SUMMARY: John Thomas McQuillan, a former reserve deputy at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, was recently murdered, shocking his Middletown neighbors. Jill Dancy recalled his kindness and expressed the traumatic impact of his death. Hours after McQuillan was found dead, his son, Brandon McQuillan, was arrested on serious charges, including possession of a firearm by a felon, though he has not been charged with murder. Witnesses reported seeing Brandon in a suspicious vehicle near the crime scene. Residents are disturbed by the lack of communication from police regarding the investigation, raising concerns about safety in their community.

Son of Middletown homicide victim arrested same day as shooting

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SUMMARY: March Madness has officially started in Lexington, with basketball fans eagerly supporting local teams during a month filled with high school and college tournaments. The excitement kicked off with the girls’ Sweet 16 tournament at Rupp Arena, where the atmosphere buzzed with enthusiastic fans and the sounds of the game. Supporters celebrated as their teams battled for survival in an intense and emotional postseason. Teams like Frederick Douglass showcased the hard work of players and coaches, creating a strong community spirit. As games progress, local fans continue to embrace the thrill of each match, making this a memorable basketball season.

Lexington will host the Girls’ and Boys’ Sweet 16, the first and second rounds of the NCAA men’s tournament, and possibly the opening rounds of the NCAA women’s tournament.

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Crime of interrupting legislative proceeding close to becoming Kentucky law

by McKenna Horsley, Kentucky Lantern
March 13, 2025

FRANKFORT — A bill to make interrupting legislative proceedings a crime in Kentucky is close to becoming a law. 

The Senate voted 30-7 on party lines to approve House Bill 399 Thursday morning. The Republican-backed bill passed the House last week. 

Sponsored by former state trooper Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville, the bill would create the crime of interrupting a legislative proceeding at the Capitol, classified as a Class A misdemeanor or, on a third or subsequent offense, a Class D felony. A person would be guilty by causing an interruption with “the intent to disrupt, impede, or prevent the General Assembly from conducting business.” 

Blanton filed the bill last session as a response to more than a dozen protestors arrested and removed from the House gallery while lawmakers debated a veto override of an anti-transgender bill in 2023. 

This session, Democrats have railed against the measure. During Thursday’s Senate debate, Democrats argued the bill could stifle Kentuckians who want to make their opposition to legislation known in Frankfort. Sen. Robin Webb, of Grayson, who has been in the legislature for nearly three decades, said she could recall only a couple of incidents that were “egregious enough” to justify creating a new crime when existing laws already provide adequate penalties.

“We have a system of laws now that cover conduct, regardless of where you are in the commonwealth, and we have some of the best security detail in the world here. I feel pretty safe,” she said. 

However, Republicans argued that protestors can sometimes interrupt proceedings to the point that conducting business becomes difficult. Sen. Phillip Wheeler, of Pikeville, said the bill has “absolutely nothing to do with protest,” adding people can still “protest all you want in this building or outside or on any government grounds.” 

“We’re all sitting down here to do a job,” he said, adding that often in the final days of session, time is precious and minutes count when taking votes and debating bills. 

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear could veto the bill as soon as Saturday, but the Republican-controlled General Assembly can easily override him.

Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jamie Lucke for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com.

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