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Counties in the News - 2024 Archives

By KACo Staff
The latest info from across the Commonwealth
Counties in the News highlights stories and developments about Kentucky's counties. From county government initiatives to economic progress and community events, here's a roundup of counties making headlines this week.


Week of Dec. 16, 2024

Hopkins County Fiscal Court funds future industry

The Hopkins County Fiscal Court gathered for their last meeting of 2024 on Tuesday. The group prepared the county for the future and made moves to rid the area of a few nuisances as well. 

Read more from The Messenger

Whitley Fiscal Court prepares for bidding on jail expansion

The Whitley County Fiscal Court met on Tuesday to finalize key business for the year including budget approvals, infrastructure updates, and resolutions related to county operations.

Read more from the Times-Tribune


Campbellsville man arrested for attempted murder of sheriff

An investigation is underway after a man was charged with attempted murder of the Taylor County sheiff, according to the Kentucky State Police.

Read more from LEX18

Senator-elect Madon visits Bell County Fiscal Court

Senator-elect Scott Madon dropped by the Bell County Fiscal Court's December meeting to thank the magistrates, Judge-Executive Albey Brock and the people of Bell County for supporting his 11-day write-in campaign to fill the late Johnnie Turner's seat.

Read more from the Middlesboro News
Kentucky water utilities struggle with aging infrastructure, debt and more

The Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems (WWATERS) Fund received 150 applications totaling more than $657 million as utilities across the state seek help with aging treatment plants, leaky water lines, inoperable water meters and other failing infrastructure.

Read more from Kentucky Lantern

Trimble buys 224-acre tract for development

Trimble County Fiscal Court has purchased a 224-acre parcel of land just outside the Bedford city limits for $1 million in an effort to spur economic growth and housing and bring better health care to the county.

Read more from the News Democrat

McCracken County authorizes code officers to investigate violations of occupational license tax

The McCracken Fiscal Court on Monday approved amending an ordinance to authorize McCracken County Code Enforcement Officers to investigate alleged criminal violations of the occupational license tax.

Read more from West Kentucky Star

Mercer County bans medical cannabis use by its employees

Another local government has decided to ban the use of medical cannabis by its employees. The Mercer County Fiscal Court voted unanimously to ban the use during their special meeting Thursday morning.

Read more from WKYT

Henderson County's longtime coroner Bruce Farmer announces his retirement

Henderson County Coroner Bruce Farmer announced he plans to retire next month.

Read more from WEVV




Week of Dec. 9, 2024

Toyota to invest $922 million to build new paint facility in Scott County

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky is expanding its footprint in Georgetown with an investment totaling almost a billion dollars.

Read more from WHAS 11

Greenup County gets disaster declaration

Judge/Executive Bobby Hall and Emergency Management Director Garth Wireman announced during Tuesday's fiscal court meeting that Greenup County received a presidential disaster declaration stemming from Hurricane Helene damage.

Read more from the Daily Independent


Sheriff's office virtually expands scope of training

By the end of a recent morning, a new hire with the Warren County Sheriff's Office had visited with an unhoused man accused of throwing a brick at a passing car, gone to a domestic dispute in which one of the involved parties pulled a weapon on the officer and ended a hostage situation in an office building by shooting two suspects.

Read more from the Daily News

Fiscal Court talks athletic collector cards

The Harlan County Fiscal Court discussed an uncommon situation during a recent meeting, declaring a large collection of athletic cards in possession of the Harlan County Sheriff's Office to be surplus and put up for auction.

Read more from the Harlan Enterprise
Gov. Beshear visits western Kentucky on third anniversary of deadly tornadoes

Governor Andy Beshear visited western Kentucky Tuesday to remember those lost and to thank those who continue the work of rebuilding three years after tornadoes took the lives of 81 Kentuckians on December 10, 2021.


Read more from WPKY

Pulaski County hires new emergency management director

Christopher J. Mason has been named the director of the Office of Emergency Management by the Pulaski County Government.

Read more from the Messenger-Inquirer

Washington County considers proposed ABC ordinance

Washington County is moving quickly to transition from a historically dry county to one where alcohol can be purchased. The issue passed overwhelmingly at the ballot box in the November General Election and county officials are working to make that a reality come January.

