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Jon Ryan, left, candidate for jailer, talks with a couple at the conclusion of the candidate forum Friday at the Boston Community Center.
The Race is On! Watts attends Boston political forum, defends his record Friday, July 30, 2010, 11 p.m. – Despite earlier comments to the Gazette and even other candidates, incumbent Democrat Judge Executive Dean Watts appeared at Friday evening's candidate forum at the Boston Community Center. A number of candidates spoke, though most memorable were the exchanges between the three candidates for judge executive, which were very pointed -- and perhaps an indicator that this year's race for judge executive will be unlike any in recent history. Check back soon to read the Gazette's complete coverage and photos from the event posted here soon! Developing ....
Incumbent judge says he'll pass on Boston forum; challengers will attend Friday, July 30, 2010, 1 a.m. – Incumbent Democrat Judge Executive Dean Watts said earlier this week he will not attend the candidate forum this evening at the Boston Community Center, though his challengers, 4th District Magistrate Tim Hutchins and Republican Peter Trzop will be there. Watts told listeners of WBRT's "Brooks & Company" program Tuesday he had another engagement to attend Friday evening, and added he believed the event was organized by Trzop's supporters. The forum is open to all candidates on the November ballot. The event begins at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact Susan Vittitow, (502) 507-6124.
Judge executive slated as guest on Tuesday's 'Brooks & Company' Monday, July 26, 2010, 11:57 p.m. – Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts will be a guest on WBRT's "Brooks & Company" radio show that airs Tuesday, July 27, from 11 to Noon. Among the issues Watts will address include comments last week by 4th District Magistrate Tim Hutchins -- an independent challenger for judge executive -- regarding the county paying for drainage work on private property. Tune in to 1320 WBRT Tuesday at 11 a.m. for more.
Sheckles files for mayor; former councilman Hagan files to run Monday, July 26, 2010, 4:20 p.m. – Bardstown City Councilman Bill Sheckles has filed to run for the office of mayor of Bardstown. Sheckles is the third person to file for the office, joining Stephen Wimsett and fellow councilman John Royalty in the race. Former councilman Fred Hagan -- who lost his seat in the election two years ago -- has filed to run for a seat on the council. With rumors of another possible councilman running, there will be at least two new members on the city council. The filing deadline is Aug. 10.
Poll: Any Republican would beat Obama for president in 2012 Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 4 p.m. – A national poll by Quinnipiac University shows that President Barack Obama's approval rating has fallen to the lowest level since taking office. The majority of those who were surveyed said they would rather vote for an unnamed Republican than vote for Obama in 2012. The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and the nation as a public service and for research. Click here to read the full press release about the poll.
Business Line: Mexican parent company sells Bardstown rock quarry Saturday, July 17, 2010, 8 a.m. – The Bardstown rock quarry was recently sold as part of a deal by its Mexican owners in a move to reduce debt and improve liquidity. Mexican cement giant Cemex S.A. B. de C.V. announced earlier last week it was selling seven Kentucky aggregate quarries, three resale aggregate distribution centers and one concrete block plant to Bluegrass Materials, LLC, for $90 million. Cemex acquired the properties in 2007 when it purchased the Atlanta-based Rinker Group. Bluegrass Materials is a Delaware-based subsidiary of Pandero Aggregates Holdings, LLC. Pandero was formed earlier this year by John D. Baker II and Edward L. Baker II, formerly of Florida Rock Industries, to invest in aggregates and other construction materials business.
Beware of authentic-looking but bogus order confirmations from Amazon.com Friday, July 16, 2010, 11:59 p.m. – If you receive an e-mail from Amazon.com regarding an order you didn't place, do not click any of the links in that e-mail. The subject line of the e-mails typically says "Your Amazon.com Order" followed by a number. The links in the e-mails received by The Nelson County Gazette refer to web sites that are not Amazon.com web servers. The three bogus Amazon e-mails received Friday linked to web servers in Russia. The e-mails contain no attachment, but the links may lead to a phishing attempt (by asking for your Amazon account information) or install a virus or other malware on your computer. Amazon asks anyone to receives one of these bogus e-mails to forward the e-mail to stop-spoofing@amazon.com .
Photo courtesy of The Springfield Sun.
Fatal tractor-trailer accident closes
US 150 west of St. Catharine College Friday, July 16, 2010, 4:40 p.m. – The Springfield Sun is reporting that US 150 - the Springfield Road - has been closed most of the day Friday after a three-vehicle fatal accident that occurred just west of St. Catharine College in Washington County. The accident involved a tractor-trailer, and the trailer was on its side blocking both lanes. The Sun is reporting that the highway is expected to reopen around 5 p.m. For updates, click here to visit The Springfield Sun's web site.
Heaton announces he won't seek re-election as Bardstown mayor Wednesday, July 14, 2010, 12:30 a.m. – Citing health reasons, Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton announced Tuesday evening he will not seek another term as mayor of the City of Bardstown. Heaton made the announcement at Tuesday's city council meeting. Heaton served two terms as a member of the Bardstown city council before challenging incumbent Dixie Hibbs in the mayor's race four years ago. Under Hibbs' watch, the city had expanded its boundaries in a bout of contentious annexations that strained city-county relations. Heaton won a three-way race for mayor that included Hibbs and Steven Wimsatt.
Governor appoints Bardstown man to the Kentucky Board of Education Thursday, July 1, 2010, 1 p.m. – Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed five new members to the state school board, including a local resident who is a top administrator at St. Catharine College near Springfield. The appointment of Roger Marcum, SCC's executive vice president and Bardstown resident, to the Kentucky Board of Education was announced by the Governor's office Thursday morning. Seven of the board's 11 members' terms expired in April, including the appointment held by Bardstown attorney Doug Hubbard. Two board members whose terms expired were reappointed. Marcum is the former superintendent of Marion County Schools, former presdient of the Kentucky Assciation of School Administrators, former president of the Kentucky School Superintendents Association and former president of the Council for Better Education.
Justice Center complex to be location of increased levels of 'radio activity' Saturday, June 26, 2010, 11:00 a.m. –The Nelson County Justice Center complex at the intersection of KY 49 and Springfield Road will be the site of a great deal of "radio activity" for 24 hours beginning 2 p.m. Saturday. The local ham radio organizations, the Kentucky Amateur Radio Society and the Nelson County Amateur Radio Emergency Service groups will be participating in a national event called Field Day. The annual event tests ham operators' ability to setup emergency communications in time of disaster. Nationally, thousands of clubs and organizations take part each year. The local group will be using voice and digital communications to contact other ham operators taking part in the event. The local groups also plan to contact others via ham radio satellites orbiting the Earth. The group will be operating at the Emergency Management building adjacent to the sheriff's office and city police building. The public is invited.
Official responds to NC Gazette story on analysis of jobs, income data Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 10:30 p.m. –There's no denying the impact of the recession on the local economy, but the picture isn't as bleak as some of the data might make it seem. In a telephone interview Tuesday, Kim Huston, president and COO of the Nelson County Economic Development Agency, told the Gazette that Nelson County's economic development efforts are ongoing and continue to bear fruit. Huston said the county continues to diversify its manufacturing base, noting the number of new manufacturing jobs that are not automotive in nature. The perception that the county has "all its eggs in one basket" -- meaning the automotive sector -- is not accurate one, she said. Nelson County has had greater success than other counties of similar size, she said. Huston is scheduled to appear July 6 on 1320 WBRT's "Brooks & Company" radio show July 6 to further discuss the topic of economic development in Nelson County.
Analysis: Historical data shows county losing ground on jobs, income Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 10:30 a.m. –(UPDATED 1:45 p.m.)When it comes to nostalgia, the "good old days" always seem better than they were. And if you track some of Nelson County's key economic indicators over the past 15 years, the statistical data shows that things actually were better in the past. A new analysis by a local CPA shows long-term economic trends that are disturbing. Click here to read more.
Editor's Notebook: Can Obama avoid 'Carterization' and win a 2nd term? Friday, June 18, 2010, 6 p.m. --Like most conservatives, I knew this day would come: The day when even the most liberal of President Barack Obama's supporters would reach the same conclusion I did two years ago - the man who awed audiences with his rhetoric is little more than a paper tiger. Left-wingers believed his rhetoric; they believed what he said he stood for. They believed when he said he would end the Iraq war. With members of his own party joining his critics, can Obama avoid being a one-term president? Click here to read more in The Editor's Notebook.
First independent candidate completes nominating petition for November race Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 1 p.m. - John Thomas "J.T." Fulkerson Jr. has completed his candidacy petition to run as an independent candidate for magistrate in the county's 4th District. Fulkerson will face David Shields, the Democratic nominee, and Republican Jeff Lear in the Nov. 2 general election. Fulkerson is the first of the three independent candidates who have completed their nominating petition for county office. Current 4th District Magistrate Tim Hutchins has filed his intent to run as an independent candidate for judge executive, and former city council candidate Madge Brumley has filed her intent to run for 3rd District magistrate. Brumley will need signatures of 20 registered voters for her petition, and Hutchins will need 100 signatures. The deadline to submit nominating petitions to the Nelson County Clerk's office is 4 p.m. Aug. 10.
City police cite college-age youth in door-to-door magazine sales scam Friday, May 21, 2010, 12:30 p.m. - 1320 WBRT reported today that Bardstown police cited a group of college-age adults who were using questionable practicies while going door-to-door to sell magazines. The sellers were telling customers they lived nearby, and that the sales were intended to help their college expenses or for troops overseas. The salesmen were representing American Circulation Enterprises of Michigan City, Ind., a company that has garnered numerous complaints for deceptive selling practices. The individuals locally were cited for theft by deception and selling without the proper business license. The best way to avoid being ripped-off is to never buy anything being sold door-to-door by someone you do not know personally.
Rand Paul, Jack Conway win big in county, statewide primary election Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 11:54 p.m. -- Just as he did across the state, here in Nelson County Rand Paul gave Secretary of State Trey Grayson an old-fashioned whoopin’ in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.
In Nelson County, Paul received landslide category 70 percent of the votes cast, besting Grayson by nearly a 3-to-1 margin. Statewide, Paul won 59 percent of the votes cast. Click here to read more about the Senate primary results.
Signs of the (political) times
Alan Brown Jr, left, and Republican candidate for Nelson County judge executive Peter Trzop hold campaign signs Monday afternoon at a "Primary Eve Sign Wave" event at the intersection of US31E & KY 245. The event was organized by the Nelson County Tea Party. Click on the image to enlarge it.
At left, Dr. Dan Mongiardo, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, talks with, Eddie O'Daniel of Bloomfield, and at right, county clerk candidate Paul McCoy during Mongiardo's campaign stop in Bardstown Sunday..
Mongiardo barnstorming tour lands in Bardstown hoping to build momentum Sunday, May 16, 2010, 7 p.m. – With roughly 24 hours of campaign time left, Democrat Dan Mongiardo stopped briefly at a Bardstown restaurant to meet supporters and rail against his opponent's anonymous robocalls. Mongiardo called the calls misleading, and those without disclaimers illegal. Click here for more photos of Mongiardo's stop in Bardstown.
Hamilton returns improper campaign donation, amends finance reports Friday, May 15, 2010, 1:30 p.m. — Democratic candidate for Nelson County judge executive Rob Hamilton said he has returned an improper donation to his campaign and has amended his election finance reports to reflect those corrections. Hamilton discussed the issue this morning on a special Friday edition of the "Brooks & Company" radio program on 1320 WBRT. Click here for details.
Hamilton reports apparent illegal donation...Challenger outspending incumbent in race for Nelson judge executive Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 11 p.m. (UPDATED May 13, 2 p.m.) — The campaign for Nelson County judge has been heating up in the last couple of weeks. As the candidates who filed for local office have learned, running in a contested race can be an expensive proposition. The latest campaign finance figures show that challenger Rob Hamilton has been outspending incumbent Dean Watts in the Democratic primary for judge executive. With the election just days away, that will likely change. Click here to read more about the candidate's election finance reports.
Col. Michael Masters withdraws as candidate for Nelson County Clerk Monday, May 10, 4:40 p.m. - In a brief press release to local media outlets, Col. Michael Masters announced this afternoon that he was withdrawing as a candidate for Nelson County Clerk. "Being a candidate for Nelson County Clerk has been a thrill of a lifetime," he wrote in his statement. "The opportunity to participate in the democratic process of elected representatives, in this case the Nelson County Clerk, has been a privilege." Click here to read Masters' letter (MS Word format document).
Come out and meet candidates for office Saturday at the amphitheater Thursday, May 6, 8 a.m. -Want to know more about the candidates for office? Come out to meet them at WBRT's candidate meet & greet from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, May 8th at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre. All candidates for office have been invited. There will be food available courtesy of Down Home BBQ. With the May primary less than two weeks away, you don't want to miss this opportunity to meet the candidates for office!
Televised debate schedule Tuesday, May 4, 10 a.m. - The Bardstown cable channel 13 schedule of candidate debates is listed below. All debates begin at 7 p.m.: Tuesday, May 4: Jailer candidates Wednesday, May 5: Judge executive race Thursday, May 6: Magistrate Dist. 1 Friday, May 7: Magistrate Dist. 4 Monday, May 10: Magistrate D5 Tuesday, May 11: Sheriff
National Weather Service flood warning extended for Rolling Fork River Monday, May 3, 11 a.m. - National Weather Service reports major flooding will continue across Central Kentucky along the Rolling Fork River. At 10:30 Monday morning, the Rolling Fork at Boston was at 44.7 feet and was expected to crest Tuesday evening at 47.7 feet, which is 12.7 feet above flood stage. The river will fall below flood stage by Thursday. Numerous roads in the county remain blocked by high water. Never try to cross a flooded roadway - 'Turn around, don't drown."
