July 12, 2024

New Kentucky laws take effect July 15

The Kentucky General Assembly adjourned the 2024 legislative session earlier this spring, now the bulk of its work will soon go into effect. These measures include the Safer Kentucky Act, the compromise annexation bill and other noteworthy legislation.

With the exception of general appropriation bills and legislation passed with an emergency clause, the Kentucky Constitution sets the effective date of new laws as 90 days after the legislature has adjourned. This year, that date is July 15.

Four Kentucky counties are among nation's best for economic development

Site Selection Magazine has released its annual ranking of America's Best Counties for economic development performance, and four Kentucky counties -- Carroll, Ohio, Allen and Simpson -- made the top 20 per capita list.

The rankings are based on total points awarded to counties based on number of projects between Jan. 2023 and March 2024, capital investment and jobs created.

KACo becomes Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador

The Kentucky Association of Counties has joined Weather-Ready Nation (WRN), a program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

As a WRN Ambassador, KACo pledges to support weather preparedness initiatives and share timely information with its more than 1,500 members.

Since 2020, there have been nine weather-related federally declared disasters in Kentucky, according to the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management.

Maximizing impact: best practices and toolkit for opioid settlement funds

As counties explore options for allocating funds from the national opioid settlement, KACo is asking members to share their ideas and examples with fellow county officials.

At a recent KACo Leadership Institute seminar on best practices for opioid abatement, Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore, Hardin County Deputy Coroner Shana Norton and Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley stressed the importance of collaboration to implement effective strategies for addressing substance use disorder recovery and prevention.

More counties are Recovery Ready

Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday that Breathitt, Jessamine, Lee and Nelson counties have been certified as Recovery Ready Communities, providing addiction services to more than 122,000 Kentuckians.

This recognition supports counties’ efforts in offering peer support, mental health treatment, addiction services and employment assistance. 

EKU expanding KACo partnership

Eastern Kentucky University is promoting its 100% online Master of Public Administration program to KACo members interested in pursuing an MPA using their associated 30% tuition discount.

This public administration program allows you to leverage your interests and work experience by acquiring in-depth specialization in a range of focus areas. Graduates are prepared to assume a variety of leadership roles within nonprofit, public sector and government institutions.

Free OSH Safety and Health Training

Join KYSAFE officials for a free, four-day safety and health training event July 16-19 in Lexington.

There are nine courses in total that attendees may choose from. Continuing Education Units approved for specific classes.

Upcoming Training Opportunties

See all training opportunities here

This week in pictures

Officials broke ground on the new Belmark flexible packaging plant in Allen County. This nearly $100 million dollar investment will provide almost 160 full-time jobs for Kentucky families. Belmark manufactures pressure-sensitive labels, flexible packaging and more.

The Oldham County Detention Center and Jailer Jeff Tindall have partnered with the Oldham County Health Department to help prevent fatal overdoses by providing people who are released from jail with access to life-saving Narcan. 

Hopkins County Attorney Lee Riddle spoke at the Madisonville Lions Club meeting, discussing the pilot mental health court program, SB 90 status and updates, and steps in revamping code enforcement.

It was a packed downtown square as Barren County hosted a performance by the Louisville Orchestra.

Franklin County Deputy Shane Terrell was named the 2024 Reserve Deputy of the year at the National Sheriffs' Association Conference. His achievement was recognized at the Fiscal Court meeting. Sheriff Chris Quire attended the event in Oklahoma City with Deputy Terrell.

Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann swears in Trey Smith as the Kenton County Detention Center's new Chief Deputy of Operations. At far right is Commissioner Jon Draud.

Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk Janice Smith speaks to participants in this year's Somerset Pulaski County Chamber Leadership Class. Other speakers included prosecutors, the Pulaski County Detention Center staff, local judges and law enforcement officers including Sheriff Bobby Jones.

Pulaski County Attorney Martin Hatfield spoke to the 2024 Somerset Pulaski County Chamber Leadership Class. The class took a deep-dive into the drug epidemic and how it is being managed from every side.

Pulaski County Jailer Anthony McCollum leads a tour of the Pulaski County Jail for members of the local chamber's leadership class.