The Lextropolis Magazine

12/21/2025

Christian Appalachian Project Brings Christmas Joy to Students Impacted by 2025 Disasters



Somerset, KY (December 20, 2025) – Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) Operation Sharing program, in partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, brought Christmas cheer to hundreds of Eastern Kentucky children whose families are still rebuilding after this year’s devastating tornadoes and floods.



Nearly 1,000 students at Wyan-Pine Grove Elementary in London and Southern Elementary in Somerset received toys valued at approximately $150 during special distribution events featuring hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa.



“Seeing our students’ smiling faces today is reward enough for every staff member here, knowing they left with gifts and a smile,” said Brent Collins, principal of Wyan-Pine Grove Elementary.



“It has been a traumatic year for our school and community,” Collins added. “These gifts are greatly appreciated by all of our families and students. To the donors—you have no idea the magnitude of the impact you’re having on our school community. We appreciate it so much. The situation was a tragedy, but we’re finding the positives afterward.”



Aaron Thoms, manager of CAP’s Operation Sharing in Paintsville, emphasized how meaningful the support is for families still struggling long after headlines fade.



“It takes some of the weight off families during a time when money is already tight and every dollar is spoken for. When Christmas gifts are taken care of, parents can focus on groceries, electric bills, and transportation,” Thoms said. “More than anything, it gives parents peace of mind and lets them feel good knowing their kids will still have a joyful Christmas, even when times are hard.”

Students in Pike County who were affected by severe flooding earlier this year also received gifts through Family Resource Coordinators, ensuring children across the region experience the joy of the season.



“When the cameras leave, the struggle is still there. Families are still trying to put their lives back together long after the initial help is gone,” Thoms added. “Christian Appalachian Project is committed to sticking with the communities we serve for the long haul. We want them to know they haven’t been forgotten, and we’ll continue to walk beside them as they rebuild and move forward.”



Assets can be found by clicking here.



For more information about CAP, visit christianapp.org.

# # # # #

12/17/2025

✨ **Historic Announcement** ✨

**A National Honor: St. Paul A.M.E. Church Confirmed as an Underground Railroad Site**

Historic St. Paul A.M.E. Church has been officially added to the **National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom**, recognizing our **1826 sanctuary** as a **verified Underground Railroad site**.

This national designation honors the courage of our ancestors and affirms a legacy more than **200 years in the making**.

Within these sacred walls, freedom seekers found refuge, including those connected to the legacy of **Lewis Garrard Clarke**, whose life inspired the character George Harris in *Uncle Tom’s Cabin*.

Today, Historic St. Paul remains one of **Kentucky’s few surviving Underground Railroad–era sites**, standing as a living witness to **faith, resistance, and freedom**.

💙 **Preservation Appeal**
Our **Giving Tuesday Preservation Campaign** continues under this national recognition. Every gift supports the ongoing preservation of our historic **1826 sanctuary**.

🗓️ **Heritage Tours Coming in 2026**
More information about scheduling tours will be shared in 2026.

Thank you for celebrating this historic moment with us and for helping preserve this national treasure for generations to come.

👉 **Support the Preservation Appeal:**
https://tinyurl.com/spamegiving

Learn more about our history at
https://www.spame.org/history

12/16/2025

With great excitement, we’re thrilled to introduce the newest addition to Who’s Who!

Join us in congratulating our Founder & CEO, Debora Logan Lawson, on being named a Marquis Who’s Who Honored Listee—a truly prestigious distinction.

Founded in 1898, Marquis Who’s Who has set the gold standard for recognizing leaders and achievers since publishing its first biographical volume in 1899. For more than 126 years, the legacy established by Albert Nelson Marquis through Who’s Who in America has celebrated excellence, impact, and influence across generations.

We are incredibly proud to see Debora honored among such distinguished company! Keep Shining!

12/16/2025

What a great conclusion to a phenomenal 10 year anniversary. TEN YEARS!!!!

