WAVE - Troubleshooter

Daycare owner where toddler died charged for benefits scheme

Eric Flack — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:14:00 EDT

The owner of a day care where a two year old died after swallowing a push pin is now accused of lying to the state to collect taxpayer money.

Laws offer little protection for car buyers

Eric Flack — Thu, 6 Jun 2013 18:15:00 EDT

Next to a house it's one of the biggest investment many people make. Buying a car can leave you angry and in the hole if you make a bad choice. So it's important to know what the law can, and can't do, to protect you. And there are some big differences in Kentucky and Indiana that you need to know about.

Undercover investigation: 'Free' plane ticket offer isn't free

Eric Flack — Fri, 31 May 2013 00:47:00 EDT

A travel club membership company that set up shop in southern Indiana is drawing people using the promise of two free airplane tickets just listen to their pitch. The Better Business Bureau estimates tens of thousands of the plane ticket offers were mailed out around Louisville.

UofL Athletics among most expensive, profitable in nation

Eric Flack — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:02:00 EDT

College athletics data gathered by the U.S. Department of Education revealed UofL's Athletic Department budget is almost twice as much as the Louisville Fire Department's.

Troubleshooter find entrapments, outdated safety inspections for KY elevators

Eric Flack — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:10:00 EDT

How safe are the elevators we ride every day? A review of thousands of elevator inspection records reveals more than 1,000 elevators across Kentucky that were overdue for safety inspections, some of them in buildings where riders were getting trapped. The state believes it's doing a good job considering the resources it's working with, but people who use some of the out of date elevators disagree.

Video highlights student safety challenges on school buses

Eric Flack — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:08:00 EDT

Exclusive video raises serious questions about the safety of children on board some Jefferson County Public Schools buses. Students standing in the aisles and sitting on the floor while the buses were moving, some at interstate speeds, is dangerous and needs to stop according to school district leaders.

Officers train for brazen suspects, more dangerous shootouts

Eric Flack — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:38:00 EDT

Few will forget the dramatic images from May 17, 2012 when two broad daylight shootings in a busy neighborhood showed how brazen suspects of violent crime can be. Police say that incident is an example of a disturbing trend that shows suspects are willing to shoot at officers when ever and where ever.

Contractors team up to help woman after builder walks

Eric Flack — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:33:00 EDT

A Louisville woman's contractor nightmare dragged on for months. She paid the contractor thousands for a job he never finished. But now, Carolyn Edds calls the ordeal a blessing in disguise, after a team of workers banded together with the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter to rescue her from disaster.

Taxpayers face rising costs for public defenders

Eric Flack — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:58:00 EDT

What's the price of justice? In Louisville taxpayers are spending millions of dollars a year defending accused criminals who can't afford an attorney. In fact an increasing number of accused criminals are getting a free defense. One that can be very effective.

Developer drops fight for minority status

Eric Flack — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:00:00 EDT

The developer of a controversial apartment complex is dropping the fight to keep its city approved minority owned status. A certification the developer used to finance the project. All this comes after serious questions were raised about the developer of Frontgate Apartments in Highview, and whether it really was a minority owned business.

Customer says BDry couldn't keep basement dry, wants money back

Eric Flack — Tue, 7 May 2013 17:47:00 EDT

It was supposed to be her first step to stardom. A waterproof basement and a sound studio to chase her musical dreams. Now, a young woman is fighting to get her money back because she says a trusted name, didn't get the job done.

Lottery analysis uncovers stores, games that pay out most

Eric Flack — Mon, 6 May 2013 18:39:00 EDT

If you've ever dreamed of hitting the jackpot and retiring to some beach somewhere, you're not alone. Players in Jefferson County spent $194 million on lottery tickets between 2012-2013, more than anywhere else in the state. With that much money on the line, lottery players are always looking for an edge. An analysis of lottery data showed certain games and locations pay out more often than the rest.

$237,000 in fines by LMG against owners waiting for flood buyout

Eric Flack — Thu, 2 May 2013 23:00:00 EDT

New problems for a neighborhood, that's already been flooded with them. After waiting years for a financial rescue, home owners in Louisville's west end have now learned fines from Metro Government may take a huge bite out of their flood buyouts.

12 JCPS schools broke rules, let Card players sell autographs

Eric Flack — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:47:00 EDT

A dozen JCPS schools violated district policy when former U of L basketball players were selling autographs on school property. It appears the schools and even the JCPS athletic director didn't know they were in direct violation of JCPS policy when they allowed Peyton Siva and Gorgui Dieng to sign autographs for money after motivational speeches.

