Hardin County Schools to go forward with in-person instruction, online academy

Some students within Hardin County Schools will return to in-person instruction this month.

The district’s Board of Education made the decision last night at a special called meeting. Board Chairman Charlie Wise said that the decision to return on August 24th, as previously announced, was a chance to set an positive example for the state.

Superintendent Teresa Morgan, during her remarks, presented the board members with data to aid in their decision making. In the documents, Morgan detailed that one of the most pressing challenges is that the district might run into a staffing problem, noting that 23 teaching positions are currently open. Additionally, 7 out of the district’s 19 schools expressed that they didn’t feel confident returning to in-person classes at this time.

The vote was 4-1 in favor, with Kay Sharon being the only dissenting vote on the board. Students who signed up for the online learning academy will still receive their instruction in that setting.

Surrounding school districts plan to once again change their return plans

While Hardin County Schools will push ahead with their in-person plan, some surrounding districts are making a change to their calendar once again. Zach Epperson talked with the Superintendents of LaRue, Breckinridge, and Elizabethtown Independent Schools about what their districts are planning to do in regards to Governor Beshear’s recommendation on Monday.

Governor Beshear recommended that schools postpone in-person instruction until September 28th.

Kentucky reports highest number of COVID cases in a day

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has set a new record for covid-19 cases. Wednesday saw the highest number of cases reported in a single day, with 1,163 new cases being confirmed. However, the new number comes with a catch, as part of it is made up of numbers delayed from earlier this week, when a glitch in the reporting system gave an unusually low number.

Locally, 20 news cases of the virus were announced in the Lincoln Trail District Health Department’s service area: 8 in Hardin, 5 in Nelson, 4 in Marion, 2 in Meade, and 1 in Washington County. 282 patients are in home isolation and 19 are hospitalized.

KSP: Hardin County man arrested after alleged sodomy

A Hardin County man was arrested Tuesday allegedly sexually abusing two minors.

During a forensic interview, Kentucky State Police say the two victims, both of which are juveniles, disclosed that the subject, Christopher Rogers, had sexually abused and sodomized them. The two stated that the incident happened at Rogers’ house, but could not tell officers exactly when it occurred. Rogers was brought to Post 4 to be interviewed, where he advised Troopers that they would need to speak to a lawyer.

Rogers was arrested and charged with Sodomy 1st degree, a Class B felony if convicted. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center. 

Churchill Downs announces Derby health protocol

Officials with the Kentucky Derby have released their health and safety protocols for this year’s event. September 5th’s Run for the Roses will call for a 40% maximum occupancy. That’s 14% of the record attendance in 2015. Fans will be limited to reserved seating, meaning tickets for the infield and standing room only will not be allowed. Masks, temperature check, and social distancing will be enforced. The Derby is the country’s longest-running sporting event.

AG Daniel Cameron meets with family, friends of Brionna Taylor

While the investigation into the death of Breonna Taylor continues, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, for the first time, sat down with Taylor’s friends and family on Wednesday. The meeting, which was announced through Cameron’s office, was a chance for him to express his personal condolences to Taylor’s family and friends. Cameron has previously stated that his office is awaiting the results of a ballistics test from the FBI.

The FBI Field office in Louisville is conducting a separate death investigation.

Beshear recommends September 28th as a return to in-person instruction3

Many have been waiting on the announcement for weeks, but Governor Andy Beshear finally made his recommendation last night regarding in-person instruction for schools this fall. Beshear said that, while the ultimate goal should be a return to face-to-face teaching, schools aren’t ready for that just yet.

Also announced at last night’s press conference was that bars and restaurants would once again be allowed to operate at 50% capacity. However, they will have to do so with a last call for drinks at 10 p.m., and will have to close by 11 p.m.

Traveling carnival provided Healthy at Work plan, health department says

It’s almost an annual occurrence.

A traveling fair sets up shop at the Towne Mall in Elizabethtown for a few days each the summer. But this seemingly ordinary event has been met with criticism from residents in a year where many attractions have shut down due to health and safety concerns. But health officials say they approved the business’ health and safety plan for operation. 

