Saturday, November 21, 2009
Jackson County Man Charged With Attempted Murder
Around 1:00 A.M. Saturday morning, Kentucky State Police received a phone call reporting shots fired into the Jackson County dispatch center. Troopers say a single shot fired through the window barely missed dispatcher Millie Madden. Police arrested 33 year old Vernon Adkins of McKee and charged him with attempted murder and tampering with physical evidence.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:39 PM
MSHA Set To Monitor Mine Dust
Joseph Main, head of the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration, says he plans to move swiftly on a plan to lower coal miners' exposure to dust that can cause black lung disease. Main referred to longstanding calls to cut by half the limit on breathable dust in mines, while providing devices that would allow miners to constantly monitor the dust level in the areas they work. MSHA had previously said it planned to work on a new rule in 2011, but safety advocates argued there was no reason to wait. Main says he will work to speed up the process
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:08 PM
Cincinnati Doctor To Plead In Floyd County Drug Ring
According to court documents, Lloyd Stanley Naramore, a Cincinnati doctor, is expected to plead guilty in U.S. District Court in London, Kentucky, Monday to his role in one of the largest drug distributions in eastern Kentucky. Naramore is among more than 20 people charged in a case with participating in a drug ring which confessed leader Timothy Wayne Hall was sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting he led several people in a scheme which distributed around 200,000 OxyCodone and Methadone pills. Naramore is charged with improperly prescribing drugs.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:15 PM
Floyd County High School Teens Charged
Two Prestonsburg High School students, ages 15 and 16, were taken to a Breathitt County juvenile detention center this past week after allegedly setting off smoke bombs. Police say they set fire to ping pong balls wrapped in aluminum, the first creating a fire in the hallway and the second outside near a bus stop. The teens were charged with first-degree arson and first-degree wanton endangerment.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:01 PM
Report Says Bad Food Didn't Cause Prison Riot
Investigators announced Friday that, despite previous claims, the inmates who participated in a fiery riot at Nortpoint Training Center on August 21st. were reacting to a partial lockdown and planned restrictions on their movement when they set fire to several buildings at the medium-security facility, resulting in some 700 inmates being moved and eight inmates being taken to nearby hospitals, along with eight prison workers being treated at the scene. During interviews, investigators say they were told that, although there was general concern about the quality of food, the majority of inmates stated that neither food services nor canteen prices was the primary cause behind the riot.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:33 AM
Ky. Court Upholds McDonald's Verdict
The Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld a $6.1 million award to a former McDonald's restaurant worker, Louise Ogborn, who was strip searched and sexually assaulted while working in 2004 at a store about 20 miles south of Louisville. The court ruled Friday that McDonald's Corp. knew about a series of hoax calls to restaurants around the country but failed to warn employees. Walter Nix Jr. of Kentucky, the fiancee of a McDonald's assistant manager, served a prison sentence for sexually abusing Ogborn, and David Stewart of Florida was acquitted. Ogborn testified someone called the restaurant, and, while impersonating a police officer, gave the description of a young female employee who had allegedly stole from a customer and instructed she be searched. McDonald's says she was the victim of a hoax operated by individuals not representing their company.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:16 AM
West Virginia PSC A pproves Hope Gas Increase
The West Virginia Public Service Commission has deferred a decision related to a proposed sale of Hope Gas Inc. However, the PSC decided to grant a 5% rate increase amounting to about $8.78 million in additional revenue for the company's base rate, less than the 18.9% increase sought. The company, which operates as Dominion Hope, had not received a rate increase since 2005, leaving officials saying they need money to cover non-gas operations and expenses, taxes, interest on customer deposits, dividend payments and interest on debt.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:04 AM
Charleston Police Investigating Murder
South Charleston Police are investigatingwhat they are calling a "gruesome" murder. Police say 19 year old Jimmy Eugene Thompson and 18 year old Michael Shane Thompson, no relation, brutally beat to death 51 year old James Gillispie, whose body was found inside his home on Macon Street Friday morning. Police say Gillispie was an acquaintance of the teenagers and was known for helping drug addicts and others get back on their feet.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:57 AM
