WULF News

Monday marks final day for early voting

Monday is the final day for early in-person voting before election day tomorrow. Residents in surrounding counties can go to their respective polling locations to vote early:

• Breckinridge County Courthouse
• Meade County Board of Election
• Grayson County Courthouse
• LaRue County Courthouse
• Hardin County Government Building

Residents in any of the above counties will have to bring some form if ID to the voting location.

Voting runs today from 8am to 4pm.

Timeline of Glendale post office pushed back

Glendale residents hoping to receive their new post office before the big holiday season are going to have to wait a few more months.

The Postal Service says that the modular building, which was originally scheduled to be set up in mid-October, will likely now be installed in January. Dan Linker with the Glendale Lions Club says that the news isn’t quite what residents wanted to hear.

Linker says the Postal Service is still committed to the new location. The office will be located on Jaggers Road in Glendale.

ECTC adds lab exclusive to coding academy

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College’s Greater Knox Coding Academy received a grant allowing for the development of a new coding lab.

This grant was given to the college from the Education and Workforce Development cabinet, as well as the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board. This is the first spot on the campus that will be dedicated exclusively to the full-time students of the coding academy.

New week brings with it instructional changes to school districts

While area schools are out today and tomorrow, this week marks a return to NTI for some districts. 3 local school systems will head to NTI on Wednesday: Hardin, LaRue, and Elizabethtown Independent. Hardin County, after announcing they would initially stick with in-person instruction, changed course late Friday morning.

Meanwhile, Meade County students will return to the classroom after a week on NTI, and Breckinridge County Schools are also remaining in-person.

COVID cases stay steady for state, local officials

Cases of Covid-19 remained steady at the state and local level over the weekend. The state announced over 3,000 new cases this weekend, capping a week that officials say produced more positive cases than any other week since the beginning of the pandemic. Locally, Lincoln Trail officials confirmed 128 new cases for Friday. Hardin, Grayson, and LaRue counties are now in the red, with Meade and Breckinridge still in the orange.

Area schools make decision on instruction for next week

Several area school districts have made their decisions as to how students will receive instruction for next week. LaRue County Schools will head back to NTI and, for the first time since August, Elizabethtown Independent will head back online. 

Meade County Students will return to the classroom, and Hardin County Schools will remain in session.

EPD: Two men arrested after pursuit in E’town

2 people were arrested after a pursuit through Elizabethtown yesterday afternoon. Officials say they had received word that suspects from an armed robbery and carjacking in Louisville might be in Elizabethtown. After further communication, police located the stolen vehicle on the square in downtown Elizabethtown. 

Police apprehended the suspects, James LeAndre and Joshua Wooley. The two were charged with a litany of offenses, including receiving stolen property as well as fleeing or evading police. Both were lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center. 

Tour of Elizabethtown’s ghost stories takes place tonight, tomorrow

Hardin County Playhouse will be putting on their annual Ghost Walk for two nights in downtown Elizabethtown, beginning tonight. 

Precautions taken due to covid-19 include required masks for patrons, guides, and actors, limited group sizes, and social distancing measures. A route for the walk can be found on the Hardin County Playhouse Facebook page.

Hardin totals nearly 100 new cases Thursday, state sees over 1,800 cases

For the second day in a row, the state of Kentucky reported over 1,800 new cases of covid-19 in the Commonwealth. The state, and local communities continue to be hit hard. Lincoln Trail Health officials announced 156 new cases for the district, with the vast majority of them located in Hardin County, which nearly had 100 new cases yesterday alone. Meade County had 10 and LaRue confirmed 5.

Health officials offer reminders, tips about Halloween in the age of Covid-19

Hardin County and the surrounding area is preparing for Halloween tomorrow, and the Lincoln Trail District Health Department is letting those handing out candy know what they can do to help protect trick or treaters. 

Public Information Officer Terrie Burgen also recommends trick or treating in small groups only, and with those who live in your own household, as well as continuing to wear protective face coverings. Hardin and LaRue are currently in the red zone, meaning there is a high risk of COVID transmission in those counties. 

