German ballet director apologizes after attacking critic with feces

Associated Press

BERLIN – A German ballet director issued a public apology on Tuesday for smearing dog feces on the face of a newspaper critic whose reviews he had taken exception to.

Marco Goecke was suspended from his post as ballet chief at the Hannover state opera following the weekend incident. The theater's management called on him Monday to apologize “comprehensively” and explain himself.

According to the daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Goecke approached its dance critic, Wiebke Huester, during the interval of a premiere at the opera house on Saturday and asked what she was doing there.

The newspaper said that Goecke, who apparently felt provoked by a recent review she wrote of a production he staged in the Netherlands, threatened to ban her from the ballet and accused her of being responsible for people canceling season tickets in Hannover. He then pulled out a paper bag with the feces and smeared her face with the contents.

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Goecke blames 'nervous strain'

“I would like to apologize sincerely to all concerned, first and foremost to Ms. Huester, for my absolutely unacceptable act,” Goecke said in a written statement. “In retrospect, I am clearly aware that this was a disgraceful act in the heat of the moment and an overreaction,” he added.

However, he added that it's time for media to “rethink a certain form of destructive and hurtful reporting that damages the whole cultural sector” and criticized Huester for what he said were “often nasty reviews.”

Goecke pointed to the “nervous strain” resulting from two premieres in quick succession as a reason for his actions.

“I apologize for the fact that I finally blew my top, but I also ask for a certain understanding at least for the reasons why this happened,” he wrote.

Huester: 'What kind of apology is this?'

Huester filed a criminal complaint after the incident. Goecke faces an investigation on suspicion of bodily harm and slander.

Goecke has said his elderly dachshund had defecated earlier, and he had packed the mess into a bag and had been planning to dispose of it. While he says he then acted in the heat of the moment, the critic has contended that it was a premeditated attack.

Huester said she was shocked by Goecke’s statement on Tuesday.

“What kind of an apology is this supposed to be?” she asked on 3sat television, describing it as an attempted justification of his actions, German news agency dpa reported.

300+ haunted places in Kentucky, Indiana: Waverly Hills, Seelbach

Eastern Cemetery is haunted by some of its dead who are angry the cemetery is in such bad shape.

Hot Rod Hill hosts the ghosts of a tragic prom couple

Waverly Sanitorium: You can check out, but you can never leave

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Halloween is the perfect time to visit haunted houses, spooky theme parks and ghostly attractions.

Sure, a trip to the Baxter Avenue Morgue or The Haunted Hotel can be scary fun, but what about those really haunted places — cemeteries with legends of ghost visits, abandoned hospitals with stories of tragic deaths.

The Courier Journal assembled a map of hundreds of places in Kentucky and Southern Indiana with reports of paranormal activity, as collected by the Shadowlands Haunted Places Index.

We also gathered up some history and a few legends surrounding some of Louisville's eeriest locations, you know, just in case.

So, if you want to find out if these ghost stories are real, check them out for yourself.

We dare you.

Eastern Cemetery's angry spirits

Eastern Cemetery on Baxter Avenue is said to be haunted by some of its dead who are angry the cemetery is in such bad shape. It has endured severe overcrowding — cemetery ownership even began to reuse graves at one point — and general neglect over the years.

Gravestones date back to the 1700s, and there could be any number of people buried at Eastern Cemetery with reason for vengeance, including whoever is under one crumbling gravestone covered in dead grass and leaves, or the people near a rotting pumpkin strewn across the sidewalk.

According to Louisville Ghost Hunters Society, Eastern Cemetery Corp. opened the first crematorium in Louisville in the early 1930s in what is now an apartment building. There is supposedly a ghost of a woman that takes care of the graveyard's babies, who have a special section in the back.

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Mitchell Hill Road's tragic prom couple

At the top of Mitchell Hill Road is a cemetery, and legend says buried there is a girl who died at the bottom of the hill in a car crash in the 1940s when she and her boyfriend were on their way to prom.

Apparently, some people have reported seeing the girl on top of the hill wearing her prom dress, wandering through the cemetery or walking along the road.

The stretch of the road where the accident supposedly happened is known as "Hot Rod Haven" because it was a popular, dangerous place for teenagers to race their cars in the mid-20th century.

According to Keith Age, director of the Louisville Ghost Hunters Society, county records show an accident similar to the one described in the legend did occur on Sept. 23, 1946, when Roy Clarke and Sarah Mitchell were on their way to a school dance.

However, a search of an online archive of the graves at Mitchell Hill Cemetery did not yield any gravestones with the name Roy Clarke. Two women named Sarah Mitchell have gravestones at the cemetery, but neither died at an unusually early age.

More:Your guide to 50+ best things to do in Louisville and Kentucky

Seelbach Hotel's disembodied spooks

The Seelbach Hotel was built in the early 20th century, opening in 1905. According to the hotel's website, it began as the dream of Bavarian brothers Otto and Louis Seelbach, who came to Louisville in 1869 to learn the hotel business.

During its 100-plus years downtown, the Seelbach has had many guests report strange sounds and activity during their stays.

There have been reports of televisions turning on at a loud volume at around 4 a.m., as well as the sound of running footsteps on wooden floors, even though the halls are now carpeted.

Some guests have said they heard disembodied voices or felt cold patches throughout the hotel.

The ghostly Waverly Hills Sanatorium

A list of haunted places in Louisville wouldn't be complete without mention of Waverly Hills Sanatorium.

Waverly Hills in southwestern Louisville opened in 1910 as a two-story hospital to accommodate Louisville patients struck by a tuberculosis outbreak, according to Waverly Hills Historical Society. It eventually expanded to a new five-story building, which could hold more patients and opened in 1926.

Before the discovery of an antibiotic that treated and cured tuberculosis, a diagnosis of the disease was more or less a death sentence. The hospital was its own community set apart from the rest of Louisville to avoid contaminating the healthy population — it had its own post office and water treatment facility, and it grew and raised its own food.

"Once you went to Waverly Hills, you became a permanent resident," the historical society states on its website.

The tuberculosis hospital closed in 1961 and reopened in 1962 as WoodHaven Medical Services, a geriatric facility the state closed down in 1981.

After it closed, Waverly Hills quickly gained a reputation for being haunted. It was purchased in 2001 by paranormal enthusiasts Charles and Tina Mattingly, and many volunteers working on the building's restoration have reported hearing ghostly sounds and slamming doors, seeing apparitions in doorways and being struck by invisible hands.

Today, Waverly Hills attracts tourists from around the country with its paranormal and historical guided tours. It also allows private paranormal groups to host investigations of the facility, many of whom claim to have experienced inexplicable paranormal activity during their visits.

More:Explore Louisville's secret underground tunnels and the creepy stories they tell

300+ haunted places in Kentucky and Indiana

Want more? Here are all the ghost stories submitted to Shadowlands Haunted Places Index for Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

Read it at your own risk.

Alexandria, Ky. Witch Hill

There is a tree in the middle of the road in Wilder where 3 witches were supposedly hung, and there is a curse on the tree to whomever tries to cut it down or spits on it. I have been to this place many times, and taken pictures, and many times even though it was a clear night, the pictures have come back covered in white blotches. You will find many out of the ordinary happenings on the way out to the tree. - September 2004 update /correction: It has recently been cut down and moved to the church parking lot at the top of the road. The three humps were also left off the story. There are three evenly spaced humps right before the bend the tree was on. These are the graves of the witches. The stories of distorted pictures are true though.

Annville, Ky. Hwy 577

Off Hwy 30 on Hwy 577 in Annville in Jackson county at night during a full moon you can see a glowing grave late at night. You can only see it from the road. When you go to the graveyard it disappears.

Ashland, Ky. Paramount Art Center

It is said that during some early renovation work on the Paramount Theatre, a death occurred there, and the man's ghost has forever since haunted the Paramount. In the early 1940s, four construction workers from Boyd Theater Company in Cincinnati, Ohio were working on a project inside the auditorium. It is reported that all of them had gone to lunch except for one man, a guy named Joe. When the other three returned, they found Joe hanging from the curtain rigging, dead. And since then, sounds have been heard, things have gone missing, cold drafts have been felt, and some folks even claim to have seen the image of a man appear on occasion. However, he is, by all means, a "good ghost" - one who seems to look out for the benefit of the theatre and its occupants. When Billy Ray Cyrus was here filming his video for "Achy Breaky Heart," he was told about the legend of Paramount Joe. Between breaks, Billy Ray would talk to Joe, laughing and joking with him, sometimes even asking for his help. It is customary to get 8 x 10 photographs signed by each performer that appears at the Paramount and then hang the photo on the 'Wall of Fame' in the box office. Billy Ray personally autographed large color posters to each of the female employees working here at the time - and one with a personal inscription to Paramount Joe, whom he now had a fondness for. Each lady put her poster near her desk and Joe's was hung in the box office, near all the other performers. As time passed and the walls in the box office became too full of 8x10’s signed by other performers, the executive director felt that some of the pictures and posters needed to come down. Since there were so many of Billy Ray, she asked the women to remove their posters since they were all so similar. Nobody wanted to take their personally autographed picture of Billy Ray down, so they took down the one he had signed to Paramount Joe. The next day, when the ladies came to work, every single 8x10 and poster that had been hanging neatly on the walls the night before were now lined strewn on the floor, many of their glass frames shattered! It was as if someone had wiped each one off the wall. To this day, Paramount Joe’s poster still hangs in the Paramount, in a very special part of The Marquee Room, which is now the site of Paramount Joe's Rising Star Cafe.

Ashland, Ky. Small Blvd

There is a picture of a young Irish woman that hangs in the 5th house on the left. If you look at the picture the eyes will glow non-stop! If you look at the picture at night and walk across the room at the same time you will see the eyes follow you across the room. This lady had 5 kids, the picture has been passed down through the generations.

Barbourville, Ky. Union College

Financial Aid office - Many people in the Financial Aid office have witnessed doors opening, closing, locking, and unlocking. Some have said that they have seen a woman. The office was once a house. The woman died in that house of mysterious causes.

Barbourville, Ky. Union College

Pfeiffer Hall room 245 - there is said to be a ghost of a student that attended Union College in the 1960s. His name was James Garner and he was a football and basketball player at Union. James was about 6'4 or so and weighed about 250. Records say that he fell from his 2nd-floor window while trying to close it on a cool night. The date of his death was have said to be on October 30, 1963. Sources say that if you go to the room around midnight and open the window, James ghost will shut it. Many sightings have been reported. - March 2008 additional information: doors opening & lights turning on when no one else is present.

Barbourville, Ky. Warfield Cemetery

Something follows you. Its footsteps move as you do, and stop when you do, yet this unseen thing moves very fast. You can feel its sense of urgency, and the steps crunch over the ground, as if it's agitated. When it starts this, you are standing there cringing, just certain something is going to knock you down from behind, but the steps just stop abruptly and don't start back up until you begin walking again. When you step outside of the gate, the sounds of the footsteps stop.

Bardstown, Ky. Old Kentucky Home Middle School

During the Civil War the school was used as a hospital. The Morgue was in the basement. The floors and the ceilings have been said to bleed. The school’s art room (which is also located in the basement.) smells of rotting flesh. It has been said that this room was used for holding of decomposing bodies. They painted the basement walls white and blood-red spots bled back through.

Bardstown, Ky. Jailers Inn

many reports of this place being haunted. It was formerly the jail and now is a bed and breakfast. Former employees reported hearing footsteps and people crying.

Bardstown, Ky. Old Smith Mansion

Across from Heaven Hill distillery, is the old Smith Mansion on Loretto Rd. On clear nights during the summer, a German shepherd can be seen stomping the yard around the old house.

Bardstown, Ky. The Old Talbott Inn

Haunted by numerous spirits that were killed there.

Bell County, Ky. Hutch

there is a small area off the main highway called Hutch. In this small community, there is a local swimming hole called "Devil's Garden". Before it earned this name, a small group of partying teenagers was swimming one summer night. After partying too much, one of the kids slipped and hit his head on a rock in the shallows. Not thinking straight, the other kids decided to hide the body under water, tied to a rock. The next day, the kids went to see if the night before had really happened. They arrived to find that the local authorities had already arrived and discovered the body. To their surprise, their friend had drowned and not died of the fall. They lived with their secret for over 15 years until they each started disappearing mysteriously, and the remaining two confessed and were sentenced to ten years in prison. Now every full moon, the moon's reflection casts a skull-like image on the water's surface.

Bellefonte, Ky. Bellefonte Hospital

Bellefonte is an Old Catholic hospital and it is said that the ghost of an old nun named Fannie haunts the hospital. There have been reports of things mysteriously falling off shelves and things making loud crashing noises, but when you go to look, nothing is there. Fannie is said to be seen most often in and around the emergency room.

Berea, Ky. Berea College

Boone Tavern Hotel - Once a part of the underground rail road. The basement had several rooms that were used to hide runaway slaves and for other purposes. Voices can sometimes be heard, and on more than one occasion a photograph of a young African American boy was taken. He appeared to be frightened and about 12 years of age. - March 2007 Correction: Construction on the Boone Tavern Hotel began in 1908, long after the Civil War and Railroad. Berea, Ky. as a city wasn't even established until after the Civil War, and during the war Berea College (which owns Boone Tavern) was only a normal school with two buildings. Also, Boone Tavern has no basement, only a sub-basement that houses an office and laundry. The sub-basement was dug out under the building in the 1940s.

Bloomfield, Ky. Maple Grove Cemetery

Anna Beauchamp, of the famous 1825 Romantic Tragedy can be seen walking along the road and throughout the cemetery at times.

Booneville, Ky. Owsley County High

In the gymnasium boy's sower room two students were punched so hard they were sent flying back and hitting the wall. Pairs of glowing red eyes were seen along with someone's finger poking through the door. Cold drafts have been felt and voices were heard.

Bowling Green, Ky. Greenwood Mall

Back in '96, a man was found dead in his pickup truck in the rear parking lot. The cause of death was never determined, and the vehicle was stolen. No one ever figured out who he was, or what he died of. These days when people park in the spot where his truck was and leave their vehicle overnight, you can walk up to it and see a man in the passenger seat who looks to be dead or sleeping. It’s always the same guy. When any of the guards on duty call a police officer over to remove the guy, they find the car empty. Every single time. The parking spot has an oil stain that looks like a face and has never washed off or changed over the years. The police have nicknamed him "the sleeper". It’s so common; when they call PD dispatch they just say, "We have a sleeper".

Bowling Green, Ky. off the bridge

There is an old metal bridge with a wooden road ... a girl once jumped off the bridge and drown. The theory is if you go to the end of the bridge and turn your car off and put it in neutral the ghost of the girl will pull you across the bridge.

Bowling Green, Ky. Western Kentucky University

Academic Complex - The Academic Complex used to be an old hospital and now houses several classrooms, medical facilities, and the campuses TV and Radio stations. There have been DJs working for the Radio station that have heard things in the night, seen people out of the corner of their eyes. One night two DJs were talking about haunted places in the area and their CD player started to move about, opening and closing and rattling. It has been rumored that in the old hospital days, people had died in some of the classrooms and in a radio station studio. - February 2004 Update: It is said this is a rumor started by upper classmen to scare newcomers.

Bowling Green, Ky. Western Kentucky University

Barnes-Campbell Hall - showers have been reported turning on and off by themselves, and chairs crashing against walls. A young man fell to his death down the dorm’s elevator shaft.

Bowling Green, Ky. Western Kentucky University

Helm Library - is known to be haunted by a student who fell to his death from the ninth floor when trying to open a window.

Bowling Green, Ky. Western Kentucky University

The Kentucky Museum - Located on campus is haunted by an unknown male.

Bowling Green, Ky. Western Kentucky University

McClean Hall - McClean Hall on campus is supposed to be haunted by Mattie McClean the woman it’s named for. Supposedly if you stare at a picture of her long enough in the lobby she will smile back at you. Pearce Ford Tower (Dorm Hall) is supposed to be haunted by a construction worker crushed by an elevator.

Bowling Green, Ky. Western Kentucky University

Potter Hall - In 1977 a girl hung herself in the basement. Change has been heard dropped in soda machines, but no one is there, scratching sounds of the basement floor. - February 2004 Update: is now just used for the office of the register, housing has been moved down to South West Hall. Which did once have a creepy incident involving an Ouija board where a wall began to crack open. Also, for Potter, it was in room 8 on the bottom floor that the girl hung herself -- though that is debated some believe she was murdered. - January 2006 Correction/ Update: A student that attended school with the girl has cleared a few things up on this haunting. She was a very quiet but very nice girl. Though she didn’t leave a note, she had taken her own life. They report her name was Teresa nicknamed Tye-Dye. Many on campus believe it to be Penny because of several of the office workers in that area of the building said they often find pennies rolling down the hall and find them on the floor. So, if anyone happens to notice pennies rolling down the hall or hears change clanging in the vending machines, don't be afraid. Potter Hall is Tye-Dye's old stomping ground where one day back in 1978, she made the decision to exert the only control she had over her own life.

Bowling Green, Ky. Western Kentucky University

Schneider Hall - Objects disappear and then reappear. Knocks and strange noises during the day and night. Sudden temperature changes in certain rooms. Feelings of being watched. - February 2004 Update: It is no longer used as a dorm, it is being renovated to be a math building. Also, a student claims that - White Stone Hall and White Hall are the same building as Florence Schneider hall.

Bowling Green, Ky. Western Kentucky University

Rhodes Harlin Hall - is haunted by a girl who jumped to her death. People hear scratching on their windows and doors.

Bowling Green, Ky. Western Kentucky University

Van Meter - Auditorium - The auditorium is reportedly haunted by a man that fell to his death there while working on one of the catwalks. Students, workers and performers have seen him. Also rumored, he fell onto the stage and his blood, of course, soaked into the wood. In the 1950s and again in 1968 this stage was re-floored, and the stain again returned.

Boyle, Ky. Perryville

Perryville Battlefield - Sightings of a soldier walking the battlefield at night. Reported to be seen by local police.

Bradfordsville, Ky. North Rolling Fork River

During the summer of 1965, several of the children of Bradfordsville heard a mysterious sound coming from the North Rolling Fork River which flows parallel to the streets of the town. The sound was very similar to a whip being cast. If you got close to the river looking for the source of the sound--the sound got quieter. If you got farther away from the river the sound became louder. It went on and on. Many adults were called out by the children to find out what was causing the strange "whip" like cracking sound. No one ever was able to explain what caused the strange sounds.

Brandenburg, Ky. Meade County High School

After those horrible tornadoes on May 4 used the old high school gym as a morgue for all those who passed on. Sometimes you can hear voices in the hallways.

Brandenburg, Ky. Meade County High School

Band room - There are cold spots in the room, voices can be heard, there have been sightings of a boy with a tuba standing in the window when the school is empty. Also, there were rumors that our vice principal had photos of a concrete worker bent over inspecting something on the floor. The story goes that this person died when he fell while the school was being built.

Brandenburg, Ky. Meade County High School

behind the football - field of the school is a graveyard, and people have their own opinions as to why the school is haunted. Also, on April 7, 1974, the gym was used for a funeral.

Breathitt County, Ky. Salyersville

Frozen - Old Vancleave Bible Institute - Located near Frozen Creek, this was once a bible school which housed both male and female students. Due to the difficult terrain, students lived on campus. In the flood of 1939, many students and staff perished while holing up in the boiler room. (They were warned of a tornado, not flood). Little remains of the school after the flood. Buildings include a dorm, a gym and a stone chapel. It has been reported that sounds of children laughing and crying can be heard. It is also reported that heat can be felt coming from the "punishment rooms". You can go there and feel like you are being watched, the laughter of little kids and in the third building you can feel heat as you go up the stairs to the punishment rooms. Some have even seen red glowing eyes in the upstairs. There is also what seems to be a small chapel that has an aboveground basement that sits out in a field. The basement is filled with black mud like substance. If viewed from above it has a whirlpool design to it. Several people say that they have heard cries of young children and have even seen them. It has been said that you will see and hear terrifying things. - December 2006 Update — has been torn down.

