Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Protestors Gather Outside McConnell Office
KENTUCKY....
Nearly 75,000 Kentuckians are at risk of losing their jobless benefits in the next eight weeks. An extension would cost $33.9 billion in borrowed money that would be added to the budget deficit. Labor activists and unemployed workers lashed out at Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell as they carried signs and chanted in the summer heat Wednesday outside the federal courthouse in Louisville where the Senate Republican leader has an office. The protest was in response to a Republican filibuster that blocked an extension of federal jobless benefits. McConnell spokesman Robert Steurer says McConnell offered several alternatives, including a two-month extension of benefits paid for with spending cuts once suggested by Democratic senators. Gail Helinger, who used to make $17.28 an hour at a company that makes parts for the pipeline industry before being laid off, and fellow unemployed worker George Boyd, who was laid off in May 2009 from his job helping job corps students find employment, walked into McConnell's office in the federal courthouse to express their unhappiness with the senator. McConnell wasn't there, but aide, Bradley Atzinger, politely assured them the senator is committed to passing the benefits in a "fiscally responsible manner."
Brief Filed In Pitino Case
KENTUCKY....
Federal prosecutors have filed a brief in U.S. District Court in Louisville alleging Karen Cunagin Sypher filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against an auto glass business owner in 2001, similar to the charges against Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino. In the earlier case, prosecutors say, Sypher claimed to be pregnant when he ended the relationship and sued the man after she was fired a few months later from a job he had hired her to do. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn Jr. says the earlier alleged extortion attempt, which did not result in criminal charges, will be introduced at Sypher's trial, which starts July 26th. Sypher has pleaded not guilty to charges she attempted to extort $10 million from Pitino and lied to the FBI.
Johnson County Drug Round-Up Nets Nine Arrests
KENTUCKY....
Nine people in Johnson County accused of doctor shopping have been arrested and lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center charged with unauthorized procurement of a controlled substance, while additional arrests are pending.
Those arrested are:
Rocky Blevins, 55 of Staffordsville
Lisa Spradlin, 26 of Paintsville
Tabitha Dotson, 28 of Vanlear
Hobert Travis, 45 of Vanlear
Robert Abrams, 31 of Paintsville
Husband and wife Tabitha and Casey Jones both of Flat Gap
Joseph Witten, 31 of Sitka
Christy Fannin, 40 of East Point.
Lexington Teenager On "Kid Jeopardy"
KENTUCKY...
A Lexington teenager is a lot richer, thanks to a great performance on Kid Jeopardy. Will Walters won $29,999 on the show. Walters is a student at the Lexington Traditional Magnet School. He's 13 now, but was 12 for the taping of the episode which happened back in March. His family held a viewing party at their Lexington home. As for what he'll do with the money, Walters says he plans on using it for college. He hopes to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
EPA To Seek Public Comment
KENTUCKY...
The Obama administration is proposing new rules to tighten restrictions on pollution from coal-burning power plants in the eastern half of the country, a key step to cut
emissions that cause smog. The Environmental Protection Agency said the new rules would cut sulfur dioxide emissions by 71 percent from 2005 levels by 2014 and nitrogen oxide emissions by 52 percent in the same time frame. The regulation, known as the Clean Air Interstate Rule, requires 31 states from Massachusetts to Texas to reduce emissions that contribute to smog and soot and can travel long distances in the wind. The agency predicted the rule would prevent about 14,000 to 36,000 premature deaths a year. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said the rule signed Tuesday should improve air quality and public health in a broad swath of states, from New England down to Florida, over to Texas and up to Minnesota. But, industry groups said it will boost power prices and force many older coal-fired power plants to be closed. Jeff Holmstead, a former EPA official who authored the original interstate rule, said it was not clear whether utilities will be able meet the new standards while still providing affordable and reliable electric power.
Death Request By Inmate
KENTUCKY...
Shawn Windsor will take his plea to be put to death to a Jefferson County judge. Windsor has filed a civil lawsuit to have his public defender thrown off his case so he can waive any remaining appeals and be executed. A Franklin County judge has already denied the request but now the Kentucky Attorney General's Office wants to be heard. Windsor pleaded guilty four years ago to the 2003 murders of his estranged wife, Betty Jean and their 8-year-old son, Corey.
Cousins Signs Contract...Becomes A King
KENTUCKY...
Former UK center DeMarcus Cousins is now a King. The Sacramento Kings have signed rookie center and former UK Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins to a contract. Cousins, the No. 5 pick in the draft, can earn about $7 million in the first two years of the deal, and the Kings have separate team options for the third and fourth seasons. As a freshman Wildcat, Cousins averaged 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks, and the Kings are counting on him to be the dominating inside presence they have been lacking in recent years.
