Monday, March 21, 2011
EKB Capsule News...Kentucky...3-22-'11
The House voted 94-4 Monday evening to pass a bill that would shore up the Medicaid budget without making any immediate cuts to other government services. The proposal gives Governor Steve Beshear's administration until August 8th to avoid cuts by privatizing additional Medicaid services. Beshear had proposed that portion of the plan, saying his administration could save $425 million by entering into contracts with managed-care organizations. If Beshear is unable to achieve the necessary savings, potential cuts could kick in on October 1st for most government agencies. Health and Family Services Secretary Janie Miller assured House lawmakers Monday that the privatization plan would save enough money to fill the budget gap in the program that serves more than 800,000 elderly, disabled and poor Kentuckians. The four “No” votes were cast by Republicans. Senate Majority Floor Leader Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said the House compromise got passed quicker than Sherman went through Georgia.
- Sara George with the Kentucky Department of Highways says road construction has begun to rebuild part of Highway 292 in Martin County and could take six weeks. A section of the highway collapsed into the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River on February 12th. The road began to crack after flooding in July 2010. Construction is also underway on a dangerous stretch of road in Perry County where crews are widening the road and installing a guardrail off a 200 foot section of 451 in Yerkes. Last year, 84 year old Jessie Young died after driving off the road and into the river below. The road will be closed during the day until construction is complete. Officials say that could be later this week.
- Stephen Todd Delph, 37, of Hazard, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of second-degree assault Monday. He also entered guilty pleas to the fleeing or evading police and wanton endangerment charges. Delph was indicted in November on charges that he severely beat Christopher Roberts, during an altercation on October 10, 2010. According to the indictment, Delph kicked Roberts in the head several times with steel-toed boots and nearly struck him with a vehicle. Delph was on parole at the time of the incident. In addition to his prison sentence, Delph will also be required to pay restitution in the amount of $15,000. He is scheduled for formal sentencing on April 28th.
Former Rand Paul volunteer Tim Profitt, who is accused of kicking liberal activist Lauren Valle during a U.S. Senate debate in October, was back in court Monday. Profitt has asked a judge to dismiss a misdemeanor assault charge he faces. Profitt argues he was justified under a state law that allows the use of force "in defense of a third person." Profitt's attorney Michael Dean says Profitt was protecting Paul. Fayette District Court Judge Kim Wilkie gave attorneys 10 days to submit additional documents. Wilkie says he will make a ruling on the motion to dismiss sometime after that.
- The Lois Reeves, a woman killed in a car crash in January, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owner of a horse involved in the accident. Reeves' car hit a horse that was in the middle of KY 52 in Estill County. Her daughters say the owner's negligence led to Reeve’s death. Reeve’s daughters are seeking damages and court costs.
- Brent Burke, an Army sergeant at Fort Campbell, is on trial charged with murder in the killings of his ex-wife, Tracy Burke, and her former mother-in-law, Karen Comer, at Comer's home in Rineyville. Burke's son, Ian, who was 4 years old at the time, testified Monday that on the night of the shooting in September 2007, he was in bed, woke up and "Brent shot Momma Tracy." Burke has had three previous trials on the two murder charges. Mistrials were declared during three previous court proceedings.
- Friday, Governor Steve Beshear signed into law House Bill 34, a bill that allows county coroners, with permission from their local government, to place lights and sirens on their vehicles. The new law, which takes effect on June 8, 2011, will not only allow for quicker response to crime scenes, but also alert drivers of those working along the roadway as part of a fatality investigation.
Preliminary statistics indicate 10 people died in 10 separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways from Monday, March 14th through Sunday, March 20, 2011. Eight of the victims were traveling in motor vehicles. Three were not wearing seat belts. One of the fatalities was riding a motorcycle and not wearing a helmet. One was operating an ATV. One of the fatalities was the result of a crash involving alcohol. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Adair, Bracken, Caldwell, Christian, Clay, Floyd, Hardin, Henderson, Rockcastle and Scott counties. Through March 20th, preliminary statistics indicate 125 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2011, four fewer than reported for this time period in 2010.
- Bills passed by the General Assembly in this year's regular legislative session will take effect on June 8th. The attorney general's office issues an official opinion each year setting the date Kentuckians become subject to new laws. Assistant Attorney General James M. Herrick said in the opinion released Monday that the effective date is 90 days after final adjournment of the session. Lawmakers passed more than 100 bills and resolutions in the legislative session that ended on March 9th. Among the most high-profile was a measure that allows optometrists to perform some uncomplicated eye surgeries now reserved for ophthalmologists. Passage of that bill drew a lot of attention because optometrists had been prolific financial contributors to the campaigns of state lawmakers.
- Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is looking for help with spring cleaning and is offering free lunch, T-shirts and door prizes to volunteers. The 2011 PRIDE Spring Cleanup Kick-Off is set for 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. EDT Saturday. The Kentucky Parks Department says groups, individuals and businesses are welcome to help pick up trash at the park or along Kentucky 90. Safe areas will be provided, and registration starts at 9:00 A.M.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:51 PM 
