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News- May 7, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 5,934 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 159 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 2,125 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were eight new deaths reported on Wednesday, bringing the state’s total to 283. Governor Beshear announced that the state’s partnership with Kroger will bring more testing next week in several locations. Louisville, Lexington, Elizabethtown, and Corbin will see testing locations. The Elizabethtown location will be John Hardin High School. Information on how to register for the sites throughout the Commonwealth can be found at kycovid19.gov. In addition, the Governor issued a new executive order editing Kentucky’s travel ban to be more like Ohio’s, meaning those with a positive case or presumptive positive case of COVID-19 are banned from entering Kentucky, except as ordered for medical treatment.

While many regional events have been cancelled, one has decided to continue on, albeit in a different way. Elizabethtown’s annual Founder’s Day event will not take place, however the fireworks will still take place, just in a different location. The new location for the fireworks show will take place in proximity to EC3 and Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. The hill will make for easier viewing, and the number of parking lots around the college will help accommodate a large crowd while at the same time enforcing social distancing. More information about the change can be found at etownevents.com.

Local numbers of COVID-19 cases continue to increase. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department reported 125 total cases of the virus yesterday with additional cases being confirmed in Hardin, Larue, and Nelson counties. 113 of those cases are in home isolation, or have been released. Officials with the Breckinridge County Health Department confirmed two cases locally, bringing their total number of cases to 13.

As Kentucky begins to reopen its economy, places of business are establishing how procedures will be different going forward. Governor Beshear’s ten rules for reopening have given guidelines for these businesses, and an industry requiring significant change is the barbershop industry. Patrons will be required to wear facemasks and sanitize hands on the way in the door, and barbers and stylists will also be required to wear facemasks.

News- May 6, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 5,822 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Yesterday saw the biggest spike in cases thus far, with 625 new cases confirmed. More than 300 of these positive cases were a result of testing at Green River Correctional Complex. It is believed that 2,058 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were 14 new deaths reported on Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 275. Many of the announced deaths on Tuesday were related to long-term care facilities, and Dr. Steven Stack addressed this in the press conference, noting that they are about to “embark on a very aggressive program to test the long-term care facilities over the weeks ahead at a very brisk pace.” The Governor announced that a new testing location in Pikeville would be opening today at Pikeville medical center, and information for signing up at that testing location is available at kycovid19.gov.

Cases continue to be confirmed within the Lincoln Trail District Health Department. In their latest release, the Department confirmed the presence of 119 cases of COVID-19, with new cases being announced in both Hardin and Meade counties. Elsewhere around the area, Breckinridge County officials announced there are 11 cases in the county, and the Grayson County Health Department confirmed three new cases in the county, bringing their total to 91.

Tourism has been halted in many places due to COVID-19, and Elizabethtown is no exception. Executive Director of Elizabethtown Tourism Janna Clark discussed the difference in tourism numbers compared to this time last year. Clark said that March and April were “devastating” for tourism, as hotel occupancies were around 15-20%. In addition, restaurants who have seen the need to convert to delivery or take-out services are also struggling, as the business model is not seen as sustainable at this time.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is the latest college to make operational changes due to COVID-19. The college announced yesterday that test scores would not be required for enrollment for the upcoming school year. The college made the decision after determining that the school’s Assessment Center would be operational due to the Center not being able to adhere to social distancing guidelines. As a result, the college will be accepting test scores, even those past the 4-year requirement. More information can be found on ECTC’s website.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is offering free online classes to interested individuals looking for a pathway to a new career, needing a learning outlet, or testing their interest in online learning. The only requirements for the courses are internet access and being 18 years of age. These classes include Electrical Principles, Change Management, Managing Workplace Anxiety, Income Tax, Every “Body” is Beautiful, Stress Management, and a CDL Permit Test Prep. Registration for the courses is open, and can be done on the Workforce Solutions page on ECTC’s website. The classes will start May 13th and continue to June 15th.

News- May 5, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now at least 5,245 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 163 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 1,921 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were eight new deaths reported on Monday, bringing the state’s total to 261. As the first phase of Healthy at Work begins to roll out next week, this Wednesday will see the beginning of Phase Two of healthcare reopening in the state. This next phase will include outpatient and ambulatory surgery and invasive procedures. However, these procedures must still follow new rules and guidelines set by the state and the Kentucky Department for Public Health, including required personal protective equipment, closed common areas, and specific procedure guidance. Also, the Governor announced a partnership with Saint Elizabethtown Healthcare to bring expanded testing to Erlanger and other locations in Northern Kentucky.

