WQXE NEWS

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.

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.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District Four is responsible for maintaining nearly 3,000 miles of regional roadways, and they are asking for the public’s assistance. 

KYTC District Four is reminding residents that no signage is allowed along state-maintained right of way areas other than official highway signs and items approved through a permit process.

Mowing cycles have begun on District Four roadways, so highway crews are removing yard sale, political, and other promotional signs that are being placed on right of ways. It is also illegal to attach items such as flyers, posters, balloons, or streamers to stop signs, highway markers, and utility poles. 

The KYTC says signs and objects placed in the right of way create potential hazards for drivers by blocking sightlines or causing distractions. Mowing crews will not mow around signs and have to stop their work to remove them, causing delays and potential hazards along the side of the road.

Removed items are held for a short period of time at KYTC facilities, then are trashed or recycled after going unclaimed. Contact KYTC District Four in Elizabethtown at 270-766-5066 or online for more information.