EKB News

HINDMAN Two members of a Knott County family well known in the community for selling drugs entered guilty pleas to trafficking charges on Thursday.
Yeart Pratt Jr. and his brother, Hubert Pratt, each accepted plea agreements from Commonwealth Attorney Graham Martin in relation to an undercover drug investigation by Operation UNITE that began in 2007.
Yeart, age 40, agreed to plead guilty to four counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (second offense) while 48-year-old Hubert pled guilty to one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (second offense).
According to the plea agreement, each charge will result in a 15-year prison sentence, with 11 years to serve and four years probated for five years.
Yeart¹s sentences would run concurrently, meaning at the same time.
Circuit Judge Kim Childers set final sentencing for the men for January 22.
Both men remain lodged in the Kentucky River Regional Detention Center.
Yeart Pratt¹s ex-wife, Susan Hall, who had also been arrested as part of the investigation, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge that would result in only probation, but details of the plea agreement were not immediately available.
Still facing drug trafficking charges are the Pratt¹s parents, 71-year-old Yeart Pratt Sr. and 66-year-old Lillis Pratt, and another brother, 49-year-old John D. Pratt.
In July, following a 14-month investigation into the illegal sale of cocaine, Methadone and Oxycodone in Knott County, law enforcement officers armed with arrest warrants went to the Pratt¹s homes off Mallet Fork Road and Walnut Hollow Drive in the Pine Top Community
Police recovered approximately 15 one-half gram bags of powered cocaine at the time of the arrests.
Additional drug trafficking charges were added in August.

Pikeville, Ky.—The groundbreaking ceremony for the Kimper Community Center has been rescheduled for Wednesday, December 17, at 2:00 p.m. The ceremony will be held beside the Kimper Elementary School on land donated to the county for the community center by the Pike County Board of Education.

“This is a great day for the residents of Kimper and for the county as a whole. Anything that benefits a portion of the county benefits everyone. I want to thank the Pike County Board of Education and our state legislators for helping the Pike County Fiscal Court make this center a reality,” said Judge Rutherford.

“We’ve been working on this project for a long time and I know the community is anxious to get it started. We’ve never had a community center in Kimper before. Ever since I’ve been in office, I’ve been trying to get property to build one, and I really want to thank the (Pike County) school system for donating the property to make this project possible. I also want to thank our state legislators for helping us get the funding to build the center,” said Magistrate Dotson.

“The Kimper Community Center will bring the Kimper community even closer. It will provide opportunities for people of all ages, especially children and seniors, to participate in community-oriented activities together. Also, once the community center is built, we plan to attain funding to build a multi-purpose facility onto it. The multi-purpose facility will benefit our children by providing a place where they can participate in physical education activities,” said Pike County School Board Member Earl Thacker.

A check presentation to the Phelps Fire Department will be held following the groundbreaking ceremony at 4 p.m. at the fire department. The fire department will be given $30,000 in coal severance funding for the purpose of constructing an addition onto the existing fire department building. The media ant the general public are encouraged to attend.







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A portion of U.S. 119 at Goody was closed for approximately two and a half hours Friday due to a three vehicle accident that happened near the Honda shop.

Four people were transported to a local hospital. We have been told that one person has been seriously injured.

The initial investigation indicates that one person operating a truck was traveling south in the northbound fast lane when the vehicle hit a commercial truckhead on a third vehicle came into play when the driver attempted to avoid the crash.

The accident happened at 11:00 a.m.

A Pike County man will appear in Pike County Circuit Court Friday in hopes of being granted a second trial.

44 year-old George Williams of Kimper was convicted in early 2004 of three counts of wreckless homicide. While traveling on the South Mayo Trail in June 2003 a piece of heavy equipment fell from his work truck resulting in the death of three people. Williams is currently serving a 15 year prison sentence. Judge Steve Combs will preside over the hearing.

Leta Jo Griffith, 37, of Ivel : theft by unlawful taking
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Johnny W. Dye , 37, of Wolfpit : theft by unlawful taking, second degree fleeing or invading
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Eric Garth Eastridge , 24, of Canada : theft by unlawful taking
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Timothy V. Griffey , 40, of Tomahawk : third offense operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants.
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Dustin W. Mullins , 22, of Dorton : second degree rape
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Andy Anderson, 35, of Travelers, North Carolina : flagrant nonsupport
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Marion W. Rudder II, 29, of Pikeville: flagrant nonsupport
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Virginia M. Bowling of Pikeville : two counts first degree criminal mischief
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Charles Leedy of McAndrews : theft by unlawful taking and first degree criminal mischief
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Sheala Justice ,24, of Pikeville : first degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
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Kenneth Collins , 31, of Raccoon : first degree rape.

