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Clearing a Path Through Snow & Ice 12-03-07
Transportation Cabinet Gears Up for “Ole Man Winter”
FRANKFORT, KY (November 26, 2007) – The damp, colder weather is reminding us that “Ole Man Winter” will soon be blowing into the Commonwealth. While most people are getting out their scarves, gloves, hats, and winter coats, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is busy mobilizing its resources to clear a path through snow and ice this winter season.
“While the Governor insists we provide a safe and reliable transportation network for Kentucky families every day of the year, we face our greatest tests during the winter months,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert.  “We dedicate all necessary resources to minimize problems and delays for motorists.  I’m proud of how our KYTC highway crews in every county meet the challenges created by winter weather.”
Maintenance crews in all 120 counties are prepared to work as long as it takes and as often as required to keep the roads in the best possible condition before, during and after winter weather events. The KYTC has almost 320,000 tons of salt and almost two million gallons of liquid chlorides on hand at numerous locations statewide. The Cabinet will use approximately 1,000 state-owned trucks, more than 175 state-owned loaders, and more than 300 contract snow and ice trucks to keep the roads clear.
“When winter weather impacts travel, whether it’s in the middle of the day, night, weekend or holiday period, our dedicated maintenance personnel answer the call,” added Transportation Cabinet Deputy Secretary Crystal Ducker.  “We are extremely fortunate to have a team so devoted to clearing a path through snow and ice.”
Road condition reports for major routes in Kentucky are available by calling 511 or by logging on to the 511 travel and traffic information website at http://511.ky.gov. Road conditions are described in the following manner:
Wet Pavement – The roadway is wet. Ice could form as the temperature drops.
Partly Covered – The roadway is partly covered with snow, slush or ice. Markings may be obscured.
Mostly Covered – The roadway is mostly covered with snow, slush, or ice. Roadway markers may be difficult to see because of packed snow and rutting conditions.
Completely Covered – The roadway is completely covered with snow, slush, or ice. Markings are obscured.
Impassable – Roadway conditions are not suitable for travel unless required by an emergency.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet strives to provide the most descriptive and up-to-date information for motorists so they will know what to expect prior to a trip. Drivers are also reminded that bridges and overpasses are typically the most treacherous under wintry conditions.  Of course, motorists should always use extra caution when traveling during a winter weather event.
“The most common causes of crashes during the snow and ice season are the result of a failure to maintain control, excessive speed, and following other vehicles too closely,” concluded Tim Hazlette, Commissioner of the Cabinet’s Department of Transportation Safety.  “We urge all motorists to buckle up, drive defensively and be alert every time you venture out, especially if you have to drive in less than ideal weather conditions.”
Additional Safety Tips for Travelers during the Snow and Ice Season:
·1 Make sure your vehicle is sufficiently winterized – check the battery, antifreeze level, heater, defroster, wipers, and windshield washers.
·2 Dress warmly for the weather – dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, in anticipation of unexpected winter weather emergencies.
·3 Try to keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent fuel line freezing and to prepare for possible lengthy delays on the roadway.
·4 Make sure a friend or relative is aware of your travel route.
·5 Carry a cell phone.
·6 Make sure your vehicle has an emergency care kit. The kit should include jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper, blankets, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and traction material.
·7 Check the forecast and call 511 before you leave. If conditions are dangerous, avoid travel, unless it’s absolutely necessary.
During significant winter weather events, the KYTC’s team of public information professionals will provide media outlets with updated road condition reports throughout the day and night.

