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BRENDON D. MILLER TO SERVE AS FACULTY AT PROTECTING LIVES, SAVING FUTURES CONFERENCE. 1-24-08
Breathitt County Attorney Brendon D. Miller has been selected by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office to be faculty at the Protecting Lives, Saving Futures Conference that will be held in Prestonsburg January 14th through 16th.  Protecting Lives, Saving Futures is a program administered by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety of Kentucky and created by the American Prosecutors Research Institute, National Traffic Law Center, with funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  The curriculum is designed to jointly train police and prosecutors in the detection, apprehension and prosecution of impaired drivers.  The course will be attended by both County Attorneys and law enforcement officers from their jurisdiction so that each may learn from the other concerning their respective roles in prosecution of impaired driving cases. 
“This is a new program that is being offered and I am honored to be selected as faculty for the training.  Helping to stop drunk and impaired driving in Kentucky is crucial and doing so here in the County has been a goal that I have worked toward since becoming County Attorney.  I am proud to represent Breathitt County at these type of events”, said Miller.

Bank Robbery / McCreary County
(LONDON) On 10-10-2007 at 1:41 PM the Kentucky State Police received a report of a bank robbery at the McCreary Banking Center of Somerset National Bank in the Pine Knott Community of McCreary County, KY.
The suspect was observed, by a responding McCreary County Deputy Sheriff, fleeing the scene in a vehicle stolen from a bank employee and a vehicle pursuit began.
The suspect was able to flee on foot into a wooded area off of Roundtop Church Road and evade law enforcement officers. A Kentucky State Police canine unit responded to the scene and began a search of the area. The canine search was called off due to the contamination of the scene by unauthorized individuals in the search area.
At approximately 7 PM the McCreary County 911 center received a call from a citizen who stated a person fitting the suspects description was outside their residence on Long Ridge Road. The homeowner detained the suspect until officers could arrive.
Upon arrival officers arrested Corey S. Patrick, 24, of Pine Knott and charged him with Robbery 1ST, Theft by Unlawful Taking over/$300.00/Automobile and Criminal Mischief 1ST.
KSP Detective Mike Bowling is in charge of the investigation and was assisted by officers from the Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement and the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office.

West Side Story
opened at Jenny Wiley Theatre on Saturday, July 13th and audiences were amazed by the incredible performances.  You have opportunity to see this and three other productions, The Princess and the Pea, Disney’s High School Musical, and Forever Plaid through August 18.  For schedule and ticket information, visit www.jwtheatre.com or call toll free at 1-877-CALL-JWT. 
Photo Here by Angie Carriere

