WULF News

As the state continues the fight against COVID-19, Governor Andy Beshear announced in his press conference last night that there are now one hundred and sixty three cases of the virus in the Commonwealth. The governor announced that one of these positive cases came from someone who attended a coronavirus party. Beshear denounced the act, again stressing social distancing and regard for the lives of others. Governor Beshear noted that with the expected spike in cases, increasingly significant steps towards fighting the illness can be expected, and the governor took one of those steps last night. Beshear ordered that all non-life-sustaining businesses be closed by 8 PM Thursday. Businesses that will remain open include grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and drug stores as well as laundromats, banks, and home-based care and services, among others. The Governor says the order will be made public today in order to make the announcement clearer.

Monday morning, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office apprehended three suspects who allegedly stole a tractor from Bullitt County. Later in the afternoon, the trailer used to steal the tractor was reported stolen as well. All items have been returned to their owners. In regards to the three suspects, Joseph Christopher Redmon was charged with two indictment warrants from Nelson and Bullitt counties, receiving stolen property over five hundred dollars, operating with a suspended license, and public intoxication. Mark Vittitow was charged with receiving stolen property and public intoxication, and Allen Ballard was charged with receiving stolen property. All three were lodged in the Nelson County Jail.

The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Shaw Station Road in Leitchfield in an attempt to stop a reckless driver. Officers made contact with the driver, 29-year-old Mercedes Goldsmith of Louisville, who is a repeat offender with the Sheriff’s Office. Goldsmith had several warrants for her arrest, and her vehicle was searched. The inspection led to the discovery of meth, marijuana, and a handgun in the car and on Goldsmith’s person. She also failed sobriety tests conducted by officers. Goldsmith was charged with several traffic violations, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. She was lodged in the Grayson County Detention Center. The investigation is ongoing.

Hardin Memorial Health has announced that effective today, visitation at Hardin Memorial Hospital has been suspended, with only essential caregivers allowed to accompany patients for medical appointments or tests. The organization has been progressively restricting access to the hospital and medical office to protect patients from COVID-19. There will be limited exceptions, allowing one healthy visitor, who will be screened prior to visitation, for patients under eighteen, women in labor, end of life patients, hospice patients, dependent patients who require assistance, and outpatient surgery and cath lab patients. These visitors are asked to enter at the main registration and patient pick-up entrance. For more information on Hardin Memorial’s policies and response to COVID-19, visit hmh.net.

In his evening press conference on Sunday, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are currently 103 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Governor Beshear commended the hospitals of Kentucky for their efforts, lauding the only 6% ICU rate seen with COVID-19 in the state. The Governor added that over 2000 tests have been administered across the state. In terms of new steps being taken to combat COVID-19, Governor Beshear declared that all non-essential retail businesses be closed by tonight at 8 PM. This includes florists, bookstores, fashion, clothing, and shoe stores, entertainment and electronics stores, etc. This does not include grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, or drug stores.

Since Friday afternoon, there have been 2 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hardin County, with one being an adult aged 21, and the first being a child. Since the announcement, local leaders have stressed to the public that taking steps, such as social distancing, can help limit the spread of the illness, and urge to continue safe habits to help keep the curve low in the Commonwealth. The juvenile who contracted the virus is a student in the Hardin County School system.

In the wake of the first positive cases of COVID-19 in Hardin County, Hardin Memorial Health have announced that they have established a temporary respiratory health clinic for potential COVID-19 patients. Located at 1004 Woodland Drive, the clinic saw its first patient on Friday, March 20. The clinic has been specially outfitted as a drive thru for referred patients experiencing respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath. While isolated in their vehicle, the patient will be registered, triaged, tested, and seen by a physician or advanced practice clinician. The clinic will only be available to those referred by an area physician or via the HMH Patient Symptom Hotline. Doctor Thomas Hustead, Medical Director for HMH Medical Group, said of the clinic, “We want to provide the best care possible without overwhelming hospital functions. I cannot say thank you enough to the physicians, advanced practice clinicians, nurses, and staff who are working to care for clinic patients during these unprecedented times.”

After Governor Andy Beshear ordered all child care facilities closed effective last Friday, Hardin Memorial Health have taken steps to help provide childcare for their employees. This came after the organization realized they would need some type of help for their employees who have children. The foundation hopes to partner with local childcare facilities to provide this opportunity. The process of getting the necessary partnerships will be starting today.

