Saturday, January 16, 2010
Census Worker Told Of Suicide Intentions
KENTUCKY...
An eastern Kentucky census worker found naked, bound and hanging from a tree had told a friend he intended to kill himself and that he had chosen the time, place and method to do it, police records show. Those records about the death of Bill Sparkman were released Friday to The Associated Press by the Kentucky State Police. Sparkman, 51, was found strangled with a rope around his neck near a rural cemetery in September with the word "fed" scrawled on his chest. It triggered a state and federal investigation that ultimately determined he had committed suicide. The records show that Sparkman's friend, Lowell Adams, who had worked for Sparkman as a part-time security guard since 2007, told investigators that the federal employee wanted his suicide to look like a murder. Adams said Sparkman told him that he had even practiced self-asphyxiation and had been able to cause himself to black out before he staged his death. Sparkman's body was found Sept. 12 near Hoskins Cemetery in a heavily wooded area of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
An eastern Kentucky census worker found naked, bound and hanging from a tree had told a friend he intended to kill himself and that he had chosen the time, place and method to do it, police records show. Those records about the death of Bill Sparkman were released Friday to The Associated Press by the Kentucky State Police. Sparkman, 51, was found strangled with a rope around his neck near a rural cemetery in September with the word "fed" scrawled on his chest. It triggered a state and federal investigation that ultimately determined he had committed suicide. The records show that Sparkman's friend, Lowell Adams, who had worked for Sparkman as a part-time security guard since 2007, told investigators that the federal employee wanted his suicide to look like a murder. Adams said Sparkman told him that he had even practiced self-asphyxiation and had been able to cause himself to black out before he staged his death. Sparkman's body was found Sept. 12 near Hoskins Cemetery in a heavily wooded area of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:04 AM
Nunn's Daughter Remains In Civil Case
KENTUCKY....
Attorneys for Mary Nunn, the daughter of former state Representative Steve Nunn, appeared in court Friday seeking to have her dropped as a defendant in the civil case being brought by Diana Ross, the mother of slain victim, 29 year old Amanda Ross. However, Ross' attorney wants to include Mary Nunn because he says former lawmaker Steve Nunn transferred the deed of his home in Glasgow to her following his arrest on charges that he killed his former fiancee Amanda Ross. Mary Nunn argued Fayette County Circuit Court doesn't have jurisdiction because the property is located outside the county, but the motion was denied because the criminal and civil cases against Steve Nunn are being heard in Lexington.
Attorneys for Mary Nunn, the daughter of former state Representative Steve Nunn, appeared in court Friday seeking to have her dropped as a defendant in the civil case being brought by Diana Ross, the mother of slain victim, 29 year old Amanda Ross. However, Ross' attorney wants to include Mary Nunn because he says former lawmaker Steve Nunn transferred the deed of his home in Glasgow to her following his arrest on charges that he killed his former fiancee Amanda Ross. Mary Nunn argued Fayette County Circuit Court doesn't have jurisdiction because the property is located outside the county, but the motion was denied because the criminal and civil cases against Steve Nunn are being heard in Lexington.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:01 AM
Kentucky Hoping Feds Help With Budget
KENTUCKY...
House Speaker Greg Stumbo says he is hoping Washington will again provide money to states like Kentucky that are straining under financial problems brought on by economic recession.
Stumbo told reporters he believes congressional leaders recognize the difficulties that states are facing. He said he expects them to approve another aid package similar to the one provided last year that helped Kentucky deal with a nearly $1 billion revenue shortfall. Gov. Steve Beshear has warned that revenue projections for the near future are even more glum. He projected the shortfall for the next budget cycle to be as much as $1.5 billion. Beshear is scheduled to unveil his budget proposal on Tuesday. He hasn't provided any details of the proposal, other than to say it will not include any broad-based tax increases.
House Speaker Greg Stumbo says he is hoping Washington will again provide money to states like Kentucky that are straining under financial problems brought on by economic recession.
Stumbo told reporters he believes congressional leaders recognize the difficulties that states are facing. He said he expects them to approve another aid package similar to the one provided last year that helped Kentucky deal with a nearly $1 billion revenue shortfall. Gov. Steve Beshear has warned that revenue projections for the near future are even more glum. He projected the shortfall for the next budget cycle to be as much as $1.5 billion. Beshear is scheduled to unveil his budget proposal on Tuesday. He hasn't provided any details of the proposal, other than to say it will not include any broad-based tax increases.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:53 AM
Kentucky National Guard On Duty In Afghanistan
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky National Guard troops are providing security at the main airport in Afghanistan.
Kentucky National Guard Adjutant Maj. Gen. Ed Tonini, in a conference call from Kosovo on Friday, said 28 soldiers from the state are among the main security force at the airport.
Tonini visited the base earlier in the week and said the troops are screening visitors entering and leaving the base. The soldiers are aiding the buildup of American forces in the central Asian country, where the United States and NATO have been at war since late 2001. When all the new troops are in place, the United States will have about 98,000 soldiers in Afghanistan.
Kentucky National Guard troops are providing security at the main airport in Afghanistan.
Kentucky National Guard Adjutant Maj. Gen. Ed Tonini, in a conference call from Kosovo on Friday, said 28 soldiers from the state are among the main security force at the airport.
Tonini visited the base earlier in the week and said the troops are screening visitors entering and leaving the base. The soldiers are aiding the buildup of American forces in the central Asian country, where the United States and NATO have been at war since late 2001. When all the new troops are in place, the United States will have about 98,000 soldiers in Afghanistan.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:48 AM
Porn Charges For Johnson County Man
KENTUCKY...
A Johnson County man was indicted in federal court this past week in Pikeville on charges of distributing child pornography. Phillip D. Cavins was named in a three-count indictment after federal prosecutors say that on dates ranging between May through June of last year he both possessed and distributed mailed materials that depicted “a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.” In addition to the two counts of distribution and possession, Cavins was also made to forfeit his computer, various floppy disks and CDRs and all other software federal investigators deemed important to the case. Also, because Cavins has a past felony conviction on his record, federal officials also ordered the seizure of a number of firearms and ammunition from him following the indictment, including revolvers, rifles, shotguns and an unspecified quantity of ammunition.
A Johnson County man was indicted in federal court this past week in Pikeville on charges of distributing child pornography. Phillip D. Cavins was named in a three-count indictment after federal prosecutors say that on dates ranging between May through June of last year he both possessed and distributed mailed materials that depicted “a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.” In addition to the two counts of distribution and possession, Cavins was also made to forfeit his computer, various floppy disks and CDRs and all other software federal investigators deemed important to the case. Also, because Cavins has a past felony conviction on his record, federal officials also ordered the seizure of a number of firearms and ammunition from him following the indictment, including revolvers, rifles, shotguns and an unspecified quantity of ammunition.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:42 AM
PSC Schedules Hearings
WEST VIRGINIA...
The state Public Service Commission has agreed to schedule a public hearing in McDowell County to receive comments from residents of southern West Virginia impacted by widespread power outages during the recent winter storm. Last week, Senate Majority Leader H. Truman Chafin, D-Mingo, asked state regulators to investigate storm-related power outages that left thousands in the dark over the holidays. Chafin said residents of McDowell and Mingo counties in particular went without electricity for as long as 10 days. Chafin argues that dry-rotted lines and trees encroaching on right-of-ways may have contributed to the problem. The PSC responded to Chafin’s request, and ordered a general investigation into the conditions surrounding the Appalachian Power and Allegheny Power outages that occurred as a result of the Dec. 18 storm. The PSC also set two public hearings — one in Logan and one in Clarksburg.
The state Public Service Commission has agreed to schedule a public hearing in McDowell County to receive comments from residents of southern West Virginia impacted by widespread power outages during the recent winter storm. Last week, Senate Majority Leader H. Truman Chafin, D-Mingo, asked state regulators to investigate storm-related power outages that left thousands in the dark over the holidays. Chafin said residents of McDowell and Mingo counties in particular went without electricity for as long as 10 days. Chafin argues that dry-rotted lines and trees encroaching on right-of-ways may have contributed to the problem. The PSC responded to Chafin’s request, and ordered a general investigation into the conditions surrounding the Appalachian Power and Allegheny Power outages that occurred as a result of the Dec. 18 storm. The PSC also set two public hearings — one in Logan and one in Clarksburg.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:32 AM
Frontier/Verizon Hearings Wrap Up
WEST VIRGINIA....
