Saturday, June 12, 2010
Drug Court Observance
KENTUCKY....
Participants in Drug Court programs across Kentucky have been busy helping their communities in celebration of National Drug Court Month in May. While National Drug Court Month is observed annually in May, some programs recognize it with projects earlier in the year or have ongoing projects. The national theme for the month was All Rise: Putting Drug Court Within Reach of Every Person in Need. Kentucky Drug Court programs adopted an additional theme – Drug Courts: Keeping Kentucky Clean. Drug Court programs statewide are administered through the Administrative Office of the Courts, Department of Drug Court (Kentucky Drug Court), in Frankfort. In Pike County a panel of participants spoke with students at Johnson County Alternative School about Drug Court and substance abuse and recovery.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:25 PM
Man Kidnapped And Assaulted
KENTUCKY...
A Kentucky man has been charged with kidnapping and assault after police said he tied up his cousin, hung him upside down in his basement and beat and cut him for hours. Police said 38-year-old Dante Watts assaulted his cousin, 31-year-old Eric Woods, because he thought Woods knew about some missing drug money. Detective Larry Alvey of the St. Matthews Police Department said Watts shackled Woods' legs together and hung him upside down by his ankles. Both of his eye sockets were fractured and he was cut several times and left upside down overnight. Woods escaped the next day and was treated for his injuries. Police weren't able to find Watts until he was pulled over by Louisville police on a traffic stop.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:23 PM
Louisville Metro Councilman Dies
KENTUCKY...
A Louisville Metro councilman has died after falling in his office. Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Sam Weakley said 66-year-old George Unseld bled to death after falling in his office Thursday evening. Unseld was a retired educator who had represented Old Louisville and other urban neighborhoods since 1999. He served two terms as a Louisville alderman before the city and county governments merged. After Metro Louisville formed, he was elected to three terms. Although other city officials tried to control the bleeding and performed CPR while waiting for paramedics, the councilman was pronounced dead after arriving at University Hospital.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:09 PM
Drug Roundup Nets 24
KENTUCKY...
Police have arrested two dozen people in western Kentucky on drug charges after a yearlong investigation. Kentucky State Police said several law enforcement agencies conducted the drug roundup in the Tompkinsville area. 24 people were arrested on charges of trafficking in a controlled substance and all were taken to the Monroe County Jail. The investigation was spurred by a prescription drug problem in the area.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:57 PM
Mary Todd Lincoln Insanity Papers
KENTUCKY...
A Louisville history museum has made the winning bid for Mary Todd Lincoln's insanity commitment papers. The Frazier International History Museum agreed to pay $32,000 for the historic papers. The papers were found in the home of a Louisville family that was related to the owners of the Illinois asylum where Lincoln was committed briefly in 1875 by her son Robert Todd Lincoln. The papers, including her arrest warrant, were recently authenticated and provide a paper trail of an episode whose motivations are still being debated.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:45 PM
Airport Official Convicted
KENTUKY...
A former Blue Grass Airport official who was convicted of theft will serve no jail time unless he violates terms of a five-year conditional discharge. John S. Rhodes was sentenced Friday to 2� years in prison, but the judge conditionally discharged Rhodes for five years. If the 56-year-old Rhodes gets into trouble with the law in the next five years, he could have to serve out the sentence. Prosecutors recommended that Rhodes serve five years in jail. Rhodes pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft by deception in April. In the plea deal, prosecutors asked that five similar counts be dismissed. Rhodes' conviction involved his use of an airport credit card. Rhodes is a former administration and finance director of the Lexington airport.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:37 PM
Psychiatric Defense In Stabbing Death
KENTUCKY...
Psychologists have testified that murder defendant Sean Noakes told them years ago that he was hearing voices that told him to do things. The testimony came Thursday in Boone Circuit Court as Noakes' attorneys tried to fend off charges that could send their client to prison for life, if he is convicted. One psychologist, David Roebker, evaluated Noakes when he was being involuntarily committed to Eastern State Hospital in 1993, saying Noakes was hearing voices and having homicidal thoughts. The defense doesn't dispute that Noakes fatally stabbed 51-year-old Sharon Gette and wounded her now- 72-year-old mother Barbara Rogers in 2008. Noakes' attorneys have asked jurors to find their client not guilty because of insanity.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:28 PM
Beaten Woman Dies
KENTUCKY...
Police in Lexington say a woman found badly beaten in some bushes behind her apartment building has died. The victim has been identified as 44-year-old Umi Southworth. A police spokeswoman says the department is investigating the death as a homicide. No suspects have been identified. Investigators have interviewed the victim's husband, Don Southworth, and did not detain him. Police went to check on Umi Southworth after co-workers said she failed to come to work on Wednesday. Officers found her in the bushes, beaten so badly that they first called the coroner's office. Authorities say the couple's 12-year-old daughter is safe, but declined to say where she is staying.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:19 PM
Northpoint Training Center Rebuilding Cost
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky prison officials say it will cost $18.8 million to rebuild at Northpoint Training Center, where most of the buildings were destroyed or damaged in a fiery riot. Officials said construction at the medium-security prison should be complete by the end of next year. The comments came during a meeting Thursday of the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Five buildings used for visitation, medical use and other services were destroyed and most of the prison's dormitories were damaged last year at the facility near Burgin in central Kentucky. About 700 inmates are housed there now.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:12 PM
Shoot Hoops Not Drugs Basketball Camps
KENTUCKY...
Two free basketball camps featuring former University of Kentucky star
Jeff Sheppard are coming to Pike County on Tuesday, June 29. These interactive camp programs, open to all school-age youth, tip off at 11 a.m. at Phelps High School and 4 p.m. at East Ridge High School. Participants are asked to arrive about 30 minutes early to register. All participants will receive a special event basketball, T-shirt and be eligible to win one of two portable basketball goals to be given away at each camp. Hotdogs and water will be provided.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:59 PM
Waterline And Sewer Funding For Pikeville
KENTUCKY...
U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture-Rural Development (USDA-RD) awarde a $1,837,000 loan and $613,000 grant to the City of Pikeville to replace the existing waterline along US 23 and extend sewer service to 77 new users in rural Pike County. The funding will be used to extend a reliable source of sanitary sewer and safe drinking water to residents of Pike County. The current 12 inch waterline will be replaced to ensure a healthier water infrastructure. The complete rehabilitation of the lift station and extension of the sanitary sewage lines will compensate for an anticipated increase in usage. Once the project is complete, 77 new urban and rural users, including Mullins Elementary School, will have clean water and efficient sewer lines.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:51 PM
Hartford Man Arrested On Drug Charges
KENTUCKY...
Boyd County Sheriff Deputies say a local foreman was dealing drugs while on the job.
Deputies arrested Jeffrey L. Kassinger,49, of Hartford, Ky., and charged him with one count of trafficking in a controlled substance. Investigators say Kassinger is a foreman at Veolia Environmental Services, located on Hoods Creek Pike in the Westwood area. According the the incident report, Kassinger advised an informant to meet him at his office. Instead, deputies showed up and found meth in a package to be delivered to the informant. They also found another package of meth on Kassinger, according to the report. He is being held in the Boyd County Detention Center..
# posted by Homer Owens @ 3:32 PM
US 23 Catlettsburg-Ashland Corridor 35mph
KENTUCKY...
Drivers will soon need to put on the brakes when they're driving through part of US 23 in Boyd County. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is looking at a speed limit reduction for the highway. It would affect the stretch of road from Catlettsburg to Ashland, specifically the 5.5 mile section from England Hill to the Winchester-Greenup Avenue intersection is now reduced by 10 miles per hour. A news release from the transportation cabinet says, "while that route is currently posted at 35 mph, motorists should heed all warning signs."
# posted by Homer Owens @ 12:04 PM
Frontier Communications Confident About Takeover
WEST VIRGINIA....
Frontier Communications Corp.has received all regulatory approvals required to allow it to purchase Verizon's landlines in West Virginia and 13 other states, a deal valued at $8.6 billion. On May 13 the state Public Service Commission approved the transaction, which is valued at $8.6 billion, and earlier this week the commission denied a request by its Consumer Advocate Division to reconsider its decision. Monday is the deadline for the Communications Workers of America to appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court. Frontier says it's focused on taking over in West Virginia on July 1st. In addition to about 2,100 current Frontier employees and Verizon workers who will become Frontier employees, there will be 400 additional Frontier staffers in West Virginia on the first day to make sure everything goes well.
Frontier Communications Corp.has received all regulatory approvals required to allow it to purchase Verizon's landlines in West Virginia and 13 other states, a deal valued at $8.6 billion. On May 13 the state Public Service Commission approved the transaction, which is valued at $8.6 billion, and earlier this week the commission denied a request by its Consumer Advocate Division to reconsider its decision. Monday is the deadline for the Communications Workers of America to appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court. Frontier says it's focused on taking over in West Virginia on July 1st. In addition to about 2,100 current Frontier employees and Verizon workers who will become Frontier employees, there will be 400 additional Frontier staffers in West Virginia on the first day to make sure everything goes well.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:38 AM
Mine Safety Chief Issuing Subpoenas
WEST VIRGINIA....
Mine Safety Chief Ron Wooten with the state Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training says he's begun issuing subpoenas for people who skipped interviews with investigators probing the April 5th explosion at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch Mine. Reports of approaching thunderstorms and possible lightning forced exploration teams out of the mine around midday Friday. Those teams have been working at the UBB Mine during the past week.
Mine Safety Chief Ron Wooten with the state Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training says he's begun issuing subpoenas for people who skipped interviews with investigators probing the April 5th explosion at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch Mine. Reports of approaching thunderstorms and possible lightning forced exploration teams out of the mine around midday Friday. Those teams have been working at the UBB Mine during the past week.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:01 AM
West Virginia Supreme Court Disbars Attorney
WEST VIRGINIA....
The West Virginia Supreme Court has disbarred Marion County attorney G. Patrick Stanton, Jr. of Fairmont after he misrepresented himself to prison officials at the Prunytown Correctional Facility in Taylor County in October 2005. The ruling requires the permanent forfeiture of his license to practice law in West Virginia. Correction fficials say Stanton told prison officials he was representing female inmate Rose Auvil. Later, the Investigative Panel of the Lawyer Disciplinary Board learned Stanton had represented Auvil in the past, but the two had engaged in a sexual relationship dating back to 1986. Court documents say Stanton admitted he lied to a corrections official in order to schedule a visit. After traveling from Fairmont to Grafton, Stanton was caught engaged in sexual acts with Auvil.
