 |
| Photos CLICK HERE |
| Francisco Gutierrez Wanted 5-3-08 The Kentucky State Police, Post 7, Richmond, is requesting assistance in locating a Hispanic male suspect that fired a weapon at a Burgin Police officer in Mercer County on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008. The suspect is Francisco Gutierrez. He is 5'9" in height and weighs 150 lbs, with a tattoo of a heart on his right shoulder. Burgin Chief of Police Jim Caldwell was involved in a vehicle pursuit of the suspect. After the suspect crashed his vehicle on KY 152, he fired upon Chief Caldwell, who returned fire. Subsequent to the exchange of gunfire, the suspect fled the area on foot and remains at large. His destination is unknown, but he has been living in Mercer County. Detective Mark Young has obtained arrest warrants for Francisco Gutierrez for the offenses of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder 1st (Police Officer) and Fleeing and Evading Police 1st. The public is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police if they have any information concerning the whereabouts of Francisco Gutierrez. The public may call 1-800-222-5555 or (859) 623-2404. This individual should not be approached as he is considered armed and extremely dangerous. KSP Arrests Sharpsburg Resident 12-13-07 On November 28, 2007 at approximately 1910 hours, Frank W. Hatten III, Age 20, was arrested at his residence at 9740 West KY 36, Sharpsburg, KY 40374. Hatten was arrested by Tpr. Britt Rollins, Unit 624, KSP Post 8, Morehead. Hatten was charged with (5) counts of Possession of Matter Portraying Sexual Performance By A Minor as a result of an indictment issued by the Bath County Circuit Court, stemming from an ongoing investigation conducted by the Kentucky State Police, Electronic Crime Section. Hatten was lodged in the Montgomery County Jail, No Bond. FORMER PERRY COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF AND EMT ALONG WITH TWO OTHERS ARRESTED IN ARMED ROBBERY IN LETCHER COUNTY On 09/12/07 at approximately 8:50 p.m. Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard received a call of an armed robbery from the alleged victim in the Mayking community of Letcher County. The victim stated that two subjects came to his residence and identified themselves as police officers. Upon entering the house they took plastic tie straps and restrained the victim and another individual in his home. The perpetrators demanded to know where his prescription medication was located. The subjects searched the residence and took medications belonging to the victim along with some cash and fled the scene leaving the victims restrained. The victim freed himself and the other person and called Kentucky State Police. On 09/13/07 the investigation led to the first arrest, a former Perry County Deputy Sheriff and EMT. Verbon Todd Griffie, age 34 of Topmost, Ky. was arrested and charged with Robbery 1st degree, Burglary 1st degree, Impersonating a Police Officer and Theft of a Controlled Substance 1st offense or less than $300.00. Griffie was lodged in the Letcher County Jail. On 09/19/07 as the investigation continued two more individuals were arrested in connection with the robbery. Tony Ray Herald, age 34 and Brooke LeeAnn Collins, age 20 both of Mallie, Ky. were arrested and charged with complicity to commit armed robbery 1st degree and several other felonies. Both Herald and Collins were lodged in the Letcher County Jail. The investigation is continuing by Det. Randy Combs. Burglary in London KY (LONDON, KY) – On Tuesday, July 03, 2007, approximately 11:11 AM the Kentucky State Police Post 11 London received a Burglary and Criminal Mischief complaint at 968 West City Dam Road in the Keavy area of Laurel County, KY. Upon arrival Trooper Richie Baxter determined someone had broken into the building, which houses the equipment for the Gospel Radio Station WVCT 91.5 and the Gospel TV Station WVTN and removed several thousand dollars worth of equipment. Trooper Baxter also discovered the Burglars caused several thousand dollars worth of damage to the building and transmission tower. Anyone with information concerning this incident is urged to contact the Kentucky State Police at (606) 878-6622. Financial Aid Tip of the Month, May 2007 Kentucky students can earn money for college with KEES Kentucky students can earn money for college through the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) program. The KEES program rewards students for making good grades in high school and doing well on the ACT or SAT. The awards may be used upon graduation from high school, and no application is necessary. Students just enroll at an eligible college, and their KEES money will be there a few weeks later. Students may use their KEES awards at any public college or university in Kentucky , at nearly all private colleges and universities in the state and at many of the state’s trade schools. If a major isn’t offered in Kentucky , students may be able to use their KEES awards at out-of-state schools that offer that major and belong to the Academic Common Market. These majors must be approved by Kentucky ’s Council on Postsecondary Education. ( Illinois , Indiana and Ohio schools are not eligible because