AGP Executive Report

Measles Alert: Kentucky health officials are warning of potential measles exposure in Richmond and Olive Hill after an unvaccinated, out-of-state traveler visited multiple businesses on Aug. 24, 27 and 28. If you were there, check MMR status, watch for symptoms for 21 days, and contact your provider. Road & Utility Disruptions: Clarksville Gas and Water plans a Ridgeway Drive water outage and possible low pressure on Aug. 31 (8 a.m.-about 4 p.m.) for a valve replacement—expect road closures and slowdowns. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show bargain pockets across Kentucky, including lowest premium at $4.21 in Calloway County and $4.49 in Crittenden County, plus diesel lows like $4.99 in Harlan County and $5.09 in Lewis County. Sports & Travel Fun: Two Kentucky sisters from Murray, Katie and Charlotte Schultz, are set to race around the world on CBS’ “The Amazing Race” (premieres Sept. 30). Local Sports: Kentucky State opened with a Week 0 win, scoring 38 unanswered points to beat Central State 41-14.

Gas Prices: AAA says the national regular gas average slipped to $4.09, but August is still on track to set a new record as crude stays volatile. Public Health: Kentucky health officials warn of a potential measles exposure in Richmond and Olive Hill tied to an unvaccinated out-of-state traveler; residents who visited on Aug. 24, 27, or 28 are urged to check MMR status and watch for symptoms for 21 days. Local Travel & Roads: A temporary U.S. 41 closure in southern Todd County starts Sept. 2 for about two weeks while crews widen U.S. 79, with KY 181 detours in place. Family Fun Upgrade: Beaver Dam won more than $1.75 million in grants for an inclusive, ADA-friendly playground and a sensory splash pad at Beaver Dam Park. Sports Tourism Buzz: Tom Cruise announced “Days of Thunder 2” with NASCAR at Daytona, a reminder that Kentucky fans can catch more racing-themed events and travel tie-ins ahead. Community Culture: Kentucky State University hosts “Celebrating the Black Experience” in the Blazer Library Sept. 2–27.

Airport Tribute Push: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee says Nashville International Airport could be renamed for Dolly Parton, citing her “legacy” and the surge of fan support after her death. Local Parks & Accessibility: Beaver Dam won $1.75M in grants for an inclusive playground and ADA/sensory splash pad at Beaver Dam Park, with federal money still taking up to a year to fully land. Road Travel Disruption: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans a temporary U.S. 41 closure in southern Todd County starting Sept. 2 for about two weeks while crews widen U.S. 79, with a detour via KY 181. Family Fun Calendar: New Hope Community Music Festival returns Aug. 29 with food, auctions, and kid activities; Nelson County’s genea group meets Sept. 1; and an invasive plant workshop is set for Sept. 26 in Nazareth. Wildlife Watch: A Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency report says black bears are slowly recolonizing parts of Middle and West Tennessee, with spillover likely from expanding populations in nearby states including Kentucky.

Freestanding Birth Centers: Kentucky’s long-stalled freestanding birth center rules cleared a key legislative step, aiming to bring modern, home-like options for low-risk pregnancies to the state. WWII Memorial Case: A Kentucky woman, Melissa Farris of Elizabethtown, was indicted on federal charges after she allegedly spray-painted the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and livestreamed the act. Dolly Parton Airport Push: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee backed a proposal to rename Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton, fueled by a fast-growing fan petition and soaring streaming interest after her death. Tourism & Events: Louisville is gearing up for the American Legion’s 107th National Convention, expected to pour up to $20 million into the local economy through hotel stays and spending at restaurants and attractions. Outdoor Spotlight: Mammoth Cave National Park is marking National Park Week with programming tied to its deep history and science. Family Cycling: Murray parents launched a “bike bus” ride to school and a new youth cycling team, turning a simple commute into a community activity.

