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News for December 28th

Local health departments begin vaccinations

Local health departments have received and administered the first of many COVID-19 vaccines. Last week, posts from the Breckinridge county and Grayson county health departments made the announcement that they had received their first doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Both departments say they have begun administering vaccines to both frontline healthcare workers, as well as first responders. Grayson county officials say they are in Phase 1A, and will continue to vaccinate first responders and healthcare workers.

Local Congressman urges confidence in new vaccine

With a growing number of healthcare and frontline workers receiving initial doses of the vaccine, officials who have been around the development of the vaccine are encouraging confidence in it. Second district Congressman Brett Guthrie has been a part of the development of COVID-19 vaccines since the beginning. Being a member of the House’s Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Guthrie says he has plenty of confidence in the vaccines after their testing and authorization.

Guthrie says that when individuals are able to take the vaccine, to always talk first with their healthcare provider.

With colder weather, officials say winter preparedness kits are a must

As the days and nights get colder, it becomes even more important to take precautions for the possibility of being stranded in the cold. Meade County Emergency Management Director Ron Dodson says that having a winter preparedness kit in one’s vehicle is of the utmost importance.

In addition, Dodson recommends ensuring that any vehicle that will be taking the road is ready to do so in wintry conditions. This includes checking tires and gas tanks to ensure the safest experience possible on the road.

Today begins 3-days of mobile food pantry in Elizabethtown

Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland will be operating their mobile food pantry this week. The event, which is in cooperation with Elizabethtown government, will serve to bring food to those in need during this difficult time.

Director of Marketing Jamie Thomas

More information regarding who the food pantry will be serving, as well as times of operation, can be found on Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland’s Facebook page.

KSP: Man arrested after alleged abuse, endangering welfare of minor

An Indiana man was arrested in Eastview Saturday, accused of assaulting his girlfriend and endangering the welfare of a minor. Kentucky State Police responded to an Eastview residence on Saturday on reports of a domestic dispute between the suspect, Dustin Galyan and the victim. According to the victim, Galyan had allegedly hit her in the head with a broom while she was feeding their young child. The victim also alleged that Galyan had grabbed her hair, slamming her and the baby to the ground.

Police arrived and found visible marks on the victim, as well as Galyan appearing under the influence of some kind of substance. During a consented search of the residence, police found suspected crystal meth, as well as 2 baggies of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the latter of which was found concealed in a speaker. The drugs were found in the basement, an area where police say their child slept and played. Galyan was arrested and charged with assault 4th degree, possession of a controlled substance, as well as endangering the welfare of a minor. He is lodged in the Hardin county detention center.

News for December 15

1 dead, 1 injured after Hardin Co. wreck

1 person was killed and another injured after a wreck in Hardin county yesterday. According to Kentucky State Police, the incident occurred just after 3:40 yesterday afternoon near Vine Grove. A Dodge Challenger, driven by a 17-year old juvenile, was traveling eastbound on Rineyville Road when, for unknown reasons, it crossed the centerline, striking a 2012 Honda passenger car. The Honda was occupied by two individuals, with the passenger being pronounced deceased at the scene by responders. The 17 year old was airlifted to Norton’s Children’s Hospital with non life threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Man arrested after alleged abuse, rape

A Hardin county man was arrested Monday after allegedly assaulting his wife on numerous occasions. According to arrest citations and a warrant, the victim told police that the suspect, Jeffery Terry, assaulted her initially on December 6th, causing an open wound on her head, in addition to other instances of physical assault. The victim was picked up that morning by a coworker, who observed the wounds. When the victim returned that night, Terry allegedly held a box cutter to her neck, threatening harm if she went to authorities. The victim alleged that terry continued to assault her in the following days, with the victim being taken to Baptist Health Hardin due to previous injuries on December 10th. While there, she reported sexual assault by terry when she was unconscious, with medical personnel on hand reporting findings consistent with the victim’s rape and sodomy claims. Terry was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including rape and sodomy 1st degree, as well as assault 2nd and terroristic threatening 3rd. He is lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

UofL doctors, nurses among the first to receive virus vaccine

Kentucky’s first five vaccinations for COVID-19 were administered yesterday morning at University of Louisville Hospital. Governor Andy Beshear was in attendance as five UofL hospital doctors and nurses received their vaccinations in public.

