WQXE News

The Elizabethtown City Council met for a work session Monday.

Samantha Wiser with Taylor Siefker Williams presented on the North Downtown Master Plan, which she said will be the focus of the next round of Community Development Block Grant funding for city projects. Wiser said the improvements and projects in the plan fall under five general topics.

“So looking at that infrastructure(1) that is out there, that’s kind of our base need, right?” Wiser said. “But we’re also looking at walkability, that was something definitely we heard about, so the second topic is really about those walkable connections(2). Identity and design(3), and again, extending that kind of urban and downtown idea and design characteristics and transitioning that to more of the neighborhood scale there. Balanced development(4), and again, this does include Mulberry, so that’s a different kind of development than maybe what’s on Main Street or Williams or something of that nature, and then really the idea of that neighborhood pride(5).”

More information on the North Downtown Master Plan is available by contacting the city’s Planning and Development Office.

Andrew Bohlen and Jim Hagerty with Prime AE provided an update on the Valley Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion project. Bohlen said the project is advancing to the next design stage.

“This next phase will require approximately 16 months of design work,” Bohlen said. “It’s going to include new wastewater processes at the treatment plant. It’s going to include new basins for the expansion of that treatment plant and new buildings, but importantly, it’s also going to rehabilitate and improve existing structures to the extent that we can.”

Hagerty said the Kentucky Department of Water is reviewing the draft facility plan and has given the city permission to proceed to public hearings.

“We’re probably still another six months away from final adoption by the Division of Water, but this is one of the more significant steps in getting approval of the plan,” Hagerty said.

After completion of the design phase, construction is estimated to run between 2028 and 2031.

The Elizabethtown City Council will next meet May 4.

Members of the public are invited to join the Fort Knox community for a motorcycle ride Wednesday to highlight sexual assault awareness and prevention.

The U.S. Army Human Resources Command will host the 11th annual SHARP “Raise the Bars” Motorcycle Ride April 29 as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. The ride is open to Fort Knox soldiers, family members, civilian staff, and the general public.

According to a release from the HRC, following opening remarks by Major General Hope Rampy, the HRC’s commanding general, riders will depart the post at 1:30 p.m. and ride to SilverLeaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services in Elizabethtown. The HRC refers survivors of sexual assault and abuse to SilverLeaf for support and services including crisis intervention, medical examinations, counseling, and education.

The ride is one of six events the HRC is hosting in April to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault/harrassment, prevention measures, and providing support to survivors. The HRC will also be hosting the annual Darkness to Light Candle-Lighting Ceremony on April 30 to serve as a reminder to remain vigilant against acts of sexual assault throughout the year.

Visitors to Fort Knox are asked to have a REAL ID. If you do not have a REAL ID, you will need supplemental identification such as a passport or birth certificate.

Contact the U.S. Army Human Resources Command Public Affairs Office for more information.

A familiar face has been appointed as the Central Kentucky Community Action Council’s Community Services/HEAP director.

Samantha “Sam” Ross, who has been serving in the position on an interim basis, was promoted to permanently take over the position, which oversees the Community Services Block Grant and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“Coming from the Weatherization Assistance Program, I have seen how the services our agency offers impact the communities we serve,” Ross said.

The council said in a release that Ross “demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the agency’s mission during her interim tenure.”

“I am excited to continue cultivating relationships with local assistance partners and help strengthen the resource network here in central Kentucky to empower our clients,” Ross said. “Community is important to me, and empowering vulnerable populations is a passion close to my heart.”

CKCAC Executive Director Bryan Conover said he is excited to see Ross step into the position.

“Her experience within our agency, combined with her passion for our clients, makes her the ideal leader to guide our community services and LIHEAP programs moving forward,” Conover said.

Ross takes over leadership of LIHEAP while the application period for the program’s spring subsidy is open. Applications for LIHEAP are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electric vendor. Receiving assistance through other LIHEAP cycles does not affect eligibility. The deadline to apply is May 22, or when funds run out. Visit your local Community Action office to begin an application. Call 270-692-2136 or visit www.ckcac.org for more information.