WQXE News
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear made two additional requests to FEMA on Tuesday seeking aid for Kentuckians and communities impacted by the April flooding and storms.
The governor requested an additional 16 counties be approved for individual assistance. Following the White House’s approval of a Major Disaster Declaration, 13 counties including Hardin County were initially approved. Included in the additional request are Bullitt, Grayson, Hart, Meade, and Nelson counties.
“This means that there is going to be both immediate need as well as cleaning, as well as rebuilding money that’s available to our families,” Beshear said during a Facebook update on the initial assistance approval. “It is a process that you have to apply for and it’s an in-depth process, but it does provide that funding that’s going to help us not just muck out, but ultimately move forward.”
The governor is also requesting public assistance for 64 counties in which FEMA has certified damages. This includes the previously mentioned counties along with Breckinridge and LaRue counties. The governor also renewed his request for hazard mitigation approval for the entire state.
Residents and business owners in the approved counties may begin applying for assistance.
“You can do it by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center when it’s open,” Beshear said. “You can go online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or you can call the hotline 1-800-621-FEMA. That’s 1-800-621-3362.”
When applying, make sure you are applying for the correct designation (April Flood DR-4864). Find your nearest Disaster Recovery Center by searching at www.fema.gov/drc.
The Kentucky State Police’s investigation of a collision in Nelson County has resulted in an arrest.
The KSP says Jonathan Hood of Lawrenceburg has been charged with Vehicular Homicide, Wanton Endangerment, Driving Under the Influence, and Open Alcoholic Container as a result of the investigation.
The KSP says the preliminary investigation indicates that on April 22 a vehicle operated by Hood was traveling east on KY 509 near Coxs Creek when the vehicle crossed the center line, crossing into the path of a vehicle operated by a 17-year-old juvenile. A passenger in the juvenile’s vehicle, 18-year-old McKinzi Raisor of Bardstown, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Nelson County Coroner’s Office.
Hood was lodged in the Nelson County Detention Center. He is being held on a $250,000 cash bond.
Tickets are still available for the ninth-annual E-Town Wine Fest, which will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 at Freeman Lake Park.
The Elizabethtown Events staff says tickets purchased in advance are $30 and tickets purchased at the door are $35. That ticket includes ten tasting tickets and a commemorative wine glass. Non-tasting tickets are available for $10.
The event will feature Kentucky wineries offering tastings and sales by the glass or bottle. E-Town Tourism will bring their Bourbon’s Backyard table, and a vendor village, food vendors, and craft breweries will also be set up on site.
Two bands will be performing at the festival.
“This year we have the Honky Tonk Wranglers coming, which that’s a really fun local favorite, and then we have Tony and the Tanlines, which is a huge yacht rock revue, so we’re really excited about that one,” said Priscilla Scarborough with the city’s event staff.
The event is 21 and up only, and a valid ID will be required for entry. Purchase tickets or find more information at www.etownevents.com.