Headline News

FRANKFORT – Gov. Andy Beshear delivered his budget address to a joint session of the General Assembly Thursday evening, calling on state lawmakers to make record investments to build a world-class education system, grow the jobs of the future and turn two years of progress into 20 years of prosperity.

“My budget is titled: ‘Our Future Is Now,’ because now is when we must make bold investments,” he said.  “Now is our chance to move our state forward — not right, not left, but forward.”

While state budgets in recent years had to include several funding cuts and other tough choices on what gets funded, Beshear says that is not the case today.  “Right now, we don’t have to choose, we are able to be fiscally responsible while making record investments in our people and in our future.  The investments that we make now will benefit many generations to come and forever change our Commonwealth.”

Among the highlights:

–Adds a record $2 billion investment in pre-K–12 education, to create what he hopes will be a world-class education system statewide and is the single largest investment in this sector in state history.

“This budget starts at the earliest age, providing universal preschool for all 4-year-olds and full-day kindergarten for every Kentucky child, for the first time ever,” he said.  “Pre-K helps address one of the biggest, most pressing obstacles for workforce participation.  If we fund pre-K, we do more than just complain about parents getting back into the workforce. We do something about it.”

–It increases post-secondary education funding by nearly 12% over the biennium, and funds the Better Kentucky Promise Scholarship, which provides the last dollar for associate degree- and certificate-seeking students.  It will cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees for approximately 15,700 additional students over two years.

–It expands health care access and support services for Kentuckians, including fully funding Medicaid and Medicaid expansion, which many Kentuckians rely on, including more than 660,000 children.

“Living this faith starts with a basic human right – access to high-quality, affordable health care,” said Gov. Beshear.

–The budget includes $250 million in one-time funds to develop a Site Identification and Development program, which will allow Kentucky to be ready for the state’s next Ford- or Toyota-size project.

“We need to continue to be a national leader attracting the jobs of the future,” said Gov. Beshear.  “Our families must have access to affordable health care and our most vulnerable need our support and protection.  Let’s commit to work together on behalf of our people to build this better Kentucky that we all want.  Our time is here.  Our future is now.”

Kentucky Today

Charles Alex Tooley of Columbia was arrested Tuesday at the FiveStar on Jamestown Street after Columbia Police officers found him slumped over the wheel of a parked vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers and emergency responders brought Tooley to. After speaking to him, it was determined he was under the influence, and was placed into custody after being found to be in possession of suspected narcotics.

Tooley, 27, has been charged with DUI, first degree and possession of a controlled substance, heroin.

CPD Officer Josh Durbin was the arresting officer. He was assisted on the scene by officer Joey Keith.

Adair County school officials have released the latest menu for students.

FRANKFORT ‒ With the first week of the 2022 Legislative Session almost over, two education bills related to school councils and remote instruction are advancing in the Kentucky Senate.

On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Education voted 9-1 to pass Senate Bill 1, which calls for local superintendents – rather than school councils – to determine educational curriculum for districts.

Superintendents would still need to consult with the principal and school council beforehand and provide a reasonable review and response period for stakeholders in accordance with local policy.

The committee also passed Senate Bill 25, which would provide up to 10 days of remote instruction per school for the 2021-2022 academic year. It would also temporarily revise retirement reemployment provisions until June 30. The legislation passed on a 10-0 vote.

Both measures now head to the full Senate for consideration.

Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, sponsored SB 1 with several cosponsors. He told committee members the legislation is not new to them; it has been a work in progress for seven years. He said the need for the bill has become more and more apparent, and that it would clarify issues, not do away with school councils.

Sally Sugg, superintendent of Shelby County Public Schools, testified in favor of the changes during the meeting. She said districts need a coherent, cohesive solution to the problems found in the classroom.

On the other measure – SB 25 – Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, said the bill would help fill staff vacancies. Wise chairs the Senate Committee on Education and sponsored the legislation.

“The purpose of the bill is to prioritize in-person learning by extending the 2021 Special Session Senate Bill 1 components that have expired through Dec. 31,” he said.

“This is one of those issues that we said during the special session we would have to revisit, and we would have to come back to because we need to provide flexibility to school districts,” he said.

The deadline to file for all races in the May 17 Primary  Election has been extended to Jan. 25. The original deadline was today but a bill quickly passed through the legislature this week and was signed by Gov. Beshear today because of redistricting efforts taking place for state House and Senate and congressional seats.

