Judge's Corner

From Judge-Executive Harry Clark

It’s been a busy and exciting month here in Rowan County. I want to start by congratulating our 61st District Champion Boys Soccer Team and Girls Volleyball Team on their outstanding seasons. We’re proud of all our students, their coaches, and everyone who supports them along the way.

Out at the park, the new road has now been surfaced, completing the final part of our agreement made when the County purchased that property. There’s already been a lot of traffic on it, and it brings us a little closer to the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Service and their new Park House Education Center. The folks out there are thrilled. The house is now ADA compliant and ready for 4-H, Homemakers, and all the Extension programs. They’ve never had a space of their own before, and this is a great step forward in giving families and kids more opportunities to do things right here in Rowan County.

I want to sincerely thank Hinkle Contracting, who donated the labor to surface the park road, and Packs, Inc., who donated the labor of their best concrete finishers for the new basketball, tennis and pickleball courts. Their generosity has helped us get these projects done quickly and with top-quality results. I also want to thank the Janie Holbrook Foundation for their fundraising efforts toward the new playground equipment, which we expect to order within the next couple of months. We anticipate spending around $125,000 on that project, and it will be a great addition to the park.

Earlier this month, I made a trip to Frankfort and met with Senator Steve West and Representative Richard White. We discussed several priorities including state routes, county roads, and ballfield funding. It was a good meeting, and while competition for funding is always tough, they were very receptive to our needs here in Rowan County. The state’s road priorities are in line with our county and district recommendations, and we’ve already submitted nearly $800,000 worth of projects through the Local Assistance Road Program (LARP) for resurfacing of county roads.

We also received an update on a recent state budget issue that briefly affected senior meal funding across Kentucky. It had us a little concerned at first, but the state worked quickly with Area Development Districts and the Legislature to find the money to keep those programs running smoothly. I’m happy to report all is well on that front.

There’s always more work to do, but I’m proud of the steady progress we’re making together. Every project and every partnership moves Rowan County forward, and I’m grateful for everyone who helps make it happen.

Harry Clark
Rowan County Judge-Executive