Prank video of man urinating on Ferrari is fake

Eric Flack — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:25:00 EDT

A prank video shot right here in Louisville went viral on the internet. Millions of hits later, it now appears the whole thing was a sham.

McConnell secret audio whistle blower defends story, past

Eric Flack — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EDT

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE)- By phone Monday, Jacob Conway stood by his story publicly identifying two men he claimed made a secret audio recording of Senator Mitch McConnell. Conway said an article in the

Democratic party official stands by McConnell tape story

Eric Flack — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:47:00 EDT

There are new developments in the saga of the secret audio recording of Senator Mitch McConnell. The Jefferson County Democratic Party official who publicly identified two men suspected of making the recording denies allegations he has the story wrong. This, as Jacob Conway's party chairman distances the party from the controversy, and Conway.

Under fire, county takes action to fix flooding issues

Eric Flack — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:24:00 EDT

A family was forced from their home. Now county government has been moved to action months after Shelly Slagel first called and asked for help. But now, outside Slagel's Goshen home there are signs her yearlong nightmare might be coming to an end.

Louisville credit card processor hacked, card numbers stolen

Eric Flack — Mon, 8 Apr 2013 18:44:00 EDT

Federal investigators are working a major fraud case in the Louisville area, potentially affecting hundreds of customers at a half dozen local banks and credit unions in Louisville Metro.

Woman suing New Albany over sewer main hidden under home

Eric Flack — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:23:00 EDT

Sarah Homrighausen said she had no idea the sewer main was running under her home until a horrible flood sent waist high sewer water into her basement, and did tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage. Now, Homrighausen wants local government to clean up the mess.

Consumer Reports rates best and worst used cars

Eric Flack — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:49:00 EDT

Consumer Reports found that cars that rank high on the list of best new cars typically rank high on the list of best used cars.

Jeff controller claims she was fired for not having 'the mayor's back'

Eric Flack — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 21:59:00 EDT

Monica Harmon said she wanted to set the record straight after Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore abruptly fired her from her post as city controller and financial director in early March.

County agrees to address flooding issues for Goshen woman

Eric Flack — Thu, 7 Mar 2013 18:03:00 EST

A mother and her two children were forced from their home as a result of breathing problems caused by the flooding.

Company says Insight overcharged it by $10,000

Eric Flack — Tue, 5 Mar 2013 20:59:00 EST

TIMCO Marine employees discovered that Insight double billed the company for internet service over 109 month.

$800,000 in tornado aid still unused by United Way

Eric Flack — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:36:00 EST

Some tornado survivors are waiting on aid a year after the devastating twisters. Some, but not all of a highly publicized disaster relief grant, has made it into the hands of survivors. In fact, hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money controlled by the United Way still has not been distributed.

Millions in aid for tornado victims finally released

Eric Flack — Tue, 5 Feb 2013 13:51:00 EST

Survivors of the killer tornadoes in Southern Indiana are still struggling to recover. Now, the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department has learned millions of dollars in disaster relief is on the way. Money that was pledged months earlier. Troubleshooter Eric Flack is digging to find out more about the announcement and what it means for storm victims.

City spending thousands on unpopular parking meters

Eric Flack — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:33:00 EDT

The city of Louisville is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on new parking meters some drivers really don't like.

Troubleshooter: Cops can't stop store from selling spice

Eric Flack — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:23:00 EDT

A dangerous drug is being sold right out in the open right in the heart of Kentuckiana.

Troubleshooter nets thousands for employees of wound care company

Eric Flack — Wed, 5 Sep 2012 23:21:00 EDT

A WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Investigation has netted thousands of dollars for former employees of a southern Indiana hospital. We first exposed the financial mess at Harrison County Hospital in August. Now, people who worked for a wound care clinic that went bankrupt found out a local company is stepping in to help clean up the mess.

Wedding expo fight turns ugly

Eric Flack — Wed, 5 Sep 2012 23:21:00 EDT

There is nothing pretty about a faceoff between a local bridal show and some of its vendors. Businesses paid hundreds of dollars to sign up for a wedding expo only to see it postponed over and over again. Months later that wedding expo still hasn't happened, so frustrated business owners asked the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter to investigate the guy in charge. We discovered it's not the first time he's run into problems.

Indiana AG files lawsuit against troubled condo

Eric Flack — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:14:00 EDT

A new development in the bizarre story of a feuding condominium complex. WAVE 3 has been reporting on problems at the Harbors Condominiums in Jeffersonville since last summer. Now the Indiana Attorney General is involved. Troubleshooter Eric Flack got his hands on a copy of a lawsuit filed by the state and looks into the impact on residents.

