WQXE News

The trial of Nicholas Houck will be moved out of Nelson County.

Houck appeared in Nelson Circuit Court Thursday morning for a pre-trial conference, where Commonwealth’s Attorney Kyle Williamson said there was no objection from the Commonwealth on the defense’s filed motion for a change of venue but there was no agreement yet on where the trial would be moved to. Williamson said he would work with Houck’s attorney Michael Ferguson on finding a location suitable for both sides, but he was not sure it is possible to get arrangements made that line up with the scheduled November 9 trial date. Ferguson said he was optimistic a location could be decided on.

Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms III asked the two sides to come to an agreement on a location by August 28. If a decision cannot be made by then, he asked the prosecution and defense to both submit a list of 10 possible counties and he will select a location.

Houck is charged with Class D Felony Perjury. The indictment indicates the crime occurred between 2015 and 2023.

Houck’s brother, Brooks Houck, was found guilty in 2025 for the murder of Crystal Rogers in 2015. While never arrested or charged in that investigation, Special Prosecutor Shane Young stated in a hearing that the Commonwealth considered Nick Houck and his mother, Rosemary Houck, “unindicted co-conspirators” in the case.

Continuing work on the Symspon Lake Dam in Nelson County will result in traffic impacts beginning Wednesday.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District Four says temporary signals will be in place  on U.S. 62 just west of Bardstown to allow alternating one-way traffic. The single lane configuration will remain in place for the duration of the project, which is scheduled to be completed about a year from now.

Message boards along U.S. 62 are in place to alert drivers of the work as they approach. Short delays will be possible along the route, especially during peak traffic hours. Drivers should slow down when approaching the work zone, pay close attention to signs, and be prepared to stop.

Meanwhile, the Rough River Lake Spillway Bridge was closed temporarily Monday “due to safety concerns from an opening in the current traffic lane.” Following an engineering inspection, steel plates were laid over the concrete and the bridge was reopened, and traffic returned to the alternating one-lane pattern that was in effect.

Follow KYTC District Four on social media for updates.

Finally, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District Five will once again have alternating lane closures in effect on the Interstate 65 bridge over Salt Creek in Bullitt County Wednesday and Thursday. Engineers will be performing hand-on inspections of the bridge between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. both days. Drivers should heed signage and use caution when travelling through the work zone.

The summer season is in full swing, and the Central Kentucky Community Action Council is inviting families in need of assistance managing utility costs to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Summer Subsidy component.

“High summer temperatures mean air conditioners are running constantly, which can cause electric bills to skyrocket and strain family budgets to their limits,” said CKCAC Executive Director Bryan Conover. “This subsidy provides vital financial breathing room for our region. By applying a credit to future electric bills, we are helping neighbors maintain safe, cool home environments while easing the burden on their upcoming household budgets.”

The LIHEAP Summer Subsidy provides a one-time electric benefit paid directly to a household’s utility vendor. The summer program does not require households to have a disconnect notice or past-due bill to qualify, and prior assistance from a LIHEAP program does not affect eligibility. At the time of their appointment, all applicants must present proof of household income for everyone living in the household, Social Security cards for all home occupants, a photo ID, your most recent electric bill, and address verification.

Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to income-eligible households in the CKCAC service area, which includes Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington counties. Find your local CKCAC office at ckcac.org/about/locations for more information or to schedule an appointment.