WULF News

As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, Kentucky has reported 25 cases as of last night. In his evening press conference, Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 22 tests at that time, and alluded to several pending results from state labs that could turn out to be positive. One person has died due to complications from the respiratory illness, and one has made a full recovery. As part of his effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Beshear has ordered all child care businesses to close by the end of business hours on Friday. Beshear acknowledged the impact the decision will make, noting that it will be difficult for some, but it is a necessary step. There will be exemptions for those in the healthcare field, as well as some on-site employer exceptions. According to the CDC, children are not at a higher risk for the illness than adults.

Several things have had their course altered by the threat of COVID-19. The primary election for Kentucky that was scheduled to take place this May has been pushed back to June 23^rd. Employees who have been made unemployed as a result of COVID-19 can apply for unemployment, and the waiting period and work search requirements have been waived. The time to reapply for an expiring Kentucky Drivers License has been extended to 90 days. Kentucky’s hospitals are to cease all elective surgeries as of tomorrow in order to ensure medical capacity for an increase in COVID-19 cases. A request has been submitted to the small business association to receive a disaster designation. This will allow small businesses to obtain loans to assist with the impact of the disease on their establishments. Finally, the state capitol will be closed to non-essential personnel, and state in-person services are closed. Continue to practice preventative measures such as social distancing and frequent handwashing.

Towne Mall in Elizabethtown has temporarily altered their hours of operation in an attempt to support the community. These new hours are 11 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 PM on Sunday. These new hours go into effect today. The mall notes that each store and restaurant may have their own operating hours, so check their individual websites for the latest information.

In a press release from Hardin County Government, the Solid Waste Department announced that due to updates surrounding COVID-19, the recycling drop off point will be closed until further notice. The department urges those who have recyclables to hold onto them, as they hope to have the drop off back open as soon as they can. Red River will continue to run on the same schedule as usual in the unincorporated area with no delay. Hardin County’s billing service will be open, however they are asking that the public not come into the office, but rather use the drop off box in the office parking lot, which is checked every hour during regular business hours to make sure all communication is processed. Additional information and updates can be found at hcoky.org.

Hardin County Schools are requesting assistance in paying for and delivering lunches to the elderly, the immuno-compromised, or those who are afraid to get out during the pandemic. Lunches can be paid for via the Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center website, thepac.net, via the Support and Donate tabs.

The Elizabethtown Police Department has announced that due to COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, community outreach events will have to be cancelled or postponed. This includes the current Citizens Police Academy, Elizabethtown Police Foundation fundraiser, and Cultural Festival. This is designed to protect the health of the citizens of Elizabethtown. All police services will continue without interruption.

Hardin Memorial Health held a press conference yesterday afternoon to discuss the coronavirus in Kentucky, including symptoms, prevention, and how the disease is spread. According to John Godfrey, Hardin Memorial Health’s Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, there is an incubation period for the virus where symptoms may not appear.  Symptoms may be flu-like at first, with shortness of breath, a cough, and fever. As of right now, there are no known cases of the virus in Hardin County. Public health advice at this stage is as follows: Consult only reliable government agencies such as Centers for Disease Control or the Lincoln Trail District Health Department for information regarding the illness, cover coughs and sneezes- preferably in the elbow- and wash hands well and often. In addition, stay home if sick, except to get medical care.

The Radcliff Police Department arrested several suspects involved in a shoplifting spree at a Radcliff Wal-Mart Tuesday evening. Officers responded to the location of 1165 Walmart Way in regards to three suspects, Teressa Deweese, Amy McGrath, and Susan Pierce, all shoplifting clothing items while in the company of a sixteen-year-old juvenile. The three were actively assisting the minor in the stealing of the clothing, and together the crew had over $100 worth of merchandise on their person, and were attempting to take it to their vehicle, a Volkswagen that had been reported stolen out of Louisville in February. All were arrested and charged with unlawful transaction with a minor, receiving stolen property, and shoplifting. They were lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

The House Committee on Education passed legislation yesterday that will mandate financial literacy as a graduation requirement in Kentucky Public High Schools. The bill will require any ninth-grader to complete at least a one-half credit course that meets financial literacy academic standards. 25^th District Representative Jim Duplessis said of the legislation, “The goal of this measure is to educate and empower youth on financial planning methods. By providing financial guidance in a classroom setting, we are teaching students how to make positive financial decisions, but also make them aware of the long term repercussions for poor decisions.” The bill will head to the house floor where it will be considered for passage in the 2020 Regular Session.

Hardin County Schools, in the wake of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state of Kentucky, have been following information and guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the Kentucky Department of Public Health, and the Lincoln Trail District Health Department. While there are no confirmed cases of the virus in Hardin County, the school district is monitoring the health and attendance of students and staff, and is working to keep soap dispensers and hand sanitizers fully stocked. Students will also review proper hand-washing procedures with school nurses.

Kentucky State Police Post 4 troopers conducted a traffic stop early Monday morning that led to three arrests. Bobby Lee Casey of Kalamazoo, Michigan was stopped near the 108 mile marker on I-65 around 2:15 AM. A search of the vehicle resulted in locating over six pounds of suspected methamphetamine hidden inside the vehicle along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Casey and two passengers, Tori Freeman, 24, and Stacy Williams, 19, were charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. Casey was also charged with DUI and reckless driving. All three suspects were lodged in the Bullitt County jail.

