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The American Cancer Society 4-21-08
The American Cancer Society has been an active member of Breathitt County for many years, offering services and support to those battling cancer as well as lifesaving cancer information to the community. We continue our mission of eliminating cancer thanks to the help of generous volunteers and dedicated staff.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a community event in every sense of the word. It is a chance for the community to come together to celebrate those who have faced cancer, remember those lost and empower everyone to fight back. Being a part of Relay For Life means being a part of a national grassroots movement to end cancer. Being a Relay For Life volunteer, means making life better for cancer survivors, patients and their families.
But we are faced with a critical shortage of volunteer leaders. With the challenges of our day-to-day demands, time has become a premium and many people are finding it more difficult to participate in community service. It is because of the volunteers who preceded us, however, that certain types of cancer are now highly treatable or even curable. With more help, we will continue to win the war.
The American Cancer Society needs your help now. Plans are under way for the 2008 annual fundraiser Relay For Life, held at Douthitt Park on June 20, 2008, to support cutting-edge cancer research, help provide free transportation to hospitals, help prevent youth smoking, publish lifesaving literature, and develop a new generation of weapons to fight cancer.
Currently, we have 16 teams registered to participate in this year’s Relay.   If you are interested in having a team or would like to serve on the committee, please contact me at (606) 295-4000.  Now is the time for individuals, families, organizations, schools, religious groups, corporations and small businesses to build a team and join our fight to reduce the burden of cancer across America.  Relay For Life can be the site of a company picnic or family gathering while supporting a great cause. 
To sign up to participate or learn how you can volunteer for other patient services, call 1-800-ACS-2345, or visit www.RelayForLife.org.

Road Closure Notice on Dec. 12  
Drainage pipe installation to result in closure of KY 1938 in Owsley County on Wednesday, Dec. 12
JACKSON, KY – (Nov. 27, 2007) – Personnel from the Kentucky Department of Highways, Owsley County Maintenance, will close KY 1938 in order to install a drainage pipe at milepoint 1.85 on Wednesday, Dec. 12. The project will begin around 8 a.m. and will continue until approximately 4 p.m. During this time, the road will be closed to through traffic and motorists should plan their trips accordingly.
No marked detour will be posted, but drivers can use KY 11 and KY 847 as an alternate route around the project location. In case of inclement weather, the project will be rescheduled for Thursday, Dec. 13.

MAGOFFIN, SIMPSON ISSUED WATER SHORTAGE WARNINGS
Water shortage watch extended
( FRANKFORT , Ky. ) Sept. 7, 2007 -- The Division of Water has issued a water shortage warning for Magoffin County in eastern Kentucky and for Simpson County in western Kentucky due to water supply shortages.
A water shortage warning that was issued on Aug. 9 remains in effect for Warren County , including the city of Bowling Green , due to persistent low flows in the Barren River .
The water shortage warning for Magoffin County is due to a shortage of water in the Licking River . The warning for Simpson County is due to low water in the West Fork of Drakes Creek.
The Division of Water is extending a water shortage watch originally issued June 14 for 61 counties to now include all or portions of Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Perry and Pike counties in eastern Kentucky .
The extreme drought conditions that remain across most of Kentucky intensified throughout August and into September with record high temperatures and a persistent lack of rainfall. For the month of August alone, rainfall deficits of 3 to 4 inches were common across eastern, south-central and western Kentucky .
Rainfall in southeastern Kentucky , centered over the headwaters of the Kentucky and Licking rivers, is at least 14 inches below normal for the year. Similar rainfall deficits are present across most of southern Kentucky and in the Jackson Purchase region.  
Drought conditions have prompted at least 30 public water systems across the state to implement some level of water conservation measures.  Many of these actions are in the form of voluntary advisories or limited mandatory restrictions on outdoor water use.
September and October are typically the driest moths of the year in Kentucky . Residents should be aware of the increasing potential for water shortages, especially in the 67-county water shortage watch/warning area.  Citizens in the watch and warning areas are encouraged to adhere to all requests made by their local water supplier to help reduce water demand.
Counties for which the water shortage watch is in effect:
Western Climatic Division – Muhlenberg , Ohio .
Central Climatic Division – Adair, Allen, Barren, Butler , Casey, Clinton, Cumberland , Edmonson, Green, Hart, LaRue, Marion, Metcalfe, Monroe, Nelson, Russell, Taylor .
Bluegrass Climatic Division – Anderson, Bath, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Nicholas, Owen, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Washington, Woodford.
Eastern Climatic Division – Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, McCreary, Menifee, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, Whitley, Wolfe.
Counties for which the water shortage warning is in effect:
Western Climatic Division – Simpson
Central Climatic Division – Warren
Eastern Climatic Division - Magoffin
For more information on drought conditions, water availability and conservation tips, visit the Division of Water’s drought Web site at: http://www.water.ky.gov/wateruse/drought/

