WQXE News

A major piece of training equipment will be added to Fort Knox in the coming years. The installation will be adding a digital air-ground integration range. According to Colonel Pat Kaune, the feature helps train air and ground forces simultaneously by simulating high intensity scenarios. Fort Knox will be only the second army installation in the United States to feature the range. The project is expected to take several years to complete, but groundbreaking is scheduled to begin in September.

A Hardin County woman was arrested last week after she deliberately crashed a car. According to arrest records, Sarah Hall was traveling in a car with three other passengers Thursday night when she began screaming and choking the driver of the vehicle. Hall then allegedly grabbed the steering wheel and turned sharply left until the vehicle crashed. Hall then climbed out and began rolling in the road until police arrived. Once consent was given, police conducted a search of Hall’s purse and found a glass pipe and used syringes. Hall was arrested and charged with wanton endangerment, public intoxication, and criminal mischief. She was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

Atria Senior Living will be hosting a backpack giveaway event tonight. Spokesperson Robin Reeder says the facility will have a carnival aesthetic to the event, and school supplies will be given away, as well as the backpacks. Bounce houses and food will be available at the event, which will take place at the Atria facility from 6 to 8 P.M.

A more technological approach to first day of school paperwork is being brought to Hardin County Schools. Spokesperson John Wright says this is an attempt to be a little friendlier to the environment, as well as make life easier for parents. Parents are asked to have a parent portal login, which they can get from their child’s school, in order to access the documents online. Questions can be directed to the student services department.

A change of command ceremony will take place tomorrow, as Fort Knox Garrison Commander Colonel Pat Kaune will be relinquishing command to Colonel CJ King. Colonel Kaune spent the last two years as Garrison Commander. The event is open to the public and will take place at the Waybur Theater on Fort Knox.

Governor Matt Bevin signed House Bill 1 into law yesterday afternoon after it passed the Republican-controlled Senate. This bill will provide relief for some pension systems in Kentucky. There could be legal challenges that oppose this law, as critics say it breaks the inviolable contract. The Governor’s signing of the bill signaled the end of the special session.

The Meade County school district will implement free breakfast and lunches to students beginning this upcoming school year. Superintendent John Milay says the district hopes this can take a bit of the burden off of parents and students as the next school year begins. This program will be a year-to-year program.

The Elizabethtown Police Department responded to a domestic assault call on Cobblestone Court Tuesday night. Officer John Thomas reports that Kevin Rood was intoxicated while serving as the sole caretaker for his nine-year-old son. Rood allegedly struck his son several times with an open hand, and then passed out in the floor, leading the child to call 911 in hopes of getting police assistance. Officers had difficulty waking Rood, and when he was alert, he began swearing at officers in front of his neighbors and son. Rood was arrested on multiple charges, including assault and endangering the welfare of a minor.

Multiple people are dead following an incident in Larue County yesterday morning. According to Kentucky State Police, officials responded to a report of shots fired at a residence on River Road at around 8 A.M. Upon arrival, officials saw the home engulfed in flames. One victim, a woman, was found dead in a car near the area, and another victim was found later. Trooper Pete Binkley adds that later investigation has led to the discovery of a third body on the premises. This death is believed to be a separate, but related incident, and has led detectives to a residence in Jefferson County. The identities of the victims are being withheld until positive identification is made.

A Hardin County man was arrested Friday after he allegedly strangled his girlfriend while she was driving. According to arrest records, Mikhail Veach and his girlfriend were involved in a verbal altercation when the two got inside the woman’s vehicle. In response, Veach began to strangle her to the point that she couldn’t breathe. Officer John Thomas reports that the victim managed to get to her workplace, and honked the horn until other employees came out and witnessed the assault. Veach has been charged with wanton endangerment as well as assault, and is lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center.

Construction on the new Hardin County Extension Office is nearing completion. Extension Agent Doug Shepherd says the new location is nearly four times the size of the current office, and that the transition to the new location should be complete by August 19^th. Additionally, the new location will include a catering kitchen, sewing project room, and updated technology.

The Elizabethtown Police Department will be hosting Cops and Cones for the second consecutive year. This is an opportunity for the community to come hang out with officers, and have some free ice cream courtesy of Kroger.  This event will be July 25^th, from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Dolphin Drive Kroger in Elizabethtown.