The West Virginia state Public Service Commission concluded hearings Friday afternoon involving the potential sale of Verizon’s West Virginia landlines to Frontier Communications. No target date for a decision has been entered into the record, but attorneys have until March 5th to file reply briefs. Frontier says it hopes the commission will review the testimony thoroughly and approve the deal. Byron Harris, Director of the Consumer Advocate Division of the PSC says the case requires extensive review and he is unsure whether the deal is beneficial to the state. During his testimony, he voiced concerns that broadband should be considered in the decision to approve the deal, and, if not, he's concerned hundreds if not thousands of customers will be left without comparable services they deserve. If approved, the deal would give Frontier 98% control of all landlines in the state.
The West Virginia state Public Service Commission concluded hearings Friday afternoon involving the potential sale of Verizon’s West Virginia landlines to Frontier Communications. No target date for a decision has been entered into the record, but attorneys have until March 5th to file reply briefs. Frontier says it hopes the commission will review the testimony thoroughly and approve the deal. Byron Harris, Director of the Consumer Advocate Division of the PSC says the case requires extensive review and he is unsure whether the deal is beneficial to the state. During his testimony, he voiced concerns that broadband should be considered in the decision to approve the deal, and, if not, he's concerned hundreds if not thousands of customers will be left without comparable services they deserve. If approved, the deal would give Frontier 98% control of all landlines in the state.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:17 AM
Supreme Court Won't Release E-Mails
WEST VIRGINIA....
The West Virginia state Supreme Court has ruled 4-1 it will not reconsider its 2009 decision to block public access to e-mails written by former Chief Justice Elliot "Spike'' Maynard to Massey Chief Executive Don Blankenship... Justice Margaret Workman the lone dissenter. The Associated Press had sued for access to 13 e-mails allegedly involving a case with a multimillion-dollar verdict against Massey. A lower court ruled five of the e-mails could be released, but on appeal the Supreme Court ruled 4-1 that West Virginia's Freedom of Information Act does not apply to any of the e-mails.
The West Virginia state Supreme Court has ruled 4-1 it will not reconsider its 2009 decision to block public access to e-mails written by former Chief Justice Elliot "Spike'' Maynard to Massey Chief Executive Don Blankenship... Justice Margaret Workman the lone dissenter. The Associated Press had sued for access to 13 e-mails allegedly involving a case with a multimillion-dollar verdict against Massey. A lower court ruled five of the e-mails could be released, but on appeal the Supreme Court ruled 4-1 that West Virginia's Freedom of Information Act does not apply to any of the e-mails.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:40 AM
Deadly Accident In Kanawha County
WEST VIRGINIA....
A single car accident on interstate 79 near the Clendenin exit in Kanawha County Saturday morning resulted in the death of one person and about a two hour closure of the northbound lanes of I-79. Pending a further investigation by the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department the identity of fatality has not been released. One other person was injured in the accident. No further details are available at air time.
A single car accident on interstate 79 near the Clendenin exit in Kanawha County Saturday morning resulted in the death of one person and about a two hour closure of the northbound lanes of I-79. Pending a further investigation by the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department the identity of fatality has not been released. One other person was injured in the accident. No further details are available at air time.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:18 AM
Manchin Plans For Fewer Video Lottery Machines
WEST VIRGINIA....
Under a proposal introduced Friday by Governor Joe Manchin, West Virginia would permanently remove 1,500 video lottery machines from the maximum allowed in bars and clubs. Manchin recommended the Lottery Commission reduce the state's cap on the number of machines from 9,000 to 7,500. The state set the 9,000 limit in 2001 when it outlawed a much larger number of privately run devices widely understood to pay out illegally.
Under a proposal introduced Friday by Governor Joe Manchin, West Virginia would permanently remove 1,500 video lottery machines from the maximum allowed in bars and clubs. Manchin recommended the Lottery Commission reduce the state's cap on the number of machines from 9,000 to 7,500. The state set the 9,000 limit in 2001 when it outlawed a much larger number of privately run devices widely understood to pay out illegally.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:16 AM
Rockefeller Speaks On Black Lung
WEST VIRGINIA....
During a meeting at Princeton Community Hospital with a group of health professionals Friday, West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller discussed the problem of black lung disease. He says, even though the number of miners continues to drop, the number of coal miners getting black lung disease is on the rise again, especially for those in their 20s and 30s. Rockefeller said he plans to introduce new federal legislation to improve working conditions, especially in thin-seam underground mines, and to award disability benefits more quickly.
During a meeting at Princeton Community Hospital with a group of health professionals Friday, West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller discussed the problem of black lung disease. He says, even though the number of miners continues to drop, the number of coal miners getting black lung disease is on the rise again, especially for those in their 20s and 30s. Rockefeller said he plans to introduce new federal legislation to improve working conditions, especially in thin-seam underground mines, and to award disability benefits more quickly.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:14 AM
Barboursville Man Sentenced
WEST VIRGINIA....
Cabell County prosecutors say Jonathan Gene Adkins of Barboursville, West Virginia fatally shot 40 year old Jerry Eaves in the driveway of Eaves' home along Heath Creek Road in the Pine Acres subdivision off Route 10 on October 3, 2007. Police say Eaves received a gunshot wound to the chest following a dispute involving, among other things, a $35 debt.In November, Adkins entered a Kennedy plea to second degree murder. Friday, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Cabell Circuit Judge Dan O'Hanlon told Adkins, "There is no justification for what you did." Adkins' first opportunity for parole will be in 10 years. and he could discharge the sentence in 15 years with good behavior.
Cabell County prosecutors say Jonathan Gene Adkins of Barboursville, West Virginia fatally shot 40 year old Jerry Eaves in the driveway of Eaves' home along Heath Creek Road in the Pine Acres subdivision off Route 10 on October 3, 2007. Police say Eaves received a gunshot wound to the chest following a dispute involving, among other things, a $35 debt.In November, Adkins entered a Kennedy plea to second degree murder. Friday, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Cabell Circuit Judge Dan O'Hanlon told Adkins, "There is no justification for what you did." Adkins' first opportunity for parole will be in 10 years. and he could discharge the sentence in 15 years with good behavior.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:11 AM
Friday, January 15, 2010
Key Witness Testifies In Lawson/Nighbert Case
KENTUCKY....
The prosecution's key witness and former deputy state highway engineer, Jim Rummage, testified Friday as the bid-rigging trial for Leonard Lawson and Bill Nighbert continued in U.S. District Court in Lexington. Rummage told jurors that in June 2006 Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert ordered him to start bringing confidential bid estimates for road projects to Lawson, and he was only following orders. Rummage testified, during the next year, Lawson slipped a total of $20,000 in cash — $100 bills rolled in rubber bands — into his pocket while he delivered bid estimates that revealed what the cabinet was willing to pay for a project. When asked why he did not report leaking the estimates or receiving cash during 2006 and 2007, Rummage said he felt as the middle man between the department that generated the estimates and Nighbert's office, he would have become a scapegoat. "I would be the expendable one here," Rummage said.
The prosecution's key witness and former deputy state highway engineer, Jim Rummage, testified Friday as the bid-rigging trial for Leonard Lawson and Bill Nighbert continued in U.S. District Court in Lexington. Rummage told jurors that in June 2006 Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert ordered him to start bringing confidential bid estimates for road projects to Lawson, and he was only following orders. Rummage testified, during the next year, Lawson slipped a total of $20,000 in cash — $100 bills rolled in rubber bands — into his pocket while he delivered bid estimates that revealed what the cabinet was willing to pay for a project. When asked why he did not report leaking the estimates or receiving cash during 2006 and 2007, Rummage said he felt as the middle man between the department that generated the estimates and Nighbert's office, he would have become a scapegoat. "I would be the expendable one here," Rummage said.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:02 PM
Kentucky Legislator Talks Tax Reform
KENTUCKY....
House Speaker Greg Stumbo says he'd like to see a roll back of Kentucky's sales tax to 5% along with the elimination of the state's corporate income tax. He says those are two options House lawmakers are considering in a tax reform proposal that could be considered in the current legislative session. Stumbo says the loss of revenue from those two taxes could be made up by eliminating a broad array of tax exemptions and ensuring that all residents and businesses are paying their fair share. Due to the state's lingering financial problems, longstanding proposals for reforming Kentucky's tax system are getting a closer look this year. The economic recession has hit the state's general fund hard, creating a projected $1.5 billion shortfall over the next 2-year budget cycle, on top of $1 billion that was forced to be cut from the current budget.