Lucky Friday the 13th
Cruise package offered as prize for pre-ordering ‘Keep Kids Drug-Free’ license plate
Make the next Friday the 13th your lucky day.
Everyone pre-ordering a new anti-drug specialty license plate by July 13 will be entered into a drawing for a four-day, three-night cruise for two adults and two children.
Operation UNITE, WestCare Kentucky, and the Children’s Alliance of Kentucky hope to have the “Keep Kids Drug-Free” license plate available in time for this year’s Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31, 2007).
In order to achieve this goal, however, at least 900 plates must be pre-sold, said Renee Alexander, Central Kentucky area director for WestCare. “The state won’t begin production until we can guarantee this number.”
Each license plate sells for $38. Of this amount, $28 is paid to the state and $10 is a tax-deductible voluntary donation that will be equally divided among the three sponsoring organizations. By state statute, none of the proceeds can be used for administrative or personnel costs.
The plate’s design, which won’t be unveiled until October, is being selected through a contest open to all elementary, middle and high school students across the commonwealth.
Capitol Marketing Concepts of St. Petersburg, Florida, has donated the cruise package in support of Kentucky’s efforts to promote substance abuse prevention, treatment and education programs to Kentucky’s youth. No employee or family member of the three sponsoring agencies are eligible to win the cruise.
“The important thing now is to get enough people to agree to place the plate on their vehicles in support of anti-drug efforts throughout Kentucky,” said Elizabeth Wilson, director of the UNITE Foundation. “To help encourage sales we will be offering a special incentive to the UNITE Coalition which brings in the most pre-orders.”
Applications to order the special license plates can be downloaded from each agency’s website: Operation UNITE http://www.operationunite.org, WestCare Kentucky http://www.westcare.com, or Children’s Alliance http://www.childrensallianceky.org. The application may be returned with payment to any of these agencies.
For additional information contact:
• Elizabeth Wilson, Operation UNITE, at 1-606-330-1413
• Renee Alexander, WestCare Kentucky, at 1-606-726-0385
• Bart Baldwin, Children’s Alliance, at 1-502-875-3399

MISSING PERSON (COLD CASE)/LAUREL COUNTY
(LONDON, KY) – On Wednesday, April 25, 2007, the Cumberland Valley Crime Stoppers issued a reward of $1000.00 for information in a Missing Persons Case that is being investigated by Kentucky State Police Detective Mark Allen. The Kentucky State Police and the Cumberland Valley Crime Stoppers are asking for the public’s help in locating Michelle Lynn Collins, 22, W/F, 4’11”, 103 lbs. who was last seen in the East Bernstadt area of Laurel County on 07-06-2004. All leads, to date, have been exhausted with no results. The circumstances surrounding Collins’ disappearance are unclear at this time and foul play can not be ruled out. If anyone has information about Collins’ whereabouts please contact the Kentucky State Police at (606) 878-6622 or the Cumberland Valley Crime Stoppers at (606) 878-CRIME (606-878-2746).

