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News for February 3

94.3 The Wolf

Meade Co. trail system to feature new park, trail named for late county leader

Months after the passing of Meade county Judge Executive Gerry Lynn, officials with Buttermilk Falls are naming a new park area and trail after the former county leader.

Spokesperson Jennifer Bridge

So far, organizers say they’ve raised over half of their goal of $10,000. More information on donations and the project can be found by going to the official Buttermilk Falls Facebook page.

Tuesday COVID-19 numbers

The state reported 2,443 new cases of Covid-19, continuing a decline in case numbers as vaccine rollouts continue across the Commonwealth.

Governor Andy Beshear

The state opened up their first regional vaccination site yesterday in Lexington, with officials reminding individuals to go to Kentucky’s new vaccine website, vaccine.ky.gov for more information on phases and locations.

Former teacher sentenced in connection to child pornography

A former area school teacher was sentenced last week, nearly a year after he was arrested on charges stemming from child pornography. Robert Alan Thompson was sentenced January 29th to 15 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for online enticement of a minor and production of child pornography. As previously reported, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on Thompson’s LaRue county home last April. After seizing his phone, officials found evidence of explicit images of underage males, including those of a former student, who was 17 at the time. The investigation into Thompson began as officials investigated Matthew Lyons, who was previously charged last year for several offenses related to child exploitation.

CASA kicks off online auction

CASA of the Heartland is kicking off their first ever virtual auction today. The event, which is taking place on the organization’s Facebook page, is designed to raise money for CASA and other organizations dedicated to helping kids in the community.

Executive Director Norman Hatfield

The event runs for one week, ending on February 10th at 5 p.m. More information can be found by going to the CASA of the Heartland website or Facebook page.

RPD: Man arrested after theft of vehicle

A Radcliff man was arrested Monday after allegedly stealing a vehicle and driving it towards an officer. Arrest records say that Radcliff Police received a call allegedly that the suspect, Manuel Cox was attempting to steal a box truck. An officer arrived, observed Cox, who then fled, eventually gaining control of the vehicle and driving off. The officer ran towards the road to stop him, at which time the officer says Cox drove the vehicle towards him. Responding units instructed cox to stop the vehicle, which he disregarded. Cox was arrested and charged with wanton endangerment, fleeing or evading police, as well as criminal mischief and theft by unlawful taking. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

News for February 2

94.3 The Wolf

ECTC opens up scholarship application for upcoming academic year

Scholarships for incoming and current ECTC students are now open for the upcoming academic year.

Institutional Advancement Officer Megan Stith

The application can be found by going to the college’s website. Stith says the college awarded over $200,000 worth of scholarships this year.

Hardin County resident wins big with $1 million lottery prize

Just down the road from the Gold Depository, a Hardin county resident won big on a Kentucky lottery game named for the famous structure. It was announced that the unnamed resident won a million dollars off of a “Break Fort Knox” lottery game. The $20 ticket was purchased at Warren’s Vine Grove Food Market. As a result, the store will receive a bonus of over $7,700. As for the winner? They chose to take their winnings in a lump sum of nearly $553,000, after taxes.

“The right direction”: Governor pleased with state’s decrease in weekly case totals

1,623 new cases of Covid-19 announced for the state Monday afternoon. Governor Andy Beshear pointed to the low number as he discussed a good trend for the state in recent week, as weekly totals have fallen across the board

The state’s positivity rate still remains below 9%, still hovering around 8.8% as it was yesterday. Local numbers yesterday included 17 new cases for Hardin county, 3 for LaRue county, and 2 for Meade county.

LTDHD: Area flu cases down nearly 200% from this time last year

Covid-19 cases have been the dominant story lines for the past few months, but what about flu cases this season?

Lincoln Trail District Health officials say that they’ve had just 148 confirmed cases of the flu so far this flu season. It’s a significant drop from this time last year. At that time, officials say they had over 13,000 confirmed cases of the flu. Officials did note though that reported cases include only PCR flu tests and not their rapid test counterparts.

Ft. Knox to see renovated homes, new residences as part of Army contract

Renovations and new homes are on the way for Fort Knox. The U.S. Army and LendLease, a private housing company, recently negotiated multi-million dollar agreement to provide 6 Army posts with new houses and to renovate older ones. Knox Hills at Fort Knox is one of those locations. Across the six posts, LendLease officials say they’ll renovate more than 12,000 homes, and will build 1,200 new residences. Officials say work is expected to begin in the spring.

News for February 1

94.3 The Wolf

CKCF opens up second round of funds for organizations

After helping out local organizations with much needed funding this spring, Central Kentucky Community Foundation has announced a second wave of their “KY Cares Fund”.