This extension includes all races on the ballot in May, including local countywide races.

Mike Keltner, director of Adair County Emergency Management, announced this morning the National Weather Service has changed Adair County’s possible snow totals today to 6-8 inches.

For more information, call (270) 384-6464.

FRANKFORT – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on the COVID-19 omicron variant and the storms affecting Western, South Central and Eastern Kentucky on New Year’s Day.

On Dec. 30, 6,441 cases were reported in Kentucky, the highest ever in a single day. The previous highest number was 5,742 cases reported Jan. 6, 2021. Today’s test positivity rate, 20.72%, is the highest ever.

“The most important thing for everyone to hear today is that omicron has not only come to the commonwealth, it has hit us harder, in terms of escalation of cases, than anything we have seen to date,” said Gov. Beshear. “We have gone from the plateau to the second highest week of reported cases since the start of the pandemic.”

During the week ending Jan. 2, Kentucky reported 29,955 new COVID-19 cases and an average positivity rate of 20.38%. This is approximately twice the number of cases as were reported the week prior (15,255). This is also the second highest week of reported cases since the start of the pandemic, surpassed only by the week of Aug. 30, 2021 during the delta variant wave.

“The omicron variant is spreading rapidly. Omicron spreads so easily, it is compared to measles, the most contagious human virus on the planet,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH). “Hospitalization numbers are also increasing, though not yet as rapidly as cases, but health care resources are stretched very thin due to both the increased number of COVID patients in hospitals coupled with an even more strained health care workforce due to workers who are themselves out sick with COVID.”

Due to the volume of COVID-19 cases and the speed at which the omicron variant is spreading, individuals who test positive should self-isolate, notify their close contacts and contact their health care provider if symptoms worsen or if they need to seek medical care.

Vaccine Effectiveness Against Omicron Variant
Dr. Stack said overwhelmingly, people who suffer severe COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines remain highly effective for people who are fully vaccinated and boosted, if eligible. Today, the U.S. Food and Drug and Administration authorized the COVID vaccine booster for children 12-15. The CDC is expected to meet later this week to discuss whether the agency will officially recommend the booster shots for kids ages 12 to 15.

Oral Antivirals
Dr. Stack said the Merck antiviral pill is available in Kentucky for the first time today. Only 3,300 treatment courses were allocated to Kentucky, so supplies are very limited. There will be a new page on the kycovid19.ky.gov website today that shows where to find the drug at 10 initial Walgreens locations.

The Pfizer antiviral pill will arrive in Kentucky this week. Its supply is even more limited – Kentucky has only received 720 treatment courses. Because the supply is so small, it will be given to a small number of nursing home pharmacies and federally qualified health care centers in the early weeks to ensure it reaches some of the most vulnerable Kentuckians.

COVID-19 Case Information, Vaccinations Update
Number of people who have received at least one vaccine dose in Kentucky: 2,781,123

Jan. 1, Cases: 4,359
Jan. 1, Deaths: 26
Jan. 2, Cases: 2,767
Jan. 2, Deaths: 24

New Cases Today: 4,111
New Deaths: 15
Today’s Positivity Rate: 20.72%
Current Hospitalizations: 1,579
Current Intensive Care Admittances: 373
Currently on Ventilators: 205

Adair County Sheriff’s deputies, along with help from the Kentucky State Police, arrested three people Wednesday after a large seizure of drugs.

Deputies Tracy McCarol, Kenny Perkins, sheriff Josh Brockman and trooper Jake Harper arrived at a residence off Rolling Hills Drive, seven miles outside of Columbia, around 9 p.m. After several complaints of possible drug trafficking, an investigation was initiated. After establishing probable cause, a search was granted on the property.

Alex Howard and Ronald Hayden, both of Columbia; and Cherish Gilbert of Campbellsville, were arrested on numerous drug charges. Large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and marijuana were found. The expected street value of the drugs is $30,000.

Howard, 42, is being charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, methamphetamine; trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, heroin; trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, fentanyl; possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia, endangering welfare of minor, and outstanding warrant of indictment from Metcalfe County.

Hayden, 42, is being charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, methamphetamine; trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, heroin; trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, fentanyl; possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; and endangering welfare of minor.

Gilbert, 32, is facing eight charges including: trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, methamphetamine; trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, heroin; trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, fentanyl; possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia; endangering welfare of minor; outstanding warrant of arrest out of Jefferson County; and outstanding warrant of arrest out of Taylor County.