Heritage Fair
The Breathitt County Honey Festival opened on a Friday night high when the hometwon Bobcats won the Honey Bowl.  And it closed on a Monday morning high with the revival of the Hoey Run/Walk.
"I didn't expect to win; it was a pleasant surprise," said Marlin Mullins.  He had just won the 10K Honey Run, running the 6.2 miles in a time of 40:11.
Perhaps Mullins shouldn't have been surprised since he has only missed one Honey Run and this was his third time to win.  "But I need to work harder," said Mullins.  "I'm training for a marathon, the Outer Banks in North Carolina."
Not far behind Mullins was Tim Bailey of Owingsville in 40:49.  The third place overall winner in the men's division was Ken Roark from Hillsboro, Kentucky in 42:04.
"I have been running for about 10 years," said Roark.  "I have run each run that has been held here since 1998.  This is one of my favorite runs."
Everyone seemed to agree that it is a very scenic road run going up Lakeside Estates to a turn around, back to Highway 15 and then around Panbowl Lake.  Perhaps the beauty of the Lake helps to divert the runner's attention from the challenge of the rolling hills and humidity. 
If the men looked back, they saw the first runner in the women's division not far behind.  Debbie Biddle of Cynthiana clocked in at 44:46.
"I have been running for about 20 years," said Biddle, "and run about 50 or 60 runs a year.  Last year when there wasn't a Honey Run I went to Cincinnati to run.  Tears came to my eyes because I felt like I should have been heading to Jackson."  Each year she has run the Honey Run she has been the first female in.

NEW LAW PRESERVES BEAUTY, HISTORY OF KENTUCKY 'S ROCK FENCES
Starting today, protecting Kentucky 's historic rock fences will be a little easier, due to the efforts of House Majority Caucus Chairman Charlie Hoffman (D-Georgetown).
Today is the effective date of the new laws enacted during the 2007 General Assembly.
One of those new laws is Rep. Hoffman's House Bill 108, which creates a Rock Fence Preservation Fund to help preserve historic rock fences and build newer ones.
The fund will receive gifts, grants, private donations and public appropriations, which will be awarded to fence owners to help defray the costs of repairs and preservation.
Rep. Hoffman filed the legislation after he saw a newspaper photo of a historic rock fence being loaded onto a truck and carted away for disposal.
Many owners want to repair and preserve their stone fences, which contribute significantly to the beauty of Kentucky 's landscape, but the cost can be prohibitive.
"Sometimes, unfortunately, it's just easier to tear the old fence down and replace it with a modern one," Rep. Hoffman said. "Under House Bill 108, we can help our citizens tend to this important part of Kentucky 's heritage."
Kentucky is lucky enough to currently have resident stone masons trained by Irish artisans who are masters at stone fence building. These masons are, in turn, training other Kentuckians in this skilled trade.
In addition to supporting a skills training program, House Bill 108 is expected to prompt tourists to come from all over the world to witness both the artistry-in-practice and the splendor of the finished product.
The bill, which the House approved by a 100-0 vote, also passed the state Senate unanimously.

Kentucky State Police’s Statement
On Tuesday, April 24, 2007. at approximately 8:37 p.m.  The Kentucky State Police of the Richmond Post received a request for assistance from the Owsley County school system in reference to alleged threats.  Three troopers responded to the Owsley County High School and conducted an investigation into the alleged threats.  As a result of the investigation, two juveniles were taken into custody and each charged with 124 counts of Terroristic Threatening in the Second Degree.  The juveniles were lodged in the Breathitt County Juvenile Detention Center.  As a precaution and prior to the apprehension of the two juveniles, the Owsley County Superintendent ordered the school system closed on Wednesday, April 25, 2007.  The investigation is being continued by Detective Jole Peters with the assistance of Troopers Brian Bowman and Rob Morris and the Owsley County Sheriff’s Office.  Anyone with any information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police at 859-623-2404.
Owsley County School’s Statement
The Owsley County School District cancelled school on April 25, 2007 after becoming aware of a potential threat to several students at the Owsley County High School.  Working in cooperation with the Kentucky State Police, Sheriff’s Office, and the City Police, school district personnel are investigating documents that are categorized as “letters of concern”.  Because this investigation involves minors, limited information can be released at this time.  Law enforcement officials and school personnel are taking every reasonable measure to assure the safety of all Owsley County Students

