Grayson County Sheriff announces COVID-19 diagnosis
As COVID-19 cases continue to climb in the Commonwealth, a local elected official is sharing his own personal battle with the virus.
Grayson County Sheriff Norman Chaffins revealed Sunday that he, his wife, and son had contracted the virus. The family had traveled to two Western states in late June, only showing symptoms around July 4th. Chaffins explained that while his wife and son’s symptoms have been mild, his have been severe, with fevers, intense stomach pain, headaches, and even hallucinations. Chaffins concluded the post, encouraging individuals to wear their mask, not simply because it’s required, but because he feels it could save others from the pain he is experiencing.
Kentucky announced a combined 730 new cases over the weekend.
Chaffins’ original Facebook post can be found here
With plateau in the past, Kentucky sees increase of COVID cases
Kentucky is starting to see a rise in COVID-19 cases. Over the weekend, Governor Beshear announced 453 cases of the virus on Saturday and 277 on Sunday for a combined total of 730 weekend cases. With his new statewide mask mandate in place beginning last Friday, Beshear urges the use of masks to help lower the spread of the virus.
“The more people that wear masks, the more leaders who model wearing masks in any region of this state are going to be safer,” Beshear said Friday. “Those who don’t follow it or don’t model it… you’re just risking the lives, the economy, and the schooling of the people of your region.”
On Friday, Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced that he would ask the Scott County Circuit Judge who issued a temporary restraining order against Beshear’s executive orders to inspect this latest one.
As temperature rises, officials offer tips to keep pets safe
Temperatures are expected to rise this week, leading officials to offer reminders to pet owners about how the heat can affect pets. Hardin County Animal Control Director Mike McNutt says that in the excessive temperatures, owners should be cautious about taking their pets on walks, especially if those trips include walking on asphalt.
“It gets hot, and they can feel it on their pads,” McNutt said. “It’s not a pleasant feeling for them, and in some instances, it can even burn them.”
McNutt also advises owners to bring their pets in during the hotter days of summer. But, if they cannot, urges owners to make sure their pets have plenty of fresh water and shade.
Vine Grove cancels Autumn Daze, August First Friday
COVID-19 has claimed another annual festival for a local community. The City of Vine Grove announced Friday that they had decided to cancel their annual Autumn Daze festival and August First Friday, out of precautions related to the virus.
We didn’t fell like it was safe for out citizens to come,” mayor Pam Ogden said. “We didn’t want them to come to our city and get sick.”
Ogden also said the decision was made out of concern for city workers who help control and coordinate the events.
“the mandatory mask also make it hard for our staff to be outside for hours at a time in the heat,” she continued. “Our police officers are wearing their uniforms, plus they’ve got their vests, their masks on.”
The Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival, a non-city sponsored event, is still planning to take place in late September.
Hardin Co. Fair pageants taking place
While the main event might have been canceled, the Hardin County Fair’s annual pageants will still take place.
Fair board president Marty Fulkerson says that while it wasn’t possible to have the complete fair this year, the board had actively pursued ways in which they could carry on other traditional events, like the pageants. Fulkerson says that those interested in taking part in this year’s pageants, which will all be held on the same day, will still need to fill out application forms on the fair’s website.
The three pageants will take place at the Fairgrounds on August 15th.
