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News for July 1st

94.3 The Wolf

West Point now part of Hardin County Schools

As of today, there are now only 2 school districts within Hardin County. Effective today, West Point Independent Schools has merged with Hardin County Schools. The merger, which has been ongoing for over a year, was chosen as the best option for the fledgling school district after a state audit of the school last year.

At the last board meeting, former board chairman Eddie Moore was enthusiastic about the opportunities he said students will now have at Hardin County. As part of the merger, HCS will take on the former district’s property and assets, including the school building located in West Point.

Hardin County sees slight rise in COVID cases

COVID-19 cases around the region are on the rise. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department announced yesterday the presence of 18 new cases of the virus within their service area. Of the counties within the health department’s service area, a spike in cases has been observed specifically in Hardin county. Since last Friday, the county has seen 23 cases, 8 reported Monday and 15 on Tuesday. With 161 total cases so far, that means over 14% of the county’s cases have come in the past two reporting days. As such, public health officials reminding the public that the pandemic isn’t over yet, and to wear their masks and practice social distancing. Governor Andy Beshear announced 282 new cases Tuesday, as well as 5 new deaths.

McGrath declared winner in Kentucky Dem. Primary

After a contentious race, the Democratic challenger for Senator Mitch McConnell has finally been decided. After counting all votes, retired Lieutenant Colonel Amy McGrath defeated her challenger, Kentucky state house member Charles Booker. McGrath won the tightly-run race by over 15 thousand votes state-wide. In the end, McGrath won all but 5 counties, with Booker taking both Jefferson and Fayette counties. Locally, all surrounding counties except Jefferson were won by McGrath.

Local school districts decide on new start dates

While a return to school is still over a month away, area school district are starting to announce when they will have students return to classrooms. It was announced yesterday that Hardin County Schools superintendent Teresa Morgan would recommend to the board a new start date of August 24th for students. Elizabethtown Independent superintendent Jon Ballard announced their start date of august 25th during a one call yesterday afternoon.

Fort Knox welcomes new Deputy Commander for Cadet Command

Yesterday was a bit of a welcome home ceremony at Fort Knox. Colonel William Glaser was announced as the new Deputy Commander for Cadet Command at a ceremony held at Waber Theater. While Colonel Glaser noted several times in his remarks that “home is wherever the Army send you”, he reiterated that Fort Knox has always been a special place for him. As previously reported, Cadet Command had been cancelled for this summer at Fort Knox.

News for June 29th

94.3 The Wolf

Sunday marked 100 days since the first case of COVID-19 appeared in Hardin county, and despite all the uncertainty still surrounding the subject, Lincoln Trail District Health Department spokesperson Terrie Bergan says that many things have improved, namely, the amount of people that can be tested and who can be tested. The health department continues to stress usage of masks, social distancing and proper sanitation and hand washing, as several states begin to see cases start to rise once more. On Sunday, Governor Andy Beshear announced 67 new cases of the virus.

Kentuckians can now schedule an appointment for their unemployment help. The Kentucky Department of Labor announced that in-person help with claims will take place at the Mayo-Underwood building in Frankfort beginning today. Assistance is by appointment only at this time. Appointments will continue until further notice Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those wishing for assistance will have to bring 2 forms of identification with them to the appointment. More information about can be found on the Kentucky Career Center website.

Kentucky’s Healthy at Work reopening schedule hits it’s final reopening phase today. Groups of 50 or less people can congregate, bars can reopen, and youth sports can partake in extended activities. Public swimming and bathing facilities can also reopen; however, both the cities of Radcliff and Elizabethtown have already announced that their pools will not open this year, citing costs as one of the main reasons the facilities will remain closed this summer. The reopening schedule for the state has been ongoing since its inception in early May.

After almost a week of waiting, the full picture of how Hardin Countians voted should be known today. The County Clerk’s office is expected to release absentee ballot results. Hardin county clerk Debbie Donnelly says that the reason results have not been released yet is due to the fact that absentee ballots were tabulated up until this past Saturday. Other counties around Kentucky, including Jefferson and Fayette, are waiting until results are certified tomorrow by Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams.