Governor Andy Beshear

Baptist Health in Lexington and the Medical Center in Bowling Green also received the Pfizer covid-19 vaccine, which arrived in Kentucky on Sunday. Beshear says each location received 975 does of the vaccine each.

Salary increase for next E’town mayor approved

The Elizabethtown City Council officially voted last night to increase the annual compensation for the mayor. That is, in 2 years. The council passed an order to set the mayor’s annual salary at the highest allowed by the Department of Local Government for Fiscal Year 2022. Councilman Marty Fulkerson previously stated that the increase has been some time in the making.

The order was one of the last major pieces of business the council voted on this term.

Meade Co. Sheriff sets up satellite office to offset COVID capacity issues

The Meade County Sheriff’s Office has opened a satellite office in order to better serve the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sheriff Phillip Wimpee says that the courthouse did not give sufficient room for social distancing.

The office, located at the Meade County Fairgrounds, is open Monday thru Friday, from 8 am to 4 :30 pm, except on Thursday when it is open from 8 am to 6 pm. Any questions regarding the satellite office can be directed to the Meade County Sheriff’s Office.

News for December 9

E’town mayor to receive increased salary — in 2 years

The next mayor of Elizabethtown will see a salary increase for the position. After years of talk, the city council held a first reading of an ordinance Monday to increase the mayor’s annual compensation. The amount now will be set to the maximum amount listed by the Kentucky Department of Local Government for fiscal year 2022. Councilman Marty Fulkerson says the change makes sense given what the role has evolved into.

Fulkerson and other councilmembers stressed that the change is not effective immediately, and would take effect after the next election in 2022, as KRS statutes don’t allow for compensation to be adjusted for a sitting official. The maximum amount of compensation set by the department for fiscal year 2020 is $77,624.

LTDHD: New quarantine guidance from CDC

Local health departments are making people aware of new quarantine guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. Lincoln Trail spokesperson Terrie Burgan says that individuals who are considered close contacts with no symptoms should quarantine for 10 days, but that time period drops if the person tests negative.

Burgan stresses that if you’re considered a close contact and are around at-risk individuals, the quarantine period should be the full 14 days.

With health and safety in mind, malls prepare for Santa meet and greet’s

Covid-19 has cancelled many things this year, but one thing it can’t take away is the annual meet and greet with the man in red. Towne mall will once again host Santa Claus this year, but health and safety measures will be taken. For starters, children will still be able to meet with the man himself, but through a contactless experience. That means no sitting on Santa’s lap. Parents are strongly encouraged to make reservations for a meet and greet by going online to whereisSanta.com. Santa and his Elves will undergo daily health screenings and measures as directed by the CDC. But, most importantly, kids will still be able to share their wish lists with Santa.

New Vine Grove candidates sworn in

Though the new members are not officially seated until January, new Vine Grove City Council members were recently sworn in. New councilwoman Selena Hudson says she feels like she has a lot to offer the city.

Hudson also says that right now, she believes that the biggest problem in vine grove right now is the City Hall building, and working to explore options on what the city can to do improve the environment for city workers. New councilman Lonnie Dennis was sworn in earlier this week.

Traffic stops results in seizure of drugs, weapons

A traffic stop in West Point resulted in the seizure of several firearms and drug paraphernalia. On Monday night, West Point Police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Tony Burgin Jr., after officers saw Burgin fail to signal, in addition to having a broken mirror. When asked if there were weapons in the vehicle, Burgin said there was one. Police were allowed to search the vehicle, which resulted in the seizure of suspected methamphetamine, a glass pipe, digital scales containing suspected meth residue, as well as two loaded handguns. Burgin was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possessing drug paraphernalia, as well as failure to register a vehicle. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

EHS Beta Club wraps up sock drive today

Today is the final day of the Elizabethtown High School Beta Club’s Socks for the Sole event. Beta parent sponsor Shawn Sizemore says the club is asking for donations of socks, which will be donated to Room in the Inn.

