Good morning, Elizabethtown.

CASA of the Heartland has been awarded a $12,000 grant from WHAS Crusade for Children to support volunteers who work to protect children’s best interests— the funds will boost the group’s service efforts locally.

Pets Supplies Plus in Elizabethtown finished first among over 700 stores nationwide in raising donations to aid an animal shelter—demonstrating local community support.

The Hardin County AM Rotary Club will host its annual Roktoberfest concert this Saturday in downtown Elizabethtown—an event that will feature live music and serve as a local community gathering.

The West Point River Days Festival returns to Veterans Memorial Park in Hardin County this Thursday, Friday and Saturday—starting with a Golf Cart Poker Run on Thursday and featuring a Meatloaf impersonator, live bands and a parade beginning at 10:30 from the old school building on 13th and Geoghegan streets—ending Saturday night with a fireworks show.

The Hardin County Performing Arts Center opens its season with the musical Ragtime this Friday, with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.—PAC Director Bart Lovins and local actor Joey Stone lead the production that follows three early 20th-century characters whose lives show both beauty and harsh truths.

The 30th annual Clarkson Honeyfest will begin on Wednesday in Clarkson and offer events such as a decorating contest, cooking contest at Clarkson City Hall, carnival rides, and a pet show.

The festival, known as Kentucky’s official state Honey Festival since 2006, will also feature a bike ride dedicated in memory of Pat Heffley+ a parade on Saturday.

Kentucky is observing Adult Education and Family Literacy Week through September 19 — state data shows a 19 percent rise in enrollment and services.

Lieutenant Governor Coleman said the state will expand apprenticeship opportunities as it celebrates National GED Day today — nearly 27,000 Kentuckians have taken advantage of the GED fee waiver.

Experts say low head dams in Kentucky, which range from 1 to 15 feet tall and allow water to flow over their tops, create dangerous currents that lower buoyancy and can pull swimmers under.

The Kentucky Waterways Alliance and state officials note that many of these old dams, like the one removed in Vine Grove, block fish passage and cause erosion—issues linked to nearly 40 deaths.

Heavrin will sponsor a bill to help reduce childcare costs for working families—this move aims to remove a key barrier for employers trying to lure staff back to work.

Great Pages Circus

7-8:30 p.m. — Hardin County Fairgrounds — Cash only — Experience a thrilling family adventure filled with international circus acts and exciting performances.

ETown Pickleball Open

5 AM – 9 AM — American Legion Park — Check for fees — Compete or improve your skills at local pickleball tournaments and lessons.

Heartland Harvest Festival 5K

8-9 a.m. — Elizabethtown Nature Park — Registration fee required — Enjoy a fun autumn run through the scenic trails of Elizabethtown Nature Park.

Tails & Tatas Breast Cancer Awareness 5k Run/Walk

8:00 AM — Swope Toyota — Registration fee required — Participate in a hybrid 5k event supporting breast cancer awareness.