Thursday, October 18, 2007

 

Martin County Receives $2.5 Million Dollar Grant.

The Kentucky Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Team ( K-START) awarded the Martin County Protection and Permanency a grant in the amount of $2.5 million dollars Thursday during a ceremony that was held at the Roy F. Collier Community Center.

K-START pairs child protective services workers with family mentors, providing a substance abuse treatment plan designed for rural areas and sober parenting support groups.

The family mentor is a key component of the program. The mentors are carefully screened through a lengthy, non-traditional process that includes an orientation, completion of an initial questionnaire and two rounds of interviews.

The funding will allow the agency to assist 36 families in Martin County annually and 180 total families that will include non-substance abusing family members and children.

 

Mingo County Accident Claims One Life.

A single vehicle accident on Rt 52 at Maher claimed one life and sent another to the hospital. According to the West Virginia, Charles and Tammy Rose both of Stonecoal was traveling south on Rt 52. Charles, the driver lost control of the vehicle it slammed into a guardrail ejecting him through the sunroof.

Tammy Rose a passenger was killed instantly as a piece of the rail went through inside of the vehicle striking her. She was only 32.

Charles was transported by helicopter to a hospital. Authorities told us that he suffered a broken hip

Sgt. J.C. Dotson of the WVSP is the investigating officer. The accident is still under investigation.

 

Prowler Caught in the Act.

A Matewan man that attempted to break in a home in the Matewan area ,Wednesday evening was caught red handed. The Mingo County Sheriff’s Department apprehended Matthew Cook. The Matewan resident was charged with night time burglary, obstructing a police officer and assault on a police officer. Cook is accused of entering a home and attempting to take items. Authorities were alerted of the intruder by a phone call. No one was home at the time.

 

Pike County Man Involved in Car Crash.

A Pike county man received minor injuries in a single vehicle accident that occurred on Route 65 at North Matewan early Thursday morning. According to the West Virginia State Police, Jason Tilley of Hardy was traveling south, when he suddenly lost control and struck a tree. The coal miner was traveling home from work. Sgt. J.C. Dotson said that driver fatigue and possible equipment failure was the reason for the accident

 

Corrections Officer Makes Bail. Second Officer Is Now Being Investigated.

The Kentucky State Police is currently conducting another investigation of a corrections officer at the Otter Creek Correctional Facility. Trooper Scott Hopkins told us that they are looking into allegations of sexual misconduct between a corrections officer and an inmate.

On Wednesday, corrections officer, George Hale was arrested after he is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate and promoting contraband. The Blue River resident was released from the Floyd County Detention Center after posting 10 percent of a $7,500 bond. Hale is charged with second degree sexual abuse and second degree promoting contraband.

 

New update on school bus collision injuries

This in from the Pikeville Medical Center public relations department.

PIKEVILLE, KY – An emergency was called at Pikeville Medical Center yesterday at 4:41 pm when PMC received a call that a Pike County School bus was involved in a wreck. During a three hour span, PMC’s emergency department received a total of 26 patients, 18 of which were victims from the school bus accident. The last patient from the wreck left the hospital at 7:42 pm.

Upon arrival, the patients were quickly examined and given any necessary treatment. The staff at PMC saw to it that all patients’, parents’ and school personnel needs were met.

The Emergency Room was nearly full, as patients were being transported from the crash. The collision resulted in mostly minor injuries. One patient was admitted and is currently listed in fair condition. Thankfully, there were no life-threatening injuries.

Sue Muse, Pikeville Medical Center’s Incident Commander, said, “the process went smoothly. Having practiced scenarios like these on numerous occasions, everyone was ready for action and poised.”

Superintendent, Roger Wagner of the Pike County School System, said “I want to
commend our staff and faculty for their prompt response. I also want to commend the administration and staff of medical professionals at Pikeville Medical Center for their compassion and professionalism during this time.”

Pikeville Medical Center’s ability to see and treat patients in situations like this one is just another reason why we are the Regions Medical Leader. As always, our focus is to provide quality regional healthcare in a Christian environment. For further information please call Jessica Petot, Public Relations Specialist at 606-218-3960.

