EKB News

The Kentucky State Police say 26-year old Joshua A. Mock of Maytown was arrested Thursday morning at his home at 38 Dogwood Lane.

Mock is charged with murder after he calle dispatchers and told them he'd shot his wife of less than a week. Linda Mock, 28, was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Martin where she died a short time later. She was shot in the neck, allegedly, while the couple was fighting. Mock said he shot his wife in self defense.

A contract worker replacing screens at a Boone County Coal Preperation Plant was transported to a Charleston hospital and is being treated for unknown injuries.

The accident happened Wednesday morning at the Elk Creek Run Coal Plant when an unidentiifed object struck the worker in the chest.

Four Knott County officials that were convicted by a federal grand jury in Pikeville for vote buying and misusing county funds for private property will now wait until early 2009 before they know their punishment.

Judge Executive Randy Thompson , Magistrate Ronnie Adams and Deputy Judges Phillip Champion and Mac Combs will be sentenced at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb 2nd in Pikeville Federal Court.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (November 26, 2008) – Attorney General Jack Conway is urging parents and other consumers to check the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating before purchasing computer or video games as gifts. Although these ratings appear on the front and back of each game, the ESRB has introduced a video game rating search “widget,” a free downloadable tool, that will allow consumers to search for games by their title, and provide easy access to “rating summaries.”

“As a supplement to the ESRB rating system, the new online device will empower parents and consumers to make informed decisions about what’s appropriate for their children. The rating summaries take consumer education to the next level by providing exclusive and unprecedented insight about game content,” said General Conway.

According to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), more than 40% of Americans expect to purchase a computer or video game this year and a majority of those games are purchased during the holiday shopping season.

“As parents choose titles from the broad range of entertainment choices our industry offers, we urge them to use the ESRB ratings system to ensure the games they purchase for their children are appropriate,” said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of ESA.

The new rating summaries are available by searching titles on ESRB’s website at www.esrb.org. Consumers can download their very own video game rating search widget, free of charge, by going to http://www.esrb.org/widget . The tool is also available on the Attorney General’s website at www.ag.ky.gov. Rating summaries are also accessible from a new mobile website at m.esrb.org, which allows consumers to search game titles on their mobile devices right at the point of purchase.

To stay ahead of the curve on the games children might be asking for, parents can sign up for the ESRB ParenTools, a new bi-weekly e-mail that offers lists of recently rated titles customized to your preferred rating category and game platform, complete with rating summaries. To sign up for the free ParenTools e-mail, visit www.esrb.org/parentools.

The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) has lifted the boil water advisory issued Nov. 13 for Magoffin County following analysis of samples taken Tuesday of the raw and finished water at the Salyersville and Magoffin County water systems. The DOW consulted with the Kentucky Department for Public Health to reach the decision. The produced water has been cleared for drinking and all other uses.Low water flow in the Licking River, the primary source of water supply for the water systems, combined with heavy leaf content and high manganese levels in the water, led to the decision to impose the advisory. While these conditions were not harmful, the water systems had difficulty maintaining adequate chlorine levels to protect against bacteria.Recent rains increased water flow in the river and helped pushed leaf debris from the reservoir, thus lowering the turbidity and manganese levels.Water customers are encouraged to flush water heaters and replace water filters used in faucets and ice makers to remove any debris from those systems.

CHARLESTON, W.Va – Effective Jan. 1, 2009, the West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program (WVCHIP) will expand its health coverage for children by increasing the upper income limit for participation from 220 percent to 250 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL).
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently notified the WVCHIP that the state plan amendment submitted Oct. 3, 2008, with the expansion proposal from 220 percent to 250 percent of the FPL, was approved.
“This is great news for working West Virginia families who are in need of health care coverage for their children,” said Gov. Joe Manchin. “By expanding this program, more than 400 uninsured children may be eligible within the first complete year of the expansion, increasing to 717 over five years.”
WVCHIP will accept applications for eligibility at the new income levels beginning Jan. 1, 2009. For comparison purposes, the chart below shows the qualifying income limits for families based on 200 percent FPL, the current 220 percent FPL and the approved 250 percent FPL:

ANNUAL FAMILY INCOME LIMITS FOR WVCHIP ELIGIBILITY*
Family Size
200% FPL
220% FPL(Current Eligibility)
250% FPL(Effective 01/01/09)
2
$28,000.00
$30,800.00
$35,000.00
3
$35,200.00
$38,720.00
$44,000.00
4
$42,400.00
$46,640.00
$53,000.00
5
$49,600.00
$54,560.00
$62,000.00*Income guidelines are indexed annually; these guidelines will be adjusted to the new index by March 2009.

