Kentucky News Now

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky has several dozen new state troopers, bringing the state police force to a total of 910.

The new troopers completed the Kentucky State Police's 92nd cadet class, which began Aug. 3. The class started with 110 cadets, and 41 resigned during the 23-week training program.

The 69 new troopers were given diplomas at ceremonies Friday in Frankfort.

Training includes more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study in topics such as criminal investigation, first aid, evidence collection and drug identification.

Each new trooper will be supervised by a training officer for six to eight weeks after reporting to their post assignments.

VERSAILLES, Ky. (AP) — Jay Box has officially taken over as president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

Box will oversee a statewide system of 16 colleges. He says the college system's goal is to help students achieve their dreams and to help supply a college-educated workforce to fill the needs of business and industry in Kentucky.

KCTCS Board of Regents Chairman P.G. Peeples says Box has a strong background that includes stints as a faculty member, college president and KCTCS chancellor.

The KCTCS Board of Regents approved a presidential contract that includes an annual salary of $345,000 and a $24,000 car allowance. Officials say the package does not include any deferred compensation, housing allowance or performance bonus.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock has been given a national award for leadership and dedication to U.S. highway transportation programs.

The Transportation Cabinet says Hancock received the Lester P. Lamm Memorial Award, named for a longtime executive of the Federal Highway Administration.

Hancock is a career engineer for the cabinet and recently completed a term as president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

The award was presented at the annual meeting of The Road Gang. The informal group of business, government and transportation industry executives dates to 1942 and is based in Washington.