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Former State Senator Elizabeth Tori dies at 91

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Kentucky officials are expressing their appreciation for former State Senator Elizabeth Tori, who died Wednesday, October 2 at the age of 91.

“She was a true powerhouse,” said Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith. “I think she was an example to all of us in public service. I think she was an example to strong women in public service. She truly was unique. I was a very young congressional staffer working for our hometown congressman Ron Lewis and would see Elizabeth out and about at different community events. Certainly every parade, she loved the parades here in Hardin County. She loved every community here, the largest and the smallest. She genuinely cared about this community.”

Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell said in a statement: “The daughter of a veteran and wife of a retired army major, Elizabeth was a constant advocate for Kentucky’s active duty military and the many veterans who call the Commonwealth home. Serving Kentucky’s Tenth District for over 16 years, Elizabeth was always looking for ways to improve the lives of our servicemembers and to give them the thanks they deserve.”

Tori represented Kentucky’s Tenth District, which includes all of Hardin County along with a small portion of Jefferson County, from 1995 to 2011. Toriu served as the minority whip in the senate from 1997 to 1999 then as the majority whip from 1999 to 2005. Tori’s obituary notes that she owned the Tori Shoppe and Tori Enterprises in Radcliff.

Graveside services for Elizabeth Tori will be held Tuesday at noon in the North Hardin Memorial Gardens. The Nelson-Edelen-Bennett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Judge threatens former Steven Lawson attorney with contempt over case files

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Crystal Rogers investigation suspects Joseph Lawson and Steven Lawson were back in court Friday. 

Attorneys for Steven Lawson told Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III that their client will not be waiving evidentiary protections, meaning recordings of Lawson’s interviews with investigators during the plea process will be admissible in Lawson’s trial. Grand jury testimony from Lawson, however, will be permitted.

The trial for the Lawsons and fellow suspect Brooks Houck is scheduled to begin in February. Judge Simms said the case will be tried in either Warren County or Christian County. Judge Simms said he had spoken with judges in both counties and they felt their facilities could handle the case. The prosecution and defense counsels had previously submitted a proposal to move the case to Christian County that Judge Simms declined.

Friday’s hearing had been delayed a month in order for Steven Lawson’s new defense attorneys to get up to speed on the case. They informed Judge Simms that Lawson’s previous attorney, Ted Lavit, had still not turned over the entire case file. Judge Simms issued an order Friday that gave Lavit fourteen days to turn in the entire case file or he would have to appear in court to face a possible Contempt of Court charge.

The next status hearing in the case is scheduled for October 25.

Kentucky officials lift drought declaration as Fall Forest Fire Hazard Season arrives

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The Level One Drought declaration for Kentucky has been removed.

The Office of the State Climatologist and the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet say several days of rain brought by the remnants of Hurricane Helene allowed for water to infiltrate into the soil column and return soil moisture to pre-summer levels. The precipitation also eliminated rain deficits and returned streamflows to normal levels.

While the drought declaration has been lifted, Kentuckians are reminded to adhere to the regulations in place for Fall Forest Fire Hazard Season, which is now in effect.

“During that period from October to April is where the forestry service says that you need to stay 150 feet from any wood line or anything like that,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane. “They have the times where if you’re doing a large fire, clearing brush and stuff, they want you to do it between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. where the temperature is cooler, the air temperature has dropped, and the wind is typically a little calmer in the evenings.”

Crane says never leave any fire unattended. Visit the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s website for more information.