The indictment charges Southwood with forging the endorsement of the Sheriff on a total of 28 checks. Twenty-six of the checks were from law offices given in payment for serving subpoenas, one for payment of a gun license and one for a calendar advertisement. Southwood was also charged with obtaining the money from the checks as a public servant and diverting it to her own use.

The Attorney General’s investigation followed a referral from the state Auditor’s Office. Prosecution is being handled by General Conway’s Office of Special Prosecutions. Southwood will be arraigned on February 24, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in Breathitt Circuit Court.

Southwood was indicted on various charges

The charges against Southwood all carry a penalty of one to five years in prison each, as well as an additional penalty upon conviction of a fine up to $10,000 for each count.

A charge is merely an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

State Representative

D-Jackson

Week of

January 30, 2012

FRANKFORT – It’s been a busy week in Frankfort.  There was a lot of work – and a little play – in the state House of Representatives this week.

A bill that would alter the makeup of school-based decision making councils in Kentucky’s local school districts passed the full House. If passed into law, HB 89 would require that at least one of the two parent members on a council live within the boundaries of the school district, and prohibit non-tenured teachers from serving on a council unless no tenured teachers are willing, or available, to serve. HB 89 now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

House members unanimously approved legislation that would help cover the cost of child adoption by any Kentucky National Guard member. Any Kentucky National Guard member would be eligible for military family-assistance trust funds of up to $5,000 to cover the adoption of a child with special needs, or up to $3,000 to cover the adoption of another child under HB 224, which is now before the Senate for consideration. The legislation would help cover unreimbursed direct costs, such as licensed adoption agency fees, legal fees and medical costs incurred by Kentucky National Guard members.

A growing problem with feral pigs that may be little known in some areas of the Commonwealth received statewide attention this week when the House Agriculture and Small Business Committee passed a concurrent resolution to address the issue. HCR 76 would encourage the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to study Kentucky’s swelling population of wild pigs, and the dangers and problems they create. The resolution now goes to the full House for approval.

The House often welcomes special guests, including winning sports and academic teams, artists, musicians—even pageant queens like Miss Kentucky Ann-Blair Thornton, who we welcomed to the House chamber Tuesday. But never before, in my memory at least, has the House welcomed to the chamber an actual penguin as we did on Tuesday afternoon when Paula the Penguin paid us a visit.

One of nine African Penguins at the Newport Aquarium’s “African Penguin Encounters” exhibit, Paula—who waddled up the center aisle of the House chamber into the arms of a waiting Newport Aquarium biologist—charmed lawmakers as we adopted a resolution honoring the aquarium and recognizing Tuesday as Penguin Day at the Capitol. The tiny black and white bird brought a lot of smiles and some much needed levity during what would prove to be tough legislative week.

It is hard to believe, but more than a quarter of the 2012 Regular Session is complete.  That means there are less than 45 more legislative working days for the House and Senate to come together and pass a new state budget, plus hundreds of other bills that impact Kentuckians young and old across this state. As of now, it would appear that we are right on schedule for completion of our session tasks.

Please continue to stay informed on bills of interest to you throughout the 2012 Regular Session by logging onto the Legislative Research Commission website atwww.lrc.ky.govor by calling the LRC toll-free Bill Status Line at866-840-2835. For committee meeting schedules, please call the LRC toll-free Meeting Information Line at800-633-9650. Or, to comment on a bill, please call the toll-free Legislative Message Line at800-372-7181. You can reach me directly at 502-564-8100, ext. 818.

FRIDAY, MAY 4th | 6:30 PM

TICKETS GO ON-SALE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3 AT 10AM!
Ticket locations
Rupp Arena ticket office & all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com,
or by phone at 800-745-3000

 
Ticket Prices
$45 GA PIT / $39.50  lower & upper reserved
More info:
www.staind.com |  www.godsmack.com |  rupparena.com  | nationalshows2.com

GODSMACK AND STAIND ANNOUNCE MASS CHAOS CO-HEADLINE TOUR
BEGINNING APRIL 13th IN AUGUSTA, GA
LOS ANGELES (January 23, 2012) Fellow New England platinum rock bands, Staind and Godsmack have announced they’ll be doing a co-headline tour, which their fans voted to name, THE MASS CHAOS TOUR. It will kick off April 13th in Augusta, Georgia at James Brown Arena. “Going on tour with Godsmack was a no-brainer,” says Staind singer/guitarist / songwriter Aaron Lewis. “Our fans are in for one hell of a rock show.”  Godsmack frontman and songwriter Sully Erna says, “We’re very excited to get back out with our Massachusetts brothers again. It’s been a pinch too long, and all hell is about to break loose!”

