January 2026 Newsletter

January 8th

• Allen County Steering Committee

January 13th

• Economic Development Lunch & Learn
• Metcalfe County Steering Committee

January 15th

• Butler County Steering Committee

January 20th

• Warren County Steering Committee

January 21st

• Aging Council
• Aging Services Area Plan Public Hearing

January 22nd

• Edmonson County Steering Committee

January 28th

• Executive Council
• Board of Directors Meeting

A Special Note from the Executive Director ..

As we begin the new calendar year it's a great time to reflect on the many successes we've all accomplished together in 2025. It is truly an honor and privilege to lead the BRADD and work alongside each of you.

Please click on the image to the right and images below for more details concerning: our last board meeting, highlights from 2025, our schedule for 2026 meetings, and information about our 2026 Statewide Legislative Priorities (and ADD Day). If can be of assistance as we work together in 2026, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

All the best this year,

Eric Sexton

On December 17th, the BRADD Board of Directors met for their final meeting of 2025. After a legislative update from JD Chaney, Executive Director with the Kentucky League of Cities, the board passed regional clearinghouse projects, heard committee reports, approved 2026 meeting dates and recognized the following staff anniversaries from November and December:

Christian Stanley - 5 Years (Aging Services)

Ethan Bates - 1 Year (CED)

Zoe Lambert - 1 Year (Waiver Services)

Lauren Key - 1 Year (Waiver Services)

BRADD Field Trip to the IMPACT CENTER

On Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025 immediately following the monthly board meeting, several board members and staff had the opportunity to tour the Warren Co Public Schools IMPACT Center. Congrats on the impressive work by WCPS. Their leadership is creating a unique and incredible opportunity to grow and develop our future leaders! Thank you Mayor Todd Alcott for helping facilitate this wonderful tour.

For more info about the center go to: https://impactcenter.warrencountyschools.org/

A Hart County Hero

The Hart County Sheriff, Jeff Wilson, brought food packets donated by

Save-A-Lot grocery to the Hart County Senior Center before the

Christmas holiday. They provided 69 individual "packets" of food.

The packets were given to each person receiving home delivered meals and

each person that comes to the center, along with some left over for those

in serious need.

Mark your Calendars!

Christmas Drive 2025

The BRADD/AAAIL held a donation drive this past holiday season throughout the region. Through this, we were able to provide over 100 gifts to our needy seniors. We were also able to collect puzzles and games to each of our senior centers.



We appreciate the community’s continued generosity and support of our older community!

Supermarket Sweep 2025

BRADD/AAAIL partnered with Independence Bank again this year to hold a "supermarket sweep" to help provide food items to our most needy clients.

Russellville High School and Logan County High school participated in this activity and assisted in delivering almost $5,000 in food to local seniors.

Senior Center Menu

Check out the January menu for the majority of our senior centers.

As a reminder, all of the centers will be closed January 1st & 2nd for the designated holidays. 

For more information contact your local center or find more details here:

https://www.bradd.org/senior-centers/

BRADD's Community & Economic Development Department is currently administering 87 projects that represent an investment of $221,853,813.36.

CDBG Certified

BRADD congratulates four of our Community & Economic Development team members on becoming certified administrators of the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) program! They recently completed training in Frankfort and received passing results from their test.

Congrats Team!



Pictured (Left to Right): Ethan Bates, Tyler Hopkins, Ty Foster & Julien Hodge.

KHC launched its NEW Housing Accelerator Newsletter. It's aimed at updating partners on data trends, funding opportunities, legislation, and more!

Upcoming Webinars Worth Noting:

Kentucky Housing Supply Trends: A Data Dashboard Review

1–2 p.m. ET Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Opportunity Zones 2.0: How to Apply for Census Tract Designation

1– 2 p.m. ET Tuesday, March 3, 2026

To Sign-Up for the Newsletter CLICK HERE

How to Protect Yourself Outdoors

When it's freezing, limit time outdoors. However if you cannot avoid extremely cold situations - including windchill- follow these proactive steps to protect yourself against the cold weather.