A Hardin County patient within the Lincoln Trail District Health Department has died as a result of COVID-19. In a press release yesterday, the health department confirmed the second COVID-19 related fatality, as well as the presence of new cases within Hardin and Nelson counties. In his most recent press conference, Governor Beshear announced that the patient in question was a 66-year-old female. Officials say that while the numbers are not as high as in recent weeks, residents should still adhere to health and safety guidelines. 115 total cases have been confirmed in the department’s region, with 106 of those cases either in home isolation or having been released.

The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Trenton man Monday morning after a traffic stop for speeding. Upon contact with the driver, 35-year-old Jonathan Perdue, officers noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Investigation revealed that Perdue did not have a valid driver’s license, and was in fact suspended for driving on his third DUI. Perdue failed field sobriety tests, and his vehicle was searched, revealing the presence of synthetic marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and over ten grams of methamphetamine. Perdue was charged with several traffic and drug related offences including possession and trafficking. His two passengers, Ashley Pratt of Lexington and Jonathan McCoy of Cadiz were also charged with drug-related offences. All three were lodged in the Grayson County Detention Center.

Even with NTI days still taking place, schools from around the area are already beginning their unique graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020. Yesterday, students from Central Hardin and Elizabethtown High Schools took part in ceremonies designed to promote social distancing. Central Hardin students drove through the athletic complex, where friends and family could see their student walk across a stage to receive their diploma. Elizabethtown High School seniors participated in a ceremony yesterday, allowing one student at a time to enter the gym to walk across the stage. Graduations for North and John Hardin, as well as Hardin County High School, will take place later this week and next.

United Way of Central Kentucky and the Central Kentucky Community Foundation have combined their disaster relief efforts in the face of COVID-19. The two found similar goals in helping people getting the help they needed, CKCF has reportedly seen a record number of requests seeking assistance with rent, food, and utilities in the last month. Donations to the fund can be made at ckcf4people.org/central-kentucky-cares.

News- May 5, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

Officials are still investigating after a woman was found dead in a residence last Thursday. Kentucky State Police say that 63-year-old Kathy Erbelding was found dead in a residence off of Wise Lane in Elizabethtown Thursday night. The victim was found dead with an apparent gunshot wound. According to the Hardin County Coroner’s Office, the Erbelding was shot twice. Jacob Lugmayer and Krystal Erbelding, the victim’s daughter, were subsequently arrested and charged with murder, robbery, and abuse of a corpse. Lugmayer was also charged with tampering with physical evidence. Both are being held on $250,000 cash bonds, and appeared in Hardin District Court this morning.

A child has died after officials say he suffered a gunshot wound at his home. Police say they were dispatched to a residence off of Woodland Drive late Sunday afternoon in response to a shooting. When police arrived, they found a 2-year-old child with a single gunshot wound. The child’s parents and siblings were in the home at the time of the incident. The child was transported to Hardin Memorial, where he was pronounced deceased. This is an ongoing investigation, and a decision will be made once the investigation is complete as to whether charges will be filed.

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 5,130 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 173 were newly confirmed on Saturday, and 80 were confirmed on Sunday. It is believed the 1,892 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus. On Saturday, five new deaths were reported, and on Sunday, for the first time in weeks, there were no new deaths reported. Governor Beshear urged Kentuckians who need to be tested for COVID-19 to take advantage of the drive-thru testing facilities around the state. He also called out those who signed up for tests and then did not show up for their testing time. The Governor announced in previous conferences that an increase in testing capacity would be required in order to further open Kentucky’s economy.

As the state begins phase one of reopening, local healthcare facilities have crafted their plan for re-launching their full line of services. Beginning this week, Hardin Memorial Health will start outpatient diagnostic radiology and lab services at the main campus and offsite locations. Select outpatient services, including some elective surgeries, will resume later this week in addition to other invasive procedures. HMH says they hope to return to normal volumes for in-patient surgeries by late May or early June.  

News- May 1, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 4,708 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 174 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 1,675 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus, however there were five new deaths reported on Thursday, bringing the state’s total to 240. Governor Beshear made the announcement that recipients of the SNAP program, which is food benefits, will be able to use those benefits online, including for delivery orders. This is in partnership with Wal-Mart and Amazon. There are over 500,000 people in the Commonwealth on SNAP, and the Governor says he wanted to make sure they could take advantage of this in their communities. In addition, Doctor Steven Stack announced that Kentucky hospitals will be using the Battelle Critical Care Decontamination System, which uses vapor phase hydrogen peroxide to decontaminate N95 respirator masks for up to 20 reuses without degrading filter performance.

