Kentucky News Network

Federal Government Recommends Lower DUI Limits on Anniversary of Deadly Kentucky Crash

Kentucky News Network — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:54:01 +0000

On the 25th anniversary of the nation's deadliest drunk driving crash, federal safety officials are pushing for tougher DUI laws.

The National Transportation Safety Board is recommending that states lower the benchmark for determining when a driver is intoxicated. NTSB chair Deborah Hersman says hundreds of lives could be saved each year by lowering the blood alcohol level.

"We can choose to accept the senseless and needless losses or we choose to act," Hersman remarks.

The NTSB is also pushing for stiffer drunk driving penalties, including laws requiring first-time offenders to have ignition locking devices.

The NTSB recommendations come 25 years after a drunk driver travelling on the wrong side of I-71 in Carrollton, Kentucky slammed head-on into a bus carrying passengers home from a church youth trip. Twenty-seven people died, 24 of them children.

Hardin County Teacher Arrested on Sex Charges

Kentucky News Network — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:14:41 +0000

A Hardin County middle school teacher has been arrested for sexually abusing a student.

Forty-six-year-old Anthony Durrant is charged with inappropriately communicating with a student at James T. Alton Middle School. Police say Durrant touched a 13-year-old student on the buttocks April 12 and the two were exchanging inappropriate texts over the weekend.

The teenager also allegedly sent an explicit photo to the teacher. Police say they were contacted after the parents of the teen found the messages.

Durrant had taught sixth grade social studies at the school since 2010. He was terminated from his job on Tuesday.

Nerlens Noel Won't Be Returning to Kentucky

Kentucky News Network — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:57:32 +0000

The University of Kentucky says Nerlens Noel will forego his sophomore season and enter his name in the NBA Draft.

"I have loved my time at Kentucky, but I feel that I’m ready to take the next step to the NBA," Noel said. "I’ve learned so much here at UK and am thankful for Coach Calipari, the staff and my teammates for all of their support. I especially appreciate the Big Blue Nation and all of the support, prayers and well-wishes I’ve received from them during my rehab and decision-making process. I’ll always be a Wildcat."

Noel led the nation in blocks as he averaged 4.4 rejections per game and tallied 106 in 24 games played before a season-ending knee injury. He averaged 10.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.

The draft is June 27.

Central Kentucky Students Facing Charges Over Bogus Doctors' Notes

Kentucky News Network — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:52:56 +0000

Bogus doctors' notes have some Spencer County students facing charges. Several fake notes popped up at Spencer County High School, where school officials noticed a high number of absences. They took a closer look at the notes and called police to investigate.

Taylorsville Police say dates had been changed on some of the notes and fake doctor's names were used on others. These are notes from real offices, with information changed. Police are warning students this is a serious matter, with felony charges being filed.

Over half a dozen students at a few different schools have been charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument. The investigation is continuing, with more charges possible. Police say it's possible some parents were even involved.

Louisville Captures National Basketball Title

Kentucky News Network — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:39:53 +0000

The Louisville Cardinals are atop the college basketball world, capturing the NCAA men's championship Monday night in Atlanta.

Luke Hancock scored 16 of his 22 points in the first half and Louisville won its third national title by rallying for an 82-76 win over No. 4 Michigan. He was 13-for-18 from the field in the last two games to be named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.

Peyton Siva and Chane Behanan were mostly silent in the first half before helping the Cardinals outscore the Wolverines 45-38 in the second. Siva finished with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Behanan chipped in 15 points and 13 boards.

The Wolverines were ahead 35-23 late in the first half, but the Cardinals went on a 14-3 run and led by as many as 10 in the second half en route to their first championship since 1986.