Friday, January 12, 2007
Knott Man Sentenced To Over 10 years
A Knott County man will spend more than 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal drug charges in U.S. District Court in Pikeville. 36 year old James Arthur Pratt of Eagle’s Nest, Emmalena, pled guilty Tuesday to felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, distribution of Hydrocodone, and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug transaction. Today U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove sentenced Pratt to 63 months on the firearm possession charge and 60 months on the drug distribution charge, with these terms to run consecutively for a total of 123 months. Upon release Pratt will have to serve five years supervised probation. The joint investigation which lead to the guilty plea began in January of ’06 after Pratt sold hydrocodone tablets to undercover detectives twice in the same day. The Knott County Sheriff’s Office also had been investigating Pratt at the time.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:21 PM
Sandy Valley Water District Looking At Possible Transfer
The Sandy Valley Water District may be under new management in the near future. The states public service commission held a meeting last night in Betsy Lane to allow the public to express its opinions and concerns regarding the proposed transfer of assets, which would see the City of Pikeville and the Southern Water and Sewer district, assume its operations. Under the proposal, the City of Pikeville and Southern Water would also assume the Sandy Valley Water Districts dept which totals close to $1.4 million dollars. You can read the complete story plus catch up on all the community happenings by checking out this week’s issue of Pikeville Medical Centers Weekly publication The Medical Leader, hitting mail boxes in Pike, Floyd and Letcher counties beginning tomorrow.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:20 PM
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Miner Injured In Perrry County Mine
A miner was injured today after an accident at the Blue Diamond Coal Co. No. 74 mine in Perry County according to the state Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. The EPPC reported that the accident occurred close to 10:00 this morning when 43 year old Samuel H. Melton of Wooten, in Leslie County, was installing a ventilation curtain when a piece of draw rock fell from between roof bolts, striking him in the head. Melton was removed from the mine by company personnel and airlifted to Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport, Tenn. The accident has initially been classified as “serious” by the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing, which issued a closure order for purposes of an investigation. It is the first mine accident reported in Kentucky in 2007.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:27 PM
KY GOP Supports President's Plan; Dems Skeptical
Republicans in Kentucky's congressional delegation generally supported President Bush's plan to dispatch an additional 21,500 U.S. troops to try to quell unending violence in Iraq. Bush spoke to the nation in a prime-time address last night to promote his latest strategy in the Iraq war, which has cost the lives of more than 3,000 U.S. troops. The state's two House Democrats are more skeptical than their GOP counterparts, expressing doubts about whether the strategy will work.
U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler a Democrat from Kentucky's 6th District said that unfortunately it's more of the same. Chandler was quoted as saying "We've had other instances of troop surges since we've been involved in this undertaking, and none of them have been successful in the long term."
Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Senate's top GOP leader, said a quick withdrawal of American forces would guarantee "a strategic failure" in Iraq and across the region. EKB news contacted Senator McConnell in regards to his statements but do to his busy schedule on capital hill he was un-able to speak with EKB news personally however we are scheduled to speak with Senate Minority leader tomorrow morning and will have a full report during Friday’s afternoon news cast.
U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler a Democrat from Kentucky's 6th District said that unfortunately it's more of the same. Chandler was quoted as saying "We've had other instances of troop surges since we've been involved in this undertaking, and none of them have been successful in the long term."
Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Senate's top GOP leader, said a quick withdrawal of American forces would guarantee "a strategic failure" in Iraq and across the region. EKB news contacted Senator McConnell in regards to his statements but do to his busy schedule on capital hill he was un-able to speak with EKB news personally however we are scheduled to speak with Senate Minority leader tomorrow morning and will have a full report during Friday’s afternoon news cast.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:27 PM
Alabama Man Facing Even More Charges
An Alabama Man in jail in Pike County on charges stemming from an incident earlier this week is now facing more charges after police served warrants on him yesterday. 46 year old David W. Dobbs of Newton Alabama was arrested on several charges including terroristic threatening, Sunday after he allegedly attempted to set fire to a propane tank near the Pikeville Super 8. Dobbs was served with two warrants yesterday, one for being a fugitive from another state as he is facing a charge of contributing to the delinquency of minor in Virginia. According to the Virginia warrant Dobbs committed the act inside the city of Wise sometime between January 4th and January 7th of this year. Dobbs also stands accused of committing an act of Rape 1st degree and Unlawful transaction with a minor in connection to an incident which occurred on January 6th at the Pikeville Days Inn. According to the arrest warrant, Dobbs allegedly gave the 17 year old female two controlled substances, causing her to become unconscious leading to sexual intercourse when the girl was incapable of consent. Dobbs was assigned an additional $10,000 full cash bond on top of the $25,000 dollar bond assigned in his other case. Dobbs is also being held on the fugitive warrant until an extradition hearing can be held on January 18th. Dobbs remains lodged at the Pike County Detention Center.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:25 PM
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Crews Continue Search For The Body Of Suspected Murder Victim
Search crews braved the snow and cold Tuesday afternoon, but they still haven't found the body of 28 year old Brandi Rowe of Salyersville. Police believe that Rowe was murdered last month in Magoffin County and for the past week, rescue crews have been searching for her body in the Quicksand Creek area of Breathitt County. Police narrowed the search to the quicksand creek area on Saturday and have continued the search since, even braving the rain and snow yesterday afternoon. Meanwhile, the three people arrested in connection with Rowe's murder are expected to be back in court today. There could be testimony which may shed new light on why Bandy Rowe was allegedly murdered. Crews didn't find any signs of Rowe's body Tuesday and are hoping the weather cooperates as crews continue to come from around the state to help with the search.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:33 PM
UNITE Seizes Large Quanity Of Drugs
A Large amount of prescription pills, cash and several guns were seized Monday as operation UNITE conducted a raid of a Martin County Home.
Detectives from UNITE's Big Sandy Drug Task Force, with assistance from the Martin County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant at the Wolfcreek Road residence of Audrey and Arthur Parsons of Lovely. The search resulted in the seizure of 127 Hydrocodone, several other types of prescription medication, one handgun, and approximately $1,568.00 in cash by UNITE. In addition, the Martin County Sheriff's Office seized one handgun and four rifles. UNITE arrested 48-year-old Audrey Parsons on indictment warrants for two counts of second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. The Martin County Sheriff¹s Office arrested her husband, 48-year-old Arthur Parsons, on a charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. According to UNITE officials more charges are pending as a result of this over four month investigation. The Parsons were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.
Detectives from UNITE's Big Sandy Drug Task Force, with assistance from the Martin County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant at the Wolfcreek Road residence of Audrey and Arthur Parsons of Lovely. The search resulted in the seizure of 127 Hydrocodone, several other types of prescription medication, one handgun, and approximately $1,568.00 in cash by UNITE. In addition, the Martin County Sheriff's Office seized one handgun and four rifles. UNITE arrested 48-year-old Audrey Parsons on indictment warrants for two counts of second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. The Martin County Sheriff¹s Office arrested her husband, 48-year-old Arthur Parsons, on a charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. According to UNITE officials more charges are pending as a result of this over four month investigation. The Parsons were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:33 PM
Crews Continue To Search For Missing Alabama Man
As of this afternoon crews were still searching for an Alabama Man who went missing early Sunday Morning.
According to officials 19 Mathew Dobbs was last seen around 1:30 on Sunday morning leaving the Pikeville Super 8 in route to the Pikeville Days Inn but never made it to his destination.
According to officials Dobbs and his family were traveling through the area on their way to Coeburn Virginia cemetery to clean a grave site. Part of the family was staying at the Super 8 and others were staying at the Days Inn. Dobbs reportedly was last scene walking through the bottom near the Super 8, which is where crews began their search Sunday morning.
Officials started by scanning the bottom with thermal imaging equipment and then combed the riverbank by foot. On Monday crews set out by boat searching the Big Sandy River but have yet to see any sign of the young man.
“The search is continuing with any new leads that we might receive” stated Doug Tackett director of Pike County Emergency Management.
According to officials 19 Mathew Dobbs was last seen around 1:30 on Sunday morning leaving the Pikeville Super 8 in route to the Pikeville Days Inn but never made it to his destination.
According to officials Dobbs and his family were traveling through the area on their way to Coeburn Virginia cemetery to clean a grave site. Part of the family was staying at the Super 8 and others were staying at the Days Inn. Dobbs reportedly was last scene walking through the bottom near the Super 8, which is where crews began their search Sunday morning.
Officials started by scanning the bottom with thermal imaging equipment and then combed the riverbank by foot. On Monday crews set out by boat searching the Big Sandy River but have yet to see any sign of the young man.
“The search is continuing with any new leads that we might receive” stated Doug Tackett director of Pike County Emergency Management.
