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Nolin RECC offers tips to save energy during winter weather

Nolin RECC is reminding residents of actions they can take to save on energy bills when winter weather puts extra demand on your utility bill.

“Setting the temperature down a couple of degrees in our home actually really makes a huge difference because those heating systems take so much energy, but when those heating units are working overtime in really cold temperatures just a simple adjustment to our habits can really help our system handle the load,” said Nolin RECC Manager of Communications Sarah Fellows. 

She says customers can reduce demand on the electric grid by moving certain activities to “off-peak times.”

“Peak demand times in the winter are typically in the morning (6 to 10 a.m.) and around dinner time (4 to 7 p.m.), so simple things like setting the dishwasher or dryer to run overnight, or cooking in a toaster oven instead of the stove can help,” Fellows said.

Other winter energy reduction tips include:

–          Cover and repair windows

–          Check and replace central heating filters regularly

–          Make energy efficient upgrades around your home

–          Program or adjust your thermostat – avoid “emergency” or “auxiliary” mode

–          Use your ceiling fan (counterclockwise) to keep warm air moving

Customers should also prepare for possible power outages that can result from windy and icy conditions. Plan ahead in order to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

“Having a back-up plan for necessary medical equipment is really important,” Fellows said. “If you or someone you love needs a device that runs on power, it’s crucial to talk with your doctor about your options for keeping it running during an outage.”

Find Nolin RECC on Facebook for more winter safety tips and information on outages.

Vine Grove man charged with Murder of Irvington man after shooting in Meade County

A Breckinridge County man is dead and a Hardin County man is in jail charged with murder following a shooting in Meade County Sunday.

The Kentucky State Police says troopers from KSP Post 4 received a call a little after 10 p.m. on January 14 from Meade County Dispatch requesting assistance in investigating a shooting that had occurred at a residence on Mountain Lane.   

The KSP says the preliminary investigation revealed David Gex of Vine Grove called 911 and said he had shot 59-year-old Richard Hernandez of Irvington after they had gotten into a verbal altercation. Gex was taken into custody without incident after troopers and detectives arrived on scene. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene by the Meade County Coroner’s Office.

Gex was charged with Murder and lodged in the Meade County Detention Center. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

(Photo Credit: Meade County Detention Center)

Hardin County Sheriff’s Office continues search for missing teenager

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to ask for the public’s assistance in locating a missing teenager.

“We received a call on December 14 of a Nakiesha Chevalier, who goes bi Nikki, running away from her home around 1 p.m. that afternoon from the Holman Avenue area of Elizabethtown,” said Hardin County Sheriff John Ward.

Nikki Chevalier is a 16-year-old black female with black hair and brown eyes. She is 5’ 1” tall and weighs approximately 100 pounds.

Chevalier was wearing a bright blue hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants when last seen. After investigating previous information, the sheriff’s office is looking for new leads.

“We’ve basically followed up on all of the leads that we had originally, and we’re just asking citizens to help us with any other information that anyone may have,” Ward said.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Sergeant Mac Slack at the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office at 270-765-5133.

(Photo Credit: Hardin County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook)

Elizabethtown High School senior Sophia Todd named fourth runner-up in Miss America’s Teen pageant

Elizabethtown’s Sophia Todd got the chance to shine over the weekend at the 2024 Miss America’s Teen pageant in Orlando, and she delivered.

Todd, who entered the pageant after being crowned Miss Kentucky’s Teen last summer, was named fourth runner-up.

Todd also took home first place in the talent preliminary competition with her speed painting. That skill fits in with Todd’s community service initiative Artspoken, which is described on the Miss Kentucky website as: “a project she created and utilizes to educate all Kentuckians on the healing change that happens when art gives a voice to the voiceless through art expression.”

Todd received a $10,000 scholarship for placing in the top five, along with a $3,000 scholarship for her preliminary win.

Mallory Hudson, crowned last summer as Miss Kentucky, was named third runner-up in Sunday’s Miss America pageant.

Snow accumulation, possible subzero wind chills in the forecast this week

Snow accumulation and freezing temperatures continue to be forecasted for the area as this week gets under way.

The National Weather Service in Louisville has projected two rounds of snowfall, the first through Monday morning and the second Monday afternoon and evening. Most of the area is projected to see one to two inches of snow, but parts of Hart and LaRue counties could see 2 to 3 inches. Wind chill values as low as negative three degrees are in the forecast.

Area officials have organized resources to help people in need of shelter from the winter weather.

“Due to the exceptionally cold temperatures our region is expected to experience between Sunday, January 14 and Tuesday, January 16, the City of Elizabethtown, City of Radcliff, and City of Vine Grove have collectively established a fundamentally consistent procedure to assist those without adequate shelter,” said Elizabethtown Police Department Public Information Officer Chris Denham. 

Any citizen who is displaced and in need of assistance should contact one of the following phone numbers:

-City of Elizabethtown residents may call 270-765-4125

-City of Radcliff residents may call 270-351-4477

-City of Vine Grove residents may call 270-877-2252

Any Hardin County resident who resides outside of a municipality’s city limits may contact the police department for the city closest to them.

Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency for the winter weather in order to activate state resources including Kentucky Emergency Management. The governor has also activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect families from grossly overpriced goods and services, which can be reported to the state attorney general’s office.

Hardin County trash collection for unincorporated areas has been canceled for Monday. Look to area offices on social media for more information, and stay tuned to Quicksie and The Wolf for weather updates.