Sizemore says the goal of the drive is to receive 2,020 pairs of socks.

News for December 2

Salvation Army seeing increased need this holiday season

A Christmas staple is up and running again this year, and facing more need than ever. The Salvation Army has started up their annual Angel Tree program, and officials in Elizabethtown are saying they’re seeing more families and children in need than before.

Elizabethtown Captain Chris Streck says that, in addition to the increased need, the program allows those children to have a good end to an otherwise challenging year.

Angels can be picked up at the Towne Mall, or at the Salvation Army’s downtown Elizabethtown location.

State records new high as virus cases surge

For the first time yesterday, the state of Kentucky reported over 4,000 new cases of COVID-19 in a single day. That’s the highest single day total since March. The Governor also reported 35 new deaths related to the virus, as well as a growing positivity rate, which comes in at 9.5%. Locally, Hardin county was once again one of the highest reporting counties, with 120 new cases. LaRue county reported 17 new cases, and Meade with 7.

EHS Beta Club hosts sock drive for RITI

Elizabethtown High School’s Beta Club is hosting a sock drive to assist the homeless population in that area, and donations are being accepted now.

Parent sponsor Shawn Sizemore

The goal for the drive is to receive 2,020 pairs of socks, which will be donated to Room in the Inn. Sizemore says gloves will be accepted as well.

Warm Blessings sees influx of donations for November event

With No Starve November events behind us, Warm Blessings is thanking the community for their support. The kitchen saw and influx of donations throughout the month, so much so that another building is being utilized for sorting. Executive Director Dawn Cash says the donations will help them better serve a growing population turning to them for help.

The organization will announce the final donation totals this evening.

Hardin Co. Schools announce inclement weather policies for NTI

While traditional snow days won’t take place while students are on NTI, Hardin County Schools has announced a few changes should inclement weather hit the area. Officials announced HCS Weather Days yesterday, with students still taking part in either NTI or the Online Learning Academy on those days. The only change comes with some district programs.

District spokesperson John Wright

This will not affect students should a return to in-person instruction take place.

News for December 1

Local organizations ready for ‘Giving Tuesday’ today

In the face of COVID-19, representatives for local non-profit organizations stress the importance of giving today, known as Giving Tuesday. United Way of Central Kentucky spokesperson Hunter Roberts says that this year in particular has seen United Way and other organizations being contacted for help, making Giving Tuesday that much more important for continued services.

Locally, United Way is just one of many organizations participating in Giving Tuesday. The event, which began back in 2012, is celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

PSA video collaboration aimed at getting students back in classroom

Three local school districts have teamed up to create public service announcements aimed at getting students back in the classroom. After Hardin county reached the red zone in terms of COVID-19 cases, Hardin County Schools, Elizabethtown Independent, and St. James Catholic schools decided to work together on video PSA’s urging the public to follow health and safety guidelines to get students back in the classroom.

Elizabethtown Independent superintendent Kelli Bush

The videos can be seen on the district’s Facebook pages, as well as HCEC-TV.

LTDHD will no longer update COVID dashboard

Residents looking for daily local updates on COVID-19 will no longer be able to use the health department’s website. Lincoln Trail District health officials announced yesterday that they would no longer be updating their COVID-19 dashboard. Instead, officials are directing residents to the state’s dashboard, which they say is similar in nature to theirs.

Public Information Officer Terrie Burgan says the process of updating is very labor intensive, and that a strain on the health department’s resources is one of the reasons for the discontinuation.

Vine Grove man arrested after alleged rape

A Vine Grove man was arrested yesterday after allegedly admitting to sexually abusing a minor.