those states do not participate in the Academic Common Market.) Here’s how KEES works: Every year students attend certified Kentucky high schools and earn at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA), a KEES award ranging from $125 (for a 2.5 GPA) to $500 (for a 4.0 GPA) is earned. Students who carry a 4.0 through all four years of high school will earn $2,000. A student may also earn a bonus award on ACT or SAT scores. Bonus awards range from $36 (for a 15 on the ACT or 710 on the SAT) to $500 (for an ACT of 28 or higher or SAT of 1240 or higher). That means a student may earn up to $2,500 for each year of college. Of course, students must maintain good grades in college to continue to receive their awards. Many scholarships require at least a 3.0 GPA for renewal, but KEES recipients can get the full award as sophomores if they earn at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA as freshmen. After their freshmen year in college, students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA to keep their full award. Students whose cumulative GPA is between 2.5 and 2.99 will receive half the award. They can regain the full award as juniors if they raise their cumulative GPA to 3.0 or better. For more information about KEES and for detailed statistics about the KEES program, visit www.kheaa.com. GOVERNOR FLETCHER SPREADS GET HEALTHY KENTUCKY MESSAGE IN OWSLEY COUNTY FRANKFORT , Ky. – Governor Ernie Fletcher today visited Owsley County High School in Booneville to spread the Get Healthy Kentucky message to Kentucky teenagers to get serious about physical activity, nutrition and saying no to tobacco. Following this advice is key to healthy living and ensuring a good quality of life well into adulthood, the Governor told the group of more than 200 students and faculty gathered in the Kids on Stage room at the high school. “I want all Kentuckians to live well and have the best possible quality of life, particularly our young people,” said Governor Fletcher. “I hope each student took away from this the knowledge that the choices they are making now will affect them later in life.” Sue Brunk, who serves as the school nurse at Owsley County Elementary and High Schools, received a GHK Certificate of Recognition at the event for contributions to the health of her community. In her role as nurse, Brunk spends mornings at the elementary school and afternoons at the high school. In addition, she helped secure a health initiatives grant; scheduled health fairs and health checks for students and staff; partnered with teachers on encouraging healthy eating and exercise habits among students; worked with athletic coaches on players’ nutrition; and scheduled exercise sessions for students and staff. “We are seeking out people like Sue Brunk all over Kentucky - people who share our vision and our dedication to Get Healthy Kentucky,” said Governor Fletcher. Get Healthy Kentucky is a statewide wellness initiative that incorporates physical activity, nutrition and tobacco cessation and prevention components. GHK has created an opportunity for individuals and groups to have a one-stop, central location for information and resources that will improve the quality of life for Kentuckians and help prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. GHK is designed for Kentukians of all ages and includes access to reliable, unbiased information on the GHK Web site, www.gethealthy.ky.gov. The site provides information about the Governor’s Challenge program, an incentive-based fitness program designed to help participants set personal fitness goals and track progress online. “As a whole, Kentucky has work to do to improve our health,” said Health and Family Services Cabinet Secretary Mark D. Birdwhistell. “The Fletcher administration not only understands what has to be done to reverse these negative health trends, but also has created this comprehensive, motivational program where people can get all the tools and information they need to get healthy.” Kentuckians have long battled high rates of obesity, physical inactivity and tobacco use. However, Governor Fletcher said today, things have started to change. “My administration is addressing these problems through programs and policy decisions,” said Governor Fletcher. Here’s a look at a few of the recent accomplishments: A smoking cessation benefit in public employees’ health plans and Medicaid * An increased number of anti-smoking ordinances, including smoke-free state government buildings and 13 city/county ordinances across the state that prohibit smoking in most public facilities * Expanded newborn metabolic screenings, increasing the number of screenings given to newborns (which test for metabolic disorders) from four to 29 * The creation of diabetes Centers of Excellence in six areas in Kentucky, which will link patients with local health departments, health educators, hospitals and other resources in their community to provider better disease management for those living with diabetes * Improved health department facilities through infrastructure improvement grants awarded to 26 health departments across Kentucky , totaling $10 million * Recent changes to school nutrition programs. The changes resulted in Kentucky