A Knott County man died Wednesday in a single vehicle accident that happened on Highway 1087 in the Talcum community of Knott County.

Authorities say that the driver, 25 year-old Matthew D. Everage of Talcum , lost control of his vehicle and struck an embankment and tree then crossed the centerline and struck a utility pole. Everage was wearing a seatbelt. He was transported to a Hazard hospital for treatment.

The passenger , 28 year-old Carlos R .Everage of Hazard was pronounced dead at the scene. The Perry County resident wasn't wearing a safety belt.

The accident happened Wednesday morning at 11 a.m.

East Kentyucky Broadcasting has received confirmation of the other two victims that died last night in result of a three vehicle accident on U.S. 23 in front of Deskins Motors.

According to a spokesperson for Pike County Coroner Zeb Hampton the victims are Christian Beau Caudill, 7, of Pikeville and Andrew Smith, 41 of Dwarf.

The accident happened at around 10 p.m. Tuesday night. U.S. 23 in both directions was closed for several hours.

47 year-old Ernest Johnson of Pikeville also died in the crash.

We have no details on might have caused the accident.

Attorney General Jack Conway today announced a settlement with a Gig Harbor, Washington-based charity that claimed to raise funds to help pay veterans’ expenses but ultimately gave less than 1% of the money raised to veterans.
The agreement, filed today in Franklin Circuit Court, bars the charity, American Veterans Coalition, and its principal operators, Robert Friend, Jr. and Shao Mei Wang, from soliciting contributions in Kentucky for 10 years.
In the settlement, Friend and Wang, who are husband and wife, also agreed that no other charity operated by them will solicit contributions in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for 10 years. The settlement requires the charity to pay the Commonwealth of Kentucky $10,000 and to refund $9,927.50, the entire amount raised in Kentucky, as restitution.
“Given the tremendous sacrifice made by the thousands of Kentucky soldiers who are serving or who have served in places of great danger, I welcome any charity that seeks to assist our veterans and their families,” General Conway said. “However, organizations that defraud consumers and deny much needed assistance to our military men and women will not be tolerated in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
The Office of the Attorney General alleges that the American Veterans Coalition violated the Consumer Protection Act by making false and misleading statements to donors about how contributions would be used. Investigators report that the Coalition misled donors into believing that a substantial amount of their donations would be spent on providing financial assistance to veterans. Of the $1,239,812.00 raised nationally in 2006, the Coalition only spent $7,400 in financial assistance to veterans. The American Veterans Coalition and its operators dispute the allegations. The Assurance of Voluntary Compliance is not an admission or finding of a violation.
Since taking office, General Conway has filed five other settlements and recovered $46,827.50 for the Commonwealth and consumers from charities or solicitors that have allegedly violated Consumer Protection laws.
“There are many reputable charities and responsible solicitors that do a great deal of good in our communities, but there are also fraudulent organizations that deprive those in need. Particularly during this holiday season, I encourage Kentuckians to give generously, but wisely, to the causes and organizations of their choice,” said General Conway.
Questions to ask before making a charitable donation:
•What is the full name, address and phone number of the charity? •Do you work for the charity or are you a paid fund-raiser? •How much of my contribution will go to the charity and how much to the solicitor? •What will the charity use my contribution for? •Is my contribution tax deductible? •Is the charity registered with the Office of Attorney General?•Is the solicitor registered with the Office of Attorney General? •What percentage of its total income does the charity spend on its charitable purpose? •Can I obtain a copy of the charity’s IRS Form 990 or other financial statement showing the percentage of donations spent on fundraising and administrative expenses?
Red FlagsSome charitable solicitations send messages or "red flags" that might lead a person to question whether this is an organization worthy of support or even whether it really is a charity:
•The solicitor pressures you to make a donation. Hang up on aggressive or pushy solicitors. •The person refuses to send you written material or financial information. •The charity sends you an invoice or statement that indicates a payment due for a contribution you never pledged. •The organization's name and logo closely resemble another charity with a similar charitable purpose. •If solicited by mail, the full name, address and phone number of the entity soliciting is not disclosed in the material.
Tips to prevent fraud: •Never give your credit card number to someone soliciting by phone.•Never give cash. Always make the check payable to the charity and ask for a receipt. •Never respond to emails requesting personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, place of birth, social security number or your mother’s maiden name. •Never agree to meet with a solicitor in your home or accept an offer for a courier to come to your home to pick up your donation.
If the solicitor claims to be raising funds on behalf of a local charity, contact the charity yourself to verify that it is conducting a fundraising event. It is not uncommon for fraudulent solicitors to falsely associate themselves with local charities just to collect money and leave town.
If you have been a victim of a fraudulent charitable solicitation, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-432-9257 or visit http://ag.ky.gov/civil/consumerprotection/charity/

