EKB News

The 14 year-old girl from Tomahawk returned home safely. Martin County 911 told us that the female wandered into the woods and became lost. Other than being cold she is alright.

Continuing problems with illegal drug sales throughout Harlan County resulted in a roundup targeting 51 individuals on Friday, February 15.
This was the 100th time in nearly four years that Operation UNITE has attempted to take drug dealers off the streets in the 29-county Fifth Congressional District.
Nearly all the indictment warrants were for the illegal sale of prescription drugs, mostly OxyContin, said Dan Smoot, UNITE’s director of law enforcement. The remaining charges were primarily for crack cocaine, believed to have been brought to Southeastern Kentucky from South Carolina.
Participating in the roundup was ABC television news personality Diane Sawyer, who is filming a segment on the OxyContin and prescription drug problem throughout Southern and Eastern Kentucky for an upcoming special.
UNITE detectives were able to obtain drugs from most communities in Harlan County during the investigation, which began about six months ago, Smoot continued, adding many of the sales were tied to the well-publicized prostitution problems in downtown Harlan.
At least two of those sought in Friday’s effort were arrested by UNITE during previous roundups.
Assisting UNITE detectives with Friday’s roundup were approximately three dozen officers from the Benham Police Department, Cumberland Police Department, Evarts Police Department, Harlan Police Department, Harlan County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police Post 10 in Harlan, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, Loyall Police Department and Lynch Police Department.
Once arrested, suspects were brought to the Harlan Civic Center for processing before being taken to the Harlan County Detention Center.
Friday’s enforcement effort marked the ninth time a UNITE roundup has included drug-dealers from Harlan County.
UNITE created its law enforcement division in February 2004. Two months later, on April 6, police officers from state and local agencies joined with UNITE detectives to arrest 210 individuals in eight Kentucky River counties – the largest drug roundup conducted in Kentucky history.
To date UNITE has arrested more than 2,000 individuals on drug-related charges.
On July 14, 2006, the Harlan County community of Verda was selected for UNITE’s first "Operation Hot Spot" enforcement effort.
Unlike other drug round-ups, this initiative seeks first to reclaim drug-invested neighborhoods by eliminating the dealers, then follows up on the high-profile effort by giving residents resources on UNITE’s other two equally important components – education and treatment – to keep their neighborhoods drug-free.
UNITE returned for another Hot Spot effort on March 2, 2007, in the Tri-Cities area (Benham-Lynch-Cumberland).
As of noon Friday, law enforcement officials had arrested 28 individuals. They are:
• Bill Baldwin, age 52, Creek Street, Cumberland, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Wynston Bynum, age 28, Cawood Street, Harlan, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Dana M. Caldwell, age 26, Lee Drive, Cawood, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Judy Cawood, age 42, Marsh Street, Harlan, trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Jacqueline Lacy Clem, age 23, Highway 421-South, Cawood, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Michael L. Deal, age 42, Clutts Road, Cumberland, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Michael Earls, age 23, Mose Howard Hollow, Cawood, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Carol Grubbs, age 51, Cawood, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Tice Henry Grubbs, age 32, Cranks, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Brian Harris, age 20, Mountain View Avenue, Harlan, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Ronald Hensley, age 40, Turner Hill, Harlan, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Ronnie Hodge, age 53, Henson Street, Cumberland, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Harold Jones, age 63, Church Street, Lynch, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Bonnie Lewis, age 43, Day Hollow Road, Bledsoe, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Angelique Napier, age 36, Kris Kyle Road, Bledsoe, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Michael Shepherd, age 39, West Main Street, Lynch, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Mark Shoemaker, age 42, Treemont, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Gill Smith Sr., age 66, Maypother Drive, Loyall, trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• James Derek Stephenson, age 18, East Clover Street, Harlan, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Linda Stevens, age 36, Cawood, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Robert Stevens, age 39, Shuler Street, Smith, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Charles Trotter, age 55, Church Street, Benham, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Brittany Turner, age 19, Stacy Hill Road, Cumberland, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Esther White, age 48, West Johnson Street, Cumberland, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Melissa Williams, age 47, Benham, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Deanna "Dee" Woodsby, age 37, South Main Street, Harlan, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Angela Wyatt, age 24, Wood Street, Cumberland, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree persistent felony offender.
• Sheila York, age 30, Third Street, Grays Knob, Harlan, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

Big Sandy Community and Technical College is honored to announce the President's List for Fall 2007

President’s List Criteria for a KCTCS Full-time Student
An enrollee must complete 12 KCTCS semester credits or more for a semester.

