15 years later: A Hardin County resident looks back at Hurricane Katrina
It’s been 15 years since Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the United States, and one Hardin County resident is still impacted by the events, even 15 years later.
Resident Doug Frederick was a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, just over 20 miles from New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit. Frederick said he had planned to stay with some neighbors and friends to ride out the storm. But for the safety of his his, he sent him to stay with his older daughter, who lived in Elizabethtown.
For Frederick, the night of August 29th will live with him forever.
Frederick and that group of friends would spend that day and part of the next inside the friends house as the Category 5 storm raged outside.
Frederick says he left Louisiana as soon as it was safe, traveling to Elizabethtown to reunite with his son where they quickly made Elizabethtown their home. At the time, Katrina was the costliest tropical storm ever, eventually tied with Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
The Gulf region is currently preparing for two seperate hurricanes this week.
Hospital officials busy replacing signs, logos ahead of merger
Hardin Memorial officials are quickly preparing for next week’s merger to Baptist Health Hardin. Vice President of Operations Steve White says some of the bigger areas and buildings are undergoing sign and logo changes ahead of next Tuesday.
White says that the rebranding effort is extensive, ranging from signs and logos on buildings to letterhead and business cards. White says all instances of “Hardin Memorial” words and images will eventually be replaced in the transition process.
Local organization details plan for virtual fundraising campaign
United Way of Central Kentucky’s upcoming fundraising campaign is having to go virtual this year. It’s an understandable, but necessary departure from the organization’s previous kickoffs.
The campaign, which officially begins September 9th, offers a variety of ways for potential donors to give. More information is available on United Way of Central Kentucky’s website.
Local National Park joins celebration of 19th Amendment
The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park will be holding an event tonight to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the nineteenth amendment.
The park is also encouraging visitors to submit names of individuals who have struggled for equality, and these names can be submitted via the park’s Facebook page, or by calling the park. The event is free and open to the public, and will run from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
KSP arrests man after high-speed pursuit
Troopers with Kentucky State Police Post 4 took part in a high-speed chase, eventually arresting a Louisville man on Tuesday.
A KSP Post 4 Trooper observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed near the 96 mile marker of I-65, with radar clocking the vehicle as going 111 mph in a 70 mph zone. As the Trooper pulled behind the vehicle, it put on the flashers and accelerated, passing several vehicles and almost leaving the roadway when exiting at the 105 exit. The subject pulled into a gas station and did several circles around the gas pumps before stopping at a pump. The subject, Christopher Shonkwiler, refused to exit the car and was tased as a result. Investigation, as well as a confession from Shonkwiler, showed that the vehicle was stolen, and a firearm was present in the vehicle.
Shonkwiler faces several traffic offenses, as well as charges of fleeing or evading police and resisting arrest. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.
New state initiative looks to provide internet to low-income families
State officials announced a new initiative aimed at closing the technology gap between Kentucky students yesterday. The Last Mile internet service plan will help students from low income families access the internet to complete needed learning this school year.
Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman says 32,000 children in the Commonwealth lack internet access within their homes. Additionally, Governor Andy Beshear announced 688 new cases of covid-19 yesterday afternoon.
