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| Sandy Hook Man Arrested
4-21-08 (FRANKFORT, KY) -On April 17, 2008, Brent Carlton Conley, age 48, of Sandy Hook, Ky., was arrested by the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Section as the result of a joint investigation with the Knoxville Police Department as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Conley was charged with unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activities, possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor and distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor. He was lodged in the Carter County Detention Center under a $150,000 bond. The investigation is continuing. Financial Aid Tip of the Month, December 2007 Things you need to know about student loans One fact of life for most college students is that they will need student loans to help pay for their college education. Many times their parents will also need to take out loans to help them, so both students and parents need to learn more about student loans and how to save money on these loans. The Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) includes Federal Stafford Loans for students. FFELP loans will have a lender and a guarantor. The lender can charge an origination fee on Stafford Loans, similar to the points on a home mortgage, of up to 1.5 percent. The guarantor must charge a federal default fee of 1 percent. Those fees are deducted before the loan funds are sent to the student’s college. Not all FFELP lenders charge the same fee. The Student Loan People, the state’s only public nonprofit student loan provider, charge no origination fee and pays the federal default fee for borrowers. To be smart shoppers, students and parents should find out what fees each lender charges. The lower the fees, the more money the student gets to pay for school. On PLUS Loans, lenders are required to charge a 3 percent origination fee, while guarantors must charge the 1 percent default fee. Some lenders will pay the default fee for borrowers. Students and parents should also see what benefits lenders offer when they’re paying back Stafford loans. Many FFELP lenders offer interest rate reductions for automatic withdrawals and reductions to the principal for a history of on-time payments. The Student Loan People offer BestStart Stafford loans with better benefits than most national lenders. The agency also offers BestPLUS loans for parents borrowing to pay for a child’s undergraduate education and BestGrad Loans for graduate and professional students. In addition, some lenders offer benefits when it comes to paying back student loans. Before picking a lender, students and parents should compare lenders to see which offers the best benefits both when taking out the loan and when paying it back. Choosing the right lender can save them hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, visit www.GoHigherKY.org. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798 , Frankfort , KY 40602-0798 ; or call (800) 928-8926, extension 7381. Drainage pipe installation to result in closure of KY 2028 in Wolfe County on Saturday, Sept. 29 JACKSON, KY – (Sept. 14, 2007) – Personnel from the Kentucky Department of Highways, Wolfe County Maintenance, will install a drainage pipe on KY 2028, Flat-Mary Road, at milepoint 2.2 on Saturday, Sept. 29. 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. CHARITABLE GAMING OFFICE ARRESTS HARLAN COUNTY WOMAN $17,000 missing from Middlesboro VFW post accounts FRANKFORT , Ky. (July 6, 2007) – The Kentucky Office of Charitable Gaming (OCG) Thursday arrested a Harlan County woman on charges of stealing an estimated $17,000 from a local charity. Julie L. Weedman, 36, of Evarts surrendered to OCG investigator Michael Doane. She faces 107 counts in all - 55 counts of felony second-degree forgery, 44 counts of felony diversion of charitable gaming funds over $300, and eight counts of misdemeanor diversion of charitable gaming funds. Weedman was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center in Pineville. Weedman is the former treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Lodge 11139 in Middlesboro. Last fall the charity’s president, Patricia Howard, was notified by its bank of a bounced check, even though the organization believed it had thousands of dollars in its accounts. The lodge filed a complaint with the Office of Charitable Gaming in November. OCG conducted an investigation during which Weedman was questioned and the charity’s financial records were examined. Investigators concluded that Weedman had forged Howard’s signature on checks, cashed the checks and pocketed the money. Weedman’s preliminary hearing on the charges is expected to take place soon in Bell County District Court. OCG is part of the Department of Public Protection in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. Boswell urges action on skyrocketing gasoline prices FRANKFORT - Senator David Boswell, D-Sorgho, today urged members of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation to take action on the skyrocketing gasoline prices. "Today drivers are paying around $50 per tank at the pump across the state," said Boswell. "Gasoline prices continue to increase supposedly due to shortages, but oil companies are making record profits." Boswell urged congressional members to examine every possible avenue to implement price gouging legislation. He called their attention to Kentucky's law which already prohibits price gouging in limited emergency situations. "Price gouging is a national issue