Oct. 9, 2026

Mosley to join KACo as deputy executive director

The Kentucky Association of Counties announced today that Dan Mosley has been named the association's next deputy executive director. Mosley will assume the role in January, following the end of his term as Harlan County judge/executive.

Interim committees review driver licensing improvements, jail medical costs

More than halfway through the 2026 legislative interim, lawmakers continued discussions this week on issues relevant to counties.

KACo data brief: State inmates in county jails

Of the nearly 20,000 total state inmates in Kentucky, approximately 36% are housed in county jails rather than state prisons.

Read more about the latest figures and data trends from FY2026.

ICYMI: Meredith on county jail legislation going forward

Rep. Michael Meredith explains the importrance of a comprehensive approach in addressing the growing financial strain of county jails in Kentucky.

UNITED for Stronger Counties

The 52nd Annual KACo Conference & Exposition is the can't-miss event of the year for county leaders.

Make plans to learn, be inspired and network with fellow county officials Nov. 18-20, 2026 at the Central Bank Center in Lexington-Fayette County.

Register today!

Counties in the news: The latest headlines from across Kentucky

• Paused regional jail talks could start again with Meredith’s proposal

• Rep. Meredith brings county jail proposal to interim committee

• NKU to present Judge Executives Moore, Pendery with annual Lincoln Award November 17

• Owensboro YMCA receives $850K grant from fiscal court to expand childcare

• Beshear and Rogers announce federal funding projects for Eastern Kentucky revitalization

• Non-profits exempt from insurance premium tax in Hopkins County

• Whitley County approves data center regulations

Training Opportunities

Crisis Intervention Training for Jails

This three-day event will focus on crisis intervention strategies county jail personnel. On the third day, participants will practice mock scenarios by using the VR Wrap system.

Class size is limited to the first 30 students to register.

Date: Oct. 14-16, 2026

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CT

Location: Grayson County Detention Center

Cost: Free for KACo members

KACo Safety Training Day

This Safety Day training will provide participants with practical, foundational knowledge to help strengthen workplace safety and health practices.

The program will also cover the essential steps for conducting an effective workplace accident investigation, including the use of root cause analysis to identify contributing factors and help prevent future incidents.

Date: Oct. 15, 2026

Time: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET

Location: KACo Headquarters | Frankfort

Cost: Free for KACo members

This Week in Photos

Several officials attended "From Incarceration to Recovery: A County Jail Model for Lasting Change," a session presented by Boyd County officials at the 2026 Kentucky Opioid Symposium. From left are Oldham County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Jim Acquisto, Oldham County Jailer Jeff Tindall, Boyd County Detention Center Chief Deputy Ryan Mitchell, Boyd County Jailer Bill Hensley, Boyd County Commissioner Jeremy Holbrook, Caldwell County Jailer Angela Cotton, Oldham County Detention Center Internal Affairs Sergeant Ozzie Rodriguez and Boyd County Administrator Justin Pruitt.

Hancock County Judge/Executive Johnny Roberts, left, McLean County Judge/Executive Curtis Dame and Sen. Gary Boswell attended the Kentucky Opioid Symposium.

Knott County Judge/Executive Jeff Dobson and the fiscal court teamed with area partners to provide every volunteer fire department in the county with a new generator for use during severe weather, power outages or other emergencies.

Senate President Robert Stivers, far right, Owsley County Judge/Executive Zeke Little Jr., third from left, and other leaders celebrated the opening of Speed Kentucky’s new assembly and distribution operation, a $1.47 million investment expected to create 60 full-time jobs in Owsley County.

Whitley County Judge/Executive Pat White received the Appalachian Humanitarian Award during the kickoff of the annual SOAR Conference.

Johnson County Judge/Executive Mark McKenzie and commissioners Jessica Click, Mike Jarrell and Keith Patrick participated in the Kentucky Apple Festival parade.

Cumberland County Animal Control Officer Danny Groce was named Animal Control Officer of the Year by the Kentucky Animal Care and Control Association. Groce helped expand adoption initiatives throughout the area and is currently organizing a low-cost or no-cost spay and neuter event for local animals.

Scott County Judge/Executive Joe Pat Covington, left, helped proclaim October as Manufacturing Month in Scott County.

Montgomery County Judge/Executive Chris Haddix, seated left, helped proclaim 4-H Week in the county.

Washington County Sheriff Jerry Pinkston spoke with local high school students who visited his office.

Franklin County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller spoke at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial, where 10 firefighters were honored for making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay and Magistrate Liles Taylor welcomed students from the local middle school as they learned about county government.

Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith served as the guest speaker at a meeting of the Kentucky Public Retirees’ Lincoln Trail Chapter.

Anderson County Sheriff Joe Milam attended D.A.R.E. Fest, a community event featuring information booths, inflatables, fishing and more.