Lincoln Trail Health Environmental Director Bryan Carroll says the company outlined plans for sanitation of what was referred to as “major touch” area, as well as social distancing. The carnival will operate until August 16th.

Wildlife officials: report bear sightings to State

With numerous reports of bear sightings in Hardin and surrounding counties over the past several days, wildlife officials say residents should be cautious with the animals. 

ECTC provided with grant for TRIO program

On Friday, it was announced that Elizabethtown Community and Technical College would be awarded with yet another grant, this time for their TRIO program. According to Interim Chief Academic Officer Darren Powell, the grant, over $300,000, will be used by the college for their student support services under the program.

The program has been around for the last twenty years.

Former councilman Ron Thomas honored with plaque at Freeman Lake

During his 30 years on the Elizabethtown City Council, Ron Thomas has gone by many names. Now, “Mayor of the Lake” will forever be one of them.

The fishing dock at Freeman Lake Park was renamed in honor of former Elizabethtown City Council member Ron Thomas Wednesday afternoon. Thomas, who many said was never at a loss for words, clearly was.

“If I want to be remembered in a certain way by Elizabethtown, the lake is one of the things that is dearest to me,” an emotional Thomas said. “I’m truly honored to have my name associated with what is one of the greatest assets the city of Elizabethtown has.”

Councilmembers and former mayors were present for the plaque dedication, including former mayors Pat Durbin, David Wilmoth Jr., and Edna Berger. Berger who served on the council with Thomas and ran for mayor against him, says Thomas was a true public servant, and was never afraid to tell you what he thought. 

“He’s going to tell you exactly how it is,” Berger said, “And if you don’t agree with him, too bad. And if he doesn’t agree with you, too bad.”

“You’re going to have to work it out, and over time, you will,” Berger continued.

Councilman Tony Bishop, who served with Thomas for a number of years, said the former council member was all about doing what was best for the community.

“He just loves this city, and he’d do just about anything for it,” Bishop said of his former colleague. “[And] compassion for the people. That’s the two main things: the compassion for the city and the compassion for the people who live here.”

Thomas’ family was present at the event, helping to uncover the plaque, which stand at the foot of the fishing dock.

Thomas retired from the Elizabethtown City Council in 2018. 

Guthrie: COVID vaccine might be developed by October

While it wouldn’t be in mass production until early next year, 2nd District Representative Brett Guthrie says a coronavirus vaccine could be here as early as October.

Guthrie says that the rollout of vaccines would likely take place in January and February, and would be given to those who are most at-risk. That includes those in nursing homes, frontline works, and those who are immunocompromised.

51st Street Rod Nationals underway with COVID precautions

The Street Rod Nationals are scheduled to take to kick off this Thursday, with several precautions in place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spokesperson Jim Rowlett says that the event is taking many steps to keep attendees safe as the festivities kick off.

Rowlett also notes that there are expected to be around 6,000 cars in attendance this year. Tickets for the event will be $19 when bought at the gate.

Virtual Fort Knox Gold Rush event begins today

While the in-person event was canceled this year, a virtual version of the annual Fort Knox Gold Rush auction event will kick off today.  

Spokesperson Christie McGill. More information on the event can be found on the Ft. Knox Spouses and Community Club facebook page.

Hiroshima: 75 years later

Today marks 75 years since the bombing of Hiroshima by the U.S. Armed Forces. In a speech that was broadcasted from the U.S.S. Augusta, President Harry Truman informed the American People, and the world, of the events that took place in the Japanese city. 

The city of Elizabethtown has a connection to that day. Resident Gillen Nicely Sr. was the tailgunner on the Straight Flush, one of the planes part of the mission. The city of Nagasaki would be bombed next on August 9th.

Even with online instruction, teachers can look for signs of child abuse or neglect

Teachers are the number one reporters of child abuse and neglect. That might be one of the reasons reports of such activity have decreased significantly since March, when students left the classroom and headed home for NTI.

“We see that coinciding with teachers not being able to see their kids face to face everyday,” CASA of the Heartland interim executive director Natalie Cubbage said. “Calls to the state child protection hotline are down 19%, and that’s from February to June of this year.”

Cubbage says that even with students out of the classroom, there are still some signs teachers can watch out for, especially during online instruction this upcoming year.

