On Tuesday, the Kenton County Fiscal Court honored Dan Allen, a retired agent of the Kenton County Cooperative Extension, with the Ralph Bailey Award. Allen, originally from West Virginia, completed his education at the College of Agriculture and Forestry at West Virginia University. He and his wife Rosie later moved to Northern Kentucky, where they raised two children on a small farm in Southern Kenton County.
Allen dedicated 30 years to landscape horticulture and business management before becoming the Kenton County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in 2005. For over two decades, he led educational programs, developed community leadership, and promoted agriculture production in the county.
Commissioner Beth Sewell nominated Allen for the recognition, stating, "Dan's accessible, reasonable and solution-oriented approach made collaborating with him on many projects fruitful and productive. His extensive knowledge and passion for agriculture and natural resources was appreciated and will be missed in Kenton County."
The Ralph Bailey Award honors public servants who have shown exceptional leadership, integrity, dedication, and impact in their careers serving Kenton County residents. Ralph Bailey, who passed away in December 2024 at 93, was a significant figure in Kenton County government for over 30 years.
Bailey served first as an assistant county administrator and later as county administrator under Judge/Executive Clyde Middleton. He became Special Projects Manager in 1999, a position he held until his retirement in 2021. His contributions included key projects like the construction of the Kenton County Justice Center and the Kenton County Detention Center.
Bailey was also active in the community, participating with organizations such as the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, Kenton County Boys and Girls Club, and the YMCA Metropolitan Board of Directors.
Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann remarked, "Ralph Bailey's legacy of service and leadership has profoundly shaped Kenton County. Recognizing similar legacies of public service in his name ensures that his commitment to community and public service continues to inspire future generations."
Each member of the Fiscal Court can nominate one Ralph Bailey honoree per year. Recipients must exhibit at least 10 years of non-elected public service leadership to Kenton County residents and must be fully retired.