Hayride Death Being Investigated
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky State Police are continuing to investigate a hayride accident that killed a woman. Police said about 30 people were riding on a haywagon last Saturday night when it jackknifed on a hill on a Mercer County farm. Forty-four-year-old Terri Hurley died as a result of the accident. The deputy Mercer County coroner said five other people suffered non-life threatening injuries. Police say toxicology results are pending on the person driving the tractor pulling the wagon. Authorities are looking to determine if drugs or alcohol was involved.
Law Enforcement Sergeants Graduate
KENTUCKY...
Nineteen law enforcement officers from around Kentucky have graduated from a training academy to become sergeants. The group graduated last week from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training's Academy of Police Supervision at Eastern Kentucky University. The three-week, 120-hour training program is for newly promoted sergeants or officers who are on their agency's promotion list to become sergeants. The officers came from Shepherdsville, Glasgow, Northern Kentucky and Western Kentucky university police, Somerset, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Morehead, London, Lebanon Junction, Berea, Cynthiana, Jeffersontown, Covington, Williamstown, Ludlow, Louisville Metro and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Postal Rates To Go Up
KENTUCKY...
Buy those Forever stamps now. The cost of mailing a letter is going up again. Fighting to survive a deepening financial crisis, the Postal Service said Tuesday it wants to increase the price of first-class stamps by 2 cents — to 46 cents — starting in January. Other postage costs would rise as well. The agency's persisting problem: ever-declining mail volume as people and businesses shift to the Internet and the declining economy reduces advertising mail. The post office lost $3.8 billion last year, despite cutting 40,000 full-time positions and making other reductions.
BBB Warns Of Non-Existent Hazard Dealer Scam
KENTUCKY....
The Better Business Bureau of Central & Eastern Kentucky say, if you're car shopping online and come across unbelievable deals on repossessed cars using the name Superstore Used Cars giving an address in Hazard, Kentucky, beware. The scam, going on nationwide, uses the names of well-known, existing auto dealerships to try to fool consumers into wiring them money to pay deposits, only to receive no vehicle and no way to get their money back. Neil Kingery, President & CEO of the BBB of Central & Eastern Kentucky, says they have received many calls and e-mails from hopeful consumers outside of Kentucky checking out this non-existent dealer in Hazard because of the low, low prices offered for repossessed vehicles. He says they were being asked to wire money via Money Gram to pay deposits.
Officials Cite Dotiki Mine
KENTUCKY....
State officials have cited the Dotiki mine in in Hopkins County in western Kentucky where a roof collapse on April 28th killed 27 year old Justin Travis and 28 year old Michael Carter. The mine's operator, Webster County Coal, was issued a notice of non-compliance for violations of state laws that require companies to have adequate roof control plans in underground mines. State officials will refer their findings to the state's Mine Safety Review Commission, which could choose to impose fines on the company.
Stay Alert Behind The Wheel
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky State Police are on the lookout for inattentive drivers. Troopers say the campaign that began June 1 is gaining momentum. The effort will continue through Labor Day weekend and will include more than 1,000 safety checkpoints across the state. State police commissioner Rodney Brewer says the initiative is aimed at reducing highway crashes by reminding drivers to be alert and have their vehicles road ready. Brewer says inattentive driving has become a trend with sometimes-deadly consequences. He says it's the No. 1 cause of crashes in Kentucky. State police have already conducted 371 safety checkpoints netting 176 DUI arrests, 715 seat-belt citations, 68 drug arrests, one stolen vehicle recovery and 13,622 vehicles inspected.
Manchin Won't Appoint Himself To Senate Seat
WEST VIRGINIA....
During a news conference Wednesday, Governor Joe Manchin said he won't appoint himself to replace Senator Robert C. Byrd, but he would consider running for the seat if there is a special election in November. Manchin says he would never deny voters the right to make the decision. Byrd had slightly more than 30 months left in his term, and state election officials concluded that Byrd's seat wouldn't go before voters until 2012, but the governor wants the state Attorney General to issue a legal opinion on the state's current code. He says he will follow that decision and consult with legislative leaders before moving forward. Manchin says he does have a short list of names he is considering for Byrd's replacement.
Officials Say Huntington Workers Have No Contract
WEST VIRGINIA....
When members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 598 Union and the city of Huntington appeared in a Cabell County courtroom Tuesday, workers were seeking an injunction against the new four-day workweek that began July 3rd. That injunction was not granted. Presiding Judge Hustead said he wanted to make it clear he was not entertaining a motion to dismiss but a denial of a preliminary injunction. City officials say the four-day workweek is necessary to prevent layoffs, but union members say it is against their contract to cut hours. According to the city, an extension by former Mayor David Felinton on June 10, 2008 is not valid because the Mayor's position is that of an executive and not a legislator. City officials say Felinton had no power to grant an extension.
Murder Trial Begins
WEST VIRGINIA....
