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SPOTLIGHT

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 5, 2025

 
County to partner with sculpture park; six properties condemned due to flooding

If all works out as hoped, by the end of the year the county will have association with another park offering a variety of recreational and cultural opportunities, according to Franklin County Judge-Executive Michael Mueller. 

Read more from the State Journal

Coroner’s office serves community in multiple ways

With its office located near Gaunce’s and just off Bypass Road, the office of Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver and his staff is busy at all hours of the day. 


Read more from the Winchester Sun

Warren County Sheriff’s Office conducts vehicle operations training

Deputies at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office have been taking to the track at Beech Bend Raceway to put their driving skills to the test.

Read more from WBKO


Beshear announces $1.4 million for renewable projects using Kentucky tires 

Several counties are set to benefit from funding for community projects using recycled Kentucky tires.

Read more WNKY

Fiscal Court approves special purpose vehicles ordinance 

The Marshall County Fiscal Court’s May 6 meeting saw several reports on ongoing county projects, as well as a vote on an ordinance to allow special purpose vehicles on county roads.

Read more from the Tribune-Courier

Emergency road aid awarded to Wolfe County

The Wolfe County Fiscal Court will receive $29,940 in emergency County Road Aid funds.

Read more from WYMT

Fiscal Court to use bond program to save money

Webster County Fiscal Court's annual budget is always tight, according to local officials. 

Read more from the Journal-Enterprise


Inmate mugshots more secure with change to website, jailer says 

The company the jail contracts with to run its jail management software, Jail Tracker, has changed the way users can look up inmates, according to Hardin County Jailer Josh Lindblom.

Read more from the News-Enterprise


He helped 2,500 inmates earn GEDs. Now he’s retiring 

Campbell County recognized Gene Dobbs, a long-time teacher at the Campbell County Detention Center’s GED program, for 25 years of service.


Read more from Link NKY




Week of April 28, 2025

 
$1.5 million awarded to build up Greenup­-Boyd Riverport Authority

Greenup County Judge Executive Bobby Hall announced Thursday that the Greenup­-Boyd Riverport Authority has been awarded a $1.5 million grant to expand material handling capabilities in Wurtland, Kentucky. 

Read more from WOWK

New Senior Center plans revealed, groundbreaking expected soon

Years of hope and planning have finally become a tangible reality for the Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County, as officials revealed a rendering for a brand-new facility expected to break ground in the coming weeks.

Read more from The Owensboro Times

Earth Breeze cuts ribbon for new Harrodsburg facility

Gov. Andy Beshear welcomed Earth Breeze to their “new Kentucky home” in Harrodsburg.

Read more from the Harrodsburg Herald


Water outages continue to impact parts of Harlan County 

Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley has declared a state of emergency.

Read more WYMT

Ky. sheriff’s office saves elderly woman from being scammed out of thousands of dollars

The Boyle County Sheriff's Office says they received a call around 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday that an elderly woman was suspected to be a victim of a scam.

Read more from WKYT

New law enforcement training facility opens in honor of fallen officer Jody Cash

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of a new training facility that’s named after a fallen officer from western Kentucky.

Read more from KFVS

Rowan County Senior Center now has a construction company following successful bidding process 

Plans for a dedicated senior center serving Rowan County residents are moving forward.

Read more from WMKY


Late Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Stacy remembered after crash

After 1st Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney Michael Stacy's death on Tuesday, friends and former colleagues reflected on his life and legacy.

Read more from WPSD




Week of April 21, 2025

 
County waiting on disaster declaration 

Following recent rainstorms and flooding in the community, Christian County Emergency Management Director Randy Graham noted that Christian County is still waiting to receive a disaster declaration from President Trump.  

Read more from the Kentucky New Era

$1K reward offered in Hart County road sign thefts

An increase in road sign thefts in Hart County has prompted local officials to take action. 

Read more from WBKO

Court discussion focuses on roads at recent meeting

There was much discussion about roads during Monday’s Trigg County Fiscal Court meeting, with officials focusing on the impact of weather and flooding on local roads and approving funding for future improvements.

Read more from the Cadiz Record


Bullitt County EMS will start responding to calls for a city outside their border

Hardin County Fiscal Court passed a resolution to establish a relationship between them and Bullitt County.

