Thursday, May 17, 2007

 

Pike and Floyd Hosts Relay for Life this Weekend

Pike and Floyd Counties will hold their Annual Relay for Life events this weekend.

Pike County’s will get underway this evening at 6pm from Bob Amos Park in Pikeville. Thus far over $100,000 have been raised, a goal has been set for $225,000. Sixty one teams are participating this year. Go to our website for a complete schedule of events.

Relay for Life in Floyd County will get underway tonight at 6:30 from Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg. Officials have set a goal for $87,000. Thirty teams are raising money this year. Cancer survivors will walk there lap at 7pm. The luminary ceremony will begin at 10pm.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 6:08 PM
 

Headache at the Pumps.

Misery at the gas pumps for residents throughout West Virginia, as gas prices for unleaded gasoline are increasing towards record highs. Gas prices throughout Mingo County range anywhere from $3.09 to $3.20 per gallon. Logan Countians are paying slightly higher at the pumps. Gas prices are as high as $3.25 per gallon. The record for our area is $3.29 per gallon. The statewide average for gasoline is $3.19. The national average is $3.15

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 5:30 PM
 

Mingo County Prosecuting Attorney Nets Two More Drug Convictions.

Mingo County Prosecuting Attorney felony drug convictions rise to 96. The fight on drugs continues in Mingo County. Two more county residents have pleaded guilty to various drug charges.

Michael Anthony Parker pled guilty to conspiracy of a controlled substance (cocaine). Parker will be sentenced on June 11th, at 11:45am, by Mingo County Circuit Court Judge Mike Thornsbury. Parker faces one to five years of prison time. Prosecuting Attorney, Michael Sparks says that he will recommend the defendant be sentenced to five years, and also recommend a sentence of $1,000.00

Jared Daniel Bowers pled guilty to attempt delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine). Bowers faces one to three years of prison time. Sparks will recommend a sentence of three years of prison time and a fine of $1,000.00

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 5:08 PM
 

Logan County Man Accused of Murder Granted Bail

A Logan County man is out on $100,000 bond as he awaits his murder trial. Logan County Circuit Court Judge Roger Perry set the bond. Robbie Campbell must obey the following conditions. Campbell can’t have any contact with the victims’ family or potential witnesses. Campbell must stay in his home unless he visits his attorney or physician. The judge granted bond because the defendant has health problems and poses as a no flight risk. Campbell is accused of shooting Thomas Adkins to death. The alleged incident occurred on April 30th, at the victims’ home

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:52 PM
 

200 Coal Miners Risk Losing Jobs in Logan County

The fate of 200 coal mining jobs in Logan County rests in the hands of a federal judge. May 31st a judge will decide to whether or not to block the permits issued to Apogee Coal Company. The permit was issued to the company by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. The attempt to block those permits comes from the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition. Surface mining has come under fire from various environmental groups. They are 6,000 miners that work on surface sites in Southern West Virginia.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:41 PM
 

Mingo County Man Out on Bail.

A Mingo county man is out on bail and is awaiting a court date in Mingo County Circuit Court. Phillip Scott Vance is out on $4,000 bond. The Dingess resident was arrested and charged with one count each of burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary. Vance is accused of breaking into the house of Ruthie Vance. Phillip Scott Vance, allegedly took jewelry from the dwelling. Magistrate Eugene Crum conducted the hearing

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 2:34 PM
 

Floyd County Man To Be Sentenced in June

A Floyd County man will be formally sentenced on June 15th. Kevin J. Slone pled guilty to one count each of first degree robbery and complicity to commit first degree robbery. Slone was arrested in January and confessed to robbing two Floyd County businesses. The commonwealth is recommending 15 years

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 1:25 PM

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

 

Christmas Comes Early for Big Sandy Habitat for Humanity

Officials with Citi - Financial were on hand Wednesday as they presented a check in the amount of $25,000 to the Big Sandy Habitat for Humanity. The presentation was held at Robinson Heights, located one mile north of Coal Run. The money will go towards building a habitat home for a Pikeville couple. That project will get underway this fall. The non - profit organization has almost completed its seventh home on the 19 acres site. Debbie Murphy with Habitat for Humanity hopes to have the latest project done next week. Volunteers from Big Sandy Community and Technical College has been working on the home for the past three weeks.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:51 PM
 

Two More Pike County Residents Wait Sentencing on Drug Charges

Commonwealth Attorney Rick Bartley announced several guilty pleas Wednesday.