receiving an A- on a national report card measuring the quality of nutrition in schools. Kentucky was the only state to receive this grade. * An increased commitment to preventing a bioterrorism attack. Kentucky is now ranked third in the nation for bioterrorism preparedness. “I’m extremely proud of the progress we’ve made – and the commitment all Kentuckians have shown – to improving the health status of our commonwealth,” said Governor Fletcher. “Now, with Get Healthy Kentucky, we have structured our resources to better inform the public and form a plan to change the wellness culture of our state.” For more information about Get Healthy Kentucky or to participate in the Governor’s Challenge, visit www.GetHealthy.ky.gov. The Web site contains information to help Kentuckians lead healthier, more active lifestyles and information on incentives to motivate Kentuckians to continue to challenge themselves. For the past several months, the governor has traveled the state promoting Get Healthy Kentucky, stopping in Owensboro , Paintsville, Ashland , Elizabethtown , Louisville and Hyden. The events have drawn more than 1,000 people. JWT Auditions and Workshop Announced Jenny Wiley Theatre opens its 2007 round of auditions with a local call for its upcoming summer productions. JWT’s 43rd season, playing June 15 – August 18, 2007 includes Forever Plaid, Disney’s High School Musical, and West Side Story. Performers, both professional and amateur, are encouraged to attend the theatre’s local casting call Friday, January 12 from 5 – 9 PM and Saturday January 13 from 10am – 3pm at Gearheart Auditorium in the Pike building on the campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg, KY (http://www.kctcs.net/bigsandy). Scott Bradley, Casting Director and director of West Side Story will be conducting the auditions and casting the 2007 season. There are numerous opportunities for local performers in this year’s selection of shows. Forever Plaid is an affectionate revue of the close-harmony "guy groups” like The Four Aces and The Four Freshman that reached the height of their popularity during the 1950s. JWT will be seeking four male performers in their 20’s with a high level of musical training and strong vocal ability for this show. Disney’s High School Musical is a new, staged version of the popular television movie that has swept the world with its high-energy, contemporary music and wholesome family entertainment. JWT will be seeking strong pop singer/dancers that can pass for high school students, as well as two adults. West Side Story is the dramatic, exciting and tragic modern retelling of Romeo & Juliet set in 1950s New York City featuring some of theatre’s most famous and popular songs like ‘Somewhere’, ‘America’, ‘I Feel Pretty’, ‘Tonight’ and ‘Something’s Coming’. Extensive dance training and experience and/or exceptional vocal ability are necessary to be cast in the West Side Story ensemble. JWT is looking to locally cast the roles of Lt. Shrank, Officer Krupke and Doc (all 40s+ males), which are all non-singing/dancing roles. JWT is also pleased to announce auditions for its new and exciting children’s theatre production. This will be a non-musical community theatre production that will rehearse in the spring and be performed in rotation with the other shows throughout summer 2007. Children ages 8 – 16 are encouraged to audition for this production. Performers (esp. teens) will be considered for all productions. Please prepare a short monologue and a brief musical selection. Monologues should be age-appropriate and demonstrative of the auditionees’ personality. Please bring sheet music to the audition; a pianist will be provided. Taped accompaniment is not acceptable and will not be allowed. A cappella singing is discouraged, but will be accepted, although each auditionee will be asked to sing with piano to demonstrate ability to match pitch. Dress professionally or ‘up casual’ and bring comfortable alternate clothing, as auditionees might be asked to learn a basic dance combination to demonstrate movement skills. For more information, email Casting Director Scott Bradley at jwtcasting@gmail.com call Jenny Wiley Theatre at 606-886-9274. Not sure what to prepare for a Professional Audition? JWT Offers Professional Audition Workshop For even the most experienced performers, auditioning can be a nerve-wracking event. What to sing, what to wear, where to find a monologue? Beginning on Saturday, January 6, Jenny Wiley Theatre will set out to demystify the audition process by hosting a Professional Audition Workshop. Gain insight from industry professionals who understand the process, and learn how best to prepare for that all-important two-minute audition. Receive specific feedback on your current audition materials and individualized instruction as to how to strengthen your overall performance. The Professional Audition Workshop will be led by Misty Daniels, a Jenny Wiley alumna, who draws upon her years of experience auditioning for commercials, film, and the Broadway stage. Misty will be joined by Scott Bradley, Jenny Wiley Theatre’s Casting Director, who has a wealth of casting experience from his work at JWT, the Media Theatre in Philadelphia and Morehead State