Full-time students earning at least a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) and successfully completing 12 hours
or more of course work numbered 100 or above (excluding MA 108) for the academic term shall be
included in the Full-time Student President’s List.

The Big Sandy Community and Technical College’s Seventh Annual Honors Program will take place on
Friday, April 11, 2008, at 6 p.m. located in the auditorium in Building C at the Mayo Campus in Paintsville, KY. The college will be mailing the certificates after April 11th for those who don’t plan to attend.

Fall 2007 President's List:

Carter County: Mary A. Johnson

Fayette County: Charles Franklin McCown

Floyd County: Amanda Renee Branham, Jobe Calhoun, Christopher D. Case, Terry Wayne Cesco, Bill C. Collins, rittany N. Crisp, Michael R. Crum, Crystal Gail Davis, Kimberly L. Garrett, Kevin Todd Goodman, Zach F. Hackworth, Amanda Grace Hamilton, Shalonna Lynn Hamilton, Barbara Alesha Harlow, Amanda LaShae Hicks, Gara Jill Hunter, Stefanie Hunter, Brittany Ann Johnson, Adam G. Justice, Danny Keathley, Joshua Brax Kidd, Nicholas Ross Lafferty, Cortney Brooke Lewis, Jeffrey Justin Martin, Dorian H. Moe, Shane O. Music, Margaret R. Pinson,Franklin James Price,Judy Loretta Rice, Brandon Spencer Scott, Brandon K. Senters, Jayme Daniel Staggs, Rebecca A. Volk, Jennifer C. Webb, Benjamin Eric Westfall

Johnson County: Bobby Brent Bevins, Billy Joe Blanton, Raymond Boswell, Jerry D. Burchett, Jill Carolyn Conrotto, Whitney Jacklyn Dyer, Bonnie Marie Fitch, Heather Leigh Hall, Melinda N. Hayton, Rebecca Karen Helton, Jessica Marie Kitchen, Stacey J. Kretzer, Jeanene W. Lash, Larena Moore, Curtis L. Music, Kristinia Renee Piercey, Nathan D. Preston, Deborah Jean Ramey, Chastity Dawn Reffett, Alyse R. Summers, Charles Zachary Taylor, Felipe D. Valdez, Brandon L. Wallen, Rebecca Kay Whitaker, Justin D. Zometa

Knott County: Elisha Hall, Artisha L. Music

Letcher County: Jordan Adam Rose

Madison County: Donald Paul VanWinkle

Magoffin County: Markquettia Allen, Victoria Marie Collinsworth, Billy Joe Fitzpatrick, Leah Holliday, Channa B. Howard, Kristi Denise Johnson, Jodi L. Marshall, Angela Lois McGuire, Marilyn Jane Montgomery, Ashley L. Plummer, Crystal Gail Roark, Crystal Gail Rowe, Ashley N. Salyer, Manis D. Shepherd, Twilla L. Sparks, Deanna Marie Ward, Lisa Ann Wilson, Kristy Lee Wireman, Morris Daniel Wireman,

Martin County: Clyde Jason Hammond, Wesley Arvil Horn, Jonathan M. Jackson, James T. Maynard, Terrance C. Maynard, Evan Mitchell Norris, Kari D. Pate, Florence Candace N. Preece, Joshua C. Schmidt, Tyrel M. Stanley

Pike County: Chelsae Lynne Adams, Alexis Lea'Ann Adkins, Kori Michelle Belcher, Bradly Blankenship, Robert Keith Boggs, Joshua Dwight Bostic, James Cory Coleman, Travis W. Coleman, Glenda Jonelle Compton, Richard Tylor Estep, John Alton Fleming, Darryl A. Gibson, Brian Patrick Goff, Sandra Jean Guzman, Gregory Jason Hamilton, Ricky Hamilton, Helen Christine Harmon, Justin David Harris, Michael Vincent Henderson, Christopher Olen Hinkle, Santana Lyree Hughes, Gary M. Hunter, Cliffton Ray Jones, Angela Rene Justice, Ronnie Gene Justice, Brittany Lynn Keathley, Adrienne Nicole Kendrick, Joshua Lee Little, Nicki LeAnn May, Michelle Renee' Maynard, Jaclyn R. Moore, Amanda Jean Mullins, Stefanie Dawn Newcomb, Katie Marie Roberts, Jordan Allen Rowe, Tabitha Lynn Slone, Christy L. Smith, Mark Phillip Smith, Sharon S. Sowards, Brian Waldon Stiltner, Andrea Whitney Taylor, Linda Lou Taylor, Jeremy Edward Thacker, Trista L. Thacker, Jonathan Alan Vanover, Nella Dawn Wallace

