EKB News

KENTUCKY...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the air quality in northern Kentucky is the best it has been in 13 years.

The EPA says Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties have now achieved the 1997 federal air quality standard for ozone pollution of 0.08 parts per million.

The state Division of Air Quality says in a news release that the EPA published the achievement in the Federal Register.

KENTUCKY...
MEETING OF THE RULES COMMITTEE
AND
THE KENTUCKY EQUINE DRUG RESEARCH COUNCIL

AUGUST 10, 2010

Location: Offices of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
Lexington, Ky.
Time: 11:30 AM EDT

Rules Committee
I. Call to order, roll call
II. Approve minutes of June 3, 2010
III. Out of Competition Testing

Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council

I. Call to order, roll call
II. Approve minutes of July 20, 2010
III. Out of Competition Testing
IV. Financial report
V. Update on research proposals
VI. Adjournment


The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: United States Dressage Federation
4051 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, Ky.


I. Call to order and roll call

II. Approve minutes of July 20, 2010

III. New Business
a. Request by Churchill Downs to approve Match Rival Wager
b. Churchill Downs’ request to schedule race day on Sunday, November 28, 2010

IV. Other Business
a. Report from Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council
b. Report from Chief Steward
c. Report from Chief Judge
d. Report from Commission Veterinarian
e. Administrative Regulations and Litigation Status Report and Priority Schedule

V. Executive Session

VI. Adjournment

KENTUCKY...
Reprint from The Medical Leader
By MARY MEADOWS
Staff Writer

PIKEVILLE - A program that's helping food assistance for Pike County residents
affected by the July 17 flooding has expanded this week to cover more people.

The Disaster Supplement Nutrition Program (SNAP), operated through the Cabinet for
Health and Family Services, is providing additional resources for the purchase of
food for people who previously had food stamp benefits and people who previously
didn't qualify for food stamp benefits.

The program was initially opened to people living or working in areas with zip codes
41501, 41502, 41522, 41539 and 41557. It has now been expanded to also help people
living or working in areas with zip codes 41557, 41559, 41562, 41513 and 41540.

People living in these 10 areas are eligible to receive maximum food stamp benefits
for their households if they suffered losses in the flood. Qualifying individuals
include people who experienced property damage or loss, people who had losses
because their employer was flooded and people who lost food because their
electricity was out. It also provides the replacement of food stamps for flood
victims who lost their EBT cards and/or food during the flood.

The assistance will be provided during the Flood Relief for Kids event at the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Aug. 7. Flood victims may
also apply at the Department for Community Based Services office, located on 295
Hambley Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 7; and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Aug.
9-11.

Jennifer Adkins, Service Region Administrator Associate for the agency, said that,
as of Friday morning, officials issued $76,000 in food stamps to qualifying
residents.

The federally-funded program was made available after Adkins and her supervisor
Susan Howard realized the need when they toured flooded areas of Pike County and
spoke to residents staying at Red Cross' emergency homeless shelter.

"The flood affected what we call the working poor and the workers who fall between
the cracks, the people who were never on the welfare rolls," Adkins said. "We
discovered that a lot of people affected never had received any type of benefits.
They were living on the money they were making."

She and Howard requested the assistance from Frankfort. Officials there sought
federal approval to implement the program. Adkins said it is the second time since
the 1990s that the program was made available in Pike County after a disaster. It is
the first time that qualifying recipients walk out of the registration process with
an automatically-funded EBT card, she said. Normally, recipients receive the card in
the mail and activate it prior to using it, she said.

The federally funded-program also allows retailers to accept food benefits for
prepared or hot foods - a service not usually provided for food benefits recipients.


Photo identification and verification of residency required. Proof of Social
Security number for all household members, take-home income, accessible resources
and statements regarding disaster-related expenses also requested.

For more information, call 606-433-7760.

KENTUCKY...
Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers in Marrowbone and Pikeville are no longer open on Sunday. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The centers are located adjacent to Community Trust Bank, 10579 Regina Belcher Highway in Marrowbone and Community Funeral Home, 4902 Zebulon Highway in Pikeville.

Pike County residents who suffered damages or loss as a result of the mid-July storms, flooding and mudslides can get in-person information about federal and state disaster assistance at the centers operated by the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Pike County residents can register for disaster assistance by calling FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Registration is also available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

KENTUCKY...
A jury has acquitted a former eastern Kentucky teacher charged with making a threat to kill people. The jury deliberated only 10 minutes before reaching the decision.

Former Knox Central High School teacher Jason Davis was charged with second-degree terroristic threatening after remarking in his classroom that he'd like to relieve stress by killing about 500 people.

Davis and his attorney, David Hoskins, said the comment was referring to a video game. Davis told the newspaper that some students overheard his remark and didn't know the context.

Hoskins says his client should not have been charged.

KENTUCKY...
A radio talk show host in Louisville has apologized for calling President Barack Obama a "half-breed" on the air.

Mandy Connell of WHAS apologized Thursday after making the comment Wednesday, saying "I was embarrassed for myself."

The group "The Fairness Campaign" complained about the remark, and WHAS operations director Kelly Carls said Friday the station had received some calls about it.

"Mandy made a mistake and admits it," Carls told The Associated Press. "When a person is on the air 15 hours a week, sometimes they say things in a way that they don't mean. They need to admit it, and she did."

The context of the remark came during a discussion about opportunities available in the United States. She said at the time she didn't mean the phrase to be taken "in a derogatory way."

KENTUCKY...
The woman convicted of trying to extort Rick Pitino said she didn't get a fair trial because of the Louisville coach's fame and power. Karen Cunagin Sypher told The Courier-Journal that Louisville is a small enough city that any jury could be influenced by Pitino.

A jury convicted Sypher on Thursday of three counts of extortion, two counts of lying to the FBI and a count of retaliation against a witness. Prosecutors said Sypher demanded millions in cash, cars and a house from Pitino to stay quiet about a sexual tryst between the two at a Louisville restaurant in 2003. Sentencing in the case is set for Oct. 27.

KENTUCKY...
Saying the furloughs of state workers such as prison guards jeopardizes public safety, a small group of state employees are suing to stop the governor from making them take the unpaid off days.

Six state workers filed a lawsuit Friday in Franklin Circuit Court aimed at keeping corrections officers and social workers working, even as other state workers are furloughed. Beshear announced last month that he plans to furlough 36,000 state workers for six days during the fiscal year to save $24 million.

The workers are members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 62. A hearing on the request is scheduled for Aug. 16 in Franklin Circuit Court.

KENTUCKY....
The Greenup County Sheriff's department says a man is dead after a shooting early Saturday morning. Police say, around 3:15 A.M., they received a call about a shooting at a home in Wurtland, Ky. When police arrived, they found 33 year old Beryl Smith of Wurtland standing in the middle of the road, in front of the home, holding a gun. After detaining Smith, police entered the home and found the body of 27 year old Chad Miller of Washington state in a bedroom of the home with multiple gunshot wounds. Smith has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree burglary and first-degree wanton endangerment. He is being held at the Greenup County Detention Center.