Families with incomes up to 200 percent FPL are not required to pay a premium and only have limited co-payments. Families with incomes exceeding 200 percent FPL are required to pay premiums at a rate of $35 per month per single child or at a rate of $71 per month for two or more children, in addition to co-payments.
Children who currently have other individual or group health coverage are not eligible and cannot be eligible unless they have been without coverage for six months at the 200 percent or lower FPL, or 12 months for those who exceed 200 percent FPL. Some dental and vision benefit limits apply to the WVCHIP Premium plan (201 percent FPL to 250 percent FPL).
Questions concerning any additional details, such as benefits, co-payments, requests for applications, should be directed to the WVCHIP Helpline at 1-877-982-2447.

Two automobile crashes that happened around an hour apart resulted in two fatalities Tuesday morning in Pike County.

The first accident happened at 10:30 a.m. The victim 36 year old Norman Hayes of Ulysses was operating a tractor trailer northbound on Route 468 at Big Creek. According to the KSP press release Hayes lost control of the vehicle . The tractor-trailer overturned into a ditch. Hayes was pronounced at the scene.

The second accident happened at 11:32 a.m. on US 119 at Belfry. The Kentucky State Police say the victim, 80 year old Kathleen Hensley of Hardy, was attempting to make a left turn onto US 119 from the parking lot of the Dollar General Store when she pulled into the path of an oncoming tractor-trailer.

Richard Starghill of Pikeville pleaded guilty in Pike County Circuit Court to one count of trafficking in Oxycontin. The commonwealth attorney recommended the 28 year old serve five years in prison.

Pond Creek residents beware of scam artists. Belfry Volunteer Fire Department Chief Nee Jackson says someone has been going door to door stating they are raising money for the department. Jackson says that they are always looking for ways to raise money , but, they do not go door to door.

If anyone comes to your home seeking money for the BVFD...contact police.

The West Virginia State Supreme Court ruled in a written opinion that Williamson lawyer William Duty must surrender his law license.

The high court agreed with the original decision made by the West Virginia Disciplinary Board in May of last year.

The justices said Duty must pay $ 2,000 in restitution to a former client.

Also, in order for Duty to apply for reinstatement , he must have his practice supervised for two years, undergo either alcohol or narcotics counseling and complete 12 hours of legal ethics education.

Several people pleaded guilty in Pike County Circuit Court.

Jonah Lester, 21, of Phelps pleaded guilty to theft . Lester will serve two years probation and must pay restitution.

Penny Denise Young, 36, of Varney pleaded guilty to obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. Young has been in jail for one month. She must serve jail time until Jan 5th then must serve 21 months on probation.

Benjamin Akers, 24, of Harold pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a forged instrument. akers must pay restitution ansd serve two years probation.

Michael Gannon, 26, of Pikeville pleaded guilty to escaping from a work detail at the Pike County Detention Center. Gannon must serve one year to run consecutive to his burglary charge. Gannon was convicted of robbing the Pikeville Subway. After his escape he was later arrested in Michigan