The West Virginia Supreme Court has disbarred Marion County attorney G. Patrick Stanton, Jr. of Fairmont after he misrepresented himself to prison officials at the Prunytown Correctional Facility in Taylor County in October 2005. The ruling requires the permanent forfeiture of his license to practice law in West Virginia. Correction fficials say Stanton told prison officials he was representing female inmate Rose Auvil. Later, the Investigative Panel of the Lawyer Disciplinary Board learned Stanton had represented Auvil in the past, but the two had engaged in a sexual relationship dating back to 1986. Court documents say Stanton admitted he lied to a corrections official in order to schedule a visit. After traveling from Fairmont to Grafton, Stanton was caught engaged in sexual acts with Auvil.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:43 AM
Legislative Working Group Focuses On Reform
WEST VIRGINIA....
The legislative working group consisting of five state senators and five delegates focused this week on bills relating to education reform legislation for incentive pay for teachers, hiring practices and how to improve low-performing schools. The group won't meet again until June 24th. Governor Joe Manchin says there will be more than enough time for all lawmakers and state residents to review the bills before the special session resumes July 19th.
The legislative working group consisting of five state senators and five delegates focused this week on bills relating to education reform legislation for incentive pay for teachers, hiring practices and how to improve low-performing schools. The group won't meet again until June 24th. Governor Joe Manchin says there will be more than enough time for all lawmakers and state residents to review the bills before the special session resumes July 19th.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:24 AM
Department Of Transportation Over-Budgets
WEST VIRGINIA....
The West Virginia state Department of Transportation says the agency set aside $54 million to cover snow removal, overtime and materials this past winter, but costs ballooned to $66 million by the time spring arrived...taking them to $12 million over budget. Transportation officials say they will probably receive only $1 million in federal disaster funds from FEMA, less than a tenth of the amount hoped for. They've already received $400,000.
The West Virginia state Department of Transportation says the agency set aside $54 million to cover snow removal, overtime and materials this past winter, but costs ballooned to $66 million by the time spring arrived...taking them to $12 million over budget. Transportation officials say they will probably receive only $1 million in federal disaster funds from FEMA, less than a tenth of the amount hoped for. They've already received $400,000.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:17 AM
Regional Transportation Bus Lands On Tracks
WEST VIRGINIA....
According to Michael Coleman, chief of the Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department, a Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority bus fish tailed, spun completely around and overturned before coming to rest on its side across railroad tracks near the Twin Hills Restaurant in Shrewsbury of eastern Kanawha County around 11:15 A.M. Saturday morning. The driver and passenger were transported to Charleston Area Medical Center General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
According to Michael Coleman, chief of the Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department, a Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority bus fish tailed, spun completely around and overturned before coming to rest on its side across railroad tracks near the Twin Hills Restaurant in Shrewsbury of eastern Kanawha County around 11:15 A.M. Saturday morning. The driver and passenger were transported to Charleston Area Medical Center General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:02 AM
Alcan Union Workers Reject New Contract
WEST VIRGINIA....
An extended contract for hundreds of workers at Alcan Rolled Products in Ravenswood of Jackson County will end at midnight Monday after members of the United Steelworkers Local 5668 overwhelmingly rejected the company's latest contract proposal. A total of 548 workers voted against it, and 105 voted for it. Alcan said the company's offer included health care insurance protection and a wage increase in each of the contract's two years but also included a work reorganization provision that union leaders believe could lead to more layoffs.
An extended contract for hundreds of workers at Alcan Rolled Products in Ravenswood of Jackson County will end at midnight Monday after members of the United Steelworkers Local 5668 overwhelmingly rejected the company's latest contract proposal. A total of 548 workers voted against it, and 105 voted for it. Alcan said the company's offer included health care insurance protection and a wage increase in each of the contract's two years but also included a work reorganization provision that union leaders believe could lead to more layoffs.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:54 AM
Charleston Man Stabbed
WEST VIRGINIA....
Adam Foster of Charleston was taken to Charleston Area Medical Center General Hospital after being stabbed while in the Number 8 Bar on Capitol St. just after 2:30 A.M. Saturday morning. Thirty-seven year old James Douglas Brown of Park Drive in Dunbar is charged with malicious wounding and has been placed on a $100,000 cash only bond. Thirty-six year old Jerry Hackney, an employee at the bar, was arrested for wanton endangerment after allegedly attempting to shoot Brown.
Adam Foster of Charleston was taken to Charleston Area Medical Center General Hospital after being stabbed while in the Number 8 Bar on Capitol St. just after 2:30 A.M. Saturday morning. Thirty-seven year old James Douglas Brown of Park Drive in Dunbar is charged with malicious wounding and has been placed on a $100,000 cash only bond. Thirty-six year old Jerry Hackney, an employee at the bar, was arrested for wanton endangerment after allegedly attempting to shoot Brown.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:46 AM
Huntington Murder Indictment Dismissed
WEST VIRGINIA....
A murder indictment against Teresa Lynn Baker of Huntington was dismissed Friday when a Cabell County judge ruled prosecutor Chris Chiles gave a grand jury an inappropriate definition of self defense. Baker is accused of fatally shooting 25 year old Jeffrey Sadler on February 4, 2008. Baker says she shot Sadler more than an hour after she had called 911 to report a physical domestic dispute between him and her daughter. She was told officers were on their way, but, during a second call, she was told there were no units available to respond. The third 911 call came from a neighbor who heard gunshots and screaming coming from the Cedar Street residence. The fourth call was from Baker, who frantically said, "I just killed him ... I just shot Jeff Sadler." Chiles, who had sought a first-degree murder charge, says he will once again present his case to a grand jury.
A murder indictment against Teresa Lynn Baker of Huntington was dismissed Friday when a Cabell County judge ruled prosecutor Chris Chiles gave a grand jury an inappropriate definition of self defense. Baker is accused of fatally shooting 25 year old Jeffrey Sadler on February 4, 2008. Baker says she shot Sadler more than an hour after she had called 911 to report a physical domestic dispute between him and her daughter. She was told officers were on their way, but, during a second call, she was told there were no units available to respond. The third 911 call came from a neighbor who heard gunshots and screaming coming from the Cedar Street residence. The fourth call was from Baker, who frantically said, "I just killed him ... I just shot Jeff Sadler." Chiles, who had sought a first-degree murder charge, says he will once again present his case to a grand jury.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:30 AM
Fayette County Case Headed To Grand Jury
WEST VIRGINIA....
A fraud case against 53-year old Zachary Dye of Boomer in Fayette County is headed to the grand jury. Prosecutors say he executed a scheme totaling more than $75,000 in which he defrauded several victims by promising to renovate their kitchens and delivering an unfinished job. Investigators say Dye told his victims he represented Direct Buy. But, at some point, Dye quit working for the company, but continued his relationship with his customers, one of which put a mortgage on her home to pay to get her kitchen work finished.
A fraud case against 53-year old Zachary Dye of Boomer in Fayette County is headed to the grand jury. Prosecutors say he executed a scheme totaling more than $75,000 in which he defrauded several victims by promising to renovate their kitchens and delivering an unfinished job. Investigators say Dye told his victims he represented Direct Buy. But, at some point, Dye quit working for the company, but continued his relationship with his customers, one of which put a mortgage on her home to pay to get her kitchen work finished.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:25 AM
Mingo County Case Reassigned
WEST VIRGINIA....
A three-judge litigation panel led by Ohio County Circuit Judge James Mazzone will hear a reassigned case of Mingo County residents who claim a Massey Energy subsidiary poisoned their drinking water with coal slurry. A state Supreme Court order says Raleigh County Judge John Hutchinson and Lincoln County Judge Jay Hoke will also preside over the case against Rawl Sales & Processing. Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury was disqualified from the case last year due to a past attorney-client relationship with Massey. Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Evans was then assigned but recused himself earlier this year.
A three-judge litigation panel led by Ohio County Circuit Judge James Mazzone will hear a reassigned case of Mingo County residents who claim a Massey Energy subsidiary poisoned their drinking water with coal slurry. A state Supreme Court order says Raleigh County Judge John Hutchinson and Lincoln County Judge Jay Hoke will also preside over the case against Rawl Sales & Processing. Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury was disqualified from the case last year due to a past attorney-client relationship with Massey. Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Evans was then assigned but recused himself earlier this year.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:17 AM
Friday, June 11, 2010
Elkhorn City And Prestonsburg Get Flood Control Funds
KENTUCKY...
Gov. Steve Beshear and the Department for Local Government announced the award of Flood Control Matching Grants to Carroll, Hancock and Hopkins counties that will support assistance efforts with cleanup and repair costs associated with devastating natural disasters. In addition, Elkhorn City and the city of Prestonsburg will receive Flood Control Matching Grants toward updating sanitary sewer systems as part of Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment (PRIDE) Section 531 projects.
"They have shown great dedication to addressing the needs of their communities, whether by confronting the aftermath of natural disasters or improving sewer systems,” said Gov. Beshear. “As a result of these grants, our citizens will be healthier and safer, and land will be protected from further environmental damage and erosion
# posted by Homer Owens @ 4:27 PM
General Revenue Funds Rise
KENTUCKY....
Although General fund revenue was down 3.1 percent through the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, state General Fund revenue rose by 3.1 percent in May compared to May 2009, making May the third month of the last 17 in which General Fund revenue grew. May revenue to the General Fund totaled $636.7 million, compared to $617.4 million in May of 2009. The state budget assumes revenues will fall 2.7 percent for this fiscal year, meaning that June revenue must grow or the state will suffer another shortfall. Sales tax receipts were up 1.1 percent compared to May 2009; income tax receipts were up 2.4 percent.
Although General fund revenue was down 3.1 percent through the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, state General Fund revenue rose by 3.1 percent in May compared to May 2009, making May the third month of the last 17 in which General Fund revenue grew. May revenue to the General Fund totaled $636.7 million, compared to $617.4 million in May of 2009. The state budget assumes revenues will fall 2.7 percent for this fiscal year, meaning that June revenue must grow or the state will suffer another shortfall. Sales tax receipts were up 1.1 percent compared to May 2009; income tax receipts were up 2.4 percent.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 12:53 PM
Park System Considers Changes
KENTUCKY....