Nicholas Ortega of Pikeville, pled guilty to one count of first degree possession of a controlled substance. Bartley has recommended a sentence of three years.

Donnie Kinder of Mouthcard, pled guilty to three drug charges. The 75 year –old committed the crimes while out on parole. Kinder has a previous drug charge conviction. The Commonwealth is recommending the defendant serve the remaining time from the past conviction, and also recommended a prison sentence of one year each on the new charges. Kinder and Ortega will be sentenced at a later date.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:34 PM
 

Misty Damron Pleads Guilty

In the final stage, of the Misty Damron trial. The defendant pleaded guilty to three counts of first degree robbery. Pike County Commonwealth Attorney Rick Bartley told us that Damron admitted to driving the getaway car of her boyfriend John Michael Keene. Keene robbed three local businesses. However she said that she was unaware that he was going to commit a crime. Bartley amended the charges to three counts of first degree robbery ( facilitation ). The Commonwealth is recommending a prison sentence of five years on each count. Damron will be sentenced by Circuit Judge Eddy Coleman in six weeks. Damron will remain lodged inside the Pike County Detention Center until her sentencing hearing.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:02 PM
 

Pike County Relay Teams Moving Closer to Meet Record Goal.

The 61 teams that are raising money for Pike County’s Relay for Life are on pace of breaking last years' record of $197,000. Thelma Vinson, Pike County Relay Chair told us that they have raised over $100,000. That’s thirty percent ahead from this time last year. Several teams are waiting until the last minute to turn in there money. The goal this year is $225,000. Pike County’s Relay will take place this weekend from Pikeville’s Bob Amos Park. Festivities will get underway Friday at 6pm

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 3:47 PM
 

Floyd County to Hold Relay for Life This Weekend

Floyd County Relay for Life will take place this weekend from the campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg. Organizers expect over 30 teams to participate .Last year’s event raised $55,000 for cancer research. A goal of $87,000 has been set for this year. The Relay will begin Friday evening at 6:30pm. Past cancer survivors will walk the opening lap at 7pm. Lighting of the luminaries, honoring those that have passed away from cancer will take place at 10 pm. Relay for Life 2007 will conclude Saturday morning at 7am

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 3:45 PM
 

Pike Co Juvenile Drug Court to Host Softball Game Thursday

The Pike County Juvenile Drug Court will be hosting a softball game, Thursday May 17th, at the Pikeville College Girls Softball Field. The game will consist of all participants in the Juvenile Drug Court competing against Juvenile Drug Court staff and Courthouse Officials. There will also be a cookout prior to the game. According to Bob Thompson, Juvenile Drug Court Case Specialist, There are eight juveniles that are in the program. The goal of the program monitors the juvenile's recovery from addiction and provides education, treatment referrals and other sources that families may require throughout their involvment with Juvenile Drug Court. The program is funded by Unite Pike.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 12:29 PM

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

 

Three Fires in Logan Co Appear to Be Arson

Three fires, just minutes apart and within a half-mile of each other in the Logan County community of Cora, are believed to be arson. Cora Volunteer Fire department Chief George Hill says it’s all suspicious. All three structures two homes and an old bar, all abandoned were total losses. The state fire marshal is investigating. Hill says that he is concerned that other abandoned buildings in the area may be next.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:50 PM
 

Glbert Man to Be Sentenced in June

A Gilbert man will be sentenced by Mingo County Circuit Court Judge Mike Thornsbury June 11 at 10:45am. Johnathan Mounts pleaded guilty to one count of third degree sexual assault. Prosecuting Attorney, Michael Sparks told us that the state will recommend a prison sentence of one to five years, register as a sex offender, undergo routine testing for HIV and must be supervised by the court for 50 years.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:05 PM
 

