03-30-10 Driver of Tractor-Trailer Charged W/2 Counts of Homicide In Pike Deaths
Arthur Davis, 44, of Blackwood, South Carolina, the driver of the tractor-trailer which ran over and killed Paul Williamson, 20, of Harold, and Kevin D. Jones, 32, of Dorton, was charged Tuesday with two reckless homicide counts arising out of the accident, according to Kentucky State Police. Davis allegedly lost control of the truck and slammed into Williamson and Jones as they were putting up signs to caution drivers about tree-trimming work in the area US 460 at Mouthcard, Monday. Davis was arrested at the scene Monday and charged with not having a valid operator's license, not having a commercial drivers license, having a radar detector in a commercial vehicle and not updating the log of his work hours. He remains in the Pike County Detention Center on $2 million cash bond.
03-30-10 Morgan County Ambulance Struck Broadside In Lexington
Callalou Roe, 58, was driving a Morgan County ambulance transporting a patient to St. Joseph's Hospital in Lexington Monday night when the ambulance was struck broadside at North Broadway and New Circle Road in Lexington by a vehicle driven by Rebecca M. Rogers, 27, of Irvine. The Ambulance was knocked over on its side, according to published reports. Both Roe and Rogers were transported to the U K Medical Center where they were held overnight and released Tuesday. The patient in the ambulance was listed in critical but stable condition. A child riding in the car and an emergency medical technician who was riding in the ambulance were also taken to UK with lesser injuries.
03-29-10 Two Killed At Shelby Valley Saturday
Justin C. Vanover, 18, of Virgie and Douglas Hall, also of Pike County, were killed Saturday when Vanover made a left turn into the path of Hall's vehicle on Kentucky Route 122 near Shelby Valley, according to Kentucky State police. Both men died at the scene. Police said Hall had no time to react and avoid the collision.
03-29-10 Two Horses Killed By Two Different School Buses In Fleming County
Kentucky State Police say no human injuries were reported when two different school buses hit two different horses within 10 minutes of each other in practically the same spot in Fleming County last week. The two horses died as a result of their injuries, but police said that Both buses were carrying students at the time, but none were injured. State police received the first call at 6:58 a.m. reporting a Fleming County school bus had hit a horse on a road in the Foxport community. Then another call came in at 7:07 a.m. saying a Lewis County school bus struck another horse almost in the same place.
03-29-10 Nunn To Have Competency Hearing April 5th In Fayette Circuit Court
A Fayette Circuit Judge scheduled a competency hearing Friday for former state Rep. Steve Nunn. The hearing is set for April 5th in open court, but Nunn will not be there. The court ordered that Nunn appear by telephone, according to published reports. Nunn is charged with the murder of Amanda Ross, 29, a former girlfriend, last Sept. 11th. Nunn's attorney said Friday that a doctor has evaluated Nunn, but he declined to divulge the results of the evaluation.
03-29-10 Morgan County Man Dies In House Fire
Donald Conley, 45, of West Liberty, was killed Saturday morning in a house fire at his home on Devil's Fork Road in West Liberty, according to the Kentucky State Police. Conley was pronounced dead by Morgan County coroner Kenny Perry at the scene of the fire in Conley's home No foul play is suspected.
03-27-10 Rebates To Be Available For Appliances Beginning April 22
Kentuckians who buy an eligible Energy Star replacement appliance from a Kentucky retailer may be eligible for a rebate, starting April 22, according to published reports. The program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The rebates will be available on 17 appliances, including clothes washers, dish washers, refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, water heaters, central air conditioners, air source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, gas furnaces and gas boilers. The rebates range from $40 to $400 and will given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
03-27-10 Breaking NEws: Paintsville Resident Victim of HOME INVASION
Thomas McDavid, 27 and John Daniels, 20, both of Paintsville were arrested Friday Morning at the Paintsville Day's Inn and charged with 2nd degree robbery and 2nd degree burglary, after a police received a 911 call by an elderly Paintsville resident that he had been a victim of a home invasion, according to the Paintsville Police Department. The victim told officers that two men knocked on his door and asked to use his phone and then pushed him out the door and that one held him down while the other stole money and property from the home.
The victim was able to provide a name of one of the suspects and they were later located inside a motel room at the Paintsville Day’s Inn, where Officers Jerry Wiley and Jon Eperson were able to recover all of the victim’s property with the exception of $71.00 in cash that had been taken from his apartment.. Daniels and McDavid were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. The incident remains under investigation by the Paintsville Police Department.