Gas Prices & Travel Costs: AAA reports the national regular gas average is $4.0997, down a penny week-over-week, but August is on track to set a new record for the most expensive month at the pump. Distillery Tourism: Buffalo Trace’s free “on tour” tasting experience returns for a second year with stops in four cities, letting fans reserve complimentary tastings online starting Sept. 2. Local Events & Community Tourism: Boyle Fiscal Court approved funding for the Great American Brass Band Festival and accepted transfer of Crawford Springs Park, keeping the Danville-area event calendar moving despite sponsor losses. Outdoor Safety for Kentuckians: A Kentucky-focused lightning roundup highlights that many lightning deaths happen during outdoor leisure like fishing and camping—useful for anyone planning late-summer trips. Maternity Care Access: Kentucky lawmakers advanced regulations for freestanding birth centers, a potential new option for low-risk pregnancies that could affect how families plan travel for care. Public Policy & Overnight Stays: Charges for unlawful camping among homeless Kentuckians are rising under Kentucky’s Safer Kentucky Act, a reminder that “where to stay” is becoming a bigger policy issue.

Rural Health Boost: UofL Health opened the $25 million Brown Cancer Center at South Hospital in Bullitt County, adding 16 infusion/exam rooms and on-site labs so more Kentuckians can get cancer care closer to home. Bourbon Tourism: Buffalo Trace is bringing back its traveling “On Tour” tastings this fall with free, ticketed sessions in Branson, Kansas City, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Denver. Community Access: Lexington’s East End residents say the Charles Young Community Center has become harder to use and doesn’t match local needs, calling for a stronger community hub. Digital ID Update: Virginia launched Apple Wallet Digital ID at airports and select locations, while most other states still have no timeline. Winter Camping Plan: Big South Fork NRRA will keep Blue Heron Campground open during the 2026-27 winter season as a pilot to gauge demand. Local Events: Trigg County Tourism highlighted Moonlight on Main, the Cadiz Cruz-In, and the 50th annual Country Ham Festival in October. Safety & Training: Firefighters gathered in Hazard for the Hazard Fire School, including lessons tied to the 1977 Beverly Hills Supper Club fire.

Air Travel & Routes: American Airlines is adding new one-stop flights from CVG to Europe and Tokyo, with tickets on sale starting Aug. 31. Western Kentucky Travel & Access: The Crittenden County Chamber and Marion City Council are urging Kentucky, Illinois, and the Cave-In-Rock ferry operator to restart talks and restore ferry service after the contract expired June 30. Public Health & Community: Owensboro will host the Kentucky Opioid Symposium Oct. 5-6, bringing prevention and response leaders together statewide. Roads & Getting Around: KYTC says about 18 roundabouts are planned for Western Kentucky over the next 5–6 years, starting with U.S. 68 work near I-24 exit 16. Family-Friendly Safety: Kentucky State Police report a Fayette County man arrested after allegedly aiming a laser at a KSP helicopter during a rescue near Red River Gorge. Outdoors & Seasonal Plans: Kentucky’s fall hunting season is underway, with dove season and other dates now listed by species. Local Events & Culture: Russellville’s Sexton House will stage a folk musical retelling of the “Girl in the Window” haunted legend. Food & Travel Stops: Hop Shops (15 locations in KY and Ohio) is rolling out AI-assisted self-checkouts to cut checkout lines.

Road & Transit: Louisville’s I-65 Muhammad Ali Boulevard underpass closure is causing major gridlock near UofL and Norton Hospitals, with KYTC adjusting signage, traffic control, and signal timing as the shutdown stretches until October. Local Safety Law: Frankfort commissioners are weighing a new ordinance to limit pedestrian “occupancy” on non-designated state right-of-way medians under a July 15 KRS 189.572 rule. Tech Misuse in Policing: A Shively officer faces charges after alleged misuse of Flock Safety license-plate cameras to track a woman for months. Community Events: A Sept. 9 Kentucky Blood Center drive at Memorial Baptist Church in Frankfort aims to restock supplies. Tourism & Culture: Kentucky Downs’ live racing meet opens Aug. 29 in Franklin, drawing visitors across south-central Kentucky. Historic Recognition: The Kentucky Historical Society placed Red Bird Mission on the state’s permanent historical marker roster. Travel Planning Note: Vermont is tightening rules for hunters bringing moose, deer, or elk meat/parts from CWD areas—important for out-of-state hunting trips. Transportation Innovation: The rebuilt Sgt. Elbert Kinser Bridge earned top regional honors for technology and innovation after Hurricane Helene.