Read more from WHAS11

Federal funding cut for flood mitigation projects in Kentucky

The Trump administration has ended a program that works to help Americans in the face of disasters.

Read more from WKYT

Sebastian wearing two hats — flood victim, magistrate

As 1st District magistrate in Franklin County, Sherry Sebastian is being called upon to be a caregiver for her constituents — and as a homeowner she and her family are among the hundreds trying to recover from the Kentucky River’s unwelcome invasion.

Read more from the State Journal

Kenton County’s joint fire training center closer to fruition

The Kenton County Fire Chiefs Association shared updates on a future joint training center for the county’s fire departments with the Kenton County mayors meeting this week, providing more insights on the project’s progress.

Read more from Link NKY


Madison Co. community members discuss concerns at town hall

Madison County Judge Executive Reagan Taylor hosted a town hall meeting at White Hall Park.

Read more from WKYT


Pike County fiscal court approves expansion of trail system

The Pike County Fiscal Court approved land agreements for two companies to expand trail systems. 

Read more from Mountain Top Media



Week of April 14, 2025

 

Fiscal Court discusses flooding, approves new projects

Marshall County Judge/Executive Kevin Spraggs took a moment out of the April 15 Fiscal Court meeting to acknowledge the county employees and volunteers that worked to fill sandbags, repair roads, and maintain the county during the early April flooding.

Read more from The Marshall County Tribune-Courier


Fiscal Court recognizes storm responders

The Calloway County Fiscal Court passed a resolution at its monthly meeting Wednesday to recognize the many government employees and citizen volunteers who helped the community get through recent record flooding and other severe weather. 

Read more from The Murray Ledger

County examining addition of hazardous duty for deputies to budget

The Russell County Fiscal Court is continuing to examine how it could include hazardous duty retirement for sheriff’s deputies into the county budget. 

Read more from WJRS

Les Hill officially sworn in as Boone County Sheriff

Les Hill, who was announced last month as the replacement for former Boone County Sheriff Mike Helmig, was officially sworn in as the Boone County Sheriff on Monday and began officially serving on Wednesday.

Read more from Link NKY 

Flood recovery issues continue to be main topic at fiscal court meetings

“We’re still dealing with storm damages from 2020, 2021 and the 2022 floods,” Judge/Executive Ray Jones said. 

Read more from the Applachian News-Express 

Barren County attorney works on solar farm ordinance

Barren County County Attorney Mike Richardson is working on an ordinance that will place additional requirements on future solar farms. 

Read more from WCLU

Proposed bourbon warehouses worry residents who don’t want them in their backyard

Attorneys for Four Roses hosted a public meeting Thursday, as required to get the land rezoned for Planned Unit Development in Nelson County.

Read more from WAVE3 News


Fiscal Court hears presentation on broadband infrastructure project

Ben U’Sellis, Director of Government Affairs with Spectrum, spoke before the Clark County Fiscal Court. 

Read more from the Winchester Sun



Week of April 7, 2025

 

Flood impacted nearly 600 homes; FEMA not yet on the ground

Franklin County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller said Thursday that the paperwork declaring the flood a disaster has been submitted.

Read more from The State Journal


Another flood death reported in Kentucky, bringing toll to 6

“We can grieve together and these families aren’t worrying about these costs, that burden, during this difficult time,” Gov. Andy Beshear said.

Read more from WLKY

Morris Packaging to build new nearly $61 million flexible packaging operation

State-of-the-art facility will be Safe Quality Food-certified and allow for future growth in Marion County.

Read more from the Governor's Office

Paragon Metal Fabricators to Establish Manufacturing Facility in Pendleton County

Project revives facility closed by previous ownership. Pendleton County Judge/Executive David S. Fields looks forward to the company providing high quality job opportunities for the community.

Read more from the Governor's Office 

Clymer talks disaster response concerns raised amid flooding

McCracken County Judge/Executive Craig Clymer weighed in on disaster readiness after community members raised concerns at a Paducah City Commission meeting.

Read more from The Paducah Sun 

New guidelines OK'd for 911

Trigg County Fiscal Court has approved new standard operating guidelines for Trigg County 911 after hearing from 911 Director Lori Jenkins.

