County Line • Winter 2026 • News and notes

Hector Alcala has been appointed as a member of the Advisory Council for Recovery Ready Communities, representing the Kentucky Association of Counties. Alcala is the judge/executive of Menifee County.

Christy Barnes has been appointed sheriff in Harrison County. She replaces Shain Stephens, who retired.

John Buchanon has been appointed Third District Magistrate in Allen County. He replaces Tony Wolfe, who passed away.

Jamie Bewley Byrd has been appointed as a member of the Kentucky Transportation Center Advisory Board, representing the Kentucky Association of Counties. Byrd is the judge/executive of Barren County.

Kelli Fugate has been appointed jailer in Butler County. Fugate has served the Butler County jail for more than 26 years. She takes over for Wayne Russ, who passed away.

Laura Gambrell has been appointed county clerk in Owen County. She replaces Laurel Stivers, who retired.

Jude Hehman has been appointed sheriff in Kenton County. Hehman is chairman of the Kenton County Emergency Dispatch Board. He replaces Charles “Chuck” Korzenborn, who retired.

Tonya Kessinger has been appointed county clerk in Grayson County. She replaces Charlotte Willis, who retired.

Todd Mansfield has been appointed as a member of the Court Facilities Standards Committee, representing county judge/executives. Mansfield is the judge/ executive of Todd County.

Don McFarland has been appointed to serve as judge/executive in Magoffin County. McFarland replaces Matt Wireman, who retired. McFarland has previously served two terms as county attorney.

Mark McKenzie has been appointed as a member of the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority, representing the Kentucky Association of Counties. McKenzie is the judge/executive of Johnson County.

Grace Stewart has been appointed commonwealth’s attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit, serving Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton and Hickman counties. She replaces Michael “Bo” Stacy II, who resigned.