Henderson County Schools’ Mortis honored with the OV Jones Memorial Award
Megan Mortis, Henderson County Schools’ director of public information, recently received the 2025 Kentucky School Public Relations Association OV Jones Memorial Award, said an HCS release.
This honor, named after the late Superintendent OV Jones of Grant County Schools, the first superintendent to join KYSPRA, is given annually to a KYSPRA member for outstanding service to both KYSPRA and the field of school public relations.
Since joining Henderson County Schools in 2016, Mortis has been a driving force in strengthening the district’s relationship with the community, said the release.
She is a graduate of Henderson County High School, attended Henderson Community College, and earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Public Administration degrees from the University of Southern Indiana.
Beyond her role with HCS, Mortis’ commitment to the community is evident in the many organizations and boards she actively serves on, demonstrating her passion for making a positive impact in Henderson County, said the release.
Mortis was nominated for this award by Henderson County Schools Superintendent Bob Lawson.
“Her professional career with HCS is stamped with a high level of professionalism focused on student and staff success,” Lawson said. “She ranks at the top in her professional skills, leadership ability, and belief that all children can achieve. Megan exemplifies what it means to be an active, engaged leader dedicated to serving her community at every level.”
Mortis currently serves as a regional representative for KYSPRA.
For more information about KYSPRA, visit kyspra.org
City junior ambassadors visit Frankfort, applications are open for next year’s class
The City Junior Ambassadors recently visited Frankfort and connected with state leaders, toured the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History and met Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, said the city of Henderson.
They also received a tour of the Kentucky State Capitol from state Rep. J.T. Payne and met with state Sen. Robby Mills. During their visit, they attended a legislative session and got a firsthand look at the ongoing discussions shaping Kentucky’s future.
The annual trip is one of the highlights each year for City Ambassadors, said the city.
Also this week the city announced that applications for the 2025-2026 City Junior Ambassador Program will be accepted until April 1. Interested students who will be a senior in high school during the 2025-2026 school year are encouraged to apply through the online application at bit.ly/2025CityJuniorAmbassador.
“The City Junior Ambassador Program is an incredible opportunity for our students to connect with their local government, make a difference in their community, and gain real-world experience that will help them as future leaders,” said City Public Relations Director, Holli Blanford. “We are proud to continue this partnership with Henderson County Schools and look forward to another successful year of engaging and educating our youth.”
The City Junior Ambassadors meet on the first Friday of each month from August to May.
For more information about the program, please contact City Public Relations Director Holli Blanford at hablanford@hendersonky.gov or (270) 831-1200.
CSX plans to block U.S. 41 in Henderson County on Monday
CSX plans to block U.S. 41 near the Henderson-Webster County line on Monday to make repairs to a railroad crossing for the Century Aluminum spur line, said a state Transportation Cabinet release.
The road is expected to be blocked from around 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 17, said the release.
The KYTC said there will be a marked detour in place. Northbound traffic will be routed east on KY 56 to I-69, while southbound traffic will be routed east on KY 416 to the interstate.
CSX will temporarily close four city railroad crossings this week for repaving
Beginning the week of March 17, CSX has announced the temporary closure of four Henderson railroad crossings, according to information from the city of Henderson.
The railroad crossings include:
- Madison Street
- Clay Street
- Powell Street
- Washington Street
Each closure will last approximately 24-48 hours as crews work to repave the crossing surfaces, said the release.
