burnt sugar and molasses. The release states of the expression.
Blade and Bow's thirty year Old is available nationwide and
in the visa center at Stitzel with Weller Distillery three
eight six to zero Fitzgerald Road, including individual pores priced
at two hundred twenty five dollars at the Garden and
Gun Club. Each tasting will be presented on a custom

(47:14):
gold tray and includes a premium glassware and keepsake items
in a refined bag. Blade and Bow thirty year Old
will carry a suggested retail price of one two hundred
dollars per seven hundred and fifty militer bottle, though prices
are subject to change and may vary. Castle and Key
Distillery launches two new expressions. Castle and Key Distillery has

(47:38):
two new releases to celebrate Castle and Key Weeded Bourbon
cask Strength, the latest edition of the Distillery's Waders with
an additional two years of aging, and Castle and Key
straight Rye finished in extra old Haitian rom tasks, part
of the new Experimental series Bottling Our weeded bourbons are

(47:58):
a reflection of patients, precision and the evolving character of
our brands. Brett Conner's master distiller at Castle and Key
said in a news release, the twenty twenty five edition
showcases the richness and depth of our weeded mash bill
and is a reimagining of our flagship bourbon. It brings
forward deep notes of oatmeal, raisin, cookie, baked peach, lilac,

(48:20):
soft cinnamon, and a finish that speaks to the quality
of our aging program. This was crafted are our castle
to enjoy at yours. Connors went on to say that
the experimental series offers the chance to test new boundaries
with unique barrel finishes, blends and mash bills. These are
rare by design, and only one thy eight hundred cases

(48:42):
were produced of the straight rye finished in extra old
Haitian rum cask Castle and Key. We did bourbon cask
strength as a suggested retail value of fifty nine dollars
ninety nine cents to sixty four dollars ninety nine cents,
and Castle and Key straight Rye finished in an extra
old Haitian rom caasts has a suggested retail of sixty

(49:04):
four dollars ninety nine cents two sixty nine dollars ninety
nine cents. Both expressions are available at castlinkey dot com
and at the distillery shop. Four four four five Mccrackenpike, Frankfurt.
Cooper and King's unveils new flagship portfolio. Copper and King's
American Brandy Company, part of bird On Spirits Company, has

(49:26):
unveiled its new flagship portfolio, three spirits that redefine the
American brandy category while honoring the brand's rebellious Louisville roots.
The new lineup represents the next chapter for Copper and King's.
The core portfolio. Six year Grape Brandy, a refined expression,
aged six years and bottled at eighty six proof, smooth, complex,

(49:49):
and distinctly American. Nineteen dollars ninety nine cents. Six year
Apple Brandy bottled in Bond, a bold and honest spirit
crafted under the strict standards of the Bottle in Bond Act,
offering robust apple character and deep authenticity. Twenty four dollars
ninety nine cents. Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a masterful blend of

(50:09):
straight bourbons, aged five to fifteen plus years, finished for
up to three years in brandy barrels. This innovative crossover
bridges two great traditions, creating something unmistakably Copper and King's
twenty nine dollars ninety nine cents. These releases are more
than new bottles. They're a statement of who we are.
Rob Burdon, founder of Burdon Spirits Company, said in a

(50:32):
news release, we didn't set out to follow bourbon. We
set out to reclaim America's original spirit, brandy, and to
do it with integrity, craftsmanship, and a sense of adventure
that feels truly American. The new portfolio is available at
Copper and King's Distillery in Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood one one
to one East Washington Street, with to select distribution rolling

(50:53):
out For more information Copperankings dot com. Heaven Hill Distillery
Separate celebrates ninetieth anniversary with a special release. Heaven Hill Distillery,
the largest independent, family owned and led distilled spirits company
of brands in the United States, celebrates its ninetieth anniversary
with a special release. Heaven Hill Distilleries ninetieth anniversary nine

(51:16):
year old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey crafted from Heaven Hill's
traditional bourbon bill mash bill seventy eight percent corn, twelve
percent malted barley, and ten percent ride. This one hundred
seven proof bourbon is a blend of seventy percent Kentucky
Straight Bourbon whisky and thirty percent Kentucky Straight Bourbon whisky,
aged and heavy char barrels. Each of the two hundred

(51:39):
four barrels selected for this release was produced on December thirteen,
twenty fifteen, marking heaven Hill's eightieth anniversary, and matured for
nine years and eight months. As we celebrate heaven Hill's
ninetieth anniversary, I'm reminded of the vision my father and
his brothers had when they founded this company in nineteen
thirty five. Max L. Shapiro, heaven Hill's executive chairman, said

