Success StoryCommunity Comes Together



Community Comes Together

Author: Patrick Hardesty

Planning Unit: Taylor County CES

Major Program: Tornado Response and Recovery

Plan of Work: Family, Community and Financial Stability

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

In Taylor County, the December 11, 2021 and January 1, 2022 tornados affected approximately 110 homes and loss of one life as it swept across the state.  Some homes were completely gone, barns destroyed or damaged and livestock running loose as fences were taken by the tornados.

After several calls from leaders within the county and a promise of front money to purchase emergency fencing supplies and a request to help from farm organizations across the state, the Taylor County Extension Office became the distribution point for donated agriculture supplies and cash donations with the assistance of many leaders, local ag. dealers and neighboring agriculture agents.

The Taylor County Extension Service was to oversee the agriculture disaster relief and volunteers, but the volunteer list was so extensive that two volunteer leaders were asked to oversee the massive list of volunteers.   The community came together these leaders coordinated thousands of volunteers who were involved in clean up, rebuild and served food to those families affected and to volunteers helping.

The Taylor County Extension Service oversaw the receiving and distribution of approximately $70,000 worth of supplies, feed and hay and began distribution of approximately 30 emergency fence kits within 5 days of the tornado to contain livestock.  The first of February $144,000 of donated monies was distributed to 40 farms according to an agricultural needs assessment developed by the Taylor County Extension Service.

The effects of these tornadoes will be long lasting not only financially but also mentally and emotionally.

As a result of the community effort, the Taylor County Extension Service was a nominee for the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award and the Everette Lee Citizens of the Year award was presented to the agriculture agent.






Stories by Patrick Hardesty


Center of Kentucky Master Cattlewomen Shortcourse

about 6 years ago by Patrick Hardesty

According to the 2012 Ag. Census, Taylor County has 5,642 acres on 63 farms with a woman as principa... Read More


Green River BackCountry Horsemen

about 6 years ago by Patrick Hardesty

According to the 2012 Ag. Census, approximately 1500 horses are raised on 222 farms. Ninety percent ... Read More


Stories by Taylor County CES


Kentucky Volunteer Forum Empowers 4-H Leaders

about 6 years ago by Amanda Sublett

The Cooperative Extension Service relies on volunteers to extend the reach of extension programs. A ... Read More


4-H Speeches Teach Communication Skills

about 6 years ago by Amanda Sublett

Positive youth development researchers theorize that youth who are confident and who have strong com... Read More