Saturday, March 27, 2010
Pike County Drug Arrest
KENTUCKY...
Hundreds of prescription pills, cash and a rifle were confiscated following the execution of a search warrant in the Shelbiana community. Operation UNITE charged 47-year-old Patricia Hopkins with several charges of trafficking in a controlled substance. The arrest followed an investigation that began earlier this month after information was passed along from other agencies that an unusually high volume of cars were reported to be coming to and from the residence. Hopkins is believed to have been selling drugs in the community for about two years. During the investigation detectives were able to purchase drugs from Hopkins and developed enough information to obtain the search warrant. There were 10 varieties of drugs including OxyContin, Hydrocodone, Methadone, Lortab, Xanax, Percocet and Suboxone. Hopkins was lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.
Hundreds of prescription pills, cash and a rifle were confiscated following the execution of a search warrant in the Shelbiana community. Operation UNITE charged 47-year-old Patricia Hopkins with several charges of trafficking in a controlled substance. The arrest followed an investigation that began earlier this month after information was passed along from other agencies that an unusually high volume of cars were reported to be coming to and from the residence. Hopkins is believed to have been selling drugs in the community for about two years. During the investigation detectives were able to purchase drugs from Hopkins and developed enough information to obtain the search warrant. There were 10 varieties of drugs including OxyContin, Hydrocodone, Methadone, Lortab, Xanax, Percocet and Suboxone. Hopkins was lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 2:24 PM
Murder Trial Continues
WEST VIRGINIA....
Following two days of varying eyewitness accounts, the prosecution in the murder trial of Jerel Addison Garner called upon a ballistics expert and a crime scene detective Friday to clarify a deadly shooting which occurred in 2008 outside the Fluid nightclub on 4th Avenue in Huntington. Both investigators testified two guns were used to spray at least 10 gunshots across 4th Avenue, killing former Marshall University football standout Donte Newsome and injuring two others, fellow football player Curtis Keyes and murder defendant Jerel Addison Garner. Witnesses testified that, following an altercation inside the club, Garner used a 44-magnum revolver to wound Newsome and Keyes, while Ivan Clark used a .40-caliber pistol to shoot Garner in his friends' defense. Garner pleaded not guilty Tuesday to counts of murder, attempted first-degree murder, wanton endangerment and carrying a concealed weapon without a license. Cabell County Prosecutor Chris Chiles relied upon Huntington Police Cpl. Steve Compton's reconstruction to debunk a defense theory that Garner was shot inside his vehicle. Compton testified he found no such evidence.
Following two days of varying eyewitness accounts, the prosecution in the murder trial of Jerel Addison Garner called upon a ballistics expert and a crime scene detective Friday to clarify a deadly shooting which occurred in 2008 outside the Fluid nightclub on 4th Avenue in Huntington. Both investigators testified two guns were used to spray at least 10 gunshots across 4th Avenue, killing former Marshall University football standout Donte Newsome and injuring two others, fellow football player Curtis Keyes and murder defendant Jerel Addison Garner. Witnesses testified that, following an altercation inside the club, Garner used a 44-magnum revolver to wound Newsome and Keyes, while Ivan Clark used a .40-caliber pistol to shoot Garner in his friends' defense. Garner pleaded not guilty Tuesday to counts of murder, attempted first-degree murder, wanton endangerment and carrying a concealed weapon without a license. Cabell County Prosecutor Chris Chiles relied upon Huntington Police Cpl. Steve Compton's reconstruction to debunk a defense theory that Garner was shot inside his vehicle. Compton testified he found no such evidence.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 2:00 PM
Veto Upsets Lawmakers
WEST VIRGINIA....
Several state lawmakers issued statements Friday following the Environmental Protection Agency's veto of a water quality permit at the Spruce No. 1 mine. Governor Joe Manchin says he's very disappointed with the way it now stands, but, with his understanding, Arch Coal will now have a chance to look at its options on moving forward with continued discussions. Manchin says he's still hopeful that something can be worked out. Senator Robert C. Byrd says the announcement begins a process that enables the company and the public to comment on the matter in writing and at public hearings. Several called it wrong and unfair for the EPA to change the rules for a permit already active. They say the EPA decision is unprecedented, unjustified and undeserved and to come back now and pull the rug out from under this mining operation is unconscionable. Bill Raney, President of the West Virginia Coal Association, has accused the EPA of playing regulatory games in revoking a permit that has been issued for three years.
Several state lawmakers issued statements Friday following the Environmental Protection Agency's veto of a water quality permit at the Spruce No. 1 mine. Governor Joe Manchin says he's very disappointed with the way it now stands, but, with his understanding, Arch Coal will now have a chance to look at its options on moving forward with continued discussions. Manchin says he's still hopeful that something can be worked out. Senator Robert C. Byrd says the announcement begins a process that enables the company and the public to comment on the matter in writing and at public hearings. Several called it wrong and unfair for the EPA to change the rules for a permit already active. They say the EPA decision is unprecedented, unjustified and undeserved and to come back now and pull the rug out from under this mining operation is unconscionable. Bill Raney, President of the West Virginia Coal Association, has accused the EPA of playing regulatory games in revoking a permit that has been issued for three years.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:58 PM
Huntington Bank Offers Reward
WEST VIRGINIA....
Officials at the Peoples Bank on 20th Street in Huntington are stepping up security and offering a $10,000 reward following its third armed robbery since June. Huntington Police investigators have detailed descriptions and surveillance footage from Friday morning's robbery. The suspect, a white male, was carrying a revolver when he committed the robbery and possibly fled in a silver car. The same location was robbed on March 2nd, but no arrest was made. Another robbery occurred at the bank on June 8, 2009 in which a 39 year old Huntington man was arrested about two weeks later and indicted last fall on charges of committing that robbery as well as robbing two convenience stores and a restaurant.
Officials at the Peoples Bank on 20th Street in Huntington are stepping up security and offering a $10,000 reward following its third armed robbery since June. Huntington Police investigators have detailed descriptions and surveillance footage from Friday morning's robbery. The suspect, a white male, was carrying a revolver when he committed the robbery and possibly fled in a silver car. The same location was robbed on March 2nd, but no arrest was made. Another robbery occurred at the bank on June 8, 2009 in which a 39 year old Huntington man was arrested about two weeks later and indicted last fall on charges of committing that robbery as well as robbing two convenience stores and a restaurant.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:56 PM
W. Va. Opposes Air Force Plan
WEST VIRGINIA....
Democratic Senators Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller sent a letter March 25th to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley voicing their opposition to the move in which the Air Force plans to transfer twelve C-130 aircraft, including two from the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston. West Virginia Adjutant General Allen Tackett is sounding the alarm that an Air Force proposal could cost the state's Air Guard two big transport aircraft, leaving only 6 of the C-130 cargo planes in Charleston. The planes and others taken from other states' Air Guard units would go to the Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas in a move designed to keep the Air Force from spending money on buying new aircraft to replace aging planes. Governor Joe Manchin finds himself fighting a battle he thought he'd won when the BRAC commission decided not to close Yeager Airport. West Virginia's congressional delegation is being asked by Tackett and Manchin to help stop the plan.
Democratic Senators Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller sent a letter March 25th to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley voicing their opposition to the move in which the Air Force plans to transfer twelve C-130 aircraft, including two from the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston. West Virginia Adjutant General Allen Tackett is sounding the alarm that an Air Force proposal could cost the state's Air Guard two big transport aircraft, leaving only 6 of the C-130 cargo planes in Charleston. The planes and others taken from other states' Air Guard units would go to the Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas in a move designed to keep the Air Force from spending money on buying new aircraft to replace aging planes. Governor Joe Manchin finds himself fighting a battle he thought he'd won when the BRAC commission decided not to close Yeager Airport. West Virginia's congressional delegation is being asked by Tackett and Manchin to help stop the plan.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:53 PM
Murder Charges Dropped
WEST VIRGINIA....
This week, Kanawha County prosecutors dropped murder charges against 64 year old Daniel Eads of South Charleston. Eads was arrested in February 2008 after he admitted he fatally shot Michael John McNamara, who was living in Eads' home at the time. Eads alleged McNamara burst into his and his wife's bedroom and started arguing with them. He says he got his gun, and it accidentally went off when McNamara hit him. Prosecutors say there wasn't enough evidence to convince a jury it wasn't self defense.
This week, Kanawha County prosecutors dropped murder charges against 64 year old Daniel Eads of South Charleston. Eads was arrested in February 2008 after he admitted he fatally shot Michael John McNamara, who was living in Eads' home at the time. Eads alleged McNamara burst into his and his wife's bedroom and started arguing with them. He says he got his gun, and it accidentally went off when McNamara hit him. Prosecutors say there wasn't enough evidence to convince a jury it wasn't self defense.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:51 PM
Dunbar Man Arrested
WEST VIRGINIA....
Following an undercover investigation by the Kanawha Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Friday detectives obtained a warrant for the arrest of 52 year old Richard Paul Diaz for the distribution and exhibiting of material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct at his residence in the Dutch Hollow Road area of Dunbar. Diaz has been arraigned and held in the South Central Regional Jail.