Two citizens, Brandon Keith and Kaitlyn Edwards, have created what is being called a match program for those affected by COVID-19. This service pairs at risk citizens with citizens who are lower risk in order to receive assistance. Brandon can be reached by calling 502-822-6148 or Kaitlyn by 502-822-6515, or those in need of assistance or who want to volunteer can visit elizabethtowncovidmatch.com. All volunteers will be vetted by the Elizabethtown Police Department.

While many events have been cancelled due to COVID-19, numerous outdoor recreational opportunities remain open. Fort Knox’s Lindsey Golf Course will still operate. Prices for the golf course, as well as a list of things to do on post, can be found at knox.armymwr.com.

In his now daily evening press conference, Governor Andy Beshear informed the public that the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth of Kentucky is now at 35. Of those cases, one is that of an eight-month-old child who the Governor said is doing well, and is being treated at home. The Governor also announced continued steps to help those who may be in need. The department of community based services will be extending certification periods for recipients of all public assistance programs, such as food stamps or Medicaid, for three months. The Governor also announced the suspension of all commercial gaming licenses, saying that bingo halls presented a danger to those who are the most at risk, and announced that banks would more than likely begin imposing restrictions on lobby access and hours of operation.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College have announced that they will be moving to online classes beginning today through March 27^th. All lab classes at the college have been postponed until the threat of COVID-19 has passed, and will resume near the end of the term. The majority of personnel will work remotely during this time, however the college is open with limited staff and limited access to certain areas. Student services will be offered virtually or in a limited fashion on campus and all travel has been halted for staff members, including visits to other KCTCS colleges and the Versailles office. Before March 27^th, ECTC leadership and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System president will determine if it is safe to return to regular instruction with staff on campus, or to continue online coursework and telework for staff.

Kentucky State Police Post Four assisted the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office and Shepherdsville Police Department after a hit and run incident led to a high speed chase. Dispatch advised the pursuit was southbound on US 31W heading toward Radcliff with speeds close to 100 miles per hour. Troopers and deputies with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office attempted to deploy spike sticks, but were unsuccessful. As the subject approached Veterans Drive, he attempted to cross the median and struck two Shepherdsville Police cruisers, ending the pursuit. The driver, Dakota Elliot (27) of Keyser Mineral, West Virginia, and a Shepherdsville Police Officer were taken to Hardin Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and later released. Elliot’s passenger was also treated at a separate medical facility for non-life-threatening injuries. Both had out of state warrants, and the Shepherdsville Police Department will be handling charges.

No changes have been made to the Hardin County Jail visitations due to COVID-19. Jailer Josh Lindblom says that since interaction takes place over the phone or through glass, there was no need for a change. Lindblom also says that work release inmates will continue to work, and that there has been increased frequency in cleaning the facility.

The Elizabethtown Police Department responded to an automobile collision with a building on Tuesday night. A red pickup truck failed to stop at the intersection at College Street, and continued until it hit Brown Funeral Home. The driver and lone occupant, Brian Young of Elizabethtown, was transported to Hardin Memorial Hospital where he remains in critical but stable condition. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

As COVID-19 continues to spread around the Commonwealth, a regional healthcare provider has taken steps to help limit the illness’s reach. Hardin Memorial Health announced yesterday the establishment of a hotline for patients experiencing flu or respiratory-like symptoms. Patients experiencing symptoms can call 270-979-7777. The hotline will operate Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

Ford Automotive Plant have announced that they will be temporarily suspending operations effective this Friday. The plant announced that they would shut down after Thursday’s shifts, and thoroughly clean and sanitize facilities in preparation for employees returning to work on March 30^th. Toyota, Fiat Chrysler, and GM are also halting production, according to statements from the manufacturers.

Despite initial worry on social media yesterday, Fort Knox has announced that there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 on post at this time. Medical officials on post are attending to the patient in question to make sure the strain is not present. Officials at the Ireland Army Health Clinic are screening individuals for COVID-19 as they enter the clinic.

