Kentucky derived its name from the Iroquois word “Ken-tah-ten,” meaning land of tomorrow.” A diverse and beautiful landscape offers lush rolling hills, rugged mountain peaks, glistening waterfalls, and mysterious caves. Located at the gathering place of four of the nation’s largest rivers, (the Tennessee, Ohio, Cumberland and Mississippi Rivers), Kentucky contains more running water than any other contiguous state. Kentucky is also known for its abundance of natural resources such as coal and wood and many towns such as Hazard, Pikeville, Ashland, and Paintsville have become famous due to this. Famed for raising magnificent Thoroughbred Horses and brewing the best American bourbon, Kentucky’s nickname is the Bluegrass State.

If you’re heading to state court in Kentucky, you’ll probably go to Family Court (a division of Circuit Court) or one of 2 trial courts: the Circuit Courts, which handle civil matters that exceed $4,000, capital offenses and felonies, land dispute title problems, etc.; or the District Courts, which handle felony preliminary hearings and civil cases involving $4,000 or less, city and county ordinances,  traffic offenses, probates of will, and voluntary or involuntary commitment.

If you have a personal injury case in Kentucky, your claim will be heard in civil court. Kentucky’s FAQs section gives you information about the Kentucky Court system. If you are confused about the terms you hear while in court, you may find this list of common legal terms handy. Once you’ve gone through a trial, you may have the right to appeal your personal injury case to the state’s Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. The Kentucky Court of Appeals and the Kentucky Supreme Court are both located in Frankfort.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky reported a population of 4,042,769 in the 2000 Census. Frankfort, the state capital, boasts nearly 28,000 residents. Kentucky contains three large metro areas: Lexington, Louisville and the Cincinnati Metro Area, which spreads over from Ohio. These regions make up half of the state population. Kentucky boasts a temperate climate, a low cost of living, and real estate prices and crime rates well below the national average.

Kentucky’s public system of higher learning includes eight top-notch universities such as Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, the Kentucky Virtual University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. In addition, there are nearly twenty independent or private colleges and universities, which include Transylvania University in Lexington and Bellarmine University in Louisville. Agriculture and industrial products fuel the local economy, with well-known companies such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Woodford Reserve (located in Versailles), Ale-8-One (located in Winchester), and Maker’s Mark contributing to Kentucky’s growth.

Kentucky is home to the world’s longest known cave, found in the Mammoth Cave National Park, with more than 335 miles of mapped passages. Nature enthusiasts enjoy exploring Cumberland Falls State Park, where a moonbow appears in the mists of the falls. Other natural attractions include the Red River Gorge Geological Area in the Daniel Boone National Forest and the lovely Land Between the Lakes Region, with a 700-acre Elk and Bison Prairie.

Kentucky Communities We Serve

Ashland, Kentucky

Ashland, Kentucky,  the largest city in Boyd County, lies along the bank of the Ohio River.

Ashland reported a population of 21,981 in the 2000 Census. Located in KY’s Eastern Coal Field Region, the cities of Ashland, Huntington, WV, and Ironton, OH form a thriving Tri-State Metropolitan Area of more than 300,000 residents. Ashland is the second largest city in the tri-state region and serves as an important economic and medical center for the northeastern Kentucky.

Ashland began as a steel mill town, developed by the Kentucky Iron, Coal, and Mfg Company. The city’s early growth was due to neighboring Ohio’s pig iron industry. It shares a rich history with the cities of Hazard, Pikeville, and Paintsville in it’s importance with the production of natural resources. Today, Ashland’s top employers include King’s Daughter Medical Center, (KY’s 4^th largest hospital), Marathon Petroleum, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, and AK Steel.