Calloway, Ky. Dexter

Hill - There is a hill that is almost perfectly dome-shaped, like someone took a bowl of dirt and turned it over. Witnesses report they had seen it light up at night, heard strange sounds, and that it was haunted.

Campbellsville, Ky. Campbellsville University

Fine Arts Building - The Fine Arts building was originally a Catholic Hospital. Some say they have heard babies crying where the nursery was, footsteps heard in the hall when no one was there, and art students have witnessed pottery wheels beginning to spin by independently. There are also numerous cold spots throughout the building.

Campbellsville, Ky. Hiestand House

This house is haunted by the Hiestand family.

Campbellsville, Ky. Taylor County

M&R estates - In the civil war days the confederate soldiers took the war prisoners to this house for execution. They were murdered and hung in the barn behind the house. As the legend goes there are extreme temperature changes in the house, also the screams can be heard at night by people that walk down the road. On some occasions, people have been known to see blood dripping from the rafters of the old barn. The entire property is haunted and not many people dare to cross its boundaries if you do there is no telling what could happen. It appears people that go across its lines have been tortured in the future as in their dreams and everyday life. it will be a life-changing experience.

Clermont, Ky. Jim Beam Distillery

Several years ago, there was an old man worked as a guard at the whiskey distillery in Clermont, KY. The guard was old and possibly out of his mind. One of his favorite things to do was to holler at the moon when it was full on his work shift. Some of the guards say that on a night with full moon, they can sometimes hear him screaming when they are on their patrol rounds.

Clinton, Ky. The Old Hickman County Elementary School

Before the old elementary school had burned down in 1998 it was believed to be haunted by the people who were once buried there. The tombstones were said to be removed but the bodies remained under the school. Numerous of students were said to be locked in the bathroom, heard and seen doors shut by themselves, and could also hear noises.

Closplint, Ky. the child's creek bridge

it is said that on a late night when you are all alone, there is a woman that appears and in a split second as she holds your attention you wreck ... it is said that the woman died after being run off the road at the curb and keeps coming back to get her revenge.

Columbia, Ky. Lindsey Wilson College

Horton Hall - Horton Hall is one of the many old buildings on the college campus. It is located between the Soccer Field and the Gym. Most of the horrific sightings have been spotted in the dorm rooms on the 2nd Floor. There have been many encounters late at night and mostly on the weekends of Dark Figures pulling up and shaking the ceiling tiles. Others have reported that if you lay really still without any movement at all that the Dark figures will slowly Creep down into your room. If you do let things get this far do not startle the shadow looking spirits. Once reported that loud screams would come from the spirits if they see any type of human life in the room. These spirits have no history to the area but just seem to appear random time during the course of the year.

Combs, Ky. old combs school

the old combs school was used for many years. Closed in the early 1970s.for the new school that is still used today. The old abandoned school is on a hill above the new school. It has been told you can hear kids talking, teachers still give kids the lessons. Walking can be heard in the old halls. lights are seen, and sights of someone in windows. The school was kindergarten to the 8th grade. it is thought principal Spicer, who died in the late 60s or early 70s.still is on the job today. The building is in poor shape, and not too safe anymore. after all, that’s why it was abandoned that long ago.

Corbin, Ky. old Corbin hospital

Even though the old hospital has been closed for many years and has no electric. Strange noises and lights were always seen.

Corbin, Ky. Cumberland Falls State Park

Back in the 1950's, a Bride and Groom came to Cumberland Falls State Park for their Honeymoon. The couple decided to take in some of sites at the falls area before going back to their room at the lodge. Before leaving the falls, they wanted to have their photos the with the falls in the background. The couple found an overlook just a few hundred feet from the falls that would work great for the photo. As the Bride stood on the Pillars at the edge of the 75 to 80-foot cliff, the Bride lost her balance and fell to her death. This place is now called "Lovers Leap". There have been reports of people driving around the last curve and hitting a woman that seems to be wearing a wedding dress and when they go to look for her, she is nowhere to be found.

Corbin, Ky. Florence Road

Located near Early Addition St. There is a certain place in the road where people passing by will experience a strong sense of fear and the feeling that they are being watched. These feelings disappear quickly after they leave this one certain spot in the road. There have been no known reports of anything terrible having happened in the past to account for this haunting. - February 2004 update/correction: The zone of fear is mainly experienced by pedestrians. It is a road with a lot of hills and curves and while the speed limit is posted as 15 mph, many people drive as fast as they can through this area just for fun. The submitter believes there have been a few accidents in the area, but they don't have the facts with them. Could be more of an urban myth than anything else. A variation they’ve heard is that the area of fear lies off the road along the railroad tracks.

Covington, Ky. Old Theater

The old theatre (and church) on Maine Strasse in Covington is frequented with glimpses of spectral figures in the corner of the eyes or in reflections, footsteps, light switches turn themselves on, and occasionally a loud noise as of something heavy being dropped to the ground and dragged across the floor on the ground level.

Crittenden, Ky. Juvenile Detention Facility

There have been numerous occurrences there: hearing voices in the hallway, feeling something touching or grabbing your arm, seeing lights, a young woman twice and she almost instantly disappears.

Cumberland, Ky. Benham Inn

Sounds of children running in the hallways, and the sounds of a child's laughter in the distance, slamming doors and lights turning off and on by themselves.

Cumberland, Ky. Lynch Mountain

Reports of an apparition of "Headless Annie" laying on the hood of a car when it stalls out, when she is gone, it starts back up.

Cumberland, Ky. Power Street

It is believed that a little girl haunts this neighborhood. The people that live there tell at night they hear noises like someone trying to get into doors and windows. If you look out they say you can see where her mother hit her in the head with an ax. It is believed she is hunting the people who did not come to her rescue when her mother was doing this to her.

Cumberland Falls Sawyer, Ky. Cumberland bridge

a while back a couple was getting married, but their parents would not let them so they both jump off the bridge and you can see the woman’s ghost at night crying.

Cynthiana, Ky. WCYN radio station building

It is the oldest building in Cynthiana. It used to be a house. The old occupants still haunt the building because they don't like that their house has been turned into a business and abused. There are voices, sightings, and objects mysteriously moving.

Dawson Springs, Ky. Lick Creek Cemetery

Numerous incidents have been reported over the years at this small cemetery just outside Dawson Springs. Glowing eyes, ghosts of the dead, things appearing and disappearing.

Dawson Springs, Ky. Olney Road

McNeeley graveyard - about 3 miles down Olney Road. A road to the right Walter Calvert road. Up the road about 1 mile a graveyard on right named McNeeley. You will hear a baby crying at night. - Always get permission or tell the proper authorities before exploring this site after hours.

Dawson Springs, Ky. West Hopkins accelerated school

There are rumors that the school is haunted. slamming doors, doors not opening, and hearing things.

Diamond, Ky. Wynn Cemetery

Rumors are there are 2 bodies of people who were believed to witches, buried in this cemetery. They both have an above-ground body coffin (they were thrown in the ground and cement was poured over them). The cemetery also used to have 3 trees on which the witches were hanged. Every anniversary of the night they were killed you will hear and see things. There is also a change in the climate in which after you walk into the gates that surround the cemetery.

Dunmor, Ky. Peach Orchard Rd.

sounds of the man who was killed and rolled off the hill on peach orchard rd. can still be heard

Eddyville, Ky. Kentucky State Penitentiary

Many inmates, the correctional office says that numerous ghosts haunt this former castle.

Eddyville, Ky. Lyon county elem. gymnasium girl’s bathroom

A 9-year-old girl named Lisa is said to haunt this bathroom. she was stabbed, and her ghost now haunts the restroom. you can hear her knocking on the door, screaming, shadows on the walls, water coming on, and misplaced items. it is also said that she has torn down the doors to the stalls.

Elizabethtown, Ky. Bethlehem Academy

Now a restaurant, this old house used to be a convent later a hotel. It is said that several nuns were murdered here along with others. Cold spots are present and during restaurant hours chairs are moved and things are misplaced. Drive by at any hour after midnight and you will see windows open and close along with lights being turned on and off. If you're brave enough walk up on the porch and feel the bad feelings that seem to radiate from the building.

Elizabethtown, Ky. Gates of Hell cemetery

The "Gates of Hell" is the nickname of a cemetery at the end of St. John Road. In Elizabethtown, the cemetery at the end of Saint Johns road, known as Gates of Hell, is said to be haunted. The interesting thing about this haunted place is that when traveling to the cemetery one of the last buildings you see is Elizabethtown’s other haunted place, Bethlehem Academy. No more than a couple of miles to the end of the road where surrounded by trees and overgrowth the cemetery contains the graves of unknown people from the 1700s and 1800s. The place right outside the remains of the iron and stone gate is where people go to party away from town. Many years ago, while parked there at night witnesses report they watched an enormous green orb suddenly suspended right above them. After a couple of long minutes, the orb shot straight up so fast that it was out of sight in a second. Others have claimed other phenomena while hanging out at the cemetery such as hearing screams, seeing shadow people, having electrical problems with their cars, and becoming so scared that many of them never returned.

Eolia, Ky. Arlie Boggs Elementary

There used to be downstairs bathrooms in the school back in the late 1900's but after many reports on a baby crying down there and due to the need for new bathrooms more where built upstairs and the bottom one sealed off. Now at night, you can hear a baby crying and the sound of an older woman, thought to be the mother, saying, "LET ME OUT", and beating on the floorboards.

Erlanger, Ky. Narrow's Road

Narrow's Road is a winding back road. In the 1950s a police officer was hit and killed pulling someone over. Local legend says that if you drive this road at midnight, an officer will pull you over in a 1950's style cruiser talk to you, then go back to his car and disappear.

Evarts, Ky. Black Mountain Elementary school

In the Black Mountain elementary school, they have been things seen in the girl’s locker home in the gym they have been names hollowed out. People have often heard kids laughing and shoes tapping on the floor.

Evarts, Ky. Coxton

On rainy or foggy nights, a woman can be seen either on the side of the road or in the back of the car. It is said that one night her and her husband got into a fight and he beat her and threw her out of the car and left her to die, now she will take rides to try to get back home.

Evarts, Ky. Eastbrook

Many residents of the apartment complex have told that they have heard cries for help in the middle of the night and have seen random faces appearing in their home many have had exorcism done on the homes.

Evarts, Ky. Evarts High School

The band room is told to be haunted. Many students have heard strange noises and seen ghostly figures in the band room. It is also said to be haunted by a janitor that died in the basement. He was found covered with coal and nobody ever found out what exactly happened.

Evarts, Ky. Hwy 38

If you stop on the side of on the second curve a head- less woman will get in and ride so far. She was claimed to have been killed in the old sawmill off in the woods. She was reported to have been raped and murdered, but there have been many other versions of this story reported over the years.

Feds Creek, Ky. Feds Creek High School

water faucets coming on and off. Televisions in classrooms blinking on and off with no intentions. Bats and crows (blackbirds) coming in and out of the windows or sitting on the windowsills. It is a place that is dark and damp anyways, but the strange Phenomena that goes on is still horrifying

Fisherville, Ky. The Trestles

There was supposed to have been a little boy who lived in the house next to the creek under the trestles. He went out one day to watch a train go by from the top of the hill and fell onto the tracks, he was then run over. If you drive under the trestles right at dusk, you can see his blue shirt blowing in the wind stuck in the middle of the tracks, and him waving to you from the tracks.

Flemingsburg, Ky. Simons Middle School

Auditorium - there have been reports of footsteps being heard coming down the large aisle and echoing in the room. They are that of a man wearing what sounds like hard-soled dress shoes.

Florence, Ky. Bone Lick Park

You can drive down the road in which it is located and experience phenomenal things. Things such as whispers, undeclared figures, and unknown noises. This supposedly happens to a numerous amount of people. Like the spirit is looking for help. THE BONE LICK PARK is a place in which is Indian related. There are buffalo and such in the park. Many believe that the noises have to do with cries of many children who wander off into the woods surrounding the area and never return because of an evil spirit who takes lives because his was taken. Some people also say that this person was murdered there and is just in search of the killer (in look for help). This is a tourist attraction around Kentucky and fewer cases have happened because of this. So, on some night drive down that road and get out of your car and walk on the outskirts of the woods and you may be able to hear the cries.

Florence, Ky. Yealey Elementary

When they were redoing the cafeteria, a worker got decapitated by a falling light fixture. He's seen after hours by the cleaning staff juggling his head and laughing.

Floyd, Ky. Prestonsburg

Cliffside Apartments - The apartments are said to be built on an Indian barrel ground. Strange things happen there. Unoccupied apartments with lights on, the sound of footsteps walking up and down the stairs. A ghostly figure of a man appearing in closets of children. TV's turning on by themselves. The dials of radio's turning by themselves. It is definitely a very haunted place.

Floyd, Ky. Wayland

Millcreek - in 1956 there was a coal mines collapse that killed 26workers at night you can walk down the road the miners will follow you and you can see the miners go into the mines wearing their hardhats with light.

Fort Thomas, Ky. Carmel Manor Nursing Home

A young woman in the late 1800s was murdered and decapitated at this location--the killer took her head and threw in a well located at Bobby Mackey's bar in Wilder, Ky (another haunted place seen on Unsolved mysteries) --The spirit of the headless woman is said to roam the grounds. Unexplained noises come from the 3rd floor of the assisted living wing of the nursing home--Some staff and residents have claimed to have seen the ghost of "pearl"-The nursing home is run by the Carmelite Sisters--do not go uninvited as this is a nursing home and respect the residents that reside there - WARNING - the area is highly patrolled by Ft. Thomas police in addition to Carmel Manor Security.

Fort Thomas, Ky. Highlands High School

Highlands High School is haunted by a former student named David Cecil. He was a football player and suffered a fatal accident during a home football game. What was the locker room at the time was turned into the music/band room and is constantly full of paranormal activity. Chimes will swing, symbols will slide down the split-level floor, his "spot" gets icy cold when it's disturbed, trophies will fall from the shelves, and a door with no knob or lock will shake uncontrollably as if someone were locked inside that closet (you hear and see this as it happens), and the TV goes on and off "by itself". And sometimes, during home games if you look into the band room from the stands of David Cecil Memorial Stadium, you can see a figure of a teenage boy peering through the window even though no one is allowed access after school hours but the band members

Foster, Ky. Foster Dam

Many people have been killed, died accidental and committed suicide at this location. If you go you can always feel the presence of somebody who has died there.

Frankfort, Ky. Liberty Hall

Lady Grey haunts this building along with a ghostly Indian and soldier. There is also a young woman in the back yard that was murdered. And another woman inside the house. So, altogether there are five ghosts there

Frankfort, Ky. Old State Office Building

During renovation of the office building, several workers have stated that they have felt like they were grabbed by something in stair tower #2. This building is located on the old State Penitentiary grounds.

Franklin, Ky. Octagon House

Spirits of civil war soldiers are said to still haunt the house. no one really knows why they are there but there are many visitors to experience this spine chilling oddly shaped house.

Frenchburg, Ky. Carrington Rock

Images of Confederate Soldiers have been seen on and around this very high sandstone rock formation, it has been said, this was once a lookout post during the civil war. Also, there have been several sightings of a woman who paces around on top and for a few minutes and then plunges herself over the edge. Her screams, as she falls, can be heard up to a mile away. The forest and surrounding hollows in this area have produced sounds of orders coming from soldiers on the battlefield, moans, cries of agonizing pain, and sightings of both confederate and union soldiers. Carrington Greens Golf Course has had reports from several of their customers about weird noises and seeing soldiers on the course, which is located on most of the battlefield.

Frenchburg, Ky. Tar Ridge

Locals call this area of roadway the "devil’s backbone". Sightings include solders riding house back late into the night. As well as a woman running down the road with blood coming from her mouth where her tongue was removed. An old man walking along holding a lighted lantern and many more. The ghosts also have been said to haunt several of the homes along the roadway.

Glasgow, Ky. Coral Hill Road

Reports from a man walking home one night of an apparition of a white transparent headless horseman. Later, members of his family report it followed him home and it had been seen outside the home when they awoke to see him in the yard and the doors open.

Grayson, Ky. Big Clifty

A Woman having just left her husband, was on her way to her mother's house when her car hydroplaned off a small bridge. If you pass the bridge around the same time of the accident you can hear the baby cry from the trapped car. Ten years later the same bridge takes two more lives on a rainy night. Two 18-year-old boys a week shy of their high school graduation drowned after hydroplaning off the bridge. Both accidents happened at the same exact time.

Greensburg, Ky. Courthouse

Greensburg has the oldest courthouse in Kentucky. The courthouse was in use until 1931. Sounds of courtroom activity, talking and footsteps have been reported. Whether you are stopping in or passing through the small town, the courthouse will draw your attention with its historical presence outside and from within.

Greensburg, Ky. Old Greensburg Elementary

The school is about to be torn down however years ago a lady was said to have jumped out of one of the upper-level windows and killed herself on the ground below. Also, if you walk next to the large windows on the side of the building you are supposed to be able to see a little girl in a white nightgown hanging in the window. Many people go there at night and claim to see and hear strange things.

Hardburly, Ky. an old graveyard

A graveyard around the mountain in Hardburly is haunted. fog like thing moves around a headstone.

Hardburly, Ky. Coal Spring

Hardburly is an old mining camp in Kentucky. It has legends of hauntings. One is Coal Spring, a stretch of road that lines Jake Branch Stream. It’s here they say you can hear a child scream, with no one there. The story is a boy drown in flood waters there. He still screams. In the 1970s a guy was chased by an unseen thing. Faster he ran it ran, just behind him. He stopped to catch his breath it was heard gasping for air also. After he got up a bank he did not hear it any more.

Hardy, Ky. Mudlick Road

In the early 1980's it has been told that exactly 1/4 a mile up Mudlick Road a white house has been haunted. Usually at 1:20 a.m. you will hear a little girl named Abby whispering, "Get me out!!" They have also been residences say you can hear the doors cracking and footsteps on the front porch.

Harlan, Ky. Bardo Hollow

Up in Catrons Creek in a hollow named Bardo Hollow every spring, there is a mysterious light that appears at the end of the hollow. It usually stays up there and eventually disappears but there have been times that the light will start floating down to the bottom of the hollow. It has been seen for many years.

Harlan, Ky. Cardinal Financial Services

There have been numerous encounters of a female ghost named Cheyenne. There are keys rattling and doors slamming. It has been reported that you can feel Cheyenne walk up behind you and breathe down your neck. When you turn around, she's gone.

Harlan, Ky. Closplint

Childscreek - it is said that on a cold, rainy night that you can see a headless man by the name of Doc walking up and down the hollow trying to find his head and the people that cut it off.

Harlan, Ky. Hall Elementary

Footsteps heard, apparitions seen. The story is a male janitor died from falling into the furnace.

Harlan, Ky. Pine Mountain

at the top of the mountain some nights you can see a ghostly figure of a lady on a dark night.

Harlan, Ky. Wallins creek

Watts creek - there are several hauntings in the small community one that most people in this community has experienced is an old coal miner who died in an explosion he still walks the old path from his mines to his home and is seen quite often.