 

Boone County Student Tests Positive for Staph

Doug Cox, Vice Principal of Scott High School located in Madison, WV has confirmed that a student at the school has tested positive for a staph infection. Cox says that the student was removed from school and that he won’t be returning until he his medically cleared.

The school held an assembly and sent out letters to parents giving them tips to prevent MRSA infection.

A 17 year-old Virginia teenager died last week from the potentially deadly disease.


Madison is located 55 miles north of Williamson.

 

Driver Cited for Hitting Pike County School Bus.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Scott Hopkins told us this morning that the driver of a gravel truck that struck a Pike County school bus from behind has been cited for DUI. Robert Evans along with four children was transported by ambulance to Pikeville Medical Center. 18 other children were taken to PMC by their parents to get checked out and four other students were taken by their parents to a Jenkins Hospital. No one was seriously injured.

The accident occurred Wednesday evening on Route 197 at Elkhorn Creek.

 

East Kentucky Broadcasting to Raise Money for Corey Mullins Medical Fund.

East Kentucky Sports Director Andrew Joyce announced that the EKB broadcast crew will be donating their game fees this Friday nite to the Corey Mullins Medical Fund. Joyce added that East Kentucky Broadcasting will match the amount of the donation.

Also the company will have a box set up at the stadiums of the three games that we will be airing so fans can contribute to the fund.

EKB will be airing the following:

Paintsville @ Pikeville

Morgan Co @ Shelby Valley

Sheldon Clark @ Belfry

Joyce says that hopefully we can raise a lot of money for a worthy cause.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

 

Update On Wednesday's School Bus Collision

This in from Pikeville Medical Center's media relations department.

PIKEVILLE, KY – Earlier this afternoon, trauma victims were sent to Pikeville Medical Center as a result from a Pike County School Bus’ collision. A total of 18 patients were seen due to the accident. Upon arrival, emergency staff and hospital personnel were ready when the first victims arrived. The patients were quickly examined and given any necessary treatment.

Sue Muse, Pikeville Medical Center’s Incident Commander, said, “the process went smoothly. Having practiced scenarios like these on numerous occasions, everyone was ready for action and poised.”

Some patients were being treated into the evening. More details will be available on Thursday.

 

Miner Rescued From Underground Mine in Boone County

A dispatcher from Boone County 911 told us that a miner has been rescued from an underground mine. The miner is being flown to a hospital. We have no information on the severity of his injuries. The miner was trapped underneath some rock for about two hours. The accident happened at the Kanawha Eagle Mine in Seth. Seth is located 22 miles outside of Madison.

 

Mingo County Commission Meeting.

Highlights of Wednesday's Mingo County Commission meeting.

The following items were approved:

* Gave $2,500 to the Matewan Massacre Reinactment Board

* $2,500 donation to the Tug Valley Chaper of the American Red Cross

* $1,000 donation for the purchase of identification kits for children.

* Approved the county masterplan.

* Sworn in Isom Ooten as a member of the Public Service District Board.

* Approved a proclamation to be given to John Clifford Davis for his outstanding work in the Delbarton area.

 

School Bus Accident Sends Five to Hospital.

An accident involving a school bus occurred Wednesday afternoon in front of Elkhorn City Elementary. The bus was hit from behind by another vehicle. Five students were transported to a local hospital. The injuries are not serious. The accident is being investigated by the Kentucky State Police.

 

Johnson County Man Pleads Guilty After Jury Deadlocks.

A Johnson County man accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to receiving a firearm stolen from the Frankfort Police Department. Gordon Stapleton pleaded guilty after a jury couldn’t reach a verdict in his trial.

The 51 year-old was offered three years probation and he can’t be charged with a Class D misdemeanor or above.

Stapleton stated that he purchased the firearm last year from a stockyard and that he had no knowledge of the gun being stolen.

 

Mingo County Commisssion Sets Trick or Treat Date.

The Mingo County Commission has designated Tuesday, Oct, 30th from 6pm-8pm as trick or treat

 

Magoffin County Man Killed. Police Make Arrest.

A Magoffin County man remains lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville. Terry Paul Patrick is charged with first degree murder. His girlfriend Molly Patrick was charged was arrested on alcohol related charges and disorderly conduct.

Patrick is accused of gunning down 47 year-old Claude E. Bailey of Thelma. The shooting took place late Tuesday night at Patrick’s residence.

