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One dead, five hospitalized after crash in Hart County

The Kentucky State Police is investigating a fatal collision that occurred in Hart County Monday afternoon.

According to KSP Post Three, troopers were called to the intersection of KY 88/Hardyville Road and Birchwood Lane shortly after noon on February 10.

The KSP says the preliminary investigation indicates that a vehicle driven by 70-year-old Phillip Hodson of Canmer was travelling east on Hardyville Road when it crossed the centerline into the westbound lane where it collided with a van.

Hodson was declared dead at the scene by the Hart County Coroner’s Office. Three passengers in the van were transported to T.J. Samson Community Hospital and two other passengers were airlifted to the University of Louisville Hospital.

The KSP’s investigation is ongoing.

Elizabethtown and Radcliff councils host work sessions

The Elizabethtown City Council met for a work session Monday afternoon.

Bryan Skinner of RSA Advisors presented to the council on bonding options for the outdoor music venue. Skinner reviewed the city’s current obligations and legal debt limit, and said the city has options.

“You guys are, I’ll just go ahead and say it, in great financial shape,” Skinner said. “One of the best cities, best rated cities out there. Good bond rating.”

The current estimate for the required bond is $45 million. RSA will set up a bond sale for the city after it is instructed to do so via ordinance.

Elizabethtown Stormwater Director Rita Davis presented an update on her department’s activities. Davis recounted projects completed in 2024 and upcoming projects, including working with FEMA on remapping the floodplain. Davis said the city is considering introducing a stormwater utility fee to help offset some costs.

“This is something we’ve been working with with Strand consultants to kind of look at how much money we can generate with the stormwater utility fee, so hopefully it sounded like we do a lot with what I’ve been discussing here, and that should help pay for some of these things,” Davis said.

Also meeting for a work session Monday was the Radcliff City Council. After the council took no official action during a called meeting, Radcliff Mayor JJ Duvall said one bid was submitted for city street resurfacing. Duvall said he will likely be requesting the council approve additional funding for resurfacing in order to cover additional side streets. The council discussed a resolution opposing the centralized collection of taxes. City Attorney Mike Pike said the resolution opposes proposed legislation that takes occupational tax and license fee collection away from municipalities and turns it over to the state, which Pike said the Kentucky League of Cities is “vehemently against.”

“I think it’s a bad idea if they adopt this,” Pike said. “Cities are going to get the short end of the stick. You know, we have very little means of raising revenue anyway, you guys already know that.”

The Elizabethtown City Council and the Radcliff City Council will both next meet on February 18.

United Way excited to host another Headshot Happy Hour

The United Way of Central Kentucky invites you to support area causes and your own professional development by participating in their second annual Headshot Happy Hour event.

“We just wanted the opportunity for individuals to get a professional headshot, to do some networking, and just to have a good time on a cold winter night,” said UWCK Director of Community Engagement Brianne Smith. “It was such a success last year that we decided to bring it back again this year.”

Headshot Happy Hour will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18 at Bourbon Barrel Tavern. Bob Knoll Photography will be taking the pictures.

“It’s $50 to reserve your spot, and this is something that Bob usually charges $150 for, so you’re getting $150 value for just $50,” Smith said.

Participants will receive a minimum of two photos which will be retouched and edited. All proceeds from the event will go towards the organization’s programs and agency.

“We are looking forward to another fun night,” Smith said. “We’re looking forward to seeing all of you out doing some networking and just having a good time, so we would love it if you would join us.”

Spaces are limited and registration is required. Find the link to register on the United Way of Central Kentucky’s website or Facebook page.

Kentucky voter registration still increases as maintenance on voter rolls continues

The Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office continues to perform maintenance to remove deceased voters from the rolls, but voter registration in the state continues to grow. 

The Secretary of State’s Office says 5,253  new voters got registered in the month of January.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, Republican registration increased in January by 2,004 voters and independent or other registration increased by 1,406, while Democratic registration decreased by 1,202 voters. Republican registration makes up about 47 percent of the state electorate, Democratic registration makes up about 42 percent, and independent or other makes up about 11 percent.

The Secretary of State’s Office says 3,045 voters were removed from the rolls in January. That includes 2,100 deceased voters, 413 felony convicts, and 388 voters who moved out of state. Secretary of State Michael Adams says more than 440,000 voters, including more than 250,000 deceased voters, have been removed from the rolls since he took office in 2020.

Visit govote.ky.gov or contact your county clerk’s office to get registered to vote or to check your registration status.