Saturday, December 12, 2009
Boyd County Woman Found Dead
KENTUCKY....
Boyd County Sheriff's Deputies say, around 7:00 A.M. Saturday morning, 83 year old Ann Jones Riffe who lived on Hickory Court in Summit was found dead in her neighbor's driveway. Deputies say, sometime overnight, Riffe left her home and was not dressed for cold weather. They say it appears she walked to her neighbor's driveway and either fell or collapsed. Police are investigating but say, at this point, there is no indication of foul play.
Boyd County Sheriff's Deputies say, around 7:00 A.M. Saturday morning, 83 year old Ann Jones Riffe who lived on Hickory Court in Summit was found dead in her neighbor's driveway. Deputies say, sometime overnight, Riffe left her home and was not dressed for cold weather. They say it appears she walked to her neighbor's driveway and either fell or collapsed. Police are investigating but say, at this point, there is no indication of foul play.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:24 PM
Harlan County Man Indicted
KENTUCKY....
When twenty-eight year old Phillip Osborne of Evarts (Harlan County) appeared in court this week for a pre-trial conference in an assault case, he was served a new indictment with a charge including wanton murder. The new indictment stems from a 2007 car crash on KY 38 at Coxton that claimed the life of his passenger, 16-year-old Dustin Middleton and injured then 22 year old Shannon King. According to the police report, Osborne was traveling east on KY 38 when he crossed the center line, overcorrected and lost control of his vehicle, causing it to rotate and strike the front end of a vehicle driven by 47 year old Connie Peace, overturning Osborne’s vehicle upon impact.
When twenty-eight year old Phillip Osborne of Evarts (Harlan County) appeared in court this week for a pre-trial conference in an assault case, he was served a new indictment with a charge including wanton murder. The new indictment stems from a 2007 car crash on KY 38 at Coxton that claimed the life of his passenger, 16-year-old Dustin Middleton and injured then 22 year old Shannon King. According to the police report, Osborne was traveling east on KY 38 when he crossed the center line, overcorrected and lost control of his vehicle, causing it to rotate and strike the front end of a vehicle driven by 47 year old Connie Peace, overturning Osborne’s vehicle upon impact.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:39 PM
Applachian Regional Gets Grant Money
KENTUCKY....
The Appalachian Regional Commission for the Highlands Center for Autism has awarded $450,000 in grant funds to the Highlands Regional Medical Center in Prestonsburg. The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission is $360,000 that will be combined with $90,000 from local sources The funding will aid support services to families of autistic children, provide funds for acquiring new equipment and create seven new jobs. U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers says he applauds ARC for providing grant dollars to assist children and families struggling to understand and respond to autism. The Highlands Center for Autism will operate as a year-round private day school and accept students from earliest diagnosis through school age.
The Appalachian Regional Commission for the Highlands Center for Autism has awarded $450,000 in grant funds to the Highlands Regional Medical Center in Prestonsburg. The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission is $360,000 that will be combined with $90,000 from local sources The funding will aid support services to families of autistic children, provide funds for acquiring new equipment and create seven new jobs. U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers says he applauds ARC for providing grant dollars to assist children and families struggling to understand and respond to autism. The Highlands Center for Autism will operate as a year-round private day school and accept students from earliest diagnosis through school age.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:06 PM
Mining Board Appointment Criticized
KENTUCKY....
Officials of the United Mine Workers union have criticized Governor Steve Beshear's recent appointment of 37 year old Kelly Jenkins, the wife of Union County Judge-Executive Jody Jenkins, as nursing supervisor to the Kentucky Mining Board. Jenkins was named late last month as the eight-person board's “citizen member.” Jenkins, who supervises the telemetry and intensive-care units at Methodist Hospital in Henderson, submitted an application in March seeking a position on a state board or commission, while recounting her extensive experience as a nurse and stating a preference for serving on the Kentucky Board of Nursing, but she did not mention the mining board. Union members question her qualifications and say their preferred candidate wasn't granted a promised interview, but Jenkins says she has treated injured miners in the hospital and that she considers herself knowledgeable about mine-safety and mining practices.
Officials of the United Mine Workers union have criticized Governor Steve Beshear's recent appointment of 37 year old Kelly Jenkins, the wife of Union County Judge-Executive Jody Jenkins, as nursing supervisor to the Kentucky Mining Board. Jenkins was named late last month as the eight-person board's “citizen member.” Jenkins, who supervises the telemetry and intensive-care units at Methodist Hospital in Henderson, submitted an application in March seeking a position on a state board or commission, while recounting her extensive experience as a nurse and stating a preference for serving on the Kentucky Board of Nursing, but she did not mention the mining board. Union members question her qualifications and say their preferred candidate wasn't granted a promised interview, but Jenkins says she has treated injured miners in the hospital and that she considers herself knowledgeable about mine-safety and mining practices.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:40 PM
Former Clay County Official Jailed
KENTUCKY....
Former Clay County election officer William Stivers was jailed this week after his probation officer said he recently asked a potential witness to provide certain testimony during his upcoming trial. Stivers is charged, along with several former and current public officials, for allegedly conspiring to buy votes between 2002 and 2007. Earlier this year, Stivers was released on bond and ordered not to engage in improper contact with a potential witness or victims in the case.
Former Clay County election officer William Stivers was jailed this week after his probation officer said he recently asked a potential witness to provide certain testimony during his upcoming trial. Stivers is charged, along with several former and current public officials, for allegedly conspiring to buy votes between 2002 and 2007. Earlier this year, Stivers was released on bond and ordered not to engage in improper contact with a potential witness or victims in the case.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:13 PM
Federal Mining Report Released
KENTUCKY....
According to a federal report issued this week by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, between 2000 and mid-2008, regulators gave coal companies permission to put up to 2.15 billion cubic yards of rock and dirt left over from mining operations into 1,488 fills in eastern Kentucky. One official explained that nearly all those were hollow fills, which are smaller and located higher in the watershed than valley fills. The report did not say how many of those fills were actually created, but it did say companies do not build all the fills for which they get permits. Opponents of surface mining say the report offers further evidence that mining has caused widespread environmental damage, but the National Mining Association, says opponents of mining are attempting to twist the report to fit their view when, in fact, the report made no conclusions and was not an indictment of the industry. Information from the GAO report will be used at a hearing in 2010.
According to a federal report issued this week by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, between 2000 and mid-2008, regulators gave coal companies permission to put up to 2.15 billion cubic yards of rock and dirt left over from mining operations into 1,488 fills in eastern Kentucky. One official explained that nearly all those were hollow fills, which are smaller and located higher in the watershed than valley fills. The report did not say how many of those fills were actually created, but it did say companies do not build all the fills for which they get permits. Opponents of surface mining say the report offers further evidence that mining has caused widespread environmental damage, but the National Mining Association, says opponents of mining are attempting to twist the report to fit their view when, in fact, the report made no conclusions and was not an indictment of the industry. Information from the GAO report will be used at a hearing in 2010.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 3:43 PM
DEP Considers Consol Dumping
WEST VIRGINIA....