Following an undercover investigation by the Kanawha Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Friday detectives obtained a warrant for the arrest of 52 year old Richard Paul Diaz for the distribution and exhibiting of material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct at his residence in the Dutch Hollow Road area of Dunbar. Diaz has been arraigned and held in the South Central Regional Jail.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:50 PM
Synthetic Marijuana Bill Clears Committee
KENTUCKY...
The Kentucky Senate judiciary committee has put its stamp of approval on a bill to outlaw the manufacture, sale and possession of synthetic marijuana. The panel acted following an appeal by state representative Will Coursey. The Benton Democrat is the sponsor of a measure that bans production of the substance also known as "salvia." Van Ingram is director of the governor's office of drug control policy. He says the proposed prohibition is a good move to block drug manufacturers who are trying to beat the system. Democrat Perry Clark opposes the bill. He says it is costly and ineffective. Clark thinks it makes more sense to tax the drugs than to drive the substances into an underground economy.
The Kentucky Senate judiciary committee has put its stamp of approval on a bill to outlaw the manufacture, sale and possession of synthetic marijuana. The panel acted following an appeal by state representative Will Coursey. The Benton Democrat is the sponsor of a measure that bans production of the substance also known as "salvia." Van Ingram is director of the governor's office of drug control policy. He says the proposed prohibition is a good move to block drug manufacturers who are trying to beat the system. Democrat Perry Clark opposes the bill. He says it is costly and ineffective. Clark thinks it makes more sense to tax the drugs than to drive the substances into an underground economy.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:42 AM
School Districts Possibly Could Skip Makeup Days
KENTUCKY...
The Kentucky Senate has passed a bill to allow school districts to possibly skip some makeup days if classes were canceled for an extended time due to storms or illness. The bill comes as some districts face the prospect of long makeup periods due to a series of winter storms along with last year's swine flu outbreak. The measure passed the Senate on a 36-1 vote Friday. It goes back to the House, which will consider changes made by the Senate. The proposal would apply to school districts that have missed 20 or more instructional days. The measure also would allow districts to make up missed time by lengthening the school day.
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The Kentucky Senate has passed a bill to allow school districts to possibly skip some makeup days if classes were canceled for an extended time due to storms or illness. The bill comes as some districts face the prospect of long makeup periods due to a series of winter storms along with last year's swine flu outbreak. The measure passed the Senate on a 36-1 vote Friday. It goes back to the House, which will consider changes made by the Senate. The proposal would apply to school districts that have missed 20 or more instructional days. The measure also would allow districts to make up missed time by lengthening the school day.
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# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:21 AM
Floyd County Jail Request Tops Overall Budget
KENTUCKY...
An emphasis on the jail budget request has the Floyd County Fiscal Court approving a first-reading of a $2.37 million jail budget Wednesday, with the largest part of that amount reflecting salaries at the facility. Salaries in total at the Floyd County Detention Center make up $852,000 of the overall budget. The largest portion of that made up from jail personnel at $591,000. Those records reflect a salary of $86,980 for Floyd Jailer Roger Webb and $43,360 for Assistant Jailer Kay Webb, his wife. The remaining salaries that round out the total are for medical personnel and cooks, according to the records. Included in the budget is $477,460 earmarked for debt services such as principal and interest on bonds, while equipment for building and maintenance is expected to require $50,000.
The budget passed Wednesday and will now be set for a second reading at the county next regularly scheduled meeting.
District 3 Magistrate Donny Daniels, before offering his approval and vote Wednesday, inquired if a representative from the jail would be present for that reading for further discussion of the budget proposal at that time. County leaders expect a representative to be present for the second-reading.
An emphasis on the jail budget request has the Floyd County Fiscal Court approving a first-reading of a $2.37 million jail budget Wednesday, with the largest part of that amount reflecting salaries at the facility. Salaries in total at the Floyd County Detention Center make up $852,000 of the overall budget. The largest portion of that made up from jail personnel at $591,000. Those records reflect a salary of $86,980 for Floyd Jailer Roger Webb and $43,360 for Assistant Jailer Kay Webb, his wife. The remaining salaries that round out the total are for medical personnel and cooks, according to the records. Included in the budget is $477,460 earmarked for debt services such as principal and interest on bonds, while equipment for building and maintenance is expected to require $50,000.
The budget passed Wednesday and will now be set for a second reading at the county next regularly scheduled meeting.
District 3 Magistrate Donny Daniels, before offering his approval and vote Wednesday, inquired if a representative from the jail would be present for that reading for further discussion of the budget proposal at that time. County leaders expect a representative to be present for the second-reading.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:03 AM
Perry County Deputy Clerk Probated
KENTUCKY...
A former deputy county clerk was sentenced to serve probation and pay back more than $21,000 in restitution after entering an Alford plea during a court appearance. The case against Donna Combs, 55, of Bonnyman, was heard in Perry Circuit Court following an investigation spurred on by a 2006 audit of the Perry County Clerk’s Office. The audit, which covered the clerk’s office’s 2006 financial statement, was conducted by the state auditor’s office and found a deficit of $21,473 from Perry County Clerk Haven King’s official fee account. At the time, the missing funds appeared to be result of undeposited receipts, according to the audit. Combs entered an Alford Plea, which means she maintains her innocence, but based on the evidence against her a guilty plea would be in her best interest. Combs was sentenced to serve a total of two years probation, 300 hours of community service, and pay restitution in the amount of $21,473.
A former deputy county clerk was sentenced to serve probation and pay back more than $21,000 in restitution after entering an Alford plea during a court appearance. The case against Donna Combs, 55, of Bonnyman, was heard in Perry Circuit Court following an investigation spurred on by a 2006 audit of the Perry County Clerk’s Office. The audit, which covered the clerk’s office’s 2006 financial statement, was conducted by the state auditor’s office and found a deficit of $21,473 from Perry County Clerk Haven King’s official fee account. At the time, the missing funds appeared to be result of undeposited receipts, according to the audit. Combs entered an Alford Plea, which means she maintains her innocence, but based on the evidence against her a guilty plea would be in her best interest. Combs was sentenced to serve a total of two years probation, 300 hours of community service, and pay restitution in the amount of $21,473.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:56 AM
Competency Hearing For Nunn
KENTUCKY...
A judge has set an April 5 competency hearing for a former Kentucky lawmaker accused of killing his former fiancee. Fayette County Circuit Judge Pamela Goodwine scheduled the hearing for former state Rep. Steve Nunn on Friday. She said the hearing would be open to the public and that defendant Steve Nunn would join by phone. Nunn is the son of former Kentucky Gov. Louie Nunn. Police say the former state representative shot 29-year-old Amanda Ross multiple times on Sept. 11, 2009, outside her Lexington home. He has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge. Nunn's attorney, Warren Scoville, said Friday that a doctor has evaluated Nunn, but he declined to divulge the results of the evaluation.
A judge has set an April 5 competency hearing for a former Kentucky lawmaker accused of killing his former fiancee. Fayette County Circuit Judge Pamela Goodwine scheduled the hearing for former state Rep. Steve Nunn on Friday. She said the hearing would be open to the public and that defendant Steve Nunn would join by phone. Nunn is the son of former Kentucky Gov. Louie Nunn. Police say the former state representative shot 29-year-old Amanda Ross multiple times on Sept. 11, 2009, outside her Lexington home. He has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge. Nunn's attorney, Warren Scoville, said Friday that a doctor has evaluated Nunn, but he declined to divulge the results of the evaluation.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:40 AM
I-65 Crash Investigation
KENTUCKY...
A National Transportation Safety Board official says the highway cable barriers that a tractor-trailer truck plowed through Friday, killing 11 people, aren't designed to withstand the force of a truck that size. NTSB Vice Chairman Christopher Hart is in Kentucky to help investigate the crash on Interstate 65 near Munfordville. He says that investigation will look at the barriers as well as the company that owned the truck, Hester Inc. of Fayette, Ala., and the driver. The driver, whose name hasn't been released, died as did a group of 10 Mennonites from south-central Kentucky who were traveling in a church van to a wedding in Iowa. Kentucky Transportation Department spokesman Mark Brown says the barriers are the strongest made and that no system exists to prevent a vehicle with the size and weight of a tractor-trailer from crossing them.
A National Transportation Safety Board official says the highway cable barriers that a tractor-trailer truck plowed through Friday, killing 11 people, aren't designed to withstand the force of a truck that size. NTSB Vice Chairman Christopher Hart is in Kentucky to help investigate the crash on Interstate 65 near Munfordville. He says that investigation will look at the barriers as well as the company that owned the truck, Hester Inc. of Fayette, Ala., and the driver. The driver, whose name hasn't been released, died as did a group of 10 Mennonites from south-central Kentucky who were traveling in a church van to a wedding in Iowa. Kentucky Transportation Department spokesman Mark Brown says the barriers are the strongest made and that no system exists to prevent a vehicle with the size and weight of a tractor-trailer from crossing them.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:36 AM
Friday, March 26, 2010
West Virginia Supreme Court Cuts DuPont Verdict
WEST VIRGINIA....
