MADISON NANTZ Contributing Writer

After years of planning, Barbourville is beginning to see movement on projects that have been in the works for more than a decade.

From long-delayed infrastructure improvements nearing fruition to plans

for new low-income housing units, Mayor David Thompson says steady coordination is starting to pay off.

That emphasis on preparation and collaboration was on display during the recent weather event, winter storm Fern, when city and county leaders met 5 days

in advance to develop a coordinated response plan. A second meeting followed 2 days before the storm to finalize responsibilities.

By the time icy roads set in, traffic was minimal and serious incidents were limited.

“ We got it out there ahead of time and the public

actually listened,” Thompson said.“ When everybody works together, things run a lot smoother.”

That spirit of coordination extends beyond city limits. According to Thompson, when the May 16, 2025, tornado struck London, Barbourville sent nearly its entire police department