University. Reserve your spot in the Workshop's 1-day session to be held on January 6th, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm in Gearheart Auditorium in the Pike building at Big Sandy Community and Technical College. The workshop is designed for participants age 8 and up and is limited to 20 participants. Those under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The fee for the Professional Audition Workshop is $60. To enroll call Jenny Wiley Theatre at 606-886-9274 or toll-free at 877-CALL-JWT. Educational Programming at JWT made possible in part by a grant from Photo Here Foley On September 14, 2006, at approximately 2100 hours, the Kentucky State Police Richmond Post received a call in regards to Tim Foley. It was reported that Foley had arrived at a residence and forced his ex-girlfriend into a vehicle. Foley then left the scene. Kentucky State Police Troopers actively searched for Foley's vehicle. At approximately 0130 hours on September 15, 2006, Trooper Jason Denny located the vehicle with the suspect and victim inside. The victim was transported to Fort Logan Hospital. Timothy Foley is currently lodged in the Lincoln County Jail. This case remains under investigation by Detective Mark Young and Detective Bill Collins. The victim's name will not be released. Bear Cub This Bear Cub was photographed on Big Branch in the Kragon area of Breathitt County. It was in the backyard of the home of Dan Johnson. Photo of bear club The 5 Baers, "Grace" abounds... "Cook-outs" are a great way to fellowship, and there is no better way to fellowship at a cook-out than to have the Baer family sing "Grace," acapella, in harmony, before the meal! Talk about your heavenly hamburgers and hot dogs...Wow! Sam Baer pastors the Grace Brethren Church on Dryhill rd.,in Leslie County, and pastor Sam's family has been blessed with many talents, music, being one of them. The singing Baer family is about to release their "long awaited' first CD, and although I have not heard it yet, I have heard the Baer family and we are all in for a heavenly treat. At our little picnic at the boat dock in Confluence ( 2 miles from Grace Brethren Church) it was perfectly O.K. to feed the Baers, since they brought most of the food! There is something "divine" about a pepperjack cheeseburger! In this Baer story there were 5 Baers, each equally gifted in song. Imagine that...Papa Baer, Momma Baer, brother and sister Baer, and...daughter in-law Baer, and they all sounded..."just right"! Pastor Sam and the singing Baer family Heavenly Chef? Perryville Reenactment FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Battle of Perryville, scheduled for Oct. 7-8 at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, will be the year’s premiere national Civil War reenactment, and is expected to drawn thousands of reenactors and visitors. Visitors will have the opportunity to save money and time by buying advance tickets. A discount of $3 applies to both the one-day ticket, regularly priced at $15, and the two-day pass, which will cost $20 at the gate. Holders of advance tickets will bypass the main admission line to the event. Advance tickets are available by calling or visiting the park. For more information on the weekend, contact the park at (859) 332-8631 or check the Department of Parks website, http://www.parks.ky.gov Miner Killed in Pike County Accident 4-24-06 Fatally injured by falling material FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 20, 2006) – A miner was fatally injured today when material from a pillar fell on him at the Tri Star Coal LLC No. 1 mine in Pike County. The victim, David Chad Bolen, 28, of Harold, was moving a shuttle car anchor at the time of the accident. The Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing (OMSL) was dispatched to the scene immediately. Bolen, a shuttle car operator, had been employed at Tri Star Coal for two months. Bolen had three years prior experience as a shuttle car operator. “We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Bolen. Improving mine safety has been a priority of our administration as evidenced by the passage of legislation enacted by the general assembly this year,” Governor Ernie Fletcher said. “Although we are making significant progress we will not be satisfied until every working miner returns home safely.” The accident occurred approximately 2:30 pm EDT and is being jointly investigated by OMSL and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. It was Kentucky’s fourth active mine fatality of 2006. Cornelius Yates, 44, was killed January 10 in Pike County. James Thornsbury, 72, died in a truck accident Jan. 23 in Pike County. Timothy Caudill, 33, died Feb. 16 in an accident in Perry County. Convicted drug trafficker arrested again A Salyersville man out of jail while appealing a drug trafficking conviction was arrested Tuesday, March 28, on a new drug charge. James O. Holland, age 68, of White Lick Branch in the Falcon Community of Magoffin County, was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second offense, after he sold two OxyContin pills to authorities during an undercover investigation by Operation UNITE. On December 19, 2005, a Magoffin County Circuit Court Jury