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Defense for Joseph Lawson asking for separate trial

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One of the suspects charged in the Crystal Rogers investigation is asking to be tried separately from the other suspects.

The defense for Joseph Lawson has filed a Motion for Severance of Co-Defendants or Exclusion of Co-Defendant’s Statements with the Nelson Circuit Court. The motion calls for Lawson to be tried in a separate trial from Steven Lawson and Brooks Houck, or to have out-of-trial testimonials from Houck and Steven Lawson be excluded.

Special Prosecutor Shane Young previously filed a motion to try all three suspects in the same trial. The Motion for Severance states that the introduction of out-of-court statements denies Joseph Lawson’s right to cross-examination and would therefore deny him his right to present a defense. The filing also states concern for the potential for conflicting defenses and strategies between the defendants, which could potentially confuse the jury.

The motion will be discussed during the next pre-trial conference in the case, which is scheduled for June 13. Progress on finding a new venue for the trial will be discussed at a hearing on May 1.

Lincoln Birthplace park hosting free Shakespeare performance

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The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park is hosting a performance of one of the 16th president’s favorites. 

Kentucky Shakespeare will be performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream Thursday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. The performance will be staged at the bottom of the Memorial Building steps near the flagpole, with visitors seated on the steps.

The historical park says the 80-minute performance celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s love of Shakespeare, which began with pieces of the Bard’s work found in books Lincoln read as a child and continued into his adult years, with Shakespeare’s works included in Lincoln’s personal collection at the White House.

The event is free and open to the public. Visitors are asked to arrive at least five minutes prior to the start of the show and are encouraged to bring blankets, cushions, and bug spray. The park’s visitor’s center and library will be open prior to the performance.

Visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park Facebook page for more information and updates.

HCS board approves moving elementary school students

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About 170 Hardin County Schools elementary school students will be going to different buildings next school year after the Hardin County Board of Education approved redistricting for four schools.

“About 105 students will be transitioning to Lincoln Trail Elementary School, and about 60 to 65 will be transitioning to Cecilia Valley Elementary School, from G.C. Burkhead Elementary School,” said Hardin County Schools Community Relations Specialist John Wright. 

Five students living the farthest away from Creekside Elementary School will also be moved to Lincoln Trail Elementary.

Wright said the decision was based on overcrowding at G.C. Burkhead that projections show is only going to get worse.

“We have had experts look at the growth in our county, also the potential growth with new buildings and new things being developed, new businesses being developed, and if we did nothing in the next 10 years, G.C. Burkhead would have approximately 1,100 students in its district, which is about 400 to 500 students over its capacity,” Wright said.

Current fourth graders at G.C. Burkhead will have the choice to remain there for fifth grade, but families must provide transportation. Transitioning students set to attend East Hardin Middle School will still do so, as will students set to attend West Hardin Middle School, and all of the involved students will still attend Central Hardin High School.

Wright said the building may change for these students, but the educational experience will not

“Those schools have the same opportunities,” Wright said. “They have great staffs, just like the ones they are leaving, and people who really love and cherish and are passionate about taking care of students.”

Parents of involved students were sent an email and letter, and information on the transition can be found on the HCS website. The district has also posted a form for parents and guardians to submit questions related to the move.