Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: Economic Development
The Cumberland County Extension District Board was awarded $30,000 from the Governor’s Office of Ag Policy in 2018 to operate a youth cost share program. The funds were awarded to 38 youth and 76% (29 youth) completed their project. This was the second year for the program. Youth completed a variety of projects including greenhouses, poultry, goats, and farm Infrastructure. The most popular investment area (34%) involved large animals. The cost share program resulted in an additional $44,5
Cumberland County continues to reap the benefits of a project that first began 6 years ago as a youth service project. The project convened a group of dedicated community leaders that resulted in a partnership among, local businesses, Cumberland County Extension, and the Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce that is focused on community beautification and revitalization. In 2018, the group called Partners with Pride created and sponsored a new festival focused on promoting local tourism. Th
Author: Paul Andrew Rideout
City Relies on Extension for ExpertiseIn 2015, the only public, 18-hole golf course shut down in Henderson, Ky. The closure left our community with 180 acres of weeds and no public golf course. Surrounding the course was a relatively new middle income neighborhood 90% developed. Part of the golf course included several retention ponds to collect runoff. Over the years, many of the overflow structures have not been maintained.185 homes surround the course. Home values star
Author: Nick Roy
In Adair County, agriculture is arguably the largest industry present contributing nearly 70 million dollars to the economy in 2017 (USDA Ag Census). Because of it's impact on the local economy, agriculture has the potential of serving as a key competent of recruiting new industries and businesses. Not only will new ag businesses create new jobs, but it will also help further strengthen the existing agriculture industry. In 2012, a grassroots effort by local farmers formed the Ag
Author: Ronald Hustedde
Eastern Kentucky has hundreds of coal mine sites that are abandoned because they are no longer economically viable for coal production. High school students from 21 coal-dependent counties took part in a series of educational workshops to help them prepare for an entrepreneurial contest to look at these sites as viable business opportunities. A Community and Leadership Development Extension specialist presented a series of workshops and educational materials to help the teens prepare
Author: Lynn Blankenship
The Metcalfe County Farmer’s Market was started by Lynn Blankenship and Brandon Bell, Metcalfe County Extension Agents for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Education and Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) in 2007 at the suggestion of interested community members. Over ten years, we have grown our Farmers Market from a free venue with limited structure, for a few local gardeners to sell some of their extra produce into a thriving, two day per week, April – October Farmers Marke
Author: Jonathan Barton
The Harlan County fiscal court developed a sound proposal and received $60,000 in funding to implement a county wide investment program to improve downtown wayfinding coupled with investments improving the accessibility of sidewalks in a number of downtowns. Their new “Where the Sidewalk Begins” plan, informed by their First Impressions report, Business Retention and Expansion efforts, and numerous public engagement events, results in Harlan County’s downtown spaces being
Author: Audrey Myers
In our community of Campbellsville we have a number of very talented artists, makers & musicians. We also want to grow our farmers market to promote local foods and farmers throughout our county and central Kentucky. As a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, one of my tasks is to provide programs that improve community and economic development. The FCS Extension Agent collaborated with the Campbellsville Main Street Association to bring a new market to Campbellsville called
Author: Sarah Congleton
Martin County, Kentucky has a population of 11,452 people according to the 2017 United States Census Bureau. The population of Martin County has decreased significantly, more than 11% since the previous recorded data from 2010. The decline in population is largely attributed lack of employment opportunities and poor quality and access to safe drinking water. Lack of access to safe and clean drinking water may also be contributed to the 31% of adults who are missing six or more teeth, compared to
Author: Jeremy Williams
In fall of 2010, Harlan County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, along with the Cumberland Tourist Commission, community members, coal mining company officials and coal mining enforcement agency officials met to discuss a training program (Harlan County Safety Days) for coal miners in the region. A need that was identified was to hold a Mine Rescue Training event for coal company mine rescue teams in the immediate area and surrounding states. Per federal law