An Indiana man was arrested last week after leading several law enforcement agencies on a high-speed pursuit. According to arrest citations, Vine Grove Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle early Friday morning. When the vehicle fled Vine Grove, additional agencies, including Radcliff Police and the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office joined. The pursuit, which reached speeds over 100 miles per hour, stretched from the intersection of Dixie Highway and Joe Prather to US-62, when the vehicle continued, eventually crossing into Grayson county. The vehicle finally came to a rest in Grayson county. When officers approached the vehicle, they found the driver, Dylon Tindle, impaired. As he was being booked in the Hardin County Detention Center, Tindle was also found to be in possession of marijuana. He was arrested and charged with criminal mischief, wanton endangerment, fleeing or evading, and promoting contraband, among other charges.

June 8th

94.3 The Wolf

A regional tourism destination is partially reopening their facilities today. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park will reopen it’s visitor center to guests today.

“Visitors will be allowed to enter the building, but it is going to look different than what people usually expect,” the park’s Chief of Interpretation Stacy Humpheries said. “We do have little stickers on the floor showing ‘Stay 6-feet Apart’, showing people where they can stand.”

The Visitor Center will also include new signage and marks for guests as they travel into the center’s amphitheater and museum.

“We’re establishing a one-way traffic flow pattern through our building,” Humpheries said, “so that way we don’t have people doubleing back or grouping up.”

“We’re avoiding that so people can still follow those CDC guideline and observe those social distancing guidelines.”

The park’s iconic memorial building will still remain closed at this time.

News- June 5, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are 10,705 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 295 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 3,303 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were eight new deaths announced on Thursday, bringing the state’s total to 458. The Governor also responded to a question which asked how the Governor felt about new proposed pieces of legislation which would limit no-knock warrants, and give civilian police review boards subpoena powers. The Governor responded by saying the legislation should be strongly considered, and that the opportunity should be taken to see what can be done better. The legislation comes as the investigation into the death of Breonna Taylor continues. In other news, the Governor also announced that there will be races held at the Kentucky Speedway without fans in attendance. These races will be held in July.

Nolin RECC’s upcoming annual meeting will change their location and process for this year. The event will take place at the Elizabethtown office with registration taking place over several nights- June 17th and 18th from 8 AM to 5 PM and June 19th from 8 AM to 2 PM. Customers will still be able to register for prize drawings, as well as receive their bucket and bulbs, through a drive-thru process.

After several days of low confirmation numbers, some health departments reported increased totals Thursday. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department announced 12 new cases of the virus: six in Hardin and six in Marion county. Of the 232 total cases, nine are hospitalized, 36 are in home isolation, and 182 have recovered. Hardin leads the district with 114 total cases, of which 93 individuals have recovered.

Hardin Circuit Courts are reopened, but with some restrictions in place that will alter the court experience. Communication over electronic and video means is encouraged, and bailiffs in the courthouse are telling people where to go. In addition, applications for driver’s license renewal are available online, and can be mailed in to the court. Appointments for licensing can be made for those who, for example, may be coming in from out of state and need a Kentucky Driver’s License. There are currently no driver’s licensing road tests being given.

This week on Breckinridge Report begins a series on police and the community. Zach Epperson sits down with Officer John Thomas to talk about one of the most common face-to-face interactions between law enforcement and citizens: traffic stops. The entire interview can be heard tomorrow morning on Breckinridge Report.  

News- June 4, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are 10,410 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 265 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 3,283 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were eight new deaths reported on Wednesday, bringing the state’s total to 450. One of the deaths announced last night was the youngest victim so far, a nine-month old girl from Hopkins County. The Governor talked about the response from the state of Kentucky since the first case of COVID-19 appeared in the state, saying he believes Kentuckians should be proud of the work they’ve done so far, but the road ahead remains challenging and requires resilience. Kentucky is nationally recognized as among few states that are meeting the White House and CDC guidance for reopening the economy.

