AGP Executive Report

Tourism Impact: Georgetown/Scott County Tourism says 2025 visits generated a record $191.5M economic impact, supporting 1,259 jobs and boosting local tax revenue. Ferry Update: Southern Illinois lawmakers are urging Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Cave-in-Rock Ferry operator to keep negotiating after the crossing suspended service, warning it hurts commuters, tourism, and regional commerce. State Fair Leadership: Kentucky State Fair Board ousted CEO David Beck of Kentucky Venues, naming Mike Berry interim president/CEO amid lingering questions after a recent court ruling on fair board appointments. Road Work for Travelers: I-64 East in Franklin County will see overnight alternating lane closures (7 p.m.-6 a.m.) for asphalt paving through July 21 as part of a major resurfacing project. Outdoor & History: Mammoth Cave National Park marked its 85th anniversary with living history and activities, highlighting why the landmark keeps drawing visitors. Local Events & Safety: Kentucky State Police shared reminders on preventing hot-car deaths as summer travel ramps up. Energy & Jobs: A $200M solar project in Perry County is partnering with Hazard Community and Technical College, offering free OSHA training aimed at filling 200 construction roles. America 250: Kentucky Historical Society and other groups are rolling out America’s 250th birthday events across the state, with July 3-4 celebrations and programming tied to the Declaration anniversary.

Cave-in-Rock Ferry Shutdown: The privately run Cave-in-Rock Ferry will suspend service indefinitely after its contract expired, with officials pointing travelers to alternate routes between Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, and Crittenden County, Kentucky while KYTC and partners negotiate a new funding agreement. Bourbon Tourism Boost: Gov. Andy Beshear joined Horse Soldier Bourbon for the grand opening of Horse Soldier Farms, a new $200 million distillery and visitor attraction in Somerset with a large visitor center and retail stop. Mammoth Cave Turns 85: Mammoth Cave National Park celebrated its 85th anniversary with birthday cake festivities and living-history demonstrations, highlighting cave tours plus expanded biking and camping. EV Charging Arrives in Manchester: Kempower and PowerUp America opened a new 24/7 DC fast-charging site in Manchester (KY-80), the first of 12 planned Southeast projects. Travel Disruptions From Flooding: Photographers heading to the Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs faced flooded roads, fallen trees, and landslides as Kentucky’s severe weather left fatalities and forced evacuations. Local Travel Pick: Yahoo Travel named Louisville one of the most affordable long-weekend destinations, citing Churchill Downs, the Bourbon Trail, and the Ali Center. Road Safety Update: Owensboro lowered the speed limit on the U.S. 60 Wendell Ford Expressway to 55 mph to improve safety as traffic and crashes rise. Heat Warning: Extreme heat is expected across Kentucky and much of the Midwest, with officials urging caution for outdoor plans around America’s 250th.

4th of July Planning: Western Kentucky’s Ultimate 4th of July weekend guide is packed with fireworks, drone shows, parades, and food trucks—starting with Owensboro’s All American 4th on July 3-4, including a free drone show over the riverfront. Bourbon Tourism: National Bourbon Week spotlighted Nelson County distilleries and downtown Bardstown events, with tastings and special experiences at partner sites. Road Access Update: Louisville’s I-65 bridge work is progressing fast—southbound lanes from University Boulevard to the Watterson Expressway reopen two lanes ahead of schedule (with downtown-to-University Boulevard still closed). Conservation for Travelers: The Nature Conservancy added 1,732 acres in Eastern Kentucky’s Cumberland-Pine Mountain corridor, strengthening protected-land connections for wildlife and scenic exploration. Local Event Spotlight: Kuttawa’s America250 “Red, White and Barkley” drew visitors for hot dogs, speeches, touch-a-truck fun, kayaking, and lakefront festivities despite rough weather. Visitor Safety/Outdoors: Bear sightings are rising in northern Kentucky; officials say it’s normal seasonal movement, especially during breeding season. Ferry Disruption: The Cave-In-Rock Ferry suspended service after its contract expired June 30, affecting vehicle crossings between Illinois and Kentucky.

Tourism Economy: Gov. Andy Beshear says 2025 was Kentucky tourism’s best year ever, with $14.6 billion in economic impact and 96,993 jobs supported—plus 81.1 million visitors statewide. Natural Wonder: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is drawing travelers for the rare, regularly occurring moonbow, with cabins reportedly booking up fast. Holiday Travel Watch: AAA reports Kentucky gas averages about $3.44 per gallon ahead of the Fourth of July, down from last week but higher than a year ago. Fourth of July Plans: Prestonsburg’s Star City Day at Archer Park runs July 4 (7–10 p.m.) with live music, vendors, carnival fun, and a fireworks finale. Cave Milestone: Mammoth Cave National Park marks its 85th anniversary on July 1, celebrating decades of exploration and millions of visitors. Safety & Weather: Severe flooding over the weekend killed at least four people across Kentucky, while Central Kentucky heat warnings push heat indexes above 100 degrees—cooling stations are open in Lexington. Local Events & Community: Lake Cumberland 250 is set to bring a big weekend of celebrations, and Kentucky Blood Center is hosting a July 8 blood drive in Cynthiana.

