FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 31, 2021) – On Wednesday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced all Kentuckians 16 and older will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine April 5. Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for 16 and 17-year-olds.

“This is a good day. This news means that we will beat the president’s goal by a month to have COVID-19 vaccinations opened up to everyone,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are seeing in a number of states an increase in cases and hospitalizations, and it’s happening among younger people. We want to get ahead of the more aggressive COVID-19 variants and make sure that we fill every available appointment. Make a plan to get your shot of hope.”

Today, the Governor shared a new video encouraging all Kentuckians who are eligible to join the team and get vaccinated.

The Governor said he would provide COVID-19 updates on his social media channels the rest of the week; due to Easter weekend, there will be limited COVID-19 reports Friday and Saturday and no COVID-19 report Sunday.

Largest Vaccination Site in Kentucky to Open April 12 at Cardinal Stadium
The Governor shared a video from University of Louisville President Dr. Neeli Bendapudi celebrating the opening of Kentucky’s largest vaccination site, at Cardinal Stadium – 2800 S. Floyd St., Louisville, KY 40209 – on April 12.

UofL Health professionals will be able to vaccinate up to 4,000 Kentuckians per day at the Cardinal Stadium site. Over its seven-week run, the site will have the capacity to vaccinate nearly 200,000 Kentuckians from across the commonwealth.

The Cardinal Stadium vaccination site will be open to all Kentuckians ages 16 and up. For more information or to make an appointment, visit UofLHealth.org or call 502-681-1435.

Whitney Young Elementary Vaccination Site
People who live in West Louisville can now schedule vaccination appointments that begin as early as tomorrow at Whitney Young Elementary – 3526 Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40212. To schedule an appointment, call 888-777-7219 or visit NortonHealthcare.com.

Vaccination Sites with Open Appointments
The Governor highlighted four vaccination locations that have the highest number of available appointments: Norton Healthcare (register here), Northern Kentucky Convention Center (register here), Kentucky Dam Village Convention Center (register here) and Baptist Health Madisonville (register here or call 270-825-7330). To see a list of vaccination sites that have openings this week, visit vaccinemap.ky.gov.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Safe, Highly Effective in Kids 12 and Older
The Governor announced Pfizer and BioNTech reported their COVID-19 vaccine was 100% effective in protecting kids 12 and older against symptomatic disease in a study that included more than 2,200 children. The researchers who conducted the study said they had no safety concerns about the vaccine for this age group. Last week, Pfizer started testing their vaccine in children ages 6 months to 11 years.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine to Protect Lives at Kentucky’s Correctional Facilities
The Kentucky Department of Corrections is now scheduled to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by April 5. There will be enough vaccine doses for all interested inmates housed in state prisons. COVID-19 vaccinations at all state prisons are expected to be completed next week with the exception of the Kentucky State Penitentiary and Western Kentucky Correctional Complex since those facilities are recovering from COVID-19 outbreaks. COVID-19 vaccines will be administered in those facilities as soon as it is safe to do so.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 815
New deaths today: 22
New audit deaths: 3
Positivity rate: 2.96%
Total deaths: 6,090
Currently hospitalized: 413
Currently in ICU: 110
Currently on ventilator: 48

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Warren and Scott. Each county reported at least 31 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Eviction Moratorium Extended
Today, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order that applies the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s order extending the nationwide moratorium on evictions from residential premises for nonpayment of rent through June 30, 2021.

To be covered by the CDC eviction moratorium, complete this Declaration Form (Spanish version).

The Governor has designated $264 million to the Team Kentucky Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund that can assist Kentucky renters in 118 counties with rent or utility payments. For more information and to apply, click here.

To apply for eviction relief in Lexington-Fayette County, visit covid19renterhelp.org. To apply for eviction relief in Louisville-Jefferson County, visit stopmyeviction.org. Homeowners at risk of foreclosure should visit the Kentucky Homeownership Protection Center website. Homeowners in need of utility assistance should contact their local Community Action Agency.

Unemployment Insurance Update
Today, Amy Cubbage, Gov. Beshear’s general counsel, updated Kentuckians on unemployment insurance (UI).

Updated Language on Account Summary Pages
The Office of Unemployment Insurance (OUI) has updated the language on claimants’ account summary pages, changing the status “under investigation” to “fact finding.” The change in language does not represent a change on an individual’s claim. The status name was changed because the term “under investigation” had a negative connotation and implied claimants had done something wrong or were suspected of fraud, when in most cases this status just means more information is needed.

Legislative Update
House Bill 192 is the Executive Branch budget bill. Gov. Beshear asked for general funds for 90 new OUI employee positions, who would be cross-trained to assist citizens with both UI and employment services. The legislature instead appropriated federal funds that OUI was already receiving from the U.S. Department of Labor.

House Bill 382 was amended and passed with $575 million of federal funds to repay the UI trust fund loan received from the federal government.

Senate Bill 146 confirmed already announced plans that the Labor Cabinet will reopen select Kentucky Career Centers for in-person services by April 15. 

Kentucky Career Centers Opening by April 15
Thirteen Kentucky Career Centers (KCC) are opening by mid-April to in person UI services. The locations are in Ashland, Bowling Green, Covington, Elizabethtown, Hazard, Hopkinsville, Lexington, Louisville, Morehead, Owensboro, Paducah, Prestonsburg and Somerset.

Kentuckians will soon be able to make appointments at the KCC website. Claimants can receive assistance with UI, and in addition, they will have access to other resources such as: assistance with finding a job; assistance with job training and apprenticeship opportunities; vocational rehabilitation services; and adult education services, such as the free GED program that is being offered for first-time test takers.

More Information
To see all vaccination sites and free transportation options to and from vaccination appointments, visit vaccine.ky.gov. To see a list of vaccination sites that have openings this week, visit vaccinemap.ky.gov. If Kentuckians have questions, they should call the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians).

To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

The Adair County Sheriff's Office has purchased a cruiser. According to Adair County Sheriff Josh Brockman, the Adair County Fiscal Court has been been working hard on replacing an aging fleet of vehicles for the Sheriff's Office over the last 2 years as grants and scarce funds have become available. However, we are pleased to say this patrol vehicle was at NO cost to taxpayers as it was purchased with funds from drug forfeitures. Assets seized by the sheriffs office during drug related charges and search warrants were awarded to the office after successful prosecutions in Adair District and Circuit Courts.

64-year-old Jimmy Lee Caldwell of Jamestown, KY passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2021 on Old Dunbar Road in Russell Springs, KY due to a tractor accident. His wife survives, Louann (Passmore) Caldwell and 2 sons, Danny Dale & Nicklas Caldwell, all of Jamestown, KY. 

Mr. Caldwell's funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 1st, 2021. H.E. Pruitt Memory Chapel in Jamestown is in charge of the arrangements. For the complete obituary, go to https://ridingthewave.com/obits/563901.

Miranda York, age 25 of Jamestown was taken into custody by Trooper Begley with the Kentucky State Police just before 7:30 last evening. York was charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense Drug Unspecified and Buy/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia… She was lodged into the Russell County Detention Center.

Russell County, 3 new cases Tuesday. We had 3 cases released from isolation. We now have 10 active cases which are all on self-isolation.

Adair County, 5 new COVID19 cases to report, we released no cases yesterday. We have 8 active cases with 8 of those in home isolation. We have no cases in the hospital at this time.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 30, 2021) – On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced 751 new COVID-19 cases and a 2.9% positivity rate.

“We are on a positive trajectory – we are leading all of our seven border states in administering at least one dose of the vaccine and our positivity rate continues to decline –  but we need to keep working hard and not give up,” said Gov. Beshear. “We need every eligible Kentuckian to join the team and get the first vaccine available them.”

Kentucky has now vaccinated about 40% of all adults.

The Governor reminded Kentuckians that there are thousands of COVID-19 vaccination appointments available over the next few weeks at Norton Healthcare (register here), UK Health Care’s vaccination site at Kroger Field (register here) and the Kroger Frankfort Regional Vaccination site (register here or call 866-211-5320); King’s Daughters Pavilion also has hundreds of available appointments (call 606-408-2683).

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 751
New deaths today: 13
New audit deaths: 10
Positivity rate: 2.9%
Total deaths: 6,065
Currently hospitalized: 378
Currently in ICU: 91
Currently on ventilator: 37

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Christian and Scott. Each county reported at least 25 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

More Information
To see all vaccination sites and free transportation options to and from vaccination appointments, visit vaccine.ky.gov. To see a list of vaccination sites that have openings this week, visit vaccinemap.ky.gov. If Kentuckians have questions, they should call the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians).

To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

Find when and how the IRS sent your 3rd Economic Impact Payment with the IRS’s Get My Payment Tool.

Columbia, KY (March 30, 2021) Kentucky State Police Post 15 was contacted by Adair County 911 on March 29th, 2021 at approximately 5:18am in reference to a structure fire that occurred on Slick Rock West Road resulting in one fatality. Upon arrival Detective B.J. Burton determined that there were three people inside of the building when it caught fire. 61 year old Ruby Stotts was able to make it out of the building and was airlifted to the University of Louisville Hospital. An 11 year old female received severe burns and was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. A 20 month old male child was found inside the residence and pronounced deceased by the Adair County Coroner.

At this time, the exact cause of this fire is unknown however foul play is not suspected. Det. Burton was assisted at the scene by Trooper Mike Woodrum, Adair County Sheriff’s Department, Columbia Police Department, Adair County Fire Department, Adair County EMS, and The State Fire Marshall’s Office. 
 

On Saturday, March 27, 2021 the Adair County Sheriffs Office was working on multiple complaints of possible drug activity in the area of Tori Road and Rowetown Road in the Breeding area.   
 

Russell County, 1 new case Monday. We had 2 cases released from isolation. We now have 10 active cases which are all on self-isolation.

Adair County, no new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. We released 10 cases and moved 1 case to a different county. We have 3 active cases with 3 of those in home isolation. We have no cases in the hospital at this time.

Adair County Fiscal Court is pleased to announce we have received a grant in the amount of $11,545.08 from Kentucky Office of Homeland Security 911 Services Board. This grant will be used for upgrades to software/hardware of the Solocom 911 phone system.

I want to thank Director Jason Upchurch and Deputy Director Danna Burton for all the hard work put in to this paperwork and grant application.

Adair County Fiscal Court will continue to search for grants to update equipment and services to save our taxpayer dollars.

Gale Cowan

Adair Co. Judge Executive

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 29, 2021) – On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more than 1.3 million Kentuckians have received at least their first dose of one of three highly effective COVID-19 vaccines.

“We’ve now vaccinated about 40% of Kentucky adults – a really exciting milestone. We also believe we’ve vaccinated about 70% of Kentuckians who are age 70 and up,” said Gov. Beshear.

All Kentuckians 40 and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. By April 12, all Kentuckians 16 and older will be eligible. To see all vaccination sites, visit vaccine.ky.gov. To see a list of vaccination sites that have openings this week, visit vaccinemap.ky.gov.

“Kentucky has been and remains the best performing state of all of our seven border states in terms of the percentage of our population that has had at least one dose of the vaccine – and that’s whether you look at the total population, the population 16 or older or the population 65 or older,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health. “Please get the very first vaccine that’s available to you.”

The Governor and Dr. Stack emphasized that while cases are declining in Kentucky as vaccines increase, it is too early to relax all precautions, as the more contagious B117 COVID-19 variant spreads in the commonwealth and across the country.

“We now know that in at least 15 counties across the state, we have found COVID-19 variants, the predominant one being the B117 variant (associated with the United Kingdom) and also some cases of the South African variant as well,” said Dr. Stack. “It’s really important that you take the vaccine as soon as you have the opportunity because if we allow this virus to spread too rapidly by not getting vaccinated, it has more of an opportunity to mutate and change, learning how to get more effective.”

Team Kentucky COVID-19 Memorial Fund
“In a year, this evil virus has taken now more than 6,000 Kentuckians. In just late January, when we crossed 3,000 Kentuckians lost to this virus, we began planting flags here for each loss on the Capitol grounds,” said Gov. Beshear. “To extend this honor into the future, on March 6, I announced the creation of the Team Kentucky COVID-19 Memorial Fund, which will help develop a permanent memorial to the victims of this war right here on Capitol grounds.”

Kentuckians can dedicate a donation to someone they have lost or someone they want to honor. All donations are tax-deductible, and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes after donating.

If there are additional funds remaining after the memorial is fully funded, they will be used to assist Kentuckians who lost a loved one to COVID in reimbursing a portion of their funeral or burial expenses.

To make a donation or obtain more information, visit TeamKYCOVIDMemorial.ky.gov.

The Governor said he soon will announce an artist call to encourage submissions and proposals on the design of the memorial.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Monday, March 29, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 310
New deaths today: 11
New audit deaths: 0
Positivity rate: 2.89%
Total deaths: 6,042
Currently hospitalized: 364
Currently in ICU: 87
Currently on ventilator: 41

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Kenton, Carter and Harlan. Each county reported at least 15 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

To help protect lives as we finish the fight against COVID-19, today the Governor signed an executive order extending Kentucky’s mask mandate for another 30 days.

Auto Supplier Eberspaecher North America Plans 214 Jobs with New Louisville Facility
Eberspaecher North America Inc., a system developer and supplier of exhaust technology, thermal management systems and automotive electronics, is expected to create 214 quality job opportunities with a more than $30 million investment to establish a new operation in Louisville, Gov. Beshear announced today. To learn more, see the full release.

Memorial – Tim Jackson
“Today we are honoring the life of Tim Jackson of Prospect, who passed away on March 1 of COVID-19 at 74 years old,” said Gov. Beshear. “Tim was an all-around great guy. He dedicated his life to others, always serving those in need in his spare time and through his career as an educator. Tim was a coach, teacher, principal and superintendent before joining the leadership team at what is now the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. We spoke to his friend Jim who called him the ultimate role model.

“The light of his life was his family. He married his wife Paula in 1968, and together they had three children – Paul, Kristie and Shannon – and seven grandchildren. His family was his priority. His friend said while Tim loved golf, his number one hobby was caring for his grandkids. He was so proud and loved them more than anything. You knew if Tim backed out of a game it was for good reason – it was for more time with those kiddos.

“Today, we lift Tim’s family in prayer. Let us light our homes green and ring our bells in his honor, and to show compassion to Paula, their three kids and grandkids.”

$4.3 Million from Land and Water Conservation Fund
Today, Gov. Beshear said more than $4.3 million has been awarded from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for 41 Kentucky communities to improve parks and recreational spaces across the commonwealth. To learn more, see the full release.

College Access Program Makes Higher Education More Affordable for Kentucky Students
Kentucky students who need financial aid to pay for college or technical training will have more help this fall, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.

Through a combination of more state funding, supported by Gov. Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly, and a changing applicant population, KHEAA is increasing the maximum awards for College Access Program grants, which provide need-based assistance to undergraduate students. To learn more, see the full release.

Gov. Beshear, Faith Leaders Promote Event to Vaccinate 2,500 Kentuckians
On Saturday, Gov. Beshear and faith leaders representing more than 50 churches attended a 12-hour vaccination event organized by UofL Health in West Louisville, which included 2,500 available appointments for Kentuckians to be vaccinated. To learn more, see the full release.

More Information
To see all vaccination sites and free transportation options to and from vaccination appointments, visit vaccine.ky.gov. To see a list of vaccination sites that have openings this week, visit vaccinemap.ky.gov. If Kentuckians have questions, they should call the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians).

To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March. 29, 2021) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced his selection of 41 projects totaling more than $4.3 million to receive funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). All selected projects will upgrade parks and recreation spaces across Kentucky.

LWCF is a federal program designed to protect important natural areas, help local communities acquire land for outdoor recreation spaces and to develop or renovate public, outdoor recreation spaces such as campgrounds, picnic areas, sports and playfields, swimming, boating or fishing facilities, trails, natural areas and passive parks.

“Parks and recreation spaces are an important part of every Kentucky community,” said Gov. Beshear. “They provide safe spaces for exercise, community-building and leisure, which are all important factors in ensuring Kentuckians are healthy and happy. Ultimately, parks and recreation spaces are a critical piece in building a better Kentucky for every family.”

To receive funding, administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government (DLG), selected applicants must undergo federal review and receive approval from the National Park Service.      

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund will provide crucial funding for communities in every corner of Kentucky,” said DLG Commissioner Dennis Keene. “We are grateful these funds will upgrade Kentucky parks with accessible trails, playgrounds and more for every Kentuckian to enjoy.”

Ashland
Ashland will use $175,000 to construct an inclusive playground in downtown Ashland's Central Park.

Auburn
Auburn will use $25,000 to construct a 9-hole disc golf course and a covered circular shelter with pad and lighting.

Barbourville
Barbourville will use $27,304 for splash pad improvements – a bucket dump water attraction and an area to sunbathe.

Benton
Benton will use $12,995 to construct two pavilions with post frames and metal roofs in the playground at H. H. Lovett Park.

Burnside
Burnside will use $106,553 to construct a trail with a view of Lake Cumberland along Highway 2295. The project also includes adding signage, benches, trash receptacles and lighting along the trail.

Columbia
Columbia will use $113,900 toward the construction of a splash pad. Their project proposal also includes adding fencing, landscaping, rock, a sidewalk, lighting and the renovation of an existing restroom.

Cynthiana
Cynthiana will use $87,500 to construct a splash park at Flat Run Veteran’s Park.

Danville
Danville will use $125,000 to upgrade Jackson Park with new, accessible playground equipment and to restore existing softball and baseball fields. They will also upgrade playground equipment at Cowan Park and Millennium Park.

Drakesboro
Drakesboro will use $125,096 to purchase and install new, commercial playground equipment and complete drainage and landscaping improvements at their City Park.

Eddyville
Eddyville will use $50,140 to renovate the city tennis courts. The city plans to replace fencing, resurface the courts, replace net posts and add a hitting board.

Edmonton
Edmonton will use $66,852 to purchase eight trash receptacles, 16 bleacher shade structures and a concreate pad to attach the shade structures and make the bleachers Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible.

Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown will use $250,000 for a nearly full replacement and renovation of the Funtopia playground. They plan to replace a wood structure with a modern metal or plastic composite structure, add new playground equipment and construct ADA accessible paths, ramps and platforms.

Flatwoods
Flatwoods will use $82,802 to upgrade the City Pool Complex with new cleaning technology, patch work and two coats of epoxy. They will also add racing lines, targets, a new water feature at the kiddie pool, fencing, gates and an ADA accessible pool lift.

Hazard
Hazard will use $54,230 to construct a permanent stage complete with an ADA accessible ramp with railing. The project also includes lighting installation, seating repairs at the amphitheater and construction of a concrete pad for the dumpster.

Hopkinsville
Hopkinsville will use $75,000 to construct two group shelters and one playground at the Pardue Lane Park.

Horse Cave
Horse Cave will use $49,206 to construct a new city park over Sunset Dome. The new park will include a walking path and trails, 10 parking spaces, nine wooden benches, trail signage, two picnic tables, five trash receptacles, two gazebos and planting 30 native trees and various shrubbery.

Kuttawa
Kuttawa will use $125,100 for the first phase of a project to expand and upgrade Glenn Park. During this phase, the city will expand the lower playground and make repairs to the adjoining basketball court by adding new playground equipment, mulch, six benches, three trash receptacles and new signage.

Lancaster
Lancaster will use $125,000 to develop the Lancaster Soccer Park, which will include ADA accessible fields, walkways, restrooms and a concession building.

Lawrenceburg
Lawrenceburg will use $169,105 to renovate the existing Lawrenceburg Green to include a sitting wall, bathroom facility, digital sign, lighting, trash receptacles and picnic tables.

London
London will use $99,995 to purchase ADA accessible playground equipment and a sensory maze at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park.

