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U.S. Army HRC hosting sexual assault awareness motorcycle ride Wednesday

Members of the public are invited to join the Fort Knox community for a motorcycle ride Wednesday to highlight sexual assault awareness and prevention.

The U.S. Army Human Resources Command will host the 11th annual SHARP “Raise the Bars” Motorcycle Ride April 29 as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. The ride is open to Fort Knox soldiers, family members, civilian staff, and the general public.

According to a release from the HRC, following opening remarks by Major General Hope Rampy, the HRC’s commanding general, riders will depart the post at 1:30 p.m. and ride to SilverLeaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services in Elizabethtown. The HRC refers survivors of sexual assault and abuse to SilverLeaf for support and services including crisis intervention, medical examinations, counseling, and education.

The ride is one of six events the HRC is hosting in April to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault/harrassment, prevention measures, and providing support to survivors. The HRC will also be hosting the annual Darkness to Light Candle-Lighting Ceremony on April 30 to serve as a reminder to remain vigilant against acts of sexual assault throughout the year.

Visitors to Fort Knox are asked to have a REAL ID. If you do not have a REAL ID, you will need supplemental identification such as a passport or birth certificate.

Contact the U.S. Army Human Resources Command Public Affairs Office for more information.

Kentucky unemployment in February sees decline

February unemployment in Kentucky is down slightly from the previous month and year. 

The Kentucky Center for Statistics says the state unemployment average for February was 4.2 percent. That is down from the 4.3 percent average reported in January, and down .6 percent from the February 2025 average of 4.8 percent.

Kentucky’s unemployment average for February came in under the national unemployment rate, which the U.S. Department of Labor says at 4.4 percent is up from the 4.2 percent rate reported in February 2025.

The Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet says the state’s civilian labor force, which includes people currently employed and people actively searching for work, saw a decrease of 5,874 people from January to February, bringing the total civilian labor force to 2,108,665 people.

The Educational and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Government sectors saw increases from January to February. Numbers for the Mining and Logging Sector were stable and numbers for the Information Services Sector were unchanged. The Other Services, Financial Activities, Professional and Business Services, Manufacturing, Construction, and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sectors saw decreases.

Visit the Kentucky Center for Statistics website, kystats.ky.gov, for more about unemployment figures and labor market information.

Interim CKCAC Community Services/HEAP director officially appointed to position

A familiar face has been appointed as the Central Kentucky Community Action Council’s Community Services/HEAP director.

Samantha “Sam” Ross, who has been serving in the position on an interim basis, was promoted to permanently take over the position, which oversees the Community Services Block Grant and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“Coming from the Weatherization Assistance Program, I have seen how the services our agency offers impact the communities we serve,” Ross said.

The council said in a release that Ross “demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the agency’s mission during her interim tenure.”

“I am excited to continue cultivating relationships with local assistance partners and help strengthen the resource network here in central Kentucky to empower our clients,” Ross said. “Community is important to me, and empowering vulnerable populations is a passion close to my heart.”

CKCAC Executive Director Bryan Conover said he is excited to see Ross step into the position.

“Her experience within our agency, combined with her passion for our clients, makes her the ideal leader to guide our community services and LIHEAP programs moving forward,” Conover said.

Ross takes over leadership of LIHEAP while the application period for the program’s spring subsidy is open. Applications for LIHEAP are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electric vendor. Receiving assistance through other LIHEAP cycles does not affect eligibility. The deadline to apply is May 22, or when funds run out. Visit your local Community Action office to begin an application. Call 270-692-2136 or visit www.ckcac.org for more information.