President and CEO Davette Swinny

The short application process is love now and can be found by going to the Central Kentucky Community Foundation website.

HCS district lays out plan for staff vaccinations this week

This week, eligible Hardin County School staff members will receive their first doses of covid-19 vaccines. To make it happen, though, schools will have to shift to NTI the days their staff members get their shots

District spokesperson John Wright says the NTI days will only last 1 day for the affected schools. The district announced last week that Kroger would be distributing vaccines to staff members who had signed up.

BHH changes location of vaccine clinic to Towne Mall

Baptist Health Hardin has moved the location of their Covid-19 vaccination clinic. The hospital announced that vaccinations will now be given out at Towne Mall in Elizabethtown to those who are already signed up. Hospital officials say the clinic, which is located in the former home of the Children’s Place store, will allow them to conduct up to 500 vaccinations per day. Officials also sited an increase in parking capacity at the mall as a reason for moving the clinic location. The clinic’s first day of use is set to begin today. Officials again stress that no walk up appointments are taking place, only those who have made appointments.

E’town sentenced for 2018 death of child

A Elizabethtown man has pleaded guilty 2 years after the death of an infant. At a pre-trial conference last week, Jahi Hall pleading guilty to the murder of a 4 month old baby back in 2018. The plea included a 35 year sentence, with hall not eligible for parole until he has served 20 years of his sentence. As first reported in January of 2019, hall was watching the child while the infant’s mother went to work.

Elizabethtown police officer Chris Denham

Formal sentencing for hall is scheduled to take place March 9th.

Positivity rate down to 8.8% Sunday

Over the weekend, the state saw 4,417 new cases of Covid-19. That comes as the state continues to see a drop in the statewide positivity rate. The rate, which has decreased over the past few weeks, is at 8.8% as of Sunday night. The positivity rate has remained around 8% this weekend, with state officials announcing 8.7% on Friday. For local counties, Hardin county saw a total of 55 new cases from this weekend. Meade county saw 21 new cases, and officials reported only 7 cases from LaRue county.

LaRue Co. man arrested after traffic stop

A LaRue county man was arrested last week after a traffic stop resulted in drug trafficking charges. According to officials, Kentucky State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle just past Campbellsville early Friday morning. The trooper approached the vehicle, driven by Casey D’Amore, and detected a strong marijuana odor coming from the cab. A search of the vehicle by a k-s-p k9 resulted in the discovery of drugs in the vehicle. D’Amore and a passenger, Scott Kuchera, were arrested and charged with trafficking in marijuana, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. D’Amore was also charged with operating on a suspended license.

News for January 29

94.3 The Wolf

Man wanted for Pennsylvania homicide found in Elizabethtown

A man wanted for a Pennsylvania homicide was arrested following a pursuit through Elizabethtown. Wednesday night, Kentucky State Police observed a vehicle traveling eastbound on the Bluegrass Parkway at a high rate of speed.

Trooper Scotty Sharp

The vehicle collided with an EPD cruiser as it attempted to get onto I-65. Police apprehended the driver, Issac Sanchez, after a brief altercation. Sanchez was charged with a litany of offenses, including wanton endangerment, as well as fleeing or evading police. He is being held in the Hardin County Detention Center pending extradition.

Local realtors organization makes donation to Ward family

With a local family receiving the news that their second daughter now has leukemia, a local organization, just like the community, is helping out. The Heart of Kentucky Association of Realtors has said they are donating $10,000 to the Ward family in the wake of their middle daughter, Adley, being diagnosed with a form of lymphoblastic leukemia.

Association president Mike Thomas say the group is also planning other events and fundraising events. The oldest daughter, Tenley, was slated to come home the day of Adley’s diagnosis.

States announces new vaccination sites

Yesterday, state officials announced four new regional drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination clinics. The governor announced Lexington, Danville, and Paducah as the 3 locations, with Paducah having 2 sites. In addition, a new state website has been launched to help with vaccinations information and eligibility.

Governor Andy Beshear says additional sites will be announced each of the next 2 Thursdays as the state continues to grow their vaccination efforts.