Stargazing Tourism: Crawford County, Indiana is leaning into its “darkest skies” status with the Milky Way Festival in Milltown, drawing 500+ pre-registered visitors over Aug. 8-9 and travelers from multiple states—an easy sell for Kentucky weekenders chasing night-sky experiences. Local Tourism Recognition: Kentucky Living Magazine’s 2026 “Best in Kentucky” winners spotlight Hodgenville-area favorites, including Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (Historic Attraction, 1st) plus top picks for food, camping/RV, and live music—great for planning fall stops. Outdoor & Community Events: Fort Rowdy Gathering returns to Covington Community Park Sept. 5-7 with vendors, camp displays, food, and music, giving visitors a classic Labor Day weekend itinerary. Road & Travel Disruptions: UofL Health traffic gridlock is tied to I-65 bridge work and nearby closures, with Broadway under I-65 delayed—plan extra time if you’re heading to Louisville hospitals. Family Travel Safety: Kentucky State Police is joining Brake Safety Week with targeted inspections through Aug. 29, focusing on truck brake drums and rotors. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Barren County at $4.16 (week ending Aug. 15) and lowest diesel in Clark County at $4.72—useful for road-trip budgeting.

Local Roads & Travel Disruptions: Downtown Louisville’s new I-65 Central Corridor closures are causing major backups near UofL Health and Jewish Hospital, with officials urging patients and staff to leave early as crews manage Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Brook Street shutdowns. Public Safety for Travelers: Kentucky State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement is running Brake Safety Week through Aug. 29, focusing on brake drum and rotor issues to prevent roadside out-of-service crashes. Family Travel & Events: Fans can now book official hotel-and-ticket travel packages for the 2026 CBS Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden (Dec. 19), with Kentucky set to play North Carolina. Health Access for Kentuckians: A new report says 50% of Kentucky counties are maternity care deserts, raising concerns about late or no prenatal care and the risks for mothers and babies. Community & Youth Support: Keystone Cooperative’s Propane with Purpose program is funding school lunch debt relief, awarding $177,450 to help rural schools keep meals accessible. Kentucky Tourism Culture Moment: Dolly Parton’s death at 80 is prompting tributes across Kentucky, including renewed attention on her Imagination Library impact statewide.

Ag Tag Fund Boost: Kentucky drivers topped $941,630 in 2026 Ag Tag donations, pushing the program’s since-2024 total past $2.8 million, with proceeds split among Kentucky 4-H, FFA, and the Agriculture Department. Fall Hunting Season: Kentucky’s fall hunting calendar is in full swing, with dove season kicking off Sept. 1 and squirrel season already underway; the state points hunters to fw.ky.gov for dates, bag limits, and public field maps. Road Work for Travelers: KYTC is scheduling traffic signal changes on U.S. 68X in Bourbon County (Millersburg) and shoulder parking blocks on East Main Street in La Grange area—both with caution for crews and possible schedule tweaks. Bridge & Interstate Updates: Twin Bridges on U.S. 41 in Henderson fully reopened after southbound repairs, while westbound I-24 in Christian County shifts to single-lane traffic again starting Aug. 27 through November. Local Tourism & Community: La Grange Tourism gave $5,000 to the La Grange Main Street Program, and Oldham County Tourism & Conventions highlights local experience-building through longtime leader Kim Hydes. On the Road (Gas Watch): GasBuddy reports the lowest premium prices in McCracken ($4.10) and Todd ($4.34) counties for the week ending Aug. 15.

Tourism Funding: Kentucky lawmakers delivered millions in state budget money for infrastructure and tourism projects in Clay and Jackson counties, including $2 million for the Jackson County Park project and $1.75 million for Clay tourism initiatives. Travel & Safety: The U.S. 41 Twin Bridges in Henderson fully reopened after temporary repairs to the southbound bridge; permanent work is expected to start later this fall. Road Trip Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show spotty but notable low prices across the state, including midgrade at $3.88 in Oldham County and regular as low as $3.45 in Pulaski County for the week ending Aug. 15. Family Travel Stop: Buc-ee’s CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III says the chain will focus expansion on “conservative, business-friendly” states where communities “appreciate” the travel center. Local Events: GoblinCon UFO and Paranormal Expo drew youth and families to Hopkinsville’s Bruce Convention Center, with visitors traveling from Northern Kentucky. Nature Spotting: Swallow-tailed kites made a rare pit stop in Jessamine County, delighting birders along US 68 near Ramsey Farm. Public Safety: Authorities seized 44 pounds of crystal meth in a Logan/Todd County investigation, leading to arrests of two Hopkinsville residents.

