Thursday, November 06, 2008
Mutli Vehicle Accident At Maytown
The Kentucky State Police has notified us that a multi vehicle accident has occurred in Floyd County at the junction of Route 80 and Route 777 at Maytown. We will update when details become available.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:01 PM
Fatal House Fire In Knott County.
On 11/06/08 at approximately 09:58am Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard received a 911 call of a possible house fire in the Mousie Community of Knott County.
EMS arrived at the scene to find a fire at the residence of Roy Short. The fire was contained and minimal damage was sustained. Roy Short age 67 of Mousie was found on the front porch area with fatal injuries. The Knott County Coroner pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. The body has been taken to the State Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy. No foul play is suspected and the investigation is continuing by Det. Chris Collins.
EMS arrived at the scene to find a fire at the residence of Roy Short. The fire was contained and minimal damage was sustained. Roy Short age 67 of Mousie was found on the front porch area with fatal injuries. The Knott County Coroner pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. The body has been taken to the State Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy. No foul play is suspected and the investigation is continuing by Det. Chris Collins.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 3:12 PM
Highway Department Donates Land To Pike County Fiscal Court.
The Kentucky Department of Transportation has donated 50 acres of land to be used for development to the Pike County Fiscal Court.
The land located next to US 119 at Scott Fork will be the future home of the proposed Energy Institute Center.
The state purchased the land to build the new US 119
The highway construction created the flat land.
Pike County Judge- Executive Wayne T. Rutherford says that the site needs water and sewage and that he hopes that the site will attract more companies to located in the county.
The land located next to US 119 at Scott Fork will be the future home of the proposed Energy Institute Center.
The state purchased the land to build the new US 119
The highway construction created the flat land.
Pike County Judge- Executive Wayne T. Rutherford says that the site needs water and sewage and that he hopes that the site will attract more companies to located in the county.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 1:00 PM
Jury Recommends 20 Year Sentence For Repeat Drug Offender.
A Lawrence County jury recommended a 20 year prison sentence for a repeat drug offender.
46 year- old Rachel Blackburn was found guilty of two counts of first – degree drug trafficking in a controlled substance and a persistent felony offender.
Blackburn sold Morphine pills to an informant working for Operation Unite on two occasions in March 2007. At the time of the sales she was on probation for second – degree drug trafficking conviction in March of ’06.
A circuit court judge will formally sentence Blackburn on December 12th.
46 year- old Rachel Blackburn was found guilty of two counts of first – degree drug trafficking in a controlled substance and a persistent felony offender.
Blackburn sold Morphine pills to an informant working for Operation Unite on two occasions in March 2007. At the time of the sales she was on probation for second – degree drug trafficking conviction in March of ’06.
A circuit court judge will formally sentence Blackburn on December 12th.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 1:00 PM
Three Indicted By Pike County Grand Jury.
A Pike County Grand Jury returned three indictments .
James Clinton Taylor, 42, of Hatfield has been charged second – degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and theft by unlawful taking. He is accused of forging a check in the amount of $ 975.78 and unlawfully taking control of a paycheck less than $ 300.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Chuck Bailey, 20, of Pikeville has been charged with second – degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Jimmy Lester, 48, of Grundy, Virginia. Lester has been charged with first – degree possession of a controlled substance, third – degree possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
An indictment is only an accusation.
James Clinton Taylor, 42, of Hatfield has been charged second – degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and theft by unlawful taking. He is accused of forging a check in the amount of $ 975.78 and unlawfully taking control of a paycheck less than $ 300.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Chuck Bailey, 20, of Pikeville has been charged with second – degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Jimmy Lester, 48, of Grundy, Virginia. Lester has been charged with first – degree possession of a controlled substance, third – degree possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
An indictment is only an accusation.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 12:45 PM
Mingo County Commission To hold Special Meeting Monday. Public Invited.
The public is invited to a meeting Monday evening to discuss a proposal to build a water and sewage system for the Twin Branch Motorsports Complex, it was announced at the regular meeting of the Mingo County Commission.Bids were opened Wednesday morning by companies hoping to install infrastructure for the complex, a project the Commission has been working on for at least three years. The lowest bid, coming in at just under $2.5 million, came from S&E Clearing, a Mingo County company headquartered in Varney.However, that bid has not been officially accepted. Commission President John Mark Hubbard said the project's engineering firm, E.L. Robinson, will be at next week's meeting to confirm that all requirements are met in the bid contract from S&E Clearing.