The West Virginia state Supreme Court has conditionally approved a major jury verdict issued in 2008 against DuPont Co., but cut the verdict by about 30 percent. While Justices upheld most of the rulings against DuPont in the $400 million case over pollution of the town of Spelter in Harrison County, they found the Circuit Judge that presided over the case should have allowed a jury to decide if the plaintiffs had filed the case within the two-year statute of limitations. The court also ruled punitive damages may not be awarded in cases seeking future medical monitoring because of past toxic exposure...cutting the original punitive damages award by 40 percent, from $196 million to about $117.7 million. The court also cut punitive damages another $20 million, giving DuPont credit for what it spent cleaning up the site. The final punitive damages award would be $97.7 million, and the total judgment in the case about $283 million.
The West Virginia state Supreme Court has conditionally approved a major jury verdict issued in 2008 against DuPont Co., but cut the verdict by about 30 percent. While Justices upheld most of the rulings against DuPont in the $400 million case over pollution of the town of Spelter in Harrison County, they found the Circuit Judge that presided over the case should have allowed a jury to decide if the plaintiffs had filed the case within the two-year statute of limitations. The court also ruled punitive damages may not be awarded in cases seeking future medical monitoring because of past toxic exposure...cutting the original punitive damages award by 40 percent, from $196 million to about $117.7 million. The court also cut punitive damages another $20 million, giving DuPont credit for what it spent cleaning up the site. The final punitive damages award would be $97.7 million, and the total judgment in the case about $283 million.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:48 PM
EPA Vetoes Permit For Spruce Mine
WEST VIRGINIA....
Hundreds of jobs were at stake Friday as state representatives and coal miners eagerly awaited a crucial decision from the Environmental Protection Agency on whether or not it would veto a coal mining permit for one of the largest mountain top removal operations in Appalachia...Logan County's Spruce No. 1 Mine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency decided to begin the veto process after talks with Mingo Logan Coal Corp. failed to produce an agreement to reduce potential environmental and health effects at the mine. EPA will hold a 60-day comment period on its recommendation before it makes a final decision.
Hundreds of jobs were at stake Friday as state representatives and coal miners eagerly awaited a crucial decision from the Environmental Protection Agency on whether or not it would veto a coal mining permit for one of the largest mountain top removal operations in Appalachia...Logan County's Spruce No. 1 Mine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency decided to begin the veto process after talks with Mingo Logan Coal Corp. failed to produce an agreement to reduce potential environmental and health effects at the mine. EPA will hold a 60-day comment period on its recommendation before it makes a final decision.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:35 PM
Funeral Home Barred
WEST VIRGINIA....
A judge has barred the Adam Toler Memorial Funeral Home in Wyoming County from handling prepaid funerals. In December, Attorney General Darrell McGraw's office filed for an injunction after an audit uncovered misappropriations, that the home had failed to report all of its prepaid contracts as required, and the Internal Revenue Service had levied funds the home hadn't replaced in consumers' accounts. This week, representatives of the funeral home admitted that the business had misappropriated money prepaid by customers and failed to comply with the state's reporting and licensing requirements. McGraw says the funeral home not only refused to comply with requirements that protect consumers, but took consumers' hard-earned money. He encourages anyone who suspects their prepayments have been mishandled to contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 368-8808 or (304) 558-8986.
A judge has barred the Adam Toler Memorial Funeral Home in Wyoming County from handling prepaid funerals. In December, Attorney General Darrell McGraw's office filed for an injunction after an audit uncovered misappropriations, that the home had failed to report all of its prepaid contracts as required, and the Internal Revenue Service had levied funds the home hadn't replaced in consumers' accounts. This week, representatives of the funeral home admitted that the business had misappropriated money prepaid by customers and failed to comply with the state's reporting and licensing requirements. McGraw says the funeral home not only refused to comply with requirements that protect consumers, but took consumers' hard-earned money. He encourages anyone who suspects their prepayments have been mishandled to contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 368-8808 or (304) 558-8986.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:33 PM
PSC Orders Utilities To Explain Billing
WEST VIRGINIA....
During recent public hearings in Clarksburg, Iaeger and Logan, some speakers told the state Public Service Commission their January bills more than quadrupled after the December snowstorm, even though their homes were without power for up to two weeks. Many customers believe the utilities increased charges to pay for storm repair expenses. The Commission has ordered Appalachian Power and Monongahela Power to respond in writing to customers who have questions about "sky-high" electric bills and to file a copy of written responses with the PSC. The power companies must explain to customers whether their bills were based on an estimated or actual meter reading and whether the billing cycle included more or fewer days than normal. The PSC also directed Appalachian Power to respond to a series of photos presented by Senate Majority Leader Truman Chafin (D-Mingo County) at the public hearing in Iaeger.
During recent public hearings in Clarksburg, Iaeger and Logan, some speakers told the state Public Service Commission their January bills more than quadrupled after the December snowstorm, even though their homes were without power for up to two weeks. Many customers believe the utilities increased charges to pay for storm repair expenses. The Commission has ordered Appalachian Power and Monongahela Power to respond in writing to customers who have questions about "sky-high" electric bills and to file a copy of written responses with the PSC. The power companies must explain to customers whether their bills were based on an estimated or actual meter reading and whether the billing cycle included more or fewer days than normal. The PSC also directed Appalachian Power to respond to a series of photos presented by Senate Majority Leader Truman Chafin (D-Mingo County) at the public hearing in Iaeger.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:31 PM
Pagan Lawyers Seek To Have Information Withheld
WEST VIRGINIA....
On October 6, 2009, scores of federal agents fanned out across West Virginia and several other states armed with arrest warrants for members and associates of the national Pagans Motorcycle Club. Of the 55 defendants named in a 44-count indictment, 35 are scheduled for trial on May 4th, nineteen have entered guilty pleas to charges including helping stockpile explosives, extortion and selling drugs. Earlier this week, all charges against Rocco J. "Rocky" Boyd, of Little Ferry, N.J., were dismissed after he pleaded guilty to unlawfully aiding and abetting in the promotion of a raffle in which he was accused of transporting proceeds across state lines and participating in the alleged beating of a confidential informant in a New Jersey hotel room in January 2009. He was fined $5 plus court costs. Attorneys of four defendants have argued the government wrongly collected various items and statements, and asked U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston to ban prosecutors from using them at the trial.
On October 6, 2009, scores of federal agents fanned out across West Virginia and several other states armed with arrest warrants for members and associates of the national Pagans Motorcycle Club. Of the 55 defendants named in a 44-count indictment, 35 are scheduled for trial on May 4th, nineteen have entered guilty pleas to charges including helping stockpile explosives, extortion and selling drugs. Earlier this week, all charges against Rocco J. "Rocky" Boyd, of Little Ferry, N.J., were dismissed after he pleaded guilty to unlawfully aiding and abetting in the promotion of a raffle in which he was accused of transporting proceeds across state lines and participating in the alleged beating of a confidential informant in a New Jersey hotel room in January 2009. He was fined $5 plus court costs. Attorneys of four defendants have argued the government wrongly collected various items and statements, and asked U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston to ban prosecutors from using them at the trial.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:28 PM
Manchin Vetoes Video Lottery Bill
WEST VIRGINIA....
Governor Joe Manchin vetoed a bill this week that would have changed the re-bidding process for 10-year limited video lottery licenses. Manchin says he objected to SB 651 because it would have put the re-bidding process into the section of state law that pertains to the state Purchasing Division, setting up a potential conflict between that office and the state Lottery Commission, which under current law would be in charge of the re-bidding process.
Governor Joe Manchin vetoed a bill this week that would have changed the re-bidding process for 10-year limited video lottery licenses. Manchin says he objected to SB 651 because it would have put the re-bidding process into the section of state law that pertains to the state Purchasing Division, setting up a potential conflict between that office and the state Lottery Commission, which under current law would be in charge of the re-bidding process.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:25 PM
Eleven Die In Fiery Crash
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky State police say the death toll has risen to 11 in a fiery crash between a tractor-trailer and a van on northbound Interstate 65 in south-central Kentucky.
Two children survived the crash. A pastor at a southern Kentucky church says many of the victims were from a Kentucky-based Mennonite family traveling to Iowa in a van that police say was struck head-on by a tractor trailer. The van was carrying “men, women and children,” Emergency Management Director Kerry McDaniel said. He said the tractor-trailer was going south on I-65 and crossed the median, striking the van head-on near Munfordville, about 75 miles south of Louisville.
The truck hit a rock wall and burst into flames. The truck's driver was killed.
The truck was burned beyond recognition. Its cargo included automobile wheel castings. The stretch of interstate where the accident occurred can be treacherous because it narrows from three lanes to two for motorists going south into Hart County. Surviving the crash were two children...four and five years of age. The were sitting in child restraint seats. The driver of the tractor-trailer was killed in the wreck.
