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News for January 28

94.3 The Wolf

Area schools cancel in-person instruction over inclement weather

It was a partial snow day for some students in our listening area today. School districts including Hardin, LaRue, Breckinridge and Meade county announced last night that in-person instruction would not take place today due to inclement weather. However, students will use NTI today. Each district has announced what groups or which students will log on. A complete list of school closure can be found on our website.

Organization prepares for different campaign amid pandemic

The kickoff to Big Brothers Big Sisters won’t take place as normal this year. The annual event, which takes place today, will be held virtually in the wake of the pandemic. Spokesperson Michelle Critchelow says changes to the annual campaign will be discussed at the kickoff party today.

More information on the kickoff party today can be found by going to the Big Brothers Big Sisters website.

State confirms presence of new strain of COVID-19

Officials announced 2,424 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 Wednesday afternoon. State officials also confirmed the presence of a new strain of the virus, the UK variant, which was discovered in Northern Kentucky.

Dr. Steven Stack

For cases locally, Hardin county reported 56 new cases, Meade county had 18, and LaRue with 11.

Man arrested in connection to December robbery

An Elizabethtown man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly taking part in a December 26th robbery. According to arrest records, the incident occurred late last month. Warrants state that the suspect, Henry Bester, was tasked with driving the victim to a location on Sonora Hardin Springs Road. When they arrived, the victim was jumped by 2 males, as well as bester. The victim was held at gunpoint at one point by one of the other males, eventually being struck with the weapon. The victim was left bleeding and bruised, being put back into the car driven by Bester, who drove to a location for the victim to get money. Bester was also arrested on another warrant, in which he allegedly took part in taking auto parts from a recycling center. He was lodged in the Hardin county detention center on a 75,000 bond.

Local veteran’s cemetery included in milestone

Tuesday marked a milestone for Kentucky veterans cemeteries. The burial of WW II Navy veteran Daniel E. Dowdle at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff marked 16 thousand interments at Kentucky Veteran cemeteries across the commonwealth. The very first interment took pace in March of 2004 in Hopkinsville. Many Kentucky state officials say the cemeteries are a point of pride for the commonwealth, showing the state’s care they have for veterans of all ages and any war. The Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff first opened in 2007.

News for January 27th

94.3 The Wolf

Cecilia Valley students head to NTI following staff, student quarantines

Students of Cecilia Valley Elementary will take part in NTI for the next week, beginning today. The district announced the move to online instruction Tuesday afternoon, citing staff and student quarantines as one of the reasons behind the temporary closure.

District spokesperson John Wright

In-person instruction is expected to return for students on February 8th.

Louisville couple arrested on meth charges after traffic stop

A traffic stop landed a Louisville couple in jail Monday night after police discovered several grams of methamphetamine in their vehicle. According to arrest citations, police initiated a traffic stop on a truck Monday night after the officer observed the truck’s expired tags. When he approached the vehicle, the officer noted a strong odor coming from the cab, which was occupied by the driver, Robert Burnette and his wife, Terri Burnette. Units searched the vehicle, discovering several drug related items. Police discovered 3 baggies of suspected methamphetamines, at least 5 grams, as well as marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. Both were arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, as well as possession of marijuana. Both were lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

Beshear: State to receive more vaccine doses from federal government

Good news for Kentuckians when it comes to vaccines. State officials announced Tuesday that the federal government has increased the amount of vaccines the state will receive, increasing by 17%, as well as promising a minimum amount of vaccines for the next 3 weeks.

Governor Andy Beshear

Officials have previously discussed the challenges associated with administering and scheduling vaccines for current phases, with only a limited supply coming from federal health officials.

COVID-19 numbers for January 26th

2,714 new cases reported by officials yesterday afternoon. Tuesday’s news continued a recent trend of lower daily case numbers for the Commonwealth. The state’s positivity rate continued a downward trend, now at 9.6%. However, as officials have noted, related-deaths have continued to build, with the state announcing 35 yesterday. Locally, Hardin county reported 48 new cases, Meade county announced 25, and LaRue confirmed 11.

Hardin County Chamber of Commerce continuing virtual series on entrepreneurship today

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce is continuing a virtual event today, aimed at highlighting young entrepreneurs in the community.

Chamber spokesperson Kendra Stewart Scott

The event begins today at noon. Registration can be completed by going to the Hardin County Chamber’s website.