WEST VIRGINIA....
Eighteen people have been charged with drug dealing in McDowell County. Chief Deputy Mark Shelton of the McDowell County Sheriff's Office says Friday's arrests were the result of a multi-agency investigation that spanned several months. Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies participated in the operation. Some of the defendants face multiple counts, including distribution of prescription painkillers OxyContin and Hydrocodone. They were arraigned Friday, and bonds were set in amounts of $15,000 to $50,000.

WEST VIRGINIA...
Mine safety officials may tell the families of 29 men killed at the Upper Big Branch mine as early as Tuesday whether methane monitors had been disabled before the April explosion in southern West Virginia.

Two methane monitors were recently removed from the longwall mining machine — one of the potential sources of the blast — along with a data recorder that functions like an airplane's black box, said Kevin Stricklin, safety chief for the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.

The devices will be inspected at an MSHA facility in Triadelphia, he said. Together, they could tell investigators whether employees of Virginia-based Massey Energy tampered with methane monitors designed to sound alarms and shut off equipment when explosive gases reach dangerous levels. Massey has repeatedly denied the monitors were shut off and met with families Monday to reassert that claim.

WEST VIRGINIA...
Darrell Davis, 47, of Kermit was arraigned this week after being extradited from Kentucky to West Virginia. Davis is charged with five felonies: murder in the first degree, attempted murder, nighttime burglary, kidnapping, and first degree arson. Davis has been accused of the murder of Gary Newsome and the attempted murder of his estranged wife, Lora Davis. Mingo County Sheriff's Deputies say, on August 1st, Davis entered a cabin in the Newsome Ridge area of Lenore where Lora Davis and Gary Newsome were sleeping and shot both of them. Afterwards, it is believed Davis forced his estranged wife, Lora Davis, out of the cabin and into a car where he struck her in the head with the gun before returning to the cabin to set it on fire with Newsome inside. He then took her to his cousin's home in Flemingsburg, Ky. His cousin took her to a Morehead hospital where she was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Hospital. His preliminary is set for August 12th. Davis will also appear in Mingo County Circuit Court before Judge Mike Thornsbury to have his bond set.

WEST VIRGINIA....
At 1:30 A.M. Saturday morning, St. Albans Police arrested James Lawson Jr., 27, Lamonte Rush, 27 and 21-year-old Glen Whitestone, all from Charleston. Charges range from carrying concealed weapons, possession of Marijuana and having an open container. The men were found in the area of Lot A near the St. Albans Police Department Headquarters by an officer on foot patrol. The officer says, when he approached the vehicle, he noticed a strong smell of marijuana and saw an open container of alcohol. Continuing a search, police found a gun on the ground near the rear passenger door of the car, one in the glove box and one in the center console.

WEST VIRGINIA....
After an audit of Massey Energy subsidiary Performance Coal, U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration inspectors have issued 25 citations alleging violations of federal reporting requirements. Investigators looking into the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster discovered alleged violations of rules that require mine operators to report workplace accidents, injuries and illnesses. However, MSHA did not list any of the citations as posing a threat of injury to miners. Fines have not yet been assessed, and Massey has the right to appeal the citations and any monetary penalties. Similar violations were cited following mining deaths at Upper Big Branch in 2001 and 2003.

WEST VIRGINIA....
Two people were taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center following a crash at Beech Fork State Park in Wayne County around 3:15 A.M. Saturday morning. Initial reports stated one vehicle had traveled over an embankment. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

WEST VIRGINIA....
A pedestrian was was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center after being injured around 3:50 A.M. Saturday morning as the result of a hit-and-run accident on Artisan Avenue in Huntington. The Huntington Police Department is investigating.

WEST VIRGINIA....
The Healing Place of Huntington has been awarded $12,500 from the Governor's Community Participation Grant Program. The money will be used for improvements and repairs, including installation of new windows, office equipment and minor repairs at the new substance abuse recovery facility that's slated to open this fall. The funding was secured by West Virginia Delegates Kevin Craig, D-Cabell; Carol Miller, R-Cabell; Don Perdue, D-Wayne; Doug Reynolds, D-Cabell; Kelli Sobonya, R-Cabell; Dale Stephens, D-Cabell; and Jim Morgan, D-Cabell.

WEST VIRGINIA....
Sixty-eight-year-old Gary Abram of West Virginia is receiving compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs after being exposed to Agent Orange while serving in the military service at Maryland's Fort Detrick from November 1962 to 1964. Abram says he received a letter from the VA in 2008 that acknowledged the Department of Defense had spray-tested substances, including Agent Orange, at Fort Detrick while he was there. The VA has recognized certain cancers and diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure. Agent Orange is the nickname for a blend of herbicides the U.S. military sprayed during the Vietnam War to remove plants and leaves that provided enemy cover. Abram has been treated for lymphoma, has diabetes and has had thyroid problems since the 1970s.

WEST VIRGINIA....
Fred Bevins, a Lewis County man, is dead after shooting his wife then turning the gun on himself at a home on Holly Road around 10:00 A.M. Saturday morning. Bevins was recently released on a $40,000 bond for assaulting his wife and burning their house to the ground with 15 gallons of gasoline in April 2010.
Police say Bevins shot Shirley Thurman in the back, on her front porch and then committed suicide. Thurman was air lifted to Cabell Huntington Hospital were she is listed in critical condition.

KENTUCKY....
Johnson County constable Terry Eugene Ward pleaded guilty to four counts of doctor shopping Friday and was given a three year probated sentence and the choice of 90 days in jail or rehab. Ward agreed to serve 90 days in rehab. In April, officials with the Attorney General's office arrested him, claiming he illegally obtained HydroCodone from a local emergency room while being sworn to uphold the law. Ward, who has resigned as constable, is now ineligible to hold public office. He won his primary race in May.

KENTUCKY...
Attorney General Jack Conway has announced that Hazard Nursing Home Inc. and its administrator, 61-year-old Sheila Noe of Hazard were charged with failure to report suspected abuse.

It is alleged that Noe, acting as the administrator and on behalf of the
corporation, was made aware of the suspected sexual abuse of a patient by
another patient on August 8, 2009, and failed to report the suspected abuse
to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services as required by law. Failure to report is a Class B Misdemeanor.

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services conducted an inspection in May of
2010 after becoming aware of the allegations, which led to the facility
receiving a regulatory Type A citation. Investigators from the Office of
the Attorney General's Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control received
the citation and initiated a criminal investigation.

Summonses were issued for both Noe and the registered agent for Hazard
Nursing Home Inc. to appear in Perry District Court on September 13, 2010 at
9 a.m.

