EKB News

WILLIAMSON – Arville Murril Fultz had a remarkable career as an educator in Mingo County for nearly a half century and his imprints upon education will remain for future generations of educators to study and emulate.He passed on an enthusiasm for teaching during his years of molding the minds of his students, and was an example to principals during the years he served in that capacity at Main Building Grade School in Williamson.At 88 years of age, Fultz died unexpectedly Tuesday, May 27, at his home on West Sixth Avenue where he resided with his wife of 66 years, Geneva Ward Fultz. Despite poor health in his final years, Fultz showed an unbelievable fortitude as he walked around his neighborhood with the aid of a walker, greeting neighbors and exhibiting an interest in everything.This highly respected educator was born in Ashland, Ky., on Aug. 16, 1919, the son and only child of the late William Edward and Mary Meade Fultz. The family returned to Maher, the home of his mother, when Fultz was a young child. He grew up there and lived there after his marriage until the couple moved to West Williamson in 1996, an act that followed the 1977 flood. The Fultz home was one of numerous homes razed in the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ floodproofing program.
He was an exceptional teenager, graduating from Lenore High School at age 14 and earning his first college degree from Concord College by the time he reached 17 years of age. He later earned a master’s degree from Marshall University.After teaching elementary education at Dingess, Road Branch and East Williamson, he was transferred to Main Building Grade School where he later was elevated to the principalship. He retired in 1982.He and the former Geneva Ward, also an educator, met during the early years of their teaching careers and married on Nov. 1, 1941, about five weeks before the bombing of Pearl Harbor that plunged this nation into World War II.He put his teaching career on hold when he was inducted into the United States Army on Sept. 11, 1942. His military occupational specialty was that of Radio Controlled Target Airplane officer and his tour of duty included service in Alaska. He was honorably discharged from active duty on March 15, 1946 and resumed his career in education.Besides his long career of dealing with children and education, Fultz was an active member of the Chattaroy Missionary Baptist Church where he formerly taught Sunday School and served as a member of the Building committee. No greater tribute could be given him than the high esteem in which he was held by those in his profession and by parents and children with whom he came in contact for so many years as a teacher and a principal.In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Bridget Call (an award-winning teacher of Mingo County), her husband, Greg, and a grandson, Heath Call, all of Delbarton; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as friends of his church and in the school system.Visitations were held Wednesday evening at Weaver Mortuary in West Williamson, where funeral services were to be conducted at 1 p.m. today (May 29). The Rev. W.L. Bostic was to officiate and burial was to follow in Mountain View Memory Gardens at Maher with full military honors. Weaver Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.The family welcomes floral tributes or memorial contributions to the Chattaroy Missionary Baptist Church, or Dignity Hospice of Southern West Virginia.

Courtesy : Williamson Daily News.

With the rise in fuel and food costs the Pike County School District is facing less money next school year resulting in less teachers and fewer programs.

The district had to cut three million dollars from its budget after receiving less money from the state.

The district is forced to lay off 10 teachers and cut programs like UNITE counselors, safe schools program, some tutoring teacher’s development courses.

Officials say that learning shouldn't be effected .

Kentucky State Representative Keith Hall told EKB that he will send a letter next week to Governor Steve Beshear requesting him to suspend the fuel surcharge on the state weight distance tax for the next two quarters.

Hall says that some truckers are paying up to $ 40,000 per quarter.

Twenty two trucking companies have parked there rigs in Kentucky over the last six weeks.

Truckers tell us that they simply can’t make a living right now.

Hall says that he will ask other mountain lawmakers to sign the letter.

A trial date has been set for a East Ridge High School teacher charged with two counts of official misconduct. Pike County District Court Judge Kelsey Friend Jr set a trial date of June 16th for Lincoln Shane Bentley. If convicted Bentley faces one year in jail. Bentley is currently suspended with pay.

A Floyd County resident admitted in Pike County Circuit Court that she violated probation by being in possession of cocaine.

20 year – old Ashley Conn of Betsy Layne must serve 2 and a half years in prison. She was on probation due to a previous drug conviction.

