EKB News

Lester Collins of Hazard has been indicted by the Perry County Grand Jury. Officials say in October, 2006, he intentionally shot his wife Rebeca in the head, seriously injuring her.

He is charged with first degree assault, and his bail has been set at $100,000. He'l be back in court on May 29th.

The Kentucky Supreme Court has said it wants to hear three issues related to the case of Ralph Baze, who was convicted for the shooting death of Powell County sheriff Steve Bennett and Deputy Arthur Briscoe in 1992. Baze does not deny the crime.

Thomas Clyde Cowling has a pending federal case contesting how entucky determines whether someone is mentally retarded and ineligible for execution. He killed Tina and Eddie Earley outside their dry cleaning business in Lexington in April, 1990.

Attorneys say the executions of Baze and Bowling could be postponed for several months.

In order to participate in the May 20th primary election, Kentuckians who aren't registered must sign up with their county clerk's office by the close of the business day, Monday, April 21.

Voter registration forms can be mailed to the county clerk's office, as long as they are postmarked by April 21st.

VERSAILLES, Ky. (April 17, 2008) – The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Board of Regents voted today to recommend to the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) an increase in the in-state tuition rate for the 2008-09 academic year to $130 per credit hour (including fees) from the current rate of $115.

In January 2008, the KCTCS Board of Regents recommended to CPE a $4 increase in the in-state tuition rate from $115 to $119 per credit hour effective for the 2008 summer term. The council has yet to take any action on this appeal. CPE’s 2007-08 tuition policy allowed for KCTCS to increase tuition by $10 per credit hour, but during the December 2006 KCTCS Board of Regents meeting the decision was made to keep tuition as low as possible by recommending only a $6 increase.

“Our number one priority is to provide Kentuckians with an affordable and accessible postsecondary education,” stated KCTCS Board of Regents Chair Richard A. Bean. “Unfortunately, given the state’s current revenue downturn and the reduction in our state appropriation of $13.5 million annually, we are forced to consider both cost reduction and revenue generating measures in order to continue to provide our students and the state’s businesses and industries with the programs and services they need to remain competitive in today’s global economy.”

The board also recommended to CPE a $156 per credit hour tuition rate for out-of-state students from contiguous counties and a $390 per credit hour rate for all other out-of-state students.

“Even with this increase, KCTCS tuition remains significantly lower than tuition at all Kentucky public universities and continues to be one of the best values in higher education today,” said Bean.

Seventy-seven percent of KCTCS students currently receive financial aid. Recent increases to the federal Pell Grant award program will help to offset the impact of the tuition increase. In addition, local scholarships will be made available at each college to assist with the cost of tuition and other college-related expenses.

The board also approved 2008-09 faculty and staff compensation that provides:
· Nonrecurring merit bonuses, ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 for regular full-time faculty and staff who meet certain requirements during the 2008-09 academic year;
· Fixed cost increases in current employee benefit programs;
· Faculty promotions; and
· No recurring annual salary increase for full-time regular KCTCS faculty and staff in 2008-09.

“This action supports our goal of rewarding performance by providing a merit bonus for high performing faculty and staff members, and promotions for faculty,” said Bean. “It also supports our continued commitment to provide employees with a competitive benefits program.”

KCTCS has implemented several cost cutting measures since the governor announced a three percent reduction in this year’s state allocation to postsecondary education institutions. These cuts include the elimination of employee positions, reduction of part-time employees (including adjunct faculty), reduction in equipment replacement and facility maintenance funds, and reduction in program operating budgets.

Except for the small portion of tuition revenue that will be used to fund operating costs, the additional revenue generated will be used to fund programs that directly benefit students as outlined in the KCTCS Plan for a Competitive Commonwealth.

“It is critical that even during difficult economic times we remain committed to our role as Kentucky’s economic engine,” stressed Bean. “In order to move this state forward we must focus on providing training for high growth, high wage jobs; increasing the number of KCTCS student transfers to four-year institutions; and providing additional remedial and developmental education services to our students.”

The next regular KCTCS Board of Regents meeting will be held on June 13, 2008 at Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.

VERSAILLES, Ky. (April 17, 2008) – The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Board of Regents voted today to recommend to the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) an increase in the in-state tuition rate for the 2008-09 academic year to $130 per credit hour (including fees) from the current rate of $115.

In January 2008, the KCTCS Board of Regents recommended to CPE a $4 increase in the in-state tuition rate from $115 to $119 per credit hour effective for the 2008 summer term. The council has yet to take any action on this appeal. CPE’s 2007-08 tuition policy allowed for KCTCS to increase tuition by $10 per credit hour, but during the December 2006 KCTCS Board of Regents meeting the decision was made to keep tuition as low as possible by recommending only a $6 increase.

“Our number one priority is to provide Kentuckians with an affordable and accessible postsecondary education,” stated KCTCS Board of Regents Chair Richard A. Bean. “Unfortunately, given the state’s current revenue downturn and the reduction in our state appropriation of $13.5 million annually, we are forced to consider both cost reduction and revenue generating measures in order to continue to provide our students and the state’s businesses and industries with the programs and services they need to remain competitive in today’s global economy.”

The board also recommended to CPE a $156 per credit hour tuition rate for out-of-state students from contiguous counties and a $390 per credit hour rate for all other out-of-state students.

“Even with this increase, KCTCS tuition remains significantly lower than tuition at all Kentucky public universities and continues to be one of the best values in higher education today,” said Bean.

Seventy-seven percent of KCTCS students currently receive financial aid. Recent increases to the federal Pell Grant award program will help to offset the impact of the tuition increase. In addition, local scholarships will be made available at each college to assist with the cost of tuition and other college-related expenses.

The board also approved 2008-09 faculty and staff compensation that provides:
· Nonrecurring merit bonuses, ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 for regular full-time faculty and staff who meet certain requirements during the 2008-09 academic year;
· Fixed cost increases in current employee benefit programs;
· Faculty promotions; and
· No recurring annual salary increase for full-time regular KCTCS faculty and staff in 2008-09.

“This action supports our goal of rewarding performance by providing a merit bonus for high performing faculty and staff members, and promotions for faculty,” said Bean. “It also supports our continued commitment to provide employees with a competitive benefits program.”

KCTCS has implemented several cost cutting measures since the governor announced a three percent reduction in this year’s state allocation to postsecondary education institutions. These cuts include the elimination of employee positions, reduction of part-time employees (including adjunct faculty), reduction in equipment replacement and facility maintenance funds, and reduction in program operating budgets.

Except for the small portion of tuition revenue that will be used to fund operating costs, the additional revenue generated will be used to fund programs that directly benefit students as outlined in the KCTCS Plan for a Competitive Commonwealth.

“It is critical that even during difficult economic times we remain committed to our role as Kentucky’s economic engine,” stressed Bean. “In order to move this state forward we must focus on providing training for high growth, high wage jobs; increasing the number of KCTCS student transfers to four-year institutions; and providing additional remedial and developmental education services to our students.”

The next regular KCTCS Board of Regents meeting will be held on June 13, 2008 at Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.

Attorney General Jack Conway announced today that Kentucky, as required under the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) between the major tobacco manufacturers and 52 states and territories, will receive its annual payment of more than $115 million in tobacco settlement money this week.

“My office continues to enforce the agreement and to make sure that Kentucky receives the money it’s owed from the agreement that provides funding for many invaluable programs – from agriculture to education,” Conway said.