A criminal charge is an allegation only. All defendants are innocent until
proven guilty.

KENTUCKY...
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Gov. Steve Beshear today announced that Kentucky will receive an additional $246 million in broadband infrastructure grants and loans through eight recently sanctioned projects as part of the Rural Utility Service Broadband Initiatives Program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These funds will help dramatically expand broadband infrastructure throughout the state, particularly in its most underserved areas, providing affordable high-speed Internet access to homeowners and businesses.

Today’s announcement is the result of persistent state efforts led by Gov. Beshear to access Recovery Act funds, recognizing that affordable broadband is critical to economic and workforce development and helping ensure quality health care and public safety services across the Commonwealth. These funds will serve thousands of Kentucky homes and businesses, and create hundreds of jobs in local communities, especially in rural areas that are the most underserved and also pose the greatest need.

“Not only will this funding help create jobs, it will also help bring much-needed infrastructure to our rural communities, helping them to expand their services, attracting new businesses that will bring economic growth and jobs by providing affordable access to critical 21st Century technologies,” said Gov. Beshear. “Expanding broadband access in these rural communities will make it easier for Kentuckians to receive better health care, quality education and critical small businesses opportunities. This is remarkable news for Kentucky.”

Including the projects announced today, Kentucky has received more than $325.3 million in grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utility Service (RUS) Broadband Initiatives Programs (BIP). These funds are used to create physical infrastructure in communities that are currently unserved or underserved by broadband providers throughout the Commonwealth.

“Many rural communities in Kentucky were disadvantaged in the 20th Century manufacturing economy because of their remote geography,” explained Jonathan Miller, secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, who leads the Beshear Administration’s broadband efforts. “But in the 21st Century’s information economy, access to affordable broadband makes geography less important. This extraordinary infusion of Recovery Act funds will not only help level the playing field for Kentucky, but we now will have the opportunity to become national leaders in knowledge and technology expansion.”

Recipients of these ARRA funds and their projects are:

Leslie County Telephone Company: $6,169,295
A grant with an additional $2 million in outside capital to bring high-speed DSL to unserved rural territories. It is estimated to create 100 jobs.
Salem Telephone Company: $1,934,474
A grant with an additional $644,000 in outside capital to bring high-speed DSL broadband to unserved rural territories. The project will benefit 1,270 people, 15 businesses and seven community groups.
West Kentucky Rural Telephone Cooperative Corporation Inc.: $123,800, 000
An award to construct fiber optic communication lines to the home in the operating territories of Western Kentucky and Tennessee. The project will benefit 41,000 people, 3,500 businesses and 100 community institutions while creating 160 jobs.
Highland Telephone Cooperative Inc.: $66,489,162
An award to provide communication and enhanced broadband to Morgan and Scott counties in Tennessee and McCreary County, Ky. The project will benefit 52,000 people, 1,800 businesses and 100 community groups.
Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative Corp Inc.: $25,514,182
Award to be used to provide broadband to users in Jackson and Cow Creek, Ky. More than 11,000 people will benefit, in addition to 100 businesses and 30 community institutions.
Foothills Rural Telephone Cooperative Corporation Inc.: $20,972,482
Award will be used to construct a Fiber-to-the-Premise/Last Mile project in Magoffin and Lawrence counties. An estimated 300 jobs will be created while benefiting 6,000 people, 800 businesses and eight community groups.
Windstream Corporation: $951,445
This award will be used to extend high-speed DSL to unserved areas. More than 8,000 people and approximately 50 businesses will benefit.
Mikrotec CATV LLC: $829,813
This award, matched by $276,000 in private capital, will be used to provide broadband Internet to Eolia, Oven Fork and Partridge, Ky. Nearly 2,000 people will benefit, as well as 15 businesses and five community groups.
Announcements made prior to today include:

The City of Williamstown: $535,308
Proposes to deploy high-speed Fiber-To-The-Home system of broadband services to Corinth, Ky. and other areas in Grant and Owen counties.
Mountain RTCC, West Liberty, Ky.: $78,124,579
Grants and loans will be used to deploy a fiber-cable based Broadband Network in Morgan, Menifee, Wolfe and Elliott counties. This network will provide more than 20 mbps bandwidth to end users.

KENTUCKY...
The Kentucky Department of Energy Development and Independence is kicking off its 2010 symposium series “Economic Development through BioEnergy” in Morehead on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010.

The free conference, to be held from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Morehead Conference Center, will provide an opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs to learn about potential development through BioEnergy, mandates that are driving BioEnergy markets, and federal and state resource organizations that provide financing and marketing support.

“Entrepreneurs, local leaders, service providers, and vendors allied with the biomass and biofuels business community shouldn’t miss this chance to learn about Kentucky’s BioEnergy potential and resources available to them,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “This conference will focus on how Kentuckians can take advantage of the many resources that are available to those who look to lead an exciting and dynamic industry.”

The agenda includes:
presentations on Gov. Beshear’s Executive Task Force on Biomass and Biofuels Development;the impact of federal mandates on Kentucky’s biomass potential;the integration of energy and agriculture;the Cabinet for Economic Development’s business development programs;the Kentucky Science & Technology Corp.’s New Energy Ventures funding program;the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development funding opportunities; and,the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center’s commercial and industrial energy efficiency programs.

Morehead Mayor David Perkins and Rowan County Judge Executive Jim Nickell have been confirmed to provide a welcome to the area and opening remarks for the event. State Rep. Rocky Adkins and Rep. John Will Stacy have been invited to address attendees as well.

Lunch is provided and pre-registration is required. Attendees can pre-register by e-mail to sherrywatson@roadrunner.com or by calling 606-784-5874.

The Morehead conference is co-hosted by MMRC Regional Industrial Development Authority, Inc., Morehead Tourism Commission and Conference Center, and the Morehead-Rowan County Economic Development Council, Inc.

Additional forums will be held throughout the fall with confirmed events in the following areas: Bowling Green, Sept. 8; Springfield, Sept. 22; Prestonsburg, Sept. 23; Maysville Oct. 13; Henderson, Oct. 10; and Corbin, Oct. 27.

KENTUCKY...
Residents of Wolfe and nearby counties are invited to attend a public informational meeting to discuss a project to improve a section of KY 191 in eastern Wolfe County.

The meeting will be held Tuesday, Aug. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Red River Valley Elementary School, 11134 Hwy. 191, Hazel Green.

Representatives from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and project consultants will be available to answer questions and provide information about the project. Design plans will be available for public review.

This proposal consists of two curve improvements on KY 191 between Hazel Green and the KY 205 intersection. Specific locations are a curve at Daysboro at milepoint 12.8 and a curve at Fallen Road at milepoint 13.6.

