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Scheduling change in Houck and Lawson hearings approved

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A schedule change has been approved for the upcoming hearings involving the Crystal Rogers investigation suspects.

Brooks Houck, Steven Lawson, and Joseph Lawson were all due back in court Thursday, but now only Steven Lawson will be making an appearance.

According to an order filed with the Nelson Circuit Court Monday, Special Prosecutor Shane Young and defense attorneys representing Brooks Houck are in agreement that the motion to dismiss filed by Steven Lawson’s defense should be argued in court prior to arguments on the special prosecutor’s motion to consolidate the three cases to one trial. The parties further agreed that Houck’s objection to the motion to consolidate should be heard in an individual hearing “based upon the nature of the issues raised.”

The hearing scheduled for Thursday will now only consist of arguments concerning Steven Lawson’s motion to dismiss. The defense for Lawson has maintained that Lawson was promised immunity in exchange for his cooperation with the investigation.

Houck’s objection will now be argued in a hearing scheduled for July 8. Houck’s defense says trying Houck with the Lawsons would take away his ability to cross-examine the Lawsons, and a joint trial would infringe upon Houck’s constitutional rights.

The order excuses Joseph Lawson and Houck from Thursday’s hearing.

Former EIS superintendent Bush remembered for integrity, support of students

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Former Elizabethtown Independent School District Superintendent Kelli Bush is being remembered as “a fierce champion for all students and a servant leader who inspired others by her example and encouragement.”

A statement from the Bush family says Bush died Sunday at the age of 53 due to complications of cancer.

EIS Superintendent Paul Mullins says Bush leaves behind a wonderful legacy.

“It’s with great sadness that we mark the passing of a remarkable educational leader, Kelly Bush, whose passion for all students to be successful and love for the Elizabethtown Independent School District was second to none,” Mullins said.

Bush was a teacher and principal at Morningside Elementary School from 1999 to 2012. She served as EIS assistant superintendent from 2012 to 2020 and as superintendent from 2020 to 2023. Most recently, Bush was grant co-director for the Green River Region Educational Cooperative.

“She was loved by all that knew her,” Mullins said. “Kelly’s hard work and dedication has positively touched many generations of Panthers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family and friends.”

Hardin County Schools Superintendent Terry Morgan also paid tribute to Bush in a statement. Morgan said: “We worked closely together during the pandemic. We acknowledged that we would be competitors when it came to extracurricular activities, however, we also realized the benefits of working together for the betterment of our community. She was famous among her fellow superintendents for her ethical leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence, always prioritizing integrity above all else. We have certainly lost a colleague and a great friend.”

Funeral services for Kelli Bush will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Brown Funeral Home, with burial to follow in the Lebanon Junction Cemetery. Visitation for Kelli Bush will be Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.

Lindblom named Kentucky Jailers Association board president

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At the 2023 Kentucky Jailers Association Summer Conference, Hardin County Jailer Josh Lindblom was recognized by his peers when he was named the association’s Jailer of the Year.

This year, Lindblom was once again recognized by his fellow jailers at the summer conference as he was named president of the KJA Board of Directors.

“In our association, you actually have the file to run, and of course you have 118 jailers that are allowed to vote,” Lindblom said. “So, you know, it’s pretty humbling to be able to say, hey, you got voted in by the whole state.”

Lindblom says he is looking forward to continuing to advocate for better conditions for jail staff and inmates alike, something he has gained experience with serving on the association’s legislative committee.

“We’ve made stuff available more for the inmates that are in jail so that whenever they get out they’ll be more productive,” Lindblom said “They’ll be able to be better citizens and it shows. Our GED programs or different programs we have in the jails that we put together, it’s really helping folks. It’s really helping folks stay out of jail.”

Lindblom also says the association has focused the last several years on increasing funding for mental health treatment.

“You know, you’ve got folks that have mental health issues that may commit a crime by accident,” Lindblmo said “They don’t need to be warehoused in a jail or a prison. They need help, so that’s one thing we’ve advocated for over the last couple of years.”

Lindblom was elected Hardin County Jailer in 2018.

Radcliff school supply drive runs now through July 16

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The Radcliff Small Business Alliance is hosting a Back to School Supply Drive to support area families in need ahead of the upcoming school year.

“We’re looking for, obviously, school supplies, and this is going to be for our older kids, teenagers, so clothing and hygiene items,” said Radcliff Small Business Alliance Vice President Michelle Mitchell. “We added those two because there’s a growing need for that in our community.”

Items sought for the supply drive include black and white t-shirts, gym shorts (nothing more than three inches above the knee), sweatpants, no-show socks, hygiene items, feminine products, deodorant, brushes and combs, baby wipes, and gift cards.

The supply drive runs now through July 16. Items may be brought to Radcliff Small Business Alliance meetings, or you can bring them to the Colvin Community Center or Vine Grove City Hall. Items will be distributed to area schools at the July 16 meeting.

Contact Mitchell (270-216-0286) or find the Radcliff Small Business Alliance Facebook page for more information.

Battle of the Badges blood drive this Friday

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Area first responders will compete for a good cause this Friday as they co-host the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pritchard Community Center in Elizabethtown.

“This year, Paul Davis has jumped on board to help co-sponsor the event,” said American Red Cross Account Manager Tammy Ritchie. “They will be there that day giving out some goodie bags. We have all kinds of things going on that day, Battle of the Badges t-shirts. Every donor that comes in will receive a $15 e-gift card and they’ll get to choose what place they’d like or what merchant.”

Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition between police, fire, and EMS. As you go in to register for the blood drive, you’ll vote for one of the three entities.

Ritchie says walk-ins will be accepted, but preregistering is easy.

“They can go online and sign up at RedCrossBlood.org,” Ritchie said. “They can put in the zip code, or they can put in BOBElizabethtown for Battle of the Badges Elizabethtown, and that will take you right to the schedule.”

Now is a good time to help the Red Cross stay prepared.

“We just really need the community support,” Ritchie said. “Summer will be here sooner than we think, and the need for blood always goes up during that time of year.”

Visit redcrossblood.org for more information.