WQXE News

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

The court approved an ordinance amending the budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul said the main element of the amendment was to facilitate a federal Community Development Block Grant for Family Scholar House.

“It’s kind of a pass-through that needed to be dealt with for this grant to come to fruition, so that’s $1 million,” Taul said. “So $1 million comes in and then it adds up to $1 million back out again.”

An ordinance amending annual standing orders to pre-approved recurring expenses was also approved, which Taul said was also related to the grant.

County IT Director Aaron Miller presented on the redesigned county website which was prepared with CivicPlus. Miller said the new website offers better functionality with mobile devices and offers features such as a citizen notification feature and a dedicated fiscal court hub.

“The new website is more streamlined,” Miller said. “It’s easy to navigate. The search function works really well, and the menus, instead of having to click on it and click and click and click, it’s right there and you can find it fairly easily.”

Hardin County EMS made 1,391 responses in December, and E-911 answered 4,000 calls. The county issued a proclamation declaring January 28 as Timmy Carr Day in honor of Carr’s 23-year career serving county citizens. Hardin County EMS Director Mark Peterson said the department would not be the same without Carr.

“When Timmy and I started this journey, he told me ‘Mark, I’m gonna give you 110 percent,’” Peterson said. “And I feel very confident that you’ve done that and then some. I want to personally thank you for your leadership, your mentorship, and most importantly your friendship.”

During approval of the consent agenda, Magistrate Kenny Saltsman motioned for a resolution for the termination of the county’s contract with Forever Homes for Paws be acted on separately. The resolution then died without a second.

The Hardin County Fiscal Court will next meet February 11.

If you enjoy singing and are looking for a chance to share and practice those talents, the Heart of Kentucky Chorus invites you to their Guest Night, which will be held Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the East Hardin Middle School Band Room.

The chorus sings a capella in a variety of styles including barbershop, jazz, gospel, country, and pop. The chorus is open to singers male and female, high school age and up.

Visitors to Guest Night will get to hear about and participate in what the chorus has meant to members such as Bob Swope.

“I’ve enjoyed the chorus now for a number of years,” Swope said. “I like to sing, and we have a wonderful group. It’s much like an extended family, really, that also love to sing. Fortunately, we have an awesome director in Aaron Dale. He has a way of getting some pretty fantastic sounds out of some rather average voices (laughs), and he makes it a lot of fun, too.”

Guest Night is a no pressure way to learn more, and to have a good time.

“We’ll have some good food, as well as opportunities for our guests to learn a few tags and sing along with the chorus.” Swope said. “There’s no obligations or commitments expected. If you like to sing, come on out and join us.”

The chorus hosts their regular rehearsals Thursday evenings at East Hardin Middle School. Find the Heart of Kentucky Chorus on Facebook for more information.

The Legacy Foundation invites area high school seniors and their families to come out to North Hardin High School on Saturday for their “Get Your Money Right with Scholarships Fair.”

Legacy Foundation Board Member Selena Hudson says 30 scholarships for a variety of applicants will be awarded through the scholarship fair.

“Many people think if they don’t have a 4.0, they won’t qualify for any scholarships, but there are a lot of scholarships out there and available,” Hudson said. “ECTC will be there, their financial aid office will be there to help people apply for scholarships that plan to attend ECTC, as well as some four-year colleges will also be there.”

The fair will be held at North Hardin February 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We have some amazing prizes for the students,” Hudson said. “We have $500 cash. We also have laptops and different door prizes for the students, and free pizza. What’s not to love?”

Hudson says in addition to the scholarship help for students, the fair will feature additional information for adults.

“We’ll be talking about estate planning, life insurance, credit, mortgages,” Hudson said. “We’re helping the parents get their money right while the children are over getting their money.”

Visit the Legacy Foundation Facebook page for more information and to find the link to pre-register to be eligible for door prizes.