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07-23-08 Line of Strong T-Storms Strikes E. KY Tuesday, Thousands Without Power

Ten thousand people were without electricity Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning in East Kentucky after a line of strong thunderstorms hit the area Tuesday night. Pikeville and Hazard were hardest hit, with as many as 4,000 without power in each town. The storms left about 13,000 people without power around 9 PM Tuesday, as power lines were downed and poles broken by strong winds.
Kentucky Power said it could be late Wednesday before power is restored to all customers.

07-23-08 Preacher Cops Plea In Snake Case

Gregory Coots, 36, a preacher at Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name in Middlesboro, copped a plea deal with prosecutors in Bell County Tuesday to 7 counts of buying, selling and transporting poisonous snakes. Coots was fined $6,400 and placed on probation for two years. A Tennessee woman died after being bitten by a rattlesnake in the same church in 1995.
Coots was among those arrested earlier this month in a snake
bust. More than 100 snakes were confiscated on July 10th, most of which were found at his home.

07-23-08 Man Gets 8 Years of "TO DO" Time For Harboring Illegal Aliens In N KY

Jeffery Wolnitzek, 49, of Fort Wright, president of Spectrum Interiors, a contracting company in Kenton County, was sentenced to eight years in prison in Federal District court in Covington Tuesday for harboring illegal aliens. Wolnitzek and the company were ordered to pay a $2 million
fine, according to a press release from the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

07-23-08 State Unemployment Climbs to 6.3%...National Rate Stays at 5.5% In June

Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June rose to 6.3 percent from
May’s revised 6.2 percent, according to the KY Office of Employment.
The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate stayed at 5.5 percent from May to June,
according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
A decrease of 4,400 jobs in June 2008 brought Kentucky’s nonfarm employment to a
seasonally adjusted total of 1,874,700.
The construction sector grew by 700 more positions in June
Mining jobs grew in June by 100 jobs. The manufacturing sector lost 4,200 jobs in June 2008.

07-21-08 Trooper With Pikeville Post Arrested For Public Drunk, Disorderly and Resisting Arrest

Kentucky State Police Trooper Tim Moore, was arrested by his fellow officers Sunday night after getting into an argument with other Kentucky State Police
troopers in Pike County. Moore allegedly became loud and disorderly in public.
He was charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.
Moore, who is a 10 year veteran of the force, was suspended without pay while the case is under investigation.

07-22-08 Lawmaker Drafting Bill To Allow 18,000 Slots In KY, Local Option

Rep. Tom Burch, Dem. of Louisville, is drafting legislation for the 2009 General Assembly that would allow 18,000 slot machines in Kentucky, according to a statement from his office Monday. Burch said his legislation will place roughly 6,000 slots at Kentucky's eight horse
racing tracks, with the remaining 12,000 available to counties where voters approve
them. The legislation differs greatly from the legislation offered by Gov. Beshear
because there will be no geographic restrictions on where the slot machines can be
and no full blown casinos.
The number of slots at racetracks would be determined by the number of 2008 race
days at each track, according to the outline of Burch's bill.
Burch's said his bill does not require a constitutional amendment.

07-20-08 29,000 Businesses Bit The Dust, File Bankruptcy, In First Half of 2008

Commercial bankruptcy filings were up 45% for the first half of
2008 in the United States, according to Automated Access to
Court Electronic Records, an Oklahoma City bankruptcy
management and data company. 15,471 businesses filed
bankruptcy from the beginning of the 2008 through June.
It was the 10th straight quarter that business bankruptcy filings
have increased. Nearly 29,000 companies bit the dust in
the first half of 2008.
The vast majority of these failed companies are among the
nation's 23 million small businesses, with fewer than 100
employees. Their fortunes have tumbled as the national economic downturn has deepened.

