Beech Tree News Network

Kenton County, Kentucky was founded in 1840 and named for Simon Kenton, a frontiersman notable in the history of the state.  The county seats are Covington and Independence.  The largest city is Covington.  Estimated 2015 census was 165,012.  It’s the third most populous city in Kentucky behind Jefferson and Fayette County. 
Knott County, Kentucky was founded in 1884.  Last census count in 2015 was 15,693.  Knott County has historically voted very strongly for the Democratic Party. In 1992, 75% of Knott County residents voted for Democrat Bill Clinton for US President, the highest percentage for Clinton of any county in the state. However, in recent years, Knott County has voted more favorably for the Republican Party. In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain became the first Republican to win Knott County in a presidential election by winning 55% of the vote to Barack Obama’s  44%.[12] When Governor Ernie Fletcher  appointed Republican Randy Thompson as County Judge Executive in 2005, it was the first time the county ever had a Republican Judge Executive. Thompson won re-election in 2006 and again in 2010, making him the first Republican to win election in a Knott County office. Congressman Hal Rogers has also won Knott County's vote in recent years. Thompson was removed from office in 2013 after being convicted of misusing public funds. 
Knox County was formed on December 19, 1799 from portions of Lincoln County.  It was named for Henry Knox, a general and the first United States Secretary of War.  The Civil War of Barbourville was fought on September 9, 1861, between 800 Confederate soldiers from General Felix Zollicoffer’s command and 300 Union troops who attempted to defend the Union Camp’s Dick Robinson.  The Union men tore up the planks on the bridge in an attempt to keep the Confederates from crossing, but the more numerous Confederates succeeded anyway.  They destroyed the camp and seized the arms and equipment it contained.  Estimated census count as of 2015 was 31,730. 
LaRue County was founded in 1843 and named for John LaRue, landowner, surveyor and pioneer of Hodgenville, KY.  The county seat and largest city is Hodgenville.  Estimated population as of 2015 was 14,241.  The county sponsors the annual Lincoln Days, which takes place on the first full weekend of each October.  Highlights include the Lincoln look-alike contests, rail-spitting competitions, a parade at noon on Saturday, shopping booths and concerts by local talent.