WQXE News

The Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office is asking for the public’s help selecting the state’s next “I Voted” sticker.

Secretary of State Michael Adams accepts proposed designs created by Kentucky students and selects nine finalists.

“What’s exciting about this year is we have three finalists from Hardin County, and that is just proof that Hardin County just punches way above its weight grade, and I wish all three of these young artists the best of luck,” said Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith. 

The three finalists from Hardin County are Nai’lani Albritton, Addilynn Kinslow, and Alyson Marinich. Another area finalist is Mia Johnson of Bullitt County.

You can help make the decision when you visit the Kentucky State Fair.

“When you’re visiting the state fair, look for the Secretary of State’s booth and they’ll have a voting machine set up,” Smith said. “You’ll pick the design of your choice and cast your vote. I don’t care which one of these kids wins, but I absolutely hope it’s one from Hardin County.”

2025 may not be an election year, but you can still make sure you are election ready.

“It’s a good reminder that anytime you move, if you’re new to the community, you can come by the county clerk’s office or you can visit govote.ky.gov and update your voter registration,” Smith said. “December 31 of this year is the deadline to select the political party for which you will vote in the next May primary.”

The winning selection will be printed on stickers and sent to county clerk’s offices ahead of the May 2026 primary. You can find the finalist designs on the Secretary of State’s website.

Automated speed enforcement is coming to Kentucky state highway work zones.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says House Bill 664, which was signed into law earlier this year, allows the use of automated enforcement devices such as cameras in active work zones in Kentucky to ensure compliance with posted speed limits. The KYTC says the enforcement initiative will better protect motorists and construction crews.

In work zones with automated speed enforcement, cameras will be placed within the work zone and officers will be positioned beyond the work zone in order to safely make traffic stops. The KYTC says: “Tickets will only be issued to drivers in person, based on camera or detector data from inside the work zone. Speeding and traffic violations carry a $500 fine when workers are present.”

Speed cameras will be installed this summer and fall in select work zones, with more locations to be included later. Work zones with automated enforcement cameras will have warning signs with flashing lights to notify drivers.

The KYTC says in 2024 more than 1,200 work zone crashes were recorded in Kentucky, resulting in seven deaths and 298 injuries. Visit www.kentuckyhighwaysafety.com for more information.

The City of Elizabethtown’s 2025 Lawn Party at the Lake concert series continues Wednesday night.

“We have Captured, a Journey tribute band, that will be there this week at the lake,” said Elizabethtown Events Manager Beth Pyles during Monday’s city council meeting. “They start at 6:30 p.m. They are fantastic. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t like Journey, whether you’re a 16-year-old high school student or someone who’s close to 60.”

All are invited to this free event at the bandstand at Freeman Lake Park.

“We start parking at 5:30,” Pyles said. “Bring your lawn chair. Come on out. We’ve got picnic tables. It is festival-style seating. You can bring a picnic lunch. We just ask that you don’t bring any coolers or alcoholic beverages out there, but it’s a lot of fun.”

The city says approximately 2,000 people attended July’s concert, which featured the Louisville Orchestra.

Visit www.etownevents.com for more information.