Friday, January 11, 2008
2008 Miss Kentucky TEEN USA Named
Shannen Reil of West Van Lear, has been crowned the 2008 Miss Kentucky TEEN USA winner.
Miss Reil is 15-years old, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Reil.
The Miss Kentucky TEEN USA Pageant is a part of MISS USA and the Miss Universe organization, owned by Donald Trump and NBC Television.
Miss Reil is 15-years old, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Reil.
The Miss Kentucky TEEN USA Pageant is a part of MISS USA and the Miss Universe organization, owned by Donald Trump and NBC Television.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:31 AM
Update On Bell County Deputy Sheriff's Death
The individuals involved in the Thursday traffic fatality in Bell County have now been identified.
Dead was 31-year old Sean Pursifull of the Bell County Sheriff's Department. Also killed in the head-on crash was King, K-9 members of the department.
The juveniles, who apparently rammed Pursifull's cruiser intentionally, are identified only with their place of residence. The driver was a 17-year old from Delaware...the passenger was a 16 year old from Pennsylvania.
The teens were treated at a local hospital for minor injuries. They are currently jail in the Adair County Juvenile Detention Center.
Charges of murder and assault on a service animal are pending against the two.
Dead was 31-year old Sean Pursifull of the Bell County Sheriff's Department. Also killed in the head-on crash was King, K-9 members of the department.
The juveniles, who apparently rammed Pursifull's cruiser intentionally, are identified only with their place of residence. The driver was a 17-year old from Delaware...the passenger was a 16 year old from Pennsylvania.
The teens were treated at a local hospital for minor injuries. They are currently jail in the Adair County Juvenile Detention Center.
Charges of murder and assault on a service animal are pending against the two.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:13 AM
IRS Opens Electronic Tax Filing Season
With the holidays over, it's now tax time. The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to file electronically, and they say you can start sending them today (Friday).
They began electronic filing in 1986, and the IRS reported that last year 80-million returns were filed using the system.
They say those who file using the electronic system and use direct deposit can get their refunds in as little as 10 days.
Those who owe taxes can file now and pay later. More than 13-million taxpayers who use certain forms related to the alternative minimum tax will have to wait until mid-February to file their taxes.
They began electronic filing in 1986, and the IRS reported that last year 80-million returns were filed using the system.
They say those who file using the electronic system and use direct deposit can get their refunds in as little as 10 days.
Those who owe taxes can file now and pay later. More than 13-million taxpayers who use certain forms related to the alternative minimum tax will have to wait until mid-February to file their taxes.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:07 AM
Smoking Ban Sought In Coal Run Restaurants
The Coal Run Village Council members have been petitioned by more than 100 teens in the Pike County Youth Leadership Program.
The group is seeking a public smoking ban in restaurants. The mayor of Coal Run says they will discuss it at future meetings, but they plan on the opinions of restaurant manager before making any decisions.
The group is seeking a public smoking ban in restaurants. The mayor of Coal Run says they will discuss it at future meetings, but they plan on the opinions of restaurant manager before making any decisions.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:03 AM
Traffic Signal Work On US23
Keith Coleman, Highway Traffic Technician for Highway district 12, says every backplate on every main line traffic signal, at all intersections along the US23 six-lane stretch north of Pikeville.
Traffic signals will be updated to yellow with retro-reflective borders.
Coleman says this will make them more visible at night and during times of fog, rain and snow. He expects the work to take four or five day, and says neither the northbound nor southbound lanes will be completely closed, but, traffic will be reduced at times to one lane.
The work is scheduled to begin on Monday.
Traffic signals will be updated to yellow with retro-reflective borders.
Coleman says this will make them more visible at night and during times of fog, rain and snow. He expects the work to take four or five day, and says neither the northbound nor southbound lanes will be completely closed, but, traffic will be reduced at times to one lane.
The work is scheduled to begin on Monday.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 3:54 AM
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Stumbo Has Opposition
Last week EKB reported that Greg Stumbo will run as the Democratic nominee in the special Feb 5th election in the 95th District House race. Now we know who his opponent will be .
The Republican nomination committee selected Larry D. Brown of Little Paint. The 51 year-old has held public office once. The Prestonsburg attorney once sat on the Prestonsburg City Council.
The Republican nomination committee selected Larry D. Brown of Little Paint. The 51 year-old has held public office once. The Prestonsburg attorney once sat on the Prestonsburg City Council.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 7:03 PM
Budget Cuts May Affect Eastern Kentucky Schools
As state legislators met in Frankfort Wednesday to consider proposed bills, school officials watched a statewide webcast from state education Commissioner Jon Droud.