Under the MSA, the tobacco companies agreed to make annual payments in perpetuity to the settling states, to fund a national foundation dedicated to significantly reducing the use of tobacco products by youth and to abide by certain restrictions on promotional and lobbying activity. Kentucky’s share of the settlement is approximately $3.45 billion over the first 25 years. Payments are determined according to a formula that is calculated, in part, by the number of cigarettes sold by companies that have agreed to join the settlement.

The total received by Kentucky since the initial MSA payment in 1999 is more than $1.05 billion for “Phase I.” An additional $600 million was received by Kentucky tobacco growers under “Phase II,” the Tobacco Growers Trust Agreement, which was created as a result of an MSA provision to address affected tobacco-growing communities in 14 states.

Most of the MSA payment was to be paid by the three largest cigarette manufacturers - Philip Morris, RJ Reynolds, and Lorillard. Philip Morris made its payment in full, but RJ Reynolds and Lorillard put into a disputed account about $500 million from their payments based upon their claim to reduced payments under a provision in the MSA called the Non-Participating Manufacturer (“NPM”) Adjustment. The Office of Attorney General is continuing to pursue an action to obtain its full share of the disputed payment amounts.

This year marks the ten-year anniversary of the signing of the landmark MSA. Cigarette sales nationally are down about 25% since the agreement went into effect and the public health provisions of the MSA that restrict cigarette advertising and promotion in numerous ways have changed the way cigarettes are marketed in the United States. The number of cigarettes sold in the United States in 2007 was the lowest since 1951 although the U.S. population has doubled and per capita cigarette consumption in the United States is at its lowest level since the 1930s. This decline will have significant long-term effects on the health of Kentucky citizens and in health care costs related to smoking in the future.

Although a portion of the payment was withheld, Participating Manufacturers still paid the States that are signatories to the Agreement nearly $7 billion this week, bringing the total payments made under the MSA thus far to all settling States to more than $60 billion.

West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin will be in Williamson Friday evening (4-18) for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Manchin will be in attendance for the official grand opening of the office of urologist Dr. S.A. Vyas.

The office is located next to the Williamson Post Office.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m

Officials at Eastern Kentucky University announced that they made a request to the state Board of Regents for an eight percent tuition increase, beginning in the fall.

The increase would raise in state tuition by $ 228, to $ 3,069 per semester.

Authorities in Fayette County, West Virginia are searching the New River for the body of an unidentified Wisconsin man that jumped from the 876 feet high New River Gorge Bridge.

The spokesperson said the river was running high and that several dive teams are currently searching for the body.

The man stopped his car in the middle of the bridge Wednesday afternoon, got out and jumped.

Authorities say that on average two people a year travel to the world famous span and jump .

Kermit Mayor Johnny Linville told members of town council that he will send a letter to Governor Joe Manchin requesting assistance for a water project that would bring city water to approximately 250 homes in the Marrowbone and Jennies Creek area.

Linville says the Kermit Water Department is capable of supplying the needed water

Linville said he will also send a copy of the letter to politicians on the state and national levels.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has appointed a Perry County resident to be a member of the Child Support Enforcement Commission.

Linda Collins of Hazard will serve a three year term. Collins is a forensic interview assistant for the Kentucky River Children’s Advocacy Center.

The Child Support Enforcement Commission was established in 1988..

Attorney General Jack Conway today announced that two Kentucky therapists from Letcher County have been arrested for allegedly bribing a witness.

Following receipt of a tip, agents from the Kentucky Bureau of Investigation conducted surveillance of Vanessa Rouse, a 35-year-old speech pathologist from Deane, and Janice Fields, a 48-year-old developmental interventionist from Happy. Agents monitored a transaction in which Rouse and Fields allegedly gave money to a prosecution witness in Perry County and instructed the witness as to how to testify.

“I appreciate the witness in this case coming forward and working with investigators,” General Conway said. “It is clear that these two individuals crossed the line when, as the indictment alleges, they fraudulently billed for services and then tried to bribe a witness.”
Rouse and Fields were previously indicted for fraudulently billing the Kentucky Medicaid Program for services provided to children in First Steps, a statewide early-intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities. During 2006 and 2007, the therapists allegedly billed the state for services that were not provided to children. Rouse and Fields face up to 20 years in prison on the Medicaid Fraud counts if convicted. The therapists were indicted in Jefferson County on these charges because that is where the Medicaid billing was submitted for review and payment.

Rouse and Fields are set to be arraigned on the bribery charge in Perry County District Court on Monday, April 21 at 2 p.m.
Documents were obtained at the time of the arrests showing that other witnesses in the Medicaid Fraud case have been and were going to be contacted. The investigation continues and more charges are possible.

Gary Sharp with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources says he expects this year’s turkey kill to be slightly higher than last year’s total.

Last year 9,885 gobblers were bagged.

The spring turkey season begins April 28th in all 55 counties.

A Floyd County man and a juvenile were arrested by officers of the Pikeville Police Department.

Matthew B. Comer of Ivel and a male juvenile are accused of breaking into several soda machines at Bob Amos Park.

Authorities arrived in time to observe the duo attempting to gain entry into one of the machines.

The suspects fled on foot a short distance before being apprehended.

Comer and his accomplice were charged with criminal mischief for vandalizing the pop machines, fleeing and evading, assault on several police officers, menacing , resisting arrest, criminal trespass second degree, receiving stolen property, possession of burglary tools, and possession of marijuana.

A spokesperson for Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain has confirmed that the Arizona senator will appear in Inez at a town hall meeting next Wednesday, April 24th at 11:00am. The event will be held on the second floor of the Old Martin County Courthouse.

mThe purpose of the visit is to attract rural voters.

The Martin County Sheriff's deputies said they were checking seat belts at the intersection of Routes 40 and 645, when a car made a U-Turn to avoid them. A deputy chased the car and pulled over the driver, Connie Boyd of Lawrence County.

The deputy's attention was caught by a pill bottle in the back seat. In a sewing bag he found more than 3,000 prescription pills, with an estimated value of $25,000, and at least $6,000 in cash.

Boyd was arrested and charged with drug trafficking, DUI, and driving without a license. She is out on bond and due in court on Tuesday.

Garmon Preece, Martin County Sheriff, said it's the largest drug bust in the county's history.

By a vote of 7-2, the Supreme Court upheld the three-drug method most used by state and federal executioners in the United States, including Kentucky.

The three drugs are sodium thiopental, an anesthetic used to leave the person unconscious and unable to feel pain...pancuronium, a paralytic intended to prevent involuntary muscle movements...and, potassium chloride, used to stop the heart.

This follows nearly seven months without an execution in the nation. The method was challenged by Kentucky death row inmates Ralph Baze and Thomas Clyde Bowling. They wanted the Court to order a switch to a single drug, a barbiturate that causes no pain. Kentucky has had only one execution by lethal injection.

We reported Wednesday that Pike County Judge Executive Wayne T. Rutherford was going to request the assistance of the FBI to join the investigation of a stolen backhoe owned by the county.

District 5 Magistrate Hillman Dotson said the $ 76,000 piece of equipment has been found. The Caterpillar backhoe was found at Carters Branch located near Phelps High School.

Dotson said the culprit stole batteries, spray painted the decal , and drained fuel and oil out of it.

Dotson said his office received a tip as to the whereabouts of the backhoe.

It is unknown how much it will cost to repair the damage.

Six families were evacuated from there residences Wednesday afternoon after a natural gas line was discovered ruptured on Goodman Avenue.

City of Williamson Fire Chief Jerry Mounts told us that his department found the origin of the leak by using binoculars from a makeshift command center. Mounts added that he called Mountaineer Gas. A worker from the company came and remedied the problem

Mounts said no one was injured and citizens were allowed to go back into there homes within an hour.

