Maggie Menderski
LightNews LightNews
banner
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
Maggie Menderski
@maggiemenderski.bsky.social
180 followers 67 following 68 posts
✍️ Courier Journal Features Columnist
👑 A 2024 Most Admired Woman
📚Co-author 𝟣𝟧𝟢 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘺
😸 Quincy & Moxie’s Meow-ma
🐯 #MizzouMade
🏠 St. Louis born
📍 Germantown, Louisville

Writing portfolio: menderski.wordpress.com
Posts Replies Media Videos
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
Imagine, meeting a man on a blind date in 1986, marrying him, finding out 20+ years later you need a kidney .... and he's a rare, perfect match.

Thank you to Don and Debbie for sharing their story of gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving.

www.courier-journal.com/story/life/w...
In 'divine intervention,' husband is rare match for wife's kidney donation
After more than three decades of marriage, Don Dziadus made a life-changing commitment to his wife, Debbie. He donated his kidney to her.
www.courier-journal.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:33 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
I counted the other day, and I think our Thanksgiving has welcomed more than 60 different people over the course of seven years. It's impossible to think of this holiday without all those people.

This year I got to write about it.

www.courier-journal.com/story/life/h...
A Thanksgiving for 'strays:' How this journalist created a growing Friendsgiving tradition
Courier Journal columnist Maggie Menderski has created her own Friendsgiving tradition to celebrate "found family" while honoring a holiday tradition.
www.courier-journal.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:21 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
I am always proud to be a part of The Courier Journal newsroom, but genuinely, I'm in awe of the work my team has done since the horrific plane crash Tuesday night.

I played a small part in the coverage yesterday.

www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2...
This firefighter was one of the first on scene at the UPS plane crash. Here's what he saw
Kyle Miller with the Kentucky Air National Guard was among the first on scene at the UPS plane crash site in Louisville. This is his story.
www.courier-journal.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:16 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
OH. And if you suspect you've got a ghost for a roommate, here are some tips and tricks from one of my favorite paranormal investigators for cohabitating with a spirit.

www.courier-journal.com/story/life/h...
Is my house haunted? Paranormal investigator gives advice on living with ghosts
Have you ever wondered if your house is haunted? This paranormal investigator offers her expert advice on how to handle living with a ghost.
www.courier-journal.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:28 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
Happy Halloween! Each October I spend some time exploring the lore around some of Louisville and Kentucky's most iconic, haunted places.

This morning I've curated a list of some of my favorites for you.

Let's start with... The Belle of Louisville.

www.courier-journal.com/story/life/2...
An old captain, a young lover, and an angry deckhand: Meet the Belle of Louisville ghosts
The Belle of Louisville's ghosts make themselves known in the sleepiest hours of the night when the crew and guests have disembarked for the evening.
www.courier-journal.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Reposted by Maggie Menderski
ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social
A beautiful story from @maggiemenderski.bsky.social: www.courier-journal.com/story/news/l...
'It's glorious.' At 72, Louisville man finds courage to come out as gay
Lou Tingle knew he was attracted to men, but never said it out loud. Then, at 72, after his second wife died, he finally had the courage to come out.
www.courier-journal.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:05 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
Thank you LEO Weekly readers for naming me among the top five local writers in Louisville. I am thrilled and humbled to be No. 2 on this list 🤩

community.leoweekly.com/best-of/2025...
Readers' Choice: Media | LEO Weekly
Discover Louisville's top media choices as chosen by LEO Weekly readers. Explore the city's preferred sources of information and entertainment.
community.leoweekly.com
October 6, 2025 at 2:04 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
I write stories about haunted places every year and people always ask me if I "believe in ghosts."

To which I usually answer, "I would never tell a ghost I don't believe in it."
October 3, 2025 at 2:28 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
Happy Sp0o0oky Season 🎃 What happens when you mix a haunted distillery, a haunted bar and a few paranormal investigators? You get a really fun, unique new bourbon experience.

