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News for March 24

94.3 The Wolf

Intersections of 31W project to be impacted tonight

As work continues on the 31-W rehabilitation project in Elizabethtown, transportation officials have announced the temporary closure of some medians along the corridor later tonight. Crews will close off the medians of the intersections of Towne Mall/Starlite Center and Walmart Drive at Dixie highway beginning tonight at 9 pm and lasting until tomorrow morning at 6 am. Traffic will be able to travel along 31-W and turn right in and out of the shopping centers; however, drivers can not cross the intersections during that time. Officials encourage motorists to pay attention to signs regarding changing road conditions. More information can be found on US31w.org.

ECTC scholarships to close in next week

Just over a week from today, scholarships for Elizabethtown Community and Technical College will close for the upcoming semester. 

Institutional Advancement Officer Megan Stith

Scholarship information can be found on the ECTC website.

Red Cross promotes Giving Day

Today is Giving Day for the American Red Cross, a day officials promote as the opportunity to help community members when they need it most through donations. 

Regional Red Cross Chapter Executive Director Jennifer Capps

The organization says 90 cents out of every dollar goes directly back into communities. More information on donations and volunteer opportunities can be found on the Red Cross website.

Beshear: over 198,000 Kentuckians vaccinated in last vaccination week

The state of Kentucky once again broke their own record of weekly vaccinations this past week. State officials made the announcement Tuesday afternoon, saying nearly 200 thousand residents were vaccinated during the week beginning March 16th. 

Governor Andy Beshear

893 new cases were announced for the state. Hardin County reported 12 new cases, and LaRue County reported two.

Elizabethtown announces schedule for spring clean-up

Elizabethtown city officials have announced their plans for the annual spring cleanup. Monday, public works officials presented the city council with the schedule for the annual month long event, with the work schedule set to begin next Thursday, April 1st. Officials say pickup of debris and junk will start in section 1, West of Dixie and North of St John Road, and will rotate the entire month throughout the 5 areas of the city. A full schedule, as well as costs for bags, if needed, can be found on the city’s website.

News for March 23

94.3 The Wolf

Community pools plan to reopen this summer

After taking the summer off last season, local communities are ready to open their pools to citizens this summer. Both the City of Radcliff and Elizabethtown recently announced that their pools will open.

Radcliff Mayor JJ Duvall
Elizabethtown spokesperson Amy Inman

Both facilities are planning on opening up Memorial Day weekend.

HCS elementary, middle school students return to full-time instruction Monday

5 day instruction began for elementary and middle school students yesterday. After nearly a year since going full time, district officials say the return will benefit students.

District spokesperson John Wright

April 12th is the date high school students will return to full-week instruction.

Robley Rex opens vaccine registration to all veterans

A week after open vaccines up to those 40 and older, the Robley Rex VA Medical Center has now opened vaccine signups to veterans of all ages. The organization made the announcement yesterday. Clinic officials still say they are reaching out to veterans in their system by way of VA messaging and phone to schedule vaccination appointments. Veterans can also call the VA vaccine call center to schedule an appointment. More information can be found by going to the Robley Rex VA Medical Center website.

Samantha’s Hugs collects stuffed animals in first Towne Mall event

Over the weekend, residents came together to drop off stuffed animals for a good cause. Samantha’s Hugs, a new local organization collecting stuffed animals for law enforcement, says they collected numerous stuffed animals during their event at the Towne Mall last Saturday.

Organizer Kevin Cox says the event resulted in two vans full of stuffed animals. Cox says the amount will be divided between KSP Post 4 and the Frankfort post. Cox says he hopes a conversation in Frankfort might lead to Samantha’s Hugs going across the state and collecting stuffed animals for local police posts.

Under 300 new Covid-19 cases reported for state Monday

Cases continue to decrease as vaccination increase. That was the message from Governor Andy Beshear during his media briefing yesterday afternoon. Beshear announced only 294 new cases of the virus, as well as a positivity rate of 2.93%, the lowest since the beginning of last July. Beshear says 1.1 million Kentuckians have been vaccinated so far. Of local counties, only Meade county reported a single case of Covid-19.

