Monday, April 13th Update: Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County has one new confirmed case of COVID-19 today, according to The Barren River District Health Department. They also confirmed 128 total cases of COVID-19 in the Barren River District, 31 of which have recovered. Barren County has six, Butler County has 43, Edmonson County has seven, Hart has one, Logan County has seven, Simpson County has 16, and Warren County has 48. The district also reported a total of two deaths from COVID-19. Butler County reportedly saw a spike in cases due to an outbreak in a local nursing home there. It was a somber Easter Sunday in Edmonson County with many residents absent from local Easter church services for the first time ever. There were no reports of in-person services in Edmonson County yesterday; however, some churches streamed services and other events while others had drive-in services. Although the county is very traditional in worship practices in general, several churches are trying to find new ways for congregations to worship together. Today, Governor Andy Beshear reported 2048 total coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 87 of those cases are new. He also reported 629 recoveries from the virus. There were also 7 new deaths reported in the Commonwealth today for a total of 104 deaths statewide. Health officials are still holding to the same guidelines that have recommended for the past two weeks; the main one being stay at home unless you need groceries or medicine. Hand washing and using hand sanitizer are also extremely important while using social distancing, which is staying at least 6 feet from others while outside the home.
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$120K Added To County Jail Budget In Amendment Darren Doyle, story:
The fiscal court met today via the Zoom virtual meeting app and discussed an extremely light agenda; one that was described as "only the necessary items." All five county magistrates participated in the virtual meeting; three by video conference and two by telephone conference. Also participating were the judge executive, county treasurer, the sheriff, county clerk, county attorney, and a handful visitors. The main point discussed and voted upon was the first reading of a jail budget amendment, which required another $120K added to the highest-ever $487K jail budget amount for Edmonson County fiscal court. The county's jail budget has more than doubled over 5 years, according to Judge Executive Wil Cannon and is due to rising jail costs and more prisoners incarcerated. The amendment brought the current jail budget to $607,700; an amount for a county that doesn't even have a jail. No county offices gave reports as they normally do; however, they are not required at the meetings. Most other counties have those reports submitted at their meetings and do not have them in-person. The court also voted to:
Judge Cannon announced that the next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27th at 9am, and will also be held virtually, in the same manner as today's meeting. Meeting Will Be Available To Public Through Video and Audio Sources The Edmonson County Judge Executive's Office has released a public notice regarding the next fiscal court meeting, which is scheduled to be held on Monday, April 13th at 9AM. The entire notice is published below: EDMONSON COUNTY FISCAL COURT NOTICE OF REGULAR AUDIO/VIDEO TELECONFERENCE MEETING In accordance with KRS 61.823, KRS 61.826, Executive Order 2020-243, OAG 20-05, 2020 Senate Bill 150 and the March 31 Attorney General Advisory, the Edmonson County Fiscal Court will meet in session at 9:00 a.m. on April 13, 2020 to consider the following Agenda. The meeting will take place via audio teleconference due to the current public health situation with the fiscal court not meeting in person. The public may attend via audio by dialing: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID 950895703, password 020827 or by going to the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/950895703?pwd=Y1c5ZXNZSDQ1VERCQkdhTzcyZzloQT09 An audio/video copy of the meeting will be posted: www.edmonsoncounty.org AGENDA
EDMONSON COUNTY JUDGE/EXECUTIVE Darren Doyle, story, photos, and video: A birthday party to a five year-old can be a pretty big deal, so it's even a bigger deal if it gets canceled. That's what happened to young Heath Sanders, who couldn't have a party due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. And while he couldn't have a traditional party, he still had plenty of smiles Wednesday evening thanks to both the Wingfield and Chalybeate Fire Departments, who offered him a birthday party parade, filled with lights, sirens, and even a live P.A. version of "Happy Birthday." WATCH THE VIDEO:Brandon Graham of the Wingfield VFD, said it's just a way to bring positivity to the community in a time of trouble. "It's good for us and people in the community," he said. Graham led the parade that left the Wingfield firehouse and drove by Heath's relatives' house on Wingfield Church Road, where Heath and members of his family were waiting by the end of their driveway. As the parade approached Heath, the trucks stopped as Graham picked up the mic on the truck's P.A. system and sang "Happy Birthday" to a little boy that was jumping up and down with excitement. "We saw where some other fire departments were doing this in other states," said Chalybeate Fire Chief Daniel Johnson. "All our county fire departments are on board with doing it here in Edmonson County. If you have a little boy or girl that would like their own birthday parade, just contact your local fire department and we'll do our best to set it up." We talked to Heath afterwards and asked him what he thought about his very own parade. "I thought it was cool," he said. "I didn't get to have a party yesterday," which was Tuesday, his actual birthday. "Yeah, I liked it." His mom, Heather Lamastus, is a teacher at South Edmonson Elementary. She was grateful for the gesture and effort of the fire departments. "He was really excited," she said. Anyone that would like to request a birthday party parade can contact local fire departments at the following numbers: Brownsville Fire Department Chief Jerry Meredith 270-597-3814 (City Hall) Bear Creek Fire Department Chief J.T. Carol 270-535-5128 Wingfield Fire Department Chief Brandon Graham 270-246-2514 Chalybeate Fire Department Chief Daniel Johnson 270-597-7350 Kyrock Fire Department Chief Jeff Clubb 270-246-3374 Lincoln Fire Department Chief Steve Sanders 270-246-6012 Rocky Hill Fire Department Chief Tim Compton 270-799-6258 Darren Doyle, story:
Governor Andy Beshear issued two new orders today for Kentuckians to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in a day that saw the biggest single jump so far. The first order was to limit those visiting essential retail businesses to one per household. The order is to prevent a family outing or "date night," with exceptions. The order will allow minor children or anyone with a special need with one parent, guardian, or caregiver; however, the governor's exceptions are meant as a last resort for adults that have no other option than to bring their dependents along. The second order will prohibit any type of door-to-door sales, fundraising, or any other type of contact. The Governor said there have been reports of door-to-door activity which could spread illness. The Barren River District Health Department reported no new coronavirus cases in Edmonson County; however, there were 7 new cases reported in the area. Confirmed are: Barren 3, Butler 5, Edmonson 6, Hart 1, Logan 4, Simpson 14, and Warren 35. Beshear reported 204 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kentucky today, for a total of 1,346 cases. He also said there have been at least 339 recoveries from the virus statewide. Darren Doyle, story: Folks are finding new ways to stay connected since the virus outbreak has affected the entire planet and Kyrock Elementary teachers and staff did just that, in this uplifting video to their students and their local community. Kyrock Principal Shaun Stice credited first grade teacher Lauren Goins for the idea and for overseeing the project.
"We're staying in touch with our kids as much as we possibly can," he said. "The teachers are making contact with their students multiple times per week." The video shows teachers and school staff with positive messages to their students to the song "You've Got a Friend in Me," along with a special message from Principal Stice. He said while the school obviously didn't see the school year going in this direction, the school has continued moving forward and the students are doing what is asked of them. "I'm very proud of how our district came together and made decisions on what is best for the welfare our county," he said. Darren Doyle, story:
The Barren River District Health Department has confirmed one new case of COVID-19 in Edmonson County today, according to a press release. They also reported a total 61 cases in the Barren River District, 17 of which have recovered. Barren County has two, Butler County has two, Edmonson County has six, Hart has one, Logan County has four, Simpson County has 14, and Warren County has 32. Governor Andy Beshear reported 147 new cases statewide today, which is the largest single jump in one day. There is a total of 1,149 cases across Kentucky and there have been 65 deaths reported from the virus. Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
An early morning traffic stop has resulted in two drug trafficking arrests, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. According to a press release from the Sheriff, deputies stopped a vehicle on Veterans Memorial Hwy they said was traveling at a high rate of speed. Deputies reported that after obtaining consent to search the vehicle, they located an open bottle of vodka, various pipes commonly used to smoke illicit substances, and multiple baggies containing suspected methamphetamine. The driver was identified as Cheryl Rose McMillen, (39) of Cave City. She was charged with:
The passenger, Christopher S. Durbin, age 31 of Leitchfield, was charged with Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Deg. Both were lodged in the Hart County Jail. Schools Will Remain Closed Through May 1st: Food Delivery Service Will Be Converted To Pick Up Only Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County School Superintendent Patrick Waddell has announced more school system changes as a result of necessary virus prevention measures. Mr. Waddell said the school's food delivery program will undergo changes effective Monday, April 13th, in order to avoid congregating, which he said is occurring at the mapped drop-off points. "There is no blueprint on how we're supposed to handle the ever-changing COVID-19 outbreak," he said. "We're all learning as we go, and these actions are necessary in order to do our part in the prevention of spreading illness." Waddell said schools will no longer deliver meals, as of April 13th, to designated pick up points throughout the county because too many individuals are gathering at these points. Beginning on April 13th, schools will provide School Food Service Breakfast and Lunch for pick-up between the hours of 9 A.M. - 12 P.M. on Mondays and Thursdays at the following locations only: Kyrock Elementary, the Edmonson County 5/6 Center, and South Edmonson Elementary School. "You will be able to pick up three days of food on each of these days," he said. "To minimize the number of individuals who must gather at the same time, we ask that those with last names beginning with A-H pick up food between 9 A.M. and 10 A.M; if your last name begins with I-Q, please pick up food between 10 A.M. and 11 A.M.; and if your last name begins with R-Z, please pick up food between 11 A.M. and 12 P.M.." He also said signs outside tables will be located near the front office of each school where lunches will be delivered. "We ask that you remain in your vehicle and we will bring your food to the table," he added. "You will be allowed to exit your vehicle and pick up the food at that time." "Under our current guidelines, you may pick up the food for your children without the children being present or you may have a friend or family member pick up the food for you. At the time of pick-up, please be prepared to provide the names of the children who will be receiving the breakfast/lunch." Waddell said he knows that this will create hardships on some families and individuals but that the school must act in a manner that is best for all students, their families, and school employees. He said the schools are also working through problems as a result of delayed and changed shipments from food supply services. "It is our goal to feed every child during this difficult time. We also encourage you to contact family, friends, or community members to pick up the meals for your children if you do not have transportation. As you are aware, this is a national issue and we are having some difficulties with our normal food suppliers; nevertheless, we are managing to keep food in stock to meet demands moving forward. If anything changes, we will let you know." Yesterday, Governor Andy Beshear recommended that all schools in KY extend their in-person closures through May 1st. Edmonson County Schools immediately confirmed to the Edmonson Voice they were following suit. All school sports remain in a dead period until further notice. "This virus is spreading faster than we thought," said Mr. Waddell. "I believe our federal, state, and local leaders are doing the absolute best they can, and they're asking us to do the very best we can, and I encourage us all to do that." Waddell said food service participants must re-register and complete the NTI Feeding Program Form on your school or district web page or schools’ Facebook pages. You may also call the NTI Feeding Form Hot Line at 270-597-8955. Anyone with further questions can contact the board office at 270-597-2101. Edmonson County Schools Extend In-Person Closure Through May 1, At Governor's Recommendation Darren Doyle, story:
The Barren River District Health Department has confirmed 40 cases of COVID-19 in the Barren River District today, six of which have recovered. This is one more case than yesterday's update, which showed an additional case in Warren County. Barren County has one, Butler County has one, Edmonson County is still holding at five, Logan County has three, Simpson County has 12, and Warren County has 18. In Governor Beshear's live conference today, he reported that yesterday's statewide total needed to be adjusted to 670 as some of Wednesday's numbers incorrectly included out-of-state residents as well as some duplicates. Today's additional 100 reported confirmed cases were the single highest jump in the day-to-day numbers, bringing the state's total number of COVID-19 cases to 770. The Governor also reported 11 new deaths from the coronavirus today. Beshear also recommended all schools extend their in-person closures through Friday, May 1st. Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Patrick Waddell confirmed this afternoon to the Edmonson Voice that county schools will follow suit and remain closed through that period. Waddell said more updates regarding school information will be released soon. Governor Beshear also said today that it is a real possibility that school will not be back in session this year but that he wasn't ready to make that call just yet. The Governor also announced new executive orders:
WARNING: Potential Fraud Scams Surrounding COVID-19/Economic Impact Payments
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The United States Attorney’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) warned Kentucky taxpayers today to be alert about possible scams relating to COVID-19 economic impact payments. U.S. Attorney Russell M. Coleman and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Cincinnati Field Office, made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers in need from being victimized a second time by criminals using the recently approved payments as an opportunity to commit a crime. “Despite the uncertainty of recent events, some things remain crystal clear: the men and women of federal law enforcement remain on the job to protect Kentucky families; dedicated and talented special agents of IRS Criminal Investigative Division and career federal prosecutors stand ready to protect the tax payer,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “Please consult the safety tips to stop fraud before it happens.” “Ruthless criminals will take this opportunity to prey upon our fears in order to try and line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information,” said Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.” COVID-19 economic impact payments will be on their way in a matter of weeks. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account. For the unbanked, elderly or other groups we have traditionally seen receive tax refunds via paper check, they will receive their economic impact payment in this manner as well. Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them or use this as an opportunity to get you to “verify” your filing information in order to receive your money, using your personal information at a later date to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Because of this, everyone receiving money from the government from the COVID-19 economic impact payment is at risk. United States Attorney Coleman and Special Agent in Charge Jackson offer the following information and tips to spot a scam and understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued.
Don’t become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong, tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams. For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The railroad crossing on KY 101 at the railroad track in Smiths Grove in Warren County will be closed for one day on Tuesday, April 7th, according to the District 3 KY Transportation Cabinet . The railroad will be performing maintenance of crossing making the closure necessary. Commercial traffic must use the signed detour of U.S. 31-W and U.S. 68. Commercial drivers should be aware it will add some time to travel with the detour. Darren Doyle, story:
The Barren River District Health Department has confirmed three more cases of COVID-19 in Edmonson County, according to a press release today. There have been a total of 39 cases of COVID-19 in the Barren River District, six of which have recovered. BRDHD also reported the breakdown of all the current confirmed cases; Barren County has one, Butler County has one, Edmonson County has five, Logan County has three, Simpson County has 12, and Warren County has 17. There has been one death reported from COVID-19. "We stand in solidarity with those affected during these difficult times," said a statement from the health department. In Governor Beshear's conference today, he reported a total of 93 new cases in Kentucky, which is less than yesterday's report; however, he did not report on Edmonson's new cases. A BRDHD employee told the Edmonson Voice today that sometimes the communication lines between the Governor's office and local health department can be delayed as a result of the verification process. Beshear also reported two more deaths from the virus today, with another possible death he said had not been confirmed at the time of his remarks. The total death toll in Kentucky has been confirmed at 20 from COVID-19. VIDEO: Some Familiar Faces In EC Come Together For Positive Message: #TakeCareEdmonsonCounty4/1/2020 Got the COVID-19 blues? Here's some positivity from some of Edmonson County's familiar faces. Please spread good news, not sickness! Share this video and use the hashtag #TakeCareEdmonsonCounty |
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