Former Cabell County Deputy Shot During Denver Robbery
Cabell County native 40 year old Sean Chandler, who formerly served four years as a deputy in the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, while being from Milton, West Virginia, was among the two officers shot in the line of duty during a shootout Thursday in suburban Denver which left two bank robbery suspects dead. Serving as a Westminster, Colorado police officer, Chandler was one of the officers attempting to pull over bank robbery suspects, one male and one female, when the suspects fired at the officers during a chase in which the suspects' car spun out. A shootout began, and the male suspect was killed, while the female died after being transported to a local hospital. Six police cars at the scene were riddled with gunfire.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:40 AM
Mental Evaluation Ordered In W. Va. Murder Case
The first-degree murder case for Mary Strojia was to begin Friday with a pretrial hearing, but lawyers asked the judge to grant a mental evaluation and said they plan to call an expert witness. South Charleston Police say 54 year old Robert D. Richardson was struck by a van in the 5600 block of Habitat Street in May and later died at Thomas Memorial Hospital. They say the van, which fled the scene, was driven by Mary Strojia. Her trial was to begin next week, but the judge postponed it until January 11th.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:34 AM
West Virginia Social Worker Murder Case Reset
Cabell County prosecutors say, in August 2008, Rosemary Forney and Steven Foster Jr. sexually assaulted and murdered Lincoln County social worker Brenda Yeager, but the state has decided to try them separately. The defense argues Forney does not have the mental capacity to have committed the crime nor provide correct statements to troopers prior to her arrest. They also allege she didn't understand she wasn't under arrest nor the Miranda form and rights she was read during questioning August 1, 2008. During a hearing Friday to suppress evidence, a Kanawha County psychologist, who tested Forney, testified in favor of the defense, saying Forney reads and comprehends at a 3rd. grade level, while the Miranda form requires a 6th. grade IQ. Cabell County Prosecutor Chris Chiles countered the claim by producing Forney's education history, which reveals she graduated from Spring Valley High School with a 2.98 grade average. In order to allow time for the defense to call more witnesses to the stand, the murder case was reset for December 17th.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:07 AM
West Virginia Special Session Ends
After four days, the West Virginia legislature ended its special session Friday with tweaks to the gas tax and state energy policy among the final bills passed, while all but one of Governor Joe Manchin's 11 proposals received approval. Changes in the state gasoline tax set the base gas tax at 20.5 cents. The bill also sets limits on the variable component that impacts the gas tax each fall. Supporters say the changes will help stabilize the state Road Fund and allow the Division of Highways to better plan future projects, but those against the bill say it represents a tax increase, while the 5 cent "temporary" tax was set to go off in 2013, if lawmakers had rejected the bill. The only bill not to pass dealt with the state's Other Post Employment Benefits debt. Instead, a committee of seven senators was formed to study the $7 billion debt and come up with solutions which would be discussed during next year's regular session.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:56 AM
Friday, November 20, 2009
Beshear Pushing Slots...Saying He's Hopeful
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear says, with the state budget as it is, and, with the Republican grip on the chamber sliding to 19-17, with one independent and an open seat to be determined in a December 8th. special election, he's confident video slot machines would, if given the chance, pass the full state Senate. He says that's not saying all Democrats would vote for it or that all Republicans would vote against it, but he thinks it could muster enough Republican votes to pass, if it gets onto the floor. Beshear says he will spend part of his time, before the 2010 General Assembly begins January 5th, meeting with lawmakers from both parties in an effort to gauge support.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 2:21 PM
Lawson Lawyers Seek Change Of Venue
