WQXE News

September is National Preparedness Month, which encourages everybody to take the small steps necessary to be prepared for an emergency or disaster. The theme for the month this year is “Americans stand ready.”

Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane says Kentucky sees a full gambit of severe weather including tornadoes, flash flooding, extreme heat, and winter storms, but he says the need for preparedness extends to every day situations such as power outage due to a struck utility pole or a water main break.

If you know severe weather is coming, make a decision on if you are staying in your household or seeking shelter elsewhere. Make sure you are stocked up before the emergency arrives.

“Plan on at least 72 hours of emergency supplies in a big weather event, and that’s for each person in the house,” Crane said. “Examples of this, you need at least one gallon of water a day per person. If you have pets, think about your dogs.”

Have food on hand that is easy to prepare, make sure you have time to visit the pharmacy ahead of time so you do not run low on medications, and keep sanitation in mind.

“Do you have antibacterial wipes, Germ-X, things like that?” Crane said “If you don’t have running water and soap, it’s going to be hard to stay clean and keep hygiene.”

Find more tips and information at www.ready.gov.

The suspect in a manhunt in Breckinridge County that put the City of Irvington under a Shelter in Place order Wednesday and later allegedly shot a firearm at law enforcement is in custody.

During a press conference Thursday morning, Irvington Mayor Charles Lucas announced that Lester Perks was located by officers with the Breckinridge County Sheriff’s Office and taken into custody about 24 hours after the manhunt began when Perks was seen striking windows of various vehicles with a hammer.

Reading a statement from the Irvington Police Department, Lucas said IPD Chief Jason Ballman was patrolling in the area of Eva Carmen Park just before midnight when he spotted a subject matching Perks’s description. The subject allegedly fired a handgun, striking Ballman’s patrol vehicle, before fleeing the scene.

IPD Assistant Chief Dan McCubbin said law enforcement received a tip that a subject matching Perks’s description was seen travelling on foot on KY 79 towards Brandenburg, approximately 3 to 4 miles from the site of the shooting. Perks was apprehended with no injuries to himself, the public, or law enforcement.

McCubbin said police believe the Wednesday morning incident and the shooting incident are related. Charges against Perks are pending and the investigation is ongoing.

Fort Knox invites the community to join in their observation of Patriot Day, recognizing the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

“We’re doing a ceremony to honor and remember the profound sacrifices of all service members, federal civilians, first responders, and family members in relation to the events 25 years ago,” said Fort Knox Garrison Commander Colonel David Holstead. “At the Patton Museum, in the 9/11 exhibit room, we have a fire truck that was a responder to the Pentagon attacks, and we have a guest speaker. Sergeant Major Tony Rose survived the attack at the Pentagon and received the Soldier’s Medal for his actions on that day.”

The ceremony is open to the public and will begin at 9 a.m. Friday. Brigadier General Dale Crocket, the acting commanding general of the U.S. Army Cadet Command, will deliver opening remarks, and the 100th Army Band will perform “Taps” during the ceremony.

The public is also invited to come on post for the 9/11 Tribute Run, which will begin at 6 p.m. at Eastman Park. Visit the Fort Knox MWR website or call 502-624-5030 for more information or to register.