Area students make list for U.S. Presidential Scholars program

The annual list of U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates has been released, and several local students are featured on the extensive list. 7 high school students representing 4 different schools are included on the list, which includes over 100 candidates from Kentucky. 3 are students at Elizabethtown High School, 2 are from Fort Knox, and one each at LaRue County High School. The U.S. Presidential Scholar program is one of the county’s most prestigious honors for high school students. Students listed include:

  • Matthew Barnes, Elizabethtown High School
  • Matthew Dyer, Elizabethtown High School
  • Kristin Kolasheski, Fort Knox High School
  • Jazmine Moore, Elizabethtown High School
  • Sachaly Rosario Rivera, Fort Knox High School
  • Bella Thurman, LaRue County High School
  • Justin Winarkski, Breckinridge County High School

District court judge appointed to circuit

A familiar face in the Hardin county legal system is moving up. After 22 years on district court, judge David Simcoe has been appointed by Governor Andy Beshear to fill the vacant seat for Hardin Circuit Court.

Simcoe says he will be sworn in Friday, and will assume his new role on Monday. He takes over for former judge Ken Howard, who retired and now serves as city attorney for Elizabethtown.

News for January 28

94.3 The Wolf

Area schools cancel in-person instruction over inclement weather

It was a partial snow day for some students in our listening area today. School districts including Hardin, LaRue, Breckinridge and Meade county announced last night that in-person instruction would not take place today due to inclement weather. However, students will use NTI today. Each district has announced what groups or which students will log on. A complete list of school closure can be found on our website.

Organization prepares for different campaign amid pandemic

The kickoff to Big Brothers Big Sisters won’t take place as normal this year. The annual event, which takes place today, will be held virtually in the wake of the pandemic. Spokesperson Michelle Critchelow says changes to the annual campaign will be discussed at the kickoff party today.

More information on the kickoff party today can be found by going to the Big Brothers Big Sisters website.

State confirms presence of new strain of COVID-19

Officials announced 2,424 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 Wednesday afternoon. State officials also confirmed the presence of a new strain of the virus, the UK variant, which was discovered in Northern Kentucky.

Dr. Steven Stack

For cases locally, Hardin county reported 56 new cases, Meade county had 18, and LaRue with 11.

Man arrested in connection to December robbery

An Elizabethtown man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly taking part in a December 26th robbery. According to arrest records, the incident occurred late last month. Warrants state that the suspect, Henry Bester, was tasked with driving the victim to a location on Sonora Hardin Springs Road. When they arrived, the victim was jumped by 2 males, as well as bester. The victim was held at gunpoint at one point by one of the other males, eventually being struck with the weapon. The victim was left bleeding and bruised, being put back into the car driven by Bester, who drove to a location for the victim to get money. Bester was also arrested on another warrant, in which he allegedly took part in taking auto parts from a recycling center. He was lodged in the Hardin county detention center on a 75,000 bond.

Local veteran’s cemetery included in milestone

Tuesday marked a milestone for Kentucky veterans cemeteries. The burial of WW II Navy veteran Daniel E. Dowdle at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff marked 16 thousand interments at Kentucky Veteran cemeteries across the commonwealth. The very first interment took pace in March of 2004 in Hopkinsville. Many Kentucky state officials say the cemeteries are a point of pride for the commonwealth, showing the state’s care they have for veterans of all ages and any war. The Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff first opened in 2007.

News for January 27th

94.3 The Wolf

Cecilia Valley students head to NTI following staff, student quarantines

Students of Cecilia Valley Elementary will take part in NTI for the next week, beginning today. The district announced the move to online instruction Tuesday afternoon, citing staff and student quarantines as one of the reasons behind the temporary closure.

District spokesperson John Wright

In-person instruction is expected to return for students on February 8th.

Louisville couple arrested on meth charges after traffic stop

A traffic stop landed a Louisville couple in jail Monday night after police discovered several grams of methamphetamine in their vehicle. According to arrest citations, police initiated a traffic stop on a truck Monday night after the officer observed the truck’s expired tags. When he approached the vehicle, the officer noted a strong odor coming from the cab, which was occupied by the driver, Robert Burnette and his wife, Terri Burnette. Units searched the vehicle, discovering several drug related items. Police discovered 3 baggies of suspected methamphetamines, at least 5 grams, as well as marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. Both were arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, as well as possession of marijuana. Both were lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

Beshear: State to receive more vaccine doses from federal government

Good news for Kentuckians when it comes to vaccines. State officials announced Tuesday that the federal government has increased the amount of vaccines the state will receive, increasing by 17%, as well as promising a minimum amount of vaccines for the next 3 weeks.

Governor Andy Beshear

Officials have previously discussed the challenges associated with administering and scheduling vaccines for current phases, with only a limited supply coming from federal health officials.

COVID-19 numbers for January 26th

2,714 new cases reported by officials yesterday afternoon. Tuesday’s news continued a recent trend of lower daily case numbers for the Commonwealth. The state’s positivity rate continued a downward trend, now at 9.6%. However, as officials have noted, related-deaths have continued to build, with the state announcing 35 yesterday. Locally, Hardin county reported 48 new cases, Meade county announced 25, and LaRue confirmed 11.

