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Souleyrette selected to lead E-Town Tourism

The Elizabethtown Tourism and Convention Bureau is officially under new leadership, and the new leader is a familiar face.

According to a release Tuesday, after a comprehensive search process Interim Executive Director Krysta Souleyrette has been appointed to serve in the position full-time.

“I’m incredibly honored to be chosen as the executive director of Elizabethtown Tourism, and I’m excited to continue to move forward and move our destination forward,” Souleyrette said.

Souleyrette joined the organization as communications director in 2018, and was then promoted to director of marketing in 2023. She has served as the interim executive director since this past May.

Souleyrette said she is looking forward to continuing to work with local leaders and stakeholders on advancing tourism goals for the area.

“There’s so much going on in Elizabethtown, and we’re just growing, and I’m just grateful to be able to be a part of that growth and showcase our wonderful community to our visitors and locals alike,” Souleyrette said.

Visit www.touretown.com and follow Elizabethtown Tourism on Facebook for the latest tourism updates.

Hardin County Fiscal Court approves 2026 tax rates

The Hardin County Fiscal Court met for their first meeting of the month Tuesday.

The court approved a resolution setting 2026 property tax rates for the county, with the county adopting a 4 percent revenue increase, setting the rate at 10.7 cents per $100 valuation. Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul recommended the 4 percent increase rate, noting that the increased rate is actually lower than last year’s tax rate.

“This decreases the current real estate property rate of 10.8 cents, what it was last year, to the recommended 10.7 cents per $100 valuation, and again, this is due to a growing county with almost a $1 billion increase in real estate property valuation,” Taul said.

Taul said the estimated net revenue from the tax rate is about $10.35 million. The Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service (1.80), the Hardin County Soil Conservation District (.20), and the Lincoln Trail District Health Department (2.20) each elected to take the compensating rate and remain at last year’s rates. No comments were made during a public hearing on the tax rate.

In other meeting news, the court approved a resolution on second reading that made text amendments to the county’s Zoning Ordinance. Hardin County Planning and Development Director Adam King said the changes, which were recommended for approval by the county’s Planning Commission, mostly “mimic state law.”

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District Four Branch Manager Bow Warren presented on Hardin County projects included in the KYTC Rural Secondary Program, which is funded by 22.2 percent of revenue from the state’s motor fuel tax. The plan includes routine maintenance and traffic, an asphalt resurfacing project on KY 920, and an asphalt base repair on KY 920.

“Our entire program for this year is estimated at $1,544,643 for Hardin County,” Warren said.

The Hardin County Fiscal Court will next meet September 22.

Kentucky state agencies hosting online auctions

Two Kentucky state agencies are hosting online auctions this week, and participation is open to the public.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is hosting an auction of surplus equipment, with bidding open through September 11. Items up for bid include trucks, tractors, mowers, and other maintenance equipment. The auction is being hosted by The Logsdon Group, and a complete list of available items can be found on their website, through which participants must register.

Proceeds from the action will go towards the KFW Fish and Game Fund, which is used for normal operating expenses. KFW will also be hosting an auction of surplus and confiscated items in October, more information on which is available at fw.ky.gov.

Meanwhile, the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will open bidding for its second auction of confiscated bourbons on September 15, with bidding running through the 30th. The proceeds from the ABC auction go towards alcohol responsibility programs across Kentucky. Find more information by visiting ABC.ky.gov.

Tax credit available to Kentucky small businesses

Kentucky small businesses that employ 50 or fewer full-time employees are encouraged to apply for the Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit program.

“Tax credits are available to eligible companies that added at least one new full-time employee and invested more than $5,000 in qualifying equipment or technology within the past 24 months,” said Governor Andy Beshear during Thursday’s Team Kentucky Update.

Qualifying businesses may be eligible to receive a state income tax credit ranging from $3,500 to $25,000 through the program. The credit awarded is dependent on the number of jobs created and the amount of investment in new equipment and technology. Since its inception, more than $17.4 million in tax credits have been earned through the program based on the creation of more than 5,100 jobs and more than $53.7 million in investments.

“Team Kentucky is committed to supporting our small businesses,” Beshear said. “We know that you are the backbone of each and every community, so check out this application. If you qualify, make sure you apply for it. We want to help you grow, and we appreciate you.”

Learn more about the program and find the application at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov/Entrepreneurship/KSBTC. Business owners may also contact the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development at 1-800-626-2930 or email info@kyinnovation.com for more information.