WQXE News

Officials for several school districts are banding together to ease parents minds regarding a threat made online. A gaming chat room featured a threat against a school in Kentucky and a school in Arkansas. However, no school or school district was mentioned by name, and law enforcement as well as FBI considers the claim unsubstantiated. Students were sent home with a memo regarding the event, but officials say that the kids will be safe. The threat itself was not traced back to an individual in the United States.

Hardin County Fiscal Court approved new property tax rates for the year of 2019. General fund and road fund, as well as tangible personal property rates rose 4%. The motor vehicle tax remained unchanged. Representatives from the conservation district and the district extension board also presented their tax rates to the court.

Hardin Memorial Health received a donation from the wife of a grateful past patient. HMH Foundation member Mimi Hornback presented a $20,000 donation to the foundation at a special event yesterday morning. Hornback’s husband, Gentry “Lamonte” Hornback received treatment at another facility for the last few months of his life, and Mimi says the treatment at those facilities did not match the quality of the treatment he received at Hardin Memorial.

A new lead detective has been assigned to the case of Crystal Rogers. Due to the retirement of Detective Jon Snow, Chief Deputy Joedy Gilliland will be taking over the role. Rogers was reported missing on July 3^rd, 2015, and her car and belongings were found abandoned on Bluegrass Parkway. No further information is known at this time.

There will be a public hearing tonight regarding potential changed to tax rates in Hardin County Schools. The hearing will take place at 6:00 at the Central Office. Citizens will be able to voice concerns or questions regarding the tax rate. The Board of Education will vote on the tax rates Thursday.

A Central Hardin High School student took home a big prize at the Kentucky State Fair. Savannah Weber, a Sophomore at Central Hardin, won first place in the State Fair Talent Classic. Savannah says she was honored to be able to be a part of such a talented group of contestants. She was one of three Hardin County high students to make it to the finals.

A Scottsville man pleaded guilty over the weekend in the death of a 7-year-old. Wave 3 TV reports Timothy Madden appeared in Allen Circuit Court Saturday where he plead guilty to kidnapping and murder of Gabbi Doolin in Scottsville. Madden also entered an Alford plea to rape and sodomy charges. Doolin’s body was found in a creek after she disappeared from a youth football game in Allen County in November 2015. Madden was arrested a week later after police confirmed DNA at the crime scene. Sentencing is scheduled for October 24^th and 25^th.

Kentucky State Police have made several arrests in regards to the investigation of the discharge of a weapon at the Kentucky State Fair on August 17^th. Officials say three males aged 15, 16, and 18 were arrested in connection with the event. Using shell casing identification, it was discovered that the 15-year-old was the one who discharged the weapon. All three suspects were charged with possession of a handgun by a minor, with the 15-year-old also being charged with wanton endangerment.

An Elizabethtown man was arrested Thursday night after being seen smoking an unidentified substance out of a glass pipe. The Elizabethtown Police Department reports that Manuel Marlak was found passed out in a business parking lot. He was found to be in possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. Marlak had a previous warrant for an incident where he fled from police in a vehicle and crashed into a tree at Academy Sports. He is charged with public intoxication, possession of heroin, and fleeing or evading police, among other charges.

The West Point Independent School District has found a new interim superintendent. At a specially called meeting Thursday night, the board introduced Sally Sugg as taking on the position. As previously reported, former superintendent Mickey Brangers resigned in order to take on a teaching position in Louisville. This announcement comes days after an audit of the district by the Kentucky Department of Education in which the department recommended the state take over the school.

The Hardin Memorial Health Board of Trustees approved a new HMH Carefirst Urgent Care Center in Elizabethtown. Spokesperson Steve White says the new location will be at the corner of Ring Road and Mulberry Street. The creation of the center will cost around $574,000 which will also go towards equipment, furniture, fixtures, and I.T. infrastructure.

The Hardin County Animal Shelter has a surplus of cats and dogs, and is taking extra steps to find them forever homes. Starting today, adoption will be half-price. Director of Animal Control Mike McNutt says he isn’t sure how long the promotion will last, but likely through next week. The shelter currently has over 150 cats and 80 dogs in need of a home.

Donald Trump made his anticipated trip to the Commonwealth yesterday afternoon. The President spoke to veterans at the Amvets’ 75^th Annual National Convention about what his administration was doing for veterans. During his visit, the President signed a memorandum that would erase student debt for veterans with severe disabilities. Trump also headlined a campaign fundraiser for Governor Matt Bevin before returning to Washington D.C.

The Elizabethtown Police Department is searching for a woman involved in a robbery at the Elizabethtown Wal-Mart. The offender assaulted a loss prevention worker, and then fled the store. A picture of the suspect is available on the Elizabethtown Police Department Facebook page. Anyone who can help identify the offender should contact the Elizabethtown Police Department, and those who wish to report anonymously can contact Hardin County Crime Stoppers.

The first Saint James Community Picnic will be held this Saturday. The event will feature games, live entertainment, a fried chicken dinner, and fireworks at the end of the night if weather permits. More information can be found on the Saint James Community Picnic Facebook page.

The Dirty Dog Bash raised more money than expected over the weekend all in an effort to help the Hardin County Animal Shelter. Spokesperson Sarah Fellows says they can confidently say they raised about $20,000 to go towards shelter upkeep and program improvement.