Scott County: Elizabeth A. Sanchez, Earl Edward Sayne

FRANKFORT - State Senator Johnny Ray Turner, D-Drift, filed a bill Thursday to establish a scholarship program for the families of fallen Kentucky coal miners.
Senate Bill 166 would create a scholarship program for the fallen coal miner's surviving spouse and for any children younger than 27. The maximum scholarship amount for each surviving family member would be $50,000 for undergraduate studies and an additional $50,000 for graduate level studies.
"Many of our mining families are struggling financially," said Senator Turner, who serves on such committees as Appropriations and Revenue. "These men and women risk their lives every day going into the coal mines and they should know that, in the event of a tragedy, their families are being cared for financially. They put themselves in danger to mine the coal that we are so dependent on and we need to at least assure them that we will be there for their families."
If the bill is signed into law, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) will operate the scholarship program. The Secretary of Finance and Administration Cabinet will receive requests for funds, which will be allocated through the education savings plan from the general fund.
The Department of Natural Resources will maintain a database on each coal miner, which includes family members and contact information. When a coal miner dies because of a mining accident, the commissioner will notify the KHEAA of the death within 60 days. The KHEAA will then contact the survivors, making them aware of the scholarship program and directions on accessing funds.
Senate Bill 166 will be considered during the 2008 General Assembly.
Turner has served in the State Senate since 2001. He represents the 29th District, which includes Breathitt, Floyd, Knott and Letcher counties.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. – Twenty-one officers, 19 men and two women, will soon graduate from the Pike County Deputy Sheriff’s Informational Workshop, a year-long training program developed by Pikeville College to assist Class I and II deputies who volunteer their time to serve the sheriff’s department.
A graduation and pinning ceremony will be held for officers on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. in Booth Auditorium, located in Record Memorial Building on the Pikeville College campus.
Training began last March when deputies embarked on an intensive year of study, both in the classroom and in the field, learning about criminal law and procedure, arrest procedures, search and seizure, the penal code, crime scene investigation and crime scene maintenance for first responders, firearms policies and safety, traffic law and accident investigation, DUI and testing, controlled substances, booking and case management, and preparation for courtroom testimony. Officers also focused on fitness and wellness, and professionalism and ethics.“I feel the program that Pikeville College is offering to the Pike County Sheriff’s Department is of great help,” said Sheriff Charles “Fuzzy” Keesee. “To be able to get training of this caliber from our local law enforcement and educational professionals so our

The Pike County Animal Shelter will be closed for maintenance beginning Monday, Feb. 18. The shelter will remain closed until Feb. 25, the following Monday.

Rose Deskins, Pike County Director of Animal Services, said she regrets the inconvenience, and urges citizens to be aware that emergency services will still be available.

“We regret any inconvenience this may cause the public,” Deskins said. “If we can get the maintenance finished earlier, then we’ll open back up earlier.”

The shelter will undergo a variety of maintenance and refurbishing, Deskins said, adding that services will be even more efficient and improved after the work is completed.

Emergency services will be available by contacting the shelter at the following number: (606) 432-6294.

Hundreds of protesters from across Kentucky stood outside the Capitol Thursday, singing songs and making speeches in an effort to get lawmakers to pass legislation that would significantly slow mountaintop mining.

They say similar legislation has been proposed in the General Assembly prior, but has never gained any traction.

Governor Steve Beshear is pushing a constitutional amendment to allow twelve casinos in the Commonwealth. The supporting legislation sets a 51% tax rate on gambling revenue, which the governor says would create nearly $600-million in annual revenue for Kentucky after five years.

It also calls for $500-million in licensing fees from seven casinos run by horse tracks. Keeneland and The Red Mile in Lexington would share a license.

The tracks would pay license fees ranging from $50-million to $100-million. Horse tracks that could apply include...Keeneland, The Red Mile, Churchill Downs, Turfway Park, Kentucky Downs, Ellis Park, Bluegrass Downs and Thunder Ridge. Five "free-standing" casinos would require approval by voters.

