EKB News

Farm related businesses, small cooperatives and nurseries in Mingo and Wayne counties are eligible for federal small business disaster loans for lossses suffered due to high winds and drought can apply for a loan up to two million dollars with four percent interest. Call 1-800-659-2955

Pikeville, Ky.— At its Tuesday, December 2, meeting, the Pike County Fiscal Court took final steps to pass two ordinances, one increasing the safety of the county’s youngest residents and the other safeguarding residents’ belongings.

The first ordinance passed by the court places restrictions upon convicted sex offenders. It prohibits them from having contact with children on Halloween or during any school or holiday related activity.

“Sex offenders often prey upon juveniles during Halloween and other children-oriented events. This ordinance will allow us to safeguard the children of Pike County and punish those who try to hurt them,” said Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford.

The other ordinance passed by the Court requires junkyard dealers to apply for and receive a license in order to run a junkyard facility within the county. It also requires dealers to maintain detailed records of scrap metal transactions which they must make available to police at all times.

“This ordinance will not affect those junkyard dealers who are honest, law-abiding citizens. It will only be viewed as a hindrance to those dishonest dealers who do not care whether the items they accept have been stolen,” Judge Rutherford said.

The Court also adopted resolutions requesting the Kentucky Department of Transportation to install road signs at Octavia Hollow and at Henry Clay.
Magistrate Hilman Dotson told the Court that the Kimper Community Center was nearly finished and would soon hold a groundbreaking ceremony. The ceremony will be held on Friday, December 12, at 1:30. Magistrate Dotson also praised ICG Coal Company for generously donating prime real estate in Phelps to the county to use as a road lot. Plans for the road lot groundbreaking ceremony are underway.

“I don’t know of a company that has ever donated such prime real estate in Phelps to the county. This gift was much needed and is much appreciated,” Dotson said.

Melanie Stevens from the Big Sandy Area Development District announced that the district would hold its annual Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 18, and the public is invited to come. Judge Rutherford announced that the annual Christmas at the Courthouse would be held on Monday, December 15, beginning at 1:30, and the event would also be open to the public.



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AZARD A Perry County man with a history of drug trafficking was arrested Wednesday, December 3, as a result of tips called in to Operation UNITE¹s drug tip line.
Michael Deaton, age 40, of Peach Drive, Combs, was charged with two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance following the execution of a search warrant at his home.
³We have received 25 calls from residents complaining about Mr. Deaton,² said Dan Smoot, UNITE law enforcement director. ³Based upon these calls we were able to purchase drugs from Mr. Deaton on Tuesday, which gave us probable cause for the search warrant.²
Accompanied by officers from the Perry County Sheriff¹s Office, Hazard Police Department and the Kentucky State Police K-9 unit, UNITE detectives went to Deaton¹s trailer yesterday afternoon.
Inside they recovered 33 OxyContin 80mg pills, 86 Xanax pills, 7 Suboxone pills, 2 Hydrocodone pills and $2,311 in cash.
Following his arrest, Deaton was lodged in the Perry County Regional Detention Center.
Deaton has prior felony drug convictions in Perry County for which he had been given probation, Smoot said, but noted that at the time of his arrest Deaton was not on probation.
Perry County leads the Fifth Congressional District in the number of drug tips received through UNITE¹s toll-free tip line (1-866-424-4382). Through November, 1,547 tip line calls have been received from Perry County.

Sent via U.S. Mail and Facsimile

December 1, 2008

The Honorable Steve Beshear
Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
The Capital
700 Capital Avenue, Suite 100
Frankfort, KY 40601

Re: A Proposition for lengthening the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway and expanding the Mountain Parkway and the Hal Rogers/Daniel Boone Parkway into four lanes

Dear Gov. Beshear:

That America faces a financial crisis today goes without saying. And, that being the case, Kentucky must look beyond the traditional ways it finances projects. In these uncertain economic times, Kentucky’s leaders must be innovative in their approach to financing vitally needed public improvements. To this end, I am proposing a road project which can be financed through such innovative thinking.

Our nation’s economy must be stabilized from the bottom up, and the first step toward creating economic stability logically appears to be by creating jobs. Road construction projects are an excellent way to create jobs; and one road project, if approved, would enormously benefit Eastern Kentucky and the Commonwealth overall. Here is my proposition: expand the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway from Salyersville to Prestonsburg, and widen both the Mountain Parkway and the Hall Rogers/Daniel Boone Parkway into four lanes. Increasing the safety of these roads is of prime concern. The Hal Rogers/Daniel Boone Parkway and the Mountain Parkway are among Kentucky’s most dangerous highways.

