Feb. 7, 2025

The 2025 County Officials Legislative Reception is next week!

County officials are invited to join us as we host members of the 2025 General Assembly, constitutional officers and cabinet officials at KACo headquarters on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, from 4:30-7 p.m. EST.

Frankfort in full swing: Lawmakers push key bills as session ramps up

Legislators returned to Frankfort this week after a short break to kick off part II of the 2025 legislative session.

The General Assembly took the final step this week to pass HB 1, reducing the state income tax from 4 percent to 3.5 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Read more about legislation on the move, including proposals related to centralized collection of occupational license fees, unclaimed bodies and manufactured housing.

County 101: Understanding closed jail counties

As of 2024, 43 counties in Kentucky do not have a jail, opting to contract with other counties or use a regional jail. These counties are commonly referred to as "closed jail counties."

18 counties receive funding for bridge repairs

Gov. Andy Beshear announced $10.2 million in awards for 23 bridge-repair projects in 18 counties and the city of Winchester.

Bridge-repair projects will be conducted in Ballard, Barren, Calloway, Campbell, Clay, Graves, Grayson, Hickman, Johnson, LaRue, Lyon, Marion, McCracken, Menifee, Nelson, Ohio, Washington and Wolfe counties. 

2025 Chevrolet fleet order cutoffs approaching

It may still be early in 2025, but time is running out to place orders for Chevrolet’s fleet and government vehicles for the 2025 model year. Within the next two weeks, Chevrolet will begin announcing order cutoffs for several key models. Once the order banks close, they won’t reopen until at least the fall.

Act now to secure your order through KACo County Champion Bachman Chevrolet. 

Check out the latest headlines from across Kentucky

An eastern Kentucky sheriff's office will get new body armor, Scott County explores a new treatment option for inmates, LaRue County establishes Rocket Docket, Boyd County prepares to host a large music festival, and more.

This week's roundup of local news includes stories from Boyd, Bullitt, Harlan, Harrison, LaRue, Laurel, Pike, Pulaski and Scott counties.

Training opportunity on opioid solutions: focus on quick response teams

Join us Thursday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. ET for an engaging one-hour webinar focused on the transformative role of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in addressing the opioid crisis. 

McCracken County Sheriff Ryan Norman and Powell County Judge/Executive Eddie Barnes will share firsthand accounts of how their communities are effectively engaging with substance use, leveraging opioid settlement funds, and implementing innovative, approved strategies.

KYOAAC annual report available

The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission (KYOAAC) has released its annual report for 2024.



The commission awarded more than $12 million across the state in prevention grants and treatment and recovery grants. Among the recipients were several county organizations.

Training Opportunities

KACo Leadership Institute: 2025 Planning and Zoning in Kentucky

Date: Feb. 18, 2025

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

Location: BRADD, 177 Graham Ave, Bowling Green, KY

Cost: $80.00 member/$120 non-member

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. Eligible for 8 hours training credit.

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: Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8.

WRAP VR Train the Trainer class

Registration for the 2025 WRAP VR Train the Trainer class is now open. The course is available for sheriffs and jailers. Any department requesting to utilize the WRAP system must send at least one trainer to a training class.

Training is available on Feb. 26, Feb. 27, March 5 and March 6.

Jail Training: Investigating Sexual Abuse in Correctional Settings

Feb. 20-21, 2025

Grayson County Detention Center Training Facility

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

This week in pictures

Lawrence County Judge/Executive Phillip Carter, left, and Muhlenberg County Judge/Executive Mack McGehee attended the KCJEA Conference this week.

Gov. Andy Beshear addressed the KCJEA Conference in Lexington.

Mercer County magistrates Pete Elliott, left, and Susan Barrington listen to a presentation at the KCJEA Conference.

Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley moderated a panel discussion with House Speaker David Osborne and Senate President Robert Stivers.

Owlsey County Judge/Executive Zeke Little posed for a picture with Senate President Robert Stivers.

Whitley County Judge/Executive Pat White is the 2025 President of the Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association.

KACo's Rich Ornstein talks with Breckinridge County Magistrate Gary Greenwell.

Pike County Commissioner Freddie Lewis asked a question at the KCJEA Conference.

Nicholas County Magistrate Matt Hughes listened to a presentation at the KCJEA Conference.

Allen County Judge/Executive Dennis Harper met with Sen. Mitch McConnell in Washington D.C. this week and talked with him about some Allen County Issues. 

Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann spoke to the Kenton County Planning Commission and residents, presenting an update on the County’s Site Readiness Initiative.

Chasiti Ross and Rebekah Simpson from the Pulaski County Attorney's Office spoke to the Somerset Noon Rotary Club this week. 

Pike County Deputy Sheriff Bruce Collins and Sgt. Kevin Belcher explained the importance of seatbelt usage and traffic safety with Belfry High School’s JAG class as part of the High Five initiative.

Staff from the Louisville Metro Detention Center presented Oldham County Jailer Jeff Tindall with an award for their relationship with LMDC and service of Jefferson and Oldham counties working collaborating as neighboring counties.

McCracken County Clerk Jamie Huskey, second from left, attended the Power in Partnership Breakfast this week. Terence Williams, a Paducah native who is Deputy Division Chief of Safety and Test Operations for NASA, was a presenter.