BEWARE: TOP 10 INVESTOR TRAPS OF 2007
Office of Financial Institutions lists the most common schemes facing investors
FRANKFORT , Ky. (May 30, 2007) – The Office of Financial Institutions (OFI) today released its annual “Top 10” list of  traps most likely to ensnare unwary investors.
“Investor traps are usually baited with slick sales pitches promising high returns for little or no risk,” said OFI Executive Director Cordell Lawrence. “It’s important to remember that there are no guarantees in investing. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”
While many traps involve scams or misinformation, even legitimate investment products can be problematic if they are not suitable for an individual investor, Lawrence said. Before investing, make sure both the salesperson and the investment are licensed and registered in Kentucky . Lawrence also urged investors to obtain and read disclosure information that fully explains the investment before making any commitment.
The following are OFI’s “Top 10 Investor Traps of 2007.” A more detailed listing, complete with tips to avoid falling victim, is available on OFI’s Web site at www.kfi.ky.gov.
Affinity Fraud. Con artists are increasingly targeting religious, ethnic, cultural and professional groups. Con artists may gain trust by joining the group. Or they may recruit respected members of the group to help promote the scheme by convincing them that a fraudulent investment is legitimate.
Foreign Exchange Trading. Foreign exchange (forex) trading can be legitimate for governments and businesses, and it can even be appropriate for some individuals. But the average investor should be wary when it comes to these complex markets.
Internet Fraud. Scamsters continue to use technology to lure investors into “pump-and-dump” schemes. Be wary of investments pitched through unsolicited e-mails, instant messages and phony Web sites.
Investment Seminars. Promoters of unsuitable investments are increasingly seeking potential investors, particularly seniors, by offering seminars. Many of them promise a free meal along with “higher returns and little or no risk.”  The meal may be free, but the investment often is risky and costly.
Oil and Gas Scams. Rising oil and natural gas prices have increased the appeal of energy investments. Most of these investments are highly risky and not appropriate for smaller investors.
Prime Bank Schemes. Promoters of these schemes offer to let the “little guy” in on what they claim are financial instruments from elite overseas banks usually offered only to the world’s wealthiest investors. Prime banks do not exist and the scam artists only create a profit for themselves.
Private Securities Offerings. Con artists are turning increasingly to private securities offerings under Rule 506 Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933 to attract investors without having to go through the full registration process. Although sometimes legitimate, these offerings are often associated with fraud.
Real Estate Investment Contracts. Investments in real estate long have been viewed as a “sure thing” with little downside risk and the potential for substantial returns. Even if an investment involves real estate, it may still be a security subject to full regulation under state and federal securities laws.
Unlicensed Individuals and Unregistered Products. Anyone selling securities or providing investment advice usually must be appropriately licensed. It should raise a red flag for investors if someone engages in these activities without a valid license.
Unsuitable Sales. What might be suitable for one investor might not be right for another. Securities professionals must know their customers’ financial situation and refrain from recommending investments they have reason to believe are unsuitable.
Lawrence strongly advises that investors contact OFI’s Securities Division at 800-223-2579 with any questions about an investment product, broker or adviser before making an investment.
“The best time to call us is before you part with your hard-earned money,” Lawrence said. “It only takes one bad decision to wipe out your savings.”
OFI is an agency of the Department of Public Protection in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.  It licenses, charters and regulates the activities of state-chartered/licensed depository and nondepository financial institutions.

Transportation Cabinet Donates Surplus Road Maps to Powell County Middle School
JACKSON, KY (March 21, 2007) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is distributing Kentucky highway maps to middle schools all across the Commonwealth. The maps will be used for geography, math, and social studies classes, as well as for reference materials in school libraries.
H.B. Elkins, public information officer for the Department of Highways District 10, visited Powell County Middle School on Tuesday, March 20 to distribute the requested surplus road maps. Teacher Rhonda Muse accepted the donation on behalf of the school.
“We had excess highway maps in storage and we think this is a golden opportunity for our school children,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert. “When children become familiar with names and places on a map and see how various routes connect different locations, that knowledge can encourage them to learn more about Kentucky’s geography, history, and other facts.”
“This is an excellent way for the Transportation Cabinet to contribute to the expansion of horizons for thousands of young Kentuckians,” said Linda Wagner-Justice, chief district engineer for District 10, which includes Powell County. “We are pleased to be involved in a project that will provide additional learning tools for students in Powell County.”
When the determination was made that there was a large supply of surplus maps, the Transportation Cabinet contacted Education Cabinet officials, who, in turn, invited middle school principals and teachers to submit their requests for highway maps.
The two Cabinets joined forces in a similar project last year, which involved the distribution of maps to elementary schools. “Our successful partnership with the Transportation Cabinet is a shining example of how various agencies of state government can work together to improve student achievement,” noted Education Cabinet Secretary Laura Emberton Owens. “This collaborative effort has produced a ‘win-win’ situation for everyone.”
“This generous offer from the Transportation Cabinet will provide valuable resources to Kentucky’s middle school students,” said Kentucky Interim Education Commissioner Kevin Noland. “Teachers will find many uses for the maps, and students will gain practical knowledge from a reliable, well-produced reference tool.”
Transportation Cabinet representatives from the Central Office in Frankfort and from each district office will be involved in delivering the maps to middle schools. To date, more than 300 map requests have been received from teachers, principals, and superintendents in every area of the Commonwealth.
“This project is consistent with two very important themes in Governor Fletcher’s overall vision for the Commonwealth,” concluded Transportation Cabinet Deputy Secretary Crystal Ducker.  “It advances education and fosters a cooperative spirit among various state government agencies. The Transportation Cabinet’s maps initiative promotes the governor’s vision with Unbridled Spirit!”
 Powell County Middle School teacher Rhonda Muse made immediate use of surplus highway maps in her class after she accepted the donation from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. For the second consecutive year, the Transportation Cabinet has donated its leftover road maps to Kentucky schools, which are incorporated into curricula in several different ways.