Dr. Ernie Fletcher, former Governor of Kentucky, has teamed up with Pikeville Medical Center to enhance the hospital’s highly recognized Wellness Program, promote healthier lifestyles and advance the medical care for Kentucky’s citizens.
As a physician, the health of the people of Kentucky has always been of great importance to Dr. Fletcher. While in office, the Governor’s Office of Wellness and Physical Activity took a more prominent role and eventually created the Get Healthy Kentucky program. Impressed with the efforts of Pikeville Medical Center’s own wellness program, Dr. Fletcher visited the hospital on multiple occasions to see for himself how one organization could inspire employees to overcome the negative effects of smoking, weight gain, cholesterol and many other unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Pikeville Medical Center offers employees one of the most comprehensive benefit plans of any employer in Kentucky and has twice been recognized as one of the best places to work in the state of Kentucky. The Wellness Program provides an added bonus of a financial incentive for reaching specific health goals. Employees who participate undergo a health assessment and are challenged to alter their lifestyle choices to improve their health, reduce the need for medical attention and inspire their loved ones to become healthier. Pikeville Medical Center provides participants with the tools and encouragement they need to achieve success, such as smoking cessation medications and enrollment in weight loss programs. Pikeville Medical Center believes it will reduce employee’s health insurance costs by between $750,000.00 and $1,000,000.00 annually as a direct result of this program.
The inaugural event attracted 554 participants. Six months later, 338 received checks for achieving their goals. Currently, 841 employees are challenging themselves to become healthier. In such a short time, hundreds of employees have benefitted financially, but more importantly are healthier today because of the concern of Pikeville Medical Center for their wellbeing.
More than 200 employees reduced their body mass index (lost significant weight), 45 reduced their cholesterol to normal levels, 59 others lost weight, reduced their cholesterol to normal and quit smoking, and another 29 kicked the habit and are now smoke free. The hospital rewarded each of these employees with a $500 bonus for achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
As a leader in health care, Pikeville Medical Center was the first hospital in eastern Kentucky to go completely smoke free campus-wide on January 1, 2008. Joining the Get Healthy Kentucky initiative to reduce tobacco addiction, Pikeville Medical Center provides admitted patients with nicotine replacement therapy while hospitalized and continued support through smoking cessation classes once released. The hospital’s smoke free environment also decreases the effects of secondary smoke on visitors and employees. Pikeville Medical Center strives to be the medical leader in preventive medicine and in promoting healthier lifestyles. We hope our efforts influence other hospitals and employers to proactively focus on employee health.
Attracted by Pikeville Medical Center’s strong commitment to the health of the people of Kentucky, particularly our neighbors in eastern Kentucky, Dr. Fletcher has agreed to share his expertise as a medical professional as we move to the next level.
In addition, Dr. Fletcher is assisting with the review of Pikeville Medical Center’s residency program. As a training hospital, Pikeville Medical Center plays a key role in attracting physicians to eastern Kentucky and provides cost effective health care and treatment through our Family Practice Clinic. A family practice physician himself, Dr. Fletcher brings a unique perspective that will allow Pikeville Medical Center to enhance patient care and physician growth.
As governor, Dr. Fletcher had the opportunity to visit many hospitals and medical providers across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We are especially pleased that he recognized Pikeville Medical Center’s high quality medical care and its commitment to the health of the people of our region. The collaboration between Dr. Fletcher and Pikeville Medical Center will undoubtedly benefit the many people who turn to Pikeville Medical Center for their health care needs.

The cost continues to rise to house inmates in Kentucky’s jails.

Governor Steve Beshear says that he won’t propose legislation to lawmakers to ease the burden on county governments.

Pike County Judge – Executive Wayne T. Rutherford says that it isn’t fair that counties must financially maintain the state jails. Rutherford says that the jails were taken over by the state in 1978. However county governments must foot the bill.

The Pike County Fiscal Court budgets $3.7 million to properly maintain the Pike County Detention Center. Rutherford says that money could go into other projects such as water and sewer.

Rutherford hopes that the commonwealth can find a way to help ease the financial burden.

Wheeling – Pitt Steel has filed a motion with the West Virginia State Supreme Court. It is a request to remove Justice Brent Benjamin from a $ 240 million suit that Massey Energy is appealing.

The steel company states that the Massey CEO funneled in millions of dollars into Benjamin’s campaign in 2004.

Wheeling – Pitt won a $v240 million judgment against the coal company citing a breach of contract.

A man who allegedly robbed Dawahare’s Department Store in South Williamson, KY was apprehended Thursday afternoon by Mingo County Sheriff Deputies.

Charles Edward Canterbury of Pecks Mill, WV was taken into custody as he appeared in Mingo County Magistrate Court on an unrelated matter.

The Logan County man is being held without bond in the Southwestern Regional Jail at Holden.


The defendant will appear in Mingo County Circuit Court before Judge Mike Thornsbury.