I realize that both the Commonwealth and the federal government lack conventional, adequate funding to undertake a project of this magnitude at this time. This is why I propose to pay for the project through selling turnpike authority bonds and establishing the roads as a toll road system in order to retire such bonds.

If I left the Pike County Courthouse today and drove to Charleston, the capitol of West Virginia, I would drive over a four-lane highway the entire distance. Conversely, if I left today to travel to Frankfort, the capitol of our great Commonwealth, I would be driving primarily over a two-lane road.

Many of the four-lane highways in the Commonwealth serve areas which contribute merely a fraction of the revenue compared to that contributed by the mineral-rich lands of Eastern Kentucky. This situation is unjust and imbalanced, especially considering that Eastern Kentucky is America’s Energy Capital. Sadly, however, the situation is typical, considering that the people and the natural resources of Eastern Kentucky have, for years, been exploited for the benefit of other parts of Kentucky and the United States.

In the past, some of Kentucky’s elected leaders have failed to provide dynamic vision and leadership for the people of Eastern Kentucky. We’re a good, hardworking people. We deserve the same quality highway systems as the rest of the Commonwealth, perhaps more so, given the region’s economic contributions to the state. Governor, I implore you to build the road project described therein through the selling of turnpike authority bonds to be retired by the tolls generated. By doing so, you would contribute to the economy of the Commonwealth by providing hundreds of jobs in the forgotten areas of Kentucky, and you would do more to improve the quality of life for Eastern Kentuckians than any other governor who has come before you. Most residents of Eastern Kentucky would rather have a toll road than no four lane road at all.

Thank you and your administration for your understanding and consideration of this request, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this subject at your earliest convenience.


Sincerely,



Wayne T. Rutherford
Pike County Judge/Executive





CC: Kentucky Transportation Secretary Joseph W. Prather

A Pike County man that went to a Mingo County magistrates office to have an emergency protection order filed on his wife is now in the Southwestern Regional Jail on a $ 10,000 bond.

James Marion Cline of Huddy has been charged with domestic assault and fleeing.

Cline allegedly went to Williamson to have an ( EPO ) filed against his wife whom resides in Williamson. The office worker in Magistrate Eugene Crum's office found out that Cline's wife just filed an ( EPO ) on him. He then told the worker that he was going outside to smoke. Instead of going outside , Cline allegedly went downstairs to confront his wife. When authorities attempted to serve him with the order, He allegedly threatened his wife and then fled the building on foot. Cline was apprehended a short time later.

Pikeville, Ky.— Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford has asked Governor Steve Beshear to support a road project that Judge Rutherford says will boost the economy by creating jobs, and will improve transportation conditions in Eastern Kentucky.

In a letter sent to Gov. Beshear on Monday, December 1, Judge Rutherford advocated both expanding the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway from Salyersville to Prestonsburg and widening both the Mountain Parkway and the Hall Rogers-Daniel Boone Parkway into four-lanes.

In his letter, Judge Rutherford acknowledged that the financial crisis America currently faces would prevent state or national funding for the project, but he advocated financing the project through bonds issued by the Kentucky Turnpike Authority.

“I realize that both the Commonwealth and the federal government lack conventional, adequate funding to undertake a project of this magnitude at this time. This is why I propose to pay for the project through selling turnpike authority bonds and establishing the roads as a toll road system in order to retire such bonds,” Judge Rutherford said. He added that the road project would “enormously benefit Eastern Kentucky and the Commonwealth overall.”

According to Judge Rutherford, “Many of the four-lane highways in the Commonwealth serve areas which contribute merely a fraction of the revenue contributed by the mineral-rich lands of Eastern Kentucky. He called this situation “unjust and imbalanced,” and called on Gov. Beshear to help create “the same quality highway systems” in Eastern Kentucky as exist throughout the rest of the Commonwealth.”

“Governor, I implore you to build the road project described …By doing so, you would contribute to the economy of the Commonwealth by providing hundreds of jobs in the forgotten areas of Kentucky, and you would do more to improve the quality of life for Eastern Kentuckians than any other governor who has come before you. Most residents would rather have a toll road than no four-lane road at all,” Judge Rutherford added.

“Four-laning the Mountain Parkway has been something we’ve been working towards for many years. It would certainly make travel to Central and Eastern Kentucky easier. We have better roads to West Virginia than we do to other parts of Kentucky, and I think that’s a disgrace,” said Senator Ray Jones, II.

“If we have an opportunity to extend the Mountain Parkway, then we should certainly do so,” Senator Jones added.



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Pikeville, Ky.— The U.S. Census Bureau is preparing for the 2010 Census and is looking to fill temporary census positions in Pike County for spring 2009 and early 2010.