Daniel Boone Trailblazers sign as volunteers for the Daniel Boone National Forest 
PEABODY, Jan. 19, 2007 – On Monday, Jan. 22, the Daniel Boone Trailblazers ATV Club will officially sign on as an organizational volunteer with the U.S. Forest Service, Daniel Boone National Forest. The group has agreed to provide maintenance and other services on portions of the Redbird Crest Trail on the Redbird Ranger District.
The Daniel Boone Trailblazers provide a trail system and other riding areas in Leslie and Clay counties for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. A portion of their trail system is linked to the Redbird Crest Trail, which is the longest trail on the Daniel Boone National Forest designated for OHV use. The Redbird Crest Trail provides nearly 100 miles of trail for motorized use. 
Lisa Marcum with the Daniel Boone Trailblazers will serve as the club’s liaison to the Forest Service. Marcum, along with District Ranger John Kinney, will sign a formal Agreement for Sponsored Voluntary Services. This agreement outlines a brief description of the voluntary services to be performed.
The club has agreed to patrol designated segments of the Redbird Crest Trail at least every other month. During these patrols, group members will remove litter along the trail, remove small trees or limbs that have fallen across the trail, and cut back brush that has grown into the trail. The Forest Service will provide training and supervision for some project activities. Sixteen hours of approved trail work can earn a volunteer individual an annual pass to use the Redbird Crest Trail.
“I look forward to working with such a dedicated group of volunteers,” said District Ranger Kinney. “Our agency is fortunate to have this group of people who are devoted to public service and willing to give their time to help the Forest Service in providing quality recreation.”  
“I hope that other groups and organizations will look at our partnership with the Forest Service and say ‘Hey, that’s something we could be doing,’” said Marcum. “I know a lot of people that use and enjoy the Redbird Crest Trail, and I think it’s important that we all do our part to keep the trail in good shape so people will want to ride it again and again.” 
For more trail information, visit the Daniel Boone Trailblazers website at www.tb.kyoutdoors.com or the Daniel Boone National Forest website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/recreation/trail_red.shtml.  
Note to Reporters: The media is invited to attend the signing ceremony of the volunteer agreement which will be conducted at the Redbird district office on Monday, Jan. 22 at 1:00 p.m. Reporters who plan to attend are encouraged to contact District Ranger John Kinney at (606) 598-2192.