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is considering allowing Pittsburgh-based Consol Energy to resume pumping mine water from the Blacksville No. 2 mine into Dunkard Creek. Consol officials say water inside the mine is approaching critical levels, and they're worried about the safety of underground miners. The DEP stopped the practice following a ruling that golden algae killed tens of thousands of fish, mussels and other aquatic life in nearly the entire 43-mile length of Dunkard Creek in September, and pollution, likely from treated mine water, helped the algae flourish. But, typically, the algae doesn't bloom when the water is cold. DEP officials feel that would allow time to work out a solution.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is considering allowing Pittsburgh-based Consol Energy to resume pumping mine water from the Blacksville No. 2 mine into Dunkard Creek. Consol officials say water inside the mine is approaching critical levels, and they're worried about the safety of underground miners. The DEP stopped the practice following a ruling that golden algae killed tens of thousands of fish, mussels and other aquatic life in nearly the entire 43-mile length of Dunkard Creek in September, and pollution, likely from treated mine water, helped the algae flourish. But, typically, the algae doesn't bloom when the water is cold. DEP officials feel that would allow time to work out a solution.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:36 AM
Support Group To Meet In Huntington
WEST VIRGINIA....
In 2006, Kathy Miller of Huntington suffered through the death of a 34 year-old son, leaving her devastated but determined to help others who have lost a child. Her loss prompted her to help found a local area support group, the Tri-State Chapter of the Compassionate Friends, for parents in similar situations. The Tri-State Chapter of the Compassionate Friends now has more than 45 active families and is inviting all area parents who have lost a child to attend the annual Worldwide Candle Lighting event which will begin at 6:45 P.M. Sunday, December 13th at the Sixth Avenue Church of Christ, 530 20th St. in Huntington. The event is part of the mother group's worldwide candle lighting.
In 2006, Kathy Miller of Huntington suffered through the death of a 34 year-old son, leaving her devastated but determined to help others who have lost a child. Her loss prompted her to help found a local area support group, the Tri-State Chapter of the Compassionate Friends, for parents in similar situations. The Tri-State Chapter of the Compassionate Friends now has more than 45 active families and is inviting all area parents who have lost a child to attend the annual Worldwide Candle Lighting event which will begin at 6:45 P.M. Sunday, December 13th at the Sixth Avenue Church of Christ, 530 20th St. in Huntington. The event is part of the mother group's worldwide candle lighting.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:15 AM
Charges Dismissed Against Charleston Man
WEST VIRGINIA....
Felony charges of battery and burglary against David Lee Gump II were dismissed Friday. Charleston police had charged that, on December 3rd, Gump broke into the Charleston's East End home of his lawyer Joshua Robinson and assaulted him. Gump testified he went to the home to find out why Robinson had cashed a $1,100 check made out to his deceased grandfather and to retrieve two of his grandfather's lockboxes. Robinson testified he'd been upstairs and heard glass break. He said, when he went downstairs, he found Gump with a piece of concrete and was hit in the chest. Robinson said, when he beat Gump with a baseball bat, he was defending himself. However, a nearby neighbor who claimed he witnessed the incident, disagreed with Robinson's account.
Felony charges of battery and burglary against David Lee Gump II were dismissed Friday. Charleston police had charged that, on December 3rd, Gump broke into the Charleston's East End home of his lawyer Joshua Robinson and assaulted him. Gump testified he went to the home to find out why Robinson had cashed a $1,100 check made out to his deceased grandfather and to retrieve two of his grandfather's lockboxes. Robinson testified he'd been upstairs and heard glass break. He said, when he went downstairs, he found Gump with a piece of concrete and was hit in the chest. Robinson said, when he beat Gump with a baseball bat, he was defending himself. However, a nearby neighbor who claimed he witnessed the incident, disagreed with Robinson's account.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:52 AM
Logan County Man Convicted
WEST VIRGINIA....
Brian Cornell of Logan pleaded guilty in federal court this week to downloading more than 600 images on his home computer of children engaged in sexual acts. When sentenced on March 23rd, he faces more than 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Prosecutors say Cornell was sharing the images through Limewire via Internet.
Brian Cornell of Logan pleaded guilty in federal court this week to downloading more than 600 images on his home computer of children engaged in sexual acts. When sentenced on March 23rd, he faces more than 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Prosecutors say Cornell was sharing the images through Limewire via Internet.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:48 AM
Berger Sworn In
WEST VIRGINIA....
During her Investiture Ceremony Friday afternoon at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Building, U.S. District Judge Irene Berger took her judicial oath, becoming the first African American appointed to West Virginia's federal courts. U.S. Senators Jay Rockefeller and Robert Byrd submitted her name to President Obama for consideration, and the President then presented her name before the full U.S. Senate where, by unanimous vote, she was appointed to the bench. As well as being the first African American Circuit Judge in West Virginia, during her legal career, Berger served as a Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge since 1994 and has served as both a Kanawha County Assistant Prosecutor and an Assistant United States Attorney.
During her Investiture Ceremony Friday afternoon at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Building, U.S. District Judge Irene Berger took her judicial oath, becoming the first African American appointed to West Virginia's federal courts. U.S. Senators Jay Rockefeller and Robert Byrd submitted her name to President Obama for consideration, and the President then presented her name before the full U.S. Senate where, by unanimous vote, she was appointed to the bench. As well as being the first African American Circuit Judge in West Virginia, during her legal career, Berger served as a Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge since 1994 and has served as both a Kanawha County Assistant Prosecutor and an Assistant United States Attorney.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:46 AM
Cabell Co. Gets Nearly $1M
WEST VIRGINIA....
A House appropriations bill passed this week has $950,000 coming to Cabell County to help with education and health care, with $650,000 going to Cabell Huntington Hospital for the Children's Hospital project which has plans to enhance existing pediatric services. When complete, the estimated $12 million renovation will support programs for newborns to young adults up to 21 years old, while employing the most up-to-date medical services within the Pediatric Intensive Care and Inpatient Units. The rest, $300,000, is for the Marshall Community and Technical College Inland Waterways Academy to purchase a maritime wheelhouse simulator. There will be about seven flat-panel screens placed where windows would have been on the wheelhouse. They will show what tugboat operators would see in the waterways around them.
A House appropriations bill passed this week has $950,000 coming to Cabell County to help with education and health care, with $650,000 going to Cabell Huntington Hospital for the Children's Hospital project which has plans to enhance existing pediatric services. When complete, the estimated $12 million renovation will support programs for newborns to young adults up to 21 years old, while employing the most up-to-date medical services within the Pediatric Intensive Care and Inpatient Units. The rest, $300,000, is for the Marshall Community and Technical College Inland Waterways Academy to purchase a maritime wheelhouse simulator. There will be about seven flat-panel screens placed where windows would have been on the wheelhouse. They will show what tugboat operators would see in the waterways around them.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:43 AM
Friday, December 11, 2009
Pike County Brothers Arrested
KENTUCKY....
Two brothers, 20 year old Joshua Rowe and 18 year old Jonathan Rowe, were arrested in Hickory, North Carolina Tuesday after being indicted on robbery and kidnapping charges in Pike County. Authorities say, on October 24th, they broke into a home in the Ferrell's Creek area, and, while holding a couple at gunpoint, robbed them of cash and medication.