Logan County resident Brian Dotson has entered a guilty plea to the charge of murder for the July 2006 death of Terry Stover.

Dotson admitted to beating Stover to death with a baseball bat .

Logan County Prosecutor Brian Abraham says that he will recommend a life sentence with mercy for Dotson.

Terry Wayne Houchens, 38, admitted to diverting nearly $1,500 from bingo games held for the Louisville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3636.



The investigation was conducted by The Office of Charitable Gaming. Houchens has made restitution to Post 3636.

Gover Steve Beshear met yesterday (Wednesday) with House Democrats to lay out his constitutional amendment that would allow casino gambling.

The amendment would permit five to six general areas where casino tax money could be spent, including education and health care.

The measure also explains where casinos would be located and how many there would be. The legislation and proposed constitutional amendment will be filed in the General Assembly Thursday.

A former bookkeeper who embezzled more than $ 448,000 from a physician’s group faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion.

Dianne Richmond of Fort Gay converted the money into her own account. The 54 year-old failed to file a tax return in 2003.

The Wayne County resident used the money to purchase a beach house.

Matewan Mayor Sheila Kessler announced to council members that the town will be home to a new senior citizens center/head start facilty.

The building will be constructed behind city hall on a tract of land next to the floodwall near the Rotary Pavillion.

The facility will be constructed by Triad Engineering of Charleston.

Coalfield Community Action Partnership is partially funding the project.

Due to several students missing classes this week due to illness officials from the Pike County School System have been forced to call off classes for the remainder of the week.

Bill Dotson, Director of Student Personnel told us that daily attendance across the district is down by seven percent..

School districts in Kentucky receive funding based on daily attendance.

No one was injured Wednesday in a two vehicle accident that occurred on Logan Boulevard. No citations were issued. The accident was responded to by the West Virginia State Police.

The following people were recently indicted by a Pike County Grand Jury .

An indictment is only an accusation.

Jimmy D. Ray, 24, of Dorton: charged with first-degree robbery ( Class B felony). Ray is accused of robbing the Virgie IGA at gunpoint.
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Robert C. Mullins, 22, Elkhorn City: possession of controlled substance 1st degree, ( Class D felony). Accused of having possession of oxycontin..

Also Mullins is charged with prescription drug not in proper container, ( Class B Misdemeanor).
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Seth T. Scott, 25, Pikeville: theft by unlawful taking, ( Class D felony). Persistent felony offender ( Class C felony).

Scott has three previous convictions that include robbery and burglary.
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Jennifer N.Cantrill, 23, Deane and Teresa L. Shell, 22, of Deane are both charged with theft by unlawful taking ( Class D felony ). Both are accused of shoplifting more than $300 from Walmart.
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Travis C. McKinney, 24, Grethel : Possession of controlled substance ( Class D felony ). Oxycontin
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Michael L. Prater, 19, Shelbiana: Criminal possession of forged prescription ( Class D felony ).
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Joshua F. Chaney, 21, Belcher : Fleeing or Evading Police, first degree ( Class D Felony) Wanton Endangerment , first degree ( Class D felony)
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Johnny S. Brown, 36, Raccoon : possession of controlled substance, 1st degree ( Class D felony) oxycodone.

Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants. Third offense ( Misdemeanor.
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Christy Mullins, 27, Pikeville and James Michael Collins , 32, Pikeville: Fraudulent use of credit card. ( Class D Felony)
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Billy Dwayne Reed, 31, Varney : Murder ( Capital Offense). Accused of causing the death of Ronnie Church.
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Jeremy D. Kiser, 27, Elkhorn City ansd Brenda J. Hill, 36, Shelbiana: Theft by unlawful taking. ( Class D felony).

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William G. Young , 41, Hatfield : Possession of controlled substance ( hydrocodone), second degree, ( Class A misdemeanor).

Possession of controlled substance,( xanac), third degree, ( Class A misdemeanor).

Posession of drug paraphernalia, ( Class A misdemeanor).

Promoting Contraband, ( smuggling controlled substances into a detention center), Class
D felony.
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Randy Webb, 38, Huddy ; Criminal possession of forged instrument , first degree ( Class C felony).
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Randall G. Brown, 59, Virgie: Theft by unlawful taking. ( Class D felony).
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Ballard W. Adkins, 60, Shelbiana: Trafficking in controlled substance, first degree ( Class C felony).
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Marlene Hall, 52, Pikeville : Trafficking in a controlled substance, second degree ( Class D felony).
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Stephanie L. Coleman , 22, Elkhorn City: Theft of motor vehicle registration plate or decal ( Class D Felony)

Wanton Endangerment , first degree ( Class D Felony).