Gov. Steve Beshear today called on legislators to agree on major pension reform issues in the next three weeks which will save taxpayers $500 million annually and city and county governments and school districts at least $50 million immediately. If such an agreement can be reached, the Governor said he would call a special legislative session to enact the reforms before June 30, the end of the current fiscal year.
“Democrats and Republicans, public employees and public employers, we all agree that the state’s public pension problem is a real mess,” said Gov. Beshear. “And, we all agree that the failure to pass meaningful pension reform during the last legislative session has made the problem worse. And, most significantly, we all agree that we must act now to stop the bleeding of taxpayer dollars.”
During the last session, the House and Senate passed separate bills, many provisions of which were strikingly similar. Key issues that remain in dispute are governance of the systems and consideration of new models for future benefits, issues that have not been fully vetted and did not receive any recommendation from former Governor Fletcher’s Blue Ribbon Commission.
Gov. Beshear’s staff compiled all of the provisions of the two pension bills from the 2008 session that used the same language or shared principles.
“The draft language represents issues where there is substantial agreement between both Houses,” said the Governor. “In addition, this draft contains the recommendations of Governor Fletcher’s Blue Ribbon Commission.
Those recommendations include:
Raising retirement ages for future hires;
Lowering the cost of living adjustment to 1.5 percent;
Requiring new employees to contribute 1 percent of their salary to the health insurance fund; and
Reforming the practice of double-dipping.
Gov. Beshear met with House and Senate leaders this morning to provide the draft language and urged them to reach agreement on these core components in the next three weeks. If they agree, he will call a special session the week of June 23 to take up this compromise bill.
“Agreement on these reforms will result in savings of nearly $500 million annually to state and local government obligations to fund the pension system,” said Gov. Beshear. “It will also provide city and county governments and school districts with at least $50 million in immediate savings starting July 1.”
Gov. Beshear also emphasized that the state will realize a record number of retirees this year, and a failure to reform the practice of “double dipping” could impose significant additional costs on the state.
“It’s time to set aside issues that divide us, to identify all of the significant things we agree on, and work together to come up with a partial, but substantial solution to the pension mess we are in,” said Gov. Beshear. “We all agree there is a problem. We agree the problem is getting worse. We agree the time is now. And we agree on the basic changes that need to be made. Let’s get it done, now.”
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Applications are available for Pikeville College’s annual Science & Math Day Camp. Registration is open to students who will be enrolled in the fifth through the eighth grade in the upcoming 2008-2009 school year.
The camp is open to students entering the fifth and sixth grades the week of July 7-11, and open to students entering the seventh and eighth grades the week of July 14-18. The activities each week generally run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, with the exception of check-in on the first day and a daylong Friday field trip. The cost for this year’s camp is $50, which covers all expenses, including camp food, a T-shirt and the field trip.
Information and application packets are now available and may be accessed at http://www.pc.edu/camp.asp. All application paperwork, including the parental permission slip, behavior and medical information forms, computer access request, permission waiver, a photo/video release and the registration fee must be received before camp reservation can be confirmed. Incomplete applications cannot be processed until all materials are received. Some forms require the camper’s signature as well as the signature of a parent or legal guardian.Application packets may be returned at any time to Lacey Ross in the Math & Science Division Office located in Pikeville College’s Armington Learning Center, room 214. Volunteer

A collision on KY1469 near Virgie has sent four individuals to the Pikeville Medical Center for minor injuries.

According to the Kentucky State Police, Jerry Spears, 40, crossed the centerline, colliding with a vehicle driven by Jeanett Johnson. There were two passengers in the Johnson vehicle. All involved, including Spears, were treated at PMC and released.

Spears was held on a $10,000 bond in the Pike County Detention Center on DUI charges.

Johnson County received an economic hit Wednesday as American Standard announced that they will close there Paintsville plant resulting in the loss of 50 jobs.

The company says that they can’t afford to operate the plant anymore. American Standard opened the plant over 40 years ago . Household products are produced at the site.
American Standard says that the plant will close in October

Pike County Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Ron Burchett told us that two people pleaded guilty in Pike County Circuit Court on Wednesday.

Ira Howard pleaded guilty to two counts of drug trafficking. Howard will serve 5 years in prison.

Seth Stone admitted to one count of theft. Stone will be incarcerated for one year.