Kentucky Health News

After two days of high case numbers and a record-setting positive-test rate, Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky is in an Omicron-variant surge.

“Folks, it’s clear Kentucky is now in a surge from Omicron. . . . This is the most contagious variant we’ve seen. Protect yourself and others: Get vaccinated and get a booster shot,” Beshear wrote on Facebook.

Kentucky reported 5,530 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, the second largest daily number of new cases of the pandemic, beaten only by the 5,742 reported Jan. 6, 2021. The seven-day rolling average rose to 2,832, which is 15% higher than Tuesday and 29% higher than two weeks ago.

The percentage of Kentuckians testing positive for the virus in the last seven days is the highest it’s been since tests became widely available early in the pandemic: 14.46%, a 1.85-percentage-point increase from Tuesday.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials on Monday cut isolation restrictions for asymptomatic Americans who catch the coronavirus from 10 to five days, and similarly shortened the time that close contacts need to quarantine.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said the guidance is in keeping with growing evidence that people with the coronavirus are most infectious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.

The decision also was driven by a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, propelled by the omicron variant.

Early research suggests omicron may cause milder illnesses than earlier versions of the coronavirus. But the sheer number of people becoming infected — and therefore having to isolate or quarantine — threatens to crush the ability of hospitals, airlines and other businesses to stay open, experts say.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the country is about to see a lot of omicron cases.

“Not all of those cases are going to be severe. In fact many are going to be asymptomatic,” she told The Associated Press on Monday. “We want to make sure there is a mechanism by which we can safely continue to keep society functioning while following the science.”

Last week, the agency loosened rules that previously called on health care workers to stay out of work for 10 days if they test positive. The new recommendations said workers could go back to work after seven days if they test negative and don’t have symptoms. And the agency said isolation time could be cut to five days, or even fewer, if there are severe staffing shortages.

Now, the CDC is changing the isolation and quarantine guidance for the general public to be even less stringent.

The change is aimed at people who are not experiencing symptoms. People with symptoms during isolation, or who develop symptoms during quarantine, are encouraged to stay home.

The CDC’s isolation and quarantine guidance has confused the public, and the new recommendations are “happening at a time when more people are testing positive for the first time and looking for guidance,” said Lindsay Wiley, an American University public health law expert.

Nevertheless, the guidance continues to be complex.

ISOLATION

The isolation rules are for people who are infected. They are the same for people who are unvaccinated, partly vaccinated, fully vaccinated or boosted.

They say:

—The clock starts the day you test positive.

—An infected person should go into isolation for five days, instead of the previously recommended 10.

—At the end of five days, if you have no symptoms, you can return to normal activities but must wear a mask everywhere — even at home around others — for at least five more days.

—If you still have symptoms after isolating for five days, stay home until you feel better and then start your five days of wearing a mask at all times.

QUARANTINE

The quarantine rules are for people who were in close contact with an infected person but not infected themselves.

For quarantine, the clock starts the day someone is alerted they may have been exposed to the virus.

Previously, the CDC said people who were not fully vaccinated and who came in close contact with an infected person should stay home for at least 10 days.

Now the agency is saying only people who got booster shots can skip quarantine if they wear masks in all settings for at least 10 days.

That’s a change. Previously, people who were fully vaccinated — which the CDC has defined as having two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — could be exempt from quarantine.

Now, people who got their initial shots but not boosters are in the same situation as those who are partly vaccinated or are not vaccinated at all: They can stop quarantine after five days if they wear masks in all settings for five days afterward.

This story first appeared in the Dec. 16 issue of the Community Voice. For the latest in local news and sports, call 270-384-9454 for a subscription.

The family of an inmate who died at the regional jail last year from suicide has filed a lawsuit over the incident.

The lawsuit names former jailer Joey White, County Judge Executive Gale Cowan, the county’s seven magistrates, and multiple employees of the jail, all of whom are being sued individually and in their official capacity.

Skylor Turner died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020 while being housed in the conference room at the jail. The lawsuit is filed on behalf of Patrick Turner, Skylor Turner’s brother and administrator of his estate, and Natalie Moore, the mother of Skylor Turner’s child.

The lawsuit alleges that administrative regulations were violated the led to negligence and the “intentional or reckless infliction of emotional distress.” It also seeks damages for “wrongful death.”