Read more from the Kentucky Standard

Land of Lincoln Commission approves new Comprehensive Plan

Deliberate and intentional growth within Hodgenville and LaRue County is essential to ensuring the local area's "small town" culture and atmosphere are not compromised with congestion and encroachment. To fulfill this intent, the Land of Lincoln Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a new Comprehensive Plan after a nearly three-hour-long meeting.

Read more from the LaRue County Herald




Week of Dec. 2, 2024

Adair County supports opioid proposal

The Adair County Fiscal Court convened their regular meeting to discuss an opioid proposal, a contract with Cumberland County and an emergency management director ordinance, among other matters.

Read more from the Adair Progress

Plans unveiled for Warren County Sheriff's Office move

Once home to a grocery store, Sugar Maple Square along Ky. 185 will soon nourish public safety in Warren County.

Read more from the Daily News


Rector hired as county fire coordinator

Warren County's first-ever countywide fire coordinator comes with nearly a quarter-century of experience in firefighting, most recently as assistant fire chief for the Hollywood (Maryland) Volunteer Fire Department.

Read more from the Daily News

Hopkins County deals with Otter Lake Dam issue

Hopkins County Fiscal Court dealt with a contentious infrastructure problem that has caused issues for years. After a decade that included finger-pointing and a lawsuit, the issue may finally be laid to rest.

Read more from The Messenger
County government purchases future home

Knox County Fiscal Court has officially acquired the former Commercial Bank (old Union National Bank headquarters) on North Main Street in Barbourville at a price of $2.5 million.

Read more from the Mountain Advocate

Fiscal Court nears decision on shelter oversight

Daviess Fiscal Court is working through the final details of an agreement for It Takes A Village, an animal rescue organization based in Evansville, to take on oversight of the Daviess County Animal Shelter. 

Read more from the Messenger-Inquirer

County votes to update meeting room audio/video

Discussion at a recent Spencer County Fiscal Court meeting, centered around upgrading the audio/video system used to record the monthly gatherings.

Read more from the Spencer Magnet

Fiscal court seeks $80,000 in savings by switching jail medical service

The Casey County Fiscal Court in a Nov. 27 special called meeting authorized Judge/Executive Randy Dial to negotiate with Comprehensive Correctional Care (3-Cs) on a new contract that would save the jail more than $80,000.

Read more from Casey County News

Paducah, McCracken leaders give updates on key development projects

As the new year approaches, community leaders say projects — including the Paducah Riverfront Infrastructure Improvement Project, the Paducah Sports Park, and the Triple Rail Site — will take significant steps forward.

Read more from the Paducah Sun

Jessamine County gains new magistrate, new deputy judge/executive

Gov. Andy Beshear appointed Fred Allen Meyer as Magistrate for the First District of Jessamine County. Meyer replaces Justin Ray, who resigned from the position in October after being appointed as deputy judge/executive.

Read more from the Jessamine Journal




Week of Oct. 21, 2024

Parties agree to sell library; clerk eyes expansion

The generosity of two families and of the Bullitt County library board will make it possible for a crowded governmental office to find a new home.

Read more from the Pioneer News

KEHA Week celebrated in Clark County

KEHA Week, recognizing the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association, was recently celebrated. Clark County Homemakers, the association's local branch, took action as well.

Read more from the Winchester Sun


Fiscal court approves on roof bid, tables another

The Casey County Fiscal Court in an Oct. 17 special called meeting approved a bid to replace the roof at the Casey County Senior Citizens Center, but tabled discussion on bids to replace the roof at the Casey County Detention Center.

Read more from the Casey County News

Planting seeds for the future 

LaRue County, this is YOUR Judge-Executive Blake Durrett. We are in the middle of my favorite season. Grain is ripe and it's always so rewarding to reap a harvest. However, there is never a harvest without first a planting.

Read more from the Herald News
Solar ordinance fails to pass fiscal court

The Breckinridge County Fiscal Court voted not to approve the second reading of a solar energy ordinance on Monday.

