Gov. Beshear Announces Next Phase of Reopening Economy

May 07, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 7, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday released a new timeline for reopening more of the state’s industries, but reminded Kentuckians it will not be business as usual anywhere until we have defeated the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). He also updated Kentuckians on expanded testing, utility scams and federal support and funding.

As of 5 p.m. May 7, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 6,128 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 208 of which were newly confirmed Thursday. Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear also reported 11 new deaths Thursday, raising the state’s toll to 294 deaths related to the virus.

'Healthy At Work' Phase 1 Begins on Monday, May 11

May 07, 2020 / Ted Cox

96601580_3131936400160121_6191088743210811392_o (1).png

Under the schedule outlined by Gov. Beshear, more businesses will be allowed to open May 11 with new minimum requirements, as well as industry specific requirements. Among the businesses that will be allowed to operate:

· Manufacturing, distribution and supply chain businesses

· Construction

· Vehicle or vessel dealerships

· Office-based businesses (at 50% pre-pandemic capacity)

· Horse racing (no fans in attendance)

· Pet care, grooming and boarding

· Photography

As long as progress in the fight against COVID-19 is not threatened, additional business sectors will be allowed to open May 20 and May 25.

For more information regarding Gov. Beshear's re-opening plan please visit https://governor.ky.gov/covid-19.

Bear Activity On Upswing

May 07, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 7, 2020) - The arrival of spring means bear activity is on the rise in Kentucky. An increase in activity can also mean an increase in bear complaints.

Senate Committee Approves McConnell Provisions to Strengthen Kentucky’s Water Infrastructure

May 07, 2020 / Ted Cox

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced he helped secure several priorities benefiting Kentucky in the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 (AWIA 2020), which was approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today. The legislation must now be approved by the full Senate.

U.S. Department of Labor Awards Over $10 Million in Dislocated Worker Grants in Response to the Coronavirus Public Health Emergency

May 07, 2020 / Ted Cox

WASHINGTON, DC (May 6, 2020) – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of six Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) totaling $10,012,821 to help address the workforce-related impacts of the public health emergency related to the coronavirus. These awards are funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided $345 million for DWGs to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus. The department awarded $131,286,863 to 24 states and territories on April 14, 2020, and $30,170,311 to seven states on April 29, 2020. This latest award brings the total amount awarded to states and territories to $171,469,995.

Attorney General Cameron Asks to Join Lawsuit to Stop Governor Beshear’s Targeting of Faith-Based Gatherings During COVID-19

May 06, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 6, 2020) – Attorney General Daniel Cameron today moved to join a lawsuit seeking to end Governor Beshear’s unconstitutional ban on faith-based gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky by Tabernacle Baptist Church of Nicholasville, seeks an injunction against Governor Beshear’s March 19 and March 25 executive orders, which specifically target faith-based gatherings. In his suit, Attorney General Cameron alleges that the Governor’s orders violate the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, Sections 1 and 5 of the Kentucky Constitution, and Kentucky’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Gov. Beshear Prepares for Primary Elections, Revises Travel Restrictions

May 06, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 6, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday prepared voters to take part safely in the upcoming primary elections and revised travel restrictions as we continue to fight the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

As of 5 p.m. May 6, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 5,934 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 159 of which were newly confirmed Wednesday, a day after the largest one-day total of new cases were reported. Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear also reported eight new deaths Wednesday, raising the state’s toll to 283 deaths related to the virus.

Guthrie Introduces Coronavirus Public Health Bill

May 06, 2020 / Ted Cox

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, along with fellow committee leaders U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Michael Burgess (R-TX), and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), this week introduced the Ensuring Understanding of COVID-19 to Protect Public Health Act (H.R. 6701).

Farmers National Bank Donates 1,000 Protective Masks to Ephraim McDowell Health

May 06, 2020 / Ted Cox

(May 6, 2020 - Danville, KY) - To assist with the health and safety of the community, Farmers National Bank has donated 1,000 KN95 protective masks to Ephraim McDowell Health.