Defense attorneys for road contractor Leonard Lawson, former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert and Lawson aide Brian Billings are seeking a change of venue in the $130 million bid-rigging trial which accuses them of steering highway construction projects to Lawson's companies. Larry Mackey and other defense lawyers say they're concerned that widespread publicity may have tainted potential jurors in central and eastern Kentucky, so they have jointly asked the trials be moved to Covington. Two trials are scheduled, the first, for Nighbert and Lawson, is set for January 11th., while the second, for Billings, is to begin immediately afterward.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 2:10 PM
Funds From Sale Of Nunn's Home In Escrow
All in one week, former Kentucky Representative Steve Nunn pleaded not guilty to charges of wanton endangerment, violating a domestic violence order and murder in relation to the September 11th. fatal shooting of his former fiancee, 29 year old Amanda Ross. Last Saturday, Nunn's home in Glasgow auctioned for $170,000, meant to pay attorney fees for Warren Scoville, but the proceeds from the sale were placed in escrow. An agreed order for injunctive relief is part of a wrongful death lawsuit filed in late September by Ross' mother, Diana Ross. Under the agreement, proceeds from the sale of the home and personal property are to be held until further notice from the court. According to the agreed order, Ross raised objections to the sale, saying Nunn fraudulently conveyed real property to the Scoville Firm and/or fraudulently conveyed personal property to Mary Nunn, Robert Nunn and/or Courtney Nunn.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:50 PM
Kentucky Taxation Considered
According to a new study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy in Washington, D. C., low and middle-class Kentuckians pay a larger portion of their incomes on state and local taxes than wealthier people do. While the study reveals wealthier people pay more in income taxes, the income tax is the only one designed to be progressive and does not offset the effects of the other two. Some public-policy groups are pushing a tax reform bill from Representative Jim Wayne (D-Louisville) that would give more tax credits to the poor and raise income taxes on the wealthy, while taxing more services. Another tax reform bill from Representative Bill Farmer (R-Lexington) would totally eliminate the income tax, while taxing services. Governor Beshear says he opposes both measures because they would create tax increases. However, the groups say the upside-down approach to state and local taxes should not disproportionally impact the poor.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:35 PM
Kentucky Jobless Rate Rises While Some Jobs Increase
In October, Kentucky's unemployment rate rose to 11.2%, while the state saw an overall net gain in jobs. The state Office of Employment and Training says the state's economy showed slight improvement, but hiring tended to be temporary. Since about May, Kentucky's unemployment rate had stood above 10%, while the rate one year ago was 6.9%. During October, seven of the 11 major industries tracked showed employment increases, and four decreased, while, overall, the state added 2,900 jobs, representing an easing in the employment losses in the state's economy.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:22 PM
Ky. PSC Recommends Better Preparation For Natural Disasters
The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued a report this week containing more than 60 recommendations for utilities, government agencies, the general public and Public Service Commission officials, outlining ways to improve communications during major power outages such as those associated with the January ice storm. One recommendation dealt with communication lapses and how to avoid them. The state PSC says, although it does not endorse a massive effort to bury power lines, utilities should consider using stronger lines and placing them closer together in some areas, while cell phone companies should look to generators to keep their towers operating, and residents should better prepare themselves to face natural disasters. The PSC has asked utilities to respond by March 1st.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:05 PM
West Virginia Education Discussed
According to a newly released report from the Washington, D. C.-based policy group, Alliance for Excellent Education, in 2009, 6,900 young West Virginia students dropped out of school, while the state Board of Education's figures showed approximately 3,700, either figure being too high. State schools Superintendent Steven Paine says work with school districts, principals, parents and students is needed to provide support to local districts to help curb the pandemic problem. There's a possibility of year round schools. Board members around the state say, with being sick days and snow days, kids are receiving less than six months during an entire year of learning. A year round school calendar is set up with more breaks for students, although those breaks are shorter. They're also set up to deal with possible bad weather or other things that keep students out of school. Students would still have a summer vacation of five weeks instead of ten. It's believed by some that shorter breaks would help students retain more knowledge. Governor Joe Manchin also supports year round schools.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:36 AM
