94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced 100 new cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, bringing the total number of cases to 770. There were 11 new deaths related to the virus reported last night, bringing the state’s total to 31. Governor Beshear said all but one of the deaths, and possibly all of them, were people with other health conditions. In terms of new steps being taken, Governor Beshear recommended Thursday that school districts statewide extend the suspension of in person instruction until May 1^st. Non-traditional instruction will still continue during this time. The Governor says that there is a chance that in-person instruction will not be revisited this year, but that the state is not there yet. In other news, Beshear says plans are moving ahead to convert the state fairgrounds in Louisville into a 2,000-bed field hospital. The Governor says the plan is to have the operation together before it is needed. Other executive orders include the temporary banning of overnight stays in Kentucky State Parks and campgrounds, and restricting travel to include people from out of state coming into the Commonwealth. Those entering the state have to follow the same travel restrictions as Kentuckians and self-quarantine for 14 days.

It has been announced that Akebono Production will remain cancelled for the week of April 6^th to April 12^th. This shutdown is unpaid, however the company offers kcc.ky.gov in order to file for unemployment. More updates will be given as they become available.

When schools across the Commonwealth stopped in-person instruction on March 12^th, the number one concern for many was how students would get access to meals. In the nearly three weeks since, area school districts have reported distributing large quantities of meals for students. Hardin County Schools spokesperson John Wright says the district has given out over 120,000 meals. Elizabethtown Independent Schools Superintendent Jon Ballard says their district has distributed 750-1,000 meals a day, and West Point Independent Schools have reported that they have given out close to 2,000 meals since spring break.

Amid all the cancellations and closures related to COVID-19, one Hardin County event is still slated to open on schedule. The Hardin County Farmer’s Market will open for the season tomorrow morning. Market manager Autumn Milliner recognized that while it is difficult, the market is taking several precautions to protect the health of customers, including handwashing stations and spread out vendors. They are also encouraged to preorder and pickup instead of spending time in the pavilion. The farmer’s market has the ability to be open, as they are classified as an agricultural business, which was placed on the essential business list by Governor Beshear.

The gradual removal of a traffic light in Elizabethtown has been completed. As previously reported, the State Highway Department began phasing out the traffic signal at the intersection of Helm Street and North Mulberry. The light is now fully removed, leaving stop signs on Helm Street, and no traffic signal on North Mulberry. The traffic on North Mulberry does not stop, and always has the right of way. The State Highway Department had previously deemed the light unnecessary.

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 93 new cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, bringing the total number of cases to 680. In addition, two more deaths were announced, a 60-year-old male from Davis County and a 76-year-old female from Hopkins County. The Governor stressed the importance of continuing social distancing and not travelling out of state, noting that this was the one thing in this situation that citizens can control. The Governor also touched on the surge in unemployment claims, saying that officials are working to fix problems brought on by the influx. In addition, the National Guard is being called into action in order to assist Kentucky’s food banks in distributing food during this time.

Hardin County Schools has announced that they need help from the community in order to continue providing meals to those in need. The district announced in March that they were accepting donations in order to help pay for meals for those who could not get them for free. However, due to the high demand, those funds have now run dry and more donations are needed. Donations to the meal fund can be made at thepac.net by clicking on the Donate tab.

On Tuesday, the Bardstown Police Department was called for a trespasser in the area of Stephen Foster. Officers engaged a male suspect, identified as Joseph Cahoe. Cahoe stated to officers that he had killed his roommate at 525 North Second Street. Officers responded to the residence and did, in fact, find a deceased male. Cahoe faces charges of murder. The case is ongoing.

An Elizabethtown woman is seeking assistance with hospital bills after seeking a heart transplant for her four-month-old daughter. Megan Eades, a friend of the mother, Beth Dugas, says that medical bills have already reached the $1 million mark. To donate to the family, visit gofundme.com/miraclesformadison. $2000 has been raised so far for the family.

The fallout related to COVID-19 extends even into the waste disposal industry. In a release issued yesterday, Hardin County Government stated they are changing their guidelines related to trash disposal. Items should be placed in a garbage bag, tightly closed, and should be placed in a garbage receptacle. Crews have been instructed not to pick up loose debris or bags. Residents wishing to dispose of large or bulk items can take them directly to Pearl Hollow landfill.

Yesterday marked one of the toughest days for the Commonwealth thus far in the fight against COVID-19, as Governor Andy Beshear announced that there were 114 new cases of the virus in the state. In addition, seven more deaths related to the illness were announced, bringing the state’s total to 18. All of these victims had underlying health conditions. In terms of new steps being taken, Governor Beshear announced that the child care options that the state has been providing to first responders and health care workers will be expanded to grocery store workers as well. In addition, the Governor announced that an order was issued to allow critical workforce sectors such as fire departments, law enforcement, emergency medical service personnel, park rangers, and corrections officers to rehire previously retired workers to fill key roles. The order will last the duration of the state of emergency.

The city of Elizabethtown has received a grant from the federal government. In a press release Tuesday, 2^nd District Representative Brett Guthrie announced the grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which totals over $115,000. The city has already received federal grants from last week’s passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act, which gives municipalities like Elizabethtown the ability to use the money as they deem necessary in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

A Vine Grove police officer is being hailed a hero after saving the life of an infant. According to a post from the department’s Facebook page, officers responded to a call of a possible cardiac episode Tuesday morning in Vine Grove. Two officers arrived and found an infant child in the floor with a parent and provided CPR until medical crews arrived. Chief Kenneth Mattingly says Officer Jones with Vine Grove PD will be honored with the deparment’s life-saving award at the next City Council meeting. He says he will also nominate Jones for the Hardin County Fire Chief’s Life-saving Award.