Speaker Richards wins approval of bill to remedy county jail crisis
FRANKFORT -- House Speaker Jody Richards today won unanimous House approval of a bill that helps alleviate the budget crisis faced by county jails.
Under the current system, county jails must absorb the entire cost of holding state prisoners prior to the inmates' final sentencing.  The bill approved Wednesday imposes Medicaid rates for prisoners, which are lower than private medical care rates, and restricts insurance companies' ability to terminate coverage once an inmate has been incarcerated, limiting the impact of medical costs to jails.
"So many of our county jails are facing a financial crisis due to the high cost of housing prisoners before the state reimbursement kicks in," Speaker Richards said from his desk on the Chambers floor, where he spoke on behalf of the bill.  "This amounts to an unfunded mandate, to the great disadvantage of our county governments.  Our vote today helps remedy that situation."
Additionally, the bill establishes a task force to review the court system and penal code and make recommendations for improvements, and other jail funding issues.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Kentucky’s unemployment rate up in November
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 22, 2006) — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 5.2 percent in October 2006 to 5.5 percent in November 2006, according to the Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education Cabinet. November 2006’s jobless rate was below November 2005’s rate of 6.4 percent.
The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate increased from 4.4 percent in October 2006 to 4.5 percent in November 2006, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. 
“Although Kentucky ’s unemployment rate went up in November, it has remained below 6 percent in six of the past seven months. Kentucky was one of 37 states that had a lower unemployment rate in November 2006 than a year ago in November,” said Carlos Cracraft, the department’s chief labor market analyst. “ Kentucky was one of 21 states plus the District of Columbia that reported unemployment rates above the U.S. average of 4.5 percent in November 2006.”
Five of the 11 major nonfarm job North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors reported employment increases in November, while five decreased, and one remained the same, according to Cracraft. The decrease of 300 jobs brought Kentucky ’s nonfarm employment to a seasonally adjusted total of more than 1.8 million last month.
“ Kentucky ’s nonfarm employment has increased in 12 of the past 16 months, and has risen by 10,600 since November 2005. Altogether, 49 states and the District of Columbia recorded over-the-year nonfarm payroll employment increases in November 2006, with Michigan as the only exception,” Cracraft said.
According to the seasonally adjusted employment data, Kentucky ’s manufacturing sector recorded 500 more jobs in November 2006 than in October 2006. Compared to November 2005, the sector had 7,300 fewer positions in November 2006.
“The manufacturing sector rebounded somewhat in November but this is only the fourth month this year that we have seen employment gains in this segment,” Cracraft said.
Employment in the professional and business services sector rose by 400 jobs in November 2006. This area had 2,800 more employees in November 2006 than in November 2005. The professional and business services sector includes professional, scientific and technical services, and management of companies and administrative and support management, including temporary help agencies.
The educational and health services sector increased by 100 jobs last month. Since last November, this segment has expanded by 4,800 jobs. This sector includes private and nonprofit establishments that provide either education and training, or health care and social assistance to their clients, Cracraft said.
“The educational and health services sector has added employment in eight of the 11 months in 2006 so far. Approximately two-thirds of those 4,800 new jobs over the year have been in the health care industries,” Cracraft said.
Kentucky’s leisure and hospitality sector went up by 100 jobs in November 2006. Since November 2005, the sector’s employment has increased by 4,200 positions. The sector includes arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodations and food services and drinking places industries.
“Overall, employment increases have been recorded during seven months of this year in the leisure and hospitality sector. The strongest growth has been in the food services and drinking places industries,” Cracraft said.
Employment in the other services sector, which includes such establishments as repair and maintenance places, personal and laundry services, religious organizations, and civic and professional organizations, increased by 100 jobs in November 2006. This area had 1,000 fewer employees in November 2006 than in November 2005.
The information sector recorded the same employment in October 2006 and November 2006. This segment, which includes firms involved in publishing, Internet activities and broadcasting and news syndication, had 100 fewer jobs in November 2006 than November 2005.
On the negative side, the government sector, which includes public education, fell by 700 jobs in November 2006. Since November 2005, this sector has gained 2,200 jobs.
The financial activities sector had 400 fewer jobs in November 2006 than in October 2006. This segment, which includes businesses involved in finance, insurance, real estate and property leasing or rental, has gained 500 jobs over the past 12 months.