The bands are giving fans the chance to design a tour poster for The Mass Chaos Tour via Creative Allies. The winning designer will receive $500 and a prize pack. For contest details and entry, go to http://bit.ly/xzpcAx
Exclusive pre-sale tickets for Staind’s Dysfunctional fan club members, www.dysfuntionalstaind.com starts on February 1st  – 2 days before they go on sale to the public on February 3rd.

Staind’s latest release, the self-titled STAIND is a return to the band’s heaviest roots, and their most powerful and intense collection of songs to date. Revolver magazine called the album “a shocking crushing tour de force,” and Loudwire declared, “the band has returned to the grittier, bottom-heavy, down-tuned sound that defined its commercial breakthroughs, 1999’s Dysfunction and 2001’s Break the Cycle.”

STAIND – the band’s 7th studio album, debuted #5 on the Billboard Top 200.  The debut single “Not Again” was the fastest rising single of the band’s career, hitting #1 on the active rock chart and staying there for 8 consecutive weeks.  The new single, “Eyes Wide Open” debuted top 30 – while still having a track in the top 5. In the span of their career, Staind has sold worldwide over 15 million albums, had 9 top 10 singles across multiple radio formats – with four of those songs hitting #1, including the most played rock song of the decade, “It’s Been A While.”

Godsmack is considered one of the definitive alternative hard rock bands in contemporary music. The band’s 13 year legacy – guided by fearless founder and frontman Sully Erna – includes over 15 million albums sold – highlighted by scores of sold-out international concerts, countless successful tours, a remarkable 18 hit singles, 4 platinum records, 1 gold EP and four Grammy nominations.

Godmack’s THE ORACLE, the bands last album, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart marking the 3rd consecutive album in a row by the band to debut at #1.  Certified gold in the US, the album generated such hits as “Cryin’ Like A Bitch” and “Love-Hate-Sex-Pain”.  The band is currently working on a new release slated for mid 2012.

Anthony Davis Slams against Arkansas

For a good portion of Tuesday night’s game the Kentucky faithful seemed like they had fallen asleep before the 9 pm tipoff.
Honestly I’ve seen a more raucous crowd at funeral parlor.  But fortunately Anthony Davis and the rest of Wildcats eventually got the block party started, giving the home crowd something to scream about.

Darius Miller opened the game with aggressive moves to the basket and one of the prettiest up and under moves in the lane you’ll ever see, getting the Cats off to a quick 8-0 lead.   After the fast start the offense struggled to put points on the board.  Fortunately, Kentucky had 8 blocks in the first half alone en route to holding the Razorbacks to 31% shooting, leading 37-21 at the break.

The block party continued in the second half with every Arkansas shot being taken under extreme duress.  The offensive onslaught continued as well as UK shot an amazing 65% from the field in the second half to put the game out of reach.  Kentucky wins 86-63.
I have to say I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get to see the standard Mike Anderson “40 Minutes of…uh…Hades” let’s say, that is always expected.  Of course it is hard to set up a press if you aren’t able to score the basketball, but even when they were able to do so it usually ended up with a Kentucky dunk on the other end.  I think after the trouble his teams have
caused Kentucky over the years we owe him a good beat down.

Have you heard of Anthony Davis?  Well if not, he’s pretty good.  Davis had seven blocks on the night, giving him 89 on the year, breaking the single season blocks record held by one of my all-time favorites Andre Riddick. And the crazy thing is that there are still 12 regular season games left.  At this pace he would be real close to breaking the SEC record held by Kentucky arch enemy of the past Jarvis Varnado from Mississippi State.  Oh and by the way, Davis also had 27 points and 14 rebounds, while showing off an ever expanding offensive repertoire.  He truly is an amazing talent.

