WQXE NEWS

Area communities are among the recipients of $6 million in state funding for projects aimed at reducing waste in landfills and improving management of hazardous household waste.

Governor Andy Beshear last week announced the recipients of the funding which is supported through the Kentucky Pride Fund. 68 projects were selected from municipalities, universities, and fiscal courts across the commonwealth.

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet says three different grants were awarded. The Recycling Grant provides funds for counties to purchase recycling equipment. The Composting Grant supports the purchase of equipment to improve composting and promote creative solutions for managing food waste, lawn waste, and other organic material. The Household Hazardous Waste Grant provides funding for countries to conduct annual drop-off events.

Recycling grants were awarded to the LaRue County Fiscal Court ($20,360) and the Meade County Fiscal Court ($1,181,560.20). Household Hazardous Waste grants were awarded to the Bullitt County Fiscal Court ($52,400) and the Hardin County Fiscal Court ($44,000).

Learn more about state recycling efforts and find the full list of recipients on the Kentucky Division of Waste Management’s website.

A Louisville man is in custody after a fatal collision in Nelson County Friday.

Kentucky State Police Post Four says at approximately 4:15 p.m. on May 15 troopers were requested to assist with a two-vehicle collision near the 3945 block of KY 245/Shepherdsville Road in Bardstown.

The KSP says the preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle operated by Teudis Hernandez was traveling south on KY 245 when the vehicle crossed into the northbound lane. The vehicle then collided head-on with a northbound vehicle operated by 79-year-old Edward Hovan of Coxs Creek.

Hovan was pronounced dead at the scene by the Nelson County Coroner’s Office. Christine Hovan, a passenger in the northbound vehicle, was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

The KSP says Hernandez sustained minor injuries and was transported to Flaget Memorial Hospital. As a result of the investigation, Hernandez was later taken into custody on multiple charges including Murder, First Degree Assault, and Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Substances. He was lodged in the Nelson County Jail.

The KSP’s investigation of the collision is ongoing.

Memorial Day is less than a week away, and Fort Knox will be hosting visitation at the 118 cemeteries located on-post.

“One thing we do at Fort Knox is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, we open post to allow visitors to visit the over 100 cemeteries that we have,” said Fort Knox Garrison Commander Colonel Dave Holstead.

Fort Knox Range Operations staff will be stationed at the following checkpoints within the range complex to assist visitors seeking specific graves: Belmont Gate and Mount Eden Gate, and intersections of Highways 313 and 251; 7th Armored Division and 7th Armored Division cutoff roads; Porter River and Main Range roads; and Baker and Wilson roads. Visitors may also visit the Fort Knox Visitor Center at the Chaffee Gate to receive assistance from the Cultural Resources Team.

Visitors to Fort Knox ages 18 and older must provide a Real ID or driver’s license with approved supplemental documents. Visit the Fort Knox website for more information.

Holstead says if you plan to visit, wear comfortable shoes.

“Many of these cemeteries are walkable only, so you’ve got to park your car and walk a good half a mile to get there, but you can visit Fort Knox’s website and look up where cemeteries are and look at the QR code and come visit us,” Holstead said.

Fort Knox will also host their Memorial Day ceremony on May 25, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central. The ceremony will feature remarks, the ceremonial wreath-laying, music from the 100th Army Band, a POW/MIA remembrance, and a 21-gun cannon salute. All are welcome to attend.