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March is time for agriculture tag renewal and chance to support future Kentucky farmers

March is “Ag Tag Month” in Kentucky, as unlike standard passenger vehicles all farm vehicle license registrations in the commonwealth are renewed annually during March.

In addition to ensuring farm equipment and vehicles are up to date on their registration, Ag Tag Month also represents a major fundraiser for Kentucky agriculture students. The Hardin County Clerk’s Office says when renewing farm tags, residents have the option to donate $10. Those donations are equally split between Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s educational programs and scholarships.

Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith says county residents have consistently shown their support, as the county has historically ranked in the top five for Ag Tag donations.

“Our goal this year is to keep the momentum strong,” Smith said. “These donations stay right here in Kentucky and are invested in Hardin County to support our area Ag students, providing them with the resources and leadership skills they need to thrive.”

Smith says it is easy to support the next generation of Kentucky farmers.

“You can renew and donate in person by visiting us at the Hardin County Clerk’s Office, either in the Hardin County Government Building in Elizabethtown or at our Radcliff location during the month of March,” Smith said. “If you wish to donate, you can inform the clerk to add a $10 voluntary donation to your renewal fee. Renewals can also be processed online at drive.ky.gov, and the $10 donation can be made there as well.”

Contact the clerk’s office (270-765-2171) for more information or assistance.

Take steps to prepare for severe weather before it arrives

Severe Weather Awareness Week continues in Kentucky through this Saturday, and with the wide range of conditions Kentucky can be subjected to it is best to make sure you are prepared for severe weather before it arrives.

Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane says severe storms may leave you without power or other utilities for a few days, so have supplies on hand.

“Think about having some canned food and a canned opener, if you need that,” Crane said. “Bottled water, at least a gallon per person per day, and don’t forget about your pets either. They need water as well. Batteries, and if you’ve got rechargeable devices, try to keep your phones charged up a decent amount, at least half or more, and invest in maybe a battery pack that you can charge your phone with. There’s some really good ones out there.”

Crane says flashlights and lanterns, battery operated or rechargeable, will likely come in handy.

“We kind of discourage candles just because of the open flame, and things like that can get knocked over easily, but if you use candles, just like we talk about during the holiday seasons, make sure it’s on a nice flat surface, away from where pets or children can knock it down, and at least about three feet away from anything that could catch fire,” Crane said.

When you are out collecting supplies ahead of the storm, don’t forget to stop by the pharmacy.

“Try to keep your medicines a few days ahead, that way if you are stuck at your house or there is a loss of power, you should have a few days of your medicine so you don’t get behind on those,” Crane said.

Visit the National Weather Service in Louisville’s website for more information on Severe Weather Awareness Week, and for more tips.

Four soldiers killed in Kuwait identified

The U.S. Department of War has confirmed four army reserve soldiers were killed following an attack on a command center at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, Sunday.

According to the DOW, the four soldiers, all of whom were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command out of Des Moines, Iowa, were killed on March 1 during an unmanned aircraft system attack. The soldiers have been identified as:

-35-year-old Captain Cody A. Khork of Winter Haven, Florida 
-42-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Noah l. Tietjens of Bellevue, Nebraska
-39-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
-20-year-old Sgt. Declan J. Coady of West Des Moines, Iowa

U.S. Central Command says as of 4 p.m. Monday six U.S. Service Members have been killed in action following Iran’s initial response to Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S./Israeli military campaign that began Saturday.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said in a social media post: “America, let’s join together and pray for the families of the now six soldiers killed in attacks by Iran — including those based out of my home state, Kentucky. Let’s wrap our arms around them during this difficult time.”

The DOW says the attack in Kuwait is under investigation.

One dead after fire in Summit

One person is dead after a fire in Hardin County Sunday.

West Hardin Fire and Rescue says shortly after 9 a.m. on March 1 fire crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire at a residence on the 50 block of Summit Baptist Church Road. Units arrived on scene at approximately 9:27 a.m. and upon arrival “encountered a double-wide manufactured home with approximately 50 percent of the structure involved in fire, with heavy flames visible from multiple sides of the residence.”

West Hardin says firefighters began an aggressive fire attack and began conducting search operations. Fire conditions initially limited interior access for crews. After conditions improved and crews were able to safely go further into the home, one victim was found inside of a closet in the residence. The fire was brought under control at 10:53 a.m. Units cleared the scene at 3:21 p.m.

The victim is not being identified at this time. The cause of the fire is under active investigation by the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office says foul play is not suspected at this time.

Quicksie Versus Wolf Blood Drive to be held Thursday

American Red Cross Account Manager Lou Zimmerman says the need for blood products has only grown more urgent as the year has gone on.

“We are currently in the middle of a severe blood shortage that has been going on for a couple weeks now,” Zimmerman said. “We’re trying to replenish the blood supply. All blood types are needed. What is needed the most is O positive, O negative, B negative, and A negative, and if you’re any of those four blood types and you’re eligible to donate Power Reds, that would be truly appreciated.”

You can support patients in need and play a part in a friendly rivalry at the Pritchard Community Center Thursday.

“The Quicksie Versus Wolf Blood Drive, come on down,” Zimmerman said. “It’s on Thursday, March 5, and it’s from noon until 5 p.m. Appointments are appreciated, but not necessarily necessary, but it helps the flow throughout the day.”

Zimmerman says more people are needed to ensure that life-saving operations and treatments are able to take place.

“You would be absolutely amazed how few people donate,” Zimmerman said. “It’s a very small percentage of the people across the United States. The need is always there. The need is tremendous. The need never stops.”

All successful donors in the month of march will receive a $15 Amazon gift card as well as free A1C testing. When you come to the Pritchard Community Center Thursday, be sure to tell the attendant at registration which station you are supporting. Visit www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule an appointment.