Tourism & Events: Bowling Green’s Duncan Hines Days drew 14,300 visitors across 15 states and generated about $2.25 million for the region, with day-trippers making up most of the crowd and the Eats & Beats music fest as the biggest draw. Public Safety for Travelers: UK Extension is urging Kentuckians to stay tick-aware as summer ramps up—wear long pants, use DEET, do full tick checks after being outdoors, and remove ticks with fine-tipped tweezers. Family Travel Planning: AAA says July 4 road trips remain the top choice, with many families aiming for historic sites and national parks for America’s 250th—plus advice to leave early and watch for roadside workers. Road Updates: I-64 in Franklin County will see alternating lane closures (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) between mile markers 48 and 52 for bridge maintenance. Community & Culture: A Lexington church’s “Commandos for Christ” Vacation Bible School skit—featuring children chanting “take him out, blow him up” during a mock “shooting the devil”—has gone viral, sparking debate over faith, violence, and kids’ safety. Disaster Relief: Heavy flooding hit Wilmore, displacing one family and leaving them waiting on Red Cross next steps.

Holiday Travel Planning: AAA expects road trips to lead Fourth of July travel, with more people aiming for historic landmarks and national parks tied to America’s 250th—plus advice to leave early and watch for roadside workers and law enforcement. Road Updates: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is warning of delays around the annual 50-Mile Yard Sale on KY 52 (July 3-4) due to a one-lane bridge construction project in Lee County. Family-Friendly Fun: 502 Film is taking applications for its second annual 502 Film Front Porch Film Lab (Oct. 11-23 in Louisville), offering lodging and a $1,500 stipend to help Kentucky filmmakers build short-form projects. Outdoors & Safety: UK Extension urges Kentuckians to stay tick-aware with long pants, permethrin-treated clothing, DEET repellent, and careful tick checks after time outside. Community & Recovery: The Christian Appalachian Project is supporting Jackson County flood recovery, including help for about 30 affected families. Local News: Kentucky State Police arrested two people in separate Lyon County pursuits, including one after a crash near Pleasant Valley Road.

Deadly Flooding in Kentucky: Torrential rain has triggered catastrophic flash flooding across central and eastern Kentucky, killing at least four people and prompting a statewide emergency as roads wash out and rescues continue; officials warn conditions remain dangerous, especially after dark. Emergency Response: Owensboro’s Swift Water Rescue Team was deployed to help with ongoing water rescues in flood-ravaged communities. Road Safety Tragedy: Kentucky State Police are investigating a fatal Hardin County crash where a truck overturned and was partially submerged in a flooded creek; one juvenile died later, and alcohol is believed to be a factor. Another Fatal Crash: KSP also reports a head-on collision in Bracken County that killed two people. Travel & Tourism Spotlight: A Smithsonian traveling exhibit, “Americans,” is set to wrap up at the Highlands DO!zeum in Ashland with a free July 3 viewing and a performance by Steve Free. Wildlife & Nature: Kentucky officials are urging caution after social media rumors of mountain lions, saying there are no credible reports.

Severe Weather & Safety: Kentucky is in the middle of a deadly flash-flood crisis after relentless storms. Gov. Andy Beshear declared a statewide emergency as at least four people died, roads turned unsafe, and swift-water rescue teams were deployed across multiple counties. New flash-flood warnings hit parts of south-central Kentucky (including Metcalfe, Cumberland, and Clinton), with more rain expected and officials urging people to avoid driving, especially after dark. Flood Response: Owensboro Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue Team was mobilized to help with ongoing rescues, staging in Elizabethtown before moving to Cumberland County. Tourism Access & Visitor Planning: With flooding warnings and road closures spreading, travelers should check local alerts before heading to parks, trails, or rural destinations. Church & Community Events: A July 4th reflection message and local happenings listings are circulating, but the weather may affect schedules. Buc-ee’s Expansion: The viral travel stop chain is expanding again, adding new locations—good news for road-trip planning once conditions improve. Horse Racing: Magnitude’s Stephen Foster Stakes win at Churchill Downs boosts his early Breeders’ Cup Classic favorite status at Keeneland.