According to the lawsuit, Turner was housed with another inmate from 6:52 a.m. on Nov. 11 until 12:34 p.m. He was left alone without communication from any jail staff from 4:03 p.m. until he was found dead the fol- lowing morning at 3:11 a.m.

The defendants kept Turner in a room not designed to house prisoners and not safe for prisoners, then left him without communication, the lawsuit alleges. In addition, they should have known that Turner suffered from a serious medical/ mental health condition and should have known the risk of not providing him with the help he needed.

A video recording of Turner shows him becoming agitated and, around 4:40 p.m., moving tables and chairs into a corner that was no longer visible by the camera. A few minutes later, after yelling and kicking his bed, he stares at the door, then crawls under a table and disappears from sight.

There is no more activity until a female deputy walks in at 3:12 a.m. the following morning to bring a food tray. “…a deputy walks in and sets a food tray on the table, starts to walk away but instead walks back to the table and then pulls the table and chair away.

“Thereupon, Skylor Turner was observed for the first time in 9 hours on the floor dead having been abandoned by the Defendants,” states a document filed in Adair Circuit Court.

An electrical cord around 20-25 ft. long was in the room along with an old tv shelf mounted on the wall. Neither served a purpose, the plaintiff alleges. Turner wrapped the cord around his neck and attached it to the metal tv mount.

The lawsuit alleges that employees of the jail not only failed to protect Turner but were a substantial factor in causing his death and in causing him severe emotional distress. Former Jailer White is also responsible for not providing proper training. In addition, the lawsuit alleges fault by the fiscal court because White “had been requesting funding from the Adair County Fiscal Court so that he could maintain a safe jail but without such funding he could not operate a safe jail.”

The court is also accused of operating the jail without adequate personnel to supervise inmates, housing them in inadequate facilities and a facility that was extremely overcrowded.

The lawsuit was filed Friday on behalf of Turner’s family by Thomas Carroll, an attorney with Carroll and Turner, PSC, in Monticello.

By Sharon Burton
snburton@adairvoice.com

Pair of men were arrested on drug charges, outstanding warrants Thursday morning when Adair County Sheriff’s Deputy Kenny Perkins and Kentucky State Trooper Matthew Brumley initiated a stop on Gentry Mill Road, 11 miles east of Columbia.

As a result of the roadside search, John Norton of Adair County and Jacob Roberts of Russell County were taken into custody around 12:30 a.m.

Norton was charged for outstanding warrants in Adair and Russell County, along with possession of a controlled substance, first degree, methamphetamine; and drug paraphernalia.

Roberts was charged with outstanding warrants in Adair County along with possession of a controlled substance, first degree, methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both are lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Lindsey Wilson College will award 409 degrees Saturday at its 114th commencement ceremony. The college’s 2021 winter commencement ceremony will be at 9 a.m. CT, in Biggers Sports Center, 360 Spickard Drive.

This will be the first time the College has returned to Biggers Sports Center for commencement activities since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Each LWC graduate is allowed four complimentary tickets for family members or guests. Graduates can pick up their four tickets beginning at 7 a.m. CT, on Saturday in the Cralle Student Union Building, 420 Helen Flatt Drive. Everyone in attendance is expected to wear a mask.

A total of 409 graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred by the 118-year-old liberal arts college. The LWC Doctorate of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision will award 12 doctoral degrees on Saturday, the program’s largest graduating class since its inception in 2014. The Master of Science in Technology Management program will award 17 degrees to its first-ever graduating cohort.

“The winter class of 2021 has powered through nearly two incredible years,” said William T. Luckey Jr., who has served as LWC’s eighth president since 1998. “In addition to a worldwide pandemic they have faced a global recession, political unrest and deeply felt racial and social injustice. We are just so grateful we can hold an in-person graduation for this class with their friends and family present.”

LWC’s 2021 winter commencement ceremony will be live-streamed at bit.ly/lwcstream from Biggers Sports Center on Saturday. For more information contact LWC’s registrar’s office at 270-384-8025 or email registrar@lindsey.edu.

As the fast-spreading Omicron variant of the coronavirus takes hold in some areas of the country, Gov. Andy Beshear says he expects it to cause a surge in cases in Kentucky over the holidays, and urged more vaccination to fight it.

Beshear said Thursday that the big factor in the coming surge “is how many people get their booster” shot of a Covid-19 vaccine. He also urged initial vaccinations, saying any natural immunity from having Covid-19 may not protect as well against the Omicron variant, which is still being researched.

