Articles by Grant Gerstner
Ethics concerns unearthed in Eminence
EMINENCE — After the Eminence City Council entered a closed session on Oct. 12 to discuss the potential discipline or dismissal of an employee, the Local submitted an Open Records Request and later confirmed with Eminence Police Chief Scott Wilcoxson that an ethics complaint has been levied against Mayor Fred Downey.
Troopers testify in Henry double vehicular homicide case
Two Kentucky State Police troopers testified in Henry Circuit Court Wednesday morning after DUI-homicide suspect Trustin B. Hasenauer requested to suppress evidence from his trial, alleging that the troopers violated his rights by entering his residence and testing his blood without warrants. The Oct. 14 hearing began with testimony from Trooper Joshua Rexroat, who said that he was on I-71 when he was dispatched to a truck versus motorcycle collision around 10:22 p.m. on Oct. 4, 2024.
Troopers testify in double vehicular homicide case
Trustin B. Hasenauer Two Kentucky State Police troopers testified in Henry Circuit Court Wednesday morning after DUI-homicide suspect Trustin B. Hasenauer requested to suppress evidence from his trial, alleging that the troopers violated his rights by entering his residence and testing his blood without warrants. The Oct. 14 hearing began with testimony from Trooper Joshua Rexroat, who said that he was on I-71 when he was dispatched to a truck versus motorcycle collision around 10:22 p.m. on Oct.
Murder suspect released from jail after paying $1.5M bond
Jason Cornett After 637 days, 20 hours and 30 minutes in jail since his indictment, a man namely charged with murder in the Nov. 11, 2024, pedestrian hit-and-run that killed 75-year-old Margaret E. Preble of La Grange has been released from jail and is not subject to home incarceration. Oldham County Detention Center records show that 56-year-old Jason Cornett was released at 10:55 a.m. Oct. 15 after his father, Ben Cornett, paid his $1.5 million cash bond in full.
Oldham OKs strict data center regulations
After over a year and a half since a $6 billion data center proposal arrived on Oldham County’s doorstep, the Oldham County Fiscal Court approved an ordinance establishing regulations on data centers on Oct. 6 in an 8-1 vote, Magistrate Michael Logsdon opposed.
Court OKs data center regulations amid procedure concerns
“This is going to have to continue to be monitored …” Planning and Development Director Ryan Fischer warns the Oldham County Fiscal Court regarding the data center regulations passed on Oct. 6. After over a year and a half since a $6 billion data center proposal arrived on Oldham County’s doorstep, the Oldham County Fiscal Court approved an ordinance establishing regulations on data centers on Oct. 6 in an 8-1 vote, Magistrate Michael Logsdon opposed.
Fairy Tale Trail attracts hundreds for 20th Haunted Hike
Eevee, Ash Ketchum, Charizard and Pikachu pose for a photo at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve’s 20th annual Haunted Hike on Oct. 4. Hundreds of Halloween-revelers visited Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve on Sunday, Oct. 4, for their 20th annual Haunted Hike, featuring trick-or-treating through the forest, booths, bouncy houses, activities and more.
La Grange landscaping business catches fire
Smoke surrounds firefighters as they enter All American Lawn Care & Landscaping on Sept. 29. A local landscaping business caught fire Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 29, causing the response of three local fire departments. Ballardsville Fire Chief Stephen L. Fante II told the Era that the call for response came in at approximately 12:57 p.m. after passersby noticed smoke rising from All American Lawn Care & Landscape, located at 804 E Jefferson St. in La Grange.
Regional drug task force hires Moberly as new director
John Moberly The North Central Kentucky Drug Task Force — a cooperative, multi-jurisdictional effort to combat illegal drug activity and address opioid addiction in Oldham, Henry, Trimble and Carroll County — unanimously voted to hire its first director, John Moberly of Crestwood, on Sept. 29. As previously reported, the task force had narrowed applicants for the director position down to seven in late July.
Regional drug task force hires Moberly as first director
The North Central Kentucky Drug Task Force — a cooperative, multi-jurisdictional effort to combat illegal drug activity and address opioid addiction in Oldham, Henry, Trimble and Carroll County — unanimously voted to hire its first director, John Moberly of Crestwood, on Sept. 29. The task force had narrowed applicants for the director position down to seven in late July. The applicants were reduced down further and interviewed during an executive session of the task force last month.
Court hears tax rates, annual updates from taxing districts
The Oldham County Fiscal Court heard updates from the Oldham County Extension Office and Oldham County Public Library, both of which have opted for their compensating tax rates and have new projects on the horizon, on Sept. 15. As previously reported, a compensating rate is one expected to produce the same amount of revenue as last year, excluding that from new property.
