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KFW reminds boaters to avoid the alcohol when heading out this Fourth of July weekend

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If you are planning on heading out on any of Kentucky’s waterways this Fourth of July weekend, make sure you are doing so responsibly.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is stepping up patrols as part of Operation Dry Water, a nationwide boating safety initiative coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators that “brings together Kentucky game wardens and law enforcement agencies to increase awareness, enforce boating laws, and reduce alcohol- or drug-related incidents and fatalities.” The operation runs July 3 through 5.

KFW says alcohol and drugs impair judgement, balance, vision, and reaction time for both operators as well as passengers. The effects can be worsened by environmental factors such as wind, noise, vibration, and motion.

Boaters are encouraged to stay sober and stay vigilant to ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water. Boaters should also check all safety equipment on board to make sure it is in good condition and easy to access.

In the event of an emergency on the water, dial 911. For non-emergency assistance, call 1-800-25-ALERT.

Learn more about state boating laws in the Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide, available at fw.ky.gov or wherever licenses are sold.

Fatal crash in flooded conditions lands E-Town man in jail

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A Hardin County man is in custody after an alleged OWI crash led to the death of a juvenile.

David Rhodes of Elizabethtown was charged with First Degree Assault and Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol, with additional criminal charges forthcoming, after his arrest Saturday.

According to Kentucky State Police Post Four, in the evening hours on June 27 troopers received a report of a single-vehicle collision near the 860 block of Bewley Hollow road which resulted in an overturned vehicle partially submerged in a flooded creek. The preliminary investigation indicates Rhodes lost control of the vehicle in an area impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding, and the vehicle overturned and entered the flooded creek, trapping Rhodes and two juveniles inside the vehicle.

 First responders entered the creek to rescue the trapped occupants inside the vehicle. All three occupants were successfully removed and life-saving measures were immediately begun.

The three occupants were initially transported to Baptist Health Hardin, where Rhodes and one of the juveniles were treated for minor injuries and released. One of the juveniles sustained life-threatening injuries and was transferred to Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, where they were pronounced dead Sunday.

As part of the investigation, Rhodes was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center and is scheduled for a video arraignment hearing Monday morning. KSP Post Four’s investigation is ongoing.

Beshear says four deaths reported across state due to flooding

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Multiple Kentucky counties saw record amounts of rainfall over a short period of time this weekend, and communities are still dealing with flooded roadways and other impacts.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in 18 counties and cities, including Bullitt, Grayson, and Meade counties and the cities of Brandenburg and Muldraugh. Four deaths have been confirmed, and during an update Sunday Beshear said more than 60 water search and rescue operations have been conducted.

“We’re still in the search and rescue phase, and after we make sure that everyone is safe, we’ll be doing damage assessments in communities because we’re going to be asking for both public assistance and individual assistance from the federal government,” Beshear said.

Beshear reminded drivers to never attempt to cross a flooded roadway, and use caution as you head onto roads after the water recedes.

“Bridges have been wiped out, entire roads have been wiped away, and there is still standing and moving water, and sadly at least one of our deaths was because someone attempted to drive through it,” Beshear said.

Beshear said in order to keep 911 available for imminent emergencies, if you have questions on conditions visit goky.ky.gov or kyem.ky.gov. Updates on road conditions can also be found on social media for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District Four and area municipalities.

Progress on I-65 Louisville work allows two miles of roadway to reopen early

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The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says significant progress has been made on work on Interstate 65 through downtown Louisville, and a two-mile section of the interstate is scheduled to reopen to traffic today.

The KYTC says Southbound I-65 from University Boulevard to I-264/Watterson Expressway is expected to reopen to two lanes of traffic. Four ramps will also be reopening with this section: both on- and off-ramps at Crittenden Drive and the on-ramps from Eastern Parkway and University Boulevard.

I-65 south will remain closed between Jefferson Street and University Boulevard as construction work continues. Through traffic should still use the official signed detour to I-264 west and I-64.

I-65 closed through downtown Louisville on June 1, and the KYTC says crews have been working around the clock to accelerate work on the replacement of three critical bridges. Crews completed demolition work last week, and beams to support the new bridge decks are currently being installed.

The KYTC says the summer closure saved at least a year of additional restrictions on I-65. Learn more about the project at I65CentralCorridor.com and follow KYTC District Five on social media for updates.