Road & Travel Updates: Drivers on U.S. 421 near the Kentucky/Virginia line should expect a new traffic pattern starting Tuesday, Aug. 25, as crews shift traffic onto the newly built Harlan County stretch (mile points 0.0–1.3) and close access to the old roadway. Crash Impacts: A crash on I-65 South in Warren County near Exit 22 is causing delays; an infant and one other person were flown, with others transported for treatment. Ag Tourism & Youth Funding: Kentucky’s Ag Tag Program raised $941,630 in 2026—more than $2.8 million since 2024—supporting Kentucky 4-H and FFA youth programs. Lake Cumberland Safety: Two men died in separate apparent drownings at Lake Cumberland over the weekend—one in the Pitman Creek area and another in the Wolf Creek area. Family Fun in Louisville: KET’s 10th Annual Be My Neighbor Day returns Sept. 13 at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park with free, registration-required activities for kids and families. Cincinnati Weekend Plans: Riverfest and WEBN fireworks are set for Sept. 6 in Cincinnati, with a drone show and fireworks launching from the Ohio River. Local Transit for Visitors & Students: UK and Lextran offer free on-campus bus routes, plus Wildcab Vouchers for late-night Uber rides within Fayette County. Bourbon Festival Buzz: Larrikin Bourbon Co. is unveiling its limited “Australia Series” for the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, releasing three cask-strength expressions across the festival weekend.

Fundraising for families’ hospital rides: The Wilderness Trail Region Porsche Club of America launched “Horsepower for Hope” to help repair and fuel cars used to transport children to Niswonger Children’s Hospital, with donations open now and a free public car show set for Sept. 19 in Johnson City. Local infrastructure updates: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet work continues this week on major Glasgow-area routes—Ky. 90 (Happy Valley Road) with alternating passing lanes and U.S. 31-E (Scottsville Road) with daytime lane closures. Blood supply push: Kentucky Blood Center is urging donations after a summer shortage, including a Danville drive Sept. 2 at the Boyle County Public Library. Gas prices watch: GasBuddy reports show mixed, often high fuel costs across Kentucky counties, including regular at $3.24 in Warren County and premium as low as $4.02 in Perry County, while the national regular average rose to $4.10. Community ride for veterans: The American Legion Legacy Run kicked off toward Louisville, a four-day motorcycle trip raising money for veterans’ services and support for families.

Blood Supply Push: Kentucky Blood Center says the summer shortage is easing, but it’s still urging donations—especially O- blood—after lower turnout and higher trauma demand. A Danville drive is set for Sept. 2 at the Boyle County Public Library (10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.). Road-Trip Reality Check (Gas Prices): GasBuddy reports Hart County’s lowest premium gas at $4.49/gal (week ending Aug. 15), while Kentucky’s average premium sits at $4.65/gal. Family Fun at the Fair: Grant County Fair’s Sunshine Day and Sunshine Night keep “Family Day” accessible, with free admission, rides, and a petting zoo plus livestock activities for kids with disabilities. Water Safety Mission: A Lexington mom launched More About Standards after her son drowned in 2017, pushing year-round swim and water-watch education. Local Alerts: Kentucky State Police are searching for a Whitley County shooting suspect, Zachary A. Partin, after a man was hospitalized. Travel Culture: Frankfort’s Garden Club handed out Beautification, Conservation and Environment Awards, including recognition for Josephine Sculpture Park’s living-landscape approach.

Family Fun at the Fair: Grant County Fair’s “Family Day” brings Sunshine Day and Sunshine Night with free admission, sensory-friendly activities, hot dogs and rides—plus a petting zoo and modified livestock showmanship for kids with disabilities. Local Water Safety: A Lexington mother launched the nonprofit More About Standards after her son drowned in a pool; MAS is pushing year-round swim and water-safety education and just debuted at Goldfish Swim School. Public Safety Update: Kentucky State Police are searching for 27-year-old Zachary A. Partin after an alleged shooting in Whitley County left a 64-year-old hospitalized. Tourism & Community: Frankfort Garden Club honored Josephine Sculpture Park for conservation work and recognized a Frankfort Cemetery tree project. Travel Planning Note: U.S. 231 in Butler County will close overnight Aug. 26 (8 p.m.–6 a.m.) for resurfacing. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports diesel deals in Calloway County at $4.89 and premium prices around $4.79 in Bath County for the week ending Aug. 15.