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Guthrie talks shutdown with Fort Knox-area organizations and businesses during roundtable

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Kentucky Second District Congressman Brett Guthrie hosted a roundtable at the Colvin Community Center in Radcliff Wednesday in order to hear from community groups and leaders on the impact of the ongoing government shutdown.

An emphasis was placed on the impact of the shutdown in and around Fort Knox. Many of those in attendance discussed how much longer their organizations will be able to fund the services they offer if funding is not restored. Many also expressed concerns with the impact the upcoming loss of different services will have.

“As we go further down the line here, when we are discussing cuts, the upcoming cuts to SNAP benefits and others, it has a tremendous impact not only on folks in this community and the communities that surround Fort Knox, but even some of those folks that are employed at Fort Knox,” said Kentucky Tenth District State Senator Matt Deneen.

Guthrie said having been in the majority and in the minority during previous shutdowns he recognized the position the current minority finds themselves in, and he agrees that conversations on healthcare benefits need to take place, but he disagrees with the current tactics being used.

“I know the Senate separated out paying the military, paying TSA, paying air traffic controllers, so that they would be taken off the table if they wouldn’t, but you heard Katherine Clark, the Democratic Whip, say ‘If we did that, we’d lose leverage.’,” Guthrie said. “So if they fund SNAP, they’d lose leverage on all the other things they wanted to do. We’re saying that’s a bad way to go.”

Kentuckians dependent on SNAP benefits should check the Department for Community Based Services website for updates.

Reduce the risk of fires if burning candles this fall

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As we roll further into fall, if candles are part of your home decor, make sure you are taking steps to reduce fire hazards.

“Preferably, use a candle warmer where it’ll melt the wax enough to release the smell, but you don’t have an open flame,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane. “Same way if we’re talking about Halloween decorations, you’re doing your jack-o’-lanterns. Use LED lighting. It’s much better, lasts a little longer, things like that.”

If you do end up using a candle with an open flame, make sure it is in a safe area away from potential hazards such as drapes. Keep it on a flat, stable surface in order to reduce the tip-over risk.

“If you do choose to light a candle, make sure you leave about a half inch of wax at the bottom because that helps absorb the heat, especially if it’s a jar candle, and then make sure you’re keeping that wick trimmed about a quarter inch,” Crane said. “That helps it burn a little better, so if you do choose to use a candle with an open flame, make sure you’re taking care of it.”

Running the candle all the way down in a glass jar runs the potential risk of the jar cracking or shattering due to thermal stress, which can create a fire risk.

Hardin County to house full-time ambulance unit in White Mills

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Hardin County will launch a ninth full-time ambulance unit, and it will be housed at the West Fardin Fire and Rescue station in White Mills.

According to a release from Hardin County Government, the announcement comes “after months of careful planning and listening to voices from every corner of our county.” The Hardin County Fiscal Court approved a lease agreement between the fire company and the county Tuesday night, with the county paying $250 a month primarily to cover utility expenses.

Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul said in the release: “We considered a 40-hour ambulance at the new White Mills station. After listening to many concerns from people in the western, northern, and southern parts of this large county, I’m excited to partner with our newly merged West Hardin VFD. This amazing cooperative effort will now house the long overdue support and lifesaving care of emergency medical personnel to staff a 9th ambulance.  The other four station ambulances will keep their current staffing.”

West Hardin Fire and Rescue raised about $25,000 to cover renovations for the station to be able to host the ambulance and crew. The county says the cost to taxpayers will be about $300,000 in payroll through the end of the current fiscal year. One of the county’s four reserve ambulances will be put into full-time service.

The county’s goal is to have the unit fully operational by mid-November. Follow the Hardin County Government Facebook page for updates.

Area residents voice support for ambulance in White Mills

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More than 100 people were in attendance for the Hardin County Fiscal Court’s Town Hall Forum Monday evening, where the topic of conversation was the possible placement of a Hardin County EMS ambulance unit at the West Hardin Fire and Rescue Station 2 facility in White Mills.

The opinion of those who spoke during the event was largely the same: they believe the county needs to find the money to staff a full-time ambulance unit in White Mills without having to take a unit away from another municipality.

“I understand finances are what they are, and there’s only so much money to go around,” said Cecilia resident Dr. Steven Preston. “I won’t pretend otherwise, but if this committee does not let this happen, you are literally condemning certain people to death. I can’t understand what could be more important in terms of allocating funds than this.”

Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul said it would cost the county about $425,000 to bring a ninth full-time unit online, with most of the cost related to staffing. While Taul said other options have been explored such as moving one of the other full-time units or staffing White Mills with a part-time unit, he believes a new full-time unit is the best option.

“There have been 575 runs so far this year in the proposed White Mills redistricted area,” Taul said. “Note that these runs are longer, to reach the hospital and return to the station. Shifting the zone coverage will expand services with a full-time unit in White Mills who will cut response times in half and reallocate equipment and staff to be utilized in a more efficient manner.”

A lease agreement between the county and West Hardin Fire and Rescue will be considered at Tuesday’s fiscal court meeting. Taul said if approved, he plans to announce future EMS plans by Wednesday.