Thanks Buzzard's Roost, Hereafter and resident ghost Gandano for a fun night.

www.courier-journal.com/story/life/f...
Bourbon, ghosts, paranormal investigators: Haunted Louisville distillery launches new tour
Staff members believe Buzzard's Roost Distillery and the Hereafter Speakeasy are haunted. This new bourbon experience introduces you to their ghosts.
www.courier-journal.com
October 3, 2025 at 2:02 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
He lost his family to the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

Now he's helping thousands of African immigrants and refugees adapt to Louisville.

My latest for the Courier Journal...

www.courier-journal.com/story/news/l...
'Seeing Forward:' How one man has helped thousands of African immigrants in Louisville
Meet Kevin Uyisenga, who founded See Forward Ministries to help the thousands of East African immigrants and refugees who now call Louisville home.
www.courier-journal.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:07 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
It's 700 miles from Louisville to New Orleans, but the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina lives on here in a very unsuspected way.

Louisville opened its heart to a 5x Grammy Award winning artist's family. Master P has spent 20 years repaying that kindness.

www.courier-journal.com/story/news/l...
'A blessing to be a blessing:' How Master P still repays kindness to Louisville post-Katrina
Some of rap mogul Master P's family was sent to Louisville after Hurricane Katrina. Twenty years later, he is still paying that kindness forward.
www.courier-journal.com
August 28, 2025 at 2:10 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
She's 100. He's 98. They've been married 80 years. This story is even sweeter than you expect it to be. I promise.

www.courier-journal.com/story/life/2...
Century of life, eight decades of love. Louisville couple celebrates 80 years of marriage
Spurgeon and Alethea Peay married just before World War II ended. They just celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary.
www.courier-journal.com
August 27, 2025 at 1:47 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
This is one of those stories, I will never forget. Many thanks to Anna Catherine's family for painting such a beautiful and accurate picture of her with their memories.

I wish I could have met her. She sounds like such a force of creativity, spunk and love.
www.courier-journal.com/story/life/e...
‘God’s going to give her that ribbon’: 97-year-old wins state fair prize weeks after death
Anna Catherine Luckett was no stranger to winning blue ribbons at the Kentucky State Fair. So, it’s no surprise that she won in death, too.
www.courier-journal.com
August 20, 2025 at 1:40 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
Bob Hall has been going to the Kentucky State Fair since World War II, but it was only in 2024 that he decided to enter the culinary contest. He won a blue ribbon for his shortbread.

This year, he's back trying for another one.

www.courier-journal.com/story/life/e...
95-year-old man eyes win in 2025 Kentucky State Fair apple pie, pound cake contests
Bob Hall, 95, spent years showing livestock and smoking lamb at the Kentucky State Fair. In 2024, he won his first blue ribbon in the culinary contest
www.courier-journal.com
August 13, 2025 at 1:43 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
This was a fun one to write. Check out these five show-stopping, memorable desserts in Louisville.

(Spoiler alert: I can actually eat the one at Buck's. It's gluten free!)

www.courier-journal.com/story/entert...
A chocolate cigar and a golden boxing glove: 5 iconic desserts you must try in Louisville
Here's a look at five of the most memorable desserts Louisville's restaurants have to offer.
www.courier-journal.com
August 6, 2025 at 7:35 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
Your feel good read for today. How a Louisville boy made medical history and learned just how colorful the world can sound.

My latest for The Courier Journal:

www.courier-journal.com/story/life/w...
Louisville boy makes medical history as first patient in US with new cochlear implant
UK HealthCare implanted the first MED-EL-FLEX34 cochlear impact in December in a now 11 year old boy from Louisville. Here's how his life has changed.
www.courier-journal.com
August 5, 2025 at 8:18 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
The tide is shifting on Buffalo Trace's coveted aged spirits — Eagle Rare, Blanton's, E.H. Taylor and Weller Special Reserve.