“We hope to award that bid,” Hubbard said. “We think we have everything resolved.” The project is being financed by funds from the West Virginia Development Office and the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. The stipulations of that funding call for the Complex to begin construction by the end of 2008.Hubbard said the MCC is helping the project in at every opportunity. “We are doing everything we can humanly, can possibly do,” he said. “I feel confidant that we will leave no stone unturned.” Commissioner Greg “Hootie” Smith agreed. “We are excited,” he added.In other news on the Twin Branch project, Leigh Ann Ray, Grant Coordinator for the county, requested permission from the MCC to contact American Electric Power to begin the process of getting power to the Complex location. The MCC granted that request.In matters concerning another long standing endeavor by the MCC, the Dingess water project became $200,000 more expensive for the county. The Commission received a request from Rural Utilities Services (RUS), one source of funding for the project, which will provide water for 580 families in the county. The company asked that a $200,000 loan made to the Public Service Department by the county be made into a grant. Ray explained although the federal fiscal year began Oct. 1, a federal budget has not been passed. The USDA, which is helping fund the Dingess project, has not obtained funding. If the MCC would agree to make the loan a grant, that would take $200,000 from the amount the USDA is giving the county through RUS. Such a financial maneuver would keep the project on schedule.The Commissioners were not eager to accept the proposal, but felt they had little choice in the matter. “That money has already been paid. In the good faith of the project,” President Hubbard said, “once the budget is approved by congress, we would be allowed to ask for that money back. If they chose not to do so [return the funds], then the next project of the Commission that uses RUS funding, we would be credited the $200,000 that this county has already paid. But in no way will the Commission do anything to jeopardize that project.”In other business conducted at the meeting, Commissioners agreed to allow staff members of the Upward Bound program to attend training in Florida. Financing for that trip will come from Upward Bounds own funds. MCC members agreed to donate $2500 to Shepherd of the Hills Mission toward providing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for for the needy and to work with the town of Gilbert and the Gilbert Volunteer Fire Department to pay for a new roof for the firehouse.
Story Written By Julia Goad of The Williamson Daily News.
“We hope to award that bid,” Hubbard said. “We think we have everything resolved.” The project is being financed by funds from the West Virginia Development Office and the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. The stipulations of that funding call for the Complex to begin construction by the end of 2008.Hubbard said the MCC is helping the project in at every opportunity. “We are doing everything we can humanly, can possibly do,” he said. “I feel confidant that we will leave no stone unturned.” Commissioner Greg “Hootie” Smith agreed. “We are excited,” he added.In other news on the Twin Branch project, Leigh Ann Ray, Grant Coordinator for the county, requested permission from the MCC to contact American Electric Power to begin the process of getting power to the Complex location. The MCC granted that request.In matters concerning another long standing endeavor by the MCC, the Dingess water project became $200,000 more expensive for the county. The Commission received a request from Rural Utilities Services (RUS), one source of funding for the project, which will provide water for 580 families in the county. The company asked that a $200,000 loan made to the Public Service Department by the county be made into a grant. Ray explained although the federal fiscal year began Oct. 1, a federal budget has not been passed. The USDA, which is helping fund the Dingess project, has not obtained funding. If the MCC would agree to make the loan a grant, that would take $200,000 from the amount the USDA is giving the county through RUS. Such a financial maneuver would keep the project on schedule.The Commissioners were not eager to accept the proposal, but felt they had little choice in the matter. “That money has already been paid. In the good faith of the project,” President Hubbard said, “once the budget is approved by congress, we would be allowed to ask for that money back. If they chose not to do so [return the funds], then the next project of the Commission that uses RUS funding, we would be credited the $200,000 that this county has already paid. But in no way will the Commission do anything to jeopardize that project.”In other business conducted at the meeting, Commissioners agreed to allow staff members of the Upward Bound program to attend training in Florida. Financing for that trip will come from Upward Bounds own funds. MCC members agreed to donate $2500 to Shepherd of the Hills Mission toward providing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for for the needy and to work with the town of Gilbert and the Gilbert Volunteer Fire Department to pay for a new roof for the firehouse.
Story Written By Julia Goad of The Williamson Daily News.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 12:34 PM
Kentucky Attorney General Announces Internet Safety Measures.
Attorney General Jack Conway today announced that he and 42 other state attorneys general have reached agreement with Craigslist to crack down on inappropriate adult content that could be accessed by children using the online classified ad website. In addition, Craigslist will deploy search technology that it developed to assist the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and law enforcement agencies in identifying missing persons, children and victims of human trafficking.
Under the agreement with attorneys general and NCMEC, Craigslist will remove ads for illicit services and non-age appropriate materials from areas of the website that are accessible to children. The site will require those who post ads featuring adult services to list a working phone number and pay a fee with a valid credit card that has a track-able billing address. This should significantly reduce the number of adult-services ads and it gives law enforcement a tool to track illegal prostitution and or any other criminal investigation that may result from the use of Craigslist. Craigslist will also explore technology to block inappropriate image uploads and better screen for words and euphemisms for illegal activity.
“Like Facebook and MySpace, Craigslist is a popular Internet destination for our nation’s youth. As such, it is vital that we continue to work together to combat unlawful activity online and to protect our children from those who wish to do them harm,” General Conway said.
“The criminals engaged in the sexual trafficking of children no longer parade them on the streets of America’s cities. Today, they market them via the Internet, enabling customers to shop for a child from the privacy of their own homes or hotel rooms,” said Ernie Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCMEC. “We are honored to join with the attorneys general and Craigslist in this historic agreement to combat child prostitution advertisements and other illegal activity.”
This agreement follows a series of discussions and in person meetings between Jim Buckmaster, CEO of Craigslist, Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut’s Attorney General, and NCMEC. Craigslist and the attorneys general will continue to meet on a regular basis to discuss ways to improve public safety on the website.
Under the agreement with attorneys general and NCMEC, Craigslist will remove ads for illicit services and non-age appropriate materials from areas of the website that are accessible to children. The site will require those who post ads featuring adult services to list a working phone number and pay a fee with a valid credit card that has a track-able billing address. This should significantly reduce the number of adult-services ads and it gives law enforcement a tool to track illegal prostitution and or any other criminal investigation that may result from the use of Craigslist. Craigslist will also explore technology to block inappropriate image uploads and better screen for words and euphemisms for illegal activity.