Read more from The Cadiz Record

Court authorizes hiring data center consultant

After returning from two closed executive sessions, the Oldham County Fiscal Court unanimously approved the hiring of a consultant “to work on behalf of the court for a special project,” in the words of Magistrate Chris Haunz who made the motion.

Read more from The Oldham Era


Perry County Fiscal Court approves revenue bonds for solar energy project on reclaimed mine fields

The Perry County Fiscal Court approved and authorized the issuance of taxable industrial building revenue bonds during its regular meeting, paving the way for a major solar energy project on reclaimed coal mine land.

Read more from the Hazard Herald


Caldwell County transition efforts underway amid ongoing challenges

During a Caldwell County Fiscal Court meeting, magistrates were updated on the ongoing efforts to transition from the response phase to the recovery phase following the recent flooding.

Read more from WPKY 

Fiscal Court supports child advocates and fair housing

Judge/Executive Jack Whitfield made several proclamations at the Hopkins County Fiscal Court meeting, the first of which was to declare April Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. 

Read more from The Dawson Springs Progress



Week of March 31, 2025

 
Les Hill appointed next Boone County Sheriff, will replace Sheriff Mike Helmig who retires April 15

Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore has appointed Colonel Les Hill as the next Boone County Sheriff.

Read more from the Northern Kentucky Tribune

$6 billion data center proposal draws mixed reactions in Oldham County

A new $6 billion data center, called Project Lincoln, is slated for a 267-acre site near Highway 53 in La Grange. 

Read more from WLKY

New businesses coming to Laurel County

Officials with the London-Laurel Economic Development Authorities (LLEDA) announced new businesses are in the works for Laurel County.

Read more from WYMT


Warren County Regional Jail budget proposal asks for more county assistance

Due to increasing costs, the Warren County Regional Jail needs extra funds for operating.

Read more from WNKY

Fiscal court approves Cave City Ag Expo center contract, lease agreement with state

The now-signed contract is for $400,000 and uses $1 million given to Barren County by the Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives “to get the project going” since, with Hart County’s support, it has been deemed a multi-county project.

Read more from WCLU 

Flatt honored at retirement party

A retirement celebration was held to honor Daryl Flatt on Sunday at the Adair County Ambulance Service. Flatt retired as EMS director and District 2 Magistrate as of March 31.

Read more from the Adair Community Voice

Judge-Executive's office holding non-profit board development seminar 

Dr. Elise Lael Kieffer from Murray State University will be addressing several topics involving nonprofit organizations and nonprofit board memberships.

Read more from McLean County News


Purchase of incinerator for illicit drug disposal approved at Fiscal Court meeting 

Spencer County Sheriff Andrew Ware asked the court permission to purchase a LASTEC Drug Terminator (LDT).

Read more from the Spencer Magnet


Week of March 24, 2025

 
Jailer hoping to increase staff to 49 employees

The Franklin County jailer asked to add six staff members at Wednesday's fiscal court meeting.

Read more from the State Journal

Marshall County Rescue Squad commended for effort in floodwater rescue

Judge/Executive Kevin Spraggs commended the all-volunteer squad for its dramatic rescue of a teen from cold floodwaters last month.

Read more from WPSD

Pike County Officials Make Contractor Registry

To keep the public informed and reduce scams, Pike County officials have made a contractor registry.

Read more from Mountain Top Media


Henderson judge/executive holding town halls

Judge/Executive Brad Schneider will be holding a series of town hall style forums in April.

Read more from 14News

Caldwell Fiscal Court Moves to Eliminate County Fire Response Fees

In a significant move at Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Caldwell County Fiscal Court unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading to eliminate county fire response fees.

Read more from WPKY 

Historic monument hit by vehicle in Harlan 

According to the officers with the Harlan Police Department, an elderly man had a medical emergency while driving and became unconscious at the wheel.

Read more from WYMT

Floyd Co. officials discuss flood recovery efforts

Floyd County officials are working to help folks impacted by the February flood.

Read more from WYMT


Fiscal Court accepts 911 merger bids

Webster County Fiscal Court and the City of Providence agreed late last year to consolidate their respective dispatch centers. That merger took a big step Monday as the county accepted bids for the expansion and improvement of the facility in Dixon.

