Interim Judge Executive Provides Update

This week I have been extremely busy working with our Emergency Services Director to react to the flood damage that occurred on Saturday. There remains much work to document damages from the flood, locate resources to help struggling families, repair roads and bridges, all while maintaining other county services.

Many bridges were initially impassible from flood damage, with our local road department working diligently to make necessary repairs. Two bridges were damaged so severely, they had to be replaced. We contracted with an outside source to replace those bridges with temporary bridges.

By late Thursday afternoon, both bridges were installed with traffic opened up. Early next week, State and Federal crews will arrive to tour the flood damage and assess the need for disaster relief. We believe we have damage that far exceeds the threshold for FEMA relief declaration.

Many people are asking what they can do to help? Perhaps you are not physically able to do the work, you live a long distance from Jackson County, or you do not have equipment or tools needed to make a significant dent in our problem.

Jackson County concerned citizens have established three ways to make financial donations toward flood damage relief. A GO FUND ME account has been set up at Citizens Bank in McKee, KY. Additionally, Jackson County Bank and Citizens Banks in McKee have established accounts for donations to aid our citizens who have lost so much due to this flood.

Your consideration and assistance in this matter will make a huge difference to those who need help, but their needs fall outside the lines of State or Federal assistance.

When it rains, it pours! The equipment utilized at the transfer station has broken down this week. Our loader sustained extensive motor damage, due to the workload and extreme heat. The trash compactor also went down, however, we were fortunate to get it back up and running. We are looking for alternative equipment options, but all those options require rental or purchase of equipment, which is difficult with our tight financial status.

We managed to pick up the garbage from residences throughout the county. Hopefully, next week will provide some answers without additional problems.

On Saturday, Annville will celebrate the 4th of July with a parade and a day of fun, games, events, community interaction and pure joy at the 250th anniversary of our great country. With all our problems, America still remains a great place to live. Be thankful for the blessings we have and focus on the good things. Leave the negative in the background.

Our next Fiscal Court meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM. The public is invited to attend. I am making efforts to share information as I have the opportunity to do so. I appreciate positive thoughts and ideas to improve our county.

As our current magistrates wrap up their tour of duty and as new magistrates take their place, it is important that we work together, always with the best interest of the people we serve as our guide. May God bless us all in this difficult time.