Above Left : C.J. Childers and Jerry Prater were two of the firefighters who chipped in with the search for an Alabama man who went missing early Sunday Morning. The two went up in the fire trucks bucket to use a thermal imaging scanner to see if they could spot the 19 who was last seen near the Pikeville Super 8.
“Everybody is doing a great job with the search and has worked well together.”
The County’s Emergency Management Agency were assisted on the scene by the Pikeville Fire Department, Millard/East Shelbiana Fire and Rescue Squad, Shelby Creek Rescue Squad, Coal Run Fire Department, Hurricane Creek Fire Department, Pikeville Police Department and the Kentucky State Police.
“We feel we’ve cleared all the areas we need to search and we’ll act on any new leads we may receive.” Tackett continued asking the public to report anything they feel may help in their search.
Dobbs is described as a White male, brown hair with a mustache, wearing a black long sleeve shirt, blue baseball cap and blue jeans.
If you have any information concerning Dobbs you are urged to contact the Pikeville Police department at 437-6236 or the Kentucky State Police at 433-7711.
The County’s Emergency Management Agency were assisted on the scene by the Pikeville Fire Department, Millard/East Shelbiana Fire and Rescue Squad, Shelby Creek Rescue Squad, Coal Run Fire Department, Hurricane Creek Fire Department, Pikeville Police Department and the Kentucky State Police.
“We feel we’ve cleared all the areas we need to search and we’ll act on any new leads we may receive.” Tackett continued asking the public to report anything they feel may help in their search.
Dobbs is described as a White male, brown hair with a mustache, wearing a black long sleeve shirt, blue baseball cap and blue jeans.
If you have any information concerning Dobbs you are urged to contact the Pikeville Police department at 437-6236 or the Kentucky State Police at 433-7711.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:28 PM
Swearing To Go To Work For The Commonwealth
Pike County’s elected officials saw the official start to their terms on Saturday January 6, as the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center played host to an elaborate inauguration for the county’s in-coming office holders. Over thirty public officials, judges and deputies raised their right hand and swore to uphold the constitution of both the United States and The Commonwealth. 
The oath, while ceremonial, serves as promise that the people elected to hold office will serve with dignity and to uphold the true meaning of commonwealth; which traditionally defined as the act of making decisions based upon the wealth and common good of the residents of this state.
Most of those sworn in Saturday afternoon are not strangers to the office they hold. Charles “Fuzzy” Kazee will return to the Sheriff’s Office for his 9th term, making him the longest serving sheriff in the state of Kentucky.
County Clerk Lillian Pearl Elliot, County Attorney Keith Hall and Judge Eddy Coleman were just of few of the many officials who were also sworn in during the ceremony.
While many of the faces remain the same as staples of the counties political landscape survived or went un-opposed through the November elections, some of the counties newest officials got the opportunity to address the public for the first time.
Two such officials are Laverne Dye, the City of Coal Runs new Mayor and Billy Roger Powell who both got their first chance to talk about plans for their communities at the swearing in.
And even with the edition of new faces a familiar face proclaimed a new beginning for Pike County as Judge Executive Wayne T. Rutherford was sworn in for his fifth term in office returning after a decade long absence.
“This is a new beginning and I’ve got a great court to work with and we’ve got a big job to do.” Rutherford proclaimed. “We’re the energy capital of American and we’re going to trademark that.”
Music for the county inauguration ceremony was provided by the Pike County Central Band and Chorus. Lori Thornsbury sang a stirring rendition of My Old Kentucky home and Greg Cagle lead the crowd in signing the patriotic standard God Bless America.
The oath, while ceremonial, serves as promise that the people elected to hold office will serve with dignity and to uphold the true meaning of commonwealth; which traditionally defined as the act of making decisions based upon the wealth and common good of the residents of this state.
Most of those sworn in Saturday afternoon are not strangers to the office they hold. Charles “Fuzzy” Kazee will return to the Sheriff’s Office for his 9th term, making him the longest serving sheriff in the state of Kentucky.
County Clerk Lillian Pearl Elliot, County Attorney Keith Hall and Judge Eddy Coleman were just of few of the many officials who were also sworn in during the ceremony.
While many of the faces remain the same as staples of the counties political landscape survived or went un-opposed through the November elections, some of the counties newest officials got the opportunity to address the public for the first time.
Two such officials are Laverne Dye, the City of Coal Runs new Mayor and Billy Roger Powell who both got their first chance to talk about plans for their communities at the swearing in.