Read more from the Journal-Enterprise

Former recycling facility turned into construction training facility for inmates

A former recycling facility was renovated into a modern training facility that will provide construction training for inmates housed at the Fulton County Detention Center.

Read more from WPSD

County to form economic development board

In response to the loss of manufacturers such as Bel Brands USA, local officials are looking to change course in how they recruit and retain businesses.

Read more from Grayson County News


What’s next for South Kenton? County development debate continues

Several South Kenton County residents attended the Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting on Tuesday to express their opinions on the county’s site readiness initiative, some of which are currently on pause.

Read more from LINK nky




Week of March 17, 2025

 
$156 million business expansion to create 44 jobs in Daviess County

Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leaders of Mizkan America, an industry-leading producer of pasta sauces and vinegars, to break ground on the company’s $156 million expansion project, which will create 44 new quality Kentucky jobs. 

Read more from the Governor's Office

Fiscal court approves Park City amphitheater design contract 

The Barren County Fiscal Court approved a contract with DECO Architects for design work on the Park City amphitheater project. 

Read more from WCLU

Fiscal Court hears collection efforts continue on past due garbage bills

Nelson Fiscal Court discussed the large number of past-due bills owed the county for its universal garbage collection service.

Read more from Nelson County Gazette


Jefferson County's longtime sheriff announces retirement 

The longest serving sheriff in Jefferson County history said he plans to make his current term his last. 

Read more from WDRB

Logan County Animal Shelter reports progress after year under fiscal court 

The Logan County Animal Shelter, now operating under the Logan Fiscal Court, has reported its first year’s statistics, highlighting progress and changes since separating from the Logan County Humane Society.

Read more from the News-Democrat 

Local senior citizens centers to receive upgrades 

Senior citizens centers in Murray and Clinton are set to receive upgrades or expansions, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday.

Read more from WPSD

Georgetown-Scott County EMS makes history

Georgetown-Scott County EMS is making history as they just named their first female chief.

Read more from WKYT


Fiscal Court hears construction update 

The Harlan County Fiscal Court was advised on the status of the renovation of the Portal 31 Welcome Center in the Lynch area during the court’s regular meeting.

Read more from the Harlan Enterprise




Week of March 10, 2025

 
Crews begin $118 million project to widen busy stretch of I-64 in Shelby County

A major upgrade is coming to a busy stretch of Interstate 64 in Kentucky, a project that will span nearly three years and cost approximately $118 million. 

Read more from WDRB

Possible jail expansion moves forward in Henderson County

The Henderson County Detention Center currently houses almost 500 inmates. Despite the large number, Jailor Bruce Todd says it’s constantly turning down revenue by not being able to house more. 

Read more from WEHT

Grant will keep county cyber secure

In a time when cybersecurity is a concern for those who have checking accounts to multi-billion dollar businesses, Andrew Tippett, now in his 10th year as internet and technology coordinator for Franklin County Fiscal Court, wants to make it clear there are no problems with court data.

Read more from the State Journal


Police social workers fill critical gaps in NKY policing

Angie Weinel said police social work is like a natural disaster: Everyone shows up at first, but, after the initial assistance, everyone is gone, and that’s when people really start to suffer. 

Read more from LINK nky

Inmates assist in spring cleaning in Perry Co.

Perry County officials are ramping up cleanup efforts this spring, with inmates from the county jail playing a key role in clearing illegal dump sites and removing debris left behind by recent flooding.

Read more from WYMT 

Local officials cautiously optimistic after meeting with Corps of Engineers 

According to Floyd Judge-Executive Robbie Williams, in order for a government to "dredge" or clean up local streams in an attempt to mitigate flooding severity, there is a nearly insurmountable permitting process that must be changed.

Read more from the Hazard Herald

Judge/Executive Kota Young announces new industrial building project 

Young celebrated a day of significant progress, initiating the first steps toward building a new industrial facility in the Industrial Park for the first time in nearly three decades.

Read more from WPKY


Fiscal Court approves purchase of 40 acres in Providence 

Webster County Fiscal Court voted Monday to purchase approximately 40 acres of land along KY 670, a plan that has been in the works since August 2023.

