Knox County Fiscal Court

04/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Knox County Secures Major Funding Investments to Strengthen Infrastructure, Public Safety, and Community Development

Knox County, KY — April 16, 2026 — Knox County Judge Executive Mike Mitchell announced today the successful securing of more than $8 million in funding to support critical improvements in emergency services, infrastructure, and community amenities across Knox County.

Judge Mitchell expressed his sincere appreciation to Senate President Robert Stivers and State Representative Tom Odell Smith for their continued leadership and commitment to the citizens of Knox County.

"We are incredibly grateful to Senator Stivers and Representative Smith for their unwavering support and advocacy for Knox County," said Judge Mitchell. "These investments will significantly enhance public safety, expand infrastructure, and improve quality of life for our residents for years to come."

The secured funding includes:

- $510,000 for the construction of a new East Knox Fire Department substation in the Stinking Creek community
- $210,000 for fire department upgrades across the county
- $750,000 to implement a countywide community outdoor warning system
- $400,000 for the development of a sensory playground at the Knox Sports Park
- $200,000 for additional improvements at Knox Sports Park
- $550,000 to expand water service to the Harps Creek area of Knox County
- $2,000,000 for county road improvements and infrastructure upgrades
- $3,500,000 for a major sewer expansion project extending to the new Knox County Industrial Park

These strategic investments will strengthen emergency response capabilities, modernize critical infrastructure, support economic growth, and provide inclusive recreational opportunities for families throughout the region.

"This funding represents a transformational step forward for Knox County," Judge Mitchell added. "From enhancing our emergency response infrastructure to expanding water and sewer access and improving our roadways, these projects will support job creation, industrial development, and public health. Once the Harps Creek water project is complete, approximately 99.5 percent of Knox County will be served with clean drinking water, marking a significant milestone for our community."

Knox County Fiscal Court will begin coordinating with state agencies and project partners to initiate planning and implementation phases for each project.

04/13/2026

Let’s work together to keep Knox County clean. Bring your unwanted tires to our Waste Tire Collection Event April 30–May 2. Drop off location is the Kentucky State Highway Garage, 192 State Highway Garage Road, Barbourville, KY 40906.

Open to all Kentucky residents (excluding retailers and salvage/recycling businesses).

04/11/2026

04/01/2026

🎉 You’re Invited! 🎉

Join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of Knox Sports Park — a major milestone for our community!

📅 Tuesday, April 7
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 200 Minton Hickory Farm Road, Barbourville, KY

Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening full of inflatable fun, food, and community spirit! ⚾🥎

This exciting new facility features:
✅ Softball & Baseball Fields
✅ Walking Trail
✅ RV Park

…and even more amenities coming soon, including a sensory park, pickleball courts, and basketball courts!

We’re proud to invest in spaces that promote recreation, health, and connection for Knox County residents and visitors alike. Come out and help us celebrate this incredible addition to our community!

👉 Learn more: www.knoxsportspark.com

03/23/2026

April is Spring Clean Up Month in Knox County! To get Spring Clean Up Month started we will have Spring Dumpster Days beginning March 30th and running throughout the month of April! Check out the flyer below to see when dumpsters will be in your part of Knox County.
🆓♻️🚮

03/23/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Knox County Road Department crews will soon commence treatment of noxious and nuisance weeds along County right-of-ways to enhance driver safety and support efficient maintenance operations.

Controlling noxious weeds and invasive plants improves roadway visibility and protects infrastructure.

The County targets 12 noxious weeds in accordance with KRS 176.051 and 603 KAR 3:100:
• Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)
• Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)
• Common Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
• Cutleaf Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
• Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
• Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)
• Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
• Marestail (Conyza canadensis)
• Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
• Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans)
• Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
• Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe)

"If left untreated, some weeds can grow several feet tall and impact driver visibility." "This enhances safety, prevents damage to ditches and drains, and minimizes the presence of plants that attract deer near highways."

Noxious weeds often invade and destroy roadside turf grass, leaving these areas vulnerable to erosion. They can also smother native plants through rapid reproduction and long-term persistence.

Motorists are reminded to exercise extra caution when crews are spraying for weeds and are out on roadways.

02/13/2026

For years Knox County has had to put more money toward the jail budget, which diverts resources from other essential local services. Counties deserve reimbursement from the state that reflects the true cost of housing state inmates. County jails are at a breaking point. HB 557 re-balances the financial responsibility of housing inmates that is shared between counties and the state and puts Kentucky on a more sustainable path. Knox County supports HB 557.

01/26/2026

01/25/2026

Due to an excessive amount of power outages and the extreme low temperatures forecasted for this evening warming stations will be available for Knox Co. residents. If you need access to these stations please call (606)546-3510.