WQXE News
A road project on a major connecting road for Elizabethtown has gotten under way.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says preparation work has started on a $15.3 million project that will address safety, deficiencies, and maintenance issues along Saint John Road between Ring road and U.S. 31W Bypass.
“As we go through the rest of this year, folks are mostly going to see work at the bridge over Billy Creek near the Sports Park,” said Chris Jessie with KYTC District 4. “There may be some utility work continuing, too, between the bypass and Ring Road. Next year is when motorists will see the bulk of construction work as we rebuild the highway from one end to the other.”
The KYTC says it has targeted Saint John Road for improvements as the road has changed from the rural setting when it was last reconstructed in the 1950s to the service of suburban development and connecting traffic between two of Elizabethtown’s most heavily used roadways. The work is expected to stop deterioration and avoid further damage to abutting properties.
During construction, Saint John Road will remain open to traffic with only temporary blockages as needed. Motorists should pay close attention to work zone signs and be prepared for changing traffic patterns, and be on the lookout for construction vehicles entering and exiting work zones.
The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting and awards dinner Thursday at the Historic State Theater, recognizing the accomplishments of the Chamber from 2022 to 2023 and spotlighting special achievements by individual members and organizations.
Master of Ceremonies Greg Milby, who hosted along with WHAS host Claudia Coffey, presented an award that was a special one for Quicksie 98.3.
“The Ronnie J. Pence Chamber Champion Award recognizes an individual who has made an exemplary effort towards an initiative or initiatives important to the Chamber’s mission,” Milby said. “Our Chamber’s foundation is to network, promote, develop, and advocate, and this year’s recipient does all that and more.”
Milby then announced the winner: Quicksie Account Executive Jennifer Meyers.
“I knew Ronnie Pence, and he was the most wonderful man,” Meyers said. “To receive this award that’s named after him is just incredible. It’s such an honor.”
While profiling Meyers’s accomplishments, Milby described her as a friend to everybody, and said her dedication goes beyond business.
“Her entry into the male-dominated radio industry is historic, but she’s done more than just work for the company,” Milby said. “She created a huge community effort known as the Quicksie Toy Factory, which is an annual Christmas toy drive across the region. Thousands of toys are donated to this cause, making sure no child is left without a gift to open on Christmas morning. Our winner also co-founded the Children’s Fair, now in its 30th year.”
Other awards presented during the evening include:
- Ambassador of the Year: Barbara Edwards
- Rising Star Award: Sakinah Bunch
- Excellence in Government Award: Selena Hudson
- Ralph Reese Fort Knox Community Partnership Award: Charlie Fraley
- Quality of Place Award: Charlie Skees
- Hall of Fame Award: Mike Bell
Chamber President Margy Poorman said it was a successful year for the Chamber’s more than 700 members with 102 new members, 32 ribbon cuttings, and 3,481 luncheon attendees.