WQXE NEWS

The summer season is beginning, and as you head outside to enjoy the warmer weather, if grilling is part of your summer traditions make sure you are taking precautions to reduce fire risks.

“Make sure when you’re grilling, propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outside, not in a garage or the carport, and never leave your grill unattended,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane. “We tell people, especially if you have kids and pets in the area, just leave a three-foot space, just like we tell people in the kitchen around the stove.”

Don’t forget that the grill will stay hot for some time after you are done cooking, so keep the three-foot barrier in mind for that period as well.

Keep the grill out from underneath overhangs, deck railings, tree branches, and other hanging objects.

“We tell people at least 10 feet away from the home or any structure, just to make sure for safety there,” Crane said. “Remember that in the cities, the fire code technically says that gas and charcoal grills are not allowed on balconies of apartment buildings, balconies and decks, so make sure you’re aware of that before you go purchase that really expensive Blackstone grill and then you’re told by the fire marshal that you can’t have it.”

Keep your grill clean throughout the season to prevent the buildup of grease.

“You have to be careful because it will over time,” Crane said. “It will build up and it could have the potential of a flash fire, so that would be something you want to avoid. Make sure that when you’re lighting your gas grill, always make sure to check the hoses, the connections, for leaks with a soap and water solution. It’ll bubble if it’s leaking, and then always make sure when you’re lighting your gas grill to make sure that the lid is open so there isn’t that buildup of propane before you ignite it.”

If you are using a charcoal grill, make sure you only use charcoal lighter fluid, and make sure the coals cool before disposing of them.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District Four is advising motorists to be on the lookout for two projects set to begin Monday.

The KYTC says crews are expected to begin construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Shepherdsville and Ring roads on June 1. The work is part of the Shepherdsville Road widening and safety improvements project that runs through fall of 2027.

“Of course, the widening and safety Improvements project north of Ring Road has been going on now for a while,” said KYTC District Four Public Information Officer Chris Jessie. “It’s ongoing, and the roundabout portion of the project was specifically kind of set for a summer construction phase so that work would be going on after school’s out and before school starts this fall. The roundabout piece of the project has to be complete by August 1.”

Westbound traffic on Ring Road will be reduced to one lane through the intersection with no dedicated right turn lane from Ring Road onto Shepherdsville Road. Southbound traffic on Shepherdsville Road will also be reduced to one lane and will not have a dedicated right turn lane onto Ring Road. Additional traffic pattern changes will be announced as the construction progresses.

Meanwhile, construction is also scheduled to begin Monday on rebuilding the KY 79 bridge over the Rough River Lake spillway in Grayson County. Traffic will continue to utilize the temporary signal for alternating one-way traffic that was put in place over the bridge when temporary measures were taken a few weeks ago to stabilize the roadway.

“They’ve always been anticipating a start date of June 1,” Jessie said. “Obviously, a couple of weeks ago when that happened, we put steel plates down to get the bridge back open. We instituted that one-way alternating traffic pattern early, and they did some patchwork on the bridge deck there to keep that driving lane safe and sturdy there during construction.”

The bridge construction project has a scheduled completion date of November 30.

Use caution when approaching and driving through work zones and pay attention to posted signage and flaggers. Follow KYTC District Four on social media for updates.

Area school districts are set to launch their summer meals programs this week.

Elizabethtown Independent Schools is offering free meals for children 18 and under at Elizabethtown High School, Morningside Elementary School, and the American Legion Park waterpark Mondays through Fridays from June 1 through July 24, with no meals served June 29 through July 3. Meals must be consumed on site. Parents who signed up for multi-day meal pick-ups will be contacted with more information. Contact the EIS Nutrition Services Department at 270-766-1231 for more information.

Hardin County Schools is running its summer meals program at several locations between June 3 and July 29, with no service on July 3. Rural locations are grab-and-go, while meals at urban locations must be eaten on-site. Free meals are available for any child 18 and younger. Participants do not have to be a HCS student. Adult lunch is available for $4 at the Farmer’s Market, Dawley Park, and Optimist Park sites. Participants must register, and can find more information, on the HCS website.

“Dates and times and locations, all that information is on the Hardin County Schools website,” said HCS Community Relations Specialist John Wright. “If you just go to hardin.kyschools.us and click the Quick Links tab, right under that tab the very first item is 2026 Summer Feeding Program, so just click on that and you’ll find everything that you need.”

Breckinridge County Schools is offering their summer meals program June 3 through July 22. During each pick-up, a parent or guardian may pick up five breakfasts and five lunches per registered child. Weekly registration is required by 11 p.m. the Monday before each pick-up. Meals are not guaranteed if you do not sign up.

“We’ve got a schedule that parents and families are able to get online and sign up for their free pickups, and we’re really excited that we’re able to offer that again for our kids and the community,” said BCS Superintendent Dr. Nick Carter.

The link to the registration form and a menu for the meals can be found on the Breckinridge County Schools Facebook page. Contact Valerie Dowell at 270-756-3007 for assistance.

Contact your area school district for more information.