Kentucky State police say the death toll has risen to 11 in a fiery crash between a tractor-trailer and a van on northbound Interstate 65 in south-central Kentucky.
Two children survived the crash. A pastor at a southern Kentucky church says many of the victims were from a Kentucky-based Mennonite family traveling to Iowa in a van that police say was struck head-on by a tractor trailer. The van was carrying “men, women and children,” Emergency Management Director Kerry McDaniel said. He said the tractor-trailer was going south on I-65 and crossed the median, striking the van head-on near Munfordville, about 75 miles south of Louisville.
The truck hit a rock wall and burst into flames. The truck's driver was killed.
The truck was burned beyond recognition. Its cargo included automobile wheel castings. The stretch of interstate where the accident occurred can be treacherous because it narrows from three lanes to two for motorists going south into Hart County. Surviving the crash were two children...four and five years of age. The were sitting in child restraint seats. The driver of the tractor-trailer was killed in the wreck.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:01 PM
School Buses Collide With Horses
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky State Police say no human injuries were reported when two different school buses hit two different horses within 10 minutes of each other in practically the same spot. Police say, however, the two horses died as a result of their injuries after the collisions Wednesday. Kentucky State Police say they received the first call at 6:58 a.m. EDT reporting a Fleming County school bus had hit a horse on a road in the Foxport community. Then another call came in at 7:07 a.m. saying a Lewis County school bus struck another horse almost in the same place. Police say both buses were carrying students at the time. The Ledger Independent of Maysville reported Wednesday that the horses had wandered into the road when their owners accidentally failed to tie them up.
Kentucky State Police say no human injuries were reported when two different school buses hit two different horses within 10 minutes of each other in practically the same spot. Police say, however, the two horses died as a result of their injuries after the collisions Wednesday. Kentucky State Police say they received the first call at 6:58 a.m. EDT reporting a Fleming County school bus had hit a horse on a road in the Foxport community. Then another call came in at 7:07 a.m. saying a Lewis County school bus struck another horse almost in the same place. Police say both buses were carrying students at the time. The Ledger Independent of Maysville reported Wednesday that the horses had wandered into the road when their owners accidentally failed to tie them up.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:54 AM
Mining Company Admits Operating Without Permit
KENTUCKY...
Two environmental groups say a West Virginia-based mining company has been operating without permits in three eastern Kentucky counties, destroying local streams. London-based Kentuckians for the Commonwealth and the Lexington-based Cumberland Chapter of the Sierra Club said in a news release Thursday that Frasure Creek Mining has filled streams in Floyd, Magoffin and Pike counties in eastern Kentucky without federal permits. A spokeswoman for Frasure Creek Mining in Scott Depot, W. Va., told The Courier-Journal the company had made a mistake and had voluntarily stopped mining those areas when they discovered they had "jumped the gun." Larry Arnett, deputy commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Natural Resources, said the department is going to look into the matter.
Two environmental groups say a West Virginia-based mining company has been operating without permits in three eastern Kentucky counties, destroying local streams. London-based Kentuckians for the Commonwealth and the Lexington-based Cumberland Chapter of the Sierra Club said in a news release Thursday that Frasure Creek Mining has filled streams in Floyd, Magoffin and Pike counties in eastern Kentucky without federal permits. A spokeswoman for Frasure Creek Mining in Scott Depot, W. Va., told The Courier-Journal the company had made a mistake and had voluntarily stopped mining those areas when they discovered they had "jumped the gun." Larry Arnett, deputy commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Natural Resources, said the department is going to look into the matter.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:49 AM
PSC Will Hold Forums In Eastern KY
KENTUCKY...
The Public Service Commission has scheduled three forums in eastern Kentucky to hear public comments on a proposed rate increase by Kentucky Power Co. The meetings are April 13 in Ashland at the Auditorium, Park Place on 1701 Central Ave.; April 20 at the Pikeville High School auditorium; and April 21 at the Hazard Community and Technical College auditorium. All meetings are at 5 p.m. EDT. Kentucky Power has proposed to increase its electric rates across all classes of customers to generate an additional $123 million in revenue per year. The PSC says the average monthly bill for residential customers would rise to nearly $153, an increase of about 34 percent from the current average of about $115.
The Public Service Commission has scheduled three forums in eastern Kentucky to hear public comments on a proposed rate increase by Kentucky Power Co. The meetings are April 13 in Ashland at the Auditorium, Park Place on 1701 Central Ave.; April 20 at the Pikeville High School auditorium; and April 21 at the Hazard Community and Technical College auditorium. All meetings are at 5 p.m. EDT. Kentucky Power has proposed to increase its electric rates across all classes of customers to generate an additional $123 million in revenue per year. The PSC says the average monthly bill for residential customers would rise to nearly $153, an increase of about 34 percent from the current average of about $115.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:43 AM
Woman Impersonates Nurse To Steal Drugs
KENTUCKY...
Police in western Kentucky are searching for a woman they say posed as a nurse to steal prescription drugs from two elderly women.The woman talked her way into the apartments of the elderly women Sunday. Henderson police say the two women, who live in separate apartments, reported that a woman dressed in what appeared to be hospital scrubs came to their door claiming to be a nurse from Methodist Hospital. Police say the woman told the seniors she was conducting a survey. Police say while in the apartments, the woman stole prescription drugs.
Police in western Kentucky are searching for a woman they say posed as a nurse to steal prescription drugs from two elderly women.The woman talked her way into the apartments of the elderly women Sunday. Henderson police say the two women, who live in separate apartments, reported that a woman dressed in what appeared to be hospital scrubs came to their door claiming to be a nurse from Methodist Hospital. Police say the woman told the seniors she was conducting a survey. Police say while in the apartments, the woman stole prescription drugs.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:00 AM
Instant Racing Proposal Not Moving
KENTUCKY...
Legislation to allow Kentucky race tracks to offer a form of wagering based on old horse races appeared to drop out of contention Thursday after its leading supporter said he couldn't muster sufficient support. Sen. Damon Thayer sees the Instant Racing electronic game as a way to boost racing in Kentucky, but acknowledged that his proposal had been sidetracked by opponents. Earlier this month, the measure to authorize Instant Racing had cleared the Senate panel with strong bipartisan support but then never got a vote in the Senate. Instead, it was sent back to committee. The legislation is House Bill 368.
Legislation to allow Kentucky race tracks to offer a form of wagering based on old horse races appeared to drop out of contention Thursday after its leading supporter said he couldn't muster sufficient support. Sen. Damon Thayer sees the Instant Racing electronic game as a way to boost racing in Kentucky, but acknowledged that his proposal had been sidetracked by opponents. Earlier this month, the measure to authorize Instant Racing had cleared the Senate panel with strong bipartisan support but then never got a vote in the Senate. Instead, it was sent back to committee. The legislation is House Bill 368.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:51 AM
KY Jobless Rate Rising
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky's jobless rate rose to 10.9 percent in February, the highest since September 1983. The Office of Employment and Training released the latest
unemployment rate Thursday. Chief labor market analyst Justine Detzel said nonfarm
employment in the state has dropped to its lowest level since April
1998. Only three of 11 major nonfarm job sectors reported an
employment increase in February: educational and health services;
leisure and hospitality; and services such as repair and
maintenance businesses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a decrease of
27,023 jobs in Kentucky overall from February 2009 to February
2010. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the nation's jobless rate
remained at 9.7 percent from January 2010 to February 2010.
Kentucky's jobless rate rose to 10.9 percent in February, the highest since September 1983. The Office of Employment and Training released the latest
unemployment rate Thursday. Chief labor market analyst Justine Detzel said nonfarm
employment in the state has dropped to its lowest level since April
1998. Only three of 11 major nonfarm job sectors reported an
employment increase in February: educational and health services;
leisure and hospitality; and services such as repair and
maintenance businesses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a decrease of
27,023 jobs in Kentucky overall from February 2009 to February
2010. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the nation's jobless rate
remained at 9.7 percent from January 2010 to February 2010.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:46 AM
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Accident Kills Irvine Man
KENTUCKY....
Twenty-four year old Joseph King III of Irvine died Thursday morning at University of Kentucky Hospital of complications from thermal burns over 90 percent of his body and blunt force trauma. Authorities say, Wednesday evening, King was driving on Furnace Junction Road about 10 miles north of Irvine in Estill County when his vehicle ran off the road, over an embankment and some logs, struck a tree, puncturing the fuel tank and bursting into flames.
Twenty-four year old Joseph King III of Irvine died Thursday morning at University of Kentucky Hospital of complications from thermal burns over 90 percent of his body and blunt force trauma. Authorities say, Wednesday evening, King was driving on Furnace Junction Road about 10 miles north of Irvine in Estill County when his vehicle ran off the road, over an embankment and some logs, struck a tree, puncturing the fuel tank and bursting into flames.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:59 PM
Clay County Officials Convicted
KENTUCKY....
