The Garrard County Clerk’s Office has confirmed that all voting preparations are complete and that it is fully prepared to handle the expected influx of voters today. Following a strong turnout during the early voting period, which saw 22 percent of eligible voters casting their ballots, county officials are encouraging residents to plan accordingly, as lines are anticipated on Election Day.

Garrard County High School’s boys basketball program is extending a warm invitation to its alumni community for an exclusive open practice session. Scheduled for November 23, the event welcomes all former players, coaches, and managers who were part of the boys basketball team, offering them a chance to reconnect, witness the current team in action, and relive their days on the court.

Kentucky student-athletes who are involved in agriculture are invited to apply for one of six scholarships and recognition as a 2025 Kentucky Ag Athlete of the Year.

Attorney General Russell Coleman is protecting the integrity of Kentucky elections as no excuse early voting begins Thursday. To keep the Commonwealth’s elections free, fair and secure, Attorney General Coleman asks Kentuckians to report any suspected election law violations to the Attorney General’s Election Fraud Hotline at (800) 328-VOTE or online.

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is set to end this Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2:00 a.m. local time. Clocks will be turned back one hour, marking the seasonal transition that brings brighter mornings and earlier evenings. This adjustment aims to make better use of daylight during the shorter days of fall and winter, though it also brings a shift in evening light that can affect daily routines and energy consumption.

A photo album capturing moments from the Golden Lions Football team's win against Harrison County at home on November 1, 2024.

In a commanding display of skill, teamwork, and determination, the Garrard County Golden Lions clinched a decisive 42-14 victory against Harrison County on their home field on Friday night. The win capped an impressive regular season and secured Garrard's unbeaten record at their new sports facility, marking a memorable senior night for the team and its supporters. With the stands packed, fans witnessed Garrard’s offensive firepower and defensive strength, characteristics that have defined their successful season as they set sights on the upcoming state playoffs.

Garrard County will conclude its 2024 regular season with a home game against Harrison County on Friday night. This matchup, marking the fourth meeting between the two programs, holds significant value for the Golden Lions as they aim to extend their home winning streak to five games and carry momentum into the postseason. While Friday’s game won’t be the last on home turf, it will be Senior Night — an occasion historically marked by both triumphs and challenges for Garrard County.

Garrard Middle School is celebrating the achievements of eight football players who have been recognized by the Kentucky Middle School Football Association (KYMSFA) for their exceptional performances this season. These athletes earned a spot on the prestigious Regional Player of the Year Honorable Mention Team, a recognition awarded based on votes from coaches across the region.

The Garrard County High School Marching Band competed in the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Class AAA Semifinals on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Elizabethtown High School, finishing 10th in a field of twelve competitive bands.

In a competitive second-round clash of the Kentucky Middle School Football Association playoffs, the Ashland Tomcats traveled to Dyehouse Stadium and emerged victorious, defeating the previously unbeaten Garrard County Cougars 22-12. Both teams displayed resilience, strategy, and athletic prowess, making for a memorable game that highlighted the future of Kentucky football.

Mercer County narrowly edged out Garrard County with a late-game field goal, securing a 16-14 victory and ending the Golden Lions' five-game winning streak. With the District Championship title and a top playoff seed on the line, both teams displayed resilience and grit in a hard-fought contest in Harrodsburg.

The Garrard County Fiscal Court will hold its next public meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at 15 Public Square in downtown Lancaster. Community members are encouraged to attend and participate as the court discusses a range of topics affecting the county.

The Garrard County Lady Lions are preparing for a high-stakes matchup against the Southwestern Lady Warriors in the opening round of the 2024 12th Region Volleyball Tournament. The game is scheduled to take place on October 29 at 6:30 PM at West Jessamine High School, a neutral site for the tournament.

The Garrard County Animal Shelter has issued an urgent appeal for donations of essential cleaning supplies, warning that they are down to their final few bottles. The shelter emphasized the critical need for specific items to maintain daily operations and provide a safe and sanitary environment for the animals in their care.

The holiday spirit will come alive at the Holly Jolly Market on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Garrard Education Center, located at 324 W Maple Ave. Hosted by the Garrard County Arts Council, this family-friendly event promises a delightful blend of holiday shopping, hands-on activities, and festive surprises.

Garrard County will travel to Mercer County in a pivotal matchup, seeking both their sixth consecutive victory and their first district championship since 2014. The game carries added significance for the Golden Lions, not only due to district implications but also because it revives a competitive rivalry in which Mercer County holds a 17-8 series advantage. Garrard County’s most recent triumph over Mercer County came two decades ago in 2004, when current Golden Lions head coach Spencer Crutchfield played a key role by passing for 211 yards and two touchdowns while adding 94 yards and a score on the ground in a thrilling 35-34 road victory.

Garrard County’s impressive tournament run came to a disappointing end Thursday night, as Boyle County swept them 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-5) to claim the 45th District Championship at Lincoln County. Despite Garrard’s determined effort, Boyle’s firepower proved too much to handle as the Rebels executed a near-flawless game plan.

The Garrard County GOP is set to host a fish fry event on Friday, October 25, at 7 p.m. at the Garrard County Fairgrounds. The event promises not only food and fellowship but also speeches from prominent political figures. Congressman Andy Barr will be addressing the crowd, offering attendees an opportunity to hear his views on key issues ahead of the upcoming elections.

Saint Joseph Berea held a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier today to debut its new state-of-the-art nuclear medicine camera funded by a $350,000 federal grant. This cutting-edge equipment represents a significant advancement in diagnostic imaging, allowing radiologists and oncologists to capture high-quality, real-time images, enhancing patient comfort and care. The new camera will assist in diagnosing various diseases, including cancer, and will enable more personalized treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Nomination meetings for the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission are being held in November to fill three of nine positions on the volunteer board.

The Garrard County Band is entering a pivotal moment this week as it prepares for the much-anticipated semi-final competition. Months of relentless effort, practice, and outstanding performances have brought the band to this crucial point in their season, and the energy is building as they fine-tune their show. To mark this special occasion, the band will hold a late-night practice session Tonight, on Thursday, October 24th, at Garrard County High School beginning at 7PM.

With the state’s ongoing teacher shortage, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers innovative approaches to place educators in classrooms across the state. The Kentucky Department of Education’s School Report Card notes a nearly 25% teacher turnover rate for the 2022-23 school year. To help address the shortage, EKU became the first public university in the state to announce an Option 9 alternative route to teacher certification and simultaneously offered a new online elementary education degree last fall. Building on Option 9, EKU will be offering competency-based education (CBE) courses to further eliminate barriers to teacher certification for current certified staff in schools. 

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 45th District Volleyball Tournament as Garrard County faces Boyle County on Thursday night at 7 PM at Lincoln County. This highly anticipated match will determine the district champion, with both teams bringing momentum and standout performances to the court.

Special restrictions on baiting, carcass transportation and cervid rehabilitation are now effective in Breckinridge, Hardin and Meade counties as a result of the establishment of a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Zone, all in an effort to stop or limit disease spread among wild deer.

Several talented soccer players from Garrard County have been honored in the 2023 Kentucky High School Soccer Coaches Association (KHSSCA) 12th Region Girls All-Region selections, highlighting the county’s strong soccer presence.