Union City School students will return to in-person learning, when classes resume Monday following the Thanksgiving break.

Director of Schools Wes Kennedy said the 1,600-plus students will operate under the Level 2.51 plan until classes dismiss for Christmas on December 18th.

Communications Director Wes Kennedy said students in grades 7-thru-12 will again attend classes four days a week, with Fridays reserved for Distance Learning and tutoring.

Students in PreK-thru-6th grade will attend classes five days a week.

Director Kennedy cited improved health statistics of faculty and students as his reasoning for returning to a more normal schedule.

News of success in trials of two COVID-19 vaccines could mean better days to come for the new year.

Robbie Taylor, the Manager of Infection Prevention and Employee Health at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Union City, said she is encouraged at progress being made against the virus.(AUDIO)

Until a vaccine is released for the general public, Ms. Taylor said safety precautions can help ensure good health.(AUDIO)

On top of the concerns of coronavirus, is the beginning of influenza season in the area.

Ms. Taylor said she urges everyone to receive their flu vaccination as soon as possible.

The City of Union City will be lit with new Christmas decorations this year.

Five designs of Christmas lights have been installed on light poles in the city, thanks to the financial partnership of the City of Union City and the Union City Energy Authority.

Energy Authority CEO Jerry Bailey told Thunderbolt News about the installation of the lights in the design of a Christmas tree, bells, wreath, candlestick and candy cane.(AUDIO)

The new lights had an estimated cost of $50,000.

Bailey said the downtown area will also be getting the holiday look, with the installation of the Christmas tree at the courthouse.(AUDIO)

The First Circuit Court of Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman and Fulton County, in Western Kentucky, will not be allowed to hold jury trials until after February 1st.

Circuit Judge Tim Langford reported the state Supreme Court issued the order due to a spike in COVID-19 cases.

A press release from Judge Langford stated in-person court proceedings will be limited to emergency proceedings, or those required by statue.

All civil proceedings will be done with the use of Zoom or other electronic means, the same with criminal proceedings.

The Circuit Clerks Office will continue to be open, and able to to render services, but admission to the Judicial Buildings will be limited to appointments or emergency cases only.

Obion County Deputy Mitchell Maynard with the Sheriff’s Office drop-off site…(photo by Charles Choate – 104.9 KYTN / 105.7 WQAK)

Police Chief Perry Barfield and officers Kyle Ross, Brandon Adams and Melvin Dowell at the Union City Police Department drop-off site….

The Union City Police Department and Obion County Sheriff’s Office is now ready to accept items to help the needy for Christmas.

Both groups of law enforcement officers have parked designated police vehicles at their locations, which serve as drop-off points for the “Pack the Patrol Car” campaign.

With the officers unable to collect items at Wal-Mart and E.W. James and Sons this year, Union City Police Chief Perry Barfield said donations at the patrol cars will be needed more than ever.(AUDIO)

Chief Barfield said a reduction in the annual collection of items could have a big impact on needy residents at Christmas.(AUDIO)

A Union City man was arrested after the report of shots being fired at two locations.

Union City police reports said officers were called to Wal-Mart just before 2:00 on Sunday afternoon, after an individual fired shots from an AR-15 rifle.

An investigation showed that 26 year old Erick Moralez Hernandez fired the shots, then left the scene in a Mercedes convertible.

At approximately 2:30, police received a call of Hernandez firing more gunshots at Knox Daniel Road, while trying to take his children.

At the scene, officers arrested Hernandez on charges of armed dangerous felonies, reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, discharging a firearm in city limits and driving under the influence.

Police reports said a 20-gauge shotgun was also recovered from the Hernadez car, which may have been taken during an earlier burglary.

Troopers with Kentucky State Police, Post 1, are investigating a fatal vehicle-pedestrian collision that occurred Thursday evening near the Lynn Grove community in Calloway County.

Preliminary investigations show a 2004 Honda CRV, operated by 83 year old Phillip Berkley, of Springville, Tennessee, became stuck in a roadside ditch just after 6:00 in the evening.

Two nearby residents, 51 year old Julie McCann and 66 year old Fred Thomas came to Berkley’s aid.

While assisting Berkley, reports said a 2020 Ford Escape, operated by 76 year old Ruth Leatherwood, of Murray, was traveling east on KY-94 when she struck Ms. McCann.

After being struck by the vehicle, Ms. McCann collided with Thomas, who was standing near her.

Post 1 reports said Ms. McCann suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.

Thomas was transported to the Murray-Calloway County Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Reports said the roadway at the accident site was shut down for approximately 6 hours.