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In another series of online updates, Harlan County Judge-Executive Dan Mosley shared some important information for those who have lost employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a Unemployment Insurance Daily Claim Schedule for individuals to follow based on the first letter of their last name beginning on Sunday.

“Governor Andy Beshear announced that independent contractors, cosmetologists, substitute teachers, small business owners, childcare workers and freelance workers can sign up for unemployment benefits. This is great news,” Mosley said. “President (Donald) Trump also made this announcement as well, identifying self-employed individuals and independent contractors.”

Mosley said to being the unemployment claims process or enroll for WIOA career services, call the Harlan County CAA at 606-573-5335, extensions 237, 236, 241 and 233. To being the process online, go to the Office of Unemployment Insurance Website at www.kewes.ky.gov.

Below is the daily-claim schedule. Mosley instructed individuals to file their claims based on the first letter of their last name:

• Sunday: A-D

• Monday: E-H

• Tuesday: I-L

• Wednesday: M-P

• Thursday: Q-U

• Friday: V-Z or if you missed your day earlier in the week.

Example: If your last name is Smith, start the benefits process on Thursday. If your last name is Creech, start your process on Sunday.

Mosley also announced the state has extended the property tax deadline for one month until May 15.

“If you still desire to pay you property taxes before then, you can call the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office at 606-573-1313 to pay by phone, online or for details to pay by mail,” he said. “The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has also announced that vehicle registrations have been extended for 90 days and are waiving late renewal fees due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Mosley said the Harlan County Clerk’s Office is continuing to assist citizens with online, phone and payments by mail for vehicle tags. They can also assist with marriage licenses by appointment. Locals are instructed to call their office at 606-573-3636.

“I want to personally thank all of the school district personnel who have made sure that thousands of meals have still made it into the hands of the children of our county during the timeframe the school has been out. It’s amazing the process that they’ve implemented and I know many parents, grandparents and students who are thankful this service is being provided. Also, thanks to the senior citizen centers for providing meals to seniors during this time.”

Mosley said Kentucky Utilities (KU) has closed their lobbies to walk-in customers, but their drop box is still available to make payments. Harlan Community Television has also closed its lobby, but the staff is still working to assist customers and their drop-box method for payments are staying open as well. They can be reached at 606-573-2945.

He added he visited Blue Courts on Wednesday night to talk to a group of around eight children about COVID-19 and the importance of social distancing and why they should not be engaging in a game of basketball.

“I’ve made the difficult decision to go ahead and remove the rims from the ball court at Dressen at this time. This park attracts a lot of people. With the weather improving, I don’t want to close the park completely and penalize people who come to walk on the walking track … that are practicing social distancing,” Mosley said. “These activities can be enjoyed without being right in someone’s face. Basketball pickup games cannot be.”

Mosley urged the public to practice social distancing and good hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic, which will ultimately help to flatten the curve.

“This action is not to penalize the kids that enjoy basketball at this park. It’s an action that is necessary to protect their health and the health of the citizens that are most vulnerable here in Harlan County, a group of people who are raising a lot of kids right now.”

The COVID-19 pandemic is a developing story and will continue to be posted and updated as a way to keep the public informed. For more information on the virus in Kentucky, visit www.kycovid19.ky.gov.