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Lee County's "Trash Bash" a smash 5-3-08
114 volunteers cleaned the county
BEATTYVILLE, KY — More than 100 volunteers participated in Lee County's "Trash Bash" on April 12. Thanks to their community service, local travelers and tourists can now more fully enjoy the county's scenic beauty.
The 114 Trash Bash volunteers received free T-shirts, were eligible for door prizes, and were treated to a free picnic at Lee County Community Center on Happy Top. SouthEast Telephone Company provided, cooked and served the hotdogs at the picnic.
The volunteers also enjoyed the satisfaction of a job well done. They picked up 586 bags of trash, 33 tires and several loads of other debris from the county's roadways. A truckload of aluminum cans will be recycled by Boy Scout Troop 84.
"We appreciate everyone who came out and picked up litter during the Trash Bash," said Neeley Back, the Lee County Solid Waste Coordinator and PRIDE Co-Coordinator. "This truly is a community event, and it grows every year."
"We are especially proud of our Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts," added Sandy Gay, Lee County PRIDE Co-Coordinator. "The Boy Scouts have volunteered for every cleanup event we have had in Lee County."
Girl Scout Troop 645 and Boy Scout Troop 84 earned their PRIDE Environmental Action Award patches at the Trash Bash by performing four hours of conservation-related community service. Michelle Estes is the Girl Scout troop leader, and Phillip Lucas leads the Boy Scout trooop.
Macie Samples, who is a Girl Scout, won a $50 Savings Bond for bringing in the most unusual piece of trash. Her prize-winning trash was a roller skate with the laced-up boot still attached.
Boy Scout Troop 84 won a pizza party for being the Youth Group with the Most Volunteers.
The Downtown Beattyville Alliance won the plaque for Group with the Most Volunteers. The Alliance is a nonprofit organization comprised of downtown business owners, property owners and concerned citizens who have teamed together to improve all aspects of the downtown area. This was the first time the group participated in the Trash Bash. The volunteers in the group were Missy Shutts, Allen Begley, Joanne Dunaway, Teresa Mays, Glenna Cummins, Linda Smith, Bob Smith and Dana Coomer.
Alissa Kirby, Billy Hensley, Joseph Tipton and Shirley Reece won the four "Early Bird Awards." They showed they were the most eager cleanup participants by being the first volunteer to register in each of the four magisterial districts. Their prizes were PRIDE bags.
All volunteers' names were entered in a drawing for door prizes. Shoot Hoops basketballs went to Judge Steve Mays, Shirley Reese, Seldon Barker and Peggy Lynn Barker. Judy Smith and Macie Samples won $20 gift cards. Sara Estes and Krissy Simpkins won $100 Savings Bonds, which were donated by People's Exchange Bank. Peggy Barker and Dylan Riley won bicycles. Alissa Creech won two tickets to the University of Kentucky's football game against the University of South Carolina this fall.
The Trash Bash is Lee County's annual PRIDE Spring Cleanup event. Region-wide, the 2008 PRIDE Spring Cleanup was made possible by Wal-Mart, the exclusive Gold-Level Sponsor of the 2008 PRIDE Spring Cleanup, as well as the two Silver-Level Sponsors, Outdoor Venture Corporation/Shelter-Pro, LLC and SouthEast Telephone Company, and the Bronze-Level Sponsor Hinkle Contracting Corporatio

Statement from Kentucky State Police on Trooper B.J. Burton Case
“Today, a Casey County jury acquitted Trooper B. J. Burton on a charge of Reckless Homicide. This verdict confirms the conclusions of the Kentucky State Police’s internal investigation that Trooper Burton acted according to his training, and within the scope of Kentucky law when he responded to the resistance of the suspect, Billy G. Phillips, after his Driving Under the Influence arrest. After hearing expert testimony and the facts of the case, the jury unanimously acquitted Trooper Burton.
Kentucky State Troopers undergo extensive training in defensive tactics on how to respond to force used against them in accordance with Kentucky Revised Statutes. This case has demonstrated the risks and dangers that face Troopers on a daily basis as they provide law enforcement services for the Commonwealth. Now that all the facts are known, we hope the healing process can now begin after this unfortunate incident.”
Attribute to Lt. Colonel Dean Hayes, Acting Commissioner, Kentucky State Police

