WQXE News

Documentation related to Steven Lawson’s appeal of his conviction in the Crystal Rogers investigation was filed in Nelson Circuit Court Tuesday.

Attorneys for Lawson submitted a notice of appeal to the Kentucky Court of Appeals from the final judgement and sentence of imprisonment entered on August 7. Lawson was found guilty of Class B Felony Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Class D Felony Tampering with Physical Evidence on May 30 and sentenced to 17 years in prison on August 6.

The attorneys also submitted a motion to proceed in forma pauperis, which requests Lawson continue to be represented by a public defender without further proof he needs one as he was previously found to need one in his criminal case. The motion notes Lawson’s financial situation remains unchanged as he has been imprisoned since sentencing.

A designation of record for Lawson’s appeal was also submitted, which designates the entire record of his court proceedings as the record of the appeal. This includes arraignment, bond review, and pre-trial hearings, the four-day jury trial, and the sentencing hearing.

Lawson is currently incarcerated at the LaRue County Detention Center.

Hardin County Schools has announced the next class of recipients of their Distinguished Alumni Award.

The district announced Tuesday they will be recognizing the following five alumni: 

-Matt DeMasters, North Hardin High School, Class of 2002
-Nancy (McHodgkins) Parson, North Hardin High School Class of 1989
-Tory Stanley, Central Hardin High School, Class of 2006
-Ashli Watts, Central Hardin High School, Class of 2000
-John Ward, East Hardin High School, Class of 1980

“We are proud of all of our alums and the success that they have achieved,” said HCS Community Relations Specialist John Wright. “These five individuals are a true representation of how HCS graduates utilize their curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular experiences to excel in their chosen career fields and their communities. We look forward to honoring them later in the month, and we’re excited to see these five individuals back in our district and share some wonderful times with them.”

The recipients will be honored during a luncheon on September 25 at the HCS Early College and Career Center. Learn more about the award and recipients on the Hardin County Schools website.

Kentucky small businesses have access to a state tax credit aimed at spurring development and job creation.

Governor Andy Beshear is encouraging small businesses to apply for the Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit, which is worth up to $25,000.

According to a release from the governor’s office, the tax credit is “available to eligible companies that added at least one net new full-time employee and invested $5,000 or more in qualifying equipment or technology within the past 24 months.” The governor’s office says most for-profit businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees will qualify.

Qualifying businesses may be eligible for a state income tax credit between $3,500 and $25,000 based on the number of jobs created and the amount invested in new equipment or technology. Businesses may submit applications throughout the year, but an application must be submitted by November 1 to be fully reviewed for 2025 tax credit eligibility. Applications received after November 1 may not be eligible until the 2026 tax year.

Learn more about the Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit and find the application at www.kytaxcredit.org. Contact the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (1-800-626-2930 or info@kyinnovation.com) for assistance.