03-26-10 Stumbo Will Not Briing up Bill To Ban Open Carry Guns In The House
House Speaker Greg Stumbo said Thursday that he will not bring up for a vote , during the five days remaining in the current legislative session, legislation which would ban bringing openly carried guns into the Capitol , according to published reports. Some House lawmakers have been pressing for such a ban after an unidentified man wore a holstered gun into the House chamber earlier this week and sat through an afternoon session. House rules allow visitors to bring guns into the chamber as long as they’re carried openly.
03-26-10 Jury Convicts All 8 Defendants In Clay Vote-Buying Case
Some of the most powerful people in Clay County, including Clay Circuit Judge R. Cletus Maricle, 66; former Clay County School Superintendent Douglas C. Adams, 58; County Clerk Freddy W. Thompson, 46; former Clay County Democratic Election Commissioner, Charles Wayne Jones, 69; Magistrate Stanley Bowling, 59; former precinct worker William Stivers, 57; William Bart Morris, 51; who owns a garbage-transfer company, and his wife Debi Morris, 50, who owns a beauty shop, were convicted by a Federal District Court Jury in Frankfort Thursday, according to published reports. All eight defendants in the Clay County corruption and vote fraud trial were found guilt of some or all of the charges against them. The jury convicted the defendants after nine hours of deliberation over two days at the conclusion of a trial that took almost two months.
03-25-10 Paintsville Police Conduct Drug Sweep Tuesday
The Paintsville Police Departments Narcotics Task Force conducted a drug sweep Tuesday within the city of Paintsville, arresting a total of 10 offenders ranging from drug trafficking to the public intoxication, according to a dispatch from the Paintsville Police. Officers raided a room at the Paintsville Day's Inn where several arrests were made, including Steven Wells, 38, charged with trafficking in a controlled substance 1st degree and trafficking within 1,000 yards of a school. Also arrested at the Day's Inn were Marla May, 33, Public Intoxication; Jeremy W. King, 27, Public Intoxication; Joshua L. Ocasio, 21, Public Intoxication; Kristian Mollette, 30, Public Intoxication; Hope R. Sester, 30, for two outstanding arrest warrants. During the search of the Day's Inn room officers found Roxicodone pills, a large baggie of suspected methamphetamine, cash and an assortment of drug paraphernalia such. Roxicodone pills which had allegedly been obtained from a pain management doctor in Columbus, Ohio on the same day of the arrest were found. In another location Johnny Dennison, 42, of Paintsville was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance 3rd degree and trafficking within 1,000 yards of a school. Officers allegedly purchased Xanax from Dennison at his residence on Southside. Paula Hoeltzner, 48, was arrested at the Dennison residence on an outstanding arrest warrant. David Christopher Belhasen, 49, of Paintsville was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and public intoxication.
Shaun Christopher Blackburn, 30, was arrested for 2nd degree trafficking in Hydrocodone pills and trafficking within 1,000 yards of a school; 1st degree possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
3-24-19 Rand Paul Raises $261 Thousand In 24 Hours
Republican Senate Candidate Rand Paul raised more than $261,000 for his campaign over a 24-hour period through an Internet fundraiser, according to a release from the Paul Campaign.
Paul, a Bowling Green eye surgeon and son of Congressman and former presidential candidate Ron Paul of Texas, had already raised more than $2 million for the race in Kentucky. David Adams, Paul's campaign manager, said he was pleased with the so-called "money bomb" held on Tuesday. Paul, has been using the same Web-based fundraising tactics used by his father during his 2008 campaign. It has paid off handsomely for the younger Paul, who faces several GOP candidates in the Senate race, including Paul's main opponent, Secretary of State Trey Grayson, has reported that he has raised $2 million.
03-24-10 Beshear Signs Bill To Protect Cancer From Ins. Companys Denying Coverage During Clinical Trials
Gov. Steve Beshear signed a bill into law Wednesday which may reduce medical costs for cancer patients taking part in clinical trials, according to a release from the governor's office. The measure prohibits health care plans from denying coverage of routine health care costs incurred as a part of clinical trials for cancer, assuming the same services would have been covered if not part of a clinical trial. Beshear said health insurance companies often deny coverage for routine care for patients involved in trials. The American Cancer Society says restrictions imposed by health plans prevents many patients from taking part in clinical trials.