KSP ‘Tackle Seat’ Belt, Speed Violators and Underage Drinking with Football Themed Enforcement Campaign
Friday nights have become synonymous with high school football, stadium lights, marching bands and zealous fans. With that comes increased traffic and post-game activities. The fact is last year, the highest number of collisions occurred in September and October-specifically on Fridays during the evening hours. For this reason, the Kentucky State Police unveiled a new football themed enforcement campaign that will ‘tackle’ seat belt and speed violations and will also focus on underage drinking.
The statewide enforcement campaign is called “Friday Night Blue Lights” and the kick off event for this program was held at Central Hardin High School on August 24th. Activities for the evening included a safety both provided by the KSP Highway Safety Branch that included free promotional items with safety messaging and safe driving guides.
Troopers of the Kentucky State Police Post 7, Richmond , will increase patrols before and after football games and hold traffic safety checkpoints. Our goal for this campaign is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Kentucky roadways.
On Friday, September 21st, the Kentucky State Police Honor Guard will be presenting the Colors at the Madison Central High-vs. - George Rogers Clark football game in Richmond . Troopers and members of the Kentucky State Police Highway Safety Branch will also be in attendance, where they will answer questions concerning highway safety and pass out educational brochures. Promotional items will also be available for those in attendance.
The Kentucky State Police would like to remind drivers and especially young drivers of the following facts.
Buckle Up
Last year, there were 913 fatalities on Kentucky roadways.
65% of those fatalities were not wearing a seat belt.
Kentucky has the third lowest rate of seat belt usage among all states.
62% of teenage passenger vehicle occupants killed in fatal collisions were not wearing a seat belt.
Last year, Kentucky had the 10th highest teenage fatality rate in the nation.
Watch Your Speed
Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes.
Speed reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway.
Motorists under the age of 25 receive the highest number of speeding violations than any other age group.
Drive Sober
Speeding and alcohol use are clearly a deadly combination. Nationally, last year, 40% of drivers under the age of 21 who were involved in fatal crashes also had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher.
Driving Under The Influence is one of Kentucky ’s most-often committed and deadliest crimes.
Driving with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal in Kentucky . If you are under the age of 21, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .02 or greater.
According to preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2006, 17,941 people were killed in alcohol related crashes- an average of one every half-hour.
Last year in Kentucky , there were 28,785 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests.
You are 22 times more likely to be involved in a crash if your BAC is .15 or higher.

Breathitt Co. Shooting
On 07/03/07 at approximately 21:11 hrs. Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard received a call of a male subject being shot at Dons Pool Hall on Quicksand Road in the Jackson community of Breathitt County.
Upon arrival of Kentucky State Police it was found that Paul Collins received a gunshot wound to the stomach. Victim was removed by private vehicle and taken to Kentucky River Medical Center and later flown to U.K. Medical Center. Mr. Collins was listed in stable condition.
Preliminary investigation indicates that Roy Bowling , age 35 of Whick, Ky. has not been charged at this time. The case will be presented to the Breathitt County Grand Jury and the investigation continues by Det. Clayton Stamper.

Fire Story By: Alissa Shuck
All was lost Tuesday, May 1, 2007 for the owners of ‘Red River Outdoors’. Matt and Amy Tackett experienced the tragedy of loosing their home and office building to a fire. It was suspected that a truck (owned by Mr. and Mrs. Tackett) caught fire and the fire spread to their place of business and home leaving the place devastated. The local community has shown themselves to be true saviors. Mr. Tackett said that there were over 30 Climbers at the scene of the fire before the fire trucks were able to get there. Fire Departments from three different counties rushed to the scene and were able keep the fire from spreading to the woods. Matt and Amy have not given up hope. Mr. Tackett said that his precious wife is alive, who was in the office when the fire started, and that is all that matters. A special thanks goes out to the Fire Departments that were called to the scene, all of the climbers that helped so graciously, and to the local community and businesses that have provided shoes, clothes, and other necessary items. Red River Outdoors is still operational and cabins are available for rent as well as many other activities. Donations for the Tackett’s are also being accepted. Please call 859-230-3567 for more information.