convicted Holland of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, a charge resulting from an arrest by UNITE in 2004. Holland was sentenced to 10 years in jail on January 19, but was allowed out on an appeal bond while he challenged the conviction. According to Lee Weddington, manager of UNITE’s Big Sandy Drug Task Force, detectives had received information that Holland was continuing to deal drugs and arranged an undercover purchase. Around 4:20 p.m. Tuesday, UNITE detectives along with troopers from the Kentucky State Police and deputies with the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office, spotted Holland outside his son and daughter’s home in the Johnson Trailer Court off Mash Fork Road (Route 2020) and placed him under arrest. Police recovered $380 cash from Holland. Holland was taken to the Big Sandy Detention Center. Kentucky State Police recovers $230,000 in stolen property SUB: One suspect under arrest FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Kentucky State Police (KSP) law enforcement officers have recovered more than $230,000 in stolen property in two separate investigations in areas of KSP posts 6 and 7. So far one arrest has been made and more are expected, according to KSP Sgt. Bobby Motley, commander of the vehicle investigations branch. “The investigation is ongoing and we do expect to make more arrests,” said Motley. “One of the investigations is focussed on the Dry Ridge, Richmond and London areas while the other is primarily in Garrard County.” In the northern Kentucky area, the recovery of $150,000 in stolen property culminated a two-month investigation by KSP Detectives Bill Riley and Ryan Judd into the theft of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and other items. The four motorcycles recovered are valued at $60,000 and were stolen in Kentucky and Ohio. The motorcycle investigation led to the recovery of two Peterbilt trucks, a dump trailer and a Jeep. Suspects in the theft have been identified and arrests are pending, said Motley. In Garrard County, KSP investigators discovered a “chop shop” while following up a tip about the location of a stolen truck. Trooper Eric Gibson discovered the stolen truck and contacted Det. Riley and Det. Judd. While examining the property of James F. McQueen, 45, on Dripping Springs Road in Lancaster, the police officers found 17 more pieces of stolen property. These included vehicles as well as farm and construction equipment with an approximate total value of $85,000. McQueen was arrested at the scene and charged with 15 counts of receiving stolen property and obscuring the identity of a machine. He is lodged in the Lincoln County jail. A ‘chop shop’ refers to a location where stolen property is dismantled for parts and/or their original identification is changed, said Motley. Reclaiming Futures Meeting! Reclaiming Futures, in partnership with Kentucky River Community Care, Inc., is holding its Breathitt County Advisory Council Meeting on Thursday, March 2nd at 12pm at Jackson City Hall. Reclaiming Futures is a program that helps and supports our youth with substance abuse issues. At the Reclaiming Futures meetings, we discuss project updates, future plans for your community and we share resources. We also help community members with becoming more involved with our youth. People can voice their opinions give advice or bring up a new topic that they believe requires attention. This meeting is open to the public. Lunch is provided. We hope to see you there! GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR CLEANUP AT 1,244 DUMP SITES Second round of Kentucky Pride Fund FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 15, 2005) -- Governor Ernie Fletcher announced today that $3,141,285.20 in matching funds will be distributed from the Kentucky Pride Fund for cleanup of 1,244 illegal dumps in 88 counties. This is the second round of funding from the Kentucky Pride Fund. In September 2004, more than $4.5 million in matching funds went for cleanup of 82 sites in 34 counties. Significant progress has been made in addressing the illegal dump issue, due in large part to a statewide cleanup and an education campaign by local, state and federal agencies, said R. Bruce Scott, director of the Division of Waste Management in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. The division administers the fund. The estimated total cost of the second-round cleanup is $4,188,380.27. Participating counties provide a 25 percent match. Dump sites were selected by division staff from a list of 2,250 open dumps reported by counties. Dumps were assigned priority on the basis of contents and environmental factors such as proximity to schools and water sources. State funding for the dump cleanup is from a $1.75 environmental remediation fee for each ton of garbage generated in Kentucky and disposed of at municipal solid waste disposal facilities. The "tipping fee," authorized by the 2002 General Assembly under House Bill 174, is collected quarterly and placed in the Kentucky Pride Fund to help combat illegal dumping and finance the closure of old landfills. The Pride Fund is the first legislated and ongoing source of state funding for this work. Illegal dump cleanup has been