Read more from the Messenger-Inquirer

Trimble Fiscal Court enacts solar/wind ordinance

After two years of consideration — and a moratorium to freeze all potential development related to solar and/or wind industries during that study — Trimble Fiscal Court took action Monday to adopt a strict set of guidelines on developers looking to locate such utilities in the county.

Read more from the News-Democrat

Carroll Fiscal Court holds information session for nuisance program

Judge/Executive David Willhoite and members of Carroll County Fiscal Court held a public information session to provide residents details about the county's revamped nuisance ordinance program that will take effect next year. 

Read more from the News-Democrat

Jefferson County Clerk's Office says voting system remains safe after ransomware attack

In-person excused absentee voting is underway in Jefferson County, but it wasn't long ago when the clerk's office was hit with a Russian ransomware attack.

Read more from WHAS 11




Week of Oct. 14, 2024

New voter booths allow greater privacy, access

The Harlan County Clerk's Office recently gave the Harlan County Fiscal Court a look at new voting booths to be used during the upcoming general election.

Read more from the Harlan Enterprise

Eaton gearing up for McLean general election

McLean County County Clerk Carol Eaton, who has been at the helm of the department since 2018, anticipates this November’s general election to bring many of the county’s almost 7,000 voters out to the polls.

Read more from the Messenger-Inquirer

Safeguards in place against illegal voter registration, voting, McCarty says

Safeguards against improper voter registration and illegal voting are in place for the upcoming election, including systems to verify people coming to the polls to vote, and to verify absentee ballots, local and state officials said Monday.

Read more from the Messenger-Inquirer

Jail, addiction center team up for peer support program 

Warren County Regional Jail is embarking on a program that aims to help inmates recovering from addiction and provide them with resources after they are released.

Read more from the Daily News
BEHIND THE BADGE: Jailer Stephen Harmon

Behind the Badge is a monthly feature spotlighting law enforcement. Agency Mission and Responsibility: The mission of the Warren County Regional Jail is to provide a safe, well-maintained atmosphere while providing custody needs of those incarcerated; in doing so, we comply with state and federal regulations, while maintaining firmness, fairness and consistency to those housed in our facility.

Read more from the Daily News

State of the County: Taylor praises past, looks ahead to future 

The Madison County Courthouse is scheduled to open this spring after supply chain issues delayed its opening.
Madison County Judge/Executive Reagan Taylor said the Circuit Court Judicial Center was scheduled to open this fall, but unforeseen delays forced construction crews to move the opening day to the spring of 2025.

Read more from the Berea Citizen

Fiscal court hears property disputes

The Carter County fiscal court met in regular session, with public comment dominating the meeting. Numerous members of the community brought concerns before the court about everything from right-of-way disputes to food insecurity. 

Read more from Carter County Times

Fiscal County Recap: Homemakers Week Proclamation

A recent Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting started by county department heads giving updated reports; none of which were out of the ordinary. Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey signed a proclamation for this week to be Homemakers Week.

Read more from the Edmonson Voice


Polston requests pay increase, hazardous duty retirement for deputies at fiscal court meeting

Russell County Sheriff Derek Polston asked the fiscal court to consider implementing hazardous duty retirement for sheriff’s deputies and consider a pay raise as well.

Read more from Laker Country 104.9


Fiscal Court works to make CDL obtainable for county employees

On The Harrison County Fiscal Court its regularly scheduled meeting Oct. 8.

Read more from the Cynthiana Democrat


Gov. Beshear announces plan to speed completion of Mountain Parkway Expansion

Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky will speed progress to complete the final section of the Mountain Parkway Expansion project thanks to a $116.3 million federal grant. The project will provide a safer, faster commute and support economic development throughout Eastern Kentucky.

Read more from the Governor's Office


AOC launches next-generation eCourts initiative

The Administrative Office of the Courts kicked off its next-generation eCourts initiative at its main campus in Frankfort following the recent signing of an agreement with Tyler Technologies to provide a new trial court case management system for state courts.

Read more from the Governor's Office




Week of Oct. 7, 2024

County forms board to oversee Benham Schoolhouse Inn

The Harlan County Fiscal Court took action regarding the future of the Benham Schoolhouse Inn during a recent meeting, appointing members to a board to manage the property in the interest of the county.