Harlan County, Ky. East Brook

Residents of the Eastbrook apartments have heard little girls in their bathrooms talking about putting on makeup. And heard voices calling for help and constant banging on doors and a cry for help.

Harrodsburg, Ky. Pepsi-cola warehouse

Television changes channels, Lights, ceiling fans turn on/off by themselves. Doors close, unlock and open by themselves. Cold spots reported at times. Employees feel as if being watched at times.

Harrodsburg, Ky. Shaker Village

Unwanted children were once reportedly thrown into a pond by the Shakers. This was verified generations later when the pond was drained, revealing scores of baby skeletons. It is said that sometimes at night, one can hear the babies crying.

Harrodsburg, Ky. Young's Park

Young's Park was the site of a ball in the late 1800s. A young woman is said to have danced herself to death. Her grave is still there and marked UNKNOWN. People have reported seeing her dancing there late at night.

Hatfield, Ky. big creek

A woman has been seen walking along the railroad tracks, that had got married the same day she was struck by a train in the 1940's. Also, the coal mines, workers have seen a man on his knees working that had been killed several years before, also they have seen men coming out with their mining lights on. There have been several hauntings on big creek too many to be told on here, there are also several houses as well.

Hebron, Ky. Country Place

Many people who have once lived here have reported a weird occurrence. You will sometimes hear beads fall down your steps and your dogs may sometimes stair up the stairs and have an uncontrollable bark. This site is believed to be built on an Indian burial ground. You may sometimes see scratch marks on the trees, because this was how Indians cut their fingernails.

Hi Hat, Ky. Cemetery On a hill overlooking the Hi Hat post office

It’s a spot through the years that a lot have people have visited over the years, so it is telling what has happened there. Anyway, if you visit this cemetery late at night like 1 or 2 something will sound like it is running beside the old church banging very hard on the walls. Sometimes this unseen force that will rock your whole vehicle will slam your whole vehicle. It has a weird feeling like your being watched, and you can see things that can’t be there. It’s really a creepy place.

Hickman, Ky. Wilson Hill

Many years ago, a little girl was murdered and decapitated there. Her body was thrown off the hill. At night if you park your car there and flash your headlights three times the little girl will come walking up the hill with her head in her arms.

Highland Heights, Ky. NKU

Alumni House - This house once belonged to a farming family who owned the land where Northern Kentucky University now sits. The house is now used as the Alumni House for gatherings and functions. At times locked doors are unable to be unlocked. Mysterious footsteps on the second floor where the bedrooms are and the toilet on the second-floor flushing by itself. In the second-floor window, a person can be seen standing at the window with the curtain held back at times seen from outside. The longer you stand there looking at the window the person disappears, and the curtain will fall back into place.

Hindman, Ky. Motel 80

Years ago, a man is said to have found his wife, and another guy together. He shot and killed the other man. Today it’s said the ghost of the man killed is haunting the motel. lights go on and off. sounds of walking can be heard, and no one is found.

Hodgenville, Ky. Creekfront Tunnel

Sounds of a loud stomping as if someone was jumping up and down as hard as they could.

Hopkinsville, Ky. Riverside Cemetery

This is the burial site of Edgar Cayce, A civil war General Killed in Hopkinsville by a Union sympathizer and One of the Bell Kids. (yes, associated with the Bell Witch and Adams Tennessee) There have been reports of screams in the cemetery, People staring out of the front gate and strong smells of Lilac even in the winter when snow is on the ground.

Honey Bee, Ky. Cumberland Falls State Park

Back in the early 1950s a bride & Groom came to Cumberland Falls State Park for their honey moon but, their honeymoon turned fatal soon after. They were at the falls area when they decided to tour the park. As they hiked down through the park trails, they came to one of the overlooks, facing back toward the falls were the view of the falls was a perfect place for a photo shoot. After standing and waiting for that perfect last view, the Bride then stood atop one of the pillars to have her picture taken. As the Groom started to take the picture, she screamed his name for the last time as she fell 73 feet to her death. This overlook is now what they call "Lovers Leap ". An apparition of a floating woman motioning you to come to here has been reported. A Ranger was patrolling around the park we he was heading to the Falls Area when women dressed in a wedding gown walked right out in front of him and hitting her. When he realized he hit this woman he stopped his vehicle and began to check on the women but to his surprise, there was known one to be found. To this day he fills this was the bride who died on that fatal summer night.

Hyden, Ky. Hendover

Tugs point - you hear horses and wagons coming down the river. hooves and guns.

Jackson, Ky. Combs cemetery

Many sightings and noises within the graveyard.

Jackson, Ky. Frozen Creek

July 5, 1939, Frozen Creek was suddenly flooded killing hundreds. One of the most tragic events in Eastern Kentucky History. Supposedly you can hear children's cries at this site which was once a school/church before the flood.

Jackson, Ky. Jackson Independent School

Haunted by a young girl who met her death after falling down a flight of stairs during a fire alarm. - October 2004 correction/additional information: It was a young girl who suffered from seizures. She had one on the stairs one night during a PTA meeting. It was in the 20s or 30s. There have been lockers opened during the night, books scattered up and down the halls. The face of a little girl in the window at night; janitors have chased the apparition down the hall, thinking it was a real child, doors open and close in the old high school building, etc. Her name was "Maxine”. She is not a malicious ghost.

Jackson, Ky. Jefferson Hotel

Many can hear the sounds of the man who was gunned down on the entrance steps.

Jessamine, Ky. Nicholasville

West Jessamine High School - There is an old family cemetery on the grounds. It is enclosed by an old rock wall. The football field was also used as a mass grave during a cholera epidemic. It is also said that three women were hung on a tree in the old family cemetery. They had been accused of witchcraft. Teachers have told of hearing a woman humming while walking the halls. Also, the smell of rose perfume will suddenly overtake a room. If you visit the school after dark you may see shadow figures in the old cemetery. If you leave your car and go down to the cemetery your car will start by itself and the lights will go on and off. Custodians have also told of seeing three ladies, all dressed in red walking side by side in the halls at night.

Knott County, Ky. Caney

Late at night at about 10 o'clock you can walk along the side of the hill, an unseen force in the hills follow you as you walk down the path.

Knox, Ky. Barbourville

Union College - Pfeiffer Hall - In room 212 there is said to be a ghost that haunts the dorm. You can hear her run through the halls and slam doors. No one knows why she is here, they think that maybe she died here.

Latonia, Ky. Value City Department Store

The store is haunted by a man who died in the store in December of 2006. He had worked there for 30 years and he can be seen wandering in the back of the store by where the house wares and toy department is. He has also been seen walking around on the back dock in the early morning.

Lawrence, Ky. Webbville

Diamond Ridge - Irish Creek - For years many of the local people have reported a noise in the woods. If you walk down a particular stretch of the road you can hear something walking with you. A very religious lady, not from the area, said it is the devil himself. She says he walks the ridge. This area has an unusual amount of murders and suicides reported in and near it.

Lebanon, Ky. The Caldwell House

Things fly off the walls out of the blue during the night, They're Christmas photos showed up with blotches of "fog", and at night they turn the heat up VERY high because it gets extremely cold!

Lebanon, Ky. St. Ivos Cemetery

people have experienced when they went there to investigate the haunting of this place they left a video camera on one of the graves and as they were seen walking away in their video when they played it back the camera zoomed in on them and followed them wherever they walked then the camera fell off the grave and went foggy. Reports of voices and other strange noises heard.

Lecher, Ky. Doty creek

on every Halloween night (at 12:00) there is suspected to be a ghost dog coming back to haunt the person that lives in his master home. His master died by a robber who shot the dog and his master four times each. the ghost dog comes every other year, the dog is suspected to be seen the thirty-first of October 2001. we do not know for a fact that he will come this year, but we do know he has come every other year since the happening in October 31, 1911.

Leslie County, Ky. Wotton

W.B. Muncy school - Ghost from the graveyard above the school. and, a ghost from the hills behind the school. a man working in the log woods lost his head and he walks the grounds of the school in the fall trying to find it.

Lexington, Ky. Campbell House Inn

This haunted hotel is very spooky, not to mention very old. Two women have been said to have been murdered here, one on the steps where one woman was stabbed to death. You can still see bloodstains in the carpet on the stairs. Another was shot in one of the third story rooms. Strange happenings have occurred such as doors slamming and seeing things that really aren’t there.

Lexington, Ky. Hunt-Morgan House

The previous residents have stayed here to haunt it.

Lexington, Ky. Leestown Division VA Hospital

Made up of many different buildings and a huge, wooded grounds area, the Leestown Division of the VA Hospital in Lexington has been the site of several strange and frightening occurrences. Haunting images of several ghosts have been seen, as well as screams and moans, doors slamming, footsteps, disembodied voices talking and equipment and appliances turning on and off by themselves.

Lexington, Ky. Lexington Cemetery

The tomb has the feel of anger and often a large black blob can be seen in the back of the mausoleum.

Lexington, Ky. Loudoun House

Loudoun house is an 1852 Gothic Villa that was once home to the families of Francis Key Hunt and William Cassius Goodloe that is home to the Lexington Art League. A partial list of activities includes a Victorian woman who haunts the western half of the house, an apparition of a black cat, the apparition of another Victorian woman seen in the former dining room. The aroma of an antique floral perfume in one of the upstairs rooms now used as a studio, voices and distant strains of ballroom music are sometimes heard.

Lexington, Ky. The Mansion-Griffin Gate

This historic building was once used as a house. A teenager named Gretta lived in it. It is now a restaurant, but employees always warn people about the blue room. It was Gretta's when she lived there. One night she hung herself in her room because a guy had stood her up or turned her down for a date. Visitors claim in the blue room (her room) and every so often the lights and candles would flicker, and you'd feel a cold breeze go across your legs, even though there were no vents. A few other people also noticed it too. Then if someone made her mad, Gretta would slam the shutters on the windows and sway the chandeliers a bit

Lexington, Ky. Transylvania University

There is said to have been a suicide here and at night in a certain dorm you can wake up and see a male student standing in front of your bed with a pair of gym shorts on.

Lexington, Ky. Transylvania University

Founder's Cabin - There is a myth that the founder put a curse on it when he died.

Lexington, Ky. University of Kentucky

Guignol Theatre - Witnesses report feeling as if being watched.... strange banging noises at night. Some claim to have a seen a ghostly man wandering the catwalk or the lighting booth.

Liberty, Ky. Wilson Ridge Hill

A woman in a flowing white bridal gown has been seen wandering and peeking from behind the trees many times over the years. She never makes a sound, but some have come close to her and it's said that she wears a veil to cover her face. No one knows who she may be, however, there is a grave yard and a church at the bottom of the hill ... most certainly her final resting place. She is simply called, "The Bride".

London, Ky. East Bernstadt

No. 8 Tunnel in the old tunnel - It has been said that a man named old Caleb or Caleb red eyes that walks the old tunnel at midnight. The reason his name was Caleb red eyes is that he was always drunk, and his eyes were bloodshot. It's been said that if you turn your vehicle off and lights you can hear him singing and the sound of him will get closer and closer and if you wait long enough you will see a figure that looks just like a person.

London, Ky. McWhorter

Rubin Ridge - There is a tale of a young man riding his four-wheeler when he comes upon a truck parked under a tree which is up on a coal bank. Upon further inspection he finds a man hanging from the tree inches from the tailgate. They say if you ride down to the bottom of the coal bank and shut off your four-wheeler and turn off your lights you can hear the sound of a rope rubbing against the tree. Just as soon as you turn your lights on the sound will stop.

London, Ky. Sue Bennett College

they say the dorms and the theater are haunted and that Bell Bennett roams the halls all night playing the piano’s turning off and on lights and watching people sleep that still stay there if you go in your sure to find something

Louisville, Ky. Cave Hill

Witnesses have seen green lights moving around in cave hill in Louisville. They have also heard noises and graves falling down. If you wait by the back gate it can be heard miles away.

Louisville, Ky. Central State

A phantom man on a tall black horse has been sighted.

Louisville, Ky. Cherokee Cemetery

Witnesses report flashing lights, the scream of a man, and was chased by an unseen force.

Louisville, Ky. Eastern Cemetery

His cemetery has graves dating back to the eighteenth century. It is now in horrible condition. It is said that some of the dead haunt it, angry that the cemetery is in such bad shape. There is supposedly a ghost of a woman that takes care of the babies, who have their own section in the back.

Louisville, Ky. Formerly Hoffman Lighting

Later River City Lighting - Owned by two men one of which killed the other in the showroom. The accused killer was found not guilty. A manager at the showroom from 1979-81 would come in before anyone else to do some work. Very distinct footsteps could be heard in the warehouse above my office. Many people heard this ghost at different times.

Louisville, Ky. Harvey Browne Church

There are variety of things that happen at the church each night. Around 5:00 pm a strange presence can be felt in the largest chapel in the church. This wing during this is time should be pretty much unpopulated. There is even more though. Around 7:00 pm- 9:30pm about things start to get a lot stranger, you can hear footsteps, foot scuffing, and sometimes knocks. there are at least three spirits that haunt the chapel, a male presence was felt. Reports of what sounded like a little girl and mother or older woman laughing.

Louisville, Ky. Hebron Lane Cemetery

on moon lit nights you can see the ghost of Hebron Lane. It is an old woman walking through the cemetery among the headstones carrying a lantern. She is dressed in a long dress with a long apron, and she has a covering over her head. She holds the lantern up high looking in the trees, (some trees are no longer there), the story goes that she is trying to find her cat in the trees. She appears mostly around Halloween. However, she can be seen at other times as well.

Louisville, Ky. Louisville Theater

In the theatre lighting booth an old light tech had a heart attack and died. Since, employees have heard strange noises and have found his name written in the dust in the catacombs that run throughout the theatre.

Louisville, Ky. Meyzeek Middle School

back in the 1930's a young boy was shot in the lobby of the school. To this day he haunts there. At this school there is a lock-in for the graduating 8th graders. Each year they have had a lock-in, something has happened. One witness reports someone's belongings went missing, someone broke a finger, and another sprained her ankle while running down the stairs. She claimed that something had pushed her. In years past people had reported missing items, strange noises, and so-called accidents.

Louisville, Ky. Middletown

Woodland Hills - While driving on one of the roads in Woodland Hills, a lady in her 90's with white hair and black eyes, runs after your car and takes a picture. It is to be known that her husband died in a hit and run, and the lady runs out of nowhere and takes the pictures of the vehicle. The woman’s basement is filled with pictures on her walls, of cars, and teenagers. However, when you take a picture of her, it doesn't come out, but in the film’s negatives, you see a white mark. The lady goes by the name of "The Watcher on Davidson", and to her neighbors, she died twenty years ago.

Louisville, Ky. Phoenix Hill Tavern

Footsteps coming down the stairs and across the Saloon. White-colored flashes in mirrors. The taproom area is extremely old and has cold spots in air when otherwise warm. Objects get moved, disappear for a while, then show back up in the same place. All this happens when no one else is around to have caused it.

Louisville, Ky. Portland Family Health Center

Old Army Hospital - In the back of the property is the original two-story hospital, which was built before the civil war. It was built near the banks of the Ohio river, for easier access to the river. It was used to treat army soldiers. Also used in the Civil War. They stopped using the building because of the said hauntings. People have seen soldiers walking around and have heard strange noises. Windows and doors have been seen to open and close on their own. Lights have been seen on at night when not a person is there.

Louisville, Ky. Rose Bowl Lanes

Employees and customers have witnessed TV sets and pin machines turning on and off only to have found them un-plugged, accompanied by the apparition of a woman.

Louisville, Ky. The Deaf Community Center, Inc.

Formerly known as the Hampton House. It was habited by the Hampton Family in the 1800's. The house had many parties and balls there. Mrs. Hampton always burned a lamp in the second-floor window when Mr. Hampton was not home. The lamp still burns at night when no one is they're watching for Mr. Hampton to come home. The elevator, which was installed after their deaths, goes up and down the 3-story building and opens at every floor as if someone is looking for someone. The spirit of Mrs. Hampton can be seen at times walking the halls of the house.

Louisville, Ky. The Jefferson Mall

The screams of a small boy can be heard coming from the mall's main restrooms.

Louisville, Ky. The Speed Museum

A female ghost is said to appear in the basement and other poltergeist activities occur in the basement of the establishment.

Louisville, Ky. Sleepy Hollow

there have also been reports by locals of hearing a woman crying while parked close to the old dam.

Louisville, Ky. Spring Street Bar and Grill

A ghost of an old man walks the 2nd floor of this restaurant at night when the employees are closing the bar. There is no information currently who he is (was). All the employees and owners who go to this storage area on the second floor report their hair standing on end when they are upstairs in this space. This building is at least 80 years old.

Louisville, Ky. Tucker Station swimming area

The Tucker Station swimming area used to be a large lake that was open to the public during the 1980's. So many young children drowned because of the height of the diving platforms. The diving platforms are three stories high and many inexperienced children would jump off without adult supervision. Stories say that you can still here the children playing in the lake.

Louisville, Ky. Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow off US42, Brownsboro Road - Reports of phantom cars, a three-legged dog and a deserted house boat where lights have been seen.

Louisville, Ky. The Seelbach Hotel

Reports of running footsteps in the hallway on wooden floors (the floor is carpeted. TV's will come on during the 4AM hour blaring, then after 15 minutes just stop.

Louisville, Ky. Waverly Manor/Waverly Hills

Old T.B. and Mental hospital. Includes crematory and body slide. Several cold spots and a young girl has been spotted on several floors but mostly in the basement and on the third floor. Sighting of a young boy with dark hair in old fashioned clothing and hat, by main entrance (golf course) but watch out if you see him he will come up to you wanting to go home with you. Local rumors are that he was a victim of a doctor who performed illegal experiments on his patients. There is also a body chute that is said to be haunted. The chute was used to transport the dead bodies of TB patients who had died so that the other patients wouldn't see them carting all the dead bodies out of the hospital. Many strange figures and noises can still be heard. The overall feeling of dread in the entire building. - January 2007 Additional information. A visitor has 12 photos out of about 50 that they personally took, and they have orbs in them (one photo has over 20 orbs, and it hadn't rained in days, and there was nothing for light to reflect off).

Williamsburg, Ky. Route 92E

there is rumored to be a black panther that roams the forests at night and then disappear. Locals call it the Mulberry Black Thing.

Lyon County, Ky. Lyon County Elementary

It has been said that in the girl’s bathroom in the gym that a little 9-year-old named Lisa died there. She has haunted the bathroom since her death. People have seen shadows, heard screaming, seen things moving, and seen water come on by itself. Even if you knock on the closet door you will hear her knocking back. It's also been said that she has gotten so angry that she tore the doors off the stalls.

Madisonville, Ky. Grapevine Cemetery

There is a statue of an Angel in the Grapevine Cemetery and it is said that her eyes turn red and bleed and she cries for all the dead babies. There are two different versions of the story to the angel of the grapevine cemetery. One is that at midnight on a full moon she will look up at you and her eyes will leak blood. My friends mother said she saw that about twenty years ago, the story of my generation goes as all my friends grew up within minutes of the cemetery, that her head has been broken off and sits atop her body and her right-wing is broken off and laying in the ground. It is said that if you knock off her head that she will curse you with bad luck and you might die, however, if you place her wing on her then she will give you one wish. There is another story of a grave there, I don't know which one but that you pull up in front of it and roll down all your windows open your trunk and doors and turn a love song up loud, because some guy committed suicide after his girlfriend left him, the ghost of a young teenager will scream a death roar and you have to get the trunk closed along with the doors and roll up the windows before he gets to your car or you will die.

