WQXE News

There’s still time to contribute feedback on workforce development goals in the Lincoln Trail district.

The public review and comment period for the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Local Plan for program years 2025 to 2028 runs through April 24.

The U.S. Department of Labor says the WIOA “is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.” The local plan provides the framework for the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Area which is comprised of Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington counties.

Public comments are also being accepted on the WIOA Regional Plan, which was created as a collaboration between the Lincoln Trail board, the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board, and the Bluegrass Workforce Innovation Board. The regional plan “outlines a strategic vision of, and goals for, how the workforce development system will achieve the purposes of WIOA.” Comments on the regional plan will be accepted through April 22.

Both the local and regional plans may be reviewed on www.ltadd.org. Contact the Lincoln Trail Area Development District for more information.

The hard work of emergency dispatchers to respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render lifesaving assistance is being recognized now through April 19 during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, often just called Dispatch Week.

“It’s a time for recognition, a time to raise awareness, and a time to give support,” said Hardin County E-911 Deputy Director Michelle Bowen. “It’s also a chance to say thank you to the people who work behind the scenes, often without much public attention. They help save lives and keep communities safe.”

The week is a chance to recognize the hard work of the group of about 30 telecommunicators working around the clock to keep Hardin County safe, something made especially relevant during the recent weather events in the county.

“We try to pre-plan if we know something’s coming in, and we always have people that are more than willing to come in,” Bowen said. “Some of them spend the night here just so they can make sure that they’ll be able to get here and be able to work. They’re always team players and, honestly, they just want to take care of the community.”

Businesses or organizations looking to give a special thank you with a special treat are welcome to visit the dispatch center at the Hardin County Government Building, but Bowen says a simple thank you goes a long way.

“We are not really out there in the public eye,” Bowen said. “Nobody sees us so we don’t get the recognition that a lot of first responders have, so if you know a telecommunicator, or you can thank us on Facebook. We’ve got a Facebook page: Hardin County 911, Kentucky.”

The Kentucky State Police is recognizing Dispatch Week with a door decorating contest at the radio rooms of participating posts. Vote for your favorites on the KSP’s Facebook page.

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

The council approved the annexation of three tracts of land along South Dixie Boulevard between East Lincoln Trail Boulevard and Terrace Drive. The rezoning of all three properties from Hardin County R-1 to Commercial was also approved.

An update to the Radcliff Police Department’s policies and procedures concerning vehicle pursuits was approved. Radcliff Police Chief Jeff Cross said the update comes from recommendations from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Kentucky League of Cities. When asked about the policy by Council Member Jerry Brown, Cross said the update doesn’t radically change the department’s current procedures.

“It has to be one of those serious felonies that we will even allow our guys to pursue, or in a reckless driving situation that has to occur prior to our engagement with that person,” Cross said.

Radcliff Mayor JJ Duvall presented Assistant Fire Chief Bob Mahanna with special recognition for his dedicated years of service to the Radcliff Fire Department. Duvall also thanked the city’s firefighters for their dedication during flood recovery efforts. State Senator Matt Deneen was in attendance and said the governor’s office has financial resources for recovery efforts and additional resources will be available when the White House approves the county’s local disaster declaration, but work must be done first.

“It does take time,” Deneen said. “It takes time for the water to recede so that FEMA can do its proper assessments and the state can also come in and do its assessments and gather information, not only from Hardin County but throughout central Kentucky.”

The Radcliff City Council will next meet May 12.