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Voter registration in Kentucky sees another increase

Voter registration in Kentucky saw another strong month in November.

The Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office says more than 5,000 Kentuckians registered to vote in the month of November.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, Republican registration in November increased by 2,412 voters, and independent or other registration increased by 1,209. Democratic registration decreased by 1,914 voters. Republican registration makes up 48 percent of the state electorate, Democratic registration makes up 41 percent, and independent or other makes up 11 percent.

The secretary of state’s office says 3,748 voters were removed from the rolls in November. 2,982 were deceased, 259 moved out of state, and 385 were convicted felons.

Kentuckians planning on voting in the May 2026 primary election must have their party registration set by December 31. Kentuckians can register to vote or check their registration status by visiting govote.ky.gov, or by contacting their county clerk’s office.

Kentucky Blood Center hosting E-Town blood drive

The Kentucky Blood Center says winter is a difficult time for the blood supply with weather-related cancellations and an uptick in illnesses, so proactive donations are necessary to support the blood supply at the 70-plus hospitals the center supports.

The Kentucky Blood Center will be hosting a blood drive at Malibu Jack’s in Elizabethtown from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 27.

“This is a really special blood drive because we so desperately need blood after the holidays,” said KBC Donor Recruitment Specialist Brooke Nevius. “To give you an example, after last week’s Thanksgiving holiday week, we have a half-a-day supply of A- and O- blood on the shelf right now. People are busy. We get it, but we need to make that up.”

Nevius says the blood drive will help hospitals hit the ground running for the new year, and donors have a special incentive.

“Malibu Jack’s will give you a free attraction card,” Nevius said. “You’ll get a hoodie, a whole hoodie. It has ‘Blood Donor’ on it. They’re actually really nice, and we do this to encourage our donors to come in because it’s a very nice giveaway.”

Donors must be at least 17 years old or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, show a photo I.D., and meet additional requirements.

Nevius says blood donated through the KBC stays local to aid patients during a wide variety of treatments.

“So many people don’t understand that now that we can spin our bloods and we have so many components, 25 percent of us are going to need blood at some point in our lives, and yet, we still have a problem because less than 5 percent of the population is donating,” Nevius said.

Visit www.kybloodcenter.org or call 1-800-775-2522 for more information.

Hardin County Schools seeking info on student scholarship opportunities

Hardin County Schools is looking for information on scholarships available for students, and the district is asking local businesses, organizations, and individuals to reach out.

“We are asking those who provide scholarships in our community to send that information directly to me here at our central office and also to our guidance counselors at Central Hardin High School, John Hardin High School, North Hardin High School and our Early College and Career Center,” said HCS Community Relations Specialist John Wright.

HCS will post scholarship information to the district and school websites, which the district says gives students a better chance to see the information and get applications sent out.

“We are so fortunate to live and learn in a community where so many generous businesses, organizations, families, and individuals share their resources that allow students to succeed either in their chosen career field or post-secondary education institutions,” Wright said.

Scholarship information can be found under the Students tab on the HCS website by clicking “Scholarship Information”. Contact Wright for more information or assistance sharing the info.

NWS reminds Kentuckians to be prepared during Winter Weather Awareness Week

The National Weather Service in Louisville is reminding Kentuckians to be “weather ready” for all types of potential winter weather hazards during Kentucky Winter Weather Awareness Week, which runs now through Saturday as a reminder of the many different hazards and impacts winter weather can bring to the region. The NWS in Louisville says residents can look to the office to issue advisories, watches, and warnings on winter storms, ice storms, blizzards, and snow squalls.

The NWS says with cold air comes the potential for frostbite and hypothermia. Dress in layers and cover up exposed skin when heading out after the temperature drops. Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and actions to take if you suspect somebody is suffering from either condition.

Remember: “ice and snow, take it slow.” If you will be driving in winter weather, make sure to clear off your vehicle before heading out. Keep it slow, as roads can be slick even if they just look wet. Leave extra distance between vehicles, and especially leave space for snow plows.

You can help the weather service keep track of winter weather by submitting reports on measurements of snow, ice, and rain. These measurements assist meteorologists as they monitor trends and fine-tune forecasts. 

Click the Winter Weather Awareness Week link at www.weather.gov/lmk for more information and tips.

Give270 donation supports United Way of Central Kentucky mini-grants program

The United Way of Central Kentucky received support for their efforts in the community with a donation of $15,000 from Elizabethtown-based nonprofit Give270. 

The United Way says the money will go towards the organization’s mini-grant program, which provides resources for community projects and initiatives outside of their traditional funding structure.

The United Way says mini-grants allow local nonprofits and school districts to request support for small projects on an as-needed basis. Recent recipients have included the Elizabethtown Police Department for emergency needs of crime victims, the Fort Knox Alphas’ Omicron Nu Lambda Men of the Light Youth Mentorship Program, and Project L.E.A.R.N.’s continued work with adults with intellectual disabilities. Learn more about the mini-grants and the United Way’s mission at www.unitedwayck.org.

The donation was made possible through the proceeds from a recent charity event hosted by Give270, which supports community, economic, and workforce development efforts in the Elizabethtown-Fort Knox Metropolitan Statistical Area. Visit www.give270.org for more information.