EKB News

Former Pike County Deputy Sheriff Frank Anderson, will be sentenced Tuesday in Pike County Circuit Court. Anderson pleaded guilty to one charge of theft.

Earlier this year Anderson pulled a woman over and stoledher purse, which contained $1,150.

The Commonwealth is recommending that Anderson be probated for two years and immediately pay restitution to the victim.

A Pike County woman is scheduled to be sentenced Monday in Pike County Circuit Court. Terry Comer pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in the 1st degree. The Commonwealth will recommend that she spend three years to run consecutively with her current prison term. Comer is currently being incarcerated on a theft charge.

A pretrial hearing has been set for two Pikeville men that are accused of stealing catalytic converts off of five vehicles that were parked near By-Pass Road. David Parsons remains in jail on a $30,000 full cash bond. His brother Christopher had his bond set at $20,000. David has a persistant felony charge out on him.

The pretrial hearing will take place December 5th.

The two brothers are charged with criminal mischief, receiving stolen property and possession of burglary tools

The sentencing hearing for a West Virginia man will be held Monday afternoon at 1pm in Pike County Circuit Court.

Last month Matthew Casey of Matewan entered a guilty plea just minutes before the start of his trial. The 36 year-old pleaded guilty to kidnapping, rape, sodomy and robbery.

Casey could be sentenced anywhere from 20 years to life in prison. He also faces federal charges on a seperate assault.

Casey admitted that he kidnapped a woman, raped her and then stoled her vehicle. The incident took place in South Williamson .Casey was then captured by police in West Virginia.

A Pike County man that was convicted in August of 2005 in the rape of a then 13 year-old girl is attempting for the final time to have his conviction thrown out and be granted a new trial.

Jeffrey Morningstar of Joe’s Creek was convicted on four counts of second degree. The crime occurred in June of 2002.

Ron Burchett, Assistant Pike County Commonwealth Attorney told us that Morningstar has filed two different motions.

The 45 year-old filed a 11.42. Morningstar is claiming that his defense attorney did an inadequate job of representing him. That motion will be handled by the Pike County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. If Morningstar is successful then the trial Judge will conduct an hearing and listen to evidence. The judge then could throw out the conviction and order a new trial.

The second motion is called a habeas. In this motion Morningstar is claiming that his United States Constitutional Rights were violated. Morningstar is claiming that certain evidence was not admitted. This motion will be handled by the State Attorney General.

The Kentucky State Supreme Court upheld the conviction on Jan, 25th of this year.

Morningstar remains lodged in the North Point Training Center in Burgin, KY.

The Kentucky State Police honored 27 of its most outstanding civilian employees at a special ceremony earlier today at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington.

Lawrence burg resident Patsy Bean , an Administrative Specialist III at KSP Post 12 in Frankfort, was honored as the KSP Civilian Employee of the Year. A 33 year veteran of state government, Bean has worked for the KSP for 26 years. She ia a native of Shelbyville and a 1971 graduate of Anderson County High School.

Pikeville Post 9 had three civilian workers that received awards. Christy Runyon, Misty Shepard and Melinda Thompson.

David Adams, Post 13 in Hazard won the Police Communications Support Supervisor Award.

Unplanned pregnancies occur everyday in our region. For many that causes fear and worry. Some people don't have no one to turn to for support. Well that's about to change . Monday, the Appalachian Regional Pregnancy Care Center will open its doors to provide help and hope. It will be the first of its kind in our area. The closest center is located in Ashland. Board member Linda Crum told us that the Ashland center provided help for over 300 women in its first year. Crum said that the center has helped females ranging fro ages 12-47 years of age.

Executive - Director Kay Hammond told us what services the center in Pikeville will provide, '"free pregnancy test, counseling, baby clothes, supplies referrals, information, resources, post abortion counseling, education, ." The center will be maintained by over 60 trained volunteers.

Board member J.R. Blackburn said,, " that someone needs someone to taklk to, many times in a crisis situation that we tend to see the problem. But at the Appalachian Regional Pregnancy Care Center, we want to get our clients minds off of the problem, but to see the promise."

