Zach Epperson has information on a Covid-19 Case at Central Hardin High School.
2 injured, 1 arrested after Elizabethtown wreck Sunday night
Two people are in critical condition after a motorcycle wreck in Elizabethtown Sunday night. Police they were called to the westbound ramp leading from the 31W bypass to the Western Kentucky Parkway shortly after 6 pm.
Denham says Miles was impaired while operating the motorcycle, and only sustained minor injuries as a result. Miles has been charged with DUI, felony assault, and felony wanton endangerment. The current condition of this wife and child are unknown at this time.
Labor Sec. visits ECTC for workforce development
U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia met with faculty and college officials at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College on friday. Scalia, joined by 2nd District Representative Brett Guthrie, was led on a tour of the college’s various workplace development areas.
Scalia also highlighted the college’s Coding Lab, which he says is proof that colleges like ECTC are meeting the increased skills needed by local manufacturers.
The group also toured local manufacturers, as well as the Elizabethtown-Hardin County Industrial Park.
Winefest a success according to officials
As the first major event since covid-19 hit, officials are calling the 4th annual Winefest a success. And with many events this summer canceled for the city, events manager Sarah Vaughn says Saturday’s event at Freeman Lake was a boost for quality of life.
Vaughn says officials welcomed in around 750 people throughout the event, roughly 25% of the event’s normal capacity.
State sees higher COVID cases over the weekend
The Commonwealth saw steady covid-19 cases numbers throughout last week, but those trends did not necessarily continue this weekend.
Over 1,000 cases were announced state-wide Saturday, and 439 on Sunday. The state’s positivity rate remains below 4%. Locally on Friday, Lincoln Trail Health officials announced 38 cases, 23 of which were from Hardin county. Meade county reported 9 cases, with LaRue reporting no cases.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87; Trump to nominate replacement
Just over a week since President Trump announced additions to his list of potential Supreme Court nominees, the nation’s highest court now has a vacancy.
Former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on Friday at the age of 87. Ginsburg was appointed to the court in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, becoming only the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court. President Trump announced over the weekend his intention to fill the vacancy, with just 43 days until election day.
The president has alluded to a female being his nominee, though wouldn’t name a particular person.
EPD: Man wanted in connection to E’town murder arrested
Authorities have made an arrest in the murder of Juwone Doleman. Elizabethtown Police announced the arrest of Jalen Williams Friday evening after several weeks of investigations.
Denham says police knew who their suspect was within hours of the murder, but opted not to release information. Williams is charged with Homicide, Robbery and assault 1st, as well as tampering with physical evidence.
He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.
1 dead after ATV-vehicle crash
A Vine Grove man was killed Tuesday after his ATV was struck by a car. Kentucky State Police say they received a call from the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance with the collision near the ten thousand block of Kentucky 1600.
Trooper Scotty Sharp says Hammock, the other driver, was not injured in the incident. The affected portion of KY 1600 was closed while troopers investigated the collision.
Officials coming up with ways to continue library services for northern part of county
Even with the loss of the North branch library, patrons on the north end of Hardin county will still be able to receive some library services, as officials plan additional ways to serve the community.
Hutcheson says the Library’s Board of Trustees voted at their meeting to close the branch based off of several factors, including finances and usage.
KY Supreme Court to hear arguments in case on Beshear’s executive orders
On Constitution day, the state’s highest court will hear oral arguments in a case challenging the constitutionality of Governor Andy Beshear’s executive orders for covid-19. The Kentucky Supreme Court will hear arguments from a group who says the Governor overstepped his boundaries with his executive orders. Attorney General Daniel Cameron had joined with the group. Beshear on Wednesday said the decision could mean “life or death”.
Man arrested after breaking into Elizabethtown home
An Owensboro man was arrested Tuesday after breaking into an Elizabethtown home.
