EKB News

hree men arrested in June following an undercover investigation into cocaine trafficking in Perry County now face federal drug conspiracy charges.
Jose M. Canales-Escobar, Arnie J. Lewis and Bill M. Stewart were arrested Thursday, August 14, by Operation UNITE on federal warrants signed by U.S.
Magistrate Judge Robert E. Wier.
All three are charged with conspiring to knowingly or intentionally possess with intent to distribute cocaine and with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine between May 25 and June 16, 2008. In addition, Escobar and Lewis face a federal charge of ³carrying or use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.²
Escobar may also face additional charges for being an undocumented alien.
On June 17, UNITE detectives and officers from the Hazard Police Department, Perry County Sheriff¹s Office and Kentucky State Police K-9 unit arrested Escobar, age 29, of Pinehurst Drive, Smyrna, Georgia, and Lewis, age 51, of South Highway 27, Carrollton, Georgia, after they sold approximately 12 ounces of cocaine during an undercover drug transaction in a Hazard shopping center parking lot.
During the arrest officers discovered a loaded handgun on the front floorboard of their 2007 Chrysler 300-C along with $1,000 in counterfeit $100 bills.
A day earlier Stewart, age 68, of Middle Ridge Road in Bonnyman, was charged with one count each of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree possession of a controlled substance after police received complaints that Stewart was selling cocaine from a Hazard hotel room.
During a search of Stewart¹s room officers found approximately one-quarter ounce of cocaine, $518 in cash, and various equipment used to prepare cocaine for sale.
All three men will be taken to the Laurel County Detention Center to await a hearing in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority says that counties and municipalities owe them over eight million dollars in back bills. The counties will receive a letter on Friday informing them of how much they owe the state over the last two years.

Mingo County owes the state $ 92,100. Commissioner Hootie Smith says that majority of the owed balance stems from when the commission lowered the per diem last year after a Cabell County judge ruled that the jail authority illegally raised the daily rate of housing an inmate.

Mercer County tops the list in our listening area as they owe the jail authority $ 1.1 million.

Logan $ 7,615

Wayne $ 107

Wyoming 50 cents

Lincoln $14,000.

The WV County Commision Association says that with the increase in crime especially the drug problem that it makes it difficult for counties to stay current.

For example Mingo County’s jail bill for last month was estimated to be $ 130,0000.

Bond was set for $ 500,000 each for Jason Robinson and his girlfriend Amanda Eplin. Authorities say that the two are behind the robbery of the Town Mountain Branch of Community Trust Bank which occurred Tuesday morning.

The 29 year old Robinson allegedly has admitted to police that he committed the crime.

East Kentucky Broadcasting News has learned that Robinson was sentenced in June of 2007 to four years of probation after he pleaded guilty to car theft.

In the criminal report Eplin says that she drove her boyfriend ( Robinson ) to the bank so he could cash a check. Eplin told authorities that she received $ 1,100.

Both defendants are scheduled to appear in court next week for a preliminary hearing.

Robinson has been charged with first degree robbery, while Eplin has been charged with conspiracy.

A Pike County man pleaded guilty Wednesday in Pike County Circuit Court to one charge of second degree robbery.

Authorities say that 25 year old Jimmy Ray of Robinson Creek robbed the Virgie I.G.A earlier this year. Ray will have to serve 10 years.