A long-running tradition in Bardstown will not take place this year. It was announced yesterday that the Stephen Foster Story will forgo the 2020 season, along with performances of Mamma Mia and the Concert in the Park series. Marketing director Billy Bass says that it was proposed to have a partial season, but the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic led to the decision to cancel. Ticket holders to any of this season’s shows can request a refund, exchange for a date next year, or donate the ticket price for a tax deduction. The Stephen Foster Story has been performed annually since its inception in 1959.

Even with the conclusion of their annual fundraising event Tuesday night, Clarity Solutions is letting the public know that there is still time to donate. The organizations annual banquet was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. More information about donations can be found online at supportclarity.org.

Hardin Memorial Health are giving their COVID-19 patients access to a new treatment study using plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients. The breakthrough covalescent plasma treatment allows current patients to receive plasma from recovered patients, which contains antibodies believed to fight the COVID-19 virus and may help patients improve more quickly. Plasma donations are collected from recovered COVID-19 patients willing to support the study. People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 may qualify to donate plasma is they meet specific plasma and blood donation eligibility requirements. These requirements and information about plasma donation can be found at redcrossblood.org.

Mental Health Awareness Month begins today, and the Lincoln Trail Behavioral Health Department has statistics regarding how mental health has been affected since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. 67% of people globally are currently reporting higher levels of stress during the pandemic, and 54% are reporting feeling emotionally exhausted. However, despite all the uncertainty, the department has advice for how to manage your mental health. This includes getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating healthily, as well as limiting screen time. The department also reminds those who may be struggling to get help if they need it. The department recommends calling primary health care providers or mental health professionals if experiencing difficulty. Lincoln Trail Behavioral Health is also available to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

News- April 29, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

 In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there

are 4,375 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 230 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 1,617 have recovered from the virus. However, there were 12 new deaths announced on Tuesday, brining the state’s total to 225. One of the deceased announced on Tuesday was Lillian Press, who was 95 years old. A personal friend of the Governor’s, Press was credited for organizing and directing the Governor’s Scholarship Program. In addition, Governor Beshear explained the ten rules to reopening a business under the Healthy at Work plan. These rules are as follows: continue telework where possible, phase returns to work, onsite temperature and health checks, universal masks and PPE, closing of common areas, enforcing social distancing, limiting face to face meetings, establishing sanitizer and hand washing stations, providing special accommodations to those who are at risk, and creating a testing plan. The Governor noted that by May 11th, everybody working for or visiting an essential business that is reopening should be wearing a mask.

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office responded to an incident involving a car and a train in Rineyville last night. According to officials, the victims were two males whose ages are unknown at this time. Both were flown to U of L hospital, and their conditions are also unknown at this time. This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

Kentucky’s Attorney General has called on Governor Andy Beshear to allow religious services to resume in the state. Attorney General Daniel Cameron made the announcement during a press conference outside the state capitol yesterday afternoon. Cameron went on to say that if Governor Beshear did not pull back the order that had prohibited in person services, the Attorney General’s office would file a lawsuit on whether Beshear’s order violated the first amendment. Cameron is already involved in a lawsuit against the Governor, which involves the constitutional basis of Beshear’s travel ban.

Like most schools in the region, West Point Independent Schools made the decision to cut school short this year. At a board meeting Tuesday night, the school calendar was amended to make May 15th the final day for NTI instruction for students. Staff will still have to meet the days on their contract. While this is the final year of West Point Independent Schools, Breeding did say that end-of-year activities are still possible, but at a later date. The school announced that they would be merging with Hardin County Schools earlier this year. The city of West Point has been home to school since 1804.

An Elizabethtown man was arrested Tuesday after leading police on a brief pursuit. Officials were called to Panda Express on Ring Road around 4 PM in reference to a suspected impaired driver. Upon contact with police, the driver, Keith Ware, fled the area. Officers gave chase, and a police cruiser was struck in the chase. The suspect crashed into a fire hydrant at Towne Mall and fled on foot. After a brief struggle, Ware was apprehended in the parking lot of Towne Mall. Ware was arrested and faces several charges, including fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment, and reckless driving. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

Yesterday morning, the Elizabethtown Police Department responded to Freeman Lake in reference to a kayaker in distress. When they arrived, they observed an adult male in the water holding on to a kayak but unable to move. Officers jumped into the water and swam the victim to shore. Despite air temperatures being relatively warm, the water temperature was still cool and left the victim in a hypothermic state. The victim was transported to Hardin Memorial Health by Hardin County EMS and is expected to make a full recovery.

