Darren Doyle, story: Edmonson County Judge Executive Wil Cannon signed a State of Emergency Declaration for Edmonson County earlier today as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Edmonson Voice obtained a copy of the text in the declaration as published below. A State of Emergency simply means that the Judge Executive's office has the authority to take certain local emergency actions, should any become necessary, without the need for having to wait for state or federal approval. WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), beginning January 27, 2020; and Similar declarations are also made during large snowstorms or other weather and illness-related events when a large portion of the population can be affected. The declaration also allows agencies within the county, state, and federal level the ability to coordinate without what most would consider 'red tape' or actions that would otherwise delay cooperation.
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Darren Doyle, story:
Governor Andy Beshear announced today he will make an executive order that all restaurants and bars in KY will suspend their dining-in services indefinitely as another step in preventing the spread of COVID-19. They can proceed with business as long as it's carryout or delivery service. He said in his announcement that the goal is to have this in place by 5pm today. "I'm going to put out the order today, to close all restaurants and bars to in-person traffic," Beshear said in a statement. "We are going to have exceptions in there for drive-thru, for delivery, but we are to the point now, where this is a step we have to take." He said measures would be taken to help with the economic impact due to many of these establishments being small businesses. "We're going to do everything we can to be there for you. I want you to know I realize the impact it's going to have, but we have to take the steps to make sure that we are protecting our people, and this is a necessary one," he said. It was unclear exactly what specific exceptions would be made. "There are going to exceptions for drive-thrus, for take-out and we need to take a look at exactly how that's done, and for delivery," Beshear said. "We need folks that are out there to be ordering take-out now. To be ordering delivery. My family's going to commit to do it for at least three meals a week." The total confirmed cases in KY have risen by one since yesterday to 21 total cases with one death. No cases have been reported in the 10-county area. All KY cases have been reported from Jefferson, Harrison, Fayette, Bourbon, Nelson, Clark and Montgomery counties. KY COVID-19 Cases At Total of 20 Statewide by Darren Doyle:
The COVID-19 or coronavirus scare is real in the United States and is a serious threat to Americans, specifically older adults and people who have chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control, or the CDC. In order to fight the spread of coronavirus, the CDC has recommended that we all do the following: stock up on supplies, take every day precautions, avoid large crowds, and stay away from cruise and unnecessary air travel until the threat of the virus decreases. All of these recommendations make sense to most people and you don't have to be a medical professional to understand how they will help with containment of this condition. Do you know what doesn't make sense? Panicking over toilet paper. Neither the CDC nor any other government agency (nor anyone in their right mind) has recommended buying 96 rolls of toilet paper to fight coronavirus. I've yet to read anywhere that the virus causes terminal diarrhea. I did something last night I never thought I'd do in my entire life, which is pay $7.49 for one gallon of milk. We stopped at a Bowling Green store for a handful of items (including milk) but the place looked like it had been robbed. Bare shelves everywhere. Empty freezers and ransacked coolers were sad to see, along with racks in disarray. There were only two, gallon jugs of milk left in the store, and they were an organic brand that I'd never seen before. I got one of them. Why not both? Because someone else probably needed milk last night, too. We didn't need any toilet paper so we didn't even look for that. I asked my wife, "What will this place look like if this virus actually hits here?" The truth is, people will turn on each other and fight over toilet paper. It's already happening in bigger cities. There were two reports earlier this week in both New York and Georgia of brawls breaking out in grocery stores. One led to a man being stabbed with a broken wine bottle in one of the store aisles. I'll admit at first, I thought the NCAA and NBA cancellations along with others, were knee-jerk reactions, even ridiculous overreactions; however, I've learned more about the spreading of the virus and realize why those took place. The problem I have with those actions is that the national media has done a poor job of keeping the panic down. The public saw those cancellations that if the events continued, thousands of people would definitely spread or catch the virus, when in fact, it was actually to prevent a crisis before it starts. The thinking is simply this: if one person with the virus attends a sporting event with 30K others, then potentially, 30K people could catch and/or spread