WILDFIRES BURN ACROSS KENTUCKY
Structures lost in Estill , Ohio and Madison counties
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 8, 2007) – Yesterday was a busy day for wildland firefighters in Kentucky . There were 62 fires burning in the state consuming more than 1,000 acres. Three structures burned yesterday, including a barn valued at $30,000 in Ohio County , and a Hart County firefighter is being treated for severe burns.
Sadly, most of these fires were intentionally set. Thirty-three of the fires are suspected arson while at least 20 of the wildfires were caused by people burning outdoors and allowing their fire to burn out of control.
“Setting fires is not a game as some may think it is,” said Leah MacSwords, director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF). “In Kentucky arson is not tolerated, and those involved are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
KDF is asking for the public’s cooperation during this high fire danger period. Citizens are urged to delay any planned outdoor burning until conditions improve.
“We need help preventing additional wildfires,” said MacSwords. “We are very concerned about the safety of the firefighters battling these dangerous fires, as we have already had a serious injury to a volunteer firefighter.”
KDF reminds Kentuckians to contact the Kentucky Division for Air Quality and the Division of Waste Management before conducting any outdoor burning to ensure that no outdoor burning regulations are being violated. Citizens should also contact their local fire department because many communities have local burning restrictions.
You can also help by reporting suspicious behavior in areas where the fires are occurring by calling the Kentucky State Police, KDF, your local law enforcement agency or the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON (272-7766). If the information you provide leads to an indictment, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Stage Talk
by Martin Childers
(Martin Childers is Executive Director of the Jenny Wiley Theatre at Prestonsburg. His column about theatre happenings and back stage activities appears weekly.)
The weather’s cold now, but at JWT we are finalizing the task of casting the shows for the 2007 season that starts June 15.
The first auditions were held locally and almost a hundred people auditioned for various roles. Jenny Wiley Theatre will hire 28 adult/adult looking actors each year, and several of those roles are filled by performers from in and around our own region.
Scott Bradley, the Casting Director and I watched professional actors audition in New York City, Memphis and Atlanta as well as Prestonsburg. In all, we probably saw more than 1,000 actors.
The selection process is daunting, but our goal is to find the best singers, dancers and actors who will light up our stage with top-notch performances.
Two of our shows this season—Disney’s High School Musical and West Side Story--have extensive dance numbers with difficult choreography. Of course, that’s part of what makes audiences love them.   Some of the major roles in these two were filled with professional dancers selected from the New York auditions. Five excellent performers from our own area are also among those cast for these two shows— Cara Hall of Pikeville, Lana Johnson of Neon, Josey McCoy of Inez, Adam Hartsock of Pikeville, and Jasmine Osborne of Pikeville.
More excitement will be provided by some 37 performers from our Youth/Teen Company, who will appear in The Princess and The Pea and the ensemble of High School Musical. .
Along with our fourth production, Forever Plaid, our 43rd season looks to be a great one. You can find out more about our shows and cast, and some early-bird ticket bargains at our web site: www.jwtheatre.com.
Jenny Wiley Theatre is a non-profit organization and receives funding from individuals, corporations, Prestonsburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, Paintsville Tourism, the Kentucky Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Kentucky Department of Travel.

Caption for Photo: Whitney Trimble from Ivel, KY prepares to audition at the 2007 JWT Auditions held in Prestonsburg at the Big Sandy Community and Technical College.

