QUICKSIE98.3

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says 2024 was another strong year for economic development in the commonwealth. 

The governor’s office says for the fifth straight year Kentucky secured a top five regional ranking for economic development projects in Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup rankings.

Kentucky placed second for regional projects per capita and third for total projects in the South Central Region. 14 Kentucky communities were recognized in the top metropolitan and micropolitan rankings.

The governor’s office says Site Selection magazine awards the Governor’s Cup annually to the U.S. state with the newest and expanded corporate facilities, and the rankings are considered an industry scoreboard by corporate real estate agents. The governor said in the release: “These Governor’s Cup rankings showcase what we already know: Kentucky is witnessing unprecedented economic growth and setting a strong foundation for long-term success.”

187 total economic development projects were announced across the commonwealth in 2024. More information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at ced.ky.gov.

Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in recapturing an inmate at the Hardin County Detention Center who ran away during work duty Tuesday morning.

“One of the deputies who was one of the maintenance deputies had taken a couple inmates out to dump trash in the dumpster behind the jail,” said Hardin County Jailer Josh Lindblom. “He was out there, had three inmates out. Well, one of them decided to take off running.”

Kentucky State Police Post Four identified the escapee as Terry Santos Moore.

The deputy radioed for assistance, and Lindblom says a deputy chased Moore for about 3/4 a mile before losing him in the woods behind KSP Post Four.

“It wasn’t long before we put a description out,” Lindblom said. “KSP came out and searched, everybody was out searching, and then they found him at a property on Colyers Lane. KSP was there, sheriff’s office was there, EPD was there, Fish and Wildlife was there. I believe the Greater Hardin County Narcotic Task Force and the jail crews were out there, and he was back in custody that quick.”

The Elizabethtown Police Department says some area schools went on soft lockdowns as a precaution, but Lindblom says Moore was never considered dangerous.

“He was never a danger to the public, and he’s actually in there for Trafficking of Marijuana, which, you know, he’s one of the prisoners that’s actually able to go out and work crews and stuff like that,” Lindblom said. “He’s actually been able to work in the community, so we weren’t worried about him being violent or anything like that stuff, but it’s never a good thing when somebody runs off on you.”

Moore now faces a charge of Second Degree Escape. He is due to appear in a video arraignment hearing Wednesday.

As Kentuckians wait for warmer weather, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet highway crews are getting ready to prepare the roadways. 

Motorists should be on the lookout for KYTC crews using spray trucks and other equipment to control noxious weeds growing along state-maintained roadways.

The KYTC says controlling weeds is a key part of maintaining safe roads as invasive plants such as spotted knapweed and Canada thistle can destroy roadside turf, leaving areas vulnerable to erosion. This can lead to damages to transportation infrastructure, and weed growth can potentially reduce visibility on the roadway. Expansive plant growth also has the potential to attract wildlife closer to the road which can lead to more hazards.

Motorists are reminded to use extra caution when spraying crews are working along the side of the road. Give these vehicles extra space. Kentuckians treating weeds on private property adjacent to state-owned rights of way may request highway crews treat eligible vegetation. Contact your nearest KYTC cabinet office for more information.