(52:02):
in a news release their goal was simple but profound,
to build a family business that would craft whiskey with integrity, patients,
and pride. Nine decades later, we continue that mission with
the same independent spirit, passion for quality, and respect for
tradition that has guided us from the start. This ninetieth
anniversary release is both a reflection of our history and

(52:23):
a toast to our future. The use of heavy char
barrels intensely fired to create a deep alligator char layer
enhance us the whisky's smoothness and depth, imparting rich notes
of caramel, vanilla, toasted spice, and oak warmth. According to
the release suggested retail price of one hundred twenty four
dollars ninety nine cents. For more information, visit heaven Hilldistillery

(52:47):
dot com. Mixture's Distillery releases twenty year bourbon. Mitchture's Distillery
has announced the release of its Micht's twenty year Kentucky
Strait Bourbon. Details matter when it comes to aging burdens
bourbon gracefully. Mitcher's twenty year Bourbon is an exemplary representation
of how oak can be used to deepen vanilla, toffee, chocolate, spice, fruit,

(53:09):
and confectionery notes that enhance complexity in bourbon. Master of
Maturation at Mitcher's Andrea Wilson said in a news release,
we hope that everyone who gets the opportunity to taste
this product is able to experience the beloved attributes of
a beautiful, timeless bourbon crafted through intentional aging to age

(53:29):
a whisky that will taste wonderful after two decades in
a first use barrel is an extremely difficult endeavor that
requires a skillful balance of art and science. Mitcher's president,
Joseph J. Magiglio at it I believe that people will
appreciate the thoughtful and conscientious work of our production team
when they taste this exceptional whisky. The proof of this

(53:51):
twenty twenty five release is one hundred and fourteen point
two with the suggestion of one thy two hundred dollars
for a seven hundred fifty mile bottle. For more information,
visit mixtures dot com. Rabbit Hole Distillery releases latest expression
in Distiller series. Rabbit Hole Distillery releases Ammarule, its latest

(54:14):
expression in its exclusive Distillery series. This meticulously crafted, limited
edition Distillery Series expression elevates the brand's signature sour mash
Rye to new heights. According to a news release, the
secret lies in allowing the spirit to rest in custom
maple rule barrels than maple seasoning and high intensity char

(54:36):
forge a smoky, dark caramel veil inside the barrel. Emmerule
is my exploration of what happens when fire meets sweetness,
when Rie's bold spirit encounters the quite poetry of maple
it's my effort to push boundaries without breaking faith with
the craft. In those maple brule barrels, I found a
new way to tell Rye's story, one that is darker, richer,

(54:57):
and deeper personal cave. I, founder of rabbit Hole, set
in the release. M Rule is one hundred four point
four proof and available at rabbit Hole Distillery for forty
nine ninety nine. For more information, visit rabbit Hole Distillery
dot com slash pages slash Amrule A m r u
l E. Town Branch Distillery releases sixteen year old Kentucky

(55:21):
single malt whiskey. Earlier this fall, Town Branch Distillery, the
seventh member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Lexington Brewing
and Distilling Company, released a rare sixteen year old bottled
in Bond Kentucky single malt whiskey as volume two of
its Archive series. The Archive Series from Town Branch is
a collection of rare single malts introduced in twenty twenty four,

(55:44):
showcasing the oldest Kentucky single malt whiskey ever bottled in bond.
The inaugural installment features a vertical of bottled in Bond
Kentucky single malt whiskeys, each age stated, single barrel and
bottled under bond. Crafted to preserve and celebrate these extraordinary stocks.
Releasing a whiskey like this is both an honor and

(56:05):
a privilege, Robert Krass, Managing director of Town Branch Distillery,
said in a news release. It showcases the breadth of
whiskey production in Kentucky beyond bourbon. Our team is proud
to continue making history one whiskey at a time. Town
Branch sixteen year old Bottled in Bond Kentucky Single Malt
Whiskey is the second installment in the Archive series, which

(56:25):
continues the exploration of what American single malt whiskey can
be refined, expressive, and unmistakably from Kentucky. The one hundred proof,
non chilled, filtered, single barrel expression has a suggested retail
price of three hundred ninety nine dollars ninety nine cents
for a seven hundred and fifty mili bottle. For more information,

(56:46):
Lexington Brewing COEO dot com. This concludes readings for the
first section of the Courier Journal for Saturday, December thirteenth,
twenty twenty five. Stay tuned for more news to follow.
Immediately your reader has been Melody. Ryan