WQXE News

The Larue County Sheriff’s Office responded to calls of vandalism in the Roanoke community Wednesday morning. First, a resident called to say his house had been shot. Upon investigation, a shotgun had been used, hitting the wall and breaking the window. Then, a local grocery store called the office, saying they too had been vandalized. Windows were broken, and thieves had attempted to break into a soda machine. The owner of the store also had the windows in one of his pickup trucks shattered. The Larue County Sheriff’s Office posted images from a security camera on their Facebook page. The suspects have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Kentucky State Police Electronic Crimes division has arrested a Vine Grove man for possession of materials portraying sexual exploitation of minors. According to arrest records, 33-year-old Clifford Smith had allegedly uploaded thirteen images of the act online. After a search of Smith’s residence, he was also found to have twenty more files on another electronic device. Smith later admitted to possessing, receiving, and sharing the images and videos. He is lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

The Elizabethtown Tourism and Convention Bureau received two Traverse Awards for Excellence from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association; a silver award for the Elizabethtown Sports Park website, and a bronze award for the mural in the Tourism lobby. Over 160 entries were submitted from throughout Kentucky for the 2019 competition.

The Hardin County Animal Shelter will be hosting their first ever rabies clinic held at the West Point Fire Department this Friday from 12-3. Packages, as well as other information, can be found by calling the shelter, or visiting their Facebook page.

Larue County Schools are now implementing new statewide graduation requirements. This legislation was passed last year, and sets new guidelines required for graduation, including completing pre-college curriculum, receiving dual credit in a course, or taking four courses in a career pathway of interest. One requirement that will start with this year’s freshmen will be college and career readiness. For more information, visit larue.kyschools.us.

It was reported to Elizabethtown Independent School District officials just before 11 PM Monday night that a threat had been made against Elizabethtown High School. Upon conferring with law enforcement, it was determined that the threat was actually against Elizabethton High School in Tennessee. Police officials in Tennessee were called, and it was confirmed that the culprit was already in custody. Elizabethtown Independent wishes to thank the public for their vigilance in reporting the potential danger.

A change in the contract for the work to build the new Fire Station #2 was discussed at a meeting of the Elizabethtown City Council held last night. Removal of former road bed to provide a proper foundation for the new building was set to exceed the budget set aside in the contract. The new amount being allowed for the project is $100,000, which will allow for proper removal and foundation work.

The parking lot of the Elizabethtown Police Department will be closed starting today so resurfacing work can be done. The department will be open during the work, and those needing to come into the building are advised to park at Pritchard Community Center. Those needing police reports can call records, and have the report e-mailed to them.

The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting on New Haven Road around 5:30 yesterday afternoon. According to a press release from the office, officers found 19-year-old Cody Brown with a singe gunshot wound to the arm and abdomen. A second male, Joseph Mattingly, was also on the scene. Initial investigation suggests that while the pair were traveling in a vehicle, a firearm accidentally discharged, striking Brown. Brown was transported to Flaget Memorial Hospital, and eventually transferred to University of Louisville Hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

A large donation has been made to Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland through the estates of George and Hazel Luster. The Luster’s contribution is the first estate gift that will be placed into the organizations endowment fund with the Central Kentucky Community Foundation. The donation is in the amount of nearly $70,000.

The recanvassing for the November 5^th election took place yesterday morning, and many counties, including Hardin County, reported no change in their counts. Matt Bevin conceded defeat to Attorney General and Governor Elect Andy Beshear last night.

A friendly competition between local businesses serves to benefit Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland. Andy’s Barber Shop and Purple Rose Salon are hosting a food drive. Donations of food or money can be brought to the shops. More information can be found on the Andy’s Barber Shop and Purple Rose Salon Facebook pages.