City of Burkesville

08/28/2026

I remember sitting in Mr. Bill Garmon’s high school history class during a discussion about the Great Depression. Someone asked just how badly it had affected Cumberland County. His response was something I have never forgotten:

“The people here were use to tough times, and they had already figured out how to get by — good or bad.”

I don’t think I ever fully understood or appreciated what he meant until I became Mayor and had the opportunity to see firsthand how we’ve always figured out how to get by — by helping one another.

The hard work, dedication, and unity of the men and women across this county do not go unnoticed. 2026 has tested all of us in more ways than we could have imagined. But through every challenge, I have seen the same thing Mr. Bill was talking about all those years ago: when times get tough, there are always hands reaching out to help one another.

That is Cumberland County. We work. We endure. We help our neighbors. And somehow, good times or bad, we figure out how to get by.

🌧️ FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE

It has now been two months since the historic flooding that caused significant damage throughout Burkesville and Cumberland County. I know everyone is ready to see permanent repairs — and so am I.

🚧 Emergency work is complete, and we are moving into permanent repairs.

The City has prepared bid packages for several of the significantly damaged locations, including roads, drainage systems, shoulders and banks. Contractors will evaluate the work needed to restore these areas to their pre-storm condition and function.

We are still working on other areas damaged by the flooding while continuing to provide our other essential services to the city.

🏛️ FEMA UPDATE

Governor Andy Beshear requested a federal Major Disaster Declaration on July 23. The request includes assistance for individuals as well as Public Assistance to help communities repair disaster-damaged public infrastructure.

Kentucky’s congressional delegation has also urged the President to approve the request. As of August 27, the federal declaration remains pending.

I will continue advocating alongside others across our community, region and Commonwealth for Burkesville, Cumberland County and all of the areas affected.

🏡 MOVING FORWARD 🩷

Our community experienced extraordinary damage in a matter of hours. I will continue making sure Burkesville’s needs are not forgotten.

I appreciate everyone's patience as we work through a process that is often slower and more complicated than any of us would like.

My responsibility is to keep pushing forward, do the work correctly, protect our citizens, and make sure Burkesville receives every dollar of assistance for which we are eligible.

I will continue doing exactly that.

— Laurel

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

Burkesville approved for $576,240 state Matching GRANT
The City of Burkesville has received conditional approval for $576,240 in state funding to support a proposed replacement of the city’s raw water intake control station and installation of a generator.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development notified city officials Aug. 3 that it had approved Burkesville’s July 1 application to the Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation, or GRANT, Program.
The state money is intended to support the city’s application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program for the Burkesville Raw Water Intake Control Station Replacement and Generator Project. The city is seeking $588,000 for the project through the federal program.
The Cabinet’s approval is contingent on Burkesville receiving approval of its federal grant application. Once the federal award is approved and documentation is provided to the state, the Cabinet will proceed with a formal grant agreement.
If the federal application is denied, the state GRANT approval will automatically terminate and no state funds will be disbursed. The Cabinet also said the state contribution could be reduced if the eventual federal award is less than the amount listed in Burkesville’s application.
The approval letter was signed by Peyton McElmurray, program specialist with the Kentucky Department for Financial Services.
Mayor Laurel Irby indicated she was excited by the news and all that remained was the decision on the main grant for the project to move forward.

07/09/2026

🚛 Flood Debris Pickup Information 🚛

The City of Burkesville is coordinating flood debris pickup for residents within the city limits.

If you will have flood debris for pickup, please call Burkesville City Hall at 270-864-5391 and leave your:

* Name
* Phone Number
* Address

We are creating a list of properties with flood debris to help make the pickup process as efficient as possible. The same debris removal contractor will be serving communities throughout the county, and we want to help streamline their work within the city.

If you are unable to have your debris ready for the initial pickup, there will be another opportunity for collection.

At this time, please separate your flood debris into the four categories shown on the attached FEMA Debris Separation flyer and keep it on your property until a pickup date is announced. If you would like a printed copy, contact City Hall and we will be happy to provide one.

Once a pickup date has been set, residents should move their debris to the public right-of-way for collection. The debris removal contractor cannot enter private property and will only collect debris placed within the public right-of-way.

‼️Please remember‼️

* Only debris resulting from the recent flooding will be eligible for pickup.
* An outside agency will monitor the debris removal process and determine what debris qualifies for collection.
* Do not place debris in the roadway. If you live on a narrow city street, please leave enough room for vehicles to safely pass.

Any debris that does not qualify for pickup, or any debris left after the contractor has completed collection, will be the responsibility of the homeowner to remove.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue working together through the flood recovery process.

07/04/2026

As we celebrate 250 years of America, we pause to thank the men and women who have defended our freedom and those who continue to wear our nation’s uniform. Their sacrifice has preserved the liberties we enjoy and made this great nation possible.

We are also grateful for the city and county crews who faithfully respond to the needs and concerns of their community, as well as the first responders, utility workers, volunteers, churches, businesses, and neighbors who never hesitate to lend a helping hand. Whether serving at home or coming from neighboring communities to assist, your dedication, compassion, and selfless service help make Burkesville and Cumberland County a place we’re proud to call home.

Happy Fourth of July from the City of Burkesville as we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary. God bless our community, and God bless the United States of America.

-Laurel

07/02/2026

Thank you to Tri-County Electric for donating their time, equipment, and hard work to hang our Veteran Banners.

Each banner tells a story of courage, sacrifice, and love of country. It is a small way for us to honor the men and women who served our nation and to remind future generations of the freedoms their service has protected.

As our community continues recovering from the recent flooding, we will postpone our Veteran Banner Dedication Ceremony for a few weeks. When the time is right, we look forward to coming together to honor our veterans and the families who have sacrificed alongside them.

To our veterans, thank you for your service. And to Tri-County Electric, thank you for helping us ensure that service is recognized and never forgotten.

07/01/2026

It has been a long few days since the devastating flooding that began Saturday night into Sunday morning, but I wanted to take a moment to provide a quick update on where we are in the recovery process.

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has stepped up to help our community. From local volunteers and first responders to city employees, county crews, county officials, utility crews, state partners, businesses, and neighbors helping neighbors. We are truly grateful for every helping hand.

We are currently wrapping up damage assessments for homes and businesses. Today, we also began assessing and documenting damage to roads, easements, drainage infrastructure, and debris accumulations along our waterways inside the city. This information will be submitted to Kentucky Emergency Management for consideration of recovery funding.

We know there are areas that need attention as soon as possible, and we share that sense of urgency. As we complete the required assessments and documentation, we will begin prioritizing repairs and addressing the most critical needs. While it may seem like a slow process at times, it is important that we follow all required guidelines to ensure our community has every opportunity to receive available recovery assistance.

Recovery will not happen overnight, but thanks to the many resources available to us and the teamwork we have witnessed throughout this disaster, we have already made tremendous progress. That progress is a direct reflection of the strength, compassion, and resilience of our community.

If you are aware of a damaged drain tile, debris issue, or pavement damage on a city street, please contact City Hall at 270-864-5391. If we have not already assessed and documented the issue, we will have that done as quickly as possible.

Thank you again for your patience, your support, and for continuing to stand together as we move forward in the recovery process.

-Laurel

06/30/2026

‼️For homes and businesses affected by the flooding please fill out this survey. Damage assessment teams will be out through the week and this survey lets them know where they need to go ‼️

06/30/2026

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