Elisha Stanley, 29, of Martin pleaded guilty to being in possession of a half a tablet of Oxycontin. Stanley must serve two years probation.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 24, 2008) — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate for October 2008 dropped to 6.8 percent from September 2008’s revised 7.1 percent, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. October 2007’s jobless rate was 5.4 percent.
The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate rose from 6.1 percent in September 2008 to 6.5 percent in October 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.
“Retrenchment by consumers, weakness in the automobile industry and fallout from the housing and financial crises continued to weigh on Kentucky's economy in October 2008. The manufacturing, construction, and trade, transportation and utilities sectors were particularly hard hit. The decline in the unemployment rate reflects individuals who have faced long-term unemployment becoming discouraged and dropping out of the labor force,” said Justine Detzel, OET chief labor market analyst.
Six of the 11 major nonfarm North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) job sectors reported employment increases in October 2008, while five decreased, according to OET. A decline of 3,400 jobs in October 2008 brought Kentucky’s nonfarm employment to a seasonally adjusted total of 1,862,100. Since October 2007, Kentucky’s nonfarm employment has dropped by 12,400.
According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, the government sector, which includes public education, public administration agencies and state-owned hospitals, gained 2,700 positions between September 2008 and October 2008. The sector has grown by 10,000 jobs since October 2007 with roughly half of those positions in local government.
The educational and health services sector grew by 1,000 jobs in October 2008. Since last October, the number of jobs in this sector has risen by 300 jobs. This sector includes private and nonprofit establishments that provide either education and training or health care and social assistance to their clients.
The state’s other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance businesses, personal and laundry services, religious organizations and civic and professional organizations, rose by 700 jobs in October 2008. This sector had 200 more jobs in October 2008 than in October 2007.
The number of positions in the natural resources and mining sector rose by 200 in October 2008. The sector has gained 900 jobs since October 2007 because of hiring in the coal mining industry.
The number of jobs in the financial activities sector increased by 200 in October 2008. This segment, which includes businesses involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has lost 1,200 positions over the past 12 months.
“This marks the first increase in employment in the financial activities sector since February 2008. The real estate and rental and leasing industry accounted for the job gains from September 2008 to October 2008,” said Detzel. “However, the year-over-year employment losses are indicative of the battered housing market and restrictive credit conditions impacting Kentucky.”
Kentucky’s leisure and hospitality sector reported an employment gain of 200 jobs in October 2008. Since October 2007, employment in the sector has declined by 2,700 positions. The leisure and hospitality sector includes arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodations and food services and drinking places industries.
The manufacturing sector lost 4,400 jobs in October 2008. Compared to October 2007, jobs in the sector were down by 15,500 in September 2008.
“This is the seventh time this year manufacturing employment has fallen. The durable goods subsector accounted for these job losses, reflecting layoffs at two automobile parts manufacturers and the closings of a plumbing manufacturer and an appliance motor manufacturer,” Detzel said.
“The woes of the automobile industry are reverberating through Kentucky’s economy with shock waves felt by employees, automobile parts suppliers and non-manufacturing enterprises such as railroads and trucking companies faced with a reduction of cargo. In contrast, the non-durable good subsector exhibited an increase in employment, which is indicative of expansions at an aluminum foil manufacturer and a plastics parts manufacturer.”
The construction sector recorded 2,400 fewer positions in October 2008. Since October 2007, employment in the construction sector has decreased by 4,300 positions.
Kentucky’s trade, transportation and utilities sector dropped by 1,200 jobs in October 2008. This area includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing businesses and utilities. It is the largest sector in Kentucky with 390,200 employees. Since October 2007, the number of jobs in this sector has jumped by 2,600.
“Transportation, warehousing and utilities enterprises accounted for the majority of the decline in the number of jobs. Retail trade businesses also exhibited sizeable employment losses, which is indicative of multiple retail store closings,” Detzel said.
The number of jobs in the professional and business services sector dropped by 300 in October 2008. This area had 2,100 fewer employees in October 2008 than in October 2007. The professional and business services sector includes professional, scientific and technical services, management of companies and administrative and support management, including temporary help agencies.
The information sector decreased by 100 jobs in October 2008. This segment, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities, data processing, broadcasting and news syndication, has lost 600 positions since October 2007.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for October 2008 was 1,905,975 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is up 4,260 from the 1,901,715 employed in September 2008, but down 29,219 from the 1,935,194 employed in October 2007.
The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for October 2008 was 138,693, down 7,030 from the 145,723 Kentuckians unemployed in September 2008, but up 29,246 from the 109,447 unemployed in October 2007.
The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for October 2008 was 2,044,668. This figure is down 2,770 from the 2,047,438 recorded in September 2008, but up 27 from the 2,044,641 recorded for October 2007.
Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.
Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are seasonally adjusted. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events, such as weather changes, harvests, holidays and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends. However, because of the small sample size, county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.
Learn more about the Office of Employment and Training at www.workforce.ky.gov.A complementary experimental hours and earnings series is available at http://www.bls.gov/sae/saeaepp.htm.

FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that eight people died in seven separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, November 17 through Sunday, November 23, 2008. All of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and none of those victims were wearing seat belts. Two of these crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Fayette, Laurel (2), Morgan, Perry and Pike counties.

A double-fatality crash occurred in Jefferson county.

Through November 23, preliminary statistics* indicate that 714 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 63 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 543 motor vehicle fatalities, 346 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 87 motorcycle fatalities, 52 were not wearing helmets. Twenty-four people have been killed in ATV crashes and 22 of those were not wearing helmets. Fifty-four pedestrians have been killed. A total of 151 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.