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Harmful algal bloom prompts recreational public health advisory at Caneyville Reservoir

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The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet has issued a recreational public health advisory for Caneyville Reservoir after a sample collected from the water indicated the presence of a harmful algal bloom.

According to a release from the EEC, harmful algal blooms occur “when there are excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), sunny conditions, warm temperatures, and low-flow or low-water conditions.” Recreational activities that can result in physical contact with the water such as swimming and wading are not recommended in areas impacted by HABs.

The Grayson County Health Department said in a Facebook post the sample collected on September 9 was taken as part of routine lake and fish tissue monitoring, and staff observed an active algae bloom near the dam. The reservoir, which is not used as a public drinking water source, will be tested again in two weeks.

HABs appear as slicks of opaque, bright-green paint, but often have a grainy, sawdust-like appearance on closer inspection. If you come into contact with a bloom, rinse with clean, fresh water. If symptoms such as a rash, stomach pain, headache, coughing, watery eyes, nose irritation, or sore throat persist, contact a healthcare provider.

Find more information on the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s website.

Learn more about CASA of the Heartland at volunteer summit event

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CASA of the Heartland invites community members interested in learning more about what it takes to be a court-appointed special advocate to attend their second annual Volunteer Recruitment Summit, to be held at American Legion Hardin Post 113 in Elizabethtown on Tuesday, September 22.

“Our goal is for individuals who come to learn everything they can about CASA and for nobody to leave with questions, and by the end of the event, hopefully people will know definitively if being a CASA volunteer is a good fit for them,” said CASA of the Heartland Executive Director Michelle Kail.

The organization says the event will feature Q&A panels featuring Assistant County Attorneys and current CASA volunteers to discuss their experiences and answer questions.

Kail said 143 children are on the organization’s waitlist, and for children navigating the court system, the consistent presence of their CASA is critical.

“They might see a turnover in social workers or therapists or foster homes, whereas their CASA remains a consistent person throughout the life of their case, collecting information to report back to her family judges, and ultimately making sure that the child’s voice is heard and that their best interests are at the forefront of the case,” Kail said.

The event is free, but registration is required as dinner will be served. Visit www.casaheartland.org to register.

Commonwealth’s continuance approved for Nicholas Houck trial

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Nicholas Houck’s trial on a Class D Felony Perjury charge will now be heard in 2027.

Nelson Circuit Judge Charles Simms III granted the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office motion for a continuance during a hearing in Nelson Circuit Court Wednesday, moving the start of the trial to February 8, 2027. Simms noted that he checked with the court in Owen County to verify that the date is available. 

10th Judicial Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney Kyle Williamson said he made the motion because it is important for the Commonwealth present their case chronologically, and former Commonwealth’s Attorney Terry Geoghegan needs to be the first called witness, but because of existing travel plans he would not be available until the last day of the previously scheduled dates. Houck’s defense attorney Michael Ferguson objected to the continuance, arguing that since most of the evidence the Commonwealth plans to submit is video recordings he didn’t understand why Geoghegan couldn’t record a deposition. 

Meanwhile, Simms gave the Commonwealth 20 days to respond to Ferguson’s motion to dismiss the indictment, in which Ferguson argued the Commonwealth has failed to establish that Houck made a material false statement in the grand jury testimonies cited by the Commonwealth, and that they failed to establish that Houck’s statement had an impact on the proceedings. Simms also gave the defense time to respond to the Commonwealth’s response. The court will hear arguments on the motion at a pre-trial conference set for October 22.

Hardin County man and LaRue County woman indicted as part of Medicaid fraud crack down

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A Hardin County man and a LaRue County woman were included in six indictments secured by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office as part of a crackdown on Medicaid fraud.

The AG’s Office says on September 10 a Hardin County Grand Jury indicted Ricky Simpson of Elizabethtown and Shawna Smith of Hodgenville. Both were indicted on a count of Class C Felony Knowing Abuse or Neglect of an Adult and a count of Class D Felony Devising or Engaging in a Scheme to Defraud the Kentucky Medical Assistance Program of $1,000 or More.

According to the AG’s Office, the case was investigated by the Attorney General’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control. The indictments are part of the office’s participation in the National Health Care Fraud Takedown, which the AG’s Office says has secured 21 indictments on state and federal charges and uncovered nearly $11 million in health care fraud. 

You can file a Medicaid fraud or abuse complaint at ag.ky.gov/MedicaidFraud or by calling 1-877-228-7384.