Middlesboro
Middlesboro will use $119,101 to remove and replace five outdated play structures with new ADA accessible structures and install poured-in-place rubber surfacing.

Middletown
Middletown will use $63,181 to add a picnic shelter at Wetherby Park with four ADA accessible picnic tables. The city will also add benches and trash receptacles throughout the park.

Munfordville
Munfordville will use $40,000 to add two playsets in the playground, updated benches and waste receptacles, loose fill rubber and to purchase and install new grills.

Murray and Calloway County
Murray and Calloway County will use $19,767 to add an accessible walking path connecting the ADA accessible playground to the ADA accessible bathrooms and replace the old toddler playground with a new, accessible Tot Lot.

Nortonville
Nortonville will use $125,100 to replace fencing around the majority of the City Park and upgrade the concession stand and restroom facility. They will also use funds for earthwork and drainage improvements, to pave the parking area and add LED lighting, new bleachers, trash receptacles and signage.

Raceland
Raceland will use $71,448 to add pour-in-place rubber to construct ADA accessible trails from the school to the playground and to each piece of playground equipment.

Ravenna
Ravenna will use $81,575 to resurface two basketball courts, convert one of the courts into an outdoor gym and exercise area with shade covers and a safety surface. They also plan to construct a butterfly garden, add ADA accessible playground equipment, new bike racks, landscaping, lighting, trees and repair existing water fountains.

Winchester
Winchester will use $250,000 to build a splash pad, pump rooms and bathrooms.

Carlisle County
Carlisle County will use $150,000 for construction of a new ballfield and the addition of fencing to two existing fields. The county will use also use the funds to hire an electrician to replace wiring and conduits, straighten a pole and install a new panel stand set in concrete.

Carroll County
Carroll County will use $29,684 to replace the filtration system and broken pipes of the existing ADA accessible indoor swimming pool.

Christian County
Christian County will use $25,000 to assist in the construction of a covered pavilion at the Jeffers Bend Environmental Center.

Floyd County
Floyd County will use $44,071 to build a community shelter with picnic tables, add an ADA accessible playground and construct a sidewalk connecting the parking lot to the shelter, buildings and playground.

Green County
Green County will use $73,150 to build a multipurpose field. They will use the funding to add dirt, rock, stone, geo-fabric, synthetic turf and recycled rubber infill. Additionally, they plan to construct a track for remote control vehicles, including an ADA accessible driver stand.

Livingston County
Livingston County will use $150,000 to upgrade Ledbetter Community Park to include a basketball court, pavilion, playground and walking trail.

Menifee County
Menifee County will use $170,000 to install a new scoreboard and upgrade the light fixtures on the high school athletic field to meet Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) standards.

Monroe County
Monroe County will use $250,000 to upgrade Central Park. They plan to construct parking lots, restroom facilities, picnic shelters, a water and splash park area and add playground equipment, sidewalks, landscaping and an amphitheater. They also plan to add lighting, fencing, and trash receptacles throughout the park.

Morgan County
Morgan County will use $250,000 for the construction of a splash pad, community amphitheater and sidewalks to connect the Morgan County Wellness and Youth Center parking lot to the park facilities. They also plan to add new signage.

Shelby County
Shelby County will use $25,000 to install a concrete pad, pavilion, picnic tables and charcoal grill at Mose Dale Park. They also plan to expand the playground, improve landscaping, add benches and trash cans, install fencing and construct a new entrance to the park.

Spencer County
Spencer County will use $49,500 to install lights at Field #1 at the Ray Jewell Park Sports Complex.

Todd County
Todd County will use $250,000 for the acquisition of a vacant industrial property from the City of Elkton to create a regulation-size soccer field complete with a concessions stand and restroom facility, lighting, fencing and a parking lot.

Trigg County
Trigg County will use $125,245 to assist in the reconstruction of a concession and restroom facility at the Trigg County Recreation Complex.

More Information
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov and the state’s response to COVID-19 at kycovid19.ky.gov.

A fatal fire occurred Monday morning on Slick Rock Road off Hwy 61N in Adair County that reportedly claimed the life of a child. No other details are available at this time.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 29, 2021) — It’s nearly Easter and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) hopes shoppers will include a Trooper Teddy Bear in their Easter baskets this year. The bears go on sale today and will sell for $14.99 through April 4. All proceeds from the sale benefit the Trooper Teddy Project, which provides teddy bears to children in traumatic situations such as a car crash, exposure to drugs, or domestic abuse cases which frequently result in the arrest of a parent.

KSP Spokesman Sergeant Billy Gregory says the ‘Trooper Teddy’ Project is designed to develop trust between officers and children.

“Often times, we are meeting these children on their worst day,” says Gregory. “Whether they are scared or nervous from the circumstance they are dealing with, the bear seems to immediately resonate with them. That connection builds trust and opens the door to communication between the child and the trooper.”

Gregory says the program does not utilize state dollars and relies solely on donations and the sale of bears to sustain it.

“Annually, we host a bear sale on Black Friday and then again on Valentine’s Day to raise money for the project,” notes Gregory. “This year, our bear shipment was delayed for our February sale so we are hosting our first ever Easter Sale.” 

Gregory says he hopes the Spring sale will be successful and that Trooper Teddy Bears might show up in Easter Baskets this year.

“We know traditionally this is the season for bunnies,” remarked Gregory. “Kentuckians have always supported this project and it has been absolutely heart-warming to see the way they have responded over the years.”

Trooper Teddy Bears will be sold for $14.99 plus shipping during the promotion. To avoid a shipping fee, citizens have the option to pick up their bear at KSP Headquarters in Frankfort or at any KSP Post location.

For those interested in purchasing a bear or making a tax deductible contribution to the project, citizens should visit https://trooperteddy.square.site/

The Trooper Teddy Bear Project came to life in December of 1989 after Kentucky First Lady Martha Wilkinson hosted a Gala fundraiser at Red Mile Racecourse earlier that summer. The black tie event raised the needed funds to purchase 2,000 Trooper Teddy Bears. The first allotment of bears included a personal note on each stuffed animal from First Lady Wilkerson.

• Daniel Coenen, 39, of Jamestown, KY was arrested Saturday night by KSP for Rear License Not Illuminated, Careless Driving, Driving on a DUI Suspended License, and 
• Contempt of Court.
• Emmanuel Gonzalez Masariegoz, 33, of Russell Springs, KY was arrested Saturday night by KSP for Failure to Appear, Improper Signal, No Operators License, and Careless Drivig.

• Dakota Turner, 21, of Columbia was arrested early this (Sunday) morning by the ACSO for DUI 2nd offense.
• Frances Powell, 46, of Barbourville, KY arrested early this morning by the ACSO for No Registration Plates, No Operators License, Operating a Motore Vehicle Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree (Drug Unspecified).
• Curtis Earl Myrick, 49, of Gray, KY arrested by the ACSO overnight for Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Public Intoxication of a Controlled Substance (excluding Alcohol), Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon, and Deliver/Manufacture Drug Paraphernalia.

SOMERSET, Ky. (March 26, 2021) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 Office advises motorists that beginning Monday, March 29, the KY 80 Fishing Creek bridge (mile point 13.8) in Pulaski County will be reduced to one lane to allow for waterline placement.

For the next eight weeks, traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work week, from 8 a.m. Monday to 7 p.m. Friday.

Temporary traffic signals will be in place on the east and west bound approaches for the lane closure. In addition, lane widths will be reduced to 9’.

The dates and duration of the lane closures may be adjusted for inclement weather or other unforeseeable delays. Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra time in reaching their destination.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 26, 2021) – On Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state’s COVID-19 positivity rate has declined to 2.8% and he continued to encourage eligible Kentuckians to get vaccinated.

On Monday, all Kentuckians 40 and older will become eligible for three highly effective COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to all individuals in Phase 1A, 1B and 1C. By April 12, all Kentuckians 16 and older will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

“More than one in three Kentucky adults have been vaccinated so far, which is a huge milestone,” said Gov. Beshear. “If you haven’t been vaccinated, see where you can sign up. If you’ve got a family member or friend who wants their shot of hope, help them get registered and call our vaccine hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), if you need help. Together, we can defeat COVID-19 this year, but we have to keep up our momentum.”

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Friday, March 26, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 646
New deaths today: 27
New audit deaths: 11
Positivity rate: 2.8%
Total deaths: 6,008
Currently hospitalized: 383
Currently in ICU: 88
Currently on ventilator: 46

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Warren and Scott. Each county reported at least 24 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Kentucky’s vaccine map lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so individuals can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment. Below the vaccine map, Kentuckians can find additional vaccination sites at Kroger, Walmart and Walgreens stores, as well as independent pharmacies.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available. The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccination appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

Campbellsville, KY. (March 25, 2021) – The Kentucky State Police investigated a five-vehicle fatal collision on KY 210, 7 miles west of Campbellsville around 1:00 p.m. ET.

The preliminary investigation indicates a 2006 Freightliner semi truck being operated by 48-year-old Donald Slusher of Flat Lick, KY was traveling north on KY 210 when he overturned striking four vehicles including a 2016 Freightliner box truck operated by 58-year-old Oscar Miller of Louisville, KY, a 2017 Chevrolet being operated by 25 year-old Tamara Knowles of Greensburg, KY, a 2019 Ford being operated by 52-year-old Clark Marshall of Greensburg, KY and a 2015 Chevrolet being operated by 27-year-old Brandon Heath of Harrah, Oklahoma.  

Brandon Heath was pronounced deceased by the Taylor County Coroner's Office. The remaining four persons involved in the accident were transported to Taylor Regional Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. 

Trooper Weston Sullivan is investigating and was assisted by members of Kentucky State Police, the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, EMS & Fire, along with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Adair County Sheriff Josh Brockman was contacted about a possible puppy mill where the animals were in need of intervention due to health and conditions of their living.

An investigation was launched and on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Sheriff Brockman filed an affidavit for a search warrant with County Attorney Jennifer Hutchison Corbin. The search warrant was granted by District Judge Mike Loy. At approximately 2:30pmCT on Wednesday, the Sheriffs Office executed the search warrant at a residence off Johnny Harvey Rd in the Breeding community. Once the scene was made safe, Guardians of Rescue, a national non-profit organization who organized teams from Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee came in to assist with animals and assessment.

The Sheriffs Office found probable cause to seize 141 dogs and 9 cats. A little after 4:00amCT on Thursday, March 25, 2021 after nearly 14 hours on the scene, all animals had been triaged and were on their way to rescues.
   
The animals were surrendered to Guardians of Rescue who will oversee their care. Once they're healthy and have received any medical care needed, they will be adopted out to new homes, to loving families and individuals.   

Debra Remmer, 65, of the Breeding community of Adair County, KY was charged with 141 counts of Cruelty to Animals 2nd degree. 

The investigation is ongoing by the Sheriffs Office and they want to thank the rescue teams and volunteers who assisted at the scene.
 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 Office advises motorists that beginning Monday, March 29, the KY 80 Fishing Creek bridge (mile point 13.8) in Pulaski County will be reduced to one lane to allow for waterline placement.

For the next 8 weeks, traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work week, from 8 a.m. Monday to 7 p.m. Friday.

Temporary traffic signals will be in place on the east and west bound approaches for the lane closure. In addition, lane widths will be reduced to 9’.

The dates and duration of the lane closures may be adjusted for inclement weather or other unforeseeable delays. Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra time in reaching their destination.

Russell County, 4 new cases Thursday. We had 5 cases released from isolation. We now have 16 active cases which are all on self-isolation.

Adair County, 4 new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. We have 19 active cases with 19 of those in home isolation. We have no cases in the hospital at this time.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 25, 2021) - Governor Andy Beshear and Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) Secretary Rebecca Goodman announced that grants up to $25,000 are available to qualifying counties for flood debris cleanup.

Grants will be made available to the 48 counties with declared states of emergency associated with March flooding and can be used to cover the cost of collecting, transporting and disposing of municipal solid waste resulting from flooding.

Gov. Beshear?declared a state of emergency Feb. 28 and?deployed state resources to help afflicted areas. He later visited and pledged assistance to areas hardest hit by recent rains.

“Many counties across the commonwealth were devastated by these floods, and some had been impacted by ice storms right before the flooding, too,” Gov. Beshear said. “I want to make sure that on Team Kentucky, no one gets left behind during a challenge like this. We still have a long way to go, but we are happy to provide resources to these communities to help with their initial recovery efforts.”

Kentuckians affected by recent flooding are urged to be safe and environmentally conscious when cleaning and disposing of material. Potential hazards include asbestos, mold and toxic chemicals.

“We encourage all eligible counties to take advantage of this opportunity to assist in the removal and proper disposal of municipal solid waste associated with the recent flooding,” Secretary Goodman said.

Counties eligible for funding include: Adair, Anderson, Breathitt, Boyd, Butler, Calloway, Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Cumberland, Edmonson, Elliott, Estill, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Graves, Green, Greenup, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knott, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Metcalfe, Morgan, Owen, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Spencer, Todd, Trigg, Wolfe, and Woodford.

Funding for the cleanup comes from the Kentucky Pride Fund, through a $1.75 environmental remediation fee for each ton of garbage disposed of at Kentucky municipal solid waste disposal facilities. The Kentucky Division of Waste Management administers the fund.

Storm debris handling guidance and additional resources can be found on the EEC website. Information is also available regarding the disposal of items such as livestock carcasses, 55-gallon drums or tanks, and for the cleanup of waterways.

Please note that the preferred method for managing woody or vegetative debris is by composting, shredding or chipping for reuse as mulch.

Kentuckians should contact their local solid waste coordinator to learn if debris will be picked?up curbside or if debris must be taken to a designated location.

Kentucky restricts open burning. Burning is?permitted only in limited circumstances and?under specific conditions. The burning of?household trash other than uncoated paper?products is illegal year-round.

A Kentucky Floods Cleanup Hotline has also been set up (800-451-1954) for  services including clearing trees; removal of drywall, flooring and appliances; tarping of roofs; and mold mitigation. Services are available through March 26 as resources allow.

Grant application packages will be emailed to eligible counties. For additional information, please contact Gary Logsdon at gary.logsdon@ky.gov or Lisa Evans at lisa.evans@ky.gov .

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 25, 2021) – On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the pace of Kentucky’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts continues to accelerate.

“As of today, we’re right at 1.25 million Kentuckians who have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. That is more than 36% of our adult population, which is really exciting,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is the pace we want to keep up.”

The Governor highlighted vaccination sites with available appointments and encouraged Kentuckians in Phase 1A, 1B or 1C, as well as any Kentuckians who are 50 and older, to sign up.

Gov. Beshear said on March 29, all Kentuckians 40 and older will be eligible for all three highly effective COVID-19 vaccines, although vaccination sites will continue to prioritize older individuals.

Finally, the Governor announced three new regional vaccination sites:

• Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center – 625 James S. Trimble Blvd., Paintsville, KY 41240
• Casey County Hospital – 187 Wolford Ave., Liberty, KY 42539
• Jane Todd Crawford Hospital – 202-206 Milby St., Greensburg, KY 42743

Kentuckians can see all regional vaccination sites, as well as lists of other vaccination sites organized by provider brand and program, here.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Thursday, March 25, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 726
New deaths today: 19
New audit deaths: 88
Positivity rate: 2.92%
Total deaths: 5,970
Currently hospitalized: 403
Currently in ICU: 106
Currently on ventilator: 49

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Scott and Kenton. Each county reported at least 30 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Today, the Governor reported no deaths from long-term care facilities.

“The message to share with the public is how important these vaccines are and just how well they work,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health. “This is your shot of hope, it’s our shot of hope and it’s how we get out of this pandemic that has upended our lives for the past year and has taken so many of our loved ones from us.”

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Kentucky’s vaccine map lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so individuals can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment. Below the vaccine map, Kentuckians can find additional vaccination sites at Kroger, Walmart and Walgreens stores, as well as independent pharmacies.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available. The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccination appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

Unemployment Insurance Update
Today, Amy Cubbage, general counsel for Gov. Beshear, updated Kentuckians on unemployment insurance (UI).

New UI Login and Home Screen Launched
Cubbage said as of Tuesday, more than 24,500 claimants had registered using the new UI interface that is more user-friendly and secure. All users will need to start with the “Click Here to Register” tab and create a new, secure password. The Kentucky Career Center (KCC) homepage will have information and a tutorial video about the new registration process.

U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) Launches New Website to Assist UI Fraud Victims
The U.S. DOL has launched a new website to help victims of unemployment identity theft. The U.S. DOL attributes much of the widespread surge of fraud attempts on organized criminal factions that acquire stolen identities from previous, unrelated data breaches on the internet.

“Those perpetrators then use that information to file claims on victims in multiple states and try to collect the benefits,” said Cubbage. “This website is a great resource for victims of UI identity theft and houses all the states’ fraud website links.”

$10,200 UI Tax Break
The American Rescue Plan that was signed into law March 11 by President Joe Biden provides tax relief for the first $10,200 of UI benefits sent to people with adjusted gross incomes of less than $150,000 in 2020. By the time the law passed, some Kentuckians had already filed their taxes.

“The IRS is working on a fix that means most people in that situation will not have to take any extra steps, such as sending in an amended tax return, to recoup the taxes they paid but don’t owe per the new rule,” said Cubbage. “IRS staff believe they will be able to automatically issue refunds associated with the $10,200.”

Senate Bill 7
“We get many questions relating to the new Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) that the Governor signed to waive requests from the state for claimants to repay unemployment overpayments,” said Cubbage. “The Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance is reviewing the language in SB 7 and will be working with U.S. DOL’s federal guidance in order to implement the new waiver program as quickly as possible.”

Virtual Appointment Tips
“If you have a virtual appointment, please make sure you have your cellphone’s spam filter turned off or you may not receive our call, as we use Amazon Connect to dial out to you,” said Cubbage. “Last week there were 625 scheduled appointments, and staff assisted 577 claimants. There were 48 that did not answer the phone or email. Staff make every effort to reach out to the Kentuckian with each appointment and resolve their issue.”

Kentucky Career Centers Opening
Kentucky Career Centers are opening in mid-April to in-person UI services. There will be 13 locations in Bowling Green, Covington, Elizabethtown, Hazard, Hopkinsville, Lexington, Louisville, Morehead, Ashland, Owensboro, Paducah, Prestonsburg and Somerset.

“Kentuckians will be able to make an appointment using the same program as we use for the virtual appointments today online,” Cubbage said. “Watch the KCC website for the launch of the appointment system for these in person services.”

Not only will claimants be able to receive assistance with UI but they will have access to the many other resources available in the career center such as: assistance with finding a job, assistance with job training and apprenticeship opportunities, vocational rehabilitation services and adult education services, such as the free GED program that is being offered for first-time test takers.

$2.1 Million Grant for Postsecondary Education from James Graham Brown Foundation
Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced the James Graham Brown Foundation has awarded $2.1 million to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) for a new, first-of-its-kind initiative, the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative, which will improve equity on college campuses. To learn more, see the full release.

“While several states across the country have launched similar centers at the postsecondary level, Kentucky’s will be the first to work with both two- and four-year institutions, linking campuses with businesses, community leaders, state policy-makers and national foundations,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “We owe the James Graham Brown Foundation a great deal of gratitude for this generous gift. It is the largest privately funded grant that CPE has ever received.”

Debris Disposal Grant Funding Available for Qualifying Counties After Flooding
Lt. Gov. Coleman said Gov. Beshear and Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman announced that grants up to $25,000 are available to qualifying counties for flood debris cleanup. Grants will be made available to the 48 counties with declared states of emergency associated with March flooding and can be used to cover the cost of collecting, transporting and disposing of municipal solid waste resulting from flooding. For more information, see the full release.

