94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 198 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. This marked 35 new positive cases, which was less than the previous day’s total. However, with this announcement came sad news, as the fifth death related to COVID-19 was confirmed. The victim, a 75-year-old male from Jefferson County, had underlying health issues. In terms of new steps being taken, Governor Beshear ordered a halt to all residential evictions, expanded unemployment eligibility to the self-employed, independent contractors, and freelance workers, and gave a status update on a potential new way of testing for the virus. Beginning next week, the first drive-thru test facility will be established in the Commonwealth. Hopefully starting on Monday, a single location for a specific group who are showing symptoms will be opened. The Governor says that this is a test concept that, if successful, could lead to several more such facilities opening next week, which would allow for far more testing than before.

Cases of COVID-19 continue to grow in the surrounding area, with Grayson County becoming the latest area with a confirmed case. In a statement released yesterday, the Grayson County Health Center confirmed the presence of a positive case of the virus in the community. Officials with the Health Center remind community members to remain calm and to practice social distancing, as well as to stay home if sick. The age and gender of the individual has not yet been released.

Friends of Hardin County Animal Shelter have announced that they are offering assistance to those who may need help feeding their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are being accepted at fohcas.org. There must be a real financial need for the assistance, and vouchers for the food will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis based on need. The shelter is currently closed to the public, and is undergoing deep cleaning.

The City of Elizabethtown have announced that several attractions at Freeman Lake and other parks will be closed starting today as a response to guidance from the Lincoln Trail Health Department and CDC guidelines. Playgrounds, pavilions, dog parks, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, and par 3 golf courses are closed. However, the parks and trails will remain open, and are still able to be enjoyed as long as social distancing guidelines are met.

As the state continues the fight against COVID-19, Governor Andy Beshear announced in his press conference last night that there are now one hundred and sixty three cases of the virus in the Commonwealth. The governor announced that one of these positive cases came from someone who attended a coronavirus party. Beshear denounced the act, again stressing social distancing and regard for the lives of others. Governor Beshear noted that with the expected spike in cases, increasingly significant steps towards fighting the illness can be expected, and the governor took one of those steps last night. Beshear ordered that all non-life-sustaining businesses be closed by 8 PM Thursday. Businesses that will remain open include grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and drug stores as well as laundromats, banks, and home-based care and services, among others. The Governor says the order will be made public today in order to make the announcement clearer.

Monday morning, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office apprehended three suspects who allegedly stole a tractor from Bullitt County. Later in the afternoon, the trailer used to steal the tractor was reported stolen as well. All items have been returned to their owners. In regards to the three suspects, Joseph Christopher Redmon was charged with two indictment warrants from Nelson and Bullitt counties, receiving stolen property over five hundred dollars, operating with a suspended license, and public intoxication. Mark Vittitow was charged with receiving stolen property and public intoxication, and Allen Ballard was charged with receiving stolen property. All three were lodged in the Nelson County Jail.

The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Shaw Station Road in Leitchfield in an attempt to stop a reckless driver. Officers made contact with the driver, 29-year-old Mercedes Goldsmith of Louisville, who is a repeat offender with the Sheriff’s Office. Goldsmith had several warrants for her arrest, and her vehicle was searched. The inspection led to the discovery of meth, marijuana, and a handgun in the car and on Goldsmith’s person. She also failed sobriety tests conducted by officers. Goldsmith was charged with several traffic violations, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. She was lodged in the Grayson County Detention Center. The investigation is ongoing.

Hardin Memorial Health has announced that effective today, visitation at Hardin Memorial Hospital has been suspended, with only essential caregivers allowed to accompany patients for medical appointments or tests. The organization has been progressively restricting access to the hospital and medical office to protect patients from COVID-19. There will be limited exceptions, allowing one healthy visitor, who will be screened prior to visitation, for patients under eighteen, women in labor, end of life patients, hospice patients, dependent patients who require assistance, and outpatient surgery and cath lab patients. These visitors are asked to enter at the main registration and patient pick-up entrance. For more information on Hardin Memorial’s policies and response to COVID-19, visit hmh.net.

