Work on a bridge project along US 62 at the Hardin-Nelson County line will begin next week. This project, which will begin on Monday, March 16th, is a complete rebuild, offering a long term solution for a safe route over Rolling Fork River. A full closure option was selected due to foreseen complications that could arise from maintaining one-lane traffic during construction. Motorists will be redirected to Bluegrass Parkway to avoid the area. Signs are in place along the corridor to provide advance notice of the closure. The project has a specified completion date of December 1st, 2020.
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The United States Census is going to be held on April 1st, and local officials are reminding citizens why the census is important. Census spokesperson Melissa Harrell-Nepi notes that the census is used to allocate federal funding and to determine Congressional representation in decision making. Citizens will begin getting postcards from the Census Bureau as soon as next week regarding how they can fill out the census, and online response is an option this year.
The Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force, the Leitchfield Police Department, and Kentucky State Police conducted a search warrant at Loflin’s Auto Parts and Repair Center on Monday. According to a release from the Leitchfield Police Department, while executing the warrant, several items were seized including marijuana, methamphetamine, guns, drug paraphernalia, and cash. Roney Loflin, 54, and Carissa Hafford, 21, were charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, while Loflin faces additional charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance. A second search warrant was conducted on a property located on Bloomington Road. More charges are pending in this case.
Lane closures begin this week as contractors start work on intersection improvements along US 31W between Elizabethtown and Radcliff. Designed to improve safety, these projects will eliminate some high-risk traffic movements which commonly resulted in collisions. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the intersections of US 31W at KY 220, KY 434 and Blackjack Road will feature new “R-cut” traffic patterns. Construction will begin at KY 434 and then proceed to KY 220 and Blackjack road. Signs are posted for advance notice of changing lane configuration, and motorists are advised to pay close attention, limit speed, and minimize distractions while driving in the area.
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has released their annual report, helping to identify the impact that the college has on the community as a whole. According to the report, ECTC has 9,252 credit enrollments and 1,698 dual credit enrollments with over 2,100 credentials rewarded. The report states that 1 out of every 69 jobs in the ECTC service area is supported by the activities of ECTC and its students. The report also touted the University Center project coming to the college, which will see ECTC partnering with four-year universities to bring Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in subjects such as criminal justice and information technology. More information on the project can be found at ectcforbetterlives.com.