Public Health Releases New Risk Factor Data
Many Kentuckians report they are in poor health, have been diagnosed with chronic diseases, and don’t have access to health care, according to 2007 data released today by the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH).
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Systems, a survey, conducted by the Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement in DPH, looks at several health indicators, such as diet and physical activity, to determine the health and lifestyle habits of Kentuckians.
According to the survey, almost a quarter (23.1 percent) of Kentucky adults rate their general health as fair or poor. In general, residents of Kentucky’s Appalachian counties reported higher rates of poor health and chronic diseases than those in non-Appalachian counties. In addition, Kentuckians with a high school degree or less and those with lower income levels reported higher rates of poor health and chronic diseases.
In terms of health care access, the latest BRFSS data found that 15.9 percent of adults reported a lack of health care coverage. Lack of access is highest among residents of Appalachia (21.5 percent); men (20.9 percent); and those ages 18-24 (31.4 percent).
“The BRFSS is a wonderful tool that allows us to paint a portrait of our state’s health status,” said William Hacker, M.D., DPH commissioner. “Each year, we use information from this survey to learn more about health risk behaviors; shape recommendations for preventive health practices; and determine to what extent Kentuckians have access to care, particularly for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the survey in 1984 to track health conditions and risk behaviors of U.S. adults.
The Kentucky BRFSS is the main source of non-reportable disease data in Kentucky broken down by demographics like gender, race, age group, income levels, education status and geographic areas such as Area Development Districts.
Among the survey’s other findings:
− Almost a third (30.3 percent) of Kentucky adults reported they did not participate in any physical activities or exercise such as running, golf, gardening or walking for exercise, other than their regular jobs.
− More than 80 percent of Kentuckians reported they did not consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
− Around 70 percent of Kentuckians are overweight or obese.
− Kentucky adults reported some of the highest prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease, in the nation.
− Around 10 percent of Kentucky adults reported being told by a doctor that they had diabetes.
− Approximately 6 percent of Kentuckians reported they had been told by a doctor that they had coronary heart disease.
- 6 percent of Kentuckians reported they had been told by a doctor that they had suffered a heart attack.
− 3.5 percent of Kentuckians reported being told by a doctor that they had suffered a stroke.
− 28 percent of Kentuckians reported having smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and now smoke some days or every day.
The BRFSS data contains more health indicators in addition to those listed in this report. To make an inquiry or request data or datasets, please send a request to either Tracey Sparks, program coordinator, at tracey.sparks@ky.gov; or Yvonne Konnor, epidemiologist, at Yvonne.konnor@ky.gov; or call (502) 564-0068.

Senate Majority Leader H. Truman Chafin (D-Mingo), Senator John Pat Fanning (D-McDowell), House of Delegate Finance Chairman Harry K. White (D-Mingo) and Delegate Steve Kominar (D-Mingo) are announcing their plans to honor Mingo County 4-H members during a fun-filled evening at the Williamson City Swimming Pool.
The summer blast is scheduled for Monday, August 18th, from 7 until 10 p.m. The event will include but is not limited to; swimming, a cookout, games, contests and a dance. The evening will conclude with a bon-fire and a special 4-H ceremony.
"Mingo County is fortunate to have such a great group of kids and leaders involved with our local 4-H program," commented Senator Chafin.
"We wanted to provide them with a special evening to reward them for their dedication and commitment, and to honor their many accomplishments."
"For many years, the 4-H program has been an important component in the life’s of our local youth," said Senator Fanning. "We are hopeful this tradition will continue in the future."
"Mark Whitt, M.A. Assistant Professor and Extension Agent for the 4-H Youth Development does an outstanding job with this group of kids, and we have seen our local group grow and prosper like never before. This party gives us a chance to tell him, his faculty, staff and numerous volunteers just how much we appreciate their efforts," stated Delegate Kominar.
Several county officials, businesses and entities have donated items for the event, along with others who plan to attend to provide assistance during the evening’s activities.
"It’s gratifying to see individuals and businesses come together to help with such a worthwhile event, and we look forward to having the opportunity to spend time with these exceptional young men and women,"
remarked Chairman White.
All Mingo County 4-H members and their family members are invited to attend. For additional information, you may contact Senator Chafin’s office by calling 304-357-7808 or by email at chafin@mail.wvnet.edu, or Mark Whitt at the Mingo County Extension Office, at 304-235-3070.
Come out and support your local 4-H members, and take this opportunity to encourage them to continue participating in this club that has contributed in a positive manner to countless Mingo County youth throughout the years.
In case of inclement weather, please note that the event will be held inside the Williamson Field House.