News 07-19-08 Grandfather Killed, Grandson Seriously Injured When Alleged DUI Hits Their Motorcycle In Ashland

Billy J Barker, 21, of Ashland was arrested Friday night after his vehicle allegedly crossed the centerline and collided with a motorcycle ridden by Russ Bellomy, of Ashland, according to Ashland Police. Bellomy was killed as a result of the accident. he was pronounced dead at the scene. Kristoffer Callaway, Bellomy's 12 year old grandson, was a passenger on the motorcycle. He was seriously injured and was transported from the scene by helicopter. His condition is unknown. Barker, was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence. Police say those charged may be increased after their investigation is complete.

07 18 08 - Life in prison for killer of police chief

James Barnett, who was convicted Wednesday of murdering Clay City Police Chief Chester Lacy in June of 2007, accepted a plea deal and will be sentensed to life in prison, with eligibility for parol in 20 years. Barnett killed Lacy with his own gun, after Lacy arrested him for DUI,
The jury could have sentenced him from anywhere from 20 years to 50 years or
life in prison.

07-16-08 Anthony Phelps Shot and Killed Wednesday Morning

Anthony Wayne Phelps, 47, of Staffordsville was shot around 7: AM Wednesday
morning in what was described as a "domestic dispute" by the Kentucky State
Police. He was taken to Paul B Hall Hospital where he later died.
State Police failed to provide the name of the shooter and no charges had been filed
as of Wednesday night. The case continues under investigation by the Kentucky State Police and the Johnson County Sheriff's Department.

07-16-08 Single-Engine Plane Overshoots Runway In Frankfort

A single-engine aircraft carrying a pilot and one passenger went off the end of a runway at the Capital City Airport in Frankfort Wednesday afternoon, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. No one was injured. Cabinet spokesman Mark Brown, who was at the scene, said the plane was still
intact. There was no indication of what caused the plane go off the runway.

07-16-08 James Barnett GUILTY of WANTON Murder

The Jury reached a verdict of Wanton Murder Wednesday afternoon after 2 days of deliberations in the murder trial of James Barnett, who murdered Clay City Police Chief Chester Lacy in June of 2007. Because the jury failed to find Barnett guilty of 1st degree murder, he will escape the death penalty. Barnett killed Lacy with his own gun, after Lacy arrested him for DUI.
Police said Barnett, who was in the back seat of the cruiser, grabbed a spare
handgun of Lacy's and shot him through the barrier between the front and
back seats. The jury had the apparently believed that Barnett guilty of the lesser crime of wanton murder because they believed he was drunk at the time of the shooting.

07-16-08 Jury Continues Deliberations In James Barnett Murder Trial

Jury deliberations continued Wednesday in the murder trial of James Barnett, who allegedly murdered Clay City Police Chief Chester Lacy in June of 2007. The jury is considering the guilt of Barnett and if he is found guilty of murder, they will decide if he should receive the death penalty in the case where he is alleged to have killed Lacy in cold blood with his own gun, after Lacy arrested him for DUI.
Police said Barnett, who was in the back seat of the cruiser, apparently grabbed a
spare handgun of Lacy's and shot him through the barrier between the front and back seats.

07-15-08 Governor Announces Initiatives To Help State Employees With Rising Expenses

Gov. Steve Beshear announced Tuesday two initiatives designed to help state employees with rising transportation expenses. The governor introduced a new carpooling web site that will link commuting state employees, and he encouraged a more aggressive push toward flexible work hours throughout state government. The CarpoolKY Web site is the first of its kind for state governments across the nation. It will
provide a safe and secure venue for state employees to connect with other state employees who
are potential ride partners. Interested commuters can access the Web site at
www.kentucky.gov/carpool.
The governor has also asked agency heads to take a closer look at implementing a voluntary
flexible schedule for employees whose duties would allow it.
The Personnel Cabinet provides an online tool to illustrate how various options can be put into practice. Managers can access that Web site at http://personnel.ky.gov/csi/flexworkoptions.htm

07-16-08 Beshear Seeks "In God We Trust" Ky. License Plate

Gov. Steve Beshear said he will seek legislation authorizing an "In God We Trust" license plates in the General Assembly next year.
Beshear wants Kentucky drivers to be able to choose the license plate as an
alternative to the current "Unbridled Spirit" plate the state issues."'In God We Trust'
is essentially our national motto," Beshear told The Courier-Journal. "And that
national motto belongs to every American and indeed every Kentuckian. In my
opinion nobody should have to pay extra to have that national motto reflected on
their license plate."
Republican Chairman Steve Robertson questioned Beshear's motive for
proposing the license plate. He said to the Lexington Herald, "Quite frankly, for him
to come out with an issue like this as he begins a statewide image tour just smacks of politics."

