The Leitchfield City Council at Monday night’s meeting voted to hire a communication specialist through the Lincoln Trail Development District (LTADD).
The communication specialist will, via social media, inform the public in a targeted manner of positive information regarding the city, the Leitchfield Animal Shelter, Leitchfield Tourism and Leitchfield Police and Fire Departments, etc.
Whether it be an East Main Market event, the Twin Lakes National Fiddler Championship, or something as simple as school children going on a tour of the police or fire department, the communication specialist would push that positive information to the public using specialized technology that enables LTADD to target a specific group of people.
Mayor Harold Miller told the council that the $1,800 monthly fee ($21,600 per year), which he said was a “fairly good discount,” would likely be split with Leitchfield Tourism.
The contract is for only one year, after which the council will evaluate whether the results justify the cost.
The council voted to unanimously approve the hiring of a communication specialist for the city.
About LTADD
LTADD serves an eight-county area, including Grayson, Breckinridge, Hardin, LaRue, Meade, Nelson, and Washington counties.
On its website, LTADD says:
Since its formation in 1968, the LTADD has subscribed to the philosophy that conscientious personal attention provided to each of our communities will ensure long and mutually beneficial relationships. We are very proud of the high frequency of repeat requests for assistance from our communities, and have viewed this as an indication of our success in satisfying the special needs and preferences within the region. This desire to develop economical, socially acceptable solutions to difficult community problems, coupled with our willingness and ability to employ innovative approaches, has been the trademark of LTADD for the past three decades.
LPD looks to upgrade radios
The council also approved the Leitchfield Police Department applying for a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
The non-matching grant for up to $25,000 would allow LPD to upgrade its radio communication system, LPD Chief David Riley told the council.
The council approved the request.
Additionally, LPD was given a green light by the council to apply for an Owensboro Health Community Health Needs Assessment mini-grant.
The grant will allow for the purchase of a mannequin for LPD’s “Stop the Bleed” in-house training program.
Emergency house demolition
Leitchfield Code Enforcement Officer Tyler Harrell informed the council of a dangerous circumstance related to a decaying home on Sunset Drive.
The homeowner passed away earlier this year, Harrell said, and the property has fallen into dangerous disrepair.
The roof “is about to cave in,” Harrell told the council, and the basement has four feet of standing water (more after heavy rains).
The property has become a hazard to the public as well as a hazard and nuisance to surrounding property owners, Harrell said, before adding that the home’s openings have been boarded to keep people out.
Under Kentucky Revised Statute 65.8838, the property has been declared an “imminent danger, a serious threat to the public health, safety, and welfare” and therefore eligible for immediate demolition.
The council approved the demolition.
Harrell, on another matter, told the council that FEMA had reimbursed $82,367 of the $94,675 the city spent on repairing damage caused by the last round of flooding.
Board reappointment
The city council voted to reappoint Charles Gordon to the Grayson Co. Airport Board for a term that begins on January 1, 2026, and ends on December 31, 2028.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
