March 7, 2025

Lawmakers hear disaster recovery needs, continue advancing bills

This week the House and Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committees convened jointly to receive an update on the recent flooding disaster. 

Legislative leaders will work to move their priority bills for final passage by March 14 to ensure the General Assembly has an opportunity to override any potential gubernatorial vetoes upon their return from the recess.

The power of peer support in substance use recovery

Peer Support Specialists play a crucial role in bridging the gap between crisis intervention and long-term recovery.

As part of the KACo Leadership Institute’s monthly webinar on opioid solutions, the Kentucky Statewide Opioid Stewardship Program (KY SOS), in partnership with the Kentucky Hospital Association, will explore the impact of peer support specialists in emergency care settings. The webinar is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET Thursday, March 13.

NACo wants to celebrate the good work happening in your county

Since 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards have recognized outstanding county government programs and services. Through a non-competitive application process, noteworthy programs receive awards in 18 categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 awards is March 31.

Communities should apply for economic development and job creation grants in Eastern Kentucky

Appalachian communities should apply for this year’s Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grant funding that has fueled economic and community development in Eastern Kentucky for almost a decade.

Grant Ready Kentucky to help communities access federal grant funding

A Team Kentucky partnership is helping communities across the commonwealth access federal grant funding to improve quality-of-life initiatives and create new investment and job-creation opportunities.

Check out the latest headlines from across Kentucky

Thousands of households in 14 counties affected by the recent flooding are eligible for federal relief to help with grocery expenses, Floyd County hires an engineering firm for a proposed industrial park, some residents in Simpson County voice their opposition to a biodigester, one county disbands its economic development council, and more.

This week's roundup of local news includes stories from Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Henry, Jefferson, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson and Washington counties.

Training Opportunities

Opioid Solutions Monthly Webinar Series

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

Currently, webinars are scheduled for 11 a.m. - noon, ET on the following dates in 2025: March 13, April 10, May 8.

Jail Training: Investigating Sexual Abuse in Correctional Settings

Date: March 20-21, 2025

Lcation: Grayson County Detention Center Training Facility

Cost: Free

This free 2-day course is intended to train detention center personnel to become certified PREA Investigators per Section 115 of the PREA Standards for the purpose of complying with PREA audit requirements. Open to all Kentucky Jailers and Deputy Jailers.

KACo Leadership Institute: Opioid Solutions

Date: March 25, 2025

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

Location: KACo HQ, 400 Englewood Dr., Frankfort, KY

Cost: Free

This full-day training will provide critical updates from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission on reporting requirements, best practices and funding opportunities. With networking opportunities and a dedicated Q&A session, this training is essential for those responsible for managing opioid settlement funds and driving community change.

Emergency Preparedness Series: Storm Ready Counties

Date: March 27, 2025

Time: 11 a.m. - noon ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

The StormReady program helps arm America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property--before, during and after the event. StormReady helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs. 

This week in pictures

Several Kentucky leaders recently attended the NACo Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, including Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk David Nicholson, Warren County Attorney Amy Chandler, Oldham County Magistrate Michael Logsdon and Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore.

Scott County Magistrate David Livingston, Webster County Judge/Executive Steve Henry and Harlan County Judge/Executive and KACo President Dan Mosley.

Grant County Clerk Tabatha Clemons, Henry County Judge/Executive Scott Bates, Oldham County Magistrate Michael Logsdon, Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk David Nicholson and Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley at the NACo Legislative Conference.

KACo 2nd Vice President and Grant County Clerk Tabatha Clemons spoke with Sen. Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer at the KACo Legislative Appreciation Lunch.

Rep. DJ Johnson, Sen. Robby Mills and KACo's Jim Henderson at the KACo Legislative Appreciation Lunch.

Montgomery County Judge/Executive Chris Haddix and Sen. Greg Elkins.

KACo President and Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley talks with Rep. Adam Bowling.

Madison County Judge/Executive Reagan Taylor, Sen. Brandon Storm, Casey County Judge/Executive Randy Dial and Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley.

Rep. Ryan Bivens talks with Powell County Judge/Executive Eddie Barnes.

KMCA Executive Director JC Young and KACo 1st Vice President/Oldham County Magistrate Michael Logsdon.

Rep. Matthew Lehman reviews a bill during the KACo Legislative Appreciation Lunch.

Rep. Tom Smith (right) talks with Sen. Scott Madon at the KACo Legislative Appreciation Lunch.