More cases of COVID-19 were confirmed locally Wednesday afternoon. The Grayson County Health Department confirmed just one case of the virus, bringing their total to 136 cases. 109 of those cases have recovered. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department announced eight new cases, bringing their total number of cases to 220, with nine patients hospitalized, 27 in home isolation, and 179 recovered. Breckinridge County Health Officials confirmed two new cases of the virus locally, bringing their total to 22 cases so far.

A Hardin County man has been arrested after police say he distributed sexual material involving a minor. According to arrest records, Kentucky State Police executed a search warrant on a residence in Elizabethtown where they discovered two instances of child sexual abuse material in the possession of Joshua Wagner. During an interview with troopers, Wagner admitted to possessing and distributing the material online. A search of Wagner’s phone yielded 17 additional images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Wagner was arrested and charged with possession of matter portraying sexual performance by a minor, as well as distribution of the material. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

An Elizabethtown restaurant was evacuated yesterday after a fire on the roof. The Elizabethtown Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at Hardee’s near Towne Mall shortly after 11 AM. Initial responders reported nothing showing, and the roof was accessed. The cause was reported to be a malfunctioning HVAC unit that had caught fire and self-extinguished. No injuries were reported in the incident.

News- June 3, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are 10,185 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 155 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 3,275 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were three new deaths announced Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 442. In the midst of the ongoing protests taking place in the state, Governor Beshear said that he hopes to get together with leaders in the African-American community, and also health providers, to have a conversation about improving healthcare. In addition, Governor Beshear announced that on Friday, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision confirming that the Governor’s actions to protect public health were consistent with the United State’s Constitution. The Governor’s Office of General Counsel is making the various federal courts aware of the decision, which should resolve all current cases challenging the Governor’s executive orders.

John Hardin High School will be offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing once again this week, with today and tomorrow being the only days with slots still available. These slots can be signed up for via the Kroger health portal. The Kroger partnership testing was previously done in Elizabethtown last month.

Residents of Hardin County can now vote in-person for the upcoming June 23rd primary. Voters can come into the County Clerk’s office for a ballot until June 22nd. Residents will be able to vote in-person at the clerk’s office on June 23rd; however, voting that day will be similar to a normal election day, with the poll open from 6 AM to 6 PM.

The Hardin County School District is gearing up to begin its summer feeding program again this year. There are over ten sites this year that will be moving around via the Cruisin’ Café. Three sites will remain in one place, those being at Central Hardin High School, John Hardin High School, and North Hardin High School. Other sites and times can be found on the Hardin County Schools website. The program will continue until July 24th.

Cities across the country have instituted curfews in relation to ongoing protests in the communities, but no such action has been enacted locally. Contrary to social media rumors, the City of Elizabethtown has not enacted a curfew. Officer John Thomas with the Elizabethtown Police Department says that there are currently no plans for a curfew, and that residents should make sure to get their information from official sources. The City of Louisville does have a curfew in place until June 8th.

Local health departments still reported new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, although numbers have been trending downward. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department confirmed only four new cases of the virus: two in Nelson, one in Hardin, and one in Larue. The district has five patients hospitalized, 26 on home isolation, and 176 recovered. The district has now seen over 200 total confirmed cases of the virus.

Garbage services in Hardin County will soon resume bulk item pick-ups. Hardin County Solid Waste Director Stephanie Givans says that residents needing to get rid of bulk items can contact the collection company to schedule a time for the pick up. Givans also announced that the county will resume a portion of their recycling program starting next Monday, and will only accept cardboard at this time. More information can be obtained by contacting the solid waste department.

News- June 2, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are 10,046 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 131 were confirmed on Sunday, and 214 were confirmed on Monday. The number of those who have recovered from the virus remains at 3,232, however there were eight new deaths announced on Monday, bringing the state’s total to 439. The Governor reminded Kentuckians to light their home, places of business, and places of worship green for compassion; however another event was discussed in a separate press conference last night. In this press conference, Governor Beshear called it “unacceptable” that officers had their body cameras off on Monday morning, and also criticized the timeframe that Breonna Taylor’s family were given for justice. Governor Beshear pledged that, with the Kentucky State Police investigative force that has been brought on to examine the incident, the truth will be revealed, no matter what.