Persons with disabilities who wish to attend the meeting but have special needs that require assistance should contact the project manager, Corbett Caudill, at (606) 666-8841 to request special assistance.

KENTUCKY...
Corbin police have found pets dead in a pet store that was apparently abandoned.

The Times-Tribune of Corbin quoted Corbin Police Detective Sgt. Bill Rose, who said police were called by the property owner who had received complaints about a bad odor coming from Pet Kingdom.

Investigators found at least four dead animals among live birds and snakes. Rose said a summons for animal cruelty has been issued for the shop owner. The detective said electricity to the store had been cut off. Also, the telephone had been disconnected.

KENTUCKY...
A weather system producing some strong thunderstorms is bringing a bit of relief from the intense heat wave that's been baking Kentucky, though temperatures will remain above normal.

Thunderstorms capable of producing winds of 60 mph rumbled across parts of central Kentucky. National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Crow says the rain and cloud cover will limit highs to around 90 degrees in the Louisville area, still slightly above normal but well below the record 102-degree reading in Louisville on Wednesday.

Highs will reach into the 90s in western and eastern Kentucky.

Crow says temperatures will moderate somewhat in the low 90s in western Kentucky and in the upper 80s to low 90s in eastern sections, but will be on the rise again early next week.

KENTUCKY...
More than $1.2 million in grants are being distributed to a number of Kentucky counties and towns to help with recovery costs from the ice storm that hit Kentucky a year and a half ago. Gov. Steve Beshear said Thursday that the effects from the January 2009 storm are still being felt by the hardest-hit communities. Beshear announced that 17 Community Emergency Relief Fund grants are being awarded. Most of the recipients are in western Kentucky, though the city of Salyersville in eastern Kentucky is in line for a nearly $81,000 grant. The grants will help communities with some costs from storm cleanup and debris removal.

KENTUCKY...
When considering your contribution to the flood recovery effort, here is a list of needed items that do not fall into the food category.

1st Aid Kits
Air Conditioners
Appliances
Baby Wash
Brooms
Car Seats
Clothes Hangers
Coolers
Diapers and Wipes
Dusk Masks
Fans
Floor Squeegees
Formula
Furniture
Gloves (Latex)
Hand Sanitizer
Large Storage Containers
Mothballs
Napkins and Paper Towels
OFF Bug Spray
Paper Plates
Pet Food and Leashes
Plastic Spoons and Forks
Rakes
Sheets and Blankets
Shovels
Sun Screen
Tarps
Toiletry Items
Totes (Small)
Trash Bags (Extra Large, Large)
Water Hoses

KENTUCKY...
Kentucky’s fall squirrel season opens Sat., Aug. 21 and the outlook is similar to last year.

This year, the 190-day season is split. The first segment of squirrel season opens Aug. 21 and closes for the opening weekend of modern gun deer season Nov. 13-14. Squirrel season opens again Nov. 15 and continues through Feb. 28, 2011. The daily bag limit is six squirrels.

Last year’s mast crop, the abundance of nuts and fruits produced by trees and other plants, determines this year’s estimate of the number of squirrels available to hunters.

Since 1953, wildlife biologists have conducted a survey of Kentucky’s most important producers of wildlife foods, determining the proportion of mast bearing trees. Squirrels rely on the mast from these trees during various times of the fall and winter. “Since we did not experience a failure of any of these important mast crops, at least some food was available to squirrels throughout a majority of the winter months,” said Robinson.

Early in the fall season, squirrels feed heavily on hickories. A good hunting strategy is to look for trees with maturing nuts that squirrels are beginning to cut. Often these trees are on dry, upland sites, such as hilltops, or flat benches along the contour of ridges.

Shotguns are a good choice for early-season squirrel hunting since leaves make it difficult to clearly see squirrels.

But, the abundance of leaves also provides hunters with some advantages: squirrels make a lot of noise when they jump from limb to limb, and rustling leaves help hunters locate squirrels in the crowns of tall trees.

To help determine the health of Kentucky’s squirrel population, the Squirrel Hunting Cooperator Survey was developed in 1995 as a volunteer initiative. Biologists use the collected data to monitor squirrel population trends in Kentucky. Each year, participating hunter cooperators are mailed a new hunting log, the results of the survey and a small gift for participating, such as lapel pin or ball cap.

Hunters simply record the information about their hunts as the season progresses, then mail their survey to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife when they’re finished hunting for the season. The mailing address is: No. 1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, Ky., 40601. Logs must be sent no later than May 31, 2011.

September was the most productive month for squirrel hunters last season, with the highest number of squirrels seen and killed per hunt.

To participate in the 2010-11 Squirrel Hunting Cooperator Survey, please print a copy of the survey at: www.fw.ky.gov/smallgamelogs.asp, or call 1-800-858-1549 and ask for one to be mailed to you.

KENTUCKY...
Police have charged a western Kentucky woman after a motorist found her toddler wandering on a road.

The Marshall County Sheriff's Office charged Courtney Oakley with endangering the welfare of a minor.

Deputy Jason Ivey says Oakley's 18-month-old son was barefoot, wearing a diaper and a T-shirt when the driver found him on Wednesday. Ivey started knocking on doors in the neighborhood and says Oakley answered her door and said she had been asleep.

Oakley was booked into the county jail. Ivey said the boy's great-grandmother is caring for him.

KENTUCKY...
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials have announced the addition of three Kentucky counties to the disaster declaration for July severe storms, flooding and mudslides.

"These hard-hit counties need all the assistance they can get," said Gov. Steve Beshear. "I appreciate FEMA working quickly to see that their needs are met, and my administration will continue to work with folks on the ground to help all Kentuckians impacted."

Residents in Carter and Lewis counties can now register for Individual Assistance, which can include grants for homeowners and renters to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes.

Local governments in Carter, Elliott and Lewis counties are now eligible to apply for funding under FEMA's Public Assistance program to pay for emergency measures, debris removal and to repair and replace infrastructure damaged by the storms.

Five Kentucky counties are now eligible for some type of federal disaster assistance from FEMA for July flooding: Carter, Lewis and Pike for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance; Elliott and Shelby for Public Assistance only. Additional counties may be added as damage assessments are completed.

"Homeowners and renters in Carter, Lewis and Pike counties should register with FEMA as soon as possible," Federal Coordinating Officer Doug Mayne said.

Register by going online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585.

Additional information, photos and links for this and other open disasters can be found at www.kyem.ky.gov.

WEST VIRGINIA....
The office of Governor Joe Manchin has confirmed that the state of West Virginia was served this week with two federal subpoenas. Neither subpoena was directed to Governor Manchin or the Governor’s office, and no individual in the Governor’s office was served with a subpoena. Manchin spokesman Melvin Smith confirmed that federal investigators had contacted the office, saying they had requested documents and information. State officials were asked not to publicly discuss any details of the investigation. They were told such disclosure could endanger or impede the investigation. Governor Manchin has directed state officials to fully cooperate and comply expeditiously.

