Frankfort, Ky. – The annual Beautify the Bluegrass Governor’s Award was awarded to the Highway 11 welcome sign project in Lee County for its significant impact on community beautification. The announcement was made Tuesday morning at the State Capitol, recognizing homegrown projects that enhance local neighborhoods.
Governor Andy Beshear emphasized the importance of community initiative, stating, “When we talk about Team Kentucky, this is exactly what we mean. Folks who see a need in their communities and they don’t just talk about it; they get to work doing something about it.” Thousands of Kentucky Living readers cast their votes online, ultimately selecting the welcome sign project as this year’s winner.
This contest, a collaboration between Kentucky Living magazine and Kentucky Electric Cooperatives, showcases five finalists who demonstrated creative approaches to enhance their surroundings. Other contenders included a $6 million streetscape project in downtown Danville, landscaping for the Habitat for Humanity Training Center in Daviess County, a transformation of a vacant lot into a meadow in Campbell County, and a Friends of Red River trash cleanup in Wolfe County.
The Highway 11 welcome sign project was led by Jackson Energy, which involved extensive community participation. Project coordinator Lisa Baker detailed the efforts: “We painted, we pressure washed, we mulched, we added new flags, and I think the project really turned out well.” The initiative took just one day, supported by local residents and the City of Beattyville.
Baker noted the humbling experience of working within the community, stating, “It actually gives us a chance to go into our communities where we live and work as well.” She, along with Joe Arnold from Kentucky Electric Cooperatives, expressed a desire for the award to inspire others. Arnold added, “The hope with this ceremony today is that other people will see this and say, ‘I can do that too.’”
Looking ahead, nominations for next year’s award will be accepted in the spring, urging residents to come forward with their community projects. The Beautify the Bluegrass initiative not only recognizes achievements but also fosters a spirit of engagement and improvement across Kentucky.