As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, Kentucky has reported 25 cases as of last night. In his evening press conference, Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 22 tests at that time, and alluded to several pending results from state labs that could turn out to be positive. One person has died due to complications from the respiratory illness, and one has made a full recovery. As part of his effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Beshear has ordered all child care businesses to close by the end of business hours on Friday. Beshear acknowledged the impact the decision will make, noting that it will be difficult for some, but it is a necessary step. There will be exemptions for those in the healthcare field, as well as some on-site employer exceptions. According to the CDC, children are not at a higher risk for the illness than adults.

Several things have had their course altered by the threat of COVID-19. The primary election for Kentucky that was scheduled to take place this May has been pushed back to June 23^rd. Employees who have been made unemployed as a result of COVID-19 can apply for unemployment, and the waiting period and work search requirements have been waived. The time to reapply for an expiring Kentucky Drivers License has been extended to 90 days. Kentucky’s hospitals are to cease all elective surgeries as of tomorrow in order to ensure medical capacity for an increase in COVID-19 cases. A request has been submitted to the small business association to receive a disaster designation. This will allow small businesses to obtain loans to assist with the impact of the disease on their establishments. Finally, the state capitol will be closed to non-essential personnel, and state in-person services are closed. Continue to practice preventative measures such as social distancing and frequent handwashing.

Towne Mall in Elizabethtown has temporarily altered their hours of operation in an attempt to support the community. These new hours are 11 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 PM on Sunday. These new hours go into effect today. The mall notes that each store and restaurant may have their own operating hours, so check their individual websites for the latest information.

In a press release from Hardin County Government, the Solid Waste Department announced that due to updates surrounding COVID-19, the recycling drop off point will be closed until further notice. The department urges those who have recyclables to hold onto them, as they hope to have the drop off back open as soon as they can. Red River will continue to run on the same schedule as usual in the unincorporated area with no delay. Hardin County’s billing service will be open, however they are asking that the public not come into the office, but rather use the drop off box in the office parking lot, which is checked every hour during regular business hours to make sure all communication is processed. Additional information and updates can be found at hcoky.org.

Hardin County Schools are requesting assistance in paying for and delivering lunches to the elderly, the immuno-compromised, or those who are afraid to get out during the pandemic. Lunches can be paid for via the Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center website, thepac.net, via the Support and Donate tabs.

The Elizabethtown Police Department has announced that due to COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, community outreach events will have to be cancelled or postponed. This includes the current Citizens Police Academy, Elizabethtown Police Foundation fundraiser, and Cultural Festival. This is designed to protect the health of the citizens of Elizabethtown. All police services will continue without interruption.

Hardin Memorial Health held a press conference yesterday afternoon to discuss the coronavirus in Kentucky, including symptoms, prevention, and how the disease is spread. According to John Godfrey, Hardin Memorial Health’s Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, there is an incubation period for the virus where symptoms may not appear.  Symptoms may be flu-like at first, with shortness of breath, a cough, and fever. As of right now, there are no known cases of the virus in Hardin County. Public health advice at this stage is as follows: Consult only reliable government agencies such as Centers for Disease Control or the Lincoln Trail District Health Department for information regarding the illness, cover coughs and sneezes- preferably in the elbow- and wash hands well and often. In addition, stay home if sick, except to get medical care.

The Radcliff Police Department arrested several suspects involved in a shoplifting spree at a Radcliff Wal-Mart Tuesday evening. Officers responded to the location of 1165 Walmart Way in regards to three suspects, Teressa Deweese, Amy McGrath, and Susan Pierce, all shoplifting clothing items while in the company of a sixteen-year-old juvenile. The three were actively assisting the minor in the stealing of the clothing, and together the crew had over $100 worth of merchandise on their person, and were attempting to take it to their vehicle, a Volkswagen that had been reported stolen out of Louisville in February. All were arrested and charged with unlawful transaction with a minor, receiving stolen property, and shoplifting. They were lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

The House Committee on Education passed legislation yesterday that will mandate financial literacy as a graduation requirement in Kentucky Public High Schools. The bill will require any ninth-grader to complete at least a one-half credit course that meets financial literacy academic standards. 25^th District Representative Jim Duplessis said of the legislation, “The goal of this measure is to educate and empower youth on financial planning methods. By providing financial guidance in a classroom setting, we are teaching students how to make positive financial decisions, but also make them aware of the long term repercussions for poor decisions.” The bill will head to the house floor where it will be considered for passage in the 2020 Regular Session.