Editor’s Note: The print edition of this story contained several errors in regards to the titles of county officials. The Advocate-Messenger apologizes for these errors. The officials in question are listed in the article with bolded names to signify their correct name and position.

The Boyle County Fiscal Court convened Tuesday April 22, for a packed meeting filled with community energy, fiscal planning, and historic preservation efforts. The court discussed a new inmate rehabilitation initiative and honored Kentucky’s oldest Pearl Harbor survivor.

Fleet and Recycling Painting Contracts Delayed

The court postponed action on a potential fleet leasing agreement, opting to continue evaluating long-term cost comparisons and vehicle repair histories. Similarly, a low $13,000 bid to paint the recycling center was tabled pending reference verification and additional details about contractor experience.

Courthouse Inmate Restoration Project Gets Creative Twist

Boyle County launched a new inmate training program in partnership with Restoration Specialist Chad Green to preserve the courthouse’s historic wood windows. Inmates will be taught to carefully restore each window, saving the county hundreds of thousands in restoration costs.

Adding a creative element, the court embraced an idea discussed at the meeting—allowing local students to design artwork to temporarily fill each window as it’s restored.

Farmers Market, Earth Day, and Tiny Art Show to Highlight Busy Weekend

Boyle County’s spring season is officially kicking off:

• The Farmers Market opens Saturday at 9 a.m., with over 85 vendors participating.

• The Earth Day celebration will take place simultaneously at Constitution Square Park. Solid Waste/Recycling director Angela Muncy will hand out educational materials and giveaways.

• The Tiny Art Show at the Art Center of the Bluegrass will feature original artwork priced at $20, with proceeds supporting the arts.

Junction City Park Preservation and BG-1 Frustration

Magistrates revisited efforts to make improvements to Junction City Park, a beloved community space with over 40 years of history. However, red tape in the form of BG-1 regulations—typically used for school facility planning—has stalled enhancements.

“Community members are doing their part to keep the park alive,” said Magistrate Paula Bodner. “Now we need help cutting through the bureaucracy.”

Sub-header: Budget Process Moving Ahead Smoothly

Treasurer Shannon Greene announced that Boyle County’s third-quarter budget report was filed ahead of schedule. Upcoming key budget dates include:

• May 6: Appropriations meeting

• May 20: Full budget review

• May 27: Fiscal Court meeting for formal approval

Greene credited smooth progress to collaborative department head involvement and detailed financial tracking.

Sub-header: Magistrate and Department Reports Touch on Infrastructure and Safety

• Magistrate Tom Ellis praised recent pothole repairs, thanked the public for reporting road damage, and highlighted improvements around the Crawford House restoration.

• Concerns were raised about traffic light delays at KY-150 and Gose Pike, which have been referred to engineers.

• Officials are still working to secure easements for the Buster Pike Bridge project, which is in its final pre-bid phase.

• Cats shot in the city limits prompted a public safety alert. Law enforcement is investigating, and the court condemned the violence as “disturbing and unacceptable.”

New Initiatives and Grant Searches Underway

Boyle County officials are pursuing several new grants, including:

• A $10,000 Frankfort 250th celebration grant

• A Norfolk Southern safety grant, due in September

• Federal grants for the county’s public safety building

A master “punch list” is being developed to prioritize major projects and keep department heads aligned on goals and progress.

State Judicial Milestone Recognized

County Attorney Christopher Herron recapped his recent visit to Frankfort for the swearing-in of Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert, the first woman to lead the state’s highest court and part of the court’s first female majority.

“She made history,” Herron said. “It was a privilege to be there.”

Historic Tribute to Vaughn P. Drake Jr.

The court adjourned in memory of Vaughn P. Drake Jr., Kentucky’s oldest Pearl Harbor survivor and one of the last remaining Gold Star veterans. A native of Winchester, Drake was remembered as a hero whose life and legacy deserve permanent recognition.