Feature Story

With the Kentucky River coursing through our county, Estill County farm families and citizens know well the adversities of periodic flooding and associated damage. Nebraska grain farmers and livestock producers experienced a major flood in March 2019 that left the agriculture community with over a billion dollars of damages. Local Kentucky farmers and friends rose to the occasion to send aid through the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, local county Cattlemen Associations, and other agriculture agencies. Estill County contributed to the relief effort which was coordinated by the Estill County Cattlemen’s Association, Estill County Cooperative Extension, and Estill County FFA Chapter. The Estill County Fair Association livestock pavilion was the collection point April 23rd. A local Estill County Cattlemen’s Association member volunteered to haul the donations to Frankfort in his covered cattle trailer. After all donations were collected, Estill County farmers and friends donated 20 rolls of barbwire, 200 steel t-posts, feed, tarps, cleaning supplies, baby diapers, mops, buckets, non-perishable food, water, and various other relief items. We estimate collected donations exceeded $3,500 in value. Our community showed kindness and generosity toward Nebraska farm families. Citizens Voice & Times reports a circulation of 3,257 issues weekly.