Commonwealth Technology News

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) recently received an Excellence in Technology Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and iXP Corporation.

Kentucky State Police Instant Messaging Application Wins International Award
The Kentucky State Police recently received an international award for a statewide instant messaging system used by all emergency responders in Kentucky.

Personnel Cabinet Launches New 'Career Opportunities' System
The Personnel Cabinet recently launched a new online employment system that makes searching and applying for state jobs much easier.

New 'RegWatch' Service Strengthens Connection Between People and Government
It's now easier for Kentuckians to be alerted to government regulations that may impact them as the result of a recently launched Web-based service called RegWatch.

e-Health Summit Set for Dec. 6-7
Leaders in business, technology, health care, academia and government will gather Dec. 6-7 in Lexington for Kentucky’s second e-Health summit.

PSC Postpones Implementation of Area Code 364
The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) recently revised the starting date for the optional use of area code 364, delaying it by six months to Jan. 1, 2009.

'Telecheck Review' Makes Debut on KDFWR Web Site
Hunters required to report their harvests through the Telecheck Service can now review their reports online for accuracy and even see others’ reported successes.

Meth Lab Cleanup Contractors List Online
A list of contractors certified by the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet to cleanup methamphetamine labs is now available online.

Probation and Parole Officers Use Technology to Catch Child Pornographer
State Probation and Parole Officers in Hardin County recently used technology and computer software to catch a child pornographer.

Kentucky's 511 Traffic and Travel Information Resource

The peak season for Kentucky's 511 system for traffic and travel information is just around the corner.  The 511 service, launched statewide in 2002, provides information about accidents, construction information and weather conditions that affect the commonwealth's roadways.  Kentucky's 511 phone system averages more than 60,000 calls a month.  December is usually the busiest month of the year for Kentucky's 511 Traffic and Travel Information line as the combination of winter weather and heavy holiday travel usually results in a flood of calls.  

Maintenance crews in all 120 counties are prepared to work as long as it takes and as often as required to keep the roads in the best possible condition before, during and after winter weather events. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has almost 320,000 tons of salt and almost two million gallons of liquid chlorides on hand at numerous locations statewide. The cabinet will use approximately 1,000 state-owned trucks, more than 175 state-owned loaders and more than 300 contract snow and ice trucks to keep the roads clear.

“When winter weather impacts travel, whether it’s in the middle of the day, night, weekend or holiday period, our dedicated maintenance personnel answer the call,” noted KYTC Deputy Secretary Crystal Ducker.  “We are extremely fortunate to have a team so devoted to clearing a path through snow and ice.”

Traffic and travel information for Kentucky roads is available by dialing the three simple digits 5-1-1 or on the Web at 511.ky.gov.  Information on both the phone line and Web site is current and updated 24/7 as conditions change.