The Green River Area Development District presented four awards at its recent annual meeting, including naming the City of Morganfield as the Community of the Year.
Established in 2008, the GRADD Community of the Year Award honors a city or county who has initiated significant efforts to improve the quality of life for their residents.
Morganfield was recognized for its work to develop a new park downtown on a former vacant car lot. The park, now named Homestead Park, honors Morganfield’s unique history with a mural painted by local artists. Plans to construct a splash pad, ADA-accessible restrooms and a parking lot using grant funding are also underway. In addition to the park project, the city has recently completed a multiyear project to renovate the sewers at the Earle C. Clements Job Corps at a cost of $6 million. The city also just completed another sewer project, spending $179,000 on a sludge diversion project.
In addition to the Community of the Year Award, GRADD recognized three individuals for outstanding commitments to the GRADD region.
Kim Humphrey, River View Coal’s Director of Community and Employee Programs, received the Charles Reid Regional Citizenship Award for her decades-long service to volunteer organizations and boards in the GRADD region. The award is presented annually to a citizen from the public or private sector who has played a major role in regional development efforts.
Mike Baker, of Hancock County, received the Texal Brooks Regional Leadership Award, which honors a current or former GRADD Board or committee member who has demonstrated outstanding regional leadership. Baker received the award for his outstanding commitment to workforce development efforts throughout the GRADD region.
Kentucky State Senator Steven Meredith was awarded the Wendell Ford Legislative Leadership Award, which is presented to a local, state or national elected official who has dedicated his/her life to working with legislative issues and services for our region’s citizens. Senator Meredith was instrumental in securing funding for aging and Medicaid Waiver programs during the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly Legislative Session. Senator Meredith was unable to attend the Annual Meeting and will formally receive the award at the GRADD October Board of Directors Meeting.
“What distinguishes the GRADD region is its leadership,” said GRADD Executive Director Joanna Shake. “This year’s award recipients exemplify heart and humility in service along with passion and purpose. It’s a privilege and an honor to have such commendable leaders within our district.”