Thursday, June 21, 2007
Pike County Board to Re-hire Over 200 employees.
Last month, 300 non-tenured Pike County School employees were laid off. The Pike County Board of Education is going to rehire 234 employees. Officials say by being more conservative and watching their spending they have saved nearly $ 900,000. Nineteen employees are planning to retire.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 11:17 PM
Coal to Liquids Plant Could Open in Gilbert by 2012.
Representatives of Rentech Incorporated, was in Williamson to sign an agreement with the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority, on the next phase of a three billion dollar project that would bring a coal to liquids plant to Mingo County. Representatives of the Colorado based company, said that in this phase of the project they will be working on a plan to solve the possible problem of carbon dioxide emissions. The plant would be located in the Gilbert area. Rentech is hoping to have the Mingo plant operational by 2012. Rentech is set to open a CTL plant in Illinois, and they are also involved in a western Kentucky project.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 11:03 PM
Appliance Buy Back Program Returns.
The Pike County Conservation District is bringing back a popular program that is designed to stop illegal dumping and keeping the landscape of Pike County clean. The appliance buy back program will take place today and tomorrow from 9 till 3 at the Phelps Road Lot and next Thursday and Friday from 9 till 3 at the Belfry Road Lot.
Lisa Birchfield with the Conservation District told us that residents can stop by and turn in old microwaves, washers, dryers, air conditioners and stoves for cash. Residents can earn up to $7.50 per appliance. The program is funded by an environmental grant. Since last October the Conservation District has bought back over 2200 appliances.
Lisa Birchfield with the Conservation District told us that residents can stop by and turn in old microwaves, washers, dryers, air conditioners and stoves for cash. Residents can earn up to $7.50 per appliance. The program is funded by an environmental grant. Since last October the Conservation District has bought back over 2200 appliances.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 2:27 PM
Two Stopover Men Scheduled to Go on Trial.
Two separate drug trials will begin Monday in Pike County Circuit Court.
John Hurley, of Stopover is charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree. Hurley is accused of possessing with the intent to sell cocaine.
Junior Rayburn, of Stopover is also charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree. Rayburn is accused of having possession cocaine with the intent to deliver.
John Hurley, of Stopover is charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree. Hurley is accused of possessing with the intent to sell cocaine.
Junior Rayburn, of Stopover is also charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree. Rayburn is accused of having possession cocaine with the intent to deliver.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 2:19 PM
Shelbiana Man Accused of Rape.
The trial of Bobby L. Kendrick will get underway Monday in Pike County Circuit Court. The Shelbiana resident is charged with two counts of rape.
In indictment one, the criminal complaint accuses Kendrick of engaging in a sexual act with a minor less than 16 years of age. The alleged incident occurred July, 2005 through September, 2006.
In indictment two, Kendrick is accused of engaging in a sexual act with a minor less than 14 years of age. The alleged offense occurred from July to September of 2006.
In indictment one, the criminal complaint accuses Kendrick of engaging in a sexual act with a minor less than 16 years of age. The alleged incident occurred July, 2005 through September, 2006.
In indictment two, Kendrick is accused of engaging in a sexual act with a minor less than 14 years of age. The alleged offense occurred from July to September of 2006.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 2:12 PM
Massey Energy Held Environmental Awards Banquet.
Massey Energy Honored the winner of its third annual Green Miner Award and Best of Class winners for calendar year 2006 at an awards banquet in Charleston. The Green Miner Award is awarded to the Massey group with the best environmental compliance. Massey subsidiary Mammoth Coal Company, located in Kanawha Co, won the award.
Pike County’s Sidney Coal Operation located at Big Creek received an award for Best Processing Plant.
Massey Energy produces coal in Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia.
Pike County’s Sidney Coal Operation located at Big Creek received an award for Best Processing Plant.
Massey Energy produces coal in Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 2:02 PM
SUV Recall.
The 2007 Chevy Equinox getting the headlines. It's now under recall by General Motors . The reason is improper winshield seals that could cause injuries during a crash. If you think your Chevy Equinox is part of the recall here's a number to call 1-800-630-2438.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 1:57 PM
Jobs Coming to Perry County.