Mounts said that the situation could have been much worse.

Pike and Martin Counties were among 43 throughout the commonwealth that were awarded funding for the purchase of crumb rubber.

The grants are from the Waste Tire Trust Fund, established by the 1998 General Assembly.

Crumb rubber is a product made from recycled tires.

Crumb rubber is being used at playgrounds replacing wood chips.

The goal is to make playgrounds safer.

Pike County was awarded $ 35,062. The material will be placed at the Pike County Central multi use athletic field.

Martin County had two projects funded. $ 40,000 for the Eden Elementary playground and $ 23,250 for the playground at Warfield Elementary.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed legislation Wednesday that would require children younger than seven and between 40 and 50 inches tall be secured in a booster seat.

Violators will be issued a warning until 2009, after which there will be a $ 30 fine with no court costs. In addition, violators will have the option to purchase a booster seat instead of paying the fine.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a properly installed booster seat lowers the risk of injury to children by nearly 60 percent.

The Floyd County Fiscal Court approved the rehiring of six county employees laid off, along with 26 others earlier this year.

Three of the workers called back are road crew members and one each that work in recreation, county wide maintenance and an office worker.

Gov. Steve Beshear today signed House Bill 91, often referred to as “The Golden Rule Act.” The measure is aimed at protecting Kentucky’s students by requiring “bullying” policies in the state’s public schools.
“This legislation hits home for many children, teens and their parents,” said Gov. Beshear. “By prohibiting bullying and harassment among students, The Golden Rule Act will help protect Kentucky’s most valuable resource, our children.”
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Mike Cherry (D-Princeton), prohibits bullying, harassment and other forms of intimidation--including cyber-bullying via the Internet among students. Those who break the code of acceptable behavior could face suspension, expulsion or other disciplinary action. School districts also will be required to put procedures in place to handle reports of such behavior.
Rep. Cherry has been pushing for the legislation for several years.
“This day has been a long time coming,” Rep. Cherry said, “and we all owe a big thanks to the many groups who helped support this bill that will help protect our students and keep them focused on the education process.”
HB 91 also includes provisions that require school districts to provide training to teachers and others who work directly with students, if funds are available, and include information on both the code of acceptable behavior and the Golden Rule in district employee training manuals.

Week 3 – April 16 – 22

In most areas of Kentucky the hills are starting to be covered with a soft green as the various species of trees begin to leaf. Along the roads you will see the bright purple of the redbuds appearing mixed in with the larger trees and shrubs. Soon they will be mixing with the white of the dogwoods which are just beginning to bloom. Check the reports below from the parks and preserves as you make plans for a weekend outdoors. Why not include one of the many spring festivals in your plans with family and friends? For more information on events and activities across Kentucky, go to http://www.kentuckytourism.com/ or call one of our Travel Consultants at 800-225-8747.


Eastern

This week at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park in Greenup the redbuds and serviceberry are in full bloom; you can see their purple and white blooms all around the park roads, on the trails and around the lake. Flowers blooming around the park include bloodroot, spring beauties, pussytoes, purple cress, spring cress, false rue anemone, star chickweed, cut-leaf toothwort, pennywort, bluets, yellow corydalis, blue violets, wild geranium, dwarf cinquefoil, and slender toothwort. These can be seen along the Fern Valley and Tygart trails and around the park roads.

At Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hill many flowers and trees are in full bloom and many more plants have emerged and are preparing to bloom. You can still see spring beauty, bloodroot, periwinkle, hepatica, purple cress, ground ivy and rue anemone in bloom this week. New flowers in bloom include wood vetch, Dutchman's breeches, long-spur violet, blue violet, pussytoes, ragwort, wild ginger, bluebells, toothwort, bellwort, yellow trout-lily, white trillium, trailing arbutus, bluets, and bishop’s cap. You will see many of these flowers in bloom along the Natural Bridge Trail, Horn Hollow Trail and the Three Bridges Trail. The bluebells you will find in full bloom along Tygarts Creek which borders the park. Plan now to attend the annual Wildflower Pilgrimage and Campers Appreciation Weekend April 25-27. Camp two nights for the price of one and special rates will apply to campers for mini-golf and cave tours. Some of the recreation programs include a Smokey Lake canoe trip, crafts, homemade ice cream, a live performance on Saturday night and several wildflower walks and programs to show the guest the beautiful array of the wildflowers of Carter Caves.

After several cold days, the wildflowers at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade are hanging on and continuing to progress towards the predicted peak bloom in late April. Some early wildflowers such as hepatica and bloodroot are beginning to fade. Wildflowers currently in or near peak bloom include rue anemone, yellow trout lily, miterwort, long-spurred violet, star chickweed, pennywort, large-flowered trillium, and red trillium. Those flowers that have buds or have just begun to bloom include: wild geranium, purple phacelia, foam flower, wild ginger, and columbine. The leaves/buds of stonecrop, Solomon’s seal, wood betony, May apple, mandarin, and dwarf-crested iris are up and preparing for their spectacular displays. As for trees and shrubs in bloom, serviceberry and trailing arbutus are continuing to bloom on the sandstone ridge tops, while spicebush and redbuds continue to bloom in the valleys. Two of the best trails at Natural Bridge for observing spring wildflowers are the Rock Garden and Whittleton Trails.

The peak of wildflower blooming at Natural Bridge should closely coincide with our Wildflower Weekend event April 17-20. The beautiful area around Natural Bridge is home to hundreds of native plant species which can be enjoyed during this event with other botanists, gardeners, and nature lovers. Our fieldtrips are for all levels of participation, from beginner to advanced wildflower enthusiasts and from short easy walks to longer hikes at Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geological Area! Evening speakers will focus on the native plants in the region. Registration fee is $8/adults and $5/children ages 12-17, and free for ages under 12. Register upon arrival. For more information contact Park Naturalist Brian Gasdorf at http://parks.ky.gov/NR/exeres/ or call 606-663-2214.

At Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg there is a wide array of wildflowers in bloom. Included are: blood root, rue anemone, dwarf cinquefoil, corydalis, spring beauty, early saxifrage, trout lily, cut-leafed toothwort, Kentucky bluets, colt’s foot, swamp blue violet, common purple violet, smooth yellow violet, long spurred violet, bird’s foot violet, pussy toes, chickweed, large flowered trillium, golden ragwort, black mustard, crested dwarf iris, blue phlox, stonecrop, pennywort, foam flower, meadow parsnip, ground ivy. Most of these plants can be observed on the roadway leading to the two bedroom cottages. Others can be observed by hiking the trails (Jenny Wiley has over 13 miles of trail of varying difficulty).

The park does have several migratory songbirds that that have been heard or observed this past week. They include: Louisiana water-thrush, black and white warbler, yellow throated warbler, cerulean warbler, black throated green warbler, yellow throated vireo and wood thrush. Other birds observed included common resident songbirds like the northern cardinal, tufted titmouse, Carolina chickadee, song sparrow, Carolina wren, eastern towhee, and wild turkey. Woodpeckers include: red headed, red bellied, pileated, downy, hairy, and northern flicker to name a few.

The spring woodlands of Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville and surrounding areas are slowly beginning to fill with color. This week's colorful display includes long-spurred violet, sweet white violet, halberd-leaved yellow violet, downy wood violet, blue violet, erect trillium, large-flowered trillium, yellow trillium and rue anemone. Colonies of May apple are also conspicuous. Dogwoods are beginning to flower across the region, adding to the beauty of spring sightseeing drives. The Cumberland Gap Parkway (25E) between Pineville and Middlesboro is particularly lovely at this time.

At Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin, spring is here! The redbuds are in full bloom and provide a beautiful purple display along the roadsides. The dogwoods are starting to bloom and should be fully opened by the weekend. The forest floor is greening up with many wildflowers beginning to bloom. Presently in bloom are trailing arbutus, nodding trillium, wood poppy, dwarf ginseng, toothwort, spring beauty, bluets, and trout lilies. Several species of violets, halberd-leaved yellow violet, common blue violet and long-spurred violet are in bloom as well.


North Central

The spring color concert is in full swing at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont. The showy, reddish purple flowers of our Eastern redbud trees are stunning, especially against a backdrop of Eastern red cedar trees. The crabapples in the arboretum are ablaze with color, as are quince shrubs and serviceberry trees. Also blooming are Ohio buckeye, beech and maple trees. Greenish yellow sugar maple flowers, borne on 1” to 3” long dangling stalks, are subtly attractive. Dense clusters of fragrant Korean spice viburnum flowers are truly outstanding at this time of year. The flower buds are pink to reddish and open white. Delicate, white spirea flowers adorn the landscape and dogwood buds are just beginning to break. Woodland spring wildflowers in bloom include May apple, spring beauty, slender toothwort, white trout lilies, purple cress, bloodroot, Virginia blue bells, and yellow corydalis.


South Central

Wildflower Weekend at Mammoth Cave National Park is April 19-20. The surface side of Mammoth Cave is home to more than 1,000 species of plants; those that bloom in the spring present an elaborate display. Wild iris, celandine poppies, trillium, larkspur, Dutchman’s’ breeches, and jack-in-the-pulpit can been seen on many park trails.

Visitors are invited to head out on their own or join one of the many ranger-led activities. A wildflower checklist is available at the visitor center where most presentations and walks begin. Rangers and visiting naturalists will share their expertise in plant identification, morel hunting, pollinators, birds of prey, geology, and history. The Glasgow Garden Club has volunteered again this year to bring wildflower specimens from their home gardens for display in the park visitor center. For the complete Wildflower Weekend schedule, go to http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/wildflowerday.htm, or call the park at 270-758-2180.


Western

Recent chilly conditions haven't impacted the wildflower splendor at John James Audubon State Park in Henderson. Although the cutleaf toothwort and Dutchman's breeches are on their last blooms, the dwarf larkspur and appendaged waterleaf are just beginning to blossom. The Virginia bluebells, blue-eyed Marys, recurved trillium, common blue and smooth yellow violets and spring beauty are still blanketing the forest floor with color. The dogwood and redbud trees are continuing to push out new leaves while most of the cherry blossom petals have been tossed about by the wind. Within the next week or so the May apples will start to bloom.

Enjoy a special Chautauqua performance by George Rogers Clark (Mel Hankla) at the Audubon Museum on April 19 from 11 a.m. to noon. Also plan on coming to our bald eagle bronze statue unveiling on April 26 during Camper Appreciation weekend (April 25-27.). Contact the park office at 270-826-2247 for more information.

Along the trails at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park in Dawson Springs early spring wildflowers in bloom include: rue anemone, cut-leaved toothwort, bluets, small bluets, scrambled eggs, pussytoes, star chickweed, Dutchman's breeches, yellow trout lily, early saxifrage, bloodroot, yellow woodland violet, prairie trillium, ragwort, Virginia bluebell, buttercup, blue phlox and spring beauty. Several trees have also begun to flower in the area; namely, flowering dogwood and eastern redbud. While you search for wildflowers you can also enjoy the sounds of the pine warblers that can be heard singing in almost every stand of pine. Eastern bluebirds and Carolina chickadees have begun nesting in the park. Belted kingfishers can be heard and often seen around the dam and Clifty Creek Trail. As you hike in Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park you'll be serenaded by American toads which are breeding in the wetlands around the lake.

Despite the cold weather this past weekend, wildflowers are out in abundance and lasting a little longer than normal at Land Between the Lakes. Driving up the Trace you will be pleased to see redbuds still in bloom and the dogwoods just popping out. Wild plums and downy serviceberry are also still in bloom. The Hematite Trail has had a great year with the yellow trout lily and the white trout lily. They have some of the largest blooms ever seen in the area. Wild blue phlox, meadow violets, yellow violets, star chickweed and larkspur can be found on the edges of the trail. Bladdernut will be blooming soon and under the giant tulip poplars and white oaks you can find Jacob’s ladder and recurved trillium. During this week in the small drainage creeks look for Jack-in-the pulpits. On the Fort Henry Trails on the southern end of LBL, look for blue phlox, wild ginger, Virginia bluebells, Sheppard’s purse, trout lilies along the moist bottomlands and north facing slopes of Fort Henry. Also look for Butterweed, toothwort, giant chickweed, Jacob’s ladder and larkspur. Early spring buttercup, meadow violet, yellow violet, and cream violet are all blooming. Driving the beautiful and diverse Jenny Ridge Road (Road 145,146) you will find bird's foot violet, bluets and spring beauties in abundance. Also look for May apple, Dutchman’s breeches, toothwort, serviceberry, and pussytoes. There are some streams to ford and the roads are good gravel. Take a side trip to Redd Hollow and look for blooming wild plums and red buds. You will also see fire pink, bellwort, wild blue phlox, rue anemone, toothwort, confederate violet, meadow violet and downy serviceberry. Redd Hollow has a tall south facing-slope thick with oaks and hickories dotted with flowering shrubs and eye-catching lake views on the other side of the road. The Nature Station manages several native gardens including a spring wildflower garden if the visitor wants to see wildflowers of the area, but may not have the time or ability to trek across LBL. Bloodroot, bladdernuts and downy serviceberry are all blooming in these gardens. Virgina bluebells, recurved trillium, bellwort, toothwort, and rue anemone are also blooming in abundance. Later this week, celadine poppy, wild blue phlox will open up. Also the hummingbirds are back. The first one was spotted on April 10.

Spring rains continue to fall intermittently on Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Cadiz, causing already-flooded areas to rise higher and spurring on blooms of color from forest floor to canopy. A palette of green hues highlights the drive and trails throughout the Park, as over half the forest’s trees have begun to bud. From the purples of redbud trees, phlox, violet and larkspur, to the whites of spring beauty, toothwort, and rue anemone, the Wilderness Trail and Blue Spring Trail are decorated with blooms. An occasional red of fire pink and the soon-to-bloom yellow of trout lilies can be found throughout Lake Barkley’s campground. The spring season is in full splendor for Barkley’s Earth Week programs, which continue through April 19, and Campers Appreciation Weekend, with camping rates at two-for-one April 25-27.

Tourists looking for outdoor adventures may now enjoy parts of Kentucky like never before. Gov. Steve Beshear, joined by First Lady Jane Beshear, today signed Senate Bill 196, opening more areas of the state as tourist destinations for bikers, hikers, campers, fishermen, hunters, off-roaders and horseback riders.
“Some of Kentucky’s most breathtaking sites are tucked away in the far reaches of someone’s private property,” said Mrs. Beshear. “This bill makes all 120 counties in Kentucky a destination for outdoor adventure tourism.”
The Adventure Tourism Bill, sponsored by Sen. Brandon Smith (R-Hazard), allows the state to enter into agreements with private property owners for the public use of land for outdoor activities without fear of facing liability issues.
Gov. Beshear applauded the bipartisan effort behind the passage of Senate Bill 196. In addition to Smith, Sen. Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) and Reps. Leslie Combs (D-Pike), Robin Webb (D-Grayson) and Keith Hall (D-Phelps) co-sponsored the bill.
“I thank each of them for working together to promote the tourist opportunities we have throughout the commonwealth and for recognizing the positive social and economic effects this legislation will have on the state,” the governor said.
Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo also was a strong partner of the legislation.
“Today, we take the first step towards making Kentucky the nation’s premier adventure tourism destination,” the lieutenant governor said. “The economic, social and development benefits for our state as a result of adventure tourism will be unlike anything seen within the commonwealth before.”
Tourism is Kentucky’s third-largest industry, with a $10.1 billion annual economic impact. It currently generates 175,000 jobs in the state and $987 million in tax revenue. The commonwealth’s state park system is regarded as one of the best in the nation. It is made up of 53 state parks and historical sites, 17 of which offer overnight accommodations and are considered “resort parks” – the most of any state.