Twenty-nine candidates have filed for various races on the local level in the November 4th general election.

Seats on the Pike County and Pikeville Independent Board of Education, Pikeville , Coal Run and Elkhorn City Commission are available.


Pikeville City Commission
1 Dallas Layne

2 Barry Chaney

3 Gene Davis

4 Jimmy Carter

5 Calvin Sidle
……………………………………………………………………………………………

Coal Run City Commission

1 Joe B. Ramsey, Jr

2 Marilyn . D Compton

3 Stephen D. McQuerry

4 E.W. Damron
………………………………………………………………………………

Elkhorn City

1 Rob Lester

2 Casey Horton

3 Timothy Belcher

4 Mike Taylor

5 Scott Sykes

6 Mack Gibson

7 Johnny Stewart

8 Arnold Woodford
…………………………………………………………………………………..

Pike County Board of Education

District 2 : Earl Dean Thacker, John Blackburn

District 3 : Birdie Gail Overstreet, Delphia Branham, J.C. Chaney and David Conley

District 5 : Frank McGuire
…………………………………………………………………..

Pikeville Independent School System

Forrest Buddy Beller, Mark R Meyers and Teresa Hefner Combs

Imagination Library in Mingo County, West Virginia is opening an enrollment site in Gilbert, 10:00am-3:00pm, Friday, August 15. One of the world’s most exciting library formats, the project is a collaboration between international recording artist Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation and the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts.

The event, conducted in cooperation with the Mingo County Public Libraries, will occur at the Larry Joe Harless Community Center, located on U.S.52 in Gilbert. “People are excited about Imagination Library and we have had a tremendous response from Mingo County,” said Education and the Arts Cabinet Secretary Kay Goodwin. “To help lower travel costs for families, we are taking Imagination Library to several locations in our southern mountains. We are enormously pleased that the Larry Joe Harless Community Center is so warmly welcoming us.”

Parents or grandparents who agree to read aloud to their children or grandchildren may register the young people for free books at the event or may visit any Mingo County Library. Books are mailed to the children’s homes each month.

“Imagination Library is opening new doors to reading for young people,” said Robin Taylor, state director. “The entire region has greeted this program with open arms. We anticipate having a great turnout, especially at the Harless Center”

Education and the Arts will provide entertainment for children and their families, including family films at the Harless multiplex, live magic shows, gymnasium activities and a free lunch. Joining in the celebration will be community organizations, providing information on Mingo County activities and support for families. “This opening fair gives us opportunities to promote literacy,” said Taylor. “It is a ready-made venue to advance family participation, a key component to the Imagination Library.”

Imagination Library provides children, age birth to five years, with free hard-back, age appropriate books, giving parents the opportunity to encourage the love of reading. The literature selected for the program is designed to provide children with a solid foundation toward a successful education.

The Department of Education and the Arts provides statewide leadership and innovation, enhancing arts and minds throughout West Virginia. Composed of five agencies and a number of special programs originating from the Cabinet Secretary’s Office, the Department seeks to reinforce the rich heritage of culture, education and artistic creation in West Virginia. Education and the Arts celebrates the perseverance and resilience of the “Mountain Character” through public broadcasting, libraries, rehabilitation, professional development, community volunteerism and culture and history.

For more information concerning Imagination Library, contact Robin Taylor at 304-558-2440 or via email at rtaylor@wvosea.org.

Pikeville— Senior citizens from each of the county’s senior citizen centers drove their pickup trucks and trailers to the Pike County Jail Farm Saturday, August 9, to load up produce grown by work release inmates at the Pike County Detention Center.

“All that freshly picked produce piled up high on the ground was a beautiful sight. And it was made prettier by knowing that those vegetables were going to be taken back to Pike County’s senior citizen centers to feed their members,” said Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford, who attended Saturday’s event.

