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Keep fire safety in mind when decking the halls this holiday season

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As you are “making spirits bright” this holiday season, make sure you are taking steps to reduce fire hazards when decorating your home.

Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane said that starts with checking lights and cords for decorations to make sure they are in good shape.

“You want to make sure they’re not worn out or broken,” Crane said. “You don’t see any bare wires. Make sure the connections are tight. Try to choose decorations that are going to be flame-resistant or flame-retardant when you’re putting up the lights, things with the lights. LEDs are great because they don’t put off as much heat as older incandescent bulbs.”

Make sure outdoor decorations are rated for outdoor use, and be aware of limits for how many strands of light you can string together. Don’t follow Clark Griswold’s lead and use staples to hang your lights, and be safe on the ladder.

“The best thing is to have somebody actually holding the ladder for you, making sure that it’s stable,” Crane said. “If not, at least make sure somebody is aware that you’re going to be on the ladder, so if they don’t hear from you in a little while, or if they do hear a scream outside as you’re falling, they know to come and check on you.”

Be sure you are reducing the risks for hazards inside the home as well.

“Make sure that you don’t cover the cords with rugs, especially where there’s a connection,” Crane said. “Don’t run the cords across pathways, running them through the hallway or across a doorway where they could be a trip hazard. Make sure that with your decorations, try not to block the windows and doors.”

Don’t forget to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in working order.

Voter registration in Kentucky sees another increase

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Voter registration in Kentucky saw another strong month in November.

The Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office says more than 5,000 Kentuckians registered to vote in the month of November.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, Republican registration in November increased by 2,412 voters, and independent or other registration increased by 1,209. Democratic registration decreased by 1,914 voters. Republican registration makes up 48 percent of the state electorate, Democratic registration makes up 41 percent, and independent or other makes up 11 percent.

The secretary of state’s office says 3,748 voters were removed from the rolls in November. 2,982 were deceased, 259 moved out of state, and 385 were convicted felons.

Kentuckians planning on voting in the May 2026 primary election must have their party registration set by December 31. Kentuckians can register to vote or check their registration status by visiting govote.ky.gov, or by contacting their county clerk’s office.

Kentucky Blood Center hosting E-Town blood drive

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The Kentucky Blood Center says winter is a difficult time for the blood supply with weather-related cancellations and an uptick in illnesses, so proactive donations are necessary to support the blood supply at the 70-plus hospitals the center supports.

The Kentucky Blood Center will be hosting a blood drive at Malibu Jack’s in Elizabethtown from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 27.

“This is a really special blood drive because we so desperately need blood after the holidays,” said KBC Donor Recruitment Specialist Brooke Nevius. “To give you an example, after last week’s Thanksgiving holiday week, we have a half-a-day supply of A- and O- blood on the shelf right now. People are busy. We get it, but we need to make that up.”

Nevius says the blood drive will help hospitals hit the ground running for the new year, and donors have a special incentive.

“Malibu Jack’s will give you a free attraction card,” Nevius said. “You’ll get a hoodie, a whole hoodie. It has ‘Blood Donor’ on it. They’re actually really nice, and we do this to encourage our donors to come in because it’s a very nice giveaway.”

Donors must be at least 17 years old or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, show a photo I.D., and meet additional requirements.

Nevius says blood donated through the KBC stays local to aid patients during a wide variety of treatments.

“So many people don’t understand that now that we can spin our bloods and we have so many components, 25 percent of us are going to need blood at some point in our lives, and yet, we still have a problem because less than 5 percent of the population is donating,” Nevius said.

Visit www.kybloodcenter.org or call 1-800-775-2522 for more information.

Hardin County Schools seeking info on student scholarship opportunities

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Hardin County Schools is looking for information on scholarships available for students, and the district is asking local businesses, organizations, and individuals to reach out.

“We are asking those who provide scholarships in our community to send that information directly to me here at our central office and also to our guidance counselors at Central Hardin High School, John Hardin High School, North Hardin High School and our Early College and Career Center,” said HCS Community Relations Specialist John Wright.

HCS will post scholarship information to the district and school websites, which the district says gives students a better chance to see the information and get applications sent out.

“We are so fortunate to live and learn in a community where so many generous businesses, organizations, families, and individuals share their resources that allow students to succeed either in their chosen career field or post-secondary education institutions,” Wright said.

Scholarship information can be found under the Students tab on the HCS website by clicking “Scholarship Information”. Contact Wright for more information or assistance sharing the info.