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Jason A Reynolds, 21, Grethel and Jeremy R. Howell, 21 of Grethel: Theft by unlawful taking, ( Class A Misdemeanor).
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Bobby Damron, 42, Raccoon: Theft by unlawful taking, ( Class D felony).
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Frank Beavers 25, Shelbiana and April Stanley, 27, Big Rock, VA : Trafficking in controlled substance, first degree, ( Class C Felony).
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Rodney Tackett, 28, Chatsworh, GA and Brad Kanes, 29 of Dorton :

Operating a motor vehicle while under the influemce of intoxicants, ( Misdemeanor).

Trafficking in marijuana, ( Class D felony).

Trafficking in controlled substance( marijuana), second degree, ( Class D felony).

Prescription drug not in proper container, ( Class B Misdemeanor).
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Wanda M . Wombles, 34, Millersburg and Weston Howard Flannery, 37, Lexington:

Fraudulant use of credit card, ( Class D felony).

Theft by unlawful taking , ( Class A misdemeanor).
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James Chaney, 63, Lexington and Carl Lockhart, 50 of Lexington:

Both men are accused of robbing the Virgie Branch of U.S. Bank.

Robbery, First degree, ( Class B felony).

Persistent felony offender, first degree, ( Class A felony).

Persistent felony offender, second degree, ( Class A felony)

Possession of handgun by convicted felon, ( Class C Felony).

Both men have pleaded not guilty.

The driver of a coal truck escaped injury Wednesday morning after his coal truck caught on fire.

The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Highway 80 in Perry County, near the Knott County line.

The highway was closed for about an hour.

A preliminary hearing has been set for a Mingo County man. Darrell Maynard of Dingess has been charged with unlawful malicious wounding.

Maynard is accused of beating Randall Gibson. The victim is currently hospitalized at a Logan Hospital.

Maynard is out of jail on a $ 1,000 bond.

David Shepherd, a Floyd County animal control officer , has been placed on unpaid leave after being arrested for allegedly driving his county vehicle on the job while intoxicated.

Prestonsburg police say Shepherd failed all sobriety tests , and inside the vehicle they found pills and a gun without a permit. Police also say Shepherd was driving on an expired license. He was immediately arrested.

The Pike County Grand Jury has indicted Billy Reed for the murder of 43 year-old Ronnie Church who died last month .

Police say they charged Reed, who failed all field sobriety tests and told them he’d been to a methadone clinic that same day.

Reed is charged with murder.

The defendant was driving 60mph when he allegedly hit Ronnie Church’s motorcycle at a red light on U.S. 119.

As the saying goes, "there's always a first for everything". Several people say this is the first time they've heard of a counterfeit one dollar bill.

An employee of the Natural Bridge Shell station in Slade says she found the bill while counting her drawer Tuesday morning.

Community Trust Bank Marketing president Janice King, says in her thirty years in banking, this is the first counterfeit one dollar bill she has seen.

The Democrat side of the U.S. Kentucky Senate race has been reduced by one.

Louisville attorney Andrew Horne called it quits in his bid to unseat Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell.

The former marine did not give a reason for ceasing his campaign

Three families were evacuated from there homes in the Delbarton area Tuesday as water poured out of an abandoned mine .

Authorities told us that a gas drilling company drilled into a seam that was full of water.

Approximately 4,000 gallons of water per minute was running through yards and onto a segment of nearby Route 65.

No one was injured.

The mine has been inactive since the early 1990’s.

A Kanawha County State Senator has introduced a bill that would require restaurants to post calorie information for their products on menus or drive-thru signboards.


Dan Foster says that West Virginia has one of the highest obesity rates in the nation and that as a physician he witnesses on a daily basis about how unhealthy eating practices takes a toll on a person’s health.

A similar proposal was shot down in New York

Leslie Spence the driver of a tractor trailer that slammed into three vehicles and killed Paintsville paramedic Christa Burchett, Erica Brown and her unborn baby entered a not guilty plea in Johnson County District Court.

Although the Martin County resident was not arrested, he has been charged with two counts of violating federal safety regulations and one count of driving too fast during inclement weather.

The accident happened last month during an ice storm near the Johnson – Magoffin County line.

West Virginia's gasoline prices continue to top $3.00/gallon. There appears to be little relief in sight to a reduction from that level.

The AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report says a gallon of regular gasoline is now averaging $3.06 in the Mountain State. That's eleven cents higher than the national average.

