WQXE NEWS

If you make your way up Interstate 65 to Jefferson County, you may see troopers with Kentucky State Police Post Four as part of an ongoing initiative.

KSP Post Four has increased traffic enforcement efforts in Jefferson County as part of an ongoing effort “to promote safe driving and reduce collisions.”

According to KSP Post Four, troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers conducted a one-day traffic enforcement operation on December 3 that resulted in numerous traffic stops. Troopers and officers positioned along I-65, I-265, and I-264 worked multiple collisions and issued citations or courtesy notices for violations including speeding, seatbelt violations, expired registrations, and driving with no insurance.

During the enforcement effort, an individual was arrested after attempting to flee from troopers. The KSP says Jonathan Galloway of Louisville faces multiple charges including Reckless Driving, Wanton Endangerment, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident, among other charges.

The December 3 operation follows an enforcement operation on November 19 that resulted in 63 traffic stops. The KSP says more operations can be expected.

State officials are encouraging Kentuckians gearing up to travel this holiday season to secure a Real ID.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says Real ID enforcement took effect on May 7, requiring anyone flying domestically or visiting a military base to present a Real ID-compliant credential such as a valid passport or Real ID driver’s license, permit, or ID card. The KYTC says about 45 percent of Kentuckians have opted for a Real ID.

The KYTC says several customer service improvements were made at driver licensing regional offices across the commonwealth to make it easier to upgrade or renew a license including hiring more full-time staff, a new line management and text check-in system, and “skip the line” tools on the KYTC website. From April to October, the average walk-in customer wait time fell from 49 minutes to 14 minutes.

Real ID requests must be made in person and are issued by mail within 10 to 15 days, so if flying is part of your holiday travel plans don’t delay. Visit drive.ky.gov to find what documents you need to bring to a licensing office, or if you need to renew take the “Skip the Line” quiz to see if you can renew by mail or online.

If you are looking to make a career change and serve as a first responder, the Kentucky Career Center and Baptist Health are offering free EMT-B training.

The KCC says through a grant secured by Baptist Health, 30 free EMT-B training slots are available for eligible participants. Baptist Health will cover the costs of the 180-hour course, textbook and national background check fees, and a job fair at the end of training for employment opportunities.

According to the KCC, the deadline to apply for the course is December 20. The course runs January 20 through May 14. Classes are mostly held online with some mandatory in-person classes at the career center.

Participants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, possess an active driver’s license or be able to obtain one, and must not have a felony conviction on their record. Participants must also meet basic EMT eligibility requirements.

Participants who complete the training will be required to cover the cost of the state certification exam, but funds may be available through the KCC’s Career Team or Re-Entry Services. 

Visit the Kentucky Career Center Lincoln Trail at 233 Ring Road in Elizabethtown or visit www.ltcareercenter.org for more information.