The state budget approved late Tuesday night includes $3.15 million to improve water and sewer service to Pike County, said Senator Ray Jones II, D-Pikeville.

These funds, which are part of the coal severance monies, will be used for the following projects:
· City of Pikeville, telemetry equipment, $100,000;

· Mountain Water District, Long Ford Road, Virgie, Indian Creek Area, sewer project, $1.4 million;

· Mountain Water District, short line water extensions, bond funds, $1.3 million;

· Mountain Water District, telemetry equipment, $200,000;

· Mountain Water District, waterline extensions, $150,000.

"This is a good stewardship that will ensure the quality of water service in the Pike County," said Senator Jones. "Providing reliable, clean and safe drinking water and protecting the environment are top priorities."

These projects are part of an ongoing statewide effort to improve water and sewer service. Legislators work closely with local officials in allocating dollars.

"I look forward to these water and sewer projects moving forward," Senator Jones said. "They are critical to the service to our citizens and growth of our community.
Last week, the senator announced $13.3 million in coal severance funds for Pike County. This $3.15 million is additional money.

Senator Jones has secured $23,690,000 million for his district this session.

The coal severance tax is 4.5 percent levied on every ton of coal mined in Kentucky.

Chairman Mark David Goss is resigning from the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC). In a letter sent today to Governor Steve Beshear, Goss said his last day at the PSC will be May 2. “It has been my privilege to spend more than four years working with what I truly believe to be the finest group of public employees in Kentucky,” Goss said. “Their dedication and expertise are unmatched, and I have learned more from them than I ever could have imagined.” Goss said he has no firm plans after he leaves the PSC. Before his appointment to the commission in February 2004, Goss practiced law at his family’s firm in Harlan. “I am not sure what I will do next,” he said. “But I intend to remain engaged in the debate over how Kentucky should meet the energy and environmental challenges that will do so much to determine our state’s future.” The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Department of Public Protection in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and has approximately 105 employees.

Effective Wednesday residents in Mingo County that utilize the local unemployment and job service office will be offered the same services from in the past, however you now must go to the Goodwill Industries Building in Logan.

Due to federal budget cuts the state was forced to close the Williamson office. The four employees from Williamson have been transferred to the Logan office.

Workers from Workforce West Virginia and Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College will rotate and man the office inside of the Goodwill Industries Building.

Connie Cline from Workforce WV says that Mingo County residents will still be offered the same services as existed before in Mingo County.

Marshall University President Stephen Kopp is resting comfortably at home after undergoing diagnostic surgery at Cabell Huntington Hospital.

Through a statement Kopp said the procedure went well and he expects to be released from the hospital by the weekend.

Kopp says that he plans to return to work next week.

Governor Steve Beshear has signed a bill into law that will ban devices that turn whiskey into vapors so people can get high inhaling the intoxicating fumes.

The law takes effect in July. Kentucky joins more than 20 other states that have instituted similar bans.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear says he will examine a bill that would eliminate a runoff gubernatorial election.

The runoff is triggered under Kentucky law when no single candidate in a primary election gets more than 40 percent of the vote. The law came into play in the 1990’s but has never been applied.

Pike County Judge – Executive Wayne T. Rutherford says his office will contact the FBI to request them to look into the theft of a Caterpillar backhoe stolen in the Pounding Mill area. The equipment is owned by the county. Magistrate Hillman Dotson says the backhoe was purchased by the fiscal court at a cost of $ 76,000.

Rutherford says the backhoe could be either in Kentucky, West Virginia, or Virginia.

If anyone can offer the Pike County Sheriffs Department any tips on the possible whereabouts of the piece of equipment contact them at 606-432-6260.

A Williamson resident was arrested by the WPD and charged with counterfeiting

37 year old Danny Salyers is accused of passing off fake $ 5 bills two months ago at Pecco’s Carryout.

Bond was set at $ 5,000 by Magistrate Pam Newsome.

Saylers is now in more hot water.

The defendant pleaded guilty earlier this month in Logan County Magistrate Court to driving while his license was suspended. He was sentenced to serve six months of home incarceration.

Kentucky’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) has been awarded additional funding by the federal government to help Medicare beneficiaries in Kentucky get more information about health care choices.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced it will give $702,460 to Kentucky’s SHIP program as part of the nearly $36 million being distributed to SHIPs during the most recent round of funding. Overall, CMS will provide more than $50 million to SHIPs across the United States in 2008.

CMS expects the SHIPs to use the increased 2008 funding to conduct targeted, community-based outreach to an increasing number of beneficiaries who may be unable to access other sources of information.

“This round of funding will allow us to further SHIP’s mission, as well as that of the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL),” said DAIL Commissioner Deborah Anderson. “We are committed to helping Kentucky’s Medicare recipients understand their health benefits and consumer rights.”

Kentucky SHIP provides information, counseling and assistance to seniors and disabled individuals, their family members and caregivers. Local counselors provide this free service.Kentucky SHIP:

Educates seniors on health insurance coverage, benefits and consumer rights.
Provides assistance and education on a one-on-one basis or through educational forums.
Protects consumers against fraud or misdirected collections.
Empowers consumers to make informed health insurance choices.

“We are excited to receive this funding and are looking forward to working with the Medicare beneficiaries in Kentucky,” said Tina Babbs, director of SHIP. “With this funding we will be able to reach people who qualify for – and desperately need – extra help.”
SHIPs will continue their outreach and assistance to current and newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers, as well as reaching out to beneficiaries with limited incomes who may be eligible for the extra help.

According to Workforce West Virginia, the state's unemployment rate for the month of March dropped three tenths of a percent to 5.4 percent.

3,000 state residents dropped off of the unemployment rolls in March.

The improvement in the jobless rate was attributed to gains in the goods producing and service providing sectors.

According to a study, the gap between the incomes of the wealthiest and poorest West Virginians has grown over the past 20 years.. The state’s richest 20 percent have average incomes of $ 103,911 compared to just $ 13, 941 for the poorest 20 percent.

The study was conducted by the Economic Policy Institute and the Center on Budget and Policy.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin has appointed West Virginia Department of Commerce Secretary Kelley Goes as executive director of the West Virginia Development Office effective immediately. Goes will play the dual roles of cabinet secretary and head of the Development Office.
She replaces Steve Spence, who continues as the director of the International Division of the Development Office. As part of the transition, Mark Julian will become deputy executive director of the Development Office, effective today. Julian’s new role will be to manage the day-to-day operation and administration of the Development Office. He also will continue in his role as the director of Business and Industrial Development, in addition to his new responsibilities.
“The appointment of Kelley Goes, cabinet secretary of the Department Commerce to also serve as the executive director of the West Virginia Development Office will help keep our state on a steady path toward attracting premiere businesses and create quality job opportunities for our citizens,” said Gov. Manchin.
The transition allows Spence to focus solely on work with the International Division he founded within the Development Office and which he has directed since 1996. During 2007, West Virginia’s international exports increased by nearly 23 percent, according to Global Trade Information Services. This increase was the seventh-highest percent increase of all 50 United States. In 2007, West Virginia businesses exported $3.97 billion in coal, machinery, automotive components, plastics and aluminum. International investment from 23 countries has created more than 22,000 jobs for West Virginians.
The transition strengthens the Department of Commerce’s mission to create a collaborative, interagency environment under Goes’ leadership, Manchin said.
The Department of Commerce is the cornerstone of economic development for West Virginia, and through the Development Office it serves companies from small entrepreneurs to global corporations. Commerce focuses on attracting and expanding business opportunities in the state, with a goal to create new and well-paid jobs with benefits.