Oldham County History Center hosts America250 Westport Day
Reta Underwood, left, leads attendees to the America250 Westport Day in song, while attendees drum along on Sept. 26. Continuing its ongoing America250 programming, the Oldham County History Center celebrated Wesport’s rich history at America250 Wesport Day on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Pillar breaks ground on 72-unit ‘Choice Landing’ apartments
Local officials joined Pillar for its groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 23 for the nonprofit’s 72-unit, Kelsey Certified apartment complex — a facility like no other in the state or surrounding region. Pillar, a local nonprofit that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently broke ground on a 72-unit apartment complex dubbed “Choice Landing,” which its leaders say will pave the way for Pillar to expand the support it provides to families from around the region.
Locals testify fair trial possible in Oldham for murder case
Hit-and-run murder suspect Jason Cornett sits between his attorneys Nick Mudd, left, and Joe Wells during his Sept. 28 hearing in Oldham Circuit Court. The Oldham Circuit Court heard over three hours of argument on Sept. 28 in the murder case stemming from the Nov. 11, 2024 pedestrian hit-and-run incident that killed 75-year-old Margaret E. Preble of La Grange.
AG’s office says school board violated Open Meetings Act
Oldham County Board of Education members sit between Superintendent Claudette Herald, at far left, and Director of Finance Kerri Alexander, at far right, during their Aug. 26 special-called meeting where they namely proposed to increase their property tax rate. The Kentucky Office of the Attorney General deemed that the Oldham County Board of Education violated the Open Meetings Act during its Aug. 26 special-called meeting, where the board voted to set its proposed tax rate for this year.
Commission OKs tax rate, $17K fiber cable install for park
CRESTWOOD — The Crestwood City Commission conducted a second reading of its property tax rate for this year, as well as approved the installation of fiber internet cables in The Maples Park at their Sept. 9 meeting.
Council prepares to vote on zoning change for boutique hotel
The former Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home, built in 1936, is planned to be renovated into a boutique hotel with an 160-seat event hall built in the empty space pictured to the left. The business plans to only have 15 on-site parking spaces, otherwise relying on nearby street parking.
Superintendent reverses plans to recommend tax rate increase
EMINENCE — Despite having proposed an almost 2% increase in their property tax rates in late August, Superintendent Buddy Berry now plans to recommend the Eminence Board of Education to approve of the same rate as the past year. News of the change was shared with the Local in a letter signed by Berry. “Our rate last year was 68.2 [cents] and I’ll be recommending to the Board that we keep the rate at 68.2 for this year,” he wrote.
Court proposes new, more restrictive data center regulations
After having voted down the original set of regulations on data centers and subsequently attempting to conduct a new first reading on the same regulations, the Oldham County Fiscal Court conducted another first reading on a new set of regulations that is more restrictive on Sept. 1. As previously reported, the court voted to deny their original regulations on data centers in a 5-4 vote on Aug. 18.
School board to allow public input on tax rate increase
After fielding several complaints on social media, the Oldham County Board of Education has reversed their plans to exclude public comment from their Sept. 17 special-called meeting, where they plan to take a final vote on their proposed tax rate increase. As previously reported, the board’s proposed tax rate for real estate and personal property is 82 cents per $100 of assessed value — a less than 1% increase from the board’s current rate at 81.2 cents per $100.
Council approves property tax cut
LA GRANGE — The La Grange City Council approved a cut in its property tax rates for this year at their Sept. 3 special-called meeting. As previously reported, the council held a first reading of their tax rates on Aug. 3, but later conducted a new first reading at an Aug. 25 special-called meeting, proposing the rates on real estate and personal property to be both set at 18.2 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Court temporarily halts county voter reassignments
Hundreds of voters in Oldham and Bullitt County that received a letter saying they would now be registered in Jefferson can breathe a sigh of temporary relief, as a court order signed Sept. 3 says that they will be automatically reregistered in their original home county — for now. As previously reported, 211 Oldham County voters received a letter this summer notifying them that their voter registration was being moved to Jefferson County.
School board election tangled in lawsuits
Only one of the three school board seats up for election this year has opposition, and both candidates — incumbent Suzanne Hundley and Christeena Gallahue — are at the center of two different lawsuits against the Oldham County Board of Education. Longtime South Oldham Middle School Bookkeeper Tami Day filed suit against the board on Aug. 17, namely claiming that she was pressured to retire after giving investigators information about Hundley’s alleged misconduct.