03-24-10 Cheney Comes Out For Grayson In Senate Race
Republican Senate candidate Trey Grayson received the endorsement of former Vice President Dick Cheney Wednesday in the May Republican primary for the United States Senate seat presently held by Sen. Jim Bunning. Grayson is running against eye doctor Rand Paul, of Bowling Green. Other Republicans in the race Gurley Martin, John Stephenson and Jon Scribner. Paul Received the endorsement of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin last month. The winner of the Republican Primary will likely face Lt. Gov. Daniel Monjiardo or Atty. General Jack Conway. Other Democrats in the race include, Darlene Price, James Buckmaster and Maurice Sweeney.
03-22-10 Pike County School Bus Driver Seriously Injured, Children Taken To Hospital In Crash W/ Gravel Truck
Peggy Childers, 65, a school bus driver in Pike County, suffered severe leg injuries Monday when her bus was struck by a gravel truck which crossed the center line of U.S. 460 and struck the bus . Childers was transported to the U K Medical Center, according to Kentucky State Police. Police said about 45 students were on the bus, which had just left the Millard School. 12 students were taken to Pikeville Medical Center by ambulance, while another 17 were transported to the hospital by their parents. None of the children's injuries were thought to be serious.
03-22-10 Kentucky Student Loan Agencies Will No Longer Be Making Student Loans, Effective In July
As a result of the passage of the Health Care Reform Bill Sunday The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority and the Student Loan People, a not-for-profit organization created by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1978, no longer will loan money through the Federal Family Education Loan program after July 1st. The Kentucky student loan agencies will probably still have some role to play in Federal student aid, but it is not clear what their function may be or how many Kentucky employees may lose their jobs. The federal government will now take over the loan-making duties, though Kentucky agencies may assume a servicing role.
03-22-10 Senate Passes Budget W/ No Tax Increase, Fewer Construction Projects
The Kentucky Senate passed its version of a $17.3 billion dollar state budget Monday night that cuts nearly a billion dollars in construction projects which had been included by the House version and cuts an additional 1.5 percent from nearly all areas of state spending and no tax increase. The Senate cut House spending so much that Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo threatened to walk away from the budget process and allow the session to end without a budget. Stumbo said House Democrats are committed to the construction projects which he said will create 25,000 jobs. A conference committee from the House and Senate will attempt to reach a compromise on the House and Senate Budgets. .
All Senators voted in favor of the budget except Democrats Kathy Stein and Walter Blevins, who voted against, and Sen. Julian Carroll who abstained.
03-21-10 Whitesburg Woman Found Beside Road With Injuries of Unknown Origin
Wanda Caudill, 79 of Whitesburg, was discovered beside Ky. Route 7 near Jeremiah Friday morning. She had been injured but authorities were unable to determine how her injuries occurred, according to Kentucky State Police. She was transported to a local hospital and then on to at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington Saturday, where she was listed in critical condition. Police are asking that anyone with information about the incident contact the KSP, Hazard Post at 1-800-222-5555 or (606) 435-6069.
03-21-10 Shelby Valley Wins First State Championship In Pike County History
The Shelby Valley High School Wildcats defeated Ballard High School of Louisville Saturday night to become the first team in Pike County history to win the Kentucky High School Basketball Championship and the first team from Eastern KY to bring home the title since 1996. Shelby Valley, which was created through the consolidation of Virgie and Dorton high schools, also is the first school ever to win the Sweet Sixteen and the All A Tournament in the same season. A parade of cars that some estimated at up to three miles long followed the school bus bringing the team home to be greeted by more than 500 cheering fans who were waiting for them.
03-19-10 Frenchburg Man Gets 18 Years For Possession of Pain Pills & A Handgun
Dean Meeks, 30, of Frenchburg was sentenced to 210 months (18 and 1/3rd years) in federal prison Wednesday on his conviction last August for possessing Oxycodone pills with the intent to sell and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, according to a press release from the U. S. Attorney's Office Thursday. As a result of convictions in 2000 and 2004 in Menifee County federal officials found him to be a career offender, thereby enhancing his punishment on the present conviction. Meeks will have to serve at least 85% of his sentence.
