Plus, a local activist was recently on "Good Morning America."
 
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52° | Rain + wind | 100% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:54 a.m. | Sunset 5:35 p.m.
 

🎨 Let your creative juices flow

Beautify the city and share an important message with the Adopt a Storm Drain program
A storm drain painted light blue with animal stencils and a quote
This storm drain, located by Charles Young Park, was painted by a local youth group. | Photo by LEXtoday
You never know what you’ll come across in Lexington when your face isn’t buried in your phone. That’s exactly how this story came to be when I, City Editor Molly, stumbled across a pink storm drain while downtown one Sunday morning.

If you’re like me, you might not have even noticed storm drains before (or even realize their true purpose). But the Barbie-themed one caught my eye, prompting a call to Jennifer Myatt, an environmental initiatives specialist with the city — who shared the story behind it, and how locals can even adopt storm drains.

The why

“Storm drains are part of our storm water collection system,” said Myatt. “We don’t want litter, trash, yard waste, or anything [going] into our storm drain, because those go directly into our creeks.”

That’s why the city encourages people to participate in the storm drain mural program, to bring awareness and share their own no-pollution messages.

There are two ways you can make your mark on Lexington’s streets: volunteering to stencil or with an artistic submission.

A storm drain with a waves painted on it in different shades of blue.

You can find this artistic storm drain on National Avenue near the North Ashland Ave. intersection. | Photo by LEXtoday

Stencil

When you volunteer to stencil a storm drain, Live Green Lexington will provide you with a map to choose from 20,000 drains around town. You’ll also receive a full stencil kit that includes:
  • Spray paint
  • Traffic cones + safety vests
  • Environmental messaging stencils (like the one in the first image)
Artistic approach

You can also flex your artistic muscles by submitting your own design for approval.
  • Art sketches + messaging should be submitted for approval two weeks prior to painting
  • You must get permission if you’re planning to paint in a neighborhood or in front of a business

Pro tips

  • Storm drains must be on public property — no parking lots or on UK’s campus
  • Remember the why — no pollution in our waterways
  • Don’t paint over yellow markings
Need some inspo? Here’s a map to some colorful concrete creations around town.
Asked

Would you adopt a storm drain?
A. Yes
B. No
Share your answers
 
Events
Tuesday, Jan. 9
  • Candlelight Yoga + Yoga Nidra | Tuesday, Jan. 9 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Shala, 333 E. Short St., Lexington | $32-$110 | Find ease + relaxation through mindful movement with an energizing yoga flow followed by guided meditation.
  • Asics Demo Run | Tuesday, Jan. 9 | 6 p.m. | John’s Run/Walk Shop, 317 S. Ashland Ave., Lexington | Free | Start your new year off on the right foot by trying on a new pair of shoes during this group run.
Wednesday, Jan. 10
  • Mocktails at the Museum | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 5-6 p.m. | 21c Museum Hotel, 167 W. Main St., Lexington | Free | Sip on a complimentary mocktail while taking a guided tour of the latest exhibit, “Labor & Materials.”
Thursday, Jan. 11
  • Taylor Swift Trivia | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 7 p.m. | Mirror Twin Brewing, 725 National Ave., Lexington | Free | Don your friendship bracelets, grab your fellow Swifties, and sip on a “Lavender Haze 75" to test your Taylor knowledge.
  • Beginner Dance Class: Triple Two | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 7:15-8 p.m. | Bluegrass Ballroom, 4750 Hartland Pkwy., Ste. 190, Lexington | $9 | Grab a partner or ride solo at this beginner-friendly dance class, where you’ll master the art of the two-step.
Friday, Jan. 12
  • Studio Artists Exhibit | Friday, Jan. 12-Saturday, Jan. 13 | 12-4 p.m. | Artists’ Attic, 401 W. Main St., 4th Floor, Lexington | Free | Explore, purchase, and meet the creators behind unique art pieces at this local nonprofit gallery.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Watch
  • A video from a weekly mentoring session hosted by local activist + ONE Lexington director Devine Carama has garnered national attention. Carama was interviewed by “Good Morning America,” sharing his story and work helping local youth strengthen their emotional intelligence. See the interview.
Opening
  • Studio Mel Designs is making things official. The mural-painting, block print-making twins have decided to keep their printmaking shop open permanently. Stop by 309 N. Ashland Ave., Ste. 130 on Saturday, January 27, 2-5 p.m., for their open house.
Drink
  • Last week, The Social Vegan announced it would be temporarily closing the doors to its restaurant. But it looks like the owners are cooking up something else — vodka. TSV Spirits is distilling a vegan-friendly vodka here in Lexington that will soon be available for purchase.
Environment
Kids
  • Explorium of Lexington will begin two new programs this week. For children ages three and under, Tot Spot will introduce play-based activity sessions in science, technology, math, and arts on Tuesdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays, all ages are invited to the interactive Story Time.
Asked
  • Our No. 6 UK men’s basketball team hosts Missouri tonight at 7 p.m. as they continue SEC play. With an overall record of 11-2, excitement is building in the BBN. If you could ask the team anything, what would it be? Your Q&A could appear in an upcoming newsletter.
Fun Fact
  • Did you know 34,000 of you welcome us into your inbox every morning? We’re asking you to take two minutes to tell us more about yourself so we can continue to write about things you find interesting. One lucky LEX survey participant will win $500. Take the survey.
Eat
Environment
  • ICYMI, applications are open for the Green Check program, a free sustainability certification for any business or organization in Lexington. Businesses can get points for things like having bottle-filling stations, providing recycling bins, and installing bike racks. Bonus: It comes with sustainability guidance + free promotion. Apply by Wednesday, Jan. 31.*
Try This
  • The New Year is the perfect time to set goals and envision the path you want to take in the coming year. Lexingtonians are invited to a crystal and gemstone candle workshop to help them set intentions and manifest their dreams for 2024, happening Thursday, January 11 + Sunday, January 14 at Poppy & Pomelo. Sign up.*
Civic

The ballots are almost set

It’s election season — here’s all you need to know to share your voice
LEX Ballot Drop Box
The votes have been signed, sealed, and delivered. | Photo by LEXtoday
Last Friday, Jan. 5 was the filing deadline for those wishing to be on the ballot for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council. Due to higher numbers, three local districts will hold a primary election on Tuesday, May 21.

🗳️The ballot

The following seats have more than two people running for office:
  • District 1
  • District 4
  • District 7
    Only residents in these districts will see the council members listed on their ballot. See the list of all candidates for the Urban County Council thanks to our friends at CivicLex, then find your district + check your registration status by Monday, April 10.

    🗳️ The candidates

    Here are the candidates that will be on the primary ballot, listed in alphabetical order by last name.

    District 1
    • Tayna Fogle*
    • Tyler Morton
    • Darnell Tagaloa
    District 4
    • Emma Curtis
    • Brack Marquette
    • Brenda Monarrez*
    District 7
    • Frank Cannavo
    • Heather Hadi
    • Joseph Hale
    • William Matthew Housh
    • David C. Osborne
    * Indicates incumbent

    While there’s several months before the registration deadline, check out our Voter’s Guide at the button below for a quick referesher.
    See more key dates
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    The Wrap
     
    Molly Thompson in a black shirt

    Today’s edition by:
    Molly
    From the editor
    I have successfully made it through one full week of Dry January and I’m honestly so proud of myself. (Your girl loves her some wine, so this has been a challenge). I’ve had fun making mocktails at home, but I’m ready to venture out. Who has the best mocktails? Let me know.
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