WULF News

15 years later: A Hardin County resident looks back at Hurricane Katrina

It’s been 15 years since Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the United States, and one Hardin County resident is still impacted by the events, even 15 years later.

Resident Doug Frederick was a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, just over 20 miles from New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit. Frederick said he had planned to stay with some neighbors and friends to ride out the storm. But for the safety of his his, he sent him to stay with his older daughter, who lived in Elizabethtown.

For Frederick, the night of August 29th will live with him forever.

Frederick and that group of friends would spend that day and part of the next inside the friends house as the Category 5 storm raged outside.

Frederick says he left Louisiana as soon as it was safe, traveling to Elizabethtown to reunite with his son where they quickly made Elizabethtown their home. At the time, Katrina was the costliest tropical storm ever, eventually tied with Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

The Gulf region is currently preparing for two seperate hurricanes this week.

Hospital officials busy replacing signs, logos ahead of merger

Hardin Memorial officials are quickly preparing for next week’s merger to Baptist Health Hardin. Vice President of Operations Steve White says some of the bigger areas and buildings are undergoing sign and logo changes ahead of next Tuesday.  

White says that the rebranding effort is extensive, ranging from signs and logos on buildings to letterhead and business cards. White says all instances of “Hardin Memorial” words and images will eventually be replaced in the transition process.

Local organization details plan for virtual fundraising campaign

United Way of Central Kentucky’s upcoming fundraising campaign is having to go virtual this year. It’s an understandable, but necessary departure from the organization’s previous kickoffs. 

The campaign, which officially begins September 9th, offers a variety of ways for potential donors to give. More information is available on United Way of Central Kentucky’s website. 

Local National Park joins celebration of 19th Amendment

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park will be holding an event tonight to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the nineteenth amendment.

The park is also encouraging visitors to submit names of individuals who have struggled for equality, and these names can be submitted via the park’s Facebook page, or by calling the park. The event is free and open to the public, and will run from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

KSP arrests man after high-speed pursuit

Troopers with Kentucky State Police Post 4 took part in a high-speed chase, eventually arresting a Louisville man on Tuesday.

A KSP Post 4 Trooper observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed near the 96 mile marker of I-65, with radar clocking the vehicle as going 111 mph in a 70 mph zone. As the Trooper pulled behind the vehicle, it put on the flashers and accelerated, passing several vehicles and almost leaving the roadway when exiting at the 105 exit. The subject pulled into a gas station and did several circles around the gas pumps before stopping at a pump. The subject, Christopher Shonkwiler, refused to exit the car and was tased as a result. Investigation, as well as a confession from Shonkwiler, showed that the vehicle was stolen, and a firearm was present in the vehicle.

Shonkwiler faces several traffic offenses, as well as charges of fleeing or evading police and resisting arrest. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

New state initiative looks to provide internet to low-income families

State officials announced a new initiative aimed at closing the technology gap between Kentucky students yesterday. The Last Mile internet service plan will help students from low income families access the internet to complete needed learning this school year.

Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman says 32,000 children in the Commonwealth lack internet access within their homes. Additionally, Governor Andy Beshear announced 688 new cases of covid-19 yesterday afternoon.

1 dead, 1 injured after shooting in Elizabethtown Friday

1 person was killed and another injured after a shooting in Elizabethtown over the weekend. Police responded to the 100 block of Plum Creek Court in reference to a shooting Friday night where they found two men with gunshot wounds.

Witherspoon was arrested that night and charged with murder, assault 1st degree, as well as tampering with physical evidence. Police later released the name of the victim, Daryl Cooper of Radcliff, the next morning. Witherspoon is being held on a 1 million dollar cash bond at the Hardin County Detention Center.

HCS welcomes limited number of students back to the classroom today

Some Hardin County students headed back to the classroom this morning. In-person Group A, as well as online instruction, began today for students in the Hardin County School system. 

Group B will start school in person tomorrow, with Wednesday being the predetermined “off” day for students going in-person. Online Learning Academy students also began their school year this morning.

Weekend covid numbers from around the state

Over 1,200 new cases of covid 19 around the commonwealth this weekend. State officials reported 817 on Saturday and 467 on Sunday. There were also 17 new deaths reported this weekend. Governor Andy Beshear stated on Sunday that the state does seem to be in a plateau in regards to case numbers. Locally, 44 cases were announced Friday for Lincoln Trail, 28 of which were from Hardin county. A positivity rate for the state will be announced later today.

Surrounding districts also begin the year

Some other surrounding school districts began their their school year today. Students in LaRue and Grayson county returned, but online only.

