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News- April 9, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 1,346 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 204 were newly confirmed, the largest single day growth thus far. Eight new deaths were also reported on Wednesday, raising the state’s total to 71 deaths related to the virus. In an effort to help stop the spread of the virus, Governor Beshear and his staff passed a new executive order that will only allow one adult per household into stores that are still open, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, at a time. Exceptions will be made for single parents or caregivers for adults who cannot be left alone. In addition, a previous executive order was extended to allow pharmacists to dispense emergency refills for up to another 30-day supply. The Governor’s Office also banned door-to-door selling, and warned against any sort of mass gathering this weekend, including church services.

One of the region’s largest healthcare providers has seen a decrease in volume during COVID-19. According to numbers obtained from Hardin Memorial Hospital, the month of march saw many categories, including endoscopies, radiology, and emergency room volume present a decrease in patients. Chief Marketing and Development Officer Tracee Trout says that numbers were down in large part due to the cancellation of elective procedures, which went into effect March 18th. Trout says that regardless, HMH stands ready to care for the community. One aspect that the hospital has seen an increase in is births, with over 130 taking place last month.

Trash collection around the area has seen a change. Hardin County Government has announced that all trash must be placed in a trash bag that is tied shut, and placed in a receptacle. In a statement, Hardin County Solid Waste Director Stephanie Givens said that the change was made in an effort to protect the health and safety of sanitation workers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Givens also said that trash that is not bagged and placed in a can will not be picked up. Those with large items can still take them for drop-off at the Pearl Hollow Landfill.

News- April 8, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now at least 1,149 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. This was the single largest growth in cases in a single day, as 147 new cases were confirmed. In addition, seven new deaths were reported Tuesday, raising the state’s total to 65. Governor Beshear provided an update on actions being taken at long-term care facilities, as there have been 77 reported cases of COVID-19 including 55 residents, and 22 staffers as well as 11 deaths. Actions taken include the use of masks in the facility, as well as banning visitation in all but end-of-life situations. The Governor says there are 55 resident tests and 41 staff tests pending. The other concerns are in the Green River Correctional Complex, which has had 14 total cases including nine inmates and five staffers, and Western State Hospital, which has seen 13 cases, including nine patients and four staffers. Actions have been taken at both of these facilities in an effort to fight the spread of the virus.

Kentucky State Police Post Four, as well as other posts in the state, are volunteering as drop-off points for personal protective equipment donations. Those with donations are asked to call the post for drop-off. These items will be donated to healthcare workers in the state to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Several area nursing homes and long term care facilities will be hosting a car parade today at 3 PM. In this show of support for residents and health care professionals, participants, while socially distancing in their own cars, will honk horns and make signs to spread love while remaining safe. The route will begin at the EABC ballpark, and will go through Kensington Center, Elizabethtown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and then Signature Healthcare of Elizabethtown. Residents will be at the windows of these facilities and socially distancing on the porch. Participants are asked to not leave their vehicles during this parade.

Two Louisville women have been arrested after allegedly stealing hundreds of dollars of merchandise from a local hardware store. According to arrest records, Devriesha Britt and Raynette Martinez were observed by Lowes loss prevention concealing several pieces of merchandise on April 6th before leaving the store without paying. Britt was also served with warrants stemming from previous shoplifting events in Bullitt and Jefferson County. Britt and Martinez were charged with engaging in organized crime, a Class C felony. Both are lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced that beginning today, the Woodland Drive Connector from Cardinal Drive will be closed as the alignment construction project for KY 361 and US 31W continues. Traffic on Cherrywood Drive will not have access to Woodland Drive during this time, and closure signs will be placed on Woodland Drive and Cherrywood Drive. Access will be maintained for residents at all times. The connector will be reopened by 5 PM Wednesday, April 15th.

News- April 7, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are 1,008 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 54 were newly confirmed. Unfortunately, yesterday also saw great loss as there were fourteen new deaths reported on Monday, raising the state’s total to 59 confirmed deaths related to the virus. Governor Beshear issued an urgent call for personal protective equipment for frontline workers in the fight against the virus. The Governor listed N95 masks, latex-free gloves, and surgical gowns as the most needed PPE items. In addition, Governor Beshear announced that the state would begin allowing first responders and frontline healthcare workers to quarantine in cabins at state parks in five locations across the Commonwealth if necessary. First responders and healthcare personnel interested in accommodations should contact their local emergency management operations center.