WEST VIRGINIA....
No charges have been filed against Doctor Katherine Hoover or others who worked at the Mountain Medical Care Center in Williamson since authorities raided the clinic in late March. But, authorities are hanging on to at least $436,000, patient records and Hoover's 2007 BMW convertible they seized. Hoover has filed a court motion asking U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Stanley to throw out at least one of the dozen or so search warrants obtained by investigators in the case. Investigators say the clinic handed out pain-drug prescriptions for cash-only fees of at least $150 per visit, and the warrants sought to recoup an estimated $4.6 million from these payments. Hoover, who has lost her license to practice in West Virginia, denies any wrongdoing.

WEST VIRGINIA....
NCAA officials have sent a “Notice of Allegations” to the West Virginia University Athletic Department concerning alleged rules violations during the tenure of former coach Rich Rodriguez and current coach Bill Stewart. The allegations focus primarily on activities and roles of graduate assistants, student managers and other non-coaching staff in the football program from 2005-2009. Five major rules violations include exceeding the permissible limit of the number of coaches by using non-coaching staff members to engage in on- and off-field activities including skill-development and seven-on-seven drills. Rodriguez and Stewart are accused of failing to promote an atmosphere of compliance within the football program and adequately monitoring duties and activities of the non-coaching staff members or countable football coaches. WVU faces possible penalties which could include probation, fewer scholarships, reduced practice time, a ban from post-season play and forfeitures of victories. The school was given 90 days to respond.

WEST VIRGINIA....
A man died Thursday night after being involved in a single-vehicle accident which occurred around 8:40 P.M. on Cedar Crest Drive in Huntington. According to police, 61 year old James Workman of Huntington ran off the side of the road, struck some trees and died on impact.

WEST VIRGINIA....
Monday is the last day that West Virginia citizens can register to vote in the upcoming U.S. Senate special primary election. Early voting begins August 20th and runs through August 25th. The last day to request an absentee ballot is August 23rd, and the primary will be held August 28th. Federal, state and local candidates hoping to be the next U.S. Senator from West Virginia spoke Thursday afternoon when the Putnam Republican Women's Club hosted their "Patriotic Christmas" event at the Hurricane Community Center. Organizers said the goal was to encourage candidates, show support for military members and allow voters to hear from candidates running for federal, state and local office. Nine Republicans, three Democrats and one Mountain Party candidate filed certificate of announcement paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office.

WEST VIRGINIA....
After deliberating just over an hour Thursday, a federal jury in Charleston found 43 year old Eric W. “Fritz” Wolfe of St. Albans guilty of being an illegal drug user in possession of a gun. Wolfe is the last defendant in a federal case against 55 members and associates of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club. A sentencing date hasn’t been set.

WEST VIRGINIA....
Twenty-five year old Robert Jones and Rayshad Jones, both of Maybeury, are facing misdemeanor charges stemming from an investigation of the July 24th drownings of 45 year old Francis Jennings and 41 year old Donald Anthony. Investigators say the men had jumped off a boat at the Kee Reservoir in Mercer County and were attempting to swim to shore, but Jennings and Anthony didn't make it. Robert Jones is charged with withholding information from police and having an insufficient number of personal flotation devices on a boat. Rayshad Jones is charged with withholding information from police and fishing without a license.

WEST VIRGINIA....
As part of an international tour of political leaders, Secretary of State Natalie Tennant has traveled to China and India to talk about new voting technology. Military internet voting was offered in five counties across West Virginia in May the program is expected to grow for the November election. Tennant, who has been named a Rodel Fellow by the Aspen Institute, says West Virginia's new military voting program has put a positive spotlight on the state, and, through her travels, she has been able to learn ideas she's bringing back with her. The Rodel Fellowship is an education leadership training program. The trips to China and India were paid for by the Aspen Institute and not taxpayer money.

WEST VIRGINIA....
The city of Huntington has sent out lien letters via certified mail to more than 2,500 refuse and municipal service fee customers who have balances in excess of $500 per account. The letters state that customers must make payment in full within 90 days to avoid a lien placement against affected real estate.
Property owners who receive a letter should contact Rossman and Company, the City's collection agency, at 1-800-250-8935 to make payment arrangements. If customers dispute the debt, they are entitled to request in writing an administrative hearing before the Fee Appeal Board within 30 days of receipt of the notice. Requests must be sent to the City’s Finance Director. The city has collected more than $1.9 million since it began its collection partnership with Rossman and Company in the fall of 2008.

WEST VIRGINIA....
"Secret Pleasures" was set to open Friday in Jefferson, but earlier the Kanawha County Commission issued a restraining order, saying the business is an adult-only story that failed to follow the rules and violated a county ordinance. Owner Kenneth Holliday says only one little 84 square feet corner of his store would contain adult material, and he's just trying to run a legitimate business. However, commissioner Kent Carper says Holliday can call it whatever he wants but the people who live there don't want it. County ordinance states adult stores cannot operate within 2,000 feet of a church or school and define an adult-only store as having "significant or substantial" sexually-related materials. Holliday argues he doesn't even have enough materials to call his place adult, and nothing in this store requires you have to be 21 years old to buy.

WEST VIRGINIA....
The Alcan Rolled Products plant in Ravenswood is changing owners. Parent company Rio Tinto has announced it has received a binding offer from funds affiliated with a U.S. private equity firm and a sovereign wealth fund run by the French government to buy a 61 percent stake in Alcan Engineered Products, excluding the cable division. The plant, which opened as Kaiser Aluminum in 1957, has changed ownership several times.

WEST VIRGINIA....
Construction of the new $1.2 million Cabell County Emergency Medical Services Ambulance Station No. 7 is on schedule. The station, which is located about two miles east of Milton on U.S. 60 and being constructed by Oval Construction out of Charleston, is on pace to open in late September or early October. The station will start with one ambulance, but there will be room to expand.

KENTUCKY....
According to a news release from the Kentucky State Police, David Adkins, 46, of Phyllis, Ky. died when a tree fell from the side of KY 194 East and landed on top of his 1995 Chevrolet Blazer around 3:00 P.M. Thursday afternoon. Kentucky State Police say the accident happened on Route 194 in Pike County in front of the old Grapevine Elementary School. Adkins was pronounced dead at the scene by the Pike County coroner.
The accident remains under investigation by Ky. State Trooper Chris Phillips. The Grapevine Fire Department, Kimper Fire Department, Feds Creek Fire Department, Pike County Coroners Office and the DHP Ambulance Service responded to the accident.

KENTUCKY...
A jury on Thursday convicted a Kentucky woman of extortion after she demanded millions of dollars from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino to keep their tryst at a restaurant quiet.