Cubbage says that while not every indication may be abuse or neglect, she advises that if you see something, say something.

Beshear: ‘Facial covering work”; virus cases become steady as July ends

Governor Andy Beshear continued to report steady numbers of covid-19 cases this weekend, with 572 on Saturday and 463 on Sunday. On Saturday, Beshear said that, in comparison to other states, the Commonwealth was doing well.

The state’s positivity rate is expected to be updated later today. Beshear announced 2 additional covid-related deaths on Sunday.

While state numbers steady, local levels see increase

State-wide numbers might have become steady following July’s rise in covid-19 cases, but local health officials say that’s not the case within the region.

Lincoln Trail Health spokesperson Terrie Burgan says the rise in cases locally likely indicates a pocket, which is normal with an easily transmittable virus. Burgan says that the state as a whole has done well against the virus when compared to other states. While cluster data is not yet available, Burgan says it is being compiled, and should be available in the near future.

Breckinridge County changes Return to School date

After Governor Andy Beshear recommended schools not begin in person instruction until the third week of August, Breckinridge County Schools has made a change to their school calendar. The district announced Friday that students would now be returning on August 25th.

Superintendent Nick Carter says that the district will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation as the beginning of the school year approaches, and will make adjustments if necessary.

Space X astronauts return from ISS

Yesterday, it was history in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida. For the first time in 45 years, a U.S. Space capsule landed in a splash down, this time returning home Space X astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Benhken. This was the completion of Space X’s first full test flight to space. The two astronauts spent the last two months in space aboard the International Space Station. More missions to the space station are planned for the near future.

Bardstown teen arrested for attempted murder

A Bardstown teen was arrested WEdnesday after allegedly shooting another. The Bardstown Police Department responded to the Speedy Mart at 603 Bloomfield Road on a report of shots fired. The 17-year-old victim, who had arrived at Flaget Memorial Hospital, had been shot in the left chest area. Following an investigation, suspect Tyran Maddox was located and arrested during a traffic stop a little before 1 a.m.

Maddox was taken to the Nelson County Jail and is being held on a $100,000 cash bond. He is charged with attempted murder, as well as wanton endangerment, 1st degree.

KSP hosts ‘Cover the Cruiser’ campaign in E’town

Kentucky State Police Post 4 took part in a unique fundraising campaign this week. The Cover the Cruiser campaign was used to raise money for the Kentucky Special Olympics. Trooper Scotty Sharp says the 1-day event, which was held at the Five Star at the corner of St. John and Ring Road, raised over $1,000 for Special Olympics. The event was used as a substitute for the annual Torch Run, which had to be cancelled due to covid-19.

Officials provide update on new trash cart roll-out

Waste officials are continuing to answer the public about new trash carts. Officials say that while the orange trash carts continue to appear across Hardin County, the old carts aren’t ready to be picked up yet. Red River vice president Steve Smith says that crews are still working to get the new, bright orange carts distributed to customers within the Hardin County system. Smith says the old carts will be picked up as soon as distribution is complete.

The new carts are part of the new, 8-year franchise agreement with the county.

Work detail fills 5,000 bags of trash in July

After roughly 3 months off due to covid-19 restrictions, Hardin County’s Inmate Work Crew was back out on the road in July, and they picked right back up where they left off, collecting 5000 bags of trash over 400 miles of roadway within the county. Jailer Josh Lindblom says the workers look at the task as a competition between the crews, saying, “it’s like a pride thing for them.”

Lindblom said that the time off also brought collection numbers down just slightly. Officials remind motorists to slow down when driving around work details.

ECTC launches Mobile Information Station

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College will be offering yet another creative way to reach out to prospective students ahead of the 2020-21 academic year. The college will be using a Mobile Information Station for those who would like to meet with college representatives, but cannot get to campus. 

The mobile station will also be at the Elizabethtown-Hardin County Industrial Foundation on August 11th from 7-9 AM and 2-4 PM, as well as visiting various schools around the region. All activity will be outdoors, and face coverings and social distancing will be required. More information and a schedule of where the bus will be can be found at Elizabethtown.kctcs.edu