Eminence school board proposes property tax increase
The Eminence Independent Board of Education recently proposed to increase its property tax rates by nearly 2%. According to a legal advertisement that ran in the Aug. 26 edition of the Local and as seen on Page A5, the board’s proposed rate for the upcoming tax year is 69.5 cents per $100 of assessed value of both real and personal property. The board’s current rate is 68.2 cents per $100, which produced over $1.62 million in revenue.
School board proposes property tax rate increase
Oldham County Board of Education members sit between Superintendent Claudette Herald, at far left, and Director of Finance Kerri Alexander, at far right, during their Aug. 26 special-called meeting where they namely proposed to increase their property tax rate. This article will be updated with further information from the board meeting before it is printed in next week’s paper.
Dispute over data center regulations
Following the Oldham County Fiscal Court’s denial of its proposed data center regulations, Judge Executive David Voegele hosted a special-called meeting on Aug. 24 and claims that the court’s moratorium is “effectively expired.” Last week, the Oldham County Fiscal Court voted to deny its proposed data center regulations and hire a consultant for further review.
First responders fight garage fire on Floydsburg Road
Flames and smoke rise into the air during a fire off of Floydsburg Road in Crestwood on Aug. 20. Crews were able to bring the flames under control about 20 minutes after reports came in. Several crews responded to reports of a detached garage on fire off of Floydsburg Road in Crestwood mid afternoon on Aug. 20.
Double vehicular homicide suspect tries to suppress evidence
Trustin B. Hasenauer Trustin B. Hasenauer, who faces charges in the 2024 truck-motorcycle collision that killed two, recently filed motions to suppress evidence — namely alleging that police entered his home and took a blood sample without a warrant.
Court denies rape suspect’s request to suppress evidence
Pictured, from left, are attorney Nick Mudd, defendant Ronald Bertucci, attorneys Keith Edward Kamenish and Michael R. Mazzoli during Bertucci’s court hearing Aug. 12. Having been indicted on charges of third-degree rape and third-degree sodomy of a 16-year-old in November 2025, 44-year-old Ronald Bertucci recently requested that evidence investigators found on his phone be suppressed in court — a request that was denied on Aug. 12.
Stewart Park Task Force talks funding, big-ticket needs
Harrods Creek is visible from about 1½ miles of the edge of Stewart Park, which serves as the only public access to Harrods Creek within Oldham County. The Stewart Park Task Force, a group created by Judge Executive David Voegele tasked with developing recommendations about the new park and its long-term vision, recently discussed possible grant funding as well as a few must-dos before the park is opened to the public.
P&Z recommends to deny apartments at ‘not safe’ intersection
Development plans for the proposed 84-unit apartments at the corner of Highway 22, pictured running horizontally, and Clore Lane. Each of the three 11,814 square-foot building is shaded, as well as a small clubhouse that would be taken out by the state’s planned realignment of Clore Lane.
Council appoints member, mayor breaks tie on speed bump ban
City Clerk Heather Woodcox swears in Andrea Mancini, who was appointed to fill the vacancy on the La Grange City Council left by Joe Davenport, who was recently appointed to fulfill the term of the late Mayor John Black.
KYTC seeks public input on Highway 146 improvements
Citizens gather around different poster boards at the July 28 public meeting hosted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at the Oldham County Family YMCA. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet hosted a public meeting July 28 and is now seeking public input regarding potential improvements to Highway 146 between Veterans Memorial Parkway in Crestwood and Highway 393 in Buckner.
Murder suspect requests trial to be held in different county
Jason E. Cornett, 55, enters the courtroom for what was originally intended to be his final pretrial conference on Aug. 6. After requesting a change in venues due to local publicity, his Sept. 14 jury trial will now likely be rescheduled until January 2027 or later. Jason Cornett, who is charged with the murder of 75-year-old Margaret E. Preble of La Grange in a Nov. 11, 2024 pedestrian hit-and-run incident, was originally scheduled to have his jury trial start on Sept. 14.
Board OKs superintendent raise, hears construction updates
In their final meeting before students return to school, the Oldham County Board of Education approved giving Superintendent Claudette Herald a raise and heard several updates on current construction projects. In a unanimous vote, the board approved to give Herald a 3% salary increase and a $5,000 stipend for the current fiscal year, which began on July 1. As previously reported, Herald was hired last summer break on a four-year contract with a base salary of $205,000.
Community mourns lifelong public servant John W. Black
A snippet from the July 22, 2021, edition of the Era where John Black was photographed speaking at the dedication ceremony for Eden Parkway. La Grange Mayor and former Oldham County Judge Executive John W. Black died suddenly Monday night, July 27, of an apparent heart attack at the age of 74, according to his family members.