1. Wear several layers of loose clothing. Layering provides better insulation.
2. Make sure to protect the ears, face, hands and feet in extremely cold weather. Boots should be waterproof and insulated. Wear a hat; it will keep your whole body warmer.
3. Move into warm locations during work breaks and try to limit the amount of time outside on extremely cold days.
4. Carry cold weather gear, such as extra socks, gloves, hats, jacket, blankets, a change of clothes and a thermos of hot liquid.
5. Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin.

Protect Your Furry Friend from the Cold Weather

Your pets are an important member of your family, consider them before going outside and/or ahead of winder storms. Follow these tips to keep your pets warm & safe!

1. Bring your furry friends inside when temperatures take a dip! 
2. Wipe your dog’s paws after each trip outside. Ice-melting chemicals or rock salt can cause irritation, sickness or be fatal.
3. Get a jacket, sweater and/or boots for your furry friend. Exposed skin is at risk for hypothermia or frostbite. Bundle up!
4. Keep your pets away from chemicals. Remember: your pet may think antifreeze is sweet, but it can be deadly.

Prepare for Power Outages

Winter storms may bring power outages that can disrupt things like communications, utilities, transportation and prevent your ability to use electrically powered medical devices. Follow these tips to stay #WinterReady.

1. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
2. If you use a generator, ONLY use it outdoors and away from windows.
3. Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
4. Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
5. Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
6. Go to a community location with power if cold is extreme and you can’t heat your home.

Stay Safe When Heating Your Home

Heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires in 2021. An estimated 32,200 home heating fires were reported to fire departments within the United States. These fires caused an estimated 190 deaths, 625 injuries and $442 million in property loss. Follow these tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones against home fires.

1. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters or candles.
2. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.
3. When using your fireplace always keep a metal or heat tempered screen around it to stay safe. 
4. Always use a generator, camp stove, charcoal grill, gasoline or propane heater outdoors and not near windows.
5. Always plug space heaters directly into an outlet, and make sure its cord isn’t damaged or frayed.
6. Avoid using the stovetop or oven to heat your home. It is dangerous because it increases the risk of burns, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. 

TVA 101 Session

Curious about what TVA does and how they support their communities? BRADD Board Members and Special Advisors are invited to attend a TVA 101 Session at the BRADD Office on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM CST.

This informative session will provide an opportunity to learn about TVA’s role and community impact, ask questions, and engage in discussion. Lunch will be provided.

REGISTER HERE

https://forms.monday.com/forms/9b6465e77bcd1e39ab22188d62e2f194?r=use1 

County Budget Workshops

Join DLG Staff as they provide budget information and answer questions to prepare county officials for best practices in budget preparation and management. The workshops are designed for newly elected officials, as well as a refresher course for veteran office holders.



Each DLG workshop will provide three (3) hours of HB 810 training credits for those

participating.

Pre-registration is required to help staff plan for allotted space and materials.

REGISTER HERE

https://docs.google.com/forms

Public Workshops on Muir Legacy Trail

Cave Country Trails, Inc is inviting the public to participate in a series of

engagement workshops this January and February focused on the Kentucky segment of the historic John Muir 1000

Mile Walk to the Gulf.

Residents, historians, cyclists, nature lovers, and community leaders are encouraged to attend the workshops and help shape the future of this inspiring initiative.

For more information, click HERE.

Anchor Project Timeline

The Anchor Project Timeline highlights South Central Kentucky’s regional efforts to combat the opioid crisis and expand mental health services. From launching the Office of Drug Control Policy to planning a 24/7 Crisis Intake Center and Life Learning Center, it showcases key milestones and partnerships driving this comprehensive response.

Office of Drug Control Policy Landing Page

The BRADD Opioid Summit website serves as a central hub for information on South Central Kentucky's regional response to the opioid crisis.It provides updates on collaborative initiatives, including the Anchor Project, and offers resources and event details aimed at fostering community engagement and support for those affected by substance use disorders.

Community Resources

The BRADD Opioid Summit Community Resources page offers a curated collection of tools, contacts, and support services to assist individuals, families, and professionals in South Central Kentucky. From treatment and recovery programs to prevention education and crisis response, these resources empower communities to take action against substance use disorders and promote lasting well-being.