WQXE News

Tim Mattingly with Congleton Hacker told the Elizabethtown City Council during their work session Monday that work on the outdoor music venue is “going as well as it can”.

“As far as just the overall project right now, we’re about 40 percent complete, 45 percent complete, roughly, and everything’s going pretty well,” Mattingly said.

Mattingly said most of the utility work for the project has been laid, and steel is going up on the site.

“We’ve got the steel going in for the rigging structure and the main stage support buildings,” Mattingly said. “Right now that’s probably about 75 percent complete. That’s really one of the most significant parts of the project, so getting that part done is going to be a huge milestone for us.”

Ongoing work includes the retaining walls around the seating area and block work for out buildings on the site.

Mattingly said the project includes nearly 350 tons of steel, of which about 300 goes into the rigging structure on the stage.

“There’s almost 5,000 cubic yards of concrete that’s going to be required for the project,” Mattingly said. “There’s over 35 species of trees, and I know that’s been really important for the local community down here, and we’ll be able to park about 1,700 cars on site once it’s all complete as well.”

Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory said the project is on pace for a completion date in late April or early May 2027.

The City of Elizabethtown kicks off their Lawn Party at the Lake Concert Series this week.

The concert series will offer multiple concerts and family-friendly entertainment throughout the summer at the bandstand at Freeman Lake Park. The City of Elizabethtown Events staff says they are excited to bring a great mix of entertainment to the bandstand this summer.

The concert series kicks off Wednesday, June 10 with Lunar Beach House. This six-piece beach and party band will bring the surf boards and the tiki lights along with party favorites from Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys, and more.

Other bands scheduled to appear this summer include The Ultimate Show Band on July 8, Last Call on August 12, and Bourbon Revival on September 9.

All events in the concert series are free. Parking at the lake opens at 5:30 p.m. with shows beginning at 6:30. Seating is festival style and visitors should bring a chair or blanket. Coolers and outside alcohol are not permitted, but food and drink vendors will be on site.

Visit the City of Elizabethtown Events Facebook page or www.etownevents.com for more information.

The local community showed their generosity during the 73rd annual WHAS Crusade for Children.

The Hardin County Fire Chiefs Association says donors contributed $157,591.37 to area fire companies during this year’s campaign, which aims to make life better for children with identified health care, educational, and emotional wellness needs. Area fire companies organized roadblocks and fundraising events, while donors were also able to submit donations.

The top three fundraising fire companies in Hardin County were KY 86 with $32,494.79, Sonora with $21,178.25, and Valley Creek with $17,045.00.

In a post on Facebook, the HCFCA thanked the area firefighters who put in the time and the community members who showed their generosity, stating: “Your kindness and generosity continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of children who depend on these services.”

Learn more and make a donation at www.whascrusade.org.