After being so hard to find for the last decade, suddenly, there is much more product on the gift shop's shelves.

www.courier-journal.com/story/life/f...
300 people in line? How hard-to-find bourbons made Buffalo Trace Distillery a cult favorite
How hard-to-find bourbons, like Eagle Rare and E.H. Taylor, have made a visit to the Buffalo Trace Distillery a must for bourbon whiskey lovers.
www.courier-journal.com
July 15, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Reposted by Maggie Menderski
thecourierjournal.bsky.social
Tickets are still on sale for our At the Table dinner at Bourbons Bistro on July 16.
The event features a three-course meal, a welcome cocktail and Buzzard's Roost whiskey tastings.

Tickets can be purchased at .
July 9, 2025 at 4:00 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
The deeper we get into this heatwave the more grateful I am for my sous vide. Nope, we are not grilling. We are not turning on the stove. We are not turning on the oven.

Hell, I'm barely turning on the lights at this point.
June 26, 2025 at 7:19 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
This week marks the 10th anniversary of marriage equality and the Obergefell v. Hodges U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

Six of the couples involved in the lawsuit were from Kentucky. I had the privilege of catching up with three of them.

www.courier-journal.com/story/news/l...
These Kentucky couples sued for marriage equality. 10 years later, it's under fire again
As the 10-year anniversary of the historic Obergefell v. Hodges decision approaches, blissful euphoria has been replaced with a daunting fear.
www.courier-journal.com
June 25, 2025 at 1:21 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
What an egg-cellent story from @washingtonpost.com. This egg-based crime tale was a great read to crack into.

www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
The Great Egg Heist: 280,000 eggs disappeared from America’s top producer. Then came a ransom note.
As prices skyrocketed, and egg giant Cal-Maine raked in record profits, the company was hit by one of the biggest egg thefts in history.
www.washingtonpost.com
June 19, 2025 at 6:25 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
THAT'S👏MY👏EDITOR👏👏👏

Congratulations Kathryn!

www.courier-journal.com/story/life/2...
Kathryn Gregory wins 2025 Most Admired Woman in media award from Today's Woman
Courier Journal editor Kathryn Gregory has been named a Most Admired Woman 2025 in the media category by Today's Woman.
www.courier-journal.com
June 12, 2025 at 5:36 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
As a reporter, I often get a unique look into intimate, powerful moments.

I am so grateful to Bruce's wife for giving me a glimpse into his Alzheimer's.

Bruce is in 6e of 7 stages of dementia, and he can't take care of himself – but he can ice skate.

www.courier-journal.com/story/news/l...
As memories fade, playing hockey is frozen in time for Louisville man with Alzheimer's
Patients in the later stages of dementia can tap into their motor memory and use repetitive learned skills. So this Louisville man is back on the ice.
www.courier-journal.com
June 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
The day after the an EF-4 tornado hit London, Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear worried “there might be a block, a whole block out there where everybody is dead.” I went to that block on Thursday.

My latest for The Courier Journal ...

www.courier-journal.com/story/weathe...
'Picking up memories:' London, Kentucky rallies after 19 killed in horrific tornado
In the days after 19 people were killed when a horrific storm swept through southeastern Kentucky, people in London are rallying to help each other.
www.courier-journal.com
May 27, 2025 at 12:05 PM
maggiemenderski.bsky.social
I am thrilled, honored and humbled to be listed alongside some of the best storytellers in the country. Thank you @wearesfj.bsky.social!
wearesfj.bsky.social Society for Features Journalism @wearesfj.bsky.social · May 22
FEATURE BEAT WRITING PORTFOLIO, DIV 1

A trio of standout stories from one writer, diving deep into a single feature beat.

🥇 1st Place: @amiejust.com
🥈 2nd Place: @maggiemenderski.bsky.social
May 23, 2025 at 4:26 PM