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Unemployment rates rose in 98 counties, fell in 17, and stayed the same in 5 between July 2022 and July 2023.

According to the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, unlike much of the rest of the state, unemployment in July for the Lincoln Trail Region saw little change compared to the year prior, with the average for the region holding steady at 4.5 percent in July 2022 and 2023.

Hardin County also saw July unemployment stay the same, coming in both years at 4.6 percent.

For July 2023, Breckinridge County posted the highest unemployment rate in the region at 5.3 percent. Washington County posted the lowest rate in the region at 3.7 percent.

The Education and Labor Cabinet says the state unemployment average for Kentucky in July was 4.6 percent, while the federal average was 3.8 percent.

More information on unemployment data can be found at www.kystats.ky.gov.

More than 100 law enforcement officers from across Kentucky were recognized this week for their efforts to protect drivers and passengers.

“Annually, a member from each agency across the commonwealth is recognized for their efforts in seat belt enforcement by way of the governor’s Occupant Protection Award,” said Elizabethtown Police Department Public Information Officer Chris Denham.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety presents the award to officers with the most occupant protection citations in each agency from July 1 to June 30. Officers from 91 agencies were recognized, including officers from local agencies.

“This year’s recipient from the Elizabethtown Police Department is Officer Gary Mark,” Denham said. “Gary is a stellar officer and a tremendous asset, not only to the EPD but to the entire community.”

Other area officers recognized include Deputy Chad Edward Simpson from the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, Trooper Eric Hines with Kentucky State Police Post Four, Chief Deputy Jamie Ferrie with the Larue County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Thomas Blair with the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, and Lieutenant Mark Kirkpatrick with the Radcliff Police Department.

The KYTC says Kentucky’s current seat belt usage rate is 86.9 percent, and more than half of those killed in Kentucky roadway accidents are not properly restrained.

The semester is off to a good start at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. 

“We are excited to kick off the Fall 2023 semester at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, and our welcome activities have been a blast this week,” says ECTC Chief Student Officer Dr. Corina Langford. “We are having a ‘Wild Week’ which is a week where all of the students can come collaborate, learn about our resources, and kind of create that sense of belonging and community at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College.”

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System says enrollment is up statewide about 5.8 percent, with 78,245 students attending the system’s 16 campuses. Langford says enrollment is also up a bit at ECTC.

“Enrollment at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has thrived,” Langford said. “Last Friday, we counted around 4,700 students, which is a 3.7 percent increase compared to last year. How amazing is that? Now remember: the start of the semester can cause enrollment to change, plus we are still enrolling students for the second half term.”

ECTC offers several programs to support students, and one of the college’s partners is looking for volunteers. 

Family Scholar House is in need of volunteers with a variety of skills and interests for several opportunities including stocking and managing the student food pantry, writing notes of encouragement, staffing activities such as Pop-In and Mystery Day, and other projects.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Mary Jo King at maryjo.king@kctcs.edu or call 270-706-8835.

For more information on ECTC, visit www.elizabethtown.kctcs.edu.