Governor to Make Campaign Stops in Pike and Johnson Counties

Kentucky’s Primary Election is less than a week away. Governor Ernie Fletcher will be making several stops Wednesday throughout eastern Kentucky in an attempt to reach out to Republican voters. Fletcher will visit Pikeville at 5:15. The governor will be speaking inside the Booth Auditorium on the campus of Pikeville College. Fletcher will visit the Country Music Museum in Paintsville at 3:15. The governor will be stumping in Winchester and Ashland earlier in the day

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 3:57 PM
 

Jury Deliberations in Misty Damron Trial Scheduled for Wednesday

A trial of a Pike County woman accused of aiding her boyfriend of committing robberies to three area businesses will conclude today in Pike County Circuit Court. Misty Damron is on trial and charged with three counts of robbery. Commonwealth Attorney Rick Bartley says that Damron helped her boyfriend commit robbery to two Pikeville businesses, Smoke Shack, and Economy Drug and also the Cardinal Mart located in nearby Floyd County. Damron’s boy friend John Michael Keene was shot to death by police after they thought he pulled a gun at them following a chase that ended on U.S Route 23 near Buckley’s Creek

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 3:44 PM
 

Pike County Woman Pleads Guilty To Selling Drugs

An Elkhorn City woman pleaded guilty in Pike County to a drug charge. Commonwealth Attorney Rick Bartley told us that Jo Ann Little pleaded guilty to one count of selling methadone. She faces one to five years of prison time. Little will be sentenced by Pike County Circuit Judge Steve Combs.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 3:25 PM
 

Kermit Police Officer Placed on Administrative Leave

A Kermit police officer faces charges for allegedly holding several teenagers at gunpoint in the parking lot of a Logan County fast food restaurant. Twenty –five year old Stanley Messer is charged with one count each of public intoxication and obstructing an officer and four counts of brandishing a weapon. Logan Police Chief David White says Messer was off duty riding around in his personal vehicle when he saw five teens. White says it’s not clear what led Messer to pull out his weapon. Officials with the Kermit Police Department told us that Messer has been put on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 3:17 PM

Monday, May 14, 2007

 

Misty Damron Trial Continues Tuesday in Pike County

The trial of Misty Damron continues today in Pike County Circuit Court. The defendant is accused of helping her boyfriend with a string of robberies. Police say that Damron went on the crime spree with John Michael Keen. They say the spree ended after a police chase. Keen was shot and killed after police say he pulled what looked like was a gun on them.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 9:46 PM
 

Schedule of Events for Pike County's 2007 Relay for Life Set for This Weekend

6:30 pm Opening Ceremony
7 pm Survivor's Lap
7:20 pm Caregivers' Lap
7:40 pm Team Parade
8 pm Locks of Love/Scavenger Hunt begins
8:30 pm Kellogg's Pop Tart Eating Contest
9pm Pet Show. All Pets Must Be Leashed
9:30 pm Vocalist Brittany Carter
10 pm Luminaria Ceremony
11 pm Lost Mountain Bluegrass Band
midnight Blackberry Jam Bluegrass Band/ cornhole Contest
1am Expo Center Giveaways
1:45 am Magic Show
2:15 am Dude Looks Like A Lady Contest
2:45 am Gospel Music
3:45 am Horseshow Contest
4:15 am Mother/Daughter Look Alike Contest
4:45 am Vocalist Burnin White
5:15 am Vocalist Brittany Hamilton
5:45 am Breakfast/Roosting Crowing Contest
6am Drawing for Prizes. Must Be Present
Awards Ceremony

The Relay for Life will be held at Pikeville's Bob Amos Park. The goal for this year is $225,000. Thelma Vincent,Pike County Chair says that the $45,000 raised thus far is twenty percent ahead of last year.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 3:27 PM

Sunday, May 13, 2007

 