“Like Facebook and MySpace, Craigslist is a popular Internet destination for our nation’s youth. As such, it is vital that we continue to work together to combat unlawful activity online and to protect our children from those who wish to do them harm,” General Conway said.
“The criminals engaged in the sexual trafficking of children no longer parade them on the streets of America’s cities. Today, they market them via the Internet, enabling customers to shop for a child from the privacy of their own homes or hotel rooms,” said Ernie Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCMEC. “We are honored to join with the attorneys general and Craigslist in this historic agreement to combat child prostitution advertisements and other illegal activity.”
This agreement follows a series of discussions and in person meetings between Jim Buckmaster, CEO of Craigslist, Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut’s Attorney General, and NCMEC. Craigslist and the attorneys general will continue to meet on a regular basis to discuss ways to improve public safety on the website.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 12:30 PM
Pike County Central High School Vetran's Day Program Scheduled For Friday
Pikeville, Ky.—The Pike Central High School JROTC, Band, and Chorus will be holding a Veteran’s Day Program on the first floor of the Pike County Courthouse on Friday, November 7, at 1 p.m.
Everyone is encouraged to attend.
Everyone is encouraged to attend.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 12:27 PM
Kentucky Governor Announces Emergency Payment Plan To Counties.
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear today announced a one-time, emergency payment of $5.2 million to counties to soften a sudden reduction of the revenues with which counties build and maintain local roads and bridges.
The revenues in question are from license fees on commercial vehicles and registrations of commercial trucks engaged in interstate commerce. The reduction had multiple causes, including the weak national economy, which has resulted in fewer commercial truck registrations.
“Our counties depend on these revenues for their roads and bridges,” Gov. Beshear said. “Any disruption of revenues has the potential to create a local budget emergency, especially in counties with smaller populations. Recognizing that, my administration is taking action to help our county governments through this one-time use of Rural Secondary Roads emergency funds.”
Under Kentucky law, 30 percent of commercial license and truck registration fees are returned to counties for construction, reconstruction and maintenance of local roads and bridges. Disbursements to counties for 2008 totaled $19.8 million, down from $27.4 million in FY 2007.
Each county receives an equal share, which for FY 2008 was $165,157 – a reduction of $63,330 from FY 2007. The emergency payment will be $43,610 per county, offsetting all but $19,720 of the reduction.
Reasons for the reduction:
Correction of a $1.5 million overpayment to counties in FY 2007. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet mistakenly commingled 2007 commercial truck registration fees, which were subject to revenue sharing, with ad valorem tax receipts, which were not. Failure to separate the funds created an inflated balance in the county distribution holding account. Impact: $24,940 per county.
Incorrect coding of 6,000-pound truck plates. Some county clerks coded such plates as commercial, making the fees subject to revenue sharing. The coding should have applied only to vehicles in actual commercial use. Impact: $18,670 per county.
Passage of legislation in 2006 to abolish commercial registration for trucks from 6,001 to 10,000 pounds. The registration fee for such vehicles dropped to $11.50 from $24. Impact: $1,800 per county.
Decline in commercial truck registrations. Impact: $17,920 per county
The revenues in question are from license fees on commercial vehicles and registrations of commercial trucks engaged in interstate commerce. The reduction had multiple causes, including the weak national economy, which has resulted in fewer commercial truck registrations.
“Our counties depend on these revenues for their roads and bridges,” Gov. Beshear said. “Any disruption of revenues has the potential to create a local budget emergency, especially in counties with smaller populations. Recognizing that, my administration is taking action to help our county governments through this one-time use of Rural Secondary Roads emergency funds.”
Under Kentucky law, 30 percent of commercial license and truck registration fees are returned to counties for construction, reconstruction and maintenance of local roads and bridges. Disbursements to counties for 2008 totaled $19.8 million, down from $27.4 million in FY 2007.
Each county receives an equal share, which for FY 2008 was $165,157 – a reduction of $63,330 from FY 2007. The emergency payment will be $43,610 per county, offsetting all but $19,720 of the reduction.
Reasons for the reduction:
Correction of a $1.5 million overpayment to counties in FY 2007. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet mistakenly commingled 2007 commercial truck registration fees, which were subject to revenue sharing, with ad valorem tax receipts, which were not. Failure to separate the funds created an inflated balance in the county distribution holding account. Impact: $24,940 per county.
Incorrect coding of 6,000-pound truck plates. Some county clerks coded such plates as commercial, making the fees subject to revenue sharing. The coding should have applied only to vehicles in actual commercial use. Impact: $18,670 per county.
Passage of legislation in 2006 to abolish commercial registration for trucks from 6,001 to 10,000 pounds. The registration fee for such vehicles dropped to $11.50 from $24. Impact: $1,800 per county.
Decline in commercial truck registrations. Impact: $17,920 per county
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 12:07 PM
Climbing Deaths In Red River Gorge
The Kentucky State Police investigated the deaths of two 18-year old victims who were killed in a fall whici rock climbing in the Red River Gorge area of Wolfe County.
Police say Benjamin Strohmeier of Hebron, KY, and Laura Fletcher of Brownsburg, IN were found by a friend who had been searching for them since Monday morning. The victims were found at the bottom of a rock cliff in the Torrent Falls area off KY11.