Based on a study of the parks system by Indiana-based PROS Consulting and, in an effort to save $6 million a year, the Kentucky's state parks system is making major changes, including controversial moves to sell alcohol at some parks and to cut work hours of parks employees. However, there are no plans to close any of the state's 51 parks nor charge admission to the parks. Officials say the plan will not only set the pace for putting the financial house in order, but it will also provide a road map to bring the parks into the 21st century. Among the changes, private concession companies could operate food services at seven resort parks that have lodges, selling alcoholic drinks with meals at four of them, cutting employees' 40 hour work week to 37.5 hours, beginning July 15th, and opening Kentucky's 17 resort parks Wednesday through Sunday only from November 15th to March 15th while closing them on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Based on a study of the parks system by Indiana-based PROS Consulting and, in an effort to save $6 million a year, the Kentucky's state parks system is making major changes, including controversial moves to sell alcohol at some parks and to cut work hours of parks employees. However, there are no plans to close any of the state's 51 parks nor charge admission to the parks. Officials say the plan will not only set the pace for putting the financial house in order, but it will also provide a road map to bring the parks into the 21st century. Among the changes, private concession companies could operate food services at seven resort parks that have lodges, selling alcoholic drinks with meals at four of them, cutting employees' 40 hour work week to 37.5 hours, beginning July 15th, and opening Kentucky's 17 resort parks Wednesday through Sunday only from November 15th to March 15th while closing them on Mondays and Tuesdays.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 12:51 PM
Knott County Drug Arrest
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky State Troopers Ronnie Long and James Sandlin along with Knott County Deputy Bobby Jacobs initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on KY Hwy 160 in the Litt Carr community of Knott County. Prior to stopping the vehicle, the operator threw a baggie of suspected cocaine out the window of the vehicle. The baggie went over a bridge and into Carr Fork Lake. The baggie was recovered from the lake and contained approximately ½ ounce of suspected cocaine. The amount of cocaine has a street value of approximately $1,400. The operator of the vehicle, Michael Naegele, 44, of Knott County was arrested at the scene. Naegele is charged with numerous drug charges. The incident is still under investigation by KY State Police.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:38 AM
Former Juvenile Offender Resentenced
KENTUCKY...
A street gang member who pleaded guilty to murder as a juvenile has been resentenced as an adult. Manuel Alejandro Everia turned 18 on Sunday. Everia was resentenced IN Fayette County Circuit Court on Thursday to 20 years in prison. He had been sentenced as a juvenile last year. He was convicted in a 2007 gang-related shooting of 19-year-old Luis Quiroz. Prosecutors said both Everia and Quiroz were members of the Latin Kings gang.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:19 AM
Vote Buying Charges In Monroe County
KENTUCKY...
A southern Kentucky official and nine other people have been charged with conspiracy to buy votes and vote buying in the 2006 elections. A federal grand jury in Bowling Green indicted 53-year-old Wilbur P. Graves, the Monroe County Judge-Executive, along with the others in two separate cases. All the defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court in Bowling Green June 23.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:02 AM
Interrment Of 32 Veterans
KENTUCKY...
The Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff plans a special ceremony for interring the remains of 32 veterans. The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs says in a statement that a funeral procession will begin Monday morning at Louisville Memorial Gardens and proceed down Dixie Highway to the cemetery. The ceremony will begin upon arrival. The statement says investigators and volunteers with Missing in America Project's Veteran Recovery Program found the cremated remains in Louisville.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:47 AM
Bribery Charges In Somerset
KENTUCKY...
Authorities in Somerset say four people have been jailed on bribery charges after a prosecutor was offered $20,000 to release a man behind bars. According to a news release from the Somerset Police Department, Eddy F. Montgomery was offered the money Monday by 64-year-old Everett Hyden of Somerset. Police said Hyden sought the release of Brandon Compton, who was convicted of drug trafficking in 2006 and 2009 in Pulaski County. Authorities said Hyden gave Montgomery a paper bag June 9 with $20,000 in it. Also charged in the case are 63-year-old Noble Hampton; his 44-year-old daughter Virginia "Carol" Hampton and 62-year-old Walter Creekmore, all of Somerset. Police said detectives recorded several phone conversations between Montgomery and Hyden.
Authorities in Somerset say four people have been jailed on bribery charges after a prosecutor was offered $20,000 to release a man behind bars. According to a news release from the Somerset Police Department, Eddy F. Montgomery was offered the money Monday by 64-year-old Everett Hyden of Somerset. Police said Hyden sought the release of Brandon Compton, who was convicted of drug trafficking in 2006 and 2009 in Pulaski County. Authorities said Hyden gave Montgomery a paper bag June 9 with $20,000 in it. Also charged in the case are 63-year-old Noble Hampton; his 44-year-old daughter Virginia "Carol" Hampton and 62-year-old Walter Creekmore, all of Somerset. Police said detectives recorded several phone conversations between Montgomery and Hyden.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:41 AM
Defense Claims Nunn's Rights Were Violated
KENTUCKY....
When prosecutors and defense attorneys appear in Fayette Circuit Court in the case of former state Representative Steve Nunn on July 8th, the focus will be on an external hard drive of what appears to be child pornography. On the morning of September 11th, the same day as the fatal shooting of 29 year old Amanda Ross, Nunn's friend Johnny Hutchison presented a box to police which contained the hard drive, nude photographs of Ross and other women, along with comments about them. Barren County sheriff Chris Eaton picked up the box, as well as a vase or jar, that Hutchison says Nunn asked him to hide for him the night before the killing. Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Larson filed a motion for a court order to search the external hard drive and the defense's response to that motion were filed in April and had been sealed until this week. Attorneys for Nunn argue police had no legal right to begin the forensic investigation of the hard drive, and Lexington police and Eaton had no right to search the box. Defense attorneys say Nunn's constitutional rights have been violated.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:12 AM
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Officials Say EQT Oil Spill Tests Clean
KENTUCKY....
Officials with the Kentucky Division of Water say they don't expect to issue citations for the EQT natural gas company following a spill of about 900 gallons of motor oil Tuesday into Line Fork in Letcher County. A malfunctioning part at a station used to compress natural gas for transport caused a spill which created a sheen on the Line Fork about a half mile from the North Fork of the Kentucky River. Officials say the spill was properly reported, and cleanup of the water and contaminated soil was satisfactory. Booms were used to collect the oil, and testing was conducted downstream to make sure there were no residual effects. Tests were conducted at the Hazard water treatment plant and came up clean.
Officials with the Kentucky Division of Water say they don't expect to issue citations for the EQT natural gas company following a spill of about 900 gallons of motor oil Tuesday into Line Fork in Letcher County. A malfunctioning part at a station used to compress natural gas for transport caused a spill which created a sheen on the Line Fork about a half mile from the North Fork of the Kentucky River. Officials say the spill was properly reported, and cleanup of the water and contaminated soil was satisfactory. Booms were used to collect the oil, and testing was conducted downstream to make sure there were no residual effects. Tests were conducted at the Hazard water treatment plant and came up clean.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:58 PM
East Ridge Students Face Charges
KENTUCKY....
Ten East Ridge High School students are facing charges after an alleged school prank got out-of-hand. Christopher Brown, Greg Coleman, Amber Jones and Telisha Little, along with six juveniles, are charged with burglary and criminal mischief. Investigators say the students stole a key from a staff member to gain entrance late Tuesday night, and, while school officials thought they were going to vandalize the building, the students say they intended to use sidewalk chalk and hang up posters as a senior prank. The principal says he got word of the plan and went to the school. When students arrived at 12:30 A.M. wearing masks and carrying items, he called police who chased them down when they attempted to hide in the hills. The students are due in court on June 29th.
Ten East Ridge High School students are facing charges after an alleged school prank got out-of-hand. Christopher Brown, Greg Coleman, Amber Jones and Telisha Little, along with six juveniles, are charged with burglary and criminal mischief. Investigators say the students stole a key from a staff member to gain entrance late Tuesday night, and, while school officials thought they were going to vandalize the building, the students say they intended to use sidewalk chalk and hang up posters as a senior prank. The principal says he got word of the plan and went to the school. When students arrived at 12:30 A.M. wearing masks and carrying items, he called police who chased them down when they attempted to hide in the hills. The students are due in court on June 29th.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:10 PM
Kentucky School To Get National Exposure
KENTUCKY....
A Kentucky elementary school is about to get some national exposure. Recently, Fannie Bush Elementary School in Clark County, about 16 miles east of Lexington, got a visit from “People” magazine. People plans to include the school in an article on the six worst school buildings in the United States. Principal Angie Taylor says People is working on a story highlighting the difficulties of educating students in less-than-desirable conditions. Taylor says her staff deals on a daily basis with having only one bathroom to serve more than 300 students, one entrance into the facility, having to load children onto buses lined up on Main Street and having a gymnasium that also serves as the cafeteria. This year, the school has had to deal with sewage backing up into the school due to collapsed sewer lines. School officials hope the publicity will shine some light on the problem and spur state officials to take action.
A Kentucky elementary school is about to get some national exposure. Recently, Fannie Bush Elementary School in Clark County, about 16 miles east of Lexington, got a visit from “People” magazine. People plans to include the school in an article on the six worst school buildings in the United States. Principal Angie Taylor says People is working on a story highlighting the difficulties of educating students in less-than-desirable conditions. Taylor says her staff deals on a daily basis with having only one bathroom to serve more than 300 students, one entrance into the facility, having to load children onto buses lined up on Main Street and having a gymnasium that also serves as the cafeteria. This year, the school has had to deal with sewage backing up into the school due to collapsed sewer lines. School officials hope the publicity will shine some light on the problem and spur state officials to take action.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:47 PM
E-Z Pawn Shop Manager Arrested
KENTUCKY...
Days after seizing dozens of guns at a Floyd County pawn shop, Prestonsburg Police bust an alleged drug dealing operation inside the E-Z Pawn Shop. Officers raided the store late Wednesday afternoon. Police say during the raid they found $17,000 in cash believed to be connected to the pills found in the store. Officers arrested the manager, Bill Crider. He was charged with drug trafficking and carrying a concealed deadly weapon. Investigators believe Crider was selling drugs out of the pawn shop.
Right now Crider is the only one charged, but police say more arrests are possible.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:10 PM
Bacterial Infection In Children
KENTUCKY...
State health official say three children were hospitalized in western Kentucky in an unusually large outbreak of a bacterial infection that causes watery diarrhea and spreads easily. Janie Cambron, regional epidemiologist for the Green River District Health Department, said the children have since been released after contracting shigella, a bacterial infection spread through just a tiny amount of infected fecal matter. Cambron says there were 80 reported cases of the disease in Daviess County, and three in adjacent Ohio County. Dr. William Hacker, commissioner of the state public health department, says shigella is common and usually affects children. He says some years in Kentucky, as few as 50 or many as 500 cases are seen sporadically.
Cambron says tests have shown the disease was not caused by contaminated water or food.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:52 AM
Nursing Doctorate At EKU
KENTUCKY...
The board of regents at Eastern Kentucky University has approved a new doctoral nursing program at the school. On Monday, the board and the Kentucky Board of Nursing OK'd the program, but it must now be approved by the state's Council on Postsecondary Education. Dr. David Gayle, dean of EKU's College of Health Sciences, says if it goes through, the program could enroll its first students as early as January. To be admitted, students must have a master's degree in nursing. The program will be made available to nurses in Kentucky, particularly those who plan to work in rural or other underserved areas.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:36 AM
Ten Commandments Ban Upheld
KENTUCKY...