The districts had decided earlier this month to forgo in-person instruction to start the year. Those who opted for in-person will begin the year on NTI, with online learning students remaining the same.

Churchill: No fans for Derby 146

The Kentucky Derby will have no fans this year. Churchill Downs made the announcement Friday afternoon that Derby 146 will have no fans in the stands this time around.

The track had previously announced that a limited amount of fans would be allowed in for the races that day, with various medical and health screenings. The race is still scheduled to run on September 5th.

Sen. Mitch McConnell stops in Radcliff to announce transportation grant, emphasize CARES Act

Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell made a stop in Radcliff Wednesday afternoon.

The Senate Majority Leader appeared at Boundary Oak Distillery with officials from Hardin County Government, the City of Radcliff, Fort Knox Regional Development, as well as transportation officials. McConnell praised Boundary Oak owner Brent Goodin for his production of hand sanitizer during the early stages of the pandemic.

McConnell also helped to announce a grant of over $2 million for the Transit Authority of Central Kentucky, or TACK. The federal grant was awarded after a competitive application process. TACK Executive Director Glen Arney says that the grant, which was awarded to 96 out of over 200 applicants, will help keep the transportation service updated.

“That will buy us vehicles to keep moving, and we should have those vehicles on the road by spring of 2021,” Arney said in his remarks.

Earlier in the day, McConnell stopped in Hardinsburg at Breckinridge Memorial Hospital, where he met with frontline healthcare workers. McConnell last made an appearance in Hardin County back in May at Hardin Memorial Hospital. 

Hardin Memorial Hospital showing signs of looming change

Hospital officials didn’t wait too long after Tuesday’s last HMH Board of Trustee’s meeting to start the transition to the new Baptist Health Hardin.

Crews were on scene at Hardin Memorial Hospital Wednesday removing signage from the main building, including the iconic “HMH” letters on the corner of the main building.

Officials say signs should be updated to reflect the new ownership by the merger date of September 1st. Hardin Memorial and Baptist Health sped up the merger date back in May.

HCS unveils additional online resources for parents

With just days until the school year starts, Hardin County Schools has released new website resources for parents. The district added health guidelines from the local health department, as well as expectations for the various forms of instruction this year. Officials with the district say the website holds important information for the upcoming year, and that parents should seek out answers to any questions they have.

Hardin County students who had previously opted to will return to in-person on Monday.

Local health department now able to issue citations for mask mandate

Local health departments across the Commonwealth can now issue citations to businesses not enforcing mask mandates. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department says the purpose of the citations are to educate and correct businesses they permit. 

Burgan says that while the first offense is a warning, additional citations bring with them fines, ranging from $50 for the second offense, up to $100 for the fourth and subsequent violations.

The health department received their citations last Friday.

State adds over 600 cases Wednesday

Kentucky continues to see the same level of COVID-19 cases it has for the majority of the last few weeks.

Last night, it was announced that 655 new cases of the virus were present in the Commonwealth, with 40,926 cases total for the state thus far. It is believed that at least 9,331 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were 12 new deaths last night, bringing the state’s total to 842 Kentuckians lost.

Locally, totals are as follows:

• Hardin: 12 cases
• Marion: 7 cases
• Nelson: 6 cases
• LaRue: 4 cases
• Washington: 2 cases
• Meade: 1 case

New information about human remains in Nelson Co.

New information about the possible human remains found in Nelson County was released yesterday.

Officials with the Louisville FBI field office say the remains are estimated to be that of a female, though they cannot completely rule out the possibility of a male. The subject is likely between the ages of 24 and 82, and height is estimated to be somewhere between 62.6 and 70.9 inches. The FBI says their lab is continuing analysis, now attempting DNA extraction.

The remains were found near a creek on the Nelson/Washington county lines last month.

HCS introduces A/B schedule for entire district

With some students returning to in-person instruction next week, Hardin County Schools has announced a scheduling plan for their return to school. An A/B schedule will be used throughout the district, which will see students coming in at certain, predetermined times for two days a week.

“We certainly understand that this is a big change,” district spokesperson John Wright explained, “our school principals and other school administrators have run their numbers, moved around classrooms, and worked through many situations to ensure that we follow the health at schools guidelines.”

The schedule calls for a phased approach for an eventual return to full in-person instruction. Class dates are divided up by last names. A-K will go to classes in-person Tuesday and Friday, with those L-Z names going Monday and Thursday. Wednesday will be utilized as an “enrichment” day, giving students a chance to catch up on work, and staff the opportunity to clean buildings and classrooms.

The switch to an A/B schedule was originally to be used by high school students upon their return to school. The scheduling change will only affect those students taking part with the return to in-person instruction.

