WQXE News
Kentucky counties impacted by June flooding have been approved for Federal Public Assistance.
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear on Wednesday said the White House approved the state’s request for Public Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for at least 20 counties affected by widespread flooding between June 17 and 30.
According to a release from the Governor’s Office, included in the approval are Bullitt, Grayson, Hardin, and Meade counties. The severe weather that led to the flooding saw some areas receive more than 8 inches of rainfall during a short period of time, and the flooding resulted in six deaths.
Public Assistance will reimburse eligible costs related to recovery for state and local governments along with some nonprofit organizations. Beshear also requested Individual Assistance be approved, which would provide aid for individuals and households.
Kentucky residents looking to support survivors of severe weather events and natural disasters can donate to the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund. Visit www.kentucky.gov to find the link to donate and more information on flood resources.
A collision on Joe Prather Highway Wednesday closed the roadway for several hours and resulted in a fatality.
“At approximately 2:18 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a reported collision on the Joe Prather Highway just north of KY 251,” said Hardin County Sheriff John Ward.
Ward said the collision involved a semi tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle.
“I’m sad to report it was a fatal accident,” Ward said. “One person was deceased, and there was also a hazardous chemical spill as a result of the accident. That was due to diesel fuel leaking from the diesel tank of the tractor-trailer.”
Joe Prather Highway was closed for approximately three hours after the collision. The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office’s Accident Reconstruction Unit is investigating, and more information will be released as it becomes available.
Hardin County Schools is celebrating what it calls a major gift for students in the district’s Engineering Pathway.
Altec Industries and the Styslinger Foundation on Wednesday presented a $50,000 grant to the HCS Early College and Career Center to support equipment needs in the Engineering Pathways Lab. Altec said in a release the donation “will help provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and access to industry-relevant technology as they prepare for future careers in engineering and advanced manufacturing.”
HCS Community Relations Specialist John Wright said the district is “incredibly grateful” for the investment in their students.
“The tools for success in the workplace continue to evolve, and this gift will help our students learn more about engineering and technical fields on the most modern equipment in the new EC3 expansion,” Wright said.
Altec said the grant is part of their efforts to “promote workforce development, technical education, and career readiness throughout the communities it serves.”
“Altec has been a tremendous partner and has provided many resources to generations of Hardin County Schools students,” Wright said. “This form of stewardship provided by the Styslinger Foundation and Altec Industries will leave an indelible mark on our community.”
Learn more about the Engineering Pathway on the Hardin County Schools website.