WQXE NEWS

Registration for independent or other voters continues to see gains in Kentucky. 

The Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office says independent or other registration accounted for two-thirds of new voter registrations in the month of June.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, independent or other registration increased by 1,579 voters. Republican registration increased by 828 voters, and Democratic registration fell by 890. Republican registration makes up 47 percent of the state electorate, Democratic registration makes up 42 percent, and independent or other registration makes up 11 percent.

The Secretary of State’s Office says 4,228 voters were removed from the rolls in June. 3,006 were deceased, 547 were felony convicts, and 410 moved to another state.

Kentuckians can register to vote or check their registration status by visiting govote.ky.gov, or by contacting their county clerk’s office.

New and prospective students at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College are invited to the college’s Open House Days, which run every Tuesday through July 29 from 12 to 6 p.m.

“You can take tours, you can get registered, you can work with your financial aid office, you can see where your classes would be, and you can just come in and get ready, get that early prep work in,” said ECTC President and CEO Dr. Juston Pate. “Know your schedule, so if you have to make any kind of accommodations for child care work, we really encourage people to come on out and get that done.”

Visitors can also learn about financial aid opportunities including the ECTC Dual Credit to Degree Scholarship and the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, and students can get help filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Pate says when it comes to preparing for class, the earlier the better.

“All the research and statistics show that the earlier you get your schedule and get in, the more likely you are to be successful,” Pate said. “You’ve got more time to get your materials and schedule straight.”

Open house attendees may arrive any time between 12 and 6 p.m. in the lobby of the Regional Postsecondary Center. Tours will be conducted at 2 and 4 p.m. Contact the admissions office at 270-769-2371 or by emailing ectcrecruitment@kctcs.edu for more information.

The first day of classes at ECTC is August 18.

The discovery of mosquitos carrying West Nile virus in Jefferson County is a reminder to take preventative measures when spending time outside. 

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness reported this week that mosquitos infected with West Nile virus were found in a surveillance trap in the Tyler Park neighborhood. While no human cases of the virus have been reported, health officials scheduled mosquito fogging for the neighborhoods in the area of the trap.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in most instances people infected with West Nile virus present no symptoms or mild symptoms. Serious infections, however, may result in neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis. People over 60 are at greatest risk for severe disease as are people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease.

When spending time outdoors, use insect repellents which contain DEET or picaridin. Weather-permitting, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas. Take extra care during early morning and dusk when mosquitos are more active. Help reduce the number of mosquitos by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, water dishes, and discarded tires. Drain bird baths regularly.

Contact your local health department for more information on West Nile virus.