EKB News

A Feds Creek man is in the Pike County Dentention Center on a $ 30,000 full cash bond. 26 year-old Jody Dotson was taken into custody withut incident by the Kentucky State Police. Dotson has been charged with first degree robbery. dotson is accused of walking into Judy's Variety and Tanning located at Regina and robbing the store with a knife. The incident happened Tuesday. Authorities say at the time of the arrest Dotson was in possession of four pocket knives and property from an unrelated residential burglary.

A Pike County man is now an inmate at the regional jail in Logan. 47 year-old George Pickleseimer was indicted in April on by a grand jury on drug charges. Pickleseimer allegedly sold hydrocodone to an undercover agent. Pickleseimer was just recently released from the Pike County Detention Center serving time on an D.U.I charge. Pickleseimer will be arraigned in Mingo County on Tuesday.

Automobile accidents kept Pikeville emergency responders busy Thursday. At around 10:30 a.m. authorities responded to a two vehicle accident on U.S. 23 in front of the Community Trust Bank and then three hours later a two vehicle accident took place on the South Mayo Trail in front of the Holiday Inn Express. We were told at least two people were injured, however none of the injuries were life threatening.

The Hatfield McCoy Visitor's and Convention Center opened Wednesday in downtown Logan. Director Debrina Williams says that the center's goal is to market Logan as a attraction for tourists and also help local manufactures and artists to show case there talents. Yhe center is located on Stratton Street. The center also has merchandise that ties into the trail system

37 year old Robert Thacker of Chesapeake, Ohio pleaded guilty in United States Federal Court of picking up a 15 year old female from Mingo County taking her acroos the state line for the sole purpose of sex. Thacker will be sentenced in march. He faces 30 years.

Two eastern Kentucky residents pleaded guilty in Pike County Circuit Court to one count each of felony theft and felony criminal mischief.

The commonwealth attorney recommended a five year jail sentence for 37 year-old Norman Blevins of West Van Lear and a three year sentence for 22 year-old Ashley Weaver of Salyersville. The two admitted that they were responsible for stealing cars and audio equipment.

Mountain Christian Academy in Martin says rising costs and funding cuts have them preparing to close their pre-school program. They say they need to make up about a $104,00 shortfall , or, consider phasing out the program. Private school funding from the Christian Appalachian Project is about to be phased out.

More than $1,000 in counterfeit money has surfaced in Letcher County. Sheriff Danny Webb says he has linked some of the money to drug dealers.

He believes people are making and spending it to purchase drugs from dealers, who in turn, are spreading ii into the community.

Nearly 700 homes and businesses in Pikeville were without power for a few hours Tuesday. A spokesperson for Kentucky Power said that a piece of equipment broke at eh South Mayo Trail substation.

The trial of a former Pike County educator is now scheduled to take place in 2009. Lincoln Shane Bentley a former teacher at East Ridge High will stand trial on Feb 24th in Pike County District Court. Bentley has been charged with official misconduct after he allegedly asked a female student to show him her breasts for a better grade. The trial was scheduled to happen Tuesday.

Around 673 customers of Kentucky Power is currently without power at this current time. Officials say that the majority of the effected area is the southen part of the city. We have no further details at this current time.

Authorities are searching for an inmate from the Pike County Detention Center that walked away from a work detail duty Monday afternoon in the Millard area.

32 year-old Hurley Dewayne Mullins of Mouthcard is currently serving a five year sentence for drug possession. Mullins served 53 days.