Pike County Relay for Life Scheduled This Weekend

Pike County’s Relay for Life will take place this weekend at Bob Amos Park. The 13 hour event will get underway 6pm this Friday and will run until 7am Saturday morning. All money raised will stay in Pike County for cancer research. Last years event raised a record $197,000. Thelma Vincent, chair for the Pike County Relay says this year’s goal is $225,000. Vincent is hoping for 65 teams to participate. Early figures show that $45,000 has been raised thus far. The survivors walk will begin this year’s event. Residents can purchase a luminary until 8pm,and then the luminary ceremony will be conducted at 10pm

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 7:58 PM
 

Kentucky State Police Investigating School Bus Accident

The Kentucky State Police continues there investigation of a school bus accident that occurred in Pike County on Friday. According to the KSP, Josh Akers was traveling eastbound on KY 1469, Akers lost control of his vehicle smashing into the back of the school bus, causing extensive damage to the driver’s side of his vehicle and damage to the back of the bus. The bus was hauling 27 students from G.F. Johnson Elementary and Virgie Middle School. Two students and Akers were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. The accident occurred in the Long Fork area of Pike County.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 6:44 PM
 

Two Pike Countians Accepts Commonwealth Attorny's Plea Deal

Two former East Ridge High School students dodged serving long prison sentences by accepting a plea bargain from Pike County Commonwealth Attorney Rick Bartley. 18 year- old Jacob Ratliff and a 17 year-old male will be formally sentenced in June. The two males pleaded guilty to three felony criminal mischief charges, five misdemeanor criminal mischief charges and eight misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. On Jan 25, Ratliff armed with two shotguns and a pistol, drove a truck to a strip mine near Elkhorn City where they opened fire and shot eight horses killing three. The diversionary agreement calls for the two males to serve 30 days in jail, serve 200 community hours, be placed on two years probation and pay restitution to the horses’ owner. The charges will be expunged if the duo don’t violate the law during there diversionary period.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 6:33 PM
 

Small Business Loans Deadline Extended

The WV Development Office has extended its deadline for businesses that were affected by last months flooding. Business owners in Mingo, Logan, and five other counties are eligible. The new deadline is May 25th. Joe Ciccarello with the state Small business Development Center says that Gov. Joe Manchin wanted to have a state program to help business owners since there’s not federal help from FEMA. The micro-loan is for $15,000 at three percent fixed rate interest at a term of six years

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 6:09 PM
 

Wyoming County Man Sues Logan Restaurant

A Wyoming Co man has filed a lawsuit against the Shoney’s Restaurant in Logan and the company that operates it. James Bledsoe filed a lawsuit in Kanawha County Circuit Court. Bledsoe also named the stores manager, assistant manager and a server as defendants. In the suit, Bledsoe accuses Shoney’s of serving him a glass of ice tea that had a male contraceptive in it. The alleged incident occurred May 14th, 2006. The lawsuit, which requests a jury trial, seeks an unspecified amount in both punitive and compensatory damages. It accuses the defendants of negligence in violating food standards and alleges that Shoney’s failed to properly train and supervise its staff. Bledsoe’s initial blood tests for communicable diseases came back negative; he expects to require several tests a year for the next seven years

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 6:06 PM
 

Two Mingo Countians Face Death Penalty

A federal jury has convicted two Mingo County residents on murder charges, and now George Lecco and Valerie Friend are facing the death penalty. The jury found that Lecco ordered the 2005 murder of drug informant Carla Collins and Friend carried it out. Federal prosecutors say Lecco was trying to cover- up the drug operation he had running out of his Red Jacket Pizza Parlor. The penalty phase of the trial will begin Tuesday in Charleston Federal Court. Although West Virginia does not have the death penalty, jurors have it as an option because the trial was a federal case. In a recent poll conducted by the Charleston Gazette, ninety-two percent of voters say that Lecco and Friend ought to be put to death. In the last 10 years, in West Virginia federal prosecutors have attempted to go for the death penalty on three occasions. They were not successful in either attempt.

# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 6:04 PM

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