07-15-08 Governor Transfers KY Vehicle Enforcement TO KSP

Governor Steve Beshear announced Monday that he has signed an executive order to transfer the Department of Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement from the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet to the Kentucky State Police. Beshear said the reorganization will allow expanded hours of operation at weigh stations as well as increase the inspection and records checks of hazardous cargo. He said the merger will save $750,000 to $1 million a year through efficiencies such as reducing fuel costs and centralizing facilities. Employees in vehicle enforcement will keep their jobs. Uniforms and cars will not change. The merger will take effect Aug. 16.

07-15-08 Dial "811" Before You Dig

A state law that takes effect Tuesday may help reduce accidents or outages caused by someone digging into a buried utility lines, according to the Kentucky Public Service Commission..
The new law expands enforcement of existing statutes that require underground utility lines to be located and marked prior to most excavation or demolition activity. Local governments may collect fines from excavators who fail to arrange for proper marking. In the past, all such fines went to the state.
The new provision was enacted earlier this year. The new law also provides for the designation of Kentucky 811 as the state’s call-before-you-dig center.

07-14-08 Harlan Man Charged With Fetal Homocide, Murder After June Wreck

George Clem, 41, of Elcome in Harlan County was arrested Monday and charged with the wanton murder of Elizabeth Stewart and the fetal homicide of her unborn child, as well as the first-degree assault of her husband, Darryl Stewart, as a result of Clem allegedly crossing the center line and hitting the Stewarts head on, according to Kentucky State Police.. The wreck happened June 20 on Kentucky 72 at Elcomb. Clem is being held in the Harlan County Detention Center on $11 million dollar bond. He was arraigned on the charges Tuesday in Harlan District Court.

07-14-08 Pikeville Land Company Sues Natural Gas Producer In Fed. Court

Appalachian Land Co. of Pikeville has brought suit against Equitable Production Company in U S District Court in Pikeville last week, alleging Equitable underpaid landowners more than $45 million dollars in royalties. The complaint alleges that Equitable has failed to meet its obligation under its leases to pay royalties of one-eighth of the market price at the well-head of all gas produced on the landowners' property.

07-14-08 Booster seat law begins Tuesday

It will be illegal for kids younger than 7 and shorter than 50 inches to ride in a vehicle without a booster seat, beginning Tuesday, July 15th. The new state law is intended to protect children between the ages of 4 and 7 who have outgrown their car seats but are still too small to use a regular seat belt.
Until June 30, 2009, authorities will be issuing warnings to drivers whose children are
not in booster seats. Once the grace period has expired, drivers will be fined $30. The fine will be waived if drivers can provide proof of purchasing a booster seat.

07-12-08 Hamilton and Keathley Face Chop Shop Charges

Marty Keith Hamilton, 50, and Gary Keathley, 52, both of Betsy Layne, were arrested last week on a federal indictment of operating a "chop shop". They allegedly stole duplicate keys to the cars while they were serviced in Hamilton's detail shop and then later stole the vehicles and put VIN numbers from wrecked vehicles on them and resold them.. The alleged criminal activity took place between February 2001 and August 2007. The indictment lists more than 50 vehicles which were allegedly stolen or had their VIN numbers altered during the alleged conspiracy. They face a maximum 15-year sentence and a $250,000 fine.