Three alleged drug dealers were apprehended by authorities Tuesday afternoon. Leroy Doc Little, his son Darren Little and Tracey Wooten all of Pikeville are accused of trafficking cocaine. Leroy Little is facing seven counts of drug trafficking. All three are lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin today announced his appointment of Raleigh County native and State Police captain Timothy S. Pack to the position of superintendent of the West Virginia State Police.
Pack has been director of Executive Protection, the governor’s and first lady’s security detail and an extension of the West Virginia State Police, since May 2007. He joined the Executive Protection Unit in 1997. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1985 through 1988 and after graduating from the State Police Academy in 1988, he was stationed in Princeton. He also served for several years at the Summers County Detachment in Hinton.
“Capt. Tim Pack is a highly capable and talented police officer and I’ve been fortunate to know him as the leader of the Executive Protection Unit,” Manchin said. “Tim has extensive experience in law enforcement and is a skilled negotiator who will be able to objectively assess critical law enforcement situations. He has the judgment and wisdom to lead one of the most respected law enforcement organizations in the country.
“As Col. Lemmon steps down, he leaves the State Police in good hands, and Tim will be able to continue moving this organization forward.” “I’m extremely honored to be given this opportunity to lead a law enforcement agency that has such a rich tradition of excellence and bravery,” Pack said. “I know that, working together and using the experience and input of all our troopers and civilian employees, we can make this the best agency in the country.”
James W. Spears, secretary for the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, said under Pack’s leadership, the State Police will continue its nearly 90-year tradition of protecting West Virginians.
“We have the fourth-oldest state police agency in the country, with a very proud tradition of service. Col. Lemmon served us well in this capacity the last four years, and I have no doubt that Capt. Pack will continue that progress and lead us in our constant efforts to improve.”
Pack succeeds Col. David Lemmon who in November announced his retirement, which will be effective Dec. 31, 2008.

Three Floyd County residents, charged with there alleged involvment in the murder of Allen Shepherd, pleaded not guilty in Knott County Circuit Court.

Tommy Crum, Susan Morgan and Tina Adkins allegedly led investigators to the victim's body that was left in a remote area of Knott County.

Authorities say Shepherd apparently suffered severe trauma and stab wounds.

The trio remain lodged in Perry County on a million dollars bond.

There next court date is scheduled for Feb 20th.

Williamson, WV - Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College announces the second group of students selected for its prestigious Appalachian Leadership Academy, Cotiga Chapter. Following a rigorous selection process, six students met the qualifications and will receive a full scholarship to attend Southern and up to $500 for books.
Mingo County native, Retired General Robert "Doc" Foglesong, USAF and Southern President Joanne Jaeger Tomblin will participate in the induction ceremony on Wednesday, December 17th beginning at 10:30 a.m.
at The Brass Tree, according to Pauline Sturgill, ALA program director.
Current Cotiga Fellows Kevin Whitt and Rita White will also participate in the ceremony. A special brunch for the ALA fellows and their families will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Southern's leadership academy chairpersons are Dr. Cindy McCoy and Karen Preece. Board members include Rita Roberson, Mary Hamilton, Stella Estepp, Dee Kapourales and Sturgill.
Those selected for the Appalachian Leadership Academy's 2009 class are as follows:
Anita Copley is an active member of her hometown community, Crum, West Virginia. Anita reports that one of the most difficult decisions in her life was to return to school. Anita hopes that her involvement in the Appalachian Leadership Academy will give her more confidence and help her to develop leadership skills she can use every day at home and work.
Anita loves helping people and plans to one day work as a nurse.
Whitney Dempsey, a resident of Delbarton, West Virginia, was an honor student at Burch High School and a member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. Whitney loves children and her dream is to become an elementary school teacher. Whitney believes that her participation in Southern’s Appalachian Leadership Academy will give her more confidence and will allow her to make new friends and meet important leaders.
Michelle Ford, a resident of Belfry, Kentucky, is a Licensed Practical Nurse, youth pastor and an active member of her community. Michelle’s goal is to one day serve others as a Registered Nurse. Michelle considers her acceptance into the Appalachian Leadership Academy a great honor and believes that her involvement as a Cotiga Fellow will guide her through life’s journey in the medical field and will allow her to meet new and interesting people.
Kimberly Irick, a resident of Pinsonfork, Kentucky, was a cheerleader at Burch High School and served as a member of several clubs, including Students Against Drunk Driving, FCA, Spirit Team, Homecoming Committee, and the French Club. Kimberly wants to serve as a role model for younger children. Kimberly plans to use her involvement with the Appalachian Leadership Academy to develop skills and techniques needed to stay strong and confident in herself and keep on track to become successful in the medical field.
Shelley Rose, a resident of Kermit, West Virginia, is a graduate of Tug Valley High School. She served for two summers mentoring young children as an AmeriCorps member with Energy Express. Shelly had been accepted into the Respiratory Therapy program and believes that Southern’s Appalachian Leadership Academy will allow her to develop better leadership skills, become more involved in the college community, and take greater responsibility for activities that promote growth in our communities.
Joyce Varney, a resident of Hardy, Kentucky, is an active member in her church and community. She enjoys bringing peoples ideas together and completing projects. Joyce is pursuing a career in Respiratory Therapy and considers acceptance into Southern’s Appalachian Leadership Academy a great privilege. Joyce plans to use her experiences in the Academy to develop and polish her leadership skills, not only for herself, but for those she will come into contact with in her community and profession.