Droud told educators that Governor Beshear has not decided to make cuts yet, but to begin planning for what could come in the fall.
He suggested they plan for the worst and hope for the best, although some think Droud does not expect major cuts.
One suggestion made by educators would be to cut the njumber of attendance days, but that is a decision that would have to be made by state legislators.
Droud told educators that Governor Beshear has not decided to make cuts yet, but to begin planning for what could come in the fall.
He suggested they plan for the worst and hope for the best, although some think Droud does not expect major cuts.
One suggestion made by educators would be to cut the njumber of attendance days, but that is a decision that would have to be made by state legislators.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:46 AM
Senator Ray S. Jones Files For Re-Election
Yesterday, Senator Ray S. Jones filed for re-elction. Jones has served in the Kentucky State Senate since 2001, and represents Pike, Johnson and Martin Counties.
He is co-author of the landmark mine safety legislation enacted during the 2006 session.
He is co-author of the landmark mine safety legislation enacted during the 2006 session.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:42 AM
Bell County Traffic Fatality
Another traffic fatality in Bell County...the fifth in the first nine days of 2008.
This time it's a Bell County Deputy Sheriff. Apparently, he was rammed head-on deliberately by two juveniles. The had committed a "drive-off" at a Harlan County service station, causing a high-speed chase into Bell County.
The juveniles survived the manuever and are now in a local Bell County hospital. Names of those involved have not been released.
This time it's a Bell County Deputy Sheriff. Apparently, he was rammed head-on deliberately by two juveniles. The had committed a "drive-off" at a Harlan County service station, causing a high-speed chase into Bell County.
The juveniles survived the manuever and are now in a local Bell County hospital. Names of those involved have not been released.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:38 AM
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
$24-Million Natural Gas Expansion Planned In Pike County
MarkWest Energy Partners, LP, has announced the $24-Million expansion of its Boldman Plant in Pike County.
MarkWest has operated the Boldman Processing Plant since 1988. Plans for the Boldman site, specifically include the current plant's replacement by early 2009 with a larger "state of the art" cryogenic plant.
MarkWest has operated the Boldman Processing Plant since 1988. Plans for the Boldman site, specifically include the current plant's replacement by early 2009 with a larger "state of the art" cryogenic plant.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:33 AM
Quick Test For MRSA Approved By FDA
The FDA has approved a quick test for the drug-resistant staph infection MRSA.
This clears the way for marketing of the first rapid blood test. It will enable health care professionals to identify cases in only two hours...rather than two days.
The tests have identified 100% of MRSA positive cases.
This clears the way for marketing of the first rapid blood test. It will enable health care professionals to identify cases in only two hours...rather than two days.
The tests have identified 100% of MRSA positive cases.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:29 AM
Nation's First Mining Death Of 2008
The first 2008 mining death in the nation occured Monday night in Letcher County. Officials say it happened at the Blue Ridge Surface Mine, which is operated by Cumberland River Coal Company...owned by Arch Coal.
Roy D. Sturgill, age 29, of Isom backed back too far while attempting to unload his truck. He backed over a cliff and it is believed he was thrown from the truck during the fall.
Officials say the mine will remained closed during an investigation. Sturgill was employed by Bates Contracting of Whitesburg.
Roy D. Sturgill, age 29, of Isom backed back too far while attempting to unload his truck. He backed over a cliff and it is believed he was thrown from the truck during the fall.
Officials say the mine will remained closed during an investigation. Sturgill was employed by Bates Contracting of Whitesburg.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:22 AM
KSP Looking For Pharmacy Robbers
Kentucky State Police are searching for two men who robbed the Rite Value Pharmacy in Louisa. The robbery occured about 6:30pm Monday evening.
Officials say the men entered the pharmacy wearing masks, gloves and camouflage attire.
They stole Oxycontin, cash and the pharmacist's truck. A short time later, the pickup truck was found abandoned in a wooded area near the pharmacy.
Officials say the men entered the pharmacy wearing masks, gloves and camouflage attire.
They stole Oxycontin, cash and the pharmacist's truck. A short time later, the pickup truck was found abandoned in a wooded area near the pharmacy.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:17 AM
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Motorcylce Fatality In Pike County
A traffic fatality at the intersection of US119 and Town Mountain Road resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.
The motorcyclist was waiting to turn left onto Town Mountain Road when he was rear-ended by a pickup truck driven by Billy Reed.