West Virginia Talks Coal
Following the cancellation of an earlier meeting, Second District Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito got a chance Thursday to sit down with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to discuss ongoing delays in the surface mine permitting process. Capito says, although broad disagreements remain, the talk was cordial. Capito says she voiced concerns that delays had real-world consequences on the economy, West Virginia jobs and the lives of miners and their families, saying these real people and real families deserve to have their voices heard. She also told Jackson the continued uncertainty prevents those involved from planning future investments, therefore affecting local economies. Capito concluded Jackson and the EPA believe they have no obligation to take economic factors or jobs into account, a feeling she calls troubling during a time of record unemployment and economic insecurity. The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce says mining is about 25% of West Virginia's economy, supplying thousands of jobs for West Virginia families. The chamber says Senators Robert Byrd and Jay Rockefeller should withhold votes on the health care reform bill until the Obama administration and Congress ceases its war on coal/energy.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:08 AM
West Virginia Doctor Expected To Plead Guilty
According to a filed information, Dr. John Theodore Tiano, a former cardiovascular specialist at Marshall University's medical school, is expected to plead guilty to federal charges related to his involvement in a Mingo County pain clinic. According to the information, between 2005 and March 2007, Tiano allowed nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants under his supervision to issue prescriptions for the painkiller HydroCodone and the anti-anxiety drug Alprazolam. The clinic then fraudulently billed Medicare almost $120,000, while indicating Tiano personally treated patients. According to an affidavit, Tiano earned more than $250,000, between August 2005 and September 2007, while moonlighting for Justice Medical Center near Kermit.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:11 AM
W. Va. Laid-Off Worker Training Program Out Of Funds
Workforce West Virginia announced this week it's run out of money to provide job training for about 600 recently laid-off workers. Acting Executive Director Russell Fry says, for the current fiscal year, the program received $11 million, an amount based on figures from the previous fiscal year. But he says an increase in unemployment has upped the demand for training, leaving the program in need of funding. Fry says, to keep the program going, he plans to ask the federal government for a loan.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:12 AM
Indictments In West Virginia Auditor Scam
In May, Angella Muthoni Chegge-Kraszeski of North Carolina was indicted in an international scam that defrauded the West Virginia auditor's office out of millions of dollars. This week, five more people were indicted for their alleged roles. Prosecutors say they established shell companies in North Carolina, with names almost identical to legitimate vendors doing business with the state, then siphoned payments from West Virginia to a bank in Minnesota, and later funneled proceeds to accounts in Kenya.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:56 AM
Frontier/Verizon Deal Opposed In West Virginia
In a $8.6 billion deal, Frontier Communications has proposed acquiring more than 600,000 additional Verizon telephone access lines in West Virginia and 13 other states, but the deal must first receive PSC approval. Earlier this week, the Public Service Commission's staff and Consumer Advocates Division recommended a rejection of the proposal. The Consumer Advocate Division says Frontier doesn't have the financial resources needed to fix the sub-standard network which has suffered neglect in West Virginia for years. Verizon West Virginia President Keith Fulton says Frontier can better manage the state's telephone lines, an opinion not shared by all communication workers. Thursday, about two dozen members of the Communication Workers of America went to the Kanawha County Commission asking them to weigh in on a deal they feel could force the company into bankruptcy. But, if the deal is approved, staff members say Verizon should be required to invest $300 million in its West Virginia landlines. The PSC has planned hearings in January.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:33 AM
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Pikeville College Going Tobacco-Free
