Garrard County and Lancaster City Offices Announce Closures Amid Winter Weather Conditions

Local government offices across Garrard County and the City of Lancaster have announced closures for Monday, January 26, 2026, due to worsening winter weather and hazardous travel conditions.

In a public announcement issued by Garrard County Judge Executive Chris Elleman, it was confirmed that the Garrard County Courthouse, County Clerk, Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) Office, County Attorney Office, Circuit Clerk, Judicial Center, and the Sheriff’s Office will all be closed. The decision comes in response to inclement weather that has begun to affect the region, with snow actively falling and temperatures continuing to drop.

Essential personnel, including first responders and Road Department staff, will remain on duty. Road crews are currently engaged in scraping and salting county roads in an effort to improve travel conditions, with further updates on road status expected shortly.

Residents have been advised to plan for additional travel time in the morning due to potentially icy and dangerous roads caused by falling temperatures. According to the announcement, all county roads will be treated before morning, though officials caution that conditions may remain hazardous.

In a separate statement, Lancaster Mayor Michael Gaffney announced that Lancaster Utilities and City Hall will also be closed on January 26 due to the same weather-related hazards. However, Lancaster Police and Fire departments will remain operational to respond to emergency situations. For non-emergency water and sewer utility issues, residents are encouraged to contact dispatch at 859-792-3023, where calls will be routed to the appropriate department.

Mayor Gaffney urged residents to stay weather aware, exercise caution while traveling, and to stay warm as conditions deteriorate.

Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and are expected to provide further updates as conditions develop.