Voting for the 2020 primary election is now open for those wishing to vote in-person. In Hardin County, residents can drive to the Hardin County Government building and call the clerk’s office to request a ballot to vote in person. A secure lockbox will be in front of the government building for ballots to be deposited in. The primary, which was originally scheduled for May, was rescheduled to June in the wake of COVID-19.

Monday marked the first reading of the City of Elizabethtown’s next budget. The City Council met at the Historic State Theater complex Monday evening, where Mayor Jeff Gregory gave his budget recommendation for the fiscal year 2021. Mayor Gregory acknowledged that the recent COVID-19 pandemic impacted budgetary decisions, resulting in a budget that is intended to be more conservative in spending. The budget, which comes in a $60.5 million, is down almost $10 million from this year’s operating budget of $70.1 million. The budget also underscores the impact the tourism industry has faced in the wake of COVID-19, with a lack of revenue coming from places such as the Sports Park, which directly brings in money through restaurant and room taxes. The budget will be read a second and final time in the coming weeks.

After a weekend off from reporting, local health departments announced subtle increases in the number of COVID-19 cases in their area. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department confirmed nine new cases on Monday, bringing the department’s total to 208 positive cases with 175 recovered, 22 in home isolation, and six hospitalized. Elsewhere, the Grayson County Health Department announced two new cases from over the weekend, bringing the county’s total number to 135, with 109 patients recovered.

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office is the latest service in Hardin County to get financial assistance courtesy of the CARES Act.  Over $45,000 was given to the Sheriff’s Office in order to update equipment in order to better respond to the pandemic. The CARES Act has also provided assistance to Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, as well as other local government, as the county continues to try and navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.

News- May 29, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are 9,184 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 113 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 3,181 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were nine new deaths reported Thursday, raising the state’s total to 409. More than 15,000 March and April unemployment claims were processed this week, and Deputy Secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Josh Benton says that the department is putting their most seasoned staff on getting more of those unprocessed claims done. In addition, Benton discussed a security breach that took place in April. According to Benton, on April 23 at 9:17 AM, it was reported that some unemployment insurance claimants could have been able to view the identity verification documents uploaded by other claimants. The portal was taken down two hours later, and a security fix was implemented that night. To date, no reports of financial harm or identity theft have been received. In other news. Governor Beshear announced that Kentucky Kingdom and public pools can reopen on June 29th with a list of extensive precautions. The Governor said that local leaders may choose to keep pools closed based on their assessments of whether or not safety requirements can be met.

Nelson County reported its first COVID-19 related death yesterday afternoon. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department confirmed the death in their daily press release. Additionally, the department confirmed 9 new nine new cases of the virus in their service area, now totaling 197 cases. Of those cases, 163 have recovered, 23 are in home isolation, and only six are hospitalized. Elsewhere, the Grayson County Health Department confirmed one case, bringing their total to 133 positive cases. Breckinridge County currently has 19 total confirmed cases of the virus.

Thousands of residents in the northern part of Hardin County were without power for a time yesterday after a small airplane flew into a transmission line. Officials with the Vine Grove Police Department say that the plane, which had two occupants inside, took off from the Vine Grove airfield just before 2:40 yesterday afternoon. For unknown reasons, the plane descended rapidly and hit a Nolin RECC transmission line, then hit the ground. The two occupants of the plane received minor injuries and refused medical treatment on the scene. Mattingly says the investigation is still ongoing by the FAA.

The Historic State Theater in Elizabethtown will be reopening this coming Monday, and will be offering $1 movies. The sponsor for these movies, Paul Davis, will be fogging and sanitizing the theater after each showing. Concessions will be available during the show, and social distancing will be marked inside the theater, as well as the capacity only being allowed at 33%, allowing for 214 patrons within the facility. The movies will start this Monday with Abominable at 11 AM and 7 PM. For more information, visit thestate270.com.

