WQXE News

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife encourages anglers of all ages and abilities to get out and enjoy public waterways as Free Fishing Weekend is celebrated June 7 and 8.

KFW says permits and fishing licenses are not required on either of these days although size limits and other regulations remain in effect. As part of Free Fishing Weekend, several special events are being hosted across the commonwealth.

One such event is the Kids Fishing Derby happening this Saturday at Camp Carlson Lake.

“We partner with VFW Post 10281 to promote fishing and getting kids outside and outdoors, getting off of technology, and getting outside and going fishing with their family,” said Fort Knox Outdoor Recreation Specialist Debbie Clements.

Jaime Palomo is the Kids Fishing Derby co-chair at VFW Post 10281. He says this free event is open to all kids in Kentucky who are willing to make the trip to Camp Carlson Lake.

“We stock the pond and they fish, and then we also pass out trophies for biggest fish, smallest fish, most fish caught, combined weight, but all kids get a trophy at the end, and they also get a fishing pole, some tackle, and a small tackle box as a parting gift to recognize them for being out and about and giving fishing a chance,” Palomo said.

Spots are still available but Wednesday is the deadline to register. Visit the Camp Carlson Facebook page to find the link to register. Participants may also visit the Sadowski Center at Fort Knox, call 502-624-1838, or email kidsfishingderby10281@gmail.com to get signed up.

Find more fishing events and more information on the Free Fishing Weekend page at fw.ky.gov.

The Elizabethtown City Council met for their first meeting of the month Monday.

The first reading was held on the city budget ordinance for fiscal year 2025-2026.

“The budget contains total funds available of $157,969,480, and the total appropriations for expenditures equal to $126,940,521, with an estimated ending fund balance of $31,28,959,” said City Attorney Ken Howard, reading from the budget ordinance.

Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory said the budget is a “great budget,” and made note of the expansion of sworn officers at the Elizabethtown Police Department from 55 the year he was elected to 92, which he said is partially because of the department supporting more school resource officers.

“We think it’s really made a difference and continues to make a difference, not only to make the kids safer, but to build a foundation and a friendship and trust level with our police department, and we’ve already seen that paying dividends, unless you all disagree, which I know that you don’t,” Gregory said.

In other meeting news, the council approved a bid from Compass Minerals for road salt. That contract is priced at $122 per ton.

Gregory had high praise for the city’s event staff following this past weekend’s E-Town Block Party.

“I could not believe when I looked out there from the stage how many people were behind the Justice Center and were downtown and enjoying the different establishments that we had and the food trucks,” Gregory said. “As far as I know, we had limited or zero problems down there.”

The Elizabethtown City Council will next meet June 9.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District Four crews and contractors are gearing up for work on several area projects.

KYTC District Four says preparation work gets under way June 9 for asphalt resurfacing on an 11-mile stretch of the Bluegrass Parkway. Work will take place between mile markers 24 and 35. The KYTC says traffic will be reduced to one lane in varying configurations as the work progresses. Work will begin with barrier wall setting at bridge locations along the stretch. Work is to be completed by November 1.

Meanwhile, work has begun on a series of bridge projects in Hardin County to replace bridge deck driving surfaces. 

KY 1375 is reduced to one lane at the bridge over the Nolin River, with that project due to be completed by June 20.

KY 84 is reduced to one lane at the bridge over the Western Kentucky Parkway. That work is scheduled to be completed by June 13. When completed, crews will shift to work on KY 210 for the bridge over Middle Creek.

Varying lane closures will be in place on KY 361 for work on the bridge over U.S. 31W near Fort Knox. That work should be completed by July 7.

Motorists are urged to use caution and minimize distractions when approaching and driving through work zones. Slow down and pay attention to signage and flaggers.

Follow KYTC District Four on social media for project updates.