Kentucky Tornado Death Toll Adjusted To 76
Governor Andy Beshear says the tornado death toll in Western Kentucky has been adjusted to 76. An additional employee at the candle factory in Mayfield survived the initial storm but has died of their injuries, for a total of nine deaths from the facility. Beshear says there are no people listed as missing from the storms, so there are no search and rescue operations going on. The governor says over 900 people are being housed in state parks or hotels.
Operation Christmas Tuesday
Around 9:30 this morning about 350 volunteers, including members of the Kentucky National Guard, will be heading to starting points in Downtown Mayfield to distribute a 4-day supply of food and water, along with hundreds of toys for children in Mayfield, for Operation Christmas Tuesday.
Cell Service, Electricity Returning, Tornado Damage Claims Being Submitted
Governor Andy Beshear says cell service is about 98-percent restored in tornado ravaged areas of Kentucky, and progress is being made in restoring electricity. Beshear says more than ten-thousand insurance claims have been filed, along with 77-hundred FEMA claims. The governor says damage estimates are running in the billions and at least 25-thousand Kentuckians have been impacted by the storms.
School Bus Caravan Delivers Supplies To Western Kentucky
A school bus caravan is delivering supplies to Western Kentucky. Buses hit the road yesterday morning filled with supplies collected through Stuff the Bus campaigns by multiple school districts in the eastern and northern parts of the state. Each bus is filled with items such as food, water, hygiene products, and toys. Kentucky Educational Development Corporation COO Trisha Carroll said so many bus drivers wanted to participate that names had to be drawn.
Police Agencies on Alert for Anyone Attempting to Take Advantage of Tornado Ravaged Community
The Mayfield Police Department, Graves County Sheriff’s Department, Kentucky State Police, and supporting agencies are continuing to maintain an enhanced police presence in the tornado damage zone.
Mayfield Police Chief Nathan Kent reported his officers, with assistance from supporting police agencies, made 10 criminal arrests in the previous 24 hours. Some of those arrests were of individuals and groups attempting to take advantage of the local community.
Mayfield City Police arrested two Michigan men on a variety of charges following an overnight traffic stop. Two Michigan men were arrested after officers stopped a vehicle as it was driving the wrong way on a one-way street. A Graves County Jail K-9 unit was called to assist officers and indicated the presence of drugs. A search of the vehicle located multiple containers of methamphetamine and marijuana, along with a large drawer overflowing with bags of prescription medications and pharmaceutical controlled substance packs. Officers determined the medications were from the Mayfield Health and Rehabilitation Clinic, which was destroyed by the recent tornado. Also found in the vehicle were multiple doctor’s prescription blanks from the clinic.
Kentucky State News Brief
Bowling Green Holds Candlelight Vigil For Victims Of Deadly Tornadoes
(Bowling Green, KY) — Bowling Green is remembering the victims of deadly tornadoes. A candlelight vigil was held at the Bowling Green Ballpark last night, just over a week since the tornadoes blew through. Bowling Green officials and some who were close to people killed spoke during the vigil. Of the 17 people killed, seven were children.
Hopkins Co. Out Of Space To Store Tornado-Relief Donations
(Hopkins Co., KY) — Hopkins County says it’s out of space to store things donated for tornado relief. County officials are asking those who want to help to donate money. They say they’ve been overwhelmed with support since deadly tornadoes ripped through the area a little over a week ago. The tornadoes killed more than 70 Kentuckians.
Jeffersontown Donates Police Cruiser To Dawson Springs Police Department
(Dawson Springs, KY) — The Jeffersontown Police Department is doing what it can to help fellow law enforcement officers in Dawson Springs. Jeffersontown officials have delivered a police cruiser to Dawson Springs police. DSPD lost one of its cruisers due to tornado damage earlier this month.
Owensboro Announces Changes To Municipal Services Ahead Of Holidays
(Owensboro, KY) — Owensboro is announcing changes to its services ahead of Christmas and New Years. City Hall and the Parks Administration Office, as well as the Owensboro Transit System will be closed on Friday, December 24th, Monday December 27th and Friday, December 31st. The schedule for trash collection will not be changed. The collection of real Christmas trees without lights, ornaments or stands will start January 3rd through the 7th, on regularly scheduled trash collection days.
GRDHD To Update COVID-19 Numbers
(Owensboro, KY) — The Green River District Health Department is expected to update its COVID-19 numbers today. On Friday, the GRDHD reported 455 new confirmed cases with 215 in Daviess County, 86 in Henderson County, 55 in Union County, 48 in Ohio County, 25 in Hancock County, 14 in McLean County and 12 in Webster County. There have been over 41-thousand-300 cases in the seven-county district since the outbreak began. There have been nearly 680 COVID-related deaths since the start of the outbreak.