House Speaker Greg Stumbo says he'd like to see a roll back of Kentucky's sales tax to 5% along with the elimination of the state's corporate income tax. He says those are two options House lawmakers are considering in a tax reform proposal that could be considered in the current legislative session. Stumbo says the loss of revenue from those two taxes could be made up by eliminating a broad array of tax exemptions and ensuring that all residents and businesses are paying their fair share. Due to the state's lingering financial problems, longstanding proposals for reforming Kentucky's tax system are getting a closer look this year. The economic recession has hit the state's general fund hard, creating a projected $1.5 billion shortfall over the next 2-year budget cycle, on top of $1 billion that was forced to be cut from the current budget.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:51 AM
Law Enforcement Investigating Human Remains
KENTUCKY....
The Powell County Sheriff's Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky State Medical Examiner and Powell County Coroner are investigating the discovery of human remains found early Friday morning. Officials found human remains buried in a remote area off Echo Hollow Road in Powell County. Authorities say the body may be that of a Montgomery County woman who disappeared in December 2003. Investigators won't confirm her identity, but say that Bass Webb, who is currently being held in the September murder of his ex-girlfriend, Bryia Runiewicz of Harrison County, is a person of interest in the death. However, Sabrina Vaughn went missing in December 2003 and family members believe Webb might have been involved in her disappearance.
The Powell County Sheriff's Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky State Medical Examiner and Powell County Coroner are investigating the discovery of human remains found early Friday morning. Officials found human remains buried in a remote area off Echo Hollow Road in Powell County. Authorities say the body may be that of a Montgomery County woman who disappeared in December 2003. Investigators won't confirm her identity, but say that Bass Webb, who is currently being held in the September murder of his ex-girlfriend, Bryia Runiewicz of Harrison County, is a person of interest in the death. However, Sabrina Vaughn went missing in December 2003 and family members believe Webb might have been involved in her disappearance.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:36 AM
Bill Would Allow PVA Exemption
KENTUCKY....
The House State Government Committee passed a bill Thursday in a 24-2 vote that would exempt property valuation administrators from executive branch ethics rules and place them under local ethics regulations. In 2004, the state Executive Branch Ethics Commission began examining PVAs in connection with rules that prohibit elected officials from taking actions to enrich themselves or others in their immediate families.
The House State Government Committee passed a bill Thursday in a 24-2 vote that would exempt property valuation administrators from executive branch ethics rules and place them under local ethics regulations. In 2004, the state Executive Branch Ethics Commission began examining PVAs in connection with rules that prohibit elected officials from taking actions to enrich themselves or others in their immediate families.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:28 AM
Kentucky Utilities Seek Rate Increase
KENTUCKY....
Kentucky Utilities announced it will seek a $136 million base rate increase, while justifying the proposal by saying it's necessary to cover the costs of additional infrastructure required to meet a growing demand for energy and the cost of repairs necessary after last year's ice storm. KU and its sister company, Louisville Gas and Electric Company, say they invested more than $1.2 billion in additional generation and infrastructure improvements and spent $133.7 million following the ice storm and the windstorm in the fall of 2008. If the Kentucky Public Service Commission approves the measure, residential customers can expect to see a monthly increase of $11.85 per month on average.The utilities will file the requested increases January 29th to be effective March 1st. KU says the KPSC has traditionally suspended the implementation of the rates for five additional months in order to hold public hearings.
A decision should come by August.
Kentucky Utilities announced it will seek a $136 million base rate increase, while justifying the proposal by saying it's necessary to cover the costs of additional infrastructure required to meet a growing demand for energy and the cost of repairs necessary after last year's ice storm. KU and its sister company, Louisville Gas and Electric Company, say they invested more than $1.2 billion in additional generation and infrastructure improvements and spent $133.7 million following the ice storm and the windstorm in the fall of 2008. If the Kentucky Public Service Commission approves the measure, residential customers can expect to see a monthly increase of $11.85 per month on average.The utilities will file the requested increases January 29th to be effective March 1st. KU says the KPSC has traditionally suspended the implementation of the rates for five additional months in order to hold public hearings.
A decision should come by August.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:26 AM
Senate Panel Passes Abortion Bill
KENTUCKY....
This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would require a woman seeking an abortion to review the results of an ultrasound with a doctor and would penalize doctors who fail to give a woman an ultrasound before performing an abortion. Senate Bill 38, filed by Sen. Elizabeth Tori, R-Elizabethtown, has passed the full Senate for the past two years but died in the Democrat-controlled House. Those who oppose the measure say it adds a barrier for women seeking an abortion, but those who support it say it gives women much-needed information before making a critical health decision.
This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would require a woman seeking an abortion to review the results of an ultrasound with a doctor and would penalize doctors who fail to give a woman an ultrasound before performing an abortion. Senate Bill 38, filed by Sen. Elizabeth Tori, R-Elizabethtown, has passed the full Senate for the past two years but died in the Democrat-controlled House. Those who oppose the measure say it adds a barrier for women seeking an abortion, but those who support it say it gives women much-needed information before making a critical health decision.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:24 AM
Rockefeller Faces Health Care Questions
WEST VIRGINIA...
Sen. Jay Rockefeller met with small business owners Thursday in Beckley to hear firsthand the struggles they face in offering and obtaining health care benefits. The West Virginia Democrat was questioned about a compromise health reform bill being debated in Congress. Century 21 franchise owner Mike Tyree asked Rockefeller why he’s considering voting in favor of the bill? Rockefeller replied, “We’re not going to get one Republican vote. I have to live with that. That means that every single Democrat has to be for this bill.“It’s kind of a one-party undertaking, which really makes things hard,” he said. Rockefeller said small business owners who have fewer than 50 employees will get up to a 35 percent subsidy to help pay for employees’ insurance. In 2014, the subsidy will increase to 50 percent. Rockefeller said, “I’m not claiming perfection here. I’m claiming a massive undertaking ... I want health care to be on the plate every single year. It’s too important to discuss every 25 years and to reinvent the wheel.”
Sen. Jay Rockefeller met with small business owners Thursday in Beckley to hear firsthand the struggles they face in offering and obtaining health care benefits. The West Virginia Democrat was questioned about a compromise health reform bill being debated in Congress. Century 21 franchise owner Mike Tyree asked Rockefeller why he’s considering voting in favor of the bill? Rockefeller replied, “We’re not going to get one Republican vote. I have to live with that. That means that every single Democrat has to be for this bill.“It’s kind of a one-party undertaking, which really makes things hard,” he said. Rockefeller said small business owners who have fewer than 50 employees will get up to a 35 percent subsidy to help pay for employees’ insurance. In 2014, the subsidy will increase to 50 percent. Rockefeller said, “I’m not claiming perfection here. I’m claiming a massive undertaking ... I want health care to be on the plate every single year. It’s too important to discuss every 25 years and to reinvent the wheel.”
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:51 AM
Fatal Virus Prompts Feline Euthanization
WEST VIRGINIA...
Kanawha County-Charleston Animal Shelter Director Donna Pauley Clark has confirmed that 13 to 14 adult cats and 15 to 20 kittens were euthanized this week after feline distemper spread to all three of the shelter's cat holding rooms. Clark says the virus started showing up toward the end of November, but shelter workers did not know what was plaguing the animals and attributed the symptoms to possible upper respiratory infections. The decision to euthanize was made after receiving test results from experts at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. showed lesions were consistent with feline distemper. Shelter workers have disinfected the cat rooms and all new potential adoptees are being vaccinated upon arrival. The virus is exclusive to cats and cannot be spread to humans or dogs.
Kanawha County-Charleston Animal Shelter Director Donna Pauley Clark has confirmed that 13 to 14 adult cats and 15 to 20 kittens were euthanized this week after feline distemper spread to all three of the shelter's cat holding rooms. Clark says the virus started showing up toward the end of November, but shelter workers did not know what was plaguing the animals and attributed the symptoms to possible upper respiratory infections. The decision to euthanize was made after receiving test results from experts at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. showed lesions were consistent with feline distemper. Shelter workers have disinfected the cat rooms and all new potential adoptees are being vaccinated upon arrival. The virus is exclusive to cats and cannot be spread to humans or dogs.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:14 AM
State Contractor Appears In Court
WEST VIRGINIA....