Ashland Kentuckians celebrate their heritage in the annual Poage Landing Days. The Poages were the first settlers to the area. Held in downtown Ashland, the event includes a Fiddle Festival, Beauty Pageant,Kentucky Fried Cone Fest and arts and crafts displays. Ashland’s lovingly restored Paramount Arts Center is a cultural hub and holds a holiday Festival of Trees each winter. The whole town glows in the Winter Wonderland of Lights, a must-see event in Ashland’s 47-acre Central Park, where more than 800,000 lights make up 50 holiday displays.

Ashland’s Riverfront Boat Ramp is the scene of Summer Motion, a lively event full of races, free concerts, exhibits, and a parade. This alcohol-free event charges no entry fees and draws more than one million visitors per year.

Ashland is only two hours from the city of Lexington which serves as a hub for some of Kentucky’s more historic cities such as Versailles, Richmond, and Winchester.

Ashland supports its residents’ creativity at the Pendleton Art Center. The first Friday and Saturday of each month the Center opens its doors to display paintings, wood carvings, painted gourds and stained glass, all created by local artisans. Ashland’s Jesse Stuart Foundation helps to encourage and promote Kentucky and Appalachian writers. A family-friendly city, Ashland, Kentucky provides a place to live well or visit often.

Hazard, Kentucky

Hazard, Kentucky perches in a valley surrounded by the craggy mountaintops of the Eastern Highlands, and is known as “The Queen City of the Mountains.”

The seat of KY’s Perry County, Hazard reports a population of 4,867 (Census 2006 estimate data). Perry County’s population is just over 29,000. The city of Hazard is home to the county’s government offices and the Perry County Courthouse.

Like Pikeville, Hazard was named after a soldier who settled in the area. The county and city were named for American naval hero Commodore Oliver-Hazard Perry, who fought and won against the British in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

Much like the cities of Ashland and Paintsville, Hazard is rich in natural resources. Hazard and Perry County’s history is tied to the coal and lumber industries. Coal plays such a large part of the town’s history that it hosts an annual celebration known as the Black Gold Festival.

The city is often mistaken for being the basis of the popular television show, “The Dukes of Hazard” which was actually based on a fictional county in Georgia.

Though it is far from larger cities such as Versailles, Lexington, Winchester, and Richmond, it is a city that plays an important role in Kentucky’s rich history.

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky, known as the “Horse Capital of the World”, is KY’s second largest city and is part of the state’s second largest metro area.

Lexington, the county seat, encompasses the entire territory of Fayette County, with a population of 260,512 (Census 2000 data). The surrounding Lexington Metro Area, which also includes the counties of Woodford, Clark, Jessamine, Madison and Scott, holds a population of nearly 425,000.

Lexington nestles in the heart of KY’s famed Bluegrass Region surrounded by Versailles, Richmond, and Winchester. The landscape features graceful plateaus and rolling hills, with white wooden fences surrounding the area’s signature thoroughbred horses, some of the finest racers in the world. The Red Mile and the Kentucky Horse Park  are among the tourist attractions that earn Lexington the name “Horse Capital of the World.” Lexington is also home to the Keeneland Race Course, a National Historic Landmark and prominent racetrack.

Lexington’s tobacco and whiskey industries also play a vital role in the city’s strong economy. Other major employers include Lexmark International, Amazon.com Inc., Starbucks Coffee, and General Electric Company.

Lexington, KY’s  rich and colorful history is carefully preserved at such interesting sites as the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, Ashland: the Henry Clay Estate, the Mary Todd Lincoln House, and Lexington Cemetery.

The cities central location makes it an ideal place to plan day trips to other exciting and historic areas in Kentucky such as Louisville, Hazard, Pikeville, Paintsville or even to Cincinnati, Ohio.

Lexington consistently ranks as an award-winning city, placing third in the “Most Economical Cities to Conduct Business” list and ranking 15th on the “Top 20 Best Places To Live and Work in America.” The Lexington Public Schools earned Blue Ribbon status in 2005 and has a wide variety of top-notch colleges, such as the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University from which to choose.