Read more from the Harlan Enterprise

Fiscal court addresses hurricane relief efforts

The Pike County Fiscal Court took several housekeeping actions and discussed the recent storm that swept through western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.

Read more from the Appalachian News-Express

Judge-executive requests flags lowered to honor helicopter crash victims 

Owen County Judge/Executive Todd Woodyard asked residents to lower their flags to half-mast for a week following Monday’s death of three people aboard an Air Evac flight that crashed in Owenton.

Read more from the News-Herald 

Warren County Regional Jail to welcome peer support specialist 

The Warren County Regional Jail has announced it is partnering with Addiction Recovery Care to welcome a full-time peer support specialist program.

Read more from WNKY
Jefferson County Attorney's Office to help JCPS with chronic absenteeism

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Marty Pollio said the district is working proactively with the Jefferson County Attorney's Office to prevent chronic absenteeism in its schools.

Read more from WDRB

On the ballot: Some counties decide fate of medical cannabis in their community 

With the election happening in less than one month, and medical marijuana set to come to Kentucky in January, many communities are preparing for medicinal cannabis with ballot initiatives.

Read more from WPSD Local

Kentucky sheriff awarded for his work against animal cruelty

Estill County Sheriff Chris Flynn was recently awarded the Humane Society of the United States Law Enforcement award for working to defeat animal cruelty.

Read more from WKYT

County clerks speak on Kentucky voter registration

State election officials are focusing their attention on educating those who are registered to vote.

Watch more from WKYT


Franklin County Fiscal Court approves grant application for equipment that would assess flood events

At last week’s Franklin County Fiscal Court meeting, magistrates approved an application to the Department for Local Government’s Local Match Participation Program to host a part-time advocate through Americorp.

Read more from The State Journal


Gov. Beshear, Department of Criminal Justice Training announce 23 graduates of Public Safety Dispatch Academy Class 160

On Oct. 4, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) announced that 23 dispatchers from across the state graduated from the Public Safety Dispatch Academy and are ready to begin answering the call to aid both citizens and law enforcement officers of the commonwealth.

Read more from the Governor's Office


Grissan Renewable Energy breaks ground on $62.7 million facility in Marion County

Gov. Andy Beshear joined local and state officials alongside Grissan Renewable Energy leaders for the groundbreaking of the company’s first U.S. operation, a clean energy manufacturing facility in Marion County that will convert spent mash from distilleries into sustainable, renewable natural gas and fertilizer.

Read more from the Governor's Office


State and local officials break ground on new $11.25 million transportation office in Clay County

In addition, $15.7 million in funding awards for Clay County announced.

Read more from the Governor's Office


Week of Sept. 30, 2024

County to acquire Ridgway Memorial Library facility

 The generosity of two families and of Bullitt County’s library board will make it possible for a crowded governmental office to find a new home.

Read more from The Pioneer News

Tire amnesty event recycles tires right back into the community

Spencer County Fiscal Court voted this year to once again host a tire amnesty event, giving residents the chance to turn in used tires for recycling at no charge.

Read more from The Spencer Magnet

Gov. Beshear tours new food pantry, celebrates more than $750,000 in funds for Hickman County

Gov. Andy Beshear toured the nearly complete Mission House in Clinton and celebrated $757,104 in funding for Hickman County.

Read more

Waterline project under way in South Portsmouth

Elected officials joined local engineers and contractors on Wednesday morning to mark the groundbreaking of waterline extensions, expected to provide tap water to more than 30 homes in western Greenup County.

Read more from the Daily Independent
County signs contract for broadband expansion

Harlan County recently entered into a contract with Harlan Community Television for broadband service to be extended to the Cloverfork area.

Read more from the Harlan Daily Enterprise

LaRue County approves bridge projects

A slew of bridge improvements can soon be expected throughout LaRue County following the Fiscal Court's approval of multiple state-funded programs.

Read more from the LaRue County Herald News

Washington County received nearly $40 million in priority projects funding this year

A visit to the Washington County Fiscal Court meeting on Friday, Sept. 27, from Sen. Jimmy Higdon and Rep. Kim King left smiles on the faces of magistrates. In addition to giving a legislative update to the court, Higdon and King informed the court that $39,919,104 has been spent in Washington County on road projects this year.

