Interim Judge's Report

This is Judge Executive Paul Hays. This week I have worked on opportunities to seek grant assistance from State Highway Funds to address immediate needs to repair our roadways.

We have submitted applications from different sources to procure Emergency State funds to repair a bridge on Cave Springs Road. That same bridge was repaired several years ago; however, the immense flooding that occurred recently created significant additional damage. We also seek 80-20 road funds to purchase and install cross drains, headwalls, etc to prepare several roads prior to additional work. We hope to repave and repair four or more roadways this year, depending upon available funds from the state.

We have worked directly through the State Emergency System to address the damage caused by the flood. We continue to discover homes, property, roads and bridges seriously damaged by the flood.

If you have not yet reported flood damage to your residence or property, contact our local EMS Director. Our local road department, with assistance from Clay County's county road department and multiple loads of rock and gravel from Wolfe and Perry County. Their assistance has helped us quickly make emergency repairs and keep our costs down through this difficult time.

We have been in contact with Cumberland Valley ADD to begin grant development in a variety of areas. We intend to work with them, Daniel Boone Community Action and others to obtain every possible source of assistance and revenue for our county.

We have a Fairground Committee meeting at the Worthington Park on Monday, July 13, 2026, to update us and review progress to upgrade the park in Annville as well as the Sportsplex property. Our Parks Department has worked hard this week to mow and clean up all five of the parks, which is quite a job. We hope to improve the condition of the parks, particularly the playgrounds.

Congratulations to the Jackson County Little League baseball team. They are on their way to the state after winning the regional championship in their area. Good luck and make us all proud!

We are working every day to improve the overall status of Jackson County. I appreciate the assistance and support of all the volunteers, as well as surrounding highway employees and local departments in surrounding our area.

Every effort is appreciated and certainly makes a huge difference. Thank you.