Jury selection and opening arguments began Wednesday in the first-degree murder case of 43 year old Robert S. Frazier of Huntington. Prosecutors allege he fatally shot Kathryn Gale Smith on August 25, 2008, inside a home they had shared in Guyandotte. At the time, a friend said Smith had been in a physically and mentally abusive relationship. A witness told police Frazier and Smith were involved in an argument, and they saw Frazier enter the bedroom with a shotgun in his hands before hearing one gunshot. The witness claims Frazier climb out the bedroom window with blood on his arms and clothes, while yelling at the witness to not tell anyone he had been at the residence.
Attorney General's Office Files Lawsuit
WEST VIRGINIA....
Attorney General Darrell McGraw’s Consumer Protection Division has filed a lawsuit against William S. Terry and Herbert L. Terry, both of Sandy Hook, Kentucky, and Vicky Perdue of Proctorville, Ohio. McGraw says, while telling consumers that they had started a charitable organization called Mikayla’s Place that was affiliated with Autism Speaks, a Delaware charitable organization, they purchased computers at liquidation sales and surplus auctions and told consumers they were selling them to raise money for a camp for autistic and other special needs children. Neither the defendants nor Mikayla’s Place were registered with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office to solicit funds for a charity, violating West Virginia consumer protection laws.
Body Of Drowning Victim Located
WEST VIRGINIA....
Lewis County authorities and rescue teams continued their search Wednesday before finding the body of 19 year old Alexander Scott Heatherly who drowned in Stonewall Jackson Lake after going beneath the surface Tuesday night while swimming in the Skin Creek area with three friends. Heatherly was found around 1:30 P.M. Wednesday afternoon. Alcohol wasn't believed to be involved in the incident.
Man Pleads Not Guilty To Stabbing Charge
WEST VIRGINIA....
Fifty-eight year old Charles Kenneth Woodson Sr. has pleaded not guilty to burglary and malicious wounding and is scheduled to go to trial September 27th. Police say Woodson and his son went to the home of Rock Hudson Williams in Rand in May, and Woodson Sr. stabbed Williams after becoming upset that his wife was staying with him. Four people were treated at a local hospital after suffering stab wounds.
Mason County Board Calls For Resignation
WEST VIRGINIA....
Members of the Mason County Board of Education are asking that board member Teresa Warner immediately resign after West Virginia State Police arrested and charged her last week with one count of fraudulent schemes. Warner is accused of accepting money in exchange for passing grades on GED tests for a number of Mason County residents. Members of the board say it would benefit the integrity and welfare of the entire school district, but Warner says resigning in the early stage of the investigation would be premature. Warner is an adult basic education and GED teacher at Lakin Correctional Facility, but the charges don’t involve inmates.
Members of the Mason County Board of Education are asking that board member Teresa Warner immediately resign after West Virginia State Police arrested and charged her last week with one count of fraudulent schemes. Warner is accused of accepting money in exchange for passing grades on GED tests for a number of Mason County residents. Members of the board say it would benefit the integrity and welfare of the entire school district, but Warner says resigning in the early stage of the investigation would be premature. Warner is an adult basic education and GED teacher at Lakin Correctional Facility, but the charges don’t involve inmates.
Man Enters Pre-Trial Diversion Agreement
WEST VIRGINIA....
James Michael Gibson entered into a pre-trial diversion agreement Tuesday with federal prosecutors after facing a 15-count indictment alleging mail fraud, wire fraud, identity theft and misuse of a Social Security number. Under the agreement, approved by U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers, Gibson agrees to serve 12 months probation and to pay varying amounts of restitution: $963 to Verizon, $7,705 to City National Bank and $7,300 to BB&T. In exchange, the government agreed to not prosecute the case as long as he complies. A July 2009 indictment charged Gibson authored checks transferring funds between three banks while there were insufficient funds to cover transfers and subsequent withdrawals, tallying a loss of $12,000 to the banks, merchants and vendors.
Law Firms Investigating Practices At West Virginia Banks
WEST VIRGINIA....
Bailey & Glasser has teamed with Washington, D.C.-based law firm Tycko & Zavareei in a class action lawsuit filed on June 17th against City National, N.A. of Charleston alleging customers have been victims of unfair and deceptive overdraft fee practices, a violation of West Virginia’s consumer protection law and contracts with customers. John Barrett, a partner at the Charleston-based law firm Bailey & Glasser, says many overdraft fees were charged because City National manipulated the way debit card transactions were posted, and the bank never properly disclosed its overdraft policies to its customers. According to the lawsuit, national banks charge an estimated $27 billion annually in overdraft fees. Bailey & Glasser and Tycko & Zavareei are also investigating overdraft fee practices of other banks in West Virginia.
Group Seeking Solution For Firefighters
WEST VIRGINIA....
Governor Joe Manchin says volunteer firefighters are instrumental in keeping communities safe and well protected, and they need long-term help. BrickStreet Insurance has been required to provide workers compensation insurance at a loss since the company was formed from the state workers’ compensation fund in 2006. BrickStreet was allowed to raise rates on July 1st but agreed to delay the increase for a year to give departments time to figure out how to afford it. State leaders have announced the creation of the West Virginia Volunteer Fire Department Workers’ Compensation Group in hopes of possibly coming up with solutions to bring before state lawmakers. The group meets Thursday, July 8th in the Governor’s Cabinet and Conference Room at the state Capitol.