The ARPCC is non profit which means the only source of income is through donations. Hammond added that the public has been generous of their support thus far. The cost of getting the center up and running is roughly $ 37,000.

Public hearings are scheduled for Oct 24th in Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee and Pennsylvania. The forums will talk about the proposed revision of federal mining rules that would exempt valley fills from a buffer zone requirement.

The US Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement wants to exempt valley fills from a 20 year-old rule that prohibits any mining activity within 100 feet of streams.

Valley fills are waste dirt and rock from mountain op removal mining, which involves shearing off the tops of ridges to expose a coal seam.


The meetings will be held in Hazard, KY, Charleston, WV, Knoxville, TN, and Washington, PA.

The eight day Jenny Wiley Festival begins this Saturday in Prestonsburg. The festival will conclude Saturday Oct 13th. Here is a complete schedule of events:

Saturday, Oct 6th

1pm Pet Show at the Stone Crest Equine Center
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Sunday, Oct 7th

1pm Jenny Wiley Beauty Pagent at the Mountain Art Center
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Monday, Oct 8th

11 am - 2pm Riverview Manor Luncheon. Eat in or carry out

5pm Jenny Wiley Horseshoe Tournament at Archer Park
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Tuesday, Oct 9th

5pm Cornhole Tournament at City Hall
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Wednesday, Oct 10th

6pm Local Variety Talent performing on downtown stage

5pm Cornhole Tourny at City Hall

6pm Dance Etc. Studio of Dance to be held at Prestonsburg High School

7pm Family Academy of Martial Arts at downtown stage
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Thursday, Oct 11th
8 am Jenny Wiley Inflatable Fun Zone at Richmond Parking Lot. Arts & Crafts under tent

noon Local Gospel Singing at Downtown Parking Lot.

6pm Gospel Night featuring: The Perry's, Stella Parton, David Taylor. Held at Downtown Stage
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Friday, Oct 12th

noon -2pm Lunchtyme Entertainment at downtown stage

4pm - 11pm Bluegrass Extravaganza. downtown Parking Lot . Featuring: The Moron Brothers & others.
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Saturday, Oct 13th
9am - 1pm Jenny Wiley Festival Car & Motorcycle Show at the Mountain Arts Center

9 am: 5 K Run $ 20 entry fee

Registation 7 : 30 am 2nd Annual Festival Open Disc Golf. Pro $ 50, Advanced $ 40, Amateur $ 30.

An automobile accident that occurred Wednesday evening claimed the life of a Johnson County man. 67 year - old Gary Cantrell was attempting to cross the northbound lane of US 23 onto Route 1428 when he pulled into the path of a semi.

Cantrell was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the semi was transported to a hospital where he was treated and released.

The accident was investigated by the Kentucky State Police.

The 50th anniversary, of the 1958 Floyd County school bush crash, that made national news is only four months away. However a memorial was unveiled in downtown Prestonsburg at the Old Floyd County Courthouse in honor of the victims , their families and the survivors of the crash. 27 people were killed and another 22 were injured in the crash. The bus crashed into the swollen Big Sandy River.

A Pike County man is offering a $5,000 reward for the return of his stolen coal truck. Ronnie Delong noticed that his rig wasn't parked in its usual spot Monday morning when he arrived for work. Delong is traveling throughout the county passing out flyers and asking people if they have seen it. Their has been numerous sightings of the truck. If you can help Mr. Delong out contact the Kentucky State Police at 1-606-433-7711.

The Pike County Extension Office will be hosting a Women's Day Out. The event is scheduled for Sat, Nov, 3rd from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm . Women can hear stories of strenght and perseverence. A mini - craft, lunch and entertainment will be provided.

Deadline to pre-register is Oct 29th. Call 606-432-2534 or 1-800 -233-1390. We will have more information on this event in the coming days.

A Boone County man was killed after he lost control of his ATV. The mishap occurred on RT 1 in Ridgeview. The victim was identified as 63 year-old Ronald Turner. Turner was pinned underneath the ATV.

