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Local Bracken Co. Schools Awarded 750 Pairs of Shoes from KMCA

Photo courtesy of Tonya Berry.

The Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association (KMCA) selected Augusta Independent School (AIS) and Bracken County Schools (BCS) to receive 750 new pairs of shoes as part of its annual Children’s Shoe Drive.

Formed in 1952, the KMCA is a statewide nonprofit organization that represents all Kentucky fiscal courts and elected county magistrates and commissioners, providing training, education and government resources to local leaders. Each year, members donate shoes, cash and checks for the drive during the KMCA’s spring conference, matched by an anonymous donor. A nominating committee then selects one school in a Kentucky county that has requested assistance to receive the donations.

In an interview with The Ledger Independent, AIS Family Resource & Youth Service Center (FRYSC) Coordinator Todd Kelsch explained that a previously conducted Needs Assessment Survey revealed that appropriate footwear is one of Bracken County parents’ top three needs. Due to rising prices, it can be difficult for parents to frequently afford new shoes; however, Kelsch expressed that this grant will remove that financial barrier and allow students to focus on their academic success rather than their immediate needs. He added that the shoes will be delivered to and distributed by the schools, with some pairs retained for emergency use and others given to families who require them immediately.

Bracken County Middle and High School FRYSC Director Cassie Fryman stated that the shoes will be distributed based on the schools’ sizes, with Taylor Elementary School having a student population of 380, BCMS with 250, BCHS with 300 and AIS with approximately 350.

In an interview with The Ledger Independent, Judge Executive Craig Miller noted that the program typically only selects one school district, expressing that he is “very thankful” to the KMCA for accommodating both Bracken County districts.

At a presentation ceremony held on September 29 at Taylor Elementary School, KMCA’s executive director and staff, Bracken County Fiscal Court members, other county magistrates and commissioners from across the state, and school administration and staff from both school districts were in attendance to assist the first round of students with selection of their new shoes.

What to Know About Bracken County's AirEvac Coverage

Bracken County Fiscal Court is proud to be one of only four counties in Kentucky that fully funds emergency air medical transport coverage for its citizens. Through an annual county investment of approximately $32,000, all Bracken County residents receive base-tier air ambulance coverage at no out-of-pocket cost. Here's what to know about the coverage:

County-Provided Base Coverage (Free to All Residents)

Who is Covered: Every resident with a primary address in Bracken County.
Service Area: Emergencies occurring within Bracken County or Mason County.
What It Covers: If EMS determines that air transport is medically necessary (e.g., severe vehicle crash, heart attack, or critical trauma), an Air Evac LifeTeam will transport you to the nearest trauma center with no out-of-pocket expenses.

Optional Upgrade Plans (Available at Resident Expense)

For residents who travel or want extended protection, the AirMedCare Network (AMCN) offers optional tiers. Any upgrade purchased automatically covers every person living in your household.

Plan	Best For	Key Benefits
AMCN Emergent Coverage	U.S. Domestic Travelers	Covers emergency flights to the nearest trauma center anywhere within the lower 48 states. (Note: This transports you to the nearest facility, not back home).
AMCN Fly-U-Home	Long-Distance U.S. Travelers	Once you are medically stable, this plan transports you from anywhere in the U.S. directly to a hospital of your choice near home. Also covers transport of mortal remains.
AMCN Fly-U-Home International	Cruisers & International Travelers	If you become ill or injured outside the U.S., this plan brings you and a traveling companion home once stabilized via medical jet, helicopter, or commercial flight with medical escorts. Also covers transport of mortal remains.

For more information on service plans, please visit https://www.lifeteam.net/membership.

If you have questions about coverage, please contact our Local Membership Sales Manager, Kevin Conner, at Kevin.Conner@gmr.net or (270) 617-4317.

Litter Abatement Grant Applications Open Until Sept. 30, 2026

The Bracken County Solid Waste Coordinator will be accepting applications from non-profit organizations and school affiliated groups for trash pickup through September 30, 2026. The cleanup time period will run from Thursday, October 1 - Saturday, October 31.

Please call 606-735-9960 and leave a message including the name of the group, contact name and number, and total number of people participating. Thank you for your continued efforts in keeping Bracken County clean and green!

