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Naturalization ceremony to be held at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace

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The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is celebrating America’s birthday by adding more Americans.

The park will host a special naturalization ceremony at 11 a.m. on the Fourth of July as part of the park’s commemoration of the nationwide celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

According to a release from the National Parks Service, the ceremony will take place near the base of the stairs leading to the Memorial Building. Approximately 30 people from around the world will take the Oath of Allegiance and become citizens of the United States, with family members, friends, and supporters joining them to celebrate. The soon-to-be citizens share unique connections to the U.S. military either personally or through a close family member.

The ceremony is free and open to the public. In addition to the ceremony, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator will be on hand and free hands-on craft activities will be available.

Visit the historical park’s website for more information.

Nicholas Houck makes court appearance, this time with attorney present

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Nicholas Houck was back in Nelson Circuit Court Thursday morning for a status hearing as he faces a Class D Felony Perjury charge.

Houck appeared with his attorney, Bardstown-based Michael Ferguson. Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms III noted that Ferguson had been retained and had filed an appearance in the case. Houck was previously represented by a public defender at his arraignment after prosecutors said the attorney Houck said he had retained, Patrick Renn, told them he had not taken the case.

Simms asked Ferguson if he would be requesting a change of venue in the case. Ferguson said they would review the matter and bring it before the court if necessary. Simms said the court would appreciate that motion being made “as quickly as possible” due to the logistics involved.

Because of the anticipated change of venue, Simms set a trial date for November 9. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for July 16.

Simms also granted the prosecution’s Motion to Amend the indictment in the case, which was requested in order to correct the dates listed.

ZeroV introduces temporary services plan for Lincoln Trail District

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ZeroV, Kentucky’s domestic violence coalition, will utilize nearby member programs as part of a temporary services plan for survivors in the Lincoln Trail District.

According to a release from ZeroV, a new crisis line for the Lincoln Trail District has been activated at 1-877-949-0515. When a victim calls, an advocate from GreenHouse17 in Lexington “will respond to immediate needs, including safety planning; options for temporary shelter if the safety risk is immediate; referrals to community partners in the Lincoln Trail ADD; and a warm handoff to the domestic violence program providing domestic violence services in the Lincoln Trail ADD.” The crisis line advocate from GreenHouse17 will conduct an initial assessment and provide appropriate referrals. GreenHouse17 will also be providing access to virtual support groups for survivors who were part of in-person support groups.

Bethany House Abuse Shelter in Somerset will provide services for survivors in Marion, Washington, and Nelson counties. Meade and Breckinridge counties will be served by the Center for Women and Families in Louisville. Barren River Area Safe Space in Bowling Green will serve Grayson, Hardin, and LaRue counties.

The temporary services plan comes after ZeroV made the decision to withdraw funding support for SpringHaven Inc. last month. ZeroV says the plan will be implemented until a new entity is designated. Visit zerov.org/lincolntrail for updates on the plan.

Grant provides support for area workers impacted by recent layoffs

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A grant awarded to the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board will assist workers impacted by layoffs at area industries.

LTWDB Assistant Workforce Director Anthony Hellmueller said the state reached out after the announced closing of BlueOval SK to assist in applying for a National Dislocated Worker Grant through the U.S. Department of Labor.

“The application was approved and we received a notification of that a little earlier this year, so we are now able to use those funds to assist with those who were displaced from employers like BlueOval SK, Kentucky Cooperage in Marion County, and then also the Akebono layoff,” Hellmueller said.

The funding can be used to assist workers with job searches and job placement, or with beginning a new career path.

“If they want to change course and go into a different job altogether or a different career altogether, they can do training or retraining, and we can assist with the cost of that training,” Hellmueller said.

The program prioritizes “career opportunities that offer competitive wages, benefits, advancement potential, and stable working conditions.” Supportive services may be provided, including work clothing, tools, certifications, and other job-related needs to help workers get past barriers to employment. 

Hellmueller said the LTWDB is working side-by-side with area employers to determine what their hiring needs are, allowing them to benefit jobseekers as well as employers.

“This allows us to align our participants’ training with real workforce demand in the area and in the region, and connect those people directly to open positions through hiring events and specialized job matching,” Hellmueller said.

Workers interested in learning about their eligibility should find the interest form available at ltcareercenter.org/dislocated-workers. A career advisor will reach out and begin the enrollment process.