McAlister’s and Graeter’s have had an impact on more than just their customers. While the restaurants have been experiencing success in their new locations, local businesses have been enjoying the increased foot traffic the two stores bring to the area as well.

McAlister’s

The location on the corner of Euclid and High has been occupied by many different companies, but none of them ever really stuck. This is until a group of investors got together and brought the famous McAlister’s deli to Lexington.

This is the first McAlister’s to open in the Lexington area, but not the last. The investment group intends on expanding in Central Kentucky with an overall goal of having six stores, according to Jason Nickel, the restaurants general manager.

Nickel said that their store prides themselves on customer service and how they attempt to optimize the customers dining experience.

Known for their “World Famous Sweet Tea” McAlister’s is also known for having incredible menu items, such as the stuffed spud, a potato filled with various toppings.

The general response during the opening months was very positive. “It was overwhelming. The first month of business for us was crazy, we only have 100 seats, but during the lunch rush we were packing out at around 140 people at a time” Nickel said.

Curt Vernon, 28, is a fan of the popular deli, and a regular customer. “McAlister’s is to the Lexington restaurant scene what Anthony Davis has been to Kentucky Basketball, redemption,” Vernon said.

In addition, you can try the Southwest Chicken Griller or the Reuben sandwich.

“We are happy to be a member of the Chevy Chase area and are very glad to be here” Nickel said.

Graeters

Right next door to McAlister’s is another local favorite, Graeter’s ice cream.

Graeter’s ice cream parlor returned to Lexington with an overwhelming response from the public. Since all of the stores had left town, there had been a desire to bring the franchise back to Lexington. Graeter’s reopened in March and according to Shawn Rose, a Graeter’s employee, the response has been fabulous.

According to Rose, there has been a constant rush and people have been overwhelmingly supportive of their business. The store has been well received by other shops in the Chevy Chase area.

Black raspberry chip tends to be the most popular flavor ice cream. “Every time I get to eat black-raspberry-chip my day gets a little bit better” Brenn Arbra, 20, said.

“We are just glad to be back, the response from our customers has been outstanding,” Rose said. The Lexington public will be pleased during these upcoming summer months to be able to get a cold ice cream treat.

Car doors slam in the parking lot surrounding UK’s Commonwealth Stadium and passengers are quickly confronted with a sea of hot-pink t-shirts and Smashmouth’s hit “All Star” blaring through a large set of amps.

As the tune segues into Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” photographers snap shots of girls with short tulle tutus over their shorts, spray-painting their ponytails in a variety of colors.

All this excitement before 7:30 a.m. this past Saturday.

The scene was Girls on the Run of Central Kentucky’s Spring 5k, and it was just getting warmed up – pun intended.

Girls on the Run is an organization focused on “educating and preparing girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living,” according to the Central Kentucky chapter’s website. Also called GOTR, the organization was started in Charlotte, N.C. in 1996 by four-time Hawaii Ironman triathlete Molly Barker.

Barker also counseled, specifically addressing factors affecting women such as depression, eating disorders and alcohol and substance addictions, according to the site.

The programs offered by GOTR are available for third to fifth-grade girls, and a portion called Girls on the Track is available for sixth to eighth-grade girls, Heidi Guckenberger, Council Director for GOTR Central Kentucky, said. Different programs are offered for girls of different age groups because of the program’s overall focus.

“It’s (GOTR) not just running,” Guckenberger said. “It’s also basic skills the girls need to not give in to peer pressure and bullies in junior high.”

Guckenberger added that she believes that GOTR is especially needed at that particular age range of the girls’ lives because they “face gossip and bullies every day.” A portion of her job is to coordinate teams within schools and community centers in the Central Kentucky area.

The 5k event serves as an end-of-season hurrah for the girls that participated during the 12-week program. To complement this idea, the atmosphere is nothing short of a party for the girls.

Around 8 a.m., registration for Saturday’s event was closing and the young runners were prepping for the 5k.

Near the race registration tent, a group of girls asked each other what music they will listen to while they run. Three girls quickly repiedy in unison, “Justin Bieber!”

The next step in preparation was to come together as a group and do the GOTR cheer. A high-pitched chorus of “Girls on the Run is so much fun! Girls on the Run is number one!” echoed across the parking lot before girls walked parade-style across it with decorated posters bearing the names of their teams.

Teams, along with their coaches and running buddies, approached the start line as a bass-filled version of the “Rocky” theme song played.

Coaches “motivate, educate and inspire” girls during the 12-week program, according to the website. Head coaches lead the twice-weekly, hour-long programs.  Running buddies attend as many sessions as possible, and are paired with a particular runner to encourage them to achieve their goal during the race.

GOTR is always looking for new volunteers to fill these positions. Forms to apply are located on the website at http://gotrcentralky.org/volunteer-info/. Guckenberger said internships are available, and University of Kentucky students would be great applicants to potentially fill these spots.

As the girls lined up near their running buddies and coaches, a couple balloons escaped the pink-and-green balloon arch that the runners started and finished beneath. Girls of all ages chatted with one another near the starting line, showing the program’s unity.

Guckenberger believes the work done by GOTR positively affects the girls that participate, and it shows in the fact that many program participants are returning members.

“We are in our eighth season and there are girls that have been here every season,” Guckenberger said.

After the race began and runners turned left to round the stadium, volunteers and coordinators alike seemed to sigh a small breath of relief. The hard work put into the past 12 weeks finding sponsors, promoting the event and ultimately working to empower the girls clearly came to fruition when the girls crossed back under the balloon arch. Sometimes out of breath, but always smiling.

Guckenberger says she fell in love with GOTR after being a coach for only one year. She knows the aims of the program focus on bettering the lives of young girls and teaching them to grow up mentally and physically strong.