“It is very important that Pike County have an accurate count in the upcoming census. Population counts derived in the census will determine our state’s apportionment of delegates in the House of Representatives, the drawing of state legislative districts, sites for new businesses, and the amount of funding our area will get from many government programs. If you are a good worker and want to be part of a stimulating and challenging opportunity which will have a direct impact upon your community, please apply to be a census worker,” said Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford.

According to Richard Estep, Pike County’s census representative, the Census Bureau is looking to fill between 40 and 50 temporary census positions, including census takers, crew leaders, crew leader assistants, recruiting assistants, and census clerks. Pay is competitive, distributed on a weekly basis, and work hours are flexible. All applicants should be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, possess a valid social security number, pass a written test of basic skills, pass a background check, and possess a valid driver’s license for certain positions.

Those interested in applying to be a census worker must take an employment test consisting of 28 multiple-choice questions measuring various clerical, reading, number, organizational, and interpretational skills. The tests last 30 minutes each and are given at various times, dates, and locations.

Investigators with the Kentucky State Police are trying to figure out what made a gun discharge that resulted in the death of a Pike County teen. The victim has been identified as 16 year-old Raymond Christian Rice. The incident happened at 1 a.m. Sunday morning at a residence at Stone. Authorities say that another juvenile discharged the gun. Teachers became counselors Monday at school as the student body grieved over a friend. Principal Rod Varney said that the 10th grader was well liked and a hard worker.

Several Pike County residents were indicted late last week by a grand jury.

Charles J. Brown , 20, of Belfry : first degree rape
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David S. Sumner , 31, of Hazard : Third offense operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants, possession of drug paraphernalia
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Herman W. Harris Jr , 58, of Pikeville : Second degree burglary, theft of controlled substance, persistent felony offender.
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Caesar Rodriguez , 34, of Clovis, New Mexico

Jose Rodriguez , 31, of Clovis, New Mexico

Receiving stolen property
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Curtis Lee Adams , 24, of Pikeville : Theft by unlawful taking
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Christopher Holbrooks , 30 , of Lookout : Operating a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration of or above .08 or while under the influence of alcohol.
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Nathan Blackburn , 24, of Pikeville : First degree possession of controlled substance, second degree possession of controlled substance, third degree possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, prescription drug not in proper container, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants, persistent felony offender.
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Teddy Hickman , 43, of Jamboree : sexual misconduct
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Benny L Hurley , 44 , of Phelps : fourth degree assault , third degree terroristic , first degree fleeing or evading police
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Burbage E. Justice , 37, of Turkey Creek : First degree criminal mischief
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Chad D. Bartley , Nebo , North Carolina : carrying concealed weapon , first degree possession of controlled substance
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Paula J. Childress , Pike County Detention Center, 27
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Russell L. Burton , 26, of Kimper : Receiving stolen properly

Faculty and students at Belfry High School spent the day Monday mourning the loss of one of there own. 16 year-old Raymond Christian Rice lost his life Sunday morning in what police is calling an accidental shooting.

Principal Rod Varney told us that the 10th grader was well liked and was a happy go lucky kid that loved life. Varney also described Rice as a hard worker.

We have no further details at this time about the incident.

FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that nine people died in nine separate crashes on Kentucky roadways during the Thanksgiving holiday enforcement period (Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, November 30, 2008). Last year, there were ten fatalities during the same time period.
Seven of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and four of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Two of the crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Two of the holiday fatalities involved pedestrians.

Through November 30, preliminary statistics* indicate that 738 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 63 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 563 motor vehicle fatalities, 356 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 155 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.

Three eastern Kentucky postal workers will appear in Pikeville federal court on Thursday after they were indicted for allegedly stealing mail.

The accused are Laura Dawn Johnson, 40 of Bevinsville

Karma Renae Polly, 42, of Belcher

Teresa Lowe, 41, of McCarr

If convicted the three could face 15 years in prison and a $ 250,000 fine.

A contract worker was transported to a Charleston hospital for treatment after a accident that occurred at a mining construction site in Boone County. The worker was conscious when emergency officals arrived . According to officials the unidentified worker fell off a scaffold which was 25 feet off the ground. The construction site is located at Draudy.

Thanks to some concerned citizens in Johnson County two alleged drug dealers are behind bars. Johnson County sheriff deputies arrested James and Gloria Literall. They have been charged with possession. Some neighbors called authorities when they saw suspicious activity from a residence, when police arrived they found marijuana and materials to make meth inside the Literall's residence.

An eastern Kentucky woman is dead following a two vehicle collision that occurred Friday evening .

The victim 29 year-old Alicia C Caudill of Melvin was a passenger in a pickup truck driven by Johnny Spears Jr was struck head on by a truck being operated by Billy Ward. According to the Kentucky State Police Ward's vehichle apparently crossed the centerline. The accident happened on Penny Highway.