With a booster shot, “You’re pretty well protected. You’ll free up that hospital capacity, if it comes in a crunch, that others will need,” he said. “So please, for the holiday season, if you haven’t gotten vaccinated, go get vaccinated.”

Beshear also asked Kentuckians to think about how they hold holiday gatherings, keeping in mind the vaccination status of the attendees, using masks and perhaps having smaller gatherings than planned.

“Try to protect one another,” he said, relating the pandemic to the tornado disaster in the western half of the state. “We’ve seen horrific loss of life . . . I see the outpouring of love; take care of each other.”

Beshear said he had not been notified that the variant is in Kentucky, but “It’s unquestionably here” and is spreading faster than previous variants. Researchers still don’t know how strong it is, but Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said current vaccines will work on it.

This story first appeared in the Dec. 9 issue of the Community Voice newspaper.

Glenn and Kaylee Frost were looking forward to the birth of their child when Covid-19 changed the course of their life, leaving the new mother fighting for her life.

The young couple who had everything going for them – good jobs, good home and a baby on the way – is now in the fight of their lives. Kaylee, who won a long battle with Covid-19, is in a hospital right now trying to recover from the damage the virus did to her lungs.

Glenn, who has spent practically every single minute by Kaylee’s side, said doctors believe since the damage to her lungs is so bad Kaylee may require a lung transplant.

“I do think a lot about how this doesn’t make sense,” Glenn said. “Doctors said the virus hit her harder than some people probably because she was pregnant. You wish things had turned out differently, but it is hard to say what we could have done differently. I do ask why a lot.”

The Frosts, Glenn, 30, Kaylee, 28, and Harlan, 3 1⁄2 months, live in Hodgenville.

Kaylee has several family members who live in Adair, including her mother, Sherry Phillips.

Glenn said Kaylee became ill from Covid- 19 around the middle of August. She was taken to the hospital and eventu- ally flown to Louisville because that’s where her baby’s doctor is located. That was on a Monday and, since her breathing was becoming labored more each day, Kaylee was put on a ventilator. Harlan was born on Friday.

“The protocol at most hospitals is you sedate Covid patients for three or four weeks,” Glenn said. “Kaylee did that for three weeks and then we started waking her up. She didn’t realize she had the baby, so we told her that and started showing her pictures.”

As more was discovered about her lungs, Kaylee was later moved to the University of Kentucky Hospital in November because the Lexington facility is considered by most in the medical field to be the top transplant location in the state.

“The doctors decid- ed to work her up for a transplant,” Glenn said. “Since then, we’ve been working on her mobility because the more we can get her to stand and walk, that gets her stronger for a transplant.”

Kaylee was the post- er child for a healthy woman, Glenn said. She worked hard every day, traveling back and forth between schools for her job as a therapist. She was pregnant but always took steps to make sure she took care of her and the baby’s health.

“She is on an Ecmo machine that acts like her lungs,” Glenn said. “That helps her stay oxygenated. Her lungs aren’t doing a whole lot. They’re just not working.”

Glenn’s focus now has been moved to getting Kaylee prepared for a transplant.

“She is a super strong person,” Glenn said about Kaylee. “All the nurses and doctors say she is a fighter. She’s driven and motivated and she wants to keep working so she can get home and be with Harlan.”

And the hard work does seem to be paying off. Glenn said Kaylee was able to stand for the first time a couple of days ago. And though she can’t speak right now, Kaylee and Glenn communicate through text, sign language and mouthing words.

“She will ask a lot about Harlan,” Glenn said. “She just wants to get everything done so she can get back to her normal life.”

Glenn said doctors talk to him about meeting goals, things like getting her numbers consistent, to improve every day in physical therapy and most of all, get on her feet and walking.

“We think she could be walking enough steps in three weeks to see about listing her for a transplant,” Glenn said.

And now for Glenn and baby Harlan, it is just a matter of waiting until mommy comes home, and for them, the sooner the better.

“I really want to hear her voice again,” Glenn said. “I am sure Kaylee misses being with Harlan, but she does get to watch videos of him on her phone. However, I know she wants to hold him, something she hasn’t been able to do yet.”

A Gofundme page titled, “Kaylee Frost – A Healthy Road Home,” has been established to help the family with medical bills. Cards can be sent to Kaylee at 26 Carson Lewis Rd., Columbia, Ky. 42728.