Fiscal Court
On Tuesday, October 24th 2006, The Breathitt County Fiscal Court met in regular session.  First on the Agenda was Ms. Clara Gabbard’s Pre School class who said the Pledge of Allegiance to the Court and audience.  They were all treated with candy afterwards by Judge Executive Lewis H. Warrix.
The Minutes from September were voted on and accepted.
Best Buy Auto, located in Nicholasville, requested that the county allow them to hold a sell where consumers could buy vehicles.  Gary Campbell explained to the court that the City of Jackson had an ordinance against this already in place and asked the Fiscal Court to follow the same.  This was tabled until the next meeting.
Dr. Shelia Sharpe, from the Breathitt County Health Department, requested a Resolution for land located on Lakeside for a new Health Department to be built.  3 acres were approved by the Fiscal Court.
All Financial Statements, Budget Amendments, Budget and Cash Transfers were approved.  Monthly claims were approved along with the I-66 Foundation Membership of $ 500.00.  Also printing of Tax Bills was approved.
Judge Lewis Warrix stated that the Judge Executive elect had put in a request for a new vehicle and that it would take at least 6 weeks to get it in, they should buy it now.  The Fiscal Court voted on and approved a vehicle for the Judge Elect in the amount of $ 31, 926.00.  The Fiscal Court also agreed to buy the Jailer a vehicle for $ 41,274.00.
The court also approved payment of $ 103, 215.52 and $ 76,409.50 for the 52/541 Water Expansion Project.  Also voted and approved was $ 1,000.00 for SEKTDA.
Appointments to Boards were made as follows:
Kentucky River Regional Jail – Jeff Noble and Arch Turner
Ethics Board – Paul Turner, Eldon Miller and Victor Jones
Breathitt Library Board – James R. McDuffe
Bridget Gross was hired to assist as Judge’s Secretary through the Kentucky Works Program.
Jackson Fire Chief Roger Friley presented a card of thanks to Commissioner James Combs for his help during the airplane that had crashed earlier in the year for all his help.  Chief Friley also requested that the Fiscal Court help with obtaining a Fire Truck for the Quicksand Fire Department.  The Fiscal Court agreed and voted to do so through a grant.
Danny Fugate approached the Court on the many bridges and blacktop that have been going on this past year.  He stated that there are many people that are in more need than those that have and are being built.  Fugate also stated that some were illegal.  Judge Warrix explained that he knew of one that was illegal and that it was being constructed when he and the Breathitt Road Foreman, Mackie Miller, were on vacation last week and that it is being investigated.  Fugate went on to tell the Fiscal Court that many roads are in need due to children walking through mud to catch a school bus and many that have to drive through running water.  Fugate also asked if the property where the bridges were built and blacktop put down were deeded to the county   If so, how did they get top priority when people all over the county have been asking for help for many years.
Commissioner James Combs accused Fugate himself of asking for gravel earlier in the year.  Fugate called Combs a liar in front of the entire courtroom and told him he had done things for his brother and that he and his brother had a falling out due to it.  Fugate also went on to tell Combs that he has never asked, nor received anything from Combs or this Fiscal Court.
The court adjourned.

New Police Officer
The Jackson City Police Department would like to announce their new member to their organization. Mr. Paul D. Haddix has returned to the Department as a Dispatcher and Patrolman.
Officer Haddix graduated from the Police Academy in 1992 and has been the only Police Officer in Breathitt County to receive the Advanced Law Enforcement Officer award, which he received in 2005.
His experience in law enforcement is a long one.  His career in this field started in 1991 when he worked for the Jackson Police Department as a Sergeant until 1996.  He then became a member of the Breathitt County Sheriffs Department in 1998 and was Chief Deputy until July 2006.

PRIDE volunteers top 200,000 in Southern, Eastern Ky.
LONDON, KY — More than 200,000 southern and eastern Kentuckians have volunteered in the region’s PRIDE initiative for environmental cleanup and education. The announcement was made today by Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), PRIDE co-founder, at a press conference in London.
“The PRIDE initiative will sink or swim depending on whether or not each of us takes a personal claim on making our region a cleaner, healthier place to live,” said Congressman Rogers.  “I am really proud of the way individuals and communities have banded together to tackle the mountains of garbage that litter our beautiful land and waterways.  Thanks to the blood, sweat and tears of more than 200,000 volunteers, our region is getting cleaner.  There is still much to do but there is no question that we are taking remarkable strides forward.”
Since PRIDE began in 1997, Rogers reported that the following progress has been made in improving the environment in the 38-county region:
·203,914 volunteers have worked 584,993 hours picking up trash and helping with environmental education projects in local schools.
·2,268 illegal dumps have been cleaned by volunteers and local governments.
·441,074 bags of trash and 106,232 tons of trash have been removed from illegal dumps, waterways and roadsides.
·881,564 old tires and 156,223 scrapped appliances have been collected for proper disposal.
Also today, Rogers recognized the city, county, school and nonprofit organization with the greatest volunteer participation in the 2006 PRIDE Spring Cleanup, which took place April 8-22. The winners were the City of Mt. Vernon, Laurel County, West Knox Elementary School and Tri-Cities Heritage Development Corporation (Harlan County). Trophies were presented to Mt. Vernon Mayor Clarice R. Kirby; Laurel County Judge/Executive Lawrence Kuhl and PRIDE Coordinators Jim Ed McDaniel and Missy Moore; West Knox Elementary teacher Jenny Iley; and Tri-Cities PRIDE Coordinator Christi Lewis-Yercine.
Bond Pentecostal Holiness Church in Jackson County was honored as the PRIDE Volunteer of the Month for July 2006. The churched signed up 84 volunteers to pick up trash along 10 miles of roadway during the Spring Cleanup. They picked up just over one ton of trash, 10 tires and numerous recyclable metal items in just four hours on April 6.
George and Suzie Rasmus of Corbin were honored as the Volunteers of the Month for August 2006. They organized the first annual Corbin Bypass Cleanup. The couple owns Tri-County Cineplex, which is located on the bypass in Corbin, and recruited other businesses to donate door prizes, T-shirts and lunch for the volunteers.
The information presented by Rogers was PRIDE’s annual report on volunteerism and solid waste collection. The report included data reported to PRIDE as of June 30, 2006. The data was reported by local PRIDE Coordinators and recipients of PRIDE grants that were used for cleanup and education projects. PRIDE Coordinators are volunteers appointed by county judge/executives and mayors to organize PRIDE cleanup activities in their communities.
The annual Spring Cleanup is PRIDE’s largest volunteer event. Over two weeks, local governments across the region organize cleanup events and mobilize volunteers to clean public areas, roadsides and waterways. PRIDE grants are available for trash disposal costs. PRIDE provides gloves, safety vests and T-shirts for the volunteers.