Marion, Ky. Baker Hollow Road Cemetery

Many different things occur at this cemetery. It is located off Baker Church Road going toward Morganfield. You turn to the left off Baker Church Road on to Baker Hollow Road. There is one cemetery behind the church on the left. After you pass this church there is a fork in the road, follow it to the left and this is where everything begins. However, on a good night, it begins when you first turn on the road. You must go after dark but the best time to go is around or after midnight. This cemetery disappears and then reappears in different locations. However, it will not show itself when you drive down the road. You must drive down to the end of the road and turn around and come back to see the cemetery. You will know when you are close to the cemetery because you will have an overwhelming feeling of sadness and will begin to cry for no apparent reason. You will see and hear various things. Sometimes you can hear music playing, laughter, screams and hear things trying to get in your vehicle. There have also been fingerprints and dents in vehicles visitors have taken but there as well as scratches that came from the outside but went all the way through the glass. If you are lucky enough to find the cemetery and drive up into it, you will not be able to drive out. It is so spiritually active that it drains the battery of your car leaving you stranded until the morning or until you get brave enough to push your car out. There have been images of Soldiers killing each other and those around them. There have been sightings of the dense woods opening where you can see more than you should. The fork in the road rolls and a dense mist appears and disappears as you drive the road. There is also a guardian dog. This dog closely resembles the "Hounds of Hell" as described in the Bible. This dog has dead yellow eyes and casts the shadow of a demon when it gets ready to disappear in the triangle at the fork in the road. The dog appears to be injured when it first appears on the side of the road, thus making you want to stop and pick it up, which in turn gives an open invitation to any spirit that is around. When you fail to pick up the dog things begin to change. The dog will walk a few steps and then turn to see if you are still following it. However, if you speed up the dog will speed up, if you slow down it will slow down, if you go to the left it will go to the left, if you go to the right it will go to the right and it is impossible to run over this dog. There have also been sightings of wrecked vehicles with people screaming for help. Due to the period when this cemetery was beginning you will see images of men who were hung from the trees out this road before and after you pass the cemetery. You will also see images of dead family members calling to you. You will also experience a change in the weather when you turn out this road. For instance, it will be raining before you turn on the road, but when you turn on to this road the rain mysteriously stops, and the mist begins until you exit this road where the rain will start again. There are many other things that occur out this road, but you must be very alert and very open to the spirit world and you cannot show fear, or it can take your soul, according to the legend. There are many trapped souls at this location that will mess with you. Make sure you do not have an open invitation of any kind. This means windows rolled up and doors locked. These spirits can also communicate with you through your dreams if you will let them. So, go if you dare just don't show fear! Everyone sees something different when they go to this location so be prepared to be scared.

Marion, Ky. Pilot's Knob

Witches Grave - This cemetery is located off Ford's Ferry Road in Marion. The legend behind this cemetery is about a five-year-old girl who was burned at the stake, along with her mother, in the late 1800s to the early 1900s for witchcraft. It is not known what happened to the body of the mother, however, the little girl, Mary Evelyn, is buried in a steel lined grave that is covered with rock and not dirt. She has a white picket fence surrounding her grave. The base of this fence is a series of crosses that connect end to end. However, she is not tall enough to climb over the fence, unlike a normal 5-year-old. Her tombstone looks brand new even though it is close to 100 years old, as does the fence. She paces inside this fence when someone comes to visit her making faces at them and reaching out to them. She sleeps during the day but is very evident at night. The legend also says that she cannot rest because she is searching for her mother but cannot escape the confines of the fence. Many unexplainable things occur at this cemetery. For one the "Watcher" makes himself very know and tries to follow you out of the cemetery. The "Watcher" was murdered at the swinging bridge but haunts the witch’s grave. He is trying to get to the little witch but because of the crosses that surround her he is unable to because he is evil. Crosses appear in the trees both upright and upside down, directly over her grave, though they face different directions. She presents herself as a normal 5-year-old little girl in a white dress, though her dress is scorched at the bottom as is her blonde hair. If you lay on her grave she will hold you down refusing to let go until someone from outside of the fence pulls you free. However, never lay on the grave when you are alone because chances are you will be pulled into her grave to be with her thus giving her more power. As with every haunted cemetery people that are open to the spirit world see something different.

Martin, Ky. Arkansas Creek

a man in old army clothing is supost to be seen in the kitchen and roaming the hallways the land was an old cemetery.

Martin, Ky. Crum Branch

a lady has been seen walking around in a white dress with no head and asking the people she sees for their head.

Mayfield, Ky. Maplewood Cemetery

supposedly the angel tombstone located in the center of the cemetery will drop rocks on your head at the stroke of midnight if you're sitting on the bench beneath her feet...

Maysville, Ky. Hayswood hospital

Located at the north end of 4th street, Abandoned since the early '80s. People who live near it have said they have often seen strange lights in the windows and heard infant’s cries. Also, some have claimed to see a figure standing in the last window on the third floor both day and night. Others who have been inside since its closing have noticed an old stretcher that seems to move on its own, others have said to have been followed by shadows accompanied by voices and the feeling of being watched. Others have claimed to see doctors in the halls and heard the cries of past patients. Red glowing eyes and what seems to be some sort of dog that seems to be chasing something have been seen, also cold spots and children playing in the waiting rooms. In the basement and all over the building are strange markings as if they are warnings of some kind, anyone who goes in walks past, or drives by have said they felt sick and a threatening hostility. It is believed to haunt the entire town.

Maysville, Ky. Washington Opera house

A young girl named Maras performing on stage until she fell through a trap door and broke her neck. People that have performed at the Opera house Have seen a blue light where she fell to her death. There is also a reddish stain on the basements carpet.

McCracken, Ky. Paducah

CC Cohen Restaurant - Haunted History - CC Cohen Restaurant - Known to most Paducah residents as the Cohen building, this important structure was built around 1865, probably for M. Livingston & Company. Afterward, it became a clothing store, a dry goods store and in 1914, a Paducah City Directory identified the occupants as the R.L. Peacher Liquor Dealers and the Rehkopf Distilling Company

McCreary County, Ky. Granny's Old House

Built on an ancient Indian burial ground. In the middle of the night, you see balls of light flying at you. You can also hear footsteps, people talking, and doors slamming.

Midland, Ky. Jones cemetery

very large dark figures have been spotted several times in the past. For unknown reasons any visitor at night will encounter these large inhumanly figures and will be chased after by them.

Middlesboro, Ky. Middlesboro Park, near Greenwood Rd.

There was a little boy murdered there by the swings. They claim that she was out playing at night by herself and got raped and killed. If you walk down the park late at night around 12:00p.m., you can see visions on her swinging on the swings.

Morehead, Ky. Clack Mountain

In recent decades there has been occult activity. Satanic symbols have been sandblasted from the mountainsides but soon reappear. People report getting a "bad feeling" as they come into the vicinity of the long-abandoned sacrificial rock.

Morehead, Ky. Fleming Avenue

Cabin - Footsteps heard, apparitions are seen & items seem to move on their own right in front of the residents’ eyes.

Morehead, Ky. Morehead State University

Butler Hall - has had strange noises in the middle of the night and footsteps in empty rooms. And TV's and computers turn on by themselves. It is said to be haunted by three resident that have lived then died in the building previous years

Morehead, Ky. Morehead State University

Buttin Auditorium - in the 1980's a janitor was cleaning a large clock hanging off the balcony and apparently, he fell off the balcony and a chair broke his back and sometimes if you're sitting in the area he fell on you get a crushing sensation and a very odd smell.

Morehead, Ky. Morehead State University

Nunn Hall - A ghost of a former student named Penelope, is said to haunt Nunn Hall. Penelope is said to be seen late at night and in the early morning hours. She plays with lights and televisions, turning them on and off. The story of Penelope is that she was dating someone her parents did not approve of and she became pregnant by him. Unable to tell her parents about the pregnancy, she jumped from the ninth floor, falling to a tragic death.

Morehead, Ky. Morehead State University

Waterfield Hall - On the Third floor in room 358 you can hear screams, the TV goes and off and the door to the room and stairs open by themselves.

Morehead, Ky. Mr. Gatti's

A man named Carl is rumored to haunt this business. Years ago, this Mr. Gatti's was a saloon and Carl was shot in the head by a jealous man in the old apartment (now abandoned) above the store. Employees have reported seeing strange figures moving around the store, mostly during closing hours. Also, voices and noises have been heard in the office area. The strangest of all is employees finding evidence that a game back in the game room has just recently been played when there has not been a customer for hours.

Morgan County, Ky. Wrigley Hill

Just off 519 lays route 7 which flows across Wrigley Hill. Late at night people driving across Wrigley Hill have seen a woman hitch-hiking or the have seen her in their car.

Morganfield, Ky. Earl C. Clements Job Corps Center

there have been reports from students that men with old green army suits have been standing over them. Others say that they were strangled by a ghost while they were trying to sleep. You also feel like someone is watching you, doors close and open on their own. Sometimes you can feel something touching your shoulder and nothing is there. Some people say that General Breckinridge himself walks the hallways of the dormitories

Morgantown, Ky. Woodbury

Years ago, a little girl was left, or her parents/family had all died when she was only 2 or 4 years old. People have heard her crying and going up the stairs. People have blocked the house off, so people can't go in it. People have tried to tear it down, but the girl makes sounds and scares the workers away.

Mount Sterling, Ky. Old Windsor Nursing Home

The old Windsor nursing home is the old nursing home that is abandoned now. The story is that if you go up there late at night, you can peek in the windows and see the old wheelchairs rolling around. You can hear moaning and screaming. This nursing home was shut down in the 80's because they had many patients dying and found out it was abuse. So, their lost souls roam the halls.

Mount Sterling, Ky. Stepstone Church

In an abandoned church on Stepstone. The church still stands but the inside of the church was gutted by a fire long ago. A few men hung 4 teenage girls on a cross in the loft and set fire to the church. If you go at night, it is said you can hear them laugh, cry and see the shadows of them flying around. It is also known that if you do something to upset the girls, you will find hear them scream in rage.

Muhlenburg, Ky. Rosewood

Skipworth Cemetery - It is said that this cemetery, established in the 1800's, is patrolled at night by a Civil war soldier whose body is buried there. If you see a round, white light on a moonlight night in the spring of the year and are not family or friend you must exit the cemetery at once or your entire family will be cursed.

Munfordville, Ky. Hart County High School

A man fell down a manhole in the student parking lot. There are always strange things happening here, but it gets more active around the end of basketball season. You'll find locked doors open, lights turned on after they have been turned off, and in rm. 46 the air conditioners will be on in the mornings during the middle of winter.

Munfordville, Ky. Raider Holler

a little boy was drowned in this well known to be Jacob, this is his well and if you park your car by his well and turn off your vehicle and get out and holler for Jacob and say, "Jacob your mommy is here to get you, can you hear me." He'll be known to say help me mommy! DANGER!! this will happen!!!

Murray, Ky. Asbury Cemetery

Reports of an apparition that chases people. Sounds of a baby crying have also been reported.

Murray, Ky. Coles Campground Cemetery

Graves shift sometimes, strange noises can be heard in the surrounding woods, and this is just during the daytime. At night there is an odd feeling, a feeling of true urgency that is indescribable. Although it is too dark to see anything properly. The farther back you go in the graveyard the older the tombstones get. One is just a crudely carved stone slab that becomes illegible after a few lines.

Murray, Ky. Murray State University

Fine Arts Building - An apparition has been accompanied with very cold air. The Fine Arts elevators always seem to hang on the fourth floor; the significance of this is unknown. Anywhen you ride them there is a weird sense of impending doom.

Murray, Ky. Murray State University

Fine Arts Building -The elevator - they have completely gutted the elevator shaft several times to no avail the young female student who fell to her death in the shaft after the door opened and there was no elevator there. She takes out her revenge upon the riders of the elevator; the elevator shakes and rattles as it travels up and down the shaft. It stops constantly between floors; the doors constantly refuse to close.

Murray, Ky. Murray State University

Hester Hall - In 1998 there was a fire in Hester hall at Murray state university. A young man was purposely trapped in his room and perished in the fire. The room was room 402. The dorm reopened the following and only incoming freshmen were placed on the floor. Former resident claims Room 402 always had a scary presence about it and standing outside the door one felt watched. The room was kept empty and like all empty rooms it was supposed to be locked yet often if you walked up to the door it would be unlocked and even slightly opened on several occasions they with entered the room and closed the door it would open on its own. In room 406 you could on some nights hear a scratching sound on the door and if you opened it nothing would be there. The story is that the young man had escaped his room and was found dead of smoke inhalation outside of the hallway to elevator 406 was across from this hallway.

Murray, Ky. Murry State University

SigEp House - An old lady by the name of "Ma" Crawford rented rooms out to the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon at Murray State University when their house burned down in the 1970s. When she died, the brothers inherited the house and still live in it today. She is still heard walking up and down the stairs, the light in what used to be her bedroom still turns off and on from time to time with no one touching it, and you hear people talking downstairs in the living room when no one is down there. Also, the most recent experience happened when one of the brothers was sleeping and his door opened from the shut position (doorknob turned, and the door opened completely) and no one was there. She is believed to just be checking on the brothers and making sure they are alright.

Nicholas Co. -Robertson, Ky. Blue Licks Park

The lodge is haunted by a friendly woman. you can hear her talking.

Nicholasville, Ky. West Jessamine High School

Janitors report being hit by thrown trash cans in the middle of the night. Lockers seen opening and closing on their own. Football field lights go off and on by themselves at strange hours of the night.

Olive Hill, Ky. Bethel Hill

Two things are rumored to happen there. One legend is never pass the old church on a Saturday night when it is drizzling. They say a woman is walking on the side of the road and if you pick her up she will disappear after a few miles. If you don't pick her up she will welcome herself into your backseat. The other one is to go to the church on Friday the 13th and look into the windows the locals say you will see the scariest thing in your life. Although no one has yet to describe what is in there nobody will go out to the church on Friday the 13th.

Olive Hill, Ky. Clark Hill Trail

In the early 1900s, a young woman named Stella Kinney went to live with her aunt and uncle who lived out of town. According to legend, her uncle got her pregnant. Well on the way back he murdered her. He took her placed her on a huge rock and cut her head off with a hand ax. For years after the rock was called by the locals "Bloody Rock" and every time it rained it would bleed. But now it has been buried into the ground because they made the road bigger.

Owensboro, Ky. Ben Hawes State Park

A girl who was accused of witchcraft in the 18th century was burned at the stake in the woods. If you up there at night you can see her ghost walking and the light of the torches of the people who came to burn her.

Owensboro, Ky. Davies County Middle School

in the middle of the day you can hear screams of a woman in the girls’ bathroom of the 3rd floor. You can look around and see that there is no one there

Owensboro, Ky. Davies County Public library

an apparition of a boy with high red knee socks, a red vest, very old-style shoes, high shorts, and one of those hats you see on many men back in the '20s and '30s.

Owensboro, Ky. Fordsville

Deanefield - During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers hiding from the Yankees used a small cliff cave to hideout. It is said that the Yankees ambushed the southern soldiers, killing them all. On summer nights of the full moon, shots can be heard as well as sounds of laughter, a fire crackling, and horses galloping. The cliffs can be found off highway 1414 in Ohio Co, Ky.

Owensboro, Ky. Hospital

On the first floor near the old morgue, you can hear screams coming from empty hallways. Also, you can see shadows on the wall as if someone is walking beside you.

Owensboro, Ky. Wilson House

This house was one of the first built in the area. It was once owned by a large family back in the early 1800s. The family was an outcast family and very odd. The story goes that a son named John killed them all, then killed himself. You can hear screams and laughter late at night at this deserted house.

Owensboro, Ky. Owensboro Catholic Middle School

At night, neighbors have reported screams and wicked laughter. They have seen doors flying open and shut as if possessed. There are dark reddish stains that have never come out of the floors in certain rooms.

Owensboro, Ky. Owensboro High School

When Owensboro High's elevator was first put in the seven-year-old son Johnny of the builder of the elevator was playing with his ABC blocks the elevator wasn’t all finished and there had been no doors to the elevator yet and the boy fell to his death, to this day if you go to the school real late at night right in front of the elevator and say Johnny are you playing with your blocks, you are to hear the sound of the blocks clinging together as if he were playing with them.

Owensboro, Ky. River Park Center

At night on the catwalk you can see a woman in white, dripping water as she continues to walk over the edge to the river below.

Owensboro, Ky. The Old Theater Workshop

In 1809 this theater was a Baptist church. A young priest lived there with his family. His daughter was dating a young man who her father disapproved of. Late one night the daughter came to her father with dreadful news. She told her father she was pregnant. He was so disappointed in her, he told her he never wanted to see her again and sent her away. So, the story goes that night she was out of her mind, she ran up to the bell tower and hung herself. Her father was so sad he killed himself in the basement. With what nobody knows. To this day, lights are said to go on and off constantly, the bell rings when there isn't a bell anymore, coldness out of nowhere surrounds you, and if you’re not careful while standing in front of the basement you just might get pushes as many have before.

Owensboro, Ky. Whitesville

old Whitesville school - If you go to the old Whitesville Public School you can hear doors and windows opening and shut and the lights will flicker on and off. There are reports of people finding an old electric chair in the basement.

Owenton, Ky. Perry Park

Here there is a pre-Civil War plantation that burnt down and killed 2 kids and their nanny. It was rebuilt and later turned into a private country club in 1967. The house was made into the restaurant and the rooms upstairs were rented out (to live in) then redone into a bed and breakfast (just for members guests). If you listen hard you can always hear little kids screaming and running footsteps all around. Doors won’t unlock and open or sometimes they won’t open even if unlocked. The nanny keeps quiet but every once in awhile, someone will get the privilege to see her full body in big windows that start at your nose. Since then the country club has been turned into a resort where they have built a hotel and made the golf course public. The ghosts do not like this, the fire alarms go off in the middle of the night for no reason and even after being reset will go off again. Curtains shut themselves and in the kitchen pots and pans will bang together and the doors will shut and lock themselves. The lights have dimmers and at night employees have said after turning off the switch and the lights on high they will come in the next morning and the lights will be switched on and on low dim. This doesn’t just happen at a certain time it happens ALL the time.

Owsley County, Ky. Booneville

Owsley County High School - A man roams the halls and writes disturbing words and phrases on the walls and chalkboards. The student was supposedly hung by a janitor in 1973 in the shower room in the boy's locker room. Exactly one year later the janitor was found hanging in the same spot as the student and was hanging by an old rusty chain. To this day no one really knows what happens!

Paducah, Ky. Emma Morgan Elementary

In the little-kids playground, through the gates, you will be talking and back around the corner you can hear a bike being slammed up against the gates, but when you walk back there, it stops. There are also voices and footsteps in the halls, especially in the hallway that has the names of the past principals listed. Also, for two miles around it, almost all the houses have had paranormal activity. No one knows the identity of the school's ghosts, but most of the ghosts in the community are either past owners or past owners' pets. Also, the place used to be a gravel pit. According to myth, many people died on construction of the town, and, to keep people from knowing that some people had died unexplained deaths, there buried them under the town. Of course, that's just a myth...

Paducah, Ky. Lone Oak

German Cemetery - This is an old Catholic cemetery located directly across the road from St John’s Catholic Church. There have been many sightings here of unexplained supernatural phenomenon. Such events include but are not limited to sightings of a "werewolf" type creature that charges up the hill at you, a female apparition that is not fond of males, and a strange light that seems to hover over one of the graves in the lower portion of the cemetery. Late at night during certain events, even the crickets are silenced.