LaRue Water District receives fund for expansion, improvements

LARUE COUNTY (KY) — The LaRue County Water District has received federal funds for a project. It was announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the water district with a $1 million grant, as well as a $2.8 million loan. The funds are designated to assist with the construction of a new elevated water tank, a booster pump station, tank refurbishments and a new office and maintenance building. A ground breaking ceremony for construction took place this past Friday.

Christmas in the Park trolley to continue this year

ELIZABETHTOWN (KY) — While it’s not even Halloween yet, local officials are reminding that it’s never too early to prepare for Christmas. It was announced this week that tickets for the Christmas in the Park trolley would go on sale in the coming weeks. City events manager Sarah Vaughn says word is getting out early this year because of how popular the event has become.

Tickets for the event can be purchased starting November 6th on the Elizabethtown Events website. Vaughn says proper state and local health guidelines will be in place while individuals ride the trolley.

State continues to see increase in COVID-19 cases

FRANKFORT (KY) — In the highest Tuesday on record, Governor Andy Beshear announced 1,312 new cases of covid-19 in the Commonwealth. In addition, the Governor added 16 more deaths to the number of Kentuckians who have died from virus-related complications. The positivity rate for the state rose to 5.08% yesterday, and the Governor urges extra efforts to help slow the spread.

Lincoln Trail Health Officials announced 104 new cases yesterday afternoon: 42 came from Hardin, 3 from Meade, and 3 from LaRue. 19 individuals are hospitalized and 508 are isolated.

Man arrested in Nelson Co. with over 2 pounds of narcotics in vehicle

NELSON COUNTY (KY) — Nelson counties authorities arrested a man late last week after allegedly finding over two pounds of drugs in his vehicle.

Deputies with the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office office were called to the Dollar General on New Shepherdsville Road in reference to a suspicious vehicle that store personnel said had been running for two hours. Deputies found Evan Ratliff in the vehicle, who at first identified as Jordan Ratliff. A search of the vehicle resulted in the collection of 1.5 pounds of suspected crystal meth, as well as a pound of suspected heroin. A handgun and $2,000 in cash was also discovered. Ratliff was arrested on a litinay of drug related charges, including 2 counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, and 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was lodged in the Nelson County Jail.

Jurors granted permission to speak regarding Taylor case

LOUISVILLE (KY) — After a brief legal battle, one member of the grand jury from the Breonna Taylor case has come forward with new information about the process.

Through a press release yesterday, the individual, identified as Juror 1, explained that the grand jury was presented no other charges other than the 3 counts of wanton endangerment against former detective Brett Hankison. The juror said that when the grand jury asked about additional charges, they were told that there were none, as the the prosecutors felt they couldn’t “make them stick”. The juror said that the grand jury didn’t agree that certain actions were justified, nor that the indictment should have been the only charge in the case. The statement was in conjunction with Juror number 2, who also came forward.

Health officials expect rise in COVID-19 cases following fall breaks

After fall breaks across the area, several school districts returned to the classroom this morning post fall break. With some students and staff back in the classroom, health officials say a spike in covid-19 cases is likely to follow in the coming weeks.

In a post Sunday evening, Hardin County Schools recommended that those who traveled to covid-19 hotspots consider quarantining for the recommended period.

Beshear, family quarantine after possible exposure to virus

A surprise announcement from the Governor’s office Sunday morning. Governor Andy Beshear announced that he and his son had come in contact with someone who had tested positive for covid-19. As a result, the Governor says the two will quarantine in a seperate part of the Governor’s mansion.

The person in question who had tested positive for covid-19 is a member of the Governor’s security detail.

EPD: Man arrested after alleged burglary

A Radcliff man was arrested after an alleged burglary took place late last week.

The homeowner of the affected residence alerted Elizabethtown Police after finding the suspect, Donivan Garcia, taking property from within. Garcia gave officers false identifying information upon being apprehended. Garcia had gained entrance in the home by prying the front door open, and a vehicle which already had items from the burglary, as well as suspected methamphetamine inside was waiting outside of the home. Garcia had previous warrants stemming from earlier incidents of car theft, and holding a man at gunpoint.

Garcia faces charges of burglary, possession of a controlled substance, and giving false identifying information. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

Nolin RECC once again sends crews to assist with hurricane relief

Just a few weeks after helping out in the Gulf with Hurricane Sally, aftermath, Nolin RECC crews are back out on the road, headed down South once again.