I have to pinched myself sometimes because it’s hard to believe we accomplished this achievement. But when you love what you do…it’s easy and time flys by. We are consistent We have published over 120 Issues not including special editions.

Thanks to Bold Journey Magazine for “seeing” us. They see our value. They understand the assignment!!


CONGRATULATIONS TEAM LEXTROPOLIS!!

Link: https://boldjourney.com/meet-debora-logan-lawson

12/16/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Asbury University Secures $400,000 for Nursing Education Scholarships

Supporting student scholarships for Kentucky’s future nurses



WILMORE, Ky. (December 16, 2025) – On December 9, Asbury University Nursing received a $400,000 workforce development grant through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund to support student scholarships in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The award includes $200,000 in state funding from CPE, matched dollar-for-dollar by CHI Saint Joseph Health, Asbury University’s healthcare workforce partner. The Healthcare Workforce Collaboratory announced the award at The Campbell House in Lexington, which convened healthcare leaders, educators, and workforce partners from across the Commonwealth.



Enacted by the General Assembly in 2023, the HWIF primarily supports scholarships for students pursuing in-demand healthcare professions. To be eligible for funding, postsecondary programs must partner with private healthcare employers, who match state funding awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis.



“We are thrilled to partner with CHI St. Joseph in this initiative,” said Asbury University President Dr. Kevin Brown. “CHI’s leadership has agreed to provide approved students with tuition scholarships for Nursing at Asbury University. Upon graduation, those students will be guaranteed employment at CHI.”



“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to removing financial barriers, expanding access to nursing education, and strengthening Kentucky's nursing workforce,” said Dr. Connie Lamb, founding director of Asbury University’s Department of Nursing. “Through the combined investment of CHI Saint Joseph Health and the Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund, we are not only opening doors for future nurses. We are improving access to healthcare and quality of life across the Commonwealth by building a sustainable pipeline of highly skilled, compassionate nurses committed to serving their communities.”



Asbury University welcomed its first class of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students in the fall 2025 semester, expanding the University’s offerings in the health professions under the Shaw School of Sciences. Scholarship applications will open in January 2026 for all currently enrolled and incoming students.



In August 2024, Asbury University welcomed Dr. Connie Lamb as Founding Director and Associate Professor of Nursing to lead the development and launch of the University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Under her leadership, Asbury Nursing has been established with a clear focus on academic excellence, clinical preparation, and Christ-centered formation—preparing graduates to serve with competence, compassion, and purpose.



Learn more about Asbury University Nursing and the other health professions programs, including Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dental, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and Pre-Physical Therapy.

# # #



About Asbury University

Asbury University is a nationally ranked Christian liberal arts institution in the heart of Kentucky with 15 academic departments offering more than 120 undergraduate areas of study, along with graduate degrees and certification programs in business administration, media communication and education and an online undergraduate program. More than 22,000 living alumni surround the globe, leading and serving in all 50 states and at least 80 nations.

Discover a Christ-centered community with a reputation for high academic quality. Explore our on-campus and online programs!

12/15/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HFTGR4Aim/

Asbury University Two Hour Delay 2025-12-12T15:00:00Z Berea Community Schools Closed Friday; NTI Day 2025-12-12T15:00:00Z Bourbon County Schools Closed Friday 2025-12-12T15:00:00Z Boyle County Schools Closed Friday; NTI Day 2025-12-12T15:00:00Z Casey County Schools NTI Day; NTI Day 2025-12-12T15:00:...

12/15/2025

🗣 FAYETTE COUNTY RESIDENTS------

****NO GARBAGE COLLECTION MONDAY*****

Monday, December 15th's garbage collection has been postponed till Wednesday, December 17th due to the cold temperatures.

12/12/2025

https://youtu.be/PtWCGtJnfUc

12/09/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative opens nominations for 2026 Grassroots Leadership Awards



Lexington, Ky. (Dec. 9, 2025) –The Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative (LBPI), a community-advised committee of Blue Grass Community Foundation, is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Grassroots Leadership Awards.