Representatives from Pike County’s seven senior citizen centers carried corn, potatoes, squash, green beens, tomatoes, and peppers back to their centers for use in preparing lunches for their area’s seniors.

“We’re glad to help the senior citizen centers, and when we save them money, we’re saving the county money. Every little bit helps,” said Pike County Jailer Rodney Scott.

Pike County Social Services Commissioner Carol Napier agrees. “We appreciate the produce that was given to our senior centers, as it will save us in our food costs,” she said.

“Our goal was to reduce feeding costs for Pike County’s jail inmates and help reduce our meal costs at our senior citizens centers. Our goal has been met and next gardening season, we will be able to do more,” Judge Rutherford said.

Detective Phillip Reed of the Pikeville Police Department told us that two people have been arrested in connection with the robbery of the Town Mountain Branch of Commuity Trust Bank in Pikeville.

Jason Robinson of Powells Creek is charged with first degree robbery. Police say that Robinson's girlfriend Amanda Eplin of Betsy Layne drove the get away vehicle. She has been charged with conspiracy.

Police say that the $3 ,900 that was stolen from the bank has not been recovered.

Reed said that they ran the surveillance picture of Robinson in the computer to identify him. They went to his grandfather's house where he identified the suspect. Police arrested Robinson at the Pikeville Kentucky Fried Chicken after his grandmother dropped him off. Detective Reed said that Robinson confessed to committing the crime. Reed added that the Pike County resident is also involved in the robbery of a Community Trust Bank earlier in the week in Middlesboro.

Police say that that do not believe that Eplin had any involvement in the Bell County crime. Eplin was arrested after she showed up at the Pikeville Police Department for questioning. Authorities told us that she denied of being involved in Tuesday's crime. The FBI has been called in to assist in the investigation.

The investigation began after police received a call at around 11:20 a.m. Robinson allegedley walked into the bank gave the teller a note demanding money. The teller followed the request. Eyewitnesses saw Robinson get into a white mini van that was allegedly driven by Eplin.

A two vehicle accident that occurred on Chloe Road Monday afternoon sent two people to the hospital.

According to Officer John Hunt with the Pikeville Police Department a car driven by Tiffany Noble of Whitesburg was traveling south on Chloe Road suddenly the right side tires dropped off of the roadway. When Noble attempted to regain control of the vehicle it went into the northbound lane hitting another vehicle head-on which was being driven by Sheila Fraley of Pikeville. Noble's car went over an embankment, the vehicle came to a stop in a nearby creek.

Noble was transported to a hospital for possible internal injuries while Fraley was treated and released with minor injuries.

No citations were issued.

Pikeville— U.S. Representative Hal Rogers, Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford and other county and local officials toured two proposed Pike County development sites Monday, the first slated to house a future coal-to-liquid plant and the second slated to house an energy research center.

“The judge and his staff have put together the preliminary studies for these initiatives and I want to commend them for having the vision necessary to make these plans a reality,” said Rogers.

“This is our time, and we’re going to take advantage of it,” Rutherford said, in assurance that the CTL plant and the energy research center would be built. However, Rutherford added undertakings of such magnitude and scope as these would require partnerships between private industry, as well as federal, local and state government.

“The planned facilities, in my opinion, would collectively be the largest economic engine for the people, the economy and the future of Pike County than anything that’s ever been undertaken before—by far,” said Pike County Attorney Howard Keith Hall, who took part in Monday’s tour.

“I think the proposed CTL plant and energy center are good things, and I hope they go through. They would create a lot of jobs, and we’ve got plenty of coal for the CTL plant. I just hope we can get the funding for them and they both work out,” said District Four Magistrate Kenneth Robinson, who also accompanied Rogers on Monday’s tour.

The tour comes after Judge Rutherford’s recent announcement that an energy study recently completed for Pike County revealed the viability of locating both a CTL plant and an energy research center in Pike County. The tour also follows Judge Rutherford’s recent trip to Washington, D.C., to promote the energy study’s findings and other Pike County energy initiatives.