GOTR costs $150 per girl, but 75 percent of the girls are on scholarships. Scholarships are obtained through donations and a program called Sole Mates in which outside members compete in sporting events and raise $262 to be used to sponsor girls. The number 262 relates to the length of a marathon, which is 26.2 miles.

Late Monday night a man was robbed at Newtown Crossing, near the UK campus.

Sherelle Roberts, Lexington Police spokeswoman, said the victim was sitting in his car when three suspects came up to his vehicle and robbed him at 11: 58 p.m.

“He was sitting in the parking lot, talking on his phone,” Roberts said. “He was approached by three suspects, two male black suspects, one male white suspect.”

“They showed a gun and told him to get out of the car,” Roberts said. “They took his cell phone and his wallet.”

The two male black suspects were last seen wearing gray hoodies and the white male suspect was wearing a white hoodie as they fled from the scene.

The new Boone Center Grill is located on the terrace at the Hilary J. Boone Center. Shown here on Monday, April 23, 2012, in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Eleanor Hasken | Staff

This summer will be all about salads, sandwiches, soups and smoothies at the Hilary J. Boone Center — and you don’t have to be a member of the club to benefit.

A new dining option, dubbed the Boone Center Grill, will offer a menu with the aforementioned food, with options of outside seating, takeout or on-campus delivery. The grill will be open May 1 through Sept. 28. Delivery is limited to orders of $75 or more in the campus vicinity.

Boone Center Executive Chef Seth Russell tastes an "orange peel" smoothie he made in preparation of the opening of the Boone Center Grill on May 1. On Monday, April 23, 2012, in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Eleanor Hasken | Staff

The atmosphere will be casual, said Seth Russell, executive chef at the Boone Center. Prices run between $8 and $10 a dish, and the grill will feature fresh fruit smoothies that can substitute soy milk for those who are lactose intolerant.

The grill, located at 500 Rose St. on the Boone Center’s outside patio, will be open to the public throughout the summer. On rainy days, takeout and delivery options will still be available. The terrace seats about 30 people, Russell said.

One reason behind the opening is to “give people a taste of the Boone Center,” Russell said.

Many people — especially students — don’t know what the Boone Center is, Russell said, and a public dining option is a way to draw new people and prospective members in.

Ginny Adkins, the Boone Center’s marketing and wedding coordinator, said the grill would be a great place to bring campus visitors.

“It’s a welcoming facility that they can enjoy while they’re here,” she said.

Foreground: The Chicken Caesar Salad, which will be $9. Background: The Boone Center Burger, made with Alltech Angus beef and Kentucky Proud vegetables. Photo by Eleanor Hasken | Staff

The menu features five sandwich options, three salads and five smoothies, along with side dishes such as chips, fruit, and potato and pasta salads.

A staple is the Boone Center Burger, piled with Alltech Angus beef and Kentucky Proud vegetables, Russell said. Another is the Turkey Avocado Club, a sandwich almost too tall to eat, which includes bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado and sprouts. Wraps, a chicken muffaletta, and Caesar, Italian and Cobb salads round out the entree choices.

Russell said the $10 and under price range is comparable to other area restaurants.

Adkins and Russell said they think the grill be will an option for future summers on campus.

The Boone Center Grill’s hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Food can be ordered for delivery by calling 859-257-1133.

Reach Managing Editor Becca Clemons at bclemons@kykernel.com or on Twitter @KernelClemons.

Clinton spoke as part of the Bluegrass Youth Sustainability Council Earth Day Celebration.

According to its website, the council formed in November 2010 and is an organization of environmentally passionate students from Fayette County’s five public schools, Sayre School, Lexington Catholic High School and Lexington Christian Academy.

Clinton established a foundation, the William J. Clinton Foundation, “with the mission to improve global health, strengthen economies worldwide, promote healthier childhoods, and protect the environment by fostering partnerships among governments, businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and private citizens — leveraging their expertise, resources, and passions — to turn good intentions into measurable results,” according to the foundation’s website.

Author and Protester Wendell Berry smiles after giving is statement to the supporters and attendees at the "I Love Mountains" event on Feb. 14, 2011. Photo by Brandon Goodwin| Staff

By Taylor Moak

Wendell Berry delivered the National Endowment for the Humanities lecture Monday.

Berry gave his Jefferson Lecture, “It All Turns on Affection,” at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

In his lecture, Berry spoke of the importance of imagination and connection.

“The light within, I think, means affection. Affection as motive and guide,” he said. “Knowledge without affection leads us astray. Affection leads by way of good work to authentic hope.”

The annual lecture, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities, “is the most prestigious honor the federal government bestows for distinguished intellectual achievement in the humanities,” according to the endowment’s website.

Bobbie Ann Mason, a novelist and short story writer from Kentucky, read Berry’s poem “VI” from his collection “Leavings” before Berry delivered his lecture.

The lecture can be viewed online at http://events.tvworldwide.com/Events/NEH2012JeffersonLecture.aspx.

Gurney Norman, director of UK’s creative writing program, said the award is significant for the university.

“Wendell is a force in the world,” Norman said.

Berry has published more than 50 books and is internationally known for his writings, Norman said.

“In his writing and in his life, he has been faithful to that premise that people must live in accord with nature,” Norman said.

Berry graduated from UK in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree, according to his website, and completed his master’s degree at UK in 1957. Berry later returned to UK as a professor.

In February 2011, Berry made headlines for being part of a sleep-in at the Capitol protesting Kentucky’s use of coal.

He also made headlines in 2010 for removing his papers from UK.

“This is an occasion for the University of Kentucky, the College of Arts and Sciences, the department of English and the creative writing program to all feel proud of one of the products of this university,” Norman said.

A fire started in an apartment building at 271 Kalmia Ave. shortly after 8 a.m. Monday. The manager said someone broke in and started a fire in a vacant room. No one was injured. On Monday, April 23, 2012, in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Becca Clemons | Staff

By Kayla Phelps

A fire occurred on Kalmia Avenue around 8:30 a.m. Monday.

