New neighbors are coming to Hamburg and winning awards right and left. Driver’s license procedures are getting some changes. Corporate neighbors on Richmond Road are offering scholarships. All that and more in March’s neighborhood news for Lexington KY’s award-winning Hamburg Journal, celebrating 18 years in Lexington’s fastest growing neighborhoods.
Neighbors to Know
Baptist Health — with a massive new development currently underway in Hamburg in Lexington KY — has been listed in the nation’s top 150 large employers on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers 2022. The recognition was announced and presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., a statistics portal and industry-ranking provider.
Last fall, Baptist Health was ranked fourth in Kentucky in Forbes’ America’s Best Employers By State.
“We are honored to be chosen as a leading employer among such highly-regarded companies,” said Angie Mannino, chief people and culture officer for Baptist Health. “This recognition is a great compliment to our employees who have shown their deep dedication to our patients during this pandemic.”
Driver’s License Transitions
Kentuckians traditionally made a trip to the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in their home county for driver licensing services. Those services are now being transferred to KYTC. A phased transition is to be completed by June 30, 2022. Ninety-three Kentucky counties made the switch by the end of February.
The new system enables Kentuckians who want to renew their present credential to do so online or by mail and “skip a trip” to an office. To date, more than 85,000 Kentuckians have used the online renewal option and more than 5,000 have used the mail option.
In addition, people requiring or preferring in-person service can visit any Driver Licensing Regional Office, regardless of where they live.
“After many years of issuing driver licenses, circuit court clerks will be able to focus solely on court business, and driver licensing will be executed at new regional offices whose only business is licensing,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said.
In June, KYTC launched an online renewal option for driver and motorcycle license holders who hadn’t had a change of name or address. In addition to renewals, license holders can use the mail-in option to update addresses and request replacement of a lost license. First-time REAL ID applicants must visit a KYTC regional office in person, with proof of identity, residence and social security.
Driver testing is conducted by Kentucky State Police and must be completed before a permit or license can be requested. Testing appointments can be made online.
KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Offices are located in Bowling Green, Burlington, Catlettsburg, Columbia, Elizabethtown, Frankfort, Hopkinsville, Jackson, Lexington, Louisville/Bowman Field (appointment only), Louisville/Dixie Highway (appointment only), Louisville/Hurstbourne, Louisville/Nia Center, Madisonville, Manchester, Morehead, Owensboro, Paducah, Prestonsburg, Richmond and Somerset.
SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN
Our neighbors at Kentucky American Water have announced that applications are now being accepted for the company’s 2022 Ripple Effect Scholarship Program. The program, now in its 20th year, offers one-time, $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate strong academic performance, a commitment to environmental stewardship and plan to pursue a degree in environmental, engineering, or agricultural studies. Up to two scholarships will be awarded this year.
Information about the scholarship program and the application can be found on Kentucky American Water’s website. The deadline for entry is April 8, 2022.
SAT MAR 19
The fourth annual Reforest 5k is at 8 am at Hisle Farm Park. Race proceeds will help raise money to purchase trees for this year’s Reforest the Bluegrass in April. With your help, the plan is to plant hundreds of trees after the race, and thousands more during Reforest the Bluegrass.
This will also be the kick-off event for this year’s Water Week.
All race participants will receive sustainability swag from Live Green Lexington, a Reforest 5k shirt, and the option to take a tree to plant at home after their run or walk. Participants can also choose to have their tree planted on their behalf at a 2021 Reforest the Bluegrass event.
Octane roars into the Regal Hamburg Pavilion parking lot on March 19 at 9 am.
