Menu Close

WULF News

News- February 17, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

A Louisville man was arrested over the weekend after attempting to rob a fast food restaurant. According to media sources, Louisville Metro Police Department say Justin Carter came to Raising Canes at 1250 Bardstown Road and showed his gun to the employee, demanding cash. Two off-duty Elizabethtown Police Officers who were inside the restaurant confronted Carter, who then dropped his gun and ran. The officers followed him to Beechwood Avenue nearby, where he was taken into custody. Carter is a convicted felon, whose gun was stolen from Jeffersontown Police. He faces charges of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, receiving stolen property, and robbery.

The Elizabethtown Fire Department responded to a garage fire at 509 Nicholas Street last Friday at 8:41 AM. The fire occurred when the home owner was working on a motorcycle in the garage. As gasoline was being drained from the bike, flammable vapors were ignited by a near-by kerosene heater. Flames flashed back, causing the motorcycle to catch fire. Fortunately, the neighbor across the street saw the fire and rushed over with a fire extinguisher to put the fire out before arrival of fire units. The quick action of the neighbor prevented damage to anything but the motorcycle. The garage and attic areas were checked for fire extension, and the scene was cleared around 9 AM.

The Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office has found the man wanted in connection with a murder investigation. As previously reported, Anthony Wayne Allen was wanted after the victim, Robert Wendell Bailey, was found to have sustained life-threatening injuries from an assault that took place last week. Bailey would later pass away from his injuries. According to a release from the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, Allen was found in Evansville, Indiana where he surrendered without incident.

The Math Counts competition, which was coordinated by heads and representatives from different city of Elizabethtown departments, took place last Saturday at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. The results are as follows: The team that finished first overall was the East Hardin Middle School team, followed by the Larue County Middle School team in second place. Both will move on to state competition. Individually, Jordan Stull from Stuart Pepper Middle School finished first overall, while Zachary Townsend of East Hardin Middle School took home second place, and Paul Slack from Stuart Pepper finished third.

A business owner of an Elizabethtown staple has passed away. According to obituaries, Roy Eugene Rich, 86, died in his home last Saturday. Rich, an active member of Severns Valley Baptist Church, was also the owner of Etown Exterminating, and was the past president of the Kentucky Pest Management Association, where he served on the Board of Directors for more than 35 years. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Severns Valley Baptist Church New Worship Center Building Fund.

A retired member of the Elizabethtown Police Department and the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office passed away February 13th after a battle with cancer. According to his obituary, Joe Lynn Jackson, born March 8, 1940, served 32 years with the Elizabethtown Police Department, and an additional 15 with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, Jackson served as a mentor to many young officers, often saying he had the best job in the world. Visitation services for Jackson will be held today from 2 to 8 PM at Manakee Funeral Home, and will continue tomorrow from 9 to 11 AM.

News- February 14, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

Several events at West Point Independent School District have had to be rescheduled due to today’s absence. Students will have work to complete in order for the day to count as a school day, and the Valentine’s Day party scheduled for today has been moved to Tuesday, February 18th. Today’s absence was due to widespread illness among students and staff, as well as continued plumbing issues.

The Department for Public Health has suggested safety guidelines following severe flooding and water run-off events from recent rainfall across the state. Safety protocols include never entering flood waters unless escaping immediate danger, as well as being up to date on tetanus vaccination to avoid illness, staying clear of downed powerlines, and using all proper safety equipment when cleaning up a home after a flood. The department recommends that doors and windows be open while cleaning affected areas, and throwing away perishable food that has be stored at above 40 degrees for more than two hours. Governor Andy Beshear assured citizens his administration would support them saying, “We will use every resource available to us to ensure Kentuckians affected by these devastating floods can have a safe and expedient recovery.”

Several gates at Fort Knox will be closed for the President’s Day holiday. The Brandenburg entrance, as well as outbound lanes will be closed today February 14th as well as Monday, February 17th. The Wilson Road entrance will be closed on Monday as well, but open today. The Chaffee Gate will remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

News- February 13, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

Congressman Brett Guthrie, one of three main legislators to push for the new Army Headquarters that will be stationed at Fort Knox, has spoken about the success of the push, and why Fort Knox was the right choice. Guthrie says the facilities of Fort Knox, including the training space, housing, and medical clinic, are a perfect fit for this headquarters. The attitudes of the community and their willingness to accept the new soldiers also is a plus. Guthrie finished by saying that this headquarters solidifies Fort Knox’s importance to the Army.

The Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch arrested a Hardin County man on charges related to child sexual exploitation. According to a release from the department, John Thomas Coffey Junior was arrested as the result of an undercover internet crimes against children investigation, which began after discovering the suspect communicating with a juvenile online and requesting nude photographs. The investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Fairdale on Wednesday, and seizure of equipment used to facilitate the crime. Coffey is lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

Hardin Memorial Health will be celebrating their 66th anniversary tomorrow, and CEO Dennis Johnson is excited about possibilities for the future of the organization. Johnson notes that Baptist Health will be investing $235 million into the hospital, which will be allow services to be further spread in Central Kentucky. The deal with Baptist Health, which was given the go ahead late last year after many legal troubles, is expected to close by December 1st, 2020.

News- February 12, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

Due to urging from government officials, Fort Knox has been selected to be the home of the new corps headquarters for the department of the Army. Senator Rand Paul, Congressman Brett Guthrie, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell led the representatives in urging Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy and Chief of Staff of the Army General James McConville to choose Fort Knox for the headquarters location. The post will be the fourth headquarters location, and will be called Fifth Corps. This new location will bring approximately 635 additional soldiers to Kentucky. The Army plans to activate Fifth Corps by fall of 2020.

An Elizabethtown man was arrested over the weekend after calls of a suspicious person. The Vine Grove Police Department responded to 109 Highland Avenue and found Raymond Russell carrying an open vodka bottle. Russell was clearly under the influence and was belligerent with officers when he was asked how much he had to drink. Russell refused to get into the police cruiser and had to be escorted. While on the way to the detention center, Russell made several threats against the lives of the officers in the vehicle, as well as other inmates. Russell was verbally non-compliant and unbuckled his seat belt twice on the way to the detention center. He faces charges of alcohol intoxication in a public place as well as terroristic threatening. He is lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

An Elizabethtown man was arrested over the weekend by the Elizabethtown Police Department after a domestic argument. The victim stated that after an altercation over the location of a cell phone, Aaron Kissel became abusive. Kissel accused the victim of sitting on the phone and pulled the cover from under her. After not finding the device, the argument started and Kissel allegedly slapped the victim in the face two separate times and punched her in the throat. He then grabbed her by the throat and choked her until she could not breathe. The victim left the room and went to a neighbor’s house for help and called the police. When officers arrived, Kissel denied he had ever hit or made contact with the victim. He was arrested for strangulation and assault, and was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

At a meeting of Hardin County Fiscal Court held last night, the budget for the Hardin County Road Aid Cooperative Program Agreement was unanimously approved. Judge Executive Harry Berry approved the $1,900,085 budget for this fiscal year. This agreement is between Hardin County, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Transportation Cabinet, and the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid.

February 11, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

With nearly 250 confirmed illnesses in their service area, the Lincoln Trail District Health Department is advising residents about how to be safe and healthy for the remainder of this flu season. Preventative measures against spreading the flu include getting the flu vaccine, washing hands often, and staying home when not feeling well. Hardin County is responsible for the majority of the influenza cases in the Lincoln Trail service area, with over 150 confirmed cases.

The Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in locating a suspect in relation to a homicide. According to a press release, the office is searching for Anthony W. Allen, a 44-year-old white male last seen driving a silver, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The department responded to a Bullitt County residence on Sunday to find that the victim, Robert Wendell Bailey, had suffered life-threatening injuries from an assault. Bullitt County EMS transported the victim Jewish South Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The investigation is ongoing.

An Elizabethtown road is going to have its name changed. The former Woodland Drive located near Hardin Memorial Hospital is being isolated and having its course altered. Surveys regarding the name change were sent to residents on the street, and several voted for the name Craddock Court, named after former House of Representatives member Eileen Craddock, who lived on the street for a number of years. The results of the survey are not yet final.

