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News- February 27, 2020

An event taking place this year will serve to create a mental health community in Elizabethtown. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will be hosting the first ever Out of the Darkness Community Walk and fundraiser to be held in Elizabethtown. The venue for the event is Central Hardin High School, and Principal Tim Isaacs, who says he is seeing more and more anxiety and depression amongst teens now, thinks creating a community that is smart about mental health should be a priority. The event will take place on September 19th. Details on registering an individual or team for the walk will be relayed as soon as it becomes available.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has received a donation to their Advanced Manufacturing Career Skills program. Navy Federal Credit Union announced they would be making a $15,000 donation to the program in order to support transitioning soldiers at ECTC. The career skills program is in collaboration with Fort Knox that allows soldiers to complete certificates in advanced manufacturing to prepare them for high-demand career fields after their Army careers. This gift will help fund tuition and textbook fees so soldiers can participate in the program free of charge. Service members interested in the program should contact the Education Center at Fort Knox.

Varying lane closures will be taking place along US 31W in Hardin County this week. According to a release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, today and Friday will see closures coming into effect between 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Survey crews will be working south of the KY 220 intersection to north of the Blackjack Road intersection in preparation for upcoming projects. Motorists are encouraged to slow down, minimize distractions, and pay close attention to posted signs in the area.  

News- February 26, 2020

The Elizabethtown Police Department apprehended two Elizabethtown men after they had stolen approximately $2700 worth of property from a residence on College Street Road. According to arrest citations, a witness stated he observed Willie Stallins and Corey Constant stealing the items out of the front window of the apartment. The two loaded the items into a stolen 2000 Honda Odyssey van and drove away. Later, the vehicle was found, and witnesses advised Stallins lived at a residence on Stallins Court. Police made contact with Stallins and Constant, who had the merchandise with them in the residence. Both denied any knowledge of the burglary or property. Another witness inside the residence confirmed the two had brought the items inside the house during the night hours. Constant and Stallins were both lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

The Elizabethtown Police Department responded to a Hardin County residence after receiving a call of a domestic dispute. According to arrest citations, when officers arrived at the home, they made contact with the victim who said that the father of her child, Nicholas Costa of Lake in the Hills, Illinois, was drunk and had assaulted her. Reportedly, Costa arrived at the residence heavily intoxicated, and became verbally abusive, throwing things around the apartment. The victim stated that Costa had flipped a child’s high chair toward her in anger, striking her in the side. He also allegedly broke the coffee pot and threw a printer at her before leaving. Officers then made contact with Costa, who smelled heavily of alcohol, and admitted he didn’t remember how much he had to drink. He was arrested and charged with assault and alcohol intoxication in a public place, and was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

At a meeting of Hardin County Fiscal Court held last night, a resolution was proposed and subsequently voted on. The resolution called for a reaffirming of the oath that the magistrates had taken to serve the Constitution, also stating that the Constitution and all 27 ratified amendments are the supreme law of the land, and resolutions that face the fiscal court should be voted on as such. Most members of the fiscal court were not behind the resolution, however, and many voted no on the proposed item. The resolution was dropped with 5 nays to 3 yeas and one magistrate absent from voting.

News- February 25, 2020

Kentucky State Police Post 4 conducted a traffic stop resulting in a search warrant for a residence in Radcliff. According to a release from the department, a little after midnight on February 22, 2020, troopers conducted a stop on a vehicle being operated by Nicole Lewis of Radcliff. A search of the vehicle revealed marijuana and cash. Information obtained during the traffic stop lead troopers to conduct a search warrant at a residence located at 120 Oak Ridge Drive in Radcliff. The search of the residence lead to the seizure of marijuana, synthetic marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and cash. The investigation led to four individuals being arrested on numerous drug related offences. Nicole Lewis, Gerrod McElroy, Vershawn Gregory, and Nadine Colquitt all were transported and lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

The Elizabethtown Police Foundation will be presenting a celebration of culture and diversity next month. The Festival of Unity will be taking place at the Historic State Theater on March 28th from 11 AM to 2 PM. There will be various foods and entertainment from across the world. The event will be followed by a showing of Remember the Titans at the State Theater, complete with free popcorn and soft drink.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College will be holding their Beacons of Light celebration this Thursday. The event will be held at ECTC from 5 to 7 PM. The honorees are Sandra Cameron, longtime faculty member of ECTC, as well as her son, new Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Food will be provided by the ECTC Culinary Arts Department.