Two brothers, 20 year old Joshua Rowe and 18 year old Jonathan Rowe, were arrested in Hickory, North Carolina Tuesday after being indicted on robbery and kidnapping charges in Pike County. Authorities say, on October 24th, they broke into a home in the Ferrell's Creek area, and, while holding a couple at gunpoint, robbed them of cash and medication.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:12 PM
Kentucky Speedway- NASCAR Lawsuit Rejected
KENTUCKY....
The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a Kentucky Speedway lawsuit against NASCAR. The former owners of Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, in northern Kentucky, claimed NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. violated federal antitrust laws by keeping it off the premier racing circuit. The panel said the group failed to prove NASCAR and International Speedway Corp., worked together with other tracks to keep the 1.5-mile tri-oval from getting a coveted Sprint Cup race. Kentucky Speedway will host races for the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races in 2010.
The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a Kentucky Speedway lawsuit against NASCAR. The former owners of Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, in northern Kentucky, claimed NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. violated federal antitrust laws by keeping it off the premier racing circuit. The panel said the group failed to prove NASCAR and International Speedway Corp., worked together with other tracks to keep the 1.5-mile tri-oval from getting a coveted Sprint Cup race. Kentucky Speedway will host races for the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races in 2010.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:54 PM
Nighbert Attorneys Seeking Delay
KENTUCKY....
Attorneys for former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert filed documents Friday arguing that, following a ruling this week from U.S. District Court Judge Karl Forester, they may need an additional 14 days to prepare for a trial. Forester reversed his previous ruling which excluded secretly taped conversations between James Rummage and other key players in the case. Forester ruled earlier this week that some of them can now be heard by a jury. Nighbert’s lawyers are also asking Forester to try Nighbert separately.
Attorneys for former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert filed documents Friday arguing that, following a ruling this week from U.S. District Court Judge Karl Forester, they may need an additional 14 days to prepare for a trial. Forester reversed his previous ruling which excluded secretly taped conversations between James Rummage and other key players in the case. Forester ruled earlier this week that some of them can now be heard by a jury. Nighbert’s lawyers are also asking Forester to try Nighbert separately.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:25 PM
Board Rules Against KSP
KENTUCKY...
After thirteen years of appeals, Thursday, the Kentucky Board of Claims ordered the Kentucky State Police to pay $168,730 in damages to the estate of Lebron Gaither, a teenage police informant who was found beaten, stabbed and shot to death on July 17, 1996, in Casey County, where Jason Derek Noel, who was later convicted of murder, had taken him after he testified about an alleged drug purchase from Noel. The board found detectives violated clearly established rules and failed in their duty to protect Gaither who had been used for drug buys. The board concluded in its ruling that state police "sentenced him to death" by allowing a drug dealer to learn his identity and then using him in a drug buy in which he was kidnapped and killed. In its defense, the department argued Gaither assumed the risk to his own safety when he agreed to become an informant, for which he was paid about $3,150. It also claimed Gaither caused his own death by violating one of the ground rules laid out for the buy - that he not get into Noel's vehicle. State police spokesman, Lt. David Jude, says the department is seeking permission to appeal to Franklin Circuit Court.
After thirteen years of appeals, Thursday, the Kentucky Board of Claims ordered the Kentucky State Police to pay $168,730 in damages to the estate of Lebron Gaither, a teenage police informant who was found beaten, stabbed and shot to death on July 17, 1996, in Casey County, where Jason Derek Noel, who was later convicted of murder, had taken him after he testified about an alleged drug purchase from Noel. The board found detectives violated clearly established rules and failed in their duty to protect Gaither who had been used for drug buys. The board concluded in its ruling that state police "sentenced him to death" by allowing a drug dealer to learn his identity and then using him in a drug buy in which he was kidnapped and killed. In its defense, the department argued Gaither assumed the risk to his own safety when he agreed to become an informant, for which he was paid about $3,150. It also claimed Gaither caused his own death by violating one of the ground rules laid out for the buy - that he not get into Noel's vehicle. State police spokesman, Lt. David Jude, says the department is seeking permission to appeal to Franklin Circuit Court.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:10 AM
Ky. Focuses On Smoking
KENTUCKY....
According to a report released this week, Kentucky spends about $3.9 million a year on tobacco prevention and cessation programs, ranking the state 40th in the amount spent to persuade people to quit or never start smoking. Health advocates in Kentucky have been pushing the legislature to up its funding for tobacco cessation programs and to allocate about $1.5 million to fund a 2007 law that would allow the state’s Medicaid program to pay for smoking cessation aides. Earlier this year, Governor Steve Beshear announced Kentucky would join the National Alliance for Tobacco Cessation, and some of the money it receives through the 1998 national tobacco settlement will be used to pay for its part of the program. Senators Denise Harper Angel and Perry Clark, both Democrats from Louisville, have pre-filed legislation that would encourage the governor to fund the 2007 law allowing Medicaid to pay for smoking cessation classes. The total cost of the Medicaid stop-smoking program would be close to $5 million, but the federal government would pay about $3.5 million of the total.
According to a report released this week, Kentucky spends about $3.9 million a year on tobacco prevention and cessation programs, ranking the state 40th in the amount spent to persuade people to quit or never start smoking. Health advocates in Kentucky have been pushing the legislature to up its funding for tobacco cessation programs and to allocate about $1.5 million to fund a 2007 law that would allow the state’s Medicaid program to pay for smoking cessation aides. Earlier this year, Governor Steve Beshear announced Kentucky would join the National Alliance for Tobacco Cessation, and some of the money it receives through the 1998 national tobacco settlement will be used to pay for its part of the program. Senators Denise Harper Angel and Perry Clark, both Democrats from Louisville, have pre-filed legislation that would encourage the governor to fund the 2007 law allowing Medicaid to pay for smoking cessation classes. The total cost of the Medicaid stop-smoking program would be close to $5 million, but the federal government would pay about $3.5 million of the total.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:41 AM
Comair Victim's Family Wins Civil Case
KENTUCKY....
Family members of Bryan Keith Woodward were awarded a $7.1 million civil verdict for compensatory damages handed down Monday in U.S. District Court in Lexington. Woodward was one of 49 people killed in a 2006 Comair 5191 plane crash when two pilots steered the plane to the wrong runway at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport. A larger trial looms next year over punitive damages.
Family members of Bryan Keith Woodward were awarded a $7.1 million civil verdict for compensatory damages handed down Monday in U.S. District Court in Lexington. Woodward was one of 49 people killed in a 2006 Comair 5191 plane crash when two pilots steered the plane to the wrong runway at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport. A larger trial looms next year over punitive damages.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:36 AM
Mallo Trial Set
WEST VIRGINIA....
Trial is set to start Monday in Kanawha Circuit Court for 27 year old Trina Mallo, 45 year old Alexander Michael Mallo and 55 year old Carolyn Mallo, all of Charleston, who were indicted on charges of child neglect creating substantial risk of serious bodily injury and death. In June, police arrested nearly the entire Mallo family on various charges, including child endangerment, after the body of 82 year old Phyllis Jean Phares was found dead in her West Side home. Fourteen year old Thomas Mallo is charged with killing Phares. Carolyn Mallo's lawyer argued Thursday his client has already been in jail for six months and he is prepared for trial, and the trial should begin as soon as possible.
