Police departments across the region are braced for the surge of holiday travelers on theroadways.Kentucky State Police spokesperson Sergeant David Jude says troopers will be out in full force over the coming week with increased patrols and checkpoints. They'll be focused on catching impaired drivers.Jude says the state's fiscal crisis is not hampering KSP's ability to carry out its duties."Our calls for service so far have not faltered. If you call and need the state police, we're going to be there, we're going to answer our calls for service," Jude said.The official holiday driving period in Kentucky begins on Christmas Eve and runs through New Year's Day.Police say at least 167 people have died so far this year in alcohol-related crashes on Kentucky roadways.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.