Micah Poston, manager of 271 Kalmia Ave. apartment building, said someone broke in and started a fire in a vacant room.

About 10 of the 14 people who live in the complex are students, Poston said.

He said the fire department showed up around 8:35 a.m. and the fire was localized to the apartment.

There is evidence of smoke damage and vandalism in the vacant room.

Just before 11 a.m., a dog searched the building to determine how the fire was started.

Anthony Moore. Photo courtesy LFUCG jail website.

Mark Blankenship, an investigator for the Lexington Fire Department, said the accelerant canine helps determine if ignitable liquids were present.

No one was injured.

Before 4 p.m. the suspect was located, Poston said.

Police found Anthony Moore, 22, asleep in the grass on Preston Avenue. He was arrested on charges of first-degree arson and three counts of wanton endangerment, said Battalion Chief Jeff Nantz of the Lexington Fire Department.

The wanton endangerment charges could increase once the number of people in the apartment building at the time of the fire is determined, Nantz said.

UK policemen participate in the Krispy Kreme 5K challenge on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Commonwealth Stadium. In 2011, the race raised around $11,000 for Habitat for Humanity. Photo by Brandon Goodwin | File photo

Doughnuts and running a 5K together don’t seem too appetizing.

But those who are competitive runners and love Krispy Kreme doughnuts have the chance to participate in an event that combines the two.

UK’s Habitat for Humanity campus chapter is hosting the third annual Krispy Kreme Challenge, where participants can compete in a 5K race while eating a dozen doughnuts halfway through.

“My best advice is there is no really good way to pace yourself,” said Nolan Jez, an anthropology senior. “It is literally … eat them as fast as you can and run as fast as you can, and hopefully you won’t vomit before you finish.”

Jez participated in the race two years ago. He was able to eat 10 of the doughnuts and said because he couldn’t finish them in time, he “just grabbed them and ran.”

There are two divisions for the race: challenger and competitive.

For those in the challenger division, their goal is to finish the 5K within an hour after eating a dozen doughnuts halfway through the race. Runners in the competitive division will run a timed 5K race.

“It’s a unique experience,” said Emily Andrews, a communication junior who is a campus chapter officer.

Andrews said all proceeds will benefit the Lexington Habitat for Humanity.

She said last year the race had 460 runners and raised around $11,000. In its first year, the race had 300 participants.

“Each year, more and more people know about it,” Andrews said.

The chapter has been doing promotions and tabling this year, and Andrews said people will come up to them joking that they still feel sick from last year.

She said the most she has heard someone getting sick was five times during the race.

Jez said one runner two years ago competed like hot dog eaters compete; the runner balled up the doughnuts and ate them with water.

“He manned up and squished all the donuts and ate them,” he said.

At the beginning, he said, everyone feels like they can eat all 12 easily.

“By the third, fourth doughnut, it’s ineveitble you aren’t going to be able to eat them,” Jez said. “It was really miserable — once you get to about six or seven, in the middle of a 5K, that’s pretty miserable.”

But though Jez described eating the doughnuts as miserable, he said he participated because it was fun.

The Krispy Kreme Challenge 5K is at 10 a.m. on Sunday at Commonwealth Stadium. To participate, you can register online at ukhabitatkkc.com. To register online, it is $18 for competitive and $21 for challenger, and must be done before April 13. You can also register the day of at the event, which is $21 for competitive and $25 for challenger.

A former UK student died Saturday after falling nearly 140 feet off a cliff in Berea.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Paul Blanton said the incident seemed like an accident, but police are looking into 20-year-old Kimchi Son’s death.

A male companion was with Son during their hiking trip.

Blanton said Kentucky State Police received the call for assistance at 6:09 p.m. Saturday from Madison County Emergency Operations Center.

He said the Madison County coroner declared her deceased. Blanton was unsure if an autopsy had been performed already, but said it would be, as is the case with deaths like this.

A detective has been assigned to the case, Blanton said.

“At this time that’s what it seems like (an accident),” Blanton said. “A death investigation can take a long time, whether it would be six weeks or six months.”

Son, who was from Louisville, had been enrolled at UK last semester as a junior, UK spokeswoman Kathy Johnson said. The last major listed for Son was architecture.

Madison County Coroner Jimmy Cornelison was unable to be contacted as of Monday evening.

Kifah Omar scoops ice cream for Graeter's customers at the new Chevy Chase location on Sunday, April 8, 2012. Photo by Latara Appleby | Staff

By  Amber Fields

Graeter’s re-opened its doors at a new location in Lexington on March 30, ready to serve up its many flavors of ice cream.

Although Graeter’s is just in its prime early business days of operation, Dave McKinley, director of marketing, said that the business so far has been “awesome and a great welcoming back.”

“Business has been overwhelmingly wonderful,” McKinley said as the line of customers continued to snake around the store back to the door.

The new location on Euclid Avenue in Chevy Chase Plaza has attracted more than just families.

Many students are taking advantage of the new location nestled closely to campus.

“I’m glad Graeter’s chose the Euclid area for its return to Lexington,” Tom Hartung, psychology sophomore, said. “There will be a lot of people around UK’s campus and Chevy Chase that I’m sure don’t mind getting ice cream within walking distance.”

McKinley said that the location is a great spot with the walking traffic from other surrounding businesses in the area.

Walking distance, ice cream and a quality time with friends makes for a getaway for many overwhelmed students leading into finals, but there is one more perk that can lure students into the doors of Graeter’s. Along with many other local businesses, Graeter’s is also accepting Plus Account.

The re-opening of Graeter’s in Lexington is bringing more than just convenience of a new location closer to campus. For Alexa Bell, elementary education junior, the return of Greater’s contributed to memories of her childhood.

