FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 21, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, college campus safety, voter information, the Team Kentucky Food Drive, medical cannabis, National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, First Responders Day, Public Works First Responders Day and public safety. The Governor named Kentucky chef Sara Bradley this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear announced continued growth of the state’s surging economy as Silco Fire & Security – a leader in commercial fire protection – recently broke ground on a new facility in Bullitt County, a $6.4 million investment expected to create 20 Kentucky jobs within the next three years, with the potential to grow to 64 jobs in the future.

The Governor also announced that applications are now being accepted for the Kentucky Talent Recruitment Grant Program, which provides state funding to support communities across the commonwealth with workforce relocation, retention and marketing initiatives.

Safety on College Campuses
Today, Gov. Beshear sent a letter to Kentucky colleges and universities calling on them to conduct a rigorous review of their policies and practices related to sexual assault and harassment over the next 90 days. As part of the 90-day review, universities and colleges should, at minimum, review awareness campaigns; ease of access to resources; reporting steps; victim services and due process; bystander prevention; education on retaliation; and resulting appropriate action.

Under statute, the Governor also requested that the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education use its authority to ensure members of university boards are educated in sexual harassment policies and procedures, including best practices related to reporting and conducting investigations.

“Every Kentuckian has the right to feel safe – and that includes college students on campuses throughout the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear.  “Over the past month, much-needed conversations have taken place around disturbing events at university campuses nationwide. These conversations have demonstrated the importance of colleges and universities having stronger policies and protocols in place to combat sexual violence and protect students. By working together, we can create learning environments where everyone feels safe.”

Voter Information
Ahead of the Nov. 3 elections in Kentucky, Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that eligible registered voters without an acceptable form of identification, like a driver’s license, can get a Voter ID card at no cost at Driver Licensing Regional Offices. Voter ID cards are available year-round and can help eligible Kentuckians meet voting identification requirements for upcoming elections if they do not have another accepted form of ID. Driver Licensing Regional Offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The offices will also be open for special hours on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 to 11:30 a.m., to allow more opportunities for Kentuckians to get a Voter ID card.

The Governor also encouraged Kentuckians to take advantage of no-excuse early voting from Thursday, Oct. 29, to Saturday, Oct. 31. To find out where early voting is taking place in your community, visit govote.ky.gov.

In-person voting on election day will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. Visit govote.ky.gov for locations. Voters who requested an absentee ballot are reminded that their ballots must be returned to their county clerk by 6 p.m. local time on Nov. 3. Dropbox locations can be found at govote.ky gov.

Team Kentucky Food Drive
The Governor announced that the second Team Kentucky Food Drive will take place Nov. 1-18. There will be boxes in state office buildings throughout the commonwealth where state employees can donate non-perishable food items. Additionally, the public can drop off donations at 1239 Wilkinson Boulevard in Frankfort on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Nov. 2-18, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Donations will be distributed through Feeding Kentucky and its 900 partner pantries. During last year’s drive, more than 12,000 food items were collected.

“Rising costs caused by the ongoing war and federal tariffs are hurting so many families right now. And at the same time that families need help the most, President Trump is kicking people off SNAP. It’s wrong. We should be fighting hunger, not causing it,” said Gov. Beshear. “So, while many of our federal leaders are failing our people, Team Kentucky is taking action to help those in need. If you can, please consider giving. Every donation makes a difference.”

Medical Cannabis Available Across All Licensing Regions
Gov. Beshear announced that medical cannabis is now available across all 11 of Kentucky’s dispensary licensing regionsfollowing the opening of Sunnyside Dispensary in Floyd County. The dispensary officially opened its doors Monday, Oct. 12, following approval from Team Kentucky’s Office of Medical Cannabis on Friday, Oct. 9, and serves as the first dispensary in the Mountain Region.

National Prescription Drug Takeback Day
The Governor reminded Kentuckians that Saturday, Oct. 24, is National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, a nationwide initiative encouraging Americans to take their old prescription drugs to a location near them to have them properly disposed of. During the last Prescription Drug Takeback Day, Kentucky disposed of 15,575 pounds of prescription drugs. The Governor encouraged Kentuckians to participate this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. Visit dea.gov/takebackday to find a disposal location near you.

“For four straight years, we’ve decreased overdose deaths in Kentucky, and we’ve done this together,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is another chance for every Kentuckian to join us and help reduce overdoses in our commonwealth. Properly disposing of prescription drugs keeps them from falling into the hands of vulnerable Kentuckians, like someone struggling with addiction or a child. Fighting addiction is a team effort, and this Saturday is a way for every Kentuckian to get involved.”

First Responders Day and Public Works First Responders Day
Gov. Beshear recognized Oct. 28 as First Responders Day and Public Works First Responders Day in the commonwealth. The Governor was joined by leaders with the American Public Works Association.

“We’ve had more than our fair share of disasters, but we also have some of the best emergency responders in the nation. They’ve been there time and time again for our people,” said Gov. Beshear. “A group of first responders that doesn’t always get the spotlight is our public works employees. These are the folks clearing roadways for EMS, repairing crucial water and power connections and so much more. They help communities return to normal after an emergency. Let’s remember to thank them for their commitment to Kentucky.”

Award From Center for Digital Government
The Governor announced that Team Kentucky and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) were ranked first place by the Center for Digital Government for exemplary work in Public Safety, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice and Corrections. The award recognizes KSP’s efforts to increase officer and public safety, as well as transparency for the families they serve.

KSP has upgraded its Digital Evidence Management System and Computer-Aided Dispatch system, making it easier to manage evidence and keep it secure, as well as helping law enforcement agencies coordinate more efficiently. Since 2025, KSP has rolled out new technology at all 16 posts, which provides more accurate location information and improves situational awareness during emergencies. The agency is also upgrading its radio systems to expand coverage and increase back-up connections, helping first responders have reliable communication, especially in remote and rural areas.

“Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect our families. That’s why we’re doing everything possible to protect them and to ensure Kentuckians have the transparency they deserve,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thank you to our sworn officers and civilian employees at KSP for your dedication and sacrifice, and congratulations on winning this award.”

Team Kentucky All-Star
The Governor named Kentucky chef Sara Bradley this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star. On Wednesday, Bradley won “Bobby’s Triple Threat” on the Food Network. She also is the first ever Chopped Legend and is a James Beard Award finalist.

“While Sara has grown into a cooking icon, she has never forgotten her roots. She’s the founding member of Cartel BBQ Team, which raises funds for the restoration of historic buildings and other nonprofit organizations across Western Kentucky. And when Sara became the first Chopped Legend, she was awarded $25,000 for herself and for a charity of her choice. She donated to the Maiden Alley Cinema in Paducah,” said Gov. Beshear. “Sara, it’s always so fun rooting for you. You make all of Kentucky proud.”