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Hardin County fire companies raise $157K for Crusade for Children

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The local community showed their generosity during the 73rd annual WHAS Crusade for Children.

The Hardin County Fire Chiefs Association says donors contributed $157,591.37 to area fire companies during this year’s campaign, which aims to make life better for children with identified health care, educational, and emotional wellness needs. Area fire companies organized roadblocks and fundraising events, while donors were also able to submit donations.

The top three fundraising fire companies in Hardin County were KY 86 with $32,494.79, Sonora with $21,178.25, and Valley Creek with $17,045.00.

In a post on Facebook, the HCFCA thanked the area firefighters who put in the time and the community members who showed their generosity, stating: “Your kindness and generosity continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of children who depend on these services.”

Learn more and make a donation at www.whascrusade.org.

Take steps to avoid leaving children in hot cars

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As the temperature starts to rise as the summer season rolls on, make sure you take the necessary steps to avoid leaving children in hot cars, a situation that can turn dangerous fast.

“On a warm, humid day, the car temperature can rise 19 degrees in about 10 minutes,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane. “On a sunny 60 degree day, especially the humidity we have here in Kentucky sometimes, it can be up to 110 degrees in the car.”

If you see a child is alone in a car, make sure the child is truly alone and there isn’t somebody else out of sight in the vehicle, then take action.

“If you see a child alone in a car, get involved,” Crane said. “Call 911 immediately. If the child seems hot or sick, in distress, get them out of the car, out of that vehicle, as quickly as possible.”

If you are responsible for a child, give yourself reminders to check the backseat so children don’t get left behind such as setting an alert on your phone.

“Maybe put something in the child’s seat like a stuffed animal that you move up to the front seat with you when the child is in the seat and then put it back,” Crane said. “Have somebody call you or text you to remind you, ‘hey did you drop little Johnny off at the daycare?’. Put your lunch box or your briefcase back there in the back seat area with the child so that you have to physically open that door and double check, and then just remember to look before you lock.”

Bryan’s Law, passed in 2000, makes a person liable for Second-Degree Manslaughter or First-Degree Wanton Endangerment if a child under eight dies or suffers serious injury as a result of being left in a car.

Arts and writing contest invites Kentuckians to celebrate their ‘New Kentucky Home’

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Submissions are being accepted for the New Kentucky Home Arts and Writing Contest, and all Kentuckians are invited to participate.

According to a release from the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, Kentuckians of all ages can submit artwork, photos, videos, poetry, and short essays via social media by June 18 to participate. Kentucky Governor and First Lady Andy and Britainy Beshear say the contest is an opportunity to celebrate what makes the commonwealth special and reflect on both Kentucky’s history and its future.

The Governor and First Lady provided three prompts to inspire participants:

-What do you love more about your “New Kentucky Home”?
-What moment or person in Kentucky’s history inspires you?
-What is your dream for Kentucky?

To participate, post your work or a photo of your work to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or multiple platforms. Tag the Governor and the First Lady in the post. Include the hashtags #NewKentuckyHome and #TeamKentucky, and if you are a student hashtag your age group. The deadline to submit is June 18.

Winners in each age group will receive a complimentary two-night stay at Kentucky State Parks and a one-year membership to the Kentucky Historical Society.

State plans to complete 911 upgrades by end of 2027

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Kentucky is taking steps to modernize how emergency calls are handled.

During his Team Kentucky Update Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear discussed the statewide transition to Next Generation 911. The Governor said the transition will improve speed, accuracy, and inter-agency collaboration across the 117 911 call centers in the state.

“This is about saving lives through better technology, ensuring every Kentuckian no matter where they live can reach 911 quickly and reliably,” Beshear said.

Kentucky Office of Homeland Security Executive Director Amy Hess said the data through legacy 911 systems is primarily restricted to voice, caller ID, and limited location information. She said Next Generation 911 replaces the legacy systems “with a secure, highly reliable digital infrastructure.”

“It transforms emergency access by allowing text, voice, photos, and video calls from any compatible device,” Hess said. “This gives dispatchers and first responders far greater situational awareness of what they’re facing before they arrive on scene, creating a vital tactical advantage in life-threatening scenarios.”

The new systems have been implemented in 19 call centers to date, and full implementation is expected by the end of 2027.

30th Annual Children’s Fair coming to Freeman Lake Park Saturday

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An annual summer staple, and an event near and dear to Quicksie and the Wolf, returns to Freeman Lake Park Saturday: the 30th-Annual Children’s Fair, held in partnership with the Heart of Kentucky Association of Realtors.

“There’s so much stuff to do, but what I think the most important thing is, it’s completely free,” said HKAR realtor Jenny Geist. “It’s for kids, ages one to 12 and everybody in between, because we all like free stuff, and that’s wonderful. There’s going to be all kinds of vendors that are going to be there. They’ll have games, different booths, and activities.”

The fair runs at and around the Ernie Williams Pavilion at the park from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

The Children’s Fair was the creation of Lydia Drexler and Quicksie Co-Founder Marilyn Evans. In addition to games, inflatables, balloon art, face painting, and more, the popular “Mascot Idol” will return as D.J. Tiger, Wolfie, and their area friends compete for the trophy.

“It’s completely free,” Geist said. “Just hop in your car and come on. Don’t bring anything else with you. We don’t want you to worry about money that day. Completely free, but please come join us, and let’s keep our fingers crossed for wonderful weather.”

Find the flier with more information about the Children’s Fair on the Quicksie and Wolf Facebook pages.