By Scott Wilson
scott@adairvoice.com

The following are some of the pictures provided by Bob Barnes and other Columbia residents helping with tornado relief in the Mayfield area.

Noah Dial, 19, was arrested Tuesday night after Adair County Sheriff’s deputies executed a probation and parole warrant at a residence on Grissom Street in Columbia.

Law enforcement arrived at the scene after receiving complaints Dial had been in engaged in drug trafficking, and that he was currently at the address.

Dial was found in the basement upon searching, as were methamphetamine, marijuana, suboxone pills, scales, syringes and drug paraphernalia. Deputies also recovered multiple firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun. He is a convicted felon.

Dial was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail on the following charges: trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, methamphetamine; possession of a controlled substance, first degree; possession of marijuana; possession of a firearm by convicted felon; possession of drug paraphernalia; and probation violation warrant for failure to appear .

Adair County School District officials release their latest Covid-19 numbers.

The past 24 hours has been crazy on the hill at Lindsey Wilson College.

Phil Kleckler has been named head coach of the Lindsey Wilson College football program, LWC Athletics Director Willis Pooler announced on Tuesday. Kleckler becomes the second head coach in Lindsey Wilson football history.

“I am very appreciative for this opportunity,” Kleckler said. “I’ve grown so much as a person and coach since coming here five years ago, thanks to our players and my fellow coaches. I’m excited about this challenge.”

He takes over for Chris Oliver who announced his resignation Monday to become the head coach at Georgetown College.

Kleckler takes over as head coach after five seasons as the Blue Raiders’ defensive coordinator. He led the Lindsey Wilson defense to its best season in 2021 — leading the NAIA in scoring defense (11.2) and takeaways (36). Lindsey Wilson also ranked second in the NAIA in total defense (220.5 yards allowed per game), rushing defense (60.5 yards), and interceptions (24).

The Blue Raider defense set program records this season for points allowed per game, fewest points allowed (146), fewest total yards allowed (2,866), fewest rushing yards allowed (787), and most shutouts (4) while tying the program record for most games in a season (13).

While producing four of the program’s all-time seven shutouts this season, the Lindsey Wilson defense held its opponents scoreless in 32 of the team’s 52 quarters.

Over his five seasons, he has helped lead Lindsey Wilson to a 53-6 record.

“Coach Kleckler has been an outstanding football coach for us for the past five seasons and when the opportunity presented itself to name him head football coach, I jumped on it immediately,” Pooler said. “It is no coincidence that our rise to becoming the best football program in the NAIA included his leadership on the defensive side of the football. Besides his quality as a football coach, he is a good man. He understands and lives our mission, and his goals and expectations for our football program align with the administration.”

Kleckler was named the 2020 FootballScoop NAIA Coordinator of the Year following Lindsey Wilson’s national championship run in 2020. The Blue Raiders posted an 11-0 record during the season while holding their opponents to 14.4 points per game and producing 33-1/2 sacks — tying a program record set in 2014.

While at Lindsey Wilson, Kleckler has coached four NAIA defensive All-Americans, a pair of Mid-South Conference Defensive Players of the Year, and 27 defensive All Mid-South Conference performers.

The following announcement was released this morning at 8 a.m. on www.georgetowncollegeathletics.com.

Georgetown College Vice President of Athletics Brian Evans knew he had a tall task in finding football’s first head coach since 1997. This past Monday, legendary coach Bill Cronin retired after 25 seasons, leaving a big vacancy – and one that needed filling quickly.

A wide search was completed with numerous top-quality coaches showing interest. After all the interviews, Evans is pleased to announce former Lindsey Wilson College coach Chris Oliver as the 28th head coach of the Tigers.

If the name sounds familiar to Tiger Nation, that is because Oliver has been leading Mid-South Conference foe Lindsey Wilson College for the past decade-plus. In 2010, he restarted a Blue Raider program that had been dormant since 1935. In the team’s fifth season, LWC was in the national conversation, earning its first postseason bid. The Blue Raiders have been a national staple for the past three seasons. They posted a 35-2 record, winning the 2020 title and finishing in the semifinals of the 2019 and 2021 seasons.

“It was a daunting task to think of hiring a new football coach,” Evans said. “When someone has been here as long as Coach Cronin, built a legacy and a tradition, you have to weigh all your options with those in mind.

