The latest updates from Warren County Fiscal Court

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Warren County leaders are highlighting several upcoming initiatives and deadlines for residents, including a proposed fire safety ordinance, key election dates, a household hazardous waste collection event and an ongoing burn ban due to dry conditions.

Warren County Fire Chief Bill Rector says the county is considering an ordinance that would require certain buildings to install a Knox Box system to help emergency crews access properties more quickly during calls.

The proposed requirement would apply to future commercial properties and high-occupancy structures but would not be retroactive. A Knox Box is a secure lockbox mounted on the exterior of a building that contains keys for emergency access.

Rector says the system helps prevent property damage when firefighters need to enter a building during a low-priority call.

“It would allow us access to the structure, preventing damage in the event of a low priority type call,” Rector said.

According to Rector, similar systems are already used by thousands of fire departments across the country. Warren County officials say the ordinance would help standardize the practice as the community continues to grow.

If approved by fiscal court, the county plans to conduct an educational campaign to help businesses understand the benefits of installing the boxes.

Meanwhile, Warren County Clerk Lynette Yates is reminding residents about several deadlines ahead of the upcoming primary election.

Yates says voters who need to update their registration information, such as an address change, must do so before the voter registration books close at 4 p.m. Monday.

She also noted that party changes must be made well before the primary election in order to vote in that party’s race.

“If you make a party change now, you cannot vote in the primary on May 19,” Yates said.

The absentee ballot request portal is currently open and will close at 11:59 p.m. on May 5. Eligible voters can request a ballot for reasons such as age, disability or being out of town.

In-person voting for certain qualifying voters will take place at the clerk’s office on May 6, 7 and 8, as well as May 11, 12 and 13.

Early voting across the county will be held May 15 through May 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at designated early voting locations.

Election Day is scheduled for May 19, when polls across Warren County will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. https://www.govote.ky

County officials are also encouraging residents to participate in the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Warren County Stormwater Director Nikki Koller says the spring event will take place Saturday, April 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a Warren County facility on Lauren Avery Drive.

The event allows residents to safely dispose of materials that are difficult or unsafe to throw away in regular household trash.

“Residents of Warren County can bring their residential household hazardous waste to the event,” Koller said.

Accepted items include motor oil, paint, batteries, adhesives, flammable materials and prescription medications. Paper shredding will also be available during the event.

Officials emphasize the event is for residential waste only and does not accept materials from businesses or commercial operations.

In addition to these upcoming events, Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman is reminding residents that the county’s burn ban remains in effect due to extremely dry conditions.

Gorman says recent high winds and dry weather have increased the risk of fires spreading quickly. Local fire crews have already responded to several small fires in mulch beds near Exit 26 after cigarettes were discarded from passing vehicles.

“These things can get out of control very quickly,” Gorman said.

County officials are urging residents to take the burn ban seriously and avoid actions that could spark fires until the area receives significant rainfall.