News for January 26th

94.3 The Wolf

HCS announces information for staff vaccines

Next week, Hardin County Schools staff members will start receiving their vaccines. The district announced last night that staff who had signed up would begin Moderna vaccines in early February.

District spokesperson John Wright says staff members will be notified when they can make appointment, which will be in five minute intervals. Vaccination sites have not yet been released. The district hopes to vaccinate nearly 450 staff members each day.

State continues low case county

State officials announced 1,268 new cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. And while Monday’s are generally the lowest reporting day in a week, Governor Andy Beshear said yesterday’s total was one of the lowest in recent weeks.

Locally, Hardin county reported 14 cases, Meade reported 5 and LaRue with 3.

Rough River Lake Dam to undergo rehabilitation project

Improvements are on the way for the Rough River Lake Dam. Monday, Senator Mitch McConnell announced that the US Army Corps of Engineers had dedicated $8.7 million to a major rehabilitation project of the dam in it’s fiscal year 2021 work plan. In a release, the Army Corps detailed in a 2012 report that the existing dam called for structural improvements to lower the risk of flooding to surrounding homes and communities. The dedicated money is part of a larger $110 million for the Kentucky Lock and Dam project.

EIS selects new board member

Elizabethtown Independent has a new member on the Board of Education. After taking applications from community members, the board has selected Heather Sharpsteen to fill a vacant spot on the board. According to Sharpsteen, the opportunity was the obvious next step after years of volunteer work in the district.

Sharpsteen was sworn in last Wednesday.

KY Attorney General asks for tips in case of missing Radcliff teen

Five months since her disappearance, Kentucky’s top law enforcement official has promoted the case of a missing Radcliff teen. In a Facebook post Monday morning, Attorney General Daniel Cameron brought attention to the case of Rosalyn Velazquez, who has been missing now since last August.

Radcliff police captain Willie Wells

Velazquez’s case was also featured on the A&E show Live Rescue in December.

News for January 25th

94.3 The Wolf

Elizabethtown mayor named to statewide task force

A task force organized by the Kentucky Attorney General will include a local leader. The Kentucky league of cities announced that mayor Jeff Gregory will represent them on the 17 member task force designed to examined the process behind search warrants in the Commonwealth.

Gregory says the group will meet for the first time in the coming weeks. The Attorney General’s office launched the group in the wake of the death of Breonna Taylor.

1 arrested after pursuit through Nelson Co.

1 person arrested after a pursuit through Nelson County late last week. According to the nelson county sheriff’s office, the department’s help was requested by Mount Washington police after a pursuit entered nelson county. Deputies made contact at Old Louisville Road, where the vehicle was observed at a high rate of speed. The vehicle continued through Bardstown before heading towards Boston. At that point, the vehicle missed a turn, running off the roadway near Nelsonville road and striking a deputy’s cruiser. The pursuit ended a short time later. One occupant, a 17 year old, was released to a guardian. Another occupant, Micka Adams, was arrested for multiple warrants out of Jefferson and Shelby counties. The car had been reported stolen from Louisville.

State sees gradual decline of cases this weekend

More cases of COVID-19 this weekend, but officials say cases are beginning to decline ever so slightly. The state reported over 5,800 this weekend, adding 3,795 on Saturday and 2,018 on Sunday. During a brief update Friday, Governor Andy Beshear offered up his reasoning as to why the state is seeing slightly lower case numbers.

The state’s positivity rate was 10.2% as of Sunday night. Locally this weekend, Hardin county reported 141 cases, Meade added 42, and LaRue added 13.

Ft. Knox officials advise retirees and families on vaccine

Due to limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, just about every kind of organization is having troubling securing needed doses. And that includes the US Army. Fort Knox officials says that while they have been able to vaccinate some critical personnel, larger groups, such as retirees and their families, will have to wait if they want to receive vaccination on post.

Colonel CJ King says that once supplies expand, retirees and other affiliated groups will be able to receive vaccines on post.

E’town man sentenced again for child pornography

For a second time, an Elizabethtown man has been sentenced in relation to child pornography. According to the US Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, Brian Leasor had been serving a 10 year supervised release from a prior charge relating to child pornography. As part of his supervised release, a monitoring company reviewed his internet history and search terms, as did a official during a follow up review. During the review in 2018, it was discovered that Leasor had searched the internet for sexually explicit terms related to young female juveniles. A search was then conducted on Leasor’s residence, where officials found several unauthorized digital items, as well as an unauthorized phone that contained additional searches related to child exploitation. Leasor was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison in addition to a life term of supervised release.

