In his press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are 1,008 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 54 were newly confirmed. Unfortunately, yesterday also saw great loss as there were fourteen new deaths reported on Monday, raising the state’s total to 59 confirmed deaths related to the virus. Governor Beshear issued an urgent call for personal protective equipment for frontline workers in the fight against the virus. The Governor listed N95 masks, latex-free gloves, and surgical gowns as the most needed PPE items. In addition, Governor Beshear announced that the state would begin allowing first responders and frontline healthcare workers to quarantine in cabins at state parks in five locations across the Commonwealth if necessary. First responders and healthcare personnel interested in accommodations should contact their local emergency management operations center.
An Elizabethtown man was arrested over the weekend after he was allegedly involved in a domestic incident. According to the Elizabethtown Police Department, officers responded to a residence on Diecks Drive Sunday evening on a call of a domestic assault. The suspect, Michael Berding, allegedly assaulted his girlfriend in their home, and took her phone so she could not call for help. The girlfriend eventually asked a neighbor to call police, and Berding fled before police arrived. When officers left, Berding returned to the residence, allegedly kicking in the door. When police returned, Berding fled again and was eventually found hiding inside of a dumpster near North Dixie. Berding was arrested and charged with assault, fleeing or evading police, and intimidating a participant in the legal process. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.
The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Royal ATV Park in Clarkson on Saturday in response to a two-vehicle ATV crash with injuries. Investigation revealed that a group of friends were riding trails at the ATV park when they approached a right-hand curve. The operator of the first unit reported that he was traveling behind the second unit when it came to a sudden stop. The first unit collided with the bumper of the second, and continued over top of it, trapping unit two underneath and into the path of a tree. The unit two operator, 22-year-old Matthew Dillon of Bardstown, sustained severe head trauma and was transported from the scene by Grayson County EMS. He was later pronounced deceased by the Grayson County Coroner’s Office. Reportedly, no one in the group was wearing a helmet. The investigation is ongoing, but alcohol or drugs does not appear to be a factor in the crash.
With a growing number of organizations needing financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic, one regional foundation is stepping up to help. In a press conference yesterday, the Central Kentucky Community Foundation announced that they had activated their disaster relief fund- Central Kentucky Cares- which will provide support via grants for area non-profits. Those interested in donating can do so online at ckcf4people.org. An application for a grant will be available by the end of the week.
Hardin County Schools has announced they have added three satellite sites to their meal distribution site list; Airview Estates, Fun and Sun, and Jones Do-It Center. A full list of the sites and times for meal distribution can be found on the Hardin County Schools website.