that needs federal action to get at the real problem," said Boswell. "It is my understanding that there is no federal law against price gouging on gas." This letter was sent to each member of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation May 3, 2007 I am writing you and other members of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation about the skyrocketing gasoline prices. Our state's citizens cannot afford gasoline for travel to and from work and other daily uses as prices continue to increase. I urge you to examine every possible avenue to implement price gouging legislation. As you may know, the Kentucky General Assembly passed price gouging legislation in 2004. The Kentucky law prohibits price increases during a declared emergency which are grossly in excess of the price charged for goods immediately prior to the emergency. This type of legislation should be considered for adoption on the federal level. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, David Boswell State Senator CC: Governor Ernie Fletcher, Attorney General Greg Stumbo, Senate President David Williams and House Speaker Jody Richards HEALTH ALERT: OZONE SEASON BEGINS Children, elderly, those with lung ailments most affected FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 1, 2007) - The Division for Air Quality (DAQ) announces the beginning of ozone season, when harmful ground-level ozone - commonly known as smog - is most likely to form. DAQ conducts ozone monitoring from March 1 through Oct. 31 each year. “The health of sensitive populations, including children, the elderly, and those with lung conditions, is most likely to be affected by ground-level ozone,” DAQ Director John Lyons said. “Everyone can help limit smog by maintaining vehicles properly, refueling after 6 p.m., and combining errands into one trip,” said Elizabeth Robb, DAQ environmental education specialist. A map of current and forecasted air quality conditions is available at www.airnow.gov <http://www.airnow.gov/>. DAQ also offers a toll-free number - 800-AIR-IN-KY - with up-to-date regional air quality information. Kentucky’s actions in recent years to improve air quality enabled DAQ to petition the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in June 2006 to remove Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, and Boyd counties from the list of counties not meeting the federal ozone standard of 0.08 parts per million (PPM). Action on the petition is pending. In October, EPA’s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee recommended that the standard be tightened to better protect the health of sensitive populations. The committee will hold a public teleconference on Monday, March 5, to accept public comment on a staff paper that recommends reducing the standard level to a range somewhat below 0.08 to 0.06 PPM. EPA has agreed to propose action to revise or retain the current ozone standards by June 20, 2007, and take final action by March 12, 2008. Six Die On Kentucky Roadways During Christmas Holiday Period (FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that six people died in six separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways during the Christmas holiday period from 6:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25, 2006. Preliminary data* indicates alcohol was a suspected factor in two of the six crashes. Five of the crashes involved motor vehicles and one involved a motorcycle. All five of the motor vehicle victims were not wearing seat belts. The motorcycle victim was not wearing a helmet. The motor vehicle crashes occurred in Gallatin, Johnson, Kenton, Pike and Shelby counties. The motorcycle fatality occurred in Lyon County. Through Dec. 26, 2006, a total of 898 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways. Of the 757 motor vehicle fatalities, 488 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 73 motorcycle victims, 48 were not wearing helmets. Of the 10 ATV victims, none were wearing helmets. There have been 53 pedestrian fatalities and five bicycle fatalities. Through the same period in 2005, 977 people had lost their lives on Kentucky roadways. The Kentucky State Police and their partners in local police and sheriff’s departments will continue their increased vigilance on roadways throughout the state during the New Year’s holiday period, which begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, 2006 and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2007. Traffic safety checkpoints as well as saturation patrols will continue throughout this period with special emphasis on seat belt violations, speeding and impaired driving. Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. TRANSPORTATION CABINET ANNOUNCES $300,000 IN FUNDING FOR OWSLEY COUNTY Money Earmarked For County Road Improvement Projects Booneville, KY - (Aug. 22, 2006) - Governor Ernie Fletcher and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announced today that $300,000 in Transportation Cabinet bond funds have been awarded for projects in Owsley County. On behalf of the Governor, Secretary of the Transportation Cabinet Bill Nighbert presented ceremonial checks to local officials during a Cabinet function at the Lee County Community Center in Beattyville this afternoon. "This administration is determined to maintain and improve the highway system across this Commonwealth," said Secretary Nighbert. "Governor Fletcher's goal for Owsley County ist he same as it is for any other part of the state. We want quality roads that lead to quality jobs for the residents of Owsley