A regional food bank will be receiving a donation to help with supplies. Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland will receive a $5000 donation from retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, and current Senate hopeful, Amy McGrath. Feeding American Kentucky’s Heartland also announced that they would be closing their office and Volunteer Services to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Food distribution will still continue as scheduled. Those who need good assistance can still call the office.

April marks the beginning of Child Abuse Awareness Month, and advocates want to make sure that the facts are not forgotten despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In Hardin County alone, in latest statistics, there were 1312 reports and 957 substantiated reports. Spokesperson for the Community Collaboration for Children Linda Funk says that anyone who is aware of child abuse taking place is encouraged to still notify someone who can help. Kentucky is ranked number one in the nation in cases of child abuse and neglect.   

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 480 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 42 of those being newly confirmed. There were also two new deaths reported on Monday, an 88-year-old female from Kenton County and a 90-year-old female from Simpson County, raising the state’s total to 11 deaths related to the virus. Both victims had underlying health conditions that also contributed to their death. In terms of new steps being taken, Governor Beshear announced an executive order to limit Kentuckians out-of-state travel. The order allows for a few exemptions including travel to other states for work, groceries, to care for loved ones, or to seek court order required health care. Kentuckians arriving back in the Commonwealth from out of state are required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

With the end of the school year fast approaching, school districts across the area are still deciding what to do for their high school graduations. During their March board meeting, Hardin County Schools set the graduation dates for all three high schools, which are still on schedule at this time. The Elizabethtown Board of Education has not yet set a date for their graduation.

As the number of positive cases grow, many have pointed to differences between numbers provided by Governor Beshear and by other governmental agencies, such as the Lincoln Trail District Health Department. Officials with the department say there are two main reasons behind the occasional difference; Not all labs report to the state labs, and the turnaround for the labs could be delayed for multiple reasons. Public information officer Terrie Burgan says that while there may be an occasional lag in numbers reported by the Governor, the Health Department has put forth accurate numbers. At this time, the Health Department has seen 11 positive cases within their service area.

The City of Elizabethtown has announced a new effort in order to attempt to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a specially called meeting of the Elizabethtown City Council, a budget amendment was approved that will create the Economic Stimulus Recovery Fund. The fund will be available to qualifying small businesses in the city of Elizabethtown, and the city will make grants up to $3000 available per small business to aid in recovery efforts. Mayor Jeff Gregory said that the city wanted to, “…provide some immediate relief for businesses until the various proposed state and federal programs can cut off assistance.” The city will begin taking applications for the funding on April 1^st. More information, including a list of eligible businesses and program guidelines can be found at elizabethtownky.gov.

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a suspicious man knocking on doors over the weekend. Reportedly, the man, later identified as Johnny Kolley of Cecilia, was knocking on doors asking to use a phone charger. When officers arrived, they saw Kolley walking behind a house. The residents of the home started pointing at him, and as officers pulled into the driveway, Kolley fled on foot. As officers exited the vehicle, several commands to stop were given, but Kolley hopped a gate and ran into a barn, where he was apprehended. Kolley would not give officers his hands, and when checked, was discovered to have an active warrant. He was arrested for fleeing or evading police, burglary, and resisting arrest. He is lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are at least 439 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth with 45 new cases being confirmed. This is after the largest one-day rise in cases on Saturday, with 92 new positives on the 28^th. Governor Beshear has stressed that the next two weeks are critical as the pandemic begins to spike as expected, and urges businesses to do better when it comes to social distancing, specifically citing state parks, grocery stores, and golf courses. Governor Beshear has also asked Kentuckians not to travel out of state, but specifically cited Tennessee, which has failed to enact strict social distancing guidelines. The Governor says that Kentuckians can go to Tennessee for work, to care for a loved one, or event to go to the grocery store if it is closer, but asks that residents not go across state lines to partake in activities that have been limited in Kentucky.

While manufacturers across the state make decisions about potential closures, a local operation is planning to stay open. In a phone message last week, Metalsa plant coordinator Matthew Carter says the plant will remain open with their designated essential critical infrastructure workforce. Carter says necessary materials will be distributed to those employees on their next working day in the plant. As previously reported, Akebono was shutting down production for this week.

The city of Radcliff has announced that in efforts to better support social distancing, Saunders Springs will be closed until further notice. Radcliff Mayor JJ Duvall says that it was difficult to keep tabs on social distancing efforts in the park, so for the safety of the public, it was decided that closure was the best option. While the city of Radcliff has closed down one of their major recreational spots in Saunders Springs, the city of Elizabethtown is thanking its residents for following the temporary guidelines in place at Freeman Lake Park. Officials with the Elizabethtown Police Department say that going forward, anyone caught violating the guidelines can be subjected to criminal charges. American Legion Park, as well as the University Drive Platforms and Elizabethtown Sports Park have already closed.

Hardin Memorial Hospital has seen its very first case of COVID-19. In a statement release last Friday, Chief Nursing Officer Sharon Wright explained that the hospital has been preparing for this moment for several months, and have followed all CDC recommendations for treating the patient, including isolation. In a separate release on Saturday, Fort Knox confirmed that their second case of COVID-19, a civilian employee, is being treated at Hardin Memorial.