Paducah, Ky. Oak Grove Cemetery

The spirit of a young woman named Della Barnes walks through this cemetery on certain nights. Documents claim she was accidentally poisoned by the doctor who was treating her for an illness. Legend has a different story though. Some people believe that her fiancé murdered her in a fit of rage. He even went as far as to cut off her left ring finger to retrieve the expensive engagement ring he had given her. There is also an iron-rod statue of an angel that is said to turn and face a different direction in the cemetery.

Paducah, Ky. Paducah Middle School

There have been reports of 4 gangsters roaming the halls and firing blanks at students. at night the janitors have reported smoke and the smell of marijuana coming out of the boy’s locker room.

Paducah, Ky. Reidland Middle and High School

During the day you could hear someone walking down the hallway and there would be no one there. Then some of the doors would open and close real fast and there would be nothing there some of them would not open it would be like it is stuck. Then the lights would go on and off and would not come on but when the teachers or students would go over there it would stop. Nobody knows what it is.

Paducah, Ky. Whitehaven

A restored mansion, now a rest area, and open to the public. A female apparition has occasionally been sighted on the balcony attached to the second-floor bedroom, believed to be the owner's wife. Legend has it she bled to death during an appendectomy. The feeling in that room is very pleasant, however, due to how much she loved that room---her husband had the room and balcony added on especially for her. She has been known to turn off the lights in that room, and the sounds of long skirts swishing as well as the scent of her perfume have been noted. Also, even though the old kitchen is now the employees' break room, there have been times the smells of someone cooking a huge feast have greeted startled visitors. It has been known to happen during the holidays, mainly Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a beautiful place to visit, even if you don't get to meet the happy spirits inhabiting this great house.

Paintsville, Ky. the City

built over partially or very near an Indian war and burial ground. This city is named for its numerous amounts of Indian paintings found here, and there are several Indian burial grounds here that businesses had been built on, that have had sightings.

Paintsville, Ky. Local Gas Station

there have been reports, of 'fully dressed' in battle clothing- headdresses and all, Indians, walking through a local gas station and disappearing again and dishes in the eatery of the place falling and being thrown around as well, many employees have quit.

Paintsville, Ky. Mayo Church

Mr. Mayo who was the richest man in a town built a church mostly for his wife. Some said that they have seen Mrs. Mayo praying or just sitting in the chapel late at night. Others say that you can hear whispering or humming coming from the chapel late at night.

Paintsville, Ky. Mayo Mansion

Mr. Mayo has been seen in his era clothing and hat on the sidewalk watching people drive by. a tunnel leading from the house underground to the church has long been filled however you get an eerie feeling standing near the site of the tunnel.

Paintsville, Ky. Old Town Cemetery

There have been reports of an old lady who wanders around the cemetery that overlooks the town of Paintsville in eastern Ky.

Paintsville, Ky. Paintsville Elementary School

Numerous reports of unexplained happenings from within the building including unexplained moaning, a sighting of a woman in one of the classrooms crying out to her husband and a child on the other side of the room, and many of the janitors working there claim there is in fact a ghost within the school.

Paintsville, Ky. Ramada Inn

The RAMADA INN was built on haunted grounds. The once place called BRISTLE BUCK. At the RAMADA, employees have had first hand experience at hauntings. In the kitchen, pans will come flying from off the wall at whoever! Late at night in the atrium, there have been the footsteps of a woman in high heels heard, this is every night. You don't want to go into one of the banquet rooms alone, you will feel as if someone is behind you.

Paris, Ky. The Covered Bridge

Located on Colville Road. Haunted by a young girl who was killed in a wreck with her boyfriend. They were coming home from prom and were going to stop at the bridge. You can set in the middle of the bridge and watch headlights come up behind you, but no car and then you see lights under the bridge as if a car has fallen in the water.

Paris, Ky. Old Hospital

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Coronavirus in Vermont: Latest news and impact

Free Press Staff

As the situation surrounding the COVID-19 caused by the new coronavirus continues to evolve in Vermont, here are updates and information. The latest news is at the top.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough and breathing trouble. Most develop only mild symptoms. But some people, usually those with other medical complications, develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia, which can be fatal.

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial outlook for the Burlington International Airport is stable, the airport announced Tuesday.

Moody's Investors Service affirmed the airport's Baa2 credit rating with the stable outlook earlier this month. The rating, according to Moody's, means the airport's obligations are medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk, but that it has a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

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Property taxes for Williston residents will be a bit higher than expected this year due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic delayed construction in the town, which impacted property values, the town stated in a news release. As a result, grand list increases were less than initially estimated.

The new rate is set to $0.2750, meaning that for every $100,000 in property value, municipal taxes will be $275, the town said. The deadline for the first property tax payment has been postponed from Aug. 15 until Sept 15. The other two deadlines will remain the same.

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Monday, July 20, 2020

Three full-time staff were laid off at Colchester Parks and Recreation due to diminished demand for camps and recreation programs during the pandemic, Town Manager Aaron Frank announced last week.

"Please do what you can to help towards positive changes in COVID outcomes that will allow us to bring back these valuable programs and staff that help make Colchester a great place to live, work and play," Frank wrote in a newsletter.

On a more upbeat note, the town announced that rehabilitation work on the Colchester Causeway is moving along ahead of schedule. If the trend holds, the breathtaking walk/bike trail across a portion of Lake Champlain will re-open by early September.

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Ten new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the state's health department Monday morning, bringing the cumulative state total to 1,360.

Three people are currently hospitalized with the virus, the same number as yesterday. Nineteen other hospitalizations are being investigated.

Deaths have remained at 56 since June 18.

Total people recovered are 1,139 and a total of 83,868 people have been tested.

_________________

The lakefront ECHO nature and science center in Burlington has waived its entrance fees to the public through Sept. 14, thanks to a fundraising effort by its members.

Although there is no cost for admission, tickets — available online — are required, the center reported in a news release.

ECHO is open 10 a.m. - noon, and 1-3 p.m., Friday - Monday.

Beginning July 24, the center will reserve the 10 a.m. - noon slot as a "member-preferred" time for visits.

________________

A new drop-off center for recycling and trash will open in Hinesburg on Saturday, according to an update posted today by Chittenden Solid Waste District.

The new facility at 907 Beecher Hill Road features a more efficient layout and up-to-date compactors that will help reduce truck traffic, wrote CSWD spokesperson Alise Certa.

Hours: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Saturdays only for now.

Safety: All customers must wear masks and stay six feet apart.

Restrictions: No bulky items (mattresses, furniture, construction material) at this time.

Check CSWD's website for a locator map, and more guidelines.

The district's drop-off centers in Richmond and Burlington remain closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

=================

Sunday, July 19, 2020

An gathering to paint a Black Lives Matter mural on Burlington's Main Street between St. Paul Street and South Winooski Avenue was planned from 2-3 p.m. Sunday. The mural was approved by city councilors and multiple city departments took part in organizing and undertaking the event.

___________

Twelve new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the health department, bringing the cumulative state total to 1,350. Three people are currently hospitalized with the virus, one less than the previous day.

21 other hospitalizations are being investigated.

Deaths remained at 56.

Total people recovered are 1,137 and a total of 82,500 people have been tested.

___________

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday for the Burlington area, with high humidity and temperatures soaring near 100 degrees.

The forecast calls for a high of 98 degrees, with the heat index — a measure of the combined affect of heat and humidity — topping out at 101.

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Three new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the health department, bringing the cumulative state total to 1,338. Four people are currently hospitalized with the virus, one less than the previous day.

21 other hospitalizations are being investigated.

Deaths remained at 56.

Total people recovered are 1,125 and a total of 80,446 people have been tested.

___________

Friday, July 17, 2020

Nine new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the Health Department. The recovery total is 1,121.

The cumulative state total of cases is now at 1,334.

The deaths remain at 56, and the number currently hospitalized is 4.

88,246 people have been tested.

The state listed the following updates on its dashboard:

"July 17 The number of people tested is incorrect and will be updated later this afternoon. July 16 The number of people tested displayed in the dashboard dropped by less than 300 people due to a new method being used that improves the quality of the demographic information about people tested and removes duplicates. The change also affects the numbers in the 'Total People Tested' graph and 'People Tested by Day' graph. A new map on the dashboard, 'Percent of Population Tested by County,' shows the percent of residents by county that have been tested."

___________

Takeaways from Gov. Scott's Friday news conference include the following:

Vermont's Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine gave an update on the Manchester situation (with 59 people who had positive antigen tests): 17 had PCR tests, "which is recommended to confirm the positive antigen result." Of this group, two tested positive .

School re-openings: Scott said he expects Vermont will use a hybrid model featuring remote and in-person learning. Dr. William Raszka with the UVM Health Network noted children seem less likely to transmit the virus that causes COVID-19. State Epidemiologist Dr. Patsy Kelso named strategies like: daily screenings; testing symptomatic people; contact tracing; using physical distancing and facial coverings.

___________

The Fletcher Free Library announced updated services in a July 16 news release.

These include allowing scheduled computer time, "brief visits to collect materials and receive library support" and outdoor seating ("when staffing allows").

The library has a Kids' Open Air Hours service that will allow youth to pick and chat about books.

"Weather permitting, the FFL Youth Department will staff a table on the library lawn in front of the historic Carnegie building at 235 College Street on Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and Wednesdays from 1 to 3 pm," the news release stated. "FFL requests that participants wear masks and maintain social distance."

The library also has mystery bags with youth books.

"The bags are available at Open Air Hours and at the front desk and the list of themes is on the Kids’ webpage at fletcherfree.org," the news release stated. "There is no bag limit."

___________

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Nine new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the Health Department. Seven people have recovered, bringing the cumulative recovery total to 1,111.

The cumulative state total of cases is now at 1,325.

The deaths remain at 56, and the number currently hospitalized remains at 5.

79,040 have been tested.

___________

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Thirteen new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the health department, bringing the cumulative state total to 1,318. Five people are currently hospitalized with the virus, three more than the previous day.

Fourteen other hospitalizations are being investigated.

Deaths remained at 56.

Total people recovered are 1,104 and a total of 78,358 people have been tested.

___________

Those who file a new initial claim for unemployment insurance may receive a call from the Department of Labor to confirm their identity and intent to file.

"This extra step is being taken to protect Vermonters against fraudulent filers using their personal information," a news release from the Department of Labor said. Imposter fraud has been on the rise across the country, according to the labor department.

"Individuals may ask the Department’s call center representative to provide further information to identify themselves, or if they do not feel comfortable providing information to the representative, the claimant can call the trusted Claimant Assistance Line at 877-214-3332 and select ‘Identity Confirmation’ from the menu options to connect with a call center representative," the release states.

Those who do not validate their identity when contacted may see a delay in payments.

__________

The Burlington city building at 625 Pine St. is open for limited, in-person services.

Burlington residents can do business with Public Works, Permitting & Inspections and Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors are required to wear masks, not to exceed four customers in the lobby and sign a log book.

"While the City still encourages the public to conduct as much business over the phone or internet as possible in the interest of public health, we also recognize the value of serving the public directly," the news release says.

How to contact (online, email and phone):

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Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Gov. Phil Scott announced Tuesday that Vermont's Health Care Provider Stabilization Grant Program will launch on Friday, July 17. The program utilizes up to $275 million from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide direct cash grants to eligible health care and human service providers who have lost revenue or incurred increased expenses because of the COVID-19 crisis.

The Agency of Human Services and the Department of Vermont Health Access will host a webinar on Monday, July 20, to explain the grant application process, eligibility requirements and the documents providers should plan to submit when applying for a grant. Sign up here to receive an email when the application is open.

_________

Four new cases of COVID-19 were reported Tuesday morning by the Vermont Department of Health, bringing the cumulative total for the state to 1,305.

Two people were hospitalized with the virus — the same number as the previous day. Eight hospitalizations are under investigation. Deaths remain at 56.

The health department is reporting 1,099 Vermonters who have recovered from the disease, with a total of 77,624 people have been tested.

_________

A preliminary outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Windham County was announced by state officials Tuesday during Gov. Phil Scott's weekly news conference.

Over 30 "presumptively positive" cases have been reported by Manchester Medical Center, said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, after the center's urgent care conducted a series of antigen tests to regional residents.

Those that test positive on antigen tests, which differ from PCR tests, are "not considered to be a lab-confirmed test" said Levine. Antigen tests tend to not be included in Vermont's number of cases, and those that were either confirmed positive or "false negatives" would need to be tested by the Health Department.

Levine stated that the Health Department has already set up a pop-up site in Londonderry for July 15, and he encouraged those that tested positive, as well as others in the region to attend it.

In regards to the outbreak, Mike Smith, secretary of the state's Agency of Human Services, cautioned Vermonters against failing to quarantine after traveling to "hotspots" outside of the state's designated safe areas. He further went on to recommend residents should not attend social events or gatherings following those trips where they know they are "bound to have close contacts" with other people.

"It is a pattern that I'm starting to get a little concerned about," said Smith.

"We all need to do our part. Risky behavior can lead to outbreaks."

Both Levine and Smith were hesitant to call it "the Manchester outbreak", citing that where people were getting tested did not reflect where they had contracted the virus.

_________

Gov. Phil Scott announced Tuesday that he would be extending Vermont's state of emergency through August 15. The action will not roll back opening-up procedures, Scott said — but will provide a mechanism through which the administration can update guidelines as necessary.

_________

Two statewide grant programs — aimed at providing relief to Vermont's dairy industry and health care system — were announced Tuesday.

The Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program will be offering a total of $25 million in federal funding to dairy producer and processors stating Friday, July 17.

Those eligible include dairy farmers and processors who were operating as of March 1 and were subsequently impacted by the pandemic, either through income loss, additional expenses or market disruption of dairy prices.

An estimated 25 Vermont dairies have closed operations since March 1, according to Anson Tebbetts, secretary of the sate's Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, during the governor's news conference. Prior to the pandemic, the state saw a loss of 1.5 farms per month.

"This has been a direct result of what happened when the markets went away for our dairy farmers," Tebbetts said.

Applications are available via the Agency's website, and must be completed by Oct. 1.

--------------

The Health Care Stabilization Grant Program is additionally set to launch this Friday, intended to give $275 million of financial assistance to Vermont health care providers.

Applications must be completed by August 15, and will be evaluated and distributed based on "demonstrated need", as opposed to a first come, first serve basis.

The program is intended to cover a wide variety of providers, organizations and small-scale practices including health centers, dentists, mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, physical therapists, and emergency medical service providers.

"We want to continue to meet the needs of providers during and after this time of crisis," said Mike Smith, secretary of the state's Agency of Human Services. "If providers are not certain if they are eligible, we want them to apply anyway."

Cash grants for the first round of this program will cover expenses between March 1 and June 15. The second round is expected to launch in October, and will cover between June 16 to Sept. 30.

_________

Burlington School District will host a series of town hall meetings this week, inviting community members to learn about and participate in the district's plans to reopen schools this fall.

The meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom and split between two days to allow both families and staff the opportunity to ask questions and hear from school administrators about the reopening.

The town hall meeting for families will meet 7 p.m. on July 15, whereas a meeting for staff will be conducted the following day, at 7 p.m. on July 16.

“This is a key moment in our planning process," said Tom Flanagan, the new superintendent for Burlington School District when began his tenure on July 1st.

"We need to hear from the community in order to finalize our plans and inform our families so they can start planning their lives."

For more information, those interested can visit the district's website via this link. The meeting will also be aired live through the district's YouTube and Facebook pages. Interpreters will be available to translate the meeting.

Monday, July 13, 2020

Six new cases of COVID-19 were reported Monday by the Vermont Department of Health, which brings the cumulative total for the state to 1,301.

Two people were hospitalized with the virus — the same number as the previous day. Eight hospitalizations are under investigation.

Deaths remained the same at 56. There has not been a COVID-related death in Vermont since June 18.

The health department is reporting 1,096 Vermonters who have recovered from the disease.

76,581 people have been tested for the virus.

NOTE: The Free Press noticed the numbers regarding new and total case counts didn't align from July 11 to July 13 and subsequently reached out to the Health Department. Ben Truman with the department said in an email that this is why there is a notice that this data is preliminary. He provided an example: A person who tested positive might no longer get counted if it is learned that they don't live in Vermont.

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Sunday, July 12, 2020

Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 were reported Sunday by the Vermont Department of Health, which brings the cumulative total for the state to 1,296.

Two people were hospitalized with the virus — the same number as the previous day. Fifteen hospitalizations are under investigation.

Deaths remained the same at 56. There has not been a COVID-related death in Vermont since June 18.

The health department is reporting 1,089 Vermonters who have recovered from the disease.

75,851 people have been tested for the virus.

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Saturday, July 11, 2020

Six new cases of COVID-19 were reported Saturday by the Vermont Department of Health, which brings the cumulative total for the state to 1,283.

Two people were hospitalized with the virus — the same as yesterday. Sixteen hospitalizations are under investigation.

Deaths remained the same at 56. There has not been a COVID-related death in Vermont since June 18.

The health department is reporting 1,066 Vermonters who have recovered from the disease.

75,032 people have been tested for the virus.

Friday, July 10, 2020

The Governor announced $30 million in housing assistance for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The money would be allocated Federal CARES Act funding: $25 million for renters and landlords and $5 million for homeowners behind on making payments. Those interested in receiving assistance can begin applying online starting Monday July 13 for the rental assistance program or mortgage assistance program.

Renters' assistance money could be used for rent or security deposits as well as make up for landlord losses from the period starting March 1, 2020. Funding can be re-applied for and is given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Proof of payment delinquency will be required.

The mortgage assistance program prioritizes the lowest income, highest risk of foreclosure homeowners who have missed at least two payments. Homeowners could apply for up to three missed mortgage payments; funds will be paid directly to the mortgage lender.

__________

Kinney Drugs and a Walgreens in Essex will soon begin COVID-19 testing at their pharmacies.

Gov. Phil Scott asked other local companies to join the effort. Health Commissioner Mark Levine said having testing locations at local pharmacies takes some of the burden off the health department so they can focus on outbreaks and vulnerable populations.

___________

Five new cases of COVID-19 were reported Friday by the Vermont Department of Health, which brings the cumulative total for the state to 1,277.

Two people were hospitalized with the virus — down one from yesterday. Nine hospitalizations are under investigation.

Deaths remained the same at 56. There has not been a COVID-related death in Vermont since June 18.

The health department is reporting 1,066 Vermonters who have recovered from the disease.

74,098 people have been tested for the virus.

__________

The ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain will be regularly open starting July 10, Fridays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Timed tickets are required for two different time slots, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.

_________

In a news conference Friday afternoon, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger said Vermont is doing well combatting the coronavirus, but emphasized that we are only in the second inning of a nine inning game, using a baseball analogy to make the point that there’s a long way to go before the crisis is over.

Weinberger echoed the same point made during the call by Dr. Stephen Leffler, president and chief operating officer of University of Vermont Medical Center, who said, “There’s a lot of coronavirus in front of us.” Leffler said he understands that people are fatigued by the effort to deal with the virus, but “we have to be in this for the long term.”

Leffler used a different spots analogy, saying we just finished the first quarter of the effort to fight the disease.

_________

Airport Director Gene Richards also joined the mayor’s call to give an update on measures being taken Burlington International Airport against COVID-19. The airport has added thermal imaging that can pick up abnormally high body temperatures, indicating a fever, in groups of up to 20 people. Richards said if someone is “running warm” a red square shows up on her image rather than a green square.

Richards explained that a person who possibly has a fever is notified and advised to check with a physician, but no further steps are taken. “We don’t want to get into people’s personal business at this point,” Richards said. “It’s very voluntary.”

