Feb. 21, 2025

House releases initial road list for County Priority Projects Program funding 

The bill filing deadline passed this week, with the General Assembly introducing more than 1,000 bills in this short 30-working-day session. With 14 days remaining, here are some of the highlights from this week. 

HJR 46, sponsored by House Appropriations and Revenue Chair Jason Petrie (R-Todd), was introduced this week and includes the County Priority Projects Program (CPPP) list of projects to be funded for FY2026.

See the list and get the latest on bills affecting county government.

Auditor’s office partners with KACo for county officials training on Feb. 27

The office of Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts Allison Ball is teaming up with KACo to offer free online training for county elected officials.

On Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. ET, KACo will host a Leadership Institute webinar that will focus on the 10 most common audit findings in county offices and practical strategies to avoid them.

John Aubrey honored as 2025 National Sheriff of the Year

Congratulations to Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey on being named the 2025 Sheriff of the Year by the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA).

Elected in 1999, Aubrey is in his seventh term. He will be honored at the NSA 2025 Annual Conference in June in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Reminder: Dept. of Revenue operational pause begins Feb. 26

The Kentucky Department of Revenue is transitioning to a new integrated tax system and launching a new business tax portal called MyTaxes. Beginning Feb. 26, 2025, there will be a two-week operations pause at the Kentucky Department of Revenue to prepare for these transitions.

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.

Eligible Harlan County students can apply for presidential scholarship

The KACo Presidential Scholarship is presented to a selected student or students from the home county of the current president of KACo. This year's scholarships will be presented to students in Harlan County.

Two scholarships will be presented this year, each potentially valued at $8,000. Applications must be submitted by April 3, 2025.

Safe backing practices: reducing risks and preventing accidents

Did you know that backing up accounts for about one percent of all driving time, but 25 percent of collisions? Each year, backing up collisions result in approximately 500 deaths and 15,000 injuries nationwide. However, by following a few safety tips, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of backing-related incidents.

Check out the latest headlines from across Kentucky

Counties pull together and support each other following damaging floods, Trimble County considers joining a regional drug task force, Hart County takes in Bonnieville streets, Boone County moves forward with a new amphitheater, and more.

This week's roundup of local news includes stories from Boone, Boyd, Breckinridge, Daviess, Hart, Lee, Owen, Trigg and Trimble 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 Feb. 26, Feb. 27, March 5 and March 6.

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.

Emregency 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

Drone 606 captured a view of flooding in Greenup County.

The Marshall County Sheriff's Office was one of several first responder teams conducting water rescues this week.

A motorist who became stranded in high water was found clinging to a tree by the McCracken County Sheriff's Office.

The Woodford County Road Department, like dedicated road crews all over the state, worked long hours while dealing with flooding, snow and frigid temperatures.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Kathryn Senter, who represents Hopkins County, received the Carroll M. Redford Outstanding Kentucky Prosecutor Award at the Commonwealth’s Attorneys Association Conference.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Association President Louis Kelly (left) presented Ronnie Bowling with the Ray Larson Sword of Justice Award during the KCAA conference. Bowling is Commonwealth's Attorney for the 34th Judicial Circuit representing McCreary and Whitley counties.

Pendleton County Attorney Stacey Sanning asks a question at the Kentucky County Attorneys Association winter conference.

KBA Ethics Committee member Scott West (left) joined Marshall County Attorney Jason Darnall and Mason County Attorney John Estill for an ethics presentation at the KCAA conference.

Simpson County Attorney Sam Phillips was among attendees at the KCAA conference in Lexington this week.