Officials say an equipment failure caused the climbers to fall to their deaths, when a strap esentially tore in half.
Police say Benjamin Strohmeier of Hebron, KY, and Laura Fletcher of Brownsburg, IN were found by a friend who had been searching for them since Monday morning. The victims were found at the bottom of a rock cliff in the Torrent Falls area off KY11.
Officials say an equipment failure caused the climbers to fall to their deaths, when a strap esentially tore in half.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:04 AM
Pike County Gets Gift Of 50 Acres
The State Transportation Cabinet is deeding 50 acres of flat land in the Scott Fork area, worth millions of dollars, to Pike County at no cost.
The state purchased the land from the Appalachian Land Company and a family to build the new US119. The highway construction created the flat land, and, transportation officials decided to give it to the county with the stipulation it must be used for economic development.
County leaders have made plans to build the proposed America's Energy Research Park there, and, recruit other companies to locate businesses to the land.
The state purchased the land from the Appalachian Land Company and a family to build the new US119. The highway construction created the flat land, and, transportation officials decided to give it to the county with the stipulation it must be used for economic development.
County leaders have made plans to build the proposed America's Energy Research Park there, and, recruit other companies to locate businesses to the land.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:58 AM
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
So Far West Virginia Running In The Black During Current Fiscal Year.
Michigan, Kentucky , Massachusetts, California are just a few states that are struggling and experiencing an economic downfall.
West Virginia's economy continues to weather the storm.
The state's general revenue for the month of October totaled $ 326 million, more than nine million more than anticipated.
The coal and natural gas market remains strong by generating $ 52.7 million last month, nearly twice the estimate.
During the first quarter of the current fiscal year West Virginia is running in the black by $ 99.6 million.
West Virginia's economy continues to weather the storm.
The state's general revenue for the month of October totaled $ 326 million, more than nine million more than anticipated.
The coal and natural gas market remains strong by generating $ 52.7 million last month, nearly twice the estimate.
During the first quarter of the current fiscal year West Virginia is running in the black by $ 99.6 million.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 3:47 PM
Fewer West Virginians Dying On The Job.
According to the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics , workplace fatalities in West Virginia declined by 22.8 percent in 2007 compared to 2006.
61 people died on the job in 2007 compared to 79 the previous year.
Highway accidents were the top cause of on the job deaths.
61 people died on the job in 2007 compared to 79 the previous year.
Highway accidents were the top cause of on the job deaths.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 3:43 PM
Three Enter Guilty Pleas In Mingo County Circuit Court.
Three defendants pleaded guilty Wednesday in Mingo County Circuit Court to various charges.
Wendell Thompson admitted he obtained money under false pretenses.
Billy Carroll pleaded to a drug charge. One count delivery of Alprazolam.
James Gregory Young pleaded guilty to one count of being in possession and intent to deliver marijuana.
The trio will be sentenced on December 8th.
Wendell Thompson admitted he obtained money under false pretenses.
Billy Carroll pleaded to a drug charge. One count delivery of Alprazolam.
James Gregory Young pleaded guilty to one count of being in possession and intent to deliver marijuana.
The trio will be sentenced on December 8th.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 3:34 PM
Election Results
Pikeville School Board
Mark R. Myers 1622
Teresa Hefner Combs 1460
Elkhorn City Council
(Nine candidates filed...six elected)
Mack Gibson 325
Rob Lester 322
Mike Taylor 319
Timothy D. Belcher 296
Scott C. Sykes 273
Casey Horton 271
Coal Run Commission
Joe B. Ramsey 190
E. W. Damron 178
Marilyn D. Compton 172
Stephan Dale McQuerry 161
Coal Run Annexation
257 NO
92 YES
Pike County School Board
J. C. Chaney 1902
Delphia Branham 472
District 2
Earl Thacker defeated John Blackburn, 2906 to 2221
District 5
Frank D. McGuire ran unopposed
Pikeville City Commission
(All four incumbents were re-elected to the Pikeville City Commission)
Gene Davis 1973
Jimmy Carter 1533
Dallas Layne 1452
Barry Chaney 1420
(Challenger Calvin Sidle received 664 votes)
Rogers Staying In Washington
Hal Rogers 84%
Jim Holbert 16%
McConnell Wins
McConnell defeated challenger Bruce Lunsford by six percentage points
Mark R. Myers 1622
Teresa Hefner Combs 1460
Elkhorn City Council
(Nine candidates filed...six elected)
Mack Gibson 325
Rob Lester 322
Mike Taylor 319
Timothy D. Belcher 296
Scott C. Sykes 273
Casey Horton 271
Coal Run Commission
Joe B. Ramsey 190
E. W. Damron 178
Marilyn D. Compton 172
Stephan Dale McQuerry 161
Coal Run Annexation
257 NO
92 YES
Pike County School Board
J. C. Chaney 1902
Delphia Branham 472
District 2
Earl Thacker defeated John Blackburn, 2906 to 2221
District 5
Frank D. McGuire ran unopposed
Pikeville City Commission
(All four incumbents were re-elected to the Pikeville City Commission)
Gene Davis 1973
Jimmy Carter 1533
Dallas Layne 1452
Barry Chaney 1420
(Challenger Calvin Sidle received 664 votes)
Rogers Staying In Washington
Hal Rogers 84%
Jim Holbert 16%
McConnell Wins
McConnell defeated challenger Bruce Lunsford by six percentage points
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:13 AM
Warfield City Commission Winners
Inez City Commission Winners
Christopher Maynard 92
Donald Setser 115
Charlotte Endicott 114
Janice Runyons 125
Donald Setser 115
Charlotte Endicott 114
Janice Runyons 125
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 1:38 AM
Meek, Keener , Price Win Martin County BOE Race
Kimberly Meek District 3 = 425
Clifford Keener District 4 = 417
Kathleen Price District 5 = 322
Clifford Keener District 4 = 417
Kathleen Price District 5 = 322
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 1:36 AM
Rogers Staying In Washington
Fifth Congressional Congressman Hal Rogers is going to Washington for two more years as he cruised past Jim Holbert 84 to 16 percent.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 1:33 AM
Ketchum, Workman Win Seats On WV Supreme Court.
