As coronavirus cases escalate at an alarming pace, local government offices will close to the public and Christian County Public Schools will shift to virtual instruction.
The changes, effective Monday, are in response to Gov. Andy Beshear’s announcement Wednesday of new, mandatory restrictions aimed at curbing the coronavirus spread in Kentucky.
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Christian County Clerk’s Office to be closed to public
Starting Monday, the Christian County Clerk’s Office will suspend in-person transactions until further notice. This means the courthouse will be closed to the public; however, employees will still be in the office.
“Our employees will still be at work processing business by mail, drop-off boxes and web renewals,” a representative said in a Facebook post.
The public may call the clerk’s office at 270-887-4105 for assistance.
City to transition some staff to remote work and restrict facilities
The city of Hopkinsville will restrict access to its facilities and close all city buildings to the general public, the city’s administrative coordinator Nikki Durham said in a news release Thursday.
Some personnel from the Public Works Department and City Hall will also shift to working remotely. Staff will continue to be accessible via telephone and email.
The tax office drive-thru at 715 S. Virginia St., will be accessible during regular business hours for open records requests, supply deliveries, inquiries and city job application submissions.
Public meetings
City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings will remain virtual through December and be streamed live online for free at hoptown.org/tv.
Community Development Services and Human Rights Commission
Community and Development Services and the Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission, which are both housed inside the downtown Municipal Building, will also limit face-to-face interactions with the public.
Residents with CDS-related questions and business should call (270) 887-4285 or visit comdev-services.com for information about permits, inspections, and other planning or code enforcement services.
The Hopkinsville Human Rights Commission will be closed to the public. Individuals with questions about filing an employment, housing or public accommodation discrimination complaint should call (270) 887-4010, email at hrc@hopkinsvilleky.us or visit hoptown.org/hrc.
Christian County Public Schools to suspend in-person instruction
Christian County Public Schools will shift to non-traditional instruction starting Monday, Superintendent Chris Bentzel announced in a press release issued Thursday.
Until now, the district has opted to continue in-person learning despite guidance from the state to the contrary.
“Our goal is to always return to in-person instruction as soon as we are permitted to do so and safely do so,” Bentzel said in a video message to parent. “Right now, with the executive order, we have no choice but to accommodate the governor’s request and accommodate what the state of Kentucky is asking us to do.”
Teachers will continue to report to their classrooms each day to delivery virtual instruction, according to the release. Each school will also have staff available to support students and parents from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
“Additionally, there will be opportunities for students to report to their schools in small groups if there is a need for face-to-face supplemental instruction with their teacher,” the release stated.
In his video message, Bentzel also reminded students and parents of the 36 internet hotspots located in the county.
(Jennifer P. Brown is the editor and co-founder of Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org.)
