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May 31, 2024

Powerful Memorial Day weekend storm blows across the Commonwealth

Devastating severe weather interrupted the long holiday weekend Sunday as straight-line winds and tornadoes hit many communities stretching from far western to eastern Kentucky, many of which are all too familiar with weather-related disasters. Counties and residents are encouraged to thoroughly document any property damage.

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Court rules in favor of county jails, Dept. of Corrections in noncompliance with state law

The Kentucky Department of Corrections (DOC) has failed to meet its statutory obligations for the transfer of state inmates out of county jails and does not adequately cover the costs of medical care for those inmates. That’s the ruling filed this week by Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate in response to a complaint brought by four counties, their jailers and the Kentucky Jailers Association.

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Graves County highlighted in new NACo report on harm reduction

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has published a vital resource titled “Five Questions for Counties Considering Harm Reduction as an Opioid Abatement Strategy,” which provides a comprehensive overview of various harm reduction initiatives implemented by counties across the United States.

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Economic impact of tourism on counties in 2023

According to a report released by the Kentucky Department of Tourism, visitors to Kentucky generate significant economic benefits for the Commonwealth.


Visitor spending generated a total economic impact of $13.8 billion in Kentucky in 2023, or $3,049 per person.


The economic impact of tourism on a per capita basis varied across counties. Boone County had the highest per capita economic impact at $9,470 followed by Jefferson ($5,433), Fayette ($5,029), McCracken ($4,732), Carroll ($4,314), Simpson ($4,006), Lyon ($3,973), Kenton ($3,368), Warren ($3,356) and Christian ($3,319).

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Upcoming Training Opportunties

Disaster Prep Series: Road repairs part one

Date: June 6, 2024

Time: 11 a.m. - noon EDT

Location: Virtual

Cost: FREE

Register here

Policy, training and leadership: reducing law enforcement risks in your county

Date: June 18, 2024

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. CDT

Location: Muhlenberg County 911, 504 Doss Dr., Powderly

Cost: FREE

Register here

2024 planning and zoning in Kentucky

Date: June 26, 2024

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

Location: Murray State (Paducah Campus)

Cost: $80 (members), $120 (non-members)

Register here

KACo Leadership Institute: Opioid Settlement Funding

Date: June 27, 2024

Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. EDT

Location:  KACo Training Room, Frankfort

Cost: FREE

Register here

See all training opportunities here

This week in pictures

An EF-3 tornado caused extensive damage in Lyon, Caldwell and Hopkins counties Sunday night. Photo courtesy of Civil Air Patrol.

Storm damage in Lyon County. Photo courtesy of Civil Air Patrol.

Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell addressed the media after charges against golfer Scottie Scheffler were dropped this week. Photo by Paul Miles of WHAS radio.

Circuit Court Clerks Margaret Forsee of Owen County, John Middleton of Kenton County, Stacy Bruner of Trimble County, David L. Nicholson of Jefferson County and KACo's Jim Henderson at the Circuit Court Clerks Spring College.

Thanks to the Circuit Court Clerks Endowment, 20 students were awarded the Donate Life KY Scholarship. The scholarships total $20,000 for the upcoming school year.

Fayette County Circuit Court Clerk Vince Riggs, who is chair of the CCC Conduct Commission, spoke at this week's Spring College.

Kentucky Sheriffs Association President Shain Stephens, who is sheriff in Harrison County, conducts business at a meeting at KACo this week. At left is KSA Executive Director Jerry Wagner.

Montgomery County Sheriff David Charles and Clark County Sheriff Berl Perdue

Lewis County Sheriff John Bivens, left, and Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Planning and Zoning Leadership Institute Class, led by Brian Davis (pictured) and Brian Howard. Davis is the interim director for Louisville Metro Office of Planning, and Howard is Owensboro Metro Planning Commission executive director.

The Planning and Zoning class explored some best practices to enhance planning in communities and create an open, transparent environment ready to promote sound development.

Planning and Zoning instructors Brian Davis and Brian Howard also led discussions about current planning news and topics from around the state.

Stronger Counties. Stronger Kentucky.