94.3 The Wolf

In his now daily evening press conference, Governor Andy Beshear informed the public that the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth of Kentucky is now at 35. Of those cases, one is that of an eight-month-old child who the Governor said is doing well, and is being treated at home. The Governor also announced continued steps to help those who may be in need. The department of community based services will be extending certification periods for recipients of all public assistance programs, such as food stamps or Medicaid, for three months. The Governor also announced the suspension of all commercial gaming licenses, saying that bingo halls presented a danger to those who are the most at risk, and announced that banks would more than likely begin imposing restrictions on lobby access and hours of operation.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College have announced that they will be moving to online classes beginning today through March 27^th. All lab classes at the college have been postponed until the threat of COVID-19 has passed, and will resume near the end of the term. The majority of personnel will work remotely during this time, however the college is open with limited staff and limited access to certain areas. Student services will be offered virtually or in a limited fashion on campus and all travel has been halted for staff members, including visits to other KCTCS colleges and the Versailles office. Before March 27^th, ECTC leadership and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System president will determine if it is safe to return to regular instruction with staff on campus, or to continue online coursework and telework for staff.

Kentucky State Police Post Four assisted the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office and Shepherdsville Police Department after a hit and run incident led to a high speed chase. Dispatch advised the pursuit was southbound on US 31W heading toward Radcliff with speeds close to 100 miles per hour. Troopers and deputies with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office attempted to deploy spike sticks, but were unsuccessful. As the subject approached Veterans Drive, he attempted to cross the median and struck two Shepherdsville Police cruisers, ending the pursuit. The driver, Dakota Elliot (27) of Keyser Mineral, West Virginia, and a Shepherdsville Police Officer were taken to Hardin Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and later released. Elliot’s passenger was also treated at a separate medical facility for non-life-threatening injuries. Both had out of state warrants, and the Shepherdsville Police Department will be handling charges.

No changes have been made to the Hardin County Jail visitations due to COVID-19. Jailer Josh Lindblom says that since interaction takes place over the phone or through glass, there was no need for a change. Lindblom also says that work release inmates will continue to work, and that there has been increased frequency in cleaning the facility.

The Elizabethtown Police Department responded to an automobile collision with a building on Tuesday night. A red pickup truck failed to stop at the intersection at College Street, and continued until it hit Brown Funeral Home. The driver and lone occupant, Brian Young of Elizabethtown, was transported to Hardin Memorial Hospital where he remains in critical but stable condition. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

As COVID-19 continues to spread around the Commonwealth, a regional healthcare provider has taken steps to help limit the illness’s reach. Hardin Memorial Health announced yesterday the establishment of a hotline for patients experiencing flu or respiratory-like symptoms. Patients experiencing symptoms can call 270-979-7777. The hotline will operate Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

Ford Automotive Plant have announced that they will be temporarily suspending operations effective this Friday. The plant announced that they would shut down after Thursday’s shifts, and thoroughly clean and sanitize facilities in preparation for employees returning to work on March 30^th. Toyota, Fiat Chrysler, and GM are also halting production, according to statements from the manufacturers.

Despite initial worry on social media yesterday, Fort Knox has announced that there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 on post at this time. Medical officials on post are attending to the patient in question to make sure the strain is not present. Officials at the Ireland Army Health Clinic are screening individuals for COVID-19 as they enter the clinic.

Just a day removed from prohibiting gathering in restaurants and bars, Governor Andy Beshear announced a new executive order, this time ordering certain businesses closed. These businesses include gyms, movie theaters, sports facilities, and all forms of salons. Beshear did say that certain businesses will be granted exemptions, including grocery stores, consumer goods, and retail services. A full list can be found on the Governor’s website. As of last night, 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were in Kentucky.

Various colleges and universities have had their education courses altered due to the threat of COVID-19 in the state. Western Kentucky University, University of Louisville, and the University of Kentucky have both cancelled in-person instruction for the rest of the spring semester. Both universities have announced that they will be using alternative instruction to get the course load to those that need it. All in-person events for the rest of the semester must be cancelled, postponed, or virtualized. Degrees will still be given to those who completed all necessary coursework, but in-person commencement ceremonies will need to be postponed. As for Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, the college announced last night that spring break for students has been extended through March 20^th, with no classes taking place before March 23^rd. Employees will be working remotely, except for essential personnel. Also, the college’s walk-in enrollment service has been closed to the public, however these services are still available over the phone or through e-mail.

The Elizabethtown Police Department is encouraging caution after news of a scam. According to Officer Chris Denham, the new scam features someone saying that they are selling COVID-19 testing kits, which are only for use in medical facilities. As far as the department is aware, these kits are not for home use. The department advises those who believe they have been infected with the virus or show symptoms to contact health care professionals for advice.