Kentucky’s trade, transportation and utilities sector recorded a decrease of 200 jobs in November 2006. This area includes retail and wholesale trade, transportation and utilities businesses, and warehousing, and is the largest sector in Kentucky with 381,700 employees. Since November 2005, the number of jobs in this sector has increased by 1,800.   
The natural resources and mining sector had 100 fewer jobs in November 2006 compared to October 2006. Since November 2005, the segment has risen by 1,200 jobs, mainly in the coal mining industry.
Kentucky’s construction sector lost 100 jobs in November 2006. Since November 2005, employment in this job area has added 1,500 jobs. Most of the hires have been in specialty trades, such as contractors involved in pouring concrete, site preparation, plumbing, painting and electrical work, Cracraft said.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly estimate of the number of employed Kentuckians for November 2006 was 1,944,878 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This figure is up 6,347 from the 1,938,531 employed in October 2006, and up 61,876 from the 1,883,002 employed in November 2005.
The monthly estimate of the number of unemployed Kentuckians for November 2006 was 112,646. This figure is up 6,711 from the 105,935 unemployed in October 2006, but down 15,890 from the 128,536 Kentuckians unemployed in November 2005.
The monthly estimate of the number of Kentuckians in the civilian labor force for November 2006 was 2,057,524. This figure is up 13,058 from the 2,044,466 recorded in October 2006, and up 45,986 from the 2,011,538 recorded for November 2005. 
Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Candy Recipe
Do you love to make candy, but are not quite sure what some of the terminology means.  It can be a little confusing and sometimes I’m a confused.
A cookbook definition of Thermometer Test is:  Check candy thermometer in boiling water.  If it doesn’t register 212F, add or subtract the same number of degrees in recipe.  Always make sure candy thermometer is covered
with  liquid not just foam.  Clip it to the side of the pan after syrup boils.
I don’t as a general rule use a candy thermometer, though I have.  I prefer  to test my fudge using the cold water test, though lots of candies that you  make really do require the use of a thermometer.A cookbook definition of Cold Water Test is:  Remove candy from fire.  I just dip a little out of my boiling candy without removing it from the
heat. Drop a little syrup into small bowl of very cold, but not ice cold, water. 
Use a fresh cupful of cold water for each test.The syrup should start cooling and form into a ball using fingertips if
it  is ready.  Otherwise the syrup will remain more liquidy and without form.  Be sure not to drop water into your cooking candy.  It will ruin it.If your recipe calls for cooking to thread stage then your thermometer
should read 230F-234F or the syrup should spin a 2 inch thread when dropped from spoon.
Soft ball is as described above.  The syrup should roll into a soft pliable ball but quickly flatten when removed from water.  Your candy thermometer should read 234F-240F.  Most fudges and fondants are cooked to soft
ball.Divinity and caramels are cooked to firm ball stage or 244F-248F on the thermometer.  Firm ball is indicated when the candy will roll into a firm ball but not hard, and will not lose it’s shape upon removal from water.
When syrup forms a hard ball that is pliable it has reached hard ball and should be 250F-266F on your thermometer.  Taffy is a good example of a candy that is cooked to hard ball.Light crack stage is reached when the syrup will form threads in water that will soften when removed from the water.  The temperature should be 270F-290F and is used to cook butterscotch.
When syrup forms hard brittle threads in water and the threads will not  soften when removed from the water, it has reached hard crack stage.  Peanut brittle is a really good example and the temperature will be 300F-310F.
I have heard of caramelizing but I must confess that I’ve never done it. Caramelized sugar must reach 310F-321F.  The sugar first melts, then becomes a golden brown and will form a hard brittle ball in cold water.  That is the caramelized stage.Now that we have learned about the different stages of candy making we should not hesitate to try any recipe.
This is one of my favorite fudge recipes.  One reason is that it’s simple,  and the other is that I have adapted it to make three flavors.  Jerry’s mom gave me this recipe a long time ago.
FIVE POUND FUDGE
1 stick butter
5 cups sugar
1 (12 ounce) can carnation cream
Start butter melting, add sugar and stir in cream.  Stirring till sugar is dissolved and mixture starts to cook.  Stir constantly as the mixture starts boiling and boil till soft ball stage.  Remove from heat and quickly
add 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow cream.  Stir quickly to dissolve marshmallow cream and to bring down the temperature of the candy.  This stops the cooking process.  Continue to stir and beat candy until it starts to thicken. 
Add peanut butter, to your taste, and stir in completely or swirl in.  Pour into buttered 9x13 pan and let stand till firm.
I make vanilla fudge using this same recipe.  The only difference is that you don’t add the peanut butter and you continue to beat the white candy till it starts to thicken.
If you want to make chocolate and are using cocoa, stir the cocoa in with the sugar before the butter or cream is added.  This is very important.  If you add cocoa after liquid is added you will have little specks of
darker chocolate in your fudge.  If you use chocolate chips, almond bark, or Hershey candy bars, which is really delicious, just add these with adequate time for melting before fudge begins to thicken, and then pour into
buttered 9z13 pan.I haven’t tried it but I’m sure you could use caramels or butterscotch chips for yet another flavor.