Marquis Teague had arguably his best game of the season, dishing out a season high nine assists with only three turnovers in 36 minutes of action.  He did a tremendous job of distributing the ball to his teammates, but also taking the opportunity to get to the rim when necessary.  As I’ve said all season, the Cats don’t need Teague to be a scoring threat, they need him to run the club and take the scoring opportunities teams give him.

Next up for the Cats is a date with the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday at Rupp Arena.  This will be a very physical game from the opening tip and it will be very interesting to see if Kentucky is able to run its’ offense effectively against a very formidable defensive squad.  The Cats will need to be able to get open shots from the offense to get the victory.

Ralph Eugene Campbell, 78, of New Richmond, OH passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at Mercy Hospital-Anderson Cincinnati, OH.

He was born May 06, 1933 in San Diego, California and was the son of the late Henry and Melissa Francis Campbell.  He was preceded in death by son: Kevin Allen Campbell.

Survivors include: wife: Joyce Allen Campbell of New Richmond, OH

Daughter:  DeAnn Marie (John) Pierce

Brother:  Wilbur D. (Ophelia) Campbell.

Godfather  of Deirdre Long.

Also survived by nieces, nephews, many other family members and friends.

Visitation at E.C. Nurre Funeral Home in Ameilia, OH was held Friday Jan. 27 from 5-8PM with OES services at 7:30PM. Funeral services were held at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Amelia, OH on Sat. January 28 at 10:30AM.

Visitation at Deaton Funeral Home in Jackson, KY began at 6:00PM Sat. with Masonic Rites at 7:00PM followed by special singing.

Funeral services were held  at Deaton Chapel on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012 at 1:00PM with Harry Kemper officiating.

Burial in Haddix Cemetery, INC at Haddix, KY. with military rites observed.   Pallbearers were Nephews and Grand Nephews:  Michael Lin Allen, Charles Ervin Allen, Jeffrey Lind Little, Jeff Douglas Allen, Scott Ethan Allen, John C.E. Allen, Jesse David Allen, Brandon T. Allen, Jeffrey Clayton Little, Ryan Douglas Allen, Josiah Bailey, Michael Andrew Allen, Justin Huffman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, 200 W. Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Please indicate in memory of Kevin Allen Campbell Memorial Scholarship Fund).

Richard Dale Back, 51, went home with Jesus, Wed., Jan. 25, at his home at Noctor following a heart attack.  He is survived by one son:  Roman Dale Back of Somerset; his mother:   Maxine Back of Noctor;  two brothers:  Ray D. Jr. and wife, Donna Back of Hindman;  James Robert and wife, Nancy  Back of Noctor;  one sister:  Monica and husband, Richard Baxter of Willard, Ohio;  two nephews:  Troy and wife, Laura Baxter;  Ray Daniel and wife, Jessica Back;  one niece:  Amanda and husband, Jackson Gallaway;  special friend:  Lucille Mullins.  He was preceded in death by his father:  Ray D. Back Sr. and his grandparents:  Troy & Cleda Caudill and L.D. & Viola Back.  Richard loved the outdoors.  He liked staying in the woods and four-wheeling.  He was a carpenter and truckdriver.  He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends who loved him dearly.  Funeral services Saturday, Jan. 28, 5PM at Breathitt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Hobert Dunn and Rev. Gordon Little officiating.  Breathitt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy M. (Back) Make, 86, beloved wife of the late Steven J. Make, devoted mother of James S. (Jenny) Make of Dallas, TX ;loving grandmother of Casie Make of Boston, MA and Steven J. Make and Braden H. Parrish of Dallas,TX;  dear sister of Louise Hayes, Pauline Hensley, Robert and Raymond Back and the late Edna Mae Combs, Wilmer, Carl, Leonard, Edgar, Woodrow, Roscoe, Sheldon and Kelly Back, also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, passed away peacefully in Flower Mound, TX with her family on January 10, 2012.  Visitation was at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 500 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, OH 45405 on Monday, January 23 from 9:00AM until time of service at 10:00AM.  Interment at Woodland Cemetery.  A special thank you to the friends and family members who looked after mom while she was in Dayton, including her neighbors, JoAnn Delgado, Brad and Cinnamon Beppo.  Aso a speical thank you to Elysian Estates in fLower Mound, TX for the care and compassion they provided mom.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to hospice or the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.  To send a condolence, visit www.muellerparker.com513-398-9100

Obituary

courtesy of Deaton Funeral Home

Oscar Deaton, 68, of Rt. l. Booneville, KY departed this earthly life on Wed. Jan.18, 2012 at the VA Hospital in Lexington, KY.  He was born  March 25, 1943   in Breathitt Co.     and was the son of the late Ray and Berta Riley Deaton. Former truck driver for Empire Gas and US Army Vietnam Veteran.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Lizzie Keene Deaton.   One sister: Mae Bowling and one brother Doc Deaton.