County. It's all part of our commitment to building strong communities across Kentucky." The KYTC bond funds will be used in the following manner: $300,000 to resurface various Owsley County roads. In the past two years local governments have received more additional state funding for their local road systems than at any other time in the history of the commonwealth. Photo PRIDE: $33,500 awarded for environmental education in Breathitt County SOMERSET, KY — More than 1,000 students in Breathitt County will benefit from $33,500 in PRIDE Environmental Education Grants during the upcoming school year. Highland-Turner Elementary School received a grant in the amount of $4,500 to enhance the school’s outdoor classroom and nature trail. The project will benefit 250 students this year, according to the school’s grant application. Marie Roberts-Caney Elementary School was awarded $5,000 to construct outdoor classroom. The school expects 349 students to use the facility this year. Rousseau Elementary received $5,000 to construct a greenhouse. 90 students are expected to benefit from the project this year. Jackson Independent School also will use a $5,000 grant to construct a greenhouse. The school expects 450 students to benefit from the project this year. Mt. Carmel Elementary received a grant for $5,000. The funds will be used to construct a greenhouse, which will benefit 100 students in the first year. Oakdale Christian Academy was awarded $5,000 for a project that will benefit 70 students this year. The school will construct an outdoor classroom and nature trail. Riverside Christian School will use a $4,000 grant to make improvements to the school’s greenhouse. The school expects that 70 students will benefit from the project this year. “By pursuing the grants, these schools, teachers and community groups have shown their dedication to educating our children to be goods stewards of the world around them,” said Karen Deaton, who is PRIDE’s education director and executive director of Riverwoods, the PRIDE environmental education center that is being developed. “Environmental education creates life-long lessons,” Deaton continued. “These grant awards will help expose children to nature in fun ways, like testing water quality in a local stream. When students are excited about learning, they carry that knowledge into the future. If they learn now to appreciate and care for the environment, this region will be cleaner for their children.” Schools and nonprofit organizations apply for PRIDE Environmental Education Grants, which are worth up to $5,000 each. The grants are for hands-on learning projects that help young people understand the importance of a clean environment, personal responsibility and community pride. Grant recipients must match the one-year grants with a monetary or in-kind contributions worth 25 percent of the grant amount. PRIDE awarded 112 grants this year, totaling $502,922. Since 1997, PRIDE has invested $3,350,963 in environmental education grants. They have been used to start 32 school-wide recycling projects and build 343 outdoor classrooms, 98 greenhouses, and 57 nature trails. Eastern Kentucky PRIDE — Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment — serves 38 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky. PRIDE is a nonprofit organization that promotes environmental education and encourages citizens to clean up the region’s waterways and hillsides. Started in 1997 by Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-5) and the late James Bickford, former Secretary of the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet, PRIDE is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. PHOTO CAPTIONS: Breathitt County’s PRIDE grant recipients were recently trained to follow guidelines for administering their federal funds. In these photos, Karen Deaton of PRIDE presented certificates to those who completed the training at Hazard and Prestonsburg. The trainees in Hazard were (left to right): Karen Tharp and Mary Ann Howard of Rousseau Elementary; Barbara Mullins, Jason Fugate and Teresa Turner representing Marie Roberts-Caney Elementary; Lawrence Monroe of Riverside Christian School; and Debra Johnson of Highland-Turner Elementary. Representatives of Mt. Carmel Elementary, who attended the Prestonsburg training workshop, were: Doris Richmond, Steve Richmond, Lynda Rose, Ruby Brown and Charles Riley. Kentucky Law Enforcement Turns on the Blue Lights to Promote Summer Traffic Safety FRANKFORT, KY: Justice Cabinet Secretary General Norman E. Arflack along with several law enforcement officials across the state today announce the Commonwealth’s upcoming summer traffic safety campaign, “Blue Lights Across the Bluegrass.” The campaign will run from July 1 through July 31, 2006. “July 1 to 31 last year, there were 10,617 vehicle collisions. Six hundred ninety-three involved exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions. Six hundred seven collisions involved alcohol. More than 4,000 people were injured and 85 people died,” said Justice Cabinet Secretary and Acting KSP Commissioner, Norman E. Arflack. “The presence today of state and local police agencies from across this Commonwealth demonstrates the kind of dedication and commitment it will take to try and keep our roadways safer.” “Summer is the peak travel season and we need to increase driver safety awareness," said Kentucky State Police Lt. Eric Walker, commander of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “I want the public to know police will be conducting checkpoints and concentrated patrols