News for January 22nd

94.3 The Wolf

Demand for vaccine growing as LTDHD runs out of appointments

Public requests for the vaccine are growing, if Lincoln Trail Health’s number are any indication. Yesterday, officials at the department revealed that in a matter of 3 and a half hours, over 16,000 phone calls came into the department, as well as over 6,200 visits to their website. Put those figures together, and officials say that equates to over 20,000 attempts to sign up for just 590 doses. Officials are still reminding individuals to stay aware of any additional opportunities through the state’s COVID-19 website closer to February.

Hardin Co. Farmer’s Market to build addition

The Hardin County Farmers’ Market with see an addition spring up this spring. Over 32,000 dollars were allocated from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, allowing the pavilion to construct restroom facilities on site.

Market President Larry Thomas said work is expected to begin on the addition this coming March.

Baptist Health calling out to community for vaccination help

Baptist Health Hardin officials are looking to the community for help as the healthcare provider ramps up vaccinations. Hospital officials recently put out a call to community members for help in the hospital’s expanding vaccination clinic.

Assistant Vice President of Operations Steve White

An email address and phone number for those interested can be found on the Baptist Health Hardin Facebook page.

KSP: Grayson Co. man dead after alleged running towards police with knives

A Grayson county man is dead after police say he charged towards them with 2 knives. Kentucky State Police say they were contacted by the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office late Thursday night, saying that 2 of their officers had been in an officer involved shooting.

Trooper Scotty Sharp

The Grayson County Coroner’s Office pronounced Abbott deceased at the scene. The 2 deputies were not injured and were placed on administrative lead afterwards. The incident is still under investigation.

COVID-19 cases from Thursday

3,728 new cases of COVID-19 from the state yesterday afternoon. The new confirmed cases come as the state sees the positivity rate continue to remain under 12%, now down to 11%. Officials also confirmed Thursday 58 new virus related deaths, a new daily record of deaths associated with COVID-19 in the state. Locally, Hardin County continued to see cases climb, reporting 129 new cases yesterday. Meade reported 37 and LaRue with 19.

News for January 21st

94.3 The Wolf

70 and older vaccine appointments go fast for LTDHD

And just like that, all slots have been filled for vaccines through the Lincoln Trail District Health Department. As reported yesterday, the department had opened vaccinations at 9 am for those 70 and older. But just over an hour later, a notification was sent out that all spots had been filled. Those who did not secure a spot are now asked to keep up to date online.

Spokesperson Terrie Burgan

Details regarding the statewide drive thru vaccination sites are still being discussed at this time.

Hardin Co. road employees likely to see raise after surplus

Some employees with the Hardin county road department will likely see a pay increase in the near future. A renegotiated mowing contract and elimination of vacant positions left the county with a surplus of $164,000. Now officials say they’ll reinvest a majority of that money into their road department workers.

Deputy Judge/Executive Daniel London says the raises will help the department be competitive with hiring, namely recruiting those with CDL licenses. The raise is expected to be confirmed at next week’s fiscal court meeting.

COVID-19 cases for Wednesday

For the fifth straight day, Kentucky officials are reporting the state’s positivity rate remained under 12%. This comes as the state reported 3,433 new cases of the virus from around the state. While the positivity rate remained under the 12% mark, the state continued to see a large amount of new virus related deaths, with 49 confirmed Wednesday. Locally, Hardin county tallied 92 cases, a significant rise from Tuesday and Monday’s totals. Meade confirmed 25, and LaRue announced 7.

Breckinridge Co. health officials in Phase 1B; vaccinating K-12 now

While Lincoln Trail Health officials briefly offered vaccines signups to the public, Breckinridge County Health officials are still focusing their efforts on vaccinating those in high-risk institutions.

Health director Scott Shrewsberry says that the department hopes to offer signups to those 70 and older once they complete the other groups atop Phase 1B.

West Point committee honored for Lewis and Clark auto signs

A local committee is being recognized by a national historical trust. The West Point Revitalization Committee says they were named a special partner for the Lewis and Clark Trust for 2020. Last year, the committee installed signs highlighting the Lewis and Clark Auto Route, the first such along a new 12 hundred mile stretch of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. A member of the expeditions team, John Shields, was from the town of West Point. The expedition stopped in the town over 200 years ago.