Crash Victims Families Urge Bill Passage
WEST VIRGINIA....
Relatives of victims of a 2009 Continental Flight 3407 crash in upstate New York came to Charleston to show support for a Federal Aviation Administration funding bill in Congress. The U.S. House and Senate have passed separate versions. The families are pushing for passage of a compromise version of the bill. The Senate version, sponsored by Senator Jay Rockefeller, addresses a series of safety concerns raised by the crash of a regional airliner last year near Buffalo that killed 50 people.
Attorney Faces Drug Charge
WEST VIRGINIA....
Thirty-two year old Jessica Anne Sullivan, an attorney, was arrested at the home of a confidential informant in Ripley Saturday after police say she was caught trading meth for material needed to make methamphetamine. A Jackson County Grand Jury indicted Sullivan on several drug-related charges in June. Sullivan was indicted last year for meth-related charges, including attempting to operate a clandestine laboratory. Those charges were dismissed in February so prosecutors in the case could gather and present new evidence.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Mine Officials Seek To Stop Underground Fatalities
KENTUCKY....
Underground collapses have killed four miners in Kentucky this year. Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing Director Johnny Greene says asking miners to have a heightened sense of awareness of underground hazards will help bring a stop to these accidents and deaths. Officials want mine safety analysts to go to mines at the beginning of each shift to have face-to-face meetings with coal miners to urge them to be vigilant about potential underground collapses.
Civil Engineering Technology Scholarships
KENTUCKY...
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has awarded Zackery Collins, Edy Roque, and Carl Little, all of Floyd County, scholarships to pursue civil engineering technology at the Big Sandy Community and Technical College. Collins, who lives at Martin, is a graduate of Prestonsburg High School. Roque is a graduate of Science Academy of South Texas, in Mercedes, Texas. Little is a graduate of Allen Central High School in Floyd County. They are three of nine students across the state to receive the cabinet's new civil engineering technology scholarship for the 2010-11 school year.
Job Training Funds
KENTUCKY...
Governor Steve Beshear announced Kentucky will receive a nearly $1 million On-the-Job Training National Emergency Grant funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Funds will provide on-the-job training to approximately 160 long-term unemployed workers in Kentucky. “In response to the volatile economic situations Kentucky workers are experiencing, this grant will provide valuable on-the-job training while allowing workers to earn a paycheck,” said Gov. Beshear. “The infusion of funds will enable local workforce investment boards to enhance Kentucky’s efforts toward job retention and new job prospects for prolonged unemployed workers. Local Workforce Investment Areas will contract with approximately 64 employers across the state to provide training through the grant. An OJT is provided under a contract with an employer in the public, private non-profit or private sector. Through the OJT contract, occupational training is provided for the participant in exchange for the reimbursement of a portion of the wages to compensate for the employer’s extraordinary costs. Employers will be reimbursed by at least 50 percent of the cost of wages, and possibly more, based on a sliding scale and depending on the size of the company. National Emergency Grants (NEG) are part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Dislocated Worker National Reserve. NEG funding is administered by the Kentucky Department of Workforce Investment’s Office of Employment and Training in the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.
Paul And Conway Will Speak At Fancy Farm Picnic
KENTUCKY...
Republican Rand Paul and Democrat Jack Conway will speak at Kentucky's premiere political event, the annual Fancy Farm picnic, in western Kentucky later this summer. Paul, a Bowling Green eye doctor, and Conway, the state's attorney general, are running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Jim Bunning. Fancy Farm picnic political chairman Mark Wilson said Paul has confirmed his appearance at the Aug. 7 event. Conway spokeswoman Allison Haley said Tuesday that Conway also will also speak at the event. Both also spoke at the event last year. The Fancy Farm picnic, a fundraiser for the local Catholic parish, has served as the traditional kickoff of the fall election season in Kentucky.
U. S. Office Of Surface Mining Awards Grants
KENTUCKY...
The U.S. Office of Surface Mining has awarded the Kentucky Department for Natural Resources (DNR) two grants totaling $327,888 to fund activities crucial for the monitoring of water quality in several watersheds in the Commonwealth. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act sets limits on certain parameters (such as acidity, alkalinity, sulfates, conductivity and iron) that have the potential to adversely impact water quality. To ascertain and predict the parameters and activities responsible, OSM and DNR will utilize the first grant to establish trend stations or sampling points at 200 locations in the eastern coalfield and 37 in the western coalfield. Water samples will be collected two to four times a year and added to a database that can be used by the public and regulatory agencies. Analysis of the data will enable DNR to measure trends in the parameters that will reflect the impact that activities such as road construction, oil and gas development and mining are having on the watershed.
