WQXE News

A project to realign the KY-361 and Dixie Highway intersection in Elizabethtown begins this week. Department of Transportation spokesperson Chris Jessie says traffic is not expected to be affected at present, and the entrance to the Hardin Memorial Hospital Emergency department will remain unchanged. The project is expected to continue into next summer.

The Elizabethtown Police Department arrested 37-year-old Jason Cunningham in relation to a sexual assault Saturday night. According to Officer John Thomas, Cunningham went to his victim’s house and began making unwanted advances. Cunningham then became angry at the woman for rejecting him, punched her in the jaw with a closed fist, and began to strangle her whilst continuing his advances. He was apprehended and charged with strangulation and sexual abuse.

Hardin County man Josh Logsdon will appear in court this morning for arraignment. As previously reported, Logsdon was shot several times when he led multiple law enforcement agencies on a high-speed chase earlier this year. He’s been recovering from his injuries since.

With Hardin County Schools returning to the classroom this week, school officials are reminding the public to stop for school bus stop signs. When loading or unloading children, the bus will display its stop sign, and then extend a mechanical arm to allow students to pass safely. Superintendent Terrie Morgan reminds residents to keep their eyes on the road, both for the safety of themselves and for children. School bus routes will begin as early as before 6 A.M.

Both of Kentucky’s senators have experienced health issues in recent days. Majority leader Mitch McConnell reportedly fell at his home in Louisville, fracturing his shoulder in the process, while Senator Rand Paul underwent surgery to remove part of his lung that was damaged in a 2017 assault at his Bowling Green home. Congress is currently in recess for the month of August.

Hardin County’s Habitat for Humanity held a groundbreaking for their new location on Ring Road yesterday afternoon. Hardin County Deputy Judge Executive Daniel London says the project would not have been possible without a major price decrease on the property from the Islamic Center of Elizabethtown, who owned the land. The Islamic Center lowered the price of the land by $250,000 so Habitat for Humanity could purchase it. The new facility will contain the Re-Store as well as office space.

A member of the Hardin County Board of Education is stepping down. Board Vice Chair Andrea Palmer will vacate the position due to family relocation. District Spokesperson John Wright says the Board has 60 days to fill the vacancy. Applications for the position are available on the district’s website.

The Elizabethtown Police Department has arrested a man for assaulting his girlfriend. Kendrick Johnson was in an argument with his girlfriend when he wrapped his hands around her throat, restricting breathing and presumably cutting off blood circulation. Johnson was charged with strangulation and assault, and was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

The Larue County Fair continues today with events such as the dairy show and baby contests. The fair wraps up tomorrow starting with the beef cattle and rabbit shows. Also featured is the Miss Larue County Pre-Teen Pageant and the Miss Teen and Little Mister and Miss Pageants later in the day, as well as the District Youth Talent Show.

The Unity in the Community Back to School Bash will be taking place at Radcliff City Park this weekend. Spokesperson Nichelle Tucker says this is a completely free event for the public. The focus on this year’s event is health and fitness with special guest Savoy, of Savoy’s Fitness in Elizabethtown. For more information or to donate, contact nichelletucker013@gmail.com.  

Kentucky 1538 in Hardin County will be closed several days this week, starting today, due to construction. A detour from Saint John Road to Ring Road, to Patriot Parkway, and then to Rineyville Road can be used to avoid the closure. The construction is expected to last about two days.

New legislation passed in Kentucky will require public schools to have the national motto, In God We Trust, displayed in a prominent place, such as the cafeteria or main office. State Representative Brandon Reed says this bipartisan effort passed the legislature with a vote of seventy percent. The legislation will go into effect for the upcoming school year.

A Hardin County man has died after a motorcycle wreck last weekend. According to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Christopher C. Blake of Hardin County was travelling on Highway 60 with one other person Sunday afternoon. For unknown reasons, Blake lost control and exited the roadway. Blake overcorrected his bike and re-entered the roadway, eventually hitting the median and being ejected. Blake died at Owensboro health. No other details have been released.

The Hardin County Sheriff’s office has arrested a man in connection with a high speed chase that took place in June. According to arrest records, James Ladnier of Radcliff was seen swerving from lane to lane on US 31 West on June 11^th. When a traffic stop was attempted by the Radcliff Police Department, Ladnier made a hard turn, and began to speed to excess of 90 MPH to evade police. When the suspect reached the Joe Prather Highway, he slammed on his brakes, attempting to disable a cruiser, or injure the officer inside. The pursuit continued until the suspect reached I-65, at which point Kentucky State Police took over. Ladnier is charged with fleeing police, wanton endangerment, and reckless driving, as well as a litany of other charges.

The First Friday Back to School Bash will be taking place in Downtown Hodgenville this Friday at 6 P.M. Various businesses and churches will be giving away school supplies, and the Larue County Food and Nutrition Department will be treating kids 18 and under to dinner. Other attractions will include food trucks, farmer’s market, and live music featuring local artists. More information can be found by calling the Larue County Chamber.

A celebration of the emancipation of African-Americans will be taking place this weekend. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College as well as First Baptist Church will be presenting the second annual Eighth of August Celebration. The event will feature a lunch with homemade dishes as well as food from local eateries, a large variety of vendors, and a church service. The event will take place at the B.T. Bishop Center at 107 Bishop Lane, and will run from 9:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.