“This is a great day for Tiger football and Tiger Nation. Oliver knows how to win, as we’ve come to expect, but he also knows how to shape and mold men in the full student-athlete model we hold in high regard here as well. He’s done exciting things in getting the Blue Raiders going, and I know he’ll be able to keep what we have going here as well.”

Oliver is 105-34 in 12 seasons with one national title and six national tournament appearances in seven seasons. Just this past week he was announced as AFCA Region 1 Coach of the Year – his seventh time picking up that honor.

Oliver made the announcement to his team Monday evening. There will be a press conference at Georgetown. More details to follow.

The Community Voice newspaper would like to provide an updated list of ways local citizens can help families affected by the recent tornadoes that ravaged a 200-mile path through the Commonwealth this weekend.

The latest information from Gov. Steve Beshear shows that 18 counties saw significant damage with 64 confirmed deaths: 20 in Graves County, 13 in Hopkins County, 11 in Muhlenberg County; 12 in Warren County; four in Caldwell County; one each in Marshall, Taylor, Fulton and Lyon counties. There are 18 people who died in the storm who are still unidentified.

Currently, the following is a list of ways local citizens can help those in need. Donations are being taken at the following locations: (Please update with any other donation locations)

1. 3Trees Food and Clothing Support Center on Hodgenville Road in Campbellsville.
2. All four local Adair County schools
3. Jeffries Hardware on Campbellsville Street in Columbia
4. Adair County E911
5. There is a tractor at the top of Jametown Hill in the Fiesta Mexico parking lot accepting donations in Columbia.
6. Bloomington Chapel Church
7. Taylor County Bank has set up funds for tornado victims
8. Lake Cumberland Community Action Agency – 270-465-6554 or 606-875-7384
9. Elkhorn Baptist and Campbellsville Baptist churches
10. Knifley Hardware in Campbellsville
11. Taylor County High School
12. Jamestown City Park
13. Russell Springs City Hall

FRANKFORT – Monday morning, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on his administration’s response to the Dec. 11 quad-state tornado outbreak.

The Governor provided key updates:

• This was the worst tornado event in state history;
• At least four tornados touched down in Kentucky; one was on the ground for more than 200 miles in this state alone;
• We believe a 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed;
• In eight counties, lives were lost;
• In eighteen counties, there was significant damage;
• There are 64 confirmed deaths at this point: 20 in Graves County, 13 in Hopkins County, 11 in Muhlenberg County; 12 in Warren County; four in Caldwell County; one each in Marshall, Taylor, Fulton and Lyon counties;
• There are 18 people who died in the storm who are still unidentified;
• Ages of those lost range from 5 months to 86 years;
• At least six of those lost were younger than 18;
• 105 people remain unaccounted for;
• Mayfield Consumer Products owner says eight employees were killed and eight are still missing. The Governor is hoping for a miracle and is working to confirm this report;
• Final death and destruction numbers may take a week or more;
• Yesterday, President Joe Biden declared that a major disaster exists in Kentucky and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected;
• The declaration makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Caldwell, Fulton, Graves, Hopkins, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Taylor and Warren counties;
• Starting today, residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians); The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice;
• At least 300 National Guard members have been deployed to help;
• Hundreds of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Energy and Environment Cabinet Division of Forestry staff members are clearing debris;
• Kentucky State Parks in the area are now open to host families who need housing for at least two weeks. Volunteers who are willing to assist state parks staff housing distressed guests should contact Kentucky State Parks Division Director Andy Kasitz at andy.kasitz@ky.gov;
• The Governor ordered flags to be flown at half-staff Tuesday through next Monday evening in honor of those lost and impacted;
• As of this morning, the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund has received:
  • 30,175 donations
  • $4,009,817.71 fund balance
  • Visit TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov
• Both Department for Community Based Services locations in Mayfield/Graves County suffered damage and cannot serve the public at this time. A mobile unit has been requested. Until the mobile unit is ready, those who need help may call 855-306-8959, or they may apply for help online on the kynect site. The URL is kynect.ky.gov. Starting today, a special queue is in place for people needing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or SNAP;
• Walgreens in Mayfield has been the only pharmacy that’s been open and starting today, Walmart Pharmacy plans to open for prescription fulfillment;
• Around 30,000 homes are still without power;
• Any family members of missing loved ones should report to the office building of His House Ministries to provide a reference standard to law enforcement for identification purposes. His House Ministries is located at 1250 KY-303 in Mayfield. Anyone who needs assistance in getting to His House Ministries can call 859-267-7775.
• The Kentucky State Police Forensic Laboratory is using Rapid DNA technology to assist in the identification of victims in Friday night’s storms;

Mike Keltner of Adair County Emergency Management released this statement from the National Weather Service concerning possible inclement weather tonight.

