As previously reported, Hardin County Judge Executive Keith Taul has made some changes to the Fiscal Court meetings. Taul moved the start time of the meetings from 3:30PM to 5:30PM to encourage citizens to become active in local government by holding the meeting after work hours. Taul also added time to the agenda to allow for citizen comments and concerns as related to items on the agenda. On Tuesday night, a citizen brought a concern before Taul and the Magistrates. But what happens with these concerns and comments once they are made at the meeting? We reached out to Taul’s office for clarification. According to Deputy Judge Executive Vicki Meridith, Judge Taul will have the discretion to determine if an item is considered actionable and what the best course of action would be. Citizens can expect to be contacted once action is taken with additional information. Fiscal Court meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
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Following the Denny’s sign tragedy that occurred one week ago, questions have been asked about maintenance and inspections to signs like it. Speaking to SignMakers of Hardin County, Eugene Lewis said routine maintenance and inspections after installation is a service that can be provided but the business would need to request that. In Hardin County, there are no regulations requiring the inspections of these signs once they are installed. “There is no municipal mandate requiring signs to be inspected. It is the responsibility of the entity exercising authority over the property to perform routine inspections and necessary maintenance,” stated Elizabethtown Spokesperson Chris Denham. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
All Kentucky State Police will be equipped with body cameras by the end of 2023. Last week, the Kentucky State Police demonstrated the new system which includes a body worn camera, audio recording device and high-definition in-car video cameras. The in-car cameras will record a forward dash view and the rear passenger compartment of the patrol vehicle. KSP plans to have the systems in all cruisers by the end of 2023, beginning with newly issued cruisers first and the Troopers assigned to those will receive their body camera at that time.
Magnolia Bank will announce today plans to close its banking center in Magnolia. According to a statement from Magnolia Bank, the center located at 4910 L&N Turnpike, will begin a phased closing starting on February 1st with new, reduced hours. Bank Board Chair Eric Garrett said closing the location was not a decision made lightly but a decline in walk-in transactions, staffing challenges and increased use of online and mobile banking options were top factors in the decision. Once the banking center closes, those employees will have the opportunity to continue working at a different location.
A former Hardin County Board of Education member passed away on Sunday. According to a statement from Hardin County Schools Superintendent Teresa Morgan, Mike Kinney, age 75, represented Division 2 on the Board from 2011 until 2018. Kinney was also a social studies teacher at the former East Hardin High School and Central Hardin High School for 27 years. Kinney was passionate about students and committed to ensuring staff were respected and held in high regard. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.