May 23, 2025

Survey confirms EF-4 tornado struck Russell, Pulaski and Laurel counties

Just five months into the year, the Commonwealth has requested its third federal disaster declaration of 2025 following a deadly tornado that touched down in southern Kentucky in the late hours of May 16.

The storm caused the deaths of 19 people.

Upcoming webinar: What counties need to know about street-legal special purpose vehicles - Senate Bill 63

On July 9 at 2 p.m. ET, KACo will host a webinar that will cover the key provisions of SB 63, including the legislative intent, requirements for street-legal special purpose vehicles, local government authority, safety and inspection standards, and how the law interacts with farm exemptions. 

Click on the link below to register, download a sample ordinance, see a FAQ and more.

April 2025 county unemployment rates

Unemployment rates fell in 81 counties, rose in 31 counties and stayed the same in eight counties between April 2024 and April 2025, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS).

Note that Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes.

Bell, LaRue, Marion, Washington counties certified as Recovery Ready Communities

Two weeks after Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky saw a 30.2% decrease in overdose deaths in 2024 compared with the year before, four more counties have been certified as Recovery Ready Communities.

Counties are recognized for having established services for residents who are seeking help for drug or alcohol addiction in three different categories – prevention, treatment and recovery support.

Montgomery County's Tanya Terry elected president of KACCC

Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk Tanya P. Terry has been chosen by her colleagues to lead the Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks for 2025-2026.

She was elected president at the Circuit Court Clerks Spring College that took place last week in Florence.

Registration deadline for the 2025 KACo salt auction is June 3

KACo will host the 2025 Salt Auction for counties on June 17 and 18. The auction offers fiscal courts a proven way to save 20-40 percent on road salt through reverse auctions.

In a typical auction, prices go up as people compete to buy something. In a reverse auction, prices go down as sellers compete to offer the lowest price. This process creates a competitive environment that can result in cost savings.

EKU tuition discounts for summer and fall enrollment

KACo is proud to partner with Eastern Kentucky University to offer our members discounted tuition and flexible, 100% online degree options through the EKU Advantage.

Important EKU dates:

•   Summer (term B) application deadline: May 31, 2025

•   Summer classes begin: June 16, 2025

•   Fall application deadline: July 31, 2025

•   Fall classes begin: Aug.18, 2025

Check out the latest headlines from across Kentucky

The London-Laurel County 911 center received more than 600 calls in the aftermath of the deadly tornado, FEMA is assessing storm damage, Bullitt County celebrates the first year of Mental Health Court, Gov. Beshear appoints Bo Stacy to fill the position of his late father as 1st Circuit Commonwealth's Attorney, and more.

This week's roundup of local news includes stories from Bullitt, Carlisle, Grayson, Kenton, Laurel, Madison, Pulaski and Trigg counties.

Training Opportunities

Planning and Zoning

Are you getting the most out of planning and zoning in your community? Explore some best practices that will enhance planning in your community and create an open, transparent environment ready to promote sound development. This interactive session will also discuss current planning news and topics from around the state (and beyond), how your community may be affected and possible solutions on how to deal with some of today's most pressing land use matters. Eligible for 8 hours of training credit.

Date: June 18, 2025

Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT

Location: Murray State University, 4430 Sunset Avenue, Paducah

Cost: $80.00 member/$120 non-member

2025 Wrap VR System – Train the Trainer (Make Up Class)

A new virtual reality training system called the WRAP system is now available for sheriffs and jailers. Any department requesting to utilize the WRAP system must send at least one trainer to a mandatory training class at KACo. This one-day training will include WRAP operation overview, safety, legal review, knowledge base and tactics, scenario review, scenario coaching and testing and documentation. 

Date: July 23, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET

Location: KACo HQ, 400 Englewood Dr., Frankfort

Cost: Free

Advancing Local Solutions: Best Practices for Opioid Settlement Implementation

This one-day, in-person training is designed to support county leaders and stakeholders in maximizing the impact of opioid settlement funds through proven local strategies. The day includes an immersive visit and lunch at Recovery Café Frankfort to see community-based recovery in action. 

Date: July 29, 2025

Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET

Location: KACo HQ, 400 Englewood Dr., Frankfort

Cost: $25.00 member/$35.00 non-member

Opioid Solutions Monthly Webinar Series

Throughout 2025, KACo is hosting a series of monthly webinars about the use of opioid settlement funds, including examples of innovative county programs and best practices.

This week in pictures

Gov. Andy Beshear speaks with Laurel County Judge/Executive David Westerfield following the deadly tornado that touched down last week.

Laurel County Magistrate Richard Bales helped operate a loader at the Keavy Road debris site. Road foreman Gary McQueen and worker Travis Bray also helped at the site.

Pulaski County Judge/Executive Marshall Todd was interviewed by LEX18 News about the storm response and cleanup efforts.

Oldham County Jailer Jeff Tindale gave Senator Lindsey Tichenor a tour of the detention center and discussed the future of the jail. 

Madison County Judge/Executive Reagan Taylor cut the ribbon along with fellow county officials and Supreme Court justices in celebration of completed renovations to the historic courthouse.

Kentucky representatives on the NACo Board of Directors attended the 2025 Western Interstate Region Conference in South Dakota this week, connecting with county leaders from across the country. Pictured: Oldham County Magistrate Michael Logsdon, Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore, Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk David Nicholson and Warren County Attorney Amy Chandler.

In Greenup County, inmates help cultivate a 40-acre garden that supplies fresh vegetables for daily meals and are canned for winter. Last year, the program saved the county jail $75,000 in food costs.

The Simpson County Sheriff’s Office snagged 1st Place in the Emergency Vehicle Category at the F-S Band Booster Car Show.

For National EMS Week, Rowan County recognized their dedicated EMTs, paramedics and administrative staff who serve the community with professionalism, skill and compassion.

KACo kicked off the 2025 County Listening Tour with a visit to Letcher County. Officials from Harlan, Letcher and Perry counties convened to discuss issues important to their communities.

Johnson County Judge/Executive Mark McKenzie hosted a KACo listening session this week, with the commissioners, county attorney, county clerk and jailer in attendance. KACo board member and Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt also participated.

The KACo Listening Tour made its third stop in Menifee County, where Judge/Executive Rick Stiltner, Treasurer Mandolyn Coffey, Rowan County Judge/Executive Harry Clark, Morgan County Magistrate Brandon Evans and Morgan County Sheriff Greg Motley shared their perspectives.