Richards said about 4,000 people are passing through the airport weekly, up from a low of 800 at the start of the pandemic. Normally, Burlington International Airport would be seeing as many as 17,000 people passing through weekly at this time of year, before the coronavirus struck the nation.

Thursday, July 9, 2020

The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival announced it is canceling the 12th annual event planned for Sunday, Aug. 9 at Shelburne Farms.

"We have been pondering what to do – postpone the festival, offer alternative events, etc. – and found is that there really is no alternative to the festival given the current conditions and our interest in keeping both our vendors’ and attendees’ safety prioritized," reads a note on the festival's website.

The Vermont Cheese Council, which plans the event, has had to focus in recent months "trying to help cheesemakers keep their doors open, helping them find grant and other emergency funds, redirecting and identifying new sales strategies to try to make up for the 25-75% losses most of them have experienced, helping them navigate the changing regulations related to operating within our industry at this time, and marketing their products as widely as possible," according to the website.

_________

Vermont Humanities and the Vermont Arts Council have wrapped up their Cultural Relief Grant Program that distributed nearly $750,000 in emergency relief grants to 122 Vermont cultural organizations, including museums, libraries, performing-arts venues and other cultural centers, the council announced in a news release.

The program, which concluded May 31, supported humanities and arts organizations struggling to survive through resulting economic fallout from the pandemic. The grants are for general operating expenses of $5,000 to $10,000 depending on organization size.

The program was seeded by more than $700,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.

The Opera Company of Middlebury canceled its planned June production of Tchaikovkiy's "Maid of Orleans," causing nearly 60 Vermont singers, musicians and staff members to go without a paycheck.

“This grant supports our plan to produce an innovative, socially-distanced video production this fall, putting these talented people back to work, and bringing opera once again to the Vermont audience,” artistic director Douglas Anderson said in a news release.

_________

The Shelburne Museum will re-open to the public July 30.

Free admission will be offered to patrons visiting by September 6. Online ticket reservations will be required and can be can be obtained at shelburnemuseum.org.

The museum will be open four days a week — Thursday through Sunday — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Occupancy limits will be imposed on both outdoor and indoor spaces. Three exhibit buildings will be open to the public. Masks will be required for those ages 5 and up.

_________

Efficiency Vermont is offering grants to schools updating their ventilation systems to lessen airborne viral transmission.

The School Indoor Air Quality Grant Program was created by the Vermont Legislature and uses federal coronavirus relief funds to help schools improve their indoor air quality in response to national guideline recommendations.

"The goal is to complete as much work as possible before schools open in September, and all projects must be completed by the end of the year," a news release from Efficiency Vermont reads.

The initiative is seeking contractors, HVAC technicians and other specialists who can help perform the work schools are requesting.

More info at efficiencyvermont.com/schools.

__________

Sixteen new cases of COVID-19 were reported Thursday by the Vermont Department of Health, bringing the cumulative total for the state to 1,272.

Three people were hospitalized with the virus — up one from Wednesday. Twelve hospitalizations are under investigation.

Deaths remained the same at 56.

The health department is reporting 1,054 Vermonters have recovered from the disease.

The total number of tests performed so far were 72,749 (just shy of 1,000 additional tests in the past 24 hours).

__________

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

The City of Burlington is moving the deadline for property tax payments due to delays in other tax deadlines that occurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The deadline for property tax bills will now be Sept. 14, according to Burlington Chief Administrative Officer Katherine Schad. The original deadline was Aug. 12.

The city will not penalize residents who wait until the new deadline to pay their bill, Schad said.

Taxpayers who have automatic payments set up through their bank should notify their bank of the change, according to Schad. Taxpayers enrolled in the city's direct debit program do not have to take any action.

___________________

The City of Burlington is supporting a move by Gov. Phil Scott this week to write letters to bar owners in the state to remind them of COVID-19 compliance rules.

This comes after four Burlington bars received written warnings accusing them of breaking rules put in place through an executive order signed by Scott. These rules were set to ensure health and safety within bars during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scott's letter also informs bar owners that the Department of Liquor and Lottery would be conducting compliance checks to ensure they are following the rules, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger said during a news conference Wednesday.

Weinberger has expressed concern about these violations, saying that COVID-19 transmission can easily occur in bars. He said the guidelines are restrictive, but they must be followed to ensure patrons' safety.

"I want to be clear: these are important businesses for Burlington," Weinberger said. "They've been an important part of Burlington's economic successes, they're a part of the vibrancy of Burlington. I take no joy at all in having to have this tougher posture."

___________________

Two new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vermont on Wednesday in today's update from the Department of Health.

There were no new deaths related to COVID-19 reported, keeping the total number of deaths in the state at 56.

Two people remain hospitalized with the disease (the same as Tuesday) and 12 are hospitalized with their diagnosis still under investigation.

The Health Department says 1,049 Vermonters have recovered from COVID-19, an increase of 10 over Tuesday.

The state reported 643 more people were tested yesterday, bringing the total number of individuals tested to 71,756.

____________________

A major lacrosse tournament scheduled for July in Stowe has been cancelled, organizers announced on the Bitter Lacrosse website Wednesday.

The Stowe LAX Classic for high school boys and girls was to have taken place July 18 - 19 and July 25-26.

Local concerns about the potential spread of COVID-19 prompted the cancellation, according to a story posted Tuesday by VT Digger.

===================

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

There were 3 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Vermont on Tuesday. There were no new deaths related to COVID-19 reported, keeping the total number of deaths in the state at 56.

Two people are hospitalized with the virus and 11 are hospitalized under investigation. The health department says 1,039 Vermonters have recovered from COVID-19.

The state reported 760 new tests, bringing the total number of individuals tested to 71,113.

__________

Vermont colleges and universities will be required to adopt strict health and safety protocols moving into the fall 2020 semester in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, according to an announcement Tuesday.

Richard Schneider, former president of Norwich University and a member of Gov. Phil Scott's Re-Start committee, outlined guidance for colleges and universities during a news conference:

Mandatory quarantine

Health screening required for all students, staff and faculty

Limiting visitors (the same 14-day quarantine restrictions apply)

All students must sign a health-safety contract, to establish personal accountability. There would be ramifications if they threaten the health of others.

Testing of students at least once per year

Modifying calendars – everybody home by Thanksgiving; not returning before Christmas.

Restricting travel (specifically, college-funded travel).

Reducing density in dining halls, and in classes.

More:New guidelines: College students will face a COVID-transformed semester in Vermont

__________

Free COVID-19 testing will be available at select locations in Burlington and Winooski this week.

Pop-up sites will be running at various hours on these days:

Champlain Elementary School , 800 Pine St., Burlington: (Wednesday, July 8 & Thursday, July 9 between 1 to 7 p.m. , and Friday July 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

, 800 Pine St., Burlington: O'Brien Community Center , 32 Malletts Bay Ave., Winooski: (Tuesday, July 7 between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

, 32 Malletts Bay Ave., Winooski: Riverside, 666 Riverside Ave., Burlington: (Wednesday, July 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Walk-ins are welcome, although pre-registration is encouraged. Interpreters are available upon request. To register, individuals can call (802) 828-2828 visit humanresources.vermont.gov/burlington or humanresources.vermont.gov/winooski.

Monday, July 6, 2020

Vermont businesses can now apply for an economic-recovery grant through the state of Vermont via federal Coronavirus Relief Funds.

The grants are intended for businesses that can demonstrate revenue loss in any one-month period from March 1-Aug. 31, 2020, when compared with the same month in 2019.

The state Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and Vermont Department of Taxes will work together to administer the more than $150 million available. Businesses that pay rooms and meals or sales and use taxes will go through the Department of Taxes. All others will go through ACCD.

__________

The COVID-19 pandemic means no drivers education this summer for students at South Burlington High School this summer, Principal Patrick Burke tweeted.

The school district does not have an approved budget for 2020-21, Burke noted. "COVID relief funds have not been approved to provide summer drivers-education 'make-up' hours for students for whom DE was cut short last semester," Burke tweeted. "As a result, there will be no SBHS summer drivers' education services this summer."

Making up the hours for students enrolled in drivers education last spring "will be a priority as we reopen the school in late August," according to Burke.

__________

There were 2 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Vermont on Monday. There were no new deaths related to COVID-19 reported, keeping the total number of deaths in the state at 56.

One person is hospitalized with the virus and 23 are hospitalized under investigation. The health department says 1,022 Vermonters have recovered from COVID-19.

The state reported 329 new tests, bringing the total number of individuals tested to 70,353.

============

Sunday, July 5, 2020

There were 11 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Vermont on Sunday. There were no new deaths related to COVID-19 reported, keeping the total number of deaths in the state at 56.

One person is hospitalized with the virus and 14 are hospitalized under investigation. The health department says 1,007 Vermonters have recovered from COVID-19.

The state reported 627 new tests, bringing the total number of individuals tested to 70,024.

============

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Two new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vermont on Saturday, one in Chittenden County and another in Lamoille County. There were no new deaths related to COVID-19 reported, keeping the total number of deaths in the state at 56.

There was no change from yesterday when it came to hospitalizations: 1 person is hospitalized with the virus and 15 are hospitalized under investigation. The health department says 999 Vermonters have recovered from COVID-19, a number that jumped by 32 since yesterday.

The state reported 995 new tests, bringing the total number of individuals tested to 69,397.

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Friday, July 3, 2020

Vermont State Historic Sites are re-opening for the season this week, according to an announcement from the Division for Historic Preservation.

Guests will be required to wear face coverings inside of buildings at historic sites, and outside when in proximity to others. Some spaces will be closed to encourage social distancing.

Some sites, including the President Chester A. Arthur Historic Site, Kents Corner Historic Site, and Eureka Schoolhouse Historic Site will remain closed for the 2020 season. Read more here about which sites are now open: https://historicsites.vermont.gov

__________

Nine new cases of COVID-19 — five of them in Chittenden County — were reported in Vermont as of Friday morning.

The total number of positive cases thus far in the pandemic is 1,236, according to data from the state's health department.

There were no new deaths related to COVID-19 reported; that total remains at 56.

One person is currently hospitalized with the coronavirus, while 15 people are hospitalized under investigation for COVID-19. The Health Department reports that 967 Vermonters have recovered from the disease, seven more people since yesterday.

A total of 68,395 people have been tested for the virus.

__________

The Vermont Foodbank Farmers to Families Food box program will continue through July and August.

The program provides boxes of fresh produce, dairy and chicken, and there are several distribution locations and times each day. To reduce wait times, reservations will be required.

For information on reservations and the program, read here: https://www.vtfoodbank.org/coronavirus-services-for-individuals

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Thursday, July 2, 2020

ECHO, the Burlington science and nature museum, will be reopening to the public this weekend. There will be timed tickets to limit capacity in the building.

For more information, read here: https://www.echovermont.org/plan-your-visit/reopening-information/

__________

The 17 new cases reported today are not related to any one outbreak, nor are they unexpected, Public Health Communication Officer Ben Truman said Thursday.

The new cases are spread out across six counties. Chittenden County leads with eight new cases.

Truman said that one case is related to an outbreak that began in Winooski, and some of them are related to travel.

__________

An "intermission" in performances for the foreseeable future has been announced by Burlington-based Off Center for the Performing Arts.

The group, which had been planning to throw a celebration of its 10th year, will store its stage, lighting and other equipment and "wait patiently offstage for the cue to start our next act," according to an update posted Wednesday by Laura Roald, its board president.

Meanwhile, Roald adds, the nonprofit will continue its search for a permanent performance space. She encourages anyone wishing to help in that quest, or just to help with the move to a storage space, to contact he group at theoffcenter@gmail.com.

__________

Seventeen new cases of COVID-19 — eight of them in Chittenden County — were reported in Vermont as of Thursday morning.

The total number of positive cases thus far in the pandemic is 1,227, according to data from the state's health department.

There were no new deaths related to COVID-19 reported; that total remains at 56.

Two people are hospitalized with the new coronavirus, while 19 people are hospitalized and under investigation for COVID-19. The Health Department reports that 960 Vermonters have recovered from the disease.

A total of 67,341 people have been tested for the virus.

============

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Vermont's Economic Recovery Grant Program is set to begin July 6, Gov. Phil Scott announced Wednesday.

The effort is the product of from a proposal by Scott's administration and amendments from the state legislature. It will disburse funds from the federal CARES Act in the form of cash grants to Vermont businesses that have lost revenue because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.

“Helping these businesses survive is essential to the future of our state," Scott said in a statement. "These economic recovery grants are a first step to ensuring our economy survives this period, so we can look to thrive in the wake of this pandemic.”

The first boost of funds will be $50 million for businesses who pay rooms and meals or sales and use tax, to be administered through the Department of Tax.

Another $20 million will be available to all other private businesses and non-profits through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. The grants will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For further information, visit: https://accd.vermont.gov/content/emergency-recovery-grants-overview-webinar.

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Early voting has begun for the Aug. 11 state primary, and Burlington city officials are encouraging residents to vote via mail to avoid unnecessary contact with others at polling stations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city has sent postcards to city residents who are registered voters informing them of the vote by mail option. Those postcards have detachable absentee ballot request forms, said Amy Bovee, an assistant city clerk. The request form can be mailed back to the city with postage the city has already paid. Ballots can also be obtained by calling the Burlington City Clerk’s Office at 802-865-7000 or by visiting mvp.vermont.gov.

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Burlington’s Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department is working to make food trucks available to residents in a safe and socially distant way with its “Grazin’ on the Greenway” program this summer.

The COVID-19 pandemic has canceled traditional food truck events like the Leddy Beach Bites program and the ArtsRiot Truck Stop due to health and safety concerns. Through the new program, food trucks will be available at four city parks — Leddy Park, Water Works Park, Waterfront Park, and Oakledge Park — on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., said Cindi Wight, director of Parks, Recreation and Waterfront. This program begins July 2.

During the program, guidelines for health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic will apply. Visitors must wear facial coverings, stay 6 feet apart, wash their hands frequently, and should not attend if they are sick.

Wight said the department is looking for more food truck owners to participate in the program. She encouraged them to reach out to the department.

Parks officials are also hoping to do something similar in various city neighborhoods, but details on that plan had not been finalized as of Wednesday.

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The Intervale Center announced Wednesday that it will host a "Spirit of Summervale" digital event series this summer to take the place of its popular annual food and music festival.

The new format will take place each Thursday from July 9 through Aug. 27. The weekly concerts will be broadcast at 6:30 p.m. on the Intervale Center's Facebook and Instagram pages.

The revamped version of Summervale will support local businesses via weekly giveaways announced during the set break each week. Participants will have an opportunity to win a $100 gift card from their favorite Summervale vendors by getting takeout at select locations and sharing on social media.

The 2020 music lineup will feature Mister Chris & Friends, Zach Nugent, Pete’s Posse, Collin Cope & Friends, Ryan Montbleu, Joe Adler & the Rangers of Danger and Swimmer, according to a news release. Viewers will also have the opportunity to hear words from long-time event partners and guest nonprofit organizations working in climate, food, and social justice.

__________

City Market employees will continue to receive hazard pay through Aug. 15 after a five-hour negotiation on Tuesday night, according to the workers' union, UE Local 203.

The amount of the funds, called an "appreciation bonus," will be smaller but union members will continue to earn at least $15 an hour during the pandemic. The union's agreement with store management is scheduled to revisit the situation and possibly bargain further on Aug. 17.

Per the extended agreement, employees will earn an extra $75 per 40-hour work week, prorated

""For the pay periods of June 28 through August 15, 2020 the Appreciation Bonus is $75 per employee per pay period based on a 40-hour work week, prorated to the number of hours the employee worked.

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Two new cases of COVID-19 have been reported, bringing the total of cumulative cases in the state to 1,210.

One person with the virus remains hospitalized, while 16 others hospitalized are under investigation.

Deaths remained 56. So far, 961 people have recovered and 66, 292 people have been tested.

__________

The Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin' Festival has been postponed until 2021.

Competitors have an extra year to perfect their trebuchet and guests can look forward to attending the 12th annual event at the Stoweflake Resort and Spa in Stowe on September 26, 2021.

__________

Free Wi-Fi is being offered to the general public on the campuses of Northern Vermont University, Castleton University and Vermont Technical College.

The Vermont State Colleges System is providing the space and the Vermont Electric Power Company provided and installed equipment to expand the number of people who could log on at a time.

Designated hot spot spaces will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for 20 to 30 socially-distanced users at a time; locations can be found on the state's public Wi-Fi map.

The initiative was developed to help remote workers and learners in areas underserved by internet access.

__________

The Montshire Museum will reopen to the public July 8 with outdoor exhibits and programs.

The Norwich science museum has created two new outdoor experiences on their forest nature trail land: "Prehistoric Giants," sculptures of animal ancestors visitors can stroll past and observe, and "The Play Grove," a play area with structures and informal science exploration.

In addition, a bubble exhibit has moved outdoors, where science programming will also take place.

Indoor exhibits will remain closed, however, restrooms will be available. Hours have changed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Visitors must reserve a morning arrival or afternoon arrival ticket in advance up to three days prior (though visitors can stay until closing).

Guests aged three and older are required to wear a mask indoors and when interacting with staff or the public, and are encouraged to wear them outdoors. Some one-way directional traffic patterns will be imposed.

More information is available at the Montshire Museum of Science website.

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Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Zero new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vermont as of Tuesday morning, keeping the total number of positive cases at 1,208, according to data from the state's health department.

Two people are hospitalized with the new coronavirus, while 14 people are hospitalized under investigation for COVID-19. The Health Department reports that 953 Vermonters have recovered.

The number of deaths related to COVID-19 remains 56. A total of 65,764 people have been tested for the virus.

__________

Vermont will open up to more states for people who want to visit without quarantining.

“Effective July 1, people from low-risk counties in additional states can travel to Vermont without having to quarantine,” the Health Department wrote in a daily update Tuesday.

This includes:

Delaware.

Maryland.

New Jersey.

Ohio.

Pennsylvania.

Virginia.

West Virginia.

This update also includes the District of Columbia.

__________

Monday, June 29, 2020

Six new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vermont as of Monday morning, bringing the total number of positive cases to 1,208, according to data from the state's Health Department.

Two people are hospitalized with the new coronavirus, while 11 people are hospitalized under investigation for COVID-19. The Health Department reports that 949 Vermonters have recovered.

The number of deaths related to COVID-19 remains at 56. A total of 64,993 people have been tested for the virus.

__________

Free COVID-19 testing will be available at select locations in Burlington and Winooski this week.

Pop-up sites will be running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on these days:

Champlain Elementary School , 800 Pine St., Burlington: (Tues. 6/30, Weds. 7/1, and Thurs. 7/2)

, 800 Pine St., Burlington: O'Brien Community Center , 32 Malletts Bay Ave., Winooski: (Mon. 6/29, Tues. 6/30)

, 32 Malletts Bay Ave., Winooski: VT Department of Health, 108 Cherry St., Burlington: (Tues. 6/30)

Pre-registration is required for the Health Department location, otherwise, it is not required. Interpreters are available upon request. To register, individuals can call (802) 828-2828 visit humanresources.vermont.gov/burlington or humanresources.vermont.gov/winooski.

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All patients, visitors and staff at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin will now have their body temperature scanned by a thermal imaging camera prior to entering the hospital.

Prior to the announcement, since March 21, any person entering the facility was required to pass a individual temperature screening to monitor symptoms of COVID-19. The hospital said those methods were " time consuming" and involved a sizeable number of staff members to screen patients, proving inefficient as they returned to normal patient capacity.