Reed was charged with DUI and one count of murder. The name of the victim has not been released.
The motorcyclist was waiting to turn left onto Town Mountain Road when he was rear-ended by a pickup truck driven by Billy Reed.
Reed was charged with DUI and one count of murder. The name of the victim has not been released.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:11 AM
Kentucky Attorney General Sworn In
Kentucky's new Attorney General has been sworn into office. Jack Conway was sworn in Monday morning in the Capitol Rotunda.
He won his post in November, defeating Lexington Representative Stan Lee.
Conway replaces Greg Stumbo as the states' top prosecutor. He is the state's 49th Attorney General.
He won his post in November, defeating Lexington Representative Stan Lee.
Conway replaces Greg Stumbo as the states' top prosecutor. He is the state's 49th Attorney General.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:31 AM
Kentucky Highway Death Toll
Preliminary statistics indicate seventeen people died in thirteen separate crashes on Kentucky' roadways last week.
This includes a quadruple-fatality crash in Bell County, and two deaths in Pike County.
This includes a quadruple-fatality crash in Bell County, and two deaths in Pike County.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:27 AM
Floyd County Fire
A Floyd County Deputy Sheriff and his wife escaped serious injuries after a fire destroyed their home in Melvin in Floyd County.
Fire officials said it took nearly three hours to put out the blaze.
If you want to help the Bates family, send donations to the Floyd County Sheriff's Department, or call 606-886-6711.
Fire officials said it took nearly three hours to put out the blaze.
If you want to help the Bates family, send donations to the Floyd County Sheriff's Department, or call 606-886-6711.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:23 AM
Grand Jury Report Asks For Resignations In Louisa
A Grand Jury report is calling for the resignations of Police Chief K. T. Adkins and Sgt. Barry Bellomy of Louisa. The report says to two aren't doing their jobs.
The report claims the officers are not presenting certain drug cases to the grand jury, thus allowing alleged criminals to go free.
An ongoing investigation is being conducted by Louisa officials. It is being conducted by the Louisa City Attorney.
The report claims the officers are not presenting certain drug cases to the grand jury, thus allowing alleged criminals to go free.
An ongoing investigation is being conducted by Louisa officials. It is being conducted by the Louisa City Attorney.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:16 AM
NASCAR Antitrust Suit Dismissed
Yestersay, Judge William Bertelsman threw out the antitrust suit filed by the Kentucky Speedway.
The speedway alleged NASCAR conspired to leave the Sparta track, which hosts the NASCAR Busch Race, and others, out of the Nextel Cup Series.
A NASCAR spokesman says the ruling puts an end to questions about locations and dates NASCAR can operate races.
Kentucky Speedway attorney Stan Chesley says the track will appeal.
The speedway alleged NASCAR conspired to leave the Sparta track, which hosts the NASCAR Busch Race, and others, out of the Nextel Cup Series.
A NASCAR spokesman says the ruling puts an end to questions about locations and dates NASCAR can operate races.
Kentucky Speedway attorney Stan Chesley says the track will appeal.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:11 AM
Monday, January 07, 2008
Second Burglary For Magoffin County Church
Magoffin County officials say the Lake Front Church of God in Salyersville has been burglarized for the second time since Christmas.
Following the Friday night break-in, the church is now missing three television sets. Officials of the church say they will not allow this to keep happening.
The are asking people to call the Salyersville Police Department if anyone has information about these break-ins.
Following the Friday night break-in, the church is now missing three television sets. Officials of the church say they will not allow this to keep happening.
The are asking people to call the Salyersville Police Department if anyone has information about these break-ins.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:01 AM
Four Found Dead In Flaming Car
Kentucky State Police report four people, two men and two women, died in a flaming 2002 Dodge Neon on Kentucky 92, about 25 miles north of the Kentucky-Tennessee state lines.
Trooper Detective Michael Cornett says he discovered the flaming vehicle early Sunday morning and says it appears the car failed to negotiate a turn and slammed into a tree.
The bodies have been taken to Frankfort for examination and identification.
Trooper Detective Michael Cornett says he discovered the flaming vehicle early Sunday morning and says it appears the car failed to negotiate a turn and slammed into a tree.
The bodies have been taken to Frankfort for examination and identification.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:56 AM
Supreme Court Examines Lethal Injections
It's been a quarter-century since the U. S. experienced as long a pause in executions as at the present time.
Today, the Supreme Court will hear the case involving lethal injections being challenged by two Kentucky death row inmates. The inmates argue there are ways to get the job done with little or no pain.
