WQXE News

One of the men convicted in the Crystal Rogers investigation is requesting a new trial.

Attorneys for Joseph Lawson, who on July 8 was found guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence for his role in the disappearance of Rogers, filed a “Motion for the Judgement Notwithstanding the Verdict, or In the Alternative, Motion for a New Trial” with the Nelson Circuit Court Monday.

Lawson’s attorneys argue in the motion that his case should have been severed from Brooks Houck, who was found guilty of Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence in the same trial as Lawson. The motion states: “The introduction of Brooks Houck’s recorded statements without him being subject to cross-examination denied (Lawson) his right to present a defense and his right to confrontation.”

The motion also states that the conviction of Steven Lawson a month prior to the Houck/Lawson trial “was an elephant in the room the entire trial.” The motion argues that the court denied Joseph Lawson’s defense the opportunity to strike jurors with knowledge of Steven Lawson’s case which was featured in Warren County media, and therefore Joseph Lawson’s case was subject to pretrial publicity.

The motion also raises concerns with what the defense argues is “prejudicial over-simplification of the requirements for a Murder conviction” in Houck’s case spilling over into Lawson’s case, along with concerns with instructions given to the jury prior to deliberations.

The motion will be heard during Lawson’s sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for August 21 in Nelson Circuit Court.

There is still time for kids, teens, and adults to participate in the Hardin County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, which runs now through July 26.

The theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program is “Color Our World”, which focuses on the arts. Check the library’s calendar for events related to the Summer Reading Program.

HCPL Children’s Librarian Amy Rivera says the goal of the Summer Reading Program is “to encourage literacy and to keep kids thinking, to keep their minds thinking about subjects so that they don’t go back to school having at least completely forgotten everything they learned.”“

Families can stop by the library to pick up reading logs for the program.

“They will complete sections of their reading log to get tickets for the weekly prize, which each week we’re having a giveaway of a nice big art set, so eight different art sets over the course of the summer,” Rivera said.

Kids who complete the reading log will be entered for the grand prize drawing. Separate logs are available for teens and adults, with prizes and entries in the grand prize drawing available.

Stop by the library, located at 100 Jim Owen Drive in Elizabethtown, or visit www.hcpl.info for more information.

New Highland Elementary School will begin the new school year under new leadership.

Hardin County Schools has announced that Dr. Melissa McDaniel has been named principal at New Highland. McDaniel replaces Chalis Packer, who retired as principal at the end of the previous school year.

A 1997 North Hardin High School graduate, McDaniel earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, a master’s degree from Georgetown College, and her principal certification and a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands.

According to a release from HCS, prior to arriving at New Highland McDaniel most recently served as an interventionist/curriculum and instructional coach at Lansdowne Elementary School in Lexington. The release notes that McDaniel has served in various roles of educational leadership and has experience mentoring teachers, training staff, and facilitating learning effectiveness programs.

McDaniel said in the release: “I’m honored to join the New Highland Elementary community as its new principal. My vision is rooted in academic excellence, a joyful and collaborative staff culture, and positive behavior fostered through strong relationships. I believe every child can grow and thrive when we work together with shared purpose and heart. I’m excited to lead alongside this incredible team and community.”

The first day of school at HCS is August 7.