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear informed the public that there are now 124 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. With this news came the announcement of the fourth death in Kentucky, an 82-year-old woman from Lexington who had underlying health conditions. The governor, however, has continued to try and make bold steps towards flattening the curve, including establishing a hotline to report guideline non-compliance. In addition, Governor Beshear announced the Team Kentucky Fund in order to try and help those who have lost their jobs. The fund will help provide financial assistance to those people, and every dollar that comes in or out will be able to be monitored so it can be ensured to be used properly. The fund will be collected online, and donations are tax deductible. There are no limits to donations, and every penny helps.

A regional distillery is doing their part in the fight against COVID-19. Boundary Oak Distillery has ceased regular production and has started producing sanitizers for local business. Owner Brent Goodin says that they knew they had the materials to produce, but did not have a license. Working with state offices, things came together and sanitizers have been provided to healthcare facilities, nursing homes, police and fire departments, and others. Supplies such as glycerin and peroxide are still needed. Anyone wishing to help can contact Boundary Oak.

The American Red Cross will be holding blood drives in Elizabethtown this week in the old Red Cross building at 405 West Dixie. The drives take place from 10:30 AM to 6 PM on Wednesday and Friday. Those wishing to donate are encouraged to make an appointment ahead of time. The organization is doing their best to screen for potential illness as patrons enter the facility.

The Elizabethtown Police Department has located the suspects in a burglary. According to the Police Department, the crime took place at Neighborhood Market at around 2 AM Monday morning. An unidentified male had broken into the business and took a large amount of merchandise while being accompanied by at least one other person. However, thanks to an anonymous tip, the offenders are now in custody. However, due to the fact that both offenders were juveniles, their identities can not be released. The investigation into the case is closed.

Real estate office TW Shortt has decided to help businesses by reducing rent for businesses in the Radcliff Plaza by 50% for the month of April. President of the Radcliff Small Business Alliance TW Shortt says the goal is to make sure no businesses are totally lost in the shutdowns of COVID-19. There are around fourteen small businesses situated in the Radcliff Plaza.

Another Kentuckian has died as a result of the novel coronavirus. Governor Andy Beshear announced yesterday evening that a 64-year-old male from Jefferson County had died from complications related to COVID-19. As with the first COVID-19 death, Beshear stressed that the individual had several underlying health problems. As of last night, Beshear indicated that the state has seen 47 positive cases.

At the end of today, child care facilities across the Commonwealth will have to close their doors until further notice. As previously reported, Governor Andy Beshear made the decision to close daycares and other childcare facilities on Monday. Beshear stated that exceptions will be granted for workers in the healthcare industry. Childcare centers are just one of numerous closures the Governor has ordered in hopes of limiting the spread of COVID-19. As of yesterday, 2 children had tested for the virus.

While out on regular patrols, an officer with the Elizabethtown Police Department was alarmed to find a house on Guthrie Street fully engulfed in flames. The Elizabethtown Fire Department was called immediately, and the fire was put out. The home was abandoned and had no utilities running to it. No one was injured or displaced as a result of the fire. The investigation is ongoing.

The Kentucky House of Representatives passed a COVID-19 emergency bill last night before adjourning for a week, according to a social media post from Representative Jim DuPlessis. The bill removes the seven day waiting period for unemployment, extends the maximum amount of weeks of unemployment beyond twenty-six weeks, and allows for employees who have been reduced to part-time to draw a partial benefit. The bill also adds unemployment insurance relief for small businesses. In addition, the bill gives relief from licensing fees and other requirements for occupations and professions required to be licensed under Kentucky law, offers relief from tax filing and payment deadlines under state law to match federal changes, and deems physical therapists as essential health care under Kentucky law.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a local city has taken preemptive steps to better prepare. The City of Hodgenville announced yesterday that Mayor Jim Phelps declared a state of emergency in the city. Executive order 2020-02 entitles the city to possible federal funds to combat the virus, as well as the ability to pass special rules and regulations if needed. So far, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Larue County.