Severe Weather & Safety: Kentucky is in crisis after relentless thunderstorms triggered widespread flash flooding, with Gov. Andy Beshear declaring a statewide emergency and warning residents to avoid roads—especially after dark. Reports say at least four people died (three in Madison County and one in Jackson County), dozens of rescues were carried out, and multiple counties issued local states of emergency as rivers rose and roads closed. Flood Forecast: The Weather Prediction Center also flagged a Moderate flood risk for Saturday across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana, with the worst corridor stretching from the Louisville area toward Bowling Green and west toward Evansville. Travel Accessibility: Paris Landing State Park opened a new 0.1-mile tactile trail designed for visitors who are blind or have low vision, featuring guide rope, cane-detectable rail, shaded seating, and interpretive panels. Local Tourism Spotlight: Country Music Highway updates continue in Eastern Kentucky—Lawrence County musicians David and Teresa Prince were added to the U.S. 23 Country Music Highway sign. Boating Reminder: Lock and Dam officials in Frankfort urged boaters to follow safety markers and not pass danger buoys ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.

Severe Flooding Emergency: Gov. Andy Beshear declared a statewide emergency as torrential rain triggered flash flooding across Kentucky, with reports of multiple deaths and ongoing rescues/evacuations in counties including Madison, Bullitt, Meade, Mercer, and Spencer. Madison County Road Safety: Officials urged “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” as travel restrictions went into effect and cars were warned against driving through standing water. Confirmed Deaths: Beshear later confirmed four flood-related deaths—three in Madison County and one in Jackson County. Dam Concern in Bullitt: Bullitt County EMA said a landslide affected part of the Rod & Gun Club dam embankment, but the dam was holding and the earlier evacuation order was precautionary. Travel Disruptions: Highway 286 was shut down in Ballard County after a multi-vehicle crash, with detours in place for drivers. Outdoor Access Boost: The Nature Conservancy acquired 1,700 acres in Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian region, with plans likely to transfer management to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife for low-impact hiking, fishing, and hunting. Boating Reminder: Lock masters in Frankfort reminded boaters to follow danger dam buoy markers and avoid traveling past them to prevent dangerous lock incidents.

Land Conservation: The Nature Conservancy acquired 1,700 acres in Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachians, a move expected to connect protected habitat and likely transfer management to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife for low-impact outdoor access like hiking, fishing, and hunting. Water & Wastewater Funding: Knott, Perry, and Wolfe counties are set to receive more than $6 million in federal Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization grants for wastewater upgrades and extending drinking water to parts of the Red River Gorge area. TVA America250 Tours: TVA is inviting the public to tour iconic dams as part of America250, with registration and a random drawing for stops including Kentucky Dam (July 16) and Raccoon Mountain (July 8). Road Travel Upgrade: Work has begun on a major SR 54 expansion at the Kentucky-Tennessee border—three miles, $38 million for the first phase—aimed at safer, smoother travel and shoulders for growing traffic. Local Summer Fun: The Kentucky Sheriffs’ Boys & Girls Ranch opens its 51st camping season, offering free weeklong programs with outdoor activities, swimming, fishing, and enrichment for kids across many counties. Weather Watch: A Moderate flood risk was flagged for parts of Missouri, with storm training over saturated ground raising concerns for roads and low-lying areas.

Road & Commute Updates: KYTC paused a plan to reduce the Clark Memorial Bridge from four lanes to three after engineers found new sidewalk/structural damage, raising concerns about Louisville-area traffic impacts. Interstate Progress: Southbound I-65 in Louisville is set to reopen two days early by 6 a.m. Monday, June 29, restoring two lanes from University Boulevard to the Watterson Expressway and reopening key ramps. Weekend in Louisville: The Kentucky Craft Bash returns to Waterfront Park with 50+ breweries, plus other local events and street closures for the June 26–28 weekend. Small-Town Base for Lake Barkley: A travel guide spotlights Cadiz, KY as a convenient home base for exploring Lake Barkley State Resort Park and nearby Land Between the Lakes. Heritage Tourism: Portsmouth, Ohio will host a dedication ceremony tied to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, expanding an Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tour that links verified sites across KY, OH, and WV. Travel & Tech in the Spotlight: A Smithsonian/Kentucky Humanities exhibit on Native American influence on American identity (“Americans”) makes its final Kentucky stop at the Highlands DO!zeum in Highland Heights, with a July 3 viewing window. Local Jobs: Meade County is hiring full-time E-911 telecommunicators, with applications due July 10. Tourism Funding: Gov. Beshear and Rep. Hal Rogers announced $6.6 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization funds for water and wastewater upgrades in Knott and Wolfe counties. Independence Day Travel: Kentucky cities are gearing up for July 4th events as travel demand rises for the 250th anniversary.

