Brian Walker spoke with Bryce Shumate with Hardin County Emergency Management about road conditions after last night’s ice storm.
KYTC crews prepare for winter weather
Officials with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 4 say crews are prepared for the inclement weather heading toward the region over the next several hours.
Spokesperson Chris Jessie says crews have been out on the road since the early morning hours.
Radcliff Police, Crime Stoppers asking for public assistance after armed robberies
After a string of armed robberies, Radcliff police and other law enforcement organizations are asking for the public’s help.
Surveillance stills of the individuals can be found on the Radcliff police department’s website. Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to contact law enforcement or Hardin county Crime Stoppers. Those reporting to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous either through P3tips.org or by calling.
Virtual auction to benefit CASA, Crusade for Children, to end tonight
Today is the final day to take part in CASA of the Heartland’s first ever virtual auction.
The event closes this evening at 5 p.m. Details on the auction, as well as items, can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.
LTDHD postpones Wednesday vaccine clinic
Just a day after quickly filling up vaccination appointments, Lincoln Trail Health officials have postponed today’s scheduled vaccine clinic. Officials made the announcement last night, saying expected weather has caused the postponement. Officials say a makeup date of February 17th has been added for the clinic that was slated to take place today. Updates from the health department can be found on their Facebook page.
Emergency management officials prepare possible shelters in case of outages
Though the more severe parts of the ice storm are slated to begin late Wednesday and into Thursday, county emergency management officials have begun preparations for shelters for residents, should a large amount of power go out to residents across the county.
Hardin County Emergency Management Director Bryce Shumate says seven such shelters will be set up throughout the county.
Health department offers signups once again
Vaccine appointments through the Lincoln Trail District Health Department will once again offer appointment signups today. Officials announced yesterday that vaccine signups would begin Tuesday at 9 a.m., open to only those in phases 1A and 1B. Officials do stress that appointments are first come first serve, though there is an added emphasis on those who are 70 and older who are not already covered under the school vaccination plan. As of now, all appointments have been filled.
Emergency officials urge use of winter preparedness kits in cars
As the likelihood of a winter storm grows, emergency officials are reminding motorists to make sure they have a winter preparedness kit in their car in the event of being stuck due to inclement weather.
Meade County Emergency Management Director Ron Dodson also stresses the importance of checking your vehicle over to make sure it’s ready for travel. That includes checking tires and fuel levels.
Kentucky sees decline in cases for fourth straight week
For the fourth straight week, the state of Kentucky is seeing Covid-19 case numbers trending down. Governor Andy Beshear made the announcement during Monday’s media briefing. Beshear said that while cases are trending down, deaths are still high, with the state reporting 40 new ones. Still though, Beshear is pleased with the progress the state is making.
Locally, Hardin county added 18 new cases Monday. Meade county counted 3, and LaRue county added 2.
Communicare receives nearly $3 million for services
As part of the latest rescue package, an Elizabethtown health service will receive over 2 million dollars to help with mental and substance use disorders amid the pandemic. Senator Mitch McConnell announced Monday that Communicare would receive $2.8 million for its efforts in treating mental and behavioral health. In the release, officials with Communicare say they intended to use the funds to expand their services, saying they intend to establish a community behavioral health center. Communicare services 8 counties in the Lincoln Trail health region.
Nolin officials say they’re preparing for winter weather, urge customers to do the same
Ahead of the weather, Nolin RECC officials are reminding customers and the public alike about the dangers that ice can have on the electrical system.
Spokesperson Sarah Fellows says any outages can be reported to Nolin officials though their smart-hub app or the co-op’s website.
HCS resumes staff vaccinations
Today, schools are resuming vaccinations once again for signed up staff members. Hardin County officials say that the process has gone smooth through the first 2 days.
Elementary schools will begin staff vaccinations today. A list of affected schools and learning groups can be found by going to the district’s Facebook page and website.
BHH officials roll out treatment for COVID patients not in hospitals
A new treatment is now available for non-hospitalized individuals who test positive for Covid-19. Baptist Health Hardin officials announced Friday the use of Bamlinivimab, intended to help those with mild and moderate illness from Covid-19.