07-11-08 Illegal Snake Ring Busted

Officers of the Kentucky Department of Fish and WIldlife staged a "snake bust" Friday, after a 2 year investigation of illegal possession, importation and trafficking in venomous snakes and reptiles. Forty-four officers were involved in the investigation. 200 poisonous snakes were purchased during the investigation and more than 125 poisonous snakes, mostly copperheads and rattle snakes, and alligator seized last week.Arrested were:
Gregory James Coots, 36, of Middlesboro, Zechariah Johnson, 21, of Evarts in Harlan
County, Ricky Johnson, 55, of Evarts, Verlin Ray Short, 36, of Mayking in Letcher
County, Roger Leo Day, 33, of Harlan, Jerrod Allen, 21, of Berea, Brian Fryer, 30, of
Berea, Michael Peterson, 39, of Florence, John Rowland, 46, of Berea, Joel Rowland,
18, of Berea, and William R. Howard, 56, of Harlan.
Each charge of illegally buying, selling or possessing the snakes is a misdemeanor
carrying a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Officers have levied 416 charges thus far, and are expected to issue at least 300 more
charges as the investigation continues.
The seized animals were taken to the Kentucky Reptile Zoo at Slade near Natural Bridge.

07-10-08 GE Changes Mind, Now Plans To Spin Off Appliance Division Rather Than Sell

General Electric announced Thursday that it will spin-off its Consumer & Industrial division into a new company. The move gives Kentucky a good chance to retain the jobs at the GE Appliance Park in Louisville, as well as become the home of a new Fortune 250 company. The Consumer & Industrial division includes GE’s appliances, lighting and industrial units. Governor Steve Beshear said, “This is a tremendous opportunity for
Louisville and the Commonwealth to keep jobs and potentially
create more,” The governor stated that steps are already underway to retain the new company in Kentucky.

07-10-08 Johnson County Jury Convicts Fairchild of Murder

Christopher Fairchild, 25, was convicted in Johnson Circuit Court
Wednesday for complicity to commit the murder of former Johnson County
Constable James Mollett in September 2006. Mollette, 68, lived alone near
the Boons Camp post office on Ky. Rt. 40. He had been shot once and there
were indications someone had tried to cut his throat, according to police.
which was committed with Tommy Baldridge, who plead guilty earlier and
turned state's evidence against Fairchild. The jury recommended that Fairchild serve 20 years for his part in the crime.

07-10-08 Pikeville Fire Victims Identified

The identities of the victims of that fatal apartment fire in Pikeville Tuesday night were
released Wednesday. Killed in the blaze were Tammy Lockhart, 40, and her
son, Justin Lockhart, 17, according to the Pikeville Fire Department.
The fire left eight other families homeless.
Kentucky State Police arson investigators are reviewing the scene, but there was no indication of the cause of the fire.

07 - 10 - 08 Johnson County Sheriff Called To Fight... Arrests Three

Officers of the Johnson County Sheriff's Department were called to a fight in progress on Silk Stocking Road near Thealka Wednesday, according to a press release from the sheriff's office. Arrested were Christopher Helton, 25, Salyersville. He was charged with 4th offense DUI, driving on suspended license,improper plates, failure to wear a seat belt, no insurance and possession of controlled substance, 1st Degree. Also arrested were Jack Crace, 44, of Salyersville, who was charged with public intoxication. Christopher Mollette of Johnson County was charged with theft by unlawful taking. The case continues under investigation by the Johnson County Sheriff's Department.

07-09-08 Attempted Murder-Suicide In Perry County

Samuel Brashear, 52, and his wife, Tamela, 41 were shot and wounded in a domestic argument late Tuesday night, according to Kentucky State Police.
According to witnesses, Brashear shot his wife and then himself in an apparent murder suicide attempt.
They were taken to the Hazard Appalachian Regional Hospital and then
transferred to U K Hospital, where their conditions are unknown. The case remains under investigation by the Kentucky State Police.

07-09-08 Maynard Tries To Get Away

Ollie J Maynard, Jr., 59, address not provided, was arrested Monday after he was clocked doing 92 miles per hour by the Kentucky State Police on KY Rt. 80 at Eastern. The trooper activated his blue lights and siren and gave pursuit and Maynard allegedly attempted to allude the officer and continued at a high rate ofspeed. The chase ended in Knott County when Maynard finally stopped. He was arrested and charged with DUI and attempting to allude and lodged in the Floyd County Jail. The incident is under investigation by the Kentucky State Police.