Hardin County Judge Executive Harry Berry has directed all county facilities be closed to the public effective at 4:30 PM yesterday. Berry notes that all employees will continue to report for duty in order to conduct business for citizens. Additional information and direction will be available at hcky.org. Fiscal Court will continue as planned on March 24, 2020, but will be closed to the public. The meeting will be streamed live on the county government’s official YouTube channel, and a recorded version will be posted to the county’s webpage the next day.

The American Red Cross is urging the public to continue to give blood despite COVID-19. The organization says that over 1,500 blood drives have been cancelled, leading to over 46,000 fewer donations. Spokesperson Tiffany Taylor says that the Red Cross is taking all necessary steps to ensure that donors and staff are safe, and facilities are clean. Those who are healthy and eligible to donate blood are encouraged to visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive nearby.

As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, Kentucky has reported 25 cases as of last night. In his evening press conference, Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 22 tests at that time, and alluded to several pending results from state labs that could turn out to be positive. One person has died due to complications from the respiratory illness, and one has made a full recovery. As part of his effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Beshear has ordered all child care businesses to close by the end of business hours on Friday. Beshear acknowledged the impact the decision will make, noting that it will be difficult for some, but it is a necessary step. There will be exemptions for those in the healthcare field, as well as some on-site employer exceptions. According to the CDC, children are not at a higher risk for the illness than adults.

Several things have had their course altered by the threat of COVID-19. The primary election for Kentucky that was scheduled to take place this May has been pushed back to June 23^rd. Employees who have been made unemployed as a result of COVID-19 can apply for unemployment, and the waiting period and work search requirements have been waived. The time to reapply for an expiring Kentucky Drivers License has been extended to 90 days. Kentucky’s hospitals are to cease all elective surgeries as of tomorrow in order to ensure medical capacity for an increase in COVID-19 cases. A request has been submitted to the small business association to receive a disaster designation. This will allow small businesses to obtain loans to assist with the impact of the disease on their establishments. Finally, the state capitol will be closed to non-essential personnel, and state in-person services are closed. Continue to practice preventative measures such as social distancing and frequent handwashing.

Towne Mall in Elizabethtown has temporarily altered their hours of operation in an attempt to support the community. These new hours are 11 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 PM on Sunday. These new hours go into effect today. The mall notes that each store and restaurant may have their own operating hours, so check their individual websites for the latest information.

In a press release from Hardin County Government, the Solid Waste Department announced that due to updates surrounding COVID-19, the recycling drop off point will be closed until further notice. The department urges those who have recyclables to hold onto them, as they hope to have the drop off back open as soon as they can. Red River will continue to run on the same schedule as usual in the unincorporated area with no delay. Hardin County’s billing service will be open, however they are asking that the public not come into the office, but rather use the drop off box in the office parking lot, which is checked every hour during regular business hours to make sure all communication is processed. Additional information and updates can be found at hcoky.org.

Hardin County Schools are requesting assistance in paying for and delivering lunches to the elderly, the immuno-compromised, or those who are afraid to get out during the pandemic. Lunches can be paid for via the Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center website, thepac.net, via the Support and Donate tabs.

The Elizabethtown Police Department has announced that due to COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, community outreach events will have to be cancelled or postponed. This includes the current Citizens Police Academy, Elizabethtown Police Foundation fundraiser, and Cultural Festival. This is designed to protect the health of the citizens of Elizabethtown. All police services will continue without interruption.

Several events scheduled for the next few weeks have been cancelled by their hosts in an attempt to limit the opportunity for contagion. Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory spoke to this, saying the city itself is not mandating events be cancelled at this time, but rather leaving the decision to those managing the events. Mayor Gregory also notes that the city is staying in communication with health professionals for all the latest information. A list of cancellations and closings can be found on the city of Elizabethtown website.

Governor Andy Beshear gave his recommendation yesterday that all public and private schools in the state of Kentucky prepare to close. Beshear encouraged schools to cease in-person instruction beginning Monday. The alternative suggested is non-traditional learning, which would be over the internet. School districts are doing their best to respond, as several districts have called off school for the next two weeks as well as spring break, including Hardin County Schools. Hardin County Schools will be administering communication for future plans, as well as possible alternative learning methods, via the one call system as well as social media.

Hardin County government is attempting to offer alternatives for renewing vehicle registration for those not wishing to come into the office due to the threat of COVID-19. According to Hardin County Clerk Debbie Donnelly, registration can be renewed online at hccoky.org. Registration can also be mailed to P.O. Box 1030.

Nolin RECC will be closing their lobby temporarily in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19. The closure will begin on Monday, March 16, closing the lobby to all non-essential personnel. Members will be able to pay bills, start service, and all other necessary business through the drive-thru, the Nolin SmartHub app, the website, by phone, or the night deposit.