WQXE News

The Better Business Bureau is advising area residents impacted by the previous weekend’s storms to be on the lookout for scammers trying to take advantage of people at a vulnerable time.

The BBB says residents should be aware of rights and protections that are available to them from the state, which can be found on the Kentucky Attorney General’s website. Governor Andy Beshear has also activated the state’s price gouging law, violations of which can also be reported to the attorney general’s office.

If you do have to have repairs done, try to get several quotes, and be mindful of anybody trying to pressure you into what they call a deal. Never pay for a job in advance, and be wary of a contractor that demands full or half payment up front. Get any agreed upon contract in writing.

The BBB also says to beware of FEMA imposters. FEMA does not charge for inspections and workers for FEMA always wear ID badges. If a certified FEMA representative approaches you and you want to confirm their identity, contact FEMA at www.fema.gov or call 202-646-2500 to confirm they are in your area.

LG&E and KU customers should also be wary of scammers posing as the electric utility. LG&E and KU will never call consumers and demand payment over the phone in order to restore power or prevent it from being shut off.

More tips and resources are available on the BBB’s website.

Hardin County Schools will provide free lunches for any child 18 years old or younger on weekdays this summer with their Summer Meals Program.

“Every day during the summer, there are always children and their families who come to take advantage of not only the school locations, the school site locations, but also the locations that are mobile,” said Hardin County Schools Community Relations Specialist John Wright. 

He says HCS is excited to offer this federally-supported program.

“We know for some students or some children that this may be a way to provide meals for a meal that they may not have been able to receive throughout the summer months, so there’s a great need for it and we’re glad that our Child Nutrition Department can provide the Summer Meals Program,” Wright said.

The program runs June 3 through July 26, with no meals on July 4. Children do not have to be a HCS student to participate. Adult meals are available for $3. Food must be eaten on site.

A menu and a list of locations can be found under the Quick Links tab on the Hardin County Schools website.