PRIDE honors Shauna and Alisha Turner of Breathitt County
SOMERSET, KY — Eastern Kentucky PRIDE announced today that Shauna Turner and her niece, Alisha Turner, were named the PRIDE Volunteers of the Month for March 2007. Shauna is a private duty CNA, and Alisha is a freshman at Breathitt County High School. PRIDE honored them for volunteering to pick up litter across the county and recruiting others to help.
“It is wonderful to see family members working together to take care of their community,” said Richard Thomas, PRIDE executive director. “Volunteering is a great way to enjoy time with your family and friends while making a difference in a cause that is important to you. On behalf of PRIDE, I thank Shauna and Alisha for their dedication to volunteering and their concern for our environment. I hope other people in our region follow their example.”
The Turners have been active in PRIDE cleanups since October 2004, according to Calvin Saum, II, the Breathitt County Solid Waste and PRIDE Coordinator who nominated the Turners for the PRIDE award. The ladies are always the first to volunteer for cleanups and go door to door recruiting other volunteers, Saum said. They never miss a PRIDE cleanup in their area and often help pick up trash in other parts of the county.
“Shauna has helped me with PRIDE paperwork and also helps by distributing PRIDE supplies when I need extra help,” Saum said.
“Alisha appears to be a born leader and often takes charge of her PRIDE cleanups,” Saum continued. “She even gets the older people to listen and respect her. She also sets a good example for her friends and teaches them not to throw out litter and trash.”
The PRIDE Volunteer of the Month program recognizes hard work and dedication to the PRIDE initiative. With corporate sponsorship from TECO Coal, WYMT-TV in Hazard airs commercials about each PRIDE Volunteer of the Month. The 12 Volunteers of the Month are considered for the annual Tony Turner Volunteer of the Year Award.

Breathitt High Principal Derek McKnight, Shauna Turner, Alisha Turner,Solid Waste Coordinator Calvin Saum Calvin Saum, and PRIDE Executive Director Richard Thomas

Home for Christmas
At no other time of the year is the air more charged with excitement than at Christmas. Wide-eyed children are dazzled by shimmering Christmas lights, diamond-encrusted snow, glimpses of Santa Claus, and shopping centers’ toy aisles.
We adults develop migraines and ulcers worrying about how we’re going to pay for everything as we rush around buying and hiding Christmas presents; bake tons of goodies; and smile as we sing along with the radio to beautiful Christmas carols.
One would wonder why Christmas time is filled with emotional paradoxes: excitement, depression; euphoric happiness, overwhelming sadness; boundless energy, bone-weary fatigue; love, loneliness.
Compared to all other holidays, Christmas is unique. No matter how hard some have tried, it’s impossible to take ‘Christ’ out of Christmas. Even the Grinch discovered that fact. Christmas trees will always be Christmas trees. ‘Happy Holidays’ salutations just don’t elicit genuine smiles like ‘Merry Christmas’.
That’s because Christmas is about love; it’s about family; it’s about home. We celebrate the birth of Jesus because He brought absolute love; His teachings encourage us to create happy homes.
There really is no other place like home at Christmas time. Wiggling and laughing, squirming and giggling, children cannot contain their energy as they await Christmas break from school.
Adults visit parents more frequently. Memories of home and family become almost tangibly real. Squabbles and feuds become less intense. Finding time for family is moved to a higher rung on our priority ladders. Like a wet blanket, sadness wraps around our hearts when dad and mom are no longer with us and therefore we don’t have home to visit. We long to load up the car with food and gifts and travel home one more time. But, it’s only in our dreams that we return home.
It’s around that time in our lives that we enter the joy-filled world of grand- parenting. Our families now gather in our homes to make Christmas memories.
As we sit around the food-laden table with the brightly lit Christmas tree shining from the corner of the room, we listen with happiness - and sometimes shock - as our children reminisce about their childhood and memories of their Christmas pasts.
Smiles crinkle our eyes when we kiss our sleeping grandchildren goodnight as mommy and daddy carry them out to the car. When their eyes open again, Santa will have visited.
Christmas morning, grandpa and grandma visit the grandchildren’s homes, wading through knee-deep shreds of torn paper. New socks and underwear have been shoved under the couch to make room for their new toys.
We are learning that one particular house does not necessarily make a home because home truly is where the heart is, and our hearts are with our families.
Like multi-colored lights on the tree, old and new memories dance in our hearts as we wish our friends and family the most blessed Christmas ever.

