April marks the beginning of Child Abuse Awareness Month, and advocates want to make sure that the facts are not forgotten despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In Hardin County alone, in latest statistics, there were 1312 reports and 957 substantiated reports. Spokesperson for the Community Collaboration for Children Linda Funk says that anyone who is aware of child abuse taking place is encouraged to still notify someone who can help. Kentucky is ranked number one in the nation in cases of child abuse and neglect.
A regional food bank will be receiving a donation to help with supplies. Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland will receive a $5000 donation from retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, and current Senate hopeful, Amy McGrath. Feeding American Kentucky’s Heartland also announced that they would be closing their office and Volunteer Services to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Food distribution will still continue as scheduled. Those who need good assistance can still call the office.
A Vine Grove police officer is being hailed a hero after saving the life of an infant. According to a post from the department’s Facebook page, officers responded to a call of a possible cardiac episode Tuesday morning in Vine Grove. Two officers arrived and found an infant child in the floor with a parent and provided CPR until medical crews arrived. Chief Kenneth Mattingly says Officer Jones with Vine Grove PD will be honored with the deparment’s life-saving award at the next City Council meeting. He says he will also nominate Jones for the Hardin County Fire Chief’s Life-saving Award.
The city of Elizabethtown has received a grant from the federal government. In a press release Tuesday, 2nd District Representative Brett Guthrie announced the grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which totals over $115,000. The city has already received federal grants from last week’s passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act, which gives municipalities like Elizabethtown the ability to use the money as they deem necessary in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Yesterday marked one of the toughest days for the Commonwealth thus far in the fight against COVID-19, as Governor Andy Beshear announced that there were 114 new cases of the virus in the state. In addition, seven more deaths related to the illness were announced, bringing the state’s total to 18. All of these victims had underlying health conditions. In terms of new steps being taken, Governor Beshear announced that the child care options that the state has been providing to first responders and health care workers will be expanded to grocery store workers as well. In addition, the Governor announced that an order was issued to allow critical workforce sectors such as fire departments, law enforcement, emergency medical service personnel, park rangers, and corrections officers to rehire previously retired workers to fill key roles. The order will last the duration of the state of emergency.