News for January 20th

94.3 The Wolf

LTDHD holds online registration for vaccines

Beginning later this morning, residents 70 and older, as well as remaining group a residents can sign up for a covid-19 vaccine through the Lincoln Trail district health department.

Spokesperson Terrie Burgan says the vaccines will be administered off site and not at the Lincoln Trail offices. Burgan says the vaccine schedule is first come first serve. K-12 school personnel vaccines are being handled through their districts.

St. Baldrick’s announces fundraising change for this year’s event

While it will be a different sort if event this year, the annual St. Baldrick’s childhood cancer fundraiser will return to Elizabethtown this year. After having to cancel last year, organizers have adopted a different method of fundraising for this year, encouraging participants to do anything, as long as it raises money for childhood cancer.

Volunteer Heather Jones

Since the events start in 2011, the local chapter has raised over $200,000 for childhood cancer research.

EPD warns businesses of common scam

Elizabethtown police have offered a reminder to local businesses of a common scam that is reoccurring. Officials cautioned businesses about accepting payment for large purchases over the phone.

Officer Chris Denham urges businesses in doubt to ask questions of buyers they feel suspicious. More information can be found by contacting EPD.

COVID-19 cases for Tuesday

2,250 new cases of covid-19 in the state, that according to governor Andy Beshear yesterday. The governor also announced 27 new virus related deaths for Kentucky. So far, the positivity rate remains virtually unchanged, sitting at 11.5% for the state as of Tuesday afternoon. Local counties saw only a moderate amount of cases yesterday. For the first time in recent memory, Hardin county was not near the top of the list of highest reporting counties, announcing only 17 new cases Tuesday. Meade county reported 12 and LaRue reported a single case.

FBI: E’town man arrest in connection to riot at U.S. Capitol

An Elizabethtown man charged in connection to the Capitol riots earlier this month has been arrested. Yesterday, agents with the Louisville FBI field office arrested Michael Sparks at his residence, booking him later that day into the Oldham County detention center. As reported Tuesday, sparks was one of many members of the mob that stormed the Capitol building on January 6th, allegedly being one of the first to enter the building through a shattered glass window. Sparks is one of several Kentucky residents who have been charged in connection to the events in Washington D.C.

News for January 19th

94.3 The Wolf

Elizabethtown man arrest in connection with Jan. 6 riot at Capitol

Another Kentucky resident has been charged after a Pro-Trump mob stormed the United States Capitol building on January 6th, this time an Elizabethtown man.

Source: FBI

An criminal complaint filed on Sunday night charges Elizabethtown resident Michael Sparks with obstructing law enforcement, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds, as well as knowingly entering or remaining any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority.

The charges stem from several tips received in the days following the events on Capitol Hill. The first tip, filed on January 7th, alleges that Sparks had been one of the first to enter the Capitol Building. The first tipster described themselves as an acquaintance of Sparks and had overheard his plans to travel to Washington D.C.

The first tipster saw videos and pictures of the incident, identifying Sparks in several of them. One notable instance was the widely-circulated video showing a United States Capitol Police officer leading protesters up a staircase, away from the Senate chamber. Tipster 1 identified Sparks as one of the individuals shown in the video.

2 additional tips were sent in, with the third identifying Sparks in several images, including climbing into the Capitol Building through a shattered window and remaining in a connecting hallway.

Tipster 3 also sent various Facebook posts from Sparks’ account out of concern, in which he referenced the January 6th rally at Ellipse Park, as well as a post claiming that Donald Trump would remain President for an additional term.

At this time, it is unclear if Sparks has been taken into custody by authorities.

Applications for Nolin RECC scholarships now open

Applications are now open for annual Nolin RECC scholarships. This year, the cooperative is offering 8, $1,500 scholarships, as well as the Bob Wade Memorial scholarship, all a part of the co-op’s mission to advance educational initiatives.

Spokesperson Sarah Fellows

Scholarships are open to those 21 years and under who live with a Nolin member. Applications, as well as more information, can be found by going to Nolin RECC’s website.

EPD investigating after Monday robbery

Police are investigating after a robbery in Elizabethtown late Monday morning. Police say it happened at the Fast Pay Day loans located on West Dixie.

Officer John Thomas

Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to contact police or the Hardin County CrimeStoppers.