Knott Co. Fatal Accident
ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2006 AT APPROXIMATELY 10:50AM POST 13 OF THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE RECEIVED A CALL OF A 2 VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON HWY 550 IN THE CARRIE COMMUNITY OF KNOTT COUNTY.
A VEHICLE OPERATED BY DELISA HURT OF CARRIE, KY. WAS TRAVELING WEST BOUND ON HWY 550 AND MET A VEHICLE TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON HWY 550 OPERATED BY JERRY JOHNSON OF CARRIE, KY. DELISA APPLIED HER BRAKES AND LOST CONTROL OF HER VEHICLE TRAVELING OVER INTO THE EAST BOUND LANE AND STRIKING THE VEHICLE OPERATED BY JERRY JOHNSON. DELISA HURT WAS WEARING A SAFETY BELT AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HAZARD ARH AND TREATED FOR MINOR INJURIES. JERRY JOHNSON WAS NOT WEARING A SAFETY BELT AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HAZARD ARH WHERE HE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD BY THE PERRY COUNTY CORONERS OFFICE. THE ACCIDENT REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY TPR. BRANDON THOMAS.

State property tax rate set at 12.8 cents for 2006
FRANKFORT, Ky.—The Kentucky Department of Revenue has set the 2006 State Real Property Tax Rate at 12.8 cents per each $100 of assessed value.  KRS 132.020 requires the Department of Revenue to set the real property rate by July 1 of each year. 
This rate is based on the percentage increase of taxable real property from 2005 to 2006.  If this increase is more than 4 percent after the exclusion of property newly added to the tax roll during 2006, then the prior year rate must be reduced to limit the revenue increase to 4 percent.  Since the assessment increase for 2006 is estimated at 6.6 percent, the state rate must decline from 13.1 to 12.8 cents per $100 of assessed value.

New Voting Machines in Leslie Co.
(Hyden, KY) – Secretary of State Trey Grayson met with Leslie County officials today to deliver a check for $99,315 to offset the county’s cost to purchase new voting machines.  The funding comes from state and federal resources designated to assist counties in meeting the January 1, 2006 federal election requirements defined by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
The voting system reimbursement includes money to provide disability-accessible voting and new absentee ballot systems.  All polling locations in the country are required to have accessible voting machines in time for 2006 elections.  The Kentucky State Board of Elections decided to go above and beyond this requirement by providing funds for a new machine for every precinct.  The machines were first used in the 2006 primary elections and were well received across the state.
“Today marks an important step in a long process that state and Leslie County officials have taken to ensure that Leslie County elections stay free from fraud and corruption,” said Secretary of State Trey Grayson.  “These efforts will continue Kentucky’s long-standing place as a model state for election administration.”
Kentucky’s leadership position in election administration has been earned by many years of effort by past Secretaries of State, State Board of Elections members and staff, and hundreds of county clerks and county boards of election members.  As a result, many election administrators around the country have turned to Kentucky for guidance about how to implement portions of HAVA in their states.
In fact, Kentucky was one of the first states in the country to have a statewide voter registration database, and as such, served as a model for HAVA and for other states.  In addition, the state easily implemented provisional ballots into Kentucky elections administration as required by HAVA for 2004 elections. 
Kentucky received $37 million to implement these new voting machine mandates as well as other requirements of HAVA.  The General Assembly provided a required 5 percent state match.  Kentucky’s Senior United States Senator, Mitch McConnell, was a primary author of HAVA. 
"It is vitally important for all Americans to be able to vote independently," said Sen. Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard).  "The new machines are very user friendly, which is a major plus to every voter regardless of age, education and disability."  Local legislators were not available to attend the check presentation due to the special session of the General Assembly.
“This check shows the commitment that the State of Kentucky has for bringing our counties voting equipment up to date. I appreciate the work Secretary Grayson does for our State,” remarked Rep. Tim Couch (R-Hyden).
Grayson praised local legislators for their work in securing state funding for these new machines. He also thanked Leslie County Judge-Executive Kenneth Witt, County Clerk James Lewis, and the entire Fiscal Court for their expedient action. 
“The leadership in Leslie County has worked diligently and thoroughly to ensure that the citizens in their county will have unprecedented election administration.  I appreciate their help in ensuring a fair elections process in Kentucky,” Grayson stated.
For more information about Kentucky’s implementation plan for the Help America Vote Act, please visit www.sos.ky.gov/elections/hava.