$19.3 Million in GEER II Funding for Education
Today, Lt. Gov. Coleman said Gov. Beshear announced $19.3 million in federal funds have been awarded to Kentucky from the second round of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund 2 (GEER II) for educational support services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will provide student mental health services; family support; college, career and transition services for students; and assistance for college-bound students and families in need. To learn more, see the full release.

Nucor to Build $164 Million Tube Mill in Gallatin County
Today, Gov. Beshear announced Nucor Tubular Products, a division of steel products manufacturer Nucor Corp., plans to build a $164 million tube mill and create 72 full-time jobs in Ghent, marking a significant step forward in the Governor’s mission to create well-paying, high-quality jobs across the commonwealth. To learn more, see the full release.

Severe Weather Threatens Kentucky This Afternoon, Evening
Gov. Beshear today warned Kentuckians that strong to severe thunderstorms are expected late this afternoon and this evening across the commonwealth. Damaging winds, isolated tornadoes and heavy rainfall are expected. The areas of greatest risk for severe weather and for a potential strong tornado are Southwestern and South Central Kentucky. To learn more, see the full release.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

• Request to consider a variance for property located at 312 Oak Street. (Request is to put a single-wide trailer instead of a double-wide trailer on the lot). Property owned by Danny McClister (PVA Map No. 000-04-02-001.00). 

As of 8:29 a.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021 the Boil Water Advisory starting at 7130-9950 Russell Springs Rd. and all side roads in between, has been lifted by the Division of Water Columbia Office. This means your water is safe for human consumption. You no longer have to boil your water.

UPDATE - A detour has been established from KY210 using Moss Road to Mac Pittman Road to KY 569 back to KY 210.  All commercial trucks are requested to use US 68 from Campbellsville to Greensburg to North KY61 to Hodgenville.

More information to come when it becomes available. 

Campbellsville, KY. (March 25,2021) – Kentucky State Police are currently on scene of a Fatal Collision on KY 210 near the Pittman Creek Bridge, approximately 7 miles west of Campbellsville.  KY 210 is closed to thru traffic for an undetermined amount of time, Motorist are urged to avoid the area.  Once a detour route is established, the information will be released.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

Due to potential severe weather, ALL after school programs at ACPC and ACES in Adair County have been cancelled this afternoon.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 25, 2021) – Gov. Andy Beshear today warned Kentuckians that strong to severe thunderstorms are expected late this afternoon and this evening across the Commonwealth. Damaging winds, isolated tornadoes and heavy rainfall are expected. The areas of greatest risk for severe weather and for a potential strong tornado are South Western and South Central Kentucky.

“Kentuckians should follow their local forecasts and be aware of changing conditions as this storm front moves through our state,” said Gov. Beshear. “Families and workplaces need to be familiar with plans for safely sheltering in place in the event of a tornado and be prepared in case there are disruptions to local utilities.”

Gusty winds out of the southwest are expected, especially in Southern Indiana and North Central Kentucky. Sustained winds of 25 to 30 miles per hour will be possible, with gusts as high as 45-50 miles per hour at times.

“Given the National Weather Service advance warnings, this will be a very dangerous system capable of no-notice sporadic tornado activity throughout the evening and early morning hours across the state,” said Michael Dossett, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. “Now is the time to ensure that your family, neighbors and work colleagues have reviewed their safety plan for shelter or evacuation to a safe place in the event of severe weather.

“Stay tuned to your local weather broadcast, be aware of outdoor warning sirens and review the difference between a tornado watch – a timeline where conditions are favorable for tornado activity – and a tornado warning – a radar indicated sighting of a tornado in your area,” Dossett added.

The entire Commonwealth is at risk for severe weather that includes damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. The period of greatest risk for severe weather will be from 3 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. CDT until midnight EDT.

For more information about KYEM, visit kyem.ky.gov.

SOMERSET, Ky. (March 25, 2021) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 advises motorists that starting tomorrow, March 26, 2021 the KY 61 bridge (mile point 10) over the Cumberland River in Burkesville will be temporarily reduced to one lane for cleaning and painting.

Temporary traffic signals will be in place on the north and south bound approaches for the lane closure. 

In addition, the speed limit has been reduced to 25 mph through the work zone and lane widths reduced to 12’.

Work is expected to be completed June 11, 2021. The starting date and duration of the lane closures may be adjusted for inclement weather or other unforeseeable delays. Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra time in reaching their destination.

For Kentucky’s latest traffic and travel information, visit goky.ky.gov or navigate traffic by downloading the free Waze app at www.waze.com. Motorists can also access traffic information for the District 8 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 and at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.  

Kentucky State Police are currently on scene of a Fatal Collision on KY 210 near the Pittman Creek Bridge, approximately 7 miles west of Campbellsville.  KY 210 is closed to thru traffic for an undetermined amount of time, Motorist are urged to avoid the area.  Once a detour route is established, the information will be released.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

Russell County, 2 new cases Wednesday. We had 1 case released from isolation. We now have 17 active cases which are all on self-isolation.

Adair County, 1 new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. We released 1 cases. We have 20 active cases with 19 of those in home isolation. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

Burkesville, KY (March 24, 2021) On March 23, 2021 Lottie Baker, 42, of Burkesville, KY died from injuries she sustained from the collision on March 22, 2021.

---------------------------------------------------------
Burkesville, KY (March 22, 2021) - On March 22, 2021 Troopers from Kentucky State Police Post 15 was requested to respond to a 2-vehicle injury accident in Cumberland County.  The collision occurred on KY Highway 704 at approximately 9:30 AM.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Jonathan Neathery, 30, of Columbia, KY was operating a 2002 Toyota Tundra westbound on KY 704. Neathery's vehicle crossed the center dividing line and entered into the path of a 2013 Chevrolet Impala, being operated by Lottie Baker, 42, of Burkesville, KY causing the two vehicles to strike in a head-on manner. 
 

Jonathan Neathery was transported by EMS to Cumberland County Hospital where he was treated and released. Lottie Baker was airlifted to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville where she is listed in critical condition. The operators of both vehicles were unrestrained at the time of the collision.

This collision remains under investigation by Tpr. Allen Shirley.  Tpr Shirley was assisted at the scene by additional KSP personnel, Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, Cumberland County Fire and EMS, and Cumberland County EMA.   

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 24, 2021) – On Wednesday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state’s positivity rate has decreased again, to 2.85%.

All Kentuckians 50 and older became eligible Monday for three highly effective COVID-19 vaccines. By April 12, all Kentuckians 16 and older will be eligible to sign up for vaccination appointments.

“Every day, as more Kentuckians are vaccinated, we get closer to our goal of defeating COVID-19,” said Gov. Beshear.

“We’re not just going to meet the president’s goal that every American adult will be able to sign up for vaccination appointments by May 1, we’re going to beat that goal by more than two weeks at least.”

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 695
New deaths today: 24
New audit deaths: 25
Positivity rate: 2.85%
Total deaths: 5,863
Currently hospitalized: 438
Currently in ICU: 103
Currently on ventilator: 87

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Hardin, Scott, Warren and Boone. Each county reported at least 20 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Kentucky’s vaccine map lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so individuals can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment. Below the vaccine map, Kentuckians can find additional vaccination sites at Kroger, Walmart and Walgreens stores, as well as independent pharmacies.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available. The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccination appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 23, 2021) – In accordance with a proclamation from the White House, Gov. Andy Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Saturday, March 27, 2021, in honor and remembrance of the victims of the acts of violence perpetrated on March 22, 2021, in Boulder, Colorado.

Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the commonwealth to join in this tribute. Flag status information is available at https://governor.ky.gov/flag-status.

T.J. Health Columbia is currently scheduling vaccine appointments for any Kentucky resident who is 18 or older. Several appointment times are still available for the vaccine clinic on Friday, April 2nd, 2021. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 270-659-1010.

Amber Blakey, 43, of Russell Springs, KY was taken into custody by Deputy Corey Meyer with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office just before 11pmCT last evening. Blakey was charged with Reckless Driving, Operating Motor Vehicle under the Influence Alcohol/Substance – 2^nd, Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage Container in Motor Vehicle Prohibited and Possession of a Controlled Substance, 3^rd Degree – Drug Unspecified. She was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Russell County, 6 new cases Tuesday. We had 1 case released from isolation. We now have 16 active cases which are all on self-isolation.

Adair County, 7 new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. We released 1 case. We have 20 active cases with 19 of those in home isolation. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

• Rocky Weddle, 50, of Russell Springs was arrested overnight by RSPD and charged with Menacing, Resisting Arrest, and 3 counts of Failure to Appear.
• William Wilson, 37, of Russell Springs was arrested on Sunday morning by the RCSO for Possession of Methamphetamine, Promoting Contraband, Persistent Felony Possession of a Firearm, and for being a Persistent Felony Offender.

• Lawanda Lancaster, 51, of Chickamauga, Georgia was arrested by Columbia Police on Monday evening for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol.
• Brittany Marie Brown, 28, of Columbia, KY was arrested Monday afternoon by Columbia Police for Public Intoxication. 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 23, 2021) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear said Kentucky once again broke a weekly vaccination record with 198,447 new Kentuckians receiving a #ShotOfHope during the last reporting week, beginning on March 16.

The previously weekly record was 165,217 new Kentuckians receiving a vaccine in the week beginning on March 9.

On Tuesday, Gov. Beshear also announced Kentucky Dam Village Convention Center – located at 113 Administration Drive, Gilbertsville, KY 42044 – as one of several sites across the commonwealth with open COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

“This is a new site we stood up in Western Kentucky to ensure the area was getting significant amounts of vaccine,” said Gov. Beshear. “As of today, they have more than 2,000 available appointments in this coming week. That means any Kentuckian, aged 50 and up, if you’re in that area, we need you to sign up.”

Kentuckians can pre-register to be vaccinated at Kentucky Dam Village Convention Center now by visiting kyvax.com/kydam or by calling 859-217-4679.

To see more vaccination sites with available appointments, check here. Visit kycovid19.ky.gov and click on the gold vaccine bar, or call toll-free 855-598-2246, for more information or to schedule an appointment. (The TTY number for deaf and hard of hearing Kentuckians is 855-326-4654).

The Governor also said he will start announcing sites with extra appointments on social media to help reach individuals who might not be aware.

Next week, Kentucky’s state vaccination program is projected to receive more than 142,000 first doses from the federal government.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 893
New deaths today: 11
New audit deaths: 4
Positivity rate: 2.93%
Total deaths: 5,814
Currently hospitalized: 436
Currently in ICU: 93
Currently on ventilator: 48

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Warren, Fayette and Laurel. Each county reported at least 49 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Kentucky’s vaccine map lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so individuals can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment. Below the vaccine map, Kentuckians can find additional vaccination sites at Kroger, Walmart and Walgreens stores, as well as independent pharmacies.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available. The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccination appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 23, 2021) – On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear signed 10 bills that prioritize the well-being and safety of all Kentuckians, with a special focus on protecting seniors and vulnerable children and families.

“There is nothing more central to governing than providing for the safety and security of our people,” said Gov. Beshear. “From day one of my administration, public protection has been a top priority on multiple fronts: fighting the opioid epidemic and then the once-in-a-century global COVID-19 pandemic, while keeping our children and seniors safe from criminals who would take advantage of them. Today, I am proud to join state legislators in advancing these goals again.”

The Governor signed the following bills today:
 

House Bill 7
The Governor supports House Bill 7, which will help the state fight drug addiction to save lives and ensure brighter futures for Kentucky families.

House Bill 8
The Governor supports House Bill 8 because it means retirement contributions from employers will no longer be based solely on a percentage of their payroll.

Under the previous formula, some employers were able to drastically reduce their contributions simply by laying off and outsourcing staff. In the last decade alone, the number of active member employees the Kentucky Employee Retirement Systems funding has been based on declined dramatically. This results in contribution rates rising higher and higher, resulting in even more layoffs and outsourcing. Those impacted the most are agencies that help those suffering – Kentucky’s sexual trauma, rape crisis and recovery centers and our child advocacy centers.

“This bill means children who have been waiting to receive trauma-informed services will get them. It means more communities will be served, more programs will be saved from cuts and these agencies will keep their doors open,” said Gov. Beshear.

Multiple leaders of organizations impacted by House Bill 8 thanked the Governor and state legislators in video messages, including: Hope Burns, executive director of the Buffalo Trace Children’s Advocacy Center; Jillian Carden, executive director of Silverleaf Sexual Trauma Recovery; and Angela Yannelli, chief executive officer, Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

House Bill 105
The Governor supports House Bill 105, which strengthens the state’s response in mobilizing rescue efforts when a Kentuckian goes missing. By investing in communications resources, this bill will help bring Kentuckians home before a dangerous situation becomes a tragedy.

House Bill 254
The Governor supports House Bill 254, a bipartisan effort that will help law enforcement better protect Kentucky’s children by enhancing penalties against predators who possess, view or distribute sexually exploitive material of minors younger than 12.

“As attorney general, I saw first-hand how our children can be exploited online, often without even realizing it. HB 254 provides law enforcement with the authority to charge offenders with more serious crimes,” said Gov. Beshear. “This bill is personal to me as a father of a 10- and an 11-year-old. Protecting our children has to be our number one priority.”

House Bill 273
The Governor supports House Bill 273 which protects victims of crime from continued re-victimization through better use of the Open Records Act.

“I am committed to transparency in government, but we must not allow victims of traumatic events to be needlessly re-victimized by releasing this kind of material without their knowledge or consent,” said Gov. Beshear.

House Bill 392
The Governor supports this bill which will allow more Kentuckians, especially seniors, who are struggling financially to receive energy funding available through voluntary utility home-energy assistance programs, while also reducing program administration costs.

House Bill 472
Like House Bill 254, House Bill 472 further protects Kentucky children by extending the statute of limitations for misdemeanor sex offenses against children from five to 10 years, among other provisions.

“Most children, in particular the very young, do not disclose abuse in real time,” said Gov. Beshear. “We must do everything we can to create the safe pathways so that survivors of childhood sexual abuse feel empowered to make their voices heard and tell their stories in their own time, while ensuring we can still hold the perpetrators accountable.”

Multiple community leaders working to end child abuse in Kentucky thanked the Governor and state legislators in video messages, including: Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director, Kentucky Youth Advocates and Jill Seyfred, executive director, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky.

Senate Bill 64
“Senate Bill 64 gives the commonwealth enhanced tools to continue fighting to end child sexual abuse. Kentucky must crack down on cybercrimes so we can better protect our children,” said Gov. Beshear.

Senate Bill 64 targets online child predators and creates tougher penalties for those who use the internet to prey on minors, especially children 12 and younger. This bill also makes it easier for law enforcement to conduct undercover stings and increases the chances of stopping a horrific crime against a child from being facilitated through the internet.

Senate Bill 66
The Governor supports this bill which helps ensure Kentucky children have access to quality, safe environments where they can learn and grow, including youth camps. Senate Bill 66 better defines the requirements and standards for background checks for those working at youth camps.

Senate Bill 84
Kentucky has one of the highest rates of parents who are incarcerated, and research shows the negative impact this adverse childhood experience has on individuals. The Governor supports this bill, which treats health care as a basic human right and prioritizes giving children the best start to their life despite circumstances beyond their control.

The Governor vetoed three bills that do not protect Kentuckians and are not in the public’s interest:
 

“I am vetoing 3 bills that do not help to protect our families and in fact aim to harm them, take away food from children and keep the public away from reviewing legislative records and information,” said Gov. Beshear. “Vetoing a bill is not a small thing, but it’s my job as Governor to try to do the right thing, regardless of whether or not it’s popular.

House Bill 312
“I am vetoing House Bill 312 because it defeats the entire purpose of the Kentucky Open Records Act, which exists to ensure people’s right to know how their government operates,” said Gov. Beshear.

The bill would shield the legislative branch from providing public records, and would make it the judge of what records it should produce with no ability for a citizen to appeal that decision to a judge. It would also prevent any nonresident of Kentucky from being able to access public records.

House Bill 475
The Governor does not support House Bill 475 because it intentionally weakens health and safety protections for Kentucky workers.

Senate Bill 65
“This is a cruel bill at any time – but certainly in a once-in-100-year pandemic, taking food benefits away from children is cruel,” said Gov. Beshear. “One in six Kentucky households with children experiences food insecurity. My faith teaches me that we never punish a child for the actions of a parent.”

The Governor is vetoing Senate Bill 65 because it will deprive Kentucky children of essential food assistance, and it will require the commonwealth to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in administrative costs to do so.

“When I took the oath of office to become your Governor, I knew there was no more important duty than to protect our people,” said Gov. Beshear. “The last year has demonstrated the necessity of prioritizing the health and safety of Kentuckians, especially the most vulnerable. I will continue to work with leaders at all levels to act to make this a safer, more secure commonwealth for each of our families.”

Date Issued: 3/23/2021

Time Issued:  1:00pmCT

A BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect for consumers of Columbia Adair Utilities District at 7130-9950 Russell Springs Rd. and all side roads in between. The advisory has been issued due to a main line leak. Following such an event, the potential exists for bacteriological contamination of the water supply therefore this Boil Water Advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure. Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bring the water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes before using. The advisory will remain in effect until the situation has been corrected and test results have shown the water to be of an acceptable quality. For more information concerning the Boil Water Advisory, contact Lennon Stone at Columbia Adair Utilities District, 270-384-2181.

Russell County, 5 new cases Monday. We had 1 case released from isolation. We now have 11 active cases which are all self-isolated.

Adair County, 8 new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. We released 6 cases. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 22, 2021) – On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state’s lowest positivity rate since July 3, 2020, and updated Kentuckians on COVID-19 vaccinations.

“We’ve come too far and we’ve lost too much to mess this up now. So please continue to wear your masks until we get everybody vaccinated,” said Gov. Beshear. “And if you’re thinking about not taking the vaccine, think harder. Think about all the individuals you can protect. Think about how much they need your help to ensure we can continue what we see today, of fewer and fewer cases and fewer and fewer losses.”

The Governor shared a video filmed at Sayre Christian Village, a continuing care retirement community in Lexington, encouraging vaccinations and highlighting the day family and friends were once again allowed to visit residents.

“Our long-term care facilities and our skilled nursing homes were some of the hardest-hit communities during this pandemic, not only with cases and deaths, but with the separation from loved ones for over a year,” said Gov. Beshear.

“The vaccine has changed everything for long-term care, but this progress depends on us. As these facilities reopen their doors, they need us, everybody else in Kentucky, to sign up for the vaccine.”

The Governor said more than 1,186,000 Kentuckians have been vaccinated already.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Monday, March 22, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 294
New deaths today: 11
New audit deaths: 50
Positivity rate: 2.93%
Total deaths: 5,799
Currently hospitalized: 434
Currently in ICU: 95
Currently on ventilator: 63

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Knox, Warren and Madison. Each county reported at least 10 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Kentucky’s vaccine map lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so individuals can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment. Below the vaccine map, Kentuckians can find additional vaccination sites at Kroger, Walmart and Walgreens stores, as well as independent pharmacies.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available. The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

Gov. Beshear, Congressman Rogers Announce $14.2 Million in Grants for Eastern Kentucky Economic Development Projects
Gov. Beshear and U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) on Monday announced six economic development projects in five Appalachian counties have been selected to receive $14.2 million in Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Pilot Program grants.

The projects, in Floyd, Harlan, Laurel, Morgan and Perry counties, range from the construction of water treatment plants to robotic instruction and will revitalize the coalfields in Kentucky’s Appalachian region through job creation and economic development. Since 2016, 54 projects in 21 counties have been selected for funding through the AML Pilot Program. To learn more, see the full release.

Gov. Beshear Signs Lifesaving Bill to Cap Insulin Costs, 12 Other Bills That Support Better Health Care for Kentucky Families
On Monday, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 95 (HB 95), protecting the health and lives of Kentuckians with diabetes by capping the cost of insulin at $30 per 30-day supply for those with state-regulated health care plans or plans purchased on the marketplace exchange, state employees and people under group plans.