it. If there is no event, then that particular possibility is eliminated. The media didn't really explain this well and all the majority of the public saw was "March Madness cancelled because of coronavirus!" It's the same with cancelling schools. Our school system is going to do what the state government recommends, and that's what the state folks recommended. They didn't cancel it because students are spreading the virus. It's so they can't. I still can't find anything that says we need to go buy all the toilet paper we can find. So back to the toilet paper and $8 milk... It's recommended to have around two weeks worth of supplies in the event there is a hard quarantine and we're stuck at home for that amount of time. Ok, fine--I get it. But if you use an entire roll of toilet paper every day for two weeks (which you don't), then you'll need an extra 14 rolls...not 96. A gallon of milk will last two weeks at the most after you buy it, so why would you hoard it? You won't need 5 gallons of milk, or 7 gallons of bleach, or 14 bottles of hand sanitizer, and you see where I'm going with this. Calm down. Buy your normal amount of groceries. Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and use some common sense. Health officials say it will get worse before it gets better, but we all can do our part to help. Nowhere in the equation does the hoarding of toilet paper help. There have only been 20 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky with none of those being in our 10-county area. That means the virus has only infected 1 out of 223,200 people in KY. If we continue using common sense, we can keep those numbers low--without buying all the toilet paper. So, I'd like to encourage us all not to freak out over what people are brawling about in New York or Georgia. If you need a gallon of milk, then try to find just the one gallon. If you need toilet paper, then please just buy your normal household quantity...not all of it. Edmonson Voice Staff Report: Sheriff Shane Doyle has released a statement regarding some variations his office is making as a result of changes handed down from the state judicial and detention systems. The open letter is published below: To the Citizens of Edmonson County: Schools Will Close March 16th Through April 10th Darren Doyle, story: Edmonson County Schools are closing on March 16, 2020 and will remain closed through April 10, 2020, possibly sooner, according to a letter just issued from Superintendent Patrick Waddell. Governor Andy Beshear just announced the recommendation for schools across Kentucky to close for at least two weeks. You can read the following letter below: Dear Parents and Guardians, School System Encouraging Public To Remain Calm Darren Doyle, story and photo: With the nation reeling from all the negative effects of COVID-19, or coronavirus, it's easy to get wrapped up in the mess of it all. Since yesterday, the NBA announced it was suspending its season indefinitely, the NCAA has made drastic changes in their upcoming basketball tournaments, and large events across the nation are being both cancelled and suspended. Multiple universities (including WKU) in the state have extended their spring breaks another week and are ordering online classes-only for a period, and yesterday, Governor Andy Beshear even recommended reduced gatherings and for church services be cancelled until the "pandemic," as described by the World Health Organization, is under control. Edmonson County Superintendent of Schools Patrick Waddell sat down with us this morning before attending a meeting with other county and city school officials in the area to discuss Edmonson County's measures on both preventing and mitigating the coronavirus. It's also important to note: currently there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in not only Edmonson County, but also in the 10-county area. There have only been eight confirmed cases of the virus in Kentucky, and in three counties: Jefferson, Fayette, and Harrison. "We had a conference call with Governor Andy Beshear and the Commissioner of Education Kevin Brown yesterday regarding measures for the coronavirus and the main thing we discussed is for people not to panic," Waddell said. He said that state officials are stressing social distancing, which is any sort of reduced gathering where attendance will be high; however, he also discussed local measures being taken now by Edmonson County Schools. "We are emphasizing proper hygiene and thorough hand-washing, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, multiple times a day" he said. "Right now, we're preparing in the event the state would instruct us to close schools, which would be on a 72-hour notice. We haven't heard anything like that at this point, but we have to prepare for that." Waddell stressed that the virus hasn't hit home yet or this region; however, the schools are preparing additional NTI school work in the event of an extended closing. "Closing school is a hardship on many different people," he said. "Everyone has to have a plan in place when school closes, whether childcare, pickups and drop offs, all the things that change when school is cancelled, so we're asking all of you to prepare as well. In addition to NTI work, we're also working on continuing a plan to feed our students breakfast and lunch to