Tourism Economy Watch: Logan County visitor spending hit about $19.91 million in 2025, up 0.6%, with food and beverage the biggest draw ($5.85M) and lodging at $3.81M—part of the Caves Region’s steady growth. Summer Weather & Safety: Forecasters warn a “heat dome” could push Kentucky toward triple digits around midweek, with humidity making it feel even hotter. Severe Weather Alert: The tornado threat was upgraded for Friday across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri, with the highest risk corridor running from St. Louis toward Evansville and Louisville. Music & Community Tourism: Owensboro earned national buzz as Garden & Gun named it among the South’s best live-music destinations, spotlighting Friday After 5 and other local venues. Arts on the Road: The Louisville Orchestra brought free “In Harmony” performances to Glasgow, making orchestral music accessible without a traditional concert trip. Local Travel Planning: Northern Kentucky Regional Trails Plan aims to connect hikers and bikers across Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties. Visitor Tips: Barkley Regional Airport is warning travelers about online relationship scams targeting people for “ticket” and “travel expense” money. New Distillery for Visitors: Country Boy Brewing plans Country Boy Distilling in Sadieville, with tours and a tasting room planned for this fall.

Aerospace Jobs in Lexington: Gov. Andy Beshear says Space Tango will expand at Greyline Station with a $7.4 million investment and 25 new high-wage jobs, adding mission operations and lab space. Site Development Funding: More than $6.1 million in Kentucky Product Development Initiative approvals will support site and building work in Cumberland, Fayette, Madison, Russell and Scott counties. Refugee Impact Watch: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling could let the Trump administration end deportation protections for Haitians and Syrians, putting hundreds of Louisville-area refugees at risk. Traditional Latin Mass Ends in Western KY: Owensboro Bishop William Medley’s order ends the only weekly Traditional Latin Mass in western Kentucky at Immaculate Conception Parish in Earlington, with the final Mass June 28. Road & Travel Updates: KYTC says Benton Briensburg Road (Dump Road) in Marshall County is reopened after a culvert replacement. Summer Events: Harrodsburg’s Summer Shuffle returns June 27, with fireworks and food-truck fun planned across Mercer County in the days around July 3-4. Buc-ee’s Expansion: The travel-stop giant keeps growing, adding 15 more locations nationwide after opening its first Arizona store near Phoenix.

Whisky & Tourism Buzz: The Global Whisky Challenge named Kentucky’s George T. Stagg (2025 BTAC) as a “Best of Show” winner, a win that keeps Bourbon on the global visitor radar. Wildlife Safety: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says black bear sightings in neighborhoods are normal summer behavior for young males pushed out of eastern ranges—keep distance and remove food sources. Local Tourism Economy: ShelbyKY Tourism reports Shelby County tourism hit $103 million in 2025, topping $100 million for the first time, with out-of-state visitors driving most spending. Road & Travel Planning: Paducah’s U.S. 68 at I-24 Exit 16 is closed through mid-October for interchange work; KYTC says use Exit 11 and follow posted detours. Family-Friendly Events: Bullitt Blast City Fair returns June 27 in Shepherdsville City Park with rides, food trucks, and 250th-themed vendor booths. Health & Safety Watch: Tennessee Valley inspectors found serious food-safety issues—water dripping on ready-to-eat foods, cross-contamination, and mold in an ice machine—reminding travelers to expect stricter checks. Summer Travel Deals: Buc-ee’s confirmed plans for 15 new locations, including major expansion in Louisiana (Ruston and Lafayette).

Rural Trails Boost: Northern Kentucky unveiled the NKY Regional Trails Plan, mapping a 934-mile braided network across Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties—linking parks, neighborhoods, schools, and business districts to grow walking, biking, hiking, and tourism. Bear Safety: Kentucky wildlife officials say more black bear sightings in neighborhoods are normal summer behavior for young males pushed out of eastern Kentucky—keep distance, remove food sources, and let bears move on. Tourism & Culture: Churchill Downs and the Oliver Lewis Foundation unveiled a statue honoring Oliver Lewis, the first Kentucky Derby winner—adding a new stop for Derby history fans. Local Travel Planning: KYTC warns of traffic changes Thursday on U.S. 23 at KY 750 in Raceland due to concrete work, with detours via KY 207, KY 693, and Caroline Road. Family Travel Story: Norton Children’s Hospital in Bowling Green held a farewell party for a baby from Togo who received life-changing heart surgery after traveling 5,700 miles for care. Roadside Convenience: Buc-ee’s is moving closer to Kentucky travelers with plans for its first Indiana travel center near I-65 in Greenwood. Statewide Updates: Kentucky State Police opened applications for Cadet Class 108 with starting pay raised to $71,000 and a revamped 22-week training plan.