A multiple car crash occured last night (Tuesday) on US23 North in Pike County. The accident resulted in three fatalities, including Ernest Johnson, 47, of Pikeville. The identiy of the other two fatalities has not been released, pending an investigation of the incident.

Numerous injuries were reported. The accident is being investigated by the Pikeville Police Department.

The West Virginia School Building Authority recently awarded $ 10.4 million for projects in sixteen counties.

The Boone County Board of Education will receive $ 740,000 for electrical work that will be done at Scott High and Madison Middle

Two people pleaded guiltyTuesday in Mingo County Circuit Court.

Tony Lee Ross faces one to three years

Amber Dawn Ross faces one to five years.

The defendants will be sentenced on Jan 12th.

A New York company announced Tuesday that hey are planning to build a three billion dollar coal to liquids plant in Mingo County.

Transgas Development Systems says that the plant will be capable of refining an estimated 6.5 million barrels of gasoline annually in West Virginia.

Transgas says that it has applied for a permit to build the plant and hopes to have it up and running by 2013.

The plant will be located in the Gilbert area on an 800 acre site leased from the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority.

The company says that the CTL plant will employ 200 people. The project will employ 3,000 jobs during construction.

Officials say that it is expected to use 3 million tons of coal annually.

Pikeville, Ky.— Pike County Deputy Solid Waste Commissioner Mike Lyons would like to remind the public about garbage collection during the upcoming holidays.

“There will be no garbage collection Wednesday through Friday, December 24 through 26. Garbage will be collected on Thursday, January 1, however,” Lyons said.

The Pike County Courthouse will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1, in observance of Christmas and New Years.

The Chapmanville Volunteer Fire Department was recently awarded a $ 117,900 grant. Chief Tommy Perry says the grant money will be used to purchase 24 airpacks.

Jessica L. Childers, 25, of Belcher: first degree possession of controlled substance.
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Timothy J. Anderson, 29 , of Elkhorn City : first degree possession of controlled substance.
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Lora Abshire, 28, of Phyllis : first degree promoting contraband.
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Latasha Tackett , 23, of Printer : theft by deception ( felony), two counts of theft by deception ( misdemeanor ).
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Jessica Reynolds , 25, of Pikeville : first degree trafficking in a controlled substance ( Oxycodone)
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Sheila K. Hopkins , 48, of Pikeville : first degree trafficking in a controlled substance ( Oxycodone )

Persistent Felony Offender ( Convicted in 2001 conspiracy to possess narcotics) .Hopkins was sentenced to 78 in prison.
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Dwayne Justice , 38, of Kathleen, Florida : first degree bail jumping
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Wendy Reed of Pikeville : first degree bail jumping.
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Trishia R. Roberts : 30, of Virgie : first degree criminal possession of forged instrument , theft by deception .
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Jonathan Case, 26, of Meta : theft by unlawful taking.
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Berry J. Branham , 28, of Virgie : third degree burglary and theft by unlawful taking
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Heather Martin , 19, of Beaver

Donnie G. Newsome , of Beaver

Paul Gross of Beaver

Robin Thompson , 46 of Banner

Five counts of criminal possession of forged instrument and five counts of theft by deception.
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Kristy Robinette , 32, of Raccoon : operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants, first degree wanton endangerment.
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Greg Thacker of Shelbiana : four counts of theft by unlawful taking
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Ian Newman, 24, of Pikeville : first degree criminal mischief
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Chistopher D. Mullins : first degree possession of controlled substance, third degree possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
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James A. Sweeney, 45 , of Rockhouse : theft by unlawful taking, second degree persistent felony offender

Preliminary statistics* indicate that thirteen people died in nine separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, December 1 through Sunday, December 7, 2008

All of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and five of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Four of the crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Single vehicle crashes occurred in Gallatin, Jefferson, Jessamine, Lewis, Logan, Madison and Woodford counties.