03-18-10 Kentucky Mountain Trails Bill Clears Committee.. Goes To Whole House
A bill that would lead to a system of ATV trails in Eastern Kentucky was approved by the House Committee on Tourism Development and Energy unanimously, Thursday. The system would be similar to the Hatfield-McCoy trails in West Virginia and the Spearhead Trails in Virginia and would connect trails in both states, according to published reports.
Rep. Keith Hall, of Phelps, the sponsor of the measure, said he had the cooperation of 13 counties, including Johnson, Martin, Floyd, Magoffin, Bell, Breathitt, Pike, Morgan, Knott, Letcher, Harlan, Perry and Wolfe. The bill would create a Kentucky Mountain Trail Corporation to oversee and police the system.
03-18-10 Kentucky Residents Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Killing Endangered Bats
One Kentucky man will spend the next eight months in jail, and another will receive three years probation for killing more than 100 endangered Indiana bats in Laurel Cave, Ky.
Lonnie W. Skaggs, of Olive Hill and Kaleb D. Carpenter, of Grayson, were sentenced Thursday in U.S. District Court in Ashland for violations of the Federal Endangered Species Act, according to a press release from the U S Fish and WIldlife Service. Skaggs received two eight-month Federal prison sentences, to run concurrently, for a total of eight months, while Carpenter received three years probation. Carpenter and Skaggs killed the bats with flashlights and rocks; and crushed bats with their feet. In just one hour a single bat can eat between 600 and 1,000 insect pests.
03-18-10 Former Clay School Superintendent Jailed For Having Dinner With A Witness
Former Clay County School Superintendent Douglas C. Adams was ordered jailed until the conclusion of his trial in Federal District Court for vote fraud, after he allegedly had dinner with a witness in the case, according to published reports. Prosecutors claim Adams and former Circuit Judge R. Cletus Maricle headed a scheme to buy or steal votes in local elections in Clay County from 2002 to 2007. Testimony revealed that Adams had dinner Monday night at a Frankfort restaurant with carpenter Ronnie Owens, who had been recognized in court that day as a witness.
03-18-10 Hawaii Prisoner Sues Otter Creek Corrections, State
A Hawaiian inmate who was serving life without the possibility of parole at the Otter Creek Correctional Center in Wheelwright has sued the state and prison operator Corrections Corporation of America claiming she was raped by two guards at the prison, according to published reports. The woman says in the suit filed Monday that she was sexually assaulted in June 2008 at Otter Creek. The woman and her husband are serving life sentences without the possibility of parole for a 1997 kidnapping and murder. A similar suit was filed by another female inmate from Hawaii in October. The state of Hawaii moved all its 128 female inmates out of Otter Creek in September after 23 female inmates, including seven from Hawaii, alleged they were sexually assaulted.
03-17-10 Floyd County Man Arrested After His Nephew Shot and Killed
Michael Whitaker, 29, of Hueysville was found shot to death after a 911
call was made around 4 AM Tuesday. Whitaker and his uncle, Russell Neeley, had allegedly had an argument prior to the shooting, according to Kentucky State Police. Russell Neeley was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence and being a felon in possession of a handgun. Neeley was lodged in the Floyd County jail where he is being held on a $1 million cash bond, jail officials said. The investigation is still pending.
03-17-10 Johnson Central Middle School Takes State Academic Title... High School Finishes 2nd
The Johnson County School District academic teams came away from the Governor's Cup Competition at the Galt House in Louisville this week with the First Place Trophy awarded to The Johnson County Middle School, for the fifth year in a row, according to a release from the Johnson County Superintendent's Office. JCMS scored 55 points in the championship round, with the next closest team, Windburn Middle School, which scored 46.5. Johnson Central High School finished as outstanding runner up for the second year in a row. JCHS was narrowly defeated by Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School 84-80 in the championship round. The next closest score was 47.
03-17-10 Open Primary Bill Killed In House Committee
The House Elections Committee killed a bill Tuesday would have allowed independents vote in the Democratic or Republican primary elections. The bill, which had already passed the Senate, was rejected on a 4-2 vote, with two members declining to vote. Several Democrats had expressed concern that the bill might allow independents to influence a party's primary choice for partisan reasons. The measure was designed to let voters who are locked out of party primaries in counties dominated by one party to have a voice in their local government.