PHOTO CAPTION:  West Knox Elementary School won the trophy for Greatest Volunteer Participation by A School in the 2006 PRIDE Spring Cleanup. Teacher Jenny Iley and her daughter, Zoe, accepted the school’s award from Congressman Hal Rogers and Kelsey Marie Holcomb, Tour Southern and Eastern Kentucky’s Miss Redbud Trails 2006.

Breathitt Fatality Delayed
ON 06/09/06 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:14 PM POST 13 OF THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE RECEIVED A CALL OF AN ACCIDENT ON KY 15 IN THE VANCLEVE COMMUNITY OF BREATHITT COUNTY. TROOPERS RESPONDED TO THE SCENE TO FIND A SINGLE VEHICLE COLLISION WITH THE GUARDRAIL. THE OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE DIANE HARVEY OF JACKSON, KY WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE UK MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT. DIANE HARVEY PASSED AWAY AT THE HOSPITAL ON 06/13/06 AT 12:01 AS A RESULT OF HER INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE ACCIDENT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION BY TPR. JENNIFER SANDLIN.

Governor Fletcher, Transportation Cabinet announce funding for KY 30 reconstruction project in Owsley County
JACKSON, KY - (May 4, 2006) - Governor Ernie Fletcher and Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert have announced legislative approval of a major highway construction project in Owsley County.
On May 3, Secretary Bill Nighbert presented Owsley County officials with a check to symbolize the allocation of $3 million for design work on a project that will ultimately lead to the reconstruction of a 20-mile segment of KY 30 in Owsley and Jackson counties.
The event took place on the courthouse steps in London, with officials and residents of Jackson, Laurel, Lee and Owsley counties in attendance to symbolize the regional importance of this project. State Representative Marie Rader and State Senators Tom Jensen and Robert Stivers attended and spoke of the need for this project and their support for it.
"Governor Fletcher has made the reconstruction of KY 30 a priority in his administration," Secretary Nighbert said. "He understands how important this highway is to open up the region to industrial development and improve access for educational opportunities, health care and tourism. This is the type of project that will bring benefits to the entire area; beyond the county borders in which the project is located. This region of Kentucky has been neglected for far too long and it is time to help this area catch up to the rest of the state."
Representative Rader, who represents Owsley, Jackson and Laurel counties, spoke of the history of KY 30. She said the present route was built in 1930 and is inadequate for the amount of traffic it presently carries. She noted that Jackson County has no hospital, and improvements to KY 30 would improve access to health care for residents of Jackson County.
Senator Jensen, who represents Jackson and Laurel counties, said he realized that Jackson County's access to I-75 is via outdated highways and that one of his priorities is to improve roads in the region.
Senator Stivers, who represents Owsley and Lee counties, said that although the bulk of the KY 30 project lies in Jackson and Laurel counties, he considers construction of that highway to be his top priority because he understands its importance to the region.
Secretary Nighbert praised the three legislators for their dedication and their perseverance in moving the KY 30 project forward. "They have certainly worked very hard to secure funding for this new highway," he said.
In its recently concluded session, the General Assembly allocated $3 million to be spent in Fiscal Year 2006 for design of this highway that, when completed, will improve access to Interstate 75 for residents of Jackson, Lee and Owsley counties. The project will tie into other improvements to KY 30 that are either completed, under way or proposed in Jackson and Laurel counties, and will eventually become part of a corridor stretching from I-75 at London to the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway near Campton.
Preliminary work to determine the scope of work on this project will continue until funds are released by the Transportation Cabinet. Once those funds are authorized, a consultant will be hired and the design work will begin. The consultant should be selected and working by fall.

