EKB News

Each day motorists that travel Bypass Road in Pikeville cringe, wondering if they were vehicle is going to become the next victim of rock that falls from top of the mountainside. On several occasions transportation officials have had to take drastic action by closing a section of the roadway due to safety concerns and debris that fall onto the roadway prompting its closure.

Last month the Pikeville City Commission wrote a letter to lawmakers and the governor requesting funding to go toward rectifying the problem.

Governor Ernie Fletcher along with Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert will hold a press conference Saturday afternoon at 3:15pm inside Pikeville City Hall. Fletcher is expected to announce funding to begin the permanent fix of the dangerous stretch of roadway.

Pikeville College President, Hal Smith, announced the appointment of Boyd R. Buser, D.O, as vice president and dean of the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine, on an interim basis.

Buser is currently the associate dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of New England Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine, where he has also served as vice president for health services and interim dean.

Buser is a native of Iowa and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. After earning his osteopathic medical degree in 1981, he went on to complete an osteopathic internship at the former Cranston General Hospital in Cranston, R.I. In July Buser was re-elected as vice president to the American Osteopathic Association.

Buser’s first day on the job in Pikeville will be Sept 4th.

Unite Pike arrested made four arrests in Louisa.

Unite pike Detectives along with Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputies and Louisa City Police went to one home located on Lackey Avenue.

They arrested 46 year-old Rose Johnson and 30 year-old Debra Widener.

Johnson was charged with one count each of first degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second degree trafficking in a controlled substance, and third degree trafficking of a controlled substance. Police found 130 pills an assortment of morphine, hydrocodone, methadone, valium and several types of anti-depressants and also $1,422 in cash.

Widener a frequent visitor to the home, was charged with one count second degree possession of a controlled substance.

Unite Detectives along with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department went to a mobile home located on Third Street.

Authorities took into custody 45 year-old Allen Sword and his 20 year-old son Dewayne Campbell. Both were charged with one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

Although no drugs were found during the search , Unite had purchased oxycontin from the two men during their investigation . Detectives did confiscate $1,543 in cash.

Officials from the West Virginia State Police recently confiscated and destroyed 4,000 marijuana plants in Mingo County. The state police spotted the cannabis by conducting searches through the air. The plants have a estimated street value of $2,500 each.

East Kentucky Broadcasting has learned that Mingo County Commissioner David L. Baisden has withdrew his name from the ouster suit against Commissioner Greg K.Hootie Smith. Baisden filed the petition with Sheriff Lonnie Hannah. Baisden wrote Judges Fred L. Fox of Fairmont, Thomas Keadle of Buchannon and Thomas Bedell of Clarksburg.

In the letter Baisden states that the request is made to promote the best interests of Mingo County and to advance the positive working relationship that I have developed and enjoy with Mr. Smith as a fellow Mingo County Commissioner.


Baisden also wrote that it is his goal to achieve unity and cooperation in Mingo County government. I believe that withdrawing from this proceeding will serve as a significant step toward this worthwhile objective.

Smith contends that he has done nothing wrong and that the suit was just a political tactic.

Stan Brock, founder of Remote area medical and known to millions throughout the world as co-host and associate producer of NBC’s Wild Kingdom will visit Pikeville next Thursday.

Brock will take a tour of several local sites and then he will address the Pikeville Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs at 12:00pm at the Landmark.

Ram was founded in 1985 and planning yielded a vast, carefully developed network of men and women who have come together to create a highly mobile , remarkably efficient force. Volunteers are doctors, nurses technicians and veterinarians who go on expeditions at their own expense and treat hundreds of patients a day.

A dispatcher with the Kentucky State Police Post 9, has told us that the accident on route 194 at Kimper, has involved a coal truck and a pickup truck. At least one person had to be airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries. The accident occurred at 5:35pm. Authorities are hoping to have the wreckage cleared by 8:30pm. The accident happened between Kimper Elementary and M&M Mart.

The Kentucky State Police Post 9 has confirmed that a serious automobile accident has occurred on Route 194 between Kimper Elementary and M&M Mart. It is unknown how many vehicles are involved. Motorists are experiencing delays. Authorities almost have the wreckage cleared from the highway.

A dispatcher told us that they are serious injuries. We were also told that at least one person is going to be airlifted by helicopter to a hospital. We have no further details at this current time.

Police need your help as they are searching for a hit & run driver in Martin County.

Kentucky State Police spokes person Trooper Scott Hopkins told us that 20 year-old Shawn Endicott was walking on the side of the road on Route 292, when he was suddenly hit by a car. The incident occurred around 5:00 am Wednesday.

Endicott was found lying in the middle of the road by a passerby. Endicott was airlifted to a Huntington Hospital. He is listed in stable condition. The 20 year-old suffered severe injuries to his arms, head and abdomen.
Trooper Hopkins says at this current time they have no leads in the case. If anyone has any information about the person or persons responsible, contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Dept, 606-298-2828 or the Kentucky State police at 606-433-7711. Remember authorities need your info not your name

A Mingo County coal miner has died in a Huntington Hospital after injuries that he sustained in a coal mining accident Saturday.

