Whitley County Judge Executive Pat White, Jr. served as the special guest speaker at the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s February membership luncheon on Feb. 10.
Rick Fleenor of Right Side Consulting sponsored the event hosted at the Corbin Center.
Fleenor introduced White, highlighting his 19 years as Judge Executive, his record of receiving the best audits in Whitley County history, leadership as chairman of the Whitley County Project Development Board, and creation of the Kayaking for Kids fundraising event, among other accomplishments.
“There has been a lot going on in Whitley County,” White said. “The start of 2026 has been very rough, as many of you know.”
He was referring to the winter storm that led to several non-traditional instructional (NTI) days for the district’s schools.
“Probably the worst winter storm weather that we’ve had in the last several years, maybe the last 10 years,” said White.
White said he spent several nights driving a snowplow during the storm, and working to help improve road conditions and restock salt supplies. He coordinated with bus garages and school districts to ensure transportation needs were met, using 300 tons of salt in the process.
“Since the response, we’ve had, as the grounds thaw out, we’ve had waterline breaks all over the county,” said White.
White said their equipment they have has really helped them, and they’ve received many compliments on their efforts across the county.
White outlined a couple of projects for the county.
The largest project is a $10 million expansion of the Whitley County Detention Center, which will add 100 beds, isolation cells, offices, and a multi-use recreation area.
He also addressed the recent downtown Williamsburg fire that occurred on Jan. 20. The fire destroyed multiple buildings and homes. He commended the 13 fire departments that responded to the fire.
Cold temperatures and the water spray caused ice to begin forming under their feet, causing them to fall while responding to the scene. City workers brought out salt for streets and sidewalks to prevent slipping.
“Just a really horrendous situation to be responding to,” said White. “Many of those people are volunteers. We don’t think about that. These people are risking their lives trying to protect their town.”
White thanked the community for donations the fire department received, such as McDonald’s which brought coffee, biscuits, and burgers, the University of the Cumberlands donated water and a meal, Dominos and Little Caesars donated pizza, among several other businesses and community members.
“It was really heartwarming to see all of that,” said White.
White noted that the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been doing a large-scale investigation.
White spoke about First-District Constable Lonnie Foley, the county’s longest-serving elected official of 40 years, who passed away on Jan. 24. He explained he would appoint someone to serve the remainder of Foley’s term.
“Just a great man and a great family,” said White. “He will be sorely missed.”
One concern that White noted was the increasing cost of operating county jails.
“Over the years, the costs of operating at the detention center just continue to explode,” said White. “The estimate statewide is that the cost on counties has went up 76 percent since Covid.”
White noted that pre-covid, they were spending $1.7 million, but the county is now spending $3 million.
He said this affects everyone because those funds could be going elsewhere.
He referenced House Bill 557, introduced by Representative Michael Meredith, as a potential step towards relief.
On a brighter note, White noted improvements at the Whitley County Fairgrounds, including a returning horse show circuit, calling it a “huge success.”
Entry to the event costs $5, and because it’s under the new pavilion, it will happen rain or shine. White noted this will start the first Saturday of the month from April to November.
A rodeo is scheduled for the pavilion in June, and the Whitley County Fair will take place July 22-25.
“We’re working on some new things to add to the fair this year,” said White. “We always try to shake it up.”
There have been facility upgrades, such as improvements to the parking lot, to increase safety and accessibility following problems in previous years.
There are several road projects planned through a flex fund grant, and White noted he was appreciative of Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers and 82nd District Representative Nick Wilson.
White closed on a hopeful note, saying the $20 million county debt is scheduled to be paid off over the next five years.
“In five years, we’re going to turn the corner as a county,” said White. “We’re going to be changing things, changing the structure, and changing the future, hopefully for our kids in our county as we’re moving into a new chapter.”
Right Side Consulting provides workshops, seminars, keynote speeches, and coaching to foster personal and professional growth, and holds certification from the John Maxwell Leadership program.
Fleenor with Right Side Consulting delivered a motivational speech urging attendees to focus on their ‘why,’ using a rubber band as a metaphor. The rubber band symbolizes the importance of stretching beyond one’s comfort zone to achieve growth.
“Tension is required for growth,” said Fleenor. “Similar to a rubber band, you become more useful and more effective the more you stretch.”
Fleenor cited a John Maxwell quote: “If you want to be where you’ve never been, you have to do what you’ve never done.”