“Graeter’s was right beside my middle school, so my friends and I used to go there all of the time,” Bell said. “When Graeter’s closed, I felt like a piece of my childhood was gone.”

Hartung said Graeter’s opened just in time for the warmer temperatures.

“It’s nice that the classic ice cream shop is so close to campus, right in time for summer,” Hartung said.

Greater’s hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Free parking is available in the garage adjacent to Graeter’s.

Sculptor Matthew Gray Palmer, right, and others work to install a bronze wildcat statue across from Memorial Coliseum, as part of what will be the Wildcat Alumni Plaza, on April 3, 2012. Photo by Becca Clemons | STAFF

By Becca Clemons

There’s a new mascot on UK’s campus — but he can’t high-five fans or dance around in Rupp Arena. He is good to take photos with, however.

A bronze wildcat statue was installed across from Memorial Coliseum Tuesday, as one component of the Wildcat Alumni Plaza sponsored by the UK Alumni Association.

The plaza is set to be unveiled April 20, weather permitting, and will also feature brick pavers bought by students, alumni or other members of the UK community.

Matthew Gray Palmer, the statue’s sculptor, is from Washington state and has made statues for other universities’ mascots, including the University of New Hampshire Wildcat and the Texas State Bobcat. The wildcat statue took about nine months to create.

People stopped on the sidewalks of Avenue of Champions to take pictures of the statue installation, as Palmer and others worked to get it in place.

“I think it’s fabulous,” said Stan Key, executive director of the Alumni Association.

He said Palmer has been great to work with.

“One feature we all really wanted was detail, especially in the face and eyes,” Key said.

The statue also depicts a wildcat standing on a log, rather than on a stone or boulder as is typical, he said.

The idea for the statue and plaza came from the Leadership Summit and the Emerging Leader Institute student groups, Key said, which recommended a bronze wildcat statue that students and alumni can identify with.

“We as an alumni association know from other universities how sculptures like this build loyalty and support,” he said.

The total project cost $300,000, he said, and money raised from the brick pavers will go toward scholarships. He said the gifts were originally going to the alumni association to help offset the cost of the project, but “we decided it was more important to go to scholarships.”

The inner circle of the plaza will contain 2,300 pavers, and more will be placed in other parts of the plaza. Key said the association has received $70,000 from them so far and hopes to get $50,000 to $70,000 each subsequent year through paver gifts.

Pavers can be purchased at www.wildcatalumniplaza.com.

Senior guard Darius Miller reacts to Head Coach John Calipari talking about his dedication to the team and how much of an impact he had during the celebration at Rupp Arena after the team returned from New Orleans and winning the national championship. Photo by Quianna Lige | Staff

By Cody Porter

The countdown was on, and as the seconds rolled off the clock, the excitement in the arena reached a fever pitch — 3, 2, 1, 0.

CBS announcer Jim Nantz’s final call echoed throughout the arena.

“And the Kentucky coronation is complete, champions 2012!”

Upon hearing that closing line the place erupted. No, it wasn’t the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. It was Rupp Arena.

Just moments after the final buzzer in UK’s 67-59 win over the Kansas Jayhawks, fans celebrated and then made their way toward the Rupp Arena box office to obtain tickets for Tuesday’s national championship celebration.

The tickets, which went on sale beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, were purchased all the way up until the 20,000-plus filled Rupp at 2 p.m. to see their beloved Cats.

Attending the event was Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear. Of the win he said: “Last night, when that last buzzer went off, my first thought was, ‘Thank goodness it’s
over,’ because the tension finally evaporated and you could sit back, yell and scream, and enjoy it.”

Rick Townsley, a Rupp Arena usher from Barbourville, Ky., was witnessing his first championship celebration. His blue coat was given to him months after UK
celebrated its 1998 title in the same arena.

With him were his wife and daughter, which made the moment more special.

“There’s a lot of excitement. I’ve got my wife and little girl with me; it’s her first one, she’s only 7,” he said. “My wife I converted from a Michigan fan to a UK fan. We’re all a big blue family.”

The attention of Townsley and other fans was directed to the corner of the arena with the sight of flashing lights around 4 p.m.

Being escorted by police, the Cats’ charter bus drove onto the Rupp Arena court.

One by one, the players were introduced and received standing ovations.

Once on stage, a few moments were needed for the crowd’s excitement to lower to a still moderately loud “Go Big Blue.”

UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart opened by thanking various people around the program, including UK President Eli Capilouto, former president Lee Todd, the coaches and the players.

“I’ve seen a lot of great athletes come and go,” he said. “I’ve seen an awful lot of great stories. I’ve seen a lot of near misses. I’ve been here 10 years — this is why I came here.”

Barnhart said he was asked shortly after UK captured its eighth national championship if the moment had truly sunk in.

“No, but after driving down Versailles Road in that caravan to get to this spot — it hit me,” he said.

Another long, standing ovation was brought about by Barnhart’s remarks. That ovation became deafening when UK basketball head coach John Calipari took to the lecturn.

“You people never cease to amaze me,” Calipari said.

Calipari asked if anyone knew why the Cats were able to win the national title.

It wasn’t simply because “We’re the best,” as many fans screamed his way.

“Folks, we have the best players and the best team. That’s why,” he said. “Just talent alone, folks, doesn’t get it done.”

One after another, Calipari talked about each player, proclaiming that each sacrificed his skills as a basketball player to better the entire team.

“Then we got that long, skinny one,” said Calipari in reference to freshman Anthony Davis.

Calipari said after winning one of his first player of the year awards, Davis “grabbed his teammates and said, ‘Guys, this does not happen if I’m not on this team with you guys.’”

Acknowledgement of the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player sparked a “one more year” chant from a small cluster of fans in the arena that brought smiles and laughs to many of the freshmen’s faces.