The Pikeville Public Works will begin routine fire hydrant flushing throught the City of Pikeville. In order to disrupt service as little as possible, this routine procedure will take place during the hours of 9pm and 4am. during these times you may notice a decrease in your water pressure. Additionally, the morning flushing has occurred you may notice that your water has a cloudy appearance that should clear up after allowing your faucets to flow for several minutes.

The Pikeville Public Works and UMG LLC will be conducting sewer system smoke tests on Friday, Oct 12th beginning at 9:30 am. The test will affect College Street. This is a test that is done routinely.
If you should see smoke coming out of the gutters, drains or vents of your home or business or that of your neighbors do not be alarmed.

The Town of Coal Run is researching on how money much it would cost to hire a full-time police officer and purchase a cruiser. Mayor Laverne Dye told us that the town needs to provide police protection for its residents and businesses. Dye added that the town has grown over the last couple of years. Dye said that the town has a security guard that works at night , but that is not enough. The town is going to try to apply for a grant through coal severence money.

The Mingo Co Sheriff’s Department is investigating an accidental shooting in the Marrowbone area. According to authorities a little girl was shot in the leg after her father was showing her nine year-old brother how to work a shotgun. She received serious injuries including a severed artery in the leg and a shattered hip. No charges have been filed at this current time. The accident is under investigation.

A Wayne County man remains critical in a Huntington Hospital after he was shot at a Jennies Creek home. According to the Mingo County Sheriff’s Dept, William Spurlock was arrested and charged with malicious wounding. He is accused of shooting Sam Sammons Jr in the back. Spurlock remains lodged in the Southwestern Regional Jail. Bond was set at $50,000 by Chief Magistrate Dee Sidebottom.

Good news for residents of the City of Pikeville your taxes won't be going up. The tax rate for the 2007-2008 fiscal year has been set. Here is a list of the rates. All are based on per one hundred dollars of assessed value.

real estate - $.175

tangible personal property - $.175

Taxpayers that pay by Nov 15th will be given a 2% discount.

Taxpayers that do not pay by Jan, 2, 2008 will be imposed a penalty of 5%.

Taxes that are paid after Feb, 4, 2008 will be assessed a penalty of 21%.

Lat year the taxes generated $771,400 for the city.

The fall foliage across Kentucky is slow this year due to the record heat that our region has experienced. With cooler weather predicted, Kentucky Tourism Manager Marge Bateman expects the leaves to turn colors at a faster pace.

In eastern Kentucky the leaves are anywhere between 10 to 45 percent. Here is an update on the progression of the foliage.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade: the area has a color change anywhere from 23 – 45 percent. Peak color is expected toward the end of the month.

Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hill. The leaves are at 30 percent , the leaves that have turned over the last three weeks have started to fall. Due to the warm conditions there are still many leaves that have not turned, but the drought are still causing more browns than vibrant colors.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park in Greenup: The hot, dry weather has kept a majority of trees green and holding onto their leaves. The color change is at 20 percent. The area should reach peak by Oct 20th

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin : Color change is still at only 15 percent. The park should reach its peak around Oct 15th.

The best view in the state is currently at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park in Burkesville. The leaves are at 50 percent color change. The peak is expected to be the third weekend of the month. Burkesville is located 4 and a half hours southwest of Pikeville.

Two individuals were apprehended in the Millers Creek Area of Fishtrap Lake. According to the press release the two individuals were apparently using a cutting torch to take metal from an abandoned mining site. The two were armed with a shotgun and operating a motor vehicle with expired tags and no insurance.

The incident is under investigation by Fishtrap Lake Resource Manager Rodney Holbrook, federal charges are forthcoming. Authorities did not release the identities of the accused. We will have a follow - up story.

A car fire on US 23 near the Pike - Floyd County Line snarled traffic momentarily. The fire occurred in the south bound lane. According to the Kentucky State Police no one was injured. The fire occurred shortly before 8pm.

Emergency crews have responded to a car fire that is slowing traffic in the southbound lanes of US 23 near the Pike Floyd County Line. Traffic in the northbound lanes is not effected.