State government contractor and Charleston business owner Clark Diehl, owner of Wallpapers in Stock, appeared in federal court in Charleston Friday to plead guilty to a federal information charging him with income tax evasion and mail fraud. In 2005, Diehl's company landed a contract with the General Services Division, but federal prosecutors say he bypassed the state's competitive bidding process. The information charges Diehl sent in bogus bids to make it appear other companies sought the contract. He's also charged with underreporting his 2002 income by more than $63,300.
State government contractor and Charleston business owner Clark Diehl, owner of Wallpapers in Stock, appeared in federal court in Charleston Friday to plead guilty to a federal information charging him with income tax evasion and mail fraud. In 2005, Diehl's company landed a contract with the General Services Division, but federal prosecutors say he bypassed the state's competitive bidding process. The information charges Diehl sent in bogus bids to make it appear other companies sought the contract. He's also charged with underreporting his 2002 income by more than $63,300.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:45 AM
Former Charleston Attorney Gets Prison Time
WEST VIRGINIA....
Former National Football League agent and former Charleston attorney Dante DiTrapano was sentenced Thursday to one day in prison and five years supervised release in which he's required to perform 1,000 hours of community service after pleading guilty to a fraud charge. He admitted to forging another person's signature on a note for a $500,000 loan from United Bank. Police raided his home in Charleston in 2006 for evidence in relation to the crime. DiTrapano was disbarred in May 2007.
Former National Football League agent and former Charleston attorney Dante DiTrapano was sentenced Thursday to one day in prison and five years supervised release in which he's required to perform 1,000 hours of community service after pleading guilty to a fraud charge. He admitted to forging another person's signature on a note for a $500,000 loan from United Bank. Police raided his home in Charleston in 2006 for evidence in relation to the crime. DiTrapano was disbarred in May 2007.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:34 AM
Felony Warrant Roundup In Wayne County
WEST VIRGINIA....
A felony warrant "round-up" got underway this week in Wayne County, West Virginia, with some of the warrants dating back to 2008 and many of those arrested facing drug charges. As of Thursday afternoon, 38 fugitives had been arrested and 67 felony warrantes had been served as part of the C.U.F.F.E.D. (Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division) task force operation in which the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and the U.S. Marshals Service made the arrests.
A felony warrant "round-up" got underway this week in Wayne County, West Virginia, with some of the warrants dating back to 2008 and many of those arrested facing drug charges. As of Thursday afternoon, 38 fugitives had been arrested and 67 felony warrantes had been served as part of the C.U.F.F.E.D. (Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division) task force operation in which the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and the U.S. Marshals Service made the arrests.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:20 AM
Plans To Ease Prison Overcrowding
WEST VIRGINIA....
To help ease prison overcrowding, Governor Joe Manchin has plans to use the building that once housed the old West Virginia Rehabilitation Services to expand the states work release program. The home for special needs West Virginians closed in June of 2007, and, with only a small amount of the space in the building being used, there is enough room for about 80 prisoners.
Joe Thornton, Acting Secretary for the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, says not only will it allow the program to double in it's capacity, it will save the state significant money by utilizing an existing facility. Some aren't happy about the proposal as the facility is located next door to West Virginia State University.
To help ease prison overcrowding, Governor Joe Manchin has plans to use the building that once housed the old West Virginia Rehabilitation Services to expand the states work release program. The home for special needs West Virginians closed in June of 2007, and, with only a small amount of the space in the building being used, there is enough room for about 80 prisoners.
Joe Thornton, Acting Secretary for the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, says not only will it allow the program to double in it's capacity, it will save the state significant money by utilizing an existing facility. Some aren't happy about the proposal as the facility is located next door to West Virginia State University.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:59 AM
Parents Charged Following Child's Death
WEST VIRGINIA....
As a result of a month-long investigation, West Virginia State Police charged Jeremy and Cora Wiley with child neglect creating risk of injury. On December 16th, their three-month-old baby was discovered dead in her crib at their home along Big Harts Creek Road. Although an autopsy revealed the baby died of natural causes, West Virginia State Police say the Wiley's are responsible for the filthy conditions in which the infant and another 2-year-old child were living. They say the home had no central heating, and trash, food and debris were located all over the house.
As a result of a month-long investigation, West Virginia State Police charged Jeremy and Cora Wiley with child neglect creating risk of injury. On December 16th, their three-month-old baby was discovered dead in her crib at their home along Big Harts Creek Road. Although an autopsy revealed the baby died of natural causes, West Virginia State Police say the Wiley's are responsible for the filthy conditions in which the infant and another 2-year-old child were living. They say the home had no central heating, and trash, food and debris were located all over the house.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:48 AM
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Former Perry County Official To Plead Guilty
KENTUCKY....
The attorney for former Perry County official Chester Jones, a circuit clerk and former state representative, has filed a motion in federal court seeking a hearing for Jones to enter a guilty plea. Last year Jones was indicted in a vote-fraud scheme in which he and former Perry County Judge-Executive Sherman Neace are accused of taking $7,500 from the state Democratic Party meant for use in efforts to increase voter turnout in November 2008. Instead, they're accused of using the money to buy votes for themselves.
The attorney for former Perry County official Chester Jones, a circuit clerk and former state representative, has filed a motion in federal court seeking a hearing for Jones to enter a guilty plea. Last year Jones was indicted in a vote-fraud scheme in which he and former Perry County Judge-Executive Sherman Neace are accused of taking $7,500 from the state Democratic Party meant for use in efforts to increase voter turnout in November 2008. Instead, they're accused of using the money to buy votes for themselves.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:17 PM
Lawson/Nighbert Trial Continues
KENTUCKY....
Ryan Griffith, a 16-year employee and former head of the Transportation Cabinet, testified Thursday as the trial continued for Leonard Lawson and Bill Nighbert. Griffith told the court he reluctantly gave estimates to Jim Rummage “because he was in my chain of command.” He alleged his superior Jim Rummage asked him several times in 2006 and 2007 for estimates on particular projects. Griffith testified that, in the 10 years he worked in the office that made estimates, Rummage was the only person who ever obtained one from him. Under questioning from Lawson attorney Jason Barclay, Griffith acknowledged he had no knowledge that Rummage ever gave estimates to either Lawson or Nighbert. Barclay introduced an e-mail in which Griffith sent an estimate to one of his bosses in 2005. Griffith admitted the e-mail did show he had released the estimate before bidding.
Ryan Griffith, a 16-year employee and former head of the Transportation Cabinet, testified Thursday as the trial continued for Leonard Lawson and Bill Nighbert. Griffith told the court he reluctantly gave estimates to Jim Rummage “because he was in my chain of command.” He alleged his superior Jim Rummage asked him several times in 2006 and 2007 for estimates on particular projects. Griffith testified that, in the 10 years he worked in the office that made estimates, Rummage was the only person who ever obtained one from him. Under questioning from Lawson attorney Jason Barclay, Griffith acknowledged he had no knowledge that Rummage ever gave estimates to either Lawson or Nighbert. Barclay introduced an e-mail in which Griffith sent an estimate to one of his bosses in 2005. Griffith admitted the e-mail did show he had released the estimate before bidding.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:34 PM
Education Bill Signed
KENTUCKY....
In a crowded reception room in the state Capitol Thursday, Governor Steve Beshear signed House Bill 176, the measure that would allow the removal or reassignments of administrators and teachers in low-performing schools, among other things The measure, intended to strengthen Kentucky’s application for millions of federal school improvement dollars, was signed in time to meet a January 19th deadline, putting Kentucky in line to compete for up to $200 million in federal school improvement money under the Obama administration's Race to the Top initiative.
In a crowded reception room in the state Capitol Thursday, Governor Steve Beshear signed House Bill 176, the measure that would allow the removal or reassignments of administrators and teachers in low-performing schools, among other things The measure, intended to strengthen Kentucky’s application for millions of federal school improvement dollars, was signed in time to meet a January 19th deadline, putting Kentucky in line to compete for up to $200 million in federal school improvement money under the Obama administration's Race to the Top initiative.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:53 PM
Kentucky County Moving To Electronic Voting
KENTUCKY...