McConnell Wins
In the most expensive political race in Kentucky history Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell defeated challenger Bruce Lunsford by six percentage points.
McConnell spent $ 17 million.
McConnell spent $ 17 million.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 1:23 AM
Mingo County Puts Attorney General Over Top
Back and fourth exchanging leads throughout the evening Republican challenger Dan Greear gave incumbent Darrell McGraw all he could handle , however McGraw came out on top as he escaped with a slim victory.
There for a while it appeared that Greear was going to shock the state as heled McGraw by 250 votes late.
Mingo County gave the Attorney General a 3,000 vote push. With 95 percent of the vote in McGraw held a 3900 vote lead.
There for a while it appeared that Greear was going to shock the state as heled McGraw by 250 votes late.
Mingo County gave the Attorney General a 3,000 vote push. With 95 percent of the vote in McGraw held a 3900 vote lead.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 1:16 AM
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Rockefeller Elected To Fifth U.S. Senate Term
West Virginia's Junior U. S. Senator will return for a 5th six year term to washington as he easily defeated Republican challenger Jay Wolfe by a 63 to 28 percent margin.
The former two term governor currently serves on the Intelligence Committee.
The former two term governor currently serves on the Intelligence Committee.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 11:41 PM
Former T.V. News Anchor And WVU Mascot Elected WV Secretary of State
The second time proved to be the charm for Democrat Natalie Tennant as the former television news anchor will become West Virginia's new Secretary of State as she defeated republican Charles Minimah by a 2 -1 margin.
Current Secretary of State Betty Ireland decided to retire.
Tennant is a native of Marion County
Current Secretary of State Betty Ireland decided to retire.
Tennant is a native of Marion County
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 11:37 PM
Manchin Re-Elected As WV Governor
West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin won his second four term by degeating challenger Russ Weeks. Manchin received 73 percent of the vote.
The Marion County native becomes the first governor to be re-elected to a second termsince 1992 when Gaston Caperton accomplished the feat
The Marion County native becomes the first governor to be re-elected to a second termsince 1992 when Gaston Caperton accomplished the feat
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 11:34 PM
Obama To Be Next President.
CNN has projected Barack Obama the winner in the presidential race . The Illinois senator has made history for being the first African - American elected to the position.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 11:20 PM
Congressman Rogers Carries Pike County By 3 to 1 Margin
Lunsford Wins In Pike County
McCain Carries Pike County
Coal Run City Commission Results
Joe B. Ramsey 190
E.W. Damron 178
Marilyn D. Compton 172
Stephan Dale McQuerry 161
E.W. Damron 178
Marilyn D. Compton 172
Stephan Dale McQuerry 161
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 11:13 PM
Elkhorn City Council Results
Nine candidates filed only six were elected to the Elkhorn City Council
Mack Gibson 325
Rob Lester 322
Mike Taylor 319
Timothy D. Belcher 296
Scott C. Sykes 273
Casey Horton 271
Mack Gibson 325
Rob Lester 322
Mike Taylor 319
Timothy D. Belcher 296
Scott C. Sykes 273
Casey Horton 271
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 11:11 PM
Coal Run Annexation Fails
The residents of North Mayo Trail ,Wells Addition, Mullins Addition and Broadbottom on a vote of 257 to 92 voted no to become a part of Coal Run.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 11:10 PM
Davis Leading Vote Getter In Pikeville City Commission Race.
All four incumbents were re-elected to the Pikeville City Commission.
Gene Davis 1573
Jimmy Carter 1533
Dallas Layne 1452
Barry Chaney 1420
Challenger Calvin Sidle received 664 votes
Gene Davis 1573
Jimmy Carter 1533
Dallas Layne 1452
Barry Chaney 1420
Challenger Calvin Sidle received 664 votes
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 11:07 PM
Combs, Myers Win Seats On Pikeville School Board
Thacker, Chaney , McGuire Retains Pike County School Board Seats
Incumbent J.C. Chaney captured another four year term on the district three school board as he defeated challenger David Conley 1,902 to 1,367. Delphia Branham garned 472, Gail Overstreet 85.
In district 2 incumbent Earl Thacker defeated John Blackburn 2906 to 2221.
District 5 Frank D. McGuire ran opposed with 1232.
In district 2 incumbent Earl Thacker defeated John Blackburn 2906 to 2221.
District 5 Frank D. McGuire ran opposed with 1232.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 11:01 PM
Winter Heating Assistance
The Community Action Agency (CAP) has begun taking applications to assist low income families with heating bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assist Program (LIHEAP).