The permitting process for any surface mining operation requires a Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessment (CHIA). The trend station data will provide a valuable component for these assessments. The second grant enables DNR to hire six student interns to expedite the CHIA effort. Geology and aquatic biology students from Kentucky’s universities will fill these positions.
According to DNR Commissioner Carl Campbell, these awards allow the department and its counterparts at OSM to ensure that the watersheds in Kentucky’s coalfields are protected.
“The analysis of this data will help us determine the extent to which mining and other activities may affect the watersheds. Our goal is to minimize any negative impacts to these areas. The state appreciates OSM’s financial commitment to help reach this goal.”
One Arrested, One Sought In Robbery
KENTUCKY...
One person has been arrested in connection with the robbery of a convenience store, but deputies say they need your help to find his accomplice. Boyd County Sheriff's Deputies say Colt Thompson was arrested Sunday afternoon. Deputies say Thompson works at the Fast Lane convenience store on Crider Drive in Cattletsburg, which was robbed on June 24th. Thompson allegedly planned to have Carlos "Jason" Richart rob the store while he was working, so the two of them could share the money. Thompson will be charged with first degree robbery. Carlos "Jason" Richart is still on the loose. Police say he is 29-years-old and from Ashland. They say he's six feet tall and weighs 168 pounds, with brown hair and facial hair. If you have any information about his whereabouts, you're asked to call the Boyd County Sheriff's Department.
Recycling Center...Men And Materials
KENTUCKY...
A recycling center in Richmond is helping inmates prepare for life after prison. The Bluegrass Regional Recycling Corp. is a nonprofit organization established about 20 years ago to help cities and counties in the area develop recycling programs. It has used inmate labor for about a decade, but the career development program was established about two years ago. Men in the program enhance their resumes, participate in clerical work, landscaping or janitorial services. Some receive their General Educational Development certificate, and many take college courses. The recidivism rate for those who have participated in the program is about 12 percent. The state has a recidivism rate of about 40 percent. All inmates in the program are nonviolent.
HEAT ADVISORY!!
KENTUCKY...
A heat advisory is posted for eastern Kentucky as temperatures are expected to rise well into the 90s. The National Weather Service office in Jackson posted the heat advisory for Wednesday, urging people who live in the eastern part of the state to be aware of the stress extreme heat can cause. Forecasters urge eating light foods, dressing in light-colored loose clothing and slowing down activity. People are also encouraged to drink plenty of water. Temperatures as high as 97 degrees are forecast. Some relief is possible by weeks' end as a cold front brings a chance of showers.
Arrest Made In Torture Case
KENTUCKY...
Louisville-area police have made a second arrest in a case in which a man was allegedly hung upside down in a basement and beaten and cut for several hours. St. Matthews police arrested 30-year-old Sharinah Hickman on Sunday as she was hiding in the basement of the house where the alleged torture occurred in May. Police Detective Larry Alvey says Hickman was charged with accessory to kidnapping and assault. Police believe Hickman drove Dante Watts to the home of Eric Woods, Watts' cousin, then took Woods back to Watts' home in St. Matthews. Police say that Watts allegedly bound his cousin's hands and ankles, hung him upside down in his basement and then beat and cut him for several hours. Police suspect the alleged torture was due to missing drug money. Woods later escaped and was treated for his injuries.
Crop-Spraying Helicopter Pilot Killed
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky State Police say a Georgia helicopter pilot has been killed while spraying a field in western Kentucky. A news release from the KSP states 55-year-old Timothy E. Watson of Lawrenceville, Ga., was spraying fungicide and fertilizer late Monday afternoon on a farm field in Crittendon County when his helicopter struck power lines. The investigating trooper said the Robinson Model R44 helicopter came down about 200 feet from the utility lines and burned. Watson's body was found inside the cockpit. The KSP says investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are looking into the incident.
Kentucky Inmate Escapes
KENTUCKY...
Independence Day and Freedom had another meaning to an inmate in Kentucky. Police are searching for an escaped inmate. Thirty-eight year old Nathan Pierce was on a work detail when he made a run for it Sunday. People with the Scott County Detention Center say Pierce took off while painting a door on the eastside of the jail. We're told Pierce was in the Scott County Jail for several charges - including robbery, unlawful imprisonment, and kidnapping. Police believe he may be heading towards Tennessee.
Marriage Contested By Heirs
KENTUCKY...
"Till death do us part" came sooner rather than later in Denton Cooper's second marriage to Izetta Johnson. Cooper, 59, had esophageal cancer and was lying on his deathbed on June 10, 2009, when he remarried Johnson, his second wife. A couple of hours after a preacher performed the ceremony, Cooper unable to speak because of the cancer died. Cooper's three daughters by his first wife want a judge to declare the marriage to Johnson void and to remove her as administrator of his estate. The daughters Crystal Mays, Shena Reece and Cassie Taulbee, all of Lee County argue that the marriage never took place because the formal requirements for a license and solemnization were not met.