In a letter to the Pike County Judge/Executive’s office regarding the Forward Pike County Foundation and its activities, Wayne Hancock, Chairman of the Pike County Ethics Committee, has completed its review of the Foundation.

In the letter dated April 8, 2008, Mr. Hancock affirms the finding of the State Auditor’s office in the financial activities and states the Foundation presents no conflicts for its board members and officers who are employees of County Government.

The Ethics Committee stated that, after review of past and present activities, “…the Foundation has done nothing unethical in the past and determined that is a great asset for the county.”

The letter further states: “Therefore, it is the opinion of the Ethics Committee that the corporation has a legitimate purpose, keeps good records, and is an asset to Pike County. There is absolutely no evidence that any officer of the corporation or any of the current County Judge/Executive’s staff has profited from this organization. It is clear that this is a non-profit corporation and is a benefit to the members of this community.”

“We are pleased with the findings of the Ethics Committee. We simply want to point out that this Foundation is for the benefit and improvement of the County. We are there to assist and to bring people together and to work on projects for all Pike County. We hope the good work we have started and continue to pursue is not affected by some who seek to wrongfully accuse and to undermine the many positive things this Foundation is doing in Pike County. As Judge Rutherford says, progressive regions of the country have such organizations, and Pike County must have one as well in order to compete,” said Roger Ford, Chairman of the Foundation.

A Logan County underground coal mine where two miners died in an accident in January of 2006 will be given a safety award by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration .

The Aracoma Alma # 1 Mine owned by Massey Energy is being recognized for having no lost time injuries while miners worked 574,000 hours at the mine last year.

Winning a safety award is a big turn around for both the mine and the company where miners Ellery Hatfield and Don Bragg died after getting lost in thick, choking smoke.

The accident prompted Congress to pass sweeping mine safety legislation.

A federal report released Monday indicated that West Virginia has the highest death rate in the nation when it comes to colorectal cancer.

According to the federal Agency for Healthcare, about 22 state residents per 100,000 die every year from the disease.

The national average is 18.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common form of cancer.

The agency indicated that people are not getting screened because of lack of knowledge and the inability to afford the test which generally runs $ 1,500.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has signed into law a bill aimed at holding teachers and other authority figures more accountable for sexual abuse.

The law goes into effect this summer.

The law would stiffen penalties for people in positions of authority over children if they have sexual contact with a person under 18.

It increases the statue of limitations on criminal charges for an abuse case from one to five years.and increases the penalty for people who don’t report abuse to authorities

Booth Auditorium will come alive as the Pikeville College Symphonic Band performs its annual Spring Concert on Thursday, April 24.
The band will be performing tunes such as the famous “Army of the Nile” and “Concert March,” by Kenneth J. Alford. “Carmen Suite,” by Georges Bizet, will also be featured.
“Bizet was born in Paris, France, in 1838 and visited Spain many times during his life,” said Brad Daniels, assistant professor of music and director of bands at Pikeville College. “Bizet became very familiar with Spanish folklore and folk music. For ‘Carmen,’ he composed a score that is rhythmical, tuneful and characteristic of the gypsy lifestyle. We feel that this suite retains the spirit of the original production,” said Daniels.
The symphonic band will also feature the talents of Howard Francis, associate professor of mathematics and computer science at the College. Tommy Money, of the Air Force Band, will join Francis for a performance of Vivaldi’s famous “Concerto In Bb for Two Trumpets.”
A medley of tunes from the Beatles and the finale of the “William Tell Overture” by Rossini will round out the evening.

Pike County is one step closer to its goal of being an adventure tourist destination.

Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford announced today the Pike County Fiscal Court had been awarded two grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission totaling $25,000 to implement the necessary planning for the Hatfield-McCoy Water Trail Master Plan and the Pike County ATV Trail Master Plan.

“We are delighted to have received word today from Governor Steve Beshear that Pike County can continue the work we have started on ATV trail and adventure tourism development. This will be a huge economic development tool, creating jobs, for Pike County and we are glad to have a great partnership with both the State of Kentucky and the federal government as we develop these projects,” said Judge Rutherford.

The grants will be for long-term planning and development of facilities and trails throughout Pike County. The Fiscal Court is working together on a county-wide plan that would impact every area of Pike County.

“Our goal is to bring adventure tourists into Pike County from all across America and Canada. We hope they come to see firsthand the rustic beauty of our mountains, as well as the elk, wild turkey, deer, and other wildlife,” said Magistrate Leo Murphy.

April 11, 2008—(Paintsville, KY) Big Sandy Community and Technical College(BSCTC) honored students for academic achievement in an impressive ceremony held at the Mayo Campus of BSCTC on Friday night, April 11, 2008. On a night filled with thunder storms and heavy rain, family and friends watched as Fifty-seven students crossed the stage to receive honors in categories that included the President’s List, Dean’s List, Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges, Phi Theta Kappa and the BSCTC Honors Program.

The President’s list honors students who achieve a grade-point average of 4.0 in courses numbered 100 or above. The Dean’s List recognizes students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in courses numbered 100 or above. Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges recognizes the academic excellence of sophomore-status students who have completed 33 degree credit hours and have excelled in their coursework. Phi Theta Kappa is an honor society of two-year community and junior colleges. Students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa must have completed 12 credit hours, be currently enrolled and have achieved a 3.5 grade point average. The BSCTC Honors Scholarship Program is an innovative program with stringent requirements. For a student to be considered for this program, he or she must have a 3.25 GPA, recommendations from both high school counselors and teachers, a minimum ACT composite score of 24 and at least a minimum score of 20 in all disciplines. The student must also submit a written prospectus statement regarding the future they see for themselves and the way an education at BSCTC fits into that overall plan. Students must finally, take part in a timed, on-demand essay on a topic chosen by the Honors Program Committee.

Dr. George D. Edwards, President of BSCTC, said, “I am extremely proud of all of the students at Big Sandy Community and Technical College. The young men and women that we see here tonight are examples of the quality of students that attend our college. They represent hundreds more that achieve academic excellence on our campuses. Thus far this year we have had 411 students achieve the Dean’s List, 142 achieved the President’s List, 35 are members of Phi Theta Kappa, 121 were honored with inclusion in Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges and 37 students are members of the current Honor’s Program. That is academic excellence and I am proud to be associated with this group of students.”

Henry Webb, guest speaker for the Honor’s Program, encouraged the students to continue to strive for excellence. Webb, Superintendent of Floyd County Schools, reminded the students that education and dedication were key to a successful future.

Big Sandy Community and Technical College offers students an opportunity to earn two years of post-secondary education without having to move away from eastern Kentucky. It is less expensive and closer to home than the regional and state colleges and universities yet offers high quality education that will transfer to the college of choice after graduation with an associate’s degree.

