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Multiple roadway projects set to get under way

Drivers in Bullitt County should be on the lookout for an upcoming bridge closing. 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says KY 1526/Bells Mill Road will be closed at the bridge over Floyds Fork from Monday, November 17 until May 14, 2026. The KYTC says the closure is necessary for contract crews to replace the superstructure of the bridge. Hall Contracting of Kentucky is carrying out the work, with the project costing $2.5 million.

Detours will be in effect during the closure. For westbound traffic on Bells Mill Road, drivers should turn left onto Preston Highway south toward Shepherdsville, turn left onto East Fourth Street to reach Bells Mill Road. For eastbound traffic, turn right onto East Fourth Street through Shepherdsville. Turn right onto Preston Highway to reach Bells Mill Road.

Drivers should obey all road closure restrictions, follow the signed detour, and plan ahead when traveling. Work may be delayed due to inclement weather or other unforeseen delays. Follow KYTC District Five on social media for updates.

Meanwhile, Stovall Road in Hardin County will be closed between the 2900 and 3300 blocks for approximately 30 days beginning November 5 for multiple site repairs in the area. Follow the Hardin County Government Facebook page for updates.

Finally, KYTC District Four is alerting drivers to resurfacing work getting under way in Muldraugh. Milling of the old surface of U.S. 31W will begin Monday, with paving work to follow. Workers are aiming to complete the work ahead of schedule as area temperatures begin to drop more. Drivers should be on the lookout for various lane closures and uneven pavement in the work zone, and pay close attention to signs and flaggers directing traffic. Follow KYTC District Four on social media for updates.

Keep safety in mind as you send your little ones out Trick or Treating

Friday is Halloween, and as the little goblin or ghoul in your life heads out trick or treating, make sure they are doing so safely.

“Stick with friends or trusted neighbors,” said Elizabethtown Police Department Public Information Officer John Thomas. “There is safety in numbers. Dress for safety. Make sure costumes and candy bags are reflective, that hems don’t drag, and masks and shoes fit well.”

Thomas says as far as you can, stay on sidewalks, use crosswalks, and avoid cutting through yards or alleys. 

Folks in cars should also do their part.

“Drivers, please slow down and stay alert,” Thomas said. “Watch for kids along roads and driveways. Understand they’re excited. They may forget to look both ways before entering the roadway.”

Thomas says when it comes to candy, when in doubt, throw it out.

“It’s very unlikely to be an issue, but don’t eat candy that’s unwrapped, tampered with, or looks suspicious,” Thomas said. “We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween night.”

In Cave City, trick or treating runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Trick or treating in Bardstown, Elizabethtown, Hodgenville, Leitchfield, and Radcliff will be from 5 to 8 p.m. In Brandenburg, trick or treating runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Trick or treating in Cloverport, Hardinsburg, and Irvington will be from 5 to 9 p.m.

Bernheim Forest hosting ColorFest Saturday and Sunday

As the leaves continue to change, Bernheim Forest is inviting area residents to a special event.

“ColorFest is our family-fun fall festival,” said Bernheim Forest Marketing and Communications Director Lynette Cox. “It’s coming up this Saturday and Sunday, November 1 and 2. We’re going to have lots of great activities for kids and families.”

In addition to engaging with nature in creative and fun ways, the event will feature live music, food trucks, and craft vendors.

“We’ve got some fun activities like a pumpkin roll and giant slides,” Cox said. “We’re also going to have a beanbag launch. We’re celebrating the Day of the Dead with a Day of the Dead altar as well where families can bring out pictures of loved ones that they’ve lost and they can be part of the altar. It’s going to be a great time for everybody.”

Cox says leaves this week have really hit their peak, so ColorFest is a great time to visit the 16,000-acre forest.

“It’s $12 for members and $15 for non-members, and kids 10 and under are free,” Cox said. “This is a fundraising event for us, so there is a charge to get in, but I think it’s an affordable and great time for everyone to come out.”

Tickets are available at the gate, located at 2075 Clermont Road in Clermont, or online at www.bernheim.org.

Kentucky county property tax collection starts Saturday

2025 county property tax collection in Kentucky begins November 1.

According to the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, taxes paid by November 30 receive a two percent discount. The face amount is due December 1 through 31. A five percent penalty is added for taxes paid in January, and beginning February 1 the penalty goes to 21 percent. Taxes are considered delinquent and extra penalties apply if taxes are not paid by April 15.

In Hardin County, taxes can be paid using the secure drop box located in front of the county government building, by mail to 150 North Provident Way Suite 101 in Elizabethtown, online at www.hckysheriff.com, or by visiting one of the sheriff’s office’s mobile tax collection sites.

On Saturday, November 8, the sheriff’s office will be at the Upton Fire Department, Sonora Fire Department, and White Mills Fire Department. On Tuesday, November 11, the sheriff’s office will be at the Radcliff Fire Department, Vine Grove Fire Department, and West Point City Hall. On Saturday, November 15, the sheriff’s office will be at the West 84 Fire Department and the KY 86 Fire Department.

Taxpayers should include a self-addressed stamped envelope for their receipt. Contact the sheriff’s office for more information.

New regulations from KFW concerning drones now in effect

New regulations from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife regarding the use of drones are now in effect. 

A new administrative regulation now in effect makes it “unlawful to use aircraft or unmanned aircraft in the take of fish or wildlife.”

According to a release from KFW, the new regulation provides guidance for hunters and landowners while also providing a framework for game wardens when investigating potential violations.

Under the regulations now in effect, aircraft or unmanned aircraft may not be used to pursue, shoot, hunt, wound, catch, kill, trap, snare, or capture wildlife or to lure, attract, or entice for these purposes. Devices also may not be used to harass wildlife.

The new regulations allow for the use of aircraft or unmanned aircraft by KFW employees and contractors when addressing human safety, law enforcement, research, management, or other department needs. Landowners may use the devices for lawful wildlife damage control activities, and commercial fishers may use them for locating and removing invasive carp.

Visit fw.ky.gov to see the full text of the regulation, and contact the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center at 1-800-858-1549 or info.center@ky.gov for more information.