News for March 19

94.3 The Wolf

Samantha’s Hugs to accept stuffed animals Saturday

A local family is turning their tragedy into the opportunity to put a smile on the face of children who need it most. After losing their daughter Samantha in December, parents Kevin and Betty Cox, didn’t know what to do with their daughter’s stuffed animals, until they learned about a program through Kentucky State Police. 

As part of their mission, Samantha’s Hugs will be taking new or gently used stuffed animals tomorrow in the J.C. Penny parking lot at Towne Mall from 1-3 p.m.

Vaccine appointments for the “disproportionately affected” to take place soon

Local health officials will be offering 3 vaccination sites in the coming days and weeks. Lincoln Trail Health will set up at Warm Blessings March 23rd and April 1st, Sign of the Dove Church in Radcliff March 26th, and First Baptist Church April 9th. Officials say the hope is to provide better access for those disproportionately affected, including people of color, minority groups, and those who may lack financial security. More information on signups can be found on the Lincoln Trail District Health Department website.

Beshear: Bars and restaurants can stay open later

Due to declining positivity rates, Governor Andy Beshear announced yesterday that the curfew for bars and restaurants across the state has been extended. Now, those establishments can operate until midnight, with doors closing at 1 a-m. 

785 new cases reported yesterday, along with a positivity rate of 3.23%. Locally, Hardin county added 25 new cases to its total. LaRue and Meade county announced 3 each.

ECTC offers Covid-19 relief grants to qualifying students

Over 17 hundred students at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College were offered grants this week as part of funds from Coronavirus relief efforts. Around 1,740 students were offered 600 dollar grants from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund 2, through December’s Covid-19 relief plan from the federal government. The college says students started to receive refunds this week and will continue until all funds have been provided to eligible students. Awards through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund 2 are decided based on a student’s FAFSA. This is just the latest example of Covid-19 relief for students of the college. Last year ECTC launched their Student Emergency Assistance Fund. 19 donors have given a total of 18 thousand dollars.

BHH to host Saturday appointment scheduling

Tomorrow, Baptist Health Hardin will be offering another chance to schedule appointments for a Covid-19 vaccine. The healthcare provider announced this week that residents who fall under the provider’s current vaccination timeline can call to schedule an appointment tomorrow, from 9 am to 2 pm. Officials with the hospital say the one-time opportunity makes it easier for residents to schedule an appointment outside of traditional work hours when they might not be free to call. More information can be found on the Baptist Health Hardin website.

News for March 18

94.3 The Wolf

Vine Grove prepares for year of events

Vine Grove officials are gearing up for a busy 20-21 event season. After Covid-19 cancelled many community favorites, the city is set to host numerous events this year, including some new ones such as an Artisan Market, setting up shop at Optimist Park 4 times this summer and free to vendors.

Mayor Pam Ogden said traditional community favorites, like July 2nd fireworks and First Friday, as well as Veterans Day and Halloween Parade, will take place. A community yard sale is also being planned.

St. James students thank first responders during ‘Day of Service’

First responders in the community were honored by students at St. James yesterday as part of an annual tradition. The middle school students held their annual Day of Service Wednesday, presenting 700 gift bags to police officers, fire fighters, hospital staff, as well as those in emergency services. The items within the baskets were donated by families and friends of St. James School, and included keepsake cards and snacks, among other items. The annual Day of Service is made possible through an endowment established in the memory of former student Tai Le, who died in a car crash in 2018.

United Way gets set to wrap up fundraising campaign

After a year fraught with changes due to the pandemic, United Way of Central Kentucky is preparing to wrap up their annual fundraising campaign. The organization says this year’s fundraiser was important given how many more individuals used services supported by United Way. 

United Way spokesperson Hunter Roberts says contributions to the organization can still be made before the March 31st deadline. More information on donating can be found on United Way’s website.