A split federal appeals court upheld a ban on the Ten Commandments in a display that included multiple religious and government documents at two southern Kentucky courthouses. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati ruled in a 2-1 vote that the permanent injunction barring McCreary and Pulaski counties from posting the display can remain in place. The ruling comes in a long-running legal battle that reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005. Along with the Ten Commandments, the displays, called the "Foundations of Law and Government," included the Bill of Rights, Magna Carta and Star Spangled Banner. Judge Eric Clay wrote that the two counties could not provide a "valid secular purpose" for the display.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:28 AM
Film Traces Development Of "Hillbilly" Stereotype
KENTUCKY...
A filmmaker whose movie shows the development of stereotypes in the Appalachians will be on hand when his film is shown at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort. "Strangers and Kin" was directed by Herb E. Smith in 1984 and follows the evolution of the "hillbilly" image in Hollywood, news and literature. The Kentucky Historical Society, which is showing the film, says it shows how stereotypes come about and how they're reinforced and used to justify exploitation.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:21 AM
Protestors Target Bank
KENTUCKY...
Dozens of activists protested a banking company they say is one of a handful that bankroll mountaintop mining in Appalachia. The 50 protesters were in downtown Lexington on Monday in front of PNC bank, carrying signs that read "PNC is Bankrolling an American Tragedy." Some activists went inside the downtown bank and presented officials with a list of grievances and demands. PNC Financial Services Group spokesman Fred Solomon says the company does not identify its customers or comment on them. The activists say PNC has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in loans and bonds to six companies that are responsible for nearly half of the mountaintop-removal coal mining in Appalachia.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:53 AM
Runaway SUV Stopped By KSP
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky State Police say a vehicle driven by a woman with two young children on board had to be stopped by a cruiser after traveling about 40 miles at high rates of speed on Interstate 64. The woman called for help from the vehicle, and police say she was given instructions to place the transmission of the Chevrolet Equinox in neutral or turn the ignition off but wasn't able to do either. Finally, a trooper got in front of her and, by slowing down his cruiser, was able to stop the SUV. There were no serious injuries. General Motors Co. spokesman Alan Adler said the woman agreed to let GM engineers inspect the vehicle a few days after the May 27 incident. Adler says there was an after-market mat on top of the vehicle's floor mat but that the vehicle's computer showed no trouble codes.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:47 AM
Kitchen-Bath Module To Aid In Construction
KENTUCKY...
More than 100 volunteers from Kentucky Baptist Fellowship are about to get to work in southeastern Kentucky building a home for a single mother and her family in McCreary County. Such building projects aren't unusual, but this group will be using a product created by a Kentucky company to try to help eliminate homes with substandard kitchen and bath facilities in rural areas. Kentucky Highlands Community Development Corp. says in a statement that the plan involves using a kitchen-bath module built in a factory. The unit is delivered to the site and the house is to be built around it. The building project is scheduled to get under way this week in Whitley City.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:37 AM
Vintage Airplane Rides
KENTUCKY...
A 1929 Ford Tri-Motor airplane will be making a stop at the Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport this week, with rides being offered to the public. The Experimental Aircraft Association is sponsoring the event. Rides are being offered Thursday through Sunday for $60. Pilot Rand Slegfrieg says the plane is flown at the same altitude as 1929, so passengers have a chance to experience the sights, smells and sounds much the way people did 80 years ago.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:31 AM
UK Employees To Receive Bonuses
KENTUCKY...
The University of Kentucky trustees have adopted a budget that will give one-time bonuses to many employees. The payments of up to $1,000 will be made despite a $7 million shortfall for fiscal 2010-11. Faculty and staff who earn less than $70,000 will be eligible for $1,000 bonuses. Those who make up to $75,000 will be eligible for at least $200. There are few raises planned. The payments are included in a $2.5 billion budget approved by the trustees Tuesday. The board also approved shedding 81 positions and the university absorbing the full cost of increases in health care premiums for most members of the faculty and staff.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:24 AM
Church Van Crash
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky State Police say a church van from Belmont Baptist in Gainesville, GA crashed with a coal truck. Kentucky State Police say the injured were taken to a hospital in Jellico, TN with non-life-threatening injuries. Police say at least some teens were on board the van. The crash happened Wednesday afternoon on Kentucky 92 about four miles east of Williamsburg in Whitley County. Students from the church were traveling this week to Appalachia for a mission trip in Whitley County. Tracy and Jenny Taphouse have returned to school while their parents Terry and Lois remain at UK Hospital with hip and leg injuries.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:11 AM
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Prestonsburg Police Seize Guns
KENTUCKY....
Prestonsburg Police have seized 40 guns, one confirmed stolen, from the EZ Pawn Shop on South Lake Drive. Officers say the owner did not have a license to deal with firearms. Assistant Chief Bryan Hall says, two months ago, officers investigating a stolen property case looked for the missing items at the shop but did not find what they were looking for. Police say they plan to return the seized guns to their rightful owners.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:07 PM
Kansas Company Withdraws Plans For Kentucky Hospital
KENTUCKY....
About 100 severely disturbed youths are being treated outside Kentucky at an annual cost to the state of about $17.5 million a year. As a way to avoid sending youths to other states for care, Governor Steve Beshear's administration supported a project to operate a youth psychiatric hospital in eastern Kentucky. The proposal caused an uproar among legislators, advocates and Kentucky hospital officials when it was announced last fall because they said the project bypassed the customary certificate of need review process required for such projects. KVC Behavioral HealthCare of Kansas has notified state officials it has withdrawn its application to operate the 50-bed hospital at a vacant school building in Mount Sterling, citing opposition and a potential legal challenge. The application had been scheduled for a public hearing June 14-15 by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
About 100 severely disturbed youths are being treated outside Kentucky at an annual cost to the state of about $17.5 million a year. As a way to avoid sending youths to other states for care, Governor Steve Beshear's administration supported a project to operate a youth psychiatric hospital in eastern Kentucky. The proposal caused an uproar among legislators, advocates and Kentucky hospital officials when it was announced last fall because they said the project bypassed the customary certificate of need review process required for such projects. KVC Behavioral HealthCare of Kansas has notified state officials it has withdrawn its application to operate the 50-bed hospital at a vacant school building in Mount Sterling, citing opposition and a potential legal challenge. The application had been scheduled for a public hearing June 14-15 by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:08 PM
Lawmaker's Son To Appear Before Parole Board
KENTUCKY....
Harrison Yonts, the son of state Representative Brent Yonts, was convicted in Calloway Circuit Court in 2007 of wanton murder, drunken driving and other charges in the 2005 hit-and-run accident that killed Nadia Shaheen, a graduate student at Murray State University. Originally, Yonts was sentenced to 20 years and would have been required to serve at least 17 before becoming eligible for parole. Former Governor Ernie Fletcher commuted the sentence to eight years. Last month, a Franklin Circuit judge ruled Fletcher's action also commuted the requirement that Yonts serve 85 percent of his sentence. Yonts is tentatively scheduled to appear before the Kentucky Parole Board on August 3rd after serving 3 1/2 years in prison.
Harrison Yonts, the son of state Representative Brent Yonts, was convicted in Calloway Circuit Court in 2007 of wanton murder, drunken driving and other charges in the 2005 hit-and-run accident that killed Nadia Shaheen, a graduate student at Murray State University. Originally, Yonts was sentenced to 20 years and would have been required to serve at least 17 before becoming eligible for parole. Former Governor Ernie Fletcher commuted the sentence to eight years. Last month, a Franklin Circuit judge ruled Fletcher's action also commuted the requirement that Yonts serve 85 percent of his sentence. Yonts is tentatively scheduled to appear before the Kentucky Parole Board on August 3rd after serving 3 1/2 years in prison.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 6:06 PM
Louisville Con Man Enters Surprising Plea
KENTUCKY....
In a surprising but long awaited move, 76 year old Edward W. Edwards of Louisville pleaded guilty Wednesday to murdering 19-year-old Wisconsin sweethearts Tim Hack and Kelly Drew in 1980. He will be sentenced at a later date to mandatory life prison terms for each of those murders. He also agreed to plead guilty to murdering a young Ohio couple a few years earlier. As part of his deal, Edwards will be transported to Summit County, Ohio, where he is expected to plead guilty Friday to the aggravated murders of Bill Lavaco, 21, of Doylestown, Ohio, and Judith Straub, 18, of Sterling, Ohio, in 1977. He confessed last month to shooting both victims in the neck at close range in a park in Norton, Ohio, but he wasn't charged for those killings until Wednesday. Ohio prosecutors plan to seek two consecutive life sentences for Edwards. He will be sent back to Wisconsin to be sentenced for those murders before returning to serve his time in Ohio. Edwards appeared on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in 1961 and spent time inprison after being captured in Atlanta in 1962.
In a surprising but long awaited move, 76 year old Edward W. Edwards of Louisville pleaded guilty Wednesday to murdering 19-year-old Wisconsin sweethearts Tim Hack and Kelly Drew in 1980. He will be sentenced at a later date to mandatory life prison terms for each of those murders. He also agreed to plead guilty to murdering a young Ohio couple a few years earlier. As part of his deal, Edwards will be transported to Summit County, Ohio, where he is expected to plead guilty Friday to the aggravated murders of Bill Lavaco, 21, of Doylestown, Ohio, and Judith Straub, 18, of Sterling, Ohio, in 1977. He confessed last month to shooting both victims in the neck at close range in a park in Norton, Ohio, but he wasn't charged for those killings until Wednesday. Ohio prosecutors plan to seek two consecutive life sentences for Edwards. He will be sent back to Wisconsin to be sentenced for those murders before returning to serve his time in Ohio. Edwards appeared on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in 1961 and spent time inprison after being captured in Atlanta in 1962.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 5:48 PM
Pikeville College Announces Spring Dean's List
KENTUCKY...
Pikeville College President Paul Patton has released the names of the top students for the spring 2010 semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must receive a grade-point average of 3.5 (B+) or better.
Pike County full-time students are: Lauren O. Fleenor of Ashcamp; Corey L. Crigger and Michael C. Rutherford of Belfry; Brittany K. Stanley of Canada; Henry Collier of Dorton; Sumer M. Anderson, Lindsay L. Fields, Nicholas A. Gibson, Michelle L. Hamilton, Sandra K. Powell, Sarah E. Ratliff, Benjamin W. Runyon, Jonathan C. Smith, Megan L. Smith and Shana N. Taylor of Elkhorn City; Seth P. Bowling of Freeburn; Leah G. Ray and Philipp E. Verdida of Hardy; Erica P. Edmiston of McAndrews; Joshua S. Bentley and Amber D. Perkins of Myra; Lacey K. Ferrell and Jordan A. Maynard of Phelps; Andrew K. Belcher and Jodi D. Fuller of Phyllis; April D. Stanley of Raccoon; Julia R. Epling of Regina; Richard T. Estep of Robinson Creek; Meshala L. Bartley, Jeffery L. H. Brashear, La-Kesha D. Kendrick, Chancy L. Looney and Robert J. Walker of Shelbiana; Leah B. Robinson of Shelby Gap; Erin Hope Robinson of Sidney; Lisa D. Fuller of Steele; Melanie A. Hackney of Stone; and Kayla L. Johnson, Maggie Joan Little, Taylor N. Mullins, Gary T. Smith and Patrick R. Tackett of Virgie.