According to arrest records, police went to a residence late last month to interview the man, Terrance Clark Jr., after he was identified as a suspect in a sexual abuse case. Clark agreed to speak with investigators, admitting to the charges against him in the case police were investigating. The actions in question were alleged to have happened at his home in Vine Grove, with Clark saying they had. Clark was arrested and charged with 1st degree rape and sodomy, as well as unlawful transaction with a minor 1st. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

Transportation officers offer tips for winter weather driving

After the first snowfall of the year, officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are offering tips on driving in winter weather. While speed is the main factor to be aware of, district 4 spokesperson Chris Jessie says there are other steps to take when driving.

Jessie also notes that the cabinet is stocked up on road salt, and is fully prepared for any dangerous road conditions this winter.

News for November 30

LTDHD to host another flu clinic this weekend

With flu season continuing to ramp up, health officials are announcing another community flu clinic this coming weekend. Health providers and department’s have pushed hard for widespread flu shot use, especially in a year where COVID-19 is taking up needed medical resources.

Lincoln Trail Health spokesperson Terrie Burgan

The clinics will take in LaRue, Meade, and Nelson counties. More details can be found on the health department’s website.

ECTC transitions to online instruction today

As announced last week, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College will transition most of their classes online beginning today. The move comes as communities try to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Public relations director Mary Jo King

The college will be on their winter shutdown from December 19th to January 4th, and the first week of spring classes, which start January 11th, will see their first week go online.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday COVID-19 numbers

With a day off for reporting purposes, Kentucky continues to see steady amounts of new COVID-19 cases. On Friday, governor Andy Beshear announced 3,870 for Thursday and 1,747 for Friday. Combined, the 2 days brought 36 new virus-related deaths. On Friday, Lincoln Trail Health officials confirmed 245 new cases within the area. Of those, 94 came from Hardin county, 17 from LaRue and 8 from Meade.

HCCC puts 30th anniversary ornament on sale for holiday season

The annual Hardin County Chamber of Commerce Christmas ornament has arrived, and pays tribute to a good cause.

Chamber Vice President Kendra Stewart Scott

The chamber also has surplus stock of ornaments from previous years for collectors who may have missed a year.

Relief fund for bars and restaurants now open

Beginning today, small business restaurants and bars can apply for relief aid from the state of Kentucky. As previously announced, the state is opening up $40 million to restaurants and bars impacted by the Governor’s decision to shut down those establishments to in-person dining.

Beshear Chief of Staff La Tasha Buckner

Applications will close on December 18 or when funds run out, whichever comes first.

KSP offers tips to drivers ahead of winter weather

Expected this morning is the first taste of winter weather for Kentuckians across a vast majority of the state. As a result, Kentucky State Police is reminding drivers to be careful out on the roads. KSP says motorists should slow down and to leave more space between vehicles. Additionally, officials say now is a good time to go ahead and prep for more severe winter weather by keeping a winter weather kit in their car. Our listening area should see less than an inch of snow.

News for November 20

Support of small business highlighted for next Saturday

Small Business Saturday is fast approaching in Hardin County. And due to COVID-19, several small businesses are taking precautions to best protect their employees and their customers, but still allow for the public to support local buying. Shoppers are encouraged to tip generously if able, and be patient with staff as they navigate through a particularly difficult holiday season.

Deadline for Thanksgiving meals is here

Helping Hand of Hope will be offering Thanksgiving meals for those in need this year. However, today is the final day to sign up.

Executive Director Hope Burke

These meals are given out via an application process, which can be completed by calling Helping Hand of Hope. Those who qualify will be given an option for either pickup or delivery service on Thanksgiving Day.

Record day for Kentucky COVID-19 cases

Kentucky once again set a record for COVID-19 yesterday, shattering the previous single-day case total. The state reported 3,649 cases on Thursday, in addition to 30 additional deaths. The new daily high caps a 400% increase in cases around the state in the past 9 weeks, according to the Governor’s office. Almost the entire state, except for 8 counties, are considered to be “red zone” areas. Locally, Lincoln Trail Health officials confirmed 216 new cases yesterday: 73 in Hardin, 24 in Meade, and 20 in LaRue. 12 patients within the district remain hospitalized.

Enrollment open for ECTC coding academy

Enrollment is now open for the second semester of Elizabethtown Community and Technical College’s Greater Knox Coding Academy.