Senator Robert C. Byrd Laid To Rest
WEST VIRGINIA....
Ninety-two year old U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, the longest-serving legislator in the history of Congress, was laid to rest Tuesday afternoon beside his wife, Erma, in an Arlington County cemetery following a funeral at Arlington's Memorial Baptist Church. Governor Joe Manchin ordered all United States and state flags that have flown at half staff since June 28th to remain lowered through sunset, in respect of the interment for Byrd. The exterior lighting around the state Capitol dome was also turned back on.
Raceway Accident Kills Kanawha County Man
WEST VIRGINIA....
A Kanawha County man has suffered deadly injuries at an Ohio raceway. John Metzger of Cross Lanes, W.Va. died early Tuesday morning after being injured Monday at the Nelson Raceway in Portage County, Ohio. Investigators say two cars hit while attempting to pass a slower car, causing Metzger to lose control and crash.
Charges Dropped In Murder Case
WEST VIRGINIA....
Cabell County Prosecutor Chris Chiles has dropped charges of concealment of a human body, third-degree arson and accessory after the fact to murder against Steven Foster Sr. Chiles says Rosemary Forney told investigators he helped his son, Steven Foster Jr. and Forney in an effort to conceal the July 2008 death of Lincoln County social worker Brenda Yeager. Chiles says good credible evidence put him some distance away from the body and the car when they were set on fire.
Cabell County Prosecutor Chris Chiles has dropped charges of concealment of a human body, third-degree arson and accessory after the fact to murder against Steven Foster Sr. Chiles says Rosemary Forney told investigators he helped his son, Steven Foster Jr. and Forney in an effort to conceal the July 2008 death of Lincoln County social worker Brenda Yeager. Chiles says good credible evidence put him some distance away from the body and the car when they were set on fire.
PGA Member Pledges To UBB Families
WEST VIRGINIA....
When PGA tour member Kenny Perry announced his commitment to play in the Greenbrier Classic, which will be held July 26th through August 1st, he said for every birdie he shot on the course, he would donate $2,000 to the families of those lost in the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster. Jim Justice, The Greenbrier's owner, has agreed to match Perry's donation, which will be given to the families through the West Virginia Council of Churches. The Greenbrier and PGA Tour officials also have committed to assisting the First Tee Chapters of West Virginia and the Roanoke Valley through a special Greenbrier Classic Youth Day on July 27th. Those attending the tournament also can donate to the foundations of local universities through the Badges for Charity program.
FEMA Recovery Efforts In WV
WEST VIRGINIA...
Nearly $2 million has been approved in federal disaster grants to help West Virginians affected by the June 12 severe storms and flooding. Following the major disaster declaration by President Obama, officials from the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been working in close partnership to help affected residents get back on their feet. A Federal Disaster Recovery Center opened yesterday in Welch to aid families affected by the June 12 flooding.
AFL-CIO Urging Manchin To Replace Byrd
WEST VIRGINIA....
The Executive Board of the West Virginia AFL-CIO is urging Gov. Joe Manchin to appoint himself to fill the vacant seat left by U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd. West Virginia AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Larry Matheney is set to meet with Manchin Wednesday to hand deliver a letter asking him to reconsider his decision not to make himself the replacement.
Huntington Police Investigating Shooting
WEST VIRGINIA....
Huntington Police are investigating after 35 year old Tony Hartshorn of Fort Gay took himself to the emergency room at Cabell Huntington Hospital and told officials he had been shot in the back in the parking lot of a convenience store in Huntington early Tuesday morning.
Huntington Police are investigating after 35 year old Tony Hartshorn of Fort Gay took himself to the emergency room at Cabell Huntington Hospital and told officials he had been shot in the back in the parking lot of a convenience store in Huntington early Tuesday morning.
West Virginia State Police Conduct Bust
WEST VIRGINIA....
West Virginia State Police have arrested Jeremiah W. Landis, 34, and Savanna D. Shaffer, 25, both of Poca, and Robert L. Owens, 35, and James A. Randolph, 38, both of Nitro. All four were charged with operating a clandestine lab, possession of marijuana, possession of prescription medication and possession of meth. Police searched an apartment in Rock Branch of Putnam County Monday and found meth and materials used to make meth, along with marijuana and prescription pain pills.
West Virginia State Police have arrested Jeremiah W. Landis, 34, and Savanna D. Shaffer, 25, both of Poca, and Robert L. Owens, 35, and James A. Randolph, 38, both of Nitro. All four were charged with operating a clandestine lab, possession of marijuana, possession of prescription medication and possession of meth. Police searched an apartment in Rock Branch of Putnam County Monday and found meth and materials used to make meth, along with marijuana and prescription pain pills.
W V Records Seven Holiday Fatalities
WEST VIRGINIA....
An unofficial count shows seven people lost their lives in six separate traffic accidents in West Virginia over the July 4th holiday weekend. The seventh death came Monday night in Preston County when 48 year old Thomas Swisher of Elkins was killed after his motorcycle collided with an SUV.