General Fund And Road Fund Receipts Drop Due To Coronavirus & Delayed Tax Filing Deadline

May 06, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Wednesday, May 6, 2020) - The Office of State Budget Director reported today that April’s General Fund receipts dropped precipitously due to the impact of the novel coronavirus and the movement of the income tax filing deadline to July 15. Collections fell 33.6 percent, or $432.9 million, compared to April of last year. Nearly 90 percent of the decline was from individual and corporate income taxes. Total revenues for the month were $857.0 million, compared to $1,289.9 million received during April 2019. Receipts have now fallen 1.2 percent for the first ten months of FY20. The Office of State Budget Director recently released an unofficial General Fund revenue estimate for FY20 that called for a revenue shortfall of between $318.7 million and $495.7 million.

A Division I Fencer And His Duel Against Cancer

May 06, 2020 / Brandon McGlone

Lancaster, KY (April 30, 2020) — The Garrard Central Record and many of our readers were first introduced to Sawyer Cornett and his family in the summer of 2017. An article titled “En Garde!” profiled a 17-year-old who had found success in the relatively niche competition of fencing -- a combat sport that displays swordsmanship. Cornett’s weapon of expertise was the foil, and having been involved with the sport since age nine, his future in the discipline was bright.

Attorney General Cameron Joins Bipartisan Coalition to Expand Response to Illegal Robocalls

May 06, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 6, 2020) – Attorney General Daniel Cameron joined a bipartisan coalition of 52 attorneys general in calling on USTelecom – the leading organization representing telecommunications providers – and its Industry Traceback Group (ITG) to continue its collaboration with state attorneys general by bolstering technological capabilities to improve enforcement against illegal robocallers.

Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Will Defeat COVID-19

May 06, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 5, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear said Tuesday that Kentuckians will defeat the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) by learning from the Greatest Generation and employing the qualities of personal responsibility.

As of 5 p.m. May 5, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 5,822 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 625 of which were newly confirmed Tuesday. More than 300 of the positive cases were from testing at Green River Correctional Complex. Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear also reported 14 new deaths Tuesday, raising the state’s toll to 275 deaths related to the virus. Many of those deaths were related to long-term care facilities, the Governor said.

KDA Hunger Initiative Results In Donation Of 560,000 Eggs To Feeding Kentucky

May 05, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, KY (May 5, 2020) – Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles announced the donation of more than 560,000 eggs from Cal-Maine Foods to Feeding Kentucky as part of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Hunger Initiative.

2020 Elk Hunt Draw Results to be Announced Virtually

May 05, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 5, 2020) - This season’s unveiling of hunters for the 2020 Kentucky elk hunt will be held at 1 p.m. (Eastern) May 16 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.

Gov. Beshear Details Expanded Reopening of Health Care, Businesses

May 04, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 4, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday offered new details on guidelines for businesses and health care providers looking to restart safely as we continue to fight the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

As of 5 p.m. May 4, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 5,245 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 163 of which were newly confirmed Monday. Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear also reported eight new deaths Monday, raising the state’s toll to 261 deaths related to the virus.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available To Ag Businesses Impacted By Pandemic

May 04, 2020 / Ted Cox

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 4, 2020) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today applauded the announcement that agricultural producers, for the first time, are now eligible for the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs.

Kentucky Office of Highway Safety joins NHTSA in promoting motorcycle safety month

May 04, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 1, 2020) – In recognition of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in reminding motorists and motorcyclists to “share the road” conscientiously and courteously to help prevent crashes, injuries and deaths on Kentucky roadways.

Kentuckians Encouraged to Make Communication Inclusive During Better Hearing and Speech Month in May

May 04, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 4, 2020) - With more than 700,000 people in Kentucky currently experiencing some degree of hearing loss, the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has prompted businesses, organizations and community leaders across the country to take stock and begin changing their methods of communication to be more inclusive.

Gov. Beshear: Kentuckians Must Take Advantage of COVID-19 Testing

May 03, 2020 / Ted Cox

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 3, 2020) – On Sunday, Gov. Andy Beshear urged Kentuckians to be ready to fill all available slots as the state undertakes more testing for the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) than ever before.

As of 5 p.m. May 3, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 5,130 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 173 of which were newly confirmed Saturday and 80 of which were confirmed Sunday. Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear also reported five new deaths Saturday, raising the state’s toll to 253 deaths related to the virus. For the first time in weeks, no new deaths were reported Sunday.