A Kentucky county is ready to move into the electronic age. Greenup County has ordered 32 eScan machines at a cost of $120,680. The machines should allow the county to place one in each precinct. Greenup County Judge-Executive Bobby Carpenter says the county will borrow the money for the new machines and then pay back the loan with excess fees collected by the clerk's office. The County still has 21 eSlate machines but it has buyers interested in 14 of them and plans to keep four for spares. Greenup County hopes to have the machines ready for use in this year's primary election.
A Kentucky county is ready to move into the electronic age. Greenup County has ordered 32 eScan machines at a cost of $120,680. The machines should allow the county to place one in each precinct. Greenup County Judge-Executive Bobby Carpenter says the county will borrow the money for the new machines and then pay back the loan with excess fees collected by the clerk's office. The County still has 21 eSlate machines but it has buyers interested in 14 of them and plans to keep four for spares. Greenup County hopes to have the machines ready for use in this year's primary election.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:59 AM
Federal Court Vacates Injunction Barring Display
KENTUCKY...
In a 2-1 decision Thursday, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated an injunction barring Grayson County from using the commandments as part of a display that included the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and other historical documents. U.S. District Judge Joseph McKinley issued an injunction in 2008 barring the display, saying it had religious intent. Two citizens and the American Civil Liberties Union sued after the county put up the display. Now it remains to be seen if the County will once again display the historical documents. At this point they have made no indication of their intent.
In a 2-1 decision Thursday, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated an injunction barring Grayson County from using the commandments as part of a display that included the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and other historical documents. U.S. District Judge Joseph McKinley issued an injunction in 2008 barring the display, saying it had religious intent. Two citizens and the American Civil Liberties Union sued after the county put up the display. Now it remains to be seen if the County will once again display the historical documents. At this point they have made no indication of their intent.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:48 AM
Stabbing In Laurel County
KENTUCKY....
When London Police responded to a report of a physical altercation at a home on Bullock Drive in London around 4:34 A.M.Thursday morning, they discovered Brenda Collins and her son Eric had both been stabbed. They were taken to St. Joseph Hospital. Another son, 22 year old Robert Collins was charged with two counts of second-degree assault.
When London Police responded to a report of a physical altercation at a home on Bullock Drive in London around 4:34 A.M.Thursday morning, they discovered Brenda Collins and her son Eric had both been stabbed. They were taken to St. Joseph Hospital. Another son, 22 year old Robert Collins was charged with two counts of second-degree assault.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:27 AM
Another Candidate Announces For House Seat
KENTUCKY...
Congressman Hal Rogers, R–Somerset, could face a familiar opponent in the 2010 general election as Jim Holbert announced his candidacy this week, this time as a Democrat. Holbert, who lost to Rogers as an independent in the 2008 election while receiving 16 percent of the vote, called for “an immediate end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan” and a comprehensive national energy policy with a focus on ending dependency on foreign oil. A Laurel County resident, Holbert is a former Army and Coast Guard officer and moved to Eastern Kentucky in 2005 along with his wife, Cindy. Holbert is the second Democrat to file in the race. Louisa resident David Prince filed his candidacy in December. Rep. Rogers made it official in December as he filed the necessary paperwork with the Kentucky Secretary of State to seek a 16th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was first elected to the House in 1980.
Congressman Hal Rogers, R–Somerset, could face a familiar opponent in the 2010 general election as Jim Holbert announced his candidacy this week, this time as a Democrat. Holbert, who lost to Rogers as an independent in the 2008 election while receiving 16 percent of the vote, called for “an immediate end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan” and a comprehensive national energy policy with a focus on ending dependency on foreign oil. A Laurel County resident, Holbert is a former Army and Coast Guard officer and moved to Eastern Kentucky in 2005 along with his wife, Cindy. Holbert is the second Democrat to file in the race. Louisa resident David Prince filed his candidacy in December. Rep. Rogers made it official in December as he filed the necessary paperwork with the Kentucky Secretary of State to seek a 16th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was first elected to the House in 1980.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:13 AM
Lifting Moratorium On Nuclear Power Plants Possible
KENTUCKY...
Lawmakers in Kentucky will again consider lifting a moratorium on construction of nuclear power plants in Kentucky. The Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee approved legislation that would reverse a 1984 law barring construction of nuclear plants in Kentucky until a permanent waste storage facilty is in place. The measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration. Independent state Sen. Bob Leeper of Paducah has unsuccessfully pushed the legislation for the past three years as a rank & file lawmaker. His promotion last year to chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee could improve his chances of getting the bill signed into law. The legislation is Senate Bill 26.
Lawmakers in Kentucky will again consider lifting a moratorium on construction of nuclear power plants in Kentucky. The Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee approved legislation that would reverse a 1984 law barring construction of nuclear plants in Kentucky until a permanent waste storage facilty is in place. The measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration. Independent state Sen. Bob Leeper of Paducah has unsuccessfully pushed the legislation for the past three years as a rank & file lawmaker. His promotion last year to chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee could improve his chances of getting the bill signed into law. The legislation is Senate Bill 26.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:13 AM
Pseudoephedrine May Be Banned
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky spent well over a million dollars last year dealing with methamphetamine.
Despite high-tech tracking put in place to stop the sale of pseudoephedrine the problem still exists and is getting worse. It doesn't stop meth labs. In Lincoln County, Oregon, District Attorney Rob Bovett was responsible for writing a law that made pseudoephedrine a scheduled drug. Oregon was the first and is the only state in the country with such a law. Since it passed, the state has seen a dramatic decrease in the number of meth incidents: 472 in 2004 compared to last year, when there were only 10. Many think something has to be done to combat the problem in Kentucky and there are medications currently available that don't contain pseudoephedrine and could replace it for congestion and sinus problems. Kentucky could be on the verge of taking definite steps to ban the sale of pseudoephedrine.
Kentucky spent well over a million dollars last year dealing with methamphetamine.
Despite high-tech tracking put in place to stop the sale of pseudoephedrine the problem still exists and is getting worse. It doesn't stop meth labs. In Lincoln County, Oregon, District Attorney Rob Bovett was responsible for writing a law that made pseudoephedrine a scheduled drug. Oregon was the first and is the only state in the country with such a law. Since it passed, the state has seen a dramatic decrease in the number of meth incidents: 472 in 2004 compared to last year, when there were only 10. Many think something has to be done to combat the problem in Kentucky and there are medications currently available that don't contain pseudoephedrine and could replace it for congestion and sinus problems. Kentucky could be on the verge of taking definite steps to ban the sale of pseudoephedrine.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:34 AM
Highway Fatalities Report
KENTUCKY....
State officials say fatal highway accidents in Kentucky are declining. The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety says preliminary figures show 782 died in vehicle accidents in 2009, down from 826 in 2008. The reduction is due to a combination of state efforts to make highways safer and to individual motorists. Highway fatalities in Kentucky have declined each year since 2005, when the toll was 985.
State officials say fatal highway accidents in Kentucky are declining. The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety says preliminary figures show 782 died in vehicle accidents in 2009, down from 826 in 2008. The reduction is due to a combination of state efforts to make highways safer and to individual motorists. Highway fatalities in Kentucky have declined each year since 2005, when the toll was 985.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:27 AM
Counterfeiters Arrested In Kentucky
KENTUCKY...
Authorities in Nelson County say they have four suspected counterfeiters behind bars. Fake $100 bills started showing up at grocery stores and food marts in Nelson County. The bills failed a marker test used to detect counterfeit currency. 18-year-old James E. Sharp, 20-year-old Kalin M. Williams, 18-year-old Lance M. Calbert and 21-year-old Candice D. Welch are all being held in the Nelson County Jail. A fifth person, Jesse Tyler Nethery, is also being sought by police. All five of the suspects are from Bardstown. Indictments also allege four of the suspects were selling packaged dog food as marijuana. Police are also looking for possible links to other cases.
Authorities in Nelson County say they have four suspected counterfeiters behind bars. Fake $100 bills started showing up at grocery stores and food marts in Nelson County. The bills failed a marker test used to detect counterfeit currency. 18-year-old James E. Sharp, 20-year-old Kalin M. Williams, 18-year-old Lance M. Calbert and 21-year-old Candice D. Welch are all being held in the Nelson County Jail. A fifth person, Jesse Tyler Nethery, is also being sought by police. All five of the suspects are from Bardstown. Indictments also allege four of the suspects were selling packaged dog food as marijuana. Police are also looking for possible links to other cases.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:18 AM
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Testimony Continues in Lawson/Nighbert Trial
KENTUCKY...
