Menu Close

WQXE News

Your source for local community news, weekdays at 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8, 9 and Noon.

Hardin County Fiscal Court approves 2026 tax rates

WQXE News 0 Comments

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

The court approved a resolution setting 2026 property tax rates for the county, with the county adopting a 4 percent revenue increase, setting the rate at 10.7 cents per $100 valuation. Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul recommended the 4 percent increase rate, noting that the increased rate is actually lower than last year’s tax rate.

“This decreases the current real estate property rate of 10.8 cents, what it was last year, to the recommended 10.7 cents per $100 valuation, and again, this is due to a growing county with almost a $1 billion increase in real estate property valuation,” Taul said.

Taul said the estimated net revenue from the tax rate is about $10.35 million. The Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service (1.80), the Hardin County Soil Conservation District (.20), and the Lincoln Trail District Health Department (2.20) each elected to take the compensating rate and remain at last year’s rates. No comments were made during a public hearing on the tax rate.

In other meeting news, the court approved a resolution on second reading that made text amendments to the county’s Zoning Ordinance. Hardin County Planning and Development Director Adam King said the changes, which were recommended for approval by the county’s Planning Commission, mostly “mimic state law.”

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District Four Branch Manager Bow Warren presented on Hardin County projects included in the KYTC Rural Secondary Program, which is funded by 22.2 percent of revenue from the state’s motor fuel tax. The plan includes routine maintenance and traffic, an asphalt resurfacing project on KY 920, and an asphalt base repair on KY 920.

“Our entire program for this year is estimated at $1,544,643 for Hardin County,” Warren said.

The Hardin County Fiscal Court will next meet September 22.

Registration open for LaRue County Chamber’s Trick or Treat on the Square

WQXE News 0 Comments

The summer season is winding down, but “Spooky Season” is just around the corner and LaRue County is getting ready to celebrate.

Registration is open for Trick or Treat on the Square, which will be held in Downtown Hodgenville from 6 to 8 p.m. on Halloween.

According to the LaRue County Chamber of Commerce, the event is open to all businesses and organizations. Participating groups will be expected to provide a free treat or age-appropriate giveaway for kids. Decorate your space at the event for a chance to win the Best Trick or Treat Spot travelling trophy.

While businesses and organizations are welcome to share information with visitors, the event is not intended to be a vendor or sales event. The chamber says the goal of Trick or Treat on the Square is to give area kids a fun and safe night, and send them home with a bag full of goodies.

There is no charge to participate but registration is required. Because Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, the chamber is expecting a large crowd of 500 or more kids. Visit the LaRue County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page to find the registration link.

Lawn Party at the Lake series wraps up for year Wednesday

WQXE News 0 Comments

Freeman Lake Park is set to host the final Lawn Party at the Lake Concert Series event of the year Wednesday evening.

“It’s actually the one that I’ve been looking forward to the most,” said Elizabethtown Events Program Manager Beth Pyles. “We will have Bourbon Revival take the stage at 6:30. They are probably my favorite band that we’ve had play during my time here in this position. They are fantastic. They put on a great show.”

said Elizabethtown Events Program Manager Beth Pyles.

Parking opens at the park at 5:30 p.m., with the band taking the stage at 6:30. Seating is festival-style, so bring your lawn chairs or blankets.

“We’ll have some food vendors on site and some of your favorite adult beverages that can be purchased,” Pyles said. “It’s just a wonderful atmosphere. The lake is such a beautiful place, so we’re expecting a lot of folks to join us and a lot of fun to be had.”

The concert is free to attend. Visit www.etownevents.com for more information.

Kentucky state agencies hosting online auctions

WQXE News 0 Comments

Two Kentucky state agencies are hosting online auctions this week, and participation is open to the public.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is hosting an auction of surplus equipment, with bidding open through September 11. Items up for bid include trucks, tractors, mowers, and other maintenance equipment. The auction is being hosted by The Logsdon Group, and a complete list of available items can be found on their website, through which participants must register.

Proceeds from the action will go towards the KFW Fish and Game Fund, which is used for normal operating expenses. KFW will also be hosting an auction of surplus and confiscated items in October, more information on which is available at fw.ky.gov.

Meanwhile, the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will open bidding for its second auction of confiscated bourbons on September 15, with bidding running through the 30th. The proceeds from the ABC auction go towards alcohol responsibility programs across Kentucky. Find more information by visiting ABC.ky.gov.

Tax credit available to Kentucky small businesses

WQXE News 0 Comments

Kentucky small businesses that employ 50 or fewer full-time employees are encouraged to apply for the Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit program.

“Tax credits are available to eligible companies that added at least one new full-time employee and invested more than $5,000 in qualifying equipment or technology within the past 24 months,” said Governor Andy Beshear during Thursday’s Team Kentucky Update.

Qualifying businesses may be eligible to receive a state income tax credit ranging from $3,500 to $25,000 through the program. The credit awarded is dependent on the number of jobs created and the amount of investment in new equipment and technology. Since its inception, more than $17.4 million in tax credits have been earned through the program based on the creation of more than 5,100 jobs and more than $53.7 million in investments.

“Team Kentucky is committed to supporting our small businesses,” Beshear said. “We know that you are the backbone of each and every community, so check out this application. If you qualify, make sure you apply for it. We want to help you grow, and we appreciate you.”

Learn more about the program and find the application at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov/Entrepreneurship/KSBTC. Business owners may also contact the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development at 1-800-626-2930 or email info@kyinnovation.com for more information.