Candidates
The drawing for candidates was held on August 10th, 2006 at 2:00 pm in the Breathitt County Courthouse.  All offices that have more than one candidate running for office in November drew for their place on the ballot.  They are as follows:
Breathitt County School Board District #3
#1 Bob Shelton
#2 Barry Johnson
#3 John Mullins
#4 Kelly Noble Jr.
Breathitt County School Board District #4
#1 George “Bear” Strong
#2 Shane Neace
Jackson Independent City School Board
#1 Greg Lemons
#2 Donna Smith
#3 Sheretta Haddix
Jackson City Mayor
#1 Michael Miller
#2 Frank Noble
Jackson City Council
#1 Julie Hamblin
#2 Sandra Fugate
#3 Rose Wolfe
#4 Lucy Feltner
#5 Jason Hall
#6 Len Noble
#7 Mildred Rogers
#8 Patrick O’Neil
#9 Stephen Bowling
#10 Clara Gabbard
#11 Alfred Turner
#12 Wayne Morgan

Cause of Darfork Explosion
On the morning of June 22, 2006, investigators at the scene of the house explosion in the Darfork community of Perry County advised that they had discovered the cause of the explosion.  They advised that they had discovered a natural gas service line, which runs in front of this residence.  The line was inspected and it was revealed that it had a leak.  On the day of this incident, gas had apparently migrated into the building, and encountered an ignition source.  Investigators feel that this source came from the starting of a truck that was located inside the garage area of this building.  At that time, the fire and explosion occurred.  
This incident remains under investigation by KSP Post 13, the State Fire Marshall’s Office, and the Dept. of Natural Resources.

e-Health Network Board to Participate in National Project
Kentucky Joins Effort to Assess Health Information Systems
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 23, 2006) – The Cabinet for Health and Family Services learned today that CHFS and the Kentucky e-Health Network Board will participate in a project spearheaded by RTI International, the National Governors Association and the federal Department for Health and Human Services to improve the effectiveness of electronic health information exchange.
The project, the Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (HISPC), is intended to assess how business policies, practices and state laws related to privacy and security affect the exchange of electronic health information. The overarching goal is to provide a broad assessment of current practices in order to develop a nationwide electronic health information network.
RTI and HHS sent contract proposals for the project to governor’s offices around the country. Governor Ernie Fletcher designated the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) to apply for this contract and work collaboratively with the Kentucky Healthcare Infrastructure Authority, a cooperative venture by the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky.
“In the spirit of Senate Bill 2, the legislation that created the e-Health Network Board, we wanted to bring the best minds from the universities and the cabinet as well as the private sector together to move forward with this project,” said Governor Fletcher. “By participating, Kentucky will play an important role in improving health outcomes and efficiency on a national level. We’re excited about getting started and moving closer to the goal set forth by President Bush of having the majority of American’s medical records in electronic format by 2014.”
The project will require a steering committee and additional working groups. Numerous volunteers representing all areas of the health care field have been recruited to participate in the work, which will take place between May 2006 and March 2007.
“This project brings many people to the table from academics to health care practitioners to representatives from the legal and insurance fields. It will be a great collaboration,” said CHFS Chief of Staff Shawn M. Crouch. “Not only will this allow us to advance e-Health in Kentucky, we will play a role in informing national efforts.”