24 year-old Stevie Joe Browning was helping a mechanic make some repairs to a continuous mining operator.

Brown suffered head injuries when the machine’s torque shaft came loose.

The accident occurred at the Rockhouse Creek Development #8 mine near Gilbert.

Earlier this year, Rockhouse Creek Development received a Mountaineer Guardian Award from the West Virginia Coal Association for excellence in mine safety for 2006.

The company along with state and federal officials are conducting an investigation.


Browning’s death is West Virginia’s third mining fatality of 2007.

The 58th Annual Magnolia Fair is going on this week in downtown historic Matewan,WV through Saturday. Admission is $10.00. Parking is free. Gates open nightly at 6pm. Shuttle bus services are being offered. The event is organized by the Matewan Rotary Club. Jules& Beck Carnival and plenty of vendors will be on hand each night.

A $10,000 giveaway will occur Saturday nite. The first 100 individuals that purchases a ticket for $100 will be eligible for the drawing.

Here are the scheduled events for the rest of the week.


Wednesday

7:00 pm Baby miss Magnolia Contest.
Photography Contest – Matewan Depot Restaurant

9pm Concert by country music artist Daryl Singletary

11:00 Nightly Drawings- Childrens bicycle & $50 John Adams Gold dollars
...................................................................................................................

Thursday

Wingo’s Grill – cake contest

Matewan Depot Restaurant – homemade candy contest.

7pm : Mr. Magnolia Contest

9:00: The Bellamy Brothers

11:00 Nightly Drawings
........................................................................................................................
Friday

Wingo’s Grill – cake contest

Matewan Depot Restaurant - homemade candy contest

7:00 : Young Miss Magnolia Contest

9:00 : Michael Twitty ( eldest son of the legendary Conway Twitty)

Midnite : Nightly Drawings
......................................................................................................................
Saturday
7-10: WXCC’s Uncle Rock’s Saloon Show

8:00- Karaoke

Wingo’s Grill – hot wing eating contest.

Food City Go Cart on display.

Midnite: Nightly drawings, including $10,000 giveaway.

An alcohol related rear end accident has claimed the life of 45 year-old Frankllin Prater. The deadly accident occurred in the southbound lane of US 23 near Whittensville. Prater's vehicle was hit from behind by 39 year-old Earl Bowen. Bowen failed a field sobriety test. Prater's vehicle, after being hit from behind, was sent spinning across the median and into the path of a pickup truck driven by 61 year-old Dallas Daniels. Bowen was charged with murder and DUI.

The Pikeville High Site Base Council continues their search for a new principal. EKB news has learned that the interviewing of applicants is about a week ago. The council has not released a list of applicants to the media at this current time.

Assistant Principal Royce Mayo is serving as acting principal until a replacement for Jon Stratton is named.

Earlier this week David Rowe was named principal at Pike County Central High School. Rowe has 20 years of experience as a educator. Rowe had served as the head boys basketball coach at the school for the last 14 years.

The new school term for both Pikeville Independent and county schools begin Aug 9th.

A Floyd County man made a plea agreement with the Pike County Commonwealth Attorney. John Hamp pleaded guilty to first degree rape of a Pike County woman. The Commonwealth is recommending a prison sentence of 10 years.

The incident took place in October of 2006. According to the Commonwealth’s office , the victim was able to dial 911 while the assault was taking place.

A sentencing hearing will be conducted by Circuit Court Judge Steve Combs.

The Pike County Fiscal Court held a regular scheduled meeting Tuesday night.

The governing body took the following action.

· Adopted a resolution naming the park at Buskirk, the Hatfield McCoy Park. The property that the park will be constructed is located near Radio Hill. District Five Magistrate, Hileman Dotson says that the county owns the property. Dotson added that the county is waiting for the $50,000 funding for development. The park is expected to open next year.

· Voted to bid out paving work on the Black Gem Parking Lot that is located in District Six. Harris says that the project is being funded by coal severance money.

· Re-appointed Toni Akers to the Mountain Water District Commission.

· Authorized to pay for the treasurer and finance commissioner $198 each to attend the Federal & State Wage Hour Seminar for Kentucky employers at Jenny Wiley State Park Sept 14th.

· Approved the purchase of a van that will be used by the county jailor to transport work release members to their respective project site. The van cost $5,475.

· Bid out for the equipment that will be used to construct the recycling plant. The facility will be located at the county landfill at Johns Creek. The county received a $175,000 grant to be used toward the purchase of equipment. The county must pay for the construction of the building . The construction cost is estimated to be at $40,000. The structure will be a metal wood frame design.

A Shelbiana man has entered a guilty plea on two charges of receiving stolen property. One count involved a go cart another involved a four wheeler.

Jeffrey Yeakey made a plea deal with the Pike County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. The Commonwealth is recommending a prison sentence of six years.

The 37 year-old will be sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Steve Combs.