Police still investigating My Pool Store owner

Eric Flack — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 23:07:00 EDT

A local pool store owner accused of stealing thousands of dollars from his customers is still the subject of a police investigation. WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack first exposed the alleged theft in his investigation in early August. Police have made sure the owners haven't left town. And it now appears they may be getting the message that customers want answers.

Wound care operator accused of fraud by partners

Eric Flack — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:52:00 EDT

Hundreds of thousands of dollars missing. A business in ruins. And emotions boil over, when the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter tracks down the guy who ran it. Troubleshooter Eric Flack spent weeks digging into the records of a local medical company after doctors and former employees told him they were misled.

BBB advises to ask questions before buying from fair vendors

Eric Flack — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 22:34:00 EDT

There are 350 vendors in South Wing C of the Kentucky Exposition Center from all over the country trying to sell you just about everything during the Kentucky State Fair.

State responds to WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Investigation

Eric Flack — Thu, 2 Aug 2012 15:59:00 EDT

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services has responded to a WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Investigation that found thousands of daycare centers across Kentucky falling short of a law meant to protect children in a life or death situation.

Almost 2,000 daycares not following emergency evacuation law

Eric Flack — Thu, 2 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EDT

A WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Investigation reveals gaping holes with the enforcement of a law meant to protect children in a life or death situation. Thousands of daycare centers across Kentucky are falling short. Troubleshooter Eric Flack spent months tracking the numbers, and took what he found to lawmakers in Frankfort, who say it's not just the daycare's, but the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services that dropped the ball.

Felon arrested after Troubleshooter Investigation

Eric Flack — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:59:00 EDT

A convicted felon faces a judge after a WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Investigation discovers he violated his probation. Prosecutors took action against Christopher Scheitlin after Troubleshooter Eric Flack made the discovery. And now Scheitlin has been arraigned after being formally charged with probation violation.

Prosecutors to revoke probation after T'shooter Investigation

Eric Flack — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 23:51:00 EDT

Big developments in a WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Investigation. A convicted felon caught working security against a judges orders is now facing jail time after investigators who saw Troubleshooter Eric Flack's video made some startling discoveries of their own.

JCPS athletic director, assistant principal, hit with lawsuit over missing money

Eric Flack — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 21:53:00 EDT

Hundreds of thousands of dollars missing from a local high school booster club. A JCPS athletic director and assistant principal are at the center of the IRS investigation into what happened to that money. And now, they are being hit with a lawsuit too. WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack first broke this story in August 2011 and reports the lawsuit is the latest in an ugly chapter for Fern Creek High School Athletics.

United Way defends delays in millions of tornado aid

Eric Flack — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 23:26:00 EDT

Troubleshooter Eric Flack has been working this story for weeks and found confusion and contradictions from United Way officials defending delays in distributing money to tornado victims.

Convicted felon made $90,000 off government contracts

Eric Flack — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:01:00 EDT

When we tracked him down to ask some tough questions, all Christopher Scheitlin wanted to talk about was the weather.

Troubleshooter: Felon violated probation with city approval

Eric Flack — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 08:07:00 EDT

The WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department discovered a convicted felon violating the conditions of his probation right under the noses of Louisville Metro Government.

LG&E plant blowing off steam, waking neighbors

Eric Flack — Thu, 5 Jul 2012 17:42:00 EDT

A Louisville man said it is like waking up in the middle of the night with a jet hovering overhead, but his house is not next to the airport.

Selling old cell phones and computers risky, experts say

Eric Flack — Tue, 3 Jul 2012 18:08:00 EDT

You might have one lying around. It could be sitting in the basement or the back of your closet. Before you try to sell an old cell phone or computer for a little extra cash, listen up - you could be handing a stranger your personal information and not even know it.

Neighbors pay the price for pricey MSD alley

Eric Flack — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EDT

More than half a million dollars spent in alleys sounds expensive, but the Metropolitan Sewer District believes it's a smart investment. Some neighbors don't agree. They called the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department after one of the projects led to months of headaches.

Do Not Call list not stopping robo calls

Eric Flack — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 20:46:00 EDT

Dozens of people who say they are on the do not call list have started to receive robo calls on their cell phones.

Records show Heavenly Angels had past safety problems

Eric Flack — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:26:00 EDT

The daycare, whose van was involved in a deadly accident, has run into driving problems in the past according to reports.

Teens investigated for stealing, killing kitten

Eric Flack — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EDT

A kitten was stolen from a barn and brutally killed. The heartbroken owner turned to the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter to find out if the teenagers responsible will face charges.