News- April 28, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 4,146 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 87 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 1,521 people have recovered from the virus, however there were five new deaths reported on Monday, bringing the state’s total to 213. Doctor Steven Stack talked about further anticipated phases for reopening of various healthcare services. The next phase is expected to begin May 6th. This will allow outpatient surgeries and other invasive procedures to resume, though there will be guidelines to be met. Facilities must have a fourteen-day supply of PPE available at all times, and must maintain a 30% bed capacity in case of a surge. Phase Three is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, May 13th, and Phase Four is scheduled to begin Wednesday, May 27th. Any COVID-19 resurgence may require adjustment to the phased reopening. Governor Beshear announced that more industry reopening dates would be announced soon. The state is preparing to hire 700 people across the state to help with contact tracing going forward.

Hardin County Schools has made the decision to hold high school graduations next month, albeit in a different way. The district announced yesterday that the three high schools would be holding virtual graduations for the outgoing class of 2020. The district’s television partner HCEC-TV, will edit the ceremonies together to air on their originally scheduled dates. The district does hope to hold a formal graduation sometime into the next school year. Each ceremony will take place outside the respective high schools. Students will be able to bring no more than six guests with them. Details on how the virtual graduations will be conducted can be found on the Hardin County Schools website. In addition, the district will be lighting up their football stadiums from 8- 8:20 PM tonight to honor students, and welcomes residents in the county to light up their homes as well during this time.

West Point Independent Schools will be hosting a virtual meeting tonight, adhering to the Healthy at Home guidelines. Public comments for the meeting can be submitted via the school phone line at 6:00 PM. These comments will be read to the board during the public comments portion. The meeting will be available to view on YouTube.

Local cases of COVID-19 were not as numerous yesterday. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department reported just one additional case in their daily press release yesterday, bringing the district’s total to 94 positive cases. The sole case came out of Meade County, the location of the only COVID-19 related death locally. The health department said that of the 94 cases, 86 are either participating in home isolation or have been released.

News- April 27, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 4,074 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of these cases, 202 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 1,511 people have recovered from the virus, however there were three new deaths announced on Sunday, bringing the state’s total to 208. Today marks the first easing of restrictions since the pandemic hit the state, with several healthcare practitioners being allowed to resume service. Governor Beshear says this step is important because people have not been able to go in to some types of visits and important appointments to keep themselves healthy aside from COVID-19. Also, the healthcare industry will need to be operating at a greater level in order to increase the testing capacity in the state. Non-urgent or emergent healthcare services and diagnostic radiology and lab services can be resumed in hospital outpatient settings, healthcare clinics and medical offices, physical therapy settings, chiropractic offices and optometrists, and dental offices. Each of these services will be required to use personal protective equipment, and to take extra precautions in order to remain in operation.

The number of cases in the region also increased over the weekend. According to the Lincoln Trail District Health Department, 85 positive cases of COVID-19 were reported on Saturday, increasing to 92 yesterday afternoon. Hardin still leads counties in the district with 36 cases. Additionally, the Breckinridge County Health Department confirmed an additional case on Saturday, bringing the county’s total to eight positive cases.

Bardstown Police are investigating after a man was killed over the weekend. According to officials, police were dispatched to a residence on Camptown Road early Sunday morning. When they arrived, police found the victim with multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to Flaget Hospital where he died as a result of his injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bardstown Police.

Members of the Elizabethtown City Council spent part of the day Friday handing out stimulus checks to various small businesses. The deliveries were part of the city’s economic stimulus recovery fund. Over 170 businesses were awarded the funds after qualifying for the program. The city granted up to $3,000 per small business that qualified.  

News- April 24, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 3,481 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 161 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 1,335 people have recovered from the virus, however six new deaths were reported on Thursday, bringing the state’s total to 191. Doctor Steven Stack outlined in some greater detail exactly which healthcare practitioners will be able to resume care this coming Monday. These facilities include hospital outpatient setting, health care clinics and medical offices, physical therapy settings, chiropractic offices and optometrists, and dental offices. It was noted that health care providers should still work to provide telehealth as much as possible. Certain practitioners must still take special care as they reopen. Those in high-touch clinical settings such as physical therapy or chiropractic must wear non-latex gloves in addition to enhanced hand hygiene practices, and sanitize objects and contact surfaces between patients. In the case of those in high-aerosol risk settings such as dentistry and oral surgery, the state is seeking additional input in order to assure the safety of both patients and staff. All facilities are asked to eliminate traditional waiting rooms, ensure social distancing, eliminate visitation except in end-of-life situations, screen all workers, patients, and others for temperature and symptoms upon arrival, and wear all required PPE while in the office.

