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KSP focusing on commercial vehicle enforcement during campaign

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The Kentucky State Police is participating in a federal enforcement effort involving commercial vehicles.

The KSP’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is participating in Operation SafeDRIVE, which began Tuesday and runs through Thursday.

The KSP says this Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforcement campaign targets unsafe driving behavior that often leads to passenger and commercial vehicle crashes. The KSP says: “Commercial trucks are essential to our way of life, moving goods that communities depend on every day, but because of their size and weight, crashes involving large trucks can have serious consequences.”

During Operation SafeDRIVE, KSP officers will patrol major highways, conduct commercial driver safety inspections at scale facilities, and ensure compliance with federal safety standards.

The KSP encourages drivers to maintain good driving habits on the roadway to assist commercial vehicle operators. Stay out of the blind spots of large trucks, signal early, pass safely, don’t cut off large vehicles, and avoid sudden stops and tailgating.

Operation SafeDRIVE is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Our Roads, Our Safety” campaign. Learn more by visiting the USDOT’s website.

LaRue County burn ban lifted; rain brings some improvement to drought conditions

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The burn ban in effect for LaRue County has been lifted.

According to a Facebook post from LaRue County E-911, the ban that was issued on August 28 was lifted Monday. LaRue County E-911 notes, however, that restrictions for Kentucky’s Fall Forest Fire Hazard Season are in place now through December 15.

During Fall Forest Fire Hazard Season, burning is prohibited within 150 feet of woodland or brushland between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. If you plan to burn debris, only burn natural vegetation during evening hours when conditions are less windy, keep fire tools handy, and never leave a fire unattended.

The National Weather Service in Louisville said in their latest Drought Monitor update that swaths of 2 to 5 inches of rain in recent weeks led to improved drought conditions. Areas of Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, and Meade counties that were rated D-1 (moderate drought) were upgraded to D-0 (abnormally dry). Portions of LaRue and Nelson counties that were rated D-2 (severe drought) were upgraded to D-1.

The National Weather Service says drier conditions last week will likely impact the next Drought Monitor information. Check the NWS Louisville’s website for more information.

Voter registration sees another increase in September

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Voter registration in Kentucky saw another increase in September.

The Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office says Republican registration saw the most growth in September, breaking a six month streak for independent or other party registration.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, Republican registration in September increased by 4,636 voters. Independent or other registration increased by 2,372, while Democratic registration decreased by 3,354 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 3,976 voters were removed from the rolls in September. 2,977 were deceased, 472 moved out of state, and 418 were convicted felons.

Kentuckians can register to vote or check their registration status by visiting govote.ky.gov, or by contacting their county clerk’s office.

As road rage incidents see an increase, law enforcement reminds drivers to be calm

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The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging drivers to be patient as an uptick in reported road rage incidents has been seen across the area.

Hardin County Sheriff John Ward says everybody is just trying to get to where they are going, but tensions can sometimes run high.

“It seems like everybody these days is busier,” Ward said. “You know, everybody’s in a hurry. Traffic’s worse. You know, we’ve got more people in the county and on the roads than we’re used to. So people, their fuse gets shorter.”

The sheriff’s office says if somebody is tailgating you or trying to pass, move over safely. Don’t follow or confront an aggressive driver or exit your vehicle to argue.

Ward says it might be hard sometimes, but if somebody gets aggressive on the roadways, do your best to let it go.

“If you’re traveling and somebody does something that upsets you, maybe just think about just ignoring it, because you responding to that person might be enough to cause them to do something they normally wouldn’t do, so just be patient, be calm, and arrive at your destination safely,” Ward said.

If you see a road rage incident, if you can safely document the license plate, make and model of the vehicle, and their direction of travel before reporting it to 911.

Legion Post hosting dinner for War on Terror veterans

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American Legion Hardin Post 113 is gearing up for their War on Terror Veterans Honor Dinner, to be held at the Legion Post at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 18.

“This dinner is for all those that served in Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the War in Afghanistan,” said American Legion Department of Kentucky Fourth District Commander Drew Chitty. “This is kind of a recognition to celebrate and to honor those that served our country for these causes.”

The dinner is free to all area veterans of the War on Terror, and veterans are welcome to bring a family member or guest.

“There will be some nice gifts given out to them for the first 100 people, I think,” Chitty said. “You can register online at www.alrky113.org/VeteransHonorDinner.”

Chitty says registration is preferred but walk-ups will be welcomed.