Wednesday’s Covid-19 update

Another decline in the state’s positivity rate yesterday, but Governor Andy Beshear says the case numbers coming in are still not where officials want them to be. Yesterday’s case information included 963 new positives and 27 new deaths, one of which was a 38-year old male from Hardin county. Locally, Hardin was one of the top reporting counties in the state, adding 38 new cases to its total. LaRue county added only 2 new cases.

EPD: Watch out for pedestrians as warmer weather arrives

Sure, it might have been raining today, but spring is here. With that, local law enforcement officials are reminding the public to watch out for pedestrians as more people head outside. 

Officer Chris Denham also reminds drivers that pedestrians are always given the right of way when it comes to sidewalks and crosswalks.

News for March 16

94.3 The Wolf

E’town residents share concerns with council over proposed mini-roundabout

After the announcement that a mini-roundabout was to be constructed near the Brown-Pusey House this spring, several Elizabethtown residents showed up to Monday’s Elizabethtown City Council meeting to voice concern about the project near the house. Engineers with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet were on hand to answer questions, hoping to alleviate concerns. 

KYTC Engineer Brad Bottoms

The intersection in question is to be constructed in the same timeframe as one at Main and Crutcher, taking 21 days each to complete. Members of the Brown Pusey board said they would meet to discuss if they would prefer the Crutcher intersection to be the first one converted.

EIS welcomes students back 4-days a week

Monday, students at Elizabethtown Independent began their return to in-person instruction 4 days a week, and Superintendent Kelli Bush says the mood around the district was positive, even for a Monday. 

Bush says the number of students who optioned for 4-days a week are roughly the same as those who took part in hybrid instruction. The board discussed the return plan at a meeting earlier this month.

Beshear: State has vaccinated 1 million individuals

A milestone yesterday for the state of Kentucky. Officials gathered at the State Capitol yesterday to watch as healthcare officials administered the millionth vaccine for the commonwealth. 

Governor Andy Beshear also announced that the state has administered 99.7% of all first doses they have received. Officials say more than 142 thousand individuals have received a vaccine in just the past week.

Local St. Baldrick’s team releases totals

This year, even with a virtual-only option, the Elizabethtown St Baldrick’s group was still able to raise significant funds for cancer research. 

Organizer Heather Jones says the local group was ranked second in the country as of Monday afternoon for group fundraising efforts through the foundation. The local organization has raised over 200 thousand dollars since 2011.

Statewide tornado drill takes place this morning

After being delayed from the beginning of the month, the annual statewide tornado drill will take place this morning just after 10 a-m. Emergency management officials say the drill gives everyone a chance to review plans and procedures for severe weather. 

Meade County Emergency Management Director Ron Dodson also suggests residents get NOAA radios to listen to alerts. The original date coincided with National Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

News for March 15

94.3 The Wolf

Man arrested following Friday’s homicide in Radcliff

One man has been arrested after a woman was found dead in Radcliff Friday. Police responded to a residence off of Scenic Drive after reports of a possibly deceased individual. Police found the victim, identified later as Angela Dawn Kerr, 27, of Grayson County, lying naked outside of the residence’s rear door. Hardin County EMS confirmed Kerr was deceased. Police say Kerr had suffered multiple gunshots wounds. Police also determined that Kerr’s clothing had been cut off, and that her body had been removed from inside the residence. Later, it was determined that Joseph Meredith had been with Kerr. Detectives later found Meredith walking a short distance  from the residence, in possession of a handgun believed to be used in the shooting. Meredith was arrested and charged with murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and abuse of corpse. He’s being held in the Hardin County Detention Center on a $500,000 cash bond. Meredith was expected in court Monday morning.

State broadens group eligible under phase 1C

Beginning today, Phase 1C of Kentucky’s vaccination plan will include more individuals. State health officials announced the change last week, hoping additional Kentuckians with behavioral or medical health 16 and older will take advantage of the vaccine. 

Dr. Steven Stack

Kentucky added 445 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday. Locally, Hardin County added only five new cases Sunday, with LaRue adding three and Meade adding one.

Deadline for some to transition to HCS in-person is this afternoon

Elementary and middle school parents can transition their online students back to in-person instruction for next week, but they have until this afternoon to do so. 