An Elizabethtown man was arrested over the weekend after he was allegedly involved in a domestic incident. According to the Elizabethtown Police Department, officers responded to a residence on Diecks Drive Sunday evening on a call of a domestic assault. The suspect, Michael Berding, allegedly assaulted his girlfriend in their home, and took her phone so she could not call for help. The girlfriend eventually asked a neighbor to call police, and Berding fled before police arrived. When officers left, Berding returned to the residence, allegedly kicking in the door. When police returned, Berding fled again and was eventually found hiding inside of a dumpster near North Dixie. Berding was arrested and charged with assault, fleeing or evading police, and intimidating a participant in the legal process. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Royal ATV Park in Clarkson on Saturday in response to a two-vehicle ATV crash with injuries. Investigation revealed that a group of friends were riding trails at the ATV park when they approached a right-hand curve. The operator of the first unit reported that he was traveling behind the second unit when it came to a sudden stop. The first unit collided with the bumper of the second, and continued over top of it, trapping unit two underneath and into the path of a tree. The unit two operator, 22-year-old Matthew Dillon of Bardstown, sustained severe head trauma and was transported from the scene by Grayson County EMS. He was later pronounced deceased by the Grayson County Coroner’s Office. Reportedly, no one in the group was wearing a helmet. The investigation is ongoing, but alcohol or drugs does not appear to be a factor in the crash.

With a growing number of organizations needing financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic, one regional foundation is stepping up to help. In a press conference yesterday, the Central Kentucky Community Foundation announced that they had activated their disaster relief fund- Central Kentucky Cares- which will provide support via grants for area non-profits. Those interested in donating can do so online at ckcf4people.org. An application for a grant will be available by the end of the week.

Hardin County Schools has announced they have added three satellite sites to their meal distribution site list; Airview Estates, Fun and Sun, and Jones Do-It Center. A full list of the sites and times for meal distribution can be found on the Hardin County Schools website.

News- April 6, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there were 955 total cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Of those cases, 38 were newly confirmed, and at least 306 patients have recovered. There were also five new deaths reported on Sunday, bringing the state total to 45. On a more positive note, Governor Behsear announced that the Governor’s office entered into an agreement with Gravity Diagnostics in Northern Kentucky. The agreement will provide up to 2,000 tests a day that we will be able to use around the state. This would be next day testing, and would be used for symptomatic, high-risk patients, first responders, and health care workers. The Governor says this would significantly increase the number of tests being done in Kentucky on a daily basis. Governor Beshear also noted that he will likely announce further steps to reduce large gatherings later this week.

The Lincoln Trail District Health Department has announced that there are 26 cases of COVID-19 in their service area, with ten cases in Hardin County, two in Larue, five in Marion, two in Meade, four in Nelson, and three in Washington. The health department urges those in their service area not to panic, but to follow guidelines put forth by Governor Beshear including social distancing, and wearing some sort of cloth facemask in settings where social distancing can be more difficult, such as the grocery store. However, the department discourages wearing surgical masks or N95 facemasks, as that takes away resources from healthcare workers who desperately need them.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced that starting today, the spur of KY 434 between US 31W and Wilson Road will be closed for removal and reconstruction. Traffic on Wilson Road will have access to US 31W from the new Centennial Avenue connector on the north end or from KY 220 on the south end, and traffic from KY 434 will have access to Wilson Road from the same routes. This area should be reopened to traffic by April 10th.

Ireland Army Health Clinic on Fort Knox is expanding their appointment capabilities in an ongoing effort to improve patient access to care in the face of COVID-19. The clinic announced they will be opening the Nelson Troop Medical Clinic on post beginning today. Nelson TMC has thirteen exam rooms that will be staffed with Fort Knox medical professionals, and is available to beneficiaries who call to schedule appointments. Patients will be told if they are seeing a provider at either Ireland or Nelson when they call to make an appointment.

News- April 3, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced 100 new cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, bringing the total number of cases to 770. There were 11 new deaths related to the virus reported last night, bringing the state’s total to 31. Governor Beshear said all but one of the deaths, and possibly all of them, were people with other health conditions. In terms of new steps being taken, Governor Beshear recommended Thursday that school districts statewide extend the suspension of in person instruction until May 1st. Non-traditional instruction will still continue during this time. The Governor says that there is a chance that in-person instruction will not be revisited this year, but that the state is not there yet. In other news, Beshear says plans are moving ahead to convert the state fairgrounds in Louisville into a 2,000-bed field hospital. The Governor says the plan is to have the operation together before it is needed. Other executive orders include the temporary banning of overnight stays in Kentucky State Parks and campgrounds, and restricting travel to include people from out of state coming into the Commonwealth. Those entering the state have to follow the same travel restrictions as Kentuckians and self-quarantine for 14 days.