APPLICANTS MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING WHEN SIGNING UP...
1. Your most recent heating bill, or, verification from your landlord that the heating expenses are included in your rent.
2. Social Security Number, or, Permanent Resident Card Number (Green Card) for everyone living in your household.
3. Proof of your household's (all members) income for the preseding month.
APPLICANTS MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING WHEN SIGNING UP...
1. Your most recent heating bill, or, verification from your landlord that the heating expenses are included in your rent.
2. Social Security Number, or, Permanent Resident Card Number (Green Card) for everyone living in your household.
3. Proof of your household's (all members) income for the preseding month.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:18 AM
Monday, November 03, 2008
Pike Countians Have Crowded Ballot To Consider
A high voter turnout is expected today as 45,000 residents in Pike County are eligible to vote. 800 voters have already voted by absentee ballot.
Secretary of State Trey Grayson says that 67 percent of registered voters are expected to visit the polls today.
There will be a lot for county residents to make a decision on. Locally, board of education, Pikeville City Commission, Coal Run and Town Council seats are up for grabs. Also residents will decide on the annexation issue for Coal Run.
Of course the presidential and U.S. Senate races are drawing a lot of interest.
Secretary of State Trey Grayson says that 67 percent of registered voters are expected to visit the polls today.
There will be a lot for county residents to make a decision on. Locally, board of education, Pikeville City Commission, Coal Run and Town Council seats are up for grabs. Also residents will decide on the annexation issue for Coal Run.
Of course the presidential and U.S. Senate races are drawing a lot of interest.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 5:10 PM
Record Number Of People Took Advantage Of Early Voting In Mingo And Logan Counties.
The 2008 General Election could go down in history, as the presidential race is expected to attract voters to the polls in Mingo and Logan counties. During the two week early voting period in West Virginia , a record 997 Mingo County residents have already cast there vote. In Logan County early voting is expected to reach 1,500. No local races are on the ballots. Residents in those counties will vote on national and state races. The polls will remain open in West Virginia until 7:30 p.m.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 5:00 PM
Fatal Accident In Letcher County
On 11/02/08 at approximately 2:00pm Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard received a 911 call of an automobile collision in the Burdine Community of Letcher County.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a passenger car operated by 40 year old Danny E. Addington of Burdine, Ky. was traveling East on HWY 805 when he lost control and struck a passenger car traveling West operated by Angela Lockheart. Addington’s Vehicle then overturned coming to a final rest on the roadway. Danny E. Addington was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Letcher County Coroner’s Office. Angela Lockheart was wearing a seatbelt and was transported to the Jenkins Community Hospital where she was treated for minor injuries. The investigation is continuing by Tpr. Brandon Thomas.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a passenger car operated by 40 year old Danny E. Addington of Burdine, Ky. was traveling East on HWY 805 when he lost control and struck a passenger car traveling West operated by Angela Lockheart. Addington’s Vehicle then overturned coming to a final rest on the roadway. Danny E. Addington was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Letcher County Coroner’s Office. Angela Lockheart was wearing a seatbelt and was transported to the Jenkins Community Hospital where she was treated for minor injuries. The investigation is continuing by Tpr. Brandon Thomas.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:39 PM
17 Die On Kentucky Roadways
Preliminary statistics* indicate that seventeen people died in seventeen separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, October 27 through Sunday, November 2, 2008. Fourteen of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and eleven of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Bourbon, Clay, Edmonson, Fayette, Hardin, Henry, Larue, Laurel, Letcher, Lewis, McLean, Muhlenberg, Rockcastle, and Woodford counties. Five of these crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol.
Two fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in Bullitt and Jefferson counties and neither victim was wearing a helmet. The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in the Jefferson county crash.
There was one pedestrian fatality in Boone county.
Through November 2, preliminary statistics* indicate that 649 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 91 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 486 motor vehicle fatalities, 307 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 83 motorcycle fatalities, 50 were not wearing helmets. Twenty-four people have been killed in ATV crashes and 22 of those were not wearing helmets. Fifty-one pedestrians have been killed. A total of 135 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.
Two fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in Bullitt and Jefferson counties and neither victim was wearing a helmet. The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in the Jefferson county crash.
There was one pedestrian fatality in Boone county.
Through November 2, preliminary statistics* indicate that 649 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 91 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 486 motor vehicle fatalities, 307 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 83 motorcycle fatalities, 50 were not wearing helmets. Twenty-four people have been killed in ATV crashes and 22 of those were not wearing helmets. Fifty-one pedestrians have been killed. A total of 135 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.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:38 PM
Kentucky National Guard Soldier Killed
FRANKFORT, Ky.-- One Kentucky National Guard Soldier was killed when his unit was attacked by enemy forces while conducting a route clearing mission in Afghanistan on Friday, October 31.
Killed was Sgt. Daniel Wallace, 27 of Dry Ridge Kentucky. Wallace was assigned to the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Company C, 201st Engineer Battalion based in Cynthiana. The unit mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom in March of 2008 and deployed to Afghanistan in May.
At the time of the incident, Sgt. Wallace was serving as a gunner on a Mine-Resistant, Armor-Protected vehicle (also known as an MRAP). He was a member of a platoon of soldiers from the 201st Combat Engineer Battalion conducting a mission to remove improvised explosive devices (or IED’s) in Afghanistan’s West Paktika Province when they came under small-arms fire from a group of Taliban attackers, immediately wounding Wallace.
