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Taul proposes 2026-2027 budget

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The Hardin County Fiscal Court met for their second meeting of the month Monday.

Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul presented his proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Taul is proposing a budget of $62,468,098, balanced with $2 million from the annual payout from the hospital sale.

“You can see that the revenue is $24 million-plus, with expenses exactly the same, and we end up of course with a balanced budget, and also considering the hospital sale payout as revenue, then we will end up with $700,000 that will go to increase the reserves,” Taul said.

Taul said his goal with the budget is to “stabilize and plan for the future.” The first reading of the budget ordinance will be held at the May 12 fiscal court reading, the second reading will be held at the June 9 meeting, and the budget will be submitted to the Kentucky Department of Local Government on June 13.

A public hearing was held on a request by the Cecilia Baptist Church to close the right of way for North Mill Street and a 495-foot portion of Federal Street in Cecilia.

“This is just a road closure to close it from county maintenance, so you all, by closing the roads, would be transferring this property over to Cecilia Baptist Church, so it will be closed to county maintenance but most of this pavement is going to remain within the Cecilia Baptist Church parking lot, and pavement that won’t remain will either be improved or shifted a little bit,” said County Planner Haley Goodman. 

A resolution approving the request was approved later in the meeting.

In other meeting news, Hardin County Coroner Pat Elmore reported his office responded to 141 cases in January, 97 in February, and 116 in March. Hardin County Sheriff John Ward said in February and March the sheriff’s office made 31 arrests, issued 277 citations, served 184 warrants, and opened 132 criminal cases. Ward also said by the close of business on April 15 the sheriff’s office had collected 99.2 percent of Hardin County property taxes due.

The Hardin County Fiscal Court will next meet May 12.

(Photo Credit: Hardin County Government YouTube Channel)

U.S. Army HRC hosting sexual assault awareness motorcycle ride Wednesday

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Members of the public are invited to join the Fort Knox community for a motorcycle ride Wednesday to highlight sexual assault awareness and prevention.

The U.S. Army Human Resources Command will host the 11th annual SHARP “Raise the Bars” Motorcycle Ride April 29 as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. The ride is open to Fort Knox soldiers, family members, civilian staff, and the general public.

According to a release from the HRC, following opening remarks by Major General Hope Rampy, the HRC’s commanding general, riders will depart the post at 1:30 p.m. and ride to SilverLeaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services in Elizabethtown. The HRC refers survivors of sexual assault and abuse to SilverLeaf for support and services including crisis intervention, medical examinations, counseling, and education.

The ride is one of six events the HRC is hosting in April to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault/harrassment, prevention measures, and providing support to survivors. The HRC will also be hosting the annual Darkness to Light Candle-Lighting Ceremony on April 30 to serve as a reminder to remain vigilant against acts of sexual assault throughout the year.

Visitors to Fort Knox are asked to have a REAL ID. If you do not have a REAL ID, you will need supplemental identification such as a passport or birth certificate.

Contact the U.S. Army Human Resources Command Public Affairs Office for more information.

Kentucky unemployment in February sees decline

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February unemployment in Kentucky is down slightly from the previous month and year. 

The Kentucky Center for Statistics says the state unemployment average for February was 4.2 percent. That is down from the 4.3 percent average reported in January, and down .6 percent from the February 2025 average of 4.8 percent.

Kentucky’s unemployment average for February came in under the national unemployment rate, which the U.S. Department of Labor says at 4.4 percent is up from the 4.2 percent rate reported in February 2025.

The Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet says the state’s civilian labor force, which includes people currently employed and people actively searching for work, saw a decrease of 5,874 people from January to February, bringing the total civilian labor force to 2,108,665 people.

The Educational and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Government sectors saw increases from January to February. Numbers for the Mining and Logging Sector were stable and numbers for the Information Services Sector were unchanged. The Other Services, Financial Activities, Professional and Business Services, Manufacturing, Construction, and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sectors saw decreases.

Visit the Kentucky Center for Statistics website, kystats.ky.gov, for more about unemployment figures and labor market information.

Interim CKCAC Community Services/HEAP director officially appointed to position

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A familiar face has been appointed as the Central Kentucky Community Action Council’s Community Services/HEAP director.

Samantha “Sam” Ross, who has been serving in the position on an interim basis, was promoted to permanently take over the position, which oversees the Community Services Block Grant and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“Coming from the Weatherization Assistance Program, I have seen how the services our agency offers impact the communities we serve,” Ross said.

The council said in a release that Ross “demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the agency’s mission during her interim tenure.”

“I am excited to continue cultivating relationships with local assistance partners and help strengthen the resource network here in central Kentucky to empower our clients,” Ross said. “Community is important to me, and empowering vulnerable populations is a passion close to my heart.”

CKCAC Executive Director Bryan Conover said he is excited to see Ross step into the position.

“Her experience within our agency, combined with her passion for our clients, makes her the ideal leader to guide our community services and LIHEAP programs moving forward,” Conover said.

Ross takes over leadership of LIHEAP while the application period for the program’s spring subsidy is open. Applications for LIHEAP are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electric vendor. Receiving assistance through other LIHEAP cycles does not affect eligibility. The deadline to apply is May 22, or when funds run out. Visit your local Community Action office to begin an application. Call 270-692-2136 or visit www.ckcac.org for more information.

ECTC’S Toy Box Theatre invites community to final show

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Elizabethtown Community and Technical College’s Toy Box Theatre is set to take its final bow.

The theatre company, helmed by retiring Communication and Theatre Professor Katrina Eicher, will present Seuss-A-Rama, a collection of stories by Dr. Seuss, at the ECTC Science Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The cast consists of college students enrolled in the theatre class to gain performance experience and to reach out to the community. Many area elementary schools will see daytime performances of the production. All are welcome to attend the Tuesday evening performance. Tickets are $2, with children three and under free.

According to a release from ECTC, Toy Box Theatre was established in 1998 and is presenting its 26th production. Eicher says more than 11,800 people have enjoyed one of the company’s performances. She says the goal of the company is to encourage imagination in young audiences and show that with imagination, you can make theatre magic anywhere with anything.

Eicher is encouraging former actors, audience members, and supporters to come out to the final show. Contact Eicher at 270-706-8536 or katrina.eicher@kctcs.edu for more information.