WQXE NEWS

Kentucky has once again been recognized for its “economic growth and future preparedness.” 

The commonwealth was recently ranked eighth in Site Selection magazine’s 2025 Global Groundwork Index, a ranking based on capital investment and jobs announcements along with infrastructure funding data.

According to a release from the Cabinet for Economic Development, this is the fourth straight year the commonwealth has placed in the top 10 of the Global Groundwork Index. Kentucky was also listed among top regional hotspots for potential investment, and received a B- grade for energy infrastructure, which places it behind only two other states.

Governor Andy Beshear said in the release: “What this national ranking shows is that we are also taking the necessary steps to prepare for future opportunities. The infrastructure is in place, the workforce is ready to meet any challenge, and Kentucky is ready for the businesses of tomorrow.”

Site Selection magazine earlier this year ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central Region for economic development projects per capita. Kentucky was also ranked sixth nationally in the magazine’s Prosperity Cup rankings, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.

Visit Site Selection’s website for a full list of rankings, and visit www.newkentuckyhome.ky.gov for more information on state economic development projects.

Area residents looking to safely dispose of prescription drugs will get the opportunity this weekend.

The Drug Enforcement Administration will be partnering with nearly 4,000 law enforcement agencies across the country for their 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which will be held this Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to the DEA, residents are encouraged to “safely and anonymously dispose of unnecessary, expired, or unused prescription medications to help prevent prescription drug misuse and reduce the potential for accidental overdoses or poisonings.” The DEA says since the program began in 2010, Take Back Day has allowed Americans to safely dispose of 20 million pounds of unused medications.

The DEA and partner agencies will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Liquid products such as cough syrup should be securely sealed in their original container. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs will not be collected.

Area drop-off sites include the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, the Bardstown Police Department, and the Leitchfield Police Department. Search for the location nearest you, or find a permanent drop-off location if you are unable to participate on Saturday, at www.deatakeback.com.

The Radcliff City Council met for their second meeting of the month Tuesday.

The council approved an ordinance that rezones 238 Cedar Oak Drive in Vine Grove from Commercial to Residential-4, which will accommodate the development of a housing subdivision with about 80 housing units. The council had tabled the ordinance in order to hold a second public hearing on the matter after Fort Knox raised concerns with the development’s proximity to the installation. Radcliff Council Member Jerry Brown said the zoning issue was an opportunity for dialogue between the city and Fort Knox to open up.

“You know, partnerships work best when there’s a give and take, and it seems like for the last few years, we had lost that, and I think this is the beginning of us maybe furthering our friendship and becoming closer, at least that’s what I’m hoping,” Brown said.

The council approved a bid from Air Temp of Radcliff for an HVAC system at the Colvin Community Center, valued at $46,850, and a bid from Shed N’ Carport Pro for a storage building for the city’s parks and rec department, valued at $63,604.63. The council also voted to set Trick or Treating in the city for 5 to 8 p.m. on October 31.

Hardin County First District Magistrate Chris Yates spoke during the meeting, with Yates voicing his disapproval for a proposal that would move a 24-hour Hardin County EMS ambulance from Radcliff to White Mills.

“I think the best move is to put the 40-hour ambulance in White Mills, see what numbers come about, and then let the fiscal court try to make a decision come budget time to see if we can fund a 24-hour ambulance up there,” Yates said. “I do not think the right move is to take an ambulance out of the second-largest city in one of the most populated areas in the county away.”

Yates encouraged residents with concerns to voice their opinions at the next Hardin County Town Hall Forum, which will be held in the fiscal courtroom at the county building at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 27.

The Radcliff City Council will next meet November 10.