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Independence Day means fireworks, and area communities are getting ready for their annual fireworks displays.

The City of Irvington will host their second annual Light Up Irvington event this Saturday.

“Light Up Irvington is a huge firework show, and before the fireworks start there’s a festival,” said Irvington Auxiliary Club President Tammy Butler. “We have vendors, we have games for children, we have concessions. This year we have a beer garden. We’ve got a slingshot. It’s like a big water balloon and you do a slingshot trying to hit a bucket. It’s a lot of different activities for the kids to do.”

Light Up Irvington will be held Saturday, June 29 at the Eva Carmen Park on 2nd Street in Irvington. The booths and vendors will open at 4 p.m. Eastern. Fireworks begin at dusk. 

Butler says the event got off to a great start last year and organizers are excited for year two.

“We really have a great time and it’s awesome just to see the community get together and see the smiles on their faces,” Butler said.

Find more information on the City of Irvington Facebook page.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is reminding outdoor enthusiasts to help maintain waterways across the commonwealth by keeping their gear and watercraft clean

KFW says more than 100 aquatic invasive species have been identified in Kentucky, which threatens native flora and fauna by introducing unchecked species with no natural predators or exposing native species to foreign pathogens.

Invasive species that have been identified already in Kentucky include various species of carp, zebra mussels, crayfish, and plants like curly pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil.

Aquatic invasive species can be spread through sand, mud, dirt, and water, often hitching a ride on boats and gear. Folks participating in outdoor activity can help reduce the spread of invasive species by taking simple actions after visiting a body of water.

Clean your boat, equipment, or gear before you leave. Empty all water-containing devices. Allow boats and equipment to completely dry before visiting another body of water.

KFW is currently revising its State Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan, which outlines the high-priority invasive species and strategies to prevent their spread. Visit the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website for more information.

The decision on medical marijuana facilities for unincorporated Hardin County locations will go to the voters.

The Hardin County Fiscal Court voted down an ordinance that would have prohibited the operation of cannabis businesses in the unincorporated portions of the county and instead passed a resolution to put the issue on the ballot at the next election.

Judge-Executive Keith Taul voted in favor of the prohibiting ordinance, as he felt since other incorporated cities in the county are taking steps to permit the businesses availability will not be an issue, and the county can take its time and let things play out.

“As good as the people are that have come up with this program at Frankfurt, I believe that they are not invincible, and that they have come up with a process that they think will work really well, but it is untested, and so I would prefer that Hardin County opt out for now, see how things are going to go, and then as needed we can come in later,” Taul said.

After the ordinance was voted down 5 to 4, Taul voted in favor of the resolution to put the decision on the ballot as he said giving it to the voters was better than taking no action on the matter. The resolution passed 6 to 3.

District Three Magistrate Patsy Whitehead said giving Hardin County voters a voice on the topic is important, and she said she hopes the voters take advantage of the opportunity.

“Use the next few months to learn all you can about the restrictions placed on medical cannabis,” Whitehead said. “Ask questions. Do your homework. Do your research. Make an educated vote on November 5. Your opinion is important, so let your voice be heard.”

The court also approved an amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance that had its second reading. The amendment reduces the minimum size of a Rural Residential or R-2 lot from 3 acres to 1.8 acres.

In other meeting news, the Hardin County Coroner’s Office responded to 93 cases in April, including 8 accidents, and 114 cases in May, including 7 accidents. The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office reported 140 arrests, 284 citations, 50 criminal cases, and 120 warrants issued in April and May.

Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith said the clerk’s office is excited to open its Radcliff location.

“Tuesday, July 9 is our opening date, the first date will be available to serve you,” Smith said. “When I initially reported this, we thought we were going to be open Tuesdays and Thursdays. For a variety of reasons, we’re going to be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, so we’re starting at three days a week, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

July 9 is also the date of the next Hardin County Fiscal Court meeting.

Hardin County Schools is accepting nominations for its 2024 class of Distinguished Alumni Award winners.

HCS says the awards are an opportunity to honor district alumni. Nominees must have graduated from a current or former Hardin County school no less than five years ago.

“The Distinguished Alumni celebration is one of our best events each year and we encourage everyone who has a connection to the Hardin County Schools family to nominate a HCS alum who has excelled in his or her chosen profession or who has made outstanding contributions to his or her community,” said Hardin County Schools Community Relations Specialist John Wright.

The deadline for nominations is July 26, and award winners will be honored in a ceremony on September 26. The nomination form can be found on the Hardin County Schools website under the Alumni tab.

The Elizabethtown Police Department is investigating after a worker was found dead at an area factory.

“At shortly before 4:30 Tuesday evening, we were called to Metalsa in reference to and employee who they were unable to locate,” said EPD Public Information Officer Chris Denham. “Shortly after our officers arrived, concerns developed that the employee had possibly fallen into a chemical holding tank that was in the immediate area where the employee had been working. Regretfully, the body of the deceased employee was located inside of the tank.”

Denham said the investigation is ongoing.

“This is a terrible workplace accident and a tragedy that words cannot describe, but there is no foul play suspected,” Denham said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and co-workers of the deceased.”

The incident occurs just over two years after a worker was killed at the factory, which produces structural products and chassis for vehicles, in a forklift accident in 2022.

UPDATE: the EPD has identified the victim as 59-year-old Franklin Logsdon of Campbellsville.