WQXE News

The Cecilian Bank announced yesterday that they are expanding due to a merger with Citizens Bank of Hartford. The institution will be adding three new locations to their reach, but the exact terms of the merger are not available at this time.

The Elizabethtown Independent School District has reported improvement from previous years in almost every category in the 2018-2019 assessment data released by the Kentucky Department of Education. Superintendent John Ballard says the district will look into and address the categories that can be improved upon.

The West Point Independent School District is looking towards future improvements following the release of the 2018-2019 school assessment data. Interim superintendent Sally Sugg reiterated that the district is aware of the gaps in education, and are taking steps such as purchasing updated reading, math, and social studies curriculum, and hiring new members of the teaching staff.

The Elizabethtown Fire Department responded to a call of an explosion and fire on Waterworks Drive Monday afternoon. Ten firefighters, as well as Hardin County EMS were required in putting out the fire. The cause of the blaze is believed to be ignited mulch from the shredder machine.

There is a full outdoor burn ban in Meade County until further notice. The announcement was made by Judge Executive Gerry Lynn Monday morning. The ban encompasses the burning of leaves, grass, clippings, garbage pits, and bonfires.

Elizabethtown was officially designated a trail town at a ceremony yesterday afternoon. As previously reported, a council consisting of representatives from Greenspace, local businesses, and City Council member Matt Deneen joined together to help put a spotlight on Elizabethtown’s trail system. A full list of Elizabethtown’s trails can be found on the Greenspace website.

A Nelson County Sheriff’s Lieutenant and his girlfriend were arrested for shoplifting Friday night. The Elizabethtown Police Department launched a theft investigation at Fast Track It in Elizabethtown following a report of Christmas decorations allegedly being stolen. Investigation found Kaelen Matthews, who works for the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department, and Laura Armstrong. Matthews has been suspended without pay pending investigation.

A domestic incident occurred around noon on Friday, September 27^th in the parking lot of North Middle School in Radcliff. This caused the school to go on lockdown for around five minutes. Officials report that one person involved in the altercation fled towards North Hardin High School, which is on the adjacent campus. The “one-call” system was used by both sets of school administrators to alert parents of the situation. Officials say at no time were students ever in danger on either campus.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College held a press conference on Friday in order to sign their first partners for the University Center project, which will serve to provide previously unattainable degrees at the college. These partners for the University Center include Eastern Kentucky University with their criminal justice program, Lindsey Wilson College with their human resources and accounting programs, Spalding University with their nursing program, and Western Kentucky University, who has partnered with the college for many years, and will continue to do so with the center. To donate towards the University Center project, visit ectcforbetterlives.com.

Work to replace the Depot Street Bridge in Bloomfield, which crosses over Simpson Creek in Nelson County, will start this week. Road closure is scheduled to begin tomorrow, and may last up to 75 days. Early notice signs have already been placed and detour signs will be put up to assist motorists. This project is part of Bridging Kentucky, which seeks to increase safety and capacity of bridges throughout the state. For more information about this and other bridge projects, visit bridgingkentucky.com.

70 animals that were once lodged in the Hardin County Animal Shelter found new forever homes over the weekend. The shelter, which was at maximum capacity, held a one time only special that started Thursday and ran through Saturday. The shelter still has pets available and is open Monday through Saturday from noon until 4 PM.

There is a burn ban in effect for all of Hardin County until further notice. Hardin County Judge Executive Harry Berry made the announcement yesterday afternoon. Officials are warning citizens to be careful when operating things such as charcoal grills that still have coals burning, as fires can start easily that way. For more information, or to ask other questions, contact Hardin County Government.

A tip to Hardin County Crime Stoppers has led to yet another arrest. Dominick McKnight was found in Christian County due to an anonymous tip, and was taken into custody regarding a burglary charge. Anyone with tips regarding ongoing cases or new crimes should contact Hardin County Crime Stoppers.

Downhome Days in Big Spring will be taking place this weekend. This years festivities will be taking place over two days, September 28^th and 29^th. Events will include a beauty pageant, and a cornhole tournament, as well as a silent auction and live music on Saturday, and a tug of war and parade on Sunday. In addition, food, face painting, and other vendors will be available.

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville will host a naturalization ceremony this Friday. Over 100 people are expected to be welcomed as new United States citizens. The event will take place at 11 AM near the base of the stairs leading to the memorial building. More information can be found by contacting the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace.

The Vine Grove Bluegrass Music Festival starts tonight. This year marks the 20^th anniversary for the event. The fun begins with a band scramble and ends on Saturday night with Ricky Skaggs and the Kentucky Thunder. For more information, visit vinegrovebluegrass.org.