The Penguin Plunge will be taking place this Saturday, February 29th. The event will be taking place at Bluegrass Cellular on Ring Road, and funds from the event will go to the Junior Achievement program. For more information or to donate, visit the Junior Achievement website.

News- February 24, 2020

North Hardin High School suffered a tragic loss over the weekend as one of their students passed away. According to a post to the Hardin County Schools Facebook page, Kari Cook passed on Friday, February 21st. Kari was involved with FFA and was a student-teacher at Woodland Elementary School. According to her obituary, visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM today at Chism Family Funeral Home in Vine Grove, and will continue tomorrow from 11 AM to 1 PM, followed by the funeral. The school district asks to keep North Hardin and Woodland Elementary students and staff, as well as Cook’s family, in thoughts during the tough months ahead.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has received a sizable donation towards its University Center Project. Larue- Carey Insurance Group made a donation of $2,500 to support the development of the center, expanding ECTC’s efforts to expand access to bachelor’s degree programs at a lower cost, as well as keep local talent in Elizabethtown. The University Center is already partnered with several other universities to bring degree programs to ECTC, including Eastern Kentucky University, Lindsey Wilson College, Spalding University, and Western Kentucky University. To support the University Center, visit ectcforbetterlives.com.

The Central Kentucky Community Foundation’s Scholarship Central is approaching the due date of March 1st, and officials with the organization are urging students to get their applications in. One form will be used to apply for the scholarships, of which there are over 160 available. However, some scholarships may require additional information. The scholarships can be applied for at ckcf4people.org.

Starting tomorrow, February 25th, the next phase of work will begin on the US 31W bridge project at West Point. According to a release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, all traffic will be shifted to the newly constructed southbound side in preparation for demolition of the northbound side. Motorists are reminded of the lower posted speed limit and reduced lane width along with using additional caution through the area. Completion of the project is currently expected by the end of May.

News- February 21, 2020

The Hardin County Board of Education voted unanimously yesterday night to accept the merger agreement that would bring students from West Point Independent School into the Hardin County School district. The merger will come into effect on July 1st after the agreement is checked and approved by the Kentucky Department of Education. West Point’s preschool and kindergarten students will attend North Park Elementary School, 1st through 5th grade students will attend Vine Grove Elementary School, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students will attend JT Alton Middle School, and students entering 9th grade will attend North Hardin High School. West Point students who attend Elizabethtown High School may continue to do so through their individual graduation date. There will be times scheduled for students and families who live in West Point to attend events at each school, welcoming them to the district.

After a two month investigation, three suspects in multiple felonies were indicted by the Nelson County Grand Jury. According to a release from the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, Chad Lindsey, Christina Lindsey, and Hunner Lindsey were charged after it was determined that they were forging checks and using a debit or credit card unlawfully. All three suspects were equally involved and charged accordingly. They face several charges including theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, and criminal possession of a forged instrument. In addition, Hunner Lindsey was indicted on a separate case for theft by unlawful taking of a firearm.

On Thursday, Kentucky’s House of Representatives voted in favor, with 65 yeas to 30 nays, on a bill that would legalize medical cannabis for patients in the state. This marks the first time a bill to legalize medical cannabis has received a full house vote in Kentucky. The bill, House Bill 136, will now proceed to the Senate for consideration. If enacted, Kentucky would join the 33 states that have passed medical cannabis laws.

News- February 20, 2020

The Hardin County Board of Education will vote tonight at their regularly scheduled board meeting on the merger agreement with West Point Independent Schools. Should the vote pass the Hardin County Board, it will continue on to the Kentucky Department of Education, where it will undergo approval processes, and then it will go into effect. As previously reported, the West Point Independent School district voted unanimously to sign the merger agreement with Hardin County Schools. This is a process that began with a management audit at West Point Independent Schools last summer.

