WQXE News

A Hardin County man is in custody after he allegedly stabbed and killed his mother Friday in an area nursing home.

Joseph Curtis is currently incarcerated in the Hardin County Detention Center, where he is being held on a Murder – Domestic Violence charge.

Radcliff Police Chief Jeff Cross told media officers responded to Signature HealthCARE at North Hardin shortly after 2 p.m. on January 2 following a reported stabbing.

Curtis is scheduled to appear in a video arraignment hearing in Hardin District Court Monday morning. He is being held on a $500,000 cash bond.

(Photo Credit – Hardin County Detention Center)

Hardin County Quick Response Team Director Justin Blair says December saw another spike in drug overdoses.

“It’s still the same old thing with fentanyl and methamphetamines,” Blair said. “That’s really what’s creating all of this issue, and like I’ve said before, the hospitals use fentanyl, but it’s regulated, and so what they’re getting on the street is made in somebody’s basement, and it’s just super dangerous and you have no idea if it’s in what you’re getting or not, so you just have to be really, really careful.”

Blair says he recommends anybody currently struggling with addiction contact the QRT in order to receive free fentanyl testing strips to ensure they know if they are being exposed to the potent opioid. It is one of the many free and confidential services offered by the QRT.

“When there is an overdose, EMS or law enforcement, or anyone really, can put in a referral and then that will trigger me to find out where that person is and then go to them, and my goal is just to meet them where they are,” Blair said. “There are no consequences for me coming. You do not have to do anything. We just want to let people know that we’re there, and that there are resources available, and we will help navigate those resources for them.”

Blair says it is important for people struggling to know they are not alone.

“Substance use obviously is what we’ve got to get to the bottom of first, but then there’s other layers to what people are facing,” Blair said. “Housing is an issue, food insecurities could be a thing, and so we’ve got resources to help with those things as well. We want to try to eliminate as many barriers as we can.”

Visit the Quick Response Team – Hardin County Facebook page or email jblair@hardincountyky.gov for more information.

New Year’s Eve is upon us, and area law enforcement agencies are reminding Kentuckians to take precautions if alcohol is part of your celebration tonight.

“I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year, but also remind you to please celebrate responsibly,” said Elizabethtown Police Department Public Information Officer Chris Denham. “If you choose to consume alcohol, please be sure you have a safe ride home beforehand. A single decision to drive impaired can change lives forever.”

The Kentucky State Police is participating in two nationwide enforcement efforts aimed at keeping the roadways safe: Operation C.A.R.E (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) and the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Operation C.A.R.E “focuses on reducing crashes through high-visibility patrols aimed at detecting impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving behaviors”.

The KSP offers the following holiday travel safety reminders:

-”Celebrate responsibly.” If alcohol is part of your plans, arrange transportation home ahead of time.

-”Slow down” for conditions such as winter weather, reduced daylight, and holiday traffic.

-”Stay focused.” Avoid distractions behind the wheel.

-”Speak up.” If you encounter an impaired or dangerous driver, when safe to do so call 9-1-1 or your local k-s-p post.

Both Operation C.A.R.E. and the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign run through January 1.