Attorney General Stumbo Announces Illegal Internet Drug Packages Seized This Holiday Season
FRANKFORT, KY (December 22, 2006) –Attorney General Greg Stumbo today announced that agents of the Kentucky Bureau of Investigation (KBI) seized shipments of illegal Internet drugs over the past three days at shipping hubs in central and eastern Kentucky. An ongoing investigation revealed AVEE, a licensed out-of-state pharmacy, has been illegally shipping drugs to Kentucky residents from Florida .
“People are ordering drugs online from AVEE without talking to a doctor or having a legitimate medical need,” Stumbo said. “AVEE is shipping highly addictive drugs to users with absolutely no safeguards.”
In this seizure, the KBI confiscated 10,656 pills with a total street value of nearly $89,000, including 7,865 Hydrocodone tablets. The drugs were seized from shipping hubs in Frankfort , Langley , Lexington , London , and Louisville , Kentucky . Ultimately, the drugs were to be delivered to numerous other cities across the Commonwealth including Winchester , Eolia, Middlesboro, Lexington , Irvine , Danville , Cynthiana, Stanton , Science Hill, Versailles , Mallie, Pineville, Richmond , Paris , Stanford, Hazelgreen, Waynesburg, Flemingsburg, Jenkins, Sassafras, Mayking, Prestonsburg, Hazard, Salt Lick, McRoberts, Pippa Passes , Clay City , Nicholasville and LaGrange.
“This KBI seizure marks a milestone in the fight against drug abuse and a turning point in the advancement of Internet pharmacy law enforcement,” Stumbo said. “AVEE has become a major supplier of illegal drugs to Kentucky . The time for decisive action to end this threat is now.”
AVEE is suspected of shipping millions of doses of illegal drugs into Kentucky . The Attorney General’s KBI has developed innovative techniques to track these illegal drug sales and counteract constantly evolving criminal tactics.
“The Internet has a dark side, and we must think and act quickly to protect our communities from rampant drug abuse,” Stumbo explained. “I know this is a tough battle, but this enforcement program is second to none. Our team approach to Internet drug crime eradication is working.”
This drug seizure puts the KBI over the million dollar mark in contraband confiscation. Drugs with a black market value of $1,181,116.36 have been taken off the streets and out of the hands of addicts and dealers by the Attorney General’s Office since Senate Bill 63 was enacted last year. KBI agents are actively enforcing this new law as they develop cutting edge enforcement techniques. The law requires Internet and out-of-state pharmacies follow prescribed public safety rules or else face felony charges.
All drug sellers must obtain a permit from the Board of Pharmacy. Pharmacies must also comply with the KASPER monitoring system and display certification that they are a ‘Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site.’
KBI agents are working in cooperation with Kentucky State Police, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Kentucky National Guard, Florida Office of the Attorney General and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in their efforts to crack down on rogue Internet pharmacies shipping drugs into Kentucky .
Attorney General Greg Stumbo points to illegal Internet Drugs seized from licensed out-of-state pharmacy by KBI agents. KBI Commissioner, David James, looks on .

Fatal Collision in Owsley Co.
Unit #1 was traveling East on KY 28. Unit #1 crossed over the centerline and struck Unit #2. Unit #1 then traveled over an embankment on the right side of the roadway. The operator of Unit #1 had to be extricated from the vehicle and was flown to UK Medical Center where he later died as a result of his injuries. The operator of Unit #2 was not injured. The collision remains under investigation by Trooper Joe Lucas.

Habitat Update
Many volunteers come out to help and show respect to there community
Hyden Citizens Bank provided the food for the volunteers that day....thanks to Hyden Citizens Bank, and the "proud owner" Brenda and family

Photo #1                    Photo#2                 Photo#3

Breathitt Fiscal Court Sell Ambulance Service
During the regular monthly meeting of the Breathitt Fiscal Court, bids were opened for the sale of the county ambulance service and the service was sold to Trans-Star Ambulance Service.
Bidding on the service was Canoe Volunteer Fire Dept, Bobby Thorpe, Jr, Eagle Medical Transport, Trans-Star Ambulance Service and Empire Ambulance Service.
The winning bid totaled approximately $225,000.00 and included the 911 calls and all equipment listed on the equipment list.
Paul Lafferty, CEO and President of Trans-Star Ambulance said “our goal is to provide a full service organization including BLS and ALS transportation and soon will offer critical care transport”.
According to the CEO, Trans-Star operates ambulances services in Leslie, Knott, and Floyd counties and employees approximately 100 medical staff. They began operations in 1998.
Trans-Star will be accepting applications in Breathitt County on Saturday July 1 from 5pm-7pm at the Jetts Shopping Center Ste 213 located above Town and Country Florists.