After being bragged on by Calipari for taking his role as the team’s sixth man as a senior, Darius Miller was introduced to give a message to the fans.

“It seemed like every gym we played in, you all were there, we had the most amount of fans,” Miller said. “Me personally, I want to say thank you for all the support you have showed me during my four years here.”

Moments later, Miller’s career came full-circle. From an appearance in the National Invitation Tournament to now achieving Calipari’s goal for a “gold standard” of a program, Miller along with his teammates, watched a new banner unravel from the rafters. On it read, “2012 National Champions.”

“It’s very important for Kentucky,” said Beshear about UK winning the national championship. “Things like this put us on the national and international stage. The focus of the world was on Kentucky.”

The governor concluded in saying that this group of Cats was one of the best he’s ever seen.

“Those kids played like the team that they are. It’s the most talent I’ve ever seen on one team,” he said. “What this state is all about is teamwork.

UK fans celebrate on State Street after UK beat Kansas to with a national title on April 2. Photo by Scott Hannigan | Staff

By Taylor Moak

More than 50 people were arrested following criminal activity during celebrations Monday night after UK’s national championship win.

The arrests were made by police and fire officials, said Lexington police Chief Ronnie Bastin, and the numbers for arrests are still coming in.

“We think it will be significantly more than 50 that were arrested associated with the events (Monday) night,” Bastin said.

He said the charges included, but were not limited to: disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.

Dozens of citations were also issued on Monday afternoon for alcohol-related offenses, he said.

Lexington police will continue investigating the criminal activities from over the weekend, using such resources as www.IDthisperson.com, he said.

Lexington police estimate between 15,000 and 20,000 people celebrated UK’s win in three main locations.

Bastin said that based on the number of people who attended the celebrations Monday, the number of arrests and problems was relatively small. He said a number of the problems were caused Monday night by people who were not from Lexington.

The criminal activities were not an accurate representation of most fans, who he said were “a very happy crowd” and a “pleasure to work with.”

“The celebrations were enjoyable to be around,” Bastin said, adding that many of the officers had only a monitoring roll.

Assistant Chief Mark Barnard said the police had a strong relationship with the community around State Street and University Avenue, and that those involved with criminal activity that took place are not a blanket representation of those who live there.

“Just because so many people came into that area, I didn’t want to paint that geographic area with being unruly,” Barnard said.

Fans waited for the UK basketball team to return home after it won the NCAA National Championship against Kansas, on April 3, 2012, at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Mike Weaver | Staff

By Kayla Phelps

Hundreds of fans gathered at Blue Grass Airport Tuesday waiting for the Cats to arrive in Lexington.

Students, children, parents and grandparents lined up hours before the team’s arrival.

Tim Jenkins, a 2005 UK alumnus in accounting, waited in line for two hours, sporting a Santa Claus outfit.

“It’s Christmas in Kentucky,” he said.

Jenkins is a financial planner in Lexington and said “no one should be working today.”

“The Big Blue Nation has been incredible. Nothing can keep us away,” he said.

Senior Darius Miller holds the trophy as the UK basketball team returns home after it won the NCAA National Championship against Kansas, on April 3, 2012, at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Mike Weaver | Staff

People climbed on fences and peeked through holes to cheer on the national champions.

Cameras were lifted high in the air and people stood on each others’ shoulders to catch a glimpse of the players.

“This is the first time I have been able to experience a championship in my life that I can remember,” Brandon Carlisle, a computer science freshman, said. “I am super excited.”

Carlisle was at the airport waiting for the team about 45 minutes before their arrival.

He wanted to celebrate the season at Rupp Arena, but didn’t get a student ticket in time.

However, the crowd at the airport was almost as spirited.

“This is the best year of my life,” he said. “This is awesome. I didn’t expect this many people.”

Fans ran after the bus as it headed back into Lexington, and they chanted “C-A-T-S” and “Big Blue Nation.”

“Everybody is cheering and wearing their blue,” Haley Tipmore, a human nutrition sophomore, said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Police and firefighters respond to reports of a shooting near the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Limestone Street in Lexington, Ky., after the University of Kentucky's victory over Kansas in the NCAA Basketball Championship game on 4/3/12. Photo by Mike Weaver | Staff

By Kayla Phelps

A shooting occurred on South Limestone between Virginia and Washington avenues shortly after 2 a.m. Tuesday, said Lexington police spokeswoman Sherelle Roberts.

Harrold Calloway, 31, was shot in the foot after getting into an altercation with another man, she said. His foot was amputated on Tuesday at UK Chandler Hospital.

Calloway has outstanding warrants in Indiana, and when he recovers he will be arrested on drug trafficking charges, Roberts said.

She said he got into a verbal altercation with someone, and it “escalated from verbal to physical, and then the suspect shot him.”

Around 2:15 a.m., police reported shots fired.

Luke Glaser, features editor for the Kentucky Kernel, witnessed the shooting.

He said a man fired seven to eight shots at two men before fleeing. One was hit.

The victim immediately collapsed on the sidewalk directly in front of the walkway up to the building, though he appeared to be conscious. Glaser said the man was groaning and slowly rolling around on the ground.

The shooter, who was wearing a baseball cap and long pants, fled behind the Thomas D. Clark building, Glaser said.

Police and fire officials were nearby and offered assistance, Roberts said.

Hundreds of people were in the area at the time of the shooting, said Ed Davis, Lexington fire battalion chief.

UK fan Jon Tsang celebrates at the intersection of Woodland and Euclid. Photo by Mike Weaver | STAFF

By Kayla Phelps

Fireworks exploded in the streets as fans celebrated UK’s eighth national championship.

As the game came to a close, people flooded the streets, jumping on each others shoulders and chanting about their passion for Big Blue Nation.