A quadruple-fatality crash involving four teenagers occurred in Bell county. Kentucky State Police Post 10 Harlan and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement received a call about a two vehicle crash on US 25E in Pineville, KY. Unit 1, a 2007 Toyota Yaris was traveling south on US 25E. Unit 2, a 2008 Peterbilt coal truck was traveling northbound on US 25E. Due to inclement weather, the operator of Unit 1 lost control of the vehicle and crossed into the northbound lane of US 25E and was struck by Unit 2. The operator of Unit 2 was Dwight Robinson Jr., age 34 of Tyner, KY. The operator of Unit 1 was Jonathan Miracle, age 18 of Miracle, KY. The three passengers of Unit 1 were; Jessica Ingram, age 16 of Pineville, KY, Wesley Ingram, age 16 of Pineville, KY and Daniel Campbell, age 15 of Blackmont, KY. All four occupants of Unit 1 sustained fatal injuries. All subjects involved in this vehicle crash were wearing seatbelts and no drugs or alcohol is suspected at this time.

Daniel Campbell, Jessica Ingram and Wesley Ingram were all part of the Bell County High School Air Force Jr. ROTC and were on their way to march in the Christmas parade in Harlan, KY.

A double-fatality crash occurred in Woodford county. The victims were not wearing seat belts and the suspected use of alcohol is a factor in this crash.

Through December 7, 2008 preliminary statistics* indicate that 755 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 61 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 578 motor vehicle fatalities, 361 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 88 motorcycle fatalities, 52 were not wearing helmets. Twenty-three people have been killed in ATV crashes and 21 of those were not wearing helmets. Sixty pedestrians have been killed. A total of 161 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.

With the current state of the economy both in the Commonwealth and across the nation, it is imperative that local, state and national leaders begin looking for new and realistic means by which to meet the healthcare needs of citizens. This week, Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo will confront those issues as well as present on healthcare developments in Kentucky as a participant in the annual Milbank Memorial Fund Healthcare Policy meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The Milbank Memorial Fund, which aims to bridge the gaps between healthcare and public policy, was founded at the turn of the 20th Century as a means to connect healthcare leaders from across the country and increase public and private access to the latest emerging developments in health technologies. Since the Fund’s inception in 1905, it has been a nonpartisan leader in educating the public through research, reports and publications, including their quarterly magazine, The Milbank Quarterly.
“Kentucky is leading the way in many innovations in healthcare technologies and practices, and I am honored to have the opportunity to share with other healthcare leaders about our developments here in the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo.
The annual meeting of the Milbank Memorial Fund is an interactive, inclusive conference that encourages the exchange of new and innovative ideas and information. The Milbank Fund sponsors the cost of all program participants. For more information about the Milbank Memorial Fund, please visit http://www.milbank.org.
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This Saturday, Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo joined with other physicians, nurses, dentists and optometrists from across the Commonwealth and country to offer free medical care to some of Kentucky’s most disadvantaged at the RAM (Remote Area Medical) Clinic in Knott County.
“As a practicing physician in neighboring Perry County, I see day in and day out the health struggles of those in our rural Kentucky communities. This is not only due to lack of access but the increasing cost of healthcare, which has risen exponentially in recent years,” said Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo. “The RAM Clinic offers an invaluable resource for so many in the region who otherwise would have limited options for both prevention and treatment of illness.”
The RAM Clinic is a non-profit organization that offers free medical services to some of the United States’ most underserved communities as well as remote reaches of countries around the globe. Founded in 1985, the program seeks to provide medical attention and assistance as well as the chance to teach technical skills and provide educational resources for areas in need. All medical professionals and those involved with the program work on a strictly voluntary basis in each of the communities served.
“As the holiday season approaches so does the spirit of giving. December 6th and 7th marked the second visit of Remote Area Medical to Kentucky this year and one of the first nationwide to have an elected official such as Lieutenant Governor Mongiardo providing services to patients," said Julie Haynes, coordinator for the RAM Clinic in Knott County. “The first Kentucky expedition was in Pike County in June 2008, where more than 600 patients were provided services in a 1 ½ day event. Our Knott County expedition was scheduled on short notice due to a Knoxville clinic cancellation. People drove from miles around to seek the services provided, with dental and vision services attracting the most patients.”
60% of outreach efforts to date have been in rural regions of the United States, with new programs constantly expanding to diversify the locations of communities served. For more information about the RAM program or to become involved, visit http://www.ramusa.org.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin has approved a Supplemental Regular Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) payment for West Virginia’s elderly, disabled and low-income families who received a Regular LIEAP payment for the current winter heating season.
Additional funding has allowed the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) to provide the supplemental payment to eligible residents’ utility companies. Gov. Manchin approved this supplement as a measure to help offset rising heating costs.
“We are fortunate to have additional funding for this program, which will allow us to help the less-fortunate in our state with their heating bills,” Manchin said. “The recent cold snap makes us all realize the importance of energy assistance and the critical need that this program helps to meet.”
Each resident who applied for and received a Regular LIEAP payment this LIEAP season will receive an additional $200 Regular LIEAP Supplemental Payment to be applied to their home heating account. This payment is automatic.
Customers who received a Regular LIEAP payment will not have to apply for the supplemental payment. All payments are expected to be issued in mid- to late-January 2009. If you received a Regular LIEAP payment for bulk fuel, such as wood, coal, liquid petroleum, fuel oil, etc., the payment will be sent to the address currently listed with DHHR.