Survivors include:  one daughter:  Susan Smith (Harold) of Buckhorn, KY; one son: William Deaton (Crystal) of Buckhorn, KY.

Two sisters: Cleon Bishop (Jr) of  OH;  Annalee Brown (George) of Williamsburg, KY

three brothers:  Crit Deaton (Louise) of Buckhorn, KY

L.M. Deaton (Ruth) OH

Fred Deaton (Gayle) of Morris Fork, KY

Grandchildren:  TylerDale Deaton ; Scarlett and Stephen Smith

Funeral services and military rites were held on Sat. Jan. 21, 2012 at 11:00AM at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel with Phillip Swartzentruber and David Turner officiating.Burial in the Hollan Cemetery at Canoe, KY. Deaton Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Buddy Little, 55, of West Manchester, OH and formerly of Breathitt Co., KY passed away on Wed. January 18, 2012.  He was born March 13, 1956 in Owsley Co. KY and was the son of the late E.S. and Vernedia Shouse Little.  He was a member of the Honorable Order of KY Colonels since 1993.  He was an honorable member of the KY Nationl Guard and served many years.  He was a life long avid outdoorsman and coon hunter.   He was preceded in death by one sister: Flora Lou Little Haddix.  Three brothers:  David Little, Franklin Little and John Henry Little.  He is survived by his wife of 33 years: Mary (Clemons) Little of West Manchester, OH.  One daughrer Jennifer Little (Wade) Mann of New Paris, OH; Three sons:  David Clemons and Buddy Marvin Little of West Manchester, OH; John Henry Little of Eaton, OH;  One sister: Mary Russell (Jeff) of Jetts Creek, KY   Three brothers:  Albert Little (Rose) of Talbert, KY; Robert Little (Cindy) of Eldorado, OH;  Tony Little (Linda) of Jetts Creek, KY. One special grandson:  Wade Daniel Mann II.  Host nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services were held on Sat. Jan. 21, 2012 at 1:00PM at the Deaton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Paul Hall officiating. Burial in the Johnson & Little Cemetery at Jetts Creek, KY.  Deaton Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Arnold Mullins, Sr. 65, of Rowdy, KY passed away on Monday, January 16, 2012 at the UK Hospital in Lexington, KY of an extended illness. He was born Feb. 20, 1946 in Breathitt Co. and was the son of the late Woodrow and Mary Marshall Mullins.  He was a retired KY Dept. of Transportation employee.  Member of the Harvey Bend United Baptist Church at Hardshell, KY.