Rogers, Rutherford, and the rest of the assembly first traveled Monday to Big Shoal, to the future sight of the proposed coal-to-liquid plant. The site is located off Thompson Road, behind the Pikeville Wal-Mart. The CTL plant, if constructed on the sight, would cost approximately $4 billion, but according to estimates, the plant would recover its construction costs after only 10 years of operation.

And, “the 50,000 barrels of CTL and 25,000 tons of coal produced at the plant per day would mean the region would secure its future through long-term coal contracts,” Judge Rutherford said.

The 240 acres of land at Big Shoal has immediate access to rail and highway amenities, access to municipal water, sewer and communication utilities, and access to commercial air service through the Pikeville/Pike County Airport. The close proximity of Big Shoal to the Big Sandy River will give the plant a direct water source for industrial use.

“Pike County is well-positioned to attract one of these CTL plants that will provide the good-paying jobs for hundreds of people, who’ll work and live here in Pike County. These two projects will change our area for the better. Through the energy research center and a CTL plant, we will develop clean coal technologies, to make coal competitive well into the future. Coal is the backbone of our region and this will ensure we keep coal as a key to America’s energy future,” said Roger Ford, Director of Energy and Technology.

While Judge Rutherford said the Fiscal Court has received several proposals from companies desiring to construct a coal-to-liquid plant in Pike County, no announcement has been made upon which company will ultimately build the plant. Judge Rutherford has stressed the need to thoroughly examine each of the proposals based upon several considerations, including the threat that each poses to the environment.

“Whatever we do in energy, we’ll be conscious of the environment, but we must balance our ecology with our economy,” Judge Rutherford said recently.

After touring the Big Shoal site, the assembly traveled to Scott Fork, to the future home of the proposed American Energy Research Center. The site is located off U.S. 119. If built, the energy center’s primary research would be related to clean coal and alternative energy technology, but another component would be dedicated to reclaiming Appalachian mountaintops with hardwoods and other native vegetation.

State Police out of Logan say they have arrested 40 year-old Jeffrey Finley and charged him with first degree murder. Authorities say that Finley killed his wife 29 year old Lynn Finley. Authorities found her body inside of a vehicle that was parked along Harts Creek Road.

Authorities told us that Jeffrey Finley walked into the State Police Detatchment Monday morning to report his wife missing. By 6p.m Monday evening they placed the suspect under arrest at his West Logan home.

Whayne Supply Company recently donated $500 to the UNITE Foundation in support of Camp UNITE, an adventure/leadership program for middle school-aged youth. More than 300 children from across the Fifth Congressional District have attended Camp UNITE over the past two summers.
Planning is currently underway for 2009. ³Whayne Supply has been a tremendous supporter of UNITE, especially our treatment initiative and providing opportunities for youth,² said Karen Engle, UNITE president/CEO.
Pictured are Liz Wilson, UNITE Foundation director, receiving a check from Dave Mockabee, Whayne vice president and branch operations manager. For more information about Operation UNITE visit their website at http://www.blogger.com/www.operationunite.org <http://www.operationunite.org/> .