COVID-19 cases see slight decline on Monday

Yes, while it might be a Monday, the state of Kentucky continued to see a decrease in Covid-19 cases. Yesterday, the state reported 1,998 new cases of the virus across the Commonwealth, as well as 40 new virus-related deaths. The state’s positivity rate continued to remain steady for the most part, now at 11.6%. Locally, Hardin county tallied only 8 cases Monday, and LaRue added 1. Yesterday’s report did not include any new cases from Meade county.

Ft. Knox changes HPCON level

After an extended period, Fort Knox officials are lowering the post’s health protection code today, down to level Bravo

Major General John Evans

Previously, officials announced that many community based activities and locations, including Fort Knox schools, would re-open today. More information on reopening schedules can be found on the Fort Knox website.

News for January 18th

94.3 The Wolf

EABC to play at Sports Park this season

Participants of this year’s Etown Area Baseball Commission will get to play their season at a different facility. It was announced by the city that the annual league would host games at the state-of-the-art Elizabethtown Sports Park at no charge.

Elizabethtown mayor Jeff Gregory

The Sports Park had just recently been announced as the location for the TravelBall Select National Championship.

2 men arrested after allegedly trying to pawn stolen gun to owner

Two men were arrested in Elizabethtown Friday after a burglary. According to arrest citations, police investigated a home burglary on the 13th, in which the home owner advised that 3 handguns and some money were stolen. A day later, a man, later identified as Douglas Blanton, brought one of the handguns to a pawn shop where the burglary victim was employed. She contacted police, who detained Blanton. Another man, Kristopher Knick, was questioned by police regarding his involvement in the burglary. Further investigation revealed that Knick had given Blanton information on the residence in order to pay off a drug debts. Both men were arrested and charged with related burglary offenses, with Knick being hit with various drug related offenses. Both were lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

COVID-19 cases from the weekend

Over 5,400 new cases of Covid-19 from over the weekend here in the Commonwealth. On saturday, officials announced 3,096 cases and 2,362 on Sunday. As of yesterday, the state’s positivity rate has decreased ever so slightly, now down to 11.4%. The state also reported 34 new virus related deaths Sunday afternoon. Local counties continued to add cases over the weekend. In Hardin county, 99 cases combined from this weekend. Meade county reported 30 cases, and LaRue county reported 10.

MLK Day of Service continues with second Feeding American food distribution

Today marked the second food distribution opportunity for Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland. The event was one of 2 hosted by the organization for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Not only were the food distributions important parts of the event; so too were the volunteering opportunities, which Director of Marketing Jamie Thomas says is critical to the organization’s success.

The food distribution ran at the Elizabethtown Sports Park from 9am to 11am.

Flaget Memorial celebrates 70th anniversary

A regional healthcare provider recently celebrated a significant milestone. Flaget Memorial Hospital recently celebrated their 70th anniversary in the Bardstown community. The hospital, which began all the way back in 1951, was established by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth as the region’s first hospital. The hospital has grown since starting out with 9 doctors and a dentist, now boasting more than 300 employees. Another community based hospital, the former Hardin Memorial Hospital, now Baptist Health Hardin, will celebrate their 67th anniversary next month.

News for January 15th

94.3 The Wolf

Regional vaccine sites on tap for the Kentucky

Drive thru vaccination, a not so distant reality here in the Commonwealth. Governor Andy Beshear announced Thursday that the state was once again partnering with Kroger to soon provide drive up Covid-19 vaccines at regional sites across the state near the beginning of February.

Also during Beshear’s update was the announcement of 4,084 new cases of covid-19. Local cases:
Hardin – 86
Meade – 21
LaRue – 6

Grayson Co. health officials now in early stages of Phase 1B

After running out of vaccines earlier this week, officials at the Grayson county Health Department say supplies have been replenished. In a video this week, officials at the department outlined their next steps for vaccination efforts in the county.

Director Josh Embry says that after that, K-12 personnel will receive initial vaccinations.

Fort Knox to lower health condition, schools to return

After initially raising the health condition on Fort Knox in November, officials are saying that the conditions to decrease next week, allowing for some activities, including schools, to re-open.

Col. C.J. King

More information on Fort Knox Covid-19 restrictions and closures can be found on the Fort Knox website and Facebook page.

Local food organization to distribute food, volunteer for annual MLK Day of Service

In honor of the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland has announced that they will be participating in the 26th annual MLK Day of Service event, hosting special food distributions and volunteering opportunities this weekend.

Director of marketing Jamie Thomas

More information on the events an be found by going to the Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland Facebook page.