FEMA Relocates Dawson Springs Mobile Registration Center To Library
(Dawson Springs, KY) — FEMA has relocated its Dawson Springs mobile registration center to the town’s library on Ramsey Street. A separate mobile center is set up at Neal’s Chapel General Baptist Church in Muhlenberg County on State Route 81 in Sacramento. The centers are open daily during business hours. FEMA personnel at the centers are able to help residents affected by the storms to apply for federal assistance.
One Injured After Crash Near Clark County Line
(Lexington, KY) — One person is injured after a crash near the Clark County line. The crash happened yesterday afternoon on Winchester Road when a lawn care truck collided with a Hyundai that was passing a vehicle. The driver of the Hyundai was taken to the hospital with undisclosed injuries. Police believe he may have been under the influence at the time of the collision.
Final Goldie Payne Reunion Show In Owensboro NYE
(Owensboro, KY) — Owensboro’s own Goldie Payne and the Backstage Band will be playing a final reunion show at the River Park Center on New Year’s Eve. Payne started her career in Owensboro 45 years ago and has been a New Year’s Eve regular for over 40 years. Organizers say some COVID-19 restrictions remain in place, but that the event is back this year after a one year hiatus. Guests include Jon Brennan, Katie Herron, Tara and Travis Estes, Janie Jett Mason, and Greg Tate among others.
Tennessee State News Brief
TDH Updates State Coronavirus Cases
(Nashville, TN) — There are nearly 14-hundred new coronavirus cases in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Health reported the new cases yesterday, bringing the total since the outbreak began to over one-million-354-thousand. Nearly 30 additional COVID-19-related deaths were also reported, with the total number standing at over 18-thousand. There are more than eleven-hundred COVID-19 hospitalizations in Tennessee.
State Senator From Germantown’s Trial On Federal Charges Delayed
(Undated) — A state senator from West Tennessee is having his trial on federal campaign violation charges delayed. The trial of Germantown Republican Senator Brian Kelsey was pushed back yesterday until January of 2023. The trial had been set to begin next month. Senator Kelsey’s attorneys wanted the delay, saying they didn’t believe they could be properly prepared on time.
BNA: 25K To 30K Travelers Expected Each Day Through New Year
(Nashville, TN) — Officials at Tennessee’s largest airport say they’re expecting two times more passengers during this year’s Christmas travel period compared to the same time last year. That’s about 25-thousand to 30-thousand people per day who are expected to travel through Nashville International Airport until the end of the year. Nationally, Triple-A says about 100-million people are expected to travel this week.
24-Hour Rain Record In Tennessee Officially Certified
(McEwen, TN) — A new rainfall record for a 24-hour period has officially been set in Tennessee. The State Climate Extremes Committee and the National Weather Service confirmed yesterday that nearly 21 inches of rain fell in McEwen at the Tennessee Wastewater Treatment Plant on August 21st. Over 17 inches were recorded at the Tennessee Valley Authority rain gauge in McEwen on the same day, marking the second-highest record. The previous record of nearly 14 inches was set on September 13th, 1982 in Milan, Tennessee.
MNPD Wants To Use COVID Relief Money To Buy New Vehicles
(Nashville, TN) — MNPD wants to use COVID relief funds to buy new police vehicles. Chief John Drake sent a letter to Metro Council last week asking for about nine-million dollars to buy nearly 130 SUVs. Drake says there’s an urgent need to address the department’s aging fleet. He says the new vehicles would help the department better serve the community and allow for the social distancing of officers.
Metro Nashville Suspends Curbside Recycling Collection Service
(Nashville, TN) — Metro Nashville is suspending its curbside recycling collection service. Metro Water Services cited staffing and fleet issues for the decision. The department said recycling is important, but the health and safety of the community is its top priority. The suspension of services is effective today.
BNA: 25K To 30K Travelers Expected Each Day Through New Year
(Nashville, TN) — Nashville International Airport says it’s expecting two times more passengers during this year’s Christmas travel period compared to the same time last year. That’s about 25-thousand to 30-thousand people per day until the end of the year. Nationally, Triple-A says about 100-million people are expected to travel this week.
24-Hour Rain Record In Tennessee Officially Certified
(McEwen, TN) — Tennessee officially has a new record for rainfall in a 24-hour period. The State Climate Extremes Committee and the National Weather Service confirmed yesterday that nearly 21 inches of rain fell in McEwen at the Tennessee Wastewater Treatment Plant on August 21st. Over 17 inches were recorded at the Tennessee Valley Authority rain gauge in McEwen on the same day, marking the second-highest record. The previous record of nearly 14 inches was set on September 13th, 1982 in Milan, Tennessee.
State Senator From Germantown’s Trial On Federal Charges Delayed
(Undated) — A state senator from Germantown is having his trial on federal campaign violation charges delayed. The trial of Senator Brian Kelsey was pushed back yesterday until January of 2023. The trial had been set to begin next month. Senator Kelsey’s attorneys wanted the delay, saying they didn’t believe they could be properly prepared on time.
