Oct. 31, 2025

And the winners are...

KACo is pleased to announce the winners of the annual I Love My KY County KACo Art Contest.

• 1st place: Kylee Crowe, Estill County
• 2nd place: Avery Long, Boyle County
• 3rd place: Porter Branscum, Russell County

In its third year, the KACo art contest serves as a fun way to celebrate county pride, engage with residents and generate positive publicity for communities.

Thank you to all the county officials who helped spread the word about the art contest. Artwork from the top three winners and grade-level winners will be featured at the annual KACo Conference, in County Line magazine, and in the 2026 KACo calendar.

Counties and local organizations step up to support residents amid potential SNAP funding freeze

One month into the federal government shutdown, states, local governments, food banks and other organizations are scrambling to help residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

According to the most recent data, 645,461 Kentuckians receive SNAP benefits. Funding for the program will run out Nov. 1 unless federal leaders act.

Read more about how counties throughout the state are responding.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month tip: Recognize and report scams

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and each week we are sharing tips and resources to keep your county safe. This week’s tip: Recognize and report scams.

Preventing a scam is easier than getting money back after a scam. The National Cybersecurity Alliance has a quick guide to some of the most common scams out there today.

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 Veterans 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 Nov. 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.

The latest headlines from across Kentucky

• They set out to photograph all 120 Kentucky counties. They found 'common humanity'
• Labor of love
• Serving Mason County
• Barren County breaks ground on new justice center in Glasgow
• Jackson County sculpture park receives first piece
• Kentucky regulators grant LG&E/KU permission to build power plants for future data centers
• Homeowners in a rural Kentucky county are still recovering from April flooding. The government wants to buy them out.
• Court votes to support new historical marker in Eminence 
• Montgomery County approves donation of bank building, parking lot purchase
• Ambulance headed to White Mills in Hardin County
• US 460 opens in Pike County

Deadline TODAY 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 today, 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

Franklin County officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new road department complex.

Barren County officials broke ground Thursday morning to introduce the new Judicial Center.

Warren County Fiscal Court shared a proclamation in honor of Retired Educators Week.

Boyd County Sheriff Jamie Reihs tests out the WRAP virtual reality training system.

Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty's office handed out candy to Head Start students at the Martin County Public Library.

Clinton County Sheriff Ricky Marcum reminded his county residents about property tax bill deadlines.

Lyon County PVA Christie Cruce and Judge/Executive Jaime Smith helped organized a tea party and story hour for kids.

Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower and his staff presented thank you plaques to local McDonald’s for their support with the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association’s annual training conference recently in Warren County.

Portions of KY Hwy 62 and KY Hwy 176 were officially dedicated to two men who made a lasting impact the Muhlenberg County community, actor Warren Oates and former state Rep. Brent Yonts.

Hardin County Government signed a lease agreement this week with West Hardin Fire & Rescue, allowing for expanded EMS coverage.

The Perry County Clerk's Office wore pink in support of breast cancer awareness.

Smuckers donated $7,050 to the Allen County Animal Shelter for a new fence around the dog exercise yard. Katelyn Fox, Sydney Herrington and Joe Aiken of Smuckers made the check presentation to Judge/Executive Dennis Harper.

Congressman James Comer visited the McCracken County Courthouse this week. He's pictured with Judge/Executive Craig Clymer and commissioners Eddie Jones and Bill Bartleman.

The Woodford County Courthouse decked out for Halloween.

Graves County Jailer Kelli Elliott (center), along with Chief Jackson and Lt. Copeland, participated in a Truth and Consequences event for local middle school students.