Trial is set to start Monday in Kanawha Circuit Court for 27 year old Trina Mallo, 45 year old Alexander Michael Mallo and 55 year old Carolyn Mallo, all of Charleston, who were indicted on charges of child neglect creating substantial risk of serious bodily injury and death. In June, police arrested nearly the entire Mallo family on various charges, including child endangerment, after the body of 82 year old Phyllis Jean Phares was found dead in her West Side home. Fourteen year old Thomas Mallo is charged with killing Phares. Carolyn Mallo's lawyer argued Thursday his client has already been in jail for six months and he is prepared for trial, and the trial should begin as soon as possible.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:16 AM
Climate Bill Considered
WEST VIRGINIA....
Recent statements by Sen. Robert C. Byrd that coal will remain a major part of the nation's energy mix, but that some form of climate change legislation likely will become law has prompted Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to agree with both statements. A final bill to address global warming isn't expected until spring. The bipartisan trio of senators say they wanted to announce a starting point for their discussions, with room for further negotiations. Thursday, the trio released legislative framework for the latest version of a U.S. Senate bill aimed at "ensuring a future for coal." The senators say they hope to propose a near-term greenhouse emissions reduction "in the range" of 17%. Representative Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced that she would be among the Republican members of a bipartisan House delegation that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (R-Calif.) is taking next week to the climate-change talks in Copenhagen.
Recent statements by Sen. Robert C. Byrd that coal will remain a major part of the nation's energy mix, but that some form of climate change legislation likely will become law has prompted Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to agree with both statements. A final bill to address global warming isn't expected until spring. The bipartisan trio of senators say they wanted to announce a starting point for their discussions, with room for further negotiations. Thursday, the trio released legislative framework for the latest version of a U.S. Senate bill aimed at "ensuring a future for coal." The senators say they hope to propose a near-term greenhouse emissions reduction "in the range" of 17%. Representative Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced that she would be among the Republican members of a bipartisan House delegation that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (R-Calif.) is taking next week to the climate-change talks in Copenhagen.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:42 AM
Bike And Hike Trail Closed
WEST VIRGINIA....
Harrison County officials have indefinitely closed the Northern Harrison County Bike and Hike Trail after lead and and other contaminants were discovered. Contamination levels haven't been determined, but a Maryland engineering firm that designed the trail will conduct further tests for the county. The entrance of the trail, which runs 7 miles between North View and Spelter, is located on a former glass plant site, and the state Department of Environmental Protection says contaminants found on the trail include lead and arsenic.
Harrison County officials have indefinitely closed the Northern Harrison County Bike and Hike Trail after lead and and other contaminants were discovered. Contamination levels haven't been determined, but a Maryland engineering firm that designed the trail will conduct further tests for the county. The entrance of the trail, which runs 7 miles between North View and Spelter, is located on a former glass plant site, and the state Department of Environmental Protection says contaminants found on the trail include lead and arsenic.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:27 AM
Drug Addiction Center Plans Fundraiser
WEST VIRGINIA....
The Healing Place of Huntington, a nonmedical drug addiction treatment center, says the center will have to start small in terms of the men it can serve when it initially opens. Although its aim is to eventually serve 100 men at the new center, it needs $200,000 to finish Phase 1 of the project. The center is striving to raise $1.2 million to complete the building and treat 100 men, but organizers have decided to start with 26 men. A fundraiser is planned this weekend at Charlie's Harley-Davidson, 408 4th St., and, for a $5 donation, pictures with Santa will be offered at Charlie's from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 12th, and from noon to 3:00 P.M. Sunday, December 13th.
The Healing Place of Huntington, a nonmedical drug addiction treatment center, says the center will have to start small in terms of the men it can serve when it initially opens. Although its aim is to eventually serve 100 men at the new center, it needs $200,000 to finish Phase 1 of the project. The center is striving to raise $1.2 million to complete the building and treat 100 men, but organizers have decided to start with 26 men. A fundraiser is planned this weekend at Charlie's Harley-Davidson, 408 4th St., and, for a $5 donation, pictures with Santa will be offered at Charlie's from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 12th, and from noon to 3:00 P.M. Sunday, December 13th.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:06 AM
Cabell County Commission Rejects Settlement
WEST VIRGINIA....
The Cabell County Commission is headed to court after rejecting a settlement Thursday in connection to a 2004 lawsuit filed against the commission and the county sheriff's office by 22 former corrections officers who worked at the county jail in Huntington and were fired in December 2003 when county jail operations were moved to the Western Regional Jail in Barboursville. Employees filed the lawsuit in Circuit Court to recover unused sick leave pay, but the commission says its policy does not give county employees money for unused sick leave after they are terminated, and no county employee has ever received money under those circumstances. However, employees who retire are eligible to receive certain benefits for unused sick days.
The Cabell County Commission is headed to court after rejecting a settlement Thursday in connection to a 2004 lawsuit filed against the commission and the county sheriff's office by 22 former corrections officers who worked at the county jail in Huntington and were fired in December 2003 when county jail operations were moved to the Western Regional Jail in Barboursville. Employees filed the lawsuit in Circuit Court to recover unused sick leave pay, but the commission says its policy does not give county employees money for unused sick leave after they are terminated, and no county employee has ever received money under those circumstances. However, employees who retire are eligible to receive certain benefits for unused sick days.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:37 AM
Truck Driver Found Dead
WEST VIRGINIA....
A tractor-trailer driver was found dead Thursday inside the cab of his truck. Barboursville Police Department officials say they got a call of an unresponsive tractor trailer driver near the 18-mile marker on Interstate 64 around 11:34 A.M.Thursday morning. According to the driver's license, which matched the man's description, he was 60 year old Thomas G. Reiff of Evansville, Indiana who was driving for the Pegasus Transportation Company out of Jeffersonville, Indiana.
A tractor-trailer driver was found dead Thursday inside the cab of his truck. Barboursville Police Department officials say they got a call of an unresponsive tractor trailer driver near the 18-mile marker on Interstate 64 around 11:34 A.M.Thursday morning. According to the driver's license, which matched the man's description, he was 60 year old Thomas G. Reiff of Evansville, Indiana who was driving for the Pegasus Transportation Company out of Jeffersonville, Indiana.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:13 AM
W. Va. PSC Adjusts Gas Rates
WEST VIRGINIA....
The West Virginia state Public Service Commission says purchased gas rates for bigger utilities, including Mountaineer Gas, have not yet been adjusted, but it has cut the purchased gas rates for 11 of West Virginia’s 16 smaller providers, with reductions ranging from as much as 77% to as little as 10%. While the commission doesn’t set natural gas prices, it does approve regular increases and decreases in the amount utilities are allowed to pass along to customers to pay for fuel, and it expects to soon adjust purchased gas rates for Mountaineer and other bigger utilities. The Department of Health and Human Resources says it’s going to start accepting applications for emergency heating assistance at all DHHR Bureau for Children and Families offices January 11th.