 

Safe Stolen at Coal Run Dairy Cheer. Police Need Your Help

The Kentucky State Police is continuing their investigation in the theft of a safe at the Coal Run Dairy Cheer.

According to the KSP the suspects used a Caterpillar manual pallet jack to remove a safe from the building. After removing the safe, the suspects, left the pallet jack at the scene.

State Police responded to the scene early Sunday morning.


Authorities believe that the pallet jack is stolen as well. If anyone has any information regarding the theft of the safe or the pallet jack , contact the Kentucky State Police at 433-7711.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

 

WV Ranks 22nd in Asthma Cases. Cost to Treat Disease Skyrockets

Asthma cases in West Virginia have declined over the last six years according to the state Bureau of Public Health.

West Virginia currently has the 22nd highest rate in the country. A new study shows that 8.6 percent or 123,000 adults have asthma.

Six years ago WV had the 5th highest rate in the nation.

However the number of people being hospitalized due to the disease have gone from 2,450 a decade ago to more than 3,000 last year.

The cost of treating asthma patients has gone from 10.3 million to 23.2 million dollars.

 

Oct 21-27 Proclaimed " Native American Indian Heritage Week"

Pike County Judge – Executive Wayne T. Rutherford has proclaimed Oct 21-27 as “ Native American Heritage Week” in Pike County.

The Big Sandy Hertage Center will present a Native American Symposium on Saturday, Oct, 27th at the UK Extension Office on Trivette Drive in Pikeville. Sessions will begin at 9:30am and last until 2:00pm. A light lunch will be provided. For more information, contact the Big Sandy Heritage Center at 218-6050

 

Roadside PRIDE is Underway in Pike County.

As part of celebrating October as Roadside Pride Month, volunteers will pick up trash, PRIDE Coordinators will provide the cleanup supplies and trash collection, and PRIDE will take care of disposal fees. Trophies will be awarded to the region’s cities and counties that do the best job.

“ If we all do our part, then we will make a big difference in the appearance of our roads by the end of October- just in time to enjoy drives through our beautiful fall scenery,” said Judge / Executive Wayne T. Rutherford.

Through October cities and counties will earn points for the number of volunteers who clean roadsides, road miles cleaned, and trash bags, tires and appliances collected.

To volunteer to clean a roadway near you, contact Pike County Pride Coordinator Jimmy Dale Sanders at 432-6245.

The PRIDE iniative promotes Personal Responsibility IN a Desirable Environment. Congressman Hal Rogers and the late James Bickford, former Secretary of the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet, started PRIDE in 1997. PRIDE is funded by grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

 

Shelby Valley Marching Band To Compete in State Competition.

The Shelby Valley Wildcats Marching Band will be vying for a Class AA title this weekend. Last weekend the band finished third behind Carroll County and Morgan County in the Class AA East Regionals which was held at Beechwood High School located in Covington.

The band which consists of 27 members will participate in the KHSAA State Semi-Finals to be held Saturday at Ballard High School located in Louisville. The Pike County School will perform at 1:15 pm. If SVHS advances they will perform later that day in the state finals which will be held at Papa John Stadium.

Last year the Marching Wildcats finished 14th in state competition.

 

Blackberry/McCarr Senior Center to Host Diabetes Support Meeting.

If you or someone you know suffers from diabetes, the Blackberry/McCarr Senior Center will be hosting a Diabetes Support Group Meeting. The event will be held Wednesday from 10:30 am to noon.

The meeting will be led by registered nurse Debra Burchett. The meeting is designed to give people information on how they can manage the disease.

 

Pike County Leaders Attempting to Partner with South African Company.

Last week Pike County leaders attended the one day Kentucky Energy Summitt that was held in Lexington.

The event had representatives from companies from around the world. County –Judge Executive Wayne T. Rutherford says that the county is attempting to partner with Sasol. Sasol is a large company from South Africa that operates several coal to liquids plants. Rutherford says that it is important for the county to have this company team up with the county as we attempt to attract a ctl plant.

Rutherford also added that he was amazed on how well-known that the county’s energy plan has become.

 

Public Urged to Attend Community Forum Meetings.

The next “101 Ideas to Change Pike County “ community forum is scheduled for 6pm Thursday at East Ridge High School. The 90 minute forum is designed for citizens to give ideas to county leaders.