An unofficial count shows seven people lost their lives in six separate traffic accidents in West Virginia over the July 4th holiday weekend. The seventh death came Monday night in Preston County when 48 year old Thomas Swisher of Elkins was killed after his motorcycle collided with an SUV.
Wood County Sheriff To Appeal Decision
WEST VIRGINIA....
Wood County Sheriff Jeff Sandy says he'll appeal the decision by the Wood County Deputy Sheriffs Review Board that deputy Chris Piggott who was terminated in April should be reinstated. Piggott had agreed to remove a tattoo from his arm after completing training and probation, but he said he believed he wouldn't have to remove the tattoo if he concealed it. Sandy plans to tell the Deputy Sheriff Civil Service Commission the case isn't about a tattoo, but about honesty and integrity.
Wood County Sheriff Jeff Sandy says he'll appeal the decision by the Wood County Deputy Sheriffs Review Board that deputy Chris Piggott who was terminated in April should be reinstated. Piggott had agreed to remove a tattoo from his arm after completing training and probation, but he said he believed he wouldn't have to remove the tattoo if he concealed it. Sandy plans to tell the Deputy Sheriff Civil Service Commission the case isn't about a tattoo, but about honesty and integrity.
Man Dies While Stealing Copper
WEST VIRGINIA...
State Police say 42 year old Harold Holstein and 21 year old Scott Jeffrey were apparently trying to steal copper wire in Boone County Monday afternoon when they cut into a live wire. AEP workers discovered the deceased body of Holstein. Jeffrey was taken to Cabell Huntington Hospital after suffering severe burns.
State Employees Question Capitol Food Court Plan
WEST VIRGINIA....
The state Department of Administration plans to have a minimal full-time staff when it takes over the Capitol Food Court operation in August with prisoners on work release. Corrections Commissioner Jim Rubenstein says it's not unusual for work-release prisoners to work in public places in Charleston, but some state employees are questioning the plan, saying customers won't know what the prisoners' backgrounds are or what they've been convicted of.
The state Department of Administration plans to have a minimal full-time staff when it takes over the Capitol Food Court operation in August with prisoners on work release. Corrections Commissioner Jim Rubenstein says it's not unusual for work-release prisoners to work in public places in Charleston, but some state employees are questioning the plan, saying customers won't know what the prisoners' backgrounds are or what they've been convicted of.
Boy Scouts Fear Cutbacks
WEST VIRGINIA....
The Tri-State Area Council of the Boys Scouts of America is currently running a $100,000 deficit, and leaders in West Virginia fear, if the two-month camp season isn't fruitful, changes could include closing a scout services center, layoffs and reduced camp operations. Over the past year, leaders trimmed more than four positions, reduced performance raises and travel reimbursements and eliminated company cars. Camp Arrowhead in Ona, Camp Kiashuta in Long Bottom, Ohio, and Camp Cherokee in Louisa, Ky. use up much of the council's $750,000 annual operating budget. The Tri-State Council is looking for private donations and corporate sponsors to help stay viable.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Mercer County Woman Dies
KENTUCKY....
Mercer County authorities say 44 year old Terri Hurley of Burgin died over the weekend after she was injured during a hayride at a farm on Buster Pike. Officials say the tractor began to slide while coming down a hill, and the trailer jack-knifed. Hurley was thrown off and struck by the trailer wheel. She was taken to James B. Haggin Memorial Hospital in Harrodsburg, where she was pronounced dead from head and chest injuries.
Mercer County authorities say 44 year old Terri Hurley of Burgin died over the weekend after she was injured during a hayride at a farm on Buster Pike. Officials say the tractor began to slide while coming down a hill, and the trailer jack-knifed. Hurley was thrown off and struck by the trailer wheel. She was taken to James B. Haggin Memorial Hospital in Harrodsburg, where she was pronounced dead from head and chest injuries.
Womens' Prison Changing
KENTUCKY...
Women serving time at a western Kentucky prison are having to adapt to new rules and a new reality after being moved from another facility in the wake of a sex scandal. The women were moved to the state-run Western Kentucky Correctional Complex in Fredonia after staff members at their previous prison had been accused of having sex with inmates. Some of the guards are facing criminal charges. At the Fredonia prison, life is much different than it had been at the Otter Creek Correctional Complex 377 miles away. The inmates say the rules are stricter and they are required to work on the prison's farm, growing crops and raising cattle. Warden Bryan Henson says officials are working to keep making changes to make the women's transition go more smoothly.
Women serving time at a western Kentucky prison are having to adapt to new rules and a new reality after being moved from another facility in the wake of a sex scandal. The women were moved to the state-run Western Kentucky Correctional Complex in Fredonia after staff members at their previous prison had been accused of having sex with inmates. Some of the guards are facing criminal charges. At the Fredonia prison, life is much different than it had been at the Otter Creek Correctional Complex 377 miles away. The inmates say the rules are stricter and they are required to work on the prison's farm, growing crops and raising cattle. Warden Bryan Henson says officials are working to keep making changes to make the women's transition go more smoothly.
