WQXE NEWS

Three local organizations were among the recipients of grant funding announced last week in the fight against domestic violence.

Governor Andy Beshear announced that 30 organizations across the commonwealth would be receiving more than $2.1 million in funding from the federal Violence Against Women Act.

“These groups will use this funding to protect and support victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking,” said Governor Beshear during Thursday’s Team Kentucky Update.

The governor’s office says the funding is allocated to law enforcement, prosecutors, victim services, and state and local courts, and supports community and local projects serving adult and youth victims.

Among the recipients of the latest round of funding are Baptist Health Foundation Hardin ($77,716), Silverleaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services, Inc. ($22,430), and SpringHaven, Inc. ($51,019).

Beshear said the funding goes along with other initiatives such as the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Safe at Home program and expanded legislation focused on strengthening statutes concerning abuse and exploitation of minors.

“No one should experience a violent crime,” Beshear said. “While there is a lot of work left to be done in my administration, we are doing everything we can day in and day out to make our community safer and to make sure our people feel safer.”

Kentucky domestic violence shelters and resources are available 24/7.

Drivers in Hardin and Hart counties should be on the lookout for closings at several railroad crossings next week.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District Four says work by CSX will require closings at multiple roadway crossings. Each closing is expected to last for approximately two days.

In Hardin County, the crossings at KY 1407/Nolin Road near Sonora and KY 84/Western Avenue in Sonora will close on Monday.

In Hart County, the crossings at KY 1140/Raider Hollow Road in Munfordville, KY 728/Priceville Road in Bonnieville, and the connector from U.S. 31W to KY 1656/Walnut Grove School Road will close on Wednesday.

The KYTC says CSX also has plans to work on crossings along the line at several private and county road crossings. The work depends on favorable weather conditions, and schedules will be adjusted accordingly. Signs for detourS will be posted.

Contact CSX for more information.

The Johnson family is gearing up to host their third annual community Thanksgiving breakfast, which will be held Thanksgiving morning at Vine Grove City Hall.

“This is for everyone,” said Johnson family member Jennifer Banks. “This is at Vine Grove City Hall. It’s from 8 to 11 a.m., and if anybody wants to volunteer, I’m there at 6 o’clock in the morning, we’re there cooking at six o’clock to make sure everything is ready at eight o’clock, but anybody can come, it’s free. There’s nothing to it. Just come and eat and enjoy.”

That’s Johnson family member Jennifer Banks. She says her family began hosting the breakfast in memory of her grandparents as a way of giving back.

“We just wanted to bless the community, so our family just got together, put our money together, and just feeds the community for breakfast, and it’s just a blessing just to feed someone because you know, everybody does have hard times, but we just want to bless the community,” Banks said.

Banks thanked the City of Vine Grove and Mayor Pam Ogden for hosting the event at city hall. The family is also able to support residents unable to attend in person.

“We do have some food getting delivered to some people who cannot get out, which they have to text me and let me know the address, how many plates, and do they want orange juice or apple juice,” Banks said.

For more information, or to arrange a delivery, contact Banks at 270-304-5101, or contact Vine Grove City Hall.