With the onset of winter and the possibility that motorists may have to drive in inclement weather, the Kentucky State Police are offering safe driving tips.

“Winter provides new challenges and responsibilities to the public and the Kentucky State Police,” said KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer. “We ask that drivers be prepared to meet the challenges of the upcoming winter season in Kentucky. Plan ahead, make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained, drive defensively and be sure the vehicle is properly maintained to handle the effects of cold temperatures.”

KSP reported that slippery roads were the contributing factor in 12,175 crashes and 67 fatalites in 2007.

Highway Safety Branch Commander, Captain Tim Lucas offers a word of caution about braking on snow covered roads.
“Know what kind of brakes your vehicle has and how to use them properly. In general, if you have anti-lock brakes, apply firm pressure, if you have non anti-lock brakes, pump the brakes gently,” said Lucas.

“If you find yourself in a skid, stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go. This procedure, known as “steering into the skid,” will bring the back end of your vehicle in line with the front,” added Lucas.

The Highway Safety Branch has posted these additional safe driving tips on their website:

Winter Safe Driving tips to follow:
§ Be Cautious About Travel
§ Listen for radio or television reports of travel advisories issued by the National Weather Service.
§ Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads if at all possible.
§ If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to notify authorities if you are late.
§ Check and restock the winter emergency supplies in your car before you leave.
§ Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow; shattering may occur.
§ Never rely on your car to provide sufficient heat; the car may break down.
§ Always dress warmly.
§ Always carry clothing appropriate for winter conditions.

What To Do If You Get Stranded
§ Staying in your vehicle when stranded is often the safest choice if winter storms create poor visibility or if roadways are ice-covered. These steps will increase your safety when stranded:
§ Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers.
§ Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
§ Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers.
§ Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
§ Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let air in. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe-this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
§ As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.
§ Do not eat un-melted snow it will lower your body temperature.

Prepare Your Vehicle For Winter
§ You can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends.
§ Have the radiator system serviced, or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze, as needed.
§ Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
§ Replace any worn tires, and check the air pressure in the tires.
§ During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

Winter Survival Kit For Your Vehicle:
Equip your vehicle with these items:
§ Cell phone and charger
§ Blankets
§ First-aid kit
§ A can and waterproof matches (to melt snow for water)
§ Windshield scraper
§ Booster cables
§ Road maps
§ Compass
§ Tool kit
§ Paper towels
§ Bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow for added traction)
§ Tire chains (in areas with heavy snow)
§ Collapsible shovel
§ High-calorie canned or dried foods and a can opener
§ Flashlight and extra batteries
§ Canned compressed air with sealant (for emergency tire repair)
§ Brightly colored cloth

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.

FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that fifteen people died in nine separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, December 8 through Sunday, December 14, 2008.

All of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and eight of those victims were not wearing seat belts. The seat belt status of three victims could not be determined. Three crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Single vehicle crashes occurred in Allen, Knott, Meade and Taylor counties.

A triple-fatality crash occurred in Pike county and alcohol was suspected as a possible factor. A total of four double-fatality crashes occurred last week. These crashes were reported in Harlan, Hart, Jefferson and Nicholas counties.

Through December 15, 2008 preliminary statistics* indicate that 772 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 59 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 595 motor vehicle fatalities, 371 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 165 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.

FRANKFORT, KY (December 15, 2008) - Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, along with the attorneys general of 38 other states, reached a settlement agreement today with Mattel, Inc. and its subsidiary, Fisher-Price, Inc., resolving a 16-month long investigation into the events that resulted in a voluntary recall in 2007 of the company’s toys for excessive lead paint. The agreement, filed today in Franklin Circuit Court, requires Mattel to make a payment of $12 million by January 30, 2009, to be divided among the participating states. As one of the lead states on the multi-state executive committee, Kentucky will receive $475,000.

“No child should be at risk because of toxic chemicals in their toys. I will continue to press the federal government and toy manufacturers on this issue to prevent tainted toys from falling into the hands of Kentucky kids,” said General Conway.

