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ECTC accepting nominations for awards

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Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is now accepting nominations for their Distinguished Alumni and Lifetime Achievement awards.

According to ECTC, the Distinguished Alumni program is now in its 20th year and has celebrated the accomplishments of 162 former students and graduates.

ECTC says nominees for the Distinguished Alumni Awards must have completed a credential from ECTC or have been enrolled as a student at least five years ago. Self-nominations are permitted and nominations that were not selected in 2025 will be considered again. 

Nominations are also being accepted for the Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors the contributions of college faculty, staff, and community partners. Nominees may be former employees of the college, area businesses, or community organizations.

A brief statement documenting the professional achievements, leadership activities, and evidence of exemplary community service of the nominee will be required with each application. Nominations for both awards are due by December 12. Find more information and the nomination form by visiting the ECTC website.

Remember to keep fire safety in mind when decorating for Halloween

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October is the month for spooky season, but it is also Fire Prevention Month, and residents are reminded to make sure the little goblins and ghouls in their life are safe this Halloween.

“A lot of those costumes are made of plastics and things like that, and they have polyester and stuff in them, so just make sure they’re not getting around candles or anything,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane. “Most people nowadays will use some kind of alternate lighting instead of candles, but that is something to consider, and make sure that if their costume is a darker costume try to have something reflective or maybe a flashlight with the kids.”

Crane says Halloween decorating nearly rivals decorating for Christmas, so when decking out your house make sure you are avoiding fire hazards.

“Just like Christmas lights, make sure you’re plugging them into a good outdoor extension cord if you’re using outdoor decorations,” Crane said. “Make sure the wiring is not damaged. Check that plug that you’re plugging in into. Make sure that it’s not loose. All your newer homes have GFCI outlets. Make sure they’re functional, that it’s working, and you preferably have a cover on it to help keep the water and the elements out.”

Make sure anything you are plugging in is graded for the outlet that it is being plugged into.

“Make sure, too, that you’re not blocking any entrances or doorways or anything like that when you’re decorating,” Crane said.

Visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website for more information on Fire Prevention Month.

Parents encouraged to talk to young drivers during National Teen Driver Safety Week

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Kentucky is joining a national effort this week to encourage parents to talk to their young drivers about safe behaviors on the roadways.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is spearheading National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs now through October 25.

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety, over the past three years there were more than 48,000 crashes involving a teenage driver in the commonwealth. The incidents resulted in more than 13,000 injuries and 210 deaths. Data indicates that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., with teens involved in three times as many fatal crashes as other drivers.

The NHTSA says there are six basic rules of the road teens and any driver should remember: avoid distracted driving, wear seat belts, minimize passengers, obey speed limits, drive sober, and don’t drive drowsy.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet had launched several initiatives aimed at better preparing teens for the responsibilities of driving, including the Kentucky Safety Prevention Alignment Network’s Kentucky Checkpoints program and graduated licensing requirements. Visit drive.ky.gov for more information.

Collection week for Operation Christmas Child coming up soon

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Volunteers are gearing up to support Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child, which will be collecting shoebox gifts at nearly 5,000 drop-off locations across the country November 17 through 24.

According to Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes for children in need since 1993. The operation supports children who are suffering from war, poverty, disease, and disaster.

All are welcome to contribute a shoebox, information on which can be found on the “How to Pack a Shoebox” webpage on the organization’s website. Participants can also make a donation on the website to support the effort.

Area drop-off locations that will be active during collection week include Severns Valley Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, Stithton Baptist Church in Radcliff, First Baptist Church in Hodgenville, First Baptist Church in Brandenburg, Hardinsburg Baptist Church, Crosspoint Church in Leitchfield, and Wickland Baptist Church in Bardstown. Search for the location nearest you and find more information at www.samaritanspurse.org.