Karen Cunagin Sypher, 50, of Louisville, was found guilty of three counts of extortion, two counts of lying to the FBI and one count of retaliating against a witness. She faces a maximum sentence of 26 years in prison, but under federal sentencing guidelines, the penalty will likely be lighter. She will be sentenced Oct. 27.

The jury deliberated for slightly more than five hours over two days. The trial lasted eight days.

KENTUCKY...
It was shaping up to be a normal Wednesday evening for Valerie and Bo Keene of Greasy Creek at Shelbiana, but just after 5 p.m. something happened no one could have expected.

A county worker was cutting weeds when a blade from his mower suddenly came loose. The blade flew over two houses before entering through the exterior wall of the Keene’s residence. The blade continued through two interior walls before stopping at the side of their 15-month-old baby’s crib.

“It was a dangerous situation the Lord took control of,” Valerie said. “If anyone could see where it stopped, they would agree. There was sheet rock on the baby, my son had just bent over to pick something up when the blade flew over him, if he was still standing up, it would have hit him in the head.”

Valerie said what the blade had to miss to get to her house made it seem as though it was guided.

“Another six inches,” she said, “and it would have landed on our baby.”

Former county engineer Frank Goble said this is a problem that should be addressed.

“People all across the country need to know about this,” he said. “This is a problem that is relatively new.”

Pike County Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford said maintenance garage personnel are currently physically checking the bottom of all mowers for any sign of the possible of a similar incident occurring.

Nee Jackson, Pike County Safety Director, said the employee told him he had just put his blade down when it began to vibrate and the blade flew off. The county’s insurance carrier and KACo have been notified.

“The incident is currently under investigation,” Rutherford said. “We are consulting with the University of Kentucky Transportation Center, the manufacturer of the mower and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary to discuss safety issues.”

Rutherford added the homeowners have already contacted contractors in regard to getting their home repaired.

“Thank God there were no injuries or death,” Rutherford said. “We are taking every action necessary to see this never happens again while still keeping our rights-of-way clean.”

District 4 Magistrate Kenneth Robinson said he has taken measures to increase the safety in the past.

“We had everything new put on that mower about six months ago,” he said. “It just can’t handle the pressure and I’m not putting it out there anymore. If it would have hurt or killed someone I would never be able to get over it.”

Pike County Road Commissioner Frank Hatcher called what happened a “freak accident” and said a thorough investigation is being conducted.

KENTUCKY...
Schedule of buses for transport during "Flood Relief for Kids" on Saturday...
10a-2p to be held at the East Kentucky Expo Center.

JOHN'S CREEK AND RACCOON AREA:
Willie Abshire, Bus #0245-Hurricane Creek of Kimper
Chris Ray, Bus #0308-Mouth of 58 & Frozen Creek Car Wash
Jeff Case, Bus #0334-Post Office
Lynn Ramey,Bus #0286-Ramey Fork of Grassey & main Raccoon Creek (above Primitive Baptist Church
Debbie Hatfield, Bus #0314-Main Raccoon Creek to Primitive Baptist Church
Rita Copley,Bus #0360-Rt, 119 from John's Creek Fire Dept. through Zebulon area

MILLARD AREA
Charlie Stewart, Bus #0389-Mouth of Elswick Fork & Mouth of Abner Fork
Freddie Cantrell, Bus #0305-Mouth of Harless Crk.at Community Trust Bank
David Price, Bus #0364-Mouth of Jimmie's Crk. at church & Biggs Branch at apts.
Alex Smallwood, Bus #0228-Powell's Creek at the Mini Mall

KENTUCKY...
Pike County residents affected by the July storms and flooding are urged
to be alert for and report potential fraud during recovery and rebuilding
efforts.

Those who suspect anyone -
contractor, inspector, disaster survivor or someone posing as any of these - of
committing fraudulent activities should call the National Center for Disaster
Fraud 800-323-8603.

Complaints may also be made
to local law enforcement agencies and through the Kentucky Attorney General's
Consumer Protection Hotline at 888-432-9257 or online at www.ag.ky.gov.

To safeguard against disaster-related
fraud, officials suggest the following precautions:

Ask for ID. If
someone represents himself or herself as a federal employee, such as an
inspector, but doesn't produce identification, you should ask to see the
identification. Note: a FEMA shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone's
affiliation with the government.

Inspectors sent by FEMA or
verifiers from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) carry official,
laminated photo identification. Applicants may receive a visit from more
than one inspector or verifier.

Safeguard personal information. Do not give out your Social Security number, bank
account or your FEMA registration number to individuals claiming to be
affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require this
information.

When you called FEMA to
register, you were asked for your Social Security number. If you asked for
direct deposit, you also gave a bank number. If a FEMA representative makes a
follow-up call to you, he or she will ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number,verify other critical information which may include your banking information, depending on the reason for the call.

If you have any doubts, you can shut the door or hang up and dial the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). That way, you are in charge of the call.

Homeowners, renters and
businesses of all sizes with questions about the SBA disaster loan application
process can call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.

Be alert when your doorbell rings. People going door-to-door to damaged homes or
telephoning disaster survivors and claiming to be building contractors could be
frauds. If visitors or callers solicit personal information such as Social
Security or bank account numbers, they are not legitimate.

Federal workers do not solicit or accept money. Remember, FEMA and SBA staff members
never
charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections, or for help in filling
out applications. If in

doubt, do not give out information. You
should report people claiming to be government workers to local police.

FEMA inspectors only verify damage. FEMA inspectors do not hire or endorse specific
contractors to repair damage.

If you are hiring a
contractor to do work, here are some tips:

Use reliable, licensed contractors. Demand to see a license. For more information
about a
contractor, or if you are unsure about the validity of a license, check with
the Better Business Bureau and your local or state contractor licensing
officials.

Get a written estimate, and be sure to read the fine
print. Always get estimates from
several reputable contractors before making a decision. Always hire a local
contractor if at all possible.

Get references and check
them. Call former customers who had similar work done to determine if
they were happy with the work done.

Ask for proof of insurance. Make sure your contractor carries general liability
insurance, workers' compensation and is bonded. A homeowner could be liable for
accidents on the property when working with an uninsured contractor.

Get a written contract. A complete contract should clearly state all the work
to be performed, all associated costs, the payment schedule and obligate the
contractor to pay for all materials ordered for the job. A contract also should contain "Buyer's right to cancel" information.

Obtain permits.
The contract should clearly state who will obtain the necessary permits. Have a
lawyer review the contract if substantial costs are involved. Keep a copy of
the signed contract.

Get guarantees in writing. If the contractor provides any guarantees, they
should be written into the contract clearly, stating what is guaranteed, who is
responsible for the guarantee and how long the guarantee is valid.