After a seven-week trial and about nine hours of deliberation, jurors have convicted all eight Clay County officials on charges including vote-buying, mail fraud, extortion and money laundering. The jury ruled they were jointly liable for a judgment of $3.2 million, based on the salaries and contracts they were able to get as a result of illegal acts. U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves ruled that they posed a danger to the community and were at risk to flee. He ordered all eight jailed pending sentencing in August. It is likely all eight will appeal, saying Reeves allowed admission of evidence of vote-buying and other crimes by defendants dating before the time in the indictment. More people could be charged.
After a seven-week trial and about nine hours of deliberation, jurors have convicted all eight Clay County officials on charges including vote-buying, mail fraud, extortion and money laundering. The jury ruled they were jointly liable for a judgment of $3.2 million, based on the salaries and contracts they were able to get as a result of illegal acts. U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves ruled that they posed a danger to the community and were at risk to flee. He ordered all eight jailed pending sentencing in August. It is likely all eight will appeal, saying Reeves allowed admission of evidence of vote-buying and other crimes by defendants dating before the time in the indictment. More people could be charged.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:57 PM
State Budget Raises Concerns
KENTUCKY....
House leaders met Thursday with Governor Steve Beshear to discuss concerns with legislative changes to a more than $17 billion, two-year budget. One concern deals with requiring the executive branch to cut non-merit employees and contracts with private companies. Others include cuts to education and social service groups. House Majority Leader Greg Stumbo says he knew the Senate budget would not pass the House as it currently stands.
House leaders met Thursday with Governor Steve Beshear to discuss concerns with legislative changes to a more than $17 billion, two-year budget. One concern deals with requiring the executive branch to cut non-merit employees and contracts with private companies. Others include cuts to education and social service groups. House Majority Leader Greg Stumbo says he knew the Senate budget would not pass the House as it currently stands.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:19 PM
Lawmakers Consider Gun Ban
KENTUCKY....
Some Kentucky lawmakers have been pushing for a ban on a rule that allows lawmakers and visitors to carry guns inside the state Capitol as long as they're carried openly. The proposed rule change would require visitors to check their guns in the speaker’s office. Some House leaders balked Thursday at such a change, while Republicans said people have a constitutional right to openly carry firearms wherever they wish. State Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville, said he intends to continue pushing for a change. Minority Floor Leader Jeff Hoover, R-Jamestown, said GOP lawmakers are “unanimously opposed to any further restriction on a person’s right to lawfully carry a firearm. House Speaker Greg Stumbo says he won’t call for a vote on the issue in the five days remaining in the current legislative session.
Some Kentucky lawmakers have been pushing for a ban on a rule that allows lawmakers and visitors to carry guns inside the state Capitol as long as they're carried openly. The proposed rule change would require visitors to check their guns in the speaker’s office. Some House leaders balked Thursday at such a change, while Republicans said people have a constitutional right to openly carry firearms wherever they wish. State Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville, said he intends to continue pushing for a change. Minority Floor Leader Jeff Hoover, R-Jamestown, said GOP lawmakers are “unanimously opposed to any further restriction on a person’s right to lawfully carry a firearm. House Speaker Greg Stumbo says he won’t call for a vote on the issue in the five days remaining in the current legislative session.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:17 PM
Reading Scores Rise
KENTUCKY...
Education officials say Kentucky is the only state that reported increases in both fourth- and eighth-grade reading scores in a series of national achievement tests last year. The Kentucky Department of Education released the state results from the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress. Nationwide, reading scores for fourth- and eighth-grade students held mostly steady. In Kentucky, on a scale from 0 to 500, fourth-graders scored 226, up from 222 in 2007. Eighth-graders scored 267, up from 262. Both scores are higher than the national average of 220 and 262, respectively.
Education officials say Kentucky is the only state that reported increases in both fourth- and eighth-grade reading scores in a series of national achievement tests last year. The Kentucky Department of Education released the state results from the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress. Nationwide, reading scores for fourth- and eighth-grade students held mostly steady. In Kentucky, on a scale from 0 to 500, fourth-graders scored 226, up from 222 in 2007. Eighth-graders scored 267, up from 262. Both scores are higher than the national average of 220 and 262, respectively.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:58 AM
Two Found Dead In Bell County
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky State Police are investigating the discovery of two bodies found in a house in Bell County. Kentucky State Police say they don't know if the deaths of 53-year-old Freddy Floyd Partin and 59-year-old Phillip Lee Partin were the result of foul play or something else. Police believe the bodies of the two related men were in the home in the Frakes community near Pineville for a few days before being found late Wednesday afternoon by a family member. Autopsies are being performed in Frankfort.
Kentucky State Police are investigating the discovery of two bodies found in a house in Bell County. Kentucky State Police say they don't know if the deaths of 53-year-old Freddy Floyd Partin and 59-year-old Phillip Lee Partin were the result of foul play or something else. Police believe the bodies of the two related men were in the home in the Frakes community near Pineville for a few days before being found late Wednesday afternoon by a family member. Autopsies are being performed in Frankfort.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:52 AM
Son Of Late KY Governor Arrested
KENTUCKY...
One of the sons of the late Kentucky Gov. Wallace Wilkinson is facing a felony charge of receiving stolen property over a rental car. 39-year-old Wallace G. Wilkinson Jr. pleaded not guilty to the charge and is scheduled back in court on Friday. Police say Wilkinson had possession of a 2010 GMC Acadia that National Rental Car in Cincinnati had reported stolen. In court documents, police said that Wilkinson told them the vehicle was 10 days' late being returned and that he understood why the rental company would report it stolen.
One of the sons of the late Kentucky Gov. Wallace Wilkinson is facing a felony charge of receiving stolen property over a rental car. 39-year-old Wallace G. Wilkinson Jr. pleaded not guilty to the charge and is scheduled back in court on Friday. Police say Wilkinson had possession of a 2010 GMC Acadia that National Rental Car in Cincinnati had reported stolen. In court documents, police said that Wilkinson told them the vehicle was 10 days' late being returned and that he understood why the rental company would report it stolen.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:48 AM
KLC Renews A Contract Despite Audit Conclusion
KENTUCKY...
A newspaper report says an association that represents Kentucky cities renewed a contract without competitive bidding despite an audit recommendation. The Lexington Herald-Leader reported Wednesday that the Kentucky League of Cities extended its contract with Collins and Co., an insurance claims company, less than a month after state Auditor Crit Luallen issued the recommendation. The audit was done after stories in the Herald-Leader detailed excessive spending and conflicts of interest in the agency. Member cities pay dues to the league for services including lobbying, financing and insurance. League spokeswoman Terri Johnson said the new contract was signed to include the addition of the Kentucky School Boards Insurance Trust.
A newspaper report says an association that represents Kentucky cities renewed a contract without competitive bidding despite an audit recommendation. The Lexington Herald-Leader reported Wednesday that the Kentucky League of Cities extended its contract with Collins and Co., an insurance claims company, less than a month after state Auditor Crit Luallen issued the recommendation. The audit was done after stories in the Herald-Leader detailed excessive spending and conflicts of interest in the agency. Member cities pay dues to the league for services including lobbying, financing and insurance. League spokeswoman Terri Johnson said the new contract was signed to include the addition of the Kentucky School Boards Insurance Trust.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:41 AM
Advocacy Group Seeks Public Comments
KENTUCKY...
An independent state agency that helps protect the rights of people with disabilities is planning a public forum in eastern Kentucky to hear residents' concerns. Kentucky Protection and Advocacy says in a news release it will hold the forum April 7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. Free accessible parking and sign language interpreters will be provided.
An independent state agency that helps protect the rights of people with disabilities is planning a public forum in eastern Kentucky to hear residents' concerns. Kentucky Protection and Advocacy says in a news release it will hold the forum April 7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. Free accessible parking and sign language interpreters will be provided.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:36 AM
Meth Problem Gets Legislative Attention
KENTUCKY...
What is quickly becoming a major problem in the state has a bill aimed at combating the production of methamphetamine is being considered in the House Judiciary Committee. The proposal would block some drug offenders from purchasing cold medicines commonly used in making the illicit drug that has become a scourge in Kentucky. Medicines containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are an essential ingredient in meth. The measure that cleared the committee on Wednesday would prohibit drug offenders from purchasing those medicines for five years. The bill now heads to the full House. It has already passed the Senate.
What is quickly becoming a major problem in the state has a bill aimed at combating the production of methamphetamine is being considered in the House Judiciary Committee. The proposal would block some drug offenders from purchasing cold medicines commonly used in making the illicit drug that has become a scourge in Kentucky. Medicines containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are an essential ingredient in meth. The measure that cleared the committee on Wednesday would prohibit drug offenders from purchasing those medicines for five years. The bill now heads to the full House. It has already passed the Senate.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:26 AM
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Senior Citizens' Center Honors Helen Ratliff
KENTUCKY....
The oldest senior citizens' center in Pike County was the site for a celebration of its oldest client...Helen Ratliff, who recently turned 94. An overflow crowd enjoyed the company of other seniors and special guests. Manager Carolyn Tackett hosted the gathering, remarking at the fun everyone was having. Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford, along with State Senator Ray Jones, were also in attendance. Rutherford praised the work done by the Center in Pike County. It was a wonderful time of celebration for Helen Ratliff and the Pikeville Senior Citizens' Center.