Daycare involved in fatal crash cited for past safety problems

Eric Flack — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:54:00 EDT

A WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Investigation uncovered Heavenly Angels Childcare vans have been cited for safety violations long before the deadly accident Tuesday.

Fowl problem: chickens overrun neighborhood

Eric Flack — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:06:00 EDT

Chickens were running wild, digging up flower beds and attacking dogs in a south Louisville neighborhood. Neighbors couldn't get Louisville Metro Animal Control to stop it. So they called the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department and Troubleshooter Eric Flack got results.

Talent search under fire for use of Disney name

Eric Flack — Tue, 5 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EDT

A star search for child actors or a high priced sales pitch? The WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department went undercover to investigate a local acting audition put on by a company plagued by questions about its claims and results.

Sheriff says teacher allowed underage drinking at party

Eric Flack — Wed, 30 May 2012 23:07:00 EDT

A science and social studies teacher at Salem Middle School might need a lesson in the law after police said she and her husband let the booze flow at a party for their teenage daughter and her friends.

Short people don't measure up to taller parking meters

Eric Flack — Tue, 29 May 2012 19:01:00 EDT

Parking is a tall order these days around the Hall of Justice. Louisville Metro government just installed new parking meters that are too high for some people to use. So a viewer called the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department for help.

Belle of Louisville raising prices to cope with money problems

Eric Flack — Mon, 28 May 2012 19:04:00 EDT

The Belle of Louisville kicked off it's 98th year on Memorial Day weekend. But the old steamboat needs to right the ship financially if it's going to make it to its 100th Anniversary.

Used cars can hide dangerous accident histories

Eric Flack — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:00:00 EDT

More than 30 million used cars were sold last year. But a WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Investigation uncovered: buyers don't always know what they're getting. Troubleshooter Eric Flack decided to put viewers to the test and find out how to avoid a costly mistake.

St. X wouldn't let senior wear Marine shirt on "college day"

Eric Flack — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:00:00 EDT

College versus a commitment to the military. A high school senior said his decision to wear a Marine Corps T-shirt to "college T-shirt day" left him in hot water. So the student contacted the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department for help. And Troubleshooter Eric Flack's investigation led to policy changes at St. Xavier High School.

SUV catches fire, burns while engine off

Eric Flack — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:00:00 EDT

A young couple says their Ford SUV burst into flames and burned to the ground sitting idle in their driveway. It happened six weeks after the automaker issued a recall on their Escape. But the vehicle sat in a charred heap outside the family's home until they called the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department for help. I went to work to find out what Ford planned to do, and whether other Escape's are in danger of catching fire.

How to be a mystery shopper without getting scammed

Eric Flack — Mon, 7 May 2012 23:16:00 EDT

Some see it as an easy way to make a little extra money on their own time. But the popularity of mystery shopping has led to an explosion of scams. And some are costing local families thousands of dollars. So WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack did some digging to find out how to cash in without getting burned.

DNS Auto Glass owner response to Troubleshooter Investigation

Eric Flack — Tue, 1 May 2012 19:48:00 EDT

Troubleshooter Eric Flack went undercover and caught a salesman from DNS Auto Glass's Louisville office trying to bill the insurance company for a windshield that didn't need to be replaced. State investigators said the video is indicative of windshield insurance fraud: a growing crime in Kentucky. Now DNS owner Jeff Searles is answering questions about what we uncovered.

Troubleshooter: Windshield fraud growing, costing drivers money

Eric Flack — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:10:00 EDT

Windshield insurance fraud is a multi-million dollar problem that impacts anyone who drives a car. It can threaten your pocketbook and your safety, and it's happening right here in Kentucky.

Charges dismissed against contractor after he returns money

Eric Flack — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:20:00 EDT

A WAVE 3 Troubleshooter investigation exposes a contractor accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from his clients. Now, Troubleshooter Eric Flack learned some of those customers are getting money back. And that may be the only thing keeping Jeff Webber out of the Oldham County jail right now. But his legal problems, are far from over.

Cruise line leaves family grounded after son's stabbing

Eric Flack — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:50:00 EDT

A family's vacation ended before it started after a teenager was stabbed in the head. The near fatal attack left that family unable to take a cruise they paid for. But the cruise company refused to refund their $2,000 because they didn't buy travel insurance. So the family turned to the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department for help to get the cruise company to change their stand.