Veterans Honored 4-5-06
Sgt. Guy Coomer of Jackson and other Kentucky National Guard veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom were honored at the Capitol last week. Sgt. Coomer is shown here with Sen. Johnny Ray Turner, D-Drift, and Rep. Ted Edmonds, D-Jackson.
Photo by Mike Sunseri, Legislative Research Commission


ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE
KY 499 in Estill County to be closed for repairs on Monday, April 3
JACKSON, KY - (March 21, 2006) -- In order to replace a culvert, KY 499 in Estill County will be closed on Monday, April 3. The closure will be between mile markers 7 and 8, or between West Irvine and Wisemantown. Traffic should use Dark Hollow Road as a detour route during the closure.


KRCC MOVIE NIGHT A SUCCESS
Hazard, Ky. - The movie showing of the documentary “Out of the Shadow” hosted by KRCC, February 23 promoting NAMI, was a huge success. With 223 people in attendance, several stood in the doorway of the Hazard Community Technical College auditorium to watch the documentary.
Attendants ranged from children, college students, TR Consumers, staff and other members of the community.
After the movie, a panel addressed questions and comments from the audience. Panel members included: Jim Dailey, Executive Director of NAMI Kentucky; Sandy Pratt, Nurse Practitioner at KRCC; John McMahan from the Kentucky State Police; Lawrence Baldridge , pastor at Caney Baptist Church; and Kathy Gibson from ARH.
Audience members were very involved in the panelist discussion, including Rebecca Garrett, Chair from the State Mental Health Planning Council, who was very pleased with KRCC’s services. “KRCC clients and consumers might not see it but you have the best ran facility in the whole state,” she said. “I am very impressed with what you do here.”
The purpose of showing this film was to raise community awareness about mental illness and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families.
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 by providing mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse and trauma services in the eight counties of the Kentucky River region. KRCC seeks to promote public safety, boost economic wellbeing and improve community and individual quality of life.


Breathitt woman charged with stealing drugs from pharmacy    12-21-05
A former employee of the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Jackson has been charged with stealing prescription medications from the store.
Operation UNITE detectives charged 22-year-old Ashley Barnett, of Wick Lick Road, Saldee, with two counts of theft of a controlled substance, a Class D felony.
“This case would not have been possible without the cooperation of Rite Aid management,” said Karen Engle, executive director for UNITE. “The integrity shown by the store to quickly involve authorities is commendable.”
Barnett reportedly had worked for the Breathitt County pharmacy from November 2004 through July 2005, and left on good terms after deciding to go back to school, said Mike Luttrell, Kentucky River Task Force Manager for UNITE. On several subsequent occasions Barnett was asked to help out at the store.
During the first part of December Rite Aid conducted a routine internal audit of their scheduled prescription drugs and found a large quantity of Hydrocodone pills missing from the inventory. Store officials then notified state officials and an investigation was conducted by Mike Burton with the Inspector General’s office.
A review of surveillance camera tapes caught Barnett “helping herself to prescription drugs on at least two occasions” as she was assisting store employees stock pills on shelves, Luttrell said, adding that in both instances 100 tablets were stolen.
With assistance from the Jackson Police Department, UNITE detectives went to arrest Barnett on Friday, December 16, but was not