Every year, officials within the Pennyrile Area Development District have to make a tough decision — as to who should receive the prestigious John C. Mahre Regionalism Award.
The honor, once named the W.W. Bill Bryan Award, is always bestowed to an individual or group whose regional cooperation and various leadership decisions profoundly impacted the PADD region.
During Monday night’s 53rd Annual Dinner at The Bruce, Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman — already in town to present $300,000 in grant funding for Christian County’s parks — bestowed another coveted prize.
This time, though, it was for the five long-term recovery programs activated following those December 10, December 11 and January 1 tornadoes in Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins, Lyon and Muhlenberg counties — for their tireless, and sometimes thankless, efforts amid devastation in their respective communities.
Coleman noted the Pennyrile region made history this past year, and in very horrific ways.
She also recounted the history and spirit of the award, which began in 1981, and two years ago was renamed following a unanimous vote from the PADD Executive Board.
A recent winner of the award following his long-term service to Christian County and the PADD region, Coleman said Mahre truly represented the award’s meaning.
PADD Board Chair and Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom, emcee for Monday’s capstone celebration, offered his thanks to the organizations.
The long-term recovery organizations weren’t the only winners, either.
Legislators across the Commonwealth pushed for additional funding in ADDs budgets, and received such in Gov. Andy Beshear’s biennium budget.
Clifty native and 16th District Representative Jason Petrie garnered the inaugural Legislative Champion Award, for his efforts and advocacy in the House as chair of the appropriations and revenue committee.
He’s one of five across Kentucky to earn the honor this year, and stated he had no idea it was coming.
Amy Frogue, associate director for community and economic development, was honored for 20 years with the organization. Sheila Clark, director of the West Kentucky Workforce Board, was honored following 40 years with the organization.