The Elizabethtown Police Department are still looking to fill several attendee spots for their Citizen’s Police Academy being held on February 20th. The academy provides an opportunity for attendees to look into the day to day operations of the department. Those wishing to attend the academy should contact Officer Denham or visit etownpd.org to download an application.

February 10, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

An Elizabethtown Fire Department vehicle was involved in a single-vehicle incident last Friday morning. According to a press release from Deputy Fire Chief Everett Roberts, the truck slid off the icy road at 601 College Street and flipped onto the passenger side of the roadway, causing a minor shoulder injury to the firefighter inside the vehicle. Luckily, the injuries were minor due to the firefighter wearing his seatbelt. The damaged truck was towed to the Elizabethtown Public Safety garage for evaluation, and the city Public Works Department responded to the area to salt the road.

One of the victims of a home explosion last month has passed away due to her injuries. According to her obituary, Angela Young passed away Saturday morning at University of Louisville Hospital. As previously reported, Young and her daughter were in their Millwood home when a leak from a faulty connection to a gas furnace caused an explosion. Young and her daughter suffered severe burns and had to be airlifted to University of Louisville Hospital. Funeral services for Young will be held this Wednesday at Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield.

The Kentucky State Police Telecommunications Academy Class Fifteen graduated on Friday in Frankfort. Six telecommunicators from throughout the Commonwealth were recognized at graduation ceremonies for the agency’s in-house telecommunications academy. The group began their studies on January 6, 2020, at the KSP Training Academy in Frankfort, and were taught 196 hours of instruction during the five-week period. To complete the course, the communicators were required to successfully process scripted calls for service and demonstrate proficiency in obtaining information, dispatching responders, and documenting information from the call.

February 7, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

A jackknifed truck caused delays on I-65 North this morning. According to Transportation Cabinet Spokesperson Chris Jessie, the commercial vehicle jackknifed at Exit 91, and took the interstate down to one lane for several hours. The lanes reopened and traffic returned to normal, but Jessie stressed allowing for extra time and caution while driving to avoid slick spots on the roadway.

Several school districts, including Hardin, Breckenridge, Meade, and Grayson called off school today due to large amounts of absences because of illness. Larue County Schools called off today as well as Monday so the schools and all properties could be deep cleaned and sanitized. No make up day has been scheduled for Larue County while Hardin County will make up this absence by being in session on President’s Day.

The Elizabethtown Police Department responded to the Speedway at 1005 North Dixie in reference to a vehicle theft. When officers arrived, they learned that a motorist inside the store had left their minivan running in the parking lot with two children, aged eleven and five, inside. The suspect, Fredrick Ruelas Branham unlawfully entered the van and departed the parking lot with the children still inside. After travelling a short distance, the suspect stopped and ordered both children out of the vehicle, then he continued northbound on Dixie Highway. He was located on KY 313 by Radcliff police shortly thereafter. Ruelas Branham was arrested for theft of a motor vehicle, as well as wanton endangerment. No one was harmed in the incident, but the police department urges the public never to leave a vehicle running or leave children inside of a vehicle without an adult present.

After a town hall meeting held earlier this week, officials in the city of Vine Grove are working to come to a conclusion on a plan for the City Hall Building. Mayor Pam Ogden says the goal for this year is to work out all the financials for the project. The city has started to look into loans and grants to help pay for the project. Residents of Vine Grove were in favor of demolishing the old building and building something brand new.

February 5, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

A Radcliff man has been charged after a Radcliff Police officer-involved shooting that took place last month. According to a press release from Kentucky State Police, Joseph Godsey, 34, has been charged with one count of assault of a police officer, which carries a one to five- year prison sentence. The two officers involved were Officer Roger Beets III, a two-year veteran of the department, and Officer Jonah Everage, a one-year veteran of the department. As previously reported, Godsey was attempting to illegally enter a home when he was confronted by police. He then charged the officers with a knife and was shot, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.

Officials with Fort Knox Federal Credit Union, or Abound Credit Union as it will soon be known, have responded to some criticism regarding the name change. President and CEO Ray Springsteen says that people are passionate, and that’s what the Credit Union is all about. He also says it would likely have been impossible to please everyone. He emphasizes that the Credit Union is still doing a lot for the military, and will not stop doing so. Reportedly, the institution, in collaboration with Hardin Memorial Health, invested over $1 million in to military health programs on Fort Knox, as well as donated $70,000 to veterans programs.