Whitaker Bank Robbery May 18
The Kentucky State Police Post 7 Richmond, is currently investigating the robbery of the Whitaker Bank in Lancaster. At 12:51, a white male suspect entered the bank, passed a note to the teller, and stated that he had a weapon. The teller complied with the suspect's demands. The suspect left the bank and fled on foot. The suspect is described as a white male in his early to late thirties with light brown hair and a dark moustache. He is between 5'3" to 5'6" in height and weighs between 130 to 140lbs. The suspect was wearing a gray t-shirt with a pocket, dark framed sunglasses, and a light color rounded hat. Anyone with information regarding this bank robbery is asked to the Kentucky State Police at (859) 623-2404 or 1-800-222-5555. Callers may remain aynonomous.

ATTENTION: AREA BUSINESSES & POLITICAL CANDIDATES:
Show your support for March of Dimes! A $100.00 donation will proudly acknowledge your concern for Kentucky’s babies on a quality message sign that will be displayed during WalkAmerica. The special signs will carry important March of Dimes information to our walkers and will demonstrate your support for the Campaign for Healthier Babies. Since the March of Dimes is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, any donation can be used as a deduction or advertising expense.
Contact Sandy Phipps at 666-2208 for more information.


SENATE PASSES BILL FOR DRUG, ALCOHOL TESTING OF COAL MINERS
HB 572 is part of Governor Fletcher’s mine safety agenda
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Bipartisan legislation to require drug and alcohol testing for miners, part of Governor Ernie Fletcher’s package of mine safety legislation, won unanimous passage today in the Kentucky Senate. The vote was 38-0.
The legislation, House Bill 572, was passed unanimously by the Kentucky House on March 8. The bill goes back to the House for a concurrence vote on a technical amendment added by the Senate.
“Mine safety has been a major emphasis of our administration,” Governor Fletcher stated. “Miners have to work as a team, and a miner who is impaired is a hazard to the entire team. I commend the Senate for its passage of House Bill 572 and encourage the House to act quickly on concurrence.”
HB 572 reflects recommendations of a task force that held public hearings last year on the issue of drug and alcohol use among miners. The bill would require prospective miners applying for certification by the Office of Mine Safety and Licensing to be tested to verify that they are free of drugs and alcohol.
Miners also could be tested after a serious accident, as could those working in the immediate area of an accident or who may have witnessed or contributed to an accident.
The primary sponsor of HB 572 is Rep. Robin Webb (D-Grayson), a former miner. The legislation was guided through the Senate by Sen. Robert Stivers (R-Manchester).
“The bill includes an incentive for mining companies in the form of workers’ compensation insurance credit for companies that implement assistance programs for employees with substance abuse problems,” Sen. Stivers said.
LaJuana S. Wilcher, secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, said miner safety is a priority of the cabinet and the Fletcher administration.
“Mining is an important part of Kentucky’s economy, providing jobs to thousands of Kentuckians,” Wilcher said. “This bill is an important step toward greater mine safety because miners impaired by drugs or alcohol pose a danger to themselves and to their fellow miners.”