The caller advised Elizabethtown Police that the suspect was standing in the doorway of her room, and that she told him to get out of her house. The suspect, later identified as David Crowell of owensboro, then went downstairs to one of the front bedrooms, and laid down in the bed to sleep. Investigation showed that Crowell had made entry to the house by kicking in the window of the back door. He advised that he believed no one lived there, and he just needed a place to stay for the night.
Nothing was taken from the home, and the only damage caused was to the rear door window. Crowell faces a burglary charge, and was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.
Feeding America participates in food drive this weekend
Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland and Towne Mall in Elizabethtown have teamed up for the Million Meals challenge, with the first opportunity to give coming this weekend.
The mall will also be holding a virtual food drive on their website for those who can’t make it this weekend. Hester says the food bank has broken distribution records nearly every month since covid-19 began
Health officials try to clear confusion on quarantine
Health officials are helping to clear up misconceptions about testing and quarantine procedures. Lincoln Trail District Health Department spokesperson Terrie Burgan says only those who test negative and are considered to be a close contact with a positive case are required to quarantine.
Burgan says a person who tests negative without being identified as a close contact does not have to quarantine for the 14 day period. However, it is recommended that a person does until they have received their test results.
An important aspect to consider is the definition of a close contact. Burgan says the definition from the CDC has changed, with a close contact now being described as coming into contact with a positive case for a cumulative total of 15 or more minutes, all within a 24 hour period. The state recently announced over 1 million tests have been performed since March.
North branch of library closes permanently on Tuesday
After a decision by the library Board of Trustees, the North branch of the Hardin County Public Library closed yesterday afternoon. The decision to do away with the North Branch, located in Radcliff, is one that caught many by surprise, including Mayor J.J. Duvall
Library officials have said that one of the driving reasons behind the closure, next to usage, was the system’s financial stability, which has seen a decrease over the past several years. The question of financial stability for the Hardin County Public Library was put before the county fiscal court 2 years ago with proposal of a special taxing district to go towards the library. The idea for a special taxing district, which was voted down, is something Hardin County Judge/Executive Harry Berry says possibly could have helped.
The taxing district before the court in 2018 was 3 cents for every $100, which Berry says could’ve doubled the library’s current rate of funding.
Duvall says residents feel the removal of the location follows a pattern of removals that has plagued many services for the population in the northern end of the county.
Police continue to warn residents after additional car thefts, attempts
Police in Elizabethtown are once again warning residents about car thefts after two separate incidents this week. On Tuesday night, officer Chris Denham says a resident on Quail Run Road noticed a subject attempting to open his car. When the resident approached the subject, the situation took a frightening turn.
Denham says another car theft incident occurred Monday night at the Leitchfield Road Circle K, where the driver had left a gun in the car.
Denham says roughly 30 car thefts have been reported in the summer months alone this year.
HCS announces new rescheduled dates for 2020 graduations
Dates for Hardin County Schools’ graduation ceremonies have been rescheduled once again. October 2nd and 3rd, the original rescheduled date, will not be able to work with the current restrictions on gatherings in place.
Wright says that if the new dates do not work, then the class will not have a traditional graduation ceremony.
State and local COVID numbers from Tuesday
The state continues to see steady covid-19 numbers. Governor Andy Beshear announced 745 new cases in the commonwealth last night. In addition, 9 more Kentuckians have died from complications from the virus. Locally, Lincoln Trail Health officials announced 45 new cases within the district: 28 of which were in Hardin county, 7 in Meade and 2 in LaRue. The district has 10 hospitalizations as well as 322 home isolations.
Just a day after the fifth anniversary of his death, former trooper honored with road name
As family and the community remember Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder five years after his death, the Elizabethtown City Council memorialized him in a lasting way last night.
The council paid tribute to the slain trooper Monday night, passing an municipal order that would name the roadway between the new East Hardin Middle School and KSP Post 4 after him. Many troopers were on hand for the presentation, including Ponder’s family.
Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory, who is a retired state trooper, knew Ponder and actually was involved in his screening process.