Elio Lopez of Chicago was sentenced late last week to 12 and a half years in prison . The sentence was handed down at the London federal courthouse. Lopez was convicted of trafficking cocaine into Pike, Floyd and Magoffin counties from 2002 to 2006. Authorities say that Lopez profited around one million dollars from the operation.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (December 5, 2008) – Today, the Prosecutors Advisory Council submitted its budget reduction plan to Gov. Steve Beshear regarding the request for a 4% budget reduction. At a special meeting on Wednesday, the Prosecutors Advisory Council debated the options available to it in addressing the proposed budget cut. The meeting was attended by more than 80 prosecutors. The Council voted to give elected prosecutors the option of reducing staff salaries by 14-16%, furloughing employees in one-week increments or laying off employees to meet the targeted budget reduction amount. The components of the proposed prosecutor budget reduction plan were sent to Governor Beshear today. If the Unified Prosecutorial System is not exempted from this budget cut, prosecutors’ offices could begin furloughs or layoffs of employees as early as January 2009.
"The Commonwealth’s prosecutors are in a crisis situation," said Chris Cohron, president of the Commonwealth’s Attorneys Association. "The severe underfunding of the prosecutorial system is going to continue to have an adverse effect on our employees and the criminal justice system as a whole. Prosecutors were not sufficiently funded by the General Assembly during this legislative session, and these additional requests
to cut our budget will have a devastating effect. "
The Commonwealth’s Attorneys are facing a budget shortfall in fiscal year 2009 of more than $1.3 million, which equates to the funding for 84 employees.
"This is the worst budget crisis and potentially the most dangerous public safety crisis I have seen in the last thirty years," said Ray Larson, Fayette County Commonwealth’s Attorney.
The state’s County Attorneys are also facing a severe budget shortfall this fiscal year. The budget shortfall for County Attorneys is more than $1.1 million, which equates to approximately a 16% reduction in staff salaries.
Mike Foster, president of the Kentucky Association of Counties and Prosecutors Advisory Council member, noted that if prosecutors are not exempted from this latest budget reduction, they will lose staff
necessary to prosecute cases.
"Our County Attorneys are on the frontline in protecting the public in cases of domestic violence and DUI. We also are responsible for removing children from abusive homes. Underfunding our offices hurts not only our employees, but the public as a whole," Foster said.
Attorney General Jack Conway, who chairs the Prosecutors Advisory Council, voiced concern over this latest round of budget cuts.
"Prosecutors are unique because their budgets are personnel driven.
For example, the budget for County Attorneys is more than 98% personnel.
Therefore, these proposed cuts will have far-reaching effects that could include reducing the number of prosecutors, increasing case loads, delaying court proceedings and potentially compromising public safety.
Even before the present fiscal crisis, the prosecutors and the Office of the Attorney General were significantly underfunded, so I am now urging the governor to consider exempting critical components of public safety, such as prosecutors, from these proposed cuts," General Conway said.
There are 57 elected Commonwealth’s Attorneys and 120 elected County Attorneys whose staffs handle all of the criminal prosecutions in the Commonwealth. Prosecutorial employees include assistant prosecutors, victims’ advocates, detectives, and support staff in every county in the state. Once the General Assembly passes a budget, the money allotted to prosecutors is administered by the Prosecutors Advisory Council. The Prosecutors Advisory Council is chaired by the Attorney General and consists of three Commonwealth’s Attorneys, three County Attorneys, and two citizen members, all of whom are appointed by the governor.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The Board of Trustees at Pikeville College has announced the selection of Michael M. Looney, Ph.D., as the institution’s 17th president.
Currently the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas, Dr. Looney and his wife, Diane, will join the College family in January 2009.
“I am looking forward to working with a great team at Pikeville College and really excited about the opportunities that Diane and I will experience in getting to know all of the folks at Pikeville and in Eastern Kentucky,” said Looney.
