The suspect in last weeks double homicide in Elizabethtown has been arrested. Officials say that just before 5 PM Thursday afternoon, police in Versailles, Kentucky recognized the suspect, Tayandree Reed, inside of a local Kroger. Reed is charged with two counts of murder, as well as charges of robbery and assault, both in the first degree. He is lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.
In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 8,236 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 135 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 3,008 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were ten new deaths announced on Thursday, bringing the state’s total to 386. The Governor announced more businesses and events that will be able to ease restrictions soon. Auctions can be held beginning June 1st. Horse shows can begin on June 8th. Bars and gathering with 50 people or less can reopen June 29th if guidelines are met. In terms of childcare, it was announced that in-home childcare can open on June 8th, and center-based licensed childcare programs will reopen to all families on June 15th. The maximum group size will be ten children per group, and staff will be assigned to the same children each day in order to limit exposure. Children five and under should not wear masks, but older children should, if they are able. Childcare programs will stagger playground time, eliminate center-wide family events, eliminate field trips, and use centralized drop-off and pick-up locations to eliminate unnecessary traffic to classrooms and reduce exposure.
An annual Memorial Day event at Fort Knox is still scheduled to take place. The on-post cemetery visit will take place as usual on Monday, but officials say visitors will have to adhere to health guidelines, including wearing a face covering and socially distancing up to six feet. Fort Knox is home to over 120 cemeteries, made up of former church and family graveyards from towns that existed before Fort Knox. Over 3,000 individuals are buried within the installation.
The Meade County School District has announced their plans and route for the Commencement Cruise taking place tonight to honor the class of 2020. Interim Superintendent Bill Adams says the district will try to mimic the procedure of a real commencement ceremony as best they can. The parade route, as well as guidelines for spectators, can be found on the Meade County High School Facebook page. The district will be releasing a pre-recorded graduation ceremony at 7 PM on the Facebook page.
Several graduation ceremonies from Hardin County Schools will be aired on HCEC-TV tonight and over the weekend. Tonight at 7 PM, the John Hardin High School graduation will air on the channel, as well as on HCEC-TV’s YouTube channel. On Saturday, Central Hardin High School’s graduation will air at 11 AM, and North Hardin High School’s ceremony will air at 7 PM. Hardin County High and the county’s GED program saw their ceremonies air earlier in the week.
Today marks the reopening of restaurants around the state of Kentucky. Restaurants are allowed to once again resume in-person dining, but with several guidelines. Most notably, restaurants are limited to just 33% of their normal capacity in an effort to practice social distancing. Party sizes will be limited to ten or less people. Additionally, restaurants are encouraged to maximize their outdoor seating options, and to discontinue the use of salad bars or buffets if possible.