District spokesperson John Wright

The deadline for high school students to transition back to in-person instruction is March 19th. Parents must speak with a building administrator at their child’s school to make the move.

Four juveniles arrested after leading pursuit in stolen car

Four juveniles were arrested after leading police on a high speed chase in a stolen vehicle through Elizabethtown. According to Kentucky State Police, Troopers observed a dodge avenger traveling near the commercial vehicle scale in Elizabethtown last week traveling at 110 miles per hour. At that time, troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued Southbound on I-65. The pursuit reached speeds of up to 118 miles per hour before the vehicle exited at the Upton exit and re-entered 65 going northbound. Elizabethtown Police were able to slow the vehicle with deflation devices, with the vehicle stopping at the 93 mile marker. Police arrested the four juveniles without further incident. They were later lodged in the Warren County Detention Center.

One month until Tax Day: Professionals say IRS has big task ahead of them

Tax Day is officially a month away. This year, with Covid-19 still present and a new virus relief plan from the federal government just signed, tax officials and accountants say the I-R-S has 3 tasks before them this season. 

CPA Jon Anderson says one change this year at the federal level is that unemployment benefits up to a certain level are tax free, unlike most years. And those stimulus payments you might have gotten? Not taxable income.

Ft. Knox, Hardin Co. Government sign ISA for mowing on post

Fort Knox and Hardin County Government have reached a final “Ground and Mowing Right of Way” contract . The county made the announcement on Friday, saying the Intergovernmental Support Agreement (ISA) will benefit taxpayers, with $200,000 in savings annually, as well as decreasing Fort Knox’s cost by around $100,000 each year. The county, however, will utilize a private contractor to maintain the roughly 1,400 acres covered in the agreement. Hardin County Judge Executive Harry Berry noted this is the fourth intergovernmental support agreement the county has signed with Fort Knox.

News for March 12

94.3 The Wolf

Two E’town intersections to be converted to mini-roundabouts this summer

This summer, two Elizabethtown intersections are set to be converted into mini-roundabouts. Intersections along Main Street at Crutcher and Poplar will be installed as part of Highway Safety Improvement Program. 

District 4 Transportation Spokesperson Chris Jessie says that while these two are the first projects, five others are in the near future. Other intersections set to be converted as part of the program include:

  • Executive Drive and Commerce Drive
  • Dolphin Drive and Josale Drive
  • Poplar Street as Sycamore Street
  • Poplar Street at Mantle Avenue
  • Woodland Drive at Laymen Lane

The five upcoming projects, Jessie says, are in the process of right-of-way acquisition. The two for this summer were billed as one project. A contract on those has not been awarded at this time.

Elizabethtown Sports Park’s “Miracle Field” renamed as part of partnership

One of the fields at the Elizabethtown Sports Park dedicated to players of all abilities now has a new name. Announced this week, the Sports Park has partnered with The Cecilian Bank to rename Miracle Field as “The Cecilian Bank Miracle Field at The Elizabethtown Sports Park.” The naming deal goes into effect this year, lasting 10 years and is worth $220,000. A ceremony and ribbon cutting to mark the event is set to take place sometime this spring.

State officials open the phase 1C field for more individuals

Kentucky’s vaccine eligibility under phase 1C is expanding next week. State officials announced that those 16 and older who have medical or behavioral health conditions that might put them at a greater risk for Covid-19 can be vaccinated under Phase 1C beginning March 15th. Those conditions can be found on the state’s Covid-19 website. Beshear announced yesterday that the state added 1,211 new cases yesterday, with the state’s positivity rate going up slightly to 3.95%. Locally, Hardin County added 15, LaRue added three, and Meade County added two. 

Fire officials remind residents to check smoke alarm batteries with Daylight Saving Time

This weekend, we change our clocks and our batteries, in our smoke alarms that is. Fire safety officials use this time each spring and fall to encourage residents to take time to check the batteries of their smoke alarms. 

Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshall Tommy Crane says alarms should be clear and loud in case of emergency. Crane also says residents should replace smoke alarms older than 10 years old. Crane also says residents who aren’t able to purchase new smoke alarms can contact the American Red Cross, which runs a program designed to get smoke alarms installed in homes.

