Hardin County Conservation District submits budget and supervisor Vincent Thompson announces U.S. Senate run

Vincent Thompson, supervisor of the Hardin County Soil and Water Conservation District, presented the district’s 2025–26 budget to the Hardin County Fiscal Court and highlighted ongoing programs including dead-animal removal funded by tobacco‑settlement allocations.

Thompson noted that dead-animal removal funding is tied to tobacco-settlement monies that are "fast dwindling," and he warned the fiscal court the program’s dedicated funding could run out in three to five years, prompting a future conversation about alternative financing.

The district’s plan of work remained unchanged from prior years; Thompson said standing committees for finance, education, scholarship, executive and personnel will carry committee duties and meet as needed. He presented a check to the court as part of the district’s routine reporting.

Thompson used his presentation time to make a public announcement: "I have decided to run for U.S. senator," he said. Thompson told the court he intends to remain in his supervisor role through the end of 2026; he said he cannot file for both supervisor and senate simultaneously and that he will not run for supervisor in the November 2026 election if he pursues the senate campaign. He asked for the court’s support and concluded the presentation.

Ending: The fiscal court thanked Thompson and wished him luck on the announced campaign; court staff said they would schedule the customary photo with the check at the meeting’s end.