EPD: 1 injured, 1 arrested after weekend shooting

One person was injured and another arrested after a shooting in Elizabethtown over the weekend. 

Elizabethtown Police Officer Chris Denham says officials responded to Nicholas Street on a report of a shooting. When they arrived they found a juvenile male who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Denham says that individual was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Shortly after, Denham says investigators took in two suspects.

The injured male was treated for his wounds and is expected to make a full recovery. One of the suspects was released, with the other juvenile arrested and charged with Assault 1st.

ECTC welcomes back students, faculty amidst pandemic

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has begun their fall semester today, one that the college likely never thought it would experience. And as students and staff make their way back to the classroom, officials say steps have been taken to keep those on campus safe.

Interim Chief Academic Officer Darren Powell noted that less people are going to be on campus at one time, partially due to the fact that some classes will be taking place online only.

FBI provides update in Rogers investigation

A location of interest has been announced in the Crystal Rogers investigation. The FBI announced on Friday that those who might have been in the area of Poplar Flatts Road and Farmaway Drive the morning of July 4th, 2015 might be able to provide some information to the case. Officials stressed that those who have security cameras or might have seen anything strange could have useful evidence for the investigation. The FBI took over the five year old case earlier this month.

Ft. Knox releases mobile app

A new app for Fort Knox and other military installations, called Digital Garrison, has been released to the public.

Spokesperson Kyle Hodges says the Post has been working on the app for around a year. The app can be downloaded from the play store or the app store.

Popular Glendale Crossing Festival canceled for 2020

One of the region’s best known festivals has been canceled.

The annual Glendale Crossing Festival announced over the weekend that it was canceling the 2020 edition of the event. Organizers did not single out one reason behind the cancellation, saying that it was due to circumstances beyond their control.

The event, a staple of the area, has been held annually since 1976.

McGrath makes stop in Elizabethtown

U.S. Senate candidate Amy McGrath made a stop in Elizabethtown yesterday. The retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel held a meet and greet with prospective voters at the Elizabethtown Nature Park Tuesday afternoon. McGrath says the chance to get out and see supporters is something she looks forward to.

McGrath won the Democratic primary in June, and faces longtime Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in November’s general election.

Longtime LaRue County official announced retirement

A chapter of LaRue County history will close at the end of this month. Judge-Executive Tommy Turner announced Tuesday morning that he will be retiring at the end of August, bringing his 34-year run as the county’s leader to a close. 

Turner says Governor Beshear will appoint a replacement to serve until the next election, with one of the magistrate to serve in between retirement and appointment, if needed.

Hardin Co. School Board to vote on district’s start options for upcoming school year

Parents and students of Hardin County Schools will know later today what course of action the district will take with the beginning of the school year.

The Board of Education will meet tonight in a special called meeting to discuss whether or not to begin school as planned or to begin the year with NTI on August 24th. On Monday, Governor Beshear had only made a recommendation to postpone in-person instruction, not a mandate.

The virtual meeting can be viewed tonight at 6 p.m., and can be viewed on the Hardin County Schools website.

HCS Students to receive lanyards for masks, ID’s

Whenever students do return to in-person instruction, they’ll have special lanyards waiting for them. Hardin County Schools was gifted with around 17 thousands lanyards Monday, representing students within Central, John, and North’s systems. The items, provided to the school system by an area insurance agency, are beneficial for a student’s new “normal”. 

District spokesperson John Wright also said that elementary school students will receive school ID cards this year, as a way to promote more touch-free options in the district.

‘Blessing Box’ now available for Hardin County community

What started as an idea from one Hardin County Sheriff’s Deputy is now a resource for the community.

Officials with the office have unveiled the Blessing Box, a resource for those in the community who might face various food needs, outside of the Hardin County Government Building. Brooklynne Stillwell, a clerk with the sheriff’s office and a volunteer with the project, says the idea arose from the experiences of Deputy Rusty Johnson.

“He came into contact with people who were in need,” Stillwell says. “He figured that if he could help them out by getting them food… then we should have something central [for everyone].”

Stillwell says the entire process, from idea to finished product, took roughly a month to complete.

“He [Johnson] came to our financial supervisor and said ‘Hey, I’ve seen this this going around!’ It’s been around a month or so since we started working on this.”

The box is stocked with non-perishable items, a way to make sure that the food people are looking for is good at whatever time their need arises. Donations for the box are welcome, keeping in line with non-perishable standards.

Those who wish to donate non-perishable items to the location can do so by placing it inside the box or by dropping them off at the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. An official dedication si expected at a later date.