Caption for photo: From left to right, Bobby Moore-EMT, Tracy Neice-District Director, Paul Allen Lafferty-President and CEO, and Brandon Spencer-Asst. CE O.

Governor Fletcher & Transportation Cabinet Award $532,773.50 Contract for Highway Improvements in Wolfe County
JACKSON, KY - (May 12, 2006) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is working to upgrade the highway network in Wolfe County in the Department of Highways District 10. One road improvement contract for $532,773.50 has been approved by the cabinet.
“Kentuckians deserve to travel on safe, smooth highways,” said Governor Ernie Fletcher. “These projects reflect my administration's commitment to ensuring that drivers in Kentucky are able to get to work school and other destinations with the confidence that our state's roads are in the best condition possible. Our vision is to provide a safe and reliable transportation network that leads to economic opportunities. These projects show how this administration is fulfilling this vision.”
The contract calls for resurfacing of 3.60 miles of KY 15, Campton-Jackson Road, from milepoint 5.0 extending north to milepoint 8.6 near Elkins Road. Hinkle Contracting Corp. of Paris was awarded the low-bid contract. The work is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 15.
District 10 consists of the counties of Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Magoffin, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell and Wolfe in east-central and southeast Kentucky. Nearly $1.9 million has been awarded for projects in District 10 during the latest round of contract approvals. Statewide, more than $104 million worth of projects have recently been authorized.
“Through the leadership of Governor Fletcher, 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 all Kentuckians,” said Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert.
Construction activities are scheduled on a tentative basis and are subject to change depending on weather conditions. Motorists are asked to "Drive Smart" in work zones and be aware of workers and construction equipment when traveling in areas where projects are ongoing.

KSP urges Tire Safety
(FRANKFORT, Ky.)--- April 23-29 is National Tire Safety Week and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) urges drivers to be aware of tire safety and maintenance all year-round.
“The hardest part about checking tires is remembering to do it,” said KSP Commissioner Mark L. Miller. “All it takes is about five minutes to check inflation pressure and look for obvious signs of damage, cuts and excessive or uneven wear.”
Tire experts recommend performing these checks monthly and before long road trips. Drivers should follow the air pressure guidelines provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Tire tread is easily checked with a simple penny coin. When the coin is placed into the shallowest groove of the tire, the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head should be visible. If it is not, it is time to buy new tires.
Tire replacement should be performed properly. When replacing only two tires, mount them on the rear to improve traction in wet conditions. Tire rotation and alignment are also important in improving performance and lengthening tire life. Spring is a particularly critical time for realignment since vehicle suspensions take a battering from winter-induced potholes.
“When you think about it, your tires are the only thing between you and the road,” said Miller. “Proper tire maintenance can save time, money and lives.”

Veteran Talks about F.A.I.R   3-30-06
As a veteran, I am extremely disappointed in Senator Jim Bunning’s recent vote with regard to the so-called budget point of order vote taken during the Senate’s consideration of the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution (FAIR) Act.
This critical legislation for veterans is the last best hope for Congress to compensate veteran’s sick with asbestos-related diseases.
Fellow Senator Mitch McConnell spoke for Kentucky’s veterans when he voted “yes” to dismiss the meaningless budget point of order raised by opponents of the bill.
Unfortunately, Senator Bunning did not join his colleague. His “no” vote – and the “no” votes cast by other Senators – stalled consideration of the bill. Without the FAIR Act, veterans who were exposed to toxic asbestos while serving their country and who now suffer from fatal diseases will continue to be denied compensation.
While there may be room for improvements in the FAIR Act, it remains the most viable solution to the asbestos problem. The bill would remove asbestos claims from an overwhelmed court system compensate sick asbestos victims from a privately financed trust fund.
The FAIR Act would provide certainty to sick veterans seeking compensation for their asbestos-related illnesses. I encourage Senator Bunning to rethink his stance on the FAIR Act, and hope both he and Senator McConnell will support this solution to the asbestos crisis when the Senate re-examines the issue.
Sincerely,
Michael Penny, Past State Commander
Kentucky Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Gilbertsville, KY
270-362-0947