The West Virginia state Public Service Commission says purchased gas rates for bigger utilities, including Mountaineer Gas, have not yet been adjusted, but it has cut the purchased gas rates for 11 of West Virginia’s 16 smaller providers, with reductions ranging from as much as 77% to as little as 10%. While the commission doesn’t set natural gas prices, it does approve regular increases and decreases in the amount utilities are allowed to pass along to customers to pay for fuel, and it expects to soon adjust purchased gas rates for Mountaineer and other bigger utilities. The Department of Health and Human Resources says it’s going to start accepting applications for emergency heating assistance at all DHHR Bureau for Children and Families offices January 11th.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:54 AM
Thursday, December 10, 2009
KLC Helps With School Insurance
KENTUCKY....
Kentucky law requires school districts to carry insurance for school property, boilers, auto liability, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance, about half covered by the Kentucky School Boards Insurance Trust. Tuesday, the Kentucky League of Cities announced KLC Insurance Services will take over administration and management of the financially troubled insurance pool that protects Kentucky school property and employees. KLC will infuse $8 million into the school boards' insurance pool — $5.5 million for the workers' compensation fund and $2.5 million for the property/liability fund. Operations would be run from KLC's Lexington office rather than KSBA's Frankfort office, and the $8 million will eventually have to be paid back.
Kentucky law requires school districts to carry insurance for school property, boilers, auto liability, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance, about half covered by the Kentucky School Boards Insurance Trust. Tuesday, the Kentucky League of Cities announced KLC Insurance Services will take over administration and management of the financially troubled insurance pool that protects Kentucky school property and employees. KLC will infuse $8 million into the school boards' insurance pool — $5.5 million for the workers' compensation fund and $2.5 million for the property/liability fund. Operations would be run from KLC's Lexington office rather than KSBA's Frankfort office, and the $8 million will eventually have to be paid back.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:46 PM
State Revenues Increase
KENTUCKY....
For the first time in 11 months, Kentucky state revenues grew. In November, General Fund receipts were up 2.4% compared to the previous November. Revenues were $722.3 million compared to $705.2 million for November 2008. However, the two largest sources of receipts, sales and individual incomes taxes, saw collections fall 0.7%. So far this year, the General Fund has fallen 3.6%. A group of independent economists will meet December 21st to possibly revise its estimate of revenues for the current fiscal year, although preliminary estimates released in October showed a possible $161 million shortfall.
For the first time in 11 months, Kentucky state revenues grew. In November, General Fund receipts were up 2.4% compared to the previous November. Revenues were $722.3 million compared to $705.2 million for November 2008. However, the two largest sources of receipts, sales and individual incomes taxes, saw collections fall 0.7%. So far this year, the General Fund has fallen 3.6%. A group of independent economists will meet December 21st to possibly revise its estimate of revenues for the current fiscal year, although preliminary estimates released in October showed a possible $161 million shortfall.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:27 PM
Ky. Education Board Readies For General Assembly
KENTUCKY....
Kentucky law allows the state education commissioner to seek the removal of local school officials for such things as misconduct, incompetency or wilful neglect of duty. In preparation of the 2010 General Assembly, Thursday, the Kentucky Board of Education approved a concept to add chronic low student academic performance to the list of causes for removal. Education officials believe authority to remove local education leaders would provide more accountability for poor performance, and they say the idea is in line with federal school-improvement initiatives like the Race to The Top grant program. A proposal to expand Kentucky's pre-school program to include children in families with incomes of up to 200% of federal poverty level and a proposal to raise Kentucky's compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18 by the 2011-2012 are also on the board's 2010 legislative agenda.
Kentucky law allows the state education commissioner to seek the removal of local school officials for such things as misconduct, incompetency or wilful neglect of duty. In preparation of the 2010 General Assembly, Thursday, the Kentucky Board of Education approved a concept to add chronic low student academic performance to the list of causes for removal. Education officials believe authority to remove local education leaders would provide more accountability for poor performance, and they say the idea is in line with federal school-improvement initiatives like the Race to The Top grant program. A proposal to expand Kentucky's pre-school program to include children in families with incomes of up to 200% of federal poverty level and a proposal to raise Kentucky's compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18 by the 2011-2012 are also on the board's 2010 legislative agenda.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:17 PM
Pikeville Woman Dies In Crash
KENTUCKY....
KSP say 79 year old Velma Childers of Pikeville died Wednesday afternoon as the result of a three vehicle accident which occurred around 4:30 P.M. on U.S. 23 near the old Mullins School.
Mrs. Velma J. Childers, the mother of Masten Childers II, a Lexington lawyer and former Secretary of State Cabinet for Human Resources, and Barbara Suann Childers, a Lexington artist, was born January 24, 1930, at Millard in Pike County, the 14th of 15 children of Flem and Vada Justice.
She graduated from Hellier High School and married Masten Childers Sr. Childers was a prominent Pikeville civic leader and long-time mainstay of the Kentucky Republican Party. She worked on local campaigns for former Gov. Louie B. Nunn in 1963 and 1967, former President Richard Nixon, Sen. Mitch McConnell, Rep. Hal Rogers and gubernatorial candidate Larry Forgy in 1991.
Funeral servicees will be held Saturday at 1:00p at the First Baptist Church in Pikeville.
KSP say 79 year old Velma Childers of Pikeville died Wednesday afternoon as the result of a three vehicle accident which occurred around 4:30 P.M. on U.S. 23 near the old Mullins School.
Mrs. Velma J. Childers, the mother of Masten Childers II, a Lexington lawyer and former Secretary of State Cabinet for Human Resources, and Barbara Suann Childers, a Lexington artist, was born January 24, 1930, at Millard in Pike County, the 14th of 15 children of Flem and Vada Justice.
She graduated from Hellier High School and married Masten Childers Sr. Childers was a prominent Pikeville civic leader and long-time mainstay of the Kentucky Republican Party. She worked on local campaigns for former Gov. Louie B. Nunn in 1963 and 1967, former President Richard Nixon, Sen. Mitch McConnell, Rep. Hal Rogers and gubernatorial candidate Larry Forgy in 1991.
Funeral servicees will be held Saturday at 1:00p at the First Baptist Church in Pikeville.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:16 PM
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Severe Storms Hit Kentucky
KENTUCKY....
A massive storm carrying heavy rain and severe winds pounded parts of Kentucky Wednesday, as weather forecasters predicted possible winds of up to 60 mph., and, for some, it became deadly. In eastern Kentucky, 37 year old Vanessa Bishop of Closplint, was killed early Wednesday when her car hydroplaned on Kentucky 38 and struck a tree in Harlan County. Floyd County officials reported strong winds ripped off the roof of East Kentucky Therapy building in Prestonsburg, and some homes were damaged when trees fell on them, and dozens of power lines were downed. In Adair County, rescue squads searched along Harrodsfork Creek by boat, horseback and four-wheeler before finding the body of a man authorities said set out by tractor in a rainstorm Tuesday night to try to rescue his wife after her vehicle ended up in the flooded waterway. Kaitlyn Griffin, a pregnant 17-year-old died in Somerset after heavy winds split a tree that toppled on her while she and another teenager were unloading a vehicle. The storm dumped nearly 3 inches of rain on parts of Kentucky, and the state received reports of several thousand power outages.