Wallace’s fellow soldiers repulsed the attack so that they could evacuate the fallen soldier to a medical facility, however Sgt. Wallace’s wounds proved to be fatal.
SGT Wallace enlisted in the Kentucky Army National Guard in May of 2006 and was a member of Company C, of the 201st in Cynthiana, but in Afghanistan he was assigned to the battalion’s Company B, out of Olive Hill. This was SGT Wallace’s first deployment.
Operating in Afghanistan as "Task Force Workhorse", the 201st has the mission of maintaining hundreds of miles of roadway. While performing this mission, Soldiers of the 201st routinely are required to deal with numerous obstacles and remove the roadside bombs or IED’s planted by enemy forces in the area.
At the time of his death, Daniel Wallace held the rank of Specialist (E4), but was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant (E5) and awarded the Bronze star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Army Good Conduct Medal. He leaves behind his parents – Kenneth and Karen Wallace, a sister, two brothers - one of whom (Alex) also serves in the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 940th Military Police Company - and a six year old son.
"The death of Sgt. Wallace is a tragedy for his family, the Kentucky National Guard and the Commonwealth of Kentucky," said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Adjutant General for Kentucky. "He was a fine soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation. He was also a loving son, brother, and father and his family is in our prayers and we will continue to support them throughout their time of grief."
Wallace is the 17th Kentucky Army National Guard soldier to lose his life since the Global War on Terror began in 2001, and he is the third Kentucky Guardsman to be lost in Afghanistan. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be provided as they become available.
Killed was Sgt. Daniel Wallace, 27 of Dry Ridge Kentucky. Wallace was assigned to the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Company C, 201st Engineer Battalion based in Cynthiana. The unit mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom in March of 2008 and deployed to Afghanistan in May.
At the time of the incident, Sgt. Wallace was serving as a gunner on a Mine-Resistant, Armor-Protected vehicle (also known as an MRAP). He was a member of a platoon of soldiers from the 201st Combat Engineer Battalion conducting a mission to remove improvised explosive devices (or IED’s) in Afghanistan’s West Paktika Province when they came under small-arms fire from a group of Taliban attackers, immediately wounding Wallace.
Wallace’s fellow soldiers repulsed the attack so that they could evacuate the fallen soldier to a medical facility, however Sgt. Wallace’s wounds proved to be fatal.
SGT Wallace enlisted in the Kentucky Army National Guard in May of 2006 and was a member of Company C, of the 201st in Cynthiana, but in Afghanistan he was assigned to the battalion’s Company B, out of Olive Hill. This was SGT Wallace’s first deployment.
Operating in Afghanistan as "Task Force Workhorse", the 201st has the mission of maintaining hundreds of miles of roadway. While performing this mission, Soldiers of the 201st routinely are required to deal with numerous obstacles and remove the roadside bombs or IED’s planted by enemy forces in the area.
At the time of his death, Daniel Wallace held the rank of Specialist (E4), but was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant (E5) and awarded the Bronze star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Army Good Conduct Medal. He leaves behind his parents – Kenneth and Karen Wallace, a sister, two brothers - one of whom (Alex) also serves in the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 940th Military Police Company - and a six year old son.
"The death of Sgt. Wallace is a tragedy for his family, the Kentucky National Guard and the Commonwealth of Kentucky," said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Adjutant General for Kentucky. "He was a fine soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation. He was also a loving son, brother, and father and his family is in our prayers and we will continue to support them throughout their time of grief."
Wallace is the 17th Kentucky Army National Guard soldier to lose his life since the Global War on Terror began in 2001, and he is the third Kentucky Guardsman to be lost in Afghanistan. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be provided as they become available.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 4:30 PM
Coal Run Annexation On Ballot
On Tuesday's election ballot, more than 1,000 voters in Pike County will decide if they are in favor of being annexed to the town of Coal Run.
Many people and business owners in the Mullins Addition, Wells Addition, Mossy Bottom and other areas near Coal Run, opposed to the annexation, say they're worried if they don't join with Coal Run they'll be annexed into Pikeville.
Those who choose annexation should see a minor tax increase, one additional police officer and a new garbage provider.
Many people and business owners in the Mullins Addition, Wells Addition, Mossy Bottom and other areas near Coal Run, opposed to the annexation, say they're worried if they don't join with Coal Run they'll be annexed into Pikeville.
Those who choose annexation should see a minor tax increase, one additional police officer and a new garbage provider.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:08 AM
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Kentucky Expected To Have Nearly $ 300 Million Shortfall for Current Fiscal Year.
Against the backdrop of a projected shortfall of nearly $300 million this budget year, Gov. Steve Beshear today said he would develop a plan over the next several weeks to create a “leaner, stronger and more focused” government to “survive this economic crisis.”
Beshear told reporters this afternoon that internal economic estimates project a revenue shortfall of nearly $294 million in the General Fund in the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2009. That shortfall represents 3.3 percent of expected budget revenues. Revenues for the state Road Fund are projected to be nearly $71 million less than expected, a 5.3 percent shortfall.
“This is a serious shortfall,” Gov. Beshear said, “and it will require action. But, considering the extreme volatility of our economy, that action must be neither rushed nor rash. We are going to act decisively, but in a measured and strategic way.”
