WQXE News

The theme of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce’s March membership luncheon held Wednesday was Good Neighbor Day, and area officials took the time to recognize two longtime residents.

Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory said he, Radcliff Mayor JJ Duvall, Vine Grove Mayor Pam Ogden, and Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul came up with the idea during their visit to Washington D.C. in December.

“We decided that there were a couple of people, and there’s lots of people but there’s a couple of people that really stand out, that have made a huge difference over the years for Hardin County and different communities in Hardin County that we wanted to give some recognition to because they fly under the radar, but they are so big and they are so bold and mighty and do so many things that a lot of people don’t know about,” Gregory said.

The first honoree was “Mama” Barbara Proffitt, with Duvall reading the Outstanding Citizen proclamation approved by each of the city councils.

“She is recognized for her dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment over the years and her selflessness to the community of each of our cities,” Duvall read from the proclamation. “We are deeply appreciative of your continuous commitment and your support.”

The second honoree was “Brother” Mike Bell.

“I like to consider him in a lot of ways, and I think many of you all will agree, the moral compass to our community,” Gregory said. “He’s been special, he’s volunteered, he’s pastored in church, he’s been the chairman of boards, and he’s gotten thousands of people to heaven, and he’s very special in Hardin County.”

In addition to the city proclamations, Proffitt and Bell were honored with county proclamations presented by Taul, and both were presented with keys to the city from each of the mayors.

As Kentuckians hit the road for spring break, Kentucky State Police troopers are hitting the road to keep Kentuckians safe.

Now through March 17, the KSP is participating in the nationwide Operation C.A.R.E. initiative to help keep roadways safe.

According to the KSP, C.A.R.E. stands for Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort. The nationwide initiative is “designed to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities through proactive enforcement and public education.” As part of the initiative, troopers will be highly visible on interstates, parkways, and local roadways as they monitor for impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seatbelt violations.

The KSP offers drivers the following tips as part of the initiative:

• Stay focused on driving – keep your attention on the road and avoid distractions such as cell phone use.
• Buckle up – seatbelts remain one of the most effective ways to reduce injuries and fatalities in crashes.
• Never drive impaired – alcohol and drugs can affect your ability to drive safely. Plan ahead and arrange for a sober ride if needed.
• Report unsafe driving – if you observe suspected criminal activity, contact your nearest KSP post.

Learn more about Operation C.A.R.E. and other initiatives on the KSP’s website.

The Hardin County Fiscal Court met for their first meeting of the month Tuesday.

Hardin County Planning Director and Building Official Adam King provided his report on January and February activity. King said 200 total permits were approved in the first two months of the year.

“Looking at single family dwellings, things got off to a slower start in January with five but we rebounded really well in February with 11, so we’re at 16 total,” King said. “That’s up from last year when we were at 14 and also up from 2024 when we were at 12.”

King said the Creating Vibrant Communities Plan for Glendale was adopted by the Hardin County Planning Commission. The plan is a small area plan from Historic Downtown Glendale to the interstate. 

“I’ve got to say thank you to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet,” King said. “They completely funded this plan. It took a little longer than we wanted while they decided the route of that Northeast Bypass, but it is completed and approved, and we are very excited to start using it here with any new applications that come to us in Glendale.”

The magistrates and Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul took time to offer their condolences to the family of Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Glendale native who died on March 8 from wounds sustained in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. Taul ordered flags at the Hardin County Government Building along with county buildings, grounds, and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sundown Wednesday.

“We plan to give that flag that’s flying out there right now to the family whenever we bring that down and as soon as we have the opportunity,” Taul said. “We remember and honor his courage, his dedication, and sacrifice.”

The Hardin County Fiscal Court will next meet March 24.