KENTUCKY — We’re continuing our multi-week series, bringing you interviews from mayors across our state, as we highlight individual communities here in the Commonwealth. 

On this week's In Focus Kentucky program, we’re updating you on all things Richmond, Kentucky in Madison County.

Robert Bylthe (D) was elected as Mayor of Richmond, KY in 2018. His victory made quite a bit of history, as not only was he Richmond’s first African-American elected official, but Blythe was the first African-American elected mayor, having first won his seat for city commission in 2002 and he held it ever since.

During this segment Mayor Blythe shares updates on Richmond's progress and areas city leadership hope to focus on in the future.

"I've told folks over the past many months that I've actually had fun. And I think it's because of what I wanted out of serving. And it was just that, serving. It's an opportunity to help many people in that opportunity. Those opportunities have certainly presented themselves. So I'm glad to have had the privilege to give my perspective to Richmond's progress. And it's been it's been fun. There have been challenges, yes, but I've been around people who are willing to sit down and work through those challenges," explains Blythe.

In April 2022, Kentucky welcomed its first Buc-ee’s with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to make it official. The Texas-founded-and-sized travel center is known for its huge convenience stores, many gas pumps, and award-winning bathrooms and brisket and is located off of I-75 at Duncannon Lane.

When Richmond’s Mayor Robert Blythe helped open the doors to Kentucky’s first-ever Buc-ee’s as dozens of patrons poured in. 

"Yes, we you know that we are still the northernmost site for Buc-ee's. And let me tell you why that Buc-ee’s site is so important. It isn't just about Buc-ee’s. It's about that whole Exit 83 of I-75. And the potential there that we see, in fact, the Vice President for Real Estate and Buc-ee’s, told us and he laughed when he told us he said, Now, watch what happens around us, because there are many, many businesses that follow us. That's one of the things that we're excited about," adds Blythe.

You can watch the full In Focus segment in the player above.