Slow Down To Get There
Safety Message Urges Motorists to be Cautious & Reduce Speeds in Roadway Work Zones
JACKSON, KY. - (April 3, 2006) -- Warmer weather signals the beginning of road construction season. In an effort to spotlight work zone safety, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), its employees, highway contractors and law enforcement officers are reminding drivers to slow down, be attentive and drive cautiously through work zones.
“It is the Transportation Cabinet’s number one priority to ensure that our road crews are working in the safest environment possible,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert. “These men and women risk their lives every day and every night so that we can safely drive to our destinations.”
The theme for the national work zone safety campaign is “Working at the Speed of Night.” Building upon the national safety theme, KYTC is coordinating work zone safety events in every highway district. The month-long work zone safety campaign continues with an event tonight along KY 15 in Breathitt County.
“Driving conditions change drastically inside many work zones,” said Linda Wagner-Justice, chief district engineer in District 10 of the Transportation Cabinet. “Regardless of the time of day or night, drivers should slow down, expect the unexpected and use extreme caution when driving in a work zone.”
The backdrop for tonight’s event will be the KY 15 relocation project in Breathitt County. Although none of the work being done on this project currently takes place along the present highway alignment during evening hours, evening construction activity will occur this summer in many other locations across the state. The primary nighttime impact for drivers on KY 15 is from barrier walls, changing traffic patterns, and temporary pavement markings and signage.
In Kentucky, there were eight fatalities in work zones during 2005, and six of the eight victims were either drivers or passengers of motor vehicles that crashed inside the work zone. There were also 198 injuries from the 528 total traffic crashes in work zones statewide last year, including one injury and 12 accidents in District 10.
During 2004, there were four fatalities in work zones statewode along with 177 injuries and 560 total crashes. Fortunately, the statistics from 2004 and 2005 are better than in 2003. During 2003 there were nine fatalities, 317 injuries and 826 total traffic crashes in Kentucky work zones.
“One accident in a work zone is one too many. Safety in a construction zone concerns workers and the motoring public,” said Charles Lovorn, executive director of the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors. “The construction industry wants the work zone to be safe for everyone. This requires the workers to be aware of their position on the job and requires the motorist to be aware of a safe driving speed, the conditions of traffic flow and to be attentive as they drive through a work zone. One small, careless, mistake by either the worker or the motorist can cause a severe accident.”
KYTC work zone safety events are being held in all 12 highway districts across the state.
Law enforcement officers will also be constantly monitoring work zones for speeding and reckless drivers. The District 10 work zone safety event coincides with a Drive Smart safety enforcement blitz along KY 15 in Wolfe, Breathitt and Perry counties. Work zone safety is a growing roadway safety concern in the United States and Kentucky.
“Our responsibility is to ensure traffic laws are followed so we can create the safest possible environment for drivers,” said Greg Howard, commissioner of Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement. “We take that responsibility very seriously. The safety of the workers and of the people who are in vehicles going through work zones is at stake.”
Statistics from the Federal Highway Administration indicate there were more than 800 work zone fatalities in the U.S. during 2004, which is the most recent complete years’ data.

Safety experts have compiled a “top 10” list of safe driving tips for motorists to remember when traveling through a construction zone. Those tips are:
1.      Expect the unexpected!
2.      Slow down!
3.      Don't tailgate! Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you.
4.      Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the construction workers and their equipment.
5.      Pay attention to the signs!
6.      Obey road crew flaggers!
7.      Stay alert and minimize distractions!
8.      Keep up with the traffic flow.
9.      Schedule enough time to drive safely. Call 5-1-1 or go to www.511.ky.gov for Kentucky traffic and travel information.
10.     Be patient and stay calm.