will be active on interstates, secondary corridors and local highways, especially high-crash locations. Law enforcement officers will not hesitate to stop motorists who are speeding, not buckled up or suspected of driving under the influence. It’s a matter of protecting the public and saving lives.” A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that more motor vehicle deaths occur on July 4 than any other day of the year. July 2 and 3 are also among the ten deadliest days on the U.S. roadways. The mobilization will focus on speeding, impaired driving and failure to use safety belts. These three behaviors are among the top causes of fatalities and serious injuries in traffic crashes. “The public’s best protection -- and sometimes only protection -- on the roadway is their safety belt,” said Arflack. “I urge Kentucky citizens to do their part. Please buckle up, drive safely and be mindful of others on the road.” Also speaking in support of “Blue Lights Across the Bluegrass” were Henderson Police Chief Ed Brady, president of the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police, Harrison County Sheriff Bruce Hampton, president of the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement Commissioner Greg Howard. FIVE KILLED, ONE RESCUED IN HARLAN COUNTY MINE ACCIDENT Governor Fletcher: ‘Tragic loss felt by everyone’ HOLMES MILL, Ky. (May 20, 2006) – Five miners were killed in an explosion early today at an underground coal mine operated by Kentucky Darby LLC in Harlan County. A sixth miner was rescued and treated at a hospital. Governor Ernie Fletcher, who flew to the site, promised a thorough investigation of the accident. He personally expressed condolences to families of the victims and restated his commitment to mine safety. “This is a tragic loss that is felt by everyone in the Commonwealth,” Governor Fletcher said. “Coal mining is hazardous work. Our administration recognizes that and has worked for improved safety in our mines. We value all of our coal mining men and women, and we want to do what we can to ensure that they all go home safely at the end of their shift.” Ten miners have been killed in Kentucky so far in 2006. There were five fatalities – the record low – in both 2004 and 2005. The state recorded 12 mining fatalities in 2000. Since then, the number of state inspections per year has virtually doubled – to 2,191 in 2005, compared with 1,081 in 2000. The administration last month won passage of legislation to enhance mine safety enforcement. The legislation takes effect in July. The Kentucky Darby No. 1 Mine is at Holmes Mill, near the border with Virginia in northeastern Harlan County. Records at the Office of Mine Safety and Licensing (OMSL) show that the mine has been licensed by Ralph Napier since May 18, 2001. Five OMSL rescue teams were among responders to the accident, which occurred between 12:40 a.m. and 1 a.m. EDT. Upon reaching the mine site, Governor Fletcher personally thanked members of the rescue teams and remarked on the bravery of those who brought out the victims. He also telephoned victims’ relatives who could be reached. Rescuers found the injured miner, Paul Ledford, about 2,000 feet from the mine entrance. He was treated at Lonesome Pine Hospital in Big Stone Gap, Va., and released. Rescuers found three of the victims between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. The last two victims were located shortly before 9 a.m. Victims were identified as Amon Brock, of Closplint; Jimmy D. Lee, of Wallins Creek; George Petra, of Kenvir; and Paris Thomas Jr. and Roy Middleton, both of Evarts. OMSL, an agency of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, will investigate the accident. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OLLIE OTTER Clean water mascot turns 21 on Earth Day FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 17, 2006) - Ollie Otter, the Kentucky Water Watch mascot, will be 21 on Earth Day, April 22. In the years since his “birth,” Ollie has joined in various Water Watch activities to tell residents of the commonwealth, “You otter care about water.” The Water Watch program was developed by the Kentucky Division of Water as a way to involve citizens and communities in learning about the use and protection of water resources. The otter, which is dependent on clean water, provided a perfect mascot. Water Watch groups across the state “adopt” streams, lakes, wetlands and groundwater. The program accomplishes its goals of helping to protect the state's waters through volunteer monitoring, community education initiatives and community leadership and action. After participating in basic training programs that cover biological monitoring, visual assessment and chemical testing, as well as recording and reporting procedures, volunteers monitor various aspects of their adopted water bodies. For instance, they perform regular tests for basic water quality standards and relay information and data to the Division of Water. These groups are also involved in community education programs to help foster basic understanding of environmental issues within their communities. Find out more about Water Watch and how to become one of Ollie’s Water Watchers at http://www.water.ky.gov/ww/, or contact Ken Cooke, Water Watch coordinator, at (502) 564-3410 or by e-mail at Ken.Cooke@ky.gov. Kentuckians will join others across the world in celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 22. Spearheaded by the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, a number of state agencies, local governments, businesses and organizations have joined together to celebrate Earth Day in the Commonwealth. Some of these partners have organized environmental activities throughout the month of April while others are providing information and resources on protecting Kentucky’s environment. This is the third year in a row for a month-long, organized campaign in celebration of Earth Day. Among activities planned are hikes, special events, college campus programs, environmental award presentations and demonstrations of new, environmentally friendly technology. Visit the state Earth Day Web site at www.earthday.ky.gov <http://www.earthday.ky.gov/> to learn more about Kentucky's Earth Day celebration. West Jessamine Principal Charged With Arson (FRANKFORT, Ky.)