Three areas starting Neighbors UNITED groups in Johnson County
PAINTSVILLE – Three areas of Johnson County are banding together to become “concerned, caring and committed” communities.
The West Van Lear, Thealka and Thelma communities have scheduled meetings to organize Operation UNITE’s Neighbors UNITED program. Scheduled organizational meetings are:
• West Van Lear – 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at the West Van Lear Community Center.
• Thealka – 7 p.m. Monday, March 20, at the Thealka Volunteer Fire Department.
• Thelma – 7 p.m. Monday, April 3, at the Thelma Volunteer Fire Department.
Neighbors UNITED expands upon the Neighborhood Watch crime prevention program by adding elements based upon the concept of neighbors helping neighbors. These include identifying safe havens for children of working parents, providing assistance to elderly or disabled individuals, and organizing activities designed to reestablish neighborhood pride and opening communications between families.
“It’s not a policing program,” noted Dip Stafford, Johnson County PVA and treasurer of the Johnson County Operation UNITE Coalition. “It’s just a good neighbors helping neighbors program. Too many people don’t even know who lives next to them any more.”
Residents of clearly defined geographic boundaries will be trained by UNITE staff, identify coordinators, and establish a phone tree to facilitate communication. UNITE will provide state highway department approved signs to mark their Neighbors UNITED area as well as assist with publicity and program materials.
Neighbors UNITED groups will become part of a standing committee on the Johnson County Operation UNITE Coalition.
The Johnson County Operation UNITE Coalition meets the 4th Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Paintsville Recreation Center on Preston Street.
For more information contact Johnson County Operation UNITE Coalition Secretary Cathy Combs at (606) 889-1653 or by e-mail to johnsonunite@yahoo.com. You may also contact UNITE Big Sandy Coalition Coordinator Alisha Baldridge at (606) 889-0874 or by e-mail to abaldridge@centertech.com.


Debbie Clemons Promoted    2-13-06
After eleven years of faithful service, Ms. Deborah Clemons, the FRYSC Coordinator at Jackson Independent Schools is moving on. She will be moving to the position of Region 8 Program Manager. All the students and staff at Jackson Independent would like to thank Ms. Clemons for her hard work throughout the years. She will be greatly missed.

Breathitt County Fiscal Court receives $50,000 PRIDE grant 9-11-05
PHOTO CAPTION:  PRIDE recently trained representatives of the agencies and organizations that received Community Grants to administer the funds in compliance with federal guidelines. In this photo, Calvin Saum II, the Breathitt County PRIDE Coordinator, received a certificate after completing the training.              
SOMERSET, KY — The Breathitt County Fiscal Court was awarded a PRIDE Community Grant for $50,000. The one-year grant will be used to clean up the Town Hill and Little’s Creek illegal dumps, as well as dispose of trash collected during the county's 2006 PRIDE Spring Cleanup.
In addition, Breathitt is one of several counties that will benefit from a grant to monitor water quality in the Kentucky River. The nonprofit organization Kentucky River Watershed Watch received a $6,500 grant to equip the volunteers who collect water samples and then pay a lab to analyze the samples.
For information about becoming a Watershed Watch volunteer, call 1-800-928-0045 and ask for extension 473, or visit the program’s Web site at www.kywater.org/watch.
“The local governments and nonprofits that went after these grants are to be commended,” said Richard Thomas, PRIDE executive director. “Congressman (Hal) Rogers makes sure PRIDE funds are available for cleaning the region’s environment, but it is up to communities to put the funds to work.”
“I encourage citizens to contact their local grant recipients to see if volunteers are needed to help with the grant projects,” Thomas continued. “Another thing citizens can do is report littering and dumping to the local solid waste coordinator. Cleaning up after a few irresponsible people is expensive, and we need to send the message that we no longer will put up with their illegal activities.”
PRIDE announced today that 54 Community Grants, totaling $2,033,168, were awarded this year. The grant funds will be used primarily to remove illegal dumps, operate recycling programs and dispose of trash collected during community cleanup events, such as the PRIDE Spring Cleanup. Other projects include equipping volunteers to monitor water quality and constructing wetlands.
Since 1997, PRIDE has invested $22,618,434 in grants to tackle the region’s solid waste problems. So far, local governments and nonprofit organizations have used PRIDE grants to clean up 2,228 illegal dumps across the region.
The PRIDE Community Grant program provides up to $50,000 to counties, cities, other public entities and nonprofit organizations for environmental improvement projects in southern and eastern Kentucky. The program encourages community and citizen involvement in projects to promote personal responsibility for the environment. Recipients must match the grant with a contribution worth at least 10 percent of the grant amount.
PRIDE promotes “Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment” in 38 counties by encouraging and providing resources for communities to clean waterways, end illegal trash dumps and promote environmental education. PRIDE was founded in 1997 by Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-5) and the late James Bickford, former secretary of the state’s environmental protection agency, and is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Inc.
2292 S. Hwy. 27
Somerset, KY  42501
www.kypride.org