Students from Pikeville include: Kolt T. Adkins, Jonda B. Belcher, Sarah B. Blackburn, Stephanie N. Blair, Alexandra N. Boyd, Bradley G. Bryant, Elizabeth Quinn Buckley, Jason L. Campagna, Ashly M. Chandler, Cathy S. Coleman, Amanda L. Combs, Whitney M. Compton, Clyde M. Copley, Bryan C. Crager, Kyong M. Damron, Lisa D. Daniels, Wesley E. Farmer, Ravin M. Fields, Nancy Hurt Flowers, Adrienne S. Gearheart, Richard B. Gilliam, Joseph T. Hall, Cynthia L. Hampton, Olivia D. Harris, Jonathan T. Hazelett, Luke N. Huffman, Amber Renae Iricks, Wade A. Jacobson, Adam Johnson, Tyler Fleet Johnson, Nicole M. Justice, Jordan B. Kinney, Jessica L. Kitts, Ricki R. Maynard, Taylor E. Mosley, Josiah A. Mullins, Sara E. Osborne, Ashton A. Parker, Catrina Renae Ray, Peggy Michele Robinson, Brittney N. Schaeffer, Natasha Sheppard, Ryan P. Shurtleff, Shasta N. Tackett, Rachael L. Tankersley, Lucinda A. Varney, Ashley B. Walters, Amy E. Williamson, Joshua A. Williamson and Tiffany F. Yates.
Floyd County: Emily A. Holbrook and Joshua N. McKinney of Allen; Brittany Rogers, Kylie Katelyn Justice and Markayla B. Stevens of Harold; Tara D. Burchett of Ivel; Ronnie D. Hylton of Martin; Christopher D. Baker, Julia D. Burchett, Gerri N. Butcher, Danielle R. Dials and Kimberly N. Williams of Prestonsburg; and Archita Patel of Stanville.
Letcher County: Shawna M. Kelly of Burdine; Jeremy P. Wright of Jackhorn; Justin S. Smith of Jenkins; Tyler J. Little of Neon; and James Baker, Rachel N. Chaney and Victoria Paige Chaney of Whitesburg.
Magoffin County: Emily N. Helton of Salyersville.
Pikeville College is an independent, four-year liberal arts and sciences college nestled in the heart of central Appalachia. Founded in 1889 by Presbyterian ministers seeking to provide educational opportunities for mountain youth, Pikeville College has played an integral role in the educational, economic and cultural development of its service area for more than a century.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:22 AM
Road Repairs In The Stone Area
KENTUCKY...
Last year's devastating flooding in the Pond Creek area of Pike County left the roads in a dangerous condition. In particular, the Stone community near the Red Robin Complex suffered extensively. Road crews with the Kentucky Department of Highways are currently installing new guard rails to improve the safety of this major artery.
Last year's devastating flooding in the Pond Creek area of Pike County left the roads in a dangerous condition. In particular, the Stone community near the Red Robin Complex suffered extensively. Road crews with the Kentucky Department of Highways are currently installing new guard rails to improve the safety of this major artery.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:10 AM
Mother & Father Charged In Infant's Death
KENTUCKY...
A Bell County mother and father, 43-year old Rondall Mosley and 38-year old Carrie Brummett, have pleaded not guilty after being charged with second degree manslaughter in the March death of their two-year old daughter, Kayla Mosley, who was found unresponsive in a home off Highway 66 near Pineville. Autopsy results showed the toddler died from "acute combined intoxication" stemming from prescription medication. Police say she swallowed anti-anxiety pills and a drug used to treat people for drug addiction, but it is not known how the girl ingested the prescription medication. Mosley and Brummett's bond is set at one million dollars each. They will return to court for preliminary hearings on June 22nd.
A Bell County mother and father, 43-year old Rondall Mosley and 38-year old Carrie Brummett, have pleaded not guilty after being charged with second degree manslaughter in the March death of their two-year old daughter, Kayla Mosley, who was found unresponsive in a home off Highway 66 near Pineville. Autopsy results showed the toddler died from "acute combined intoxication" stemming from prescription medication. Police say she swallowed anti-anxiety pills and a drug used to treat people for drug addiction, but it is not known how the girl ingested the prescription medication. Mosley and Brummett's bond is set at one million dollars each. They will return to court for preliminary hearings on June 22nd.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:05 AM
"Get On The Ground And Die"
KENTUCKY...
Police say a 32-year-old Louisville man gave a chilling command before shooting another man over a dozen times. According to a police report, 32-year-old Steven Meredith walked up to the victim, Jonathon Bratcher, and told him to "Get on the ground and die." It was then that police say Meredith shot Bratcher 14 times. The shooting occurred in the 2300 block of Montgomery Street in Lousville. Meredith has been charged with attempted murder. There is no word yet on Bratcher's condition.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:51 AM
Chevrons In Kentucky To Close
KENTUCKY...
At the end of June a well-known oil company will pull its brand from both Indiana and Kentucky. All of the Chevrons in Indiana are closing as well as 238 Chevrons and Texaco stations across the Commonwealth. Stations are closing their pumps because of the bad economy. Chevron is pulling out of 11 states, Washington DC and parts of Tennessee, which makes up about eight percent of its US sales. The company's PR Manager saying it's re-structuring to improve efficiency. The Chevron brand will be out of Kentucky and Indiana by the end of June.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:36 AM
Fulton Woman Charged For Endangering Children
KENTUCKY...
A western Kentucky woman is charged with felony criminal abuse after her two children were found by themselves in her car. Fulton Police Chief Terry Powell said 33-year-old Sherri M. Screen of Arlington in Hickman County left her 2-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy in the car in a Walmart parking lot on Saturday afternoon. The police responded to an anonymous phone call and found the children. Powell said it was 86 degrees on Saturday with a heat index of 91 degrees. Authorities released the children to another family member after charging Screen with second-degree criminal abuse.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:22 AM
Rules Change On Jockeys' Attire Ads
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky racing officials have altered the rules concerning ads on jockey clothing in an effort to clear up some confusion that arose before this year's Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission agreed unanimously Tuesday to require jockeys and horse owners to sign a standardized form at least two days before the race in question. The full advertising contract must be shared with all parties and the commission. There were questions about the advertising rules before last month's Derby, where most riders had agreed to display a logo for Dodge Ram on their pant legs, with proceeds going to charity. Jockeys won the right in 2004 to wear ads after a judge suspended the state ban on promotional logos on attire worn by the five jockeys who challenged the rule.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:09 AM
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Preliminary Set For Whitley County Man
KENTUCKY....
A preliminary hearing has been set for Monday for 59 year old Francis Ross Harrison who is being held in the Whitley County Detention Center on a $250,000 cash bond after being charged with 79 counts of sex related charges. He is accused of sodomizing and abusing two girls, ages 8 and 9, over a two year period.
A preliminary hearing has been set for Monday for 59 year old Francis Ross Harrison who is being held in the Whitley County Detention Center on a $250,000 cash bond after being charged with 79 counts of sex related charges. He is accused of sodomizing and abusing two girls, ages 8 and 9, over a two year period.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:43 PM
KSP Charge Bell County Couple
KENTUCKY....
Kentucky State Police have arrested 43 year old Rondall J. Mosley and 38 year old Carrie E. Brummett of Pineville in Bell County and charged them with manslaughter in connection with the March death of their two-year old daughter, Kayla Elizabeth Mosley, was found unresponsive in their home off Highway 66 near Pineville. Police say an autopsy on little Kayla Mosley determined her cause of death as acute combined intoxication stemming from prescription medicine. Mosley and Brummett's bonds have been set at one million dollars each.
Kentucky State Police have arrested 43 year old Rondall J. Mosley and 38 year old Carrie E. Brummett of Pineville in Bell County and charged them with manslaughter in connection with the March death of their two-year old daughter, Kayla Elizabeth Mosley, was found unresponsive in their home off Highway 66 near Pineville. Police say an autopsy on little Kayla Mosley determined her cause of death as acute combined intoxication stemming from prescription medicine. Mosley and Brummett's bonds have been set at one million dollars each.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:30 PM
Vehicle Fatality In Letcher County
KENTUCKY...
Tuesday morning a 2003 VolksWagon Jetta operated by 30 year old Amy Ison was traveling South on us 119 and a 2003 Suzuki xl7 operated by 48 year old Robert Metcalf was traveling North on US 119. Preliminary investigation indicates that the passenger car operated by Ms. Ison crossed the center line and struck the vehicle
operated by Mr. Metcalf. Amy Ison was pronounced deceased at the scene by Letcher County Deputy Coroner, Robbie Campbell. Robert Metcalf had to be extricated from the vehicle and was flown by Wings Medical Helicopter to Holston Valley. Two passengers from the vehicle operated by Metcalf were taken to Whitesburg ARH and treated for minor injuries. The collision is still under investigation by Trooper Derek Hall.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 3:27 PM
Creation Of Kentucky Equine Health And Welfare Council
KENTUCKY...
Gov. Steve Beshear, First Lady Jane Beshear and equine and agriculture officials applauded the recent passage of legislation that creates the Kentucky Equine Health and Welfare Council, the first of its kind in the nation. The Governor signed House Bill 398 during a ceremony at the Kentucky Horse Park, the venue of the upcoming Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The legislation will, in part, give the Council and the Kentucky Livestock Care Standards Commission the authority to “undertake research, conduct public hearings, and collect data to determine prevalent equine health and welfare issues,” “On behalf of many veterinarians and supporters of the Equine Health and Welfare Alliance, we would like to thank our Governor and First Lady for their support. Along with the members of this legislature and administration, Kentucky has set the precedent for securing meaningful health and welfare for our trademark and signature industry,” said Dr. Frank Dwayne Marcum, DVM, an equine veterinarian from Versailles, Ky. and president of the Kentucky-based Equine Health and Welfare Alliance Inc. HB 398 was sponsored by Rep. Tom McKee, of Cynthiana, chair of the House Agriculture and Small Business committee.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 1:35 PM
Police Chase Ends In Murder Charge
KENTUCKY...
A Kentucky man has been charged with murder days after a high-speed chase with police that ended with one person dead. 24-year-old Brandon Lee Jessie of Knob Lick is also charged with four counts of assault stemming from the chase and three-car wreck. Kentucky State Police said Jessie was driving a stolen Mitsubishi Outlander when he ducked around tire-deflation strips, ran through an intersection and slammed into a Lincoln Town Car. The driver of that car, 36-year-old James E. Fentress Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene. Four other people were injured when a third car was struck during the wreck. Jessie was in serious but stable condition Tuesday at University Hospital in Louisville.