Hardin County Animal Care and Control will now be using new forms of technology to help recover lost pets. The organization has begun to use revolutionary facial recognition technology to identify lost dogs and cats. The Hardin County Animal Shelter registers every animal that enters the shelter system on Finding Rover. In addition to helping lost pets find their home, Finding Rover also features dogs and cats that are available for adoption. More information can be found at findingrover.com.

February 4, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

Troopers with Kentucky State Police Post 4 were called to the 1900 Block of KY 79 in Meade County Sunday morning in reference to a single vehicle collision. Preliminary investigation revealed that Joshua Marr, 29, or Brandenburg was travelling South on KY 79 when, for unknown reasons, his vehicle left the roadway before rolling over multiple times. Marr was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Meade County Coroner’s Office. The affected portion of KY 79 was closed in order to allow troopers to investigate the collision. The investigation is ongoing.

The Elizabethtown City Council has made an agreement with a design group to oversee construction of the new Fire Station #2. RBS Design Group has been hired to oversee the construction to make sure that all work is in compliance with plans and designs. The contract is for an amount not to exceed $40,000. The initial agreement with RBS was made in 2018, when the company designed the building itself.

The City of Elizabethtown has heard and adopted a new municipal order which lays out and adjusts proper procedure for public comments at meetings of the Elizabethtown City Council. The procedure for speaking at City Council meetings include registering to be on the agenda with the city clerk, signing in on the form available at the meetings, a time limit of five minutes, stating name and address prior to speaking at the meeting, and not using derogatory or slanderous language.

The City of Elizabethtown has made an agreement with CMW Incorporated to prepare documents regarding renovations to the public works maintenance building. The contract is in an amount not to exceed $90,000. This is phase three of the overall plan to renovate the building.

Freeman Lake Park will be without the large dog park for the entirety of the month of February. According to a post on the City of Elizabethtown Parks and Recreation Facebook page, the park will be closed for repairs and improvements. However, the small dog park will continue to be open, and will welcome dogs of all sizes.

February 3, 2020

94.3 The Wolf

Kentucky State Police Post 4 was asked to assist the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office in regards to a two vehicle collision on Friday morning. The incident took place near the 2600 block of Beaver Dam Road in Grayson County. Tanner Edwards, 16, of Leitchfield was travelling west on the road, while Martin Whobrey, 58, of Leitchfield, was travelling east. Due to the wet conditions, Edwards crossed the center line and into the path of Whobrey’s vehicle. Whobrey was declared deceased at the scene. Edwards and his passenger, 16-year-old Hunter Hodges of Leitchfield, were transported to Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The affected portion of Beaver Dam Road was closed to allow troopers to investigate the collision. The investigation is ongoing.

The Elizabethtown Police Department has made it a goal to crack down on unsafe driving habits in the year of 2020, as there were over 2500 collisions last year alone, just in the city of Elizabethtown. Collision numbers have increased steadily over the last five years. Officials with the Police Department stress that this is not in order to meet a quota, but to provide a safe driving experience. Specific offenses being targeted include driving under the influence, distracted driving, and unsafe driving in school zones.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College was named one of the best places to work in Kentucky by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management in 2020. The selection process is based on an assessment of the company’s employee policies and procedures, as well as the results of an internal employee survey. ECTC was in the medium employer category, which consisted of 31 winners and includes 150-499 employees. ECTC President and CEO Doctor Juston Pate said, “We do meaningful work and work hard doing it, but we care about and respect each other along the way. I believe we truly are one of the best places to work in Kentucky, and couldn’t be more pleased to be formally recognized as such.” To see the full list of the 100 best places to work in Kentucky, visit bestplacestoworkky.com.

The City of Vine Grove will be hosting a town hall meeting to discuss the future of the City Hall building. The meeting will take place at around 7:30 tonight, following the city council meeting being held at 6:30. Ideas surrounding the future of the building have included making necessary repairs, tearing down and relocating the building, adding on to the current structure, or just building an entirely new city hall. This is a meeting that is open to the public to attend.