Hardin County Chamber of Commerce continuing virtual series on entrepreneurship today

The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce is continuing a virtual event today, aimed at highlighting young entrepreneurs in the community.

Chamber spokesperson Kendra Stewart Scott

The event begins today at noon. Registration can be completed by going to the Hardin County Chamber’s website.

News for January 26th

94.3 The Wolf

HCS announces information for staff vaccines

Next week, Hardin County Schools staff members will start receiving their vaccines. The district announced last night that staff who had signed up would begin Moderna vaccines in early February.

District spokesperson John Wright says staff members will be notified when they can make appointment, which will be in five minute intervals. Vaccination sites have not yet been released. The district hopes to vaccinate nearly 450 staff members each day.

State continues low case county

State officials announced 1,268 new cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. And while Monday’s are generally the lowest reporting day in a week, Governor Andy Beshear said yesterday’s total was one of the lowest in recent weeks.

Locally, Hardin county reported 14 cases, Meade reported 5 and LaRue with 3.

Rough River Lake Dam to undergo rehabilitation project

Improvements are on the way for the Rough River Lake Dam. Monday, Senator Mitch McConnell announced that the US Army Corps of Engineers had dedicated $8.7 million to a major rehabilitation project of the dam in it’s fiscal year 2021 work plan. In a release, the Army Corps detailed in a 2012 report that the existing dam called for structural improvements to lower the risk of flooding to surrounding homes and communities. The dedicated money is part of a larger $110 million for the Kentucky Lock and Dam project.

EIS selects new board member

Elizabethtown Independent has a new member on the Board of Education. After taking applications from community members, the board has selected Heather Sharpsteen to fill a vacant spot on the board. According to Sharpsteen, the opportunity was the obvious next step after years of volunteer work in the district.

Sharpsteen was sworn in last Wednesday.

KY Attorney General asks for tips in case of missing Radcliff teen

Five months since her disappearance, Kentucky’s top law enforcement official has promoted the case of a missing Radcliff teen. In a Facebook post Monday morning, Attorney General Daniel Cameron brought attention to the case of Rosalyn Velazquez, who has been missing now since last August.

Radcliff police captain Willie Wells

Velazquez’s case was also featured on the A&E show Live Rescue in December.

News for January 25th

94.3 The Wolf

Elizabethtown mayor named to statewide task force

A task force organized by the Kentucky Attorney General will include a local leader. The Kentucky league of cities announced that mayor Jeff Gregory will represent them on the 17 member task force designed to examined the process behind search warrants in the Commonwealth.

Gregory says the group will meet for the first time in the coming weeks. The Attorney General’s office launched the group in the wake of the death of Breonna Taylor.

1 arrested after pursuit through Nelson Co.

1 person arrested after a pursuit through Nelson County late last week. According to the nelson county sheriff’s office, the department’s help was requested by Mount Washington police after a pursuit entered nelson county. Deputies made contact at Old Louisville Road, where the vehicle was observed at a high rate of speed. The vehicle continued through Bardstown before heading towards Boston. At that point, the vehicle missed a turn, running off the roadway near Nelsonville road and striking a deputy’s cruiser. The pursuit ended a short time later. One occupant, a 17 year old, was released to a guardian. Another occupant, Micka Adams, was arrested for multiple warrants out of Jefferson and Shelby counties. The car had been reported stolen from Louisville.

State sees gradual decline of cases this weekend

More cases of COVID-19 this weekend, but officials say cases are beginning to decline ever so slightly. The state reported over 5,800 this weekend, adding 3,795 on Saturday and 2,018 on Sunday. During a brief update Friday, Governor Andy Beshear offered up his reasoning as to why the state is seeing slightly lower case numbers.

The state’s positivity rate was 10.2% as of Sunday night. Locally this weekend, Hardin county reported 141 cases, Meade added 42, and LaRue added 13.

Ft. Knox officials advise retirees and families on vaccine

Due to limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, just about every kind of organization is having troubling securing needed doses. And that includes the US Army. Fort Knox officials says that while they have been able to vaccinate some critical personnel, larger groups, such as retirees and their families, will have to wait if they want to receive vaccination on post.

Colonel CJ King says that once supplies expand, retirees and other affiliated groups will be able to receive vaccines on post.