Crestwood hosts ribbon cutting for new city hall building
Local officials and community members gather on the front steps of the new Crestwood City Hall to cut the ribbon on the city’s new home on July 30. After 56 years as an incorporated city, Crestwood finally has a place it can call home. Community members and the Oldham Chamber & Economic Development joined Crestwood city officials on July 30 for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Crestwood City Hall, which sits in the center of The Maples Park — located at 6826 W Highway 22 in Crestwood.
Council appoints Davenport to fulfill late mayor’s term
Judge Executive David Voegele, left, swears in Councilor Joe Davenport as the mayor of La Grange after Davenport was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the late Mayor John Black in a 4-2 vote on July 30. LA GRANGE — After six tied votes, the La Grange City Council voted 4-2-2 to appoint Councilor Joe Davenport to fill the vacancy left by the late Mayor John Black at a July 30 special-called meeting.
Special-called meeting set to fill La Grange mayor vacancy
The La Grange City Council being sworn in during their January 2025 meeting. Pictured, from left, are councilors Latosha Booker-Bishop, Lucy Ricketts, Jason Taylor, the late Mayor John Black, councilors Joe Davenport, Kenneth Powell, Trey Kamer and Laura Taylor.
Task force plans to screen top 7 candidates for director
With the deadline for applications closed June 30, the North Central Kentucky Drug Task Force has received 14 candidates for its director position and announced at its July 24 meeting plans to screen the top seven in August.
Task force plans to screen top seven director applicants
With the deadline for applications having closed June 30, the North Central Kentucky Drug Task Force has received 14 applications for its director position and announced at its July 24 meeting plans to screen the top seven candidates in August.
Court denies amendment to self-storage facility regulations
Though the Oldham County Fiscal Court approved changes to the regulations on manufactured housing, short-term rentals and golf driving ranges, a proposed amendment to the county’s regulations on self-storage facilities was denied in a narrow 5-4 vote. Prior to the vote, Planning and Development Director Ryan Fischer explained that the current regulations on self-storage facilities are “very short,” namely requiring that such facilities are built on lots that are at least 3 acres.
Further charges, details emerge from Eminence shooting
An Eminence woman and her 14-year-old son have both been charged in connection with the shooting that occurred after Cruise Eminence on July 11. As previously reported, a family of four — Kenya Vargas, her fiancé, sister and 2-year-old son — were leaving the event on East Broadway in Eminence when five shots rang out. Four of those shots struck their vehicle.
Officials unveil ONEbox™ program to combat opioid overdose
While several communities have made strides to make anti-overdose medication more accessible, the Oldham County Detention Center is now the first Kentucky jail to offer free ONEbox™ kits fit with an instructional video on how to use the included life-saving medicine to releasees and visitors.
EMS second-in-command arrested on domestic violence charges
Keith Blair Oldham County EMS Lt. Col. Keith Blair was arrested on July 20 and charged with fourth-degree assault — dating violence, minor injury — and first degree strangulation, domestic violence related, according to Oldham District Court records. A police citation details that officers were dispatched to a La Grange home on a 911 hang-up call just before midnight on July 19.
Commission OKs park plaza architect contract, price tag up to $1M
CRESTWOOD — After announcing plans for a new park plaza at the beginning of the year, the Crestwood City Commission approved a contract with Encompass Develop Design & Construct for the architectural needs for the project, agreeing to pay up to $1 million at their July 8 meeting.
Longstanding local business in Port Royal devastated by fire
Lt. James Broughton and Firefighter Ernie Courtney stand in front of Parker Farm Supply in Port Royal after the building was diminished to rubble by a fire that broke out July 7. PORT ROYAL — Longstanding local business Parker Farm Supply in Port Royal was leveled after a July 7 fire, which spurred response from every local fire department within Henry County before the flames were brought under control.
Court OKs $839K in budget transfers to end fiscal year
The Oldham County Fiscal Court unanimously approved $839,270 in budget transfers at a June 29 special-called meeting in order to end the 2025-2026 fiscal year with a balanced budget.
Board enters agreement with developers for new arts center
Recently-obtained Oldham County Board of Education records have revealed further details on the board’s plans to build a new arts center amid budding Crestwood development Clore Station, including information on the site, planned facility and the agreements between the board and developers. As previously reported, the board unanimously voted to accept a 4.57-acre land donation from Carla C.
Commission OKs plans for grocery, home improvement store
Renderings of the recently-approved home improvement store, pictured above, and grocery with attached liquor store, pictured below, that developers hope to open in 2028 on the corner of Highway 393 and Commerce Parkway in Buckner. Plans for new development including a home improvement, grocery and liquor store in Buckner were given the green light at the recent Oldham County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting June 23.
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