BCSW Coordinator Greg Wood
340 West Miami Street
Brooksville, KY 41004
Phone: 606-735-9960
Email: gwood@brackencountykentucky.com

Bracken County Awarded Over $1.6 Million in State Road Plan

Bracken County was awarded more than $1.6 Million in State and Local Road Funding through House Bill 502, House Joint Resolution 75, and House Joint Resolution 76 of the 2026 Kentucky Legislative Session. These funds were awarded to support operation of the Augusta Ferry, reconstructions, resurfacing, and safety improvements for state and county roads. The breakdown of these funds is below:

$537,000 in FY27 & $338,000 in FY28 for Operation of the Augusta Ferry
$20,000 in FY26 & $310,000 in FY27 to Add Turn Lanes on KY 9 (AA Hwy) at KY 875 (Mt. Zion Road) intersection

$338,000 in FY29, FY30, FY31, & FY32 for Operation of the Augusta Ferry
$4,550,000 in FY29, $8,400,000 in FY30, & $31,633,000 in FY31 to Reconstruct KY 8 from Wrangling Run Road to Old KY 19
$140,000 in FY29, $20,000 in FY30, & $120,000 in FY31 to Improve Safety & Mobility at the intersection of KY 9 (AA Highway) & KY 1019 (Lenoxburg Foster Road)
$3,000,000 in FY29, $2,500,000 in FY30, & $25,000,000 in FY31 to Improve Safety & Mobility along KY 8 (Mary Ingles Highway) from KY 2229 (Foster Road) to milepoint 2.78
$2,000,000 in FY29, $1,000,000 in FY30, $500,000 in FY31, & $13,000,000 in FY32 to Improve Safety & Mobility along KY 8 (Mary Ingles Highway) from milepoint 2.78 to Willow Creek Road
$2,000,000 in FY30, $2,250,000 in FY31, & $13,000,000 in FY32 for Improvements to KY 10 from Brooksville to Germantown to address safety

*HJR 75 funds are a “wish list” for the last four years of the six-year road plan. These funds are not guaranteed, but are hopeful to be allocated.*

$108,000 in FY27 to Resurface Tallner Road
$63,000 in FY27 to Resurface Holts Creek Road
$113,000 in FY27 to Resurface Pea Ridge Road
$53,000 in FY27 to Resurface Bill Wilson Road
$79,000 in FY27 to Resurface Jessie Moore Road

Augusta Distillery Breaks Ground on $23 Million Investment in Bracken County

Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined officials in Bracken County and leaders from Augusta Distillery LLC to break ground on a new $23 million distillery that will create at least 14 full-time jobs for Kentuckians.

“I want to thank Augusta Distillery’s leadership for this commitment in Northeastern Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. “The commonwealth’s signature bourbon industry continues to grow, creating quality job opportunities for our residents and building toward the future. This project breathes new life into a historic building in Bracken County, and I look forward to seeing what this location will become in the years ahead.”

Augusta Distillery will be located in the historic F.A. Neider building on Seminary Avenue, which provided metal stamping services dating back to 1883 until its closure in 2007. The 40,000-square-foot building located on 1.8 acres will house Augusta Distillery’s first full-scale operation, with plans to reach full production capacity by summer 2024.

“The Augusta Distillery team is proud of our plan to build a state-of-the-art facility in Augusta, Kentucky,” said Judd Weis, co-founder and board vice chairman at Augusta Distillery. “We are creating an extraordinary distillery, guest experience and event center. Our hope is that, by delighting our consumers, this investment will create a spike in local tourism and additional economic opportunity for our neighbors in Augusta and Bracken County. We would like to thank the Commonwealth of Kentucky, City of Augusta and Bracken County for providing the support necessary to make this project a reality. This is a very exciting time for our team and our neighbors. Come visit us to have a taste and see our plans.”