A Kentucky man has been charged with murder days after a high-speed chase with police that ended with one person dead. 24-year-old Brandon Lee Jessie of Knob Lick is also charged with four counts of assault stemming from the chase and three-car wreck. Kentucky State Police said Jessie was driving a stolen Mitsubishi Outlander when he ducked around tire-deflation strips, ran through an intersection and slammed into a Lincoln Town Car. The driver of that car, 36-year-old James E. Fentress Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene. Four other people were injured when a third car was struck during the wreck. Jessie was in serious but stable condition Tuesday at University Hospital in Louisville.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:47 AM
KSP Post 13 Reports "Click It Or Ticket" Stats
KENTUCKY...
During the period May 24 through June 6, 2010 the Kentucky State Police at the Hazard
Post issued a total of 1,533 citations. KSP had 42 DUI arrests, 190 Seat Belt Citations, 16 Child Restraints and 131 Speeding Citations. Also during the campaign the Hazard Post made 20 felony arrests, 21 Drug arrests, recovered 3 stolen vehicles, and arrested 163 fugitives. The Kentucky State Police over the summer months will continue their enforcement efforts through saturated patrols and checkpoints. Anyone with any information regarding impaired driving or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the State Police Post in Hazard.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:39 AM
KY Government Website Rated For Transparency
KENTUCKY...
Gov. Steve Beshear’s groundbreaking e-transparency website, Kentucky’s Open Door, has again earned recognition from a national taxpayer watchdog group for being one of the best e-transparency sites in the nation. Kentucky’s Open Door, online at www.OpenDoor.KY.gov, is an easy-to-use, searchable website with a wide range of spending information. In a report published on June 2, 2010 by The Center for Study of Responsive Law, a nonprofit organization that researches government and corporate accountability, Kentucky was recognized as a national leader for transparency in state contracts for publishing the full text of state contracts. Kentucky, Arizona and Massachusetts were all cited for elevating their efforts to “best practices.”
Gov. Steve Beshear’s groundbreaking e-transparency website, Kentucky’s Open Door, has again earned recognition from a national taxpayer watchdog group for being one of the best e-transparency sites in the nation. Kentucky’s Open Door, online at www.OpenDoor.KY.gov, is an easy-to-use, searchable website with a wide range of spending information. In a report published on June 2, 2010 by The Center for Study of Responsive Law, a nonprofit organization that researches government and corporate accountability, Kentucky was recognized as a national leader for transparency in state contracts for publishing the full text of state contracts. Kentucky, Arizona and Massachusetts were all cited for elevating their efforts to “best practices.”
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:49 AM
"Grandparent's Scam"
KENTUCKY...
Attorney General Jack Conway warns consumers that the “grandparent’s scam” is still targeting Kentucky seniors and he believes social networking sites are a contributing factor. The scam works like this: A victim (grandparent) will receive a phone call from someone claiming to be his/her grandchild. The scammer (grandchild) will tell the grandparent about an emergency they are in, which may involve a car accident or having been arrested. The scammer will insist that they need money to get back home or post bail, and will ask the grandparent to send money through a money transfer service, amounting to several thousand dollars. Beware of this scam.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:44 AM
"Listening Tour" Date
KENTUCKY...
The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a state agency this year, is inviting the public to attend its “Listening Tour,’’ in Campbellsville, Ky., on Thursday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Campbellsville University Technology Training Center. The Listening Tour Series began in January to raise Kentuckians’ awareness of civil rights and equal opportunity
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:39 AM
Firefighter Deaths Are Down
KENTUCKY...
For the first time in three years, the number of on-the-job firefighter deaths in the United States has dropped below 100. The National Fire Protection Association annual Firefighter Fatality Report, released today at the NFPA Conference Expo, shows a sharp drop in the number of fatalities in 2009. Eighty-two firefighters were killed in the line of duty last year, substantially fewer than the 10-year average of 98 and down even more from the 105 killed in 2008. This is the lowest annual total since there were 79 deaths in 1993 and the third lowest total since the study began in 1977.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:34 AM
Governor Beshear Seeking Financial Help
KENTUCKY...
Gov. Steve Beshear is calling on Kentucky's congressional delegation to press for additional financial help for state Medicaid programs. Beshear sent letters to federal lawmakers from Kentucky on Monday urging them to work quickly to approve a proposal to provide additional federal Medicaid funding, which, he said, is needed to help state government through economic hardship. Beshear said state lawmakers had counted on additional federal Medicaid funds to balance a recently passed $17 billion budget. Without the federal funds, Beshear said Kentucky's budget would be short $238 million, which would force major cuts to Medicaid and other government programs.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:28 AM
Environmentalists Oppose Coal-Fired Plant
KENTUCKY...
Environmentalists tested some Kentucky residents for mercury contamination before the start of a public hearing Tuesday regarding a proposed coal-fired power plant near Winchester. Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, the Sierra Club and the Kentucky Environmental Foundation believe simple tests of hair samples will help determine how widespread mercury contamination has become in the state, something they say regulatory agencies should consider before adding another mercury-producing power plant.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:19 AM
Mother Dies After Giving Birth
KENTUCKY...
A Laurel County mother has died of bacterial meningitis a day after giving birth to twins at UK Hospital. Her family says Karin Blankenship 30, was airlifted to UK on Saturday after an emergency C-section. Blankenship passed away Sunday afternoon.
Blankenship's husband, Butch said his wife was a nurse at St. Joe Hospital in London. He said she didn't feel well Saturday morning and that she was running a fever, so at 32-weeks pregnant went to St. Joe to be checked out. Doctors told him Karin had bacterial meningitis. Butch Blankenship says no one, not even Karin, knew she had contracted the deadly infection. The twins remain at UK Hospital, where they are both dong well and are nearly breathing on their own. Karin Blankenship also had two other sons.
A Laurel County mother has died of bacterial meningitis a day after giving birth to twins at UK Hospital. Her family says Karin Blankenship 30, was airlifted to UK on Saturday after an emergency C-section. Blankenship passed away Sunday afternoon.
Blankenship's husband, Butch said his wife was a nurse at St. Joe Hospital in London. He said she didn't feel well Saturday morning and that she was running a fever, so at 32-weeks pregnant went to St. Joe to be checked out. Doctors told him Karin had bacterial meningitis. Butch Blankenship says no one, not even Karin, knew she had contracted the deadly infection. The twins remain at UK Hospital, where they are both dong well and are nearly breathing on their own. Karin Blankenship also had two other sons.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:13 AM
Jailed Man Faces Murder & Arson
KENTUCKY...
An eastern Kentucky man who was already in jail in a burglary now is facing murder and arson charges stemming from the same incident. Kentucky State Police arrested 47-year-old Robert Limmings of Blaine after a Carter County grand jury charged Limmings with capital murder and first-degree arson. Limmings was already charged with first-degree burglary and tampering with physical evidence. The case stems from the Dec. 13th death of Rick Hopkins in Carter County. Police say Hopkins was killed inside a house and the house was then set on fire.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:04 AM
Monday, June 07, 2010
Pike County Fiscal Court Faces Revenue Shortfall
KENTUCKY....
The Pike County Fiscal Court heard it first reading of the proposed budget for FY 2010-2011 during its regular meeting on June 1. Facing a multi-million dollar shortfall because of decreased coal severance and minerals taxes, Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford and the rest of the fiscal court have been working diligently to make sure no jobs are cut, no taxes increased and no change in health insurance coverage. This year’s budget of $35.5 million is down from $40.3 million a year ago and cuts have been made to ensure a balanced budget is submitted to the state for approval, which is required by law. Rutherford said the opening of five new mining operations around the county will be a boom to our economy, creating jobs and increasing coal severance funds. To combat the shortfall, salaries have been frozen and cost of living raises suspended. The magistrates voluntarily gave up their cost of living raises, and although Judge Rutherford offered to take a 5 percent pay cut, he was told by Pike County Treasurer Johnda Billiter he could not take a voluntary pay cut because his salary is state mandated. Overtime has been cut out and the purchase of new vehicles and equipment has been suspended. Travel has been limited to only the elected officials, directors and commissioners when necessary. More cost-cutting came from the Mountain Pub-Links Golf Course, which will have to pay its own way this year, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney budget was decreased by $18,000. Constables’ travel reimbursements have been cut to $600 a month from $1,000 a month, but they will no longer have their duties in regard to solid waste. One contracted position has been eliminated. Rutherford said by the third quarter of this fiscal year the county’s budget makers should be able to get a good idea of what Fiscal Year 2011-2012’s budget will look like.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:39 PM
Stanton Man Arrested On Sex Charges
KENTUCKY....
Jerry D. Rogers Sr., age 47, of Stanton was arrested by Kentucky State Police Electronic Crimes Branch as a result of a joint undercover operation with the Lexington Police Department. Rogers traveled to Winchester in order to meet an adult female accompanied by two underage girls, ages 8 and 10 years old,to engage in sexual activity with the children. Rogers was charged with unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activities. He was lodged in the Clark County Detention Center on $10,000 bond. The investigation is continuing.
Jerry D. Rogers Sr., age 47, of Stanton was arrested by Kentucky State Police Electronic Crimes Branch as a result of a joint undercover operation with the Lexington Police Department. Rogers traveled to Winchester in order to meet an adult female accompanied by two underage girls, ages 8 and 10 years old,to engage in sexual activity with the children. Rogers was charged with unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activities. He was lodged in the Clark County Detention Center on $10,000 bond. The investigation is continuing.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:36 PM
Highway Fatality Report
KENTUCKY....
Preliminary statistics indicate that eleven people died in nine separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Tuesday, June 1, through Sunday, June 6, 2010. None of the fatalities occured in the EKB listening area. A triple-fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Madison County. One fatal ATV involved crash occurred in Greenup County. The victim was not wearing a helmet. One pedestrian involved fatal crash occurred in Whitley County and involved the suspected use of alcohol. Through June 6 preliminary statistics* indicate that 267 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010. This is 68 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2009.
Preliminary statistics indicate that eleven people died in nine separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Tuesday, June 1, through Sunday, June 6, 2010. None of the fatalities occured in the EKB listening area. A triple-fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Madison County. One fatal ATV involved crash occurred in Greenup County. The victim was not wearing a helmet. One pedestrian involved fatal crash occurred in Whitley County and involved the suspected use of alcohol. Through June 6 preliminary statistics* indicate that 267 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010. This is 68 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2009.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:34 PM
EQT Science And Math Day Camp
KENTUCKY....
Applications are now available for EQT’s annual Science and Math Day Camp at Pikeville College. Registration is open to students who will be enrolled in the fifth through the eighth grade in the upcoming 2010-2011 school year. The camp is open to students entering the fifth and sixth grades the week of July 5-9, and open to students entering the seventh and eighth grades the week of July 12-16. The activities each week generally run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, with the exception of check-in on the first day and a daylong Friday field trip. The cost for this year’s camp is $50, which covers all expenses, including camp food, a T-shirt and the field trip. For more information about the Science and Math Day Camp call
(606) 218-5476.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:33 PM
Interim President At Hazard Community College
KENTUCKY....