The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office made two drug related arrests over the weekend, also removing reckless drivers from the road. According to a press release from the department, the first arrest came on Friday, March 6^th when officers responded to reports of a male subject, later identified as Leonard Miller, 52, of Leitchfield, passed out at the wheel at a department store. While officers were en route, the subject left and stopped at a convenience store. A sobriety test was administered, and Miller failed. Investigation revealed oxycontin pills and paraphernalia on Miller’s person. The second arrest came on Saturday, March 7^th after Clint Clauss, 35 of Leitchfield, was found doing 81 in a 55 mile-per-hour zone. Clauss sped away from officers, but was eventually stopped and was found to be driving on a suspended license, as well as having no tags or insurance. He failed the field sobriety test, and admitted to smoking meth earlier in the day. Both subjects were charged with numerous drug and vehicle related offences and were lodged in the Grayson County Detention Center.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has released their annual report, helping to identify the impact that the college has on the community as a whole. According to the report, ECTC has 9,252 credit enrollments and 1,698 dual credit enrollments with over 2,100 credentials rewarded. The report states that 1 out of every 69 jobs in the ECTC service area is supported by the activities of ECTC and its students. The report also touted the University Center project coming to the college, which will see ECTC partnering with four-year universities to bring Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in subjects such as criminal justice and information technology. More information on the project can be found at ectcforbetterlives.com.

Lane closures begin this week as contractors start work on intersection improvements along US 31W between Elizabethtown and Radcliff. Designed to improve safety, these projects will eliminate some high-risk traffic movements which commonly resulted in collisions. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the intersections of US 31W at KY 220, KY 434 and Blackjack Road will feature new “R-cut” traffic patterns. Construction will begin at KY 434 and then proceed to KY 220 and Blackjack road. Signs are posted for advance notice of changing lane configuration, and motorists are advised to pay close attention, limit speed, and minimize distractions while driving in the area.

The Elizabethtown Police Department captured a wanted man at a local hotel. Officers reported that Brian Walden, 35, who had an arrest warrant for absconding parole, was staying at a Motel 6 in Elizabethtown. Because of a violent encounter an officer had previously with Walden, the Special Response Team was called in. When officers arrived at the Motel 6, Walden surrendered peacefully and without incident. Walden is lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

On Wednesday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear provided an update on the status of his executive order that automatically restored the right to vote to many Kentuckians who were previously denied the right. According to a release from his office, Governor Beshear unveiled a website to help Kentuckians who are unsure determine if they qualify. The website, civilrightsrestoration.ky.gov, features a searchable database where those visiting the site enter a first and last name and date of birth, then their county of conviction or supervision, and then receive a result. If the displayed result is inconclusive, there is an e-mail and phone number to contact for more information. Individuals currently in custody or on supervision will be reviewed for automatic restoration prior to their completion of sentence and told if they qualify. Previously, the Governor had signed an executive order on his third day in office restoring the rights to vote and hold public office to Kentuckians who were convicted of most non-violent crimes who have repaid their debt to society by completing their sentences.

Hardin County Schools is seeking the opinion of Seniors in the district in order to plan for future career fairs. The district is offering a survey where Seniors can weigh in on which career pathways they would like represented so there can be more emphasis placed on fields students want to pursue. These surveys can be found on the Hardin County Schools website under the News and Announcements tab.

Breckinridge County has a new interim Sheriff after the retirement of controversial former Sheriff Todd Pate. Judge Executive Maurice Lucas appointed Billy Richardson in the role on Monday. Judge Lucas says he believes Richardson will bring a youthful energy to the position, and will be a good role model for children in the community. Richardson ran against Pate for the Sheriff position last election losing by only a few votes. Richardson will be on the ballot for the position in the elections this November.

The Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force and the Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement West assisted the United States Postal Service execute a search warrant at 50 Tumbo Road in Hodgenville. According to a press release from the task force, during the execution of the warrant, Harley Spalding, 26, and Zachariah Davis, 25, arrived at the location to claim ownership of a package containing approximately 23 pounds of high-grade marijuana shipped from California. The two were detained, and detectives then went to the residence of Davis, where they found an additional pound of high-grade marijuana, approximately 470 THC vape cartridges, THC vape packaging, and evidence of manufacturing. Davis and Spalding were both arrested and charged with trafficking in marijuana over five pounds and possession of drug paraphernalia. The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges and arrests pending.

As more details come in, the names of the local offenders in the Louisville Metro Police Department human trafficking detail have been released. Amos Brown of Hodgenville and Jeffery Stutts of Eastview were among the seven fathers that separately agreed to meet with a minor in Louisville for illicit activity. The detail, called Operation Bright Light, saw fake ads posted on several escort sites, which the men replied to and made plans. All offenders believed their escort to be sixteen years of age. All seven men are lodged in a Jefferson County jail.

Elizabethtown Parks and Recreation will be partnering with Abound Credit Union to host a financial literacy course this Thursday. The event will start at 6, and will cover credit scores and credit scoring basics. This is the first of four upcoming classes. There is no cost to attend, and the event is open to the public. The event is part of Abound’s new plan to bring widespread financial literacy to the Hardin County community.

Central Hardin High School will be bringing a literary classic to life this weekend with their production of Little Women. The show will be Friday night at 7 and Saturday afternoon at 4. The show will take place at the Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center, and tickets are only five dollars.