4th arrest made in Hardin County coupon theft ring
Another arrest has been made in a coupon theft ring in Hardin County. Police arrested Marry Dillion of Big Clifty on Sunday for theft of retail merchandise for resale, the same charges as Tara Lybeck, Lisa Williams, and Harley Miller last week. Officer John Thomas says investigations revealed the group was responsible for thousands of dollars in thefts over a 28-month period.
“This is part of a much larger problem in the United States, where the illegal manufacturing and use of fraudulent coupons costs our economy hundreds of millions of dollars annually,” Thomas explained.
The charges against the four women is a type of organized crime, which is classified as a Class C felony in the state of Kentucky. If convicted, the four could be sentenced to at least 5 years in prison.
Organizers say Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival is still on
After various city-sponsored events for Vine Grove were canceled this week, organizers of the Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival is still taking place. Festival chairman Jason Basham says organizers will follow all state and federal guidelines, including masks, social distancing, and sanitation.
“We voted in favor of having the Bluegrass festival,” Basham explained, “and we are devising a plan right now how to make it the safest for our attendees.”
The campsites, both RV and primitive, will still be utilized this year. Basham says the only real changes to this year’s festival might come from the lineup, which might shift some acts to next year due to costs. The event is set to take place in late September.
E’town Wine Fest still planning to take place
With many local and regional events canceling plans this year, the Elizabethtown Wine Fest is pushing forward with their event.
City Events Manager Sarah Vaughn says organizers are confident in their ability to host the event, even with health and safety mandates in place.
“We are confident that even if restrictions change, we are going to be able to hold the wine festival with social distancing and if masks are required,” she said.
Tickets to the annual festival will go on sale in the coming weeks, with presale options available for tasting and non-tasting. Many wineries are scheduled to appear, including the new Water’s Edge Winery. The event is currently scheduled for September 19th at Freeman Lake Park.
Hardin Co. man arrested after allegedly setting fire on mother’s property
A Hardin county was arrested over the weekend after allegedly setting a fire at his mother’s residence.
Troopers with Kentucky State Police Post 4 arrived at the residence where the subject, Ryan Newton, was alleged to have destroyed various items belonging to his mother. Troopers made contact with Newton, who was upset and not responding when asked for his name and other information. Troopers observed damage to other items within the garage. At one point, Newton took gasoline and threw it on his mother’s car, with her and the fire nearby. Newton had to be forced to the ground after tensing his arms, refusing to put them behind his back while being arrested.
He was charged with wanton endangerment 1st degree, as well as criminal mischief and criminal trespassing. He was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.
ECTC open for distinguished alumni nominations
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is seeking nominations for their Distinguished Alumni and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Institutional Advancement Officer Megan Stith says that applications for nominations must be received by Friday, August 28th. Forms can be found on ECTC’s website. Award winners for both categories will be celebrated at a ceremony on November 5th.