A massive storm carrying heavy rain and severe winds pounded parts of Kentucky Wednesday, as weather forecasters predicted possible winds of up to 60 mph., and, for some, it became deadly. In eastern Kentucky, 37 year old Vanessa Bishop of Closplint, was killed early Wednesday when her car hydroplaned on Kentucky 38 and struck a tree in Harlan County. Floyd County officials reported strong winds ripped off the roof of East Kentucky Therapy building in Prestonsburg, and some homes were damaged when trees fell on them, and dozens of power lines were downed. In Adair County, rescue squads searched along Harrodsfork Creek by boat, horseback and four-wheeler before finding the body of a man authorities said set out by tractor in a rainstorm Tuesday night to try to rescue his wife after her vehicle ended up in the flooded waterway. Kaitlyn Griffin, a pregnant 17-year-old died in Somerset after heavy winds split a tree that toppled on her while she and another teenager were unloading a vehicle. The storm dumped nearly 3 inches of rain on parts of Kentucky, and the state received reports of several thousand power outages.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:26 PM
MSHA Steps-Up Timeline
KENTUCKY....
Earlier this year, the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration said it would not have a proposed coal-dust rule ready until April 2011, a timeline that brought criticism from mine safety advocates. According to the Department of Labor, that date has been stepped-up to September 2010. MSHA head, Joseph Main, said Tuesday that his agency was streamlining several different regulatory ideas into a single proposed rule aimed at new rules to better protect miners against excessive amounts of coal dust. The current exposure limit for miners is 2 milligrams per cubic meter of air. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended in 1995 that the limit be reduced to 1 milligram. Main says he's committed to moving through the regulatory process as quickly as possible.
Earlier this year, the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration said it would not have a proposed coal-dust rule ready until April 2011, a timeline that brought criticism from mine safety advocates. According to the Department of Labor, that date has been stepped-up to September 2010. MSHA head, Joseph Main, said Tuesday that his agency was streamlining several different regulatory ideas into a single proposed rule aimed at new rules to better protect miners against excessive amounts of coal dust. The current exposure limit for miners is 2 milligrams per cubic meter of air. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended in 1995 that the limit be reduced to 1 milligram. Main says he's committed to moving through the regulatory process as quickly as possible.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:57 PM
Knott Co. Man Pleads Not Guilty
KENTUCKY....
A preliminary hearing has been set for December 15th for 46 year old John Carles Combs of Redfox (Knott Co.). Wednesday, Combs pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the death of Dr. Dennis Sandlin, who was fatally shot Tuesday morning at the Leatherwood/Blackey Medical Clinic in Cornettsville in Perry County. Combs is in the Kentucky River Regional Jail in Hazard under a $10 million cash bond as well as a $1,000 bond on a resisting-arrest charge in Knott County.
A preliminary hearing has been set for December 15th for 46 year old John Carles Combs of Redfox (Knott Co.). Wednesday, Combs pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the death of Dr. Dennis Sandlin, who was fatally shot Tuesday morning at the Leatherwood/Blackey Medical Clinic in Cornettsville in Perry County. Combs is in the Kentucky River Regional Jail in Hazard under a $10 million cash bond as well as a $1,000 bond on a resisting-arrest charge in Knott County.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:05 PM
Animal Shelter Grants Available
KENTUCKY....
The Animal Control Advisory Board announced Wednesday that roughly $3 million in state grants are available to animal shelters to help handle the cost of caring for 285,000 homeless animals the shelters take in each year, 85 percent of which are usually euthanized. The Kentucky euthanasia rate mirrors the national average, but, while some shelters in urban areas do a good job at getting pets adopted, rural areas often struggle, and some rural shelters have to put down all the animals they receive. County-run shelters or shelters that contract with counties are eligible for the grants, and the deadline to submit applications is July 15th. The grant money comes from bond sales authorized by the General Assembly.
The Animal Control Advisory Board announced Wednesday that roughly $3 million in state grants are available to animal shelters to help handle the cost of caring for 285,000 homeless animals the shelters take in each year, 85 percent of which are usually euthanized. The Kentucky euthanasia rate mirrors the national average, but, while some shelters in urban areas do a good job at getting pets adopted, rural areas often struggle, and some rural shelters have to put down all the animals they receive. County-run shelters or shelters that contract with counties are eligible for the grants, and the deadline to submit applications is July 15th. The grant money comes from bond sales authorized by the General Assembly.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:48 PM
Kentucky Inmate Rate Declines
KENTUCKY....
According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice, in 2008, Kentucky had 3.3% fewer people incarcerated than in 2007, leaving the state with the third highest decline. In 2008, Kentucky had 19,436 male prisoners and 2,270 female prisoners.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice, in 2008, Kentucky had 3.3% fewer people incarcerated than in 2007, leaving the state with the third highest decline. In 2008, Kentucky had 19,436 male prisoners and 2,270 female prisoners.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:29 AM
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Conway Announces Campaign Staff
KENTUCKY....
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jack Conway announced Tuesday he has hired media strategist Mandy Grunwald of Washington-based Grunwald Communications who once worked for former President Bill Clinton and also worked on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's presidential and Senate campaigns. Conway announced several other appointments, including Jonathan Drobis as his campaign manager and former Kentucky Gazette reporter Allison Haley as campaign press secretary. Drobis was a political strategist for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jack Conway announced Tuesday he has hired media strategist Mandy Grunwald of Washington-based Grunwald Communications who once worked for former President Bill Clinton and also worked on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's presidential and Senate campaigns. Conway announced several other appointments, including Jonathan Drobis as his campaign manager and former Kentucky Gazette reporter Allison Haley as campaign press secretary. Drobis was a political strategist for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:55 PM
Ky. Transportation Seeking Input
KENTUCKY....
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will conduct a public meeting Wednesday from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Page School Center in Pineville. The purpose is to discuss improvements to a stretch of Kentucky 119 from Bell County to Harlan, a site of several deadly crashes. The cabinet is seeking public input.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will conduct a public meeting Wednesday from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Page School Center in Pineville. The purpose is to discuss improvements to a stretch of Kentucky 119 from Bell County to Harlan, a site of several deadly crashes. The cabinet is seeking public input.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:45 PM
Shooter Turns Himself In
KENTUCKY....
Kentucky State Police say 37 year old Christopher P. Smith turned himself in Tuesday at the Letcher County Sheriff's office and was charged with murder in the shooting death of 32 year old Kimberly R. Ealy of Cumberland which occurred on Monday night. Police say Smith was arguing with his girlfriend, Melissa Clark, when he and Ealy began struggling, and Smith discharged a firearm, killing Ealy. Smith was transported back to Harlan County and is being held on a $25 million bond.
Kentucky State Police say 37 year old Christopher P. Smith turned himself in Tuesday at the Letcher County Sheriff's office and was charged with murder in the shooting death of 32 year old Kimberly R. Ealy of Cumberland which occurred on Monday night. Police say Smith was arguing with his girlfriend, Melissa Clark, when he and Ealy began struggling, and Smith discharged a firearm, killing Ealy. Smith was transported back to Harlan County and is being held on a $25 million bond.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:34 PM
Attorney Files Motion In Nunn Case
KENTUCKY....