From August 2, 2007 through October 25, 2007, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced recalls of approximately 2 million Mattel and Fisher-Price toys for excessive lead in surface coatings. The recalls included nearly 100 different products manufactured in China.

At the time of the recalls, the CPSC standard permitted for lead in accessible surface coatings was 600 parts per million (ppm). Lead levels taken of the recalled toys during the course of the states’ investigation found that levels not only exceeded the federal standard, but in some instances tested over 10,000 ppm and 50,000 ppm. Links to the CPSC recall announcements with the lists of recalled toys are included with this press release.

The agreement reached by the attorneys general includes more stringent standards for accessible lead both in surface coatings and other materials effective for toys manufactured after November 30, 2008.

Since the attorneys general first contacted Mattel in August 2007, Congress has enacted the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which requires an initial reduction in lead in toys in February, 2009, with further reductions in August 2009 and in August 2011.

Mattel has agreed with the attorneys general to phase in more stringent standards ahead of the timelines provided by the CPSIA. Mattel has also agreed with the attorneys general to notify them if it confirms excessive lead in any of its products in violation of state or federal law, or the consent judgment, and to work with the attorneys general to remedy such violations.

The Mattel recalls were but a few of dozens of recalls involving dangerous lead levels during the past two years. General Conway strongly encourages parents to consult the CPSC recall notices to determine if their children’s toys have been recalled due to lead content or any other safety concern. A link to that website may be found at www.ag.ky.gov. Consumers may also call the CPSC recall hotline at 1-800-638-2772.

Links to Mattel Recall Notices:

Fisher Price Licensed character toys (Sesame Street, Dora, Diego, etc.)

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07257.html <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07257.html>

Sarge Toys

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07270.html <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07270.html>

Bongo Band toys

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07270.html <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07270.html>

GeoTrax

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07302.html <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07302.html>

Barbie accessories

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07301.html <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07301.html>

Go Diego Go Boat

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08048.html <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08048.html>

Links to CPSC resources & tips for parents:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07032.html <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07032.html>

Link To the 2008 Safe Shopping Guide <http://ag.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/C8ABFD5F-6C40-4F80-9DEE-68D3A01DDAB1/0/2008_Safe_Shopping_Guide.pdf>

Attorney General Jack Conway today announced a plea agreement in the case of two Kentucky therapists arrested earlier this year on charges they defrauded the Kentucky Medicaid Program. Vanessa Rouse, a speech pathologist from Deane in Letcher County, and Janice Fields, a developmental interventionist from Happy in Perry County, pled guilty to Medicaid fraud, a class D felony, and were sentenced Thursday, December 11 in Jefferson Circuit Court.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, the court sentenced each defendant to one year in the Kentucky Department of Corrections, which will be probated for a period of five years. As a condition of their probation, each defendant was ordered to pay restitution to the Kentucky Medicaid Program for a total amount of $14,640.25 and to reimburse the Attorney General’s Office for investigative costs.
Rouse and Fields fraudulently billed the Kentucky Medicaid Program for services provided to children in First Steps, a statewide early-intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities. During 2006 and 2007, the therapists billed the state for services that were not provided to children.
“Through the hard work and determination of our investigators and prosecutors, we were able to obtain both a conviction and restitution for the Kentucky Medicaid Program. Our office will continue its efforts to detect and prosecute Medicaid Fraud, which is especially important given the current budget crisis the state faces,” General Conway said.
In a related case, Rouse and Fields also pled guilty to charges of bribing a witness in Perry Circuit Court last month. Following receipt of a tip, investigators from the Office of the Attorney conducted surveillance of Rouse and Fields. On April 16, the pair was arrested after investigators monitored a transaction in which Rouse and Fields gave $200 to a prosecution witness in Perry County and instructed the witness as to how to testify. Under the terms of that plea agreement, they will be required to serve 30 days of a one-year sentence, the remainder of which will be probated. Sentencing in that case is scheduled for December 18 in Perry Circuit Court.

The Kentucky State Police say what started as a fight at a home in Whitesburg between 49-year old Charles Osborne and his brother, Stewart Osborne, ending in sending three people to the hospital.

Stewart Psbprme was stabbed in the stomach and chest. Charles Osborne was treated for a head injury and was taken to the Letcher County Jail, charged with assault. Their mother, Nola Osborne, was stabbed in the head, but was soon released from the hospital.