He is survived by one daughter: Erica Mullins of McKee, KY

One son: Arnold Mullins, Jr. of Clay City, KY

One sister: Cora Stacy of Clayhole, KY

Five brothers:  Astor Mullins of Ary, KY

Estill Mullins of Canoe, KY

Nute Mullins of Clayhole, KY

Leonard Mullins of Rowdy, KY

A.J. Mullins of Kite, KY

3 grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Wed. Jan. 18, 2012 at 11:00AM at the Harvey Bend United Baptist Church at Hardshell, KY with Astor Mullins and Cordus Hudson officiating.  Burial in the Flatwoods Cemetery at Noble, KY. Deaton Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Amanda Neace, 71, Clayhole passed away Saturday, January 31, at her residence.  She was the widow of the late Rev. French Neace and the daughter of the late Green and Susie(Roberts) Southwood.  She was also preceded in death by one daughter,  Sheila Neace and eight sisters, Martha Watts, Cora Chamberlain, Lucille McDaniel, Pauline Noble, Ruby Campbell, Millie Campbell, Doris Combs, Ethel Combs. She was a member of the New Bethlehem Old Regular Baptist Church at Riley Branch.  She is survived by one daughter, Francis(Vince) Weaver of Wallingford;  two sons, Frank(Angie) Neace of Clayhole,  Wayne(Mary) Neace of Clayhole;  one sister, Betty Jo Cannon of Corinth;  six grandchildren, Amy(Tony) Sizemore, Dustin Neace, Hannah Weaver, Marcus Weaver, Amanda Neace, Frank Neace Jr.; two great grandchildren, Dillon Sizemore and Ethan Sizemore;  host of nieces and nephews.  Funeral services Wed., Jan. 4, 2012 at 11AM at the Breathitt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tommy Miller, Rev. Clay Gross, Rev. Neal Gross officiating.  Burial in the Jackson Cemetery.  Breathitt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Adam Charles Hollon, 67, of Jackson, KY departed this earthly life on Sun. Jan. 01, 2012 at the KY River Medical Center in Jackson, KY> Born Feb. 04, 1944 in Breathitt Co. and the son of the late Adam Combs and Margaret Hollon.  School bus driver for the Breathitt Co. School system.  Preceded in death by one daughter:  Gracie Hays and brother: Bobby Hollon;  Survivors include: Wife: Emily Fugate Hollon of Jackson, KY  Two daughters:  Margaret (Larry) Campbell and Eva Campbell of Jackson, KY.  Three sons:  Robert Hollon (Kim DiVietri); Michael Wayne Hollon (Jackie) and Michael Scott Hollon of Jackson, KY;  Two brothers:  John and Cecil Hollon of Lexington, KY.  Funeral services were held on Tues Jan. 03, 2012 at 1:00PM at DFHC with John Tincher and Estill Barnett officiating.  Burial in the Pierce McIntosh Cemetery  Panbowl Hill Rd.  Jackson, KY.   Deaton Funeral Home in charge of arrangements:  Brandon Hollon, Michael Wayne Hollon, Robert Hollon, Alex Hurt; Justin Campbell; Jerry Hensley and Colton Combs served as Pallbearers.

(Hazard, Ky) On January 12, 2012 at approximately 7:05 p.m. Kentucky State Police received a call of a robbery at Ramey’s Quick Stop in the Vicco community of Perry County.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a slender male approximately 5’6” tall with a medium complexion and wearing a black hooded sweat shirt entered the store and demanded money. The clerks complied with the perpetrators demands and he fled the scene on foot, got into a red Pontiac Grand Am traveling North on Ky. 15.

State Police are asking anyone with information to call 606-435-6069 or 1-800-222-5555.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2012) – Kentucky’s ranking in an annual grading of all states on key education indicators rose dramatically this year, placing the state 14th in the nation for its work on academic standards, the teaching profession and many other variables related to public education.

Each year, Education Week (a national publication that focuses on P-12 education) produces a special issue, “Quality Counts.” The report tracks key education indicators and grades states on their policy efforts and outcomes. Last year, Kentucky ranked 34th in the nation in this annual report.

“Kentuckians should take a great deal of pride in the Commonwealth’s standings related to P-12 education,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “Kentucky continues to show measureable progress in education, and the rankings provided in ‘Quality Counts’ recognize the hard work of teachers, administrators, parents and community members.”

“Much of the impetus for Kentucky’s high ranking can be traced to 2009’s Senate Bill 1,” said Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday. “That legislation set us on a course to become a leader nationwide, and with the support of Gov. Beshear, legislators, teachers, administrators and parents, Kentucky’s work in school accountability, teacher training, college/career readiness and stronger academic standards is moving us in the right direction.”

“Quality Counts” provides data and information about states’ efforts in six areas:

• K-12 Achievement
• Standards, Assessments & Accountability
• Teaching Profession
• School Finance
• Transitions & Alignment
• Chance for Success (an index that combines information from 13 indicators that cover state residents’ lives from cradle to career)

States were assigned overall letter grades based on the average of scores for the six categories. This year, Kentucky’s overall grade was C+, an improvement over last year’s grade and a higher grade than the national average, which was a C.

No states received a grade of A in the 2012 edition of “Quality Counts.” The highest-ranking state was Maryland, with a B+. Three states received B grades; five states received B- grades; and five states (including Kentucky) received C+ grades.