Operation UNITE has received a $126,000 AmeriCorps state grant to add 10 service corps workers at schools in Eastern Kentucky.
UNITE was one of 49 organizations to receive funding in the nationwide competition after being nominated by governor-appointed state service commissions.
Winners of the 2008 grants, totaling $480 million, were announced on March 5 by the Corporation for National and Community Service to kick-off AmeriCorps Week activities. These grants are designed to help communities raise graduation rates, mentor youth and tackle other national challenges such as substance abuse.
UNITE School Liaison Gary Perkins will serve as the program director.
The UNITED ServCorps will focus on the eastern side of Kentucky¹s Fifth Congressional District and provide drug education and math tutoring.
Currently 30 workers through the Eastern Kentucky University ServCorps provide drug education, reading and tutoring in the western portion of UNITE¹s service area and surrounding counties.
These AmeriCorps workers are also instrumental in creating and facilitating UNITE Clubs at the elementary schools in which they work.
Total cost of the new AmeriCorps project is estimated to be $242,819. The grant will cover 52 percent of this cost, with the remaining $116,819 provided by contributions from participating schools and in-kind contributions from Operation UNITE.
The rigorous 2008 competition adds 10,000 members and $47 million dollars to the AmeriCorps portfolio, which in total will reach 75,000 members and $480 million in 2008, including continuations, state formula grants, VISTA and NCCC funding, and education awards.
The 68 national and local organizations that won the 2008 competition will receive $23.7 million to recruit and supervise those 10,000 members over the next year. These members, upon completing their service, are collectively eligible for up to $23.6 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to help pay for college or to pay back student loans.
³Working in some of America¹s most distressed and forgotten communities, AmeriCorps members are on the front lines helping fight poverty, mentor youth, recover from disasters, raise graduation rates, build homes, and tackle our toughest social challenges,² said David Eisner, chief executive officer of the Corporation, which administers AmeriCorps. ³We are investing in organizations that have proved their ability to improve lives, and we are also supporting creative programs with strong models that will use AmeriCorps members to bring lasting change.²
The Corporation for National and Community Service improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year the Corporation engages more than 4 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to meet local needs through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs.

The Kentucky State Police reported 30-year old Jamie L. Kilburn of Martin was killed early Tuesday. He died when the the truck in which he was riding ran over an embankment. Kilburn was riding in the bed of the Ford pickup.

Police say 30-year old John P. Sexton of Langley was driving south on KY850 when he failed to stop at an intersection in Hueysville.

Kilburn was pronounced dead at the scene by Floyd County Coroner Roger Nelson. Sexton was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Martin. Police say he was not wearing a seat belt and alcohol is suspected as a factor.

A mining accident in Boone County Tuesday has left one miner in serious condition in a Charleston hospital.

The 33 year old Foster resident was trapped between a continuous miner and a mine wall according to a state official.

The accident happened at Sylvester.
The worker has worked at the mine for less than two years

According to the West Virginia State Police, a 13-year old boy from Londonderry, New Hampshire, was killed Monday afternoon. The fatlaity happened during a motorcycle race at the Summit Point Raceway in Jefferson County.

The boy was killed when the motorcycle he was riding struck another driver's cycle, ejecting both riders. The teenager was then hit by a third motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men charged with murder of 46-year old Tom Bentley will appear in court today for arraignment.

Timothy Marsillett, 39 and Richard Adkins, 31 were arrested in connection with a weekend murder at Bull Creek in Floyd County. Officials say the house was in flames when they arrived at Bentley's home. However, they say Bentley was first shot and then the structure set on fire.

This Memorial Day weekend two teens died in separate, but similar accidents. The Kentucky State Police said Sunday afternoon, an unidentifed teenage boy, and, 16-year old Brianna Castle, were riding their four-wheeler on Branham Road in Hippo in Floyd County, when the ATV flipped. Castle was flown to St. Mary's Medical Center in Huntington, where she died early Monday morning. The driver was taken to ARH in McDowell.

Sunday, in Pike County, KSP says a 13-year old boy and 12-year old Sarah Colley were riding their ATV along a railroad in Virgie when it got stuck in gravel. When they attempted to free it, the vehicle tipped into the creek. Both were taken to the Pikeville Medical Center, where Colley died.

The names and conditions of the boys have not yet been released.

Honoring our veterans is what Memorial Day is all about. In Frankfort, Governor Beshear gathered with hundreds to pay tribute to fallen soldiers.

Many around the region gathered at war memorials to remember why we celebrate the holiday. But, for some areas, police say the traffic over the Memorial Day weekend was lighter than usual. Kentucky State Police were busy however, patroling roadways, watching for speeders and reckless drivers.