Pikeville College President Paul Patton says, by fall of next year, the college campus will be tobacco-free. Indoor smoking is already prohibited, and, beginning in January, smoking will be prohibited in all covered walkways and areas between buildings. Patton says the policy has been endorsed by the board of trustees, which believes it will promote wellness, while providing a safe and healthy environment for students and employees. The move is hoped to encourage employees to quit smoking, hopefully reducing absenteeism and health care costs.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:06 PM
Santa Train Set To Roll
Kicking off the holiday season, Saturday, November 21st., country star Wynonna Judd, along with her two children, Santa Claus and his volunteer elves, will be on-board the Santa Train as it makes its 67th. annual run from Shelbianna, Kentucky to Kingsport, Tennessee. CSX, Food City and the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event which distributes more than 15 tons of toys and gifts to thousands of Applachian families gathered at scheduled stops.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:41 PM
Status Hearing Set In Nunn Murder Case
Thursday morning, attorney Warren Scoville entered a not guilty plea on behalf of his client, former Kentucky Representative 57 year old Steve Nunn. Remaining at the Fayette County Detention Center, Nunn was arraigned via video on charges of murder and violating a domestic violence protective order in relation to the fatal shooting of his former fiancee, 29 year old Amanda Ross. A status conference hearing was scheduled for January 15th.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 3:37 PM
Whitesburg Man Shot In The Head
Kentucky State Police report they received a call shortly after 11:00 P.M. Tuesday night related to a shooting on Susan Cook Drive in Whitesburg. Paul Richard Fields was airlifted to Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport in critical condition after being shot in the head by a small-caliber rifle. James Edward Nichols was lodged in the Letcher County Jail on charges of first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, three counts of wanton endangerment and being a felon in possession of a handgun.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 2:29 PM
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Ky. To Receive Extended Unemployment Benefits
Nearly 10,000 Kentuckians have exhausted all 79 weeks of their unemployment insurance benefits and are now potentially eligible for up to 20 additional weeks of benefits. The Kentucky Office of Employment and Training is working hard to program the extensions into its system so claims can be filed and checks can be issued, but officials say those eligible should receive a letter in the mail explaining when benefits will be paid and how to apply for them. Claiming too early will not result in receiving benefits sooner.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:26 PM
Kentucky Supreme Court To Launch Cost-Saving Jail Initiative
Beginning January 1st., the Kentucky Supreme Court will launch an initative aimed at reducing jail and prison costs. The Supreme Court has chosen nine counties, including Pike, to test a cost-saving initiative which would allow those arrested for non-violent crimes to immediately post bail instead of going to jail. The plan will be in effect for one year before determining whether to expand it statewide. Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott says, if successful, the program could save the state $150 million a year.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:14 PM
Harlan County Woman Charged With Setting Fires
Kentucky State Police arrested 61 year old Rosetta Stanton Tuesday and lodged her in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $12,000 bond. Trooper James Earl Hensley alleges he witnessed her walking down the road near her home, setting fires about every ten feet, resulting in 20 ft. waves of flames which burned several acres and put homes in danger. Stanton was charged with willfully setting fires and first-degree wanton endangerment.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:07 PM
Lawson Statement To Remain Sealed
The Louisville Courier-Journal, the Associated Press and the Lexington Herald-Leader had filed requests, under the Kentucky Open Records Act, for a 1983 proffer held by the office of Attorney General Jack Conway, but the request has been denied by the state Court of Appeals. In 1983, Mountain Enterprises, then owned by road contractor Leonard Lawson, pleaded guilty to violating antitrust rules in relation to an investigation involving road contracts, but Lawson was not charged in the case, although he made a statement in the case. The media sources were seeking access to Lawson's statement, but the high court ruled the press failed to name the attorney general's office in its appeal. The media companies say they plan to appeal to the state Supreme Court.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:39 PM
Superseding Indictment Filed Against Karen Sypher