Patients must meet some criteria to take one of two such anti-body treatments. Godfrey stresses that the treatment is not a substitute for the vaccine. The treatment was granted emergency use from the FDA.
Elizabethtown area one of the safest from violent crimes in country
Recent 2019 data sets from the FBI shows that the Elizabethtown-Fort Knox Metropolitan Statistical Area is one of the country safest when it comes to violent crime per capita. The area registered 5th on the list with a violent crime rate of 99.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. Others in front of the Elizabethtown area on the list include Provo, Utah, Bangor, Maine, and even San German, Puerto Ricco.
Hardin County sheriff named president of state’s sheriffs’ association
The Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association has a local name atop their ranks. Hardin County Sheriff John Ward was announced as the organization’s new president at the annual meeting last week.
Ward says the term of president is for 1 year. Ward has served in the organization since becoming Hardin county’s sheriff in 2014.
Hardin Co. man sentenced to 190 months in prison
A Sonora man has been sentenced 2 years after an armed carjacking in Elizabethtown. Joshua Logsdon was sentenced in U.S. District court last week to 190 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. In 2019, officials say Logsdon forced a driver out of their car at gunpoint, firing the weapon as they escaped. As police arrived on scene, Logsdon then drove the vehicle towards them. Logsdon led several law enforcement agencies on a high speed pursuit through Elizabethtown and onto I-65, with the pursuit ending in Sonora.
State positivity rate drops below 8 percent over the weekend
Just over 3,500 cases of Covid-19 from this past weekend in the state. Officials announced 1,998 on saturday and 1,532 on Sunday. As of last night, the state’s positivity rate is down to 7.9%. For local counties, Hardin county reported 57 new cases from this weekend, Meade county reported 20 new cases, and LaRue county reported 12.
ECTC moves to 2, 8-week sessions a semester
Big changes are on the way for students at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College next semester. The college announced yesterday that they would be reworking semesters into two, 8-week sessions. College officials say the change presents certain advantages for students.
College President Dr. Juston pate says ECTC is the only college in the KCTCS system to make this change. Students in co-ops or clinical classes will not be affected by the change. The 8-week advantage sessions will begin in Fall 2021.
HCS begins staff vaccinations; pivots to NTI for some groups
Today, Hardin County Schools staff who have signed up for it will receive their first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. As a result, group “A” students from all high schools, as well EC3 and College View Campus students, went to NTI, allowing their instructors the chance to get their vaccines.
A full schedule with dates and groups affected can be found on the Hardin County Schools website.
State moves forward with teacher vaccinations; case numbers for Wednesday
On Wednesday, Kentucky officials reported 2,592 new cases of Covid-19. That comes as Governor Andy Beshear announced that the commonwealth is on track to become the first state to vaccinate educators, with the hope that all schools can begin to reopen sometime in the near future. The state’s positivity rate was once again on the decline, down to 8.5%. Locally, 69 new cases were reported for Hardin county. LaRue county reported 20 new cases, and Meade county reported 18.
NHHS football player, family awarded donation from BG event
An event aimed at raising money for high school athletes with serious illnesses has presented a North Hardin family with a sizable donation. The frozen 4, an annual walk or run event in Bowling Green, chose North Hardin football player Demarie Lyons as the recipient of the race’s proceeds. And even with a pandemic, organizers say they were able to raise $6,000.
Lyons was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in October of last year.
LaRue county awarded grant for illegal dump cleanups
LaRue county is one of 18 counties receiving grants aimed at helping to clean up illegal open dumps. The state energy and environment cabinet announced this week that nearly $600,000 were being awarded through grants to the counties, with the goal of cleaning up 72 illegal open dumps. LaRue county received $7,750 as part of the grant funding. Each county must agree to a 25% match of the grant amount. Officials say over 2,000 dump sites have been cleaned up since the early 2000’s
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.
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.
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.
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.
ECTC opens up scholarship application for upcoming academic year
Scholarships for incoming and current ECTC students are now open for the upcoming academic year.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.