EPD: Man arrested after allegedly striking autistic son with belt

An Elizabethtown man arrested this week after officials allege he struck his autistic son with a belt. According to arrest citations, police say that the man in question, Nathaniel Stewart, had allegedly struck his 12 year old autistic son with a belt while he was in the shower. Officers say the incident resulted in significant bruising for the child, which could still be seen several days later. Stewart was arrested and charged with criminal abuse 1st degree. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center on a $10,000 cash bond.

News for March 11

94.3 The Wolf

Soudal opens North American Headquarters in Elizabethtown

A global manufacturer officially opened their North American headquarters Wednesday afternoon. Officials with Soudal, as well as local government leaders, gathered for a ribbon cutting outside the new, state-of-the-art facility. 

Soudal USA Regional Director Joe Lepire

The company, originally from Belgium, specializes in producing various types of adhesives. 

Community, state leaders come together to honor Richardson

The ceremony for outgoing Hardin County Chamber President took place yesterday, and while it was filled with some ribbing and good-natured humor, community leaders and entrepreneurs came together to honor the leader of one of the state’s largest chambers. 

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President Ashli Watts
Fort Knox Commanding General john R. Evans

Richardson is set to retire at the end of the month.

One person killed after head-on collision in Bardstown

One person is dead after a crash in Nelson County Wednesday. Kentucky State Police say they were contacted early yesterday morning by Bardstown Police in reference to a two-vehicle collision on highway 245 near Templin Avenue. Through an investigation, Troopers learned that one driver, James Milburn, was traveling south on highway 245 when he crossed the centerline, striking an oncoming vehicle head on. The driver of the other vehicle, 19-year old Joseph Daughtery, was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Nelson County Coroner’s Office. Milburn was transported to University hospital for non-life threatening injuries. K-S-P says the collision is still under investigation.

Officer pricked by uncapped syringe while conducting traffic stop

A traffic stop in Elizabethtown Wednesday resulted in a police officer being pricked by an uncapped syringe while searching a vehicle. According to arrest citations, an officer observed a vehicle traveling south on I-65 yesterday morning and noticed the vehicle’s license plate was not illuminated. Upon stopping the vehicle, the driver, William Bryant, was arrested as he had active warrants. The officer spoke with the passenger, Lynda Schenk, and asked her if she had anything on her or in the vehicle that would stick or stab him. She advised that she did not. The officer located a bag containing syringes, with an uncapped one accidentally sticking him. A search of the rest of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of multiple bags of suspected methamphetamines, as well as a scale, several smoking pipes, and an open alcoholic container. Schenk was arrested and charged with wanton endangerment of an officer, as well as trafficking in a controlled substance. She and Bryant were both lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

Beshear: Over 850,000 Kentuckians have received some version on vaccine

Just over a year since the pandemic started to grow, the state of Kentucky says nearly one million individuals have received some version of a Covid-19 vaccine. Governor Andy Beshear made that announcement during a visit to Ashland yesterday. 

Kentucky added 1,010 new cases yesterday afternoon, while again seeing the positivity rate drop, this time down to 3.93%. Hardin County reported 13 new cases, Meade reported 5, and Larue reported 3.

News for March 10

94.3 The Wolf

Hardin Co. Schools to start in-person instruction 5-days a week March 22nd

Starting March 22nd, students with Hardin County Schools will begin a return to instruction 5-days week. The district announced the decision after a special called board meeting Tuesday evening. District officials say several factors played into the decision. 

District spokesperson John Wright

That March 22nd date applies to elementary and middle school students. High Schools students will phase back into 5 days a week beginning April 12th 

District spokesperson John Wright

Wright says all health and safety guidelines will be in place. Students will be spaced out in classrooms as much as possible, with the possibility of overflow rooms should capacity drastically increase. 

Richardson to be celebrated at his final chamber meeting today

Today, the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the career of Chamber President Brad Richardson during their virtual chamber luncheon. 