A federal grand jury has issued a superseding indictment against Karen Sypher, charging her with extortion, lying to the FBI and retaliating against a victim and witness. Charges state Sypher persuaded another person to attempt to extort money from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino, while alleging he committed a crime against her, and then lied to FBI by denying she knew the identity of the man who made phone calls to Pitino and again lied to the FBI by telling agents her relationship with the man was strictly business. The final count charges that, between June 16th. and July 14th., she retaliated against Pitino for reporting a federal crime when she filed a criminal complaint with the Louisville Metro Police Department. Combined charges carry potential prison sentences of up to 26 years, a fine of up to $1.5 million and up to 12 years supervised release. An arraignment is scheduled for December 22nd.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:11 PM
Former Perry Co. Official Pleads Guilty
Former Perry County Judge Executive Sherman Neace pleaded guilty Wednesday (today) to federal mail fraud, admitting, in an attempt to cover up a vote-buying scheme, he mailed false campaign-spending reports to a state agency. Authorities say Neace and Chester Jones, the head of the Perry County Democratic Party at the time, took $7,500 from the party and used it to bribe voters in the November 2008 general election, under the pretense of hiring people to perform election work. Neace faces a maximum 20 years when sentenced March 18th. Jones is scheduled for trial in January.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:49 PM
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Re-Trial Scheduled For Mingo County Man
The murder re-trial for a Mingo County man, George Lecco of Red Jacket, is scheduled to begin in April. Lecco and co-defendant Valerie Friend of Matewan were sentenced to death after being found guilty on charges related to the 2005 murder of drug informant Carla Collins, but those verdicts were overturned. During re-trial, Friend pleaded guilty to killing Collins, saying Lecco wanted Collins dead to protect his cocaine operation out of Pizza Plus in Red Jacket. Under her plea agreement, Friend will testify against Lecco.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:50 PM
Homelessness In Kentucky Is Changing
There's a changing face on homelessness in Kentucky and this week The Governor's office and advocacy groups want us to take a close look at it. This is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in the Commonwealth and those close to the issue say people without a proper place to live aren't those you might imagine.
Many of the homeless in Kentucky have jobs, but, not jobs that provide them the kind of pay checks they need. Some can't support children, can't pay for day care, can't have transportation, and certainly can't get health care and housing. Most homeless in the Commonwealth are making minimum wage. Unemployment rates rose in all 120 Kentucky counties between September 2008 and September of this year and stood at 10.9%.
Many of the homeless in Kentucky have jobs, but, not jobs that provide them the kind of pay checks they need. Some can't support children, can't pay for day care, can't have transportation, and certainly can't get health care and housing. Most homeless in the Commonwealth are making minimum wage. Unemployment rates rose in all 120 Kentucky counties between September 2008 and September of this year and stood at 10.9%.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:11 AM
Monday, November 16, 2009
U.S. Postal Service Reports Loss
Despite a reduction of 40,000 employees and billions in cost-cutting measures, the U.S. Postal Service has reported a net loss of $3.8 billion for fiscal year 2009, about $1 billion more than in 2008. Postal officials say a shift to the Internet, as well as the recession, has caused the post office to face a decline in mail volume, creating one of the most challenging years in the history of the Postal Service. In an effort to help, Postmaster John Potter is seeking permission from Congress to reduce mail delivery from six days-a-week to five, while the agency is consolidating mail facilities, considering closing some offices and seeking new sources of income.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:07 PM
Nunn Case Postponed When Lawyers Fail To Show
Former Kentucky Representative Steve Nunn was scheduled to appear in Fayette District Court Monday (today) for a preliminary hearing after being indicted for allegedly violating a domestic violence order obtained against him in March by his former fiancee, 29 year old Amanda Ross. However, the case was postponed until next week after Nunn's attorneys failed to show up. Nunn has also been indicted for the September 11th. murder of Ross, and he's scheduled for an arraignment Thursday morning, November 19th.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:57 PM
ICG Settles Lawsuit With Environmental Groups