Before it was sent to the Governor’s desk, HB 95 passed the Kentucky House of Representatives and Kentucky Senate without a single negative vote.

The Governor also signed 12 other bills that support and expand quality health care for Kentucky families. He vetoed five bills that would strip power from the executive branch, in some cases violating the Constitution or risking significant taxpayer dollars. To learn more, see the full release.

Gov. Beshear Congratulates Kentucky and Louisville Women’s Basketball Teams
“I want to take a moment to congratulate two great teams in Kentucky – the UK and UofL women’s basketball teams,” the Governor said. “Tonight, the Cards are taking on the Marist Red Foxes at 8 p.m. for their first game in the tournament. On behalf of the entire commonwealth, I want to wish you the best of luck tonight.

“And congratulations are due to UK’s women’s basketball team for their win over Idaho State on Sunday in the first round of the tournament. The Cats are advancing on tomorrow to face the Iowa Hawkeyes at 3:30 p.m. Both of these teams are making Kentucky very proud. Go Cats and go Cards!”

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

LEXINGTON, Kentucky, March 19, 2021 – The next deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for funding from NRCS Kentucky this year is April 23, 2021. Through CSP, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners earn payments for expanding conservation activities while maintaining agricultural production on their land. CSP also encourages adoption of new technologies and management techniques.

“CSP continues to be a very effective tool for private landowners working to achieve their conservation and management goals,” said Greg Stone, NRCS state conservationist in Kentucky. “It is the largest conservation program in the United States with more than 70 million acres of productive agricultural and forest land enrolled.” 

While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline to ensure their applications are considered for 2021 funding.

About the Program

CSP is offered in Kentucky through continuous signups. The program provides many benefits including increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to weather extremes. CSP is for working lands including cropland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest land and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of a tribe. 

For additional information about CSP, contact your local service center. USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone, and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with NRCS, Farm Service Agency, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 22, 2021) – On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 95 (HB 95), protecting the health and lives of Kentuckians with diabetes by capping the cost of insulin at $30 per 30-day supply for those with state-regulated health care plans or plans purchased on the marketplace exchange, state employees and people under group plans.

Before it was sent to the Governor’s desk, HB 95 passed the Kentucky House of Representatives and Kentucky Senate without a single negative vote.

The Governor also signed 12 other bills that support and expand quality health care for Kentucky families. He vetoed five bills that would strip power from the executive branch, in some cases violating the Constitution or risking significant taxpayer dollars.

“Health care is a human right,” said Gov. Beshear. “Capping the cost of insulin was the right thing to do to support every Kentuckian who has had to risk their own life or be afraid of permanently damaging their health just because they could not afford insulin. Today, they no longer have to live in fear – now this lifesaving medicine is affordable.”

“My son, Alex, lives with Type 1 diabetes. Standing here today, we can’t prevent other moms from receiving the same news I got in that hospital 14 years ago. But we can make sure that when they receive that diagnosis, they know that they won’t have to choose between bankruptcy and keeping their child alive,” said Rep. Patti Minter (D) of Bowling Green, who co-sponsored the bill. “Thank you to Gov. Beshear, for your commitment to expanding health care as a basic human right.”

“The price of insulin has nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013, even though the cost of production has stayed relatively stable,” said Rep. Danny Bentley (R) of Russell, who co-sponsored the bill. “As a Type 1 diabetic, I understand firsthand how scary it can be when you can’t afford your medication. We need to ensure those who need this lifesaving medication can always access it. This bill is meant to keep people healthy, keep people productive and decrease the cost of complications related to diabetes. Thirteen other states have already passed similar measures, and it’s time for Kentucky to do the same.”

“I want to extend my gratitude to Rep. Danny Bentley, Rep. Patti Minter and to every member of the House and Senate who voted yes on this measure, and who got to see just a glimpse of how immoral the rising cost of insulin really is. Much more has to be done, but HB 95 is a step forward,” said Angela Lautner, Kentucky #insulin4all legislative lead. “We must continue this momentum into the next session. Access to insulin is a human right and we stand ready to work with every member of the House and Senate in the future as we continue our work for insulin for all, for every single Kentuckian.”

In addition to capping the price of insulin, HB 95 also requires health care benefit plans to provide the needed equipment, supplies and outpatient training and education to help diabetics stay healthy, and forbids any reductions from this coverage by others involved in coverage.

More than half a million Kentuckians have diabetes; Kentucky ranks seventh-highest in the U.S. for diabetes prevalence. While companies pay $2 to $7 to manufacture a single vial, some Kentuckians have had to pay more than $1,000 a month for their lifesaving supply.

In 1923, the inventors of insulin sold their patent for just $1 specifically so this critical drug would be available and affordable for diabetics everywhere, but before HB 95 was signed, in Kentucky, the price-gouging of insulin undermined its creators’ commitment to making it accessible.

Many Kentuckians who have diabetes, including a former state representative, have been forced to ration insulin due to its high cost, even though doing so could kill them. The Governor said HB 95 will ensure more Kentuckians are protected from that impossible choice.

Gov. Beshear also signed:

House Bill 50
The Governor believes Kentucky must increase access to treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders to help individuals who need these services. HB 50 provides the Department of Insurance with a necessary tool to review the processes of insurers and remove any barriers to providing coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services in the same manner that coverage for medical and surgical services is provided.

House Bill 75
Gov. Beshear believes House Bill 75 represents an important step forward that will encourage more Kentuckians to serve as living organ donors. The bill prevents insurance companies from discriminating against a live organ donor by raising their rate, canceling coverage or denying coverage. This bill impacts three types of insurance: live, long-term care and disability coverage.

House Bill 108
Gov. Beshear supports coverage for colorectal cancer examinations and laboratory tests as well as coverage for medically necessary genetic cancer testing to give Kentuckians the best chance possible for long, healthy lives.

House Bill 140
Gov. Beshear supports the momentum for telehealth services that has been accelerated and escalated with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. This new law will also support the telehealth delivery of care and services for the long term in accordance with HIPAA, clinical and technological/IT security standards.

House Bill 183
The Governor supports this measure, which would help ensure ongoing viability of hospitals across the state, so every Kentuckian can receive care close to where they live.

House Bill 219
The Governor supports this bill which would increase accessibly of syringes and advance the Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Harm Reduction Strategy by making syringes and naloxone easier to purchase, empowering all Kentuckians to help save lives as the commonwealth battles the opioid epidemic.

House Bill 276
The Governor supports this bill which would accelerate the path for personal care aides to become nurse aides, helping grow the commonwealth’s long-term care workforce and further increasing Kentuckians’ quality of care.

House Bill 448
The Governor supports this legislation that would increase Kentuckians’ access to behavioral health services from qualified mental health professionals.

Senate Bill 55
Gov. Beshear supports eliminating charges to Medicaid beneficiaries that include copayments and co-insurance and might discourage individuals from seeking medical help, because all Kentuckians deserve quality health care.

Senate Bill 74
The Governor supports this bill renaming the Office of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders. Its new name, the Office of Dementia Services, will better reflect the office’s focus and scope.

Senate Bill 154
The Governor supports this measure because expanding the class of providers who supervise home health services and expanding health care services will better meet the needs of Kentuckians.

Senate Bill 163
The Governor supports this bill which recognizes the contributions of charitable health care providers and their impact improving the lives of Kentucky families.

The Governor vetoed:

House Bill 275
The Governor does not support House Bill 275 because it violates the Kentucky Constitution in that it subjects the executive power placed with the Governor to the control of the state treasurer.

House Bill 394
The Governor does not support House Bill 394 because it reduces oversight and gives the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission unchecked authority to choose the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources regardless of qualifications; to set the commissioner’s salary, no matter how high; to enter into a contract with its commissioner on its own terms even if they violate state law; and to have the sole power over its contracts without any oversight.

House Bill 518
The Governor does not support House Bill 518 because it undermines the importance of agriculture in the commonwealth and puts hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars at risk by allowing the State Fair Board to have complete control of its contracts with little to no oversight.

Senate Bill 93
The Governor does not support Senate Bill 93 because it is unconstitutional and undermines the importance of agriculture in the commonwealth. This bill aims to remove the Governor’s involvement in the State Board of Agriculture – a board that has always been in the executive department.

Senate Bill 228
The Governor does not support Senate Bill 228 (SB 228) because our nation’s founders enacted the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to remove the power to select United States senators from political party bosses. SB 228 violates the very purpose of this amendment by returning that power to political parties in the case of a vacancy.

“These bills violate our Constitution, chip away at our strong separation of powers and unlawfully attempt to restrict the Governor’s executive powers,” said Gov. Beshear.

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Congressman James Comer (KY-01) announced today the Russell County Industrial Development Authority received a $1,854,972 competitive federal grant to build a new agribusiness training facility.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded funding to support the construction of a 12,815 square foot building with classrooms, a laboratory, a media room, administrative space, and a 1,250 square foot greenhouse. In its first three years, the facility will host classes for an estimated 870 high school and community and technical college students and will serve Adair, Casey, Clinton, Pulaski, Russell and Wayne Counties.

Senator McConnell's and Congressman Comer's offices contacted ARC in support of their constituent's grant application and its mission to strengthen the area's agricultural economy.

"Kentucky is at the center of our nation's agribusiness innovation. With this federal investment, a new generation will have the opportunity to become leaders in this growing field," said Senator McConnell. "It's a privilege to work with Congressman Comer as we deliver for Southcentral Kentucky students and families. I look forward to students taking the education they receive in this facility to transform the future of Kentucky agriculture."

"As a career farmer and Kentucky's former Commissioner of Agriculture, I understand that agriculture education goes hand in hand with workforce development in rural Kentucky. This grant will boost our economy by providing Kentucky students with access to a quality regional training center in Russell County," said Congressman Comer. "I was proud to work with Senator McConnell and the Russell County Industrial Development Authority to secure this vital federal funding that will enrich the lives of countless students."

"Agribusiness is a driver of economic growth in Russell County and the surrounding area, and the facility and programs supported by this investment will ensure a ready workforce is available for that growth to continue," said ARC Federal Co-Chairman Tim Thomas. "ARC is proud to work with leaders such as Senator Mitch McConnell and Representative James Comer to support projects like this, that can have significant impact on economic development in Appalachian Kentucky."

"On behalf of the board of Directors of the Russell County Industrial Development Authority, I would like to express our deep appreciation to Senator Mitch McConnell and Congressman James Comer for their support of grant funds to develop the Lake Cumberland Regional Agriculture Technical Training Facility in Russell County," said Bennie Garland, Russell County Industrial Development Authority Executive Director. "This facility, which will be under the Russell County Board of Education's management, will provide the curriculum and instructors to teach high school vocational students agriculture growing and management techniques. Students attending this facility will come from surrounding counties to learn new state of the art technologies that ensure they will have the technical skills to enter into employment fields of animal and plant food production. With the recent developments that are now currently ongoing in Appalachia Kentucky by AppHarvest to build multimillion dollars greenhouses, this training facility will produce a well-trained and qualified workforce."

Officers with the Columbia Police Department initiated a traffic stop early this (Monday) morning, March 22, 2021 shortly before 3AM on the Cumberland Parkway near exit 49. After making contact, it was found that the operator had an active warrant out-of-state. Also, the driver and a passenger were found to be in possession of narcaotics and paraphernalia. A handgun was also located and seized during the search. 

The occupants initially refused a search of the vehicle, at which time K9 "Unity Cally" was utilized and gave a positive alert on the vehicle. 

Robert Rook, 46, with a listed resdidence of Hawaii, was placed into custody on an out-of-state warrant and is currently charged locally with drug and traffic charges. 

His passenger, 44-year-old Sherri Cote of Edmonton, KY has been charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance (drug unspecified) and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

• Timothy Jacob Loy, 22, of Jamestown was arrested by Jamestown Police early Sunday morning for DUI.
• Brandon Burton, 30, of Russell Springs was arrested by RSPD on Saturday night for 4th degree Assault (Domestic Violence).
• Eric Cason, 39, of Dayton Ohio - arrested by the Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife on Saturday afternoon for Operating on a Suspended or Revoked License, Failure to Maintain Insurance, No Operators License, Improper Registration Plate, Improper Display of Registration Plate, and arrested on a Fugitive from another State Warrant.
• Ricky Curtsinger, 58, of Russell Springs was arrested Friday night by Russell Springs Police for Criminal Trespassing.

• Daniel Scott, 41, of Burkesville, KY arrested by CCSO early Sunday morning for Careless Driving, No Operators License, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Promoting Contraband 1st degree, and Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd degree (Drug Unspecified).
• Patricia Rhule, 51, of Albany, KY arrested by CCSO on Saturday night for Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 19, 2021) – On Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced 731 new COVID-19 cases in Kentucky and a positivity rate of 3.40%.

“With now more than 1 million Kentuckians being vaccinated, our shot of hope has proven to be our shot of certainty for ending this pandemic,” Gov. Beshear said. “We still need everyone to continue to mask up, practice social distancing, wash your hands and get vaccinated when it’s your turn.”

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Friday, March 19, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 731
New deaths today: 25
New deaths from audit: 166
Positivity rate: 3.40%
Total deaths: 5,695
Currently hospitalized: 463
Currently in ICU: 101
Currently on ventilator: 60

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Daviess and Hardin. Each county reported at least 23 new cases. Jefferson County reported 135 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Kentucky’s vaccine map lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so individuals can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment. Below the vaccine map, Kentuckians can find additional vaccination sites at Kroger, Walmart and Walgreens stores, as well as independent pharmacies.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available. The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

Russell County - 1 new case Thursday. We had 1 case released from isolation. We now have 4 active cases which are all on self-isolation.

Adair County - 4 new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. We released 1 case. We have 12 active cases with 11 of those in home isolation. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

Jamestown Mayor Nick Shearer tells WAVE NEWS what took place at last nights meeting of the Jamestown City Council... 
 

Jim Lieb spoke with Superintendent Dr. Pamela Stephens following last nights meeting... 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 18, 2021) – Unemployment rates fell in 66 Kentucky counties between January 2020 and January 2021, rose in 48, and stayed the same in six counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Todd County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 3.6%. It was followed by Logan County, 3.7%; Oldham and Woodford counties, 3.8% each; Washington County, 3.9%; Cumberland, Green, Scott and Taylor counties, 4%; and Bourbon, Clinton and Monroe counties, 4.1% each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 14.3%. It was followed by Harlan County, 9.9%; Elliott County, 9.5%; Martin County, 9.1%; Leslie County, 9%; Lewis and Menifee counties, 8.9%; Carter County, 8.7%; and Johnson and Letcher counties, 8.2%.

Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends. The comparable, unadjusted unemployment rate for the state was 5.3% for January 2021, and 6.3% for the nation.

Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted January 2021 unemployment rate was released on March 11, 2021, and can be viewed at https://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=EducationCabinet&prId=478. In that release, Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are adjusted to observe statistical trends by removing seasonal influences such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings. For more information regarding seasonal fluctuations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at https://www.bls.gov/cps/cps_htgm.htm#why.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The data should only be compared to the same month in previous years.

Learn more about Kentucky labor market information at https://kystats.ky.gov/KYLMI.

LAKE CUMBERLAND DISTRICT
 

COUNTY          JAN. 2021   DEC. 2020   JAN. 2020

ADAIR                  5.5%            6.0%            6.4%

CASEY                 4.7%            5.1%            4.7%

CLINTON             4.1%            4.5%             6.0%

CUMBERLAND   4.0%            4.2%             5.0%

GREEN               4.0%            4.4%             4.4%

MCCREARY        6.0%            7.3%             7.3%

PULASKI             5.5%            6.3%             5.2%

RUSSELL            5.8%            6.6%             6.4%

TAYLOR              4.0%            4.9%             4.5%

WAYNE               5.3%            6.0%             6.3%

On Monday, March 15, 2021 at 4:58pmCT, Deputy Derek Padgett responded 14 miles south of Columbia around the Adair-Cumberland County line to investigate a suspicious person call. Upon arrival, the deputy located 34-year-old Jeffrey Newland of Russell County. Newland appeared to be under the influence of an intoxicating substance and failed a series of sobriety tests. Upon his arrest, Newland was found to be in possession of a quantity of illegal controlled prescription narcotics.   

Newland was arrested and lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail on charges of Public Intoxication and Possession of a Controlled Substance.   
   

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 3.73%.

Deaths: We are sad to report 1 new death today. We have experienced a total of 377 deaths resulting in a 1.8% mortality rate (about 1 in 56) among known cases. This compares with a 1.21% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.82% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 26 cases in the hospital. This is 1 less than what we reported yesterday. We have had a total of 1,155 hospitalizations resulting in a 5.53% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 18) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.78%. The latest data shows that 86.67% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 20.97% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 20,890 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 10% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 27 cases today from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 5; Casey: 3; Cumberland: 1; Green: 1; McCreary: 1; Pulaski: 13; Taylor: 1; and, Wayne: 2. In all, we have released 97.3% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, we decreased the same number of cases today as we added new cases. This leaves us with 197 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 12/10/2020 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,343.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Businesses, Schools, Family, and Medical Facilities. Of our active cases, 5% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 28 today: Adair: 1; Clinton: 1; Cumberland: 3; Pulaski: 14; Russell: 2; Taylor: 6; and, Wayne: 1. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.001. This means our total case count is projected to double every 597.16 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 12/30/2020 when we added 301 cases.

Today’s new cases include:

Adair: A 87-year-old female who is released, Resolved;
Clinton: A 22-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 69-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 75-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Cumberland: A 19-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Pulaski: A 19-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 61-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 16-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 16-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 17-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 47-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 51-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 53-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 60-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 30-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 24-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 16-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 14-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Pulaski: A 16-year-old male who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Russell: A 35-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Russell: A 8-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 78-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 78-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 73-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 78-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 82-year-old male who is self-isolated, still symptomatic;
Taylor: A 76-year-old female who is self-isolated, Asymptomatic;
Wayne: A 71-year-old female who is self-isolated, still symptomatic

The death we announce today is a 52-year-old male from Pulaski who had been hospitalized.

Over the weekend, we picked up a mobile clinic van that had been on back-order for several weeks. We will be utilizing it to enhance our vaccination efforts. We had our first pilot run today and it went very well.

Cases have slowed enough that we have asked for the state’s master data set to compare against ours. Over the next few days, we will “scrub” the data and work with the state to make sure that what we have recorded matches what they have recorded. During the surge, neither we nor the state had the time to adequately reconcile the data as we went.

Our total number of new cases went down today compared to last Wednesday, so our 7-day average incidence rate went down as well. We now have 5 counties in the “yellow-community-spread” category, Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, and Russell; and 5 counties in the “orange-accelerated” range of community-spread: Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Taylor, and Wayne. None of our counties are presently in the “red-critical” range.

While cases are still dropping for the moment in the United States, it should be noted that on the global level, cases have started to rise again. Countries like Brazil, India, France, Italy, and Germany are seeing sharp increases. Therefore, please don’t assume that the pandemic is completely behind us and take the vaccine as soon as you can. Also, until the vaccine is widely available, and a significant percentage of the population has taken in, let’s all do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by wearing our face coverings, avoiding crowds (especially in confined spaces), social distancing when around others, increasing our hand hygiene, increasing our general sanitation, and by avoiding the touching of our faces.