The argue the present method causes too much pain and challenges their constitutional rights.
No one has been put to death since September 25th.
Today, the Supreme Court will hear the case involving lethal injections being challenged by two Kentucky death row inmates. The inmates argue there are ways to get the job done with little or no pain.
The argue the present method causes too much pain and challenges their constitutional rights.
No one has been put to death since September 25th.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:51 AM
Indicted Judge-Executive Sued By Former County Workers
Knott County Judge-Executive Randy Thompson, who has been indicted on vote fraud charges, is facing another lawsuit.
He is accused of firing two former county workers because they did not support him in the 2006 election. The workers claim that after Thompson's 2006 victory, they had to endure discriminatory work terms and conditions, harassment, humiliation and termination.
He is accused of firing two former county workers because they did not support him in the 2006 election. The workers claim that after Thompson's 2006 victory, they had to endure discriminatory work terms and conditions, harassment, humiliation and termination.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:46 AM
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Matchup Set for Kentucky's 30th District State Senate Race.
Two Perry County Residents will square off in a special election to be held on Feb 5th aiming to fill the 30th District State Senate Seat.
Democrat Scott Alexander and Republican State Representative Brandon Smith will be seeking votes from voters in Bell, Harlan, Leslie and Perry Counties.
The senate seat became available when Daniel Mongiardo was sworn in as lieutenant governor.
Democrat Scott Alexander and Republican State Representative Brandon Smith will be seeking votes from voters in Bell, Harlan, Leslie and Perry Counties.
The senate seat became available when Daniel Mongiardo was sworn in as lieutenant governor.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 9:13 AM
Stumbo Leaves Attorney General's Office With No Regrets.
Floyd County resident Greg Stumbo ended his four year term as Kentucky’s Attorney General last Friday.
Stumbo, who will best be remembered for investigating the hiring practices of former Governor Ernie Fletcher, told reporters that he was leaving the office with no regrets. Stumbo added that that the governor’s election could have been different if Fletcher’s administration had cooperated in the probe
Stumbo, who will best be remembered for investigating the hiring practices of former Governor Ernie Fletcher, told reporters that he was leaving the office with no regrets. Stumbo added that that the governor’s election could have been different if Fletcher’s administration had cooperated in the probe
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 9:08 AM
Stumbo Wins Democratic Nomination for 95th District House Seat.
Former Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo was nominated Saturday to run as the Democratic nominee in a special election for the 95th District House Seat on Feb 5th.
Stumbo defeated former house member Chuck Meade.
Meanwhile the Republican Party is struggling to produce a candidate for the special election.
Stumbo represented the district for over two decades before being elected as attorney general. Meade represented the 95th district from 2004 to 2007.
The office became vacant after Brandon Spencer resigned from office last month after serving one year of a two year term.
Stumbo defeated former house member Chuck Meade.
Meanwhile the Republican Party is struggling to produce a candidate for the special election.
Stumbo represented the district for over two decades before being elected as attorney general. Meade represented the 95th district from 2004 to 2007.
The office became vacant after Brandon Spencer resigned from office last month after serving one year of a two year term.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 9:02 AM
West Virginia's Governor Seeking Pay Raise for Teachers.
West Virginia’s regular 60 day legislative session begins Wednesday. Governor Joe Manchin says he will push lawmakers to give public teachers a pay increase.
Manchin is pushing for a three percent pay raise . Lawmakers raised teacher’s pay last year.
The governor also want lawmakers to come up with a bill to target bullying and teacher intimidation in public schools.
Manchin is pushing for a three percent pay raise . Lawmakers raised teacher’s pay last year.
The governor also want lawmakers to come up with a bill to target bullying and teacher intimidation in public schools.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 8:40 AM
Mingo County County State Senator Wants Lawyer Ads Screened.
West Virginia Senate Majority Leader Truman Chafin announced he would like the state Supreme Court of Appeals to set up a screening committee that would sign off on all advertising done by lawyers.
The longtime Mingo County Democrat says that lawyers don’t have a good reputation, especially when some lawyers run tv ads featuring legal professionals conversing with animals and radio ads urging people to contact divorce lawyers over a disappointing Christmas.
The longtime Mingo County Democrat says that lawyers don’t have a good reputation, especially when some lawyers run tv ads featuring legal professionals conversing with animals and radio ads urging people to contact divorce lawyers over a disappointing Christmas.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 8:35 AM
Second Annual Mingo County Day Scheduled
Mingo County Day will be observed during the regular legislative session on Wednesday, Jan 16th at the state capitol in Charleston.
