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KYTC says wait times are down at license offices if you need a Real ID for holiday travel

State officials are encouraging Kentuckians gearing up to travel this holiday season to secure a Real ID.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says Real ID enforcement took effect on May 7, requiring anyone flying domestically or visiting a military base to present a Real ID-compliant credential such as a valid passport or Real ID driver’s license, permit, or ID card. The KYTC says about 45 percent of Kentuckians have opted for a Real ID.

The KYTC says several customer service improvements were made at driver licensing regional offices across the commonwealth to make it easier to upgrade or renew a license including hiring more full-time staff, a new line management and text check-in system, and “skip the line” tools on the KYTC website. From April to October, the average walk-in customer wait time fell from 49 minutes to 14 minutes.

Real ID requests must be made in person and are issued by mail within 10 to 15 days, so if flying is part of your holiday travel plans don’t delay. Visit drive.ky.gov to find what documents you need to bring to a licensing office, or if you need to renew take the “Skip the Line” quiz to see if you can renew by mail or online.

Furever Friends #375

This week we meet Tillie, a 1 year old chocolate weighing 50 pounds, and Ralph, a 7 month white short hair kitten, 2 pets looking for new Furever homes.

The Hardin County Animal Shelter is also holding their 9th Annual Howliday Special, now through December 20th. They are offering $25 adult dog adoptions when you bring in a new Children’s toy or gift card valued at around $25 to benefit the foster children served by Benchmark Family Services.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the shelter at 270-769-3428, visit their Facebook page at Hardin County Animal Shelter – Elizabethtown or stop by in person at 220 Peterson Drive in E-town, Monday to Saturday from 12 noon through 4pm. Furever Friends is brought to you by locally veteran-owned, Pet Supplies Plus, at 209 Towne Drive in Elizabethtown.

Cold temperatures and fog could lead to slick surfaces for drivers

The National Weather Service in Louisville says a band of winter weather brought snowfall along the Ohio River from Owensboro to Cincinnati Monday night into Tuesday, with Kentucky counties in the vicinity of Louisville seeing some significant accumulations.

“We have anywhere from 4 to 2.5-plus inches in that area,” said NWS Louisville Meteorologist Brian Wilkins. 

Wilkins said temperatures should remain consistent with highs in the 30s and lows in the upper teens or lower 20s through the weekend. He said no major precipitation is in the forecast for the next few days, but low-level moisture in the air could result in fogging, which may result in some hazards.

“With temperatures being below freezing, this could generate some slick spots on elevated surfaces,” Wilkins said. “Not overly concerned with it, but be mindful that if you do travel or you’re in an area of fog that with temperatures being below freezing, you could generate slick spots, so just be aware of that.”

A cold front coming in could bring a chance for some snow showers, then after drying out moisture from the south could bring some wintery conditions as the weekend arrives.

“It’s not expected to be anything like we received (Tuesday),” Wilkins said. “Just some light, very light snow early on transitioning to rain, and then we dry out for the rest of the weekend.”

Follow the National Weather Service in Louisville for updates.

Free EMT-B training available through Kentucky Career Center, Baptist Health

If you are looking to make a career change and serve as a first responder, the Kentucky Career Center and Baptist Health are offering free EMT-B training.

The KCC says through a grant secured by Baptist Health, 30 free EMT-B training slots are available for eligible participants. Baptist Health will cover the costs of the 180-hour course, textbook and national background check fees, and a job fair at the end of training for employment opportunities.

According to the KCC, the deadline to apply for the course is December 20. The course runs January 20 through May 14. Classes are mostly held online with some mandatory in-person classes at the career center.

Participants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, possess an active driver’s license or be able to obtain one, and must not have a felony conviction on their record. Participants must also meet basic EMT eligibility requirements.

Participants who complete the training will be required to cover the cost of the state certification exam, but funds may be available through the KCC’s Career Team or Re-Entry Services. 

Visit the Kentucky Career Center Lincoln Trail at 233 Ring Road in Elizabethtown or visit www.ltcareercenter.org for more information.