an ongoing project in Kentucky for several years, primarily using county and federal money. Breathitt County areas to receive funds 1110 Dump Wolfcoal $5,062.90 $3,797.18 Barwick River Road $7,861.10 $5,895.83 Canoe Hill Dumps $16.76 $12.57 Canoe Hill Road Dump $160.84 $120.63 Hwy. 30 East $69.93 $52.45 Transportation Cabinet Award $668,471.25 in Highway Contracts in Breathitt County JACKSON, KY - (July 11, 2005) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is working to upgrade the highway network in Breathitt County. Four contracts for road construction, totaling $668,471.25, have been approved by the cabinet. "These projects reflect my administration's commitment to ensuring that drivers in Breathitt 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 four contracts call for resurfacing of 9.38 miles and asphalt patching of 10 miles of state highways in Breathitt County. The first contract provides for resurfacing of 1.40 miles of KY 30, Jackson-Booneville Road, from milepoint 7.511 at Shoulderblade to Haddix Fork Road. Hinkle Contracting Corp. of Paris was awarded the low-bid contract for $102,272.50. The work will be completed by Oct. 15. The second contract is for resurfacing of 1.67 miles of KY 52, Jackson-Beattyville Road, from milepoint 8.000 to KY 30 near Elkatawa. Hinkle Contracting Corp. received the low-bid contract for $111,347.50. The work will be completed by Oct. 30. The third contract involves resurfacing of 1.00 miles of KY 2472, Armory Drive in Jackson, from the North Fork of Kentucky River bridge to the end of state maintenance. Hinkle Contracting Corp. received the low-bid contract for $60,230. The work will be completed by Oct. 30. The fourth project includes resurfacing of 5.31 miles on four state routes under one contract, including: * KY 378, Frozen Creek-Sky Post Office Road, from milepoint 5.7 to Rock Lick Road, a distance of 1.62 miles; * KY 1110, Haddix-Altro-Gays Creek Road, from milepoint 7.453 to KY 3237, a distance of 1.44 miles; * KY 1812, Old Jackson-Campton Road, from KY 205 to the Wolfe County line, a distance of 1.12; and * KY 2469, Shoulderblade-Highland-Athol Road, from milepoint 11.5 to KY 30, a distance of 1.13 miles. This contract also includes asphalt patching on 10 miles of KY 1098, South Fork Road, from KY 15 at Quicksand extending east. Hinkle Contracting Corp. received the low-bid contract for $394,621.25. The work will be completed by Nov. 30. The Breathitt 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. KSP trains others on meth lab awareness, hazards FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 9, 2005) - Firefighters, solid waste coordinators and Department of Community Based Services case workers from Northeastern Kentucky recently attended Kentucky State Police (KSP) classes to raise awareness of the hazards involved in discovering methamphetamine labs. Now, they've joined hundreds of others in identical or similar jobs statewide who have received the same training for the last several years. KSP Detective Jon Marshall, a certified KSP methamphetamine lab responder, told attendees from Rowan, Boyd, Greenup, Carter and Lawrence Counties about the drug's highly addictive nature and the growing epidemic of its use. He stressed precautions to take to ensure their personal safety, what components and chemicals are used in the labs and who to call if they think they've identified a lab. "By the very nature of their jobs, firefighters, case workers and solid waste coordinators are routinely on other people's properties, in and out of homes, and they may discover a methamphetamine lab or some of the precursors or chemicals used to make the highly addictive drug," said Marshall. "Above all, we want them to know how to protect themselves in an environment that may contain highly volatile chemicals." KSP Commissioner Mark L. Miller said this type of training has been going on across the state for the past five years. "Ever since the rapid onset of methamphetamine production in the state, we've been educating particular groups of people - those whose jobs would lead them into and around homes - all across the state," said Miller. "This is an ongoing process, and one that is necessary to help ensure these workers' safety and give them the knowledge to report suspicious activity." "We need community involvement to combat the meth problem in Kentucky, so it is fitting that the KSP has trained these firefighters, solid waste coordinators and Department of Community Based Service caseworkers in recognizing meth labs," said Teresa Barton, executive director of the state's Office of Drug Control Policy. "This will help them to protect themselves from the explosive labs and to inform authorities of their existence, saving others from danger. We are proud that KSP has taken the initiative to provide these meth classes during the past five years and appreciate those that have participated in the training." Statewide, 596 methamphetamine labs were discovered in 2004. Through March 1 of this year, 79 labs have been uncovered. To anonymously report any type of suspected illegal drug activity, citizens can call the KSP toll-free drug tip hotline, 1-800-DOPETIP. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