those that will still need it, even if school is not in session. We're making plans where food can be picked up at our schools, as well as plans for drop off points where it can be picked up. We'll arrange it where food can be pre-ordered for students if this happens." Waddell said schools will keep the public informed through one-calls, school social media, school websites, and The Edmonson Voice. The school system is allowed up to 10 NTI days per year without a declaration of emergency. Currently, EC schools have used 6 days so far. Waddell said that Representative Michael Lee Meredith and Senator Steve Meredith are working towards state legislation that would allow an additional 10 NTI days if necessary. "We are also discouraging out-of-state school-related trips at this time, as well as all non-essential travel," he said. "We will discuss those on a case-by-case basis." "Locally, we've also added extra custodial staff, we have extra hand sanitizer coming, and we're educating our students on proper hand-washing. We're going to allow extra bathroom time for students. We're increasing our cleaning efforts at all schools," he said. "We're simply trying to be as prepared as possible if we have to close. This is a virus we've never seen. Our bodies haven't reacted to this so we really don't know what could happen. With that being said, we all need to take precautions, but no one needs to panic." Waddell said schools are also stressing the "3 Cs," Calm, Clean, Cooperative. "Lots of this is common sense," he said. He also encouraged people to verify information they see on social media due to the huge amounts of misinformation that is being spread. "If you hear or see anything about something going on at our schools, check our school sources. There have been all sorts of things said that aren't true. If we're instructed by the state to make any sort of decision, or if we have to make a local decision that impacts our district, we'll inform the public within an hour. This isn't the same as weather-related closings where we're all scrambling last minute. We'll have more time to prepare for a closing like this--if it even comes to that." Waddell said the main concern of the school at this time is still the regular strands of the flu that have continually hurt attendance here at home for several weeks. Local schools have closed an unprecedented three different times this year due to the flu. "School attendance this week has been up and it's getting better," he said. "Earlier in the year we saw attendance as low as 89%. This week it's back up to 93% and we expect that to continue to improve. Let's all use common sense and take care of ourselves and each other the best we can." Currently, just over 1300 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the U.S., which is only 3 out of every one million people. There have also been 38 confirmed deaths as a result of the virus in the U.S. According to the CDC, nearly 5 times that amount die each day from the standard flu or pneumonia in the U.S. Driver Of Other Vehicle Faces Multiple Charges Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
A Warren County Deputy Sheriff is listed in stable condition as he recovers from injuries sustained in a collision last night, according to Kentucky State Police. KSP reported they received a call for assistance in reference to an injury collision involving one of their deputies at Upper Stone Avenue near the intersection of Stone Lane at 11:32pm on March 11th. According to KSP, Warren County Sheriff's Deputy Phillip Gaines had just completed a call for service in the area and was traveling on Upper Stone Avenue. Police said that Derek Cordell, (34) of Bowling Green, was operating a 2014 Chevrolet pickup, also on Upper Stone Avenue and his vehicle crossed the yellow center line of the roadway into the path of travel of Deputy Gaines. Cordell's vehicle struck the Sheriff's Department's vehicle in the front driver's side, KSP said. Deputy Gaines was flown to Vanderbilt Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the collision, and is listed in stable condition. Derek Cordell was transported to the Medical Center where he was treated and released. Cordell was arrested and is lodged in the Warren County Regional Jail charged with Assault 1st Degree (Police Officer), Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (Police Officer), DUI 1st Offense (Aggravated Circumstance), Criminal Mischief 1st Degree. The investigation is being conducted by Trooper Bartley Weaver. He was assisted on the scene by Post 3 Troopers, Warren County Sheriff's Department and Air Evac. Edmonson Voice Staff Report: A Leitchfield woman has been arrested and charged with DUI along with additional charges that are felonies as a result of what law enforcement says was a hit-and-run incident that was tracked by a witness, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. In a press release, the Sheriff's Office reported they received a call on Tuesday, March 10th of a Chevy SUV in Bee Spring that had run off the road, hit two fences and a road sign, and continued driving north toward Grayson County. A witness followed the vehicle and reported the license plate number, which was also relayed to the Grayson County Sheriff's Office, according to the release. Officials said that Grayson County deputies were able to locate the vehicle and issue a traffic stop. The driver was reported to be Samantha Rishele (32) of Leitchfield with another adult and two juveniles in the vehicle, according to local officials. Edmonson County deputies also arrived on scene as a result of the hit-and-run taking place in Edmonson County where field sobriety tests were then performed. Rishele was found to be under the influence by law enforcement and placed under arrest where she was charged with:
"The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office wishes to thank the caller for their willingness to follow the SUV, after witnessing it run off the road, in order to relay information needed for law enforcement to later locate the vehicle," said the Sheriff's Office in the release. "The sheriff's office is always appreciative of assistance provided by other agencies; in this incident, Grayson County Sheriff's Office was able to locate the vehicle quickly, which resulted in the arrest of an intoxicated driver." Darren Doyle, story: photo courtesy of the 2020 Census:
The U.S. Census is getting underway all across America and also in Edmonson County. Census workers reached out to the Edmonson Voice and said that while it's safe, easy, and necessary for all households to participate in the census, unfortunately there have already been reports of scam attempts. While no types of census scams or attempts have been reported in Edmonson County, officials have asked us to pass along the following tips that could help keep any such attempts out of the community. Avoiding Scams Online Phishing is a criminal act in which someone tries to get your information by pretending to be an entity that you trust. Phishing emails often direct you to a website that looks real but is fake—and may be infected with malware. It is important to know that the Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request your participation in the 2020 Census. Further, during the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask for:
Staying Safe at Home If someone visits your home to collect a response for the 2020 Census, you can do the following to verify their identity:
Reporting Suspected Fraud If you suspect fraud, call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative. If it is determined that the visitor who came to your door does not work for the Census Bureau, contact your local police department. Funding Is In Addition to $10.5 Million Approved In 2017 Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Legislation committing $2.5 million in state funds for the design and preconstruction of a proposed Bowling Green Veterans Nursing home was signed into law today. The measure, House Bill 24, was sponsored by Rep. Michael Meredith of Oakland. "Securing the necessary funding for a veterans nursing home in Bowling Green has been one of my top priorities for several years," Meredith said. "With the signing of this bill into law, aging veterans in our area will finally have a place to call home that is closer to their family and friends. I am proud this important bill made it across the finish line with bipartisan support. Having an adequate place for our aging veterans to receive care is the least we can do for those who sacrificed so much for our freedom." The funding is in addition to the $10.5 million that was approved by the General Assembly in 2017. The proposed 90-bed facility would be Kentucky's fifth veterans’ nursing home and the first in the South Central Kentucky region. Meredith's office said this measure is even more critical as additional funding has been allocated to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by the Trump Administration, which has fast-tracked project approval and construction. "Passing this measure was important because of additional funding allocated to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by the Trump Administration and Congress," Meredith added. "With the state appropriation and the commitment of the federal funding, this project should move fairly quickly." The measure was co-sponsored by every member of the House serving Warren County, including Representatives Steve Sheldon, Steve Riley, Patti Minter, Jason Petrie, and Wilson Stone. COVID-19 Prevention and Symptoms Darren Doyle, story:
A Plus Family HealthCare announced today that it has been in contact with the Kentucky Primary Care Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Association of Community Health Centers, Barren River Health Department District, Med Center Health, and Infectious Disease providers to determine the best course of action to mitigate the threat of COVID-19, formally known as Coronavirus. Clinic officials told the Edmonson Voice today that the most common symptoms for COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Those affected the most tend to be elderly with underlying health conditions, while younger populations can see COVID-19 presented as a mild cold. Clinic CEO Patrick Merrit said it's difficult to find information on the virus that is clear and concise. "Call your primary healthcare provider and tell them your symptoms if you're genuinely worried," he said. "Most primary care providers aren’t equipped with the correct protective gear or a hyperbaric isolation room to properly test, but they can give you directions on how to proceed