The Lake Cumberland area has experienced 20,890 cumulative confirmed cases and there have been 418,702 confirmed COVID-19 cases across all 120 Kentucky Counties as of today (this includes 418,372 statewide plus 330 reported cases in Lake Cumberland not in the Governor’s/Department for Public Health’s daily report). Regardless of the confirmed case count for any Lake Cumberland County, we believe COVID-19 to be widespread. The LCDHD is working tirelessly, including nights and weekends, to identify and contact all those with whom any positive case may have come into close contact, and to follow-up with positive cases when ready to be released. Additionally, we are striving diligently to follow-up on business-related complaints regarding noncompliance with the COVID-19 guidance. We are also working with any community partner that requests assistance for prevention or post-exposure planning/response. Finally, we are working with all community partners regarding vaccination planning and working diligently to provide vaccinations ourselves.

For more statistics and local data go to LCDHD COVID-19 Information.

COVID-19 Vaccination Sites

Statewide Information

Call 1-855-598-2246, or visit vaccine.ky.gov to find out if you are eligible and where you can receive the vaccine.

Hospital Locations in the Lake Cumberland Area

• Cumberland County Hospital – Burkesville: Call 1-270-864-2511.
• Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital – Somerset: Call 1-844-675-3390.
• The Medical Center – Albany: Register online at Albanyvaccine@mchealth.net; or send a text message to 1-606-387-3646.
• Russell County Hospital – Russell Springs: Call 1-270-866-4141.
• Taylor Regional Hospital – Campbellsville: Call 1-270-465-3561. Register online at https://ptserver.fasthealth.com/web_trh_ky/forms/?formID=9271.
•  TJ Health Columbia – Columbia: Call 1-270-384-4753. Register online at https://www.tjregionalhealth.org/vaccine/.

Lake Cumberland District Health Departments

Our next date to schedule appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine will be March 22nd. This is for those in Phase 1A, 1B, and all of 1C including those who are 60 and older. We may have a few vaccine slots remaining here and there, so feel free to call your local clinic if you need a vaccine. Please do not leave your information on our answering machines or voicemails, and we are not keeping a waiting list. Below are the numbers you may dial:

Health Departments  
Adair: 270-384-2286    
Casey: 606-787-6911    
Clinton: 606-387-5711    
Cumberland: 270-864-2206    
Green: 270-932-4341
McCreary: 606-376-2412
Pulaski: 606-679-4416
Russell: 270-343-2181
Taylor: 270-465-4191
Wayne: 606-348-9349

Lake Cumberland Federally Qualified Health Clinics (Family Medical Centers)
Casey: Text CASEY to 270-864-2889
Green: Text GREEN to 270-864-2889
McCreary: Text MCCREARY to 270-864-2889 or call 606-376-5391
Russell: Text Russell to 270-864-2889
Wayne: Text WAYNE to 270-864-2889

Lake Cumberland Area Pharmacies
Adair Drug - 510 Burkesville Street Suite 1 -  270-384-9999
Columbia Pharmacy - 803 Burkesville Street  270-384-2118
Green River Pharmacy - 50 Dillon Street, Liberty -  606-787-2100
Walgreens Pharmacy - 343 North Wallace Wilkinson Boulevard, Liberty - Online
Clinton County Pharmacy - 903 North Crosss Street - 606-387-0222
Eastridge-Phelps Pharmacy - 1915 Campbellsville Road, Greensburg - 270-299-2333
Walgreens Pharmacy - 603 Columbia Highway, Greensburg - Online
Kroger -  McCreary/Whitley City - 1187 US-17 - Online
Walgreens Pharmacy - McCreary/Whitley City - 500 North Highway 27 - Online
Jay’S Pharmacy Inc - Pulaski/Somerset - 400 South Highway 27  - 606-678-2784
Kroger - Pulaski/Somerset - 50 Stonegate Center - Online
Professional Pharmacy - Pulaski/Somerset - 342 Bogle Street - 606-679-1169
Sav-Rite Pharmacy South - Pulaski/Somerset - 5148 South Highway 27 - 606-802-2635
Walgreens Pharmacy - Pulaski/Somerset - 600 South Highway 27 - Online
Wal-mart - Pulaski/Somerset - 177 Washington Drive - Online
Jamestown Pharmacy -    1417 North Main Street -  270-343-4443
Russell Springs Pharmacy - 92 Dr. Joe T Petty Drive, Ste 100 - 270-866-2778
Hometown Pharmacy - Taylor/Campbellsville - 325 East Broadway Street - 270-789-4663
Kroger    - Taylor/Campbellsville - 399 Campbellsville Bypass - Online
Wal-mart - Taylor/Campbellsville - 725 Campbellsville Bypass - Online
Walgreens Pharmacy - Wayne/Monticello - 978 North Main Street - Online
Wal-mart - Wayne/Monticello - 175 Walmart Plaza Drive - Online

Nursing and Personal Care Homes

Locally, through a contract with the federal government, Walgreens and CVS pharmacies have vaccinated the long-term care facilities and personal care homes — residents and staff.

School Clinics

All area schools, public and private/Christian, that requested vaccines have been vaccinated. Thanks to Taylor Regional Hospital, Cumberland Family Medical, Lake Cumberland Medical Associates, and Kroger; along with everyone at the schools who made this effort a success.

Taylor County Coroner Daniel Cook was called to Taylor Regional Hospital Tuesday morning in reference to the death of an inmate from the Taylor County Detention Center. Cook told our sister station 99.9 the Big Dawg that Kevin Rawlings was found unresponsive in the jail. CPR was performed and Rawlings was transported to TRH and pronounced dead. The cause of death is not known at this time pending the autopsy report.

Cook said the case was turned over to Kentucky State Police in Columbia for a complete investigation. No foul play is suspected at this time, according to Cook.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 16, 2021) – Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews will begin treating for noxious and nuisance weeds throughout the state this month. The treatments aid in controlling the spread of undesirable plants along state highway rights of way to improve driver safety and ensure efficient maintenance operations.

The Cabinet, in accordance with KRS 176.051, targets Johnson grass, giant foxtail, Canada thistle, nodding thistle, common teasel, multiflora rose, Amur honeysuckle, poison hemlock, marestail, Japanese knotweed and kudzu.

“Left uncontrolled, noxious weeds can grow so large that they interfere with a driver’s line of vision on highways,” said Secretary Jim Gray. “Weed maintenance is important in preventing potential damage to pavement and embankments, as well as clogged ditches and drainage problems.”

Noxious weeds often invade and destroy the roadside turf grass, leaving these areas vulnerable to erosion. They can also smother native plants through rapid reproduction and long-term persistence.

Motorists are reminded to use extra caution when crews spraying for weeds are out on the roadways.

Property owners who are actively treating noxious weeds on private property may request the eradication of nuisance weeds found on adjacent state-owned right of way. A written application must be submitted to the property owner's local highway district office. To request an application, please contact the appropriate district highway office. Contact information may be found here.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 17, 2021) – On Wednesday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state’s positivity rate has declined to 3.73%.

“While our new cases have decreased dramatically since their peak in the commonwealth, these numbers are still too high,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are close to the finish line but we can’t let up yet. Keep masking up, keep social distancing and get vaccinated when it’s your turn. Let’s see this through to the end of the fight.”

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 963
New deaths today: 27
Positivity rate: 3.73%
Total deaths: 5,056
Currently hospitalized: 441   
Currently in ICU: 109
Currently on ventilator: 60

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Lyon and Hardin. Each county reported at least 35 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Kentucky’s vaccine map lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so individuals can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment. Below the vaccine map, Kentuckians can find additional vaccination sites at Kroger, Walmart and Walgreens stores, as well as independent pharmacies.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available. The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation led by Congressman James Comer which would strengthen federal efforts to recognize, prevent, and treat child abuse and neglect nationwide.

The Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (H.R. 485) helps states address this growing crisis by providing states and families with increased resources to reduce abuse and neglect through evidence and prevention-based services. The bill also streamlines duplicative administrative requirements on state and local providers, enabling them to better serve children and families in need.

Comer serves as the primary co-sponsor of the legislation, which was the result of bipartisan work on the House Education and Labor Committee with Democratic Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia. According to a report released by the Administration for Children and Families, Kentucky has the highest rate of child abuse and neglect in the nation.

“As the lead Republican sponsor of the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, I’m proud to see the House take this growing epidemic seriously by moving forward legislation that could make a real difference in the lives of many children,” Congressman Comer said. “Child abuse has no place in our society, and is a pressing issue that has hit my home state of Kentucky particularly hard. This legislation prioritizes treatment as well as key prevention services, taking a proactive approach to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.”

The legislation will now move to the Senate for consideration.

On Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 2:30amET, Campbellsville Police responded to East Walnut Street in reference to a male causing a disturbance. Officer Josh Patrick arrived on scene and located 34-year-old Mario L. Thompson standing in the middle of the roadway yelling. Once Mr. Thompson was placed under arrest, it was determined that he was in possession of suspected Methamphetamine.

Thompson was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct 2nd degree, Public Intoxication, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st degree (Methamphetamine), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center.

T.J. Health Columbia is currently accepting appointments for Wednesday, March 24th for any resident of Kentucky that is 18 years of age or older. If you are 18 or older and would like to receive the Moderna vaccine, please call the T.J. Regional Health vaccine hotline at 270-659-1010 to schedule your appointment. To emphasize, this is only for the March 24th vaccination date in Columbia.
 

Russell County, 2 new cases Tuesday. We had 1 case released from isolation. We now have 4 active cases which all are on self-isolation.

Adair County, 1 new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. There was no released cases. We have 13 active cases with 12 of those in home isolation. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 16, 2021) – On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear reported 819 new COVID-19 cases, 24 COVID-19 deaths and a positivity rate of 3.87%.

“This week, while we are so hopeful, this virus is still out there and it is still dangerous. Please continue to wear your mask and social distance – even if you’ve been vaccinated, you have a duty to everybody else who is still waiting for their vaccine,” said Gov. Beshear. “Remember, by May 31, we believe every Kentucky adult who wants a vaccine will have gotten at least their first shot of hope. We believe that we will beat the president’s goal to open appointments up to everybody 16 and up by May 1.”

The Governor also said 11 Kentuckians have recently returned from countries currently experiencing an Ebola outbreak (Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Local health departments contact travelers, assess exposure risk, educate those travelers about what to do if they have symptoms and quarantine those at high risk for 21 days. None of the 11 people has been deemed high-risk for exposure.

“We are working with our hospitals to make sure they are ready to handle any suspect patients for 12 to 24 hours,” said Gov. Beshear. “We have six Ebola Assessment Hospitals that are working with us to make sure they are prepared to handle potential patients and assessments for Ebola.”

Long-Term Care Facilities Update
Today, Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, said his team is responding to a COVID-19 outbreak in a long-term care facility where 41 people have tested positive for the virus.

“This situation is still unfolding, but I’m sharing this particular example today because there are some important lessons to take from it,” said Dr. Stack. “At this facility, 85% of residents and 48% of the health care workers have been vaccinated. It appears that an unvaccinated person introduced the virus into the facility. When it is your turn to get vaccinated, please do so. This is the best chance we have to keep our loved ones and ourselves safe from this terrible disease that has upended our lives. Vaccinations will also help us minimize the creation of new COVID-19 variants from mutations, which could cause us further harm in the future.”

Of the 41 infected people, only 30% of the vaccinated individuals have been symptomatic but 83% of the unvaccinated people have been symptomatic. Vaccination appears to have markedly reduced symptomatic disease.

Additionally, five of the residents have been admitted to the hospital. Of these, four hospitalized residents were unvaccinated and one hospitalized resident had been vaccinated. Here, too, vaccination appears to have markedly reduced the risk of hospitalization.

Corrections Update
J. Michael Brown, secretary of the Executive Cabinet, said the Department of Corrections is expected to begin vaccinating inmates who are 70 years and older on March 18 at Little Sandy Correctional Complex.

“We do have a serious COVID-19 outbreak at the Kentucky State Penitentiary. But 11 of 14 state correctional institutions have zero active inmate cases,” said Secretary Brown. “There is hope on the way. All 14 of our institutions have now been enrolled as COVID-19 vaccine distributors for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.”

Gov. Beshear Signs Three Bills in Support of the Kentucky National Guard
Yesterday, with Brig. Gen. Haldane Lamberton, Gov. Beshear signed three pieces of legislation into law that benefit Kentucky National Guard soldiers and their families.

“These bills were supported in both chambers of the state legislature and will help better serve those who bravely serve our commonwealth and country,” said Gov. Beshear. “Every year, the work of the Guard is crucial to our state, but in this unprecedented year, the Guard has been called on time-and-time again, and each time they have continued to step up and serve unselfishly.”

The three bills are: House Bill 73, which authorizes a state-sponsored life insurance program for Kentucky National Guardsmen through the National Guard Association of Kentucky; House Bill 196, which prohibits vehicle insurers from refusing to issue motor vehicle liability insurance policies and enacting penalties against uninsured deployed service members; and House Bill 206, which supports adoption in Kentucky as the new law immediately helps increase adoption assistance program reimbursements by $2,000 per child for our military families.

Virginia Moore Recognized as Communicator of the Year, Alumni of the Year
“Virginia taught us the importance of inclusion, while making us all smile when we needed it most. She used her talents and skill to keep the deaf and hard of hearing community informed, teaching all of Team Kentucky a lesson as we work to build a better, more inclusive Kentucky, together,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am honored to share once again that others saw Virginia’s compassion and commitment, and are celebrating her today through two separate awards.”

Greater Clark County Schools in Indiana, Virginia’s school district growing up, named Moore as the 2021 Jeffersonville High School Alumni of the Year for her service throughout the pandemic. Her nominators said Virginia is a champion. And “although her work is silent, it speaks volumes.”

The Kentucky District of the National Speech and Debate Association also recognized Moore as Kentucky’s Communicator of the Year for 2021.

“I was honored to receive this award last year, and for me personally, it means a lot to be in the same category as my friend Virginia,” said Gov. Beshear.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 819
New deaths today: 24
Positivity rate: 3.87%
Total deaths: 5,029
Currently hospitalized: 459
Currently in ICU: 110
Currently on ventilator: 59

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Laurel and Warren. Each county reported at least 25 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Kentucky’s vaccine map lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so individuals can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment. Below the vaccine map, Kentuckians can find additional vaccination sites at Kroger, Walmart and Walgreens stores, as well as independent pharmacies.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available. The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

Barnett’s Creek Road is reduced to one lane beginning today (Tuesday). According to Adair County Judge Exec. Gale Cowan, work got underway this morning on a bank slide and washout (caused by recent floods) that caused roadway safety issues. Please expect delays and use caution in the area.

Russell County, 2 new cases Monday. We had 2 cases released from isolation. We now have 3 active cases which are all on self-isolation.

Adair County, 6 new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. We released 6 cases. We have 12 active cases with 11 of those in home isolation. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

Superintendent Michael Ford tells WAVE listeners what took place... 

Kentucky State Police Post 15 responded to a single vehicle fatal collision this morning at approximately 6:50 AM on the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway at the 46 mile marker. Preliminary investigations indicate that Ricky E. Nelson, age 58 of Dawson, GA was operating a 2020 freightliner Cascadia, eastbound on the Cumberland Parkway when he crossed over the median into the west bound lane, through the guardrail, and overturned on the westbound shoulder. Nelson was wearing his seat belt and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Adair County Coroner. This incident remains under investigation by Trooper Allen Shirley. Tpr. Shirley was also assisted at the scene by other KSP personnel, Adair County Fire Department, Adair County Sheriffs Department, Adair County EMS, and the Columbia Police Department.

The Adair County School Board will meet on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 6:00pmCT at the Board of Education Conference Room. The meeting will be open to the public with social distancing guidelines in place.  

AGENDA

**Meeting called to order**
 

**Supt. Dr. Stephens & Adair County Board members will open the meeting with Pledge of Allegiance**
 

***Prayer***

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

CONSENT AGENDA

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT

5. APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF BILLS
6. APPROVAL OF PAY APP #5 FOR JENKINS-ESSEX CONSTRUCTION FOR THE ADAIR COUNTY PRIMARY CENTER PRESCHOOL ADDITION PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,638.00
7. APPROVAL OF PAY APP #2 FOR JENKINS-ESSEX CONSTRUCTION FOR THE ADAIR COUNTY SOFTBALL/BASEBALL ADDITION PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,900.00
8. APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER #1 ON SOFTBALL PRESSBOX IN THE AMOUNT OF $724.50
9. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PERSONNEL ACTION

REGULAR AGENDA

10. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS
12. APPROVAL OF MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Renae Smith
13. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS UPDATE – Steve Burton
14. APPROVE DATE, TIME, PLACE AND PROCESS OF 2021 PROM - Robyn Mantooth
15. DISCUSSION/APPROVAL OF BOARD ATTORNEY FOR SCHOOL YEAR JULY 1, 2021-June 30 2022 - -Renae Smith
16. DISCUSSION/APPROVAL OF BROKER OF RECORD FOR INSURANCES FOR SCHOOL YEAR JULY 1, 2021-JUNE 30 2022 – Renae Smith
17. APPROVE ADAIR COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM TO APPLY FOR  ESSER II STATE SET ASIDE (SSA) EXPENDITURES – DR. STEPHENS
18. ADJOURNMENT

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 15, 2021) – On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced 99.7% of all first vaccine doses sent to Kentucky have been administered after another record-setting week.

Over the past week, more than 142,000 Kentuckians have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

“We believe that we are going to hit the president’s goal that every adult in Kentucky and across America who wants their shot of hope will be able to get it by the end of May,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’ve had nine straight weeks of declining cases and if we continue to see this trend, we can relax some of the restrictions even more. But we need to be careful and make sure we bring everybody to the finish line.”

Today, Gov. Beshear, First Lady Britainy Beshear and Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack recognized the milestone of 1 million Kentuckians being vaccinated (photos here) during a ceremony at the state Capitol. To learn more, see the full release.

Team Kentucky Memorial Fund Opens
To help honor more than 5,000 Kentuckians lost to COVID-19 and the sacrifices of Kentuckians during the pandemic, Gov. Beshear today launched the Team Kentucky COVID-19 Memorial Fund, which will help make a permanent memorial on Capitol grounds a reality.

“This fund will help us make sure no Kentuckian is ever forgotten,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentuckians can dedicate a donation to someone they’ve lost or someone they want to honor. Soon we’ll announce an artist call to encourage artists to submit their ideas for something that can truly encapsulate the grief, hope, togetherness, difficulty – all of those things we have felt this past year. The sleepless nights, but also, the coming together.”

The Governor first announced plans for the memorial during a March 6 ceremony in Frankfort that honored the Kentuckians lost to COVID-19 since the first case was confirmed in the commonwealth March 6, 2020. To learn more, see the full release.

Child Care Facilities Returning to Traditional Classroom Group Sizes
Today, Gov. Beshear announced licensed child care facilities are returning to traditional classroom group sizes. By Kentucky statute, the group sizes range from 10 for infants, with a staff-to-child ratio of one to five, to 30 children for kids ages 7 and older and a staff-to-child ratio of one to 25.

“A bright day in Kentucky just got brighter,” the Governor said. “The care that has been taken to protect Kentucky’s children and hard-working child care staff will continue even as group sizes increase.”

Children and adults will be screened for fever and contagious symptoms when they enter child care facilities. Personal protective equipment will be provided and worn, and proper sanitization and infection-control measures will be required.

Social distancing requirements will continue to be observed and facility visits will be limited. The same staff members are being asked to work with the same children each day, reducing potential exposure.

Farmstead Butcher Block Plans to Locate in Muhlenberg County, Create 25 Jobs
Today, Gov. Beshear announced Farmstead Butcher Block LLC plans to invest over $1.2 million to establish a meat processing operation near Central City that is expected to create 25 full-time jobs. To learn more, see the full release.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Monday, March 15, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 396
New deaths today: 23
Positivity rate: 3.99%
Total deaths: 5,005
Currently hospitalized: 464
Currently in ICU: 114
Currently on ventilator: 67

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette and Warren. Each county reported at least 15 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Vaccine.ky.gov also lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so Kentuckians can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available. The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

SOMERSET, Ky. (March 15, 2021) – The Kentucky Department of Highways will temporarily close a portion of Story Lane at the intersection of U.S. 127 in Russell County starting tomorrow, March 16. The closure is necessary for U.S. 127 realignment project.