The Prosecutors Advisory Council announced today that it may be forced to lay off approximately 100 people from prosecutors’ offices across the Commonwealth because of under funding in the FY 08-10 budget.
“We simply do not have the money to keep our existing staff on board,” said Ray Larson, Fayette County Commonwealth’s Attorney and member of the Prosecutors Advisory Council. “Now that the budget has been finalized, we will begin to formulate how the layoff plan will be implemented so that to the extent possible, public safety will not be compromised,” said Larson.
The estimated 100 person layoff constitutes nearly ten percent of the prosecutorial workforce in the Commonwealth.
There are 57 elected Commonwealth’s Attorneys and 120 elected County Attorneys whose staffs handle all of the criminal prosecutions in the Commonwealth. Prosecutorial employees include assistant prosecutors, victims’ advocates, detectives, and support staff in every county in the state.
Once the General Assembly passes a budget, the money allotted to prosecutors is administered by the Prosecutors Advisory Council. The Prosecutors Advisory Council consists of three Commonwealth’s Attorneys, three County Attorneys, and two citizen members, all of whom are appointed by the Governor. The Council will meet later this month to begin formulating a potential layoff plan to deal with the lack of sufficient funding in the FY 08-10 budget.

“These layoffs will be especially difficult considering the increased caseload and the additional duties placed on prosecutors over the last decade,” said Mike Foster, Christian County Attorney and Legislative Chair for the County Attorneys Association.
Since the year 2000, the General Assembly has enacted legislation that adds to prosecutorial duties without enacting a corresponding increase in funding. In the year 2000, the General Assembly passed the per se Driving Under the Influence law and identity- theft legislation. The legislature has also enacted the primary seatbelt law, the methamphetamine precursor law and the Elder Abuse Protection Act, among other criminal legislation.
According to Foster, “The criminal legislation passed by the General Assembly during the past few years has been effective and necessary. However, this legislation has greatly increased our workload, and this makes the current budget situation even more drastic.”
Every criminal case filed in the Commonwealth must be prosecuted by a County or Commonwealth’s Attorney. Caseloads for prosecutors have increased dramatically in the last ten years. In 2007 County Attorneys were handling caseloads in excess of 3,000 cases per prosecutor. Since the addition of Family Courts in 2002, County Attorneys are now handling at least 40,000 more cases each year. County Attorneys are responsible for prosecution of all District Court cases - including misdemeanor, juvenile and domestic crimes.
Since 2002 Commonwealth’s Attorneys, responsible for prosecution of all felony cases, have seen a 21% increase in their caseload. In 2002, approximately 27,000 felony cases were filed. Last year, nearly 32,000 felony cases such as murder, rape and child sexual abuse were filed. This is a 7,000 case increase from just five years ago.
Prosecutors are routinely handling cases in excess of recommended levels. For example, in Warren County, the Commonwealth’s Attorneys Office handled nearly 1,300 felony indictments last year. Commonwealth’s Attorneys handled 1,264 pending cases of child sexual abuse last year alone.
Prosecutors Advisory Council member Linda Tally Smith, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Boone and Gallatin counties, notes that her felony caseload has increased drastically in the last few years. “In Boone and Gallatin counties, we have seen a 26% increase in our caseload between 1997 and 2007.”
Commonwealth’s Attorney David Stengel, Jefferson County, adds, “The lack of sufficient funding for prosecutors will no doubt have an effect on the prosecutors’ offices and courts; however the impact goes much deeper. It reaches to the very places where we live. Reducing prosecutors at a time of rising crime will increase the caseload for each remaining prosecutor and cause delays in prosecutions and justice for the victims of crime. The current budget crisis threatens public safety in our communities.”
The potential layoffs concern both the presidents of the County and Commonwealth’s Attorneys Associations.
“The budgets of the Unified Prosecutorial System are personnel driven,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Chris Cohron. “We do not have state cars or other expenses that can be cut when we are not funded sufficiently. In our case, personnel accounts for more than 90% of our budget.”
Brucie Moore, President of the County Attorneys’ Association, notes that the budget for the County Attorneys is over 98% personnel. “The County Attorneys of this state are already overburdened and stretched to the limit. Losing people from these offices is going to be devastating to the criminal justice system.”

Three people were recently sentenced in Pike County Circuit Court.

Brent Branham, 19 of Fishtrap pleaded guilty to second degree burglary and second degree forgery. Branahm will serve six months of jail time and will serve 114 months probation.

Jeremy Varney and Samantha Sexton both of Williamson, West Virginia pleaded guilty to second degree burglary. Both defendants will serve five years in prison.

Thirteen people were recently indicted by the Pike County Grand Jury. The following is the list of names and the charges that have been brought against them. An indictment is merely an accusation.


Johnny Dye, 36,of Jenkins

Theft by Unlawful Taking ( Class D Felony )
…………………………………………………………………………………….

Randall Fordyce, 40, of Pikeville

Count I : Burglary Second Degree ( Class C Felony )

Count II : Fourth Degree Assault ( Class A Misdemeanor )

Count III : Possession of Controlled Substance, Second Degree ( Class A Misdemeanor )

Count IV : Prescription Drug Not In Proper Container ( Class B Misdemeanor )

Count V : Criminal Mischief Third Degree ( Class B Misdemeanor )
……………………………………………………………………………………….

Brandi Robinson, 31, Shelbiana

Assault Second Degree ( Class C Felony )
………………………………………………………………………………….

Daniel Caines, 32, of Varney
Charles Lawson , 20, of Varney

Count I : Two Counts of Theft By Unlawful Taking ( Class D Felony )

Count II : Criminal Mischief First Degree Two Counts ( Class D Felony )
………………………………………………………………………………………

Matthew A. Bevins, 26, of Raccoon

Seven Counts of Theft By Unlawful Taking ( Class D Felony )
……………………………………………………………………………

Roy M. McCarty, 40, of Ashcamp

Theft of Identity ( Class D Felony )
…………………………………………………………………………………

Patrick Roberts, 43, of Virgie

Count I :Trafficking Within 1,000 yards of a School While In Possession of a Firearm ( Class C Felony )

Count II : Possession of Drug Paraphernalia While In Possession of a Firearm. ( Class D Felony ).
……………………………………………………………………………………………

Robert Eugene Carroll, 37, of Odessa, Florida

Two counts of Identity Theft ( Class D Felony )
……………………………………………………………………………………….

Charles L. Branham, Jr, 19, of Pikeville

Brandon K. Wagner, 22, of Pikeville

Theft By Unlawful Taking ( Class D Felony )
…………………………………………………………………………….

Christopher Robinson, 33, of Raccoon

Receiving Stolen Property ( Class D Felony )
………………………………………………………………………………….

Nathan Ratliff, 30, of Pikeville

First Degree Bail Jumping ( Class D Felony.

The Kentucky State Police have made three arrests thus far in the murder case of a Letcher County man.

The body of 70 year-old Ralph Marcum was found in the Dorton area of Pike County.

Police responded to the Neon residence of the victim after a woman called authorities saying that she found blood and she was afraid something happened.

Authorities arrested John W. Pigg, 37, of Thornton and charged him with murder. Christina Collins, 31, of Millstone and Lloyd S. Pigg, 37, of Jenkins were charged with complicity to commit murder.

Trooper Tony Watts of Post 13 told us Monday that it will take several weeks to get the results of the autopsy and that more arrests could be made.

Preliminary statistics* indicate that six people died in six separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways from Monday, Apr. 7 through Sunday, Apr. 13, 2008.

Five of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles. Four of the victims were not wearing seat belts. One fatality was a pedestrian. Two of the fatalities were the result of crashes involving alcohol.