for proper care. As of right now, the proper testing route is through the Center of Disease Control (CDC). The local emergency rooms can test by nasopharyngeal swab (much like a flu swab) but the patient must meet a certain symptom criteria and be pre-approved by the CDC before the Emergency Room will test. The local emergency rooms are being bombarded by telephone calls because people are in a panic, and right now, we don't feel that need is in Edmonson County or south central Kentucky." Merritt said the clinic's nurse practitioners are stressing prevention, which include the following: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you are sick, avoid travel and stay at home. If you are sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and promptly throw the tissue away. Wash your hands often with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. The clinic is also advising those with elderly family members who have underlying health conditions the following:
"Again, we want to stress-- don’t panic," said Merritt. "Use common sense and good hygiene practices. If you have concerns or are exhibiting symptoms, call your primary care provider." Darren Doyle, story: Very few items were discussed at a short fiscal court meeting in Edmonson County on Monday, March 9, 2020. District 3 Magistrate Clark Wood was absent again for ongoing health issues as he continues his stay in the hospital. Sheriff Shane Doyle returned to fiscal court as he began his second week of work as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery. Several county offices gave current reports to the court. Road Report: County Road Supervisor Greg Carroll said that all local flood-prone bridges had recently been under water but all were currently open. He said that recent rains caused flash flooding around the county and that one particular resident had his own driveway tile washed out, keeping him stranded until crews could repair. He also discussed the recent fire incident that claimed a county tractor while it was in use. He said that upon approval from fiscal court, he hoped to replace the tractor, which is used for ditching and mowing. He added that the value of the tractor (over $30K) should be covered by insurance. Magistrate Edd Rich asked Carroll if a fire extinguisher was available to workers during the incident and Carroll replied that all county trucks and equipment have extinguishers available; however, he said this particular fire happened so quickly that workers couldn't use an extinguisher. Sheriff Report: Sheriff Shane Doyle said he was glad to be back at work on light duty and credited Kentucky State Police for answering calls and doing patrols in his absence and the ongoing shortage of manpower from the sheriff's office. He said that luckily, his office had experienced a lighter amount of calls as of late. He also thanked Chief Deputy and school resource officer Jeff Brooks and Sgt. Wally Ritter for their leadership and work while he was gone. Jailer Report: Jailer Hank Vincent reported 22 county inmates currently housed at Hart County Jail with one on home incarceration. He said their new jailer vehicle was being prepared for department use and that the final equipment touches were currently being performed. The court also voted to do the following:
Judge Executive Wil Cannon also invited everyone to attend the annual Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony on March 27, 2020 at 11am at the Veterans Memorial Courtyard. The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2020 at 9am. Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has reported a stolen vehicle as of Monday morning, March 9, 2020 that occurred on Wingfield Church Road. Officials said a black 1998 Ford F-150 single cab pickup, 2WD was stolen at approximately 8:20am this morning. The truck was also described as having license plate number 897 MZL with the word "Goodwrench" and the number "3" painted on the door. If you see this vehicle or have any info, you're asked to call Edmonson County dispatch at 270-597-2729 or the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office at 270-597-2157. Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
A Bowling Green man has died as a result of injuries sustained in a two-car collision early this morning, according to Bowling Green Police. Police said officers received a call at 5:05 AM for a crash in the 4900 block of Louisville Road near the junctions of Moorman Lane and Bristow Road. According to police, Tyler Scott Bealmear, 27, of Bowling Green, was traveling south on Louisville Road when he left the roadway, traveled into the median and struck a median cross-over, which sent his truck airborne. Police said that Mr. Bealmear’s vehicle rolled over and came to rest in the left lane of the northbound side. His vehicle was then struck by a pickup truck driven by Arthur Wright, 64, of Bowling Green, according to police. BGPD said Tyler Scott Bealmear, 27, of Bowling Green was taken to an area hospital where he died a short time later. Mr. Wright reportedly received minor injuries. **UPDATE, March 5, 2020: Jerry Britt has been located and taken into custody by Kentucky State Police. Britt will be lodged in the Hart County Jail. Jerry Britt has been charged with escape 2nd degree and theft by unlawful taking (auto) $10,000 or more.
