WQXE NEWS

Kentucky State Police Post Four is asking those who are able to contribute to their annual Shop with a Trooper program.

“This program is something that we’ve been doing for a long time,” said KSP Post Four Public Information Officer Master Trooper Bryan Washer. “It’s an opportunity to take kids that would never get a Christmas, never get presents, somebody’s shopping for them, and these kids are ones that are referred to us by some of the troopers that are seeing some of the hard cases either late at night or during the day, some of the cases where they just know that these are the kids that need to go shopping with us.”

According to KSP Post Four, 100 percent of all donations go towards giving area children who might not otherwise be able to the chance to celebrate Christmas. Last year, KSP Post Four troopers picked up 133 area children at their homes and took them to their local Walmart, where they received a goody bag filled with hygiene items and treats and then got to go shopping alongside law enforcement officials.

The goal for this year’s program is to raise $250 to $300 per child. KSP Post Four is also hoping to host a special meal for the children. Area businesses, organizations, and community members can contribute by writing a check payable to KSP Post 04 Shop with a Trooper. A link to donate via Venmo and contact information for Washer if you wish to donate in person can be found on the Trooper Washer Facebook page.

The Elizabethtown City Council met for a regular meeting Monday.

The council approved two ordinances on their second readings. The first amended the city’s ordinance concerning signage on scenic parkways to replace Miles Street with Saint John Road. The second approved amendments to the city’s Natural Gas policies, which includes fee and rate increases.

“I do want you to take away though, just like when we talk about sewer, we’re still lower than just about every other utility around, and that’s after not raising it for several years, so we’re proud of that fact but we also have to be able to keep up with the times and the costs so we can continue to provide that utility and that service,” said Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory.

Gregory said the average increase for customers is about $20.

The council approved two municipal orders. The first authorized a land transfer from the city to Hardin County Habitat for Humanity for property located on Mills Court to be developed for affordable housing. The second approved an amendment to the city’s wastewater treatment agreement with Hardin County Water District No. Two for use of the city’s wastewater infrastructure including the Valley Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The agreement was amended to account for more development in the Glendale Service Area. When asked by Council Member Marty Fulkerson if the system can handle the increased capacity, City Administrator Ed Poppe said the agreement allows the city to take on more while planning for expansion.

“(Elizabethtown Director of Wastewater Treatment) Corey Bond and his team have been working with the consulting firm of JTL Prime for the last six months updating the facilities plan and making sure that’s in line,” Poppe said. “We’ll begin, probably, design work after the first of the year or so.”

During the meeting, Elizabethtown Police Officer Austin Smith was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant. EPD Chief Jeremy Thompson said the department has recently seen a lot of retirements, which has allowed for new opportunities.

“Through these opportunities to promote young officers, I just talked about the stability we have as a department, and our hopes are that as we promote very talented young leaders within the department that it continues the continuity of that same stability,” Thompson said.

The Elizabethtown City Council will next meet October 27.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is now accepting nominations for their Distinguished Alumni and Lifetime Achievement awards.

According to ECTC, the Distinguished Alumni program is now in its 20th year and has celebrated the accomplishments of 162 former students and graduates.

ECTC says nominees for the Distinguished Alumni Awards must have completed a credential from ECTC or have been enrolled as a student at least five years ago. Self-nominations are permitted and nominations that were not selected in 2025 will be considered again. 

Nominations are also being accepted for the Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors the contributions of college faculty, staff, and community partners. Nominees may be former employees of the college, area businesses, or community organizations.

A brief statement documenting the professional achievements, leadership activities, and evidence of exemplary community service of the nominee will be required with each application. Nominations for both awards are due by December 12. Find more information and the nomination form by visiting the ECTC website.