To that end, Gov. Beshear outlined a three-point action plan that his administration will undertake over the next several weeks, including:
Asking the Consensus Forecasting Group to formalize the revenue projections for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2009.
After the forecasting group finalizes projections, formulating a plan to address the shortfall, which will include spending cuts and may include revenue measures.
Meeting with Kentuckians, interest groups and legislators across the state to discuss the depths of the financial problem and his plan to address it.
“Families across Kentucky are making their budgets as lean as possible,” Gov. Beshear said. “They are eating in instead of eating out, lowering the thermostat, combining trips to save fuel and even putting off visits to the doctor.
“In state government, we must do likewise. We must intensify efforts to find cost-efficiencies in state spending,” a hallmark of the Beshear administration since taking office last December.
Those efficiency measures already enacted include an executive branch that is the smallest in 20 years. There are 4,000 fewer full-time executive branch employees than five years ago and almost 2,000 fewer than last December. In fact, Gov. Beshear said that, as of last month, his administration had more than 460 fewer non-merit employees than his predecessor.
In addition, most state agencies reduced spending by 3 percent in the last fiscal year and many faced additional cuts this year, including up to 12 percent in initial reductions and an additional 4.5 percent required to meet legislative mandates.
Gov. Beshear said today that further spending cuts are inevitable, and he told cabinet secretaries today in a special meeting to begin preparing for that likelihood.
“I believe, together, we can emerge from this tumultuous time stronger,” Gov. Beshear said. “We can create a state government that is leaner, more flexible, more nimble and more focused on critical services. This will require bold, steady leadership and a cooperative, bi-partisan effort.
“My message to Kentuckians is this: Like you, state government faces some severe economic challenges. And like you, we are going to meet these challenges head on – with steady, strategic decisions, with boldness and with full intention of fulfilling our obligations to you. Together, we can – and we will – get through this.”
Beshear told reporters this afternoon that internal economic estimates project a revenue shortfall of nearly $294 million in the General Fund in the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2009. That shortfall represents 3.3 percent of expected budget revenues. Revenues for the state Road Fund are projected to be nearly $71 million less than expected, a 5.3 percent shortfall.
“This is a serious shortfall,” Gov. Beshear said, “and it will require action. But, considering the extreme volatility of our economy, that action must be neither rushed nor rash. We are going to act decisively, but in a measured and strategic way.”
To that end, Gov. Beshear outlined a three-point action plan that his administration will undertake over the next several weeks, including:
Asking the Consensus Forecasting Group to formalize the revenue projections for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2009.
After the forecasting group finalizes projections, formulating a plan to address the shortfall, which will include spending cuts and may include revenue measures.
Meeting with Kentuckians, interest groups and legislators across the state to discuss the depths of the financial problem and his plan to address it.
“Families across Kentucky are making their budgets as lean as possible,” Gov. Beshear said. “They are eating in instead of eating out, lowering the thermostat, combining trips to save fuel and even putting off visits to the doctor.
“In state government, we must do likewise. We must intensify efforts to find cost-efficiencies in state spending,” a hallmark of the Beshear administration since taking office last December.
Those efficiency measures already enacted include an executive branch that is the smallest in 20 years. There are 4,000 fewer full-time executive branch employees than five years ago and almost 2,000 fewer than last December. In fact, Gov. Beshear said that, as of last month, his administration had more than 460 fewer non-merit employees than his predecessor.
In addition, most state agencies reduced spending by 3 percent in the last fiscal year and many faced additional cuts this year, including up to 12 percent in initial reductions and an additional 4.5 percent required to meet legislative mandates.
Gov. Beshear said today that further spending cuts are inevitable, and he told cabinet secretaries today in a special meeting to begin preparing for that likelihood.
“I believe, together, we can emerge from this tumultuous time stronger,” Gov. Beshear said. “We can create a state government that is leaner, more flexible, more nimble and more focused on critical services. This will require bold, steady leadership and a cooperative, bi-partisan effort.
“My message to Kentuckians is this: Like you, state government faces some severe economic challenges. And like you, we are going to meet these challenges head on – with steady, strategic decisions, with boldness and with full intention of fulfilling our obligations to you. Together, we can – and we will – get through this.”
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 7:21 AM
Kentucky Attorney General Reminding Residents About Election Fraud Hotline
Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway is reminding citizens that his office will once again operate the Election Fraud Hotline on Election Day, November 4. “Investigators from my office will be patrolling precincts and polling places throughout the Commonwealth, but we need citizens to join with us to ensure that all Kentuckians have a chance to make their vote count on election day,” General Conway said. The Election Fraud Hotline is 1-800-328-VOTE (800-328-8683). The hotline is available throughout the year during normal business hours. On Nov. 4, calls will be received from 6 a.m. EST until 7 p.m. EST. In the primary, there were 60 calls from 28 counties to the hotline on Election Day. There were no complaints of vote buying. The last Presidential election in 2004 resulted in 52 pre-election complaints, 123 Election Day complaints and 26 post-election complaints. Seventeen of those complaints were referred for review or investigation. No charges were filed. Staff attorneys from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) process the hotline complaints and refer them out for investigation to the Kentucky State Police, the State Board of Elections, county clerks, local law enforcement or the OAG’s Department of Criminal Investigations. The State Board of Elections will also be fielding calls through Election Day. Citizens are encouraged to contact their local county clerk or the State Board of Elections with general election concerns or for election information.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 7:16 AM