Read more from the Springfield Sun

New foam manufacturer retains 20 jobs

A new foam manufacturing company is scheduled to open in Daviess County this month, retaining about half of the jobs lost when another foam company shut its doors in September.

Read more from the Messenger-Inquirer


Simpson County expecting high voter turnout

Simpson County Clerk Austin Johnson addressed the fiscal court recently regarding voting absentee, early voting, and voting in the general election on Nov. 5.

Read more from the Franklin Favorite


Local authorities praise emergency response amidst storm devastation

The devastation of Hurricane Helene has been felt in and around the local area. Mason County Judge Executive Owen McNeill expressed his thanks to Emergency Management and various response teams in the local area.

Read more from the Ledger Independent



Week of Sept. 23, 2024

Volunteers needed in 75 counties to review cases of children in foster care

Citizen Foster Care Review Boards need volunteers in more than half of Kentucky’s 120 counties to review cases of children in foster care and make recommendations for their care.

Read more from WDRB

Fiscal court, first responders hash out differences

After months of first responders crowding a courtroom at the Casey County Judicial Center, the Casey County Fiscal Court addressed a series of questions, and the two sides appeared to resolve some of their differences.


Read more from Casey County News

Two county roads receive granted makeovers

With nearly 2,292 miles of road to maintain, the Pulaski County Government spends a lot of time, energy and money servicing the county's roadways. The county seeks national or state assistance in repaving or improving some of their major road projects.


Read more from the Commonwealth Journal

Hampton retires, Nettles to be sworn in as sheriff

Scott County Sheriff Tony Hampton is retiring Oct. 1 as he seeks the seat of the 62nd District in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Jeremy Nettles will be sworn in Thursday to serve the remaining two years of Hampton's term as sheriff.


Read more from the Georgetown News-Graphic

Fiscal Court recognizes Clark County Fire Department

The most recent meeting of the Clark County Fiscal Court coincided with September 11, on which 343 firefighters courageously gave their lives. A ceremony was held to honor and promote local firefighters.


Read more from the Winchester Sun

Gov. Beshear announces $2 million for Lyon County build-ready site development

Governor Andy Beshear announced on Thursday an additional investment in Kentucky’s build-ready, job-ready site development efforts as Lyon County has been approved to receive $2 million in state funding aimed at encouraging future investment and job creation.


Read more from WKDZ radio

Kiwanis Club of Lawrenceburg to roast Judge Gritton

The Kiwanis Club of Lawrenceburg will have its First Annual Celebrity Roast on Thursday, Oct. 17, beginning with a social hour at 6 p.m. The club will be roasting the Honorable Orbrey Gritton, Anderson County Judge Executive.


Read more from the Anderson News

Shelby voters to weigh in on boundary issue

Shelby County voters will decide Nov. 5 at the polls if about 240 registered voters are going to live in Shelby or Spencer counties.

Read more from the Sentinel-News





Week of Sept. 16, 2024

Green light for spec building in Logan County industrial park

The Logan Economic Alliance for Development has secured approval from Logan County Fiscal Court and the City of Russellville to move forward with a proposed speculative building project in the Shelton Lane Industrial Park.



Bottled water, soft drink manufacturer to open $129 million facility in Kenton County

Niagara Bottling announced plans to build a new production facility in Elsmere, which would create 60 full-time jobs in the area.



Buc-ee's set to call Oak Grove home

Buc-ee’s is making it official that their next Kentucky location will be in Christian County, off of I-24 in Oak Grove.



More Kentucky counties receive Recovery Ready designation

Gov. Andy Beshear announced Calloway, Daviess, Fayette and Pulaski counties are now "Recovery Ready" communities.



Fiscal court hears amended solar ordinance

During a regular meeting of the Breckinridge County Fiscal Court on Monday, Sept. 16, magistrates approved the first reading of an amended solar ordinance.



Trimble officials extend moratorium on solar, wind projects

Trimble County Fiscal Court took action Monday to extend the county's moratorium on wind and solar projects to Oct. 31, to allow more time to study those developments and their potential impact on the county.



County Attorney installs reimbursement policy

Scott County Fiscal Court passed a resolution endorsing a reimbursement policy for the County Attorney's Office on Friday. The policy recommends attorneys practice no more than four hours of private practice a week from the East Washington Street office, and requires attorneys reimburse the office at the rate of $16 an hour for the use of the space for private practice.



More than $10.6 million in funding heading to Butler, Warren counties

Gov. Beshear gathered with local leaders at the Barren River Area Development District on Monday to present funding that will support high-speed internet access, public education, cybersecurity, economic development, first responders, flood protection, traffic safety, road resurfacing, tourism and outdoor recreation.




Week of Sept. 9, 2024

Leaders say Ballard, Carlisle 911 merger allows for better pay, more coverage

Issues with maintenance, staffing, and competitive wages at Ballard County's E-911 center prompted a merge with the Carlisle County center, forming River County 911. It's a move leaders say is beneficial to both communities.



Gov. Beshear presents over $9M in funding to Christian County

Governor Andy Beshear visited the nearly complete Christian County High School where he announced over $9 million in grant funds to benefit the county as well as the construction of athletic fields at the new school.



Spencer County Fiscal Court votes to once again donate to Christmas on Main Street

The Spencer County Taylorsville Chamber of Commerce presents Christmas on Main every December in downtown Taylorsville.



Officials celebrate new homes for tornado survivors, funding in Hopkins County

Gov. Beshear joined local leaders to celebrate seven new homes for 2021 tornado survivors in Dawson Springs. The Governor also announced $6,369,839 in funding to expand internet access, improve roads, support industrial development and market tourism destinations in the region.



New Greenup judicial center in future

Greenup County Judge-Executive Bobby Hall says plans are coming into place for a new judicial center in the county.



County progressing on many projects, says Covington


The Scott County Fiscal Court has many projects under way as Judge-Executive Joe Pat Covington discussed a proposed regional business park, shelter for the homeless and a drop in opioid cases and deaths during his annual “State of the County” speech at the Georgetown/Scott County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon.



Week of Sept. 2, 2024

Counties receive Community Development Block Grant funding

The Mason County Fiscal Court was awarded $520,000 to rehabilitate seven senior housing cottages. These cottages are on a small campus that is connected to the Mason County Senior Center and the Mason County Food Bank.

“Our housing projects, such as the Mason County Senior Housing project, are some of the most impactful on our local citizens’ lives,” said Mason County Judge/Executive Owen McNeill. “We’re making immense strides in supporting housing for all our citizens across the socio-economic spectrum.”

The Magoffin County Fiscal Court will use $1,250,000 to help extend public water service to 62 homes for the first time. 

“This money is the final piece of a $2.5 million project that I’ve been working on for over five years,” said Magoffin County Judge/Executive Matt Wireman. “This is going to help make life a little bit better for those folks in those far-reaching communities in my county.”

Read more about projects in Menifee, Taylor, Daviess, Campbell and Hardin counties receiving CDBG funding.



DCSO adds its first body cameras

The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office held a demonstration Thursday morning at Panther Creek Park of the latest equipment its added, which includes body cameras and associated digital evidence management system, a BolaWrap — a device that temporarily slows potentially combative subjects — and the latest incarnation of Stop Sticks.

Read more from the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer


O'Neal joins Warren County emergency management staff

In roles ranging from volunteer firefighter to assistant director of a state agency, Charlie O'Neal has prepared for and responded to his share of emergencies and natural disasters during the past five decades.

Read more from the Bowling Green Daily News



Marion County Heartland Coalition hosting overdose awareness night

This Saturday evening, residents of Marion County will join visitors from across the central Kentucky area, gathering at Graham Memorial Park for the Marion County Heartland Coalition’s Overdose Awareness Night.

Read more from the Lebanon Enterprise



Fate of Benham Schoolhouse Inn remains cloudy

The Harlan County Fiscal Court discussed the possible paths forward regarding the Benham Schoolhouse Inn during the court's regular August meeting. The court is considering multiple options for the future operation of the facility.

Read more from the Harlan Enterprise

More County News