03-16-10 Senate To Change Directions... Let Governor Authorize Expanded Gambling
Senate President David Williams said Tuesday that the Senate may make major changes Wednesday to House Bill 368 which allows bettors at horse tracks to bet on previously run races called "Instant Racing". Williams said that the Senate will remove Instant Racing from the house bill and, instead, mandate a 1.5% tax on Instant Racing wagering which would be used to increases purses or incentives to breeders, should the governor or state racing commission authorizes Instant Racing. The move seems to be an acknowledgement that no legislative action is necessary to authorize the additional betting at the track, which would clear the way for the governor and State Lottery Commission to run the games. Two Attorney General Opinions have already said a constitution amendment or legislative action is unnecessary.
03-15-10 Hindman Woman Busted With "hundreds of Prescription Drugs"
Delilah Hall, 34, of Hindman was arrested Monday and charged with first and third-degree trafficking in several hundred prescription medications along with a handgun. Hall allegedly brought illegal prescription drugs for sale into Eastern Kentucky from out of state, according to the Kentucky State Police. According to police, authorities from several agencies in Knott and Letcher Counties have been investigating the transport of illegal drugs from outside of Kentucky into Hindman. She was lodged in the Kentucky River Regional Jail in Hazard. The case continues under investigation and more arrests and charges are expected.
03-15-10 Mine Permit Application Fees Approved By Senate..
The General Assembly is on the verge of approving legislation which will increase mining permit applications from $375.00 to as much as $2,500.00. House Bill 283 passed the Kentucky Senate Monday on a 33-0. Coal companies are supporting the bill because the additional revenue would help hire more staffers to speed up the permitting process. The bill now goes back to the house for consideration of changes made by the senate to the bill passed by the House last week.
03-15-10 Lawrence County Shootings Result In One Death, Two Hospitalized
Jimmy Levering, 28, of Louisa, was arrested Monday and charged with the murder of Sherry Smith and the shooting assaults on Ronald Young, 44, reportedly Ms. Smith's boyfriend and Wilma Levering, the wife of Levering, in two separate incidents in Lawrence County.
Sherry Smith was taken to a Huntington Hospital where she died. The other victims were taken to a local hospital. No details on their conditions was available. Levering was arrested and charged with Murder and two counts of First Degree Assault and lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.
03-14-10 Couple Arrested At Paintsville Ramada Inn On Drug Possession, Child Endangerment
Wesley Witten, 32 and Chrystal LeWallen, 26, were arrested Saturday at the Ramada Inn on drug and child endangerment charges, according to the Paintsville Police Department. Police received a tip that two adults were intoxicated, with a two year old in their room. Police visited the room and allegedly discovered Witten and LeWallen intoxicated with a 2 year old child inside the room. Police allegedly discovered a large quantity of hypodermic syringes scattered about the room, spoons and other items used to cook drugs down for injection and narcotics which had been obtained from a pain clinic in Broward County Florida on Friday. Witten and LeWallen were arrested on a variety of drug possession charges and drug paraphernalia charges and endangering the welfare of a minor. They were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center and the child was placed in the custody of Kentucky Social Services. The investigation continues by Paintsville Police and additional charges are pending.
03-14-10 Kentucky Continues To Hemorrhage Jobs
Since January 2009, Kentucky’s nonfarm employment has dropped by another 42,200 and our seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 10.7 percent in January 2010, according to the KY Office of Employment and Training. Unemployment was up from a revised 10.6 percent in December 2009. January's jobless rate is 1.6 percentage points higher than the 9.1 percent recorded in January 2009.. The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate decreased from 10 percent in December 2009 to 9.7 percent in January 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
03-12-10 Corbin Woman Charged W/Murder of Newborn Enters Not Guilty Plea
Ashley N. Cox, 20, of Corbin, the woman who allegedly murdered her newborn baby last weekend in a bathroom at the LaGrange Prison by stuffing the child's mouth with toilet paper and putting her into a trash can, entered a not guilty plea Wednesday in Oldham District Court, according to published reports. The court scheduled a preliminary hearing for next Wednesday. Cox had been visiting an inmate at the prison when she allegedly delivered the baby in a bathroom at the prison. After placing her daughter in the trash, she allegedly tried to conseal the baby in a trash can by covering her with paper towels. When prison personnel came into the bathroom and saw blood, Cox allegedly "failed to report" that she had delivered a baby. Cox was charged with murder and concealing the birth of an infant. She is being held in the Oldham County Jail on $2.5 million bond.