Original article, 3/04/20: Kentucky State Police is looking for Jerry W. Britt, 37 of Scottsville, who had fled from a work detail, according to a press release from KSP. At approximately 12:42 PM, Kentucky State Police Post 3 in Bowling Green received a call stating inmate Jerry Britt had fled from a work detail. According to jail staff, an inmate gained access to a 2007 gold Lincoln Navigator without consent, and left the property located on Bluegrass Ave in Hart County. Kentucky State Police reported they have located the stolen vehicle in the Shanty Hollow area of Warren County. KSP along with local law enforcement are currently searching for Britt. Britt is a white male with brown hair, hazel eyes, approximately 5’11” tall, and weighs approximately 175 pounds. Britt was last seen wearing blue jeans, black hoodie, and a camouflage hat. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Britt, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 3 at 270-782-2010 or by Text a Tip via the Kentucky State Police App. Callers may remain Anonymous. Schools Closed Thursday, March 5th and Friday, March 6, 2020 Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County School Superintendent Patrick Waddell has announced that schools in Edmonson County will be closed Thursday, March 5, 2020 and Friday, March 6, 2020, due to continued illness. "Attendance has been below normal for the past few weeks and we have seen a more drastic decline this week," Waddell said in a statement. "Area clinics are also reporting an increase in positive flu cases as well as upper respiratory and strep throat." All practices and other school activities will also be suspended during the closing. All schools will reopen on Monday March 9th. This will be the third time this school year that Edmonson County Schools have closed as a result of significant lower attendance due to illness. "As always, we hope our students, their families and our staff take this time to get better," Waddell added. He also said that the school system will utilize NTI Days #5, and #6 for Thursday and Friday of this week. Deputy Says 18-Year Old Admits To Smoking Marijuana At Time Of Crash Darren Doyle, story: A Cub Run teenager was arrested after a vehicle collision and faces drug DUI and felony assault charges, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. According to a press release from the Sheriff's office, law enforcement responded to 2200 Union Light Road on Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:22 pm to a report of a two-vehicle collision. Law enforcement said that the driver of one of the vehicles, Jonathan D. Weaver (18) of Cub Run, KY, showed signs of impairment. A sheriff's deputy also said Weaver admitted to smoking marijuana and said he was "buzzing." The Sheriff's Office also reported that drug paraphernalia was found on Weaver's person. The driver of the other vehicle, Deborah Sanders, of Cub Run, KY, was transported by EMS for possible injuries sustained from the collision. Weaver was arrested and charged with:
Due to the driver of the other vehicle having possible injuries in the crash, Weaver was charged with felony Assault and Wanton Endangerment counts, according to Sheriff Shane Doyle. Weaver was lodged in Hart County Jail. The press release stated that the investigation is ongoing with further charges pending. Edmonson Voice Staff Report: A Leitchfield man was arrested on Sunday and faces meth trafficking and other charges after a traffic stop, according to a press release from the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. The release said that around 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 1, 2020, an Edmonson County Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2006 Ford Mustang on KY HWY 259 N near Bee Spring Lumber Company, due to a cancelled license plate for failure to maintain insurance. According to the Sheriff's Office, a probable cause search of the vehicle was performed by the deputy where suspected crystal methamphetamine, suspected methamphetamine, and suspected marijuana, along with several different forms of drug paraphernalia were found. The driver of the vehicle, Charles D. Ford (50) of Leitchfield, KY, was arrested and charged with:
Ford was lodged in Hart County Jail. |
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