Clerk candidate points out that online vehicle tag renewal already available Wednesday, April 21, 8 a.m. - Making new technology available to customers of the county clerk's office has been a common item of discussion among the primary candidates for that office. Among the features discussed is the ability for county residents to renew their vehicle registration online. But according to one of the deputy clerks running for the office, online vehicle registration renewals is already a feature that's available to county residents. Click here to read more.
Orr selected new superintendent of Nelson County school system Tuesday, April 13, 3:30 p.m. - The Nelson County Board of Education announced today that Anthony Orr, principal of Paul Dunbar High School in Lexington has been selected to succeed Dr. Janice O. Lantz as the next superintendent of Nelson County School District. “We believe he is the right person to continue the good work Dr. Lantz has started and lead us to the next step,” said school board chairman Nicky Rapier. Click here for more.
Police investigate thefts from teens' vehicles at Washington County party Sunday, April 11, 3:50 a.m. - Police at this hour are investigating thefts from vehicles at a large party that was held off Croake Station Road in Washington County Saturday night. KSP, Bardstown police and sheriff's deputies were alerted to be on the lookout for a couple of vehicles driven by individuals believed to be involved in the thefts, and were possibly armed. At least one of the vehicles was located, where a firearm, three purses, two wallets and several cell phones were located. The party may have been the one that has been all the buzz among high school teenagers in recent days on the Facebook social networking site. Hundreds of invitations were sent to Nelson County high school teens promoting the party and its cover charge. To find out the location required goers to RSVP.
Brumley's photos, video shows judge's campaign election sign in his office Wednesday, April 7, 7 p.m. - After being quoted in the local newspaper asking candidates to follow the rules regarding campaign signs and noting they cannot be placed on public property, Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts found himself in violation of his own request. After the story was published, local activist Kevin Brumley spotted Watts' campaign sign on a book case in Watt's office in the Old Court House, which Brumley noted was also public property. Brumley sent the photos and the link to the YouTube video clipto the media. In an e-mail reply to Brumley which was forwarded to The Gazette, Watts agreed. "I think you are probably right, the sign maybe should not be there," he wrote. "I guess I see the office as not so public, even though the public owns. I meant no harm to the public."
Heaven Hill master distiller honored by 2010 Kentucky General Assembly Friday, April 2, 4:30 p.m. - Longtime Master Distiller Parker Beam was honored Thursday, April 1, by both houses of the Kentucky General Assembly for his 50 years of service to Heaven Hill Distilleries in Bardstown. Beam is a seventh-generation master distiller. The resolutions honoring Beam were filed by Rep. David Floyd in the House and in the Senate by Sen. Jimmy Higdon. In other bourbon-related honors, the General Assembly adjourned on March 24th in honor of Buffalo Trace Distillery being named "Whisky Attraction of the Year" by Whisky Magazine, and on March 23rd the state House honored Master Distiller Jimmy Russell for his 55 years of service at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg.
Madge Brumley files as Independent candidate for District 3 magistrate Thursday, April 1, 2010 4:45 p.m. - Madge Brumley, a former candidate for Bardstown city council, filed her intent to run for the office of magistrate in the county's 3rd District as an Independent candidate. As an Independent, she will bypass the May primary election. She will face incumbent Bernard Ice in the November general election. Brumley filed her paperwork on Wednesday afternoon at the Nelson County Clerk's office.
It's official: Magistrate Tim Hutchins files to run for judge executive Tuesday, March 30, 2010 12:45 p.m. - Magistrate Tim Hutchins filed this morning his intent as an Independent candidate to seek the office of Nelson County judge executive. Hutchins filed his paperwork before noon at the office of Nelson County Clerk Phyllis Mattingly. After filing, Hutchins spoke briefly at the WBRT studio during the final minutes of the "Brooks & Company" program, confirming his candidacy. As an Independent candidate, Hutchins bypasses the May primary, where incumbent Dean Watts faces fellow Democrat Rob Hamilton. In November, Hutchins will face the winner of the Democratic primary and Republican Peter Trzop.
Steven Wimsett is first candidate to file to run for office of mayor of Bardstown Friday, March 19, 2010 12:19 p.m. - While there is no May primary in the non-partisan races for mayor of the incorporated cities in Nelson County, Steve Wimsett of Bardstown has become the first candidate to file for mayor of Bardstown. Wimsett was a candidate for mayor in 2006 and came in a distant third in the race that included then-incumbent Dixie Hibbs and her challenger, Dick Heaton. The deadline for candidates to file in the non-partisan races for mayor or city council is August 10.
Former Barton Brands distillery drops out of Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tuesday, March 9, 2010 10 p.m. - Two Kentucky distilleries -- including the former Barton Brands distillery in Bardstown -- have announced they are dropping out of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The Frankfort State-Journal reported Tuesday that Sazarec-owned Tom Moore Distillery and the Buffalo Trace Distillery will no longer be stops along the famous trail that leads bourbon fans through Central Kentucky. Click here for more.
J. T. Fulkerson, Jr. files as Independent candidate for 4th District magistrate Tuesday, March 9, 2010 10 a.m. - John Thomas "J.T." Fulkerson Jr. of Cox's Creek has filed his intent to run as a Independent candidate for the office of Magistrate in the county's 4th District. Fulkerson is the sixth candidate to file for the office. As an Independent candidate, he avoids the May primary. The filing sets up a three-way race for the magistrate seat in the November general election. Fulkerson will face Republican Jeff Lear and the winner of the Democratic primary. The filing deadline for Independent candidates is April 1. To view Fulkerson's Statement of Candidacy, which was filed Friday, Feb. 26, click here.
Advertising space on the Gazette home page available now for first time Friday, March 5, 2010 - Just in time for the May political primary season, the Nelson County Gazette now has banner advertising opportunities available on its home page. The Gazette's daily visitors will see your banner -- and if linked to your web site, your banner ad will allow them to find out more about your candidacy, your product or services! Are you a candidate who doesn't have a web page? The Gazette can take your ideas and create one for you! Click here for details, or the Advertising Info link in the menu on the left.
Bloomfield Park Lake now part of state fishing promotion program Tuesday, March 2, 9 p.m. -- Bloomfield Park Lake is now part of the Department of Fish & Wildlife's FINs program, which works to create quality fishing opportunities at selected lakes across Kentucky. The 2 1/2-acre lake is the only lake In Nelson County involved in the program, which includes 30 lakes statewide. Click here for more information.
Hurst shutters the corporation that launched Yourviews.com Sunday, Feb. 28, 12:30 p.m. -- Local businessman Jack Hurst has dissolved the corporation that he and former Kentucky Standard publisher Steve Lowery founded to launch and operate their web site, Yurviews.com. The site, which has been mostly inactive the past year, has been a quiet thorn in the side for local politicians for a number of years. To read more about the history of Yurviews.com, click here.
2010 Primary: Official decides the Colonel's title stays on ballot Sunday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. -- It's official: The Colonel can keep his rank. In a press release issued earlier this week, Colonel Michael Masters, one of 12 candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for county clerk, said Nelson County Clerk Phyllis Mattingly had informed him his title as a Kentucky Colonel would be with his name on the May primary ballot. State law prohibits candidates from using "titles, ranks, or spurious phrases" with their name on the primary ballot. Nickames are allowed, and state law says the nickname must appear in quotation marks immediately before the candidate's last name. Masters name will appear on the primary ballot as Michael "Colonel" Masters.
R.J. Corman lands $17.5 million stimulus grant for track projects Thursday, Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m. -- The R.J.Corman Group -- operators of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown -- will receive a $17.5 million federal stimulus grant for a project to rehabilitate the company's tracks in Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. A report in Business Lexington on Wednesday stated the Kentucky portion of the grant totals about $13 million. The grant money -- part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- will be used to rehabilitate 200 miles of Corman's Kentucky track, including the company's Bardstown line. The project will include replacing cross ties, resurfacing of line and repair of bridges and overpasses. A 20 percent match is required for the grant. The state is contributing $200,00; Corman is contributing $3.04 million. The Nicholasville-based company has committed to hiring 100 new employees for the project.
Nelson County facing winter storm warning through midday Monday Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2 a.m. -- Nelson County is under a Winter Weather Advisory until 9 a.m. this morning. The National Weather Service advisory says that light snow will continue to fall over the northern half of the state, and blowing snow will cover cleared roadways with snow creating potentially hazardous road conditions. Accumulations of less than an inch of new snow are expected overnight.
Once a colonel, always a colonel -- except perhaps on the election ballot Monday, Feb. 8, 10 p.m. -- Colonel Michael Masters, a Bardstown entrepreneur, author, bourbon connoisseur and Southern hospitality expert, has written a letter to Nelson County Clerk Phyllis Mattingly regarding the proper use of his nickname on the May primary election ballot. Masters - a candidate for Nelson County Clerk - used the usual styling of his name preceded by this "Colonel" title in his candidate filing; however, Kentucky law clearly spells out the proper style for nicknames on the election ballot. Click here to read more about this issue.
Smoking ban hearing ignites passions on both sides of a heated issue Wednesday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m. -- A vocal and passionate crowd of about 75 people attended a public hearing Tuesday night to speak out on a proposed smoking ban being considered by the Bardstown City Council. The 2 1/2-hour hearing was in response to a request by Smoke-Free Nelson County for an ordinance that would ban smoking in public places in the city of Bardstown. The group tried without success in 2008 to convince Nelson Fiscal Court to enact a similar countywide smoking ban. Click here for the full story and photos from the public hearing.
Democrat Terry Mills wins special election for 24th District House seat Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, 2 a.m. - Democrat Terry Mills of Lebanon topped Casey County Republican Leo Johnson to win the special election to fill the 24th District state House seat. The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that Mills won big in Marion County, while his challenger did well in Casey and the district's five precincts in Pulaski County. Across the district, the Secretary of State's office reports Mills won by fewer than 500 votes, 3,001 to 2,518 with 21 percent voter turnout. Mills will complete the unexpired term of former state Rep. Jimmy Higdon who won the 14th District state Senate special election in December. Both Mills and Johnson have filed for the May primary where Mills faces no opposition from within his party. Johnson will square off against Lebanon auto dealer Bill Pickerill.
Two ex- Washington County deputies indicted on federal drug charges Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, 5 p.m. - WHAS 11 in Louisville reported earlier today that two former Washington County, Ky., sheriff's deputies were indicted by a federal grand jury on drug charges. Norris Wayne Bartley, 42, and Billy Joe Mattingly, 41, were indicted on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm during a crime. The two men face up to 5 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. The men were arrested in November after a KSP investigation revealed their alleged involvement in a covert drug trafficking operation. The men face a Feb. 16th court date.
Inquiring minds want to know ... Will the candidate 'Colonel' retain his rank on the May primary ballot? Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, 1:15 a.m. - As the faxes poured into the Nelson County Gazette newsroom prior to Tuesday's 4 p.m. filing deadline, one candidate’s filing caught my eye in the large stack of faxes: That of Kentucky Colonel Michael E. Masters, one of 12 Democrats running for the office of Nelson County clerk. State law is very specific as to how a nickname must appear on the ballot; but is Masters' title a nickname or part of his legal name? Will Masters keep his title on the May primary ballot? Click here to read Jim's look at this issue in The Editor's Notebook.
13 file for open county clerk's office ... County clerk: Record number of candidates file for county offices Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, 1:15 a.m. - With less than 15 minutes left before the 4 p.m. filing deadline Tuesday, two candidates were in the Nelson County Clerk's office completing their forms and paying their filing fee. Frances Robertson of New Haven became the 13th candidate -- and 12th Democrat -- to file to run for the office of Nelson County clerk. Clerk Phyllis Mattingly told WBRT's Roth Stratton Tuesday that she had never seen so many candidates filing for office in a primary election, including a record number of Republicans who have filed for county offices. Click here for the full list of candidates who filed by the 4 p.m. deadline.
Get instant updates on Twitter ... Pre-dawn snowfall leaves county roads slick, some reported impassable Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, 8:15 a.m. - Pre-dawn snow showers created slick and hazardous roads across Nelson County this morning, snarling traffic and delaying school buses. US31E was blocked north of KY 480, blocking a salt truck trying to treat the slickening roadways. School bus drivers found some roads impassable, while others were delayed by nearly up to 20 minutes. Bus drivers were using their radios to warn of particularly hazardous stretches of road. Numerous cars were reported having slid off the road, and a steady stream of non-injury fender-benders kept police busy all over the county. At about 5 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Nelson County. For instant updates on accidents, advisories and breaking news, check out the Gazette on Twitter.
Follow The Gazette on Twitter ... Candidate filing deadline is 4 p.m. today; check back for updates Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, 8 a.m. - With the deadline to file for county office looming, candidates have come out of the woodwork for the now-open county clerk's position. Check the Gazette's Twitter box at right for the latest campaign filings, and check back for a full recap of candidates who have filed. Better yet, click here to keep informed by signing up for the Gazette's Twitter updates.
From The Editor's Notebook ... Opinion: We've got a Governor who can't say no to expanded gambling Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, 11 p.m. - Gov. Steve Beshear just can't say no to expanded gaming. In his budget address to the Kentucky General Assembly, he included revenue from expanded gaming legislation that hasn't been approved nor is likely to gain approval. Is this the governor's political version of football's "Hail Mary" pass? Or is there some part of "no" that he doesn't understand? Your editor examines this issue, and also unveils an anonymously submitted, tongue-planted-firmly-in-cheek song called "I'm Just A Governor Who Can't Say No" (apologies to the cast and crew of the musical Oklahoma!). To hear the song, click here to read more in The Editor's Notebook.
Five men file seeking county magistrate seats in three different districts Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, 9:25 p.m. - The Nelson County Clerk's office was busy Wednesday with candidate filings from five candidates for magistrate. Three men -- Marion E. Smith, Jim Thompson and Keith Metcalfe -- filed to run as Democrats for magistrate in District 1, making that race a five-way primary election. Ben Irvin Road resident Bobby Settles filed to run as a Democrat for magistrate in District 4, and Glenn Stone filed to run as a Republican for magistrate in District 5. The filings leave magistrates Sam Hutchins (D2) and Bernard Ice (D3) as the only magistrates facing no opposition thus far. To see who all has filed for magistrate, click here to visit The Gazette's Situation Room candidate's filings page.
County clerk Phyllis Mattingly announces she won't seek re-election Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010, 2:25 p.m. - Nelson County Clerk Phyllis Mattingly announced today she would not seek another term as clerk. Mattingly made the announcement at this morning's Nelson Fiscal Court session. Mattingly has worked in the county clerk's office for more than 40 years, and served as clerk for more than 30 years. Following Mattingly's announcement, deputy clerk Elaine Filiatreau filed to run as a Democrat for the office. While the announcement came as a surprise to most people, Mattingly apparently had made it known she might not run again for at least a week; Filiatreau's candidate paperwork she filed today carry signatures dated last Tuesday, Jan. 12th (to view her candidate filings, click here). The deadline to file for office as a Democrat or Republican is next Tuesday, Jan. 26th.
Gazette's new 'Situation Room' your source for Election 2010 news Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, 11 p.m. - Nelson County residents seeking the most comprehensive election coverage need only visit the new Election 2010 Situation Room at the web site of the Nelson County Gazette. The Situation Room will include original reporting and analysis, as well as a complete archive of the election-related filings by every local candidate for office. It's the type of comprehensive political coverage no other local media outlet can match. Get it first; get the Gazette. Click here to enter The Situation Room.
State tax incentives to help build new Wild Turkey whiskey warehouse Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, 6 p.m. - On Tuesday, Gov. Steve Beshear announced that state tax incentives had been approved for a $2.3 million project to build a new 20,000 barrel warehouse at the Wild Turkey distillery in Anderson County. The warehouse project will be used to house bourbon produced by the facility's new distillery now under construction and set to go into operation later this year. Click here to read the official state press release.
Cox's Creek woman files as GOP candidate for Nelson County coroner Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, 1 p.m. – Danielle Chladek of Cox's Creek has entered the race for Nelson County coroner. Chladek filed her paperwork this morning in the office of Nelson County Clerk Phyllis Mattingly. Chladek ran for coroner four years ago when longtime coroner Sonny Greenwell of New Haven did not run for re-election. As the Republican candidate, Chladek challenged Democratic primary winner Rayfield "Field" Houghlin in the general election, losing by 959 votes.
Sets up possible three-way race in November ...
Bardstown man enters judge-executive race as Republican candidate Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, 3 p.m. – Bardstown resident Peter Trzop announced today his intention to enter the race for Nelson County judge-executive. "The time is upon us to make critical decisions on our future," Trzop's announcement states. "I want to focus government on supporting a strong business environment, continuing historical preservation, establishing a community center for our children, seniors, veterans and work to build a local college." Trzop is a veteran of the local Kentucky Army National Guard unit and the U.S. Air Force. Click here for more.
Animal control officer questions why magistrate moved horses so quicklyFriday, Dec 18, 2009, 11:55 p.m. -- The animal control officer who Magistrate Jerry Hahn said didn't properly handle an investigation into Hahn's alleged mistreatment of horses on his Wilkerson Road farm responded in an interview broadcast during the 5 o'clock newscast on Bardstown's WBRT. Jon Ryan, a former Nelson County deputy sheriff and an animal control officer, said he was only doing his job by investigating the complaints about the horses on Hahn's farm. He questioned Hahn's motive for moving the animals so quickly when their plight began to attract attention. Click here to read the Gazette's story.
Magistrate addresses concerns about his treatment of horses on WBRT Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, 11:55 a.m. -Magistrate Jerry Hahn defended himself this morning on WBRT, stating that the controversy over horses on his farm stems from his desire to save their lives. Hahn said he had been asked to take the horses and try to nurse them back to health by Buck Ryan of Rineyville. Hahn said he would never mistreat a horse, and that he's taken in many horses over the years to save their lives. "All my neighbors out there can tell you that I bring horses in and bring them back alive," he said.Click here to read more about Hahn's interview on WBRT.
An aborted fetus lays in the mud of a barn lot reportedly owned by Nelson County Magistrate Jerry Hahn. The care Hahn was providing to a group of horses believed to be malnourished and sick is being questions by horse lovers and a local horse rescue organization. The horses were moved from his farm earlier this week. Click the image to enlarge (photo submitted).
TV station questions magistrate over animal cruelty allegations Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, 1 a.m. - A local horse rescue team tells WHAS TV that the sick and emaciated horses Magistrate Jerry Hahn had on his farm for weeks were moved after questions were raised about his care of the animals. Hahn told WHAS TV he was keeping the horses for an associate in Hardin County, and that the horses were moved back there. Charlene Harris of Harris Horse Rescue said local officials were told of the problem and took no action. Hahn told WHAS "I talked to our county judge and everything, I talked to them in Frankfort. I wasn't doing anything wrong." Local print and television media have so far ignored this story. Click here to read WHAS TV's report and view their video and photos.
Magistrate facing questions about care given to animals on his farm Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, 2 p.m. - Nelson County Magistrate Jerry Hahn is facing questions after concerns were raised about the quality of care the animals on his farm were receiving.
Multiple videos posted online purportedly show emaciated and sick horses allegedly in his care. Another online video of the interior of a barn purported owned by Hahn showed animals standing in muck, feces and mud. Hahn will complete his first term next year as Nelson County magistrate for the 5th District. He lives near the intersection of Wilkerson and Old Bloomfield Road. Click here for more and to find links to the videos.
Beshear agenda faces set back ... Higdon tops Haydon in landslide victory; gambling lobby fails to win Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, 10 p.m. -- In one of the most-watched state Senate races in recent history, Republican state Rep. Jimmy Higdon won a virtual landslide victory over Democrat Jodie Haydon in the race for the 14th District Senate seat. Haydon carried just one county, his home county of Nelson, taking 56 percent of the vote (3,840 to 2,982). His 858-vote margin of victory was too little to make up for votes cast for Higdon in the remaining four counties. For the full report on Higdon's win, click here.
EMS responds to report of unresponsive male inmate at Nelson County Jail Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 7:45 p.m. -- A male inmate at the Nelson County Jail was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital after he was found unresponsive and believed to not be breathing. EMTs responded to the jail about 7:20 Tuesday evening. The man, about 30, was transported to Flaget Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Woman arrested after striking man with vehicle during domestic squabble Monday, July 26, 2010, 11:15 a.m. -- A Boston area woman was arrested Monday morning after she hit a man with a vehicle she was operating after the two became apparently involved in a domestic altercation. Police, Nelson County EMS and the Boston Fire Department responded about 10:20 a.m. to the 100 block of Lick Creek Lane. The man, 37, was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital complaining of left hip and abdominal pain.
City police investigating report of counterfeit money passed at Hurst's Monday, July 26, 2010, 10:55 a.m. -- City police are responding to Hurst drug store downtown for a report of the business receiving a counterfeit $20 bill.
Police investigating thefts from unlocked vehicles in both the city and county Saturday, July 24, 2010, 3:50 p.m. -- The sheriff's office is investigating a rash of thefts from vehicles in the Farmaway Drive area. Deputies have been investigating items reported missing by residents since Saturday morning. The thefts are believed to have occurred overnight. Some items taken from a vehicle overnight were recovered by a homeowner near the intersection of Poplar Flat and Farmaway Drive -- all items the thieves apparently did not want to carry with them. Bardstown police are also investigating a number of vehicle thefts in the city over the same time period.
Man suffers head trauma in late-night motorcycle crash on Bellwood Road Saturday, July 24, 2010, 3:20 a.m. -- A man operating a motorcycle suffered severe head injuries in a single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning. The accident happened in the 4500 block of Bellwood Road. The unidentified man was airlifted from the scene and flown to University Hospital for treatment. Nelson County EMS and the Boston Fire Department responded to the scene. The Nelson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.
Girl, 6, suffers minor injuries after she is struck by vehicle driven by her mother Friday, July 23, 2010, 12:20 p.m. -- A 6-year-old girl was injured Friday afternoon after she was struck by a car driven by her mother in their driveway. The accident happened in the 1100 block of Foxfire Road just before noon. The girl was running down the driveway and was knocked to the ground by the bumper of the vehicle operated by her mother. The girl was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor scrapes and cuts.
City police respond to call of woman trying to run down repo agents Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 9:40 p.m. -- City police are en route to Kali Court in Salem Hills subdivision for a report of a woman who is trying to run over individuals at her residence who are there for a repossession.
Man suffers electrical shock while working under home on Cornish Lane Monday, July 19, 2010, 5:40 p.m. -- A man in his mid-50s suffered a severe electrical shock while working with electrical wiring under a home on Cornish Lane in northeastern Nelson County. Firefighters found the man under the home without a pulse and not breathing and administered CPR. The man was transported by Nelson County EMS to Flaget Memorial Hospital. The Northeast Nelson Fire Department responded to the scene.
City police investigate report of man climbing the wall at Olde Delaney's Saturday, July 17, 2010, 7:40 p.m. -- Getting locked out of your apartment doesn't normal attract attention of law enforcement, but it did for one local tenant. Police responded to a report of a possible break-in by a man climbing up the conduit on the side of Olde Delaney's Grocery. In their investigation, police found the man had locked himself out of his upstairs apartment and was trying to gain access to it.
City police, EMS respond to individual threatening to take a drug overdose Saturday, July 17, 2010, 1:27 a.m. -- City police and Nelson County EMS en route to the area of Fourth and Muir for a report of a suicidal subject who threatened to take an overdose of pills. Police determined the individual was intoxicated, and EMS was canceled.
Nelson County man severely injured when ATV overturns in Culvertown Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 9:37 p.m. -- A 22-year-old man suffered severe head injuries Tuesday evening after his four-wheeler ATV overturned in a parking lot by Culver's Country Quick Mart in Culvertown. EMS found the victim unconscious but breathing. He was taken by EMS to Flaget Memorial Hospital and flown by helicopter to University Hospital in Louisville. The Nelson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the accident.
Police searching for driver of gold-color van after car parts employee assualted Friday, July 9, 2010, 3:37 p.m. -- Police are searching for a gold-colored minivan whose driver assaulted an employee of Advanced Auto Parts about 3:20 Friday afternoon. The individual may also be intoxicated.
Woman injured in two-car crash that blocked both lanes of N. 3rd Street Friday, July 9, 2010, 2:30 p.m. -- A 70-year-old woman was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital Friday afternoon for injuries she suffered in a two-car crash at the intersection of North Third Street and Withrow Court. The woman was attempting a left turn from Withrow Court onto North Third and pulled into the path of a southbound vehicle. The impact spun the woman's car around, and both vehicles ended up blocking both northbound lanes of North Third Street. The driver of the other vehicle refused treatment at the scene. The accident happened about 1:50 p.m. Friday.
Police searching for suicidal Louisville man believed to be in Nelson County Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 12:47 p.m. -- Nelson County EMS and a police are en route to Blessed Assurance, 10233 Boston Road, for a report of a suicidal patient.
Police searching for suicidal Louisville man believed to be in Nelson County Sunday, July 4, 2010, 3 a.m. -- At this hour deputies with the Nelson County Sheriff's Office are searching for a Louisville man in his mid-50s who reportedly has taken an overdose of medication in a suicide attempt. Dispatchers' last contact was with someone who said the man told them he was in his car, which was sitting in a creek along KY 509 in Nelson County. Officers have searched KY 509 and are now checking Lenore Road and other roadways where the man might be located.
Field fire at Hart family farm in Woodlawn prompts response from 2 departments Saturday, July 3, 2010, 6:35 p.m. -- Firefighters from the Bardstown Fire Department and and the Northeast Nelson Fire Department are on scene of a large field fire at the Hart family farm in the 2100 block of Woodlawn Road. Firefighters received the call about 5:30 p.m. of a field on fire at that address. By the time the first firefighter arrived, the fire involved about an acre of wheat. It quickly spread to nearly 4 acres in size, prompting Bardstown firefighters to request mutual aid from Northeast Nelson. Firefighters reported the fire under control at 6:26 p.m.
Police respond to report of juvenile who is threatening family members Sunday, June 27, 2010, 11:49 p.m. -- Police now en route to the 1500 block of Sweeney Ridge Road (off Willisburg Road near Chaplin) for a male juvenile who attempted to stab his father with a knife. The juvenile had also threatened the family with an SKS carbine semi-automatic rifle. With two deputies from the Nelson County Sheriff's Office on their way, dispatchers report the boy's father has him pinned down on the floor without a weapon.
Tractor-trailer's ruptured diesel fuel tank triggers a Level 1 hazmat declaration Saturday, June 26, 2010, 10:40 a.m. -- The Bardstown Fire Department responded Saturday about 10:20 a.m. to a diesel fuel spill at Roby's Country Gardens, 6201 Buchannan Ave. A semi tractor-trailer rig struck an object that ruptured one of the fuel tanks. The fire department incident commander declared a Level 1 hazmat incident, which means between 10 and 50 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled. Firefighters and company personnel were using oil dry compound to contain and clean up the spilled diesel. Firefighters had to shut off the flow of fuel from the rig's second tank to prevent that fuel from draining out through the ruptured tank. The spill was contained on the company's property, and they will handle the rest of the clean up.
Sheriff's office investigating rash of
four-wheeler thefts in Bloomfield area Saturday, June 19, 2010, 11:40 a.m. -- Deputies with the Nelson County Sheriff's Office are investigating a rash of four-wheeler thefts that took place in the Bloomfield area overnight. Two four-wheelers were reported stolen from locations on KY 55, Springfield Road, and a third was reported stolen from the 200 block of Chaplin-Taylorsville Road. The four-wheelers taken from locations on KY 55 were both green; one was a Honda, the other a Yamaha. Both were 400cc models.
Would-be robber captured quickly after he threatens, robs local KFC restaurant Friday, June 18, 2010, 1:30 p.m. -- The man who robbed the Bardstown KFC restaurant Friday afternoon didn't get to keep the money long after the hold-up. The man, described as a white mail about 6 feet tall, told restaurant personnel he had a gun and demanded money. The manager called police after the man fled on foot. Witnesses at the nearby Wendy's restaurant helped police track the man as he ran south on North Third Street and crossed into the city cemetery. The man left a trail of clothing as he ran, shedding items in an apparent effort to change his appearance. A witness spotted the man on Moore Avenue wearing a white t-shirt and sporting a red banana. When a city officer arrived on Moore, the man ran from Moore to East Halstead where he turned west and crossed North Third Street. He was quickly apprehended by officers. At this time police are also questioning an older man with a backpack who was riding a bike. Witnesses say the older man was talking with the the robbery suspect right before the robbery. City police, KSP and the Nelson County Sheriff's Office are investigating the robbery.
Man assaulted, shot in leg airlifted by helicopter to University Hospital Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 7:40 p.m. --A 29-year-old man was airlifted from the Chaplin area after he was assaulted with a crow bar and shot in the leg Wednesday afternoon. According to EMS personnel, the victim ran several miles seeking help after the assault and had lost a lot of blood. The man was picked up by Nelson County EMS near Chaplin and taken to a landing zone to meet with a medical helicopter that took him to University Hospital in Louisville. The Nelson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident.
Teenager suffers facial injuries after rollover crash on Old Bloomfield Road Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 12:10 p.m. -- A 17-year-old boy was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital Wednesday about noon after the vehicle he was driving left the 1100 block of Old Bloomfield Road and rolled over multiple times. The accident was reported about 11:40 a.m. The Bardstown Fire Department responded due to smoke reportedly coming from the crashed vehicle. The teen was out of the vehicle when EMS arrived. He was taken to Flaget with significant facial injuries. The Nelson County Sheriff's Office investigated the crash.
Police respond to KY 49, Balltown intersection for downed utility lines Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 2:42 p.m. -- A deputy sheriff is en route to the intersection of KY 49 and Balltown Road for a report of a Lowe's delivery truck that has knocked down some utility lines. A representative from Salt River Electric is also responding.
City police, firefighters search for lost teen in wooded area near Wal-Mart Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 1:42 p.m. -- A missing 14-year-old girl was located early Tuesday afternoon following a search by city police and members of the Bardstown Fire Department. The teen was reported missing about noon Tuesday. She was last seen at a home on Valley View Drive. The teen was in contact with others by cell phone, but was unable to find her way out of the woods between Springhill subdivision and the Wal-Mart shopping center. Though her phone battery was dying, she was in periodic contact with police. The girl was described as being 5-foot 1 with shoulder-length hair and wearing a tank top. She was located about 1:45 by city police. Firefighters were searching along the creek and wooded area that runs behind Keystone Cinema toward the Wal-Mart shopping center. The teen's family will meet the teen at city police department. She is also thought to have information on the location of a missing 17-year-old male who is the subject of a missing person's report. UPDATE 3:34 P.M. - A city police officer is taking the 14-year-old teen back to the area where she was located in reference to the 17-year-old boy who is reported missing.
Police respond to report of property damage caused by golf cart on KY 49 Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 8:55 a.m. -- A deputy sheriff is responding to the field across from Heaven Hill Distilleries on Loretto Road for a report of property damage caused by a golf cart. The caller leases the property for agricultural purposes and reported there was significant damage done. The golf cart was reportedly still at the site.
Five transported to hospital after two-car crash on US150 near McDonald's Saturday, June 5, 2010, 10:33 p.m. -- Five people were transported to the hopsital with minor injuries Saturday night after a two-car crash on East Stephen Foster near McDonald's restaurant. Police, EMS and the Bardstown Fire Department were called to the scene. Among the injured were two women and two pediatric patients. None were believed to have serious injuries.
Driver injured when his racecar crashes into wall at Bluegrass Speedway Saturday, June 5, 2010, 10:26 p.m. -- A race car driver at Bluegrass Speedway was injured Saturday night when his car slammed into a wall at an estimated 85 mph. Nelson County EMS was called to the track about 9:45 Saturday night. EMTs had to cut the roof off the man car to get the driver out of the vehicle. Witnesses said the driver lost consciousness after the crash. The 40-year-old driver was taken to Flaget complaining of chest soreness.
Louisville man injured when motorcycle crashes into stationary vehicle Friday, June 4, 2010, 8:20 p.m. - A 27-year-old Louisville man was injured Friday evening when the motorcycle he was operating struck a stationary vehicle. The crash happened about 7:45 p.m. near the intersection of Woodlawn Road and Spencer Mattingly Lane. Bystanders said the man was knocked unconscious in the crash. He was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital with a possible wrist fracture.
Police investigate report of suspicious vehicle, naked man near Fairfield Road Tuesday, May 25, 2010, 10:45 p.m. - A deputy sheriff responded to the end of Plum Run Road near KY 48, Fairfield Road, for a report of a suspicious vehicle with a naked man walking around it. Police questioned the driver of the vehicle who had a Florida driver's license, and explained the nature of the call and why the officer was there. The driver denied being naked, stating he had only been outside his vehicle to wash his hair.
Deputies respond to report of naked man standing outside Dollar General store Monday, May 24, 2010, 2:41 a.m. - Sheriff deputies were called about 2:35 Monday morning to the Dollar General Store at intersection of KY 245 and Deatsville Road for a report of a naked black man standing next to a silver car. Witnesses said the man got into the car, turned onto Deatsville Road and left the area. The caller followed the man when he left but lost sight of his vehicle. A detailed description of the car or license plate information was not available.
Police, Nelson County EMS respond to Edelen Ave. for reported drug overdose Sunday, May 23, 2010, 9:50 p.m. - Bardstown police and Nelson County EMS were called about 9:07 p.m. to respond to Bethany Haven, 512 W. Edelen Ave for a possible suicide attempt. A caller told dispatchers an individual at that address had taken an unknown quality of pills. The woman, 40, told EMTs she had taken a handful of Risperadol when she was upset and denied it was a suicide attempt. She was transported to Flaget by EMS.
2005 Lexus reported stolen from parking lot at J. Dan Talbott Amphitheater Sunday, May 23, 2010, 9 p.m. - Bardstown police have issued an attempt to locate on a 2005 silver/gray Lexus that was stolen Sunday evening from the parking lot of the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheater.
Founder of BlackBoxVoting.org to be special guest on Brooks & Company Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 2:30 a.m. - With new voting machines in place in Nelson County, are we guaranteed a fair and secure May primary election? According to Bev Harris, founder of BlackBoxVoting.org, it depends on your definition of "secure." BlackBox Voting is a national, non-profit election watchdog group that advocates citizen participation in the election oversight process. Harris will join Jim Brooks and Kenny Fogle by phone for a very special Election Day "Brooks & Company" show on WBRT you won't want to miss!
Dr. Rand Paul is interviewed by CNHI Frankfort reporter Ronnie Ellis outside Lexington's Parkette Drive In.
Landmark Lexington eatery serves up burgers, fries -- and primary politics Saturday, May 15, 2010, 11 p.m. (LEXINGTON) – Republican Senate hopeful Rand Paul spent much of Saturday on a tour of the state’s Bluegrass region, where he was set to give back-to-back speeches with his opponent, Trey Grayson that evening in Georgetown. But Saturday afternoon, the only politics on the menu at the Parkette Drive In were the Rand Paul variety. In front of the Parkette, a troupe of young Republicans waved signs and enthusiastically chanted “Rand! Paul!” while asked motorists – slowed by construction on New Circle Road – to honk their horns in support of Paul’s campaign. Click here to more of this story and additional photos.
Copper thieves strike High Grove area Bluegrass Cellular tower site Friday, May 14, 1:30 a.m. - A Nelson County deputy sheriff and a KSP trooper have responded to an active copper theft alarm at 11920 Louisville Road, the location of a cellular telephone tower owned by Bluegrass Cellular. A deputy on site reports the site was accessed and that some cables are cut and on the ground. He requested a company technician respond to identify possible theft damage.
Incumbent magistrate issues warning to animal control officer during TV debate Tuesday, May 11, 1:30 a.m. - Incumbent 5th District magistrate Jerry Hahn issued a warning to a Nelson County animal control officer who is running for jailer during a televised debate between Hahn and P. J. Milburn, his Democratic primary challenger. Hahn had been asked about the news stories generated by complaints last December regarding the welfare of horses in his care. The horses observed on Hahn's farm were malnourished and sickly, but had just come from an auction. Hahn said the complaint "wasn't what it was supposed to be," adding that "the ones who was checking it out did not check it out farther enough along, they just came in and said that." Hahn ended his answer with "All I can say is that Mr. Jon Ryan's time will come." Ryan is a Republican candidate for Nelson County jailer and the animal control officer who investigated the complaints about the horses in Hahn's care. While Ryan was investigating the complaints, Hahn moved the horses overnight off his farm to Hardin County.
26-year-old shot multiple times, flown by helicopter to University Hospital Monday, May 10, 4:55 p.m. - A 26-year-old man was shot multiple times Monday afternoon at a home in the 7900 block of New Hope Road. At press time the gunman was being questioned by Kentucky State Police. The victim was taken by Nelson County EMS to a landing zone in New Hope and flown to University Hospital in Louisville. The victim was shot once in the chest, and twice in the left hand with a small-caliber handgun. The incident is being investigated by the Kentucky State Police and Nelson County Sheriff's Office. UPDATE: WAVE TV reports the shooting was over a dispute between the two men in the Marion County community of St. Francis. The suspect told police he warned the victim not to trespass on his property and fired warning shots before shooting and wounding the victim.
County clerk candidate Elaine Filiatreau gets endorsement of Phyllis Mattingly Saturday, May 8, 11:30 p.m. - The WBRT Political Picnic brought out the May primary candidates and their families to the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre for some old-time stump speaking and a few surprises - the most interesting of which was the announcement that outgoing Nelson County Clerk Phyllis Mattingly has endorsed the candidacy of her deputy clerk Elaine Filiatreau to succeed her as the next county clerk. Check back soon for photos and more coverage of the inaugural WBRT event!
Floodwaters receding in New Haven; US31E reported now to traffic Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 11 p.m. — New Haven Police Chief Kenny Holbert reported that US31E was open again in New Haven. Holbert alerted Nelson County Dispatch about 10:20 Tuesday evening. Tuesday morning WBRT was reporting that residents said the waters were receding. The National Weather Service reported at 8:30 Tuesday evening the Rolling Fork River at Boston was near crest at 50.7 feet, 15.7 feet above flood stage. The river is forecast to drop below flood stage sometime on Friday.
Click here for more New Haven photos ... Floodwaters close roads across county... Water rising in New Haven ... Storms cause flooding in Boston, New Haven area; shelter open in Boston Monday, May 3, 3:30 a.m. update — A portion of North Third Street near the city cemetery was closed early Monday morning due to a large section of asphalt that was described as "missing" by a passer-by. No determination was made at press time on the cause of the damage, though a water main break in that same area a few months ago required a large portion of the northbound lanes to be cut out and repaved. Late Sunday, high water has nearly closed US31E, Main Street in New Haven, and the owners of the Sherwood Inn and volunteers have sandbags for the windows and doors of the business in hopes of stemming the rising floodwaters. The Rolling Fork River at Boston is predicted to crest late Monday at 49.1 feet, 14.1 feet over flood stage of 35 feet, and remain above flood stage until Thursday. Some shelter is available at the New Haven Fire station. The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Boston School for area residents displaced by widespread flooding that is anticipated to get worse over the next 24 hours along the Rolling Fork River. Elsewhere in the county, KY 49, Loretto Road, is closed at the Avon Fogle bridge due to high water, and Burba Road is closed near its intersection with KY 49. Russell Road is closed, as is Dee Head Road, Nat Rogers Road, Pottershop Loop and Manton Road, The eastbound lanes of the Blue Grass Parkway between the 0 and 8 mile markers continue to be closed due to water over both eastbound lanes. Click here for more photos of rising waters in the New Haven area.
Storm Report: Latest reports of storms' impact across Central Kentucky Sunday, May 2, 2010 — Capsule news reports from officials in counties across Central Kentucky .... 3:51 p.m. - Police report a tree has fallen on utility lines in the 5700 block of Nat Rogers Road ... 3:50 p.m. - KY 52 is closed between Nat Rogers and Lyon Station ... 3:37 p.m. - Nelson County deputy sheriff reports that Dee Head Road near New Hope is impassible due to high water ... 3:21 p.m. -- Eastbound lanes of the Blue Grass Parkway are closed between the 0 and 8 mile markers due to flooding .... 3 p.m. - high water over the roadway at the 1400 block of Nat Rogers Road ... 2:57 p.m. - first responders conducted a swift-water resuce of two people from their vehicle on Highway 70 east of Campbellsville ... 1:31 p.m. - Water rescue underway in Campbellsville on Lincoln Avenue ... 12: 11 a.m. - One lane of KY 245 closed due to high water near Clermont ... 11:53 a.m. - KY 61, KY 487 closed due to high water near Greensburg ... 10:10 a.m. - 5.23 inches of rain in past 24 hours near Magnolia ... 9:04 a.m. - water rising to cover KY 44 7 miles west of Shepherdsville in Bullitt County ... 8:40 a.m. - eastbound lanes of BG Parkway between 5 and 8 mile marker covered by water ... developing ....
Nelson County Schools bus hit in injury accident on KY 245 near hospital Thursday, May 6, 2010, 4 p.m. —Nelson County EMS and police are responding to an injury accident involving a Nelson County Schools bus rearended by another vehicle 1/2-mile past Flaget Memorial Hospital on KY 245. A 13-year-old special needs student who was on the bus was transported to Flaget Memorial Hospital at the request of a parent. The bus driver reported that after her bus was struck, the vehicle backed up and hit the vehicle that was the second one behind the school bus. The 58-year-old male driver of the third vehicle was transported to Flaget hospital complaining of chest tenderness. A third patient refused transport by EMS.
Police respond to report of individual attempting to launch boat in floodwaters Monday, May 3, 10:54 a.m. — Deputies with the Sheriff's Office are responding to the area of Riverside First & Last Chance Liquors, 101 S. Main Street in New Haven for a report of a black Chevy Blazer attempting to put a boat into the floodwaters there.
Police investigate report of jet skis operating in New Haven floodwaters Sunday, May 2, 2:41 p.m. — Deputies with the Sheriff's Office are responding to the area of Riverside First & Last Chance Liquors, 101 S. Main Street in New Haven, for a report of subjects operating jet skis in the floodwaters behind that business. Deputy on scene reports a correction to the report: there are no jet skis, but subjects are operating a 22-foot runabout and waterskiing.
Family left homeless after mobile home destroyed in blaze on Balltown Road Friday, April 30, 5:39 p.m. — A mobile home in the 2900 block of Balltown Road was destroyed in a blaze Friday afternoon. Firefighters from the New Hope Fire Department were called to the scene about 3:30 p.m., and units from the Rolling Fork Fire Department provided additional manpower and equipment. Initial reports said the home's three occupants escaped from the home. The Amercian Red Cross responded to help the family with with temporary housing and assistance.
County school bus sideswiped on New Haven Road near Ritchie Lane Friday, April 30, 2:30 p.m. — A Nelson County school bus was sideswiped on New Haven Road near Ritchie Lane Friday afternoon. The bus driver reported that a gray car swerved into her land and hit her bus. A second bus driver reported the car later stopped and was turning around to go back. Debris from the crash was littered the roadway. There were no students on the bus and no one was injured.
Copper thieves strike cellular telephone towers in the Bardstown area Thursday, April 29, 3:15 p.m. — City police and the Nelson County Sheriff's Office at this hour are investigating copper thefts from cellular telephone towers at 291 Spencer Mattingly Lane and 184 Plum Run Road. The thieves struck the first tower shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday. Bluegrass Cellular notified Nelson County Dispatch of a copper theft in progress at the Spencer Mattingly site. While city police investigating that theft, Bluegrass Cellular reported a second alarm for copper theft at the Plum Run Road tower site. A deputy who checked that site reported the lock had been cut and copper appeared to have been taken and the thieves were gone. Due to the high number of copper thefts, cellular companies routinely equip their tower sites with alarm systems to detect copper theft. Deputies said the last time the cell sites were hit, a tower south of Bardstown on New Haven Road by the Nelson County Fairgrounds was the third location hit before the thieves left town. A KSP trooper reported the New Haven towers had not been hit.
Police respond to report of patient leaving Flaget against medical advice Tuesday, April 27, 12:26 a.m. — Bardstown police are at Flaget Memorial Hospital after a female patient at the hospital left against medical advice. The patient was returned to the hopsital.
New Haven Fire responding to reported large tree down on Center Street home Saturday, April 24, 8:20 p.m. — The New Haven Fire Department is responding to the 400 block of Center Street in New Haven for a report of a large tree down on a home. New Haven police report the electrical power is out in the area at present. Firefighter on scene has requested KU respond to the site. Another large tree is reported across the road at the Lincoln Boyhood Home south of New Haven in LaRue County. The damage was the result of high winds that passed through the area about 7:45 p.m. Saturday.
Police, EMS respond to Melody Lake for report of woman who was bound, beaten Tuesday, April 20, 12:03 a.m. — Nelson County EMS and sheriff deputies responded to the pavilion at Melody Lake for a report of a woman who said she had been raped. After locating the victim, EMS transported the woman, 45, to Flaget Memorial Hospital for treatment. The women told first responders she had been restrained and beaten, and was suffering from neck pain.
Five people injured, one trapped in 2-car crash on KY 245 at Wilson Creek Road Monday, April 12, 7:11 p.m. — Five people were injured Monday evening in a two-vehicle crash on KY 245 at Wilson Creek Road in the Deatsville area involving a Ford Mustang and a Ford Explorer SUV. One person was trapped in their vehicle and required assistance from the Bardstown Fire Department to be freed. The four victims who were taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital were described as: a 27-year-old male complaining of chest pain; a 32-year-old woman complaining of frontal and right-side abdominal pain; a 19-year-old woman complaining of foot pain; and an 18-year-old man with a head laceration. A child with minor injuries was taken to the hospital by privately owned vehicle. The crash was investigated by the Nelson County Sheriff's Office.
One person dead in overnight vehicle crash, fire on Lawrenceburg Road Saturday, April 10, 1:55 a.m. — One person died in an early morning injury accident about 1:30 Saturday morning, approximately 2 miles west of Chaplin in the 3500 block of Lawrenceburg Road. The Northeast Nelson Fire Department, Nelson County EMS and police were called to the scene. Firefighters arriving at the crash site reported finding no one outside the vehicle. After the fire was knocked down, firefighters confirmed one victim in the vehicle perished in the blaze. The Nelson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.
Police, EMS, New Hope Fire respond to reported teenager's drug overdose Friday, April 9, 12:55 a.m. — Nelson County EMS and New Hope Fire are responding to the 1500 block of Jim Clark Road for a report of a 14-year-old girl who has taken an overdose. Police are also enroute.
Bardstown police respond to report of alleged underage drinking at Parker's Thursday, April 8, 12:25 a.m. — City police were called to Parker's Bar & Grill (formerly Cricket's) due to a report that underage teen-agers were allegedly being served alcohol at that location. Officers who inspected the business found no underage drinking, though an individual who was believed to be under 21 had been asked to leave the bar earlier in the evening.
Man hospitalized after 911 call about stabbing on South Fourth Street Wednesday, April 7, 12:20 a.m. — A 45-year-old man was hospitalized early Wednesday morning after city police and EMS were called to a home in the 300 block of South Fourth Street for a reported stabbing. The man suffered a large cut on right hand and lost a lot of blood. EMTs stopped the bleeding and transported the victim to Flaget Memorial Hospital for treatment.
3 injured after their truck crashes through fence onto Woodlawn golf course Monday, April 5, 4:29 a.m. — Three people were injured early Monday morning when the extended-cab pickup truck they were in left Woodlawn Road and crashed through a fence onto Woodlawn Springs golf course. Witnesses said the truck left the scene of the accident, and Bardstown police intercepted the truck near the intersection of Freeman Blvd. and Woodlawn Road. The crash happened about 3:20 a.m. this morning. Nelson County EMS responded with two ambulances for the injured. EMS transported three with one person who refused treatment.
One injured in four-car pileup on KY 245 near the Keystone Cinemas Sunday, April 4, 6:15 p.m. — A 52-year-old man was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital after a 4-car crash in which his vehicle rolled twice. The man had a cut on his left ear and reported shoulder and back pain. The accident happened about 5:30 Sunday afternoon on KY 245 near Keystone Cinemas. A second person involved in the accident refused transportation by Nelson County EMS. The accident snarled traffic on KY 245 until the vehicles were removed from the roadway.
Driver escapes serious injury after rolling his Toyota pickup near Sympson Lake Saturday, April 3, 9:37 p.m. — Bardstown firefighters assisted Nelson County EMS at a single-vehicle injury accident that happened about 8:55 Saturday evening on Boston Road near Sympson Lake. A 24-year-old man driving a 1993 Toyota pickup truck lost control of the vehicle on Boston Road before Sympson Lake. The truck left the road and rolled over. The victim complained of shoulder pain and pain in his right forearm and upper arm. He was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital by EMS for treatment. Alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash. The Nelson County Sheriff's Office investigated the accident.
Pedestrian struck by passing vehicle on West Stephen Foster near Jailer's Inn Saturday, April 3, 9:27 p.m. — A 54-year-old man was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital after he was hit by a vehicle on West Stephen Foster near the Jailer's Inn Bed & Breakfast. The victim complained of abrasions to his knees, shoulders and arms, and minor cuts on his head. Alcohol may have been a factor in the incident. Bardstown Police investigated the accident.
Annexation lawsuit filed by Magistrate Tim Hutchins against city is dismissed Thursday, April 1, 5 p.m. — WBRT 1320 is reporting today that the 2006 lawsuit filed by Magistrate Tim Hutchins over the city's annexation of KY 245 and his business, Handy Food Mart, was dismissed earlier today by Senior Judge Geoffrey P. Morris in Nelson Circuit Court. The court granted the City of Bardstown request to dismiss the lawsuit, and found that neither Hutchins, through his companies, nor fellow plaintiff Martha Jean Draper, had a legal standing to file the complaint. The judge also found that Hutchins companies had both entered into agreements not to contest annexation.
Truck driver escapes injury after semi overturns on Loretto Road Thursday, April 1, 12:37 p.m. — The New Hope Fire Department is out at 7793 Loretto Road where an 18-wheeler has overturned. One of the truck’s diesel fuel tanks was believed to be ruptured and leaking. The call to 911 came in about noon Thursday. Nelson County EMS and the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office also responded. The driver was uninjured and refused treatment by EMS. The state highway department has been called to evaulate and repair the damage to the road surface. While enroute to the accident site, the EMS squad requested police make contact with the driver of a light tan-colored Chevy Silverado extended cab pickup truck. The truck was traveling at a high rate of speed and passed the ambulance while running Code 3 – with lights and sirens on – as well as several other vehicles.
Firefighters' quick response prevents total loss in Rogan's mobile home fire Monday, March 29, 11 a.m. -- A mobile home was damaged by fire about mid-morning Monday in Rogan's mobile home park off North Third Street. Firefighters were called to the home on Lucy Drive about 9:35 a.m. The first firefighters on scene reported smoke visible from the rear of the mobile home. Firefighters quickly knocked the fire down. The American Red Cross responded to assist the home's occupants with housing needs. Firefighters were on the scene about an hour and a half.
Two people taken to Flaget Hospital after vehicle overturns on Fairfield Road Sunday, March 28, 3 p.m. -- Two people were taken to the hospital Sunday after the vehicle they were in left Fairfield Road and rolled over. The driver, a 22-year-old woman, and her passenger, a 15-year-old girl, reported minor injuries to EMS. Neither the driver nor the passenger were reportedly wearing a seat belt.
Police investigate broken window at Maple Hill consignment store Thursday, March 25, 10:48 p.m. - City police investigated a broken window at a consignment store in the 600 block of West Stephen Foster Avenue. The broken window was spotted by a passer-by, who reported it to police.
Out-of-control 9-year-old prompts request for officer at local day care Wednesday, March 24, 4:30 p.m. - Police responded Wednesday afternoon to the Academy of Learning day care on Pennsylvania Avenue for a report of an out-of-control 9-year-old. The child was thought to be a potential danger to others at the facility, and police were contacted because the staff had been unable to contact a parent.
Police arrest man who allegedly left electronics store without paying Wednesday, March 24, 2:30 p.m. - A man who left the Radio Shack store on Culpepper Street without paying for merchandise in his possession Wednesday afternoon was apprehended by police shortly after the incident took place. Employees at the store called 911 to report that a black male had left the store without paying for merchandise and was leaving in a Nissan Sentra. The man turned left from Culpepper to head west on KY 245; at the US 62 intersection he right. A Nelson County deputy sheriff caught up with the suspect near the American Tire store on Bloomfield Road, where the man was arrested by Bardstown Police. The man was driving a car registered to an individual with a Louisville address.
Woman, 26, escapes with minor injuries after falling asleep at the wheel Tuesday, March 23, 6 p.m. - A 28-year-old woman suffered minor injuries Tuesday after her car left the road, dropped 20 feet and landed on its side in a creek. The accident happened about 5:15 p.m. Tuesday. The woman was helped from her vehicle by passers-by. EMTs reported the woman told them she fell asleep while operating her vehicle. The Northeast Nelson Fire Department helped get the victim to the waiting EMS ambulance. She was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital complaining of back pain.
Driver receives only minor injuries after his speeding SUV rolls multiple times Monday, March 22, 9 p.m. - A 59-year-old man suffered only minor injuries Monday night when he lost control of his SUV at the 41-1/2 mile marker on the Blue Grass Parkway. Witness told first responders the man's SUV was traveling 70 to 80 mph when it left the roadway and rolled approximately six times before coming to a stop on its top. The man hung upside down from his seat belt until he was helped from the vehicle by members of the Willisburg Fire Department. He was transported to Flaget Memorial Hospital by Nelson County EMS complaining of chest soreness from the seat belt and minor cuts on the knuckles of one hand. The accident happened about a mile and a half inside the Washington-Nelson County line. The Northeast Nelson Fire Department, Nelson County Sheriff's Office and Kentucky State Police also responded to the accident.
Two taken to Flaget Hospital after their vehicle overturns on High Grove Road Sunday, March 21, 3:30 a.m. -Separate simultaneous injury accidents barely a mile apart on High Grove Road sent at least two people to the hospital early Sunday morning. The first accident reported was in Spencer County in the 4200 block of High Grove Road. The second was a vehicle rollover in the 5400 block of High Grove Road, near the Lily Pike intersection just inside Spencer County. Nelson County EMS transported a man, 30 and a woman, 25 from the second accident scene to Flaget Memorial Hospital for treatment. The man complained of mid and lower-back pain, the woman had right side and right hip pain. Kentucky State Police and the Northeast Nelson Fire Department also responded to the second accident scene.
Girl, 18, injured in four-wheeler rollover accident off Monks Road in Culvertown Saturday, March 20, 8:42 p.m. - An 18-year-old girl was injured Saturday evening after the four-wheeler she was on rolled over on top of her and the driver. Witnesses said the teen was unconscious for a short time while the ATV was on top of her. The accident happened about 7:45 p.m. off a logging road about a mile south of the Culvertown ballpark on Monks Road. Nelson County EMS and New Haven Police responded to the scene. The teen was brought to the EMS ambulance on another four-wheeler. The operator of the four-wheeler refused treatment by EMS. The 18-year-old was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital complaining of arm pain and a knot on her forehead.
Driver injured in Greenbrier area when car runs off road, strikes a tree Saturday, March 20, 2:26 a.m. - Police and EMS responded to the 5900 block of Loretto Road for a one-car injury accident. According to police, the car left the roadway and struck a tree. The driver was complaining of head and neck pain. The victim was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital by Nelson County EMS.
Police, EMS respond after New Haven teen-ager attempts to take own life Friday, March 19, 12:55 p.m. - A 19-year-old New Haven woman was taken to Flaget Hospital about 12:45 Friday afternoon after a reported suicide attempt. The woman's out-of-state contacts reported that the woman said she had consumed a bottle of aspirin. The teen told EMTs she took an unknown quantity of small white pills. No drug containers were located at the home. Police also responded to the woman's Park Avenue residence.
Bardstown police investigating vehicle break-in at New Horizons Academy Thursday, March 18, 9:55 a.m. - City police are investigating a vehicle break-in that took place about 8:45 a.m. at Horizons Academy on Wildcat Lane of US 62. Police are searching for a white 1992 or 1993 Chevrolet Caprice with 2 male and one female occupant. The vehicle is believed to be involved in the break-in.
Bardstown man hopitalized early Sunday morning after claim of drug overdose Sunday, March 7, 1:55 a.m. - A intoxicated Bardstown man was hospitalized early Sunday morning after he told police he had taken an overdose of an assortment of medications. Police called Nelson County EMS to an apartment in the 1100 block of Bloomfield Road. and the man, 22, was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Two 18-year-old teens suffer minor injuries after their car crashes, oveturns Friday, March 5, 11:59 p.m. - Two 18-year-old male teen-aers were taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital late Friday night after the silver 2000 Pontiac they were in ran off a sharp curve on Woodlawn Road, struck a tree and overturned. The accident happened in the sharp curve near Woodlawn Springs subdivision. One teen complained of a cuts on his head and lip; the second complained of shoulder pain. Neither teen were able to tell the EMTs of their location in the vehicle when the accident happened.
Opinion: Will Bardstown's smoking ban light a fire under voters in November? Monday, March 8, 4:35 p.m. -Tomorrow evening, the Bardstown City Council will have the second reading of an ordinance that will ban smoking in public places. The ban will undoubtedly pass and come November, may become a lesson to the council regarding "The Rule of Unintended Consequences." Click here to read more in The Editor's Notebook."
Bardstown firefighters battle fast-moving forest fire Sunday in Bernheim Forest Sunday, March 7, 10:55 p.m. - (FINAL UPDATE 12:31 a.m.) A fast-moving fire burned more than 3 acres of forest that included part of Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest in northwestern Nelson County Sunday evening. The Bardstown Fire Department received the call of a possible brush fire between Lutheran Church and Harrison Fork roads about 8 p.m. Sunday evening. After investigating the blaze, the fire was determined to include parts of Bernheim Forest and private property in Nelson County. Due to the rugged terrain, firefighters were forced to access the fire scene on foot and by ATV. Firefighters worked to build a fire line in an effort to contain the fire until a bulldozer requested by the Kentucky Division of Forestry arrived. Shifting winds made the fire's path difficult to determine, but rain that began falling after 10 p.m. worked to firefighters' benefit. The bulldozer made at least two paths around the fire, clearing brush and debris in order to contain the fire.
Gazette upgrades 'Fire Report' to better serve online, smartphone readers Sunday, March 7, 12:10 a.m. -The Nelson County Gazette has migrated its News Break Fire Report from an outside service to its own servers employing the popular WordPress content management platform. The move will allow easier mobile updates for more timely reporting of fire, police and EMS news within the county. "With the move to the WordPress platform, the Fire Report has become iPhone and smartphone friendly," editor Jim Brooks said. "The software detects how readers are viewing the site and provides an optimized view of the latest updates." The upgrade includes all Fire Report content posted since the service was launched in March 2007. Click here to view the new Fire Report, or click the logo at right.
Malfunctioning TV set triggers fire alarm at Life Care Center nursing home Tuesday, March 2, 9:45 p.m. - A malfunction in a television set sparked anxious moments Tuesday night at Life Care Center nursing home, 120 Life Care Way in Bardstown. Smoke from the TV triggered the fire alarm about 9:30 Tuesday night. The Bardstown Fire Department responded to the facility's west wing to investigate. Believing at first there was a problem in the heating unit in a room, firefighters used an infrared imaging camera in their investigation and checked the attic to be certain no electrical problems existed elsewhere. The TV in a west wing room, rather than the heater, was later determined to have been the source of the smoke. The TV was removed from the room and the alarm was reset by the nursing home's maintenance staff.
One person seriously injured in 3-car crash on Louisville Road at KY 509 Monday, Feb. 22, 4:35 p.m. - Three people were injured, one seriously, in a three-vehicle crash Monday afternoon at the intersection of US31E Louisville Road and KY509 in Cox's Creek. Louisville Road was shut down while police, EMS and Bardstown Fire arrived at the scene. Firefighters were called due to a gas leaking from one of the vehicles. EMS transported one injured person directly to University of Louisville Hospital in Louisville after a request for a medical helicopter was declined due to poor weather conditions. .
Police investigate teens' allegedly suspicious behavior in school parking lot Thursday, Feb. 18, 9:26 a.m. - Bardstown Police were called to the back of Bethlehem High School to investigate some juveniles who were observed looking into cars in the parking lot behind the school. The principal told dispatchers the three males had been earlier asked to leave the property. Officers caught up with the teens on South Fourth Street and questioned them. A deputy sheriff transported the teens to their school, Bardstown High School.
Reported skid-steer loader fire in Botland investigated by police as possible arson Tuesday, Feb. 16, 1:15 a.m. - The Bardstown Fire Department was called about 1 a.m. Tuesday to the former location of the Olde Botland Store, US150 at Manton Road, for a skid-steer loader that was on fire. Firefighters had the fire extinguished quickly, and police were called to investigate if the fire was intentional. The Nelson County Sheriff's Office investigated the incident.
Nelson County garbage truck overturns on Tom Greer Lane in Woodlawn area Monday, Feb. 15, 12:15 p.m. - A county-owned garbage truck overturned this morning on Tom Greer Lane after sliding off the snow-slickened roadway. Bardstown Fire was asked to respond due to a large amount of motor oil and diesel fuel leaking from the truck while a wrecker service worked to upright the truck. The fire department incident commander reported to Nelson County Dispatch that the county road department workers were at the wreck with pads to catch the leaking fluids. Due to the hazardous road conditions, firefighters were reluctant to send their trucks onto parts of Tom Greer Lane.
Two teen-agers injured when
vehicle strikes utility pole on Leslie Clark Road Sunday, Feb. 14, 3:15 a.m. - Two teen-agers were injured early Sunday morning when the vehicle they were in struck a utility pole near the intersection of Leslie Clark and Holy Cross Road in southern Nelson County. The driver, an 18-year-old male, was airlifted by helicopter to University of Louisville Hospital for treatment of possible head and facial trauma, chest injuries and a leg fracture. The passenger, a 16-year-old male, was taken by Nelson County EMS to Flaget Memorial Hospital with facial lacerations. Neither teen was believed to be wearing a seat belt when the accident occurred. Alcohol was being investigated as a factor in the accident.
Boy, 14 taken to Flaget after taking drugs, smoking pot at New Haven School dance Friday, Feb. 12, 8 p.m. - Police are investigating a drug-related incident that took place Friday evening at the Valentine's Dance at New Haven School. Nelson County EMS transported a 14-year-old male from the school's office to Flaget Memorial Hospital for a possible drug overdose. The teen reportedly took three unidentified pills at the dance and also some hits off a marijuana cigarette. Family members at the scene said the youth appeared lethargic. The teen was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital for examination.
Police investigate car found in reservoir near the Sympson Lake boat dock Wednesday, Feb. 10, 11:03 p.m. - Police are investigating how a 1999 Pontiac ended up in the icy waters of Sympson Lake by the Ben Irvin Road boat dock Wednesday night. Police, Bardstown Fire and Nelson County EMS were called to the lake about 10 p.m. after a passer-by reported seeing a car in the lake with its headlights on. Police told dispatchers the car was about 30 feet out from the shoreline. Officers located one of the car's registered owners at an apartment on Honeysuckle Lane and interviewed the subject. It is not known if the owner or driver faces any charges from the incident. A local wrecker service removed the car from the lake.
Police searching for prisoner who escaped from the LaRue County Jail Tuesday, Feb. 9, 9:45 p.m. - At this hour, local police are looking for an escaped prisoner from the LaRue County Jail. The prisoner, George R. Gott, 22, is described as a white male, 6-feet 2-inches tall, brown hair, hazel eyes and weighing 180 pounds. Gott escaped from the jail driving a jail-owned vehicle which is described as a blue 1999 Ford Crown Victoria with rear-end damage.
Cold blast will bring snow, refreeze area roadways and below-zero wind chills Tuesday, Feb. 9, 9:45 p.m. - Old Man Winter will be moving through Nelson County tonight and through the early morning hours, bringing wind gusts up to 40 mph and below-zero wind chills. A Winter Weather Advisory warns that additional blowing snow and bitter cold temperatures will refreeze roads overnight, creating hazardous road conditions through midday Wednesday. Click here for the full text of the Winter Weather Advisory.
Winter storm may leave 2 inches of snow overnight, rain and snow mix Tuesday Monday, Feb. 8, 11 p.m. - Nelson County is under a Winter Storm Warning until 1 p.m. Tuesday. At this hour, Nelson County sheriff's deputies are already working minor accidents due to deteriorating road conditions. The National Weather Service is predicting approximately 2 inches of snow overnight. Snow showers will turn to rain about midday before turning back to snow with a total accumulation of about 4 inches by late Tuesday. Road conditions at this hour are already slick, deputies report to Nelson County Dispatch.
Saturday night rockslide closes both eastbound lanes of the BG Parkway Saturday, Feb.. 6, 10:30 p.m. - Kentucky State Police and two Nelson County deputies are on the scene at this hour of a rockslide at the 12 mile marker of the Blue Grass Parkway. According to an officer, a huge pile of rocks and debris covered and blocked both eastbound lanes of the parkway. Dispatchers have called the state road department, which was sending someone to evaluate the equipment needed on site to clear the roadway.
New Haven School student transported to Flaget after a possible stroke Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, 10:35 a.m. - Nelson County EMS transported a 13-year-old from New Haven School to Flaget Memorial Hospital for a possible stroke. The child reported severe headaches this morning at the school. The child's father has a history of having stroke activity when he was a youth.
Police searching for man who assaulted individual on North Elm Grove Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, 12:25 a.m. - Nelson County EMS responded to the 200 block of North Elm Grove for an individual suffering from lacerations as a result of an assault. Witnesses said the assailant was driving an older model Chevrolet Malibu with spinner rims. The victim refused treatment from EMS. Police checked the ER at Flaget to see if the assailant may have come for treatment.
Woman injured after car crashes, overturns in "S" curve on KY 49 Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, 12:25 a.m. - A woman was injured early Wednesday morning after her car crashed and rolled on its side in the "S" curve on KY49 south of Burba Road. The woman complained of pain in her lower back. Police shut down KY49 while the car was being recovered. The woman was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Joyriding trio attract attention of deputy; driver cited for hitting links in his car Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, 10 a.m. - An adult male was cited about midnight Sunday night after he and two juveniles were caught joyriding in a car across the Woodlawn Springs Golf Course. The adult driver was cited by a deputy sheriff and the two juveniles were turned over to their parents. The officer investigating the incident said he and a Woodlawn Springs representative would evaluate the course for the damage the joyriders may have caused.
Bardstown woman taken to Flaget hospital after reported drug overdose Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, 7:43 p.m. - A 30-year-old Bardstown woman was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital Sunday evening for a suspected drug overdose. The O'Bryan Avenue resident apparently took an undetermined amount of the prescription drug believed to be Zyprexa. Bardstown Police also responded to the scene.
Driver escapes serious injury after rollover crash on US31E near Hibbs Lane Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, 10:43 p.m. - The driver of a car escaped injury about 10:30 p.m. Saturday after the car he was in left Louisville Road, struck a utility pole and rolled over. Nelson County EMS, police and the Bardstown Fire Department responded to the 8200 block of Louisville Road, about 100 yards south of Hibbs Lane. The road was shutdown for about 20 minutes while the vehicle was recovered. The driver refused treatment by EMS.
One person injured in single-car crash on Blue Grass Parkway near Bloomfield Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, 4:53 p.m. - The driver of a Suzuki SUV was injured Saturday afternoon when the vehicle he was driving ran off the Blue Grass Parkway eastbound and overturned between the 36-37 mile marker near Bloomfield. The man, age 22, was out of the vehicle and walking around when EMS arrived. He was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital complaining of a laceration on his head. The Northeast Nelson Fire Department responded to clean up small amounts of spilled vehicle fluids. The Nelson County Sheriff's Office investigated the crash.
Woman injured in single-car crash at Filiatreau & Woodlawn intersection Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, 12:30 p.m. - A woman in her 30's was injured about noon Wednesday in a single-car accident at the intersection of Filiatreau Lane and Woodlawn Road. The woman was reportedly unconscious but breathing when a first-responder arrived on scene. The woman reportedly was not wearing a seat belt. She was taken to Flaget Memorial Hospital for evaluation of a possible head injury.
Two women injured in New Year's Eve crash on Boston Road Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, 12:30 a.m. -Two women in their 30's suspected of drinking alcohol were injured in a New Year's Eve crash in the curve located in the 5100 block of Boston Road near Vititoe Tree Service. Firefighters from the Bardstown Fire Department were called to rescue the crash victims from the 1997 Dodge pickup truck, which ran off the road and down an embankment into a creek. One victim, the 34-year-old female driver was said to have a cut over her right eye and complained of hip pain. The second woman, age 32, complained of right knee pain. The women were taken to Flaget by Nelson County EMS.
Chambers Blvd. crash photos (click images to enlarge)
County garbage truck drives through front of former tanning salon Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, 2:55 p.m. -- A county-owned garbage truck was involved in an accident about 2:45 Friday afternoon that resulted in the truck driving through the front of a building that once housed a Bardstown tanning salon. A second vehicle was reportedly involved in the accident, which resulted in the garbage truck running through the front of the a former tanning salon in a strip mall in the 900 block of Chambers Blvd. No one in the truck or the building was injured. Bardstown firefighters responded to the scene and cut power to that portion of the building. At this writing, city police are still searching for a red Chevy Blazer that was reportedly the cause of the accident. WBRT radio reported during their 5 p.m. newscast a school bus was also involved in the accident but none of the kids were injured and the bus driver planned to finish the bus route. City police are investigating the accident.
Bardstown police investigate drive-by shooting in Springhill subdivsion Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, 12:55 a.m. -- Bardstown police are investigating a reported drive-by shooting that broke out the kitchen window of a home on Olympia Drive in the Springhill subdivision off the Springfield Road in Bardstown. Nelson County Dispatch received the call about 12:45 a.m. from the residents of the home, who reported three rounds have hit the home and broken the window. City police investigated the incident.
Magistrate Tim Hutchins announces he'll run as Independent for judge-executive Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, 11:16 a.m. -- Tim Hutchins, magistrate in Nelson County's 4th district, announced this morning he intends to file as an Independent candidate for the office of judge-executive. Hutchins made the announcement Wednesday morning on Jim Kirk's weekly "Local Business Matters" business program on WBRT. Hutchins said earlier this year that he would seek the office. He is a registered Democrat, but will run as an Independent candidate to avoid competing in a three-way primary. Hutchins said he supports lower taxes and making planning and zoning less restrictive. "People don't want to be so regulated by the government," he told Kirk's listeners.
Police search for middle-aged white male who tried to pass bogus $100 bill Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, 4:59 p.m. -- City police are searching at this hour for a man who tried to pass at fake $100 bill at the Five Star Food Mart on West Stephen Foster about 4:30 this afternoon. The man is described as a white male about 45 years of age, wearing blue jeans and a jacket. Witnesses say he left in an older brown Cadillac.
Police seek three who tried to pass fake $100 bills at area convenience stores Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, 11:59 a.m. -- City police and sheriff's deputies are searching for a man and two women who have allegedly attempted to pass counterfeit $100 bills at several Nelson County convenience stores. At noon today, police were investigating an attempt by a black male to pass a fake $100 bill at BJ's minit mart on Bloomfield Road. The suspect left the store in a 1996 Dodge Intrepid registered to an individual who lived in the Bard Homes area. Officers were heading to that address to investigate. In addition to BJ's, other stores involved in the investigation include Thompson's Food Mart on North Third Street in Bardstown, where a black woman allegedly presented a fake $100, and Joy's Grocery in Fairfield, where a black man presented a fake $100 bill. Additionally, police report that a white female successfully passed a fake $100 bill at BJ's earlier today. Additional bills may have been passed at these same stores. City and county police are investigating.
Bourbon Court Fire Photos (click image to open in new window)
NC Gazette had it first ..... Fire marshal investigating two-alarm apartment blaze in Bardstown Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, 4:40 p.m.(UPDATED, PICS ADDED) -- Bardstown and Northeast Nelson firefighters spent nearly five hours fightijng a blaze that heavily damaged an apartment building in the 200 block of Bourbon Court, a block behind the Busy Bee minit mart on Louisville Road north of town. Flames were already through the roof of the building when the first firefighters arrived. A resident of an adjacent second-floor apartment was thought to need to be removed via a window. Witnesses on the scene reported a ladder was in place when they arrived at the fire scene. A second page went out to request additional local manpower, and mutual aid was requested from the Northeast Nelson Fired Department. For live reports, click here to visit the Gazette's News Break Fire Report.
Special interest groups paying off big for Haydon campaign fundraising Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, 12:50 a.m.-- With fewer than 10 days left before the Dec. 8 special election to fill the 14th District Senate seat, Democrat Jodie Haydon has received more than $330,000 total in contributions in his bid for the 14th District Senate seat. Haydon's latest report filed last week with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance shows the candidate received continued financial support from the thoroughbred racing industry, including out-of-state track owners, jockeys, breeders and veterinarians. For a closer look at the contributors to Haydon's campaign, click here to read the story.
Rep. Jimmy Higdon is guest Tuesday on WBRT's 'Brooks & Company' Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, 9:35 p.m. -- State Rep. Jimmy Higdon, the Republican candidate in the special election for former state Sen. Dan Kelly's seat, will be the studio guest On Tuesday, Dec. 1 on the "Brooks & Company" radio show. Listen and ask the candidates your questions! "Brooks & Company" airs 11-Noon every Tuesday on 1320 WBRT radio,or click here for live streaming on the Web.
Columnist
Spotlight
Steve
Outing: Newspapers
must adapt or die a slow, lingering death Friday,
Dec. 26, 2008, 8 p.m. -- When the American Press Institute
gathered 50 newspaper CEOs in Reston, Va., recently for a
one-day "industry crisis summit," corporate turnaround
gurus who had assessed the participating companies' financials
bluntly told the group just how at risk their industry is
-- how outright failure loomed if they don't quickly reinvent
themselves. While details from the exclusive, closed-door
session are scant, from outward appearances it doesn't appear
that the industry executive brain trust miraculously worked
out a solution to their shared problems. A post-summit press
conference by API meant to summarize the outcome was abruptly
canceled at the last minute. That's probably not a good sign
in terms of an actionable planning having been hammered out.
To survive, newspapers need to dump their old ways of thinking
and thing boldly. Click
here for Steve Outings' column on newspapers' surival.
Walter
Williams: Global
warming rope-a-dope Friday, Dec 26, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
--
Americans have been rope-a-doped into believing that global
warming is going to destroy our planet. Scientists who have
been skeptical about manmade global warming have been called
traitors or handmaidens of big oil. U.N. Framework Convention
on Climate Change Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer said it
was "criminally irresponsible" to ignore the urgency
of global warming. U.N. special climate envoy Dr. Gro Harlem
Brundtland on May 10, 2007 declared the climate debate "over"
and added "it's completely immoral, even, to question"
the U.N.'s scientific "consensus." The global warming
scare has provided a field day for politicians and others
who wish to control our lives. After all, only the imagination
limits the kind of laws and restrictions that can be written
in the name of saving the planet. Click
here for more of this column by Walter Williams.
Copyright 2005-2010 The Nelson
County Gazette and No Ink Media LLC.
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to the Nelson County Gazette's Terms of Service
Friday, July 30, 2010, 11 p.m. –
Democrat Judge Executive Dean Watts said earlier this week he will not attend the candidate forum this evening at the Boston Community Center, though his challengers, 4th District Magistrate Tim Hutchins and Republican Peter Trzop will be there. Watts told listeners of WBRT's "Brooks & Company" program Tuesday he had another engagement to attend Friday evening, and added he believed the event was organized by Trzop's supporters. The forum is open to all candidates on the November ballot. The event begins at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact Susan Vittitow, (502) 507-6124.
General Election more than four months distant, the topic of planning and zoning in Nelson County continues to surface in discussions among candidates for local office. Are local zoning regs or sign ordinances responsible for decisions by national restaurants chains to not build in Bardstown? 
County Judge Executive Dean Watts will be a guest on WBRT's "Brooks & Company" radio show that airs Tuesday, July 27, from 11 to Noon. Among the issues Watts will address include comments last week by 4th District Magistrate Tim Hutchins -- an independent challenger for judge executive -- regarding the county paying for drainage work on private property. Tune in to 1320 WBRT Tuesday at 11 a.m. for more. 
secret the majority of the national media were pulling for Barack Obama to win the 2008 presidential race. But a column by Weekly Standard editor Fred Barnes reports that journalists' own e-mails show their efforts to promote liberalism at the expense of traditional journalism and its traditions. 
national poll by Quinnipiac University shows that President Barack Obama's approval rating has fallen to the lowest level since taking office. The majority of those who were surveyed said they would rather vote for an unnamed Republican than vote for Obama in 2012. The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and the nation as a public service and for research. 
part of a deal by its Mexican owners in a move to reduce debt and improve liquidity. Mexican cement giant Cemex S.A. B. de C.V. announced earlier last week it was selling seven Kentucky aggregate quarries, three resale aggregate distribution centers and one concrete block plant to Bluegrass Materials, LLC, for $90 million. Cemex acquired the properties in 2007 when it purchased the Atlanta-based Rinker Group. Bluegrass Materials is a Delaware-based subsidiary of Pandero Aggregates Holdings, LLC. Pandero was formed earlier this year by John D. Baker II and Edward L. Baker II, formerly of Florida Rock Industries, to invest in aggregates and other construction materials business.
an order you didn't place, do not click any of the links in that e-mail. The subject line of the e-mails typically says "Your Amazon.com Order" followed by a number. The links in the e-mails received by The Nelson County Gazette refer to web sites that are not Amazon.com web servers. The three bogus Amazon e-mails received Friday linked to web servers in Russia. The e-mails contain no attachment, but the links may lead to a phishing attempt (by asking for your Amazon account information) or install a virus or other malware on your computer. Amazon asks anyone to receives one of these bogus e-mails to forward the e-mail to 
health reasons, Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton announced Tuesday evening he will not seek another term as mayor of the City of Bardstown. Heaton made the announcement at Tuesday's city council meeting. Heaton served two terms as a member of the Bardstown city council before challenging incumbent Dixie Hibbs in the mayor's race four years ago. Under Hibbs' watch, the city had expanded its boundaries in a bout of contentious annexations that strained city-county relations. Heaton won a three-way race for mayor that included Hibbs and Steven Wimsatt. 
the state school board, including a local resident who is a top administrator at St. Catharine College near Springfield. The appointment of Roger Marcum, SCC's executive vice president and Bardstown resident, to the Kentucky Board of Education was announced by the Governor's office Thursday morning. Seven of the board's 11 members' terms expired in April, including the appointment held by Bardstown attorney Doug Hubbard. Two board members whose terms expired were reappointed. Marcum is the former superintendent of Marion County Schools, former presdient of the Kentucky Assciation of School Administrators, former president of the Kentucky School Superintendents Association and former president of the Council for Better Education.
be the site of a great deal of "radio activity" for 24 hours beginning 2 p.m. Saturday. The local ham radio organizations, the Kentucky Amateur Radio Society and the Nelson County Amateur Radio Emergency Service groups will be participating in a national event called Field Day. The annual event tests ham operators' ability to setup emergency communications in time of disaster. Nationally, thousands of clubs and organizations take part each year. The local group will be using voice and digital communications to contact other ham operators taking part in the event. The local groups also plan to contact others via ham radio satellites orbiting the Earth. The group will be operating at the Emergency Management building adjacent to the sheriff's office and city police building. The public is invited.
bleak as some of the data might make it seem. In a telephone interview Tuesday, Kim Huston, president and COO of the Nelson County Economic Development Agency, told the Gazette that Nelson County's economic development efforts are ongoing and continue to bear fruit. Huston said the county continues to diversify its manufacturing base, noting the number of new manufacturing jobs that are not automotive in nature. The perception that the county has "all its eggs in one basket" -- meaning the automotive sector -- is not accurate one, she said. Nelson County has had greater success than other counties of similar size, she said. Huston is scheduled to appear July 6 on 1320 WBRT's "Brooks & Company" radio show July 6 to further discuss the topic of economic development in Nelson County.
When it comes to nostalgia, the "good old days" always seem better than they were. And if you track some of Nelson County's key economic indicators over the past 15 years, the statistical data shows that things actually were better in the past. A new analysis by a local CPA shows long-term economic trends that are disturbing. 
The day when even the most liberal of President Barack Obama's supporters would reach the same conclusion I did two years ago - the man who awed audiences with his rhetoric is little more than a paper tiger. Left-wingers believed his rhetoric; they believed what he said he stood for. They believed when he said he would end the Iraq war. With members of his own party joining his critics, can Obama avoid being a one-term president?
Robertson, a Democratic candidate for Nelson County clerk in last Tuesday's primary election, was not eligible to be a Democratic candidate in that race. Robertson came in 10th out of the 12 candidates on the ballot, with 118 votes or 1.46 percent of the total. 
WBRT reported today that Bardstown police cited a group of college-age adults who were using questionable practicies while going door-to-door to sell magazines. The sellers were telling customers they lived nearby, and that the sales were intended to help their college expenses or for troops overseas. The salesmen were representing American Circulation Enterprises of Michigan City, Ind., a company that has garnered numerous complaints for deceptive selling practices. The individuals locally were cited for theft by deception and selling without the proper business license. The best way to avoid being ripped-off is to never buy anything being sold door-to-door by someone you do not know personally.
biggest primary race in Nelson County – featuring the largest number of candidates and the most money spent – was that for Nelson County clerk. In that 11-way race for clerk, it was deputy clerk Elaine Filiatreau who notched a decisive win, outpacing her closest primary competitor Phillip Mouser by more than a 2-to-1 margin.
as he did across the state, here in Nelson County Rand Paul gave Secretary of State Trey Grayson an old-fashioned whoopin’ in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.
In Nelson County, Paul received landslide category 70 percent of the votes cast, besting Grayson by nearly a 3-to-1 margin. Statewide, Paul won 59 percent of the votes cast. 
The11-way race in the Democratic primary for Nelson County Clerk has been an expensive race for many of the candidates, paid mostly out of their own pockets. The leader in campaign spending is Phillip Mouser, with more than $17,000 in expenditures according to his latest campaign finance report. 
the candidates who filed for local office have learned, running in a contested race can be an expensive proposition. The latest campaign finance figures show that challenger Rob Hamilton has been outspending incumbent Dean Watts in the Democratic primary for judge executive. With the election just days away, that will likely change. 
Phillip
Mouser, a Democratic candidate for Nelson County Clerk, to
run as a candidate in the May primary is undoubtedly one of
the hottest issues of this election cycle. It's an issue that's
been quietly stewing since he filed as a candidate in January,
and deserves the attention the issue has generated. 
Service reports major flooding will continue across Central Kentucky along the Rolling Fork River. At 10:30 Monday morning, the Rolling Fork at Boston was at 44.7 feet and was expected to crest Tuesday evening at 47.7 feet, which is 12.7 feet above flood stage. 
county clerk's office has been a common item of discussion among the primary candidates for that office. Among the features discussed is the ability for county residents to renew their vehicle registration online. But according to one of the deputy clerks running for the office, online vehicle registration renewals is already a feature that's available to county residents. 
Kentucky Attorney General's Office has ruled that Nelson Fiscal Court violated several portions of the Kentucky Open Meetings law when it moved to go into a closed executive session on March 2, 2010. The AG's office agreed with former city council candidate Kevin Brumley's claim that the court failed to follow the law; the AG's office also noted the county failed to respond to Brumley's complaint in a timely manner. 
County Board of Education announced today that 
Distiller Parker Beam was honored Thursday, April 1, by both houses of the Kentucky General Assembly for his 50 years of service to Heaven Hill Distilleries in Bardstown. Beam is a seventh-generation master distiller. The resolutions honoring Beam were filed by Rep. David Floyd in the House and in the Senate by Sen. Jimmy Higdon. In other bourbon-related honors, the General Assembly adjourned on March 24th in honor of Buffalo Trace Distillery being named "Whisky Attraction of the Year" by Whisky Magazine, and on March 23rd the state House honored Master Distiller Jimmy Russell for his 55 years of service at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg.
Nelson County judge executive, has publicly released the Statement of Financial Interests he has filed with the county's Joint Ethics Board. Candidates for office are required to file the financial statements by Dec. 31 of the year they file for office or are elected to office. It does not require candidates to do as Trzop has done -- which is to release the statement to the media prior to the May primary election. 
Kentucky distilleries -- including the former Barton Brands distillery in Bardstown -- have announced they are dropping out of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The Frankfort State-Journal reported Tuesday that Sazarec-owned Tom Moore Distillery and the Buffalo Trace Distillery will no longer be stops along the famous trail that leads bourbon fans through Central Kentucky. 
May political primary season, the Nelson County Gazette now has banner advertising opportunities available on its home page. The Gazette's daily visitors will see your banner -- and if linked to your web site, your banner ad will allow them to find out more about your candidacy, your product or services! Are you a candidate who doesn't have a web page? The Gazette can take your ideas and create one for you! 
is under a Winter Weather Advisory until 9 a.m. this morning. The National Weather Service advisory says that light snow will continue to fall over the northern half of the state, and blowing snow will cover cleared roadways with snow creating potentially hazardous road conditions. Accumulations of less than an inch of new snow are expected overnight.
a public hearing Tuesday night to speak out on a proposed smoking ban being considered by the Bardstown City Council. The 2 1/2-hour hearing was in response to a request by Smoke-Free Nelson County for an ordinance that would ban smoking in public places in the city of Bardstown. The group tried without success in 2008 to convince Nelson Fiscal Court to enact a similar countywide smoking ban. 
Wednesday with candidate filings from five candidates for magistrate. Three men -- Marion E. Smith, Jim Thompson and Keith Metcalfe -- filed to run as Democrats for magistrate in District 1, making that race a five-way primary election. Ben Irvin Road resident Bobby Settles filed to run as a Democrat for magistrate in District 4, and Glenn Stone filed to run as a Republican for magistrate in District 5. The filings leave magistrates Sam Hutchins (D2) and Bernard Ice (D3) as the only magistrates facing no opposition thus far. To see who all has filed for magistrate, 
County Clerk Phyllis Mattingly announced today she would not seek another term as clerk. Mattingly made the announcement at this morning's Nelson Fiscal Court session. Mattingly has worked in the county clerk's office for more than 40 years, and served as clerk for more than 30 years. Following Mattingly's announcement, deputy clerk Elaine Filiatreau filed to run as a Democrat for the office. While the announcement came as a surprise to most people, Mattingly apparently had made it known she might not run again for at least a week; Filiatreau's candidate paperwork she filed today carry signatures dated last Tuesday, Jan. 12th 
Tuesday, Gov. Steve Beshear announced that state tax incentives had been approved for a $2.3 million project to build a new 20,000 barrel warehouse at the Wild Turkey distillery in Anderson County. The warehouse project will be used to house bourbon produced by the facility's new distillery now under construction and set to go into operation later this year. 
Chladek of Cox's Creek has entered the race for Nelson County coroner. Chladek filed her paperwork this morning in the office of Nelson County Clerk Phyllis Mattingly. Chladek ran for coroner four years ago when longtime coroner Sonny Greenwell of New Haven did not run for re-election. As the Republican candidate, Chladek challenged Democratic primary winner Rayfield "Field" Houghlin in the general election, losing by 959 votes. 
journalist across the country, I am saddened to read that the publication known as “the bible of the newspaper industry” for more than 100 years is officially dead. Was it a homicide, or was it a suicide caused by a failure to adapt its business model with the times? And what does this mean for the future of smalltown newspapers? 
Hahn said didn't properly handle an investigation into Hahn's alleged mistreatment of horses on his Wilkerson Road farm responded in an interview broadcast during the 5 o'clock newscast on Bardstown's WBRT. Jon Ryan, a former Nelson County deputy sheriff and an animal control officer, said he was only doing his job by investigating the complaints about the horses on Hahn's farm. He questioned Hahn's motive for moving the animals so quickly when their plight began to attract attention. 
morning on WBRT, stating that the controversy over horses on his farm stems from his desire to save their lives. Hahn said he had been asked to take the horses and try to nurse them back to health by Buck Ryan of Rineyville. Hahn said he would never mistreat a horse, and that he's taken in many horses over the years to save their lives. "All my neighbors out there can tell you that I bring horses in and bring them back alive," he said.
nearly a week to take in all the post-election watercooler talk and speculation from my fellow political pundits, your editor has decided to draft his observations on some of the reasons why Jodie Haydon lost his bid for the 14th District state Senate seat last Tuesday. 
recent history, Republican state Rep. Jimmy Higdon won a virtual landslide victory over Democrat Jodie Haydon in the race for the 14th District Senate seat. Haydon carried just one county, his home county of Nelson, taking 56 percent of the vote (3,840 to 2,982). His 858-vote margin of victory was too little to make up for votes cast for Higdon in the remaining four counties. 
Bardstown Fire Department responded Saturday about 10:20 a.m. to a diesel fuel spill at Roby's Country Gardens, 6201 Buchannan Ave. A semi tractor-trailer rig struck an object that ruptured one of the fuel tanks. The fire department incident commander declared a Level 1 hazmat incident, which means between 10 and 50 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled. Firefighters and company personnel were using oil dry compound to contain and clean up the spilled diesel. Firefighters had to shut off the flow of fuel from the rig's second tank to prevent that fuel from draining out through the ruptured tank. The spill was contained on the company's property, and they will handle the rest of the clean up.
who robbed the Bardstown KFC restaurant Friday afternoon didn't get to keep the money long after the hold-up. The man, described as a white mail about 6 feet tall, told restaurant personnel he had a gun and demanded money. The manager called police after the man fled on foot. Witnesses at the nearby Wendy's restaurant helped police track the man as he ran south on North Third Street and crossed into the city cemetery. The man left a trail of clothing as he ran, shedding items in an apparent effort to change his appearance. A witness spotted the man on Moore Avenue wearing a white t-shirt and sporting a red banana. When a city officer arrived on Moore, the man ran from Moore to East Halstead where he turned west and crossed North Third Street. He was quickly apprehended by officers. At this time police are also questioning an older man with a backpack who was riding a bike. Witnesses say the older man was talking with the the robbery suspect right before the robbery. City police, KSP and the Nelson County Sheriff's Office are investigating the robbery.
car driver at Bluegrass Speedway was injured Saturday night when his car slammed into a wall at an estimated 85 mph. Nelson County EMS was called to the track about 9:45 Saturday night. EMTs had to cut the roof off the man car to get the driver out of the vehicle. Witnesses said the driver lost consciousness after the crash. The 40-year-old driver was taken to Flaget complaining of chest soreness. 
reporting today that the 2006 lawsuit filed by Magistrate Tim Hutchins over the city's annexation of KY 245 and his business, Handy Food Mart, was dismissed earlier today by Senior Judge Geoffrey P. Morris in Nelson Circuit Court. The court granted the City of Bardstown request to dismiss the lawsuit, and found that neither Hutchins, through his companies, nor fellow plaintiff Martha Jean Draper, had a legal standing to file the complaint. The judge also found that Hutchins companies had both entered into agreements not to contest annexation. 
evening, the Bardstown City Council will have the second reading of an ordinance that will ban smoking in public places. The ban will undoubtedly pass and come November, may become a lesson to the council regarding "The Rule of Unintended Consequences." 
Report from an outside service to its own servers employing the popular WordPress content management platform. The move will allow easier mobile updates for more timely reporting of fire, police and EMS news within the county. "With the move to the WordPress platform, the Fire Report has become iPhone and smartphone friendly," editor Jim Brooks said. "The software detects how readers are viewing the site and provides an optimized view of the latest updates." The upgrade includes all Fire Report content posted since the service was launched in March 2007. 
police are searching at this hour for a man who tried to pass at fake $100 bill at the Five Star Food Mart on West Stephen Foster about 4:30 this afternoon. The man is described as a white male about 45 years of age, wearing blue jeans and a jacket. Witnesses say he left in an older brown Cadillac.
Steve
Outing: 
Walter
Williams: 