03-12-10 Amanda's Bill Moves To The Floor of Senate
The Senate Judiciary Committee gave unanimous approval Thursday for a measure that will allow courts to require GPS devices for alleged domestic abusers. The measure was named for Amanda Ross, who was allegedly gunned down by former state legislator and candidate for governor, Steve Nunn, who is presently in jail awaiting trial for her murder. The bill would allow judges to order GPS monitors placed around the ankles of suspected abusers. The bill is expected to pass the full Senate. If it passes in its present form, which was modified from the House version, it will have to go to conference committee before it can be passed and sent on to the governor.
03-12-10 Bill To Expand Gambling At Tracks For Horse Industry Only Appears Ready To Pass Senate
A bill to approve expanded gambling at race tracks was approved by a Kentucky Senate Committee Thursday and appears to be on the way to passage. The bill, sponsored by Senator Damon Thayer, would approve all eight existing racetracks, including Thunder Ridge, to add electronic gambling commonly known as "Instant Racing," which pools bets on random previously run races, according to published reports. The bill, which is expected to clear the Senate with bipartisan support next week. The measure could put millions into Kentucky horse racing purses, but does not raise revenue for the state's General Fund.
03-10-10 Corbin Woman Charged W/Murder In Killing of Her Newborn Daughter
Ashley N. Cox, 20, of Corbin, was charged with murder Tuesday after allegedly delivering a full term baby Sunday in a bathroom at the LaGrange Prison and then stuffing the child's mouth with toilet paper and putting her into a trash can, according to published reports.
Cox was visiting an inmate at the prison when she delivered the baby in a at about 11 a.m. After placing her daughter in the trash, Cox covered the baby with paper.
When prison personnel came into the bathroom and saw blood, Cox allegedly "failed to report" that she had delivered a baby. When it was determined at a hospital that Cox had delivered a baby, a search was conducted at the prison and the baby's body found in the trash late Sunday afternoon.. Cox was charged with murder and concealing the birth of an infant. She is being held in the Oldham County Jail on $2.5 million bond.
03-10-10 House Budget Leaves Republicans Out in The Cold...
The Kentucky House approved a $17.5 billion dollar budget Wednesday by a vote of 65-33 vote, mostly along party lines, according to published reports.. Republicans accused the Democrat majority of playing politics as they funded more than $2.2 billion in school, water, sewer and other infrastructure projects in mostly Democrat districts. Although the state has 14 schools that fall in the "worst" category of disrepair, only the seven that are in districts represented by Democrats are slated for replacement, leaving the ones in Republican districts out of the plan. The bill now heads to the Republican Senate, whose leaders have already stated that the House version will get many changes, according to Senate President David Williams.
03-10-10 House Bill That Will Allow Golf Carts On Certain Streets and Roads Clears Senate Committee
The Senate Transportation Committee approved House Bill 79 Wednesday to allow local governments to pass ordinances that let golf carts drive on local roads and streets, but not those maintained by the state, according to published reports. Local governments would have to designate where the carts could cross state roads. The measure now goes to the full Senate for its consideration.
03-10-10 Bill Passes General Assembly That Will Increase Coal Mine Permit Application Fees
Legislation has passed the House and won approval from a Senate committee, with support from the Kentucky Coal Association, which would increase by $800,000 a year the fees for mining permit applications, according to published reports. The legislation cleared the House last month and won approval Tuesday from the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee. It now goes to the full Senate. The additional revenue would be used to help pay the operational costs of the Kentucky Division of Mine Permits allowing it to increase staffing and allow for permit applications to be processed more speedily.
Kentucky Coal Association President Bill Bissett says the mining industry knows the state needs more money to accomplish its mission.
03-10-10 Republicans Claim Political Retribution On Road Plan
The House voted 67-32 Tuesday to approve a $3.4 billion dollar road plan, in spite of claims from Republicans that many road and bridge projects in their districts were deleted from the plan, especially projects using federal stimulus funds, according to published reports. The Republicans claimed projects in their districts were removed as punishment for their voting against a $371 million dollar revenue-raising measure. While Democrats denied the claims of retribution Tuesday after they removed projects in Republican districts from the road plan presented by Gov. Steve Beshear in January, House Speaker Greg Stumbo said Monday that Republicans who didn't support the revenue-raising measure shouldn't expect to share in the jobs-producing projects that followed.