It has been announced that Akebono Production will remain cancelled for the week of April 6th to April 12th. This shutdown is unpaid, however the company offers kcc.ky.gov in order to file for unemployment. More updates will be given as they become available.

When schools across the Commonwealth stopped in-person instruction on March 12th, the number one concern for many was how students would get access to meals. In the nearly three weeks since, area school districts have reported distributing large quantities of meals for students. Hardin County Schools spokesperson John Wright says the district has given out over 120,000 meals. Elizabethtown Independent Schools Superintendent Jon Ballard says their district has distributed 750-1,000 meals a day, and West Point Independent Schools have reported that they have given out close to 2,000 meals since spring break.

Amid all the cancellations and closures related to COVID-19, one Hardin County event is still slated to open on schedule. The Hardin County Farmer’s Market will open for the season tomorrow morning. Market manager Autumn Milliner recognized that while it is difficult, the market is taking several precautions to protect the health of customers, including handwashing stations and spread out vendors. They are also encouraged to preorder and pickup instead of spending time in the pavilion. The farmer’s market has the ability to be open, as they are classified as an agricultural business, which was placed on the essential business list by Governor Beshear.

The gradual removal of a traffic light in Elizabethtown has been completed. As previously reported, the State Highway Department began phasing out the traffic signal at the intersection of Helm Street and North Mulberry. The light is now fully removed, leaving stop signs on Helm Street, and no traffic signal on North Mulberry. The traffic on North Mulberry does not stop, and always has the right of way. The State Highway Department had previously deemed the light unnecessary.

News- April 2, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 93 new cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, bringing the total number of cases to 680. In addition, two more deaths were announced, a 60-year-old male from Davis County and a 76-year-old female from Hopkins County. The Governor stressed the importance of continuing social distancing and not travelling out of state, noting that this was the one thing in this situation that citizens can control. The Governor also touched on the surge in unemployment claims, saying that officials are working to fix problems brought on by the influx. In addition, the National Guard is being called into action in order to assist Kentucky’s food banks in distributing food during this time.

Hardin County Schools has announced that they need help from the community in order to continue providing meals to those in need. The district announced in March that they were accepting donations in order to help pay for meals for those who could not get them for free. However, due to the high demand, those funds have now run dry and more donations are needed. Donations to the meal fund can be made at thepac.net by clicking on the Donate tab.

On Tuesday, the Bardstown Police Department was called for a trespasser in the area of Stephen Foster. Officers engaged a male suspect, identified as Joseph Cahoe. Cahoe stated to officers that he had killed his roommate at 525 North Second Street. Officers responded to the residence and did, in fact, find a deceased male. Cahoe faces charges of murder. The case is ongoing.

An Elizabethtown woman is seeking assistance with hospital bills after seeking a heart transplant for her four-month-old daughter. Megan Eades, a friend of the mother, Beth Dugas, says that medical bills have already reached the $1 million mark. To donate to the family, visit gofundme.com/miraclesformadison. $2000 has been raised so far for the family.

The fallout related to COVID-19 extends even into the waste disposal industry. In a release issued yesterday, Hardin County Government stated they are changing their guidelines related to trash disposal. Items should be placed in a garbage bag, tightly closed, and should be placed in a garbage receptacle. Crews have been instructed not to pick up loose debris or bags. Residents wishing to dispose of large or bulk items can take them directly to Pearl Hollow landfill.

News- April 1, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

Yesterday marked one of the toughest days for the Commonwealth thus far in the fight against COVID-19, as Governor Andy Beshear announced that there were 114 new cases of the virus in the state. In addition, seven more deaths related to the illness were announced, bringing the state’s total to 18. All of these victims had underlying health conditions. In terms of new steps being taken, Governor Beshear announced that the child care options that the state has been providing to first responders and health care workers will be expanded to grocery store workers as well. In addition, the Governor announced that an order was issued to allow critical workforce sectors such as fire departments, law enforcement, emergency medical service personnel, park rangers, and corrections officers to rehire previously retired workers to fill key roles. The order will last the duration of the state of emergency.