Perry County’s unemployment rate is 6.6%, but, it may improve soon. An old employer is planning a return to the Hazard area. Sykes Enterprises has announced it is reopening with an initial need for 100 employees.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 1:56 PM
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Bevinsville Woman Killed in Floyd County Crash.
A tractor trailer crossed the center line, killing a Bevinsville woman and seriously injuring an 8 year -old. Linda Johnson, 43 years - old was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident occurred Tuesday afternoon at Wayland. Keith Perry was arrested on multiple traffic violations. The child was flown to a Huntington Hospital. The accident was investigated by the Kentucky State Police.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 11:35 PM
Mingo County Judge Declares Mistrial.
Mingo County Circuit Court Judge Mike Thornsbury declared a mistrial and he ordered Amy Cline remanded back to the South Western Regional Jail. The Gilbert resident was charged with four sexual offenses. She was charged with two counts of sexual abuse by a custodian and two counts of first degree sexual assault. The prosecution can ask for a new trial. The jury deliberated for over seven hours.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 5:11 PM
Floyd County Man Jailed on Numerous Drug Charges.
A Floyd County man remains lodged in the Pike County Detention Center. Alfred King of Harold was arrested and charged with two separate counts of first degree possession of a controlled substance(cocaine), and a single count of trafficking a controlled substance ( cocaine , oxycodone). King is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:41 PM
Pike County Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty.
A Pike County man remains lodged in the Pike County Detention Center. Jimmy Lockhart was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals second- degree. Bond was posted at $2,000. According to the criminal complaint, Lockhart is accused of beating and choking a 10 month old boxer puppy, belonging to Tammy Adkins. The dog had to be taken to the vet for treatment.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:35 PM
Pike County Fiscal Court Meeting.
.The Pike County Fiscal Court conducted their regular scheduled meeting this morning. The governing body approved the following measures.
· Approved the budget for fiscal year 2007-08. The budget is $33.8 million.
· Entered into an Agreed Order with Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet regarding environmental issues.
· Approved Public Nuisance Ordinance.
· Honored the East Ridge High Softball Team.
· Entered into an agreement with Summit Engineering to assist the county in preparing a Phase One study and report seeking a site for an Energy Research Park. The county received a grant worth $125,000. The county had to match it by paying $62,500.
· Approved $5,524 to purchase an oven for the Marrowbone and Belfry Senior Citizens Center.
· Entered into a maintenance contract with ACS Government Systems for the County’s Computer System.
The next meeting of the Pike County Fiscal Court will be held July 9th at 5:30.
· Approved the budget for fiscal year 2007-08. The budget is $33.8 million.
· Entered into an Agreed Order with Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet regarding environmental issues.
· Approved Public Nuisance Ordinance.
· Honored the East Ridge High Softball Team.
· Entered into an agreement with Summit Engineering to assist the county in preparing a Phase One study and report seeking a site for an Energy Research Park. The county received a grant worth $125,000. The county had to match it by paying $62,500.
· Approved $5,524 to purchase an oven for the Marrowbone and Belfry Senior Citizens Center.
· Entered into a maintenance contract with ACS Government Systems for the County’s Computer System.
The next meeting of the Pike County Fiscal Court will be held July 9th at 5:30.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:28 PM
Pike County Fiscal Court Passes Nusiance Ordinance
The Pike County Fiscal Court, by a vote of 7-0, passed the Public Nuisance Ordinance. The law is intended to crack down on abandoned buildings that create a hazard to a community. The ordinance will authorize the county to contact the property owner telling them that there property is a nuisance. The owner then would have 30 days to make corrections. If the owner fails to comply, a hearing would be held in front of the fiscal court. The governing body then would make the necessary repairs. The owner then would have to reimburse the county.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 3:16 PM
Monday, June 18, 2007
Justice Found Guilty.
After deliberating for a few hours, a Pike County Jury found Rhonda Justice guilty of second degree manslaughter. The sentencing will be left up to Circuit Judge Eddy Coleman. The sentencing hearing will be conducted August 31. The jury couldn’t come up with a recommendation of a sentence for the Pikeville woman. Justice is facing 5-10 years in prison. Her child drowned two years ago in a neighbor’s pool while not supervised. The Commonwealth told jurors during the trial that Justice was passed out in her home while her son drowned.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 7:43 PM
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Water for Residents at Kimper?