News- May 28, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are 9,077 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 127 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 3,124 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were six new deaths announced Wednesday, bringing the state’s total to 400. Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman talked about the Team Kentucky Fund Assistance Application, which was launched a week and a half ago, as well as Kentucky’s Community Action agencies. The application for assistance from the Team Kentucky Fund can be found online at teamkyfund.ky.gov. In addition, donations to the Team Kentucky Fund can be made at donate.ky.gov, and donations are tax deductible. The Team Kentucky Fund has currently raised more than $3.1 million.

Additional cases of COVID-19 across the region were announced yesterday, though the number of cases reported seems to be facing a decline. Wednesday evening saw only two new cases reported in the Lincoln Trail District Health Department’s service area, with the new cases being announced in Hardin and Nelson counties. In total, 188 cases of the virus have been confirmed in the district with 159 recovered, 21 on home isolation, and four patients currently hospitalized. Additionally, the Grayson County Health Department confirmed no new cases of the virus, keeping the county’s total at 132.

Warm Blessings Soup Kitchen is looking for assistance on their cooking line to help lead cooks beginning June 1st. The soup kitchen assures those who are looking to apply that there are plenty of masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer in the facility, as well as active use of social distancing for safety. Those looking to apply should have previous cooking experience, and are asked to contact Maria Jones at the soup kitchen with any questions.

A Hardin County man was arrested earlier this week after police say he allegedly strangled someone. According to arrest citations, Radcliff Police responded to a call of a woman who was running from the site of the alleged incident. When officers contacted the victim, she advised officers that her boyfriend, Robert Bartels, allegedly came up behind her and placed his arms around her neck, which she said almost caused her to pass out due to lack of air. Bartels then took the victim to the ground, where the victim was able to wrestle away from him. Officers also discovered that Bartels had been ordered to stay away from the victim. Bartels was arrested and charged with strangulation, assault, and violation of condition of release. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell made an appearance in Elizabethtown yesterday. The Senate Majority Leader, joined by Hardin Memorial Health President Dennis Johnson and Hardin County Judge Executive Harry Berry, talked about the chances of another possible air bill, with McConnell voicing his opinion on what its top two priorities should be: a full return to education, and of the workforce. In addition, McConnell thanked HMH Staff and physicians for their work to combat the effects of COVID-19 in the region, as well as encouraged citizens, especially younger ones, to overcome whatever stigmas may be attached to wearing masks or social distancing. This was McConnell’s second public appearance he has made in Kentucky since March.

News- May 26, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

With the school year officially complete for area schools, one district will not reopen in the fall. As previously reported, West Point Independent Schools will officially merge with Hardin County Schools on July 1st. Not only will students become part of Hardin County Schools on that date, but many staff members and faculty will as well. Interim Superintendent Dr. Sally Sugg says that, as part of the merger agreement, tenured staff and classified staff with over four years experience in the district will find positions within Hardin County. Dr. Sugg will move on to Shelby County Public Schools to become their new superintendent. The City of West Point has been home to a school for over 200 years.

As the totals continue to roll in, the census rate for the state of Kentucky is just above the national average. The Commonwealth currently sits at almost 64% for self response, 4% above the national average of 60%. Locally, Larue leads the area with just above 70%, Hardin is at 69%, Meade County is just below 68%, Grayson is at 58%, and Breckinridge County currently sits at 53%. 7 of the top 10 cities nationally for response are located in Kentucky.

Even with many memorial services cancelled due to COVID-19, personnel at Fort Knox made sure to honor the memory of fallen members of the armed forces on Memorial Day. The post held a private service Monday to honor the fallen after a public memorial service previously scheduled to take place at the Kentucky Veterans Central was cancelled. The post also allowed the public to visit the 121 cemeteries located on post yesterday as part of its annual Memorial Day cemetery event.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is offering an opportunity to register virtually for summer classes online to all new and returning students. Students can participate in a virtual express enrollment on Thursday, May 28th and Friday, May 29th. Advisors will be available to help students enroll from 9 AM to 6 PM on each day. To reserve an appointment or get started on a free application, visit elizabethtown.kctcs.edu. Summer classes begin June 1st and 29th.