07-07-08 6 Killed On Roads During July 4th Holiday

Six people died in six separate crashes on Kentucky roadways during the four-day July 4th Holiday period, Thursday July 3 through Sunday, July 6, according to Kentucky State Police.
Three fatalities involved motor vehicles and in one of those the
victim was not wearing a seat belt. Motor vehicle crashes
occurred in Graves, Harlan and Union counties. One of the
crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol.
There were two 4-wheeler fatalities and both involved the
suspected use of alcohol. The crashes occurred in Hopkins and
Pike counties. Neither victim was wearing a helmet.
One motorcycle fatality occurred in Jefferson County.
Through July 6, preliminary statistics indicate that 379 people
have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is
56 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007.

07-07-08 Bertelsman Steps Down As Fen-phen Judge

U.S. District Judge William Bertelsman will step down as the judge in the criminal
case against William Gallion and Shirley Cunningham Jr, the 2 remaining defendants
in the Fen-phen case. Bertelsman, who declared a mistrial after 8 days of deliberation in the case of Gallion
and Cunningham after a jury could not reach a verdict. The same jury acquitted Melborn Mills Jr.
The case of Gallion and Cunningham will be transferred to U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves.
Prosecutors have said they will retry the case, but a date for that trial has not been set.

07-7-8 Man Killed In ATV Accident In Pike

Jonathan Justice, 27, of Stopover in Pike County was killed Saturday when he lost
control of his 4-wheeler, struck a guardrail and was killed, according to Kentucky
State Police. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was not wearing a helmet.

News 07-03-08 Unemployed May Be Eligible For Extended Benefits

More than 36,000 Kentuckians who have filed their
unemployment insurance claim on or after May 7, 2006 and have
exhausted those benefits may be eligible for up to 13 weeks of
extended benefits, according to Division of Unemployment
Insurance Director Tony DeName.
Individuals who are potentially eligible for the federally funded
extended benefits program will be notified by mail.
Claimants may apply until March 22, 2009.

07-03-08 Fen-phen Trial Ends In Mistria Against Shirley Cunningham Jr. William Gallion

After more than eight days of deliberation and eight weeks of testimony, Federal Judge William Bertlesman declared a mistrial Thursday in the case of Shirley Cunningham Jr. and William Gallion who are accused of one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud against their former clients. A new trial date has not been scheduled. In the meantime Cunningham and Gallion will have to remain in the Boone
County jail. The third defendant, Melbourne Mills Jr., also of
Lexington, was acquitted Tuesday by the same jury that hung on the remainder of the case.

07-03-08 Dawahares Throws In The Towel

Dawahares Department Stores has decided to throw in the
towel, closing all its remaining 22 stores. The retail chain
attempted to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U. S.
Bankruptcy Code, but was unable to get the funding necessary
to complete the reorganization, according to documents filed in
bankruptcy court in Lexington Thursday.
The company expects to run out of money by October.

07-03-08 Alleged Killer Apparently Tells Police He Acted In Self Defense

The investigation is of the homocide of Phillip Hickman, 39, who was found dead beside
U S Route 119 Monday is continuing, according to Kentucky State Police.
Ikey McCoy II has been questioned by state police in connection with the killing.
Apparently McCoy told police that Hickman attacked him after waking him from
sleep in his truck which was parked beside the road.
Allegedly, McCoy claimed that Hickman knocked on glass of his
truck and, when he opened the door, Hickman grabbed him by his hair at the time of the
shooting. Pikeville attorney Larry Webster, who has been retained by McCoy in case he is charged
with an illegal homocide, told a local newspaper that come of McCoy's hair was found in Hickman's hand.

Pike County Commonwealth Attorney Rick Bartley told the Appalachian Express that he is waiting for the investigation to be completed before proceeding in the case.