Tuesday, attorney Warren Scoville filed a motion for discovery in Fayette Circuit Court requesting records, including written or recorded statements or confessions made by former state Representative, 57 year old Steve Nunn, photographs of the crime scene, witness statements and seized cell phone records of Nunn and his former fiancée, 29 year old Amanda Ross.
Tuesday, attorney Warren Scoville filed a motion for discovery in Fayette Circuit Court requesting records, including written or recorded statements or confessions made by former state Representative, 57 year old Steve Nunn, photographs of the crime scene, witness statements and seized cell phone records of Nunn and his former fiancée, 29 year old Amanda Ross.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:22 PM
Doctor Fatally Shot
KENTUCKY....
Kentucky State Police report, around 11:40 A.M. Tuesday, Dr. Dennis Sandlin was fatally shot in the head with a handgun while at the Leatherwood-Blackey Medical Clinic in Cornettsville of Perry County. The clinic is owned by Mountain Comprehensive Health Corp., and Sandlin had been a doctor at the clinic for 25 years and was nearing retirement. Later in the day, KSP arrested 46 year old John Combs of Red Fox in neighboring Knott County. Clinic employees said, earlier in the day, Combs became angry and combative after refusing to take a urine test as a requirement of being prescribed pain pills. They say Combs had threatened to come back and blow up the clinic.
Kentucky State Police report, around 11:40 A.M. Tuesday, Dr. Dennis Sandlin was fatally shot in the head with a handgun while at the Leatherwood-Blackey Medical Clinic in Cornettsville of Perry County. The clinic is owned by Mountain Comprehensive Health Corp., and Sandlin had been a doctor at the clinic for 25 years and was nearing retirement. Later in the day, KSP arrested 46 year old John Combs of Red Fox in neighboring Knott County. Clinic employees said, earlier in the day, Combs became angry and combative after refusing to take a urine test as a requirement of being prescribed pain pills. They say Combs had threatened to come back and blow up the clinic.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:28 PM
Pike County Juveniles Arrested
KENTUCKY....
Police have arrested four juveniles, ages 10 to 16, who they say are responsible for this past weekend's vandalism of the Elkhorn City Railroad Museum in which they allegedly stole several small trains and artifacts, resulting in a couple of thousand dollars worth of damage. The four juveniles, whose names are not being released, were charged with burglary and criminal mischief and taken to the juvenile detention center in Breathitt County.
Police have arrested four juveniles, ages 10 to 16, who they say are responsible for this past weekend's vandalism of the Elkhorn City Railroad Museum in which they allegedly stole several small trains and artifacts, resulting in a couple of thousand dollars worth of damage. The four juveniles, whose names are not being released, were charged with burglary and criminal mischief and taken to the juvenile detention center in Breathitt County.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:42 PM
Trial Denied Change Of Venue
KENTUCKY....
Monday, U.S. District Judge Karl Forester told defense lawyers and prosecutors the bid-tampering trial scheduled to begin January 11th for Leonard Lawson, former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert and Brian Billings, a Lawson employee, will remain in Lexington. Defense lawyers argued there was too much pre-trial publicity in Lexington and that a possible jury pool would be tainted by the substantial media coverage. They argued the case should be transferred to Covington, where there has been less media coverage. However, Forester said defense lawyers and prosecutors could weed out potential jurors who had read or heard about the case, saying, "Defendants are not going to be able to avoid media publicity of this case by transferring venue."
Monday, U.S. District Judge Karl Forester told defense lawyers and prosecutors the bid-tampering trial scheduled to begin January 11th for Leonard Lawson, former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert and Brian Billings, a Lawson employee, will remain in Lexington. Defense lawyers argued there was too much pre-trial publicity in Lexington and that a possible jury pool would be tainted by the substantial media coverage. They argued the case should be transferred to Covington, where there has been less media coverage. However, Forester said defense lawyers and prosecutors could weed out potential jurors who had read or heard about the case, saying, "Defendants are not going to be able to avoid media publicity of this case by transferring venue."
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:31 AM
Monday, December 07, 2009
Ky. Getting Mega-Millions
KENTUCKY....
Mega-Millions is coming to Kentucky. The Kentucky Lottery Corp. has given approval to sell Mega Millions tickets - with the game's launch in Kentucky tentatively set for the end of January. Mega Millions is offered in 12 states, and, while Kentucky will continue to be among 31 states where Powerball tickets are sold, officials are predicting a net sales gain of about $32 million annually by adding the Mega Millions game with drawings on Tuesday and Friday nights. The lottery says overall sales from July through October totaled $261.6 million, down about $255,000 from the same period last year and about $3.2 million less than budgeted.
Mega-Millions is coming to Kentucky. The Kentucky Lottery Corp. has given approval to sell Mega Millions tickets - with the game's launch in Kentucky tentatively set for the end of January. Mega Millions is offered in 12 states, and, while Kentucky will continue to be among 31 states where Powerball tickets are sold, officials are predicting a net sales gain of about $32 million annually by adding the Mega Millions game with drawings on Tuesday and Friday nights. The lottery says overall sales from July through October totaled $261.6 million, down about $255,000 from the same period last year and about $3.2 million less than budgeted.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:39 PM
Letcher County School Bus Wrecks
KENTUCKY....
Monday afternoon, a Letcher County school bus ran off the road on Highway 2034 in the Crafts Colley community. Two students who were on the bus escaped injury. The bus driver says, while attempting to miss what he thought was an animal, he swerved and clipped a power pole.
Monday afternoon, a Letcher County school bus ran off the road on Highway 2034 in the Crafts Colley community. Two students who were on the bus escaped injury. The bus driver says, while attempting to miss what he thought was an animal, he swerved and clipped a power pole.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:33 PM
Beshear Considering Government Cuts
KENTUCKY....
As Kentucky tries to work through a lingering budget crisis, and, with the state already having cut some $800 million out of its budget, Governor Steve Beshear said Monday he isn't ruling out the possibility of more government layoffs. Beshear says developing a balanced budget is the biggest issue he and lawmakers will face in the upcoming legislative session which meets in January. To balance the current budget, revenue shortfalls have already forced cuts in some government services, and Beshear says he hopes layoffs aren't necessary. He has already called on agency heads to cut an additional $161 million and says shrinking revenues have left political leaders with no easy choices.
As Kentucky tries to work through a lingering budget crisis, and, with the state already having cut some $800 million out of its budget, Governor Steve Beshear said Monday he isn't ruling out the possibility of more government layoffs. Beshear says developing a balanced budget is the biggest issue he and lawmakers will face in the upcoming legislative session which meets in January. To balance the current budget, revenue shortfalls have already forced cuts in some government services, and Beshear says he hopes layoffs aren't necessary. He has already called on agency heads to cut an additional $161 million and says shrinking revenues have left political leaders with no easy choices.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:21 PM
"Dr. Don" Leaves A Musical Legacy
KENTUCKY....
Sixty-one year old Donald Everett Bevins, better known and loved as "Dr. Don" Bevins, of Pikeville died Sunday of a sudden "cardiac event." Bevins, a radio and television personality, documented life and sent classic rock out over the airwaves for more than 30 years, and he leaves eastern Kentucky a musical legacy. Bevins graduated from Pikeville College in 1970. In 1965, he and Darrell Mullins formed the band the "Stepping Stones" for which he was keyboardist. Mr. Bevins worked in television filming parades, including the Hillybilly Days parade, along with ball games, public meetings, graduations and interviews for the local public access cable station, WPRG-Channel 5. He worked for 17 years for Gearheart Communications until he retired in 2007. "Dr. Don" will be sadly missed.