The city also voted to accept the roadway into city maintenance. The road was originally slated to be named excellence drive until a conversation between Gregory
Officials announce multi-year project for Dixie Highway in Elizabethtown
Residents and drivers through Elizabethtown can expect 2 years of roadwork on Dixie Highway. The transportation cabinet announced yesterday extensive repaving and roadwork in the near future, stretching from St. John Road to Hutcherson Lane.
Kentucky Transportation Spokesperson for District 4 Chris Jessie says the project will take place in 3 phases. Crews will also remove several traffic lights, installing r-turns in their place.
COVID Cases for state, local communities
Governor Andy Beshear announced 342 new cases last night. The Governor also announced last night that over one million tests had now been conducted in the state. Last night also saw five new deaths from the virus, bringing the total number of deaths to 1,065. Locally, Lincoln Trail officials announced 60 new cases, with 35 in Hardin, 5 in Meade and 1 in LaRue. Just over 300 patients are isolating at home and 14 are hospitalized.
Clarity Solutions claims success with this year’s Walk for Life
Clarity Solutions’ Walk for Life took place over the weekend, and Director Maegan Bennett says the event was a huge success.
Walkers were given staggered start times to ensure social distancing was in place, making the event safer. Bennett says that the money will go towards projects and programs with Clarity.
Cardboard Nation still set to take place this year
Warm Blessings Soup Kitchen’s annual Cardboard Nation Event, which sheds light on homelessness in the community, will still be held this year, though in a different format.
More information regarding the event, as well as sponsorship and participation forms can be found on the Warm Blessings Soup Kitchen Facebook page.
Grayson County: 2 juvenile girls found safe in middle Tennessee
The weekend began with Grayson County officials announcing the abduction of two juveniles, and it ends with their recovery.
Officials announced the recovery of the two girls on Sunday following a traffic stop in middle Tennessee. Grayson County Sheriff Norman Chaffins said authorities had attempted to track the location of Ellen Maples, the suspect in question, throughout the weekend, finally pinging her location to Grundy County, Tennessee.
Chaffins said Maples had to be tasered multiple times before she was detained, with deputies having to call in backup. Chaffins said the two girls were safe, and were awaiting social workers to bring them back home.
Hardin Co. native, KSP Trooper killed 5 years ago
This weekend marked 5 years since the death of Hardin County native and Kentucky State Trooper Joseph “Cameron” Ponder. Ponder was conducting a traffic stop in Lyon County in 2015 when he was fatally shot by the driver of the vehicle he had pulled over. Ponder was just 9 months into his career with Kentucky State Police. Ponder was a graduate of North Hardin High School, and will soon have a roadway leading to KSP Post 4 named after him.
Elizabethtown Independent returns to classroom Monday morning
After starting school online in August, Elizabethtown Independent will return to in-person instruction today. The district’s Board of Education voted two weeks ago, August 31st, to have students and staff return to school buildings on September 14th.
Bush said the district will operate on a hybrid schedule, with students attending either on Monday and Tuesday, or Wednesday and Thursday. Those who opted to will remain in online learning through Panther Academy.
ECTC students get expanded mental health options with new partnership
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has entered into an agreement with Spalding University to help with the mental health of students.
Chief Student Affairs Officer Dale Buckles says that Spalding University reached out to the college, asking ECTC to partner with their doctoral program in psychological counseling. ECTC accepted, and Spaulding’s students will be used as an online counseling service for Elizabethtown students. Buckles says this is necessary, due to the increase in mental health issues among college students over the last five to ten years.
The program will allow for nearly immediate service, and will all be done via telehealth, meaning students will not have to make the drive to Louisville. The service is available now, and more information can be found on the Elizabethtown Community and Technical College website.
Kendra Stewart Scott tapped for HCCC leadership role
The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce has found its new Vice President of Operations, as last week Kendra Stewart Scott was announced to be taking on the role. Stewart Scott also says she is looking forward to continuing to improve the work and image of the chamber.
Stewart Scott says that she hopes to see the Chamber become the most dynamic they can be for the Commonwealth.