Last weeks’ meeting held in the Belfry area was not productive as only eight people attended.

T.J. Litafik , assistant to Judge- Executive Wayne T. Rutherford says that it is important for the public to attend if these meetings are going to be successful.

 

Mingo County Man Critically Wounds One Person Then Turns Gun on Himself.

A Ben Creek man remains in critical condition in a Huntington Hospital after he was shot three times outside of his own home. He was shot by his girlfriend’s estranged husband.

The shooter Charles Trammel then fatally shot himself in the head. According to the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department, Baisden was walking toward his truck getting ready to go to work when Trammel came up from behind and shot him three times in the back.

The shooting remains under investigation.

Monday, October 15, 2007

 

East Kentucky Broadcasting to Air Debate.

The Kentucky Broadcasters Association and the League of women Voters will be hosting a Governors’ Forum tonight (Tuesday 10-16) from the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort . The debate between incumbent a Ernie Fletcher and Challenger Steve Beshear will begin at 8pm.

The debate will be aired on five stations of East Kentucky Broadcasting. The Oldies Radio Network. 1240AM, 1460 AM and 1400AM and the Talk Radio Network: 900AM, 960Am and 104.5 FM.

 

Massey Planning to Build Regional Office in Boone County.

Massey Energy is planning to build a regional headquarters for its southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky operations.

Company officials says about 100 employees from its Chapmanville and Charleston offices will move to a new 51,000 – square foot headquarters in Boone County next summer.

CEO Don Blankenship says a central location closer to Massey’s operations will better support the company’s expected growth.

Massey is the nation’s fourth-largest coal producer.

 

Forest Fire Contained in Pike County.

Dexter Conley, Forester with the Eastern District of the Kentucky Division of Forestry told us that they have contained one fire in Pike County. Crews worked on a 135 acre fire on the Long Fork of Virgie. Conley says that they will keep an eye on that one, because the fire is expected to burn close to about 20 homes within the next 48 hours.

Conley expects things to only get worse due to the warm weather, dry conditions, low humidity and with the beginning of falling of the leaves. Conley added that the green trees and roots are burning for days.

A high pressure system is expected to dominate our region for the next few days. The next best chance of rain is predicted for Tuesday.

The governor’s declaration against all outdoor burning remains in effect.

The eastern district consists of : Pike, Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Lawrence Counties.
To report suspicious fires contact 1-800-27-ARSON

 

Weber Art Gallery Hosts " One Plus Some."

Art education is taking on a whole new meaning this month as the Marguerite Weber Art Gallery at Pikeville College hosts “ One Plus Some”, an exhibit featuring the works of area high school art teachers and some of their top students.

Artists include teacher Paula Smith from Pikeville High with students Deanna Clevinger, Courtney Smith and Jessica Hurston. From Belfry teacher Rick Blankenship and student Amy Reed. Betsy Layne High teacher Shannon Shepherd with student Cecily Howard.


The show will be on display throughout the rest of the month. The gallery is located in the Record Memorial Building, level 2.

Gallery hours are the following :

Monday :10am-5pm
Tuesday : 9am-noon
Wednesday: 10am-2pm and 3pm-6pm
Thursday:9am-1pm
Friday: 10am-noon and 1pm-2pm.

 

West Virginia Man Given Four Life Sentences in Pike Court.

Prior convicted felon Matthew Casey was given four life sentences in Pike County Circuit Court by Judge Eddy Coleman.

Casey pleaded guilty to first degree kidnapping, first degree sodomy, first degree rape and first dgree robbery. Casey admitted that on Dec 14th, 2006 he kidnapped a woman, raped her and then stoled her car.

The 37 year-old Matewan resident is eligible for parole in 20 years.

He faces federal kidnapping charges in West Virginia.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

 

Update on Kentucky Forest Fires.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry reported 59 fires burned 3,394 acres last week. Fires were reported in Pike, Martin, Letcher and Floyd Counties.

So far this year 1,603 have been reported , 46,591 acres have burned.

59 % of forest fires in Kentucky are caused by arson, 29 % by debris.


Officials expect fire activity to increase as the leaves begin to fall, and dry conditions are expected to stick around. The long range forecast calls for below - average rainfall for the next several weeks.