The Kentucky House passed a bill on Wednesday which will limit the price of insulin. House Bill 12 would cap the cost at just $100 per thirty-day prescription, regardless of the amount of insulin needed to fill a person’s prescription. Over 50 legislators sponsored the bill, and it passed the house with 92 yeas to zero nays, and six who did not vote. If the bill passes, Kentucky will be the third state to set this cap on insulin prices.

The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office is making citizens aware of multiple scams in the area. One such scam involves a call from someone claiming to be from the Sheriff’s office itself, claiming that the recipient of the call has an outstanding warrant. These callers may have relevant personal information on the recipient, and may even seem to be calling from the correct Grayson County Sheriff’s Office phone number. The caller will attempt to get money from the resident, either from gift cards or another means. The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office notes that they will never ask for money to take care of a warrant or other issue, and to hang up immediately if a call like this is received. Do not give personal information, and if in doubt, call the sheriff’s office.

Pritchard Community Center will be hosting an event for those who may be interested in the bridal business. Bridal Bliss will be taking place tonight from 6-9 PM at Pritchard Community Center. There will be vendors available, and the event is free. Those interested in the event can register at bridalblissclassic.com.

News- February 19, 2020

The West Point Independent Schools Board of Education voted unanimously last night to sign the merger agreement with the Hardin County School District. Several topics of discussion regarding the merger were gone over last night, including where West Point’s students will go. Kindergarten students will attend North Park Elementary, first through fifth grades will attend Vine Grove Elementary, and sixth through eighth grade will attend J.T. Alton Middle School. High school age children will attend North Hardin High School, however, those still attending Elizabethtown High School will still be allowed to attend there. Also discussed was where the staff of West Point would end up, and Dr. Sally Sugg, interim superintendent, ensured that Hardin County Schools would attempt to find a place for all tenured staff in the same schools that the children from West Point would be attending. Should Hardin County agree to the merger agreement at their board meeting on Thursday night, the effective date of the merger would be scheduled for July 1st.

The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office has determined the cause of death in a case regarding a female located in a field. According to a release from the department, the body of Mary Teresa Ball of Bardstown was found in a field off of Sullivan Lane in Bardstown on December 26th. The cause of death determined by the office of the Chief Medical Examiners has been ruled suicide by an overdose of an over-the-counter sleeping medication. This closes the case, and no charges are expected to be filed by the Sheriff’s Office.

The Superintendent of Elizabethtown Independent Schools, Jon Ballard announced his retirement last night. Ballard says after 33 years with the district, the last seven being as superintendent, he felt it was time to move on in his life, and let someone else come in to help advance the school. Ballard also says the thing he is proudest of in his time as superintendent is providing opportunities, be they academic or athletic, for students.

At a press conference held yesterday afternoon, Officers Chase and Nicole McKeown, with the Elizabethtown Police Department were recognized for their efforts in thwarting a robbery at a Louisville restaurant. The two officers were off duty and dining at Raisin’ Canes in Louisville when a masked robber, later identified as Justin Carter of Louisville, walked into the location and brandished a handgun to the cashier. The officers pulled their off-duty pistols and chased the suspect out of the store and to the back of a nearby house, where they held him until Louisville Metro Police arrived. The case is still open and under investigation.

News- February 18, 2020

Today marks the opening of the former Fort Knox Federal Credit Union under a new name. The credit union will be opening their doors as Abound Credit Union. This is the second time the name of the credit union has been changed, with the first change occurring in 1960.

A former Hardin County Schools teacher, principal, and associate superintendent has been asked to once again take on a role for the district. Bobby Lewis is set to return to Hardin County School as the interim Chief Support Officer. Lewis will lead the district’s student services and human resources department for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. After retiring in 2015, Lewis spent nearly an entire school year as interim principal at GC Burkhead Elementary School in 2016, and came back to serve as interim principal at Vine Grove Elementary School in 2017. He replaces Chris Bauer, who retired as the Chief Support Officer on February 14, 2020.

Governor Andy Beshear announced yesterday that the Commonwealth of Kentucky is officially the nation’s leading exporter of whiskey, including bourbon and rye, according to 2019 export reports. Beshear made the announcement while filling the sixteen-millionth barrel of Jim Beam at the American Stillhouse in Clermont. Kentucky sent over $485 million in whiskey exports in 2019 and it is considered to be a booming industry in many Kentucky communities, including Elizabethtown which has been advertised as being Bourbon’s Backyard.