The city of Elizabethtown has received a grant from the federal government. In a press release Tuesday, 2nd District Representative Brett Guthrie announced the grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which totals over $115,000. The city has already received federal grants from last week’s passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act, which gives municipalities like Elizabethtown the ability to use the money as they deem necessary in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

A Vine Grove police officer is being hailed a hero after saving the life of an infant. According to a post from the department’s Facebook page, officers responded to a call of a possible cardiac episode Tuesday morning in Vine Grove. Two officers arrived and found an infant child in the floor with a parent and provided CPR until medical crews arrived. Chief Kenneth Mattingly says Officer Jones with Vine Grove PD will be honored with the deparment’s life-saving award at the next City Council meeting. He says he will also nominate Jones for the Hardin County Fire Chief’s Life-saving Award.

A regional food bank will be receiving a donation to help with supplies. Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland will receive a $5000 donation from retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, and current Senate hopeful, Amy McGrath. Feeding American Kentucky’s Heartland also announced that they would be closing their office and Volunteer Services to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Food distribution will still continue as scheduled. Those who need good assistance can still call the office.

April marks the beginning of Child Abuse Awareness Month, and advocates want to make sure that the facts are not forgotten despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In Hardin County alone, in latest statistics, there were 1312 reports and 957 substantiated reports. Spokesperson for the Community Collaboration for Children Linda Funk says that anyone who is aware of child abuse taking place is encouraged to still notify someone who can help. Kentucky is ranked number one in the nation in cases of child abuse and neglect.   

News- March 31, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 480 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, with 42 of those being newly confirmed. There were also two new deaths reported on Monday, an 88-year-old female from Kenton County and a 90-year-old female from Simpson County, raising the state’s total to 11 deaths related to the virus. Both victims had underlying health conditions that also contributed to their death. In terms of new steps being taken, Governor Beshear announced an executive order to limit Kentuckians out-of-state travel. The order allows for a few exemptions including travel to other states for work, groceries, to care for loved ones, or to seek court order required health care. Kentuckians arriving back in the Commonwealth from out of state are required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

With the end of the school year fast approaching, school districts across the area are still deciding what to do for their high school graduations. During their March board meeting, Hardin County Schools set the graduation dates for all three high schools, which are still on schedule at this time. The Elizabethtown Board of Education has not yet set a date for their graduation.

As the number of positive cases grow, many have pointed to differences between numbers provided by Governor Beshear and by other governmental agencies, such as the Lincoln Trail District Health Department. Officials with the department say there are two main reasons behind the occasional difference; Not all labs report to the state labs, and the turnaround for the labs could be delayed for multiple reasons. Public information officer Terrie Burgan says that while there may be an occasional lag in numbers reported by the Governor, the Health Department has put forth accurate numbers. At this time, the Health Department has seen 11 positive cases within their service area.

The City of Elizabethtown has announced a new effort in order to attempt to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a specially called meeting of the Elizabethtown City Council, a budget amendment was approved that will create the Economic Stimulus Recovery Fund. The fund will be available to qualifying small businesses in the city of Elizabethtown, and the city will make grants up to $3000 available per small business to aid in recovery efforts. Mayor Jeff Gregory said that the city wanted to, “…provide some immediate relief for businesses until the various proposed state and federal programs can cut off assistance.” The city will begin taking applications for the funding on April 1st. More information, including a list of eligible businesses and program guidelines can be found at elizabethtownky.gov.

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a suspicious man knocking on doors over the weekend. Reportedly, the man, later identified as Johnny Kolley of Cecilia, was knocking on doors asking to use a phone charger. When officers arrived, they saw Kolley walking behind a house. The residents of the home started pointing at him, and as officers pulled into the driveway, Kolley fled on foot. As officers exited the vehicle, several commands to stop were given, but Kolley hopped a gate and ran into a barn, where he was apprehended. Kolley would not give officers his hands, and when checked, was discovered to have an active warrant. He was arrested for fleeing or evading police, burglary, and resisting arrest. He is lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

News- March 30, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are at least 439 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth with 45 new cases being confirmed. This is after the largest one-day rise in cases on Saturday, with 92 new positives on the 28th. Governor Beshear has stressed that the next two weeks are critical as the pandemic begins to spike as expected, and urges businesses to do better when it comes to social distancing, specifically citing state parks, grocery stores, and golf courses. Governor Beshear has also asked Kentuckians not to travel out of state, but specifically cited Tennessee, which has failed to enact strict social distancing guidelines. The Governor says that Kentuckians can go to Tennessee for work, to care for a loved one, or event to go to the grocery store if it is closer, but asks that residents not go across state lines to partake in activities that have been limited in Kentucky.