Lexington, Kentucky is a vibrant, dynamic city boasting a low crime rate and an affordable cost of living.   Easy grace and Southern charm are the hallmarks of Lexington Living!

Paintsville, Kentucky

Paintsville, Kentucky lies just an hour north of the historic cities of Hazard and Pikesville, in the lush Big Sandy Valley region, along the mouth of Paint Creek.

Established in 1834 by William Henry Dixon, the community name references Native American drawings found on local trees.  Census 2000 data shows the Paintsville population to be 4,132.

Loretta Lynn, the “Queen of Country Music,” and her younger sister Crystal Gayle are among Paintsville’s most notable residents.  These songbird sisters were born at Butcher Hollow, a community located within Paintsville.  John Mayo, a local entrepreneur who helped bring the railroad to KY, also called Paintsville home.

Paintsville, the seat of Johnson County, is the center of banking, commerce, education, law, and medicine for a massive multi-county region in eastern KY.  Like the majority of communities in the Big Sandy Valley region, coal remains the economic lifeblood.  Paintsville lies within 50 miles of Ashland, and within 100 miles of Lexington, Versailles, Winchester, and Richmond, affording convenient access to the jobs and other amenities available in these bustling cities.

Paintsville boasts a strong educational atmosphere with award-winning schools at the city and county levels.  Paintsville operates its own independent school district that includes Paintsville Elementary School and Paintsville High School (PHS).  In addition to the school-wide awards, PHS has numerous sports championship titles in their baseball, basketball and golf divisions.  Those seeking higher education have access to Big Sandy Community and Technical College in nearby Prestonsburg.

Paintsville, KY provides a cultural and recreational haven for residents and visitors of all ages.  In 1914, Paintsville hosted the Johnson County Fair, where the crowning of the first Apple King took place.  Paintsville also began hosting the Kentucky Apple Festival in 1962, a tradition that continues to this day.  These exciting festivities take over the streets of downtown Paintsville each October, setting the stage for arts and crafts booths, clogging, costume contests, and live music performances.

Paintsville lies midway between Dewey Lake and Paintsville Lake State Park.  This centralized location provides outdoor enthusiasts with boating, fishing, swimming and hiking.  Other popular Paintsville destinations include Butcher Hollow, a living Civil War history park, the Mayo Mansion, Mountain Homeplace, and an 18-hole golf course.

Paintsville, Kentucky , remains a pastoral community reminiscent of its rugged pioneering days.  Occupying a mere five square miles, this scenic mountain town affords residents the security and serenity of small town life, while big city amenities are within driving distance.

Pikeville, Kentucky

Pikeville, Kentucky officially became a town in 1893.

Although originally called Pike, then Piketon, Pikeville took its name in honor of Zebulon Montgomery Pike, a western explorer and U.S. Army officer. Situated in the heart of Pike County, this scenic community enjoys two separate rankings among ‘The 100 Best Small Town in America’ list put together by Norm Crampton.  Pikeville is located an hour away from the historic cities of Hazard and Paintsville.  Pikeville also lies within 50 miles of Ashland, and within 100 miles of Lexington, Versailles, Winchester, and Richmond.

Located in the mountains of southeastern KY, Pikeville’s population was 6,295 at the time of the 2000 Census. Pikeville was the birthplace to country music stars Patty Loveless and Dwight Yoakam, and is the home of Paul E. Patton, a former Kentucky governor. Sports fans will recognize the names of professional golfers Woody Blackburn and Robert Damron, and Arizona Diamondbacks player Mark A. Reynolds, all of whom are natives of Pikeville.

Pikeville is the seat of Pike County, the largest county in KY.  Home to more than 1,000 businesses, Pikeville remains an industrial and service hub of the Appalachian region. The financial sector also plays an important role in Pikeville, the third largest banking community in KY.  Major employers include the Appalachian News-Express and Pikeville Medical Center.