An interim president for Hazard Community and Technical College has been named. Michael B. McCall, president of Kentucky Community and Technical College System, announced Dr. Kristin T. Williams will take over the college on an interim basis on July 6. Since 2007, Dr. Williams has served as the chief academic officer at Hopkinsville Community College (HCC), where she is responsible for the overall operations of the academic side of the institution. Dr. Williams’ previous experience at HCC will help her blend seamlessly into the educational structure of HCTC. McCall’s announcement comes weeks after HCTC’s outgoing president, Dr. Allen Goben, made his own announcement that he had accepted the presidency at Heartland Community College in Illinois. Goben began his tenure at HCTC in the summer of 2007.
An interim president for Hazard Community and Technical College has been named. Michael B. McCall, president of Kentucky Community and Technical College System, announced Dr. Kristin T. Williams will take over the college on an interim basis on July 6. Since 2007, Dr. Williams has served as the chief academic officer at Hopkinsville Community College (HCC), where she is responsible for the overall operations of the academic side of the institution. Dr. Williams’ previous experience at HCC will help her blend seamlessly into the educational structure of HCTC. McCall’s announcement comes weeks after HCTC’s outgoing president, Dr. Allen Goben, made his own announcement that he had accepted the presidency at Heartland Community College in Illinois. Goben began his tenure at HCTC in the summer of 2007.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:31 PM
Environmental Group Seeking Members
KENTUCKY....
A non-profit group that has defended the environment for a quarter-century in Kentucky is having its first-ever online membership drive. The Kentucky Resources Council says it "has been blessed with steady financial support in the past," but the tough economy has prompted it too reach out for new donors. In the past, the group's fundraising efforts were limited to two mailed appeals a year. The group _ with a staff of three people _ focuses on coal mining, energy and environmental policy. KRC is asking prospective donors to visit its website, www.kyrc.org.
A non-profit group that has defended the environment for a quarter-century in Kentucky is having its first-ever online membership drive. The Kentucky Resources Council says it "has been blessed with steady financial support in the past," but the tough economy has prompted it too reach out for new donors. In the past, the group's fundraising efforts were limited to two mailed appeals a year. The group _ with a staff of three people _ focuses on coal mining, energy and environmental policy. KRC is asking prospective donors to visit its website, www.kyrc.org.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:30 PM
Man Dead...Wife Wounded In Boone County
KENTUCKY....
A husband was found dead and a wife injured in a double shooting at a northern Kentucky home, but police say they aren't pursuing suspects outside of the house. 54-year-old Donald Sassin suffered a single gunshot wound and was pronounced dead Saturday evening at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Florence. The Boone County Sheriff's Office says 52-year-old Pamela Sassin was shot once and was taken to University Hospital. Police said the couple was alone in the house and they weren't looking for any other suspects. Sheriff's department spokesman Tom Scheben says Pamela Sassin called a relative after being shot at 3:10 p.m. The relative then called 911. Scheben wouldn't say what investigators thought happened, but said no suspects were on the loose.
A husband was found dead and a wife injured in a double shooting at a northern Kentucky home, but police say they aren't pursuing suspects outside of the house. 54-year-old Donald Sassin suffered a single gunshot wound and was pronounced dead Saturday evening at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Florence. The Boone County Sheriff's Office says 52-year-old Pamela Sassin was shot once and was taken to University Hospital. Police said the couple was alone in the house and they weren't looking for any other suspects. Sheriff's department spokesman Tom Scheben says Pamela Sassin called a relative after being shot at 3:10 p.m. The relative then called 911. Scheben wouldn't say what investigators thought happened, but said no suspects were on the loose.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:26 PM
TVA Criticized EPA "Coal Ash" Proposal
KENTUCKY....
A government watchdog group says the Tennessee Valley Authority may have weakened the Environmental Protection Agency's position on regulating coal ash when it was allowed to speak on the issue before the public. An accidentally released internal federal document shows that the public power producer, still cleaning up from a massive coal ash spill in 2008, criticized EPA's original draft proposal. That proposal said coal ash should be classified as a "special" waste, making it fall under hazardous waste rules. Open government advocates OMB Watch say TVA had a direct conflict of interest. Barbara Martocci, a TVA spokeswoman, said it would have been irresponsible for TVA not to comment.
A government watchdog group says the Tennessee Valley Authority may have weakened the Environmental Protection Agency's position on regulating coal ash when it was allowed to speak on the issue before the public. An accidentally released internal federal document shows that the public power producer, still cleaning up from a massive coal ash spill in 2008, criticized EPA's original draft proposal. That proposal said coal ash should be classified as a "special" waste, making it fall under hazardous waste rules. Open government advocates OMB Watch say TVA had a direct conflict of interest. Barbara Martocci, a TVA spokeswoman, said it would have been irresponsible for TVA not to comment.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:24 PM
Laurel County Woman Dies After Giving Birth
KENTUCKY....
Thirty year old Karin Rush Blankenship, a Laurel County woman who worked as a nurse at St. Joseph-London and was 32 weeks pregnant, died of bacterial meningitis Sunday at the University of Kentucky Hospital. Doctors at St. Joseph-London performed an emergency C-section in which she gave birth to a boy and a girl who were sent to University of Kentucky Hospital by helicopter Saturday. Later Saturday Blankenship was transferred to UK Hospital where she died the following day.
Thirty year old Karin Rush Blankenship, a Laurel County woman who worked as a nurse at St. Joseph-London and was 32 weeks pregnant, died of bacterial meningitis Sunday at the University of Kentucky Hospital. Doctors at St. Joseph-London performed an emergency C-section in which she gave birth to a boy and a girl who were sent to University of Kentucky Hospital by helicopter Saturday. Later Saturday Blankenship was transferred to UK Hospital where she died the following day.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:23 PM
Jackson County Teen Seeks Charges
KENTUCKY....
The attorney for Corinne Schwab, a Jackson County teen accused of kidnapping a gay classmate, has filed a letter asking that Schwab be allowed to meet with Jackson County Attorney George T. Hays, or someone in his office, to swear out a private-party complaint against Cheyenne Williams. Schwab wants to file a complaint charging Williams with either first-degree perjury, a felony, or false swearing, a misdemeanor. Williams used the same action to file charges of attempted murder and kidnapping in April against Schwab and Ashley Sams, both 18, and a 17-year-old girl. If Schwab is not allowed to file charges through a private complaint, she may ask to testify to the grand jury.
The attorney for Corinne Schwab, a Jackson County teen accused of kidnapping a gay classmate, has filed a letter asking that Schwab be allowed to meet with Jackson County Attorney George T. Hays, or someone in his office, to swear out a private-party complaint against Cheyenne Williams. Schwab wants to file a complaint charging Williams with either first-degree perjury, a felony, or false swearing, a misdemeanor. Williams used the same action to file charges of attempted murder and kidnapping in April against Schwab and Ashley Sams, both 18, and a 17-year-old girl. If Schwab is not allowed to file charges through a private complaint, she may ask to testify to the grand jury.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:22 PM
Cumberland River Bridge Work
KENTUCKY....
Work to rehabilitate the US 60 Cumberland River bridge in western Kentucky will slow traffic on the bridge beginning later this month. The Department of Transportation says truck traffic will be restricted on the Livingston County bridge, and at night only passenger vehicles will be allowed to use it. The restrictions will prevent trucks and farm equipment over 10 feet wide from crossing the bridge during the day.
Contractors will work around the clock to make sure the hardship placed on farmers and truckers will be short-lived. The work is tentatively scheduled to start June 14.
Work to rehabilitate the US 60 Cumberland River bridge in western Kentucky will slow traffic on the bridge beginning later this month. The Department of Transportation says truck traffic will be restricted on the Livingston County bridge, and at night only passenger vehicles will be allowed to use it. The restrictions will prevent trucks and farm equipment over 10 feet wide from crossing the bridge during the day.
Contractors will work around the clock to make sure the hardship placed on farmers and truckers will be short-lived. The work is tentatively scheduled to start June 14.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:21 PM
I-65 Gets Temporary Fix
KENTUCKY....
Kentucky transportation officials have put temporary concrete barriers in the median of Interstate 65 in Hart County. The barriers were installed following the deaths of 11 people on the highway in March. Ten people in a van and a tractor-trailer truck driver died when the truck ran through the median near Munfordville, hit the van, then crashed into a rock wall. Department of Highways spokesman Mark Brown said the new temporary barriers prevented a tractor-trailer from crossing through the median last week. He said the barriers will remain until a permanent fix is completed.
Kentucky transportation officials have put temporary concrete barriers in the median of Interstate 65 in Hart County. The barriers were installed following the deaths of 11 people on the highway in March. Ten people in a van and a tractor-trailer truck driver died when the truck ran through the median near Munfordville, hit the van, then crashed into a rock wall. Department of Highways spokesman Mark Brown said the new temporary barriers prevented a tractor-trailer from crossing through the median last week. He said the barriers will remain until a permanent fix is completed.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:19 PM
Mine Rescue Teams Reenter UBB
WEST VIRGINIA....
Around 8:15 A.M. Monday morning, four mine rescue teams entered the North and South Portals of the Upper Big Branch Mine. No elevated gas readings were reported at sampling locations or by the teams. The teams followed the prescribed plan for re-entry and exploration, and, by 1:00 P.M., had examined the #5 set of seals and the #1 and #2 set of seals with no reported problems. The exploratory teams are attempting to make sure it's safe enough for investigators to start searching for the cause of the April 5th explosion.
Around 8:15 A.M. Monday morning, four mine rescue teams entered the North and South Portals of the Upper Big Branch Mine. No elevated gas readings were reported at sampling locations or by the teams. The teams followed the prescribed plan for re-entry and exploration, and, by 1:00 P.M., had examined the #5 set of seals and the #1 and #2 set of seals with no reported problems. The exploratory teams are attempting to make sure it's safe enough for investigators to start searching for the cause of the April 5th explosion.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:03 PM
Appalachian Power Reaches Settlement
WEST VIRGINIA....
During a hearing in Charleston Monday, Appalachian Power reached a settlement with a group of rate hike opponents which is expected to be approved by the Public Service Commission by June 30th. Under the hike, Appalachian Power's residential customer rates are expected to climb 7.4 percent next month. As part of the settlement, Appalachian agreed to scrap plans to offer a senior citizen discount... up to $60 a year for customers 65 and over. Appalachian says its $95.3 million rate hike was necessary to recoup the costs of coal, comply with environmental regulations and purchase power from other utilities. If the PSC approves the settlement, Appalachian Power's residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month would see their monthly bills increase from $80.47 to $86.41, starting July 1st.
