Barren River Area Development District

08/18/2026

Welcome back to school! Every month our Allen County Senior Center participants pick a new way to contribute to the community through an outreach activity. This month they chose to collect school supplies to donate to the Allen County Primary Center!

Our participants collected tablets, pencils, pencil pouches, folders, markers, and scissors to help students prepare for the school year 📚✂️

08/17/2026

Our beautiful Butler County Senior Center in the spotlight! We're so thankful for the work that our senior center managers and volunteers put in every day to make these spaces so welcoming to not only our seniors, but to their families and guests as well. Stop by and say hello!

We're always looking for more volunteers to join us at the centers. Find an opportunity near you by visiting us at https://www.bradd.org/senior-centers/

08/14/2026

Applications remain open through September 14 for eligible grocers! 🍅🍖🌽

We've heard a lot of names in the comments - Aldi, Meijer, Ruler, Kroger, IGA, Save-A-Lot, the list goes on. We love hearing the possibilities for what the future of Edmonton could look like. Regardless of what store calls Metcalfe County home, they'll depend on community support.

What do you hope to see for the future of Edmonton and Metcalfe County?

Edmonton Offers $1.25 Million Grant to Attract Grocery Store

Staff Report

EDMONTON, Ky. — Edmonton and Metcalfe County are offering up to $1.25 million in public funding to help establish a full-service grocery store within the city.

Applications are now being accepted for the Fresh Market/Grocery Store Grant Program, which will provide financial assistance to one qualifying applicant. The City of Edmonton has committed up to $750,000, while Metcalfe County will provide up to $500,000.

The initiative follows months of efforts to restore local access to groceries after Edmonton was left without a full-service store.

Mayor Doug Smith identified recruiting a grocer as one of the city’s top priorities in June, saying officials were contacting grocery companies and offering incentives to locate in Edmonton.

The city previously explored opportunities with Houchens Food Group. Company representatives attended an Edmonton City Council meeting in November 2025 to hear residents’ concerns and discuss the community’s needs.

City Clerk Dawn Devore later said Houchens had conducted a feasibility study, although she had not reviewed its findings. The company did not respond to an earlier request for comment about whether it remained interested in opening a Metcalfe County location.

The Barren River Area Development District will administer the new grant program through a competitive request-for-proposals process. BRADD will receive applications, review applicants’ eligibility and financial information, coordinate an evaluation committee and submit funding recommendations to the city and county.

Applicants must have experience operating a grocery or retail business, control an eligible site within Edmonton and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover project expenses before requesting reimbursement.

The successful applicant must commit to operating a full-service grocery store with an emphasis on fresh food, providing Edmonton and surrounding Metcalfe County residents with dependable access to essential groceries.

08/13/2026

Your donation dollars at work!

Thanks to donations made by our incredible community, the Hart County Senior Center was able to purchase a six-in-one game table.

Senior Center members are now able to play billiards, ping pong, curling, miniature bowling, and more. Members had an amazing time breaking in the new table today.

Looking for more ways to give back to your local senior center? We always have donation options and volunteer opportunities available at our website, https://www.bradd.org/senior-centers/

08/13/2026

An excellent breakdown of how the grant process works, who is eligible, and what to expect from the scoring process.

The application window remains open through Monday, September 14!

GROCERY STORE GRANT 💸

Edmonton has been without a grocery store for months. Now, the city and Metcalfe County are putting $1.25 million on the table to help bring one back.

Which grocery store would you like to see apply for the grant? ⤵️

08/12/2026

The BRADD Aging Council will convene next Wednesday, August 19 at 10:00 a.m.

We'll go over quite a bit in this meeting, including nominations for new officers, orientation for new members, and some important information as we head into FY 2027.

08/12/2026

Applications are available NOW for eligible grocers to bring their services to Edmonton and Metcalfe County!

Applications are available at the BRADD office, the City of Edmonton, KY city hall, at the Metcalfe County Fiscal Court, or online by request.

ALL eligible grocers are encouraged to apply and will be considered for selection. The application window remains open through the end of the business day on Monday, September 14.

Who do you hope to see bring their store to Edmonton? Let us know in the comments!

Metcalfe County has been classified as a food desert for years, leaving residents to drive up to 45 minutes for groceries. A grant process now underway could bring a full-service store to Edmonton by the end of the year.

08/11/2026

Our Allen County seniors had a blast today with their Drums Alive program!

A huge thank you to Allen County Senior Center manager Pam Simmons on always keeping these programs so engaging, eventful, and welcoming for everybody.

Looking for a way to join in on the fun of our centers? Find a volunteer opportunity near you! There is at least one senior center across all 10 BRADD counties, and we are always looking for new faces to join our crew. Find out more here: https://www.bradd.org/senior-centers/

08/11/2026

A marginal risk for strong storms across our region tonight - stay aware and have a way to receive weather warnings.

A line of strong to severe thunderstorms currently over central Indiana and Ohio will drift towards and over our area over the next few hours, capable of producing damaging winds, frequent lightning, and torrential rainfall. Have multiple ways to receive warnings!

08/11/2026

Social media is everywhere - in fact, you're reading this on social media right now. It can do a lot of good, but there are also many ways that it can harm our communities, especially school-age children.

Cyber Safe Schools and Caverna Independent Schools have organized a free program to help parents and students recognize those dangers and ensure a safe experience online.

Topics include basic technology rules, cyber-bullying, cyber investigations and internet laws, teen dating and online relationships, and much more.

Register ahead of time to secure your seat and a free meal!