West Virginia ranks eighth highest in the nation. One year ago the same gallon cost $2.25 in the state.

Months of investigation led to several people being arrested early Monday by Barbourville Police in Knox County.

They say they found pills, pot, meth and tools and ingredients used in the manufacture of meth.

Police also say the meth problem has become so bad people are sending kids out to buy ingredients used in making it. In exchange, the kids get a quick "hit" of the drug.

Eleven people were arrested and charged as drug dealers.

Leslie Spense, the driver of the coal truck owned by M&R Trucking, that killed Johnson County EMS Director Christa Burchett and Erica Brown on January 22 entered a not guilty plea in a Johnson County court.

Burchett's teenage daughter, acting through her father, filed a lawsuit asking for $10-million dollars in punitive damages. A pre-trial hearing is set for February 27.

Residents that live within Kentucky’s 95th House District finally have representation in Frankfort.

Former Attorney General and Prestonsburg resident Greg Stumbo was sworn into office Monday . The ceremony was held on the floor of the Kentucky House of Representatives.

Stumbo was elected last week to fill the unexpired term of Brandon Spencer.

Prior to becoming AG, Stumbo served as the representative of the 95th District since 1979.

The district encompasses most of Floyd County.

Prosecutors from across the Commonwealth met on Thursday to discuss the lack of sufficient funding for prosecutors in the current state budget bill. At a meeting of the Prosecutors Advisory Council held in Frankfort, approximately 40 elected County and Commonwealth’s Attorneys met to discuss possible prosecutor layoffs that may be necessary unless additional money is added to their budget by the General Assembly.
During the meeting, the Prosecutors Advisory Council reviewed the current budget situation and determined that current staffing levels cannot be maintained without additional funding.
“At this point, our situation is critical, and we may be looking at staff layoffs in all of the 57 judicial circuits,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Chris Cohron, President of the Commonwealth’s Attorneys Association. “The Unified Prosecutorial System budget is personnel driven. We do not have state cars or other expenses that can be cut when we are not funded sufficiently. Therefore, when our budget is cut, it almost certainly involves laying off prosecutors which may affect public safety.”
County Attorneys who attended the meeting also expressed concern about having sufficient staff to handle their prosecutorial duties. “Our budget is over 98% personnel so any cuts for us necessarily may involve the layoff of assistant County Attorneys all across the state. We must be sufficiently funded in order to properly handle our DUI caseload, elder abuse prosecutions and child sex abuse cases,” said Mike Foster, the Christian County Attorney and Legislative Chair for the County Attorneys Association.”
The County and Commonwealth’s Attorneys plan to relay these concerns to members of the legislature on February 13th at the next meeting of the House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government.

West Virginia Senate Majority Leader, Truman Chafin ( D) – Williamson announced that several senators are attempting to push through a piece of legislation that would add circuit court judges to circuits with busy caseloads.

An independent study says that Wayne County has the busiest caseloads while Mercer is third.

Preliminary statistics* indicate that twelve people died in twelve separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways from Monday, Feb. 4 through Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008.

Eleven of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and four of those victims were not wearing seat belts. The seat belt status of one victim is not known. Two of the fatalities resulted from crashes involving alcohol. One of the fatalities involved a motorcycle and occurred in Russell County.

Single fatality crashes occurred in Boone, Christian, Clark, Clinton, Green, Hickman, Henry, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Pulaski and Russell counties.

Through Feb. 10, preliminary statistics* indicate that 72 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is five less than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 61 motor vehicle fatalities, 44 victims were not wearing seat belts. There have been 4 motorcycle fatalities and two of those were not wearing helmets. A total of 17 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. Seven fatalities have been pedestrians.

Frankfort, KY: Rep. Leslie Combs,(D- Pikeville) and Rep. Keith Hall, (D-Phelps), today announced that Pike County will receive a grant from Kentucky's Division of Waste Management in the amount of $24,788 to clean up illegal dump sites in Pike County.

"Our rural communities in Pike County suffer so much from the practice of illegal dumping," said Rep. Combs. "This infusion of money into the dump cleanup program will allow us to clean up even more unsightly areas and continue education efforts that we hope will one day wipe out this terrible stain on our environment."

Total state funding for illegal dumps across the state comes from a $1.75 environmental remediation fee for each ton of garbage disposed of at Kentucky municipal solid waste disposal facilities. This fee was authorized by the 2002 General Assembly under House Bill 174.
"While we've made great progress in cleaning up Pike County's illegal dumps, we still have a long way to go," said Rep. Hall. "Teaching personal responsibility on the front end of this problem takes as much time as the cleanup process, but I believe we are heading in the right direction. "

No one was injured this morning when a tanker truck carrying ammonium nitrate overturned in a ditch. The accident occurred on Route 194 at Barrenshea.

