News Summary
A tragic fireworks accident in Fleming County, Kentucky resulted in the death of 45-year-old Gary David Ratliff. Meanwhile, the Kentucky State Police are searching for 16-year-old Leah Hatton, who has been missing since Wednesday. In other news, a fraud investigation related to an IRS scam is ongoing, and Ale-8-One is excited to announce the launch of Pawpaw Ale-8, a new soda flavor featuring the unique pawpaw fruit.
Update on Local Events in Kentucky
Fleming County, KY – A tragic fireworks accident occurred on Wallingford Road, resulting in the death of 45-year-old Gary David Ratliff. The incident unfolded when a firework exploded unexpectedly while he was checking on it, and authorities have described the event as an accident. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In other news, the KSP is searching for a missing 16-year-old girl named Leah Hatton from Grant County. Leah was last heard from on Wednesday when she indicated to her family that she was leaving. She is described as being 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing approximately 115 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Leah was last seen wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, maroon shorts, and black and white Converse shoes. She is also known by the name Malia Sinclair and was reportedly spotted at the Grant County Library before she went missing. The KSP is urging anyone with information regarding Leah’s whereabouts to contact them at 859-428-1212.
Additionally, the Kentucky State Police in Hazard are currently investigating a fraud case related to an IRS-type phone scam, which has led to a significant financial loss for an individual. Trooper Matt Gayheart emphasized the importance of being cautious regarding unsolicited phone calls purportedly from federal agencies, reiterating that the government does not ask for payment or personal information over the phone. In light of this, Lori Weaver Hawkins from AAA Bluegrass advises the public to regularly monitor their bank and credit card accounts and to change passwords frequently as precautionary measures against fraud.
On a lighter note, Ale-8-One is set to launch an exciting new product: the limited-edition Pawpaw Ale-8. This new soda flavor, developed in collaboration with Kentucky State University, features real sugar, natural flavors, and no added dyes. The Pawpaw Ale-8 is made with the native pawpaw fruit of Kentucky, which is commonly referred to as the “Kentucky banana” due to its tropical flavor profile. The much-anticipated flavor is scheduled to hit store shelves in August, much to the excitement of local fans.
Kevin Price, Chief Marketing Officer of Ale-8-One, expressed enthusiasm about the release of the Pawpaw Ale-8, highlighting the partnership with Kentucky State University’s pawpaw research program. Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, the president of Kentucky State University, also noted that the institution’s commitment to studying pawpaw cultivation and flavor development played a crucial role in creating this innovative beverage.
This past week has been marked by both somber and cheerful news in the region, as residents grapple with the loss from the fireworks accident while also looking forward to new culinary delights such as the Pawpaw Ale-8.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: Kentucky Man Killed in Fireworks Accident
- Wikipedia: Kentucky
- WLWT: Missing 16-Year-Old Leah Hatton
- Google Search: Kentucky missing person
- WYMT: KSP Investigates Fraud Case
- Google Scholar: IRS phone scam
- Fox56: New Ale-8 Flavor Celebrates Pawpaw
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pawpaw
- Kentucky.com: Kentucky Sports News
- Google News: Kentucky news
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