Minutes before the game ended, cops lined across Woodland and Euclid avenues to prepare for the celebration.

Lauren Bewley, a 2009 Transylvania graduate, remembered the last time UK took the championship in 1998.

“I was in middle school last time they won,” she said.

But this time it felt a little sweeter.

“I’m ecstatic,” she said.

Before 10 p.m., the bars at the intersection of Woodland and Euclid had hit capacity.

T-Bar, Cosmic Charlie’s and Lynagh’s Irish Pub stopped letting people in to watch UK sweep the national title as early as 8 p.m.

People flooded into the streets outside of T-Bar and attempted to watch the game from a distance.

“You can’t get any better than this,” said Jack Janecek, a nutrition dietetics senior. “What else can you ask for? We were here to win no matter what.”

Following Saturday’s mayhem on State Street, the Euclid-Woodland intersection remained tame, yet spirited.

“We haven’t seen too much happen,” said Lexington police Lt. C.D. Schnelle. “It has just been a partying, celebratory atmosphere.”

Schnelle said the intersection was shut down around 5 p.m. and there was no set time to reopen it.

He said everything went smoothly for the officers.

“We had a plan and stuck to it,” he said. “It has worked so far.”

As of 12:50 a.m., no one had been arrested at the intersection, he said.

Light sources were set on Euclid Avenue near University Plaza and Transylvania Avenue, illuminating the crowd as people danced their way through the streets.

Broken beer bottles, confetti and balloons were just some of the props people used to show their spirit.

A dance circle formed outside Off The Hookah and strangers embraced to techno music blasting into the streets.

Jay Lawless, an integrated strategic communication junior, said the night was something he had been waiting for since the last time UK won the national championship in 1998.

Lawless said he was 9 years old, celebrating with his family on Transylvania in ‘98.

He said his parents wouldn’t let him move to the Euclid-Woodland intersection.

“I made a promise that I would be here the next time they won,” he said.

And he was, among thousands of other fans who were celebrating the the Cats’ victory.

“I came over here for the celebration,” said Matthew Wholey, a finance junior. “Big Blue Nation really gave the support we needed to win the game.”

The crowd exploded on South Limestone, celebrating UK men’s basketball’s eighth national championship.

“I have one word for you: Dynasty,” Bo Biggers, a special education senior, said.

As soon as the Cats won the national championship, a woman knelt to the ground in the middle of the street and cried.

Followed closely behind was a fan who climbed the street lamp to cheer to thousands below.

“This is just a dream,” Priya Patel, a chemical engineering sophomore, said. “I’m so proud of our players.”

One fan donned a UK apron, nothing else.

Chants of “C-A-T-S Cats! Cats! Cats!” echoed down the streets and across campus.

“Bow down to the brow,” Shelby Lantz, a mechanical engineering sophomore, said. “It deserves its own religion.”

Crushed beer bottles lined the streets, yet no fans seemed to pay attention. They only cared about their basketball team.

“It is well deserved,” Teila Winburn, a nursing sophomore, said.

Meanwhile, police were trying to control the crowds from becoming violent.

“The emergency medical units were moved to the more volatile areas tonight,” Lexington police Lt. J.J. Lombardi said.

Before the game ended, police were cheering on the Wildcats with the crowds.

As soon as the game had three minutes left on the clock, police put their full riot gear on and prepared for the crowds.

“We were expecting the crowds to be just as rambunctious and along the same lines as they were on Saturday,” Lombardi said. “We were expecting around 8,000 people.”

The thousands gathered didn’t seem to mind the chaos, but seemed to embrace it.

A fan brought a silver-casted version of the “3 goggles” and would hold it up to his eyes up every time he tried to take a picture with police.

He even tried to get the police officers to join him. Some did.

One fan painted the “3 goggles” on his face in blue and wore a white cape with a “K.” He crowd surfed through South Limestone with cheers following him.

“This championship means everything to me,” Alison Carson, a broadcast journalism senior, said. “This is the best way to go out.”

Lexington police showed screenshots of photos and video at press conference Monday of postgame celebrations on Saturday and talked about how the force will deal with possible celebrations Monday after the NCAA championship game. Police said the individuals circles will face arson charges when identified. Photo by Mike Weaver | Staff

By Becca Clemons

Police spokeswoman Sherelle Roberts said anyone who correctly identifies people in photos or video screenshots on www.IDthisperson.com can receive a $25 reward.

Lexington police officials said at a news conference Monday that they are working to identify and charge those who committed crimes during celebrations following UK’s Saturday night win over Louisville, and those who help could receive a reward.

Many of the photos on the site were taken during celebrations on State Street, where cars were flipped over and one was set on fire. Fireworks were also set off in that crowd and others, including on the corner of Woodland and Euclid avenues.

At a news conference Monday, Lexington police Chief Ronnie Bastin said photos and videos taken Saturday will be used in the coming week to identify and charge those who threw beer bottles at police and others, lit a car on fire and otherwise endangered others or damaged property.

Related link: Officials say they will tolerate only peaceful celebration; arrests expected from Saturday.

He said some of the people in a video of a car being lit on fire on State Street Saturday will be charged with acts of arson and/or wanton endangerment once identified. Those identified as having thrown bottles at officers could be charged with wanton endangerment or assault.

“This behavior cannot and will not be tolerated,” Bastin said.

People can also report criminal activity from Saturday or in possible Monday night celebrations by calling Crimestoppers or Lexington police’s Bureau of Investigation at 859-258-3700.

Related link: Capilouto tells students, ‘Don’t be stupid.’

Fans celebrate on State Street after UK wins the National Championship. Photo by Scott Hannigan | STAFF

Around 9:30 p.m., a man was taken away in an ambulance from State Street.

Bars around the corner of Woodland and Euclid were at capacity, and crowds were extending into the street in the 300 block of South Limestone. The road was closed to motorist traffic before 10 p.m.