--- The principal of West Jessamine High School who reported a fire at his Nicholasville residence March 14 has now been arrested and charged with second-degree arson in connection with the blaze, according to the Kentucky State Police (KSP). Albert L. Crout III, 39, of 191 Grace Lane, was taken into custody at the Jessamine County Detention Center Thursday afternoon (March 23) by arson investigator KSP Det. Kevin Dunn and released on bond. “It became apparent that there was no real explosion but rather a residential structure fire,” said Det. Dunn. “Further investigation revealed that it had been intentionally set.” The Jessamine County Fire Department responded to a report of an explosion and fire at Crout’s residence at approximately 6 p.m. March 14 and extinguished the blaze, which caused significant damage to two rooms. Crout was treated for minor injuries at the University of Kentucky Hospital and released. Crout’s wife and three children were not home at the time of the fire. Breathitt County Rodders, will be having cruise-in's, every third friday, April-November, at:Douthitt Park, Jackson, Ky, 6:00pm-Dark. Everyone is invited, bring your family & hotrod and join us. KY 1278 in Breathitt County to be closed for repairs Aug. 31-Sept. 2 JACKSON, KY - (Aug. 16, 2005) -- In order to install a culvert, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close KY 1278 (Watts-River Caney Road) at milepoint 5.227 in Breathitt County for three days. This closure is located 0.7 miles from KY 15 and will be in effect from 7 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31 through 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2. Traffic may detour by using Watts Road, also known as Old Lost Creek Road, which connects to KY 15 north of the KY 1278 intersection. In case of inclement weather, the culvert installation project will be postponed. This project will replace an aging wooden bridge with a multi-plate box culvert. Transportation Cabinet Award $445,914.80 in Highway Contracts in Estill County Estill County - (July 11, 2005) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is working to upgrade the highway network in Estill County. Two contracts for road construction, totaling $445,914.80, have been approved by the cabinet. "These projects reflect my administration's commitment to ensuring that drivers in Estill County are able to get to their workplaces, schools or other destinations with confidence that our state's roads are in the best condition possible," said Governor Ernie Fletcher. These two contracts call for correcting installing guardrail and resurfacing of more than seven miles of state highways in Estill County. The first contract provides for guardrail installation on KY 52, Irvine-Richmond Road, from the Madison County line to near Sand Hill Road. The George B. Stone Co., LLC, of Sharpburg, was awarded the low-bid contract for $120,570. The work will be completed by Oct. 31. The second project includes resurfacing of 7.41 miles on five state routes under one contract, including: * KY 594, Crooked Creek-Red Lick Road, from milepoint 5.963 to milepoint 8.263, a distance of 2.30 miles; * KY 851, Barnes Mountain Road, from milepoint 7.134 to KY 3329, a distance of 1.78 miles; * KY 1705, White Oak Road, from KY 89 to milepoint 1.400, a distance of 1.40 miles; * KY 3325, Winston-Possum Run-Sand Hill Road, from milepoint 2.395 to milepoint 3.231, a distance of 0.84 miles; and * KY 3327, Pea Ridge-West Irvine Road, from milepoint 1.179 to KY 52, a distance of 1.09 miles. Hinkle Contracting Corp. received the low-bid contract for $325,344.80. The work will be completed by Nov. 30. The Estill County projects are contained in one of the largest lettings ever in the Transportation Cabinet, and are part of more than $8.1 million in highway projects for District 10 awarded as part of the June bidding. The district includes Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Magoffin, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell and Wolfe counties. Statewide, more than $167 million worth of projects have been authorized. "These new projects will help to repair and upgrade our aging highway infrastructure and provide safer roads that will further economic development and enhance safe travel for Kentuckians," said acting Secretary Bill Nighbert. Construction activities are scheduled on a tentative basis and are subject to change depending on weather conditions. Congratulations to Dustin G.Turner on winning second place overall in the North Georgia Boy Scouts Bowl-A-Rama held Feb. 27th in Blairsville Georgia. Dustin was a very happy little Cub Scout as you can tell!! We are so proud of him. Dustin is a native of Breathitt County and has lots of relatives there. He wanted everyone to see his nice trophy....Congrats Dustin...Love, Mommy & Tommy Photo Here |