Single-fatality crashes occurred in Garrard, Hopkins, Logan, Muhlenberg and Trimble counties. The pedestrian fatality was in Fayette County.

Through April 13, preliminary statistics* indicate that 195 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 18 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 163 motor vehicle fatalities, 107 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 12 motorcycle fatalities, seven were not wearing helmets. Twenty pedestrians have been killed. A total of 43 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

According to figures from Workforce Kentucky unemployment rates fell in 99 counties in the month of February.

Pike County’s jobless rate of 6.3 % is the lowest in the Big Sandy District. Pike saw an increase of two tenths of a percent. The highest is Magoffin County at 11.5 %.

Other jobless figures in the district are :

Floyd County 7.2 % a increase of two tenths of a percent

Johnson 7.3 % a slight increase of one tenth of a percent.

Martin County 8.5 % a decrease of two tenths of a percent.

Woodford County has the lowest unemployment rate at 4.3 %

The highest Jackson County 12.1 %.

Kentucky’s jobless rate for the month was 5.2 %.

Richard Justice, a former Pike County funeral home director, accused of taking more than $80,000 in pre-paid funeral arrangements, is in legal trouble again.

Justice was arrested in Pikeville last week for allegedly driving without a license plate and was also charged with driving under the influence.

He is facing one count of acting as a funeral director without a license and 24 other fraud charges, and is expected to go on trial in May. He could face 20 years in prison if convicted.

One lane of Highway 321 in Auxier has been re-opened after a rock fall closed it last week.

Concrete barriers are installe4d and signals are at each end of the road.

Officials say the one lane is for local traffic only and they're making the road as safe as possible.

This week we’ve had some good news about the development of West Virginia’s statewide broadband Internet access. I joined dozens of supporters to sign a bill that will further broadband development in our state and, because of that groundbreaking legislation, I was asked to share our progress with members of the National Press Club in Washington.
I’m very proud of the progress we are making to reach our goal to have our state wired for high-speed Internet, from border to border, by the year 2010. Just a few years ago, only about 54 percent of West Virginia’s households had high-speed access to the Internet. Today, that number is greater than 80 percent.

But challenges lie ahead to reach our goal. As a state with a large rural population and below-average population density, consumers and service providers continue to struggle with expanding and making advanced services such as broadband affordable. Our mountains increase that difficulty, as our rugged terrain makes building infrastructure of all types costly and time consuming.

Connecting people to the Internet can help give them the power to change their lives. We are laying the groundwork for widespread telemedicine, bringing some of the world’s most advanced medical procedures and technology to our small towns. In addition to health care, affordable distance-education programs, work force training, electronic-government applications and telecommuting are just a fraction of the services we can offer our communities and households.
The increased use of these applications can save time, money and improve our quality of life. It literally opens West Virginia to the world.

The legislation we passed is the first of its kind in the country that sets minimum download and upload speeds as new broadband infrastructure is constructed. These requirements will support educational, health care and telecommuting applications. It also creates the Broadband Development Council, which will administer funds to help private Internet providers reach our under-served communities.

Broadband infrastructure will require investment and continual upgrading. It also requires a strong business climate and the creation of partnerships to maximize coverage and utilization. We have that commitment and have created partnerships with some of the world’s leading technology companies, including Cisco Systems and Verizon.
We recently completed a broadband map that that clearly outlines coverage areas and service gaps for communities across the state. Using this information, we are able to better plan development that will support broadband expansion in the future.
With all these principles in mind, West Virginia is rapidly moving toward its broadband goals.

A Bell County woman pleaded guilty to a felony count of insurance fraud after forging her niece’s signature and claiming to be the child’s guardian in order to receive a $10,000 death benefit from Monumental Life Insurance Company.

After her brother’s death, Robin R. Francisco, 48, who lists her address as Cumberland Gap, Tenn., took the money without the knowledge of the child, who was the beneficiary of the life insurance policy, or the child’s mother, the legal guardian. According to court documents, Francisco admitted that she gave the $10,000 to her own sister.

The case was investigated by KOI’s Insurance Fraud Investigations Division.

By entering the guilty plea, Francisco accepted the commonwealth’s recommendation of five years in prison, probated for five years, and the order to pay restitution of $10,000 to Monumental. In addition, she agreed to cooperate in the ongoing investigation. Final sentencing will be May 5 in Bell Circuit Court. KOI is an agency of the Department of Public Protection in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.

West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin attended two separate functions in Logan County on Friday.

The governor honored four firefighters from the City of Logan Fire Department for their bravery in helping to save several lives during a fire that destroyed an apartment complex at Yuma in February.

Also the governor attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new Chief Logan State Park Recreation Center.

The facility which is scheduled to open next year will consist of three tennis courts, swimming pool, and a walking track.

West Virginia’s Senate Majority Leader Truman H. Chafin sent a letter to Kentucky State Senator Ray S. Jones II last week proposing the two states share equally in the cost of repairing the Nolan Toll Bridge.

The West Virginia Department of Highways shut down the privately owned bridge several months ago stating that the structure had not been inspected nor maintained for the last 12 years.

The bridge’s owner now lives out of the area. He has offered to donate the bridge to both of the states. However both WV and KY declined the offer.
Senator Chafin presented a letter with over 300 signatures from residents of Mingo, Pike and Martin Counties to WV Secretary of Highways Paul Mattox stating that they depend on the bridge.

Chafin says that the price tag to repair the bridge has been estimated at $ 303,000.

A fire late last week destroyed a Logan County business.

Firefighters say that the building that housed the Baisden Recycling Plant at Mud Fork was destroyed.

The building was fully engulfed by the time fire crews arrived.

No injuries were reported. The fire remains under investigation.

Beginning July 1, occupants staying at a hotel or motel in the City of Williamson will pay an additional three percent in taxes.

The measure was passed by Williamson City Council.

Mayor Darrin McCormick says the tax would increase annual revenue from $ 30,000 to $ 50,000.

The money would be used for the newly formed Convention Visitors Bureau.

McCormick says that the center will better promote the city.

The mayor added that the city is working on plans to develop a camping and RV park along Fairview Addition.

McCormick says that there will be a fishing pier, primitive camping area, all terrain vehicle safety training course and a walking trail.

Soaring gas prices in West Virginia are making some legislators think about reducing the work week for government employees by one day.

Two House of Delegate members have co-sponsored a resolution calling for a study of the idea.

Delegate Doug Stalnaker, D – Lewis and Delegate Stan Shaver, D – Preston, say that a four day work week would help conserve gasoline.

A spokesperson for the state Department of Administration , say that state agency directors have had the option of adopting a shortened work week for years.

A spokesperson for Gov. Joe Manchin said that the governor is open to looking at creating a four day work week for state employees, however government services are required all week long.

Prosecuting attorneys and lawmakers say that a plan to allow some inmates convicted of nonviolent and non-sexual felonies to finish their sentences in home incarceration would jeopardizes public safety. Others say it is a way to save money and give offenders a second chance.

Governor Steve Beshear says that the plan would ease soaring prison costs.

Kentucky’s inmate population last year grew by 12 percent to 22,000.


$ 524 million dollars have been appropriated by lawmakers over the next two years toward adult prisons.

Massey Energy has been fined $ 20 million by a United States Federal Judge for allegedly polluting hundreds of streams. Massey officials say that they agreed to the deal to avoid additional litigation.

The company must also invest millions in pollution controls for the mines.

Authorities in Logan County continue to search for a man that walked into the Chapmanville Chevron Gas Station late last week and got away with $ 500.

The Logan County Sheriffs Department says that a man walked into the store pulled out a knife and demanded money.

No one was injured .