WQXE News

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.

Officials in Bardstown are investigating a possible arson. Wave 3 is reporting that a home being built by Brooks Houck burned down over the weekend. The fire was reported on Wheeling Avenue Saturday night. Houck is a suspect in the disappearance of Crystal Rogers who was last seen July 3, 2015. Anyone with any information should contact Bardstown police.

The President of the United States will make a trip to the Commonwealth tomorrow. Donald Trump is scheduled to appear at a veteran’s conference at the Galt House Wednesday at noon. The President will also appear at a fundraising event for Governor Matt Bevin. The President’s trip is expected to disrupt traffic, though no details have been released.

A Larue County woman has been arrested after leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a high speed chase. According to arrest records, Hodgenville Police were pursuing Kelsi Walling last Thursday night when she decided to flee officers towards Hardin County. Officers with the Larue County Sheriff and Elizabethtown Police joined in the pursuit, which eventually ended up on East Dixie Avenue in Elizabethtown. Walling continued to flee police on Dixie, allegedly reaching high rates of speed and weaving in and out of traffic. The pursuit continued onto Nicholas Street and South Mulberry, where officers terminated the pursuit. Walling was arrested the following afternoon and charged with wanton endangerment, fleeing or evading police, and reckless driving. She is lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

A Hardin County man has been formally charged after leading police on another high speed chase last month. As previously reported, James Ladnier fled Radcliff Police in July, eventually leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a high-speed pursuit in which he allegedly exceeded speeds of 90 miles per hour. Ladnier was charged with fleeing and evading police, wanton endangerment, and reckless driving, in addition to several burglary charges.

United Way of Central Kentucky’s Power of the Purse event exceeded fundraising goals this year. United Way spokesperson Katie Kurtz says that the event raised over $23,000. The event was sold out of tickets. The money raised will go towards child literacy programs around the area.

The West Point Independent School District will have its regular scheduled board meeting tonight. This will be the district’s first regular meeting since the resignation of former superintendent Mickey Brangers. As was previously reported, Brangers left his position at West Point to accept a teaching position at Ballard High School in Louisville. The district was recently audited by the Kentucky Department of Education.