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KFW advises outdoor enthusiasts to help control the spread of invasive aquatic species

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Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is reminding outdoor enthusiasts to help maintain waterways across the commonwealth by keeping their gear and watercraft clean

KFW says more than 100 aquatic invasive species have been identified in Kentucky, which threatens native flora and fauna by introducing unchecked species with no natural predators or exposing native species to foreign pathogens.

Invasive species that have been identified already in Kentucky include various species of carp, zebra mussels, crayfish, and plants like curly pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil.

Aquatic invasive species can be spread through sand, mud, dirt, and water, often hitching a ride on boats and gear. Folks participating in outdoor activity can help reduce the spread of invasive species by taking simple actions after visiting a body of water.

Clean your boat, equipment, or gear before you leave. Empty all water-containing devices. Allow boats and equipment to completely dry before visiting another body of water.

KFW is currently revising its State Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan, which outlines the high-priority invasive species and strategies to prevent their spread. Visit the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website for more information.

Fiscal court votes to put medical marijuana decision on November ballot

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The decision on medical marijuana facilities for unincorporated Hardin County locations will go to the voters.

The Hardin County Fiscal Court voted down an ordinance that would have prohibited the operation of cannabis businesses in the unincorporated portions of the county and instead passed a resolution to put the issue on the ballot at the next election.

Judge-Executive Keith Taul voted in favor of the prohibiting ordinance, as he felt since other incorporated cities in the county are taking steps to permit the businesses availability will not be an issue, and the county can take its time and let things play out.

“As good as the people are that have come up with this program at Frankfurt, I believe that they are not invincible, and that they have come up with a process that they think will work really well, but it is untested, and so I would prefer that Hardin County opt out for now, see how things are going to go, and then as needed we can come in later,” Taul said.

After the ordinance was voted down 5 to 4, Taul voted in favor of the resolution to put the decision on the ballot as he said giving it to the voters was better than taking no action on the matter. The resolution passed 6 to 3.

District Three Magistrate Patsy Whitehead said giving Hardin County voters a voice on the topic is important, and she said she hopes the voters take advantage of the opportunity.

“Use the next few months to learn all you can about the restrictions placed on medical cannabis,” Whitehead said. “Ask questions. Do your homework. Do your research. Make an educated vote on November 5. Your opinion is important, so let your voice be heard.”

The court also approved an amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance that had its second reading. The amendment reduces the minimum size of a Rural Residential or R-2 lot from 3 acres to 1.8 acres.

In other meeting news, the Hardin County Coroner’s Office responded to 93 cases in April, including 8 accidents, and 114 cases in May, including 7 accidents. The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office reported 140 arrests, 284 citations, 50 criminal cases, and 120 warrants issued in April and May.

Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith said the clerk’s office is excited to open its Radcliff location.

“Tuesday, July 9 is our opening date, the first date will be available to serve you,” Smith said. “When I initially reported this, we thought we were going to be open Tuesdays and Thursdays. For a variety of reasons, we’re going to be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, so we’re starting at three days a week, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

July 9 is also the date of the next Hardin County Fiscal Court meeting.

Two new KSP Post Four troopers graduate training academy

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Kentucky State Police Post Four will be welcoming back two new troopers that recently completed cadet training.

Troopers William Hendricks of Shepherdsville and Matthew Mann of Springfield were among the 37 cadets that graduated from the 104th class of the Kentucky State Police Training Academy.

The KSP says cadets arrived at the academy on January 7 and embarked on 24 weeks of intense training to learn the necessary job skills to serve as state troopers. The cadets received more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study as they learned and practiced subjects such as juvenile and traffic law, use of force, defensive tactics, first aid, crash investigation, drug identification, and more.

Cadets that participate in the training academy who have a high school diploma or GED and three years of full-time work experience when they apply to serve as a trooper are eligible to earn an associate’s degree in General Occupational and Technical Studies from Bluegrass Community and Technical College during academy training. Trooper Mann was one of 13 cadets who earned their associate’s degree.

The KSP is currently recruiting for Cadet Class 105, with the deadline to apply June 30. Visit the KSP website for more information.

HCS accepting nominations for Distinguished Alumni Awards

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Hardin County Schools is accepting nominations for its 2024 class of Distinguished Alumni Award winners.

HCS says the awards are an opportunity to honor district alumni. Nominees must have graduated from a current or former Hardin County school no less than five years ago.

“The Distinguished Alumni celebration is one of our best events each year and we encourage everyone who has a connection to the Hardin County Schools family to nominate a HCS alum who has excelled in his or her chosen profession or who has made outstanding contributions to his or her community,” said Hardin County Schools Community Relations Specialist John Wright.

The deadline for nominations is July 26, and award winners will be honored in a ceremony on September 26. The nomination form can be found on the Hardin County Schools website under the Alumni tab.

UPDATE: Campbellsville man killed in accident at Elizabethtown factory

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The Elizabethtown Police Department is investigating after a worker was found dead at an area factory.

“At shortly before 4:30 Tuesday evening, we were called to Metalsa in reference to and employee who they were unable to locate,” said EPD Public Information Officer Chris Denham. “Shortly after our officers arrived, concerns developed that the employee had possibly fallen into a chemical holding tank that was in the immediate area where the employee had been working. Regretfully, the body of the deceased employee was located inside of the tank.”

Denham said the investigation is ongoing.

“This is a terrible workplace accident and a tragedy that words cannot describe, but there is no foul play suspected,” Denham said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and co-workers of the deceased.”

The incident occurs just over two years after a worker was killed at the factory, which produces structural products and chassis for vehicles, in a forklift accident in 2022.

UPDATE: the EPD has identified the victim as 59-year-old Franklin Logsdon of Campbellsville.