Ken Nemeth, Executive Director of the Southern States Energy Board spoke at Tuesday's Pike County Energy Board Meeting. Nemeth commended county leaders on their progress and work on its energy initiatives. Nemeth said that Pike County was proving itself of being the most progreesive energy county in the country. Pike County is attempting to attact a coal to liquids plant. The county is having a study done right now on deciding out of three sites which one would be the best for the CTL Plant.

Thursday County Judge - Executive Wayne T. Rutherford will attend the Kentucky Energy Summit. The one day event will feature internationally recognized speakers on energy issues , topics include: coal resources and mining , synthetic natural gas, an overview of Sasol's coal to lquid work, the economics of coal to liquids, biomass and fuels and national energy security.

The Pike County Delegation will meet individually with leaders of Sasol. The company has several CTL Plants in operation around the world.

The Summitt will be held at the Lexington Convention Center.

Pikeville City Commissioners held a regular scheduled meeting Monday. Here is what the governing body passed:

Purchase the property and house of Ross Harris from Community Trust Bank for $352,000. The property is located next to the Pikeville City Park. The city would like to expand the park and also use the home for city offices.

Begin accepting bids for bridge repair on Ransom Drive at Chloe.

Purchase property on Saad Avenue for $72,000. The city plans to develop the property.

Amending the smoking ban, Solid Waste Manage Ordinance, and plans to annex 622 acres of land were all approved Tuesday evening by the Pikeville City Commission.

The smoking ban now permits smoking in off track betting parlors. It also allows hotel/motel owners to decide on how many rooms can be designated as smoking. The original piece of legisation permiited owners to designate only 20 percent of the facilities rooms for smoking.

The ban goes into effect Nov 1st. For more information on the smoking ban, go to our website.

The City approved a plan of its intentions to annex 622 acres of land at Venters Lane, Harmons Branch and along Kelsey Friend Boulevard leading up to the Pikeville. Pike County Airport. The annexation would effect up to six property owners. If 50 percent of the property owners petition the mayor's office within 60 days, stating that they oppose the annexation, then the matter would be put on the ballot for a vote. The City plans to extend water and sewer lines for the area , and also develop the land.

Also commissioners amended the Solid Waste Management Ordinance. It will allow residents to schedule an appointment and have one free pick up per month free of charge of items that are too big to stuff in garbage cans. City leaders are hoping that this will cut down on appliances and other big items being lft out on the street creating an ugly eyesore.

The Smoking Ban will go into effect for the City of Pikeville on Nov 1st.

Here are some of the highlights of the ordinance which addresses where you can and cannot smoke:

Section 120.04 Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places within the city limits of Pikeville. Smoking is prohibited in all areas of restaurants.

Section 120.05 Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed facilities within places of employment. It also states employers may elect as an exception to provide and enclosed smoking area. Which means an employer can have smoking areas as long as it is for employees only and the room is completely enclosed, labeled as an enclosed smoking area and door to room remains closed at all times not to allow second hand smoke to escape.

Section 120.06 Prohibits smoking in outdoor arenas and stadiums. It does allow those facilities to designate a smoking area as long as such area is outdoors, well ventilated and at a reasonable distance from any main path, entrance, window, or ventilation system. Area also has to be labeled as a smoking area.

Section 120.07 you are allowed to smoke in the city outdoors as long as the smoking is not near an outside entrance or open windows of any enclosed area in which smoking is prohibited and from the air intake of a ventilation system where smoking is prohibited.
120.08 Defines where smoking is allowed

Any dwelling . However you can’t smoke in a lobby, common elevator, common hallway or any other common area of the building containing attatched dwelling unit. But if a hospital, hospice or nursing home permits smoking in its dwelling rooms, smoking is not allowed in any room shared with a non – smoker without that person’s consent. This exception does not extend to private residents when they are used as a license childcare, adult day care, or health care facility.
Enclosed areas that may designate at the employee’s discretion as an enclosed smoking area for the use of employees who smoke.
Private clubs. Those areas of such clubs that are used as restaurants or for other functions open to the public are not exempted
Hotel and motel room that are rented to guest and are designated as smoking rooms.
Retailed tobacco stores
Freestanding bars where the patrons or guest must be at least 21 years of age to enter. The smoke may not be allowed to infiltrate into any public place not exempt. Doorways and windows leading to other public places shall remain closed at all times except to allow entrance or exits. Signs prohibiting patrons or guest under 21 years of age to enter shall be clearly posted
Outdoor areas of places of employment as long as not in front of window, entrance or intake systems
Bingo parlors where patrons, guest and workers must be at least 18 years of age or older to enter.

