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Watch for young wildlife, but leave them alone, this spring

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Spring is in full swing, and as nature starts to awaken the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is reminding the public to leave young wildlife undisturbed.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says parent animals often leave their nest or young in a location they consider safe while they forage or hunt. Young animals may appear to have been left alone, but the parent is almost always nearby and will return as needed. Human intervention can cause unnecessary harm to young animals as touching them can transfer human scent, which can draw attention to their location and make the young more noticeable to predators.

KFW says Kentuckians can help baby animals thrive by:

-Observing them from a distance

-Securing trash cans and not leaving food outside

-Keeping children and pets away

-Checking a property or site before mowing or other outdoor projects

Another risk of interacting with wildlife is the potential exposure to rabies. If a person is bitten by a wild animal, contact your medical provider or county public health department immediately for guidance.

Only state-permitted wildlife rehabilitators can care for orphaned or injured animals. A list of approved rehabilitators, and more information on what to do if you find an animal you believe to be injured or abandoned, can be found at fw.ky.gov.

LTADD engineering assists on LaRue County project

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The engineering department at the Lincoln Trail Area Development District recently assisted on the completion of an infrastructure project in LaRue County.

According to LTADD, LTADD engineers helped county engineers transform a .94-mile stretch of Wheldon Loop Road using cement stabilization for full-depth reclamation, allowing the county to widen the road to 22 feet to account for heavy industrial and farm vehicle use while keeping it open during construction and minimizing costs by maintaining the existing elevation.

LTADD says the stabilization technique is common on state and federal roadways but is relatively new on the county level. The process allows for “maximum efficiency and cost savings” by utilizing the existing asphalt and undryling base material, mixing the pulverized existing material with cement and water to create a new and improved base layer, and eliminating the high costs associated with hauling in new materials.

LTADD says: “The project, which included widening the lanes and adding two feet of rock shoulder on each side, began in October 2025 and was completed in November 2025. It marked a significant milestone as the first county road in Kentucky where the contractor, Scotty’s Contracting and Stone, implemented the cement stabilization for the FDR process.”

Learn more about services offered by LTADD at www.ltadd.org.

Defense and prosecution to discuss possible mediation in Escalera case

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The former Campbellsville University student accused of killing another student in his dorm room two years ago made a court appearance Tuesday.

Charles “Zeke” Escalera appeared via Zoom from the Taylor County Detention Center before Taylor Circuit Court Judge Kaelin Reed for a pretrial conference. Reed said a records request to Oklahoma, Escalera’s home state, returned a “report of no records.” 

Defense attorney Samantha Costello said Escalera’s defense was requesting more time to discuss with the prosecution whether a potential resolution is possible in the case. Judge Reed said the case is eligible for the Kentucky Felony Mediation Program. He scheduled a pre-trial conference for May 5 for the parties to discuss the possibility of mediation.

Escalera is accused of murdering Campbellsville University freshman Josiah Kilman in his dorm room at the university. Kilman was found unresponsive shortly after midnight on February 24, 2024, before being pronounced dead at Taylor Regional Hospital. Escalera faces charges of Murder, third degree Burglary, and second degree charges of Burglary and Fleeing or Evading Police. The case is scheduled to go to trial on July 27.

Clerk’s office promoting new CASA specialty plate

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April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, and the Hardin County Clerk’s Office is promoting the new Court Appointed Special Advocates specialty license plate as a way for the community to commit to the safety and well-being of area children.

“The CASA specialty plate is more than just a piece of metal,” said Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith. “It’s a moving billboard for child safety. We’re honored to provide this resource at the clerk’s office, knowing that each plate sold helps provide a voice for a child in the family court system who needs it most.”

According to the clerk’s office, the CASA plate is $44 to issue and “features the recognizable blue and white branding of the organization, which provides highly-trained volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the court system.”

“We are thrilled to see the CASA mission represented on vehicles throughout Hardin County and the state,” said CASA of the Heartland Executive Director Michelle Kail.

A portion of the $44 issue fee goes towards supporting CASA organizations.

“The funds generated from these plates are vital,” Kail said. “They allow us to expand our reach and ensure that every child in need of a CASA has a dedicated advocate in their corner as they navigate the court system. This month, as we wear blue and share our mission, we encourage everyone to consider changing their plate to help change a child’s story.”

Contact your county clerk’s office or visit drive.ky.gov for more information on switching to the CASA plate. Learn more about CASA of the Heartland at www.casaheartland.org.

EPD hosting victims’ rights resource fair and 5K

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National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 19 through 25, and the Elizabethtown Police Department is giving the community the opportunity to “listen, act, and advocate.”

“On Monday, April 20, we are hosting a community resource fair beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by a 5K run/walk at 6:30 at the ElizabethTown Sports Park in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week,” said EPD Public Information Officer Chris Denham. “This event is free to attend and is a great opportunity for citizens to stand alongside crime victims while learning about resources available in our community. Beach Snow Snack Shack will also be on site providing free treats for participants.”

The registration link for the 5K can be accessed via the QR code on the event poster, which is posted on the Elizabethtown Police Department Facebook page. Contact EPD Victims Services Specialist Anesha Knott for more information.