WQXE News

There is still time for kids, teens, and adults to participate in the Hardin County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, which runs now through July 26.

The theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program is “Color Our World”, which focuses on the arts. Check the library’s calendar for events related to the Summer Reading Program.

HCPL Children’s Librarian Amy Rivera says the goal of the Summer Reading Program is “to encourage literacy and to keep kids thinking, to keep their minds thinking about subjects so that they don’t go back to school having at least completely forgotten everything they learned.”“

Families can stop by the library to pick up reading logs for the program.

“They will complete sections of their reading log to get tickets for the weekly prize, which each week we’re having a giveaway of a nice big art set, so eight different art sets over the course of the summer,” Rivera said.

Kids who complete the reading log will be entered for the grand prize drawing. Separate logs are available for teens and adults, with prizes and entries in the grand prize drawing available.

Stop by the library, located at 100 Jim Owen Drive in Elizabethtown, or visit www.hcpl.info for more information.

The Radcliff City Council met for their second meeting of the month Tuesday.

The council approved zoning map amendments for three parcels of property located on the south side of Chandler Avenue between Jones and Waterfield streets. The properties are being rezoned from R-7 (Manufactured Homes) to R-4 (High-Density Single Family and Duplex). Council Member Jerry Brown said the owners of the property will be constructing buildings using 3D printing, and he was impressed with the process.

“I’ll tell you, these buildings are like on steroids,” Brown said. “They are just incredible, so to get these here and to see this happening, I’ll tell you, it’s a good day for Radcliff, and I’m tickled to death to see this.”

The council also approved the rezoning of 699 Blackjack Road from Residential Holding and R-2 (Low-Density Single Family Home) to just R-2. All of the zoning changes were recommended for approval by the city’s Planning Commission.

Radcliff Mayor JJ Duvall said the city conducted interviews last week for the city’s fire chief position as Jamie Henderson is stepping down after nearly 18 years. Duvall said the panel selected Tim Marsh, currently a lieutenant at the RFD, for the position.

“Tim’s been with us 25 years, I believe,” Duvall said. “Jamie has taught him everything he knows as he came up through the ranks, and so we had three good people that interviewed and they all did very good jobs, but at the end, the consensus of that group was to consider Tim for that position.”

Henderson will step down in two weeks, after which Marsh will serve as interim chief until his formal appointment by the council.

The Radcliff City Council will next meet August 11.

As you continue to enjoy the summer months, if a bonfire or campfire is part of your plans, make sure you are taking precautions beforehand.

“Always check where you are, and make sure that the season is not too dry,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane. “Whatever you’re doing, I always tell people, watch the weather conditions, especially the wind, because it can get away from you.”

Crane says it’s safest to enjoy a fire from properly-constructed fire pits made of materials that can contain the fire.

Whenever you are around a fire, keep an eye on children.

“Make sure that they’re not getting too close,” Crane said. “If you’re roasting those hot dogs or those marshmallows, just keep an eye on them. Make sure that they’re not being rambunctious around there.”

Keep fires at least 15 feet away from structures, and never leave a fire unattended.

“If you’re going in for the night, just make sure that it’s cooled down, and maybe have a water hose close,” Crane said.

Be aware of local ordinances concerning outdoor burning, and only burn materials that are approved for burning.