WQXE News

Colesburg resident Devie Comer Willett says she and other neighbors were inspired to help “beautify and unify” the community as the one year anniversary of flooding that devastated the area in April 2025 approaches.

“The premise really is that hopefully neighbors will help neighbors, but also for the other neighbors who may be not so in tune to it to kind of get motivated by it as well,” Comer Willett said.

Efforts have included helping neighbors fix up their homes and properties, helping to replace mailboxes damaged in the flooding, pursuing the installation of a new “Welcome to Colesburg” sign, and the painting of a mural under the Interstate 65 overpass.

Comer Willett and other organizers are inviting community members and other area residents to celebrate the community’s resilience and progress with a community block party, to be held at the Colesburg Baptist Church this Saturday from 1:30 to 5 p.m.

“We’ve got rocks to paint, that way they can either leave them and we will use them in green space areas or they can take them home, no problem,” Comer Willett said. “We’re going to have a Sweet and Treat Walk, which is basically a cake walk but with some toys as well. We’re going to have cornhole and a gaga pit and just some food and fun.”

A history table featuring letters from current and past residents will also be on display as Comer Willett works towards creating a history book for the community.

“The railroad town really was a thriving place even back then, but just 50 years ago it was thriving, so anyone that has a connection to Colesburg, I would love more information,” Comer Willett said. “A letter, pictures, photos. that’s one thing I would like more of.”

Visit the Colesburg RISE Facebook page for more information on the block party and how to support the community effort.

Kentuckians gearing up to hit the waterways this summer can take advantage of the state’s new online renewal option for vessel registrations.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says boat owners can skip a trip to their county clerk’s office and stay up to date on their vessel registration by using the new online renewal portal, launched on April 1. The KYTC says the new boat renewal option is part of an expansion to online vehicle registration services aimed at giving customers more convenience following the launch of the Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System in 2024.

According to the KYTC, in order to renew online boat owners will need their Kentucky boat number and the vessel’s title number. Current registration must be active and expire this year in order to be eligible for online renewal. Boat property taxes must be paid at the time of renewal.

Boat registrations expire on April 30 each year, so boat owners are encouraged to renew in April in order to avoid any late fees on property taxes. Make sure you are properly displaying your valid, unexpired registration tag and your vessel’s registration number.

Visit the online registration portal at drive.ky.gov. Renewals may still be made at your county clerk’s office if you prefer.

The City of Elizabethtown is once again offering their Play in the Park Series for area families looking for something to do with their kids during Spring Break.

“On Monday, we’ll be doing a scavenger hunt out at the Oasis at Freeman Lake,” said Elizabethtown Parks and Rec Programs Coordinator Adam Case. “Tuesday, we’re partnering with the Historic State Theater for their Spring Break Movies. They’re doing those at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Tickets for that are just $1 and they’re selling those in the box office.”

Wednesday’s activity is birdhouse painting at Freeman Lake Park. In addition to another movie at The State Theater, Thursday will see an event co-hosted by Elizabethtown Independent Schools.

“We’ll have the Panther Prowler out,” Case said. “They’re doing sand art butterflies, and I’m very excited. I’m going to do that craft because I want to know all about sand art butterflies, and then Friday we’ll be with our Stormwater Department doing a watershed activity, and then we’re making rainsticks to go along with that.”

With the exception of the $1 tickets for the Spring Break Movie Series, all of the events in the Play in the Park Series are free to participate in.

“We just ask that you register ahead for us at www.etownparks.org,” Case said. “The information sign up sheet is right there along with all the dates and everything.”

Follow the City of Elizabethtown Government Facebook page for more information and updates.