May 17, 2024

Early voting underway for primary election

Kentucky’s three days of in-person no-excuse early voting kicked off Thursday May 16, allowing voters to cast their ballot ahead of Primary Election Day on May 21.

In addition to the U.S. presidential race, other candidates on the ballot are seeking the following offices: U.S. House of Representatives, 5th District Kentucky Supreme Court, all members of the Kentucky House, odd-numbered Kentucky Senate districts, commonwealth’s attorneys, circuit court clerks, soil and water conservation districts, some local school boards, and some city commission/council seats including Louisville Metro Council and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council.  

A roadmap to healing: The crucial role of needs assessments in opioid abatement

Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape of opioid settlement fund distribution is complex. The funding that local governments will continue to receive over the next several years from drug manufacturers and pharmacy operators is unlike any other funding or grant program used by public entities. 

Needs assessments are a critical starting point for allocating opioid abatement funds because they can provide a comprehensive understanding of the opioid crisis at the local level.

Medical cannabis resources for county officials

The clock is ticking for local governments in Kentucky, who face an important decision on how they will address the new industry of medical marijuana, which becomes legal in the state on Jan. 1, 2025.

Prospective cannabis businesses are currently reviewing state regulations and making plans to become licensed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. So what does that mean for counties and cities? Click learn more here to visit KACo's Medical Cannabis Resource Page.

Kentucky Office of Homeland Security offers virtual workshops for 2024 cybersecurity grant program

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) helps counties and other eligible entities address cybersecurity risks and threats. While the 2024 application period for the grant program has not been announced, it is likely that the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be available in summer 2024.  

The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security is offering a series of virtual workshops to help inform and prepare county and city leaders for the 2024 application process.

Upcoming Training Opportunties

See all training opportunities here

This week in pictures

The Perry County Clerk's Office held election training for all officers who will be working in an election precinct on May 21.

Barren County officials celebrated the new location of the Barren County Drug Court. Barren County Judge/Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd and Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse signed a proclamation prior to the ceremony, declaring May 2024 as Treatment Court Month.

KACo hosted the Spring Seminar for the Kentucky Occupational License Association.

KACo was a proud sponsor of the Kentucky Public Human Resource Association Conference, held this week in Georgetown.

KACo Customer Service Reps Kathy Basham and Macy Thompson represented KACo this week at the Kentucky Public Human Resource Association Conference.

On Peace Officers Memorial Day, Attorney General Russell Coleman joined law enforcement in northern Kentucky to pay tribute to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman recently visited Portal 31. The mine has gone from an abandoned coal mine to being an educational tour.

Scott County Circuit Court Clerk Tina Cooper presented a Donate Life scholarship at Great Crossing High School.

County officials hosted the Franklin County Birthday Bash at Lakeview Park with special musical guest Walker Montgomery.

Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams and fiscal court members presented a check to the Prestonsburg High School HOSA Club for their participation in the county's Cash for Trash program. Students cleaned five miles of highway and the club received $500.

Kenton County Police Chief Spike Jones was recently in Washington, D.C. for National Police Week.

Daviess County Commissioner Chris Castlen presented a proclamation for Travis Perry Day at the Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club. Perry, of Lyon County, is the 2024 Kentucky Mr. Basketball and will play for the University of Kentucky.