19 years later: September 11th
Today marks 19 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11th.
4 flights were hijacked that morning, with two crashing into the towers of the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and one in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. All told, 2,977 people died, and more than 6,000 were injured. The attack was the world’s largest and the deadliest on American soil since the bombing of Pearl Harbor. At today’s annual commemoration at Ground Zero, a recording names will be played instead of live, in-person readings, in an effort to reduce the size of crowds amidst the pandemic.
Community still set to hold annual tractor ride
Though there was some concern about the event this year, organizers say the annual Louis Croiser Tractor Ride will still take place this Sunday.
Organizer Glenn Harrington says that while there is no entry fee to participate in the ride, donations will be accepted to benefit the Louis Croiser Memorial Scholarship fund. Croiser was the former fire chief in Cecilia before passing from esophageal cancer in 2008.
Preparations in place for EIS in-person return
Elizabethtown Independent School District is preparing for the return of students into the classroom. Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator Jessica Turner says that the beginning of preparing for a return to the classroom includes giving teachers extra support in unprecedented times.
In addition, she says that the teachers are taking on more than just one type of learning with many students.
Turner notes that the spring NTI learning will be looked at and used as a learning experience, and says that she believes that teachers will do their very best to provide the best possible learning experience for students.
Schools in the district will be adhering to a strict cleaning policy, as well as policies regarding masking and social distancing.
Fort Knox commemorates 9/11 on post
Fort Knox held a memorial event on post this morning, remembering the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. The event, which began shortly after 8 a.m. this morning, was open to the public.
A full replay of the event can be seen on the Fort Knox Facebook page.
RPD still searching for missing Radcliff teen
Almost 3 weeks after being reported missing, officials are still trying to locate 15-year old Rosalyn Velazquez.
Captain Wells says a photo and additional information on Velazquez can be found on the department’s Facebook page.
E’town City Council approves purchase of North Mulberry property
The City of Elizabethtown has purchased another plot of land along North Mulberry, with the possibility of a fire station being built there. The city council passed a municipal order following a closed session Tuesday night, authorizing the city to spend over $500,000 on the recently listed lot at 902 North Mulberry.
Inman says the possibility another new fire station is not currently in the works, with it being a more long-term goal. The city is currently finishing construction on a new firehouse for Elizabethtown Fire Station 2.
Meade County set to unveil 911 texting program
Meade County emergency officials have installed a new program allowing texting to 911. Interim Meade County 911 Director Jeremy Miller says that this program could be useful for a number of reasons.
This program is intended to stay around as part of Kentucky’s next generation 911 plan. Miller notes that texting the number 911 will work, but you must be in Meade county to do so.
Man arrested after pursuit on motorcycle
A Hardin county man was arrested Tuesday after leading several agencies on a pursuit.
A Hardin County Sheriff’s deputy observed the subject, Steven Kolley, driving a motorcycle on Ring Road that had no tail light. When the officer pulled Kolley over at Loves truck stop, he discovered Kolley had 2 active bench warrants. Kolley was instructed to step away from the motorcycle, but instead ran alongside it while pulling the throttle. A pursuit ensued, at which point two Kentucky State Troopers joined. The pursuit, which reached speeds above 80 miles per hour, ended near the intersection of St. John and Long Grove Road. As officials placed Kolley under arrest, they located what appeared to be marijuana dabs, as well as methamphetamine and pipes. A loaded handgun was also found in the saddlebag.
Kolley was charged with numerous items, including fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment, tampering with physical evidence, among other charges. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.
LaRue County set to return to classroom September 28th
Students with LaRue County Schools will be return to in-person instruction at the end of the month. The district announced their return plan for in-person instruction earlier this week.
Raleigh says the district will return on that date, barring any mandates from the governor.
AG Cameron named as a potential Supreme Court nominee
Though he might have just arrived as Kentucky’s Attorney General, Daniel Cameron could find himself sitting on the nation’s high court.
