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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.
$3.4 million in funding will be awarded to 24 cities and counties around the commonwealth through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Department of Rural and Municipal Aid.
Among the funding recipients is the city of West Point, which will receive $66,715.
“That funding is to repair and repave the city road that goes up to Fort Duffield, the historic site,” said West Point Mayor Richard Ciresi.
The mayor says the funding supports rebuilding efforts in West Point.
“It is one of our major tourist attractions, and we are rebuilding West Point as a visitor center, and this is a key part of that,” Ciresi said.
Larue County also received funds, with $197,000 going towards resurfacing 2.5 miles of Dan Dunn Road.
Meanwhile, the KYTC says KY-992 in Breckinridge County will be closed beginning at 8 a.m. Monday to the south and east of Cloverport as crews conduct slide repairs between Tar Springs Road and Iron Ore Road. The road should be open by 3 p.m. to accommodate after school and bus traffic. A recommended detour route is posted on the KYTC District Four Facebook page.
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.