KY Retirement Systems Concerns
KENTUCKY...
Kentucky is seeing an increase in the number of state government retirees, a rise that has lawmakers worried about how to pay pensions as fewer workers contribute to those funds. The monthly sum the Kentucky Retirement Systems spends on benefits jumped by 72 percent, from $68 million in 2004 to $118 million in 2009. The spike is an unintended consequence of efforts by the last two governors to cut payroll by offering incentives for early retirements. The funds were worth $16 billion in 2007 before the stock market collapsed, and then lost nearly one-third of their value. They partially have rebounded to $13.8 billion. The unfunded liability of the funds -- money they eventually will owe that they don't have -- stands at $16.6 billion.
Vanceburg Police Chief Suffers Burns
KENTUCKY...
An eastern Kentucky police chief suffered second-degree burns after a fire at the home of his recently deceased brother. Vanceburg Police Chief Joe Billman was hospitalized Thursday night. Vanceburg Fire Department Chief Carl Chaney said the fire started between 8 and 9 p.m. Chaney said Billman had gone to the home to check on the residence. After seeing the fire, Billman called for assistance, then kicked in the door to check for family members. No one was home. Lt. Tom Flannigan of the Vanceburg Police Department said Joe Billman received second-degree burns over 25 percent of his body. He was later transferred to the Cincinnati Burn Unit. The fire happened two days after John Billman was found dead in the home and nearly two weeks after John and Anita Billman were assaulted by three men. The fire, death and assault all remain under investigation.
An eastern Kentucky police chief suffered second-degree burns after a fire at the home of his recently deceased brother. Vanceburg Police Chief Joe Billman was hospitalized Thursday night. Vanceburg Fire Department Chief Carl Chaney said the fire started between 8 and 9 p.m. Chaney said Billman had gone to the home to check on the residence. After seeing the fire, Billman called for assistance, then kicked in the door to check for family members. No one was home. Lt. Tom Flannigan of the Vanceburg Police Department said Joe Billman received second-degree burns over 25 percent of his body. He was later transferred to the Cincinnati Burn Unit. The fire happened two days after John Billman was found dead in the home and nearly two weeks after John and Anita Billman were assaulted by three men. The fire, death and assault all remain under investigation.
Rain Plus Heat Equals Bugs
KENTUCKY...
A potent mix of springtime flooding, continuing rains and higher temperatures is causing the insect population to surge in south central Kentucky. Standing water from the flooding in May has fueled a mosquito surge. And experts say and the heavy rainfall has also pushed ant colonies indoors. Exterminator Garry Wheeldon said he is already getting more complaints this year from people with ants in their houses and mosquitoes in their yards. The continued wet weather is forcing ants in closer to residences. The combination of wet weather and high temperatures in Pike County is quickly becoming a problem.
Kentucky Jailer Replaced
KENTUCKY...
A central Kentucky jailer has been replaced after the state Department of Corrections determined that long standing leadership issues were jeopardizing the facility. Five-term LaRue County Jailer Ralph "Mac" Trumbo has been replaced with former Grayson County Jailer Joey Stanton. Stanton had been consulting with the county since 2008 about how to improve jail operations. The Corrections Department cited four escapes, complaints about reporting the jail's population and complaints about unsupervised work inmates, inmates driving with suspended licenses and without a supervisor, and inmates accessing prohibited areas. Trumbo blamed his demise on a recent rash of escapes from the facility, but said there were "no hard feelings" about the decision.
Politicking "Yes"...Profanity "No"
KENTUCKY...
Candidates stumping at the next edition of the Fancy Farm Picnic will have a new rule to follow -- no profanity. Anyone using profanity -- including four-letter words that sometimes pop up on television -- could be asked to stop their presentation. The rule comes one year after Attorney General and U.S. Senate Candidate Jack Conway used a profanity to describe his toughness. Conway later apologized for the remark. The picnic, sponsored by St. Jerome Catholic Church, is Aug. 7 on the Fancy Farm Elementary School grounds. Conway has been invited back to speak as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate. He will face Republican Rand Paul in November. Other confirmed speakers include U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo.
Church Announces Purchase Of Lexington Mall
KENTUCKY...
A church has a contract to buy a defunct mall in Lexington and reopen it as a religious facility. Southland Christian Church pastor Jon Weece announced the deal Saturday night during a sermon to the mega-church's congregation. The deal is not final, as the church has a 60-day due diligence period with Maryland-based Saul Centers, which has owned the property since 1974, the year before the mall opened.
Southland's executive director of finance and administration Kurt Braun says the church then has an additional 120 days to present its development plan to city officials for approval.The mall has been in disrepair since Dillard's closed in 2005.