The Elizabethtown native was one of twenty individuals who were included in President Donald Trump’s list of potential Supreme Court justices, if another vacancy occurred during his time in office. The president has gotten 2 nominees on the bench during his time in office, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas are the only African Americans to have served on the court.
E’town shooting still under investigation
Police are still investigating after a deadly shooting over the weekend. As previously reported, police say they responded to reports of a shooting in the 600 block of Westport Road Sunday morning.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Elizabethtown Police or the Hardin County Crime Stoppers.
Health officials predict increase in cases after Labor Day
Local covid-19 numbers have seen an uptick in the two weeks following a holiday weekend, and health officials see that trend continuing following Labor Day.
The department confirmed 30 new cases in the district on Friday.
Meade County judge/executive dies
Meade County Judge Executive Gerry Lynn has died.
The announcement was released yesterday by the Meade County Fiscal Court. According to the court, Lynn had suffered an undisclosed health issue back in late August, but was still fulfilling his executive duties, according to a social media post. Lynn was 68 years old, and has served the county since 2011. He was the first Republican Judge/Executive in the county, and the first to serve beyond 2 terms.
EPD: Man arrested after allegedly wrecking vehicle, assaulting passengers
The Elizabethtown Police Department arrested an Eastview man last week after he assaulted two people in a vehicle.
According to arrest citations, Brandon Medlock allegedly assaulted the driver and passenger of a vehicle he was in after getting into an altercation with the two over money. Medlock reportedly attempted to grab the steering wheel from the backseat and wreck the car several times. According to Officer John Thomas, it did not end here.
The vehicle pulled into the Elizabethtown Police Department’s parking lot, and immediately, Medlock was removed from the vehicle and detained until Hardin County EMS could treat the victims. Both victims were transported to Baptist Health Hardin for treatment.
Medlock was charged with assault and wanton endangerment, and was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.
Census Bureau sending out text messages for surveys
Residents may have recently received a text message from the United States Census Bureau asking them to take a survey regarding the impact of covid-19. According to Officer John Thomas, the department would normally tell people to ignore such correspondence, as they tend to be phishing scams. However, this is not the case for this message.
The department does have concerns that phishers will attempt to spoof this message as well, and asks those who receive these messages to confirm the number and link source before divulging any information.
Elizabethtown shooting leaves 1 dead
One person is dead and another injured after a shooting in Elizabethtown yesterday morning. Police arrived in the 600 block of Westport Road after reports of a shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Elizabethtown Police Department or the Hardin County Crime Stoppers.
LTDHD: observe health and safety guidelines with Labor Day
With Labor Day gatherings still likely to take place today, health officials are reminding residents to practice proper health and safety measures when at an event.
Burgan says all gatherings should be held outside if possible.
Grill safety tips for Labor Day holiday
With Labor Day one of the last big grilling holidays of the year, fire officials are offering up reminders about proper grill safety.
Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane says grills should be kept away from a house or residence, especially one with plastic or vinyl siding.
Hardin County Schools releases guidance on sports admission
With many fall sports beginning today, Hardin County Schools officials finally released their guidance on attendance policies.
The district’s guidance calls for several health and safety regulations. All attendees will be required to wear a mask during their time at the event. Student-athletes will only have the wear them while not participating in competition.
Social distancing of 6 feet is required, but family members can sit within six feet of each other.
Attendance will be capped at 20% of a venues capacity. As a result, no general admission tickets will be sold for any events. Parents and guardians will be given first priority on tickets, and no sports passes will be honored.
Authentic wins an odd Kentucky Derby
On a perfect September Derby day, a horse is perfect no more.
The Derby favorite Tiz the Law was defeated Saturday, falling in the stretch to Bob Baffert’s Authentic. Baffert is now tied with Ben Jones for most Derby wins as a trainer with 6. Baffert’s second Derby horse, Thousand Words, was a late scratch after rearing up and falling on its back. Training assistant Jimmy Barnes did suffer a broken arm from the incident.