During the closure, there will be no access to Story Lane from U.S. 127. Detour signs will be posted. Closure is expected to last approximately 4 weeks.     

The starting date may be adjusted for inclement weather or other unforeseeable delays. Motorists can access travel and traffic conditions at http://goky.ky.gov or contribute their own reports at www.waze.com or via the Waze mobile application.

Traffic information for the District 8 counties is also available at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 or by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.  

The Statewide Tornado Drill for both Kentucky AND Indiana will now be conducted Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 

9:15amCT.

The Adair County Warning Sirens will NOT sound due to the chance of cloudy and inclement weather. The Adair County Tornado Drill was conducted on March 3^rd, 2021 (original date of the Statewide Drill). We encourage everyone to practice your tornado safety plan tomorrow.  

Mike Keltner 

Adair Co. Emergency Management Director

107 N High Street

Columbia, KY 42728

• Brittany Jo Hammond, 33, of Columbia, KY was arrested on Sunday by CPD for Theft of Identity, No Drivers License in Possession, DUI, and Failure to Maintain Required Insurance (2nd offense). 
• Steven Gilliam, 36, of Columbia, KY arrested by KSP on Saturday afternoon for DUI, Failure to Wear Seatbelt, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to Notify the Dept. of Transportation of Address Change.

• Kendrick Rayburn, 21, of Columbia, KY arrested by RSPD on Monday morning for 2 counts of Assault, 4th degree.

He was lodged in the Russell Co. Detention Center.

Columbia, KY (March 15, 2021) Kentucky State Police Post 15 Personnel is currently on the scene of a single vehicle fatal collision involving a Semi tractor trailer. The west bound lane of the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland is closed off at exit 46. Drivers should detour on west Hwy 80 and get back on the Cumberland Parkway in Edmonton, KY at exit 29 if needed. Updated information will be released when the roadway is back open.

Russell Springs Police Officer Hayden Phillips was dispatched to assist in locating a vehicle involved in a hit and run collision in Jamestown. The vehicle continued north on Hwy 127 entering into Russell Springs. A caller advised that the vehicle was driving on sidewalks and running over mailboxes. Officer Phillips observed the vehicle being operated on the shoulder of the road and initiated his emergency equipment. The operator of the vehicle failed to pull over and a slow speed pursuit ensued. The fleeing vehicle finally came to a stop and Officer Phillips came in contact with the vehicle in efforts to stop the pursuit and protect the public. The operator of the vehicle was engaging in conduct that created a substantial danger of death or physical injury to other people.

Rhonda Thorpe, 57, of Jamestown, KY was arrested and has charges from multiple agencies:

• Jamestown Police Officer Larry Wesley charged Thorpe with 2 counts of Wanton Endangerment 1st degree and Leaving the Scene of an Accident.
• Russell Springs Police Officer Hayden Phillips charged Thorpe with Reckless Driving, Fleeing or Evading Police 1st degree, and Criminal Mischief 2nd degree. Additional charges are pending.

Officer Hayden Phillips was assisted on scene by the Jamestown Police Department, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

According to Fire Chief Jeff Landers, the department was dispatched Saturday morning at 8:43amCT to the report of a kitchen fire located on Boat Dock Road just outside city limits. The fire was quickly extinguished with only light damage to the structure. Firefighters were on the scene about 45 minutes. 

Jamestown Fire Dept. was dispatched on Sunday at 3:30pmCT to the report of a 2-vehicle MVC with a rollover located at Highway 92 and the 127 Bypass in Jamestown. Firefighters on scene found no entrapment. 

Russell County EMS, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, and KSP also responded. Firefighters were on the scene about an hour.                        

• Arrylle Wooldridge, 21, of Columbia, KY was arrested Sunday afternoon by Columbia Police Officer Burton and charged with 4th degree Assault (Domestic Violence). She was lodged in the Adair Co. Regional Jail.

• Jeremy Wade, 31, of Columbia, KY was arrested late Saturday night by KSP for Criminal Littering, Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place, and 2nd degree Disordery Conduct. 

• Timothy Miller, 38, of Russell Springs, KY was arrested on Saturday evening by the RSPD for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and DUI.

The Russell County School Board will meet on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 5:00pmCT....
 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 12, 2021) – On Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced 963 new COVID-19 cases in Kentucky and a positivity rate below 4%.

“The number of new cases, deaths and the positivity rate all continue to decline,” the Governor said. “While this is encouraging, we need to remain committed to the public health measures that have helped Kentucky curb the number of infections, hospitalizations and deaths that would have otherwise occurred.”

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Friday, March 12, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 963
New deaths today: 29
Positivity rate: 3.88%
Total deaths: 4,950
Currently hospitalized: 520
Currently in ICU: 125
Currently on ventilator: 88

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Boone and Kenton. Each county reported at least 62 new cases. Jefferson County reported 175 new cases.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Vaccine.ky.gov also lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so Kentuckians can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available. The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

Signature Health Care Reopening Protocol.....

T.J. Regional Health is accepting appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals that fall into the category of Phase 1A, 1B and 1C.  Phase 1C has just been expanded to include all persons ages 16 or older with any medical or behavioral health condition or conditions that the CDC reports ‘are’ or ‘might be’ at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness.  The Moderna vaccine is approved for ages 18 and older.  If you would like to receive your first vaccine dose, please call the T.J. Regional Health vaccine hotline at 270.659.1010 to schedule your appointment.

Russell County, 3 new cases Thursday. We had 3 cases released from isolation. We now have 9 active cases of which 8 cases are self-isolated and 1 case is hospitalized at Bowling Green.

Adair County, 1 new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. We released 7 cases. We have had 1,727 total cases with 1,659 of those released and 50 deaths. We have 18 active cases with 17 of those in home isolation. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas tells WAVE NEWS what took place at last nights City Council meeting... 

At Thursday's meeting of the Russell Springs City Council, Tim Pierce was announced as the city's new police chief.  5-1 with Larry Skaggs casting the only NO vote.

Mayor Eddie Thomas swore in the new Police Chief on Thursday night. The Mayor tells WAVE News that he's excited for the knowledge, experience, and professionalism that Chief Pierce will bring to the Russell Springs Police Department.

• Nathan Stargel, 40, of Russell Springs, KY was arrested by KSP on Thursday afternoon for Disorderly Conduct and Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place.
• Traci Dunbar, 29, of Jamestown, KY was arrested on Thursday by KSP Trooper Begley and charged with Reckless Driving, DUI (aggravating circumstances), No Drivers License,  and Failure to Produce Insurance Card.
• Allison Dean, 27, of Albany, KY was jailed on the following charges: 4 counts of Wanton Endangerment 1st degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st degree (Drug Unspecified), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

A traffic stop at 1:01pmCT this afternoon (Thursday) by Russell County Deputy Corey Meyer on Hwy 80 in Russell County resulted in the arrest of a former Russell Springs woman who now resides in Casey County.

Deputy Ron Golden and K-9 "Yogi" responded to the scene where the K-9 alerted on the vehicle. Almost 41 grams of Methamphetamine, $2,676 dollars and some marijuana were located after a search of the auto.

Patrica A. Reid, 53, of Liberty, KY was charged with Operating a Vehicle on Suspended License, Operating a Motor Vehicle under the Influence 2nd Offense, Failure to wear Seatbelt, Trafficking in a Controlled substance 1st degree 1st offense (Methamphetamine), Trafficking in Marijuana less than 8 oz, Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Assisting Deputy Ron Golden and K-9 Yogi at the scene were members of the Russell Springs Police Department and KY State Police.

If you suspect illegal drugs being sold in your neighborhood, please contact the Russell County Sheriff's Office Drug Tip-Line at 270-343-8116. All callers will remain anonymous.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 11, 2021) – On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear said cases and deaths from COVID-19 continue to moderate as more Kentuckians receive the safe and effective vaccines.

“The positivity rate ticked up a little bit, to 3.95%,” the Governor said. “We like to see that below 5%.”

Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, said the eligibility requirements for receiving a vaccine will change slightly next week based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.

“As of March 15, the Kentucky COVID-19 vaccination eligibility phase is 1-C,” Dr. Stack said. “1-C is now expanded to include all persons ages 16 or older with any medical or behavioral health condition or conditions that the CDC reports ‘are’ or ‘might be’ at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness.”

He noted that smoking is not among the covered conditions in Kentucky. Dr. Stack said vaccination sites should continue to prioritize people 60 and older, and all sites are still urged to use at least 90% of all vaccine doses within seven days of arrival.

Nursing home visits
Adam Mather, inspector general for the Cabinet of Health and Family Services (CHFS), provided new information about visitation at nursing homes.

“The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees the collection and use of Civil Money Penalty Funds, has approved a proposal submitted by the Trilogy Foundation for nearly $6,771,000 to enhance the safety of Kentucky residents and the public,” Mather said.

He said the funds will be used to implement a smart entry screening platform with smart badges for all employees across 285 Kentucky Medicare-certified nursing homes. Kentucky will be the first and only state to provide contactless devices and vaccine tracking that will help reduce person-to-person spread of COVID-19, the flu, other viruses and infectious diseases.

“The sensors will be placed at key points of entry to safeguard the 22,450 residents living in these facilities,” Mather said.

In more good news, Mather said beginning Monday, March 15, these facilities will ease restrictions that have been in place for nearly a year, affecting all visitors and non-essential health care personnel.

“Next week, visitation can be conducted more widely. Everyone who enters these facilities will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and attention will need to be paid to hand hygiene, face coverings, social distancing and other infection-prevention controls.”

More information is available at the CHFS website.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Thursday, March 11, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 1,211
New deaths today: 36
Positivity rate: 3.95%
Total deaths: 4,921
Currently hospitalized: 523
Currently in ICU: 136
Currently on ventilator: 75

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Lyon, Jefferson, Kenton, Boone, Fayette and Campbell. Each county reported at least 50 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Vaccine.ky.gov also lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so Kentuckians can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available. The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

Metalsa Structural Products Inc. expansion
Gov. Beshear also announced Metalsa Structural Products Inc., a manufacturer of chassis structures for light and commercial combustion engine, hybrid and battery electric vehicles, plans to expand its Hopkinsville operation and create 97 full-time jobs in the years ahead to support its customers. View the full news release here.

Kentucky to open regional career centers
Gov. Beshear announced Thursday that next month the Kentucky Career Center (KCC) will open nearly a dozen regional offices around the commonwealth.

On April 15, the state will open 11 regional career centers, in Bowling Green, Covington, Elizabethtown, Hazard, Hopkinsville, Louisville, Morehead, Owensboro, Paducah, Prestonsburg, and Somerset. A center for Lexington is also in the planning stages.

The regional centers will better serve Kentuckians seeking information and help. Appointments will be required through a scheduling tool found at the KCC website. However, the scheduling tool is not yet open.

Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund Update:
Gov. Beshear also provided and update on the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund. The Governor noted this is the second round of such funding, with the first Kentucky’s fall 2020 Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund having helped 4,140 households with $14.6 million.

The new fund launched Feb. 15, and in less than a month applications eclipsed the fall program, with nearly 8,000 tenant applications and more than 5,300 landlord applications. Our first payments were issued last Friday and will continue weekly. We have approved just over $520,000 in assistance. The crush of applicants has lead to more than 45 new staffers being hired in past three weeks to ramp up this work.

Gov. Beshear also looked ahead to provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act, which President Joe Biden today signed into law. The Governor said the federal funding coming to Kentucky will provide assistance for renters, homeowners and the homeless.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

Alex Oakes, 34, of Russell Springs, KY was taken into custody by Officer Justice with the Russell Springs Police Department just before 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Oakes was charged with Drug Paraphernalia Buy/Possession, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Methamphetamine) and a citation for Failure to Appear. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Russell County: 3 new cases Wednesday. We had 5 cases released from isolation. We now have 9 active cases of which 8 cases are self-isolated and 1 case is hospitalized at Bowling Green.

Adair County: 11 new COVID19 cases reported yesterday. We released 9 cases. We have had 1,726 total cases with 1,652 of those released and 50 deaths. We have 24 active cases with 23 of those in home isolation. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 10, 2021) – On Wednesday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state’s positivity rate decreased again, to 3.93%, as more Kentuckians receive one of three highly effective COVID-19 vaccines and continue to follow guidance from public health officials.

“We still have far too many deaths reported today – 34 – but I’m happy to see our positivity rate continue to decrease,” said Gov. Beshear. “This shows we’re stepping up to do what it takes to protect each other until we cross the finish line.”

Yesterday, the Governor also extended an executive order prohibiting price-gouging in the commonwealth.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 1,010
New deaths today: 34
Positivity rate: 3.93%
Total deaths: 4,884
Currently hospitalized: 524
Currently in ICU: 138
Currently on ventilator: 75

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Lyon, Fayette and Scott. Each county reported at least 40 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Vaccine.ky.gov also lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so Kentuckians can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246 or TTY 855-326-4654 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians), has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available. The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

Summer Shade, KY. (March 9, 2021) – Kentucky State Police investigated a 2-vehicle injury collision on KY 90 near Summer Shade on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 around 8:02amCT.

Preliminary investigation indicates a 2016 Chevrolet being operated by 19-year-old Mahalia Cain of Williamsburg, KY was making a left hand turn onto KY 90 when she pulled into the path of a 2015 International truck, operated by 52-year-old Brett Howell of Salem, IN. Howell attempted to avoid the collision striking the Cain vehicle.

Cain and two passengers, Jennica Smith and Catherine Browning of Lebanon, KY were wearing their seatbelts. The Barren-Metcalfe EMS with non-life threatening injuries transported all three to T.J. Samson Hospital in Glasgow.   

Officer Casey Tooley investigated the collision. He was assisted by the Metcalfe Co Sheriff’s Office, Barren-Metcalfe EMS, and Summer Shade Fire Department.

Russell County, reported another death Tuesday. This was a person who wasn’t hospitalized. We now have 41 deaths in Russell County. We had 1 new case yesterday. No cases were released from isolation. We now have 11 active cases of which 10 cases are self-isolated and 1 case is hospitalized at Bowling Green.

Adair County, 5 new COVID19 cases to report Tuesday. We released 6 cases. We have had 1,715 total cases with 1,643 of those released and 50 deaths. We have 22 active cases with 21 of those in home isolation. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 9, 2021) – On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear said a record 127,110 Kentuckians were vaccinated during the past week, breaking the previous record of 112,428 vaccinations set the week before.

“We are really ramping up to meet the moment and we are going to achieve this goal the President set of having a vaccine available for any Kentucky adult who wants one by the end of May,” said Gov. Beshear.

The Governor also said the state’s positivity rate has dropped to 3.94%, the lowest rate since Sept. 21.

First Lady Britainy Beshear announced Ford Motor Co. has donated 1 million masks to Kentucky schools, with a commitment to donate an additional 500,000 masks in the coming weeks.

“We are so close to beating this virus and continuing our path forward to becoming a stronger Kentucky,” said First Lady Beshear. “While declining case numbers and three effective vaccines are great news as more students return to in-person classes, we must remain vigilant in our fight against this virus, with safety as a top priority. Thank you to Ford for thinking of our schools and for being such a great partner to Team Kentucky.”

Kentucky’s Department for Public Health and Department of Education will distribute these 1.5 million masks to school districts.

In August, First Lady Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman launched the Coverings for Kids donation program to help supply Kentucky’s schools with masks for students, teachers and support staff.

Ford’s gift adds to the 320,000 masks already donated to Coverings for Kids by Kentuckians, community groups, local businesses and more.

The gift also adds to Ford’s notable history of generosity to Kentuckians: In September, Ford donated 2 million face masks to Kentucky’s PPE stockpile, one of the largest gifts of PPE ever received in the commonwealth.

“Ford is honored to provide Kentucky with child-sized face masks during this critical point as children transition back to school,” said Matt Godlewski, vice president of U.S. government relations, Ford Motor Co. “We value our partnership with the commonwealth and are grateful to play a role in its commitment to protect Kentuckians against COVID-19.”

The Governor said tomorrow he will visit King’s Daughters Medical Center’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic near Ashland. Later in the day, he will view flood damage and hold a press conference on the state’s disaster response in Hazard.

Stratus Plastics to Create 135 Jobs at Morgantown Manufacturing Plant
The First Lady said Stratus Plastics International, a producer of injection-molded parts for motor vehicles, appliances and consumer goods, will create 40 jobs while immediately expanding production at its Morgantown facility, with the potential for a total of 135 new positions in the years to come. To learn more, see the full release.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 880
New deaths today: 21
Positivity rate: 3.94%
Total deaths: 4,850
Currently hospitalized: 551
Currently in ICU: 147
Currently on ventilator: 81

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Laurel and Kenton. Each county reported at least 30 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Vaccine.ky.gov also lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so Kentuckians can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246, has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

On Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 7:35pmCT,  K-9 Deputy Chandler Staten initiated a traffic stop on Kurt Keltner Rd, 7 miles north of Columbia, on a 2000 Dodge Caravan. During the stop, it was believed the operator was under the influence of an intoxicating substance. K-9 "Nitro" was deployed and gave positive hit indicators of narcotics in the vehicle. A search of the auto resulted in suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia being located.

36-year-old George Loy 36 of Columbia was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st degree (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Drugs.

K-9 Deputy Staten was assisted by Sheriff Josh Brockman.

Jay Faulkner, 31, of Nancy, KY was arrested by Officer Phillips with the Russell Springs Police Department just before 1:30 amCT this morning. Faulkner was charged with No Brake Lights, No Registration Plates, Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance, 1^st Offense, Failure to Notify Address Change to Department of Transportation, Insufficient Head Lamps, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth),  Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession and Operating  Motor Vehicle Under the Influence. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Jeffrey Milburn, 52, of Somerset, KY was also taken into custody by Officer Phillips with the Russell Springs Police Department just early this morning. Milburn was charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth), Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Milburn was also lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Russell County: 1 new death reported on Monday. We now have 40 deaths in Russell County. We had 3 new cases yesterday. We had 10 cases released from isolation. We now have 11 active cases of which 10 cases are self-isolated and 1 case is hospitalized at Bowling Green.

Adair County: 3 new COVID19 cases reported yesterday. We released 8 cases. We have had 1,710 total cases with 1,637 of those released and 50 deaths. We have 23 active cases with 22 of those in home isolation. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

The Russell County Fiscal Court met last evening for the March regular monthly meeting. County Judge Gary Robertson spoke with WAVE NEWS following the meeting to discuss what took place... 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 8, 2021) – On Monday, Gov. Beshear announced 834,130 Kentuckians – 25% of Kentucky adults – have now received at least one dose of one of three highly effective COVID-19 vaccines.

Gov. Beshear also announced Kentucky has now seen eight straight weeks of declining COVID-19 cases. Today’s COVID-19 report includes the lowest number of new cases since Sept. 14.

“This is the exact type of trajectory we want to see as we are vaccinating people,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is in many ways a race against time against the variants. If we can continue that downward trajectory while increasing the number of people vaccinated, we can hopefully get to the end of this thing sooner rather than later. The President has made a promise that all adults who want to be vaccinated will be able to get their first shot by at least the end of May.”

The Governor also updated Kentuckians who have suffered due to recent ice storms and record flooding.

“The Federal Emergency Management Agency is on the ground right now evaluating both events,” said Gov. Beshear. “I have spoken today with our contact in the Biden Administration stressing how critical this is and the importance of individual assistance. To anybody out there who lost their home, had it damaged or the rest, please document every one of those losses.”

Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, updated Kentuckians on new guidance for fully vaccinated individuals from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“For adults who are fully vaccinated, the CDC is now saying those individuals within their own homes can gather in small groups with other fully vaccinated adults,” said Dr. Stack. “If vaccinated and unvaccinated people are mixed together in a gathering, generally you should still practice social distancing and wear your masks.

“The other guidance – and this is really important – when you are out in public settings, whether you are vaccinated or not, please wear your masks, social distance, wash your hands and continue to do those behaviors until we get everybody vaccinated, particularly the most vulnerable in society. There has also been no relaxation of the travel guidance by the CDC yet in relation to vaccination status. The new guidance released today is great news overall, but we still have to be careful.”

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Monday, March 8, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 331
New deaths today: 10
Positivity rate: 4.06%
Total deaths: 4,829
Currently hospitalized: 539
Currently in ICU: 161
Currently on ventilator: 82

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Franklin, Knox, Scott and McCracken. Each county reported at least 10 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Vaccine.ky.gov also lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so Kentuckians can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246, has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

Kentucky Broadband Initiative
Today, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman emphasized that the Beshear-Coleman administration is committed to providing broadband internet connectivity to every single Kentuckian.

“The speed test will remain active for a year and Kentuckians can continue to take it here. But we set an initial deadline of March 1 so that we maintain a sense of urgency – this is a priority for this administration, and we won’t rest until we fulfill our promise,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “With the data from our speed test, we know there are 71 counties where we can move forward with grant funding requests.”

By March 1, 81,089 Kentuckians had taken the speed test, outpacing much larger states that began speed tests six months ago.

GEO Partners called Kentucky “a shining light” and said that the commonwealth “accomplished in six weeks what other states have accomplished in six months. Kentucky has more than double the number of tests as the next highest state.”

“This is another instance of Kentucky leading the way,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “I would like to give a huge thanks to our partners who have made this project a success and all the Kentuckians who took the time out of their day to help their neighbors in need.”

Lt. Gov. Coleman said the state still needs more responses from Boone, Bullitt, Christian and Jefferson counties.

Wholesale Hardwood Interiors to Rebuild with $7.1 Million Investment
Three months ago, disaster struck Wholesale Hardwood Interiors Inc. in Campbellsville, when a fire broke out at the facility resulting in a near total loss. Lt. Gov. Coleman said last week, Gov. Beshear announced the company is moving forward with plans to invest $7.1 million and create 100 full-time jobs, restoring the operation with additional space to accommodate recent and future growth. To learn more, see the full release.

“This special announcement really demonstrates the resiliency of Kentuckians,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman.

Recreational Trails Program
Today, Lt. Gov. Coleman announced more than $692,000 from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) has been awarded to improve parks and recreational spaces in 12 communities across the commonwealth.

RTP is a competitive federal program aimed at improving communities and enhancing quality of life.

“Safe, green spaces provide a place for our families to exercise and spend quality time with one another, making them an important part of building a healthier, better Kentucky,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “And as we work to build that better Kentucky, quality outdoor spaces will also help us make Kentucky a world-class tourist destination.”

Lt. Gov. Coleman added that the vast majority of the selected projects are in rural Kentucky.

“As a rural Kentuckian, I know how beautiful our entire state is, and to be able to invest in these areas is so important to me,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman.

To learn more about the RTP and the 12 funded projects, see the full release.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

• Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree  Methamphetamine 
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• 3 outstanding felony warrants for his arrest
• State Parole Board Violation warrant     

Another week of the 2021 Regular Session is in the books. With only six legislative days left, robust discussion on critical issues is as prominent as ever.

While crafting the state budget remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds, we are staying the course to uphold our other legislative obligations as members of the General Assembly by passing bills that include specific reforms and amendments to keep the Commonwealth moving forward.

Activity from the Senate Chamber this week includes passage of another Senate priority bill, Senate Bill (SB) 5, of which I am proud to be a sponsor. Among numerous other measures, it is a bill that works to mitigate the negative impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Kentucky’s economy and infrastructure. In this case, notably to support and provide reassurance to various sectors of our society trying to reopen or continue operation.

If made law, SB 5 would provide liability protections for premises owners or leaseholders, including places of worship, schools, restaurants, medical facilities, and more. It would also establish essential services protections for food suppliers, manufacturers, distributors of personal protective equipment, child care service providers, and other businesses deemed essential. The measure, however, would not protect entities that act in a malicious or grossly negligent way to ignore safety orders during a state of emergency.

Other notable bills passing in the Senate this week include:

Senate Bill 53 allows a part-time adjunct instructor for the Kentucky Fire Commission to begin drawing benefits from the County Employees Retirement System without having to resign from that position, so long as the instructor has not previously participated in the Kentucky Employees Retirement System.

Senate Bill 79 builds on the success of a bill that passed a couple of years ago that began automatically enrolling new state employees into Kentucky Deferred Compensation, but providing an opt-out option. SB 79 would do the same for legislators and judges. Deferred compensation serves as a savings account in which a certain portion of an employee's income is set aside to be paid later. Since the passage of the legislation related to state employees, 90 percent of new hires have remained in deferred comp, which stands to benefit them in the long run.

Senate Bill 99 authorizes the construction of certain facilities without the supervision of a licensed architect or professional engineer, provided the work is performed consistent with the United States Department of Defense Building Code.

Senate Bill 122 would prohibit a state contract from being awarded to a business if it was already awarded the same or similar contract and if a contract was awarded through an executive agency lobbyist who was convicted of a crime related to contracts. It also prohibits a person associated with an agency from participating in a contract procurement for one year after termination.

Senate Bill 128, another education bill I am proud to be sponsoring, provides any student enrolled in a Kentucky public school in grades K-12 during the 2020-21 school year the opportunity to request to participate in a temporary program during the 2021-22 school year to retake or supplement the courses or grades the student has already taken. The ultimate decision of providing this opportunity will be left to local school districts, which must decide to accept all student's requests or none at all.

SB 128 also provides that KHSAA shall allow a 2020-21 high school student a fifth consecutive year of eligibility at the same school, but participation age limits and transfer regulations are not waived.

The past year has been tough on so many, but Kentucky students have significantly been negatively impacted. A recent report from the Lexington Herald-Leader shows failing grades have skyrocketed. The good news is that most school districts have returned to some form of in-person learning, but the school year is almost over now. For the most part, all of the 2020-21 school year has remained virtual, and while districts, teachers, and parents or other guardians have done their best, distance learning has been inadequate for many of our kids. Some children may not have the support they need at home. Our rural communities with broadband issues have proven to be a challenge for families. Quite simply, our students have missed their teachers, friends, and vital emotional and social experiences they deserve. SB 128 will provide local school districts with the ability to do right by students and families determining it is in their best interest to take advantage of a supplemental year of education. It will ensure participating seniors' preparedness for whatever their next chapter in life is, and all students the peace of mind knowing the pandemic will not cause them to be left behind.

Senate Bill 146 establishes a requirement of a national and state criminal background check, via fingerprint analysis by the state police and the FBI, for every prospective and current employee of the Labor Cabinet or its agencies.

Senate Bill 159 reorganizes the Kentucky Department of Military affairs by abolishing defunct offices and realigning others within the "Office of the Adjutant General." It also attaches the Kentucky Community Crisis Response Board to the Division of Emergency Management and alters its membership.

Senate Bill 165 requires the link to a legal advertisement or notice website that the local government electronically publishes to be no more than 30 characters in length and in easy-to-understand terms.

Senate Bill 172 requires persons who damage underground utility facilities, such as pipelines and telecommunications lines during demolition or excavation, to cease activity and notify the operator of the underground facility.

Senate Bill 181 would establish the Senate President's and House Speaker's power to reconvene the General Assembly for up to twelve additional legislative days via joint proclamation. Additionally, it would allow for any bills filed by the deadline of the close of a Regular Session to survive until December 31 of that same year.

Senate Bill 212, also known as the "Kara Beth Adair Wilson Act," requires the various Kentucky retirement systems to develop an electronic method to which future changes to beneficiary designations for all members and new member forms, including beneficiary designation forms, must be submitted.

Senate Bill 228 would reform how a U.S. Senator of Kentucky is replaced should a vacancy occur. The bill would establish that the departing senator's state party would nominate three people from which the governor would select. That individual would serve out the remainder of the term. Additionally, it sets stipulations about how long a replacement can serve before voters get to elect someone to take over that seat and establishes provisions about how such elections should be held.

Senate Bill 255 relates to an emerging industry of commercial mining of cryptocurrency, as it provides incentives for this new and advanced technology in the Commonwealth by allowing a minimum investment of $1 million dollars to qualify for incentives.

Senate Bill 274 allows a city already in two counties to annex into a third county if the territory is adjacent or shares a common border and owns infrastructure in the area, etc. It also provides that the county where the territory is located shall continue to receive the same dollar amount in occupational tax as the prior year.

Bills headed to the governor's desk for consideration include:

Senate Bill 105 establishes guidelines for filing and serving a petition for the appointment of a person responsible for the possession, repair, and preservation of an abandoned and unsafe property. The bill also outlines the procedure for hearing a petition, defines the powers and duties of a conservator, and puts in place standards for the termination of a conservatorship.

House Bill 7 establishes a Recovery Ready Community council and program for cities and counties that want to demonstrate their addiction recovery commitment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 83,000 people died in the twelve months ending in July 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened addiction. The state has worked hard over the years to combat the scourge of drug addiction. Although the challenge is difficult, we must continue efforts to address the abuse of opioids and other narcotics. HB 7 is one more step in saving lives.

House Bill 8 allows quasi-governmental organizations, such as local health departments and mental health centers, to pay back unfunded liabilities owed to the Kentucky Retirement Systems for Employees using a liability based system instead of a percent of payroll. By changing to a liability based contribution method, HB 8 provides assurance for accurate payment assumptions, allowing these agencies to adequately plan each fiscal year therefore reducing the risk of having to cut back on staff and services. HB 8 also establishes an intent that the general assembly will pay the increased cost associated with this bill for the first year.

House Bill 50 provides that health insurance plans offered in Kentucky comply with a federal law designed to ensure the equal treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders by strengthening Kentucky’s implementation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. That means health plans’ co-payments, deductibles, and limits on visits to health care providers are not more restrictive or less generous for mental health benefits than for medical and surgical benefits. An average of six people die of drug overdoses and suicides every day in Kentucky. It is vital that our state does not limit access or coverage to mental health care. 

House Bill 208 addresses the issue of getting our students back into schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this bill, local school districts MUST offer, at least, a hybrid schedule where all students are able to attend in-person classes a minimum of two days a week by March 29, 2021. Districts would still be able to offer virtual or remote learning for students whose parents/guardians provide written requests due to COVID-19 concerns.

As a society, we have figured out a way to safely open restaurants, shopping malls, and movie theaters. It is time we finally do the same for Kentucky’s youth by prioritizing a pathway to normalcy for our schools.

You can learn more about these bills and others by visiting www.legislature.ky.gov. Thank you for staying engaged in the legislative process. It is an honor to serve you in Frankfort.

If you have any questions or comments about these issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me Max.Wise@LRC.ky.gov.

# # #

Note:  Senator Max Wise (R-Campbellsville) represents the 16th District which encompasses Adair, Clinton, Cumberland, McCreary, Russell, Taylor, and Wayne Counties.  He is Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Education; as well as co-chairman of the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee. Senator Wise also serves as a member of the Senate Standing Committees on Health and Welfare; Agriculture; and Transportation. Additionally, Senator Wise serves as a member on the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. For a high-resolution .jpeg of Senator Wise, please visit:

https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate116.jpg

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 5, 2021) – On Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Kentucky’s positivity rate has decreased to 4.25%.

“Team Kentucky should be so proud of the progress we’ve made against this virus,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’ve got to keep up our commitment to each other until we reach the finish line – on COVID-19, and in recovering from other emergencies our state has experienced, like the ice storm and record flooding we’ve seen in recent weeks. No matter the challenge, our people come together to get through it.”

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Friday, March 5, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 920
New deaths today: 22
Positivity rate: 4.25%
Total deaths: 4,754
Currently hospitalized: 606
Currently in ICU: 179
Currently on ventilator: 76

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Kenton and Scott. Each county reported at least 30 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Vaccine.ky.gov also lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so Kentuckians can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246, has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

Russell County, 3 new cases Thursday. We had 4 cases released from isolation. We now have 20 active cases of which 18 cases are self-isolated and 2 cases are hospitalized, 1 each at Bowling Green and Glasgow.

Adair County, 7 new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. We released 6 cases. We have had 1,702 total cases with 1,621 of those released and 50 deaths. We have 31 active cases with 30 of those in home isolation. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 4, 2021) – On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced 157 new vaccination sites, including one new regional site at Baptist Health LaGrange, bringing the state’s total number of vaccination locations to 567.

“This means that vaccine locations are getting closer and closer to you. This is the infrastructure we have to build,” said Gov. Beshear. “The President told us earlier this week that every American adult who wants a shot can get their shot of hope by the end of May. That means that if we can get everybody interested, we’re going to vaccinate another 2.5 million people in the next three months.”

New locations also include 10 Kroger sites, 10 Walmart sites and 136 independent pharmacies. To see lists of all sites, organized by program and provider brand, visit vaccine.ky.gov or kycovid19.ky.gov/ky-covid-vaccine.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Thursday, March 4, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 1,068
New deaths today: 28
Positivity rate: 4.45%
Total deaths: 4,732
Currently hospitalized: 645
Currently in ICU: 172
Currently on ventilator: 91

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Lyon, Fayette, Boone and Caldwell. Each county reported at least 45 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Today’s positivity rate is the lowest since Oct. 12.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Vaccine.ky.gov also lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so Kentuckians can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246, has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

Weather Update
Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett updated Kentuckians on the response to major floods across the commonwealth.

Twenty cities and 44 counties have declared a state of emergency. Over 194 county roads closed due to flooding. Three counties have reported power outages: Breathitt, Jackson and Owsley. Lee and Owsley counties each have one shelter open; Breathitt County has two.

“Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported due to flooding this week,” said Director Dossett. “But the damage is significant. Lee County’s downtown business district was submerged in approximately six feet of water. Several manufactured homes as well as single family dwellings have been destroyed. Lee County Courthouse has suffered a major loss and other state and local government offices have been impacted. In Breathitt County, there was 5.48 inches of total rainfall, and some residents are still blocked in by water. We are still monitoring the breach at the dam that sits under Kentucky Highway 15 in Jackson and connects to Panbowl Lake, but the sand bag patch is holding, and Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Division of Water Dam Inspector, Marilyn Thomas, has declared the dam is safe.”

“I just want people across Kentucky to know you’re not forgotten – we’re here every step of the way to try to bring relief to this devastation that’s happened to you and your communities, your homes and personal property, and to try to do everything we can to help with that recovery as we move forward,” said Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Gov. Beshear.

Adkins added the state would be requesting two federal disaster declarations: one for ice storm damage and one for flooding damage.

“For you homeowners and those of you who have had personal property damage, as well as road crews and local leaders – document the damage, take pictures,” said Adkins. “Make sure that’s part of our information we send into Washington D.C. for those declarations. We need a full application that will go in for approval to come back and bring relief to our people who are hurting so bad.”

Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer Update
Today, Gov. Beshear updated Kentuckians on the Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program, which helps ensure Kentucky’s kids do not miss meals during virtual learning that would have been provided to them if their school was open in-person.

“We are so pleased to announce the launch of Round Three of Pandemic Electronic Benefits assistance, which applies to the time period from October through the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our expert family support team estimates we will have a total monthly issuance of almost $74 million to Kentucky families, and a total program issuance – that covers the entire eight-month academic year – of $590 million. The dollar figures don’t mean as much to us as knowing the thousands of school children who will get access to nutritious meals through this funding.”

P-EBT is approved for both public and private school students who receive free or reduced price meals through the National School Lunch Program and who were are unable to attend school in-person due to COVID-19 school closures since October. Eligible students and families don’t have to do anything – approval is automatic. There is no application process. P-EBT for October 2020 and beyond will be added to existing cards.

If the student currently receives food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), P-EBT benefits will be added to the head-of-household’s EBT card.

• If the student does not receive SNAP, P-EBT will be added to the cards that were previously issued (fall 2020) in each student’s name.
• If an individual no longer has the card and their address has not changed, they should call 1-888-979-9949 to request a replacement card.
• If their address has changed, they should call the Department of Community Based Services (DCBS) at 1-855-306-8959 to report the change and request a new card.

An eligible student will receive the equivalent of 20 days’ benefits – that equals $136.40 – if his or her school district exclusively operated a virtual-only learning model for all students in a given month. An eligible student whose school district operated a combination of in-person and virtual learning environment – also called “hybrid” learning – in a given month will receive the equivalent of 12 days’ benefits – which equals $81.84. Individuals should expect to receive the first issuance of P-EBT the week of March 15.

Some families may have mistakenly received P-EBT cards during the last round of stimulus. Individuals are not obligated to use them if they do not want to or if they know their child does not qualify. If you do not want to receive P-EBT, call DCBS at 1-855-306-8959 to opt out.

Unemployment Insurance Update
Today, Amy Cubbage, general counsel for Gov. Beshear, updated Kentuckians on a new call center and tips for combatting fraud and verifying identification in the unemployment insurance (UI) system.

New Call Center Opening in April
“Due to some additional federal funding we’ve been able to procure, we will be opening a new call center in April. We are currently hiring for that call center and as soon as those people are trained and we have everything in place, that will significantly increase our call capacity,” said Cubbage. “This is just one of the ways we’re trying to give you a better experience. Soon, our new user interface we’ve been working on will be rolled out, and this will hopefully get us through to the point where we can rebuild the entire system.”

Reset Four Digit PIN to Combat Fraud
“In an effort to combat fraud against your UI account, we are recommending a change to your four digit PIN if it resembles any personal information about you such as your house number, birth year, last four of your social security number or phone number,” said Cubbage.

Also, avoid simple number sequences like 1234, 9999, 5678, etc.

New Partnership with Nationally Renowned Company for ID Verification
“ID.me is a federally certified identity verification provider that specializes in digital identity protection,” said Cubbage.

“They are the only provider to offer a video chat option for citizens that may need additional assistance.”

More than 36 million people use ID.me to manage their digital identity. ID.me also partners with many federal government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, and Department of the Treasury.

Many other states have partnered with ID.me to prevent unemployment benefits fraud; states with almost 70% of the country’s population are now using ID.me to verify for unemployment benefits.

Claimants are directed to a specific website where they can complete the process of creating an ID.me account and verifying their identity. If they do not receive an email from Kentucky’s Office of Unemployment Insurance (OUI) with the link to the page, they do not need to verify their identity.

Fraud Form and Webpage Updated
OUI has updated its fraud form on the Kentucky Career Center website so that people who believe their identity has been stolen can report it.

“This form allows us to capture all the necessary information our staff needs to review the claim and stop any benefits from going out,” said Cubbage. “After staff have reviewed the information, they will communicate to the person who submitted the form. If you have sent an email to our fraud box before today we do not need you to fill out the form again and we are processing the messages as soon as we can in the order they are received.”

Executive Order on Pharmaceuticals
Today, the Governor extended an executive order on pharmaceuticals that allows all Kentucky pharmacists to dispense emergency 30-day refills on medications.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

A Russell County man has been arrested on sexual abuse of a minor and sodomy charges this morning.

Michael J. Daniel age 51, of Russell Springs, was arrested by Deputy Nathan Ginn, just after 8:30 this morning and lodged into the Russell County Detention Center on charges of Sodomy 1^st Degree and Sexual Abuse, 1^st Degree, Victim under 12 years of age.

Russell County, NO new cases Wednesday. We had 2 cases released from isolation. We now have 21 active cases of which 19 cases are self-isolated and 2 cases are hospitalized, 1 each at Bowling Green and Glasgow. We are now in orange status in Russell County.