“Everyone that we have met has been so gracious and accepting of us. That said, there is a lot of work to be done over the next few years. When I started looking for a president’s position I was looking for a college just like Pikeville, church related, small, liberal arts emphasis, but more importantly in an area that wanted to help the local community become more highly educated. I have found that place in Pikeville College. Dreams do come true. The faculty, staff, administration and board of trustees all believe in Pikeville College and so do I. I look forward to taking the institution to new levels in the next decade and beyond. The mission of the College is a great one and having the osteopathic medical school, with a mission of serving Appalachia, is a great draw for me. I look forward to working with everyone to grow the undergraduate enrollment and to make the osteopathic school the envy of others,” he said.
In the classroom and as an administrator, Looney’s leadership and commitment to education have been significant. In addition to his work as provost, he also serves as a professor of chemistry at Schreiner, a private liberal arts university of more than 1,000 students located in central Texas and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Looney is active in a number of educational, civic and community organizations, including the Texas Faculty Development Network, the Council on Independent Colleges and the Texas Academy of Science, where he was named a Fellow in 2004. He also serves on the boards of the Kerrville chapters of the American Red Cross and YMCA, is a Rotarian and an Elder in the Presbyterian Church.
Looney earned his doctor of arts in chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in chemistry from St. Mary’s University. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for teaching excellence and his research and writings have appeared in numerous publications.
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“The search committee appointed by the board of trustees, working with Korn/Ferry, a highly respected professional search firm, and headed by trustee co-chairmen Roy Palk and Greg Hazelett, have done an outstanding job of securing a quality new president to continue the good works of Pikeville College in its service to the region,” said Terry Dotson, chairman of Pikeville’s board of trustees.
“Dr. Michael Looney and his wife will be a good fit for the College and the community as a whole. This search has been conducted as planned by the board in a timely and scheduled manner. The college community will be blessed with the efforts of the search committee as will be the area,” said Dotson.
The search for a new president formally began last spring following President Hal Smith’s announcement of his planned retirement after 12 years of service. Smith will assist in the transition through the spring semester.
During Smith’s distinguished tenure as president, Pikeville has experienced unprecedented growth with new academic and athletic programs and extracurricular organizations. A number of renovations and new capital projects were also accomplished. Most importantly, the College has celebrated the achievements of nearly 2,000 new alumni, including 250 new nurses and more than 200 teachers who are now serving and providing leadership in their communities. In addition, since its inception in 1997, the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine has produced more than 450 new physicians and its leadership role in health care in the Appalachian region has expanded significantly.
“Twelve years ago, I was pleased to help with the search to hire Hal Smith. He was the right man for the job and he has done many, many positive things for our College and our region,” said Dotson. “The institution, in almost every area, is better today than it was 12 years ago. We will miss the efforts put forth by Hal and Karen Smith. They have been wonderful to our region and to the young people they have jointly served. We are very proud of the job Hal and Karen have done to serve the College and the region.”
In conducting a national presidential search, the College’s board of trustees appointed a presidential search committee including faculty, administrators, and trustees. The education practice of Korn/Ferry International assisted the committee in recruiting a diverse pool of outstanding candidates. Students, faculty, staff and administrators were also invited to nominate persons they believed could provide effective leadership to the College. Four finalists in the search visited campus in early October.
Pikeville College is an independent, four-year liberal arts and sciences college nestled in the heart of central Appalachia. Founded in 1889 by Presbyterian ministers seeking to provide educational opportunities for mountain youth, Pikeville College has played an integral role in the educational, economic and cultural development of its service area for more than a century.