FILM CREW COMING TO KENTUCKY RIVER AREA 3-20-06
Hazard, Ky. – WILL Interactive Inc., in partnership with Kentucky River Community Care, Inc. (KRCC) will begin shooting scenes for KRCC’s interactive video game, which helps promote prescription drug abuse prevention in regional schools, March 20.
The film crew will be travelling through the Kentucky River region to film certain areas, with hired actors and actresses. By visiting several counties, local areas will be represented naturally and students who use the video will be able to relate to it better.
The purpose of this interactive video is for students to play a type of simulated game, where they can see what may or may not happen to them if they make certain choices that involve prescription drugs.
“Prescription drug abuse has now become a national public health issue,” said David Mathews, Ph.D. Director of Adult Services at KRCC. “Through this new interactive program, we now hope to lead the nation in demonstrating a new way to involved teenagers in avoiding future drug abuse.”
WILL Interactive has held auditions in Lexington and Hazard for those who want to appear in this simulated game/interactive video. Last filming day is April 2.
For more information please call Dr. David Mathews at 606-666-9006 extension 1905 or Donna Hardin at 606-436-5761 ext. 7110.
Kentucky River Community Care, Inc., (KRCC) is a private nonprofit Community Mental Health Center dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the people of our region. We help individuals and families in the eight counties of the Kentucky River region by providing mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse and trauma services. KRCC seeks to promote public safety, boost economic wellbeing and improve community and individual quality of life.

Drug trafficking arrest made 2-27-06
A Magoffin County man has been arrested on an outstanding warrant for drug trafficking.
Operation UNITE, assisted by the Kentucky State Police and Salyersville City Police Department, arrested 40-year-old James Matt McGuire of Kelly Branch Road about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, at his home.
McGuire was served with a warrant for one count of trafficking in a controlled substance.
A search conducted at the time of the arrest uncovered a quantity of OxyContin pills and more than $600 in cash. Additional charges related to these items are pending an ongoing investigation, said Lee Weddington, manager of UNITE’s Big Sandy Task Force.
McGuire was lodged in the Johnson County Detention Center.

Breathitt UNITE Elects new Officers 2-16-06
Elections were held for the officers of the Breathitt UNITE coalition yesterday evening. I would like to announce the new officers for the Breathitt County UNITE coalition.

Chair- Jay A.J. Shuck
Co Chair- Cathy Gay
Secretary/ Public Relations- Sylvia Back
Assistant Public Relations- Teresa Watts
Treasurer- Bobby Thorpe

Congratulations to the new officers! And thank you to the outgoing officers for your wonderful support and hard work! The next regular coalition meeting is Monday, March 13 at 6:30 pm in the Lifeskills Center in Jackson. We would love to see you there.

Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence awards nearly $4 million to aid law enforcement 7-25-05
Grants will help officers fight drugs and drunk driving
          FRANKFORT, Ky: Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence awarded 84 federal and state grant awards totaling nearly four million dollars to police departments, sheriff's departments, and other agencies today. The grant money will help police officers protect families against drunk driving and drugs. "The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet is committed to helping local law enforcement across Kentucky," said Lieutenant Governor Pence. "This money will assist officers as they perform the duties necessary to keep their communities safe." 24 grants were awarded through the Law Enforcement Service Fee program. This state money will help officers target drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs. "In the past five years in Kentucky, there have been about 33,000 DUI convictions each year," said Lieutenant Governor Pence. "We need to ensure that our officers are prepared to stop these crimes." In addition, 60 Justice Assistance Grants were also awarded today. This federal money will help law enforcement agencies, drug task forces, and other programs stop the spread of drugs in Kentucky.
"Law enforcement officers witness firsthand how illegal drugs can devastate entire communities," continued the lieutenant governor. "This grant money will help officers defend innocent children and protect neighborhoods against drugs." The 84 awards distributed today totaled $3,793,577.33 and were present to agencies in approximately 39 counties. City of Jackson/ Jackson Police Department Jackson Police Department 2005 Equipment Grant $8,649.00