Pay by check.
Avoid paying in advance and making payments in cash if at all possible. A
reasonable down payment is 30 percent of the total cost of the project.
Remember there is a federal law which requires a three-day "cooling off" period
for unsolicited door-to-door sales of more than $25.

Make final payments only when work is completed. Do not sign completion papers or
make the final payment until the work is completed to your satisfaction. A reputable
contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not
properly finished.

More information about making disaster-related repairs or rebuilding after a disaster is available online at www.fema.gov/rebuild.

For additional safety tips, helpful links and
information on this disaster, visit www.kyem.ky.gov.

KENTUCKY...
Prosecutors want a mental exam for a high school shooter who killed three classmates and wounded five others in western Kentucky in 1997 before a hearing in his case in February.

The Kentucky Attorney General's Office on Wednesday asked a federal judge to allow the exam, which they say would be the first done by the state since 27-year-old Michael Carneal pleaded guilty in 1998. Carneal won a hearing on whether he can pursue withdrawing that guilty plea because he was too mentally ill to disclose he was hearing voices at the time.

Carneal is serving a life sentence without chance of parole for at least 25 years for killing three classmates and injuring five others in the shootings at Heath High School in Paducah on Dec. 1, 1997, when he was 14. He is eligible for parole in 2023.

KENTUCKY...
It's the 23rd anniversary year of the World's Longest Yard Sale.

For the next four days, collectors and bargain hunters from Alabama to Michigan can again rummage roadside stands along U.S. 127. For many, treasure hunting in the off-the-beaten path marketplace has become an annual summertime tradition. And nobody with money to spend has to go hungry.

The longer-than-ever, 675-mile route stretches from Gadsden Ala., across the Lookout Mountain Parkway and Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, into the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky and through Ohio to southeastern Michigan.

Headquarters for the sale that continues through Sunday is the Fentress County Chamber of Commerce in Jamestown, Tenn.

KENTUCKY...
A three-day music festival held in July at Churchill Downs was a money-loser for the track's parent company.

Churchill Downs Inc. reported Wednesday that the Hullabalou Music Festival lost more than $5 million, about twice as much as it expected to lose on the debut event held at the company's flagship track.

Churchill Downs cited hot weather and declines in concert ticket sales nationally for the poor showing.

The music festival in July drew more than 78,000 fans from 47 states, and the Louisville track had said it was going to do it again next summer.

KENTUCKY...
Gov. Steve Beshear today joined community and company officials in Morehead to announce a multi-county coal severance grant to expand mobility and access within the John Will Stacy Menifee-Morgan-Rowan County (MMRC) Regional Business Park.

The $170,165 in funding awarded to the MMRC Regional Industrial Development Authority has enabled repairs to be made to the park’s main access road, Industry Road, and will facilitate construction of an additional 450-foot access road in the park. As traffic in the park increases due to the expansion of existing businesses, improved connectivity has become a priority.

Among the companies that will benefit from the upgrades are Family Dollar and Hamilton Company, which announced today that they will create a combined total of 125 new jobs.

“Paving and repairing access roads within the John Will Stacy industrial park will have a significant impact not only on businesses but on the entire community,” said Gov. Beshear. “In addition to accommodating 125 new employees hired by Family Dollar and Hamilton Company, these improvements will encourage economic growth and further job creation.”

“Adequate, well-paved routes that provide safe, efficient travel for employees are critical,” said Department for Local Government (DLG) Commissioner Tony Wilder. “This project, which also supports economic activity, is an excellent example of how coal severance funds can make a difference in a community.”

The Family Dollar Distribution Center, which opened its Morehead location in 2000, will invest an additional $1.5 million in infrastructure and equipment at its 907,000 square-foot facility. Currently an employer of 450 Kentuckians, it will create 100 new jobs in its expansion. The company is ranked the number-one volume distribution center in the company network.

Hamilton Company, a family-owned wholesaler, is relocating from downtown Morehead to build a new, 25,000 square-foot distribution center to distribute Heiner’s Bakery and Sara Lee products. In addition to making a $1 million investment, the company will create 25 new jobs over the next few years.

“The expansion of Family Dollar is great news for Rowan County and the entire region,” said Rep. Rocky Adkins, of Sandy Hook. “The addition of new jobs and investment, especially during tough economic times, makes this a truly important announcement. Family Dollar is to be commended on their commitment to the people of our area.”

“This project is exciting for Rowan County and our neighbors,” said Rep. John Will Stacy, of West Liberty. “The Family Dollar expansion will bring new jobs to our community and will help strengthen the local economy.”

“I am very pleased to have Governor Beshear celebrate the expansion at Family Dollar's distribution facility in the MMRC Industrial Park near Morehead and about the new jobs that brings to this area,” said Morehead Mayor David Perkins. “The ground-breaking for a new distribution center for our locally-owned Heiner's / Sara Lee distributor at MMRC is also a welcome expansion of business in our community that will bring more jobs.”

Multi-County Local Government Economic Development Funds (LGEDF)/Coal Severance Funds are a portion of coal severance taxes set aside to fund projects benefiting two or more coal-producing counties.

KENTUCKY...
Gov. Steve Beshear today joined community and company officials in Morehead to announce a multi-county coal severance grant to expand mobility and access within the John Will Stacy Menifee-Morgan-Rowan County (MMRC) Regional Business Park.

The $170,165 in funding awarded to the MMRC Regional Industrial Development Authority has enabled repairs to be made to the park’s main access road, Industry Road, and will facilitate construction of an additional 450-foot access road in the park. As traffic in the park increases due to the expansion of existing businesses, improved connectivity has become a priority.

Among the companies that will benefit from the upgrades are Family Dollar and Hamilton Company, which announced today that they will create a combined total of 125 new jobs.

“Paving and repairing access roads within the John Will Stacy industrial park will have a significant impact not only on businesses but on the entire community,” said Gov. Beshear. “In addition to accommodating 125 new employees hired by Family Dollar and Hamilton Company, these improvements will encourage economic growth and further job creation.”

“Adequate, well-paved routes that provide safe, efficient travel for employees are critical,” said Department for Local Government (DLG) Commissioner Tony Wilder. “This project, which also supports economic activity, is an excellent example of how coal severance funds can make a difference in a community.”

The Family Dollar Distribution Center, which opened its Morehead location in 2000, will invest an additional $1.5 million in infrastructure and equipment at its 907,000 square-foot facility. Currently an employer of 450 Kentuckians, it will create 100 new jobs in its expansion. The company is ranked the number-one volume distribution center in the company network.

Hamilton Company, a family-owned wholesaler, is relocating from downtown Morehead to build a new, 25,000 square-foot distribution center to distribute Heiner’s Bakery and Sara Lee products. In addition to making a $1 million investment, the company will create 25 new jobs over the next few years.

