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Beshear encourages Kentuckians to support neighbors in need during Hunger Action Month

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Governor Andy Beshear recognized September as Hunger Action Month during his Team Kentucky Update Thursday, noting that at least 710,000 Kentuckians are facing food insecurity.

“That’s one in six people across our state, and it includes one in five children, and the Commonwealth continues to have the nation’s highest rate of hunger among older adults,” Beshear said. “These aren’t just statistics. They’re our neighbors, our family, and our friends.”

The governor noted actions taken by the state to help address hunger issues along with challenges such as cuts to SNAP benefits. He said your local food bank needs help “now more than ever,” and encouraged Kentuckians to reach out and support their neighbors in need.

“If you’ve been waiting to find that cause that you can jump into, this is one that’s worth it,” Beshear said. “When you do it, you’re helping everybody, and you’re helping them solely based on need.”

Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland Marketing and Communications Manager Manda Barger says 21.1 percent of children in the region struggle with food insecurity, with numbers for the region and Hardin County both trending higher than national averages.

FAKH has multiple opportunities to donate or volunteer.

“A lot of people can also just advocate, get this information out there,” Barger said. “We don’t want this to be a hidden issue in our community. We want to make sure that people who need help are getting it, but also that we are aware of the problems that members of our community are facing.”

Visit www.feedingamericaky.org for more information.

KSP part of multi-state firearm enforcement effort this weekend

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The Kentucky State Police is participating “in a multi-state initiative aimed at reducing crime and keeping illegal firearms out of local communities.”

Now through September 14, the KSP is joining law enforcement partners from Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia for the Six-State Trooper Project, a high-visibility enforcement period concentrating on criminal patrol operations specifically focused on identifying felons with firearms.

According to a release from the KSP, each of the project’s enforcement periods targets a specific traffic or safety concern. The participating agencies share resources, intelligence, and strategies, which helps to “strengthen the collective fight against crime and help ensure Kentucky’s roadways and communities are safer for everyone.”

Troopers will use the traffic enforcement in order to detect and disrupt illegal activity while also ensuring compliance with state and federal firearm laws. Citizens can assist troopers by reporting suspicious or illegal activity to your nearest KSP post.

Learn more about the Six-State Trooper Project and other enforcement and education efforts on the KSP’s website.

Leitchfield Animal Shelter hosting adoption event Saturday

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The Leitchfield Animal Shelter is hosting a “Paw-ty” in the Park this Saturday full of free services and fun for dogs and their human friends alike.

The adoption extravaganza will run at the James D. Beville City Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT on September 13. Adoptable dogs from the shelter will be on hand as they look for their forever homes.

Human visitors can enjoy free hot dogs and water, while four-legged visitors will be able to get free nail trims and blowouts as well as free obedience training. Microchipping will be available for purchase, and the shelter is also selling t-shirts at the event.

The shelter itself will be closed the day of the event. Visit the Leitchfield Animal Shelter Facebook page for more information.

United Way of Central Kentucky kicks off annual fundraising campaign

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United Way of Central Kentucky Director of Development Brienne Smith said the organization is not just about raising money.

“We’re about bringing people together to lift one another up,” Smith said. “We’re about creating real, lasting change in the lives of our neighbors.”

Smith spoke during the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce’s September luncheon Wednesday in recognition of the kickoff for the United Way’s annual fundraising campaign. The chamber also hosted their annual volunteer expo, featuring several organizations that receive support from United Way.

Smith said the programs supported by United Way have a wide-ranging impact on the community.

“Your co-workers, your neighbors, your family members may have already been touched by these efforts,” Smith said. “That’s the power of United Way. It’s not just one person helping another. It’s all of us working together to create a community where everyone has the chance to succeed.”

The United Way encourages area businesses to inquire about learning more about organizing workplace campaigns, which Smith said is an opportunity to take action.

“Whether it’s $5 a paycheck or more, every dollar is maximized by investing in United Way of Central Kentucky and goes right back into the five counties that we serve,” Smith said. “Your gift will directly change lives right here at home.”

Learn more about the United Way of Central Kentucky by visiting their website or Facebook page.

Revised plan for U.S. 150 in Bardstown presented

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A revised preferred alternative for the U.S. 150 Improvement Project between KY 49/Loretto Road and just west of KY 245 in Bardstown has been announced.

According to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District Four, the project is being conducted in partnership with the Federal Highways Administration. The purpose of the project is to alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety.

“There has been a lot of focus on the US 150 corridor over the last decade,” said KYTC District Four Public Information Officer Chris Jessie. “Now, primarily what you’ve seen go to construction at this point has been between Bardstown and Springfield. Of course, a couple of years ago, we wrapped up that project around the parkway interchange, and then now the ongoing project is near the Washington County line into Washington County.”

The next phase of the project is in Bardstown, from My Old Kentucky Home out to about the Bardstown Walmart. 

“There’s a lot of crash history there to support needed improvements, safety improvements, and the corridor is obviously a busy one and really needs to provide a better level of service for all types of vehicles through that area,” Jessie said.

The work will include widening the roadway from two lanes to add a center turn lane, relocating Pottershop Loop to create a roundabout intersection with U.S. 150 and Springhill Drive, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 150 and KY 49.

Updated exhibits and a virtual look at the revised preferred alternative is available on the KYTC District Four website.