Aug. 29, 2025

Deadline approaching: Annual opioid report due Aug. 31

Counties are required to report annually how much opioid settlement funding they have received and how those funds have been used on opioid remediation activities.

This summer, the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission launched a new online portal for report submissions. Local governments are required to submit reports via the portal by Aug. 31.

Kentuckians unite in purple to support Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day, observed annually on August 31, is a time to remember those lost to overdose and to stand with the families and communities forever changed by the crisis.

Kentuckians are encouraged to wear purple to show solidarity, honor lives lost and help break the stigma surrounding addiction.



 [Photo: The Jessamine County Courthouse lit up in purple in recognition of Overdose Awareness Day.]

Planning and zoning 101 for counties

An adult-oriented business near a county park. A new truck stop that backs up to an established, quiet neighborhood. Residents worried about the noise from a proposed outdoor music venue.

These scenarios and many others involving zoning and new development can cause tensions to run high in a community, especially when people feel their quality of life or property values will be negatively affected.

Effective planning and zoning can be essential tools for shaping a community’s future; helping counties manage growth, protect property values, attract investment and preserve the unique character of their communities.

Latest issue of County Line available now on KACo website

The summer issue of County Line magazine is available on our website and should be in your mailboxes soon.

Learn more about the Johnson County commissioners, who have more in common than just serving on the fiscal court. We also get to know long-time Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey, who was recently named National Sheriff of the Year. There's economic development highlights and much more.

Counties in the news

• Community mourns McCracken County Deputy Judge Executive Steve Doolittle
• Discussions continue on free-roaming Breathitt Co. horses 
• New industrial park is coming to Central Kentucky after contentious vote
• Owensboro Museum of Fine Art breaks ground on Artland 2
• $1.2B in Kentucky project requests depend on budget fight in Congress
• Good Question: Are Kentucky counties required to have an animal shelter?
• Fire officials warn of dangers as burn bans take effect across Kentucky

Training Opportunities

KACo Cybersecurity Series for County Officials

This three-part webinar series is designed to empower county leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to address cybersecurity concerns. Designed for people without a technical background, the series will review the core concepts of cybersecurity, highlight real-world threats, offer practical guidance and provide a roadmap for implementing a long-term defense strategy for your county. 

What Every County Leader Should Be Asking About Cybersecurity

You’ll learn how to evaluate whether your county is making smart investments, who is accountable for cybersecurity, and how to ensure your team is leveraging available state and federal grant programs.

Date: Sept. 18, 2025

Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Leading the Way: Building a Mature Cybersecurity Program

As your county’s cybersecurity program matures, leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping its future. This session focuses on what strong cybersecurity looks like from the top down—how to move from reactive to resilient.

Date: Oct. 21, 2025

Time: 2 - 3 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Ethics, open records and open meetings for county officials

Date: Sept. 23, 2025

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT

Location: Green River Area Development District, Owensboro

Cost: $30 member/$45 non-member

Join KACo staff attorney Rich Ornstein for a practical and informative half-day training focused on the ethical and legal responsibilities of county officials. This session will cover the core principles of local government ethics codes, compliance with Kentucky’s Open Records and Open Meetings Acts, and best practices for maintaining transparency and accountability in local government.

This week in pictures

Volunteers of America Mid-States President Jennifer Hancock and Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk David Nicholson recently visited with county leaders in southeastern Kentucky.

Congratulations to Harrison County on earning StormReady certification from the National Weather Service! Emergency Management Agency Director Joey Nelson and Assistant Director Shaun Brewer led the county's application effort.

Fleming County Sheriff Tim Smith handed out school supplies at a recent back to school event.

Whitley County Judge/Executive Pat White speaks at the annual SOAR Conference.

Clay County was honored with an Inspire Award at the SOAR Conference.

Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith is collecting donated wheelchairs to assist voters in preparation for election day. 

The Warren County Fiscal Court celebrated its local 9-10 year old Bowling Green East All Stars, who won a state championship. 

Edmonson County Clerk Kevin Alexander posed for a photo with Rep. Michael Meredith during a visit to Frankfort for the Local Government Committee meeting. Alexander is the president of the Kentucky County Clerks Association.

Daviess County Attorney John Burlew congratulated Dee McGehee, who is retiring following 35 years with the county attorney office. She has served under three different county attorneys while there. 

Barren County Judge/Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd joined Barren County and Glasgow high school students who came together for a spirit week pep rally on the county square. 

KACo's Steve Clary, a safety and loss control specialist, speaks at a training session at the Kentucky Public Transit Association Conference.

State and local officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Skyview high ground community in Perry County.