Sixty-one year old Donald Everett Bevins, better known and loved as "Dr. Don" Bevins, of Pikeville died Sunday of a sudden "cardiac event." Bevins, a radio and television personality, documented life and sent classic rock out over the airwaves for more than 30 years, and he leaves eastern Kentucky a musical legacy. Bevins graduated from Pikeville College in 1970. In 1965, he and Darrell Mullins formed the band the "Stepping Stones" for which he was keyboardist. Mr. Bevins worked in television filming parades, including the Hillybilly Days parade, along with ball games, public meetings, graduations and interviews for the local public access cable station, WPRG-Channel 5. He worked for 17 years for Gearheart Communications until he retired in 2007. "Dr. Don" will be sadly missed.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:21 PM
Lawmakers React To EPA Announcement
KENTUCKY....
Representative Harold "Hal" Rogers (R-Somerset) says the Environmental Protection Agency’s declaration Monday that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions endanger the public’s health could prove devastating to Kentucky’s coal industry by telling coal-burning utilities how much, or little, coal can be burned.” David Gooch, president of Coal Operators & Associates Inc. in Pikeville, says the coal industry suffers when overly stringent environmental regulations are put in place. He says high-sulfur western Kentucky and northern West Virginia mines “saw tremendous downturn” after 1990 crackdowns on sulfur dioxide emissions, and those mines were only able to resume business after they got contracts with power plants that installed sulfur scrubbers. “Who wants to sit unemployed for 15 years again?” Gooch said. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says, “With double-digit unemployment and over 3.5 million jobs already lost this year, the administration inexplicably continues to push for a job-killing national energy tax — either through legislation or regulation.”
Representative Harold "Hal" Rogers (R-Somerset) says the Environmental Protection Agency’s declaration Monday that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions endanger the public’s health could prove devastating to Kentucky’s coal industry by telling coal-burning utilities how much, or little, coal can be burned.” David Gooch, president of Coal Operators & Associates Inc. in Pikeville, says the coal industry suffers when overly stringent environmental regulations are put in place. He says high-sulfur western Kentucky and northern West Virginia mines “saw tremendous downturn” after 1990 crackdowns on sulfur dioxide emissions, and those mines were only able to resume business after they got contracts with power plants that installed sulfur scrubbers. “Who wants to sit unemployed for 15 years again?” Gooch said. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says, “With double-digit unemployment and over 3.5 million jobs already lost this year, the administration inexplicably continues to push for a job-killing national energy tax — either through legislation or regulation.”
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:19 PM
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Massey Christmas Extravaganza
KENTUCKY AND WEST VIRGINIA...
Thanks to the Massey Christmas Extravaganza, more than 40,000 toys were given out to underprivileged kids at six distribution sites in southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky Saturday, with the largest distribution site being at the South Side Mall in South Williamson. Working with local schools, students enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program were given two gift tickets to pick out something from a wide variety of toys. The kids also received a bag of fruit and the family got a turkey. Left over toys are donated to the Union Mission and other charitable organizations
Thanks to the Massey Christmas Extravaganza, more than 40,000 toys were given out to underprivileged kids at six distribution sites in southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky Saturday, with the largest distribution site being at the South Side Mall in South Williamson. Working with local schools, students enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program were given two gift tickets to pick out something from a wide variety of toys. The kids also received a bag of fruit and the family got a turkey. Left over toys are donated to the Union Mission and other charitable organizations
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:05 PM
Applachian Wireless Scholarships
KENTUCKY....
Appalachian Wireless, a division of East Kentucky Network, LLC and the leading provider of high quality wireless telecommunications products and services in Eastern Kentucky has announced its Scholarship Program for 2010. So far, their Scholarship Program has provided a total of $28,000 to graduating seniors. Officials are pleased to announce that this year, they will continue the scholarship program at the $8,000 level, meaning eight students will receive a $1,000 scholarship this year. High school guidance counselors will be receiving the application packets soon. Interested students are asked to visit the Appalachian Wireless website at http://www.appalachianwireless.com/ or they may contact Crystal Hamilton at 606-477-2355 or 800-438-2355 if any further information is needed or for answers to any questions regarding this program
Appalachian Wireless, a division of East Kentucky Network, LLC and the leading provider of high quality wireless telecommunications products and services in Eastern Kentucky has announced its Scholarship Program for 2010. So far, their Scholarship Program has provided a total of $28,000 to graduating seniors. Officials are pleased to announce that this year, they will continue the scholarship program at the $8,000 level, meaning eight students will receive a $1,000 scholarship this year. High school guidance counselors will be receiving the application packets soon. Interested students are asked to visit the Appalachian Wireless website at http://www.appalachianwireless.com/ or they may contact Crystal Hamilton at 606-477-2355 or 800-438-2355 if any further information is needed or for answers to any questions regarding this program
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:14 PM
Snow Hits Kentucky
KENTUCKY....
As Old Man Winter returned once again to eastern Kentucky over the weekend, all District 12 crews were kept busy plowing and treating roads, while snow accumulation reached as much as four inches in some areas of Floyd County and three or more inches in some areas of Pike County. Knott and Letcher crews were also dealing with heavy snowfall, as was part of Martin County, but accumulations were much less in Johnson and Lawrence counties, although crews were treating roads in those counties, too.
As Old Man Winter returned once again to eastern Kentucky over the weekend, all District 12 crews were kept busy plowing and treating roads, while snow accumulation reached as much as four inches in some areas of Floyd County and three or more inches in some areas of Pike County. Knott and Letcher crews were also dealing with heavy snowfall, as was part of Martin County, but accumulations were much less in Johnson and Lawrence counties, although crews were treating roads in those counties, too.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:07 PM
Morehead Trial Set To Begin
KENTUCKY....
Jury selection is scheduled Monday in Morehead for the trial of 58 year old Pamela Bartley who is charged with murder in the death of her husband, 58 year old Carl Bartley. Kentucky State Police went to Pamela and Carl Bartley's house in Jeffersonville to conduct a welfare check on July 31, 2007 after relatives become concerned when they hadn't heard from Carl Bartley or seen him in more than a day. Troopers found Carl Bartley's body in the garage shot once in the back of head and covered by a blanket and cardboard boxes. The trial, which is expected to take at least a week, was moved to Morehead after a jury could not be seated in Mount Sterling in July.
Jury selection is scheduled Monday in Morehead for the trial of 58 year old Pamela Bartley who is charged with murder in the death of her husband, 58 year old Carl Bartley. Kentucky State Police went to Pamela and Carl Bartley's house in Jeffersonville to conduct a welfare check on July 31, 2007 after relatives become concerned when they hadn't heard from Carl Bartley or seen him in more than a day. Troopers found Carl Bartley's body in the garage shot once in the back of head and covered by a blanket and cardboard boxes. The trial, which is expected to take at least a week, was moved to Morehead after a jury could not be seated in Mount Sterling in July.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:43 PM