Section 120.09 States that any owner, operator manager or other person in control of an establishment, facility or outdoor arena may declare the entire establishment, facility or outdoor arena smoke free

Section 120.12 Failure to follow this policy will allow law enforcement to levy fines against the person in charge and the establishment may result in loss of their permit or business license, including but not limited to alcoholic beverage license

Section 120.99 Any person found guilty smoking would be fined $50.00. An employee or person in charge of a non – smoking establishment that violates the ordinance by allowing someone to smoke could incur a fine that would range from $50 for 1st offense to $250.00 for a thirdand every offense after within a one year period. Under this section business failing to comply may also lose their permit or license to operate a business in the city.

The Pike County Fiscal Court in conjunction with the Pike county Interagency Coalition for the next five Thursday’s will conduct a series of community meetings to allow residents to give their input on what they desire for the county’s future. The forum is titled “ 101 Ideas To Improve Pike County. Each event is scheduled to last 90 minutes. The following is a schedule of meetings. Each meeting will be held on Thursday evenings at 6pm.

Oct 11th Belfry High School Auditorium

Oct 18th East Ridge High School Auditorium

Oct 25th Pike Central High School Commons Area

Nov 8th Phelps High School Cafeteria

Nov 15th Virgie Middle School Auditorium

For more information, contact the Pike County Judge / Executive’s office at 606-432-6247

The non-profit organization Hope in the Mountains , a Prestonsburg based treatment center that serves residents in Pike, Floyd, Knott, Magoffin, Johnson, Martin and Perry counties was recently approved for a grant in the amount of $74,616. The funding was announced by Congressman Hal Rogers. The center provided health care and job training services for 32 women. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Two Johnson County residents have been arrested on animal cruelty charges. Maudie Roberts and Jimmy Marsillett both of Flat Gap are accused of confining pit bull dogs for fighting purposes. Also the dogs had no food or water. The two defendents are out in lieu of $2,000 bond. One of the dogs had to be euthanized due to the severity of its injuries. The other dogs were transported to an animal shelter in Greenup County.

Remember a couple months ago we told you the story about the arrest of a Pike County woman accused of pimping her teenage daughter out for sex to a man in exchange for her bills being paid. Well a Pike County Grand jury came to the conclusion that their wasn't enough evidence to put Angela Kendrick and William Justice on trial.

Kendrick was charged with helping Justice rape her daughter. The lawyer for Justice told the grand jury that his client was in a relationship with the 15 year-old teen and that the sexual encounters were consensual.

In Kentucky, a teenager can't legally consent to sex until the age of 16.

Authorities are looking into the possibility of charging the two with misdemeanor crimes in disctrict court.

A former Floyd County Deputy Jailer and sheriff candidate along with two other Floyd County men indicted on federal drug charges are cooperating with authorities and they are expected to plead guilty.

Damon Newsome of Mud Creek, a former county employee along with Mark and Alfred King, have had their Tuesday trial date rescheduled pending the anticipation of amended charges being filed.

The three Mud Creek residents are charged with conspiring to distribute quantities of a controlled substance ( Oxycontin). The alleged crime occurred from October 2006 until June of this year.

Newsome retired from his job two years ago.

Pike County Judge – Executive, Wayne T. Rutherford has set the date when Pike County will observe Halloween. Rutherford says that kids will be able to trick or treat on Tuesday, October, 30th from 6pm till 8pm. Rutherford is urging motorists to be very careful and watch for the little ghosts and goblins while they seach for candy.