Pikeville Independent School District and Pikeville College (PC) also provide a significant number of job options.  PC, a four-year liberal arts college, ranks among the nation’s smallest higher learning facilities to have an osteopathic medical program. Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine is one of three KY state medical schools.

Pikeville, also known as “Kentucky’s Mountain Treasure,” enjoys a wealth of opportunities for recreation and cultural exploration. Characterized by flowers, fountains, a gazebo, new playground equipment and wireless Internet service, the City Park is idyllic for playing or relaxing. Visitors also have access to the region’s premier entertainment venue, the Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center. This multipurpose venue encompasses 126,000 square feet, ideal for athletics, car shows, concerts, and rodeos.

Each April, Pikeville hosts one of KY’s largest festivals. Hillbilly Days is a three-day celebration filled with local cuisine, mountain music and a wide variety of exciting events. Following the hillbilly theme, Pikeville hosts the Hatfield & McCoy Festival, which includes a Hatfield and McCoy family reunion and a marathon race.

Pikeville, Kentucky, home of the Pikeville Cut-Thru, enjoys the benefits of innovation and progress while maintaining its small town charm. Breathtaking views and myriad options for career, education, and recreation make Pikeville an outstanding place to call home.

Richmond, Kentucky

Richmond, Kentucky, established in 1798, is the seat and center of commerce for Madison County.

Located in the splendor of Daniel Boone Country, this community is named after Richmond, Virginia, the birthplace of Colonel John Mill. Local lore claims that crystal-clear spring water and friendly Indian tribes led this active Revolutionary War soldier to settle here.

Legendary historical figures, such as Daniel Boone, Christopher “Kit” Carson, and abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay are among Richmond’s many notable former residents. Richmond, KY’s population was 27,152 at the time of the 2000 Census, ranking Richmond as KY’s seventh-largest city. Richmond remains the primary city of the Richmond-Berea Micropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses Madison andRockcastle counties.

Richmond houses Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), which offers customary classes and degrees, as well as public outreach programs and facilities that enrich the community. These include the Daniel Boone monument, EKU Greenhouse, Hummel Planetarium, and Meadowbrook Farm. Other higher learning facilities in the area include Bluegrass Community and Technical College and the University of Kentucky.

The local educational institutions also provide a wealth of jobs for the region. Other major employers in the Richmond area include Blue Grass Army Depot, Enersys, NACCO Materials Handling Group and Tokico. These businesses represent the diverse base of industry that contributes to the area’s economic success.

Richmond takes pride in its charming downtown district, where antique shops and stately old buildings rank among the most well-preserved commercial districts from 19^th century Kentucky. This lovely city enjoys designation as a National Main Street Community, and hosts three Historic Districts and more than 100 listings on the National Historic Register. Popular visitor destinations include Deer Run Stables, Fort Boonesborough State Park, Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial, the Kentucky River, Lake Reba,Richmond Raceway, and White Hall State Historic Site.

Richmond, Kentucky’s easy interstate access, close proximity to Versailles, Winchester, and the Lexington-Fayette area, and a lower cost of living are among the many reasons for the steady growth of this community.  Since Richmond is in the heart of Eastern Kentucky, many visitors will cross it at least once when visiting other historical sites such as Hazard, Pikeville, Ashland, or Paintsville.

Versailles, Kentucky

Versailles, Kentucky, the heart of Woodford County, nestles between the cosmopolitan cities of Frankfort and Lexington.

Versailles,  2.8 square miles of the renowned Daniel Boone Country, took its name from the city in France of the same name. Founded in 1792, Versailles ranks among the oldest cities in KY.