“This technology greatly improves the experience and increases the speed and safety of the screening process,” said Robert Patterson, Vice President of Human Resources and Clinical Operations for Central Vermont Medical Center.

“Once people answer a few questions about their health, they simply walk into the facility and their temperature is automatically taken. It greatly decreases the time it takes for them to enter, eliminates the need to remove their mask, and decreases the time they spend in close proximity to our staff, which keeps everyone safer.”

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Vermont Law School will conduct all of its fall 2020 classes online, according to a news release Monday.

No on-campus residential courses will offered during the semester, and all on-campus classes will be held virtually in a series of live sessions.

"We strive to provide a consistent educational experience for all of our students while being sensitive to our community's safety and security," said Thomas McHenry, president and dean of Vermont Law School.

"We want to provide as much notice to our students, facility, and staff, in order to plan appropriately and deliver the high-quality course content and access to faculty that VLS is known for."

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Sunday, June 28, 2020

Two new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vermont as of noon on Sunday, bringing the total number of positive cases to 1,202, according to Health Department data.

Two people are hospitalized with COVID-19, while 13 people are hospitalized and under investigation for the virus. The Department of Health is reporting that 946 people in Vermont have recovered, the same number as yesterday, Saturday June 27.

The number of COVID-19-attributed deaths is still 56. A total of 63,865 people have been tested for the virus.

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Saturday, June 27, 2020

Two new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vermont on Saturday, bringing the total number of positive cases to 1,200, according to Health Department data.

Two people are hospitalized with COVID-19, while 12 people are hospitalized and under investigation for the virus. The state is reporting that 946 people in Vermont have recovered.

The number of COVID-19-attributed deaths remained at 56. A total of62,723 people have been tested for the virus.

__________

As anticipated, sports competitions between Vermont-based teams may resume July 1, according to Friday's updated guidance from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. Only no- or low-contact sports (such as tennis) or short-duration sports (such as soccer, softball, baseball, lacrosse, volleyball, hockey) are allowed to play games. High-contact sports remain limited to conditioning and skill-building drills.

More:Independent league to replace American Legion baseball in Vermont this summer

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Play structures or playgrounds are now open for use to the public, Gov. Phil Scott said in his Friday news conference. Proper signage must be displayed, saying users or anyone in their household cannot be ill. Users must also wash hands before and after use. Organizations responsible for the play structures are encouraged to provide hand sanitizers, according to updated guidance from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

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Friday, June 26, 2020

Seven new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vermont on Friday, bringing the total number of positive cases to 1,198, according to Health Department data.

Four people are hospitalized with COVID-19, while 10 people are hospitalized and under investigation for the virus. The state is reporting that 941 people in Vermont have recovered.

The number of COVID-19-attributed deaths remained at 56. A total of 61,589 people have been tested for the virus.

__________

Mayor Miro Weinberger offered updates on the city's budget, which he said must be passed next week, as well as COVID-19 during his briefing Friday. Some takeaways include:

An emergency budget that doesn't implement new voter-approved taxes.

The Fiscal Year 2021 budget including: A $1 million fund for racial justice. A $250,000 Public Safety Transformation Fund.

Burlington is kicking off its "Open Streets" initiative Saturday, temporarily restricting traffic flow downtown for businesses and foot traffic.

__________

Starting July 1, Vermont will allow travel without quarantine from certain counties in six new states and from the District of Columbia, Gov. Phil Scott announced at a press conference Friday. Individuals from counties in these states that have less than 400 cases per million people can travel to Vermont without the 14 day quarantine mandate required of other travelers.

These states are:

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Delaware

Maryland

West Virginia

Virginia

The District of Columbia

This accounts for about 19 million people across 216 counties, a population which Scott hopes will support the struggling hospitality industry in the state. Travelers must travel by personal vehicle, and cannot fly or take a bus or train.

Vermont has already allowed travel without quarantine from low-risk counties in New York, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

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Thursday, June 25, 2020

Seven new cases of COVID-19 reported in Vermont on Thursday brought the total number of positive cases to 1,191, according to Health Department data.

Three people are hospitalized with COVID-19, while 12 people are hospitalized and under investigation for the virus. The state said that 938 people across the state have recovered.

The number of deaths attributable to COVID-19 remained at 56. A total of 60,709 people have been tested for the virus.

__________

The Chittenden Solid Waste District's drop-off center in South Burlington will be reopening on Saturday, June 27 after being temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Customers will be required to wear facial coverings and vehicles will be metered into the facility, according to the organization's website. The facility will be open on Monday, Friday and Saturday between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

The facility is currently not accepting large bulky items such as mattresses, furniture, or construction material. Items that will be accepted and their fees can be found on the Chittenden Solid Waste District's website at cswd.net/facility-locations/south-burlington-drop-center.

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Wednesday, June 24, 2020

During the Governor's meeting Wednesday, Health Commissioner Mark Levine gave updates on outbreaks and clusters of COVID-19 across the state.

Winooski outbreak: The total cases are 114 so far with its peak in early June. According to Levine we are "clearly on a downward and stable slope." He said it takes time for numbers to peter out because of the 7 to 14 day incubation perid.

Rutland County cluster: A Rutland County employer in the Fair Haven area has 12 cases within its population. Testing is being performed on employees and community wide testing is expected to be announced soon. Levine would not identify the business but said it was not of the type where consumers would be coming in and out.

Windham County family cluster: one family in Windham County has multiple cases. Testing is being performed today in Brattleboro. Levine said the number of cases there is less than 10 but would not give an exact number as to not inadvertently identify the family.

Levine said a cluster is when cases are confined to one main source such as a family, household or business and not distributed across the population. The term outbreak is used when transmission is beyond one particular source, he said.

__________

There were 20 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state cumulative total to 1,184. Hospitalizations increased to four (from two) and those hospitalized under investigation decreased from 17 to 9 over the last 24 hours.

Deaths remained at 56. Total people being monitored increased by 20 to 1,230.

Those recovered total 930, while 1,296 completed being monitored and 59,860 tests have been performed so far.

__________

The University of Vermont Medical Center is scaling back some limitations on visitors to the hospital. Every Vermont hospital began restricting visitation in March to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Effective today, UVM Medical Center is allowing one "consistent" family member or support person in inpatient and procedural areas. Outpatient restrictions remain in place, where family and friends are not allowed to accompany patients into their doctors' offices unless patients requires support and assistance to meet with their doctors.

For pediatric patients, one parent or support person is recommended, but both parents may be permitted to visit when "necessary and appropriate," based on unique care needs and circumstances determined by the care team.

Patients arriving in the emergency department or urgent care may also be accompanied by one consistent family member or support person.

__________

National Life Group in Montpelier announced it cut 53 jobs in Vermont as a result of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The insurance company also cut 30 jobs in Texas and 12 in "other remote locations," according to a news release.

Mehran Assadi, chairman, president and CEO of National Life, said in a statement the company does not anticipate any further job cuts.

National Life employees have been working remotely since mid-March, with the exception of a few dozen essential workers who continue to report to the office in Montpelier, the news release said. The company is currently planning a phased return to the office, which will not occur before July 20.

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Tuesday, June 23, 2020

One new case of COVID-19 brought the state cumulative total to 1,164. Hospitalizations increased to two (from none) and those hospitalized under investigation increased from 8 to 17 over the last 24 hours.

Deaths remained at 56. Total people being monitored are 1,210.

Those recovered total 927, while 1,270 completed being monitored and 59,328 tests have been performed so far.

__________

Smugglers' Notch Resort reopens for travelers and locals June 26. Activities such as pools, water parks, guided hiking, disc golf and 20 miles of mountain biking trails are expected to be open. Food and beverage service will be available on-site. Social distancing and enhanced cleaning protocols will be employed.

__________

Employees of restaurant and retail shops in downtown Burlington can park for free.

Temporary free parking will be available at the Lakeview/College Street garage. Those who haven't done so previously need to sign up for FlexVal and fill out a sign up form.

Employees will receive a printed reusable validation parking pass to use until the end of July. The period could be extended.

__________

Some Vermonters who apply for unemployment insurance will see an increase to their weekly benefits.

The announcement came from Gov. Phil Scott and the Vermont Department of Labor Tuesday, as part of a series of changes to the state's Unemployment Insurance (UI) program.

Beginning the first week of July, maximum weekly UI claims will increase from $513 to $531.

In addition to the benefits increase, Vermont employers will see a lowering of their UI tax rates as of July 1.

“This tax relief will help reduce the burden on employers who’ve had to make difficult decisions to protect the health and safety of their workers and help limit the spread of COVID-19 in Vermont,” said Governor Scott in a news release.

“We know Vermonters made a tremendous economic sacrifice in order to respond to this virus, and we will continue to pull every lever we can to help workers and employers recover from this pandemic.”

__________

Chittenden Solid Waste District's South Burlington Drop-Off Center will resume its operations starting June 27.

The facility will reopen at limited capacity, with new hours (Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and temporary flat fees while precautions are ongoing for the COVID-19 pandemic.

All customers and visitors will be required to wear facial coverings when entering the Drop-Off Center. Trailers, wood waste, mattresses, and major electronic appliances (air conditioners, dehumidifiers, refrigerators) are not currently allowed.

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Monday, June 22, 2020

Four new cases of COVID-19 were reported Monday by the Vermont Department of Health, bringing the cumulative total to 1,163.

No additional deaths were reported — the total remains at 56.

No people were reported hospitalized for the disease, although eight are under observation in a hospital.

The number of people being monitored for symptoms stands at 1,142 and the number who have completed monitoring is 1,241. These numbers include close contacts of confirmed cases and people traveling to Vermont from out-of-state who have enrolled in the state's Sara Alert program.

_____________

Darn Tough Vermont announced on Monday that it had to lay off nearly 50 employees.

"A few months ago we couldn’t grow fast enough," the company wrote on its social media account. "There are larger problems in the world, and we get that. It’s always about people though, and compassion."

Darn Tough falls under Cabot Hosiery Mills, Inc. President Ric Cabot had 330 employees in February, the Free Press reported.

More:Just socks: How Darn Tough's single-minded focus has fueled growth in good times and bad

_____________

Middlebury College released a list of expected protocols for the fall semester in light of COVID-19. These include:

A 12-week semester beginning Sept. 8, with no October break. The final day for on-campus class will be Nov. 20; Classes will start up again Nov. 30 remotely.

The final day for on-campus class will be Nov. 20; Classes will start up again Nov. 30 remotely. Spacing in classroom settings, though "many classes will be hybrid" incorporating remote and in-person teaching elements. About 175 of approximately 530 courses are expected to be remote.

are expected to be remote. Students needing to quarantine at home for two weeks . If this isn’t possible before they come to campus, they must quarantine in their dorms.

. If this isn’t possible before they come to campus, they must quarantine in their dorms. Only students being permitted to go into residence halls when they move in (though they can be joined by one other person for the move-in process).

when they move in (though they can be joined by one other person for the move-in process). Students testing positive going to the Munford House for isolation. This rule applies to students living on and off campus.

Related:University of Vermont announces coronavirus precautions for safe fall return to campus

_____________

State officials said Monday that recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in other states came after residents started to be lax in their compliance with guidelines for health and safety from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vermont’s Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said 12 states recently set records for the number of new cases in a single day. The demographic with the largest growth in positive cases is people aged 18 to 44.

Levine said the spikes in these states have been widely attributed to “a breakdown in the willingness of the public to adhere to the simple precepts of avoiding mass gatherings, hence an inability to physically distance; and to wear facial coverings.”

Residents must still follow these guidelines despite the hot weather and Vermont’s success so far in lowering the number of new cases per day, Levine said. Guidelines also recommend regular hand-washing and staying home when sick.

“We can’t lose track of the fact that the virus hasn’t gone anywhere,” Levine said.

_____________

An inmate who was being brought into the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in South Burlington has tested positive for COVID-19.

Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith said officials believe the inmate had contact with some staff members and some other inmates before the test came back positive on Saturday. It is unclear whether the inmate was in contact with others in the general population. Health Department officials are conducting contact tracing.

Corrections officials have been testing inmates for COVID-19 upon intake to facilities throughout the state, Smith said. All inmates and staff in the South Burlington prison will be tested.

Another inmate last week tested positive after being brought into the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland. Smith said that testing over the weekend turned up no other positive cases at the facility. A second mass-test of the Rutland facility will be conducted next week.

In late May and early June, the Department of Corrections had tested all staff and inmates in its facilities and reported no new positive cases. An outbreak in March at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans Town was the only recorded spread of the virus in a Vermont prison.

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The number of cases associated with an outbreak of COVID-19 in Winooski and Burlington has risen to 110, Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said Monday.

Levine said he believes health officials have been successful in identifying those who could have been affected to try to suppress the outbreak, but the outbreak will not be over until there is no new activity that can be connected back to those involved.

“It’s so common to use the forest fire analogies these days, so I would use the term ‘smoldering,’” Levine said. He added, “We’re doing what we can to contain it, and we’re doing a great job actually, but the bottom line is, to say that it’s fully contained. It’s not quite there yet.”

Levine gave the following breakdown of the cases associated with the Winooski outbreak:

The median age of those affected is 24.

65% of the cases were adults, and 35% were children.

30% of the 110 cases reported having COVID-19 symptoms.

126 people have been contacted by contact tracers. 19 of those contacts have gone on to be positive cases.

____________

The VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region (VNAHSR) is re-opening its outpatient therapy clinic in Manchester, the health group reported Monday.

Appointments physical and occupational therapy will be staggered to minimize coronavirus exposure to patients and staff, according to a news release.

Patients who seek appointments are encouraged to contact their health providers, or call the clinic directly at (802) 362-6509.

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Sunday, June 21, 2020

A dozen new cases of COVID-19 were reported Sunday by the Vermont Department of Health, bringing the total cases in Vermont to 1,159. No additional deaths were reported, which keeps the state's total at 56.

There are no people hospitalized with the disease but 11 are currently under investigation. An additional 817 people have been tested statewide, bringing the total to 57,845.

The number of people being monitored for symptoms stands at 1,018 and the number who have completed monitoring is 1,209. These numbers include close contacts of confirmed cases and people traveling to Vermont from out-of-state who have enrolled in the state's Sara Alert program.

________

Saturday, June 20, 2020

Three new cases of COVID-19 were reported Saturday by the Vermont Department of Health, bringing the total cases in Vermont to 1,147. No additional deaths were reported, keeping the state's total to 56.

There are no people hospitalized with the disease but nine are currently under investigation . In addition, 1,141 more people were tested statewide, bringing the total to 57,028.

________

Friday, June 19, 2020

All inmates and staff at Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility will be tested for COVID-19 over the next week, Vermont Department of Corrections announced Friday.

The tests will be conducted on June 20 and 29, following an inmate testing positive for the new coronavirus earlier in the week.

This will be the second round of facility-wide testing at Marble Valley. On May 28, the Vermont Health Department conducted a series of tests on staff and inmates at the Rutland facility, all of which came back negative.

________

The city of Burlington will begin its "Open Streets BTV" initiative this summer starting June 27, closing off a select number of downtown streets to cars and opening them up for restaurants and pedestrians.

The announcement came during a press conference held by Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger Friday.

The initiative will occur every Saturday until August 28, and will run from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., depending on the weather.

"It could possible be a game changer for some of our small businesses that are in really dire straits right now," said Kara Alnasrawi, executive director of Church Street Marketplace.

The initiative has received positive feedback from business owners, Alnasrawi said, as downtown establishments have seen fewer customers and sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the health and safety measures being undertaken for the "Open Streets" initiative to ensure physical distancing will include reservation-only dining, increased security, and limits on crowding.

Some of the participating restaurants and streets include:

College Street : Pho Son, Stone Soup, Finnigan's Pub, Bento Japanese Restaurant, The Archives, Sweetwaters, Leunig's, Whiskey Room.

: Pho Son, Stone Soup, Finnigan's Pub, Bento Japanese Restaurant, The Archives, Sweetwaters, Leunig's, Whiskey Room. Bank Street : El Cortijo, Ken's Pizza, Captain Tom's Tiki Bar, Farmhouse, Henry's Diner, A Single Pebble.

: El Cortijo, Ken's Pizza, Captain Tom's Tiki Bar, Farmhouse, Henry's Diner, A Single Pebble. Cherry Street : Penny Cluse, Lucky Next Door, New Moon Cafe, Burlington Paint and Sip.

: Penny Cluse, Lucky Next Door, New Moon Cafe, Burlington Paint and Sip. Center Street: Daily Planet, Revolution Kitchen, Swinging Pinwheel.

________

Nine new cases of COVID-19 were reported Friday by the Vermont Department of Health, bringing the total cases in Vermont to 1,144. No additional deaths were reporting, keeping the state's total to 56.

Five new cases of the disease are in Chittenden County. Bennington, Rutland, Lamoille and Orleans counties each have one new case.

One more person has recovered from the disease. In addition, 1,142 more people were tested statewide, bringing the total to 55,887.

________

Vermont's unemployment rate decreased from 16.5% to 12.7% for May, according to a press release from the Vermont Department of Labor.

============

Thursday, June 18, 2020

The state has received a $2 million grant provide support to substance abuse and mental health services during the pandemic. The grant comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. COVID-19 has disrupted many services of support and recovery for Vermonters struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse.

________

Starting tomorrow, June 19, Vermont will begin the opening of long-term care facilities, according to the Vermont Department of Health. These facilities can allow two guests per resident per day, so long as those visits occur outside and follow social distancing protocols.

More:Coronavirus: Gov. Scott allows limited visits at Vermont nursing and senior homes

Vermonters over 65 will no longer be required to stay home. The Health Commissioner suggests that those individuals do continue to take safety precautions if they choose to leave their homes.

________

One new death related to COVID-19 was reported Thursday by the Vermont Department of Health. The state's total fatalities related to the coronavirus now stand at 56.

Six new cases of the disease were reported in the department's mid-morning update, for a cumulative total of 1,135. Three of the cases are in Chittenden County. Addison, Bennington and Rutland counties each had one new case.

Statewide, about 917 people have recovered from the virus and 54,745 people have been tested.

Two people are hospitalized for the disease, the department said; nine people are hospitalized and under investigation as possible cases.

________

U.S. and state flags will be lowered to half-staff on Friday at all state facilities as part of a monthly observance of Vermonters who have died due to COVID-19, Governor Phil Scott announced.

Vermont's first fatality from the new coronavirus took place March 19, 2020. A month later, after 35 deaths, Scott ordered flags to be lowered on the eighteenth of every month until the end of the year.

Fifty-six people in Vermont have died from the disease; the most recent death was reported on June 18.

____________

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Wednesday, June 17, 2020

No new cases have been reported in Vermont, which currently has 1,129 cases, according to the Vermont Department of Health's dashboard Wednesday.

So far, about 915 people have recovered from the virus and 53,663 people have been tested.

One person is in the hospital for COVID-19 and four are hospitalized under investigation.

No additional deaths have been reported — that total remains at 55, according to the data.

_________

The Farmers To Families nutrition assistance program has been extended through August, Vermont's congressional delegation announced Wednesday.

A pair of Vermont-based organizations, Willing Hands and the Abbey Group, secured contracts to continue the food box-delivery program for two more months, according to news release from Sen. Patrick Leahy, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch.

The program will bring an additional $8.5 million in aid from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to Vermont and the Upper Valley with New Hampshire, much of which will go toward buying produce and dairy from local farms, the news release stated.

Details on how to sign up to receive food boxes can be found on the Vermont Department of Emergency Management’s website: https://vem.vermont.gov.