UK was leading Kansas 41-27 at halftime.

Sounds from State Street at halftime:

Around 11 p.m., police on South Limestone were cheering with fans. The entire street did the “C-A-T-S” cheer.

At 11:15 p.m., fire crackers were reported near the corner of State and Elizabeth streets. Multiple women were reported to have flashed the crowd. After halftime ended, fans remained on State Street.

Fans started a fire near the intersection of State and Elizabeth around 11:30 p.m., but police put it out quickly.

A fire was reported on Aylesford shortly after the Cats beat Kansas 67-59. After the win, fans came to State Street from University Avenue and Conn Terrace, adjacent streets.

State Street just after midnight, after UK wins the national championship. Photo by Rachel Aretakis | STAFF

According to the police scanner, a man was firing a gun into the air at apartment complex Red Mile Village on Red Mile Road.

Just before midnight, fans were climbing on light posts on South Limestone.

Around midnight, new stop signs on State Street were uprooted.

Thousands of people made their way to the 300 block of South Limestone, State Street and the corner of Woodland and Euclid avenues.

Couch fires had been reported on University Avenue, Montmullin Street and Elizabeth Street, among other places around campus.

Before 1 a.m., a structure fire was reported on State Street.

Around 2:15 a.m., police reported shots fired near South Limestone and Virginia Avenue, and subsequently reported a man down. A man fired 7 to 8 shots at two other men before fleeing, police said. There was one victim, and his status is unknown. The shooting occurred at approximately 2:11 a.m.

Parking will not be allowed on sections of South Limestone, Woodland and Euclid avenues and State Street prior to and during Monday night’s NCAA Championship game between UK and Kansas.

No parking and towing areas will be designated by signs, according to a Lexington police news release. Those include the 300 block of South Limestone and parts of Woodland, Euclid and State. Enforcement is set to start as early as 5 p.m.

Police also urge drivers to use extra patience on the road Monday night and to avoid UK campus and downtown areas.

Related link: UK offers alternative parking during Monday’s game.

Police Chief Ronnie Bastin about postgame celebrations on Saturday and how the force will deal with possible celebrations Monday night after the NCAA championship game during a news conference involving Lexington police, fire officials, and the UK dean of students in Lexington, Ky., on Monday. Photo by Mike Weaver | Staff

By Becca Clemons

Lexington and UK officials said that while the majority of students and UK fans acted appropriately Saturday night, criminal behavior by some will not be tolerated Monday night, and those caught breaking the law will be subject to criminal and possibly university disciplinary action.

At a news conference Monday, police Chief Ronnie Bastin said photos and videos taken Saturday will be used in the coming week to identify and charge those who threw beer bottles at police and others, lit a car on fire and otherwise endangered others or damaged property.

“This behavior cannot and will not be tolerated,” Bastin said.

He said Lexington police will have more officers out Monday, but he would not give specific numbers.

He said some of the people in a video of a car being lit on fire on State Street Saturday will be charged with acts of arson and/or wanton endangerment once identified. Those identified as having thrown bottles at officers could be charged with wanton endangerment or assault. More than 30 arrests were made Saturday.

He said no arrests from photos or videos have been made so far, but those charged afterward could expect knocks on their doors days later, even if they are not arrested in the act of committing a crime.

Related link: Crowd of thousands starts fires, destroy cars on State Street after Cats win; UK officials release statements.

Related link: Cars flipped, fires started on State Street as fans celebrate UK win.

Lexington police showed screenshots of photos and video from postgame celebrations on Saturday and talked about how the force will deal with possible celebrations Monday after the NCAA championship game at the news conference involving Lexington police, fire officials, and the UK dean of students in Lexington, Ky., on Monday. Photo by Mike Weaver | Staff

Officials showed a presentation featuring screenshots from video of those who poured lighter fluid on an overturned car and lit the car on fire with an article of clothing. They said those people could face arson charges once identified. Others, who were seen shooting fireworks on the corner of Woodland and Euclid avenues, could be charged with wanton endangerment.

Related link: VIDEOS: Car lit on fire, fans rowdy on State Street following UK win over Louisville.

UK police Chief Joe Monroe said UK police will be in full force on campus Monday night and will assist Lexington police at certain off-campus areas. He said the behavior of some people on State Street “does not reflect the proud history of this university.”

UK Dean of Students Victor Hazard said students breaking the law could be subject to disciplinary action from the university, in addition to any legal action from police. He said this action could include a letter of warning, period of probation, suspension or expulsion, based on the facts specific to each case.

“We encourage you to be safe, be responsible and make good decisions as we anticipate a celebration,” Hazard said.

Related link: Capilouto tells students, ‘Don’t be stupid.’

Bastin said police are focusing their attention on public safety, the safety of others and property damage, rather than celebratory behavior, such as drinking, that doesn’t get out of hand.

He said police expected a large-scale celebration Saturday night, but locations of the biggest crowds were”different than history has shown us.” Following 1996 and 1998 championship games, the largest crowds gathered at the corner of Woodland and Euclid avenues, rather than State Street, the site of thousands celebrating after UK beat Louisville in the Final Four.

“As long as folks are celebrating and celebrating responsibly, we don’t mind having the observer role,” Bastin said. “We don’t want to hamper a healthy environment where a celebration is occurring.”

“We would prefer to have the role of the observer,” Bastin said.

Related link: Rewards offered for helping identify those engaged in criminal activity Saturday.

Those who live on or near campus and would like to relocate their vehicles before Monday night’s NCAA title game can park in Commonwealth Stadium K lots after 3:30 p.m.

They can keep their cars there until noon Tuesday without a permit.

The service is being provided by UK Student Government in conjunction with Parking and Transportation Services.

UK plays Kansas in the championship game Monday at 9:23 p.m.