E’town man sentenced again for child pornography

For a second time, an Elizabethtown man has been sentenced in relation to child pornography. According to the US Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, Brian Leasor had been serving a 10 year supervised release from a prior charge relating to child pornography. As part of his supervised release, a monitoring company reviewed his internet history and search terms, as did a official during a follow up review. During the review in 2018, it was discovered that Leasor had searched the internet for sexually explicit terms related to young female juveniles. A search was then conducted on Leasor’s residence, where officials found several unauthorized digital items, as well as an unauthorized phone that contained additional searches related to child exploitation. Leasor was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison in addition to a life term of supervised release.

News for January 22nd

94.3 The Wolf

Demand for vaccine growing as LTDHD runs out of appointments

Public requests for the vaccine are growing, if Lincoln Trail Health’s number are any indication. Yesterday, officials at the department revealed that in a matter of 3 and a half hours, over 16,000 phone calls came into the department, as well as over 6,200 visits to their website. Put those figures together, and officials say that equates to over 20,000 attempts to sign up for just 590 doses. Officials are still reminding individuals to stay aware of any additional opportunities through the state’s COVID-19 website closer to February.

Hardin Co. Farmer’s Market to build addition

The Hardin County Farmers’ Market with see an addition spring up this spring. Over 32,000 dollars were allocated from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, allowing the pavilion to construct restroom facilities on site.

Market President Larry Thomas said work is expected to begin on the addition this coming March.

Baptist Health calling out to community for vaccination help

Baptist Health Hardin officials are looking to the community for help as the healthcare provider ramps up vaccinations. Hospital officials recently put out a call to community members for help in the hospital’s expanding vaccination clinic.

Assistant Vice President of Operations Steve White

An email address and phone number for those interested can be found on the Baptist Health Hardin Facebook page.

KSP: Grayson Co. man dead after alleged running towards police with knives

A Grayson county man is dead after police say he charged towards them with 2 knives. Kentucky State Police say they were contacted by the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office late Thursday night, saying that 2 of their officers had been in an officer involved shooting.

Trooper Scotty Sharp

The Grayson County Coroner’s Office pronounced Abbott deceased at the scene. The 2 deputies were not injured and were placed on administrative lead afterwards. The incident is still under investigation.

COVID-19 cases from Thursday

3,728 new cases of COVID-19 from the state yesterday afternoon. The new confirmed cases come as the state sees the positivity rate continue to remain under 12%, now down to 11%. Officials also confirmed Thursday 58 new virus related deaths, a new daily record of deaths associated with COVID-19 in the state. Locally, Hardin County continued to see cases climb, reporting 129 new cases yesterday. Meade reported 37 and LaRue with 19.

News for January 21st

94.3 The Wolf

70 and older vaccine appointments go fast for LTDHD

And just like that, all slots have been filled for vaccines through the Lincoln Trail District Health Department. As reported yesterday, the department had opened vaccinations at 9 am for those 70 and older. But just over an hour later, a notification was sent out that all spots had been filled. Those who did not secure a spot are now asked to keep up to date online.

Spokesperson Terrie Burgan

Details regarding the statewide drive thru vaccination sites are still being discussed at this time.

Hardin Co. road employees likely to see raise after surplus

Some employees with the Hardin county road department will likely see a pay increase in the near future. A renegotiated mowing contract and elimination of vacant positions left the county with a surplus of $164,000. Now officials say they’ll reinvest a majority of that money into their road department workers.

Deputy Judge/Executive Daniel London says the raises will help the department be competitive with hiring, namely recruiting those with CDL licenses. The raise is expected to be confirmed at next week’s fiscal court meeting.

COVID-19 cases for Wednesday

For the fifth straight day, Kentucky officials are reporting the state’s positivity rate remained under 12%. This comes as the state reported 3,433 new cases of the virus from around the state. While the positivity rate remained under the 12% mark, the state continued to see a large amount of new virus related deaths, with 49 confirmed Wednesday. Locally, Hardin county tallied 92 cases, a significant rise from Tuesday and Monday’s totals. Meade confirmed 25, and LaRue announced 7.

Breckinridge Co. health officials in Phase 1B; vaccinating K-12 now

While Lincoln Trail Health officials briefly offered vaccines signups to the public, Breckinridge County Health officials are still focusing their efforts on vaccinating those in high-risk institutions.

Health director Scott Shrewsberry says that the department hopes to offer signups to those 70 and older once they complete the other groups atop Phase 1B.

West Point committee honored for Lewis and Clark auto signs

A local committee is being recognized by a national historical trust. The West Point Revitalization Committee says they were named a special partner for the Lewis and Clark Trust for 2020. Last year, the committee installed signs highlighting the Lewis and Clark Auto Route, the first such along a new 12 hundred mile stretch of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. A member of the expeditions team, John Shields, was from the town of West Point. The expedition stopped in the town over 200 years ago.