Dean of Workforce Solutions Mike Hazzard

Those interested can find out more by going to the college’s website. The academy features a new, state of the art coding lab for students of the program. The program begins February 16th.

Cumberland Family Medical hosts flu shot, COVID testing at John Hardin today

Those interested in flu shots and even rapid COVID-19 testing can do so today in Hardin county. Cumberland Family Medical will be offering the service at John Hardin High School today.

Hardin County spokesperson John Wright stresses that the event is not a Hardin County Schools event, and all questions should be directed to Cumberland Family Medical. Drive up service takes place at the school starting at 10 am. Testing is available for the first 200 individuals.

News for November 19

Gov. lays out new restrictions for Kentuckians

Governor Andy Beshear laid out new restrictions for the state yesterday.The new restrictions will go into effect tomorrow at 5 pm. Restaurants and bars will close in in person dining, but can continue drive through or curbside service. Indoor venues and event spaces are limited to 25 people per room, including weddings and funerals. Gyms, fitness centers, and other recreation facilities will go to 33% occupancy, and will require masks and social distancing.

Perhaps affecting the most people, all public and private schools will cease in-person instruction on November 23. Middle and high will go remote learning until January 4th. Elementary schools may reopen December 7 if a county is not in the red.

Sheriff’s deputy shot, suspect killed after pursuit

One man is dead and a sheriff’s deputy wounded after a traffic stop turned deadly. On Tuesday night, a Breckinridge County Sheriff’s Deputy had initiated a traffic stop near Ben Johnson Elementary School, when he was shot by the driver, identified later as James Horton. Horton fled the scene on foot, eventually stealing a pickup truck and continued fleeing. Kentucky State Police was contacted to assist in locating Horton. The stolen vehicle was found in Grayson county shortly after midnight, at which time a pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued into Hart county, just north of Bonnieville. Horton exited the vehicle with a firearm, at which time Troopers fired on him. Horton was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Hart County Coroner. The sheriff’s deputy was flown to University of Louisville with non-life threatening injuries.

KHSAA Board moves start date of winter sports

After several school districts made the decision to suspend winter sports until further notice, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association voted yesterday to move the season up almost an entire month. The board decided that January 4th will be the new date for winter sports to begin.

Commissioner Julian Tackett

The season was slated to begin this Monday. While competition is off until next year, the board says individual districts can make the call as to when practices can resume. Hardin County Schools says they will reevaluate December 7th.

LTDHD to offer free flu shots at clinics this weekend

The Lincoln Trail District Health Department will be offering a free flu shot clinic this weekend.

Public information officer Terrie Burgan

Those wanting the flu shot must be 19 years of age or older, and masks are required to receive the shot. No one will be required to leave their vehicle to receive the shot.

State announced new form of relief for restaurants and bars

In addition to the new COVID-19 restrictions announced yesterday, Governor Andy Beshear also announced a new form of relief for small bars and restaurants who will likely suffer the most. A new, 40 million dollar fund will be used to assist those who meet specific requirements.

Beshear Chief of Staff La Tasha Buckner

More information on signups can be found on the state’s COVID-19 website.

EPD: Man arrested after altercation with girlfriend

The Elizabethtown Police Department made an arrest on Tuesday, taking a man into custody after he had assaulted his girlfriend. According to arrest citations, the victim called and told police that she had been at the suspect, Travis England’s, house for four days. In an altercation where Travis was attempting to take her keys, the victim was thrown against the wall and on the floor, and had items thrown at her, causing bruising and swelling to her face and body. In addition, England allegedly chambered a bullet and pointed a handgun at the victim, saying that he was going to kill her, then hit her in the back of the head with the weapon. Upon a search, two glass pipes with suspected methamphetamine residue, the handgun, and a pill bottle with suspected marijuana seeds were found.

England faces two separate assault counts, as well as wanton endangerment and drug possession. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

News for November 18

New COVID-19 steps to be announced today

Another day brings with it another record day in regards to COVID-19 in Kentucky. The state, in addition to reporting 2,931 cases, announced a single-day record of 33 deaths. This comes as Governor Beshear and the administration plan to announce new restrictions for the state later today.