Governor Ernie Fletcher Brings Clean Water to 273 Breathitt Countians 7-25-05
Breathitt receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher and the Governor's Office for Local Development (GOLD) announced today a $1 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Breathitt County. 
Breathitt County will use the CDBG funds to construct approximately 18 miles of water lines, a 150,000 gallon water storage tank and a pump station to serve the KY 52/541 area in the western portion of the county.  The project will serve 273 customers.
GOLD Commissioner Ellen Williams said the grant funds will help to prevent health problems that can result from poor drinking water. "It is important for the families across the state to have safe, clean drinking water for good health.  The Fletcher administration has made addressing these infrastructure needs a priority as it is fundamental to a high quality of life."
Currently, the water sources in the area range from drilled and hand-dug wells to springs.  Water testing has revealed that 95% of the tested sources are contaminated with coliform organisms with approximately 40% of the tested sources contaminated with the E. Coli bacteria. 
Kentucky's U. S. Congressional leaders continued support of the CDBG program has made the funding available nationally as well as within the commonwealth.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development makes these funds available through GOLD, which administers the CDBG Small Cities program in Kentucky.
PHOTO HERE (By Julie Hamblin)

Perry County has a drug round up.       5-24-05  PHOTOS HERE

Feds seize property of suspected drug dealer 4-25-05   PHOTOS HERE
Six vehicles suspected of having been purchased with proceeds from an illegal drug sales operation were confiscated by federal officials Tuesday, April 12.
Acting upon a federal seizure warrant, officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Operation UNITE and the Kentucky State Police took possession of equipment and vehicles valued at approximately $180,000 from two Whitley County locations.
A 2001 Pontiac Firebird, 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and a Kubota lawn tractor and mowing deck were removed from the home of 60-year-old Boyd Swafford, located at 1805 McNeil Corn Creek Road in Rockholds.  A few miles away, at the Elliott Hollow Road residence of 24-year-old Boyd Swafford Jr., law enforcement officers confiscated a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2004 John Deere 450H crawler dozer, and a John Deere 310G backhoe.
It was determined that the property was purchased with illegal drug proceeds, said Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for Operation UNITE. Everything seized was paid for, in full, with cash.  Smoot said the investigation is continuing to look into other ways in which drug money may have been used.
Equipment seized Tuesday was being transferred to a U.S. Marshal's storage lot.
DEA London Resident Agent-In-Charge Michael Pelonero said the joint operation was an example of what can be accomplished when agencies work together.
UNITE is set up to do street enforcement. As cases develop and evolve into mid-level and high-level organizations, UNITE agents contact DEA to work cooperative investigations to be presented to the U.S.Attorney's Office for federal prosecution, Pelonero said. It's all about law enforcement partnerships and maximizing assets and resources.
The seizures are the latest development in a drug case brought against Swafford, a well-known Whitley County bootlegger, by UNITE during February 14 raid. UNITE, troopers from KSP Post 11, and the DEA executed search warrants at five locations on McNeil Corn Creek Road either belonging to Swafford or his family members.
Swafford and 25-year-old Eric Curnett of Corbin were each charged with conspiring to sell illegal narcotics and alcohol and for being a member of a criminal syndicate after detectives confiscated 6 grams of marijuana, 66 Hydrocodone tablets, 65 doses of schedule IV narcotics, eight doses of schedule II narcotics, 16 firearms and $12,837 in cash during the raid.