An eight mile stretch of roadway in the Kimper area of Pike County is the subject of a study by water officials. Hopefully the study will result in running water for about 85 homes in the area. For years, residents have relied on wells, but that source is either drying up or has been contaminated by mining operations.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 8:41 PM
State Orders Closure of Hazard Facility
Mountain Horizons of Hope, a facility that provides services such as group and staffed homes for the mentally handicapped has been ordered to shut down at the end of the month. The facility lost its Medicaid funding after an investigation conducted by the state found multiple problems at the Perry County Facility. State investigators say that the facility had no documentation for more than $33,000 in personal spending money for 19 clients whose accounts were managed by the staff.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 8:18 PM
Rhonda Justice Trial Expected to Go to Jury Monday.
The jurors in the Rhonda Justice trial are expected to begin their deliberations sometime Monday. Lawyers for both sides are expecting to conduct their closing arguments Monday afternoon. The Pikeville woman is accused of not supervising her four year old son when the toddler drowned in a neighbor’s pool. Justice is charged with second degree manslaughter. If convicted Justice could be sentenced between 5-10 years in prison.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 7:42 PM
Logan County Man Pleads Guilty to Taking Hostages.
Thirty-one, year-old Geoffrey Harvey of Logan pled guilty late last week in U.S. District Court to holding six people hostage at gunpoint in a pharmacy. Harvey used a firearm to rob the Family Discount Pharmacy located at Stollings. The hostages said that Harvey didn’t want to hurt anyone. They said that Harvey wanted drugs and that he wanted to kill himself. Harvey was given painkillers before he was overpowered by the hostages.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 7:41 PM
No Consolidation for Martin County Schools.
The Kentucky State Board of Education rejected Martin County’s proposed education facility plan. The plan called for the construction of a new Sheldon Clark High School and Vocational Center; convert Inez Elementary into an alternative school. Warfield Middle would have housed students in grades 7-8. Inez Middle along with Eden and Warfield Elementary would have been for students up to sixth grade. The State Board nixed the proposal, because a demographic study conducted by the University of Louisville, showed that the school district is projected to lose about 25% of its student population, over the next quarter century.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 7:33 PM
Arson Expected in Church Fire.
The West Virginia Fire Marshal is expected to be in Logan County Monday. The Kistler Freewill Baptist Church caught fire Saturday morning. Pastor Rolland Cook says that the classrooms and church offices were destroyed by the flames. The rest of the church suffered water and smoke damage. Damage is estimated at $75,000. The congregation held services Sunday. Arson is expected.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 7:32 PM
Body Found at Jenny Wiley.
The body of a Floyd County man was found Saturday evening beside of a biking trail at Jenny Wiley State Park. According to the Kentucky State Police, a female cyclist found the body of 59 year-old, Daryl Gibson of McDowell. Authorities believe that Gibson died of natural causes. His body was sent to the state medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 6:06 PM
Mingo County Unemployment Rate 7th Highest in WV.
The latest unemployment figures have been released by Workforce West Virginia. Three counties in our listening area are in the top ten in unemployment. McDowell County has the second highest rate at 7.1%. Mingo has the seventh highest unemployment rate in the state at 6.0%. That is up four-tenths of a percentage point from the month of April. Wyoming County trails close by at 5.9%. Other counties in the listening area: Logan 5.0% and Wayne 4.3%. Pocahontas has the highest rate at 10.4%. Monongalia the lowest at 3.0%
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 5:54 PM
Trail Connector for Logan.
The Hatfield – McCoy Trail System has expanded into another town. Logan has become the eighth town in which four wheeler enthusiasts can enter and leave the trail within city limits. The trail system attracts tourists from around the world. Eighty- one percent of riders are from out of state. The next phase of development in the Hatfield McCoy Trail System will be in Lincoln, Mercer and Wayne Counties. Those are the only counties left without trail systems of the original areas included in the creation of the system.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 5:33 PM