Collecting small claims takes more than winning case

Eric Flack — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:12:00 EDT

It's known as "the people's court." Every year thousands turn to Jefferson County's Small Claims Court to get money they're owed. But when a Middletown couple couldn't force a contractor they sued to pay up, they called the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department. Troubleshooter Eric Flack found out when it comes to small claims court convincing a judge is only half the battle.

Fugitive contractor shows at courthouse but leaves before arraignment

Joey Brown — Mon, 2 Apr 2012 19:25:00 EDT

A contractor accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from customers showed up in court to answer to criminal charges, but he vanished before facing a judge. Now, he's a wanted man once again.

Exclusive: Woman suing Oldham County Schools speaks

Eric Flack — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:49:00 EDT

A landmark fight to keep out of county students out of its classrooms has left the Oldham County Public School system facing a legal battle of its own. A homeowner caught in the middle is suing Oldham County Schools for slandering her name. Donna Claggett is speaking exclusively with WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack to explain why.

Lawsuit filed challenging student residency

Eric Flack — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:13:00 EDT

A leader in the Oldham County Public School system is being accused of slander, malice and negligence. A woman who faced criminal charges for lying to get a Louisville teen enrolled in Oldham County Public Schools claims in a lawsuit it was the school system that got it wrong. WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack investigated.

Troubleshooter investigates why former fugitive was released from jail

Eric Flack — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:47:00 EDT

Contractor Edward Armstrong is back on the streets after a lack of communication within the Jefferson County court system led to his release.

Troubleshooter Investigation: overcharging for tax prep common

Eric Flack — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:37:00 EDT

Corey Coffey is a musician and a bartender, and his story is an example of what can go wrong, when you choose the wrong person to do your taxes. He doesn't make a ton of money. But you would think he does, after seeing the bill he got from Liberty Tax Service on Bardstown Road.

K-9 search team under fire for qualifications, disaster response

Eric Flack — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:18:00 EDT

The status of a woman who has been doing search and rescue work in the wake of the deadly storms is being questioned. The K9 handler has come under fire after a WAVE 3 Troubleshooter investigation uncovered accusations she misrepresented herself in the tornado's aftermath to gain access to disaster areas.

Consignment shops can leave customers at a loss

Eric Flack — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:26:00 EDT

In a down economy, people are always looking for ways to make a little extra cash. An increasing number of you are choosing to consign old clothes and furniture to put a few extra bucks in your pocket. But the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department discovered that process can get ugly.

LMPD officer could face charges for striking a man

Sarah Eisenmenger — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:15:00 EDT

A Louisville Metro police officer could face criminal charges for an incident first reported by the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter.

Scammers take advantage of tornado victims

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 22:31:00 EST

The rebuilding process could take years in areas hardest hit by tornadoes, and with all that work come the threat of scammers trying to make a quick buck.

Storm victims warned to watch out for fly by night contractors

Eric Flack — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST

The rebuilding is already underway out for families hit hard by Wednesday's tornadoes. And fly by night contractors have the potential to make their problems even worse. WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack is working for you with two new warnings about what can happen.

Mother upset 911 won't send officer to help toddler locked in car

Eric Flack — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 00:12:00 EST

When a baby is left alone in a car the consequences can be devastating. One mother says she is in disbelief after a local police department said they couldn't help her, when her one year old son locked himself inside a vehicle. So she called the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack to get answers about why officers didn't respond.

$20,000 water bill erased after Troubleshooter investigation

Eric Flack — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:31:00 EST

It was a water bill that nearly left a Bullitt County couple under water. The Louisville Water Company charged them $20,000 claiming they used millions of gallons of water in just a couple months. So the couple called the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department. And Troubleshooter Eric Flack got results.

Customers say contractor endorsed by BBB stole tens of thousands

Eric Flack — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:10:00 EST

Tens of thousands of dollars missing. Court cases in three counties. Angry customers everywhere. How did a contractor who held the Better Business Bureau seal of approval just months ago fall so far so fast?

Taxpayers pay price for TARC bus accidents

Eric Flack — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:32:00 EST

The cost of riding the bus may be a lot more than you think. The WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department has uncovered accidents involving TARC buses cost Louisville taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in court settlements, even though TARC drivers claim they aren't at fault in a large majority of those wrecks.

Troubleshooter investigates emergency brakes on Louisville Zoo trains

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:37:00 EST

Put simply, the trains Louisville Metro Government sold don't have emergency brakes, something that if used properly, could prevent a derailment.

Law not on side of property owners hurt by vinyl homes

Eric Flack — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST

It is a problem facing homeowners across Kentuckiana. All brick neighborhoods going vinyl, some say killing property values. The WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department discovered rules meant to keep it from happening, are being discarded with the stroke of a pen by developers changing building restrictions so they can offer cheaper homes. So why isn't Louisville Metro Government doing anything to stop it?

