Menu Close

WQXE News

Fiscal Court discusses zoning ordinance amendment to help build more houses

WQXE News 0 Comments

The Hardin County Fiscal Court met for their first meeting of the month Tuesday.

The court approved the second reading of end-of-fiscal-year amendments for the 2023-2024 county budget. The court also approved the first reading of an amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance that would reduce the size of a Rural Residential, or R-2, lot from 3 acres to 1.8 acres. 

“Folks are still building homes out in the county, it’s just we’re consuming more farmland with that 3 acre minimum than we need to,” said Hardin County Planning Director Adam King. “In fact, as busy and bustling as E-Town’s getting, there’s a lot of folks that may want to move from E-Town and move out to the county to kind of have their little slice of heaven or piece of the pie.”

That’s Hardin County Planning Director Adam King. He said recent studies show that 8,811 housing units are projected to be needed by 2025 to accommodate area growth anticipated with the opening of BlueOval SK, and Hardin County is 4,578 housing units short of what is currently needed.

Hardin County Emergency Management Director Joey Scott and Hardin County Coroner Pat Elmore presented certificates of appreciation to members of the Valley Creek Fire Department for their assistance responding to a death investigation that was hampered by a hazardous material spill. Hardin County Sheriff John Ward recognized several officers for rescuing a man from a burning vehicle after a wrong-way collision on the Western Kentucky Parkway in May.

“It’s my distinct honor to have the opportunity to publicly express my gratitude and commend Deputy James “Opie” Sherrard, Deputy Nick Krone, and Lieutenant Taylor Miller for their extraordinary act of bravery and quick thinking that resulted in saving a life,” Ward said.

The Hardin County Fiscal Court will next meet June 25.

Scheduling change in Houck and Lawson hearings approved

WQXE News 0 Comments

A schedule change has been approved for the upcoming hearings involving the Crystal Rogers investigation suspects.

Brooks Houck, Steven Lawson, and Joseph Lawson were all due back in court Thursday, but now only Steven Lawson will be making an appearance.

According to an order filed with the Nelson Circuit Court Monday, Special Prosecutor Shane Young and defense attorneys representing Brooks Houck are in agreement that the motion to dismiss filed by Steven Lawson’s defense should be argued in court prior to arguments on the special prosecutor’s motion to consolidate the three cases to one trial. The parties further agreed that Houck’s objection to the motion to consolidate should be heard in an individual hearing “based upon the nature of the issues raised.”

The hearing scheduled for Thursday will now only consist of arguments concerning Steven Lawson’s motion to dismiss. The defense for Lawson has maintained that Lawson was promised immunity in exchange for his cooperation with the investigation.

Houck’s objection will now be argued in a hearing scheduled for July 8. Houck’s defense says trying Houck with the Lawsons would take away his ability to cross-examine the Lawsons, and a joint trial would infringe upon Houck’s constitutional rights.

The order excuses Joseph Lawson and Houck from Thursday’s hearing.

Former EIS superintendent Bush remembered for integrity, support of students

WQXE News 0 Comments

Former Elizabethtown Independent School District Superintendent Kelli Bush is being remembered as “a fierce champion for all students and a servant leader who inspired others by her example and encouragement.”

A statement from the Bush family says Bush died Sunday at the age of 53 due to complications of cancer.

EIS Superintendent Paul Mullins says Bush leaves behind a wonderful legacy.

“It’s with great sadness that we mark the passing of a remarkable educational leader, Kelly Bush, whose passion for all students to be successful and love for the Elizabethtown Independent School District was second to none,” Mullins said.

Bush was a teacher and principal at Morningside Elementary School from 1999 to 2012. She served as EIS assistant superintendent from 2012 to 2020 and as superintendent from 2020 to 2023. Most recently, Bush was grant co-director for the Green River Region Educational Cooperative.

“She was loved by all that knew her,” Mullins said. “Kelly’s hard work and dedication has positively touched many generations of Panthers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family and friends.”

Hardin County Schools Superintendent Terry Morgan also paid tribute to Bush in a statement. Morgan said: “We worked closely together during the pandemic. We acknowledged that we would be competitors when it came to extracurricular activities, however, we also realized the benefits of working together for the betterment of our community. She was famous among her fellow superintendents for her ethical leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence, always prioritizing integrity above all else. We have certainly lost a colleague and a great friend.”

Funeral services for Kelli Bush will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Brown Funeral Home, with burial to follow in the Lebanon Junction Cemetery. Visitation for Kelli Bush will be Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.

Lindblom named Kentucky Jailers Association board president

WQXE News 0 Comments

At the 2023 Kentucky Jailers Association Summer Conference, Hardin County Jailer Josh Lindblom was recognized by his peers when he was named the association’s Jailer of the Year.

This year, Lindblom was once again recognized by his fellow jailers at the summer conference as he was named president of the KJA Board of Directors.

“In our association, you actually have the file to run, and of course you have 118 jailers that are allowed to vote,” Lindblom said. “So, you know, it’s pretty humbling to be able to say, hey, you got voted in by the whole state.”

Lindblom says he is looking forward to continuing to advocate for better conditions for jail staff and inmates alike, something he has gained experience with serving on the association’s legislative committee.

“We’ve made stuff available more for the inmates that are in jail so that whenever they get out they’ll be more productive,” Lindblom said “They’ll be able to be better citizens and it shows. Our GED programs or different programs we have in the jails that we put together, it’s really helping folks. It’s really helping folks stay out of jail.”

Lindblom also says the association has focused the last several years on increasing funding for mental health treatment.

“You know, you’ve got folks that have mental health issues that may commit a crime by accident,” Lindblmo said “They don’t need to be warehoused in a jail or a prison. They need help, so that’s one thing we’ve advocated for over the last couple of years.”

Lindblom was elected Hardin County Jailer in 2018.