SCHD Updates COVID-19 Numbers
(Memphis, TN) — The Shelby County Health Department is updating its COVID-19 numbers. SCHD reported 380 new cases yesterday, bringing the total to over 153-thousand since the outbreak began. Health department officials also reported two new deaths, bringing the number of COVID-19-related deaths since the start of the outbreak to over 24-hundred. There are over 26-hundred active cases in Shelby County.
Shelby Co. Seeing Rising Number Of Omicron COVID Variant
(Memphis, TN) — There are over 30 cases of the omicron [[ ahm-ih-cron ]] COVID-19 variant in Shelby County. Shelby County Health Department officials said yesterday the rise in omicron variant cases is expected as it reflects what’s going on across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nearly 75 percent of the nation’s new COVID cases are linked to the omicron variant. The SCHD says vaccinations and booster shots are the best way to avoid another surge of COVID cases.
Penny Says He May Have Misspoken About Team’s Vaccination Rate
(Memphis, TN) — UofM head basketball coach Penny Hardaway says he probably misspoke about members of the team being vaccinated against COVID-19. During the preseason, Hardaway said probably 90 percent of the team was vaccinated. He walked that back this week after the Tigers had to cancel their game against Tennessee in Nashville last Saturday. Penny added compassion should be shown to the players, who he said don’t want to miss a game.
National/World News
Omicron Now Makes Up Majority Of U.S. COVID Cases
(Atlanta, GA) — In less than a month, the Omicron [[ AHM-ih-cron ]] variant has become the dominant strain of the coronavirus in the U.S. The CDC released updated figures Monday showing the new, more-transmissible variant now accounts for more than 73 percent of new cases nationwide as of the week ending December 18th. That’s up from just under 13 percent the week prior. While officials are preparing for an Omicron wave of COVID cases, experts say if you’re vaccinated and boosted, you are well protected against severe disease.
Biden To Lay Out Steps To Fight Omicron, “Stark Warning” For Unvaccinated
(Washington, DC) — President Biden will speak to the nation today about his administration’s plans to combat the now dominant and rapidly spreading omicron strain of the coronavirus. Senior administration officials say Biden will outline more support for hospitals in states where cases are surging, increasing access to free testing, and making vaccination shots more accessible to more Americans. Biden will speak at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Jury Deliberations Resume In Trial Of Former MN Police Officer Charged With Manslaughter
(Minneapolis, MN) — The jury in the trial of a former Minnesota police charged with manslaughter will get back to work for a second day of deliberations today. They spent five hours considering the case yesterday. Kim Potter is facing manslaughter charges for shooting and killing Daunte Wright back in April. She maintains she mistakenly grabbed her pistol instead of her taser. The prosecution says she acted recklessly. The jury is being sequestered during deliberations.
Kyle Rittenhouse Speaks At Arizona Conservative Event
(Phoenix, AZ) — The teenager acquitted last month of murder in Kenosha, Wisconsin spoke Monday at a conservative convention in Phoenix. Kyle Rittenhouse drew massive cheers from the crowd at AmericaFest, a four-day festival hosted by Turning Point USA. The now 18-year-old Rittenhouse spoke to a crowd of mostly high school and college age students. A number of conservatives and right-leaning groups have embraced Rittenhouse since he successfully pleaded self-defense for shooting three men, killing two, during racial justice protests in the summer of 2020.
American Missionaries Escaped Haitian Gang, Not Freed
(Haiti) — Officials say the group of 12 Christian missionaries who recently made it back to the U.S. weren’t actually freed by members of a Haitian gang – they escaped. Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries says the adults in the group decided to flee and made a daring escape. The gang kidnapped 17 missionaries in October.
SpaceX Ends Year With Flurry Of Launches, COVID Outbreak
(Hawthorne, CA) — SpaceX is fighting a COVID outbreak at its California headquarters. At least 132 workers are sick, making it the biggest outbreak in Los Angeles County. Meanwhile, the company this morning carried out the successful launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center sending a Dragon spacecraft on a resupply mission to the International Space Station. It’s the third SpaceX launch within 72 hours and the last on the calendar for 2021.
TSA: Don’t Wrap Gifts Before Flying
(Washington, DC) — Millions of Americans will be flying to spend Christmas with family and friends and the TSA wants air travelers to know the best way to fly with gifts. Don’t wrap them. They might get unwrapped before you even get on the plane. If a wrapped gift is in luggage that’s flagged by TSA, it will be unwrapped, whether it’s checked or carry-on. It’s best to keep gifts in a bag or box that can be easily opened for inspection. You can separately pack gift bags and tissue or wrapping paper, ribbons, and tape then wrap the presents when you reach your destination.