*”Quality Counts” does not provide ratings on all of the six categories each year.

“Quality Counts” also provides detailed scoring for each major area, and on a 100-point scale, Kentucky scored at 90 or above in three areas: School Accountability (Standards, Assessment & Accountability), Building & Supporting Capacity (Teaching Profession) and Equity (School Finance). The state’s lowest score was in the area of Spending (School Finance), in which Kentucky’s total was 52.2 points.

DETAILED SCORING INFORMATION – “QUALITY COUNTS”

This is the 16th edition of the annual “Quality Counts” report, and the theme this year is American schooling from an international perspective. The issue examines the nation’s place among the world’s public education systems and provides a fresh look at the political, social and cultural challenges the United States faces in preparing its students for the workforce demands of an interconnected world economy.

This year’s state reports also highlight challenges posed by a difficult economic climate, as states continue to make cuts to policies and programs in attempt to balance their budgets.

The full report is available at http://www.edweek.org/.

There is a technique which can be very helpful. It is a process of surrender, but this does not mean giving up our position completely. The surrender occurs, at first, only in the mind.

What you do is to take a time out from the discussion. Find a quiet spot, and put yourself into the place of your ‘opponent’. Try to imagine what he or she is feeling. Think of the things that person has been saying to you (even if they are about you), and imagine, for the moment, that they are true. If you were that person, what is it, deep down, that you would be wanting. Think of the kind of response you would want if you were the other person.

Once you have completed this process, you still may be holding to your original position, but you can respond differently now. You can go back to the discussion telling your ‘opponent’ that after some thought, you can understand how he or she is feeling. Once you explain you understand their point of view, you will see them visibly soften. They will probably want to tell you a little more, now that you are listening. Just listen. They will then be more open to hearing your point of view, since they no longer have to try to hard to get you to understand theirs. Together you can discuss a compromise (there generally is one).

This is process is a very powerful key to improving communication. In the process, it deepens the trust, intimacy and connection within the relationship itself. Give it a try.

Gwen Randall-Young is an author and award-winning Psychotherapist.  For permission to reprint this article, or to obtain books or cds, visit www.gwen.ca

Week of January 9, 2012

State Representative Ted Edmonds

FRANKFORT – The convening of the 2012 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly last week marked the beginning of my work in Frankfort this year.  More than 200 bills have already been filed, and we’ll likely consider more than 1,000 proposals before the end of the 60 day session in mid-April.

One of the first items we’ll take up is redistricting.  We look at district lines every 10 years and make needed adjustments for population changes identified by the most recent Census.  While all legislators are deeply concerned with how districts are drawn, you can rest assured that meeting the needs of our constituents is our main concern.  Our goal will always be to make sure this and every district is balanced and reasonable.  We hope to accomplish this quickly prior to the filing deadline

The biggest priority in this session will be determining the state’s new biennial budget.  The past couple of budgets have been difficult to write, but this may prove to be the toughest one we’ve had in a long time.  Even though recent revenues are slightly higher than expected, we’re dealing with increased cost and the loss of federal stimulus dollars.  Some budget analysts say we’re facing a $337 million deficit.  Given our past cuts, those dollars will be hard to account for.

We’ll also consider many other issues of concern to all of you, including education, Medicaid, and substance abuse.  In every bill I vote on, I keep your needs and desires in mind.  I don’t take the responsibility and privilege of being your representative in Frankfort lightly.  I hope you follow the work in Frankfort, and let me know what you’d like to see happen.  There are many ways to stay informed and in touch.

The Kentucky Legislature Home Page, www.lrc.ky.gov, provides a bill tracking service, and committee meeting schedules.  The site’s eNews page, www.lrc.ky.gov/pubinfo/listserv.htm, allows you to subscribe to frequent e-mail updates on what’s happening at the Capitol.  In addition, you can read regularly updated news briefs, Capitol Notes, at www.lrc.ky.gov/pubinfo/capitol_notes.htm.

You may also call me directly at 502-564-8100, ext. 818, or leave a message on the General Assembly’s toll-free Message Line at 1-800-372-7181.  People with hearing difficulties may call the TTY Message Line at (808) 896-0305.  You are also welcome to send letters addressed to me to: Capitol Annex, 702 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.