Officials said the goal was to keep the highways of Kentucky safe for everyone. The Memorial Day weekend ended Monday night at midnight.

A four vehicle accident occurred Sunday afternoon in front of the Double – Kwik at Marrowbone.

The Kentucky State Police said two people were transported to Pikeville Medical Center with minor injuries.

It feels good to be totally vindicated from these false and malicious allegations once again. I hope now that Senator H. Truman Chafin and his wife, Letisha will finally stop their political and personal attack against me and my family. It's a shame that just because I exercised my constitutional right to run for office against the Senator and offered the voters a choice, I have had to endure two ethics complaints, a civil suit, and this meritless ouster suit.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank God and my family for seeing me through these trials and challenges. Also, I give my upmost appreciation to all my many friends and supporters throughout the County who have stood by my family and believed in our efforts.
However, as glad as I am that this is finally over, it's a shame that the taxpayers of Mingo County will be the ones who have to pay for the legal fees from this politically motivated ouster suit, which are well in excess of $60,000.00.
It is my hope and prayer that we can finally put politics aside and work together for the betterment of Mingo County, and it is my promise that I will continue to stand as an independant voice of the people.

The West Virginia State Supreme Court ruled late last week not to hear an appeal on the ouster suit filed against Commissioner Greg Smith.

Sheriff Lonnie Hannah and County Commissioner David L. Baisden filed the suit stating that Smith failed to protect the tax dollars of Mingo County citizens.

A special three judge panel ruled late last year that Smith did nothing wrong.

The county must reimburse Smith his legal fees which are in excess of $ 60,000.

Mingo, Logan and Wayne Counties’ school districts are among West Virginia’s 15 counties being awarded a total of $3.6 million to assist students and members of the community with access to the Internet, Senator Jay Rockefeller, D-WV, announced.Rockefeller co-authored the E-Rate program, which has drastically increased Internet access by providing discounts on telecommunication services to schools and libraries.School districts in the three southern West Virginia counties will share in the $3,604,829.97 award as follows:Mingo County School District, $435,573.10, and Mingo Center Library, $4,299.65; Logan County School District, $189,061.59, and the Chapmanville Public Library, $1,185.83; Wayne County School District, $243,020.65.Other counties sharing in the technology funding for schools and libraries are Boone, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Nicholas, Putnam, Roane and Wirt.“E-Rate serves as an equalizer – tearing down the walls between big and small schools, rich and poor counties and urban and rural regions,” said Rockefeller. “It reaches schools and libraries in every corner of West Virginia, making sure no one is left behind in this age of information, regardless of where they live or what types of resources their schools have.”Twelve years ago, Rockefeller worked with his colleagues in the Senate to author the E-Rate program. This came at a time when only 14 percent of classrooms were connected to the Internet, and only five percent of classes in disadvantaged schools were connected.The most recent survey published by the National Center for Education Statistics reported the proportion of classrooms with Internet access has grown to 90 percent to 97 percent nationwide.“Because of programs like E-Rate, West Virginia has the best record in our country for integrating technology and education,” Rockefeller stated. “The promise of E-Rate is simple and straightforward: to assure that all Americans, regardless of geography, have access to the new information technologies; and to make sure that everyone can reach the enormous opportunities that are available on the Web.”Since the inception of the E-Rate program, West Virginia has received over $101 million in funding, with more than $9.4 million this year, to help schools and libraries pay the cost of linking to the Internet. Rockefeller has closely monitored this program in the years since he first co-authored the program and is reintroducing a bill to protect the long-term future of the Universal Service Fund, which includes E-Rate, to ensure that funding continues to flow to schools and libraries across the state.A breakdown of West Virginia funding levels for each school and library is available on the Universal Service Administrative Company web site at http://www.sl.universalservice.org/funding.


Courtesy : Charlotte Sanders of Williamson Daily News.

The Inez City Commission recently promoted officer Adam Crum to serve as police chief.

Crum takes over for Mitchell Williamson. Williamson resigned so he could pusue other career interests.

Damon Newsome a former Floyd County deputy jailer was sentenced to serve 8 years and three months in prison on charges of selling prescription drugs and money laundering.

The 61 year old will also serve three years probation and he also must forfeit in interest in property that he currently owns.

Newsome admitted in January that he would travel to Michigan obtain prescription drugs bring it back and sell them in eastern Kentucky.