 

Beshear To Visit Floyd County This Week.

Kentucky voters will be going to the polls next month to elect a governor. Incumbent Ernie Fletcher has paid several trips to Pike and Floyd Counties . Now challenger Steve Beshear will visit the local area in an attempt to draw support. Beshear is expected to speak Thursday at 5pm at the Wilkinson/Stumbo Conference center at Jenny Wiley State Park. Fletcher visited Jenny Wiley last month as he announced a multi-million dollar renovation project that will be performed at the state park.

Both candidates have participated in several debates that have turned heated.

 

WV Forest Fire Report.

The fall forest fire season is entering its third week in West Virginia. The Division of Forestry says that 46 fires have burned 282 acres of land. The agency reports 159 fires have burned around 800 acres since July 1.

Due to the lack of rainfall, officials are fearing that this could be the worst fire season in 20 years.

In 1987 2,261 fires scorched 428,810 acres.

 

Wayne County Man Sentenced for Murdering Uncle.

A Wayne County man was sentenced to life with mercy after he pleaded guilty to killing his uncle. 25 year-old William Little of Fort Gay was sentenced by Wayne County Circuit Judge Darrell Pratt.

Little admitted that he shot and beat to death his uncle 55 year-old William Hayes. Hayes was found on Jan 17th lying in the front lawn of his Fort Gay residence.

 

Benefit Motorcycle Ride Planned to Help Shelby Valley Student Pay for Medical Expenses.

A benefit motorcycle ride will be held Sat, Oct 20th registration will be held at Shelby Valley High School from 9am - 11am. all proceeds wil to to the Corey Mullins Medical Fund.

Mullins is home recuperating from injuries that he sustained in a serious car accident that occurred last month. The Pike County teen spent 22 days in at UK Hospital in Lexington.

Mullins is a junior at SVHS.

Riders will leave Shelby Valley travel to Paintsville Lake and back to the schoolfor live music and other planned activities. The cost is $10 per rider.

For more information contact Jim " Slim " Cable of the Defiers Motorcycle Club at 606-639-2077

 

Tug Valley High School Boys Basketball Coach Resigns

Officials at Tug Valley High School confirmed Friday afternoon that head boys basketball coach Dave Mollette has resigned. Mollette stated in his resignation letter that he was giving up the position due to health reasons.

Mollette led the Panthers to two Regional Championship appearences in two and a half seasons.

The job is expected to be posted sometime this week. The WV Board of Education will have the final say since it has control of the local school system.

 

Coal Truck Crashes Though Pike County Church.

Church members at the McAndrews Wesleyan Church says that church services somehow will go on despite their church building being destroyed after a coal truck slammed through it.

According to the Kentucky State Police , John Sammons of Matewan, WV left the roadway after he tried to avoid an oncoming car. Sammons hit a utility pole before crashing through the church.

The building was covered by insurance . Church members say that they will rebuild.

 

Local Kentucky State Senator to Indroduce Legislation to Strengthen DUI Law.

Kentucky State Senator Ray S. Jones, D – Pikeville, plans to continue his fight on the war on drugs when the General Assembly returns to Frankfort in January.

Jones plans to introduce a bill that will strengthen Kentucky’s DUI laws. The bill would establish a per-se offense for driving with any controlled substance ( both prescription and illegal drugs) in a person’s system. However, if the person driving has a valid prescription from a practitioner, and comply with the dosage and any drug related restrictions will not be charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

“ The number of arrests for driving under the influence of a controlled substance are rapidly increasing, and may soon surpass alcohol – related DUIs,” said Jones. Jones filed a similar bill earlier this year. Senate Bill 67 passed the Senate, but failed to pass in the House.

 

Federal Trial of a Louisa Man Rescheduled for Tuesday.

The trial of a Louisa coal operator that was scheduled to begin Monday in federal court in Pikeville will instead begin Tuesday. However the trial will be held in London.

U.S District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove recused himself from the case. The case will now be heard by Judge Danny C. Reeves.

Ireland Williams is charged with six counts of violating the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

Williams was one of five men indicted earlier this year for numerous mine safety violation at a Pike County mine located near Turkey Creek.. Charges against three others were dismissed after they agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

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