United States Attorney Russell Coleman announced yesterday that Matthew Lyons, 33, of Elizabethtown was charged with several charges related to sexual conduct with a minor. Law enforcement officials became aware of Lyons’ criminal conduct after receiving a complaint regarding a minor posting on social media about engaging in sexual activity with an adult in exchange for money. Police in Radcliff interviewed two minors, seized and searched their mobile devices, and identified Lyons as the adult in question. Lyons had a prior conviction for attempted use of an electronic communication system to procure a minor for sex. Detectives obtained a warrant to seize and search Lyons’ mobile device, which revealed more than 1500 images and video files of the sexual acts, and communications with several underage boys. If convicted at trial, and due to his prior conviction, Lyons faces at least 60 years in prison.

A medical center in Bardstown is now in possession of much needed personal protection equipment. The Bardstown Family Medical Center, part of the HMH Medical Group, received a donation of masks and gloves for the clinic from Louisiana-Pacific. Clinic Physician Holly McCoy expressed the needs of her coworkers to her father-in-law, who is on the board for Louisiana-Pacific. The clinic received 320 N95 masks, as well as 3000 gloves. Donations of PPE can be made at giveppe.ky.gov.

The unemployment numbers for the month of March in Kentucky are in, and COVID-19 has certainly made an impact. According to the Kentucky Center for Statistics, the Lincoln Trail District, which encompasses Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington counties, saw a non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.8% for the month of March, up from 4.4% in February. Breckinridge County has the highest rate with 7.8%. The U.S. compatible rate is at 4.5%.

The City of Elizabethtown announced that they would be delivering stimulus checks today to a variety of businesses that applied and qualified for the COVID-19 Small Business Economic Stimulus Fund. The city will be awarding over 170 businesses checks, provided they met the criteria for the program. The city will be granting up to $3,000 per small business to aid in recovery efforts.

News- April 23, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 3,373 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 196 were newly confirmed. It is believed that 1,311 people have recovered from the virus, however there were 14 new deaths reported on Wednesday, bringing the state’s total to 185. In terms of new announcements, Governor Beshear announced the beginning of the first phase of reopening Kentucky’s economy, and it will begin with healthcare. Initially, this easing of restrictions, which will begin Monday, will allow for diagnostic and radiology testing, as well as non-urgent, emergent, in-person office, and ambulatory visits. The Governor reiterated that there is not to be a community waiting room in these facilities, noting that the new waiting room is the patient’s own car. In addition, Governor Beshear announced four new drive-thru testing sites that will be located in Louisville, Lexington, Owensboro, and Bowling Green. Those seeking to obtain a test can get location and registration details at the Kroger Health website. Governor Beshear had previously stated that a foundational basis for safely reopening the economy requires a massive scaling up of testing capacity in the Commonwealth.

The Elizabethtown Fire Department responded to a house fire at 508 Lee Road at around 5 AM this morning. The crew forced entry into the home and quickly extinguished the burning furniture in the front room of the home. Crew members located the resident, a 46-year old female, lying in the floor. She was given medical treatment by firefighters until Hardin County EMS arrived. The exact cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

While not a startling increase, the Lincoln Trail District Health Department continues to confirm more cases of COVID-19 in their service area. As of yesterday at 4 PM, 71 cases were reported, with 31 of those attributed to Hardin County. Additional cases were confirmed yesterday in Hardin, Meade, and Nelson. Breckinridge County also confirmed another case of COVID-19, bringing their total to 7.

Hardin County Schools is encouraging students and families to remember teachers and staff during teacher appreciation week May 4th through the 8th. Information on the Hardin County Schools website details how students and families can write a message to a teacher or staff member that has made an impact on their life. Some of these messages will be shown on Hardin County Schools social media. Messages or videos can be sent until no later than 5 PM on Thursday, May 7th. Whether the message appears on HCS’s social media or not, the district will send the messages to the particular staff member.

The Central Kentucky Community Foundation announced yesterday that their annual awards dinner, called Celebrating Achievement, will be held over a live broadcast this year. This decision was made in order to adhere to social distancing, but to still make the event special for the winners and staff working with the organization. The broadcast is set to air on Facebook and Youtube on Monday, April 26th at 6:30 PM.