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KSP cracking down on commercial vehicle enforcement during Operation SafeDRIVE

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The Kentucky State Police will be participating in a federal enforcement effort over the next few days. 

The KSP’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement division will be participating in Operation SafeDRIVE Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforcement campaign targets unsafe driving behavior that often leads to passenger and commercial vehicle crashes.

Operation SafeDRIVE focuses on dangerous driving practices such as aggressive driving, speeding, tailgating, failing to wear a seatbelt, distracted driving, and driving under the influence. Scale facilities will be open on Kentucky interstates to ensure commercial drivers are in compliance with federal and state regulations.

The KSP encourages drivers to maintain good driving habits on the roadway to assist commercial vehicle drivers. Stay out of the blind spots of large trucks, pass safely, don’t cut off large vehicles, and avoid tailgating.

Operation SafeDRIVE is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Our Roads, Our Safety” campaign. Learn more at the USDOT website.

Voter registration in Kentucky sees largest jump in two years

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Voter registration in Kentucky last month saw the largest jump in new voters since 2022.

The Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office says Kentucky added 14,502 new voter registrations and removed 5,675 voters from the rolls in the month of July.

Of the voters removed from the rolls, 3,659 were for deceased voters, 817 were for convicted felons, and 494 moved to another state.

The Secretary of State’s Office says Republican registration increased by 6,221 voters in July, and independent or other registrations increased by 3,784 voters, while Democratic registrations decreased by 579 voters. Republican registrations currently make up about 46 percent of the electorate while Democratic registrations make up about 43 percent, with independent or other making up about 11 percent.

Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith says getting registered is a simple process.

“Registering to vote has never been easier,” Smith said. “The quick and easy way for most folks would be to visit govote.ky.gov. They can do that on the computer or their phone, and they can register to vote that way. They can also call or visit the county clerk’s office. The deadline to register to vote, to participate in the November election is October 7. Don’t wait until the deadline. Go ahead get it done early.”

Visit the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website for more information on voter registration stats.

ECTC selected for Metallica Scholars Initiative for fifth straight year

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Support for Elizabethtown Community and Technical College comes from many places, including one of rock music’s most legendary acts.

ECTC has once again been named to the Metallica Scholars Initiative, which was created through the band’s All Within My Hands nonprofit to support education efforts. ECTC will use the $75,000 grant to support scholarships for students in their Advanced Manufacturing Program.

“This is year five for ECTC, and we’re the only college in Kentucky to be included in the Metallica Scholars Initiative, which is grant funding that is provided for career and technical education to really make a difference for our students,” said ECTC Director of Marketing and Public Relations Sarah Berkshire. 

Berkshire said the college has applied the funds to a number of programs over the last five years.

“This funding has paid for things like scholarships especially, but also it helped us develop the Wherever I May Roam Truck Driving Academy,” Berkshire said. “It’s been used to enhance what we were doing with our Army Career Skills program, and then, again, this year we’re focusing on the scholarships for Advanced Manufacturing programs.”

Berkshire says the show of support from Metallica goes beyond funding.

“It really is amazing to see a name as great as Metallica take action to support career and technical education, and to see the pride that that’s bringing our students,” Berkshire said. “Of course the scholarship funds are important, but this past year when we used these funds for scholarships, being named a Metallica Scholar it was so awesome to see that affirmation that those students can be successful.”

There’s still time to enroll in classes for the fall 2024 semester. Visit ECTC’s website or contact the admissions office for more information.

EPD warns of social media sales scam

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The Elizabethtown Police Department is warning residents to be wary of an ongoing social media scam.

“There’s a new scam circulating on Facebook where scammers post about free items available for pickup, enticing potential victims with attractive offers,” said EPD Public Information Officer Chris Denham. 

When the victim expresses interest, the scammer claims they moved, and offers to transport the item for a small fee. 

“They request the conversation continue on different apps like WhatsApp, making the transaction seem more personal and trustworthy,” Denham said. “After the victim pays for the supposed courier fee, the scammer disappears and the money and the promised items never arrive.”

Denham said the EPD strongly advises anyone who is completing transactions on social media to use extreme caution, never send money to strangers, or share any of your personal information. 

“If you encounter any suspicious posts or offers, report them immediately to Facebook or whatever social media platform you’re using,” Denham said.

As with other scam attempts, never disclose personal or financial information.