Rowan Review - October 2026
Fall is in full swing, and so is your county government! It’s been one of our busiest seasons in recent memory, but we’re pleased overall with how it has gone.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
If you’ve followed this newsletter since its inception in 2019, you are more than likely aware of the investments we’ve made in emergency communications, particularly as they relate to inclement weather. The Fiscal Court has secured grants, bought, paid for, and installed 6 tornado sirens across Rowan County in the last 5 years, for a grand total of 7 when including the City’s siren.
This month, the court approved the purchase of a siren control module to complement these prior investments. The control module will allow us to individually trigger these sirens based on the path of the storm, rather than all at once. For instance, if the inclement weather is centered primarily around Cranston or Pine Hills, there may be little reason for the Clearfield siren to sound, or vice versa.
This will also tie in very well with our new Everbridge Emergency Notification System, with the goal being that you will have multiple ways to be notified of impending storms and tornados wherever you may be in Rowan County. Our Commonwealth has not been stranger to severe storms these past several years, so while things are calm now, take a moment to register your household for notifications on weather, road issues/maintenance, and more in the future.
Sign up here:
https://member.everbridge.net/index/76589467435147
If you do not have time to create a full account right now, you can still receive limited updates by texting:
• ROWANWEATHER to 888777 for weather alerts
• ROWANROADS to 888777 for road alerts
While texting these keywords will provide important updates, creating a full account provides more accurate, location-based notifications specific to your area.
ROWAN COUNTY EMS
One of Rowan County’s ambulances was involved in a serious multi-vehicular accident in Lexington this past Sunday while transporting a critical patient. Four people were transported to the hospital. Members of our crew sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at the hospital before being released home. The service is currently working through the process of securing a replacement ambulance. We are so thankful for the safety of our dedicated employees who cannot be replaced, and we are grateful to the agencies in Lexington for the care provided to them and the patient in their time of great need.
EMS Director Levi Hanshaw delivered his report earlier in the month to the Fiscal Court. Rowan County EMS responded to 573 calls in September, a 1.8% increase over the same period last year. Station 1 handled 145 calls, or 25.3% of the total, while Station 2 responded to 428 calls, accounting for 74.7%. Of the month’s calls, 233 were within the City of Morehead, 261 were elsewhere in Rowan County, and 79 were out-of-county responses.
The department currently has two full-time vacancies and continues to utilize part-time staff and overtime while interviews are underway. EMS leadership is also working to strengthen billing documentation, reduce delays related to unpaid claims, and improve quality assurance and quality improvement processes.
Crews are also participating in daily training to increase familiarity with equipment and ensure available supplies are being placed into service effectively. The department continues to place a strong emphasis on education, medical direction, state compliance, and updated mutual aid agreements with surrounding counties.
EMS was recently awarded a $10,000 Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services block grant. The department plans to use the funding toward the purchase of video laryngoscopes. The equipment can significantly improve intubation success rates and represents another investment in both patient care and advanced training for Rowan County EMS personnel.
That connection to statewide emergency medical services is especially significant as Judge-Executive Harry Clark was recently reappointed to the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. His continued service on the board gives Rowan County a voice in statewide discussions surrounding EMS policy, training, standards, and the future of emergency medical care across Kentucky.
Locally, EMS leadership continues working on preparing an updated policy manual for review by county officials and legal counsel.
DR. WEAVER APPOINTED TO ROWAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT BOARD
This month at Fiscal Court, Dr. Anthony Weaver was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Rowan County Health Department Board of Trustees for the remainder of the calendar year, with the intention of reappointing him in December for a full term of service on the board.
Dr. Weaver comes to the board with many years of experience practicing medicine in this community, as well as a solid background in physician and public health education. The Fiscal Court is excited to realize Dr. Weaver’s contributions to the board, and the general health and wellness of the citizens of Rowan County.
RETIRED TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
The Fiscal Court was pleased this month to recognize October 18 through 24 as Retired Teacher Appreciation Week in Rowan County.
Several of our community’s retired educators joined us at Fiscal Court as Judge-Executive Harry Clark presented a proclamation recognizing the generations of students, families and communities shaped by their service.
For decades, these educators helped prepare young people for careers, leadership and life beyond the classroom. Their impact, however, did not end when they retired. Many continue to serve Rowan County today through volunteer work, civic organizations, churches, mentoring, public service and countless other roles throughout the community.