Prestonsburg, KY - Disney Institute is bringing its renowned professional development program, the "Disney Keys to Excellence," to Prestonsburg at the Wilkson-Stumbo Convention Center on September 18, 2008.
Sponsored locally by Floyd County Chamber Of Commerce, the full-day event will give area professionals an opportunity to experience the business behind the Disney magic - proven strategies and best practices that are easily adaptable to their organizations.
"This is the only program that Disney Institute brings to the local business community," said George Aguel, senior vice president for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts who also leads the Disney Institute. "Participants from the Big Sandy area will discover Disney practices that they can incorporate into their own businesses. These strategies and tactics have been proven successful for more than 50 years."
Disney Institute programs are unique in the world of training. "What makes the Disney learning experience so different and meaningful is that we don't simply teach theory," said Aguel. "We give participants an 'insider's look' at business philosophies that have helped Disney to consistently rank as one of the world's most admired companies and brands. Engaging content is presented in an entertaining fashion and provides participants with tools that can literally transform their organizations."
The full-day "Disney Keys to Excellence" program is made up of four 90-minute sessions:
. Leadership, Disney Style - Highlights how effective leadership has
been the catalyst at Disney to drive employee and customer satisfaction from the Company's inception to today. Participants discover how Disney leaders exhibit values and behaviors that generate bottom-line results.
. Management, Disney Style - Examines the importance of integrating an
organization's corporate culture into selection, training and care.
Participants gain insight into ways Disney fosters a supportive environment that inspires employee pride and ownership.
. Service, Disney Style - Explores world-renowned Disney principles
for service excellence. Participants learn how to leverage a service infrastructure and service standards to constantly exceed expectations.
. Loyalty, Disney Style - Showcases practices that have helped Disney
build and sustain loyalty while creating one of the world's most trusted and revered brands. Participants discover ways to create powerful relationships that can help retain customers for life and techniques for effectively delivering a brand promise.

Program registration is $350.00 per person and includes all course materials and lunch. Seating is limited and payment must be received upon registration! For more information or to register, call Mandy Stumbo at the Floyd County Chamber Of Commerce at (606) 886-0364.

The Logan Detatchment of the West Virginia State Police say they are working a homicide case. The body of a woman was found inside a vehicle . The discovery was made on Harts Creek Road.Police have not rleased the name of the victim. No arrests have been made. Detectives did say that they found a sheet with blood on it and socks in the woods near the car.

A portion of US 23 in Lawrence County was closed for several hours Monday evening after two coal trucks collided while traveling in opposite directions.

According to authorities the bed of a coal truck traveling northbound began raising the rig, then got caught up in powerlines, the vehicle then swerved into the southbound lane colliding into the second coal truck. The accident occurred just south of Louisa.

Preliminary statistics* indicate that 12 people died in eleven separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, August 4 through Sunday, August 10, 2008. Seven of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and six of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Carlisle, Hardin, Harlan, Jefferson, Ohio and Pulaski (2) counties. The crash in Pulaski county was a double-fatality and involved the suspected use of alcohol.
There was an ATV fatality in Clay county and the victim was not wearing a helmet. The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in this crash.
There were three motorcycle fatalities and two of the victims were not wearing helmets. These crashes occurred in Graves, Harlan and McCracken counties and two of the victims were not wearing helmets. There was one pedestrian fatality in Warren county.

Through August 10, preliminary statistics* indicate that 461 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 68 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 354 motor vehicle fatalities, 218 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 54 motorcycle fatalities, 33 were not wearing helmets. Fourteen people have been killed in ATV crashes and 13 of those were not wearing helmets. Thirty-seven pedestrians have been killed. A total of 89 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

*These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.

Judge Executve Wayne Rutherford of Pike County says the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands is on board to fund a study of the dangers of abandoned mines. The study will seek ways to drain them and put monitors in them if needed.

Funding from the DAML only supports mines before 1982, but, officials are in the works of acquiring more money to study recent mines.

Tammy Brewer, 43, and her father, 66-year old Hoey Dobson, were sentenced in federal court Griday. after they were convicted of perjury and conspiracy to commit perjury, by lying to federal investigators involving the misuse of public money by Knott County officials.

Brewer was sentenced to 26 months, and her father to 15 months.

Citing the increase in the minimum wage, rising cost of ingredients and unfavorable term leases Midland Food Services a franchise company that owns several Pizza Hut restaurants across the country, including our area, filed for bankruptcy protection late last week. The company owns five Pizza Hut’s in eastern Kentucky including two in Pikeville and one each at Goody, Paintsville, Prestonsburg and Louisa. This is the second time in the last eight years that Midland has filed for bankruptcy protection.