Adair County, 1 new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. We released 1 case. We have had 1,695 total cases with 1,615 of those released and 50 deaths. We have 30 active cases with 29 of those in home isolation. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

Just before 8 last evening, The Adair County Fire Department responded to 484 Slick Rock Road West to a residential house fire. Upon arrival the home was fully engulfed in fire and was a total loss.   Property owner was Alvin Stotts.  There were 31 firemen on the response.

Columbia, KY (March 3, 2021) During the month of February 2021, there were 26 traffic accidents investigated by the State Police working in the Post 15 area in the 11 counties of Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, Marion, Metcalfe, Monroe, Russell, Taylor and Washington.

There were 3 fatal collisions during the month of February in the Post 15 area:

• Michael Stevens, 50, of Cumberland County, was killed on 02/01/2021 in Clinton County, KY
• Alejandro Diaz, 20, of Casey County, was killed on 02/02/2021 in Adair County, KY
• Jackie Emberton, 67, of Monroe County, was killed on 02/24/2021 in Metcalfe County, KY

This brings our yearly fatality count to 4 compared with 3 through this same period in 2020.

Statewide fatality count stands at 85 compared with 89 through this same period in 2020.

During the month of February 2021, there were 899 citations written, 188 courtesy notices written, 439 complaints answered, 120 motorists assisted, 46 criminal cases opened and 236 criminal arrests made.

On Wednesday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more than 731,000 Kentuckians have now had at least the first dose of one of the effective COVID-19 vaccines.

“These numbers continue a good trend that we see on declining case numbers. Even better, our positivity rate is now 4.60% as it continues to decline,” said Gov. Beshear. “But let’s remember as we work toward defeating this virus, we can’t quit. Yesterday, President Joe Biden announced he now believes there will be sufficient supply for every adult in America to get vaccinated by the end of May. That’s really good news and moves up the timeline.”

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 1,175
New deaths today: 33
Positivity rate: 4.6%
Total deaths: 4,704
Currently hospitalized: 680
Currently in ICU: 175
Currently on ventilator: 79

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Kenton, Fayette, Boone and Campbell. Each county reported at least 45 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website, vaccine.ky.gov, shows Kentuckians which phase they are in specifically. Individuals can sign up for notifications so state officials can communicate with them when doses become available at new and existing sites. Vaccine.ky.gov also lists regional vaccination partners statewide, so Kentuckians can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment.

Kentucky’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246, has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when doses are available.

Free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments is offered by public transit agencies across the commonwealth. These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers, or by calling the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

Russell County, 5 new cases Tuesday. We had 6 cases released from isolation. We now have 23 active cases of which 21 cases are self-isolated and 2 cases are hospitalized, 1 each at Bowling Green and Glasgow.

Adair County, 9 new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. We released 5 cases. We regretfully must inform you of a new death counted. We have had 1,694 total cases with 1,614 of those released and 50 deaths. We have 30 active cases with 29 of those in home isolation. We have 1 case in the hospital at this time.

Due to the continued serious flooding across many parts of central and eastern Kentucky, the NWS offices serving the Commonwealth, and Kentucky Emergency Management Agency (KYEM), have agreed to POSTPONE the Statewide Tornado Drill. We hope to have information on a rescheduled date and time as soon as possible.  

 

We encourage everyone to continue to review the educational material that will be posted through the rest of Severe Weather Awareness Week, and review your disaster plans in your home, school, and workplace.  Watch our social media platforms for more information, including any rescheduled dates for the Statewide Tornado Drill.  

 

Thank you for your understanding.

Ron Steve
NWS Louisville KY

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 2, 2021) – On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on the state’s emergency response after record flooding over the weekend.

“What we have seen is some of the worst rain in Western Kentucky in parts of Calloway County, to parts of cities underwater in Eastern Kentucky. So many of our people are struggling right now,” said Gov. Beshear. “We have the National Guard out in force working with numerous local officials who are providing great leadership.”

Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett said 49 cities and counties have declared states of emergency.

“We have reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and asked FEMA Region 4 to send their lead investigator to the state of Kentucky to look at the homes that were damaged and those that have been inundated,” said Director Dossett. “This is truly a record-breaking event. The water is still high, and this is not over.”

The Governor announced multiple state agencies, including the Kentucky National Guard (KYNG), are responding to a levee breach in Jackson, Kentucky, providing emergency transport for Kentuckians to high ground using high-axle vehicles.

Heavy rains have elevated the north fork of the Kentucky River, creating pressure that is pushing water through the dam that sits under Kentucky Highway 15 in Jackson and connects to Panbowl Lake.

“The corrective action that is being taken as we speak is to place sand bags in the area that has been eroded,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray.

KYNG personnel are providing flooding response support across eight counties: Barren, Breathitt, Calloway, Estill, Johnson, Laurel, Lee and Pike.

In addition, KYNG completed three aviation rescues in Lee, Owsley and Rockcastle counties.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) troopers are also assisting with evacuation efforts.

KSP confirmed that Kentucky River Medical Center is nearly finished with its evacuation. A local nursing home in Jackson, Nim Henson Geriatric Center, is fully evacuated. Jackson Mayor Rose Wolfe has also called for an evacuation of a nearby mobile home park.

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet has two inspectors on site and a dam safety supervisor, who is an engineer, heading to the site. Sandbags will be placed where the earthen dam is eroded, in an attempt to stop the flow under the highway.

KYTC geologists and engineers are on the scene evaluating conditions. KY 15 is currently open to traffic.

“I could hear in local leaders’ voices just how much they are hurting for their people who have suffered, who have had their homes destroyed, but I could also hear the resolute leadership that they are using to help get their folks through this,” said Gov. Beshear.

This morning, Gov. Beshear joined Calloway County Judge/Executive Kenny Imes, Murray Mayor Bob Rogers, Murray State President Bob Jackson and the Kentucky National Guard in Calloway County to witness flood damage first-hand.

“We flew over several areas where infrastructure was severely impacted, and stopped by one location where transportation crews have been hard at work making the road drivable for residents,” said Gov. Beshear. “I also spoke with officials about the impact the flood has had on local business, homes and the community.”

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 1,080
New deaths today: 19
Positivity rate: 4.76%
Total deaths: 4,671
Currently hospitalized: 684
Currently in ICU: 178
Currently on ventilator: 82

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Fayette, Kenton and Boone. Each county reported at least 45 new cases.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

The Governor encouraged Kentuckians to sign up for notifications at vaccine.ky.gov

“Not only will our website tell you which phase you are in specifically, you can supply your contact information so we can communicate with you when appointments become available at new and existing sites across the state,” said Gov. Beshear.

The website also lists statewide regional vaccination partners, so Kentuckians can search their county or region and see how to schedule an appointment.

Kentucky’s vaccine hotline, 855-598-2246, has the same features as the website. Kentuckians can get assistance completing the vaccine eligibility questionnaire and scheduling an appointment when appointments are available.

This week, Kentucky will receive more than 98,000 new COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Today, the White House COVID-19 Response Team told governors the supply of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to states will increase from 14.5 million doses to 15.2 million doses per week. 2.8 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be shipped in the same period; in total, 18 million doses will be sent to states this week.

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

On Monday, March 1, 2021 at 4:02pmCT,  Adair County 911 received a call of a collision between a vehicle and an ATV.  The Adair County Sheriff's Office along with Emergency Services were dispatched to Burton Garmon Rd, 5 miles north of Columbia. Upon Sheriff Brockman and Chief Deputy Justin Cross’s arrival, they found that a Ford SUV had collided head-on with a Honda 4- wheeler. 

Sealed bids being accepted for 2 serving lines.....
 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 2, 2021) – Three months ago, disaster struck Wholesale Hardwood Interiors Inc. in Campbellsville, when a fire broke out at the facility resulting in a near total loss. Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the company is moving forward with plans to invest $7.1 million and create 100 full-time jobs, restoring the operation with additional space to accommodate recent and future growth.

“In Kentucky, we’re proud of our ability to persevere and overcome difficult times. We’ve all had to do it time and time again over the past few months,” Gov. Beshear said. “No project represents that dedication more than this investment by Wholesale Hardwood Interiors in Campbellsville. This company suffered a significant loss three months ago, and during a challenging time like no other, but its leaders wasted no time in getting the facility back up and running as soon as possible. Their dedication to the Taylor County community and Kentucky must be commended, and I hope for nothing but great things for WHI in the years ahead.”

The Campbellsville headquarters is home to the company’s office, warehouse and manufacturing business, providing high-quality interior wood products, such as mouldings, custom millwork, doors and stair parts.

Only 20,000 square feet of the 120,000-square-foot facility was partially salvaged following the fire in December, with operations deemed a total loss. The company, now back in operation, plans to fully re-establish production with construction of a facility at the same location on the Campbellsville Bypass. Company leaders anticipate the facility to be functional immediately and fully operational within 12 to 18 months.

“Wholesale Hardwood Interiors Inc. has built its success and reputation upon dedication to high standards of quality, service and integrity,” said Mike Judd, president of WHI. “We are truly grateful for all of the assistance that we have received and are continuing to receive. This assistance, along with a truly dedicated group of employees and sales representatives, ensures that the best is yet to come.”

The Campbellsville-based company has been in operation since 1985, with 12 warehouse locations throughout Kentucky – in Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Lexington, Louisville, Richmond and Walton – Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. In total, those locations employ approximately 85 people, in addition to a sales team of nearly 30 people.

Taylor County Judge/Executive Barry Smith said the company is a great corporate partner.

“We’re so pleased that WHI has chosen to reinvest in Taylor County,” Judge/Executive Smith said. “They’ve been a great company and concerned employer for over 35 years. We wish them continued success and growth for years to come.”

Campbellsville Mayor Brenda Allen was elated with the company’s decision to rebuild and expand.

“Campbellsville is so excited about WHI’s rebuilding project,” Mayor Allen said. “Keeping those skilled, hardworking jobs, and hopefully the potential for expansion in the future, will be good for our local economy.”   

Ron McMahan, executive director/CEO of Team Taylor County, said he appreciates the company’s commitment to Campbellsville.

“WHI’s reinvestment in our community and to their 72 local employees is commendable,” McMahan said. “Our team immediately went to work locating temporary office and manufacturing options in Taylor County and contacting the Cabinet for Economic Development. CED has been tremendously helpful to the company.”      

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in January preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $1.8 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $7.1 million and annual targets of:

• Creation and maintenance of 100 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
• Paying an average hourly wage of $21 including benefits across those jobs.

By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.

Additionally, KEDFA approved WHI or up to $200,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

WHI also can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives.

For more information on Wholesale Hardwood Interiors, visit WholesaleHardwoodInt.com.

A detailed community profile for Taylor County can be viewed here.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.

Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Russell County, 1 new case Monday. We had 19 cases released from isolation. We now have 24 active cases of which 22 cases are self-isolated and 2 cases are hospitalized, 1 each at Bowling Green and Glasgow.

Adair County, 5 new COVID19 cases to report yesterday. We released 8 cases. We have had 1,685 total cases with 1,609 of those released and 49 deaths. We have 27 active cases with 24 of those in home isolation. We have 3 case in the hospital at this time.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 1, 2021) – On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced 18 industries can increase capacity to 60% as the state completes its seventh straight week of declining COVID-19 cases.

Today, the Governor reported the lowest number of new COVID-19 cases since Sept. 28 and the lowest positivity rate since Oct. 18.

“Today, we have more good news than at any time in the pandemic. We’ve never seen what we are seeing now in terms of a downward trend. Previously, we had experienced only three consecutive weeks of declining cases,” said Gov. Beshear. “COVID hospitalizations, ICU admittance and those needing a ventilator have either decreased or stabilized.

“This capacity increase is an initial step where we will watch and see to ensure we don’t see a corresponding increase in cases.”

The following businesses can now increase capacity to 60%:

• Indoor auctions
• Barbershops/cosmetology/hair salons
• Bars and restaurants
• Bowling alleys
• Indoor educational and cultural activities
• Fitness centers
• Funeral and memorial services
• Government offices/agencies
• Massage therapy
• Movie theaters
• Nail salons
• Office-based businesses
• Places of worship (recommendation)
• Retail
• Tanning salons
• Tattoo parlors
• Vehicle and vessel dealerships
• Venues and event spaces

The Governor said he intends to increase child care capacity to regular group size on March 15 if positive trends continue.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Doses Arriving in Kentucky
Gov. Beshear said the first Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses will be arriving in the state this week and delivered to independent pharmacies.

“The approval of Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot, highly effective vaccine adds to the growing weekly supply available to Kentucky that has risen in just over a month from around 57,000 to over 100,000 first doses and growing,” said Gov. Beshear.

“Independent pharmacies have been preparing for months and are eager to play a part in putting this pandemic to an end. Your independent pharmacies are always there to serve and provide for the communities we work in, live in, and go to church in,” said David Figg, chief executive officer of Rice’s Pharmacy in Ohio County. “This vaccine in our pharmacies is another way to ensure access in all corners of the state, even those that may struggle with transportation. We are committed to making sure every dose is utilized, and this Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a great third vaccine in our arsenal. We will not let the commonwealth down.”

Update on Emergency Response to Record Flooding
Today, the Governor and state officials said the State Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 3 operations status, supporting the response to severe flooding in some counties after extremely heavy rainfall across the commonwealth – more than six inches in some areas.

“Our first responders have been in harness saving lives throughout the entire weekend. We will be facing the impact of flooding of rivers and tributaries throughout the commonwealth over the next few days,” said Michael Dossett, Director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. “The National Guard has been activated with 72 personnel on duty in Barren, Calloway, Johnson, Laurel, Pike and Rockcastle counties, providing support and equipment: 23 high-axle vehicles, two helicopters, six backhoes and six dump trucks to support resource requests.”

In total, 34 cities and counties have declared states of emergency. Four emergency shelters and one warming center has been opened. Swift water rescues were conducted in at least 42 counties.

Water rescues continue today in Eastern Kentucky as crews clear emergency routes of flood debris and landslides.

Case Information
As of 4 p.m. Monday, March 1, Gov. Beshear reported the following COVID-19 numbers:

New cases today: 509
New deaths today: 15
Positivity rate: 4.84%
Total deaths: 4,652
Currently hospitalized: 719
Currently in ICU: 180
Currently on ventilator: 82

Top counties with the most positive cases today are: Jefferson, Boone, Kenton, Laurel and McCracken. Each county reported at least 20 new cases. Jefferson County reported 95.

To see a list of those reported lost to the virus today, click here.

The Governor reminded Kentuckians that starting today, individuals in Phase 1C can sign up for appointments at regional vaccination centers. To learn more about Kentucky’s 410 vaccination sites, visit vaccine.ky.gov or kycovid19.ky.gov/ky-covid-vaccine.

“This week, we have already set a record by vaccinating more than 100,000 Kentuckians in a single week,” said Gov. Beshear. “As of today, we have vaccinated just under 700,000 Kentuckians – 16% of our total population and over 20% of our eligible population.”

Long-Term Care Update
Cabinet for Health and Family Services inspector general Adam Mather said all first doses have been given in the federal long-term care program for residents, staff and contract employees who wished to receive the vaccine. The program is moving toward its maintenance phase.

“Over the course of this week, institutional pharmacies that have enrolled in both the state and federal systems will receive vaccines to administer at long-term care facilities. We are working to enroll the remaining pharmacies and they will be added to the program,” said Mather. “This ensures that new residents, new staff, and reluctant residents and staff will be able to be vaccinated.”

Free or Reduced-Cost Rides to and from COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
The Governor reminded Kentuckians that public transit agencies across the commonwealth are offering free or reduced-cost transportation to and from vaccine appointments.

These services are already operating in over 90 counties, covering 75% of all counties across Kentucky. Kentuckians can find transportation services near them by heading to kycovid19.ky.gov for a full list of participating public transit agencies and their phone numbers. Or, call the Kentucky COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, 855-598-2246.

Student Loan Reimbursements for State Veterans Home Nurses
Gov. Beshear said nurses at Kentucky’s state veterans’ homes can now receive up to $40,000 over four years to pay off their student loans. To learn more, see the full release.

“I congratulate KDVA and especially their nursing home staff and administration for not giving up and for finding an incentive that works in the framework of state government so we can provide great service to those who have served our country,” said Gov. Beshear.

Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund
The Governor reminded Kentuckians to apply to the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund for assistance with housing and utility costs. The program is open to individuals in 118 counties (Jefferson and Fayette counties have their own parallel assistance programs). To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit teamkyhherf.ky.gov.

Vaccine Water Rescue
Today, Gov. Beshear announced that local officials completed a water rescue of COVID-19 vaccines. The Lee County Health Department lost power and was flooded, but vaccines in the department’s care were saved.

“Last night’s weather flooded the Kentucky River District Health Department causing the power to go out and jeopardizing the COVID-19 vaccines being stored there,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thankfully, the Kentucky River District director, Scott Lockard, and his incredible team, along with the Lee County Emergency Management, conducted a water rescue to keep these vaccines safe for our people. These folks lost a number of vehicles that day, but they did not lose one dose of vaccine.”

COVID-19 Deaths Audit
Today, the Governor announced the state will conduct an audit to ensure every Kentuckian lost to COVID-19 is counted.

Neighboring states like Ohio and Indiana have engaged in audits using death certificates and matching them to reported deaths. Kentucky performed this audit in real time until cases increased in November.

“It will likely take a decade to fully understand and calculate the loss of life and the long-term health impacts of this pandemic,” said Gov. Beshear. “But I am committed to honoring all of those lost by making sure each is counted. We can have no unknown loss and no unknown soldiers.”

More Information
To view the full daily report, incidence rate map, information on testing locations, vaccines, contact tracing, school reports and guidance, guidance for health care providers and the White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky and more, visit kycovid19.ky.gov.

There has been a possible fatal accident on Burton Garmon Rd. off Hwy 61N in Adair Co.  Air Evac is landing to fly out a victim(s).  92.7 will have more details as they are made available.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 1, 2021) – Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergencyon Sunday evening, Feb. 28, due to extremely heavy rainfall across the commonwealth throughout the weekend.

The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is activated and monitoring reports from county emergency services agencies.

“By declaring a state of emergency, we can mobilize the state resources needed to support the cities and counties affected by this heavy rainfall,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are acting swiftly to ensure the safety and security of Kentucky families and to get the needed help to our communities.”

The entire commonwealth received heavy rainfall over the weekend and remained in either a flood watch or flood warning until early Monday morning. This morning, a total of 13 counties and cities have declared states of emergency, including Breathitt, Calloway, Casey, Elliott, Estill, Johnson, Knott, Magoffin, Owsley, Perry and Pike counties and the cities of Paintsville and Salyersville.

The Kentucky National Guard has been activated and is responding to assist with high water emergencies.

Rounds of heavy rain occurred Sunday night. Most of this additional rainfall is likely to become runoff, leading to the threat of flash flooding. In addition, areal flooding of streams and creeks is likely, along with additional instances of river flooding.

“The impact of extremely heavy rainfall and flash flooding across the commonwealth led to numerous emergency rescues and evacuations in counties from west to east,” said Michael Dossett, director of KYEM.
 

“The Governor’s state of emergency activated the National Guard, and we have been coordinating requests for assistance from counties across the state.”

Dossett added: “We’ve experienced flooding in numerous regions. Please be aware of the presence of emergency responders and use caution near the many closed local and state roadways due to high water.”

Some basic safety tips for flooding awareness:

• Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters – TURN AROUND. DON’T DROWN!
• Do not drive over bridges that are above fast-moving floodwaters. Floodwaters can scour foundation material from around the footings and make the bridge unstable.
• Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground.
• Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

For more information about KYEM, visit kyem.ky.gov.