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Defense and prosecution to discuss possible mediation in Escalera case

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The former Campbellsville University student accused of killing another student in his dorm room two years ago made a court appearance Tuesday.

Charles “Zeke” Escalera appeared via Zoom from the Taylor County Detention Center before Taylor Circuit Court Judge Kaelin Reed for a pretrial conference. Reed said a records request to Oklahoma, Escalera’s home state, returned a “report of no records.” 

Defense attorney Samantha Costello said Escalera’s defense was requesting more time to discuss with the prosecution whether a potential resolution is possible in the case. Judge Reed said the case is eligible for the Kentucky Felony Mediation Program. He scheduled a pre-trial conference for May 5 for the parties to discuss the possibility of mediation.

Escalera is accused of murdering Campbellsville University freshman Josiah Kilman in his dorm room at the university. Kilman was found unresponsive shortly after midnight on February 24, 2024, before being pronounced dead at Taylor Regional Hospital. Escalera faces charges of Murder, third degree Burglary, and second degree charges of Burglary and Fleeing or Evading Police. The case is scheduled to go to trial on July 27.

Clerk’s office promoting new CASA specialty plate

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April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, and the Hardin County Clerk’s Office is promoting the new Court Appointed Special Advocates specialty license plate as a way for the community to commit to the safety and well-being of area children.

“The CASA specialty plate is more than just a piece of metal,” said Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith. “It’s a moving billboard for child safety. We’re honored to provide this resource at the clerk’s office, knowing that each plate sold helps provide a voice for a child in the family court system who needs it most.”

According to the clerk’s office, the CASA plate is $44 to issue and “features the recognizable blue and white branding of the organization, which provides highly-trained volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the court system.”

“We are thrilled to see the CASA mission represented on vehicles throughout Hardin County and the state,” said CASA of the Heartland Executive Director Michelle Kail.

A portion of the $44 issue fee goes towards supporting CASA organizations.

“The funds generated from these plates are vital,” Kail said. “They allow us to expand our reach and ensure that every child in need of a CASA has a dedicated advocate in their corner as they navigate the court system. This month, as we wear blue and share our mission, we encourage everyone to consider changing their plate to help change a child’s story.”

Contact your county clerk’s office or visit drive.ky.gov for more information on switching to the CASA plate. Learn more about CASA of the Heartland at www.casaheartland.org.

EPD hosting victims’ rights resource fair and 5K

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National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 19 through 25, and the Elizabethtown Police Department is giving the community the opportunity to “listen, act, and advocate.”

“On Monday, April 20, we are hosting a community resource fair beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by a 5K run/walk at 6:30 at the ElizabethTown Sports Park in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week,” said EPD Public Information Officer Chris Denham. “This event is free to attend and is a great opportunity for citizens to stand alongside crime victims while learning about resources available in our community. Beach Snow Snack Shack will also be on site providing free treats for participants.”

The registration link for the 5K can be accessed via the QR code on the event poster, which is posted on the Elizabethtown Police Department Facebook page. Contact EPD Victims Services Specialist Anesha Knott for more information.

New state maps help you explore new areas of Kentucky

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Kentuckians looking to hit the road this summer can find somewhere new to explore with the new state highway maps that debuted this month.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the new Team Kentucky 2026-2027 Highway Map showcases historic horse landscapes, diverse trails, and accessible attractions which the KYTC says show that no matter where you land in the commonwealth, adventure and entertainment awaits.

Created in collaboration between the KYTC and the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, the new maps offer traditional map features for Kentuckians looking for unplugged navigation while highlighting eclectic entertainment as well as ADA-acceccible attractions, themed trails, and festivals and events.

The map includes primary and secondary roads, parks and trails locations, Kentucky State Police posts, weigh stations, and more. The map highlights destinations unique to Kentucky such as natural stone arches, the Country Music Highway on U.S. 23, bourbon distilleries, and museums and attractions celebrating horse racing.

The new state highway maps can be found at Kentucky rest areas and welcome centers. You can download an electronic copy or request a printed copy at transportation.ky.gov.

E-Town council approves roundabout bid, statewide mutual aid agreement

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The Elizabethtown City Council met for a special meeting Monday.

The council approved a bid from Summit Civil LLC of Elizabethtown for the Veterans Way/Towne Drive roundabout project. The bid was accepted at $981,700. City Administrator Ed Poppe noted additional language was included in the bid to account for safety measures as Veterans Way has a higher speed limit than other city streets where roundabouts have been added.

“For our first city-funded roundabout, this is one of the better places that we do need to put it in, and I think there’s a lot more support for this one than there has been for others,” said City Council Member Julia Springsteen. “Hopefully that keeps up, because it will be safer and more efficient.”

The council also approved a resolution entering the city into a statewide emergency management mutual aid and assistance agreement.

“If you take for example when they had the tornadoes in Mayfield and Dawson Springs and some of the natural disasters that we had a few years ago in the Commonwealth, and multiple cities send all kinds of resources, whether it be manpower or equipment or supplies to those locations, this is no different than what we did then,” said Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory. “This just kind of formalizes it a little bit.”

Elizabethtown Director of Finance Jeff Hawkins gave the council an update as his department prepares for what he called an “ambitious” budget. Hawkins said the city’s finances are strong, noting that at about $35.5 million in March the General Fund is down about $2 million from the same point the year before due to recent purchases the city made for ongoing projects. Hawkins said city revenues are coming in close to budgeted estimates.

“The occupational tax, that’s the 1.95 percent on the working wages in the city, and the property tax, both of those you can see are very strong,” Hawkins said. “We continue to maintain a strong, healthy employee base. With the restaurant tax and hotel tax, it’s the same story we’ve had in the last couple years as both of those are down. I think the budget was a little aggressive on that.”

The Elizabethtown City Council will next meet April 20.