Chamber Vice President Kendra Stewart Scott

Richardson announced his retirement after almost 10 years on the job earlier this year. The organization is still in the process of finding a new president.

5 arrested after police find drugs, firearms in apartment

5 people arrested in Radcliff yesterday after police found drugs and weapons in an apartment. According to arrest citations, police responded to Cheyenne Drive early Tuesday morning on reports of shots being fired. When they arrived, police were directed to a lower apartment by the caller. That’s when police say lights in the apartment were turned off and the door was not answered after knocking for several minutes. Officers went to the rear of the apartment only to find several individuals climbing out of a back window. Inside, police found the suspects, Shaquan Mulrain, Ira Gregory, Deborah Mitchell, Dante Patterson and Daveon Givens. Police allegedly found several ounces of cocaine in the residence, as well as weapons, including a fully loaded AR-15. All five were arrested on various drug related offenses, with Mulrain also being charged for fleeing or evading police All five were lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

Heartland mini golf development granted waivers from planning commission

Putt-putt is getting closer to becoming a reality in Elizabethtown. The city’s Planning Commission reviewed development plans for the proposed Heartland Mini Golf course near I-65 on Mulberry last night, with discussion centering on 3 waiver requests by the applicants. The most discussed waiver request was for a reduction in recommended parking spaces, with the planning staff recommending 47 and the applicant requesting a reduction down to 28 spaces. The commission granted approval for all 3 waivers. Plans call for the main putt-putt course, an ice cream setup, as well as a beer garden and observation deck, with all 3 built into cargo containers. 

Beshear: 880 new cases of Covid-19 Tuesday

A Covid-19 low that hasn’t been seen since September of last year. Governor Andy Beshear announced 880 new cases yesterday, as well as the continued decline of the positivity rate. 

For local counties, Hardin county added 23 new cases yesterday, and LaRue added 5. Meade county did not add any additional cases.

News for March 9

94.3 The Wolf

Hardin County Board of Education to look into expanding in-person instruction

As one of the only local school districts to not yet release plans, the Hardin County Board of Education is expected to talk about possibly expanding in-person instruction during a special called meeting tonight. The topic is one of just 5 items listed on the agenda for tonight’s meeting. The meeting is set to take place at 6 p-m. Elizabethtown Independent Schools was the latest district to announce an expansion of in-person learning, saying on Friday students who opt to return will begin in-person instruction 4 days a week beginning March 15th.

CDC: Fully vaccinated individuals can gather indoors without masks

Good news from the CDC yesterday: fully vaccinated individuals can now gather indoors with other fully vaccinated individuals without masks. A person is fully vaccinated 2 weeks after receiving their final dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. Lincoln Trail District Health spokesperson Terrie Burgan says the news is great for those wanting to return to a somewhat normal world. 

Burgan still stresses that proper preventative measures, like hand washing and masking, and social distancing, should be observed in public.

E’town Lions Club to host annual pancake breakfast later this month

It won’t be the usual meet and greet style enjoyed in years past, but the Elizabethtown Lions Club will host their annual pancake breakfast this month. 

Lions Club President Brian Dennis

Tickets for the event can be purchased the day of or in advance by contacting a Lions Club member.

Beshear: 8th straight week of declining cases

An 8th straight week of declining case numbers and a dropping positivity rate. That was the news from Governor Andy Beshear during his Monday media briefing. 

Beshear announced 331 new cases yesterday, in addition to the statistic that roughly 25% of Kentucky adults have received at least their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. Locally, Hardin and Meade counties reported 2 new cases, with LaRue reporting a single one.

Central Kentucky Cares releases grant funds to 8 non-profits

The second round of grants provided by the Central Kentucky Cares Fund have been sent out, with 8 non-profit organizations receiving a combined 19 thousand dollars. The fund, established last year in response to the pandemic, uses the grants to help those struggling with rent or utility payments, something Central Kentucky Community Foundation President/CEO Davette Swinney says they knew would likely have to be used again. 

Some of the organizations included in the second round of grants include Helping Hand of Hope, St. Vincent de Paul Outreach ministries, and the Central Kentucky Community Action Council.