Related link: Parts of Limestone, State Street, Woodland and Euclid towing areas.

Related link: Capilouto tells students, ‘Don’t be stupid.’

Related link: Officials say they will tolerate only peaceful celebration; arrests expected from Saturday.

Fans celebrate after the UK vs. Lousiville Final Four game in Lexington, Ky., on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Photo by Tessa Lighty | Staff

By Rachel Aretakis

Madness is the only way to describe the celebration on State Street after UK’s win over the University of Louisville.

The street was flooded with fans, decked out in blue and white, who screamed and cheered that the Cats would go all the way.

Couches, tree branches and even a car was burned. At midnight, at least 39 fires had been reported, said UK Spokeswoman Kathy Johnson.

Related link: Cars flipped, fires started on State Street as fans celebrate UK win.

Nothing was safe from intoxicated supporters who rioted in the first block of the street.

“I feel really bad for them,” Madison Rogers, a history and political science junior, said about the owners of the flipped cars.

She said she and her friends stayed away from the car flippings.

“I think it’s embarrassing it went that far,” she said.

Multiple cars were flipped on Saturday night. However, fans still climbed on any vehicle they could reach, jumping and rolling the tires of the overturned ones.

This relieved mixed reactions from onlookers; some looked on horrified, while others cheered and took photos.

Related link: PHOTOS: Recap of Final Four weekend.

Those who live or parked on State Street tried protecting their cars by begging and yelling at others to not jump on them.

However, it didn’t stop the crowd from destroying what it could.

State Street could have been confused with Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but more extreme — all hell broke loose as soon as the buzzer sounded, securing UK’s 69-61 win.

Related link: UK squeaks past U of L 69-61, advances to NCAA championships.

But the partying didn’t start at the end of the game. Fans started tailgating as early as 10 a.m., playing beer pong and grilling out.

A few Cards fans braved the crowds before the game but were constantly booed by UK supporters.

“I’m from North Carolina, and this rivalry is so much better than that rivalry (between Duke and UNC),” Rogers said.

She said she wasn’t surprised with the chaos on State and thought the parties would last until early Sunday morning.

“It’s the best night of my entire life until we win the national championship,” she said.

Bed-sheet banners were just as common as TVs on decks of houses. Fans had UK tattoos on their faces, and a painted-on unibrow wasn’t uncommon to see.

Related link: VIDEOS: Car lit on fire, fans rowdy on State Street following UK win over Louisville.

State Street was closed during nearly the entire Final Four game.

Police released pepper spray on the crowd, which included fans on top of cars, almost immediately after the game ended. The pepper spray was released from paintball guns, which contained pepperballs.

During halftime, police walked in groups up and down the street, some carrying the pepperball guns. As they passed, fans cheered “C-O-P-S” instead of “C-A-T-S.”

By 9 p.m., fans uprooted stop signs on State Street and paraded around with them.

About 9:35 p.m., police starting forming a line in the 200 block of State Street to move people out. By 10, police had started moving crowds, and fans were throwing beer bottles and other objects at officers and each other.

Police were arresting those who were throwing bottles.

Hours after the game ended, fans continued to cheer as if the buzzer had just sounded.

The chaos of State Street was met with two reactions — enthusiasm and disappointment.

Bobby Sturm, a business freshman, said the celebration was amazing.

“I wasn’t expecting this street to be as big,” he said. “The street is being completely occupied, partying and dancing.”

He said he and his friends were in the crowd when the pepperballs were released but said it didn’t hurt his eyes.

Through social media, students expressed their excitement and pride to be a part of the Big Blue Nation. Many said Monday’s celebrations would be even more intense.

However, while students enjoyed the pandemonium, many fans on Twitter said the riots weren’t funny or classy.

“These students don’t know how awesome they have it,” Brandon Roberts, a 2007 UK graduate, said via Twitter. “Us students during the (former head coach Billy) Gillispie years could’ve done that but didn’t.”

Roberts said many alumni in their 20s were embarrassed.

“My feelings are pretty common amongst my fellow UK alumni,” he said.

Just after midnight, UK spokesman Jay Blanton released a statement:

“We appreciate the work of public safety officers at UK and Lexington in addressing the incidents this evening. It is unfortunate that a small number of people are using what should be a night of celebration as an excuse to attempt to tarnish the university and the community. To the extent that students are involved in any illegal activity or actions that violate the university’s student code, they will be dealt with appropriately.”

After UK’s win, Student Government President Micah Fielden tweeted to students to be safe.

“Let’s not do anything that takes away from the basketball team and their success,” he said.

However, Fielden doesn’t think Monday’s game will be as chaotic.

“The win over Louisville was huge because of the longstanding rivalry,” he said. “People were more riled up than normal.”

He emphasized safety for Monday, saying it is “too easy to get hurt in crowds.”

He also said that it wasn’t just UK students celebrating but also community members.

Related link: Kernel Editorial: Saturday’s State Street ‘celebrations’ disdainful, embarrassing.

The aftermath from partying around campus left Cats Cruiser shut down Saturday night and early Sunday morning due to street closures and conditions, university and LexTran officials tweeted.

By 1:30 a.m., all roads were reopened around campus.

Though State Street and University Avenue were cleared of people by that time, some fans continued to party at their houses.

And at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, the madness continued as some people were still out drinking beer, yelling and saying the “C-A-T-S” cheer.

People from around Lexington, as well as out of town, drove down State Street in the morning to view the damage. One woman called it “unbelieveable.”

Some Lexington residents were out early helping to clean up trash on State Street.

One was Charles Walker, a resident of 80 years. He was out picking up cans for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“People frown on you for doing it, but they don’t understand,” he said.

Reporters Alex Lovan and Becca Clemons contributed reporting.

Email News Editor Rachel Aretakis at raretakis@kykernel.com. Follow her on Twitter @KernelAretakis.