Feb. 28, 2025

Bills advance as session nears final stretch

With 10 working days remaining in the legislative session, lawmakers were busy this week passing priorities out of their respective chamber.

Only two weeks remain before the veto recess begins on March 15. Get caught up on bills moving through the legislative process.

Kentucky Newsmakers features KACo President

KACo President and Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley is a guest on this weekend's episode of "Kentucky Newsmakers."

Interviewed by WKYT's Bill Bryant, Mosley discussed the recent flooding, the impact of legislative activity in Frankfort and his goals as KACo President. The program airs Sunday morning on WKYT.

Statewide tornado drill March 5

Kentucky counties have seen their fair share of severe weather just two months into 2025.



Traditionally considered the start of severe weather season in Kentucky, March 1-7 is Kentucky Severe Weather Awareness Week. In conjunction with this week, the National Weather Service will conduct the Statewide Tornado Drill, Wednesday, March 5, at 10:07 a.m. ET (9:07 a.m. CT).

Expedited major disaster declaration issued for Kentucky following February flooding

Gov. Andy Beshear announced that President Donald Trump has approved his request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration, which includes public assistance for local governments and individual assistance for Kentuckians in the 11 counties affected by the most recent storms.

Those counties are Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry and Pike.

Audit training helps local officials avoid common issues

Ensuring that taxpayer dollars, fees and grant money are used efficiently and in accordance with laws and regulations is one of the most important responsibilities of county government.

In conjunction with the office of Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball, the KACo Leadership Institute hosted a webinar to review the top 10 audit findings for counties along with solutions to avoid those issues.

Webster, Floyd counties receive national praise for work in coal communities

Webster County Judge/Executive Steve Henry was a featured speaker at the Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) Forum during the 2025 NACo Legislative Conference this week.

He led a conversation with Dr. Brian Anderson, Executive Director of the Interagency Working Group for Coal and Power Plant Communities within the U.S. Department of Energy, in a discussion on the critical role coal communities play in economic revitalization.

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.

Check out the latest headlines from across Kentucky

Funding is announced for a new industrial park in Knox County, flooding leaves behind a wall of corn stalks in Butler County, Graves County is set to resume construction on a new building, sheriff's deputies receive well-earned honors and more.

This week's roundup of local news includes stories from Boone, Butler, Floyd, Graves, Knox, Pulaski, Trigg, Warren and Whitley 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.

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 March 5 and March 6 at KACo HQ in Frankfort.

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 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.

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 (KYOAAC) 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. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical tools to support recovery initiatives in your county.

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

Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams met with Acting FEMA Director Cameron Hamilton.

Christian County Judge/Executive Jerry Gilliam talked about county government with third graders from Millbrooke Elementary School.

McCracken County Clerk Jamie Huskey met with FFA students to promote the Ag Tag farm license plate.

Kentucky Homeland Heroes donated 35 medical trauma kits to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.

Menifee County Judge/Executive Rick Stiltner, third from left, participated in a meeting with stakeholders discussing interconnections and needs of the Campton Water System.

KACo Law Enforcement Liaison Phil Crumpton speaks at a WRAP virtual reality "train the trainer" class in Hopkins County.

Franklin County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller spoke on Fox Weather with updates on recent flooding in Franklin County.

The Powell County FFA presented the Ag Tag program to staff at the Powell County Clerk's Office. 

Barren County magistrates supported Judge/Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd's daughter's basketball team this week as Barren County High School competed in the district tournament.

Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay congratulated the Woodford County High School cheerleaders, who won a national championship recently in Orlando.

Attorney General Russell Coleman spoke to the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police at KACo Headquarters.

Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police met at KACo this week. Pictured are Second Vice President Joe Monroe, left, and Executive Director Shawn Butler.