The Governor will hold his usual press conference to announce the steps at 4 o’clock this afternoon.

HCS winter sports put on hold

Hardin County Schools is calling a timeout for the upcoming winter sports season. The district announced early Tuesday that they would suspend practices for winter sports immediately.

District spokesperson John Wright

A decision on whether to move forward to continue with the suspension of sports will be made December 7th. Football will still be able to continue their postseason, albeit under strict KHSAA guidelines.

“Cram the Cruiser” event taking place at EPD

The Elizabethtown Police Department is partnering with local food banks and Helping Hand of Hope to host the Cram the Cruiser food drive again this year.

Officer Chris Denham

Those with additional questions can contact the police department.

BHH opens third urgent care center in E’Town

Hardin county residents will have access to another urgent care center in Elizabethtown. This week marked the opening of another of Baptist Health Hardin’s Urgent Care clinics.

Practice manager Tim Baker

The practice is located at the former Chase bank building at the intersection of US 62 and Ring road. The renovation cost roughly $600,000.

Cancellations, changes coming to area Christmas events

As expected, COVID-19 is changing the way some communities kick off the Christmas season. The City of Elizabethtown announced yesterday that the annual parade and lighting events would not take place this year. City events coordinator Sarah Vaughan says, however, that an alternate plan is in the works.

Other city attractions will take place, such as Christmas in the Park, which is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Grayson county announced that their christmas parade was also canceled for this season.

News for November 17

LTDHD: Cases presenting strain on system

Cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, and health departments are finding their systems are becoming overwhelmed as the new cases the continue to pour in. As reported Monday, departments such as Lincoln Trail Health are reworking contact tracing systems as a result.

Lincoln Trail spokesperson Terrie Burgan

Officials will still contact new cases, but will defer contacting tracing to the individuals to ease the stress on their system.

2 local men arrested after a statewide undercover investigation

An undercover operation resulted in the arrest of several potential child predators. U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman, along with other state and federal agencies conducted the operation in and around Louisville and Elizabethtown. The action, named “Operation Gabbi Doolin” resulted in the arrest of 7 individuals, 2 of which were local. Melvin Dowell of Rineyville and Travis Puckett of Elizabethtown were arrested and charged with attempted enticement of a minor, as well as attempted transfer of obscene material. Both face a minimum of 10 years if convicted. The operation was named for Doolin, who was abducted and murdered during a football game in Scottsville in 2015.

Breckinridge Co. explains in-person decision

With many switching to online learning, Breckinridge County Schools made the decision yesterday to continue with an A/B schedule format for their in-person instruction until Christmas break. This decision comes after Breckinridge county found itself in the red in terms of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.

Superintendent Nick Carter also says that the staff of Breckinridge County Schools have worked with the precautions and steps they’ve had to take to adapt to the pandemic. Meade county officials announced yesterday that they would remain on NTI for the rest of the week.

EPD: Juveniles hit with 31 counts of criminal mischief

The Elizabethtown Police Department was able to close a large number of criminal mischief cases yesterday. These cases, which occurred between September 13th and November 11th, were all in the area of the Winchester Park subdivision.

Officer Chris Denham

Any information on crimes should be reported to law enforcement, and anonymous tips can be given by contacting Hardin County Crimestoppers.

Glendale man arrested after drawing gun on father

A Glendale man was arrested over the weekend after he allegedly tried to shoot his father. On Friday, the suspect, Aaron Florian, was at his home with his father when he became very agitated. He stated that his father was not acting right, and grabbed a rifle on several occasions, pointing it at his father and making numerous threats against his life. On one such occasion, he allegedly placed the rifle on the back of his father’s head and pulled the trigger. However, the weapon malfunctioned and did not fire. Florian also reportedly told his father that he would not live to see saturday. Florian, however, was apprehended on the 14th. He faces charges of attempted murder, terroristic threatening, and wanton endangerment, and was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.