News- February 17, 2020

A Louisville man was arrested over the weekend after attempting to rob a fast food restaurant. According to media sources, Louisville Metro Police Department say Justin Carter came to Raising Canes at 1250 Bardstown Road and showed his gun to the employee, demanding cash. Two off-duty Elizabethtown Police Officers who were inside the restaurant confronted Carter, who then dropped his gun and ran. The officers followed him to Beechwood Avenue nearby, where he was taken into custody. Carter is a convicted felon, whose gun was stolen from Jeffersontown Police. He faces charges of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, receiving stolen property, and robbery.

The Elizabethtown Fire Department responded to a garage fire at 509 Nicholas Street last Friday at 8:41 AM. The fire occurred when the home owner was working on a motorcycle in the garage. As gasoline was being drained from the bike, flammable vapors were ignited by a near-by kerosene heater. Flames flashed back, causing the motorcycle to catch fire. Fortunately, the neighbor across the street saw the fire and rushed over with a fire extinguisher to put the fire out before arrival of fire units. The quick action of the neighbor prevented damage to anything but the motorcycle. The garage and attic areas were checked for fire extension, and the scene was cleared around 9 AM.

The Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office has found the man wanted in connection with a murder investigation. As previously reported, Anthony Wayne Allen was wanted after the victim, Robert Wendell Bailey, was found to have sustained life-threatening injuries from an assault that took place last week. Bailey would later pass away from his injuries. According to a release from the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, Allen was found in Evansville, Indiana where he surrendered without incident.

The Math Counts competition, which was coordinated by heads and representatives from different city of Elizabethtown departments, took place last Saturday at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. The results are as follows: The team that finished first overall was the East Hardin Middle School team, followed by the Larue County Middle School team in second place. Both will move on to state competition. Individually, Jordan Stull from Stuart Pepper Middle School finished first overall, while Zachary Townsend of East Hardin Middle School took home second place, and Paul Slack from Stuart Pepper finished third.

A business owner of an Elizabethtown staple has passed away. According to obituaries, Roy Eugene Rich, 86, died in his home last Saturday. Rich, an active member of Severns Valley Baptist Church, was also the owner of Etown Exterminating, and was the past president of the Kentucky Pest Management Association, where he served on the Board of Directors for more than 35 years. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Severns Valley Baptist Church New Worship Center Building Fund.

A retired member of the Elizabethtown Police Department and the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office passed away February 13th after a battle with cancer. According to his obituary, Joe Lynn Jackson, born March 8, 1940, served 32 years with the Elizabethtown Police Department, and an additional 15 with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, Jackson served as a mentor to many young officers, often saying he had the best job in the world. Visitation services for Jackson will be held today from 2 to 8 PM at Manakee Funeral Home, and will continue tomorrow from 9 to 11 AM.

News- February 14, 2020

Several events at West Point Independent School District have had to be rescheduled due to today’s absence. Students will have work to complete in order for the day to count as a school day, and the Valentine’s Day party scheduled for today has been moved to Tuesday, February 18th. Today’s absence was due to widespread illness among students and staff, as well as continued plumbing issues.

The Department for Public Health has suggested safety guidelines following severe flooding and water run-off events from recent rainfall across the state. Safety protocols include never entering flood waters unless escaping immediate danger, as well as being up to date on tetanus vaccination to avoid illness, staying clear of downed powerlines, and using all proper safety equipment when cleaning up a home after a flood. The department recommends that doors and windows be open while cleaning affected areas, and throwing away perishable food that has be stored at above 40 degrees for more than two hours. Governor Andy Beshear assured citizens his administration would support them saying, “We will use every resource available to us to ensure Kentuckians affected by these devastating floods can have a safe and expedient recovery.”

Several gates at Fort Knox will be closed for the President’s Day holiday. The Brandenburg entrance, as well as outbound lanes will be closed today February 14th as well as Monday, February 17th. The Wilson Road entrance will be closed on Monday as well, but open today. The Chaffee Gate will remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.