The oldest senior citizens' center in Pike County was the site for a celebration of its oldest client...Helen Ratliff, who recently turned 94. An overflow crowd enjoyed the company of other seniors and special guests. Manager Carolyn Tackett hosted the gathering, remarking at the fun everyone was having. Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford, along with State Senator Ray Jones, were also in attendance. Rutherford praised the work done by the Center in Pike County. It was a wonderful time of celebration for Helen Ratliff and the Pikeville Senior Citizens' Center.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:07 PM
Senate Approves Teacher Health Insurance
KENTUCKY....
The Senate State and Local Government Committee has unanimously approved revised House Bill 540 aimed at ensuring retired teachers continue receiving health insurance benefits. To help reduce the unfunded liability in the retired teachers’ health insurance fund from $6.2 billion to $3.4 billion over time, more money would be required from school boards and active and retired teachers. The plan would require teachers, retired teachers younger than 65 and school districts to pay increasing health insurance premiums until 2016, when the contribution for active teachers would be 3.75% of their salary. Most retired teachers under 65 would pay $37 a month next year, about $80 a month the following year and $131 a month the next year, saving taxpayers $61 million over the next two years.
The Senate State and Local Government Committee has unanimously approved revised House Bill 540 aimed at ensuring retired teachers continue receiving health insurance benefits. To help reduce the unfunded liability in the retired teachers’ health insurance fund from $6.2 billion to $3.4 billion over time, more money would be required from school boards and active and retired teachers. The plan would require teachers, retired teachers younger than 65 and school districts to pay increasing health insurance premiums until 2016, when the contribution for active teachers would be 3.75% of their salary. Most retired teachers under 65 would pay $37 a month next year, about $80 a month the following year and $131 a month the next year, saving taxpayers $61 million over the next two years.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:56 PM
Beshear Signs Cancer Bill
KENTUCKY....
Governor Steve Beshear says that often health insurance companies deny coverage for routine care for patients involved in clinical trials for cancer, leaving patients having to pay for routine care out of their pockets. The American Cancer Society says those restrictions prevent many patients from taking part in clinical trials. Beshear signed a bill that prohibits health care plans from denying coverage of routine health care costs incurred as a part of clinical trials for cancer, assuming the same services would have been covered if not part of a cancer clinical trial.
Governor Steve Beshear says that often health insurance companies deny coverage for routine care for patients involved in clinical trials for cancer, leaving patients having to pay for routine care out of their pockets. The American Cancer Society says those restrictions prevent many patients from taking part in clinical trials. Beshear signed a bill that prohibits health care plans from denying coverage of routine health care costs incurred as a part of clinical trials for cancer, assuming the same services would have been covered if not part of a cancer clinical trial.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:53 PM
Veterans Would Have Option When Arrested
KENTUCKY...
A bill that has passed the Kentucky Senate would have pretrial officers ask people arrested whether they served in combat. The measure's goal is to connect combat veterans with services to help deal with problems stemming from post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill cleared the Senate on a 35-0 vote Tuesday. The measure now returns to the House, which will decide whether to accept a change made by the Senate. Under the bill, as part of a pretrial release investigation, a pretrial officer would ask someone arrested if they had been in combat. If the suspect is a combat veteran, that person would be given contact information for assistance programs.
A bill that has passed the Kentucky Senate would have pretrial officers ask people arrested whether they served in combat. The measure's goal is to connect combat veterans with services to help deal with problems stemming from post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill cleared the Senate on a 35-0 vote Tuesday. The measure now returns to the House, which will decide whether to accept a change made by the Senate. Under the bill, as part of a pretrial release investigation, a pretrial officer would ask someone arrested if they had been in combat. If the suspect is a combat veteran, that person would be given contact information for assistance programs.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:00 PM
School Principal Selection Eased In Senate Bill
KENTUCKY...
The Kentucky Senate has passed legislation that would give school superintendents a stronger role in choosing principals. The bill would let superintendents narrow the number of candidates for a principal's job to three finalists. School-based decision-making councils would have three weeks to choose from that list. If the council couldn't agree on a choice, the superintendent would select the principal. Senators on Tuesday attached the proposal to a House-passed measure that would designate the last Wednesday in August as Kentucky Literacy Day in public schools. The amended measure passed on a 19-14 vote. It now returns to the House, which will decide whether to accept the Senate changes
The Kentucky Senate has passed legislation that would give school superintendents a stronger role in choosing principals. The bill would let superintendents narrow the number of candidates for a principal's job to three finalists. School-based decision-making councils would have three weeks to choose from that list. If the council couldn't agree on a choice, the superintendent would select the principal. Senators on Tuesday attached the proposal to a House-passed measure that would designate the last Wednesday in August as Kentucky Literacy Day in public schools. The amended measure passed on a 19-14 vote. It now returns to the House, which will decide whether to accept the Senate changes
# posted by Homer Owens @ 12:32 PM
Texting Bill Moves Through KY Senate
KENTUCKY...
A bill seeking to ban people from sending text messages while driving in Kentucky has won approval from the state Senate. The measure would prohibit drivers from writing, sending or reading text messages when their vehicle is in motion. It cleared the Senate on a 27-6 vote Tuesday and now goes to the House. Under the bill, violators would receive a warning for the rest of the year. Starting in 2011, violators would pay a fine of $25 plus court costs for a first offense, and a $50 fine plus court courts for repeat offenses. Opponents questioned how law enforcement would be able to enforce the measure.
A bill seeking to ban people from sending text messages while driving in Kentucky has won approval from the state Senate. The measure would prohibit drivers from writing, sending or reading text messages when their vehicle is in motion. It cleared the Senate on a 27-6 vote Tuesday and now goes to the House. Under the bill, violators would receive a warning for the rest of the year. Starting in 2011, violators would pay a fine of $25 plus court costs for a first offense, and a $50 fine plus court courts for repeat offenses. Opponents questioned how law enforcement would be able to enforce the measure.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 12:03 PM
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Pike County Bus Driver Remains In Hospital
KENTUCKY....
Pike County school bus driver 65 year old Peggy Childers, who was injured in a crash Monday remained hospitalized Tuesday at the UK Medical Center in Lexington. Troopers say the bus she was driving had just left Millard School when the gravel truck driver, Kendall Slusher of Salyersville, lost control in a sharp curve on 460, hitting the bus. A preliminary investigation shows Slusher may have been driving too fast.
Pike County school bus driver 65 year old Peggy Childers, who was injured in a crash Monday remained hospitalized Tuesday at the UK Medical Center in Lexington. Troopers say the bus she was driving had just left Millard School when the gravel truck driver, Kendall Slusher of Salyersville, lost control in a sharp curve on 460, hitting the bus. A preliminary investigation shows Slusher may have been driving too fast.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:27 PM
Drug Bust Nets Three Arrests
KENTUCKY....
Kentucky State Police say 44 year old Josephine Kelly of Vicco, 46 year old Jeffrey Adams of Bulan and 55 year old Jeffrey Jent of Vicco have been arrested and charged with trafficking a controlled substance in Knott and Perry counties.
Kentucky State Police say 44 year old Josephine Kelly of Vicco, 46 year old Jeffrey Adams of Bulan and 55 year old Jeffrey Jent of Vicco have been arrested and charged with trafficking a controlled substance in Knott and Perry counties.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:25 PM
Dropout Age Changed In Senate Bill
KENTUCKY...
The Senate Education Committee has approved a bill that would raise the minimum dropout age from 16 to 18, but not before making an amendment that would delay implementation of the change. The original measure, which cleared the House earlier this month, would have implemented the change in 2013. The Senate change approved Tuesday would raise Kentucky's minimum dropout age from 16 to 17 effective July 1, 2015. A year later, the minimum dropout age would go to 18. Nearly 6,500 Kentucky students dropped out last year.
The Senate Education Committee has approved a bill that would raise the minimum dropout age from 16 to 18, but not before making an amendment that would delay implementation of the change. The original measure, which cleared the House earlier this month, would have implemented the change in 2013. The Senate change approved Tuesday would raise Kentucky's minimum dropout age from 16 to 17 effective July 1, 2015. A year later, the minimum dropout age would go to 18. Nearly 6,500 Kentucky students dropped out last year.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 2:06 PM
Alleged Pitino Extortion Case Set For Trial
KENTUCKY...
A June trial date has been tenatively set for a woman charged in an alleged extortion attempt of University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino. U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson on Monday set the trial for June 1 at the federal courthouse in Louisville. Karen Cunagin Sypher has pleaded not guilty to trying to extort money from Pitino, retaliating against a witness and lying to the FBI. She is accused of demanding college tuition for her children, her house to be paid off and $10 million. Pitino has acknowledged a brief fling with Sypher at a Louisville restaurant in 2003. Sypher has said the sexual encounter was not consensual.