03-06-10 Mongiardo Leads Conway; Paul Leads Grayson... Both By Double Digits
A Courier-Journal-SurveyUSA-WHAS-TV poll conducted last week shows Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo with an 18 point lead over Attorney General Jack Conway, with 19 percent undecided in Kentucky's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Dr. Rand Paul holds a 15 point lead over Secretary of State Trey Grayson, with 19 percent undecided in the Republican race. If the November election were held today the Republican would have a 43 to 42 percent advantage.
03-07-10 Members of KY House Encourage PSC To Deny KY Power Rate Increase
Members of the Kentucky House of Representatives, including 97th District Representative Hubert Collins, are encouraging the Public Service Commission not to grant the nearly 35% rate increase requested Kentucky Power Company last year December, according to published reports. Kentucky Power requested the rate increase for all of its 175,000 customers in Kentucky, claiming the expense connected with a snow storm on December 19th a partial justification. As a result of widespread power outages, which lasted for a week or more in some places, the Pike County Fiscal Court voted to authorize a lawsuit against the power company for negligence in maintaining its lines. In Letcher County the Commonwealth's Attorney launched a grand jury investigation in January.
03-07-10 2600 Show Up In Lex To Apply For 100 RR Jobs
2,600 people showed up in Lexington to apply for 100 Railroad jobs with the Corman Railroad Group Saturday, some showing up as early as Friday afternoon to get in line, according to published reports. The temporary railroad construction jobs were advertised as offering wages of between $25 and $35 an hour with the Corman Railroad Group. The jobs will be created as part of a $17.5 million federal grant awarded last month to R.J. Corman Railroad Group. Workers will make improvements to short line railroads that the Nicholasville-based company owns in Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. “It’s been months of fruitless searches for work,” said Bryant, 31, of Cynthiana. “I’ve done day work, like scraping out peanut butter silos, but it’s not what I need to support my family every day. My children depend on me.”
U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, D-Versailles, called the scene at the R.J. Corman railroad yard something “this country has not seen since the 1930s, frankly.”
Standing in the yard near downtown, Chandler saw the long line of job seekers wending from Buchanan Street through the three-block-long yard and back to Cox Street, then northward. The men and women in the morning sunshine, résumés in hand, some with children in their arms, patiently waited in 30-degree cold to seek work.
“There is no lack of desire to work and work hard,” Chandler said. “This is something everyone in this country needs to see. And I hope I never see it again.”
The jobs were created through a $17.5 million federal grant awarded last month to Corman as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, better known as the stimulus package.
03-07-10 Stumbo Says House Budget Is Ready.. Will Vote Tuesday
House Speaker Greg Stumbo said Friday that the House hopes to have a $17.5 billion, two-year, budget document Monday afternoon and that the whole House will vote on it Tuesday, according to published reports. The budget covers a $1.3 billion gap between current spending and anticipated revenues for the next biennium, anticipated to be closed by a reduction of two days in the school calendar; a 1.5 percent cut to higher education in the first year and a 1 percent cut the second; savings on employee health insurance; Medicaid savings; and cutting back on the number of political hires and the use of outside, personal service contracts for state services. The plan passes the House it will go to the Republican-controlled Senate.
3-05-10 House Passes 18 As Dropout Age.. Bill Now Moves To Senate
The Kentucky House passed House Bill 301 Thursday, which requires students to attend high school until at least age 17, beginning on July 1st, 2013, unless the student has already completed high school. Beginning July 1st, 2014, students must complete high school or stay in school until at least age 18. The measure passed the House by a vote of 94-6 and now moves on to the Senate. The bill also requires the high school graduation rate to be at least 90 percent by July 1st, 2015.
03-05-10 Carter County Deputy Jailer Indicted On Sex Charges
Keith D. Hollingsworth, 43, of Olive Hill, a deputy jailer and maintenance worker at the Carter County Detention Center in Grayson, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Ashland Thursday on charges sexual abuse of two inmates in the Carter County Detention Center, according to published reports. The indictment alleges that Hollingsworth had sex with an inmate under his authority on Dec. 16, 2005, and of depriving another inmate of constitutional rights by engaging in sex acts on June 15th, 2007. He is scheduled for arraignment on March 18th in U.S. District court in Ashland.
03-04-10 Missing Boons Camp Man's Body Found
The body of Jimmy "Bill Bill" Wells, 56, the Boons Camp man who was reported missing a month ago, was found late Wednesday afternoon, according to published reports.
