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Man wanted in Louisiana found in Grayson County

The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office assisted federal officers with an arrest Wednesday.

According to a release from the sheriff’s office, on August 6 the U.S. Marshals Service requested the office’s assistance in the arrest of a fugitive wanted out of Louisiana. The suspect, Juan Chavez-Trevizo of Mexico, was staying at a residence in Leitchfield on Cave Mill Road.

The sheriff’s office says in addition to being in the U.S. illegally, Chavez-Trevizo was wanted on multiple charges including Second Degree Rape and Molestation of a Child Under 13.

Chavez-Trevizo was arrested without incident and lodged in the Grayson County Detention Center to await extradition. The sheriff’s office says two other individuals at the residence were also arrested Wednesday.

Crystal Rogers suspect Steven Lawson sentenced to 17 years in prison

Steven Lawson has been formally sentenced for his role in the disappearance of Crystal Rogers.

A jury at the Warren County Justice Center on May 30 found Lawson guilty of Class B Felony Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Class D Felony Tampering with Physical Evidence following a four-day trial.

During the sentencing hearing Wednesday, Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms III issued a sentence in conformity with the jury’s recommendation of a total sentence of 17 years in prison. Lawson was sentenced to 17 years on the Conspiracy charge and five years on the Tampering charge, with the sentences to be served concurrently.

During the hearing, Rogers’s uncle Mike Ballard said he was there to see Lawson off before a long prison sentence, and that he would do everything he can to make sure Lawson never gets parole. Ballard said “In July of 2015, you made a choice to be a part of planning the murder of my niece Crystal Rogers. You could have prevented all of this from happening if you had just gone to the police and done the right thing. If you had done that I believe Crystal would still be here today, and so would my brother Tommy Ballard.” He implored Lawson to think of Rogers’s children and said “If you do one right thing in your life, this is the thing to do: let them know where their mom is.”

Lawson will have 30 days after the sentencing judgement is entered by the circuit court clerk’s office to file for an appeal.

Joseph Lawson, who was found guilty of the same charges as his father, and Brooks Houck, who was found guilty of Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence, will be sentenced in Nelson Circuit Court on August 21.

Bernheim Forest gearing up for CONNECT event

The forest will be filled with music, art, science, and nature during CONNECT at Bernheim, which will be held Saturday, August 16 from 6:34 to 11:34 p.m.

“It’s really a one-of-a-kind event,” said Bernheim Forest Director of Marketing and Communications Lynette Cox. “It fills the forest with interactive art and hands-on activities and live performances. We’ve got five local Louisville bands coming. They’re going to be on two stages.”

The event will feature unique experiences that can be enjoyed by all ages.

“We’ve got a silent disco coming, and we’re going to set that up at Little Elina, one of our beloved forest giants,” Cox said. “We’re also going to have Astronomy Alley where we’re going to have some telescopes out there and our naturalist out there to tell you about the stars and what you’re looking at, and what you can do to help protect dark skies.”

Other activities include illuminated art displays along the 1.3 mile Lake Nevin Loop and a laser light show on the lake.

“CONNECT really showcases the power of art to inspire, provoke thought, and create meaningful experiences in an absolutely wonderful setting at Bernheim,” Cox said.

More information on the event, including tickets, is available online at www.bernheim.org.

Rumpke asks customers to make sure batteries stay out of trash

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is reminding customers to be careful when disposing of certain items. 

Rumpke said in an email to customers that the company has experienced more than a dozen fires in the past month, and ”almost all of these events were caused by lithium-ion batteries improperly placed in the trash and recycling.”

The company is reminding customers that batteries are not accepted in trash and recycling programs. This includes lithium-ion batteries which are found in products such as electronics, small appliances and power tools, portable devices, and more.

Rumpke says batteries should never be placed in a curbside container as they can easily ignite or explode when compacted in a truck. The company also says not to place empty propane tanks in the trash, as they should be returned to stores to be disposed of or refilled.

Many electronic and hardware stores collect batteries, and local governments often host collection events such as Hardin County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on August 9. Customers with questions on collection regulations should contact Rumpke.