Our winter edition of Jessamine Life magazine is finally here, and residents can pick up their copy at the Jessamine Journal office, located at 507 N. Main St. in Nicholasville.

Inside this edition you will find several features, one of which highlights the Nicholasville Police Department, where I was fortunate enough to ride-a-long for the evening with a local officer.

I learned a lot about the department, particularly its needs for a new station and higher pay to recruit and keep officers in the future for Nicholasville’s growing city. The article includes pictures of my time with the department.

I was also fortunate to sit down with a 19-year-old West Jessamine High School graduate who hiked the Appalachian Trail, Elliot Lea.

Lea took on a several month journey last summer which would have any traveler and adventurer completely green with envy. I hope his story thrills you the way it did me when I first heard it. It makes a great read, and one I believe every reader will thoroughly enjoy.

I also sat down to talk with local photographer Sara Corman, who specializes in newborn photography, although also takes the time to shoot family photo sessions as well. I even hired her to take my own family pictures late in November and was pleased with the results.

We were not able to share all of the adorable photos she submitted of the newborns she has captured over the years, although one did make a very special appearance on our cover and helps create the perfect display of a long winter’s nap and hibernating until spring.

Bill’s Saloon on Connemara Golf Course was also featured in this edition. Upon invitation out to do the story, it was my first time visiting the golf course and I was very impressed. The restaurant on the property is for members and guests and the facility also has rooms available for rental to suit many special needs.

The Jessamine County Ministerial Association was featured for its time working with the Resilience Program at the Jessamine County Detention Center in this edition. A program which focuses on helping inmates create a life plan upon release is a great read and a great program helping Jessamine County residents succeed.

We also highlighted a local holiday tradition, Wilmore’s Old-Fashioned Christmas, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.

Many regular features are inside as well, such as the winter reading list from Jessamine County Public Library, calendar of events in Jessamine County, recipes submitted by Jessamine County Homemakers, a faith column by Max Vanderpool of Generations Community Church and the Why I Love Jessamine Life feature highlighting Sharon Moore, Wilmore’s city clerk.

A little later than we expected, the magazine is still full of many great articles for readers to share with family and friends as they all gather together this holiday season. Make sure and pick your copy up today.

Brittany Fuller is the community editor of The Jessamine Journal and Jessamine Life magazine. She can be reached at brittany.fuller@jessaminejournal.com.