Jan. 23, 2026

Kentucky braces for blast of snow and ice

State and local leaders across Kentucky are preparing for a major winter storm this weekend, with Gov. Andy Beshear and several judge/executives already declaring a state of emergency. As the storm approaches, officials are pre-positioning road crews and equipment, and checking on critical services such as water and electricity.

County officials are encouraged to communicate frequently with residents, advising them of safety precautions and warming center options.

Useful links:



• State of emergency declared for winter storm

• Kentucky Emergency Management operations dashboard

• National Weather Service messaging

Mother Nature, please go easy on Kentucky this weekend!

As frigid temperatures return to Kentucky, the risk of frozen and burst water pipes is rising for homes, offices and public buildings.

Even a short stretch of below-freezing temperatures can lead to costly damage, as expanding ice puts extreme pressure on pipes in unheated and exposed areas.

Sen. Greg Elkins speaks about SB 27. Photo by LRC Public Information.

Session pace slows as bill filings surge

Despite a slower committee schedule, the 2026 legislative session continues to move forward, with nearly 600 bills already filed and several measures affecting counties advancing in the Senate.

This week’s update looks at where things stand, including progress on key jail reform legislation, the status of the state budget, and important upcoming dates county officials should have on their calendars.

2026 County Officials Legislative Reception

County officials and legislators are invited to join us as we honor members of the 2026 General Assembly at KACo headquarters in Frankfort on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 4:30-7 p.m. EST.

Use the link below for more information and the registration form.

Counties in the news: The latest headlines from across Kentucky

• Fiscal court hears report on jail's new body scanner
• Magoffin County Fiscal Court meets with new judge/executive
• Montgomery County Fiscal Court presents First Day Forward check
• Lexington group secures $1M donation to expand civic education in county schools
• Grayson County adds alcohol sales petition to primary ballot
• Calloway County honors former longtime magistrate

Training Opportunities

Active Shooter Response Preparedness Training

Workplace violence is a growing concern, and this webinar is designed to support a culture of safety and readiness.

KACo Insurance members are invited to attend a critical training session focused on empowering individuals with knowledge and skills to respond effectively during an active shooter event.

Date: Feb. 10, 2026

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free for KACo Insurance members

2026 Opioid Solutions: February Webinar

KACo's Opioid Solutions Monthly Webinar Series is back for 2026

Each month, we'll discuss programs and services that are making a real-world impact on substance use recovery that county officials and partners can model in their own communities.

Date: Feb. 12, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Social Media: Best Practices and Legal Risks

County officials and staff increasingly rely on social media to communicate with residents, but it also comes with legal and operational responsibilities. This webinar provides practical guidance on how counties can use social media strategically and responsibly.

Date: March 3, 2026

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

How Counties are Using Data to Prioritize Road and Bridge Repairs

Looking for a smarter, more consistent way to evaluate and prioritize county road projects? Join this webinar to learn how the Lincoln Trail Area Development District is using ESRI’s Field Maps and ArcGIS tools to collect real-time pavement data, assign standardized condition scores. Presenters will show how GIS-based dashboards help county officials visualize needs, plan resurfacing and bridge projects, and support long-term infrastructure investments.

Date: March 10, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

This Week in Photos

Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery is serving on the newly formed steering committee for the future of the Purple People Bridge, a northern Kentucky landmark. Pictured from left: Kevin Wright, Tom Guidugli Sr., Pendery and Brian Steffen.

The Marshall County Elks Lodge made a donation of $5,000 each to the Rescue Squad and the Senior Citizens Center this week at the fiscal court meeting.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office donated 31 backpacks with toiletries, food, blankets and emergency gear to the Pennyroyal Veterans Center.

Woodford County officials attended events to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Fayette County Attorney Angela Evans attended the 32nd Annual MLK Unity Breakfast in Lexington.

Meade County Judge/Executive Troy Kok and the fiscal court hosted their monthly town hall meeting.

The Daviess County Detention Center welcomed jail, police and other professional staff from around the region for the Leaders Helping Leaders Network: Intentional Leader course.

The Montgomery County Fiscal Court presented First Day Forward reentry program with a check to assist the program, using money from the opioid fund.

Lincoln Trail Area Development District has named Washington County Judge/Executive Tim Graves as the recipient of the Palmer A. “Pete” Peterson Memorial Award.

The Hopkins County Attorney’s Office reached out to the Hopkins County Jail Community Service Road Crews for assistance with old hanging lights on the front of its office building that were beginning to break, posing a safety concern. The road crews were able to safely remove the lights.

Jailers from across the state met this week to discuss issues related to their facilities and operations.

Mercer County officials held a ribbon cutting for their new District 4 fire station building.