Pike County 911 Director Doug Tackett said 1,000 pounds of the substance spilled onto the highway. Ammonium nitrate is fertilizer.


Tackett added that the public was in no danger

Nine former employees of the Community Presence group home in Carter County have been charged with abuse or neglect of an adult by a caretaker.

The probe began when a resedent died on October 14, 2007 at the home. Matthew Bartles, 22, is charged with manslaughter and tampering with evidence in the death of 25-year old Michael Price who suffered from cerebral palsy.

Robert Thompson, Regina Stevens, Nicholas Adams, Earl Pelfrey, Glada Miller, Michael Yates, Todd Gribbin, Carl King and Ira Griffith also face felony charges of abuse and neglect.

Kentucky GOP Chairman Steve Roabertson says they will send a letter requesting the FBI to investigate any and all deals that may have been made between William Yung and Governor Steve Beshear concerning Expanded gambling.

Robertson believes there was a private meeting between Yung and the gaming commission prior to Yung's purchase of property in Covington.

Dick Brown, administration spokesman, says the allegations are baseless and ridiculous.

Senator Ray Jones of Pikeville has filed a resolution requiring emergency plans be in place to warn people downstream if there is a break in any of nearly 400 dams across the state of Kentucky.

The dams presently have little or no system in place for warnings. Officials say out of more than 1000 state inspected dams in the Commonwealth, 395 are high to moderate hazard dams.

It seems Carl Edward Lockhart, who was arrested by Pikeville Police last Thursday for the robbery of the Virgie Branch of US Bank, had committed the same crime in the past.

Lockhart had been convicted of robbing a bank in Ferrell's Creek in September, 1987, when he took more than $300,000. He was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison, and, according to prison records, was released in July.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has announced that he won’t submit any proposals to lawmakers that would ease the burden of jail cost to county jails. However the governor does plan to unveil a legislation that would allow gambling in Kentucky.

The governor says that by allowing casino gambling in Kentucky it would generate hundreds of millions annually in the commonwealth’s economy.

Lawmakers have been lukewarm to the idea.

House Democrats are writing a plan that would provide more funding for counties to operate there jails.

M any county jails in Kentucky have become overcrowded in which is causing many local governments to exaust there budget designated for there jails.

A Martin County man was found guilty in the shooting death of Jeffrey Mattox and Billy Proctor and the shooting and kidnapping of Geraldine Litton.

Billy Sartin will serve seventy years behind bars.

The defendant admitted to shooting the three victims, but Sartin says he went on the shooting spree because of his paranoid schizophrenia

Two men pleaded guilty Friday in Mingo County Circuit Court.

Kevin R. Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit forgery.

Anthony Woods pleaded on two counts of possession with intent to deliver cocaine.

Both men will be sentenced by Judge Mike Thornsbury on March 3rd.

A Mingo County man will spend the next one to five years in prison.

Johnny Ray Brewer pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to commit grand larceny.

Brewer was sentenced by Mingo County Circuit Court Judge Mike Thornsbury.

The West Virginia State Police announced Friday that they have charged a McDowell County woman with child neglect resulting in death.

Authorities out of Welch believe that 39 year – old Ellen Lewis is to blame for the death of a 17 year-old after several teenagers were playing with a loaded gun at her home. The alleged incident happened last week.

Bond has been set at $ 10,000.

Revenue for the West Virginia Turnpike is down.

Turnpike General Manager Greg Barr says that tolls were down six percent in December an four percent last month.

Barr added that truck traffic has declined two percent over the last seven months.

Barr thinks that higher gases at the pump and a slow economy are contributing to less traffic.

A bill that would eliminate awarding millions of dollars in damages in lawsuits passed the West Virginia House and now will go before the Senate.

The bill would only include specific damage amounts in personal injury or wrongful death cases filed after July 1st.

House Judiciary Chairwoman Carrie Webster says that recent lawsuits filed have demanded outrageous dollar amounts for alleged allergic reaction to a cheeseburger.

Lawmakers in Charleston are halfway home in wrapping up the regular 60 day session of the legislature.


Lawmakers received the 23rd proposal from Governor Joe Manchin. The latest bill would increase teacher and school worker pay by nearly $ 60 million.

47 bills have gone before both the house and senate.

House Minority Leader Tim Armstead says that his colleagues still have time to cut taxes by eliminating the business franchise tax.