Laurel man indicted for meth lab
An East Bernstadt man accused of operating a methamphetamine lab and possessing explosive devices meant to protect it is back in jail following an indictment by a Laurel County Grand Jury.
The 34-year-old Robbie Brummett was indicted March 17 on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, unlawful possession of meth precursors, fourth-degree controlled substance endangerment of a child and possession of a booby-trap device.
Brummett, of Highway 1228, turned himself in at the London Police Department about 10 a.m. Thursday, March 23, and was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.
Operation UNITE detectives originally arrested Brummett on Tuesday, December 6, after 3-4 grams of methamphetamine and components of a recently used lab were discovered in a shed. Police also discovered several “highly explosive and dangerous” bombs intended to be used as booby-traps.
“All he would have had to do is to hook them up to a detonating device in order to set them off,” Joel Cunigan, manger of UNITE’s Cumberland Drug Task Force, said at the time.
The case against Brummett was dismissed without prejudice in February because detectives did not have all the evidence in hand that then needed to present the case and obtain an indictment. Kentucky’s “Rules of Criminal Procedure” (Section 522.2) state that a defendant who has been held to answer a charge for 60 days but has not been indicted shall be discharged from custody.
With all the information in hand, detectives presented their case to the March grand jury and obtained a sealed indictment.
This case marks what is believed to be the first time in Kentucky a person had been charged with controlled substance endangerment of a child, a statute created as a result of Senate Bill 63 passed by the 2005 General Assembly. The bill also allows police to charge a person with manufacturing meth when two or more chemicals or items of equipment are found if intent to produce can be shown, and increases the degree of the offense if a firearm is used in furtherance of a drug-related crime.
“The value of Senate Bill 63 to law enforcement agencies is tremendous,” said Karen Engle, executive director of UNITE. “The bill passed unanimously because of the collective voice of citizens from southern and eastern Kentucky. It proves the power of coalitions to make a difference in their communities.”
UNITE had gone to Brummett’s home as part of an ongoing investigation. When initially approached Brummett refused to give consent for detectives to search his property. “Based upon our original information and conversations with the suspect, however, we secured the scene, proceeded to obtain a search warrant, and called for additional personnel.”
A short time later, detectives returned with a search warrant signed by Laurel Circuit Court Judge Greg Lay. Assisting in the search were Brian Reams, Laurel County Public Safety and Homeland Security director, and a Kentucky State Police K-9 unit.
Upon locating what looked like an improvised explosive device officials locked down the premises and called for the Kentucky State Police Bomb Squad and the ATF.
“Once they arrived and started looking in the building we also found monofilament fishing line running inside that may have been intended to trigger one of the explosive devices,” Cunigan noted.
Two containers wrapped in black electrical tape containing gunpowder and a rocket motor were discovered along with an air bag that had been removed from a vehicle – which can cause serious injury when deployed. All three explosive devices were destroyed at the home by members of the KSP Bomb Squad.
Other agencies assisting with the investigation were the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office and the Laurel County Hazardous Materials Team.


Senior Citizens Prom 3-20-06
The Kentucky River Area Development District, Area Agency on Aging, Senior Circle, and the Breathitt County Senior Citizens held the Breathitt County Senior Citizens Intergenerational Prom on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 at the Breathitt County Senior Citizens Center from 10:00 a.m. thru 1:00 p.m.  Jackson City High School students, in formal attire, came together in a festive atmosphere as dates for Breathitt County Senior Citizens and residents from the Nim Henson Nursing Home.  There were around 150 total senior citizen and student participants.  The highlight of the event was when the King, Queen, Prince and Princess of the Dance were crowned.  The Breathitt County Senior Citizens Intergenerational Sweetheart Dance royalty included the following Claude Stevens - King, Thelma Watkins- Queen, Michael Oghia- Prince and Monica Moralis- Princess.
This event was a huge success!  It was an opportunity for both the young and more mature generations to get together and share experiences and learn from one another.   
Sponsors for this event included: Kentucky River Area Development District Area Agency on Aging, First National Bank of Jackson, Senior Circle, Jackson Woman’s Club, Jackson Kiwanis Club,  Jackson City Schools, Breathitt County Senior Citizens, Middle Kentucky River Area Development Council, Slone’s Market, McDonald’s, Town & Country Florist, Wal-Mart,  IGA, Coke, Jiffy Mart, Wendy’s, True Value,  Save-A-Lot, Hardee’s, Subway, Pizza Hut, & Silver Treasures of Beattyville, Kentucky.  Thanks to all the sponsors without you we would not have been able to have made this event such a huge success!


MINER KILLED IN ROOF FALL IN PIKE COUNTY
Was operating roof bolting machine
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2006) – A miner was fatally injured Jan. 10, 2006 in a roof fall accident at Maverick Mining Co. LLC No. 1 mine in Pike County.
            The victim, Cornelius Yates, 44. of Shelbiana, was operating a roof bolting machine when a section of the mine roof approximately 20 feet wide, 4 ˝ feet thick and 10 feet long fell.  The Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing Mine Rescue Team was dispatched to the scene immediately.
“We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Yates. 
Mine safety is a top priority for Governor Fletcher’s administration. In spite of having had two years with the lowest number of active mining fatalities in Kentucky’s history, we commit to working even harder to do everything we can to continue to improve safety in the mines,” said LaJuana S. Wilcher, secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC).
            The accident occurred approximately 2:55 p.m.
The accident is being jointly investigated by the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.
It was Kentucky’s first mine fatality of 2006.