A June trial date has been tenatively set for a woman charged in an alleged extortion attempt of University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino. U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson on Monday set the trial for June 1 at the federal courthouse in Louisville. Karen Cunagin Sypher has pleaded not guilty to trying to extort money from Pitino, retaliating against a witness and lying to the FBI. She is accused of demanding college tuition for her children, her house to be paid off and $10 million. Pitino has acknowledged a brief fling with Sypher at a Louisville restaurant in 2003. Sypher has said the sexual encounter was not consensual.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:06 AM
Fruits And Veggies For Schools
KENTUCKY...
More than 30,000 Kentucky elementary school students may be getting more fresh fruit and vegetables during the school day. Kentucky has been allocated $1.8 million for use next school year for students from preschool through sixth grade in schools where at least half of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
Participating schools must agree to offer free fresh fruits and vegetables to all enrolled students during the school day at least three days a week and at a time other than meal service periods. The state Education Department says the purpose is to increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption by younger schoolchildren, especially low-income students.
More than 30,000 Kentucky elementary school students may be getting more fresh fruit and vegetables during the school day. Kentucky has been allocated $1.8 million for use next school year for students from preschool through sixth grade in schools where at least half of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
Participating schools must agree to offer free fresh fruits and vegetables to all enrolled students during the school day at least three days a week and at a time other than meal service periods. The state Education Department says the purpose is to increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption by younger schoolchildren, especially low-income students.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:49 AM
15-Year Old To Be Tried In Murder Trial As Adult
KENTUCKY...
A 15-year-old girl who is one of the youngest in Kentucky to be charged with murder in adult court has turned down a plea offer and is to go on trial Oct. 12. Kenton County Circuit Judge Martin Sheehan set Emily Ball's trial date on Monday. Ball was 14 when she was charged with murder, kidnapping and tampering with physical evidence in the death of 17-year-old Travis White. Two adults are also charged in the killing and are to be tried Aug. 31.
A 15-year-old girl who is one of the youngest in Kentucky to be charged with murder in adult court has turned down a plea offer and is to go on trial Oct. 12. Kenton County Circuit Judge Martin Sheehan set Emily Ball's trial date on Monday. Ball was 14 when she was charged with murder, kidnapping and tampering with physical evidence in the death of 17-year-old Travis White. Two adults are also charged in the killing and are to be tried Aug. 31.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:38 AM
Ex Judge-Executive Sentenced
KENTUCKY...
A judge has ordered three years of probation for a former eastern Kentucky county official in a vote-fraud case. Former Perry County Judge-Executive Sherman Neace pleaded guilty last year to mail fraud. He admitted mailing false election reports to cover diverting $7,500 from state Democratic Party officials and using it to buy votes in November 2008. The money was to have been used to boost voter turnout. Six months of Neace's probation will be on home detention. Neace lost re-election in 1998after serving three terms as judge-executive. He was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison in 2000 for selling used cars to the county at inflated prices while he was in office. Fomer Perry County Circuit Clerk Chester Jones also has pleaded guilty in the case but hasn't been sentenced.
A judge has ordered three years of probation for a former eastern Kentucky county official in a vote-fraud case. Former Perry County Judge-Executive Sherman Neace pleaded guilty last year to mail fraud. He admitted mailing false election reports to cover diverting $7,500 from state Democratic Party officials and using it to buy votes in November 2008. The money was to have been used to boost voter turnout. Six months of Neace's probation will be on home detention. Neace lost re-election in 1998after serving three terms as judge-executive. He was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison in 2000 for selling used cars to the county at inflated prices while he was in office. Fomer Perry County Circuit Clerk Chester Jones also has pleaded guilty in the case but hasn't been sentenced.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:32 AM
Monday, March 22, 2010
Senate Passes State Budget
KENTUCKY....
The Kentucky Senate voted 35-2 Monday to pass an approximate $17.3 billion two-year state budget plan which contains deeper spending cuts than the House version. The Senate version eliminates nearly $1 billion in school, water and sewer projects although House Speaker Greg Stumbo warned cutting the projects could jeopardize the state budget. The Senate cut an extra 1.5 percent from nearly all areas of state government. The only area that appears to be exempt from those cuts is the Department of Revenue. A House-Senate conference committee will now attempt to resolve the many differences between the two budgets.
The Kentucky Senate voted 35-2 Monday to pass an approximate $17.3 billion two-year state budget plan which contains deeper spending cuts than the House version. The Senate version eliminates nearly $1 billion in school, water and sewer projects although House Speaker Greg Stumbo warned cutting the projects could jeopardize the state budget. The Senate cut an extra 1.5 percent from nearly all areas of state government. The only area that appears to be exempt from those cuts is the Department of Revenue. A House-Senate conference committee will now attempt to resolve the many differences between the two budgets.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:42 PM
Adopt-A-Highway Spring Cleanup Week Underway
KENTUCKY....
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced that the Adopt-a-Highway Spring Cleanup Week got underway Monday and will be held March 21-27. Nearly 1,100 groups participate in Kentucky's Adopt-a-Highway program, which the cabinet established in 1988, while volunteers clean approximately 8,800 miles of roadsides annually.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced that the Adopt-a-Highway Spring Cleanup Week got underway Monday and will be held March 21-27. Nearly 1,100 groups participate in Kentucky's Adopt-a-Highway program, which the cabinet established in 1988, while volunteers clean approximately 8,800 miles of roadsides annually.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:39 PM
School Bus Accident
KENTUCKY...
A collision between a 10-wheel gravel truck and a Pike County school bus near the Millard School shortly following dismissal at 3:30 P.M. Monday sent several students and the driver of the truck to the Pikeville Medical Center for observation and determination of injuries. The bus, carrying elementary, middle school and high school students, remained on the roadway after being hit on the driver's side near a sharp curve on old U.S. 460. One person invovled in the accident was transported to a Lexington hospital.
A collision between a 10-wheel gravel truck and a Pike County school bus near the Millard School shortly following dismissal at 3:30 P.M. Monday sent several students and the driver of the truck to the Pikeville Medical Center for observation and determination of injuries. The bus, carrying elementary, middle school and high school students, remained on the roadway after being hit on the driver's side near a sharp curve on old U.S. 460. One person invovled in the accident was transported to a Lexington hospital.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:31 PM
Priest Indicted
KENTUCKY....
A suspended Catholic priest has entered a no-contest plea to charges involving the abuse of two men when they were teenagers during the time he ministered at a church in Frankfort. Rev. Joseph Muench entered the Alford plea. He did not admit guilt, but agreed the state had sufficient evidence to convict him had the case gone to trial. Muench had been indicted on two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, but entered the plea to first-degree unlawful imprisonment and criminal attempt to commit first-degree sexual abuse. The Diocese of Lexington suspended the 54-year-old Muench in July. He was then pastor of Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary in Lexington.
Sentencing was scheduled for May 21.
A suspended Catholic priest has entered a no-contest plea to charges involving the abuse of two men when they were teenagers during the time he ministered at a church in Frankfort. Rev. Joseph Muench entered the Alford plea. He did not admit guilt, but agreed the state had sufficient evidence to convict him had the case gone to trial. Muench had been indicted on two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, but entered the plea to first-degree unlawful imprisonment and criminal attempt to commit first-degree sexual abuse. The Diocese of Lexington suspended the 54-year-old Muench in July. He was then pastor of Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary in Lexington.
Sentencing was scheduled for May 21.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 2:52 PM
Three Found Dead In Clark County
KENTUCKY...
Police in central Kentucky are investigating the deaths of three men whose bodies were found in a rural home in Clark County Sunday night. Clark County Coroner Robert Gayheart said the three men, Clayton W. Edge, 23, Robert R. Reese, 24, and Dustin A. Browning, 21, all of Winchester, each died of suspected gunshot wounds. They will undergo autopsies in Frankfort. Sheriff Berl Perdue Jr. says one of the victims rented the home in the 2500 block of Pine Ridge Road where the bodies were found by three friends who went to the home late Sunday night.
Police in central Kentucky are investigating the deaths of three men whose bodies were found in a rural home in Clark County Sunday night. Clark County Coroner Robert Gayheart said the three men, Clayton W. Edge, 23, Robert R. Reese, 24, and Dustin A. Browning, 21, all of Winchester, each died of suspected gunshot wounds. They will undergo autopsies in Frankfort. Sheriff Berl Perdue Jr. says one of the victims rented the home in the 2500 block of Pine Ridge Road where the bodies were found by three friends who went to the home late Sunday night.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 2:43 PM
Gas Prices On The Rise
KENTUCKY...
Average retail gasoline prices in Kentucky climbed 5.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.78 per gallon of regular on Monday. The increase outstripped the national average that saw gas prices increase 3.6 cents per gallon over the past week but Kentucky’s average price for regular was four cents lower than the $2.82 per gallon national average. Kentucky gas prices are 89.2 cents per gallon higher than a year ago and 18.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average price is 87.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago and 15.4 cents per gallon higher than it was last month.