07-03-08 Woman Charged With Prostitution For Trading Sex For Fuel

Angela Eversole 34, of Fort Wright was arrested and charged with prostitution and doing business without an occupational license Monday.
Police in northern Kentucky say Eversole traded sex for a $100 gasoline card.
Police also arrested a man they said paid Eversole, Kenneth Nowak, 50, of Avon,
Indiana. Kenton County prosecutor Ken Easterling said it's sad when people are selling their
bodies for gas.

07-03-08 Jail Break Gals Recaptured In Magoffin

Police arrested the two female inmates who escaped from the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center Saturday. Remona Mills, 37, and Haley Smith, 22, of Florida, escaped around 4:30 Saturday afternoon. A thunderstorm, which was apparently going on at the time of the escape caused a malfunction of the security equipment and allow the pair to make a run for it through an unlocked security door. Both Mills and Smith were captured around 6:30 PM Tuesday. They were charged with escape in the 2nd degree.

07-03-08 Fen-phen lawyer Mills is found not guilty

Melbourne Mills Jr., one of 3 so called Fen-phen lawyers who have been on trial in Federal District Court in Covington, was found not guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud by the federal jury deliberating his case. Mills, 77, who had to be hospitalized during the trial because of heart problems, had
been in custody since August, when U.S. District Judge William Bertelsman jailed
him and co-defendants William Gallion and Shirley Cunningham Jr..
The jury will continues to deliberate the fate of Gallion and Cunningham.

07-01-08 Man Shot While Walking Along Floyd County Road

James Isaacs, 30, of Prestonsburg was apparently shot in the back while walking along Ky. 1101 in Floyd County Monday afternoon when a vehicle drove by and someone shot him, according to Kentucky State Police. Highlands Regional Medical Center contacted state police about
2:30 p.m. Monday and advised that they were treating Isaacs.
He was flown from Highlands Regional to St. Mary's Hospital in
Huntington, W.Va.
His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

07-01-08 Murder In Pike County

Phillip Hickman, 39, of Forest Hills was shot and killed at Goody, KY Monday,
according to Kentucky State Police. His body was found lying beside U S Route 23 at around 10:00 PM.
The alleged killer fled the scene, but later apparently contacted Kentucky State Police
and indicated he would turn himself in at Post 9 in Pikeville, however he apparently failed to do so.
Police report that they are looking for a green 1999 Chevrolet S-10 pickup with tinted
windows. No arrests have been made.

07-01-08 State Partners With Energy Companies on Carbon Storage Research

Gov. Steve Beshear announced Monday that the state is
partnering with the newly created Western Kentucky Carbon
Storage Foundation to advance the science of long-term carbon
storage opportunities in Kentucky. The move brings together
a non profit foundation created by Peabody Energy and
others and the state to test carbon sequestration, which is
essential for the success of clean coal technology, which will
aid projects underway in Western Kentucky and planned in Eastern and Western Kentucky.
The Geological Survey, based at the University of Kentucky, will lead project research in conjunction with other state agencies.

07-01-08 Morgan County Man Pleads Guilty To Insurance Fraud

Sidney L. Allen, 45, of West Liberty, pleaded guilty to one felony count of insurance fraud in Morgan Circuit Court Monday. Allen provided fraudulent information about an employee who had been injured in a logging accident. He had insurance for his construction company. However, he did not have workers’ comp coverage for a logging business he also owned, according to the Kentucky Department of Insurance.
One of Allen's employees was injured in a logging accident and filed a workers’ comp claim.
Allen falsified documents claiming the employee worked for the construction business and was injured when he fell off a ladder.
Final sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 25th. The commonwealth recommended a sentence of five years to be diverted for five years and restitution of $109,985 to be paid to the insurance company prior to sentencing.

07-01-08 Unemployment Up In Kentucky

Unemployment rates rose in 108 Kentucky counties between May 2007 and May 2008
and fell in 12 counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and
Training. Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 4.6
percent. Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 11.3
percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 10.6 percent; Clay County, 10.1 percent;
Bell County, 9.6 percent; McCreary County, 9.5 percent; Elliott and Morgan counties,
9.4 percent each; Harlan and Wolfe counties, 9.3 percent each; and Lawrence County,
9.2 percent.