Homeowners say vinyl homes killing property values

Eric Flack — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST

Falling home values can send ripple effects through the entire community. Now some homeowners say a plan to revive their struggling subdivision is doing even more damage to their investment. So they called the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department to investigate how the developer can get away with it. Troubleshooter Eric Flack uncovered a debate that is raging in neighborhoods across the region.

Pothole damage can be covered by KY if negligence proved

Eric Flack — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:42:00 EST

Big swings in temperatures are wreaking havoc on our roads. There are so many potholes out there right now state maintenance crews can't keep up. When one of those potholes did major damage to the car of a Kentuckiana driver she asked the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department to find out if local government will pay the repair bill.

Troubleshooter Investigation: Mother makes multiple 911 calls before son shoots her

Eric Flack — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:18:00 EST

A Kentuckiana man sits in jail charged with savagely beating his own mother and then shooting her in the head. She survived that brutal attack, and reached out to the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter to investigate her claims Kentucky State Police abandoned her 9-1-1 calls for help.

Parents say dangerous app lead to sexual predators

Eric Flack — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 18:48:00 EST

Just about every teen wants one or already has one. iPhones and iPod Touches are in the hands of more and more of our kids. But but a WAVE 3 Troubleshooter investigation has uncovered, some teens are using the apps on those devices to connect a world of would be pedophiles and sexual predators.

Redbox robberies threaten movie fans

Eric Flack — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 23:46:00 EST

Something as simple as renting a movie could make you a target for crime. People are getting robbed at the Redbox video rental machines you see all around town. And as WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack uncovered, as their popularity spreads, so does the opportunity for criminals.

Famous restaurant claims competitor is trying to steal logo

Eric Flack — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:14:00 EST

A fishy problem for a local restaurant, that has some customers seeing double. A famous old fish house that's been in business for 30 years claims one of it's competitors is trying to rip off it's name. So WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack dove in head firs to find out what's going on.

WAVE 3 Troubleshooter, viewers team to help youth football team

Eric Flack — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:40:00 EST

A youth football team sacked by a former coach is getting picked back up by WAVE 3 viewers. WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack has been following the story of the Okolona Titans and their former league president who is facing criminal charges. Now Eric is leading an effort to help the Titans get a fresh start.

Zumba studio closes without refunds, AG investigating

Eric Flack — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST

Several viewers turned to the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter for help when a Highview area Zumba studio closed up with no notice and only a text message. Now customers want their money back, so Troubleshooter Eric Flack launched an investigation and the Kentucky Attorney General's office wants answers too.

Man wants to sell youth team's missing equipment back to them

Eric Flack — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:59:00 EST

There are new developments in the case of a football coach charged with stealing more than $14,000 from a youth football league. The WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department has located some of the kids missing equipment, but the league is being asked to pay hundreds of dollars to get it back.

WAVE 3 Troubleshooter helps mend fences between utility company, viewer

Eric Flack — Mon, 9 Jan 2012 18:26:00 EST

A fight with the utility company could happen to anybody. Often that is losing battle. So when one viewer said a contractor hired by LG&E damaged his fence he called the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter.

Update on $20,000 water bill

Sarah Eisenmenger — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 13:36:00 EST

A $20,000 water bill one local couple said they shouldn't have to pay is now over $21,000.

States cracking down on credit report use in hiring

Ken Conklin — Tue, 3 Jan 2012 16:36:00 EST

Employers in most states are permitted to look at the credit reports of prospective employees as part of their hiring practices. Now in some states, rules are beginning to restrict access to credit reports.

Local couple gets $20,000 water bill

Eric Flack — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:03:00 EST

If you think your utility bills are high, listen to this. Two senior citizens are fighting with the Louisville Water Company over a $20,000 water bill. The couple thinks the bill can't possibly be right, so they turned to the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter for help. As Eric Flack found out, mistakes are rare, but they do happen and it's up to you to take action if you don't want to pay the price.

Electronic pickpockets can steal credit card numbers out of air

Eric Flack — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:44:00 EST

We all know to keep an eye out for criminals during the holiday shopping season. What you may not know is that thieves can now steal your credit card information without the card ever leaving your purse. WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack discovered technology that is supposed to make your life easier could actually be making you a target.

