Oct. 24, 2025

Counties and cities stress importance of occupational license fee collection remaining local

As a renewed push is expected next year for a state-run system to collect local occupational taxes, lawmakers are examining how those taxes and fees are handled by cities and counties today.

KACo and the Kentucky League of Cities testified Tuesday before the Interim Joint Committee on Local Government, outlining how Kentucky’s existing system already includes uniform processes, standardized forms and a central online repository for local tax information.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month tip: Keep software up to date

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and each week we are sharing tips and resources to keep your county safe. This week’s tip: Keep software up to date.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself online is by keeping your software and apps up to date. Hackers are constantly searching for vulnerabilities to exploit, and software developers work just as hard to patch those security gaps. Regular updates help safeguard your devices and fix bugs alongside introducing new features.

Remembering former KACo President Peanuts Gaines

Jerry “Peanuts” Gaines, who previously served as sheriff in Warren County for several decades and as KACo president in 2014, passed away Wednesday.

Peanuts was first elected sheriff in 1978 and went on to serve nine terms. Prior to that, he was a Warren County magistrate, interim jailer and a military policeman.

Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and the Warren County community.

Shine a green light to show your county's support for veterans

America’s counties have a long and proud history of serving our nation’s veterans, a legacy that continues to this day as we work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that the former service members have access to the resources they need to thrive. 

This Veteran’s Day, the National Association of Counties will celebrate the fifth anniversary of Operation Green Light. Counties can show support for veterans by lighting buildings green from November 4-11, 2025. By shining a green light, county governments and our residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported.  

To participate, counties are encouraged to to pass a resolution declaring your county’s participation in Operation Green Light and share pictures to social media and with NACo.

Pictured: The McLean County Courthouse from Operation Green Light in 2024.

Woodford County EM director wins national award

The U.S. Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers has selected Drew Chandler of Woodford County as 2025 Emergency Manager of the Year. 

Since his appointment as emergency management director for Woodford County in 2015, Chandler has transformed the county’s emergency management program into a model of professionalism, innovation, and resilience. Serving a rural population of just over 27,000, he has elevated the agency’s capabilities to a level rarely seen in similarly sized jurisdictions. 

Safety and health training in northern Kentucky next week

The Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Program (KYSAFE) is hosting a free, four-day training event Oct. 28-30, in Florence at Gateway Community and Technical College.

The latest headlines from across Kentucky

• Partnership, grant program allow for intervention rather than incarceration
• Warren County officials remember former sheriff Jerry ‘Peanuts’ Gaines
• County makes appointments to Economic Development Board
• Whitley Fiscal Court approves jail expansion bids, land donation for project
• Madison County Judge/Executive appears on Kentucky Newsmakers
• First responders injured in deadly Floyd County ambush testify to support proposed hazardous disability bill
• Bell County Fiscal Court votes to support Chamber of Commerce
• Howard urges facts, civility, and readiness as Lewis County courts major projects 
• Johnson County discusses park improvement and community programs
• Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office's new, modernized headquarters now open

Deadline approaching for KACo Conference early bird rate

Don’t miss your chance to save on registration for the state's premier event for county officials! Early bird registration for the 51st Annual KACo Conference & Exposition ends Oct. 31.

Join county leaders from across Kentucky Nov. 12-14, 2025, at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville where you can connect, learn from expert speakers and explore innovative solutions in our expo hall. Secure your spot today and be part of the excitement!

Get a fresh new headshot at the conference

Stop by our headshot booth on Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. to get a high-quality photo taken by our onsite photographer.

Whether you need a fresh image for your county website or social media, this is your chance to get a polished, professional photo – free of charge.

Technical assistance available

Stop by our technical assistance booths to connect with partners and get personalized support on a range of topics. Experts will be available throughout the conference to answer questions and help you find practical solutions tailored to your county’s needs.



• Opioid Settlement Funds

• IT and Cybersecurity

• Three+one

This week in pictures

The Kentucky Coroners' Association held meetings at KACo this week.

Henderson County Coroner Shelia Patterson asks a question during the meeting.

Kentucky Coroners' Association Executive Director Jimmy Pollard speaks to the coroners.

KACo Safety and Loss Control Specialist Steve Clary leads a training in Boyd County about distracted driving awareness.

Clark County Jail staff welcomed Leadership Winchester for a tour of the facilities.

The Pulaski County Fiscal Court signed a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness month. 

KACo Relationship Officer Hollis Alexander met with judge/executives from the Barren River ADD region this week.

Several circuit court clerks met with Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert at the State of the Judiciary Address.

Trigg County Schools invited sheriff deputies to attend a college and career fair. Deputies interacted with the students, who got to try on some of gear that used on day-to-day operations.

The Scott County Fiscal Court recognized Oct. 20-24, 2025, as Retired Teachers’ Appreciation Week in Scott County. This proclamation, issued jointly by Judge/Executive Joe Covington and Georgetown Mayor Burney Jenkins, honors retired teachers who educate, inspire and shape the future.

Shelby County Judge/Executive Dan Ison, second from left, who is a member of VFW Post 1179, spent time with fellow veterans and Deputy Judge/Executive Jon Park during an open house.

Nelson County Judge/Executive Tim Hutchins speaks at the Nelson County Schools' GlowUP event, sharing the Carve Out a Drug-Free Future campaign with students and families.