For the first time since 2019, noted dignitaries and local authorities were able to enjoy strong fellowship and a Christmas meal — when on Monday the Pennyrile Area Development District convened for its year-end review at Pennyrile Forest State Park in Dawson Springs.
A global pandemic and a natural disaster, unfortunately, had prevented this parlay in recent years.
With the Kentucky General Assembly gathering for a short session this coming spring, state representatives in Mary Beth Imes and Walker Thomas were able to provide legislative updates — giving snapshots of their expectations while in Frankfort.
Representing Calloway County and part of Trigg County, Imes noted this New Year will be a welcome one.
Imes said there are three agenda items planned for the general session that have her utmost attention.
Through her husband, Calloway County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes, she also said a big concern going into 2023 is county road funding due to inflation.
Thomas, who represents Christian, Trigg and Caldwell counties, said there’s “expressed interest” to slow down the expedition of bills being presented on the floor, as 200 or so made it through chambers at the 2020 onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has his eyes on three agenda items, as well: gray voting machines, medical marijuana and veteran burial rights in the state.
PADD also celebrated a host of outgoing board members and local leaders, with Todd County Judge-Executive Todd Mansfield specifically paying homage to a long-serving pair.
Those outgoing include:
— Mayor John Choat of Eddyville, July 2018
— Mayor Jan Yonts of Greenville, January 2015
— Mayor Wendell Lynch of Hopkinsville, March 2020
— Mayor Chris Smiley of Dawson Springs, July 2020
— Judge-Executive Steve Tribble of Christian County, January 1994
— Judge-Executive Curtis McGehee of Muhlenberg County, January 2019
— Judge-Executive Larry Curling of Caldwell County, January 2019
— Judge Executive Wade White of Lyon County, January 2011
— Judge-Executive Hollis Alexander of Trigg County, January 2013
