Estill County wins about $2.5 million for 14 roads; judge proclaims telecommunicators week and 9-1-1 staff honored

Estill County Judge Executive Donnie Watson told the Fiscal Court that a change in the state’s road‑funding process required the county to document every eligible road by photographing it every 300 feet and that effort resulted in approximately $2.5 million in awards covering 14 roads, money the county expects to receive July 1. “About 2 and a half million dollars we got. We get July 1,” Watson said, crediting county staff for collecting and submitting the evidence.

The funding covers a list of local routes Watson read into the record, including Old Fox Road, Old Landon Road, Nolens Creek, Clark Road, Eli Sparks Road, Heavenly Highway, Church House Hill, New Bethel Road, Hargett Road, Risochelle Road, Stump Road, Walton Road, Winburn Woods Road and Grace Chapel Road. Watson said winning the award reflected following the required state process and the staff’s work to document each road.

Watson also read a proclamation recognizing an honorary Telecommunication Week for the county’s dispatchers and recounted an incident where a dispatcher guided bystanders to perform life‑saving first aid. “A dispatcher saved a little child’s life,” Watson said. Renee Merrill, supervisor at Estill County 9‑1‑1, addressed the court and presented tokens to staff, thanking employees for their work and listing years of service for several team members. “Each of you are the lifeline, the very first responder to every emergency in this county,” Merrill said.

Fire department representatives gave the court operational updates. Chad reported the department has recorded 127 runs year‑to‑date and said all departments are preparing for an Insurance Services Office inspection set for June 1, an evaluation that affects fire class ratings. “They test everything … from pump test on truck to hose test, the hydrant flows, dispatch, how many calls they get,” Chad said. Another staffer, Jay, said crews poured 40 cubic yards of concrete for a training‑center pad and ordered a building to arrive in about 4–6 weeks under a state grant, and described acquiring a rescue boat with bank assistance for river response.

Kim, who oversees elections for the county, briefed the court on voting logistics ahead of the primary: early voting will be April 14–16 (extended 8 a.m.–6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday), election day is May 19 (6 a.m.–6 p.m.), and in‑person excuse voting will run June 6–8 and June 11–13. She also noted nonpartisan candidate filing for Ravenna City Council and the school board closes June 2 and that write‑in filing dates (April 1 and June 2) had passed without any write‑ins.

On routine business the court moved to accept a church franchise‑tax settlement and took roll‑call confirmations; Judge Watson then announced and the court recorded approval of hires at the road department, naming Justin Jordan and William McIntosh (certified diesel mechanic). The treasurer’s monthly report was presented, the court approved a requested transfer and later approved claims after motions and roll‑call.

The court closed after brief remaining business and procedural roll calls. The meeting included staff recognitions, maintenance and facilities updates, and several administrative approvals; the county will receive the road funds next fiscal quarter and departments will continue preparations for the ISO inspection.

Ending: The Fiscal Court left implementation steps and funding draws to county staff for follow up; the judge signaled the road funds arrive July 1 and the ISO inspection remains scheduled for June 1.