Wells' body was discovered in a creek at the mouth of Hurricane Creek, not far from his home. The body was sent to Frankfort for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
03-04-10 Medical Scolarships Available For Pikeville Med Students
Kentucky students planning to study medicine at Pikeville College may be eligible for an Osteopathic Medical Scholarship, through the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. Recipients of the scholarships are required to practice 2,000 hours of osteopathic medicine in Kentucky for each year they receive the scholarship. If they do not fulfill the practice requirements, they must repay the scholarship with 6 percent interest. The application deadline is July 1st. For application information, contact Teresa Jones at (606) 218-5400 or tjones@pc.edu.
03-04-19 House Committee Approved Bill To $371 In Tax Revenue
More details of the House budget became clear Tuesday when the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee voted 17-11 to approved a measure to raise $371 million in new revenue over the next two years by accelerating sales tax collections and suspending the ability of businesses to deduct losses for two years, according to published reports. As these details became known, Senate leaders expressed concerns about the business tax changes, which could create disagreements in budget negotiations between the two chambers.
03-03-10 Carcasses found hanging in Menifee car wash
A customer washing his car discovered fifteen plastic grocery bags containing the bodies of six dead cats and other animals and body parts were found hanging from the rafters of a Menifee County car wash Saturday, according to the Menifee County Sheriff.
The bags also contained two possums, a hog's head, a chicken and some unidentified animal bones, said Diana McGuire, a volunteer with the Menifee County Humane Society. She said that all three of the car wash bays had bags with animals in them.
McGuire reportedly told news outlets that she hopes a reward will be offered in the case. "It's illegal to shoot animals," McGuire said.
03-03-10 Danville Approves "Full Wett" Expanded Liquor Sales
Voters in Danville voted Tuesday to expand alcohol sales to "full wet" from its present "moist" status. Voters approved expanded liquor sales by a vote of 2,508 to 1,911.
Since March 2003, Danville has allowed alcohol by the drink in restaurants that have seating for at least 100 people. Tuesday's vote eliminates that requirement so that smaller restaurants can also serve alcohol. Liquor stores will now be authorized, as well as beer and wine sales at convenience stores and super markets. Danville will become the first city in Kentucky to go from limited restaurant sales to a fully wet community, according to the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
03-02-10 Bunning Offices Receives Bomb Threat
A bomb threat was made against the Hazard offices of U.S. Senator Jim Bunning's regional office last Friday. The threat was received by the FBI for the building which houses Bunning's office, as well as the office of U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, according to published reports. Everyone inside was evacuated as a precaution. Bomb detection dogs were called in from the Kentucky State Police and the Hazard Fire Department to inspect the building. Bunning is standing alone in blocking a 10 billion dollar measure which would extend unemployment benefits. He says he does not oppose the bill, but says the money should come from stimulus funds already appropriated, rather than borrowed and added to the national debt.
03-02-10 Seven People Killed On KY Highways
Seven people died in five separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, February 22nd through Sunday, February 28th, 2010, according to Kentucky State Police.
Four of the crashes involved motor vehicles and four of those victims were not wearing seat belts. A crash in Pike county involved the suspected use of alcohol. A crash in Hardin County claimed the lives of three people who were thrown from a car after Their vehicle then went over a guardrail and flipped several times, landing on its roof. Drugs and alcohol are suspected factors in this accident, along with speed. Through February 28th 92 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010. This is 25 fewer fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2009.
03-02-10 Bill Allows Certain Family Court Proceeds To Be Public Passes House
A bill which would open some Kentucky family court proceedings to the public, as a pilot project, passed the House 87-10 Monday and now moves to the Senate, according to published reports. The pilot project would allow courts to test the idea of opening proceedings, such as child abuse and neglect hearings, that are now closed to the public. It also would provide more access for relatives, such as aunts, uncles or grandparents, who now are barred from hearings where a parent's rights are being terminated.. The bill stops short of fully opening the courts. Records would remain closed, and the bill allows judges to close some proceedings deemed sensitive, such as cases of child sexual abuse or exploitation.
03-02-10 Danville Could Go "Wetter" Tuesday
Danville voters will go to the polls Tuesday to decide whether to expand alcohol sales to include bars and liquor stores within the city, according to published reports.
Voters approved a referendum allowing alcohol by the drink in restaurants that have seating for at least 100 people back in 2003. Ten restaurants serve alcohol by the drink. If the ballot question passes, smaller restaurants could serve alcohol, and bars and package retail stores would be permitted.