Update 4/9/2024:
The Hopkins County Health Department would like to advise that we have received the results from the FDA and state lab concerning the strawberries from the North and Central Fundraiser today. Testing of the strawberries was reported as negative today by the State Epidemiologist. The state Food and Safety Branch has also reviewed the reports.
If you froze the strawberries properly, we are no longer issuing a caution concerning them.
We appreciate the teamwork of the Department of Public Health, the Madisonville Police Department, the Medical Examiner’s Office, Hopkins County Board of Education, and the citizens of Hopkins County.
There were 443 flats distributed by North and 535 flats distributed by Central; these strawberries were distributed by Juicy Fruit LLC, Southern Grown and Sizemore Farms. We appreciate their concern for public safety. We were contacted by their Safety Director who was helpful and supportive.
These strawberries were driven to Frankfort the day of our notification, but extensive lab testing was done, and this takes time. We appreciate your patience and please understand that public safety was our primary concern.
Thank you,
Denise Beach, MS, BSN, RN
Public Health Director
4/8/2024:
Hopkins County Health Department
The Hopkins County Health Department will be accepting bids for painting the interior of the Health Department Annex. The total square footage is approximately 5,046. This is painting the walls only, as the ceilings are drop ceilings, and the doors and trim are wooden. This will include prepping, painting, and finishing of the walls.
The specifications will include:
· High quality commercial paint in an eggshell or satin finish
· Colors chosen by the Director
· Furniture moving included
Considerations will include:
· Price
· Scheduling (must be completed by June 1, 2024).
· Warranty
· Quality
Closing date and time is Thursday, April 18th at 2PM. The sealed bids will be opened in the annex of the Health Department at this time. The sealed bids may be taken to, or mailed to, the Hopkins County Health Department at 412 N. Kentucky Ave. Madisonville, KY 42431.
ATTN: Denise Beach, Director
The outside of the envelope should be marked “annex painting bid” and the bid , warranty information, dates of estimated completion, liability insurance and workers’ compensation rider should be included. The Health Department reserves the right to refuse all bids. You may set up viewing time by contacting Melinda Ferguson at 270-821-5242 ext. 253.
Update: 3/15/2024 at 1:06 PM
According to Dr. Christopher Kiefer, Medical Examiner, the incident involving strawberries looks like an isolated allergic reaction. He relates that this is a preliminary report, so we still advise not eating the strawberries currently.
We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we get information to you as quickly as possible. Please refrain from contacting the hospital or medical offices unless you need medical care, as they are not able to take all these calls. We will keep you informed.
Denise Beach
Public Health Director
Original Release:
The Hopkins County Health Department is issuing a caution advising citizens not to eat any strawberries purchased by the school fundraiser for Madisonville North Hopkins High School and Hopkins County Central High School athletics.
Currently, the Department of Public Health Environmentalists are taking samples of the strawberries to the state lab for testing. Although, this incident could be unrelated, the decision has been made to exercise caution and advise not eating any of these strawberries.
I have advised the schools to dispose of any strawberries brought by students in lunches today. Please do not send any strawberries to school until further notice.
There were 443 flats distributed by North and 535 flats distributed by Central; these are distributed by Juicy Fruit LLC, Southern Grown and Sizemore Farms are the farms.
We will keep the public informed on our Facebook and website for Hopkins County Health Department.
Denise Beach, MS, BSN, RN
Public Health Director
The next Board of Health Meeting will be Wednesday, April 10th at 12:00 pm.