During a hearing in Charleston Monday, Appalachian Power reached a settlement with a group of rate hike opponents which is expected to be approved by the Public Service Commission by June 30th. Under the hike, Appalachian Power's residential customer rates are expected to climb 7.4 percent next month. As part of the settlement, Appalachian agreed to scrap plans to offer a senior citizen discount... up to $60 a year for customers 65 and over. Appalachian says its $95.3 million rate hike was necessary to recoup the costs of coal, comply with environmental regulations and purchase power from other utilities. If the PSC approves the settlement, Appalachian Power's residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month would see their monthly bills increase from $80.47 to $86.41, starting July 1st.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:01 PM
Man Electrocuted In Logan County
WEST VIRGINIA....
The Logan County Sheriff’s Office says the body of 37 year old Morris Goodman of Bruno was found in the Rich Creek area about 5:50 P.M. Sunday by a man riding his ATV on the old Belva Coal Company strip mine site. The rider told officers he saw two men standing by a truck about an hour before he found the body, but the truck was no longer at the site. Authorities say Goodman was electrocuted while trying to remove grounding cable from an Appalachian Power Company utility pole, causing his body to be severely burned.
The Logan County Sheriff’s Office says the body of 37 year old Morris Goodman of Bruno was found in the Rich Creek area about 5:50 P.M. Sunday by a man riding his ATV on the old Belva Coal Company strip mine site. The rider told officers he saw two men standing by a truck about an hour before he found the body, but the truck was no longer at the site. Authorities say Goodman was electrocuted while trying to remove grounding cable from an Appalachian Power Company utility pole, causing his body to be severely burned.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:00 PM
Buckhannon Brothers Face Meth Charges
WEST VIRGINIA....
Monday, investigators raided a home in Upper Pecks Run on the Upshur/Harrison County line and found anhydrous ammonia, other chemicals used to make meth, marijuana plants growing outside the house and individually packaged marijuana inside the home. Upshur County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two brothers, 26 year old Jesse Evan Howes and 30 year old Clinton Scott Howes, of Buckhannon and charged them with operating or attempting to operate a clandestine drug lab, manufacturing a controlled substance, and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Clinton Howes was also charged with child neglect creating the risk of injury.
Monday, investigators raided a home in Upper Pecks Run on the Upshur/Harrison County line and found anhydrous ammonia, other chemicals used to make meth, marijuana plants growing outside the house and individually packaged marijuana inside the home. Upshur County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two brothers, 26 year old Jesse Evan Howes and 30 year old Clinton Scott Howes, of Buckhannon and charged them with operating or attempting to operate a clandestine drug lab, manufacturing a controlled substance, and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Clinton Howes was also charged with child neglect creating the risk of injury.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:59 PM
PSC Rejects Consumer Advocate Request
WEST VIRGINIA....
Monday, the West Virginia's Public Service Commission rejected a request filed by the agency's Consumer Advocate Division asking the commission to reconsider the sale of Verizon's landline phone service in the state to Frontier Communications while the consumer advocate sought an independent audit of the deal and other safeguards. The PSC says the division failed to present any new evidence justifying reconsideration in the $8.6 billion deal in which Verizon is selling 4.8 million landlines in 14 states to Frontier.
Monday, the West Virginia's Public Service Commission rejected a request filed by the agency's Consumer Advocate Division asking the commission to reconsider the sale of Verizon's landline phone service in the state to Frontier Communications while the consumer advocate sought an independent audit of the deal and other safeguards. The PSC says the division failed to present any new evidence justifying reconsideration in the $8.6 billion deal in which Verizon is selling 4.8 million landlines in 14 states to Frontier.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:57 PM
Union Workers End Red Cross Strike
WEST VIRGINIA....
Union workers staged a five-day strike at the Red Cross blood collection centers in Huntington, Charleston, and Parkersburg before agreeing to return to work at midnight Sunday. Union officials say the union members have been working at the locations for a year without a contract and they are having no luck getting Red Cross to hold bargaining discussions. In their dispute, union workers say, besides working conditions, pay scales, and benefits, there are bigger issues at play. Workers say they will continue pushing and hope someone will look into their claims and force Red Cross to make changes.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:56 PM
Beckley Woman Charged With Malicious Wounding
WEST VIRGINIA....
Twenty year old Jessica Jean Amick of Beckley has been charged with malicious wounding and grand larceny. Beckley Police say Amick and her boyfriend were guests at an apartment at 535 McCulloch Drive, and 18 year old Chelsea Dillenger had been staying overnight. When Amick left the apartment early Saturday morning, carrying a suitcase, the resident and Dillenger noticed several items missing. The women found Amick near the North Eisenhower Drive Food Lion’s parking lot. When Dillenger asked Amick about the stolen items, a physical altercation ensued, resulting in Dillenger being stabbed several times with what appeared to be a hunting knife.
Twenty year old Jessica Jean Amick of Beckley has been charged with malicious wounding and grand larceny. Beckley Police say Amick and her boyfriend were guests at an apartment at 535 McCulloch Drive, and 18 year old Chelsea Dillenger had been staying overnight. When Amick left the apartment early Saturday morning, carrying a suitcase, the resident and Dillenger noticed several items missing. The women found Amick near the North Eisenhower Drive Food Lion’s parking lot. When Dillenger asked Amick about the stolen items, a physical altercation ensued, resulting in Dillenger being stabbed several times with what appeared to be a hunting knife.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:55 PM
Charleston Police Find Outdoor Meth Lab
WEST VIRGINIA....
Charleston police were dispatched late last week to the Foodland store on Spring Street to investigate a possible meth lab after store manager Sheila Burgess became suspicious when 38 year old Michael Scott Jones of Wyoming Street, walked into the woods behind the store after buying six bottles of iodine and one bottle of peroxide. Upon investigation, officers discovered Jones standing by a tree with a large blue tarp slung over its branches to create shelter while he was bent over, pouring a liquid into a canister. When officers got closer they noticed a plastic bag containing white powder, a peroxide bottle cut in half with a red liquid inside, and several other meth-making ingredients. Jones attempted to run, but, once handcuffed, he told officers he only breaks down the ingredients and prepares the meth lab for cooking, but does not do the actual cooking.
Charleston police were dispatched late last week to the Foodland store on Spring Street to investigate a possible meth lab after store manager Sheila Burgess became suspicious when 38 year old Michael Scott Jones of Wyoming Street, walked into the woods behind the store after buying six bottles of iodine and one bottle of peroxide. Upon investigation, officers discovered Jones standing by a tree with a large blue tarp slung over its branches to create shelter while he was bent over, pouring a liquid into a canister. When officers got closer they noticed a plastic bag containing white powder, a peroxide bottle cut in half with a red liquid inside, and several other meth-making ingredients. Jones attempted to run, but, once handcuffed, he told officers he only breaks down the ingredients and prepares the meth lab for cooking, but does not do the actual cooking.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:53 PM
Milton Trial Rescheduled
WEST VIRGINIA....
Christopher Riddle of Milton was scheduled to be in court Monday, but the hearing was rescheduled for July 14th. The Cabell County Sheriff'f office charged Riddle with wanton endangerment after his 12 year old daughter was found shot in the neck while outside their home on Dry Ridge Road on May 21st. Investigators believe the shooting was accidental.
Christopher Riddle of Milton was scheduled to be in court Monday, but the hearing was rescheduled for July 14th. The Cabell County Sheriff'f office charged Riddle with wanton endangerment after his 12 year old daughter was found shot in the neck while outside their home on Dry Ridge Road on May 21st. Investigators believe the shooting was accidental.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:51 PM
Hatfield-McCoy Trails To Soon Expand
WEST VIRGINIA....
Hatfield-McCoy Trails users soon will be able to travel more than 150 miles through southern West Virginia without leaving the trail system. A nine-mile connector system linking the Pinnacle Creek and Indian Ridge trail systems is expected to be completed by the end of June. The new system also will connect the Hatfield McCoy Trails to Twin Falls State Park and the towns of Northfork, Keystone, Ashland, Pineville and Mullens. Another trail system in Mercer County will be connected when it opens in the fall, and plans to build a visitors center in Mercer County have been made.
Hatfield-McCoy Trails users soon will be able to travel more than 150 miles through southern West Virginia without leaving the trail system. A nine-mile connector system linking the Pinnacle Creek and Indian Ridge trail systems is expected to be completed by the end of June. The new system also will connect the Hatfield McCoy Trails to Twin Falls State Park and the towns of Northfork, Keystone, Ashland, Pineville and Mullens. Another trail system in Mercer County will be connected when it opens in the fall, and plans to build a visitors center in Mercer County have been made.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:50 PM
Charleston Police Investigating Scam
WEST VIRGINIA....
Charleston police say two Hispanic men in a black pickup truck approached an elderly woman in the 1500 block of Louden Heights Road in the South Hills area around 4:00 P.M. Saturday, and, while portraying themselves as city workers, told the woman that city workers would start cutting trees on her property on Monday free of charge. One of the men led the woman away from her house to point out which trees needed to be cut while police say the other stole money from her home.
Charleston police say two Hispanic men in a black pickup truck approached an elderly woman in the 1500 block of Louden Heights Road in the South Hills area around 4:00 P.M. Saturday, and, while portraying themselves as city workers, told the woman that city workers would start cutting trees on her property on Monday free of charge. One of the men led the woman away from her house to point out which trees needed to be cut while police say the other stole money from her home.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:48 PM
Gas Well Catches Fire
WEST VIRGINIA....
Marshall County officials say a gas well owned by Chief Oil and Gas Wells caught fire around 1:30 A.M. Monday morning on Beam's Lane just off Route 250 between Limestone and Moundsville, injuring seven workers and changing the route for Marshall County school buses. Three people were taken by ambulance to Pittsburgh hospitals after fog grounded helicopter flights. The other four injured were transported to local hospitals.
Marshall County officials say a gas well owned by Chief Oil and Gas Wells caught fire around 1:30 A.M. Monday morning on Beam's Lane just off Route 250 between Limestone and Moundsville, injuring seven workers and changing the route for Marshall County school buses. Three people were taken by ambulance to Pittsburgh hospitals after fog grounded helicopter flights. The other four injured were transported to local hospitals.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:46 PM
PRIDE Group Announces Winner
KENTUCKY...
The Shelby Valley High School Honor Society edged out the East Ridge High School PRIDE Club in this year’s cleanup contest. The Belfry High School Environmental Club was the other participating school group in the contest. Pike County PRIDE Coordinator Jimmy Dale Sanders, Shelby Valley principal Forrest Dale Johnson, Pike County Judge Executive Wayne T. Rutherford, and Shelby Valley Honor Society members Holly Fleming, Janna McPeek, Kayla Boggs, and PRIDE secretary Betty Brown were on hand to present the top award to the winning school.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 12:41 AM