Average retail gasoline prices in Kentucky climbed 5.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.78 per gallon of regular on Monday. The increase outstripped the national average that saw gas prices increase 3.6 cents per gallon over the past week but Kentucky’s average price for regular was four cents lower than the $2.82 per gallon national average. Kentucky gas prices are 89.2 cents per gallon higher than a year ago and 18.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average price is 87.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago and 15.4 cents per gallon higher than it was last month.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 2:31 PM
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Thayer Seeks Support For Instant Racing
KENTUCKY....
Senator Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown) says support for his proposal to allow Kentucky race tracks to offer an electric game based on old horse races has evaporated among Republican colleagues following Senate President David Williams' skepticism of the bill and lobbying by anti-gambling forces. Having cleared a Senate committee with strong bipartisan support, the Instant Racing electric game appeared to have hit its stride. However, Thayer says he's scrambling to see if there are the votes to pass it back out of committee and onto the Senate floor. Thayer says he hasn't given up yet although he thinks success is a long shot. But, Thayer said. "Occasionally in horse racing, long shots do come in."
Senator Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown) says support for his proposal to allow Kentucky race tracks to offer an electric game based on old horse races has evaporated among Republican colleagues following Senate President David Williams' skepticism of the bill and lobbying by anti-gambling forces. Having cleared a Senate committee with strong bipartisan support, the Instant Racing electric game appeared to have hit its stride. However, Thayer says he's scrambling to see if there are the votes to pass it back out of committee and onto the Senate floor. Thayer says he hasn't given up yet although he thinks success is a long shot. But, Thayer said. "Occasionally in horse racing, long shots do come in."
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:12 PM
Supreme Court Rules On Internet Gambling
KENTUCKY....
In an attempt to restrict Kentuckians' access to internet gambling domains, the Beshear administration sued in Franklin Circuit Court in 2008 to give the state control of 141 gambling Web site domain names. Kentucky Supreme Court Justices ruled last week that trade groups like the Interactive Gaming Council, which hired lawyers to fight the state's action, don't have standing to represent the owners of gambling Web sites. The court ruled that, if the owners of Internet gambling operations don't want the state to seize the domain names of their Web sites, they need to show up in court.
In an attempt to restrict Kentuckians' access to internet gambling domains, the Beshear administration sued in Franklin Circuit Court in 2008 to give the state control of 141 gambling Web site domain names. Kentucky Supreme Court Justices ruled last week that trade groups like the Interactive Gaming Council, which hired lawyers to fight the state's action, don't have standing to represent the owners of gambling Web sites. The court ruled that, if the owners of Internet gambling operations don't want the state to seize the domain names of their Web sites, they need to show up in court.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:36 PM
KSP Captain Faces Assault Charges
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky State Police Captain Jeff Caudill is facing charges of fourth degree misdemeanor assault of a juvenile in Pike County. A criminal complaint served on January 8th says Caudill intentionally shoved or pushed a juvenile on or about October 9th, but court records say there was no visible injury from the alleged incident. He had served as a commander at the Ashland and Hazard police posts before taking command of the Pikeville post on February 18, 2008 and is now assigned to the inspections and evaluations branch while state police conduct an internal investigation. Caudill is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on May 4th.
Kentucky State Police Captain Jeff Caudill is facing charges of fourth degree misdemeanor assault of a juvenile in Pike County. A criminal complaint served on January 8th says Caudill intentionally shoved or pushed a juvenile on or about October 9th, but court records say there was no visible injury from the alleged incident. He had served as a commander at the Ashland and Hazard police posts before taking command of the Pikeville post on February 18, 2008 and is now assigned to the inspections and evaluations branch while state police conduct an internal investigation. Caudill is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on May 4th.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 3:54 PM
Johnson County Couple Sought
KENTUCKY...
Deputies with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department say Nick and Sherry Ferguson of Staffordsville were operating a "shake and bake" meth lab inside their home. The Sheriff says they were investigating an 18-year-old in the hospital who overdosed when the teenager survived and gave them enough information to search the Ferguson's home where they found ingredients to produce "shake and bake" meth. Sheriff Bill Whitten says a "shake and bake" lab is, "a method that's done much quicker, within a couple of hours, they can manufacture this type of methamphetamine." Deputies removed 12 bottles of the drug. The Sheriff has issued warrants for the arrest of Nick and Sherry Ferguson. If you have any information, you're asked to call the Sheriff's Department.
Deputies with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department say Nick and Sherry Ferguson of Staffordsville were operating a "shake and bake" meth lab inside their home. The Sheriff says they were investigating an 18-year-old in the hospital who overdosed when the teenager survived and gave them enough information to search the Ferguson's home where they found ingredients to produce "shake and bake" meth. Sheriff Bill Whitten says a "shake and bake" lab is, "a method that's done much quicker, within a couple of hours, they can manufacture this type of methamphetamine." Deputies removed 12 bottles of the drug. The Sheriff has issued warrants for the arrest of Nick and Sherry Ferguson. If you have any information, you're asked to call the Sheriff's Department.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:56 AM
Miscalculation In Recently Passed Budget
KENTUCKY...
Representative Rick Rand (D-Bedford), the chairman of the House budget committee says the budget passed by the state House and now before the Senate may be out of balance by $100 million. Rand says the problem, which was pointed out by the Beshear administration, was a miscalculation of the state's cost for public employee health insurance. He says his staff believes an additional $28 million needs to be added to each of the budget's two years to fund the state's contributions for public employee health insurance. Rand says the Senate has been informed of the miscalculation, but is not sure whether they will have enough time to address it. If not, it will be addressed in the conference committee. House Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg) has called it a $20 million-plus hole and says addressing the issue is an additional reason for the conference committee to get to work on the final budget bill as soon as possible.
Representative Rick Rand (D-Bedford), the chairman of the House budget committee says the budget passed by the state House and now before the Senate may be out of balance by $100 million. Rand says the problem, which was pointed out by the Beshear administration, was a miscalculation of the state's cost for public employee health insurance. He says his staff believes an additional $28 million needs to be added to each of the budget's two years to fund the state's contributions for public employee health insurance. Rand says the Senate has been informed of the miscalculation, but is not sure whether they will have enough time to address it. If not, it will be addressed in the conference committee. House Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg) has called it a $20 million-plus hole and says addressing the issue is an additional reason for the conference committee to get to work on the final budget bill as soon as possible.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:27 AM
Former Deputy Acquitted
KENTUCKY...
An eastern Kentucky jury has acquitted a former volunteer deputy sheriff of charges in a man's death. The not guilty verdict was returned on charges of second degree manslaughter, wanton murder and reckless homicide that had been filed against Scott Moore. Moore, who was a special deputy in Harlan County, had been indicted in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Leslie Cox as the deputy tried to break up a fight in 2007. Cox's death occurred in Harlan County. The trial of Moore was moved to Rockcastle County.
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An eastern Kentucky jury has acquitted a former volunteer deputy sheriff of charges in a man's death. The not guilty verdict was returned on charges of second degree manslaughter, wanton murder and reckless homicide that had been filed against Scott Moore. Moore, who was a special deputy in Harlan County, had been indicted in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Leslie Cox as the deputy tried to break up a fight in 2007. Cox's death occurred in Harlan County. The trial of Moore was moved to Rockcastle County.
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# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:15 AM
Nighbert Acknowledges Ethics Violation
KENTUCKY...
Former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert has admitted that he violated a government ethics code and has agreed to pay a $500 fine to resolve a case before the Executive Branch Ethics Commission. Nighbert acknowledged in a settlement agreement that he had failed to disclose ownership interest in a business called Double Buck LLC. The state ethics code requires that each year executive branch officials disclose to the commission the names of businesses in which they have an interest of at least $10,000 or 5 percent. The Executive Branch Ethics Commission approved Nighbert's settlement agreement Friday. Nighbert had given his approval last week.
Former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert has admitted that he violated a government ethics code and has agreed to pay a $500 fine to resolve a case before the Executive Branch Ethics Commission. Nighbert acknowledged in a settlement agreement that he had failed to disclose ownership interest in a business called Double Buck LLC. The state ethics code requires that each year executive branch officials disclose to the commission the names of businesses in which they have an interest of at least $10,000 or 5 percent. The Executive Branch Ethics Commission approved Nighbert's settlement agreement Friday. Nighbert had given his approval last week.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:11 AM
Former Blue Grass Airport Executive Pleads Guilty
KENTUCKY...
A former top executive of Lexington's Blue Grass Airport has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to commit theft by deception. John Slone, the airport's former director of planning and development, had faced a felony theft charge stemming from hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses that executives billed to the airport. The charge was reduced as part of a plea agreement that requires him to testify against other defendants. The airport board forced the four men, including Slone, to resign in January 2009
A former top executive of Lexington's Blue Grass Airport has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to commit theft by deception. John Slone, the airport's former director of planning and development, had faced a felony theft charge stemming from hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses that executives billed to the airport. The charge was reduced as part of a plea agreement that requires him to testify against other defendants. The airport board forced the four men, including Slone, to resign in January 2009
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:06 AM