Easy Ways to Save Gasoline 7-1-05
Frankfort, KY, (June 30, 2005) – With the Fourth of July holiday just around the corner, many drivers are planning to hit the road. More Americans will travel this Fourth of July holiday than have ever traveled for a holiday weekend, according to AAA’s holiday travel forecast. About 85 percent of all holiday travelers expect to go by motor vehicle, a 2.6 percent increase from the 33.1 million who drove a year ago.
Kentucky drivers will find prices averaging $2.16 or more for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline. With gas prices so high, motorists should consider ways to save money at the pump.
You can save money while reducing both fuel consumption and air pollution by following some of the tips listed below. The steps you choose to take will depend on your own particular circumstances, but any of them will reduce the amount of money you spend on gasoline.
•Avoid high speeds: As your speed increases, your aerodynamic drag increases in an exponential fashion. Driving 62 mph (100 km/h) vs. 75 mph (120 km/h) will reduce fuel consumption by about 15 percent.
•Do not accelerate or brake abruptly: By anticipating the traffic and applying slow steady acceleration and braking, fuel economy may increase by as much as 20 percent.
•Keep tires properly inflated: Keep tire air pressure at the level recommended by the manufacturer. A single tire under-inflated by 2 PSI increases fuel consumption by 1 percent.
•Avoid using mid-grade or premium grade gasoline: Unless specified for your vehicle, use regular gasoline. Older vehicles may require higher grades to avoid "knock" which reduces power and may damage the engine.
•Keep windows closed when going above 40 mph: When traveling at highway speeds, having the windows open increases drag and results in decreased fuel economy of up to 10 percent. At high speeds, using the air conditioner uses less fuel than having the windows open.
•Service vehicle regularly: Proper maintenance avoids poor fuel economy related to dirty air filters, old spark plugs or low fluid levels.
•Use cruise control: Maintaining a constant speed over long distances often saves gas.
•Avoid long idles: If you anticipate being stopped for more than 1 minute, shut off the car. Restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle for this time.
•Replace air and fuel filters regularly: You should replace filters as instructed by your vehicle's maintenance manual; change air filter more often if driving in dusty conditions.
•Purchase a fuel efficient vehicle: When buying a new vehicle examine the vehicle's rated fuel efficiency. Usually choosing a small vehicle with a manual transmission will provide you with better fuel economy, or consider choosing a hybrid vehicle.
For more ideas about saving energy, visit the Office of Energy Policy’s Web site at http://www.energy.ky.gov/dre3/tips/tips.htm.