Scott-Depot, West Virginia- based International Coal Group announced Monday (today) that it has settled a lawsuit filed by environmental groups, the Sierra Club and Kentucky Waterways Alliance, which challenged a federal water quality permit for the filling of parts of four valleys with excess rock and other material at its Thunder Ridge mine in Leslie County, Kentucky. Originally, the Army Corps of Engineers approved five valley fills, but later reduced the number to four. Under the settlement, ICG will be allowed to proceed with the fourth fill, and, in exchange, ICG agreed to plant an extra 150 acres of hardwood trees on reclaimed land and donate $50,000 to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Figures show Thunder Ridge produced just over 700,000 tons of coal in 2008.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:19 PM
Kentucky Lawmakers Say Tax Hikes Unlikely
Monday, advocates and lawmakers arrived at the Kentucky Capitol in hopes of heading off possible cuts to a variety of government programs and services. Governmental leaders, including Attorney General Jack Conway, briefed lawmakers on the impact of additional budget cuts. State criminal prosecutors spoke before a budget committee concerning their already strained finances, while AARP members rallied in the House chamber for protection for the elderly. If the state keeps spending at its current rate of $9.1 billion a year, there could be as much as a $1 billion shortfall for the next two years. Last week, Governor Steve Beshear announced he's not ready to rule out any solution, including another increase in cigarette tax, although the tax is unlikely to be approved during the upcoming legislative session. Health care advocates say Kentucky could save millions of dollars in health care costs by raising the tax to $1, but several lawmakers say it's not likely to happen now. Beshear says he plans to spare Medicaid and education. House Appropriations and Revenue Committee Chairman Rick Rand, along with several lawmakers, say, with 100 House seats and 19 of the 38 Senate seats up for election next year, making tax increases of any kind is unlikely. Rand says the state is going to have to grow its way out because he doesn't think it can tax its way out.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:26 PM
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Pike County Road Project Near Completion
Pike County Judge Executive Wayne T. Rutherford says flooding in May and June damaged many roads in the county, but none were worse than Rocky Road near the Millard Grade School, which has become the most expensive FEMA project in Pike County's history. Rutherford says, with extensive damage, work began quickly and has not stopped since. Jigsaw Enterprises LLC, of Pikeville was contracted for the project, which has currently cost $870,000, and, now, Jigsaw general manager, Rusty Justice, says the project is nearing completion. Remaining work includes putting a headwall where the pipe comes out and putting up a guardrail. Officials say work is right on schedule and should be completed by late November. Frankie Stacy, Pike County director of purchasing says the project could top out at around $1 million.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:30 PM
Three Vehicle Crash Injures One
A three-vehicle crash Friday evening near the U.S. 23/ U.S. 119 intersection sent Delorhes Hall of Dorton to the Pikeville Medical Center for treatment. Police say a vehicle driven by Amber Wagner of Brushy rear-ended a vehicle driven by Hall, pushing it into a third vehicle driven by Florence Evangelists, creating nearly a two mile back up of traffic.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:19 PM
Case Against Magoffin County Teacher Heads To Grand Jury
North Magoffin Elementary School teacher, 46 year old Darrell Patrick of Salyersville, was arrested three weeks ago, a few days after a raid at his home, and, after attorneys waived a preliminary hearing Friday morning, the case is now headed to the grand jury. Investigators say they conducted an undercover investigation between August and October in which detectives purchased OxyCodone from Patrick. He was charged with six counts first-degree drug trafficking and suspended from the school district.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:58 PM
Former Representative's Home Auctioned
The home of former Kentucky Representative Steve Nunn located at Fairway Place in the Country Club Estates of Glasgow brought $170,000 when it hit the auction block Saturday morning, although it had appraised for $200,000. To help pay his legal fees, Nunn transferred his home in October to his attorney, Warren Scoville of London. The home was purchased by Nathan Wyatt.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:29 PM
Hazard Man Pleads Guilty To Child Porn Charge
Sixty-two year old Jimmie Darrell Gay of Hazard is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in London on March 4th. after pleading guilty to receiving child pornography, admitting that from October 13, 2008 to January 28, 2009, he knowingly received pornographic depictions of children through e-mail and the Internet. Gay faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:17 PM