William Justice will appear at a preliminary hearing on August 23rd. Justice is charged with the third degree rape of a 15 year-old female juvenile. Co-defendant Angela Kendrick waived her right to a preliminary hearing , evidence against her will be presented to a grand jury. Kendrick is charged with complicity to commit third degree rape. Both Kendrick and Justice have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Kendrick is accused of letting Justice have access to the alleged victim in exchange that her bills were being paid by Justice.

Detective Greg Smith with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department says that the investigation into the case began on July 31st, when he received a complaint that a 36 year-old was dating a 15 year-old girl. After conducting several interviews enough evidence was gathered to obtain an arrest warrant against both co-defendants.

EKB news has learned through a reliable source that Kendrick is the alleged victim’s mother.


If convicted, the charges against the co-defendants are punishable of up to five years.

A former Pike County School bus driver was sentenced to 30 days in jail, after he pleaded guilty to third degree sexual abuse and harassment.

Gerald Roberts of Ransom must also serve two years probation, have no contact with the victim or her family, and he also must undergo counseling. The sentenced was handed down by District Court Judge Mullins.

The incident took place April 19th. The criminal complaint states that Roberts had sexual contact with a minor without consent and also Roberts with the intent to annoy the victim kissed her.

Roberts must report to jail by August 31.

High temperatures through the rest of the week are expected to reach the mid 90's for most of the region. The heat index is expected to range from 100 to 105 degrees each day through Friday
The heat index could be as high as 108 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday.

Heat exaustion and heat stroke are two serious medical conditions caused by excessive heat. Symptons of heat exaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold and pale skin, fainting and vomiting. Some symptoms of heat stroke include body temperature of over 106 degrees, hot dry skin, rapid pulse and possible unconsciousness.

Here are some tips on how you can stay safe from the heat. Slow down. Strenous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest part of the day. Dress for summer. light colored clothing helps to reflect heat from the sun and helps keep you cool as possible

Put less fuel on your inner fire. Foods such as proteins increase your body's heat production and also increases water loss

Drink plenty of non alcoholic beverages. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. This helps keep the body cool. The exception is for persons who have a medical condition or diet restriction should consult a doctor before increasing fluid intake

When possible spend more time in air conditioned places

Also for individuals that have outdoor pets make sure that they have plenty of water and .shelter from the sun

The trial of a former finance director, for the Johnson County School System, is scheduled to get underway Tuesday in federal court in Pikeville. Peggy Vanhoose is accused of embezzling $500,000 and making checks out to her son while he was in jail. Vanhoose served as finance director from 1993-2005. A 14 member jury was selected Monday afternoon. The trial is expected to last one week and is being presided over by Judge Greg Tatenhoven. A co-defendant is expected to stand trial next month.

Repair crews continue to work diligently to repair the phone system in the Pike County Courthouse. T.J. Litafik, Executive Assistant to Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford says that the CPU unit, which controls the system, is being replaced. A limited number of lines have been activated temporarily to restore basic communication with some offices. The county’s 911 system is not affected. Technicians are hoping that the system can be functioning normal sometime Tuesday. All county offices remain open.

Pikeville Independent Schools Superintendent, Jerry Green says that the district’s 1266 students will head back into the classrooms Thursday. Green says that this year the district has adopted a drug policy that includes the testing of students that participate in extra curricular activities and that drives to school. The testing involves students that attend the high school. Green added that if a parent or legal guardian has a child that does not fall in the guidelines for being tested and that the parent would like for their child to be tested the district will comply.

Green says that the district has tested student athletes for thirteen years. Last year the district expanded the policy to test staff, volunteers, and board members.

Green added that the district now has a three strike policy in place for students that test positive. Here are the sanctions.

First violation : For the first offense , the participant and or student/driver shall choose one of the following :
Participate in a drug counseling program and provide a negative drug test prior to readmission to their athletic team/ extra curricular event or authorized to drive to school.
If a student refuses to undergo drug counseling , then that student will be suspended from participation in all athletics/ extra curricular activities /loss of school driving privileges for one year.

Second violation: The student would be suspended from their privileges for nine weeks. Also the student would have to undergo counseling and pass a drug test in order to have his privileges reinstated.

Third violation: The student will be excluded from participation in any athletic team, extra curricular activity, and loss of school driving privileges for the remainder of the student’s high school career.
The Independent School System randomly conducts drug testing four times per year.

A Pike County man and woman have been charged in the rape of a 15 year-old who was allegedly sold for sexual favors.

Police allege that 33 year-old Angela Michelle Kendrick of Pikeville used the money to pay her bills.

Kendrick pleaded not guilty to felony complicity to commit third degree rape. William Bennett Justice 36 of Raccoon, pleaded not guilty to a charge of third degree rape.

Authorities allege that Kendrick was letting Justice pay her bills in exchange for access to the teen.

Assistant County Attorney Roger Varney says Justice raped the teenager more than 20 times.

Kendrick’s attorney, Darrell Sammons, says the facts of the case will show a different picture.

Both Kendrick and Justice have been released on bond.