Methadone clinic causing headaches for nearby businesses

Eric Flack — Tue, 6 Dec 2011 19:02:00 EST

The WAVE 3 Troubleshooter goes undercover to expose complaints about a local methadone clinic. The clinic is operating in the heart of St. Matthews and neighbors are complaining they are being overrun by crowds of clients coming to get their daily dose. So they asked the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter and Eric Flack uncovered just how bad the problem really is.

State will investigate claims of animal abuse at local shelter

Eric Flack — Thu, 1 Dec 2011 19:33:00 EST

The state of Kentucky will investigate claims of animal abuse at a local shelter. The alleged abuse at the Taylor County Animal Shelter was first exposed in WAVE 3 Troubleshooter report. And as Troubleshooter Eric Flack reports, now the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners said it will launch its own investigation into what happened.

Trooper who caused fatal accident has history of inattention

Eric Flack — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 22:02:00 EST

After a review by the Commonwealth Attorney, a Kentucky State Police trooper who caused a fatal accident in Barren County will not be charged.

Parents using fake school addresses in places you don't expect

Eric Flack — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:18:00 EST

The problem of parents using phony addresses to get their kids into desirable school districts is one the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department has been digging into for months. We have uncovered that it's happening in places you haven't heard about. Parents are going to extremes not to get caught and it could be costing your children's education.

Animal abuse alleged at local animal shelter

Eric Flack — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:24:00 EST

Shocking allegations of cruelty at a local animal shelter. A former worker at the shelter claims he witnessed the brutal killing of dogs and cats, botched euthanasia and animals being buried alive. WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack has been investigating to uncover the truth.

KSP trooper involved in fatal crash spokesman for safe driving

Eric Flack — Wed, 9 Nov 2011 18:14:00 EST

We have a follow-up story on our investigation into a deadly accident involving a Kentucky State trooper. After our original story aired, the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department received tips from concerned viewers. It turns out that KSP is using that same trooper as a spokesperson for safe driving. Troubleshooter Eric Flack has been digging to find out why.

Nelson Co. man accused of pretending to be Navy SEAL

Eric Flack — Mon, 7 Nov 2011 18:11:00 EST

It is one of the most elite fighting forces in the world. Now a local man is accused of pretending to be, a U.S. Navy SEAL. The WAVE 3 Troubleshooter has been digging to find out the truth.

WAVE 3, viewers team to help youth football team in need

Eric Flack — Thu, 3 Nov 2011 01:04:00 EDT

Some Kentuckiana youth football players where sacked by a coach who allegedly stole the league's money. After breaking this story, the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter has teamed up with viewers to end the season on a high note.

Survivor questions investigation into troopers fatal crash

Eric Flack — Wed, 2 Nov 2011 09:25:00 EDT

Six weeks after an accident that killed a 33-year-old woman, a Kentucky State Police trooper is back on the job. Trooper Jonathan Biven returned to work well before the investigation into what happened is closed. The only survivor in that car gave the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter a firsthand account of the accident.

Hidden camera shows Parks Director drinking, driving city SUV

Eric Flack — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:16:00 EDT

A Louisville city leader suspended because of hidden camera taken by the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter. Acting on a viewer tip, Toubleshooter Eric Flack caught the Director of the Louisville Metro Parks Department drinking then driving a city-issued vehicle. And as we discovered in this undercover investigation, it's not the first time drinking and driving has landed Mike Heitz in hot water.

Gaps in 911 system remain 10 years after 9/11

Eric Flack — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:21:00 EDT

They are on the front lines when lives hang in the balance. But some emergency responders are suffering from a communications breakdown. Dispatchers, fire and EMS are all supposed to be able to talk to one another. But 10 years after 9/11, a WAVE 3 Troubleshooter investigation has uncovered that not all agencies are on the same page.

Halloween color contacts pose scary health risk

Eric Flack — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:14:00 EDT

A popular Halloween accessory could be a hazard to your health. Color contact lenses are extremely popular especially among teenage girls. But they can also be dangerous if not properly prescribed. WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Eric Flack went undercover and found back door color contact lenses being sold illegally at a number of stores in our area.

Viewers, Troubleshooter help solider in need of clean water

Eric Flack — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EDT

A local soldier needed clean drinking water. His wife asked the Louisville Water Company for help, but they refused. So she turned to the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department. And Troubleshooter Eric Flack, and our viewers, came through in a big way.

Geography lesson: Oldham Co. cracks down on address fakers

Eric Flack — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:23:00 EDT

The crackdown on address fakers continues for the Oldham County Public School system. Monday, a second parent was hauled into court on criminal charges. As I learned, the Oldham County Schools might just be getting started and more parents could be getting arrested.