“The forecast continues to show  a round of nighttime storms overnight tonight into Saturday morning ahead of an approaching cold front. This system has a little more punch to it than the one earlier this week, and confidence continues to remain high that any storms that form could produce damaging winds as well as a possible tornado. Unfortunately the timing of these storms will be when most people are asleep.

Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to strong winds and even relatively weak tornadoes. Vulnerable populations

• should have ways to receive warnings that will wake them up out of a sound sleep
• may wish to consider finding sturdier shelter well before the storms hit, such as at a friend’s or relative’s, to stay at Friday night

Columbia’s Drive-Thru Christmas will start Dec. 10 and run through Dec. 26 at the Joe Johnson Little League Park, off Industrial Road. There will be numerous displays of Christmas lights and decorations, and the free tour will run from 5-8 p.m. each night.

Dr. Pamela Stephens, superintendent of the Adair County School District, announced Wednesday night in a phone call to parents, students and staff a change in the district’s “Test to Stay” policy.

Beginning Thursday, Dec. 9, students who are quarantined can come be tested and if they are negative they will be eligible to immediately participate in extra-curricular activities like band, clubs and sports teams.

Students who test negative in the “Test to Stay” program will be required to wear a mask during the school day and during their extra-curricular activity when appropriate. A hasketball player will need to wear a mask on the sidelines, but not when they’re participating on the floor.

“We kept data and we were having over 90 percent of kids being quarantined that never tested positive,” said Dr. Stephens. “The risk is minimal, but there is still a risk and we understand that. I think this will get more kids back in school and that’s what I want to see.”

Kentucky Health News

The pandemic continued to accelerate in Kentucky yesterday, especially in hospitals but also in new cases.

Kentucky reported 2,728 new cases of the coronavirus Tuesday, raising the seven-day rolling average by 24, to 2,369.

The state’s hospitals reported 1,109 Covid-19 patients, 32 more than Monday, an increase of almost 3 percent.

The number of hospitalizations started growing faster just before Thanksgiving, going up about 3% a day; after the post-Thanksgiving lull, the increase has averaged 3.5% per day.

Intensive-care units have 305 of the patients, five fewer than Monday; 174 patients need mechanical ventilation to breathe, six more than Monday.

Seven of the state’s 10 hospital-readiness regions are using at least 80% of their intensive care unit beds, with four of them over 90%. The highest is Barren River (Bowling Green-Glasgow), at 97.7%.

The state’s seven-day daily infection rate keeps going up. Tuesday, it was 48.24 cases per 100,000 residents, up from 47.96 on Monday. Counties with rates more than double that rate are Powell, 134.1; Cumberland, 116.6; Robertson, 108.4; Lewis, 104.4; Lawrence, 99.8; Harlan, 98.3; Owen, 98.3; and
McLean, 97.8.

While Kentucky’s infection rate remains high, some other states are surpassing it. According to The New York Times, Kentucky’s infection rate ranks 20th among the states, four notches lower than it was Friday. But in the last 14 days, the state’s 56% increase in new cases is eighth among the states.

The state reported 59 more Covid-19 deaths Tuesday, raising Kentucky’s pandemic death toll to 11,348. Reporting of deaths is often delayed by the state’s confirmation process; in the last 14 days, the state has reported an average of 42 Covid-19 deaths per day; a month ago, the 14-day average was 27 per day.

Last year, the Community Voice depart- ed from the annual review issue published the last week of December to instead high- light “the Voices of 2020.” We recognized some of the individuals and groups in our community who made a very difficult year a little better.

Jared Wheat of Columbia was arrested on drug charges Tuesday morning after Columbia police officers responded for a welfare check at a residence on Magnolia Drive. The caller had reported he had spotted narcotics and paraphernalia at the location after dropping off children.

After arriving on scene, officers made contact with Wheat and found drug paraphernalia and suspected methamphetamine in plain view.

Wheat, 26, was taken into custody and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine. DCPS was also notified.

Assistant Chief Charles Greer was the arresting officer. He was assisted on scene by officer Kevin Atwood and chief Jr. Murphy.