Augusta Distillery was founded in Augusta, Kentucky, in July 2018. Company leaders are focused on creating authentic, curated bourbon-centric experiences in Augusta and across the United States. Augusta’s initial brand expression, Buckner’s 13-year single barrel cask strength bourbon, is distributed nationally and is available retail in Kentucky and Ohio. Augusta’s next product offering is expected to arrive later this year. The company was recently added as a Craft Member of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

Today’s groundbreaking continues recent growth of the commonwealth’s bourbon and spirits sector. Since the start of the Beshear administration, Kentucky’s spirits industry has seen more than 50 new-location or expansion announcements with over $1.1 billion in planned investments creating more than 900 announced full-time jobs. Currently, roughly 60 spirits facilities directly employ more than 5,300 people. Kentucky’s bourbon sector is a nearly $9 billion signature industry, generating more than 22,500 jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $1.23 billion. Gov. Beshear also worked with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to remove harmful bourbon tariffs on trade with the United Kingdom and European Union, ensuring continuing strength in the export market.

Rep. William Lawrence spoke on the economic impact the project will contribute to the area.

“I’m thrilled by what Augusta Distillery has planned and will bring to the region. I know how much positive impact this distillery project will bring,” Rep. Lawrence said. “I will continue to support Augusta Distillery and the people of Bracken and Mason counties.”

Bracken County Judge/Executive Tina Teegarden said the project contributes to a larger effort to create a brighter future throughout the region.

“Economic development and building tourism within the communities of our county are vital. We are pleased that the partners of the Augusta Distillery chose our beautiful river town, Augusta, to build and develop,” Judge Teegarden said. “I believe their growth and success will be immediate and I look forward to watching their new endeavor thrive along with all of Bracken County.”

Augusta Mayor Michael Taylor said the community is growing fast thanks to businesses like Augusta Distillery.

“Augusta’s tourism continues to grow. The river, our history and quaint town-center are the perfect place to spend a day or night,” Mayor Taylor said. “The Beehive Augusta Tavern on the riverbank and the newly renovated, 10-room Augusta Guest House are proof that things are happening in Augusta. We congratulate Augusta Distillery and are thrilled to have them in town and open to receive guests!”

Augusta’s investment and planned job creation furthers recent economic momentum in the commonwealth, as the state builds back stronger from the effects of the pandemic.

Bracken County Awarded $1.45 Million for EMS & Senior Center Renovations

Bracken County Senior Center Renovation Project
Gov. Andy Beshear awarded $454,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to Bracken County to renovate the current senior center in Brooksville. The renovations will include new doors, windows, flooring, ceiling, roofing, HVAC, parking and other general improvements as needed. The adjacent community outreach building, known as the Country Closet, will also be renovated.

“The renovations to our senior center will ensure we are maintaining the facility to house critical programs for our seniors in Bracken County,” Bracken County Judge/Executive Tina Teegarden said. “These upgrades will help Bracken County for years to come.”

Bracken County EMS Building Project
Gov. Beshear announced $1 million in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response (CDBG-CV) funds to Bracken County to renovate the current Bracken County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) building located in Brooksville. The renovations will include installation of new windows and garage bay doors, a new HVAC system and a new concrete exit drive. The county will also construct a new addition to the current EMS building that will contain emergency quarantining rooms for staff exposed to COVID-19 and a new drive-through garage bay to allow for quicker efficient response times.

“When we invest in infrastructure improvements, we are building a foundation of success for Kentuckians. These investments strengthen our communities for generations. Renovating the Bracken County EMS building will positively impact 911 service responses in dire times,” Rep. William Lawrence said. “I also look forward to watching these resources help the Bracken County Senior Center offer a safe, secure environment for our aging community members.”

“Our first responders have been heroic throughout the pandemic,” Judge/Executive Teegarden said. “This project will help us support them and will make Bracken County a safer place for all of our residents. We want to thank Gov. Beshear, the Department for Local Government and Buffalo Trace Area Development District staff for helping us secure this much-needed funding.”

We have a new website, powered by Revize, LLC!

FOR IMMEADIATE RELEASE

The Bracken County Fiscal Court is excited to announce the launch of our new website, powered by Revize. This new website is an investment in maintaining visibility, transparency, and accountability in county government. Citizens will now be able to know more about county government than ever before by having pages dedicated to each department and office, agendas and minutes from fiscal court meetings, annual budgets, community events, and much more. Please note that information is still being updated and added each day.

The Fiscal Court would like to thank the Judge Executive's Office Community Liaison Collin Jarrell and Executive Assistant Toni Jacobs for leading this new development and maintaining this website.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact tjacobs@brackencountykentucky.com or (606) 735-2300.