While on the property, detectives discovered stolen items, which ultimately led to additional charges, Smoot said.
A Whitley County Grand Jury indicted Boyd Swafford and his son April 11 on three counts of receiving stolen property and two counts of tampering with physical evidence. Both were ordered held without bond by Judge Paul Braden.
The Swaffords are accused of having a tractor, backhoe and trailer that were stolen from Don Gray on Feb. 9, and for their attempt to conceal the stolen items, according to the indictment.
An arraignment is scheduled for the younger Swafford on March 22 and a pretrial conference for Boyd Swafford on May 17.
We received a lot of complaints through our drug tip line on possible illegal drug activity at Swafford's residence, said Karen Engle, executive director of UNITE, which targets anti-drug efforts in 29 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky. The public support has been exceptional, and has allowed UNITE to get more than 1,100 drug dealers out of our communities.
"The seizures made Tuesday show that drug dealers will have to pay a heavy price for their illegal activity," Engle said.
The initial drug case against Boyd Swafford has been forwarded to the U.S. Attorney¹s Office in London for possible federal prosecution.

Governor Ernie Fletcher's methamphetamine bill passes unanimously through House of Representatives
Senate Bill 63 will help fight meth epidemic sweeping across Kentucky 3-3-05
Frankfort, KY - Governor Ernie Fletcher's plan to crack down on the manufacturing and illegal use of methamphetamine cleared a major hurdle today. The House of Representatives unanimously approved Senate Bill 63, which would make it more difficult for criminals to acquire the key ingredient of pseudoephedrine needed to make meth.
"I commend all legislators for realizing the urgent need for tougher laws on the production of this devastating drug," said Governor Ernie Fletcher.  "By passing Senate Bill 63, we will be protecting Kentucky's most vulnerable, our children, from the dangers of methamphetamine."
The bill also requires Internet pharmacies to register with the state pharmacy board and be monitored by the KASPER system that tracks prescription drug purchases in Kentucky.
"The House of Representatives today sent a strong message to drug offenders today by passing this important legislation," said Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence.  "I commend the lawmakers for working in a bipartisan manner to help Kentucky communities attack the growing methamphetamine problem. We are also pleased that our bill contains a plan offered by the Attorney General's Office to crack down on rogue Internet pharmacies."
Police officers responded to nearly 580 meth labs last year in Kentucky. That number is up 3,000% in the last seven years. A similar anti-meth bill in Oklahoma has seen meth lab responses drop by nearly 50% since the law took effect.
The Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) helped draft and coordinate input on Governor Fletcher's meth bill. ODCP was created in September 2004 after a 20-week-long drug summit and 16 regional public hearings attended by thousands of Kentuckians.
"Fourteen months ago the drug summit was still an idea and the ODCP had not been created yet," said ODCP Executive Director Teresa Barton. "Now, today we can point to the Governor's meth bill as a major accomplishment that ODCP was able to marshal through the process. We are fulfilling our role as a coordinating entity that brings people together and gets results that will help lessen the drug problem in Kentucky."
Senate Bill 63, sponsored by Sen. Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), now goes back to the Senate for concurrence. Senate Bill 63 unanimously passed in both the Senate Judiciary Committee and in the full Senate.