_________

The recent decline in new cases of COVID-19 after an oubreak in Winooski and Burlington's Old North End earlier this month is a positive sign, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger said during a press briefing Wednesday afternoon.

Particularly for Burlington, Weinberger noted, the low number of new cases in the past week bodes well that an influx of college students moving in on June 1 didn't lead to an additional surge in cases.

“If they were bringing the virus with them and infecting others I think we’d be seeing that now reflected in these numbers," Weinberger said.

Dr. Stephen Leffler, president of the UVM Medical Center, said he was "sure there were asymptomatic people that came" to Burlington during that time period but Vermont's efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus — unlike other states —probably limited the impact.

"Vermont’s still really doing it right," Leffler said. "People are in general all masking, we’re social distancing well. We’re being smart about how we open up our businesses.

“There’s pretty good evidence now that shows each of us wearing a mask helps us prevent spread to someone else," he said. "It’s a relatively small sacrifice that each of us can make and we can keep transmission down."

_________

Also during Wednesday's briefing, Weinberger explained Burlington's plans to allocate resources to "racial equity and police transformation” effforts.

On top of an immediate commitment of $300,000 to the city's Fund for Racial Equity and Police Transformation, paid for via cuts to the police department, Weinberger said he's confident similar savings could expand that amount closer to $1 million during the next fiscal year.

Additionally, the city has another $300,000 in small business relief and rental assistance that it will look into spending "through the lens of racial justice," he said.

And the city will explore using an anticipated $1 million in federal funds marked for community investment next year to serve anti-racism efforts, Weinberger said.

“I think there’s some real opportunity looking at all these funds about how to make progress with racial justice," the mayor said.

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Tuesday, June 16, 2020

The Working Lands Enterprise Board, affiliated with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, has announced that 16 businesses will receive over $250,000 in COVID-19 Response Business Development Grants in agriculture and forestry. The awards will focus on business response, shifting marketing strategies, or other activities that may improve business recovery.

One grant recipient, The Royal Butcher of Braintree, intends to respond to the surge in demand for slaughter and meat processing. Current bottlenecks in processing will require urgent need to meet the local demand for this butcher’s services.

“These dollars will allow us to expand our business while helping farmers who need our services during the pandemic,” Justin Sauerwein of The Royal Butcher said in a news release. The Royal Butcher, established in 2003, is a USDA inspected slaughterhouse and meat processor, attending to the needs of local livestock and dairy farms.

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The New England Foundation for the Arts announced the launch of the New England Arts Resilience Fund, part of the nationwide United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund, an initiative of the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

The New England Arts Resilience Fund is also supported by federal CARES Act funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Fund was created in response to the impact of COVID-19 on the nation’s arts infrastructure and will support New England nonprofit arts and cultural organizations with recovery and planning capital for a post-pandemic future.

The New England Arts Resilience Fund will provide approximately 50 non-matching grants, generally in the range of $10,000-$75,000, with potential for a small number of grants up to $100,000. The fund prioritizes organizations, communities, populations and art forms that have historically had less access to major financial resources for sustainability and seeks in particular to support organizations that are led by and deeply engage communities of color.

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Travelers looking to make a trip to Canada or Mexico will have to wait at least another month after the Department of Homeland Security extended border closures with both countries due to the coronavirus pandemic, USA Today reported.

The borders, including Vermont's border with Quebec, will remain closed to nonessential travel until July 21.

"Based on the success of the existing restrictions and the emergence of additional global COVID-19 hotspots, the Department will continue to limit non-essential travel at our land ports of entry with Canada and Mexico," Chad Wolf, acting Secretary of Homeland Security, said in a statement. "This extension protects Americans while keeping essential trade and travel flowing as we reopen the American economy."

“This is a decision that will protect people on both sides of the border as we continue to fight COVID-19,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

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Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce announced the launch of the Municipal Emergency Statewide Education Property Tax Borrowing Program to assist municipalities as they manage their finances and cash-flow needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on eligibility, the program will cover interest incurred for short-term borrowing meant to manage the effects of statewide education property-tax delays as a direct result of COVID-19. Eligible “short-term borrowing costs” do not include principal payments, fees, or any interest on borrowings not directly attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Municipalities can learn more, and apply, by visiting https://www.vermonttreasurer.gov/content/local-government.

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Three additional positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vermont, bringing the pandemic total to 1,130, according to Vermont Department of Health data.

At the same time, about 914 people have recovered from the virus, the data showed, and 52,890 people have been tested.

Two people are in the hospital for COVID-19, and 10 are hospitalized under investigation — the same numbers as Sunday.

No additional deaths have been reported — that total remains at 55, according to the data.

Monday, June 15, 2020

Gov. Phil Scott extended a state of emergency through July 15. That action does not roll back opening-up procedures, Scott said — but provides a mechanism by which guidelines can be updated (relaxed or tightened, as needed) in an orderly, methodical way.

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Outdoor camping facilities may operate at 100% capacity, beginning today, the governor announced. Campground use had been capped at 50% capacity.

Quarantine guidelines from out-of-state campers will remain in place.

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One additional positive case of COVID-19 was reported in Vermont on Sunday, bringing the pandemic total to 1,128, according to Vermont Department of Health data.

At the same time, about 912 people have recovered from the virus, the data shows, and 52,557 people have been tested, the data showed.

Two people are in the hospital for COVID-19, and 14 are hospitalized under investigation — the same numbers as Sunday.

No additional deaths have been reported — that total remains at 55, according to the data.

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Despite uptick in cases due to a cluster in Winooski in early June, Vermont seems to be back on a reliable path toward containing and tracking the coronavirus (# of cases dipped to just three over the weekend), according to Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine.

Statewide, effective ways of managing outbreaks can take place even as restrictions are relaxed, he said.

Serology tests (that test blood for the presence of, or exposure to, coronavirus) would be of limited utility in Vermont, where the population that has been exposed remains very low by national standards (Levine's best guess is 5%).

Less invasive and more comfortable tests (front-of-nose; saliva) are in development, and will, until a vaccine is developed, make it easier for people to seek out testing, Levine added.. Tests with “real-time” results might conceivably be required for entrance to large sports or entertainment venues.

The “Sara Alert” app used by the Health Department is a tool for communication between Vermonters and the Department of Health – and is not a “tracking app” that reports the user’s location, Levine said. The state has no plans to implement detailed case-tracking software.

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Upcoming governor's news conference topics this week:

Wednesday: Long-term health facilities.

Friday: Health guidance on K-12 school re-openings.

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Sunday, June 14, 2020

Two additional positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vermont on Saturday, bringing the pandemic total to 1,127, according to Vermont Department of Health data.

At the same time, 909 people have recovered from the virus and 50,982 people have been tested, the data showed. Two people are in the hospital for COVID-19, and 14 are hospitalized under investigation, 14 more than Friday.

No additional deaths have been reported — that total remains at 55, according to the data.

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The vandalism of a Black Lives Matter mural that was painted Saturday on the street in front of Vermont's statehouse is under investigation, police said. The vandalism took place in the early hours of Sunday morning. Read more here.

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Six additional positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vermont on Friday, bringing the pandemic total to 1,125, Vermont Department of Health data showed.

At the same time, 908 people have recovered from the virus, while 49,933 people have been tested, the data showed. One person is in the hospital for COVID-19, and 10 are hospitalized under investigation.

No additional deaths have been reported — that total remains at 55, according to the data.

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The South Burlington Public Library will resume incremental in-person service beginning Wednesday, June 17.

Here's what the library said it will offer:

Mondays 1-3 p.m.: Curbside pickup. Requests must be in by 10 a.m. by email or phone for same day pickup. Requests are put out for a week before being returned to the shelves.

Curbside pickup. Requests must be in by 10 a.m. by email or phone for same day pickup. Requests are put out for a week before being returned to the shelves. Wednesdays 11-6:30 p.m.: Open to the public. No curbside pickup. Come in to browse or use public computers on a first come, first served basis. We can accommodate 10 members of the public at one time, and ask you to follow social distancing guidelines and use hand sanitizer upon entering. Computers will be limited to 20 minutes. Face coverings are required.

Open to the public. No curbside pickup. Come in to browse or use public computers on a first come, first served basis. We can accommodate 10 members of the public at one time, and ask you to follow social distancing guidelines and use hand sanitizer upon entering. Computers will be limited to 20 minutes. Face coverings are required. Fridays 1-3 p.m.:, Curbside pickup. Requests must be in by 10 a.m. for same day pick up.

In addition, the book drop is now open 24/7 for returns. For more information, call 802-846-4140 or email sbplinfo@southburlingtonvt.gov.

Friday, June 12, 2020

Kat Wright will perform at the Champlain Valley Exposition Sunday, June 21.

"Higher Ground’s new 'Drive-in Experience,' announced Tuesday, provides a space for concerts and community events in an era of social distancing," the Free Press reported. "Up to 250 vehicles can park six feet from each other, with room for attendees to set up a blanket or lawn chairs in front of their vehicles."

Details on adjustments in light of COVID-19, as well as details on purchasing tickets, can be found in the Free Press story.

More:Kat Wright to play Champlain Valley Expo in Higher Ground's 1st concert since coronavirus

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The Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival will go virtual this summer. Details on this year's event can be found on the Free Press and Dragonheart Vermont.

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No-lab confirmed cases so far have been associated with protest activity, according to a daily update from the Health Department. The department encouraged testing for anyone taking part in public actions.

"We support Vermonters engaging in peaceful protests and other civic activities," the statement read. "We remind everyone that it continues to be important to follow universal precautions when you are out – wear a face covering or mask when near others, maintain 6-foot distance, and f you're sick, find actions to make yourself heard from home."

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There are a total of 81 cases associated with a recent outbreak in Chittenden County as of Thursday, according to a daily update from the Health Department. A majority are in Winooski. One individual is hospitalized but no deaths have been associated with this outbreak.

"Only 18% of people associated with the outbreak are reporting symptoms," the update stated. "This indicates that the number of people who were asymptomatic is a contributing factor to the spread of the virus in the community."

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Gov. Phil Scott and members of his cabinet announced a proposed $90 million in economic relief on Friday — phase two of a relief package he has proposed to restart the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funds from the first phase are being considered by the Vermont Legislature currently. Scott had proposed $250 million in relief for businesses impacted by the pandemic, but expressed frustration at seeing the Legislature reducing the amount he asked for in his proposal. The Vermont House of Representatives announced Friday that it had fast-tracked a $93 million coronavirus relief package to Scott's desk for his signature.

"They're only including about a third of the money we recommended," Scott said during a news conference Friday. He added, "While this pandemic has impacted everyone in the state, this crippled small businesses — the folks who provide the jobs that families rely on and generate the revenue we need for the services we provide in state government."

The second phase money, which will also be reviewed by the Legislature, provides assistance for long-term economic recovery, housing and community recovery, broadband expansion, and modernizing Vermont's regulatory programs.

The money being put toward relief from the pandemic was granted to the state through the federal CARES Act.

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Nine additional positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vermont on Friday, bringing the pandemic total to 1,119, Vermont Department of Health data showed.

At the same time, 907 people have recovered from the virus, while 48,634 people have been tested, the data showed. Two people are in the hospital for COVID-19, and 14 are hospitalized under investigation.

No additional deaths have been reported — that total remains at 55, according to the data.

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Burlington City Arts will begin its 2020 summer artist market this weekend on Pine Street.

The arts organization announced a number of health and safety measures that would be in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The market will run each Saturday from June 13 through Oct. 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 339 Pine St. in Burlington.

Precautions being taken include:

Requiring vendors to wear face masks and gloves, and encouraging shoppers to do the same.

Directing shoppers in one direction, with only one entrance and one exit.

Limiting 10 to 15 shoppers in the market at one time, and relying on extra staff to regulate these numbers.

Establishing hand sanitizing stations at booths in addition to the market's entrance and exit.

Limiting the number of vendors to 20 each week, with booths spaced at least 6 feet apart.

Encouraging vendors to display merchandise in a way that limits touch.

Limiting two people per booth at a time.

Offering contactless payment.

A full list of vendors participating in the 2020 markets can be found at burlingtoncityarts.org/artistmarket

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Thursday, June 11, 2020

The Vermont National Education Association (NEA) expressed its concerns with the Governor and Agency of Education's announcement to reopen Vermont schools by Labor Day.

Don Tinney, Vermont-NEA president, called the announcement “unfortunate” because the hard work required to plan for a safe reopening has not been completed, according to a press release from the Vermont-NEA.

Some of the issues the organization said need to be resolved before setting an opening date are:

Effective and robust testing and contact tracing in areas with in-person schooling.

Collective pre-opening planning.

Sufficient time to plan and make facility preparations.

Establish protocols for social distancing and use of personal protective equipment, cleaning, how to respond if a student or staff member contracts the virus.

Address learning deficits as a result of remote learning and address student trauma.

Plan for contingency distance learning if schools need to close again.

Establish regular and effective communication between schools and families.

Create protocols for how to deal with students and staff at higher risk of contracting the virus or experiencing life-threatening complications as a result.

State should allocate funding to hire nurses, custodians, bus drivers, mental health counselors and to purchase sufficient amounts of personal protective equipment.

Guidance on special education services.

Protection of vulnerable children if schools close again.

Resources for families who do not benefit consistently from distance learning.

Establish which student groups would return first in a gradual return to school.

Solve the internet access issues some families face.

Standardized testing requirements be waived.

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Northern Vermont University will begin its fall semester one week earlier than initially planned to position itself in case there is a resurgence of COVID-19 cases later this year.

The semester will also end early — residential students will return home for Thanksgiving break and will take final exams remotely, the college announced Thursday.

The plan will not affect the number of teaching and learning days, the college said in a statement. The accelerated semester includes no breaks, with instruction on Labor Day and throughout October. Students will leave campus on Friday, November 20, and are planned to be welcomed back when the spring semester begins on January 19, 2021.

“We know this is different from our normal semester,” college President Elaine Collins said. “The health of the entire NVU community is our number one priority as we prepare to return to campus for face-to-face instruction.”

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Vermont reported an additional 16 positive cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing its total to 1,110, Health Department statistics show.

According to the data, 905 people have recovered from COVID-19 and 47,209 people have been tested for the virus in Vermont.

The number of people hospitalized with the virus decreased by one on Thursday for a total of three. Nine people are hospitalized under investigation for COVID-19.

No additional deaths due to COVID-19 have occurred — that total remains at 55.

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No cases of COVID-19 were found at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield following mass testing of inmates and staff, the Vermont Department of Corrections said.

According to Corrections officials, 336 inmates and 181 staff at the facility were tested June 8. All tests came back negative for the virus.

The Springfield-based prison was the sixth and final facility to undergo mass testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans Town was the only facility to have inmates test positive for the virus since it was first detected among members of the prison population, the Corrections Department said.

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Wednesday, June 10, 2020

A total of 74 cases of COVID-19 are thought to be associated with the recent outbreak that emerged in Winooski, according to Vermont Department of Health data from Tuesday evening.

About 80% of those cases are in Winooski and most of the rest are in Burlington, the Health Department said. Only one in five people associated with the outbreak are reporting symptoms — the number of asymptomatic individuals is thought to be a contributing factor to the spread of the virus in the community.

There have been no deaths associated with the outbreak, the state reported.

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Guidance is underway to prepare Vermont schools across the state to tentatively open by Labor Day, announced Gov. Phil Scott in a press briefing Wednesday.

Health and safety measures for school districts are being developed by the state's Agency of Education and the Health Department, in collaboration with other Vermont educational organizations and pediatricians, and will be formally announced by next week.

"it's critical we finalize a plan now so we can reopen in the fall," said Scott.

Among the objectives of the guidance is to decrease the risk of COVID-19 entering school, being transmitted between staff and students, and ensuring students with certain needs are "addressed in a fair and equitable measure".

Provisions could include social distancing on busses, daily temperature screenings at bus stops and school entrances, increased testing and tracing capacity, and mandatory dismissals if students or staff display any symptoms.

"It's likely we'll have to change or amend this guidance in the coming months," said Dan French, secretary of the Agency of Education.

"We're also preparing to improve our ability to provide remote learning as a contingency."

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Registration is open for Vermonters seeking meals from distribution sites across the state this month.

Pick up sites are scheduled on these days in these areas , with more sites to be added for the remainder of June:

Middlebury area: June 10

Brattleboro area: June 11

Morristown area: June 12

Lyndon area: June 15

Grand Isle County: June 16

Randolph area: June 17

Dover area: June 18

Chittenden County: June 19

People can register online at humanresources.vermont.gov/food-help or over the phone via 2-1-1. Those who register will receive a time window to pick up meals at their designated site, upon which they can receive a

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Four people are now hospitalized with COVID-19, according to the Vermont Department of Health, double the total from 24 hours earlier.

The state recorded 11 new cases of the virus, increasing the total to 1,095 since the start of the pandemic. Fifty-seven people are being monitored for the virus. The number of deaths remains 55.

The total of tests for COVID-19 continues to jump in light of an outbreak in Winooski that has since spread to Burlington. The Health Department reports 45,742 people have been tested, up roughly 1,500 from the previous day's total.

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Thunder Road Speedbowl announced Tuesday that it would begin its 2020 schedule on June 18, about a month later than originally planned. The event will be held without spectators and will be broadcast pay-per-view on the Northeast Sports Network (www.nsnsports.net).

More:Thunder Road to open 2020 season with pay-per-view race on June 18

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Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Two people are now hospitalized with COVID-19, according to the Vermont Department of Health, up one from Monday.

The department noted 9 new cases of the virus in the past 24 hours, increasing the total to 1,084 since the pandemic began. The number of deaths remains at 55.

The total of tests for COVID-19 continues to jump in light of an outbreak in Winooski that has since spread to Burlington. The Health Department reports 44,228 people have been tested, up almost 1,500 from the previous day's total.

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With new cases of COVID-19 having cropped up in Winooski and Burlington in recent days, the Community Health Centers of Burlington announced several opportunities for testing in those two cities.

Testing in Burlington is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. daily through June 12 at the O.N.E. Community Center on Allen Street. Testing in Winooski is offered from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., also through June 12, at the O'Brien Community Center on Malletts Bay Avenue except for June 11, when tests will be conducted at the Winooski Senior Center on Barlow Street.

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Three new college presidents, Laura Walker (Bennington College), Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande (Champlain College) and Col. Mark Anarumo (Norwich University), took on new positions in the midst of the coronavirus.

More:Coronavirus: New college presidents to lead Champlain, Bennington, Norwich schools, communities

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Gov. Scott's new racial equity task force is taking applications for a public member to be appointed. The force intends to consider a few projects, one of which involves looking at support structures for diverse populations. This includes honing in on "racial disparities in health outcomes highlighted by COVID-19."

More:Vermont seeking public member for newly created racial equity task force

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Vermont has been awarded over $4.4 million in Emergency Solutions Grants for its population experiencing and at risk of experiencing homelessness, according to a June 9 news release from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This can go toward a number of uses, like providing hotel vouchers or operating emergency shelters.

“We are proud of the extraordinary efforts being made by our Vermont homeless partners to protect our most vulnerable from the impacts of COVID-19, this funding helps to further their efforts in this fight,” said David Tille, HUD New England Regional Administrator, in the news release.

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Monday, June 8, 2020

The total number of positive COVID-19 cases in Vermont rose by 12 to a total of 1,075, according to data released Monday by the Vermont Department of Health. About 895 people were estimated to have recovered while a total of 42,798 people had been tested for the virus.

One person is hospitalized with COVID-19, and 12 people are hospitalized under investigation.

No additional deaths due to COVID-19 were reported in Vermont on