LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A brutal ice storm that killed 36 people and paralyzed more than half the state has been named Kentucky's top story of 2009.
With much of the western half of the state immobilized, the Jan. 27 storm is now considered the worst natural disaster in recent Kentucky history. It was selected the biggest story of year in voting by The Associated Press staff and AP member newspapers and broadcasters in Kentucky.
Rounding out the top 5 stories were the arrest of former lawmaker Steven Nunn in the fatal shooting of his ex-fiancee, the private troubles of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino, the acquittal of former high school football coach in the death of a player during practice and the hiring of John Calipari as Kentucky basketball coach.
The top 10 Kentucky news stories of 2009 as voted by The Associated Press staff and AP member newspapers and broadcasters:
1. Ice storm kills 36, paralyzes half of state.
2. Former lawmaker Steven Nunn of Glasgow charged in fatal shooting of ex-fiancee.
3. Pitino sex encounter revealed after woman charged with extortion
4. Former Louisville Pleasure Ridge Park football coach found not guilty in death of player
5. Kentucky hires John Calipari as basketball coach
6. Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear pushes for legislation to allow slots at horse tracks
7. Taxes raised on Kentucky's signature industries -- tobacco and alcohol
8. Hanging death of part-time Census worker ruled a suicide staged to look like homicide
9. Republican U.S. Sen. and baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning decides not to seek re-election
10. At least 30 deaths are attributed to swine flu in Kentucky.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