“The expansion of Family Dollar is great news for Rowan County and the entire region,” said Rep. Rocky Adkins, of Sandy Hook. “The addition of new jobs and investment, especially during tough economic times, makes this a truly important announcement. Family Dollar is to be commended on their commitment to the people of our area.”

“This project is exciting for Rowan County and our neighbors,” said Rep. John Will Stacy, of West Liberty. “The Family Dollar expansion will bring new jobs to our community and will help strengthen the local economy.”

“I am very pleased to have Governor Beshear celebrate the expansion at Family Dollar's distribution facility in the MMRC Industrial Park near Morehead and about the new jobs that brings to this area,” said Morehead Mayor David Perkins. “The ground-breaking for a new distribution center for our locally-owned Heiner's / Sara Lee distributor at MMRC is also a welcome expansion of business in our community that will bring more jobs.”

Multi-County Local Government Economic Development Funds (LGEDF)/Coal Severance Funds are a portion of coal severance taxes set aside to fund projects benefiting two or more coal-producing counties.

KENTUCKY....
Prestonsburg Police officers hit the streets this week rounding up suspected drug dealers after a six month undercover investigation...netting nearly a dozen arrests. Detective Trint Combs was hired one year ago to lead the new Prestonsburg narcotics initiative. Since then he has opened 55 cases and seized 29-thousand dollars and lots of drugs, from pills to marijuana, cocaine, and even heroin. Detective Combs says the ultimate goal of the police department and the initiative is to make the neighborhoods safer. Combs says, "If you're in Prestonsburg and you're selling narcotics, eventually it's going to come around and we're going to find out about it and we're going to do something about it. We're going to put you in jail.” Prestonsburg Police are getting a K-9 dog soon to help investigate drug cases.

KENTUCKY...
When the fall semester begins on August 23, Pikeville College anticipates welcoming its largest freshman class in the history of the institution.
The college began registering freshmen and transfer students in June as part of the Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) program. To date, nearly 400 new students have registered during SOAR, with more sessions to come followed by open registration August 19 and 20.

“There is a growing awareness among the people of Eastern Kentucky of the value of a good college education, especially during a time of economic distress such as we’re experiencing today,” said Pikeville College President Paul E. Patton. “We have done a better job of communicating to prospective students and their parents about the outstanding quality of the education we offer, along with the many activities that are a part of college life. We are pleased that so many of the people in this area recognize the great value that Pikeville College offers. The success of our recruitment efforts has created a great deal of enthusiasm across campus and this promises to be an exciting fall semester.”

New opportunities for students include the Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program, a cooperative eight-year program (4+4) in conjunction with the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine leading to a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, and the Teacher Leader master’s degree program, a collaborative effort between Pikeville College and Morehead State University.
With the launch of PikeTV, the government access channel, two new broadcasting classes are being offered this fall providing students in the communication program with hands-on experience in broadcasting and video production.
For the first time in the college’s history, Greek life will be a part of the student experience at PC. Members of fraternities and sororities established last spring will move into newly-renovated floors in Wickham Hall.

The suites include spacious common areas with comfortable furniture, plasma televisions and updated amenities throughout each floor.
A semester-long freshman studies curriculum and the B.E.A.R.S. mentoring program, or “Building Extraordinary Achievement with Resources for Success,” are designed to enhance the overall student experience. Led by volunteers from the faculty and staff, students participating in the B.E.A.R.S. program have a friend on campus and someone they can look to for encouragement and support. Mentors provide assistance in obtaining tutoring services, counseling and many other campus resources.
Beyond the classroom, there are also expanded opportunities for athletes, with the addition of junior varsity sports and a new dance team.

Pikeville College’s open registration for the fall 2010 semester will be held Aug. 19and 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students who have not pre-registered will need to report to the Administration Building. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 23. For more information, call the Office of Admissions at (606) 218-5251.

KENTUCKY...
The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet is seeking public comment until Sept. 3 on a draft report addressing E. coli impairments in the Beaver Creek Watershed located in Floyd and Knott counties.

The Clean Water Act requires each state to periodically identify specific waters where designated uses are not being met and water quality impairments exist. The state is also required to prioritize the list of impaired waters, calculate a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of pollutants for those waters and devise plans to improve the water quality.

The report, prepared by the Kentucky Division of Water, addresses E. coli impairments in the Beaver Creek Watershed at levels that make it inappropriate for the swimming designated use. The report includes data and procedures used to calculate the TMDL for the stream segment.

Revisions to the report may be made following the public comment period and before it is sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval.

The report may be viewed on the Division of Water Web site at http://water.ky.gov/Pages/PublicNotices.aspx. Comments should be sent in writing to Andrea Fredenburg, Division of Water, 200 Fair Oaks Lane, Fourth Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601 or by e-mail to Andrea.Fredenburg@ky.gov. Contact Andrea Fredenburg by phone at 502-564-3410.

KENTUCKY...
The Disaster SNAP program will target those most affected by the flooding, specifically those who reside in or whose employment was affected in the following zip codes: 41501, 41502, 41522, 41539, 41557, 41562, 41513, 41559 and 41540. The last four zip codes have been added to those areas potentially eligible.

KENTUCKY...
As you know, the Treasury Department has publicly announced the All-Electronic Initiative to increase the electronic payment of government checks, including SSI and Social Security. Soon, all new beneficiaries may be required to be paid by some form of direct deposit. Paper checks may soon be eliminated. Social Security is contacting every person in the area who still receives a paper check to switch to some form of electronic payment. Thousands of people in our area have already signed up for direct deposit. So if you receive Social Security or SSI and still get a paper check - sign up for Direct Deposit today by calling your local Social Security office with the name of your bank and your account number. If you do not have a bank account, sign up for a Direct Express debit card today! Just call your local Social Security office at 606-432-2177.

WEST VIRGINIA....
During a hearing in U.S. District Court in Rome, Georgia Thursday, 38 year old Tony Artrip, a serial bank robber from Ashland, Ky. received an early sentence of two life sentences in a federal prison. Prosecutors say Artrip robbed five banks in Michigan, West Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. In June, Artrip pleaded guilty to multiple counts of armed robbery. Atrip, who also made a habit of escaping from jail, was also ordered to serve three 20-year sentences concurrent with a previous 40-year sentence he is already serving and to pay $100,000 in restitution to the banks he robbed. He was to have been sentenced on August 27th. Because of the federal “three strikes” law, Artrip will not be eligible for parole.

WEST VIRGINIA....
Police say 39 year old Edward W. McDougal Jr. of Charleston was driving on Kanawha State Forest Drive in Charleston around 8:00 P.M. Wednesday night when a tree fell onto his car, causing him to lose control and hit another tree. Sixty-two year old Linda McDougal died as a result of the impact. Edward, Kyle McDougal, 15, and Cynthia McDougal, 12, were taken to CAMC General with non-life-threatening injuries.