Retired teachers represent an extraordinary wealth of experience, knowledge and dedication. Rowan County is stronger because of the work they did in our classrooms, and because so many of them continue giving their time and talents to the community they helped build.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Rowan County’s retired teachers for their years of service, and especially to those who joined us at Fiscal Court for this recognition.
MORE PARKING AT THE PARK
Work has unsurprisingly continued on new facility updates. The recent run of great weather we have had has reflected in the progress at the park, where the new “Pavilion North” is taking shape. This structure is shaping up to be roughly twice the size of our existing shelter which has been heavily utilized these last two years. The parking lot to service this area has been paved and we are working on plans to stripe and complete that.
The park hosted several large gatherings this month, namely UK St. Claire’s CAMP SMILE event, as well as the benefit for the family of Trooper Hayden Phillips organized by Droptines 3D Archery. Also, a hunter education course and wildland firefighter training were held this week. We are glad to see the space being so utilized for community events.
A reminder that park hours will shift to the winter schedule on November 1, with gates opening at 6 AM and closing at 8 PM.
$2,000,000 OF RESURFACING COMPLETE
The Rowan County Road Department has completed its 2026 resurfacing program, with just shy of $2 million in paving completed across the county. This marks the largest amount of resurfacing completed in a single season in Rowan County history. Crews are now finishing shouldering work along newly paved roads.
The department also recognized Chris Stegall for 26 years of service and commended Morgan for being a valuable asset to county operations.
Work on the Rock Fork Bridge is complete, Repairs are also complete on the Big Brushy bridge near Murray Road.
The county is evaluating replacement options for another bridge on Riddle Fork. One option is a $39,000 aluminum box culvert with a lifetime warranty, which could be installed more quickly than a traditional concrete replacement. Both options may qualify for the state’s 80/20 bridge funding program, and the county plans to seek bids for removal and installation.
Winter preparations are underway as well, with road salt ordered from Compass Minerals and delivery expected by the third week of November.
Fleet maintenance continues, including approximately $6,500 in repairs to Truck 6. Truck 39 has been determined to be beyond economical repair and will be used for parts while the county looks for a replacement chassis to make use of the truck bed.
RUMPKE REPORTS
Of great interest and importance to those who live and travel out in the Sharkey area, Rumpke has notified the county of some improvements to their gas collection system that will be taking place over the course of November. Whilst the improvements are underway, Rumpke has warned that residents may experience a temporary increase in odors. The Fiscal Court appreciates the open channel of communication with our community’s newest landfill operator, as well as the good faith efforts they have made to mitigate nuisances and issues since taking over in February.
HALLOWEEN WEEKEND
If you’re looking for something to do this Halloween weekend, there will be plenty happening around Morehead!
The Morehead Harvest Festival returns to Morehead City Park this Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1. This year’s festival will feature more than 100 vendors, fair rides, giant inflatables, live music, food, a free petting zoo and plenty more for the family to enjoy.
On Halloween night, Say Boo to Drugs will once again provide a safe and fun trick-or-treat opportunity for local children and families from 6 to 8 PM, coinciding with community trick-or-treat hours. This will also be held at the City Park in conjunction with the Harvest Festival.
We encourage everyone to get out, enjoy the festivities, support the many local vendors and organizations participating, and most importantly, have a safe and happy Halloween!
RINGING OF THE 21 BELLS
Looking a little farther ahead, Veterans Day will be observed on Wednesday, November 11, and we would like to encourage everyone across Rowan County to participate in the Ringing of the 21 Bells.
At precisely 11 AM, citizens, schools, businesses, churches, organizations and public agencies are asked to slowly ring a bell 21 times in honor of the men and women who have served, and those who continue to serve, our nation.
Rowan County began its countywide observance in 2024, becoming the first county in Kentucky to hold a countywide Ringing of the 21 Bells. The tradition recalls the end of hostilities in World War I and provides a simple but meaningful way for the entire community to pause together in remembrance and gratitude.
Wherever you may be at 11 AM on Veterans Day, we hope you will take a few moments, ring a bell, and join your neighbors across Rowan County in saying thank you to our veterans.
That will do it for October. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather while it lasts, have a safe Halloween weekend, and as we head into November, take some time to thank a veteran for the freedoms we enjoy each day.
We’ll see you next month!