And even with the edition of new faces a familiar face proclaimed a new beginning for Pike County as Judge Executive Wayne T. Rutherford was sworn in for his fifth term in office returning after a decade long absence.
“This is a new beginning and I’ve got a great court to work with and we’ve got a big job to do.” Rutherford proclaimed. “We’re the energy capital of American and we’re going to trademark that.”
Music for the county inauguration ceremony was provided by the Pike County Central Band and Chorus. Lori Thornsbury sang a stirring rendition of My Old Kentucky home and Greg Cagle lead the crowd in signing the patriotic standard God Bless America.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:25 PM
Luallen Files For Re-election
State Auditor Crit Luallen, who had considered running for governor this year, filed papers yesterday to seek re-election, and said she does not expect to endorse any candidate in the Democratic primary election for governor.
Luallen, who has worked in top administrative positions for three Democratic governors, said she wants four more years as "an independent auditor" to focus on "significant policy issues" such as education and county jails.
A two-time cancer survivor, Luallen, 54, said she is in "great health and feeling better than ever."
Luallen, who has worked in top administrative positions for three Democratic governors, said she wants four more years as "an independent auditor" to focus on "significant policy issues" such as education and county jails.
A two-time cancer survivor, Luallen, 54, said she is in "great health and feeling better than ever."
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:24 PM
Two Reverends Protest Schools Use Of Confederate Flag
The Rev. Louis Coleman of the Justice Resource Center is encouraging the state board of education to take notice of schools he says incorporate racially insensitive mascots in the form of Confederate flags and Native American symbols. Coleman and the Rev. Milton Seymore of the Louisville-based Justice Resource Center carried signs with the Martin Luther King Jr. phrase “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” and protested in front of the Kentucky Department of Education building in Frankfort today. The two planned to meet with the interim education commissioner, Kevin Noland, with letters of protest. Among schools they take issue with is Allen Central High School in Floyd County, which uses a Confederate flag as the school symbol.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:22 PM
Monday, January 08, 2007
Crews Continue To Search For Missing 19 Year Old
Crews continue to search for an Alabama Man who went missing early Sunday Morning. According to officials 19 Mathew Dobbs was last seen around 1:30 on Sunday morning leaving the Pikeville Super 8 in route to the Pikeville Days Inn but never made it to his destination. Dobbs is described as a White male, brown hair with a mustache, wearing a black long sleeve shirt, blue baseball cap and blue jeans. If you have any information concerning Dobbs you are urged to contact the Pikeville Police department at 437-6263 or the Kentucky State Police at 433-7711
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:12 PM
Inmate Gets Five Years For Threats Against Former Governor
A prison inmate who mailed a threatening letter to former Gov. Paul Patton was sentenced today to five more years in prison. 34 year old Aaron L. Rivers is currently serving 35 years for a laundry list of convictions, which include being a persistent felon, robbery, assault and burglary. The sentences will run consecutively. While imprisoned in November 2003 at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Big Stone Gap, Va., Rivers mailed Patton a letter with a handwritten note that said “ANTHRAX Die American Official.” He also has pending murder charges in connection with the 1997 slaying of 20 year old Steven Lee Fox of Louisville. Rivers told a reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader recently that he will plead guilty in the murder case.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:11 PM
Alabama Man Arrested On Multiple Charges
An Alabama man is behind bars on multiple charges in Pike County after allegedly causing a scene at a hospital then setting a fire near his hotel room. Yesterday afternoon the Pikeville police department received a complaint that a man was walking back and forth in front of Pikeville Medical Center. When an officer arrived he noticed that the man allegedly had glassy eyes and slurred speech. The officer stated that 46 year old David W. Dobbs of Newton Alabama was in possession of a bottle which contained over 50 white and blue pills. Dobbs allegedly stated he had taken a handful of valium at which time he was transported to the Emergency room at PMC. The arrest citation goes on to state that Dobbs allegedly threatened the doctor and refused to comply with the officers orders. Dobbs was then released and allegedly called the Pikeville post of the Kentucky state police later in the day, threatening to blow up the Pikeville Super 8 motel. Dobbs then allegedly set a propane tank on fire close to a busy street near the Super 8. Dobbs was taken into custody and charged with Terroristic threatening, Wanton Endangerment 1st degree, resisting arrest, two counts of disorderly conduct, public intoxication, possession of a controlled substance and prescription not in its proper container. He remains lodged at the Pike County Detention Center on a $25,000 full cash bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 18th.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:09 PM