Testimony continued Wednesday in Lexington in the bid-rigging trial of contractor Leonard Lawson and former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert. Testifying was Chuck Knowles, a deputy state highway engineer who joined the cabinet in 1976. Knowles recounted the dealings with several of the 600 road contractors who dealt with the state in attempts to secure road and bridge work with the Commonwealth. Defense lawyers attempted to characterize Knowles as a "double dipper"...a person who retires and then returns to take a job in State government.
Testimony continued Wednesday in Lexington in the bid-rigging trial of contractor Leonard Lawson and former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert. Testifying was Chuck Knowles, a deputy state highway engineer who joined the cabinet in 1976. Knowles recounted the dealings with several of the 600 road contractors who dealt with the state in attempts to secure road and bridge work with the Commonwealth. Defense lawyers attempted to characterize Knowles as a "double dipper"...a person who retires and then returns to take a job in State government.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 2:25 PM
Legislative Retirement Benefits Provision Addressed
KENTUCKY...
With the Republicans holding a 20-17 edge in the Kentucky Senate,a panel narrowly approved a bill Wednesday that would cancel a benefit that allows state lawmakers to pad their legislative pensions if they take a full-time state job. The provision in the legislative retirement system has been wielded as a political weapon in recent months by Gov. Steve Beshear. Senate Bill 51, sponsored by newly-elected Republican state Sen. Jimmy Higdon of Lebanon, would cancel a 2005 provision that allows annual retirement benefits to increase up to sixfold for part-time lawmakers who accept appointments to a judicial or executive branch job. The proposed change would only affect future retirees. Higdon told the Senate State and Local Government Committee that it would be unfair to change the benefits of those legislators who are already drawing benefits from the 2005 law.
With the Republicans holding a 20-17 edge in the Kentucky Senate,a panel narrowly approved a bill Wednesday that would cancel a benefit that allows state lawmakers to pad their legislative pensions if they take a full-time state job. The provision in the legislative retirement system has been wielded as a political weapon in recent months by Gov. Steve Beshear. Senate Bill 51, sponsored by newly-elected Republican state Sen. Jimmy Higdon of Lebanon, would cancel a 2005 provision that allows annual retirement benefits to increase up to sixfold for part-time lawmakers who accept appointments to a judicial or executive branch job. The proposed change would only affect future retirees. Higdon told the Senate State and Local Government Committee that it would be unfair to change the benefits of those legislators who are already drawing benefits from the 2005 law.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:59 PM
Video Lottery Terminal Vote Called Off
KENTUCKY....
A committee vote Wednesday on a constitutional amendment to allow video lottery terminals in seven counties with racetracks was called off by Senator Damon Thayer R-Georgetown. Racetracks and leaders of horse industry groups have opposed the measure — Senate Bill 21 — because it does not guarantee that tracks get expanded gambling. They would have to compete for the gambling licenses. The bill had been expected to pass out of the Senate State and Local Government Committee Wedneday for a possible vote on the floor of the full Senate, where it was unlikely to pass.
A committee vote Wednesday on a constitutional amendment to allow video lottery terminals in seven counties with racetracks was called off by Senator Damon Thayer R-Georgetown. Racetracks and leaders of horse industry groups have opposed the measure — Senate Bill 21 — because it does not guarantee that tracks get expanded gambling. They would have to compete for the gambling licenses. The bill had been expected to pass out of the Senate State and Local Government Committee Wedneday for a possible vote on the floor of the full Senate, where it was unlikely to pass.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:51 PM
Governor Suggests State Yard Sale
KENTUCKY...
Gov. Steve Beshear wants to sell state-owned planes, vehicles and other property to generate money for Kentucky's shrinking budget. Beshear said he and key members of his administration also will take 10 percent salary reductions this year, just as they did in 2009. The economic recession has hit the state's general fund hard, leading to a projected $1.5 billion shortfall over the next two-year budget cycle. That's on top of $1 billion that has been cut from the current budget. Beshear said he opposes broad-based tax increases to generate more revenue, saying he fears that could drive the state farther into recession. He said Wednesday he still is open to the possibility of expanded gambling as a means to generate $200 million to $300 million a year in new revenue.
Gov. Steve Beshear wants to sell state-owned planes, vehicles and other property to generate money for Kentucky's shrinking budget. Beshear said he and key members of his administration also will take 10 percent salary reductions this year, just as they did in 2009. The economic recession has hit the state's general fund hard, leading to a projected $1.5 billion shortfall over the next two-year budget cycle. That's on top of $1 billion that has been cut from the current budget. Beshear said he opposes broad-based tax increases to generate more revenue, saying he fears that could drive the state farther into recession. He said Wednesday he still is open to the possibility of expanded gambling as a means to generate $200 million to $300 million a year in new revenue.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 12:08 PM
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Beshear Orders Temporary Emergency Exemption
KENTUCKY....
Heavy demand for propane and prolonged freezing temperatures have caused distribution delays statewide. Governor Steve Beshear says dangerously cold weather has presented an emergency in every sense of the word, while making it critical that people have access to heating fuel. Beshear has ordered a temporary emergency exemption from restricted operating hours for propane haulers. An order signed January 8th by acting Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock exempts commercial vehicles and operators hauling propane from restrictions on driving times through January 20th. Driving time between rest periods ordinarily is limited by state regulation.
Heavy demand for propane and prolonged freezing temperatures have caused distribution delays statewide. Governor Steve Beshear says dangerously cold weather has presented an emergency in every sense of the word, while making it critical that people have access to heating fuel. Beshear has ordered a temporary emergency exemption from restricted operating hours for propane haulers. An order signed January 8th by acting Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock exempts commercial vehicles and operators hauling propane from restrictions on driving times through January 20th. Driving time between rest periods ordinarily is limited by state regulation.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:47 PM
Whitley County Accident Injures Two
KENTUCKY....
Kentucky State Police report an accident around noon Tuesday on Highway 6 near the Woodbine community of Whitley County injured a 16 year old and his older sister, Marjie Vogel. Police say the 16 year old, who had no license or insurance, was speeding when he lost control of his vehicle, hit a culvert, partially ejecting both occupants. Witnesses say trees stopped the car from flipping out of control. The boy was taken to a local hospital with some broken bones. Marjie Vogel was flown to University of Kentucky Hospital with serious injuries.
Kentucky State Police report an accident around noon Tuesday on Highway 6 near the Woodbine community of Whitley County injured a 16 year old and his older sister, Marjie Vogel. Police say the 16 year old, who had no license or insurance, was speeding when he lost control of his vehicle, hit a culvert, partially ejecting both occupants. Witnesses say trees stopped the car from flipping out of control. The boy was taken to a local hospital with some broken bones. Marjie Vogel was flown to University of Kentucky Hospital with serious injuries.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:32 PM
Whitley County Guns Unaccounted For
KENTUCKY....
Whitley County Sheriff's Department officials say, following a burglary on December 21st, that, based on an examination of the evidence room, written evidence logs and documents tracking the release of property from the department, 78 guns are unaccounted for after the evidence storage room was broken into. Kentucky State Police are investigating the break-in report. The sheriff's office reported a burglary in the midst of a public records dispute with the Corbin Times-Tribune.
Whitley County Sheriff's Department officials say, following a burglary on December 21st, that, based on an examination of the evidence room, written evidence logs and documents tracking the release of property from the department, 78 guns are unaccounted for after the evidence storage room was broken into. Kentucky State Police are investigating the break-in report. The sheriff's office reported a burglary in the midst of a public records dispute with the Corbin Times-Tribune.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:09 PM
College Transfer Bill Clears House
KENTUCKY....
Officials want to increase community-college transfers to four-year institutions from 4,009 this past fall to 11,300 by 2020. House Bill 160, a measure that would make it easier for community college students to transfer to four-year public universities, passed the House Education Committee 25-0 Tuesday morning and could be considered by the full House as early as Friday. The measure would require the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to align its arts and science courses with bachelor’s-degree programs at the state universities and prohibit the universities from requiring KCTCS graduates to repeat or take additional lower-level courses in the same major. HB 160 also limits public university bachelor’s degree programs to 120 credit hours and associate degree programs to 60 credit hours, with exceptions for programs such as teaching, engineering and nursing.