Read more from The Journal-Enterprise


County buys more homes destroyed by 2022 flooding

While the county recovers from the devastating February flooding, the Floyd County Fiscal Court continues to purchase homes and businesses destroyed during the 2022 flood as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Buyout Program.

Read more from Floyd Chronicle & Times


Lyon County Sheriff asks for more deputies 

Sheriff Brent White said with the growing demand for a law enforcement presence, the need for more deputies is dire.

Read more from WPSD



Week of March 3, 2025

 
County to construct shooting range for law enforcement

A shooting range is to be built at the Washington County transfer station for local law enforcement officers and the 4-H shooting program.

Read more from the Springfield Sun

Prosecutors join forces to solve cross-state violent crime problem

Prosecutors from Southern Indiana and Jefferson County, Ky. are joining forces to promote public safety on both sides of the river. 

Read more from WAVE3

Social media videos lead to toy drive for flood survivors 

One little girl worked to make a big difference. Norah Ramsey is a three-year-old who has a TikTok channel, called Cheyenne & Norah, which is run by her mother, Cheyenne Ramsey.

Read more from WYMT


Petition opposes biodigester in rural Simpson County

A group of Simpson County residents presented a petition with more than 500 signatures to the Planning and Zoning Commission, opposing the installation of a biodigester facility by Vanguard Renewables.

Read more from the Franklin Favorite

USDA announces approval of D-SNAP for Kentucky disaster areas

People recovering from the impact of recent severe storms, flooding and straight-line winds may be eligible for food assistance through USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).

Read more from the USDA 

Economic Development Council disbanded by fiscal court 

Henry County no longer has an economic development council.

Read more from Henry County Local

300,000 people visited Letcher multiple times in ’24

Over 300,000 people visited Letcher County nearly 3 million times in 2024, according to a study commissioned by the county Tourism and Convention Commission. 

Read more from the Mountain Eagle


Fiscal court hires engineer for proposed industrial park

The Floyd County Fiscal Court hired an engineering firm during a special meeting Feb. 24 to assist with the proposed industrial park at the former Thunder Ridge property on Ky. 3.

Read more from Floyd County Times



Week of Feb. 24, 2025

 
Knox County gets $2.8M for 1,500-acre industrial park

Gov. Andy Beshear announced final approval of nearly $2.8 million in funding for a regional project between Knox and Whitley counties to prompt future investment and job growth.

Read more from the Lane Report

Graves County to resume construction on administration building

Graves County is set to resume construction of a new administration building in April, Graves County Fiscal Court announced Thursday.

Read more from WPSD

Insurance fee could fund fire department upgrades

Upgrades to Warren County’s volunteer fire departments may be on the way after action taken Thursday by Warren Fiscal Court that could provide the necessary funding.

Read more from the Daily News


Floodwaters create “a-maize-ing” corn wall at Woodbury RV Park

At the Woodbury RV Park in Butler County, officials say floodwaters from recent storms swept through a neighboring cornfield. It has created a physical wall of corn stalks that has blocked roadways in the area.

Read more from WBKO

County Judge Exec. asking victims of recent flooding to report damage, take advantage of available aid

With the flood waters having now receded, some area residents have begun the process of assessing the damage left behind last week’s heavy rainfall.

Read more from the News Journal

Clerk's office marks 'second-best year' with $6 million in receipts 

Trigg County Clerk Carmen Finley told county magistrates recently that 2024 has been the second-best year so far for her office.

Read more from Kentucky New Era

Former deputy who was shot is recognized on Senate floor

Senator Scott Madon and Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty recognized former Floyd County Sheriff’s Deputy Darrin Lawson. 

Read more from WYMT


Honoring the Badge: Pulaski County Sheriff Deputies awarded for their outstanding work in 2024 

The Pulaski County Sheriff's Department recently recognized its top deputies. They celebrated the hard work and bravery that these deputies showed in the field this past year.

Read more from the Commonwealth Journal


‘Cluster’ of teen suicides in Boone County prompt groups to come together, seek solutions

Several groups met in Boone County last week to see if they can focus on finding solutions for students who are struggling with life-threatening anxiety issues.

Read more from the Northern Kentucky Tribune


 



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