The crew, which included 11 line technicians and 2 mechanics, left early Sunday morning to travel to Deridder, Louisiana, to assist the Beauregard Electric Co-op in their efforts following Hurricane Delta, which hit the region last week. Delta hit areas that had already been impacted previously by Hurricane Laura in August.

E’town City Council to approve comprehensive plan

After over a year of public input and discussion, the Elizabethtown City Council is expect to adopt the city’s new comprehensive plan. Dubbed Envision Elizabethtown 2040, the plan was created as a way to define the direction and the vision of the city going forward.

The planning and zoning committee previously approved the plan before it was sent to the council for their approval. The plan can be viewed by going to the City of Elizabethtown’s website.

Don’t Miss the Bus raises over $2,000 for 10th anniversary

Despite the setbacks of covid-19, Bluegrass Cellular’s 10th edition of the Don’t Miss The Bus School supply drive was still able to take place this year.

While covid-19 wouldn’t allow for the traditional collection of school supplies, the organization changed to allow for online donations, creating an entirely virtual experience for participants. The annual event raised over $2,000, which will go towards helping schools with supply needs for students in Hardin county.

Voting centers now set for Hardin Co. residents

Hardin county voters will have 4 different voting center for Election day. The state finally authorized the 4 locations, located at North Hardin High School’s gym, Creekside Elementary School’s gym, Lakewood Elementary School’s gym, as well as the Hardin County Clerk’s Office.

County Clerk Debbie Donnelly says each location will have a deputy clerk and IT technician there to assist with any problems voters may experience.

Registered voters can also vote early in person if they wish to avoid potential crowds at the polls. Donnelly says that voting will take place at the Hardin County Government Building starting next week, October 13, and will take place until November 2. The times for early voting will be Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm, with voting on the three Saturdays leading up to Election day from 7am-11am.

Agritourism businesses make adjustments for operations this Fall

Covid-19 has presented challenges to all types of businesses, even agritourism, which is in the midst of their busy season. But the virus isn’t going anywhere soon, and those businesses have had to make adjustments to how they operate.

Mason Crawford, co-owner of Crawford Pumpkin Farms, says the business has had to undergo several changes in order to keep visitors safe and healthy during their busy season, which he says extends right up to Halloween.

Crawford says the changes are worthwhile, keeping the safety of customers and employees at the forefront of the business.

Crawford says the business delayed their opening just to make sure all aspects were safe for their employees as well as guests.

EPD: man arrested after walking out with shopping cart of merchandise

An Elizabethtown man was arrested this week after he allegedly attempted to take several hundred dollars worth of merchandise from a store.

Arrest citations say that Travis Cobble was attempting to walk out of Walmart with just under $650 worth of merchandise in his cart. When confronted by loss prevention, Cobble gave them the cart back. A responding EPD officer asked Cobble if he had anything illegal on him, to which Cobble replied he did, with the officer locating a needle in his pocket. A search of Cobble’s vehicle resulted in officers finding other items, such as rolling papers, a smoking pipe, as well as needle caps which officers say appeared to have residue to methamphetamines. Cobble was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, as well as theft by unlawful taking over $500. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

Mask mandate extended; businesses asked to enforce the order

Kentucky residents are in for another month of required masks. Governor Andy Beshear announced another extension of the state’s mask mandate during his press conference Tuesday. And with the extension, Beshear said there will be increased enforcement steps when it comes to wearing masks in public.

Beshear announced 1,054 new cases for the state on Tuesday.

Pence, Harris, set to face off in tonight’s VP debate

Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris will square off at the University of Utah’s Kingsbury Hall in Salt Lake City for the Vice Presidential debate. And with recent events involving the President’s health and other government officials, plexiglass barriers will be used between the candidates and the moderator, as well as the podiums being placed 12 feet apart. The event is set to begin at 9pm.

Crennel, Ft. Knox grad, now interim head coach for Houston Texans

A former Fort Knox football player is now the interim head coach for an NFL team.

It was announced yesterday that Romeo Crennel, a coaching assistant with the Houston Texans, would serve as the team’s head coach going forward this season. Crennel, a 5 time Super Bowl champion, graduated from Fort Knox High School in 1965, going on to play for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.