Officials want to increase community-college transfers to four-year institutions from 4,009 this past fall to 11,300 by 2020. House Bill 160, a measure that would make it easier for community college students to transfer to four-year public universities, passed the House Education Committee 25-0 Tuesday morning and could be considered by the full House as early as Friday. The measure would require the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to align its arts and science courses with bachelor’s-degree programs at the state universities and prohibit the universities from requiring KCTCS graduates to repeat or take additional lower-level courses in the same major. HB 160 also limits public university bachelor’s degree programs to 120 credit hours and associate degree programs to 60 credit hours, with exceptions for programs such as teaching, engineering and nursing.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:37 PM
Education Bill Considers Charter Schools
KENTUCKY....
Senate Education Chairman Ken Winters said Tuesday a proposal intended to strengthen Kentucky's application for up to $200 million in federal school improvement money will face revisions before receiving a floor vote. Tacking on a provision to create charter schools is an idea being considered, but Kentucky Education Association President Sharron Oxendine says her organization, which represents 32,000 teachers, would object if the Senate includes a provision calling for charter schools. The House passed its version of the measure 96-0 on Monday.
Senate Education Chairman Ken Winters said Tuesday a proposal intended to strengthen Kentucky's application for up to $200 million in federal school improvement money will face revisions before receiving a floor vote. Tacking on a provision to create charter schools is an idea being considered, but Kentucky Education Association President Sharron Oxendine says her organization, which represents 32,000 teachers, would object if the Senate includes a provision calling for charter schools. The House passed its version of the measure 96-0 on Monday.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:20 PM
Bid-Rigging Trial Continues
KENTUCKY....
As the bid-rigging trial for Leonard Lawson and Bill Nighbert continued Tuesday, in his opening statement, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Taylor alleged Nighbert delivered to Lawson insider information unavailable to competing bidders in exchange for kickbacks, including money for a car and a "fake" consulting job. Taylor says the "cozy" business relationship between Lawson and Nighbert broke the law. However, the defense claimed the two men are victims of overreaching investigators. Lawson's attorney, Guthrie True, questioned the credibility of key prosecution witness Jim Rummage. But, Taylor says Rummage reluctantly accepted thousands of dollars in bribes before turning in his former colleagues. True argued that, if there was any criminal activity in the case, it was from Rummage.
As the bid-rigging trial for Leonard Lawson and Bill Nighbert continued Tuesday, in his opening statement, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Taylor alleged Nighbert delivered to Lawson insider information unavailable to competing bidders in exchange for kickbacks, including money for a car and a "fake" consulting job. Taylor says the "cozy" business relationship between Lawson and Nighbert broke the law. However, the defense claimed the two men are victims of overreaching investigators. Lawson's attorney, Guthrie True, questioned the credibility of key prosecution witness Jim Rummage. But, Taylor says Rummage reluctantly accepted thousands of dollars in bribes before turning in his former colleagues. True argued that, if there was any criminal activity in the case, it was from Rummage.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:43 PM
Amanda Bill Unanimously Passes House
KENTUCKY....
House Bill 1, better known as "Amanda’s Bill," unanimously passed the House Tuesday by a vote of 97-0. House Speaker Greg Stumbo, who sponsored the bill, said he expects the Senate will make improvements to the measure, but Senate President David Williams declined to say how he thought the bill might change. If passed, the measure would allow judges to order global positioning devices in some domestic violence cases and give counties the option of using global-positioning devices in other cases such as monitoring those who are released from bond.
House Bill 1, better known as "Amanda’s Bill," unanimously passed the House Tuesday by a vote of 97-0. House Speaker Greg Stumbo, who sponsored the bill, said he expects the Senate will make improvements to the measure, but Senate President David Williams declined to say how he thought the bill might change. If passed, the measure would allow judges to order global positioning devices in some domestic violence cases and give counties the option of using global-positioning devices in other cases such as monitoring those who are released from bond.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:28 PM
Monday, January 11, 2010
Pike County Judge Urges PSC To Act
KENTUCKY....
Pike County Judge-Executive Wayne Rutherford sent a letter last week to the Kentucky Public Service Commission saying Kentucky Power Co. has not done an adequate job of clearing tree growth around power lines in right of way areas, resulting in over half the county losing power during the mid-December storm, which knocked out electricity to 100,000 homes across eastern Kentucky. Rutherford says he's "hopeful a class action lawsuit will be filed on behalf of the Pike County families who lost all their food." Responding in an e-mail, the Public Service Commission said the agency is responding to resident concerns by conducting an "onsite review by members of their engineering inspection staff." Further action will be determined after the evaluation is done.
Pike County Judge-Executive Wayne Rutherford sent a letter last week to the Kentucky Public Service Commission saying Kentucky Power Co. has not done an adequate job of clearing tree growth around power lines in right of way areas, resulting in over half the county losing power during the mid-December storm, which knocked out electricity to 100,000 homes across eastern Kentucky. Rutherford says he's "hopeful a class action lawsuit will be filed on behalf of the Pike County families who lost all their food." Responding in an e-mail, the Public Service Commission said the agency is responding to resident concerns by conducting an "onsite review by members of their engineering inspection staff." Further action will be determined after the evaluation is done.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:29 PM
Bid-Rigging Trial Underway
KENTUCKY...
The long awaited high-profile trial for road contractor Leonard Lawson and former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert is finally underway. Jury selection was completed Monday (today) in U.S. District Court in Lexington. Prosecutors and defense lawyers announced the witnesses expected to testify, including Governor Steve Beshear, former Governor Ernie Fletcher, state Senate President David Williams, former Kentucky League of Cities President Sylvia Lovely, current and former Transportation Cabinet officials and several road contractors. The prosecution's chief witness is Jim Rummage, Nighbert's former deputy state highway engineer. Lawson and Nighbert have pleaded not guilty. Trial is scheduled to last at least three weeks.
The long awaited high-profile trial for road contractor Leonard Lawson and former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert is finally underway. Jury selection was completed Monday (today) in U.S. District Court in Lexington. Prosecutors and defense lawyers announced the witnesses expected to testify, including Governor Steve Beshear, former Governor Ernie Fletcher, state Senate President David Williams, former Kentucky League of Cities President Sylvia Lovely, current and former Transportation Cabinet officials and several road contractors. The prosecution's chief witness is Jim Rummage, Nighbert's former deputy state highway engineer. Lawson and Nighbert have pleaded not guilty. Trial is scheduled to last at least three weeks.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:14 PM
House Approves Bill Seeking School Funding
KENTUCKY....
On Monday, House lawmakers approved, by 96-0, House Bill 176. The legislation is intended to strengthen Kentucky's application for up to $200 million in federal school improvement money. The measure needs to be approved by the Senate and signed by the governor by Friday in order to meet the January 19th deadline for applying for the "Race to the Top" funding. The money, part of last year's federal stimulus package, is intended to improve low-performing schools. If approved, House Bill 176 would give state officials several new options to deal with persistently low-achieving schools.
On Monday, House lawmakers approved, by 96-0, House Bill 176. The legislation is intended to strengthen Kentucky's application for up to $200 million in federal school improvement money. The measure needs to be approved by the Senate and signed by the governor by Friday in order to meet the January 19th deadline for applying for the "Race to the Top" funding. The money, part of last year's federal stimulus package, is intended to improve low-performing schools. If approved, House Bill 176 would give state officials several new options to deal with persistently low-achieving schools.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:01 PM
Drug Forum Held In Hazard
KENTUCKY....
Dozens of people, including Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo, showed up Monday night in Hazard for the first in a series of town hall meetings scheduled to address the drug problem in eastern Kentucky. The forums were prompted by the death of Dr. Dennis Sandlin. Police say he was shot in his Perry County clinic last month by a patient who was denied pain pills. Speaking at the meeting, Karen Engle, executive director of the anti-drug task force Operation UNITE, said the shooting should be a wake-up call for the region and called on the community to make sure Sandlin did not die in vain. The next forum is expected to be held January 25th in Pikeville.
Dozens of people, including Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo, showed up Monday night in Hazard for the first in a series of town hall meetings scheduled to address the drug problem in eastern Kentucky. The forums were prompted by the death of Dr. Dennis Sandlin. Police say he was shot in his Perry County clinic last month by a patient who was denied pain pills. Speaking at the meeting, Karen Engle, executive director of the anti-drug task force Operation UNITE, said the shooting should be a wake-up call for the region and called on the community to make sure Sandlin did not die in vain. The next forum is expected to be held January 25th in Pikeville.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:50 PM
Suicide Rate Among Veterans Goes Up
KENTUCKY...