Press Release from County Attorney
MORRIS GUILTY OF DUI DRUGS 5-31-05
A Breathitt District Court Jury took less than 30 minutes to convict Cynthia L. Morris of driving under the influence of drugs last Thursday, May 26. Morris was charged with DUI and faulty tail lamps for driving at around 9:00 a.m. on November 4, 2004 on Hwy. 15 in Jackson by Jackson City Police Officer John Marshall. Officer Marshall testified at the trial that the Jackson Police Department had received a complaint on the car driven by Morris for reckless driving that morning and while on patrol he located the auto on Hwy. 15 at around the traffic light at Citgo. Officer Marshall followed Morris from there until he could pull her over at the Post Office, after he witnessed her swerve for a time period into the middle turn lane and back and drive very slowly to which he testified that he thought “she was going to stop right in the middle of the road.” Marshall testified that Morris failed two field sobriety tests and from her actions was definitely under the influence and impaired, and was taken for a blood test which revealed she had four drugs; Methadone, Xanax, Flexerill, and Phenegren in her system. At the scene Morris informed Officer Marshall that she was at her legal limit on her medications.
“This is probably the most significant DUI case that I have tried since I have been a prosecutor because of the impact on future cases,” said Breathitt County Attorney Brendon D. Miller, “this was the first time that I have tried someone for driving under the influence while exclusively on medication that was prescribed to them.” In her defense, Morris did present evidence that she had prescriptions for all the drugs in her system and that she was within her “legal or therapeutic limit” for taking them. Morris also had testifying on her behalf Dr. Kelly from the University of Kentucky School of Behavioral Science, who told the jury about the drugs in her system, the effects that they would have, and impact according to national studies on impairment to drive. “Dr. Kelly was a nice man and very knowledgeable, however, as I told the jury, he was not with Ms. Morris that morning when she drove or failed the filed sobriety tests, and he could not testify what kind of condition was in. I asked the jury to pay more attention to what Officer Marshall testified her condition was, and I think they did that” said Miller.
Miller presented to the jury that the DUI law states that it is not a defense to a charge of DUI that you are legally entitled to take the substance that you are charged with being under the influence of. This basically means that a prescription is not a defense if the driver is impaired on the drugs taken. “A theraputic limit is a medical term not a legal term, and under the DUI law there is no such thing as a legal limit. The fact is that you can be taking your medications correctly, but that does not mean that you are not impaired to operate a vehicle and in turn dangerous to others.” according to Miller.
“Since taking office in 2003, I have been very strict in the prosecution of DUI’s, as they are certainly potentially the most dangerous situations that we handle in District Court”, said Miller. I have basically taken the position that, if we as the Commonwealth can prove our case, then we will lose it a trial. I would rather let the jury turn someone loose rather than me if they think that the person in not guilty. I hope people take note of this verdict and know that they will be prosecuted if they are driving under the influence of any intoxicating substance, not just alcohol. We have to keep our roads safe for everyone.”

Jackson Woman convicted of DUI 5-27-05
Jackson, KY   Thursday, May 26th, 2005, was a land mark day according to County Attorney Brendon Miller. On trial for DUI was local Jackson resident, Cynthia Morris. Morris was charged with DUI and no proper tail lights. After a 5 hour trial, she was found guilty of both charges. According to the arresting officer, Jackson Polce Officer John Marshall, JPD received a call of a possible wreckless driver on November 4th, 2004 around 855am. Officer Marshall stated he got behiond the vehicle in question on Hwy 15 near Lakeside, and observed the vehicle swerve over the yellow line, stradling it for 3-5 seconds. He also stated the vehicle was moving very slow. After pulling the vehicle over, he asked Morris to show her license and proof of insurance, at which time he said her speech was slurred. He then ask her to take two field sobriety tests, which according to his report, she failed both. She was then arrested and take for blood samples. The blood test results showed she did have drugs in her system. Although the drugs were prescribed to her, County Attorney told the Jury, the law was very clear in this situation, and just because they were prescribed medication, that could not be used as an excuse or defense for DUI. Breathitt County Attorney explained to the jury that this case was important as to his knowledge, no one had ever been tried for DUI on their own prescribed medication. After a short deliberation, the Jury returned a verdict of Guilty. Morris will have to pay a fine and her license suspended for 120 days.

Local Woman Killed in Automobile Accident 5-5-05
Bonnyman, KY. Local Breathitt County resident, Lisa Gillum 27, was killed when she apparently lost control of her 1994 Chevy passenger vehicle. According to KSP Post 13, Lisa Gillum, 27, of Morgue Fork Road in Vancleve, KY, was traveling south on Hwy 15 at Bonnyman when she lost control and crossed the centerline and hit 35 year old, Glen Langdon, of Krypton, KY, head on. Krypton received multiple injuries. Both were transported to Hazard ARH where Lisa Gillum was pronounced dead by the Perry County Coroner. Neither driver was wearing a seatbelt. The accident is still under investigation by the Kentucky State Police.

Body found in the North Fork of Kentucky River 4-25-05
Mt. Carmel Area, It is confirmed a body was found a couple miles below the Martha Lane Collins Bridge, in the North Fork of the Kentucky River. No cause of death is known at this time. Case is pending autopy. According to Breathitt County Coroner, Bobby Thorpe, Jr., the body was identified as Jonathan Muir. Mr. Muir had been reported missing for some time. The death is under investigation. PHOTO HERE (Area Where body was found)