Knott County Man Dies in Accident  11-28-05
On 11/14/05 Kentucky State Police Post 13 received a 911 call reporting a motorist had struck a pedestrian. A pick-up truck driven by Stephen Strong of Kite, Ky. Was traveling on Hwy. 582 in the Pinetop community of Knott County. Mr. Strong rounded a curve and a pedestrian identified as Grover Slone age 72 of Pinetop was standing in the roadway. Mr. Strong was unable to avoid Mr. Slone resulting in the vehicle striking him. Grover Slone was pronounced dead at the scene by Knott County Coroners Office. The accident is remains under investigation by Tr. Loren Holliday.

Perry County Man dies following car crash by Leah Jett 10-31-05
     According to Sargent Joe Engle with Hazard City Police Olen Beverly age 21 of the Vicco community in Perry County passed away at The University of Tennesee Medical Center on October 19th.
    Beverly had been transported to U of T following a car wreck that occurred on October 13th near the intersection on Highway 15 North Hazard. The accident happened when the truck Beverly was driving crossed the center line and collided with another vehicle.
    Police stated that the traffic was backed up for a long period of time on HWY 15. The accident occurred near the busy intersection in Hazard where Food City and Applebee's Resturant are located.

Second Group of KSP Officers in Awe of Katrina Devastation; Troopers Involved in Louisiana Pursuit, Capture
(FRANKFORT, KY) ---Reports received from the first wave of Kentucky State Police troopers sent to hurricane-stricken Gulf areas last week still didn't prepare the second contingents, which were awe-struck at the devastation in Mississippi and Louisiana.
KSP Major Wayne Mayfield, who headed the Mississippi group this week, said he had never witnessed anything like it. "I worked flood details in St. Louis, but nothing compares to this," Mayfield said. "What you see in the images on TV and in newspapers doesn't begin to show everything. Plus the smells ... like huge garbage dumps."
Fourteen KSP troopers are in Mississippi this week and 37 are in Louisiana.
Mayfield, who is in Louisiana at the moment, said KSP troopers there were involved in a high-speed pursuit on Tuesday. Two officers in a marked KSP cruiser were patrolling Interstate 12 near St. Tammany Parish, when a vehicle passed the cruiser in the emergency lane at a high rate of speed.
A trooper in a second marked KSP cruiser about 100 yards up the interstate began pursuing the vehicle as it passed his cruiser. The suspect exited the interstate and headed onto U.S. 11, driving in the wrong lane into oncoming traffic before losing control of his vehicle. KSP officers and a Louisiana state trooper converged at the scene while the suspect tried to flee on foot. He resisted arrest as KSP officers, all of whom have been sworn in as Louisiana state troopers, took the man into custody. There were no injuries and the man was charged with, among other things, driving under the influence, reckless driving, aggravated flight and as a fugitive for failure to appear in court.
KSP Commissioner Mark L. Miller said this example, along with the KSP troopers who helped capture a dangerous prison escapee in Mississippi last week, showed the hazards of this detail. "While we're helping many evacuees to find food, water, medical attention and shelter, our primary obligation is enforcement of the law," said Miller. "It's a highly-charged atmosphere after any disaster, and this makes pursuit of fugitives just that much more perilous." 
Mayfield, and Captain Bill Payton who heads up the Louisiana KSP detail, said that while people are still in a state of shock, evacuees and citizens have shown amazing resiliency. "Everybody's pulling together, power and water gradually are being restored," said Mayfield. "Everybody's amazingly in good spirits, and the Louisiana and Mississippi law enforcement officers have been very hospitable. It's been humbling for us."
The two KSP details are expected to return to Kentucky this weekend. KSP may send additional troops in the future as the hurricane-ravaged states evaluate needs and which agencies can best meet those needs.