Anyone interested in going and would like to ride a bus, contact Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce President Cecil Hatfield at either 235-5240 or 235-4001 by Thursday Jan 10th.
Mingo County Day will begin at noon and will last for six hours. Dignitaries on both the local and state levels are expected to speak, including Gov. Joe Manchin
Anyone interested in going and would like to ride a bus, contact Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce President Cecil Hatfield at either 235-5240 or 235-4001 by Thursday Jan 10th.
Mingo County Day will begin at noon and will last for six hours. Dignitaries on both the local and state levels are expected to speak, including Gov. Joe Manchin
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 8:27 AM
Pike County Man Arrested for Operating Illegal Gambling Ring.
According to the Kentucky State Police, a Pike County man was arrested late Friday night after he was accused of operating an illegal gambling ring from a Shelbiana business.
According to the release, 58 year-old Larry Adkins of Shelbiana was arrested late Friday night. Authorities were tipped off when they saw a man lurking behind a business that was closed . While looking for the subject, authorities witnessed several parked cars in front of an unsecured door at the back of the business.
Troopers Jimmy Anderson and Kevin Thacker went inside and discovered and seized several slot machines and an undetermined amount of cash.
Larry Adkins is charged with eight counts of promoting gambling in the first-degree.
The Shelbiana man was released from jail when he posted 10 percent of a $2,000 bond
According to the release, 58 year-old Larry Adkins of Shelbiana was arrested late Friday night. Authorities were tipped off when they saw a man lurking behind a business that was closed . While looking for the subject, authorities witnessed several parked cars in front of an unsecured door at the back of the business.
Troopers Jimmy Anderson and Kevin Thacker went inside and discovered and seized several slot machines and an undetermined amount of cash.
Larry Adkins is charged with eight counts of promoting gambling in the first-degree.
The Shelbiana man was released from jail when he posted 10 percent of a $2,000 bond
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 7:41 AM
Kentucky Gov Beshear Announces Sweeping Budget Cuts In Order to Overcome Huge Deficit.
Last week Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear announced a budget reduction plan ordering cost saving measures.
Beshear announced that Kentucky is facing an overall money shortfall of $ 431 million. Including a deficit of $ 265 million in the current fiscal year which ends at the end of June.
The $265 million shortfall for the current fiscal year will come from a budget surplus of $ 145 million, unbudgeted excess funds of $ 42 million. Lawmakers will have to slash another $ 78 million.
The projected shortfall of $ 166 million for the 2008 budget year will come from:
Reducing the state workforce through attrition
Reducing travel expenses
Implementing energy saving measures
Printing costs will be cut back in every agency
Acceleration of the sale of surplus property
A moratorium is being placed on all purchases of furniture and equipment
Contracts will be reviewed.
The governor will present his proposed 2008-2010 budget to the General Assembly on Jan. 29th.
Beshear announced that Kentucky is facing an overall money shortfall of $ 431 million. Including a deficit of $ 265 million in the current fiscal year which ends at the end of June.
The $265 million shortfall for the current fiscal year will come from a budget surplus of $ 145 million, unbudgeted excess funds of $ 42 million. Lawmakers will have to slash another $ 78 million.
The projected shortfall of $ 166 million for the 2008 budget year will come from:
Reducing the state workforce through attrition
Reducing travel expenses
Implementing energy saving measures
Printing costs will be cut back in every agency
Acceleration of the sale of surplus property
A moratorium is being placed on all purchases of furniture and equipment
Contracts will be reviewed.
The governor will present his proposed 2008-2010 budget to the General Assembly on Jan. 29th.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 7:04 AM
Big Sandy Community and Technical College Feeling Pinch Due To Budget Cuts.
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System will be implementing a $ 6.8 million budget reduction plan in response to Governor Steve Beshear’s 3 percent mid-year budget cut request designed to address the state’s revenue shortfall.
KCTCS President Micheal McCall says the cuts will make it difficult to accomplish goals laid out in the KCTCS Plan for Competitive Commonwealth.
Big Sandy Community and Technical College, with campuses in Pikeville, Prestonsburg, Paintsville and Hager Hill, faces a $ 281,000 reduction in funding due to the budget cut.
KCTCS President Micheal McCall says the cuts will make it difficult to accomplish goals laid out in the KCTCS Plan for Competitive Commonwealth.
Big Sandy Community and Technical College, with campuses in Pikeville, Prestonsburg, Paintsville and Hager Hill, faces a $ 281,000 reduction in funding due to the budget cut.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 6:38 AM