The government said Monday the suicide rate among 18 to 29 year-old men who've left the military has gone up significantly. The rate for these veterans went up 26 percent from 2005 to 2007. If there is a bright spot in the data, it's that in 2007 veterans in the group who used VA health care were less likely to commit suicide than those who did not. The military in recent years has struggled as well with an increase in suicides, with the Army seeing a record number last year. While the military frequently releases such data, it has been more difficult to track suicide information on veterans once they've left active duty. The VA calculated the numbers using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers from 16 states. In 2005, the rate per 100,000 veterans among men ages 18-29 was 44.99, compared with 56.77 in 2007. He noted that of the 30,000 suicides each year in America, about 20 percent are committed by veterans.
The government said Monday the suicide rate among 18 to 29 year-old men who've left the military has gone up significantly. The rate for these veterans went up 26 percent from 2005 to 2007. If there is a bright spot in the data, it's that in 2007 veterans in the group who used VA health care were less likely to commit suicide than those who did not. The military in recent years has struggled as well with an increase in suicides, with the Army seeing a record number last year. While the military frequently releases such data, it has been more difficult to track suicide information on veterans once they've left active duty. The VA calculated the numbers using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers from 16 states. In 2005, the rate per 100,000 veterans among men ages 18-29 was 44.99, compared with 56.77 in 2007. He noted that of the 30,000 suicides each year in America, about 20 percent are committed by veterans.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:40 PM
Gas Prices On The Rise
KENTUCKY....
Cheap gasoline is disappearing. Gas prices have risen 41 days in a row, to a national average of almost $2.62 a gallon. That is a sharp increase from the low of $1.62 a gallon we saw late last year. Refinery problems are producing especially high prices in the Midwest.
Michigan, the state with the highest unemployment rate, at 12.9 percent, is now paying the highest gasoline prices, averaging $2.93 a gallon. As of yesterday, Monday, the lowest pump price in Pikeville for Regular Unleaded was $2.68 a gallon at the Speedway on the South Mayo Trail. After increasing 62 percent since December, the price of gasoline is actually lagging behind the increase in the price of oil, which has doubled in the same period.
Analysts say the increase is being driven by investor expectations of an economic recovery, the recent fall of the dollar against other currencies and, to a lesser extent, the success of oil-exporting countries in curtailing supplies. Prices remain well below those of last summer, when the national average for regular gasoline soared above $4, but economists say the recent gains are a growing economic problem and may signal a rise in the overall inflation rate.
Cheap gasoline is disappearing. Gas prices have risen 41 days in a row, to a national average of almost $2.62 a gallon. That is a sharp increase from the low of $1.62 a gallon we saw late last year. Refinery problems are producing especially high prices in the Midwest.
Michigan, the state with the highest unemployment rate, at 12.9 percent, is now paying the highest gasoline prices, averaging $2.93 a gallon. As of yesterday, Monday, the lowest pump price in Pikeville for Regular Unleaded was $2.68 a gallon at the Speedway on the South Mayo Trail. After increasing 62 percent since December, the price of gasoline is actually lagging behind the increase in the price of oil, which has doubled in the same period.
Analysts say the increase is being driven by investor expectations of an economic recovery, the recent fall of the dollar against other currencies and, to a lesser extent, the success of oil-exporting countries in curtailing supplies. Prices remain well below those of last summer, when the national average for regular gasoline soared above $4, but economists say the recent gains are a growing economic problem and may signal a rise in the overall inflation rate.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 12:20 PM
Sunday, January 10, 2010
New Jobs Could Mean Less For Recovery
KENTUCKY...
According to a recent Columbia University study of white- and blue-collar workers, managers and hourly workers, as more employers are starting to hire, the new jobs typically pay less than the ones that were lost. The study made the point that although hiring does take place, it historically is at a lower level of pay than the originally lost job. The difference runs as much as 20% lower. Even projected over a twenty year period the new hires never regain the pay level previously enjoyed. According to government data, a job is a job, but the study shows those who earn less will also spend less, and contribute less to the recovery.
According to a recent Columbia University study of white- and blue-collar workers, managers and hourly workers, as more employers are starting to hire, the new jobs typically pay less than the ones that were lost. The study made the point that although hiring does take place, it historically is at a lower level of pay than the originally lost job. The difference runs as much as 20% lower. Even projected over a twenty year period the new hires never regain the pay level previously enjoyed. According to government data, a job is a job, but the study shows those who earn less will also spend less, and contribute less to the recovery.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 2:00 PM
Town-Hall Drug Forums Set
KENTUCKY...
The first of several public town hall-style forums to discuss prescription drug abuse in Eastern Kentucky is set for 5:00 P. M. Monday at the Perry County Public Library in Hazard. The forums are intended to solicit public input and opinions for a medical symposium scheduled for March 6th. They were announced by Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo following the December shooting death of Dr. Dennis Sandlin. Sandlin was allegedly shot at his clinic in Cornettsville in Perry County after refusing to prescribe pills to an irate patient. Venues aren't confirmed yet, but the following forums will be January 25th in Pikeville, February 8th in Pineville and February 22nd in Morehead.
The first of several public town hall-style forums to discuss prescription drug abuse in Eastern Kentucky is set for 5:00 P. M. Monday at the Perry County Public Library in Hazard. The forums are intended to solicit public input and opinions for a medical symposium scheduled for March 6th. They were announced by Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo following the December shooting death of Dr. Dennis Sandlin. Sandlin was allegedly shot at his clinic in Cornettsville in Perry County after refusing to prescribe pills to an irate patient. Venues aren't confirmed yet, but the following forums will be January 25th in Pikeville, February 8th in Pineville and February 22nd in Morehead.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:32 PM
Bid-Rigging Trial Set To Begin
KENTUCKY...
Beginning this week in U. S. District Court in Lexington...the long-awaited trial of contractor Leonard Lawson and former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert. At issue is the charge of bid-rigging in connection with state awarded road contracts. The government says Lawson was privileged to competitive bids by other contractors and subsequently was able to underbid his competitors. Expected to testify is current Governor Steve Beshear and Senate President David Williams. Lawson throughout the years was a large contributor to both political parties.
Beginning this week in U. S. District Court in Lexington...the long-awaited trial of contractor Leonard Lawson and former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert. At issue is the charge of bid-rigging in connection with state awarded road contracts. The government says Lawson was privileged to competitive bids by other contractors and subsequently was able to underbid his competitors. Expected to testify is current Governor Steve Beshear and Senate President David Williams. Lawson throughout the years was a large contributor to both political parties.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:03 PM
Tax Reform Discussed
KENTUCKY....
Although Governor Steve Beshear has repeatedly said he's lukewarm to the idea, House Speaker Greg Stumbo is putting together an effort in his chamber to discuss tax reform. Republican Senate President David Williams says he favors dropping the individual and corporate income taxes and replacing them with consumption-based sales taxes, although he has not filed a bill. One issue under question relates to tax breaks for the coal industry. Before the General Assembly decides how much further it may have to cut education, social services and public safety to balance the budget, more than $111 million is already off the table. That $111 million is the estimated annual total for tax breaks devoted to the coal industry. The pressure continues to build on the coal industry as the green revolution gains momentum almost daily. A detailed analysis of tax breaks to the coal industry doesn't help coal's arguments, as those tax breaks paint a disparaging picture of how the coal industry is contributing to the current budget crisis in the Commonwealth.
Although Governor Steve Beshear has repeatedly said he's lukewarm to the idea, House Speaker Greg Stumbo is putting together an effort in his chamber to discuss tax reform. Republican Senate President David Williams says he favors dropping the individual and corporate income taxes and replacing them with consumption-based sales taxes, although he has not filed a bill. One issue under question relates to tax breaks for the coal industry. Before the General Assembly decides how much further it may have to cut education, social services and public safety to balance the budget, more than $111 million is already off the table. That $111 million is the estimated annual total for tax breaks devoted to the coal industry. The pressure continues to build on the coal industry as the green revolution gains momentum almost daily. A detailed analysis of tax breaks to the coal industry doesn't help coal's arguments, as those tax breaks paint a disparaging picture of how the coal industry is contributing to the current budget crisis in the Commonwealth.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:16 AM