At the time of Census 2000, Versailles was home to 7,511 residents. Many descendants of Versailles’ early settlers still call the area home. Residents of this historic railroad community have access to excellent primary and secondary schools, as well as an impressive selection of higher learning facilities. Midway College, the closest facility, is a private liberal arts facility exclusively for women.  Additional opportunities for post-secondary education located within an hour’s drive include Eastern Kentucky University located in Richmond, Georgetown College, Kentucky State University, Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

Versailles, the seat of Woodford County, is a thriving economic hub. The diverse base of industry in Versailles includes employers in agriculture, manufacturing, horse breeding, horseracing and the distilling of bourbon. The Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby and is the oldest operating bourbon distillery in KY.  Ironically, Woodford County is a dry county, prohibiting the sale of alcohol to the public.  For those who are interested in the history of softer drinks, Winchester, home of Ale-8-One soda, is only a drive down I-75.

Versailles has the distinction of a listing as a Kentucky Main Street Community and is among eight of thenation’s cities recognized as a “Preserve America Community.”  Museums such as The Bluegrass Railroad Museum and the Woodford County Historical Society hold Civil War memorabilia, while the charming downtown district and its surrounding areas display a wealth of historic southern homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Kentucky River and Woodford Lake afford outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming.  Other popular destinations in Versailles include the Bluegrass Railroad Museum, Boyd Orchards, Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary, The Castle, art galleries, horse farms and parks.

Versailles, Kentucky, with its wide-open spaces and rolling white fences, contains reminders of more than 200 years of history and culture.  Known for bourbon, Bluegrass, and graceful Thoroughbred horses, Versailles boasts small town ambiance with all the amenities of the lovely Bluegrass Country region.

Other places of historical interest in Kentucky close to Versailles include: Hazard, Louisville, Paintsville,Pikeville, and Ashland.

Winchester, Kentucky

Winchester, Kentucky flourishes in beautiful Clark County, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Bluegrass Country.

In 1793, a local frontiersman named John Baker donated 66 acres of land, which became Winchester. The community was named in honor of Winchester, Virginia, Baker’s beloved hometown.

By 1812, Winchester grew and prospered, becoming KY’s seventh-largest town. At the time of the 2000 Census, Winchester reported a population of 16,724, while Clark County’s population is approximately 33,000 individuals. Reputed to be one of KY’s most historic and scenic towns, Winchester has been home to such notable people as Daniel Boone and Helen Thomas, a legendary White House press correspondent.

Winchester lies within a lush agricultural region of nearly 1,000 commercial and family farms.  With more than six million pounds produced each year, burley tobacco remains the primary cash crop of Clark County. Commercial vegetable crops, cattle and Kentucky racehorse-related businesses also play a significant role in the economy.  Winchester is the seat and commercial center of Clark County.

Winchester boasts one of the nation’s few remaining Victorian Main Street Districts and abounds with historical sites and buildings. These include the Bluegrass Heritage Museum, the Governor Clark House, the Indian Old Fields, Oakwood Estate and Pilot Knob. Visitors to this vibrant community frequent the performances at Leeds Theater, Fort Boonesborough and also enjoy the Lower Howard’s Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve and the rugged Daniel Boone National Forest.

Winchester is also home to Ale-8-One, a soft drink made only in KY. The soda is sense of deep pride in Eastern Kentucky and is enjoyed as far north as Ashland,  as far south as Hazard, and even close to the West Virginia border in places such as Paintsville and Pikeville.   Of course it, when it comes to beverages, Kentucky is more well known for its Bourbon.  Woodford Reserve, the official drink of the Kentucky Derby is made right up the road in Versailles.

Winchester holds a central position in Clark County and lies within close proximity of several annual festivals and shows. The Bluegrass Heritage & Burgoo Festival and Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival honor the rich heritage of the area, while the Clark County Fair & Horse Show, among others, upholds the equestrian traditions. Winchester also offers several unique historic themed tours, including the Civil War Driving Tour and a tour of the Appalachian Quilt Trail.

Located between the cities of Lexington and Richmond, Winchester, Kentucky offers a strong cultural atmosphere, honoring the past while moving into the future. With a blend of spectacular scenery, rich traditions and friendly people, Winchester reigns as the gem of Clark County.

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