While manufacturers across the state make decisions about potential closures, a local operation is planning to stay open. In a phone message last week, Metalsa plant coordinator Matthew Carter says the plant will remain open with their designated essential critical infrastructure workforce. Carter says necessary materials will be distributed to those employees on their next working day in the plant. As previously reported, Akebono was shutting down production for this week.

The city of Radcliff has announced that in efforts to better support social distancing, Saunders Springs will be closed until further notice. Radcliff Mayor JJ Duvall says that it was difficult to keep tabs on social distancing efforts in the park, so for the safety of the public, it was decided that closure was the best option. While the city of Radcliff has closed down one of their major recreational spots in Saunders Springs, the city of Elizabethtown is thanking its residents for following the temporary guidelines in place at Freeman Lake Park. Officials with the Elizabethtown Police Department say that going forward, anyone caught violating the guidelines can be subjected to criminal charges. American Legion Park, as well as the University Drive Platforms and Elizabethtown Sports Park have already closed.

Hardin Memorial Hospital has seen its very first case of COVID-19. In a statement release last Friday, Chief Nursing Officer Sharon Wright explained that the hospital has been preparing for this moment for several months, and have followed all CDC recommendations for treating the patient, including isolation. In a separate release on Saturday, Fort Knox confirmed that their second case of COVID-19, a civilian employee, is being treated at Hardin Memorial.

News- March 27, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

In his evening press conference last night, Governor Andy Beshear announced that there are now 248 cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, the single greatest growth in positive cases thus far. The Governor notes that this is normal in pandemics, and is also in part to the increase in testing. Governor Beshear expressed pride in seeing the sacrifices that people have made, but says that even more is needed in order to beat the virus on the first try. Governor Beshear again stressed social distancing, and refraining from group gatherings at all costs. No new steps were taken last night in terms of new executive order, but the Governor did note that the state is working diligently in order to get more information and progress made regarding the drive-thru testing facility that the Governor is hoping to have open next week.

The first local manufacturer in the area will be shutting down production. In a releae from Senior Human Resources supervisor Jeff Mills, Akebono Production is going to remain cancelled for the week of March 25th to April 5th. This shut down will be unpaid, but the release offers kcc.ky.gov to file unemployment.

Hardin County has seen its third positive case of COVID-19, and Larue County now has its first, according to the Lincoln Trail District Health Department. In a press release made public yesterday, the health department announced this news and stated that this brings the total number of cases in the Lincoln Trail district to six, with the remaining two being in Nelson County. One Nelson County case was released from isolation yesterday, and the other remains isolated at home. All Hardin County cases are isolated at home, and the Larue County case is isolated in a hospital. The health department advises that, going forward, Kentuckians reduce their contacts by 75% to see the biggest impact in the reduction of new cases.

Gate procedures at Fort Knox have been altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Formerly, each ID in the car would be taken by the gate guard and scanned. Now, the post asks that the driver collect all IDs and show them individually to the gate guard from a distance. Single occupants can make use of the scanning kiosk at the gate in order to enter. The health condition code on post right now is “Charlie”.

Another City of Elizabethtown event has been cancelled as a result of COVID-19. The scheduled Spring Clean-Up for the city has been postponed. New dates will be posted on city social media as they become available. Brush pickup will still be on its normal schedule.

Brandenburg Telecom is offering free wi-fi hotspots to their service area in order to better help people during the COVID-19 pandemic. These hotspots are available in Brandenburg, Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Vine Grove, and Hardinsburg in the parking lots of business offices. In addition, there are several more hotspots at campgrounds and parks in the area. A full list of the hotspots can be found at bbtel.com.

The Elizabethtown Police Department wants to make the public aware of a new scam revolving around COVID-19. The department was notified of the scam by a resident, who received a call saying her government issued check was ready, and that the caller needed her bank information in order to deposit the check. The federal government has not decided when or if they will be sending checks out to anyone at this time. The department urges citizens to never give their information out to anyone over the phone.