Launched in 2021, these awards honor local leaders whose work strengthens Lexington’s Black community by advancing racial justice, addressing inequities and creating lasting opportunity. Honorees each receive a $5,000 unrestricted stipend in support of their grassroots efforts.



“These awards shine a light on the people who show up every day for their communities, often without recognition,” said Christian Motley, LBPI advisory committee chair. “We want to celebrate their impact and invest in their ongoing leadership.”



To be eligible, nominees must live in Lexington or lead programs, projects or nonprofits that serve Lexington’s Black communities. Nominees must not have received the award previously, and self-nominations are not accepted. LBPI’s volunteer Board of Advisors will select up to three recipients.



The nomination deadline is Jan. 5, 2026, at midnight. Learn more and submit a nomination at bgcf.org/gla.



Previous Grassroots Leadership Award winners: Roszalyn Akins, Marcellus Barksdale, Martina Barksdale, Shawn Ka’Ron Bumpase, Devine Carama, Kayla Chambers-Reed, Tanya S. Clark, Trevor Claiborn, Sr., Fr. Norman Fischer, Khari Gardner, Geo Gibson, Jaria Gordon, Dora M. Hudson, LeTonia Jones, David Laurenvil, Tonya Lindsey, Sharon Murphy, Elisha Mutayongwa, Stephen T. Overstreet, Christine Smith, Ashley C. Smith, Tanya Torp, Rebecca Webb, Rev. L. Clark Williams and Latarika Young.

12/08/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



School Board Approves Broad External Audit



This deep-dive financial review will supplement the state examination.



The Fayette County Board of Education voted Dec. 8 to accept the recommendation of the Audit Committee to hire Weaver and Tidwell, a nationally ranked accounting firm, to conduct a comprehensive external operational and financial review. This decisive action underscores the board’s absolute commitment to fiscal stewardship and continuous improvement. It also follows months of work to streamline district processes, strengthen supports for students, and reinforce accountability.



We have listened carefully to our community, and this is a necessary next step to strengthen public trust. Our responsibility is two-fold:

To provide every child in our care with the opportunity and support they need to succeed
To ensure that our district operates with the highest levels of transparency and efficiency


The review will follow the detailed scope developed by our independent Audit Committee of local financial experts. At the board’s request, the committee drafted the scope of work, solicited bids, and evaluated all proposals before making its recommendation. No district staff or board members participated in that process to protect the full independence of the review.



The review will provide a deep-dive assessment of our internal budget and financial controls, processes, and departmental operations. This goes well beyond the scope of a standard compliance audit and will directly inform improvements aligned with our New Way Forward strategic plan. The contract also provides an opportunity to conduct a forensic audit of any areas of concern identified.



We appreciate and respect Kentucky State Auditor Allison Ball and the special examination her team has undertaken. Our intent is for Weaver and Tidwell to augment Ball’s work – not to replace or duplicate efforts. And we remain committed to good faith collaboration and clear communication with them.



Our community has demanded accountability and action. On Sept. 8 and 16, our school board voted unanimously to heed calls for an independent investigation, with one already underway. The Dec. 8 vote keeps that promise to commission a thorough, fact-based review that identifies specific, actionable improvements to strengthen our financial systems, uncover any potential wrongdoing, and protect the critical investments that are driving the success of our students and staff.



— Tyler Murphy, chairman, Fayette County Board of Education

12/07/2025

A Sunday Evening Release!

The final Lextropolis issue of the year is here! As we close out an incredible season of stories, celebrations, and community voices, this edition invites you to sit back, relax, and truly enjoy everything we’ve created just for you. From insightful features to inspiring spotlights, every page reflects the passion, creativity, and dedication that define Lextropolis. Thank you for being part of our journey—now dive in and savor the last issue of the year with excitement and pride!

Link: www.thelextropolis.com

The Digital Magazine with an Urban Influence...Telling our stories