LMAS refuses to pay vet bills after adopted dog dies

Eric Flack — Mon, 3 Oct 2011 20:56:00 EDT

A grandmother is heartbroken after her new dog died just two weeks after adopting it. Veterinarians said the Yorkshire Terrier likely contracted a fatal illness while housed at Louisville Metro Animal Services. The family turned to the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter for help.

Second family charged with false enrollment in Oldham Co. schools

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:48:00 EDT

The Oldham County Schools have filed criminal charges against a second family who allegedly used a false home address so their child could attend school there.

Scam artists targeting cell phones

Eric Flack — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:03:00 EDT

It's the new frontier for scam artists. Your cell phones are no longer safe. Across Kentuckiana, people are getting hit with bogus text messages from crooks trying to steal their credit card information. When it happened to one WAVE 3 viewer he called Troubleshooter to investigate what was going on.

AG files lawsuit against local college for 'deceptive practices'

Eric Flack — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:42:00 EDT

The investigation is expanding into for-profit colleges. Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway has announced he is filing suit against another local college that he claims is lying to its students.

Ft. Hood says water is safe, may have funny taste

Eric Flack — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:18:00 EDT

The wife of a Kentuckiana solder heading to Iraq claims the Louisville Water Company is leaving her husband high and dry. The solider claims the water on his post in Texas is nearly undrinkable. So his wife asked the Louisville Water Company to donate bottled water to him while he trains. But the Louisville Water Company refused, so she turned to the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter Department.

New outbreak of sick animals at LMAS prompts Manslick facility shut down

Eric Flack — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 23:28:00 EDT

Louisville Metro Animal Services is taking emergency steps after another outbreak of sick animals at its facility. The problem is bad enough that late Friday LMAS announced it's not going to take in any more animals except for those facing emergency situations.

Teacher claims local builder stole money, left home unfinished

Eric Flack — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:22:00 EDT

A Kentuckiana builder has left a trail of unhappy customers and court cases. A school teacher from southern Indiana claims she is the latest with complaints and turned to the WAVE 3 Troubleshooter for help. We were able to track down the builder and get answers.

KYTC: Other bridges strong enough to support Minton runoff

Eric Flack — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:09:00 EDT

With the Sherman Minton Bridge shut down indefinitely, can our other bridges hold up under the stress of all the extra traffic?

VA takes action against builder in WAVE 3 Troubleshooter report

Eric Flack — Thu, 1 Sep 2011 21:34:00 EDT

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is taking action after a WAVE 3 Troubleshooter investigation exposed a construction company accused of building shoddy homes near Fort Knox. But we discovered that company is now working to sidestep the restrictions placed on them by the VA so they can keep selling those homes.

Toyota recalls 242,000 Prius, Lexus hybrid cars

Wed, 5 Jun 2013 05:07:00 EDT

Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it is recalling about 242,000 of its Prius and Lexus hybrid vehicles due to problems with their braking systems.

Drug company recalls bottles of Excedrin, NoDoz, Bufferin & Gas-X

Thu, 31 May 2012 12:32:00 EDT

Novartis is recalling some bottles of Excedrin, NoDoz, Bufferin and Gas-X Sunday over concerns that the bottles could contain stray pills from other medicines, or chipped or broken tablets.

Adjustable Mattress Bases Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 02:56:00 EDT

Electrical components in the motor control board can fail and short causing overheating, which poses a fire hazard.

Child safety locks recalled; pose safety hazard

Joey Brown — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:39:00 EDT

Turns out, the Safety First Push 'N Snap Cabinet Locks can be opened by children as young as 9 months old.

Gerber recalls formula due to smell

Sarah Eisenmenger — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:10:00 EDT

Gerber has recalled some of its powered formula after consumers reported a foul smell coming from the jars.

Popular over-the-counter drugs recalled, could contain powerful prescription medications

Joey Brown — Mon, 9 Jan 2012 15:28:00 EST

Pharmaceutical company Novartis voluntarily recalled a number of popular over-the-counter medications on Monday because they could contain stray tablets of powerful prescription painkillers.

Pottery Barn Kids recalls 7,700 bed canopies, citing safety hazard

Joey Brown — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:23:00 EST

Pottery Barn Kids is recalling 7,700 of its Madeline Bed canopies.

Smucker recalls jars of chunky peanut butter

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:17:00 EST

J.M. Smucker Co. is recalling thousands of 16-ounce jars of its Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky because of possible salmonella contamination.

Possible E. coli contamination prompts ground beef recall

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:45:00 EDT

Tyson Fresh Meats is recalling more than 131,000 pounds of ground beef that might be contaminated with E. coli.