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Kentucky Association of Counties

Counties in the news

The latest stories and information 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 May 18, 2026

Paul Hays appointed as interim Jackson County judge/executive

Paul Hays, the winner of the Republican primary for judge/executive, has been appointed by the governor to serve out the remainder of Shane Gabbard's term.

Read more from the Jackson County Sun


Second ambulance starting in Todd County

A second ambulance has been added to emergency response efforts in Todd County.

Read more from WEKT


Judy sworn in as Harrison County magistrate, court approves new hires

Lourena Judy was sworn in as the magistrate for Harrison County’s District 2 at the fiscal court’s May 12 meeting.
Read more from the News-Graphic


Johnson County park to be renamed for former judge/executive Tucker Daniel

The Johnson County Fiscal Court voted May 11 to rename the playground in Thealka the Tucker Daniel Park and Playground in recognition of former Judge/Executive Roger T. “Tucker” Daniel.

Read more from the Paintsville Herald


​​Oral arguments tentatively set in Simpson County data center lawsuits

Two lawsuits tied to a proposed data center development in Simpson County moved forward in court Monday, with tentative dates now set for oral arguments later this in this summer.

Read more from WNKY


Week of May 11, 2026


National Weather Service recognizes Pulaski County as ‘StormReady’

Emergency Management Director Chris Mason said this is a big step in showing their emergency preparedness has improved.

Read more from WKYT


Daviess County Fiscal Court to consider 1-year moratorium on data center applications

Daviess County Fiscal Court on Thursday will consider the first reading of an ordinance that would impose a one-year moratorium on accepting or processing applications related to large-scale data centers and other I.T. infrastructure facilities in Daviess County.

Read more from the Owensboro Times


Federal reimbursements starting to flow to Bullitt County

The federal reimbursements don’t flow in as quickly as the spring flood waters rose in Bullitt County. However, FEMA funds are slowly being returned to recover expenses incurred by various agencies.

Read more from the Pioneer News


Perry County officials meet with residents to discuss cemetery concerns

Perry County officials are taking steps to address ongoing concerns surrounding local cemetery conditions, as residents gathered Friday, May 1, at the Perry County Fiscal Court building to voice complaints and seek solutions during a public meeting led by Perry County Attorney Derek Campbell.

Read more from the Hazard Herald


Knox, Bell counties awarded funding for recycled tire playground projects

Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday that more than $1.3 million will be distributed for 36 projects in 30 counties across Kentucky.

Read more from the Mount Sterling Advocate


County leaders frustrated by lack of state support for inmates

Judge/Executive Eric Chaney and Jailer William Hensley of Boyd County spoke with WKYT about budget challenges and the need for more jail funding.

Read more from WKYT


McCracken County Fiscal Court approves $7.5 million convention center renovation contract

The McCracken County Fiscal Court approved a $7,479,352 design and build contract for renovation to the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center Monday. 

Read more from WPSD



Week of May 4, 2026

Grant County Fiscal Court lowers occupational tax rate

Approval was given to lower the occupational tax rate to 2%.

Read more from Grant County News


Boone’s Ridge aims to make eastern Kentucky a national outdoor destination

Community members in Bell County toured the Boone’s Ridge project site Tuesday, nearly a decade after planning began for the attraction designed to transform eastern Kentucky into a national outdoor destination.

Read more from WYMT


Warren County Sheriff’s Office cuts ribbon on new training center at Sugar Maple Square

A major investment in public safety is up and running in Warren County.

Read more from WBKO


Beshear announces universal pre-K program in two rural Kentucky counties

Superintendents from two small Kentucky school districts joined Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear Thursday to announce they would take part in a new pilot program to expand access to pre-K to all 4-year-olds in the district.

Read more from Kentucky Public Radio


$26 million grant a ‘shot in the arm’ for Martin Co. water woes

Martin County will receive nearly $26 million in Kentucky WWATERS grant funding to address decades of infrastructure problems that have left residents without reliable access to clean drinking water.

Read more from WYMT


Hopkins County actively enforcing illegal dumping fines

The Hopkins County sanitation department had a report of a large amount of illegal dumping, stirring up quite a fuss at Tuesday’s Fiscal Court meeting. 

Read more from The Messenger


Shelby County residents raise concerns over proposed high-pressure gas pipeline

Emotions ran high in Shelby County, Kentucky Tuesday night as neighbors demanded answers about a proposed high-pressure natural gas pipeline that could cut through their land.

Read more from WDRB


Frazier Kentucky History Museum receives $1M to take replica exhibit across Commonwealth

The museum announced Wednesday that a replica of the "120: Cool KY Counties" exhibit will be making its way across the state, and that each county will be represented through stories and songs.

Read more from WHAS11



Week of April 27, 2026

Johnson County receives $2.6 million for Hager Hill Athletic Complex

Johnson County Judge/Executive Mark McKenzie announced the funding on April 30, following the Paintsville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce legislative breakfast. 

Read more from the Paintsville Herald


New Caldwell County facility expected to boost jobs, economic growth

State representatives, local officials and community members gathered Wednesday to celebrate the completion of construction on Caldwell County’s 100,000-square-foot industrial facility, otherwise known as Spec Building #4.

Read more from WPSD


State OKs $12.8M in matching funds for economic sites in 11 counties

Gov. Andy Beshear announced further momentum within the state’s speed-to-market and site development initiatives as 11 projects supporting future job growth and investment across 11 counties were approved for $12.98 million in state funding to improve Kentucky’s available sites. 

Read more from the Lane Report


Coroner pay raise and personnel restructuring top Clark County Fiscal Court agenda

The Clark County Fiscal Court took a significant step toward adjusting local official compensation Thursday night, voting to approve a substantial pay increase for County Coroner Neil Oliver and restructuring the department’s deputy salaries following a recent resignation. 

Read more from the Winchester Sun


New drainage board tasked with finding flooding solutions in Daviess County

A new board will soon work to find a solution to lessen flooding across the county during extreme rain events.

Read more from WFIE


Kenton County approves Prus Construction contract for park

Features of the new park could potentially include a climbing tower and bouldering location, a boardwalk system and a ninja skills course. 

Read more from LinkNKY


Ultra-4 off-road racing series coming to Perry County

A major off-road racing series is making a long-term commitment to Perry County with an event set for October that officials expect will draw thousands of visitors.

Read more from WYMT



Week of April 20, 2026

New affordable housing development breaks ground in Leslie County

A community in the mountains is welcoming a new subdivision with many organizations funding the project.

Read more from WYMT


Debbie Johnston sworn in as interim county clerk

The recent passing of Carter County Clerk Mike Johnston left a void both professionally and emotionally in Carter County government. 

Read more from the Carter County Times


Community members take on monument restoration, local jail assists

Home to many historic graves, the Cedar Hill Cemetery, located in Princeton, has undergone quite a bit of restoration recently. 

Read more from the Times Leader


Grayson County adopts farmers market resolution

The Grayson County Fiscal Court, during its regular meeting last Thursday, April 16, adopted a resolution to enter into an interlocal agreement with the city of Leitchfield to establish a local farmers market. 

Read more from Grayson County News


Eastern Kentucky judge/executive resigns after 12 years, citing declining health

A longtime Eastern Kentucky judge/executive is resigning eight months before his term is set to expire, citing ongoing health problems.

Read more from the Lexington Herald-Leader


$20 million EMA facility approved in Daviess County

Emergency services in Daviess County are getting a big upgrade as fiscal court officials say they are just months away from finishing building concepts for the county’s brand new $20 million public safety facility.

Read more from WEHT


Cheaper fuel, more high-paying jobs pitched for Magoffin County

The Magoffin County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Tuesday, April 21, discussing the ambulance service, potential high-paying jobs coming to Magoffin County, transparency with a major utility company and updates to water projects in southern Magoffin.

Read more from the Salyersville Independent


Abatement program students recognized in Whitley County

Members of the community involved with Whitley County's abatement program, an initiative funded through opioid settlement dollars, were recognized during this month's Whitley County Fiscal Court meeting.

Read more from the Times Tribune


Case County secures grant funding for safety improvements

Casey County Fiscal Court has been awarded a Kentucky Association of Counties Insurance Grant.

Read more from Casey County News


Board approves Maysville data center plans, but residents demand regulations

A meeting regarding a future data center in Mason County was held Wednesday evening for planning commissioners to decide whether to approve or deny the development plans.

Read more from WXIX




Week of April 13, 2026

Christian County approves measures related to opioid prevention

The Christian Fiscal Court has given recent approval to several measures related to the use of opioid settlement funds.

Read more from Kentucky New Era


Warren County jail assessment approved to address overcrowding

The Warren County Regional Jail is planning for the future after county leaders approved a jail assessment aimed at addressing overcrowding and improving operations.

Read more from WBKO


Kentucky counties join together to battle opioid crisis

With the state set to receive around $1 billion in opioid settlement funds over the coming years, the Kentucky Association of Counties has formed a cohort of 20 counties across the state to learn how to more efficiently spend the funds.

Read more from WPSD


The county’s jail, Frankfort’s felons and your tax dollars

Currently across the Commonwealth, nearly all counties with jails are paying at least half of all costs to house felons convicted by the state.

Read more from The Edge Berea


Bell County approves bond issue for Boone’s Ridge

The Bell County Fiscal Court approved a resolution to allow the issuing of up to $70 million in revenue bonds to the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation.

Read more from the Middlesboro News


Woodford County Library selected to host Smithsonian exhibit

Woodford County Library is one of only seven libraries in Kentucky chosen to host a Smithsonian traveling exhibit, bringing a national-level display and programming opportunity to the Woodford County community. 

Read more from WKYT


Boone County extends regional workforce agreement through 2031

Boone County is extending an interlocal agreement with seven other counties to expand access to federal job training and employment funds across Northern Kentucky.

Read more from LinkNKY



Week of April 6, 2026

Grayson County receives $500k grant for new EMS facility

The Grayson County Healthcare Foundation recently awarded a $500,000 grant to the Grayson County Fiscal Court to support the construction of the new county emergency medical services (EMS) facility.

Read more from the Grayson County News

Marshall County coroner makes case for salary increase; visitors bureau talks upcoming tourist opportunities

A surprise service recognition opened the April 7 meeting of the Marshall County Fiscal Court. The meeting also saw a request for a salary increase for the coroner’s office, a tourism update, the approval to purchase two new vehicles, and more.

Read more from the Tribune-Courier

Knox Sports Park officially opens to the public

Community members and local leaders gathered Tuesday evening to celebrate the grand opening of the new Knox Sports Park — a $4 million, 88-acre complex aimed at expanding recreation opportunities while driving tourism and economic growth in Knox County.

Read more from the Times-Tribune 

Scott County awarded grant funds for EMS camera systems

Scott County Fiscal Court received a $10,000 Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) Insurance Grant, providing funds toward Samsara camera systems for Georgetown-Scott County EMS vehicles.

Read more from the Georgetown News-Graphic 

Barren County secures $20 million for agricultural expo center in Cave City

Barren County is set to see a major investment aimed at boosting tourism in the region.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, along with state and county officials, celebrated the funding of a new agricultural expo center that will soon stand as an entertainment hub in Cave City.

Read more from WBKO

Marion County considers recovery residences ordinance

An ordinance to require certification of residences that house individuals in recovery from substance abuse was presented to the Marion County Fiscal Court.

Read more from the Lebanon Enterprise

Hart County receives $20 million for new wastewater pretreatment facility

A $20 million state appropriation is being awarded to the Hart County Fiscal Court for the construction of a new wastewater pretreatment facility in Horse Cave.

Read more from WNKY

Adios coal tax?

There is a measure in the budget bill in Frankfort that will extend a current law that offers a refund to coal producers even further.

Read more from the Appalachian News-Express

Anderson County tourism director seeks funds for sports complex feasibility study

From youth tournaments to fitness classes and recreational activities, a new sports complex has the potential to bring increased activity—and revenue—to Anderson County, and local leaders are taking the first steps into considering what a facility like this could mean for the community.

Read more from the Anderson News

Week of March 30, 2026

 

Crittenden County deputy hospitalized following shooting

A sheriff's deputy was hospitalized following a welfare check Thursday evening.

Read more from WPSD


Fiscal court delays Kentucky Power resolution vote

The Floyd County Fiscal Court tabled a request by an area citizens' group to adopt a resolution supporting transparency and public accountability of the Kentucky Public Service Commission's ongoing management audit of Kentucky Power Company to allow the resolution to be examined from a legal perspective.

Read more from the Floyd County Chronicle


Washington County issues spam warnings and FEMA project updates

All around the county there have been rapidly growing reports of spam text messages, which have many residents and workers of the county concerned. 

Read more from the Springfield Sun


Caldwell County approves jail budget, pursues grants for asphalt

Caldwell County Fiscal Court advanced the proposed 2027 jail budget and pursued a grant for rubber-modified asphalt to a county road at Thursday’s special called meeting.


Read more from the Herald Ledger


McCracken County sheriff pushes pay raises, staffing to meet growth
 
McCracken County Sheriff Ryan Norman said a proposed budget motion, approved for consideration by the fiscal court last week, could help address staffing needs and keep the office aligned with the community’s growth.


Read more from the Paducah Sun


How much are Kentucky jails billing to house ICE detainees?

How much Kentucky jails are billing to house ICE detainees has become a local flash point in the broader nationwide conversation about the tactics and the policy surrounding immigration enforcement.


Read more from the Lexington Herald-Leader


Joint Planning Commission fails to make rezoning recommendation for data center project


A rezoning recommendation for a hyperscale data center has yet to be decided by the Maysville-Mason County Joint Planning Commission (JPC) after two nights of public hearings.


Read more from the Ledger Independent



Week of March 23, 2026

 

Allen County receives nearly $1 million grant for local fire departments

Seven local fire departments are benefiting from a nearly $1 million grant that is supplying each department with new air packs.

Read more from WBKO


Pulaski officials launch “Color My County” contest to engage young residents

Pulaski County officials are inviting elementary school students across the county to showcase their creativity through a new initiative aimed at introducing younger residents to local government.

Read more from the Commonwealth Journal


Bullitt County asks state to lower speed limit on Hwy. 44

Trying to do its part to help make a major thoroughfare a little safer, Bullitt Fiscal Court members took as much action as it could recently.

Read more from The Pioneer News



Community leaders host Founders Day ceremony

Organized as a joint effort between city and county leaders, the ceremony honored 200 years of London's history while recognizing the partnerships that continue to shape the community's future.

Read more from the Sentinel-Echo


Harrison County Fiscal Court approves EMA agreement
 
A state-wide Emergency Management mutual aid and assistance agreement was unanimously approved by the Harrison County Fiscal Court at their March 24 meeting.


Read more from the News-Graphic


Webster County Fiscal Court approves $3M jail budget, expects higher tax roll

The 2026 tax rolls and the budget for the Webster County Detention Center were the main items on the agenda for the fiscal court Monday, with both marking increases for the coming fiscal year.

Read more from The Messenger


Marion County receives grant for garbage truck cameras

Marion County garbage trucks will be recording. Yes, as the trucks move around the county they will be equipped with cameras thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) through the KACo Insurance Grant Program.

Read more from the Lebanon Enterprise


BRADD, Southern Kentucky Reentry Council distribute 100 recovery backpacks at Warren County Jail

Bags being distributed to inmates reentering society contain simple items that many people may take for granted.

Read more from WNKY




Week of March 16, 2026

 

Many speak out at Henderson public meeting on wind energy ordinance

A year long series of public meetings got underway Wednesday night in Henderson, as leaders work to draft a wind energy ordinance.

Read more from WFIE


Perry County approves funding draws for Skyview disaster recovery infrastructure

The Perry County Fiscal Court approved several funding draws tied to the Skyview sewer Phase 2 project during its March 10 regular meeting as county officials continue infrastructure work connected to regional disaster recovery efforts.

Read more from the Hazard Herald


Major affordable housing development planned for Caldwell County

Caldwell County officials are taking action to meet local housing needs with a major development announced Tuesday night to increase affordable options for residents.

Read more from WPKY



Hearing held in Simpson County data center lawsuit

A status conference was held in Simpson Circuit Court regarding a lawsuit brought by TenKey LandCo I LLC, the company that owns the land in Franklin, Kentucky where a proposed data center would be built.

Read more from National Today


Breckinridge County Fiscal Court establishes county tourist commission
 
The second and final reading of the ordinance establishing a Breckinridge County Tourist Commission was held and approved by the Breckinridge County Fiscal Court during its regular meeting Monday morning.


Read more from the Herald-News


Marshall County breaks ground for inclusive playground 

After years of preparations and fundraising efforts, ground was broken for an inclusive playground at Mike Miller Park, near the Miracle League CFSB Field of Dreams facility. 

Read more from the Tribune Courier


Hopkins County Fiscal Court discusses department cost increases

When the Hopkins County Fiscal Court held their four-hour long budget meeting last Tuesday morning, magistrates reviewed every department.

Read more from The Messenger


Bell County hears updates on wildlife center

Judge/Executive Albey Brock said there were no concerns about Bell County being responsible for $70 million in bonds being issued as part of the Boone’s Ridge Wildlife Center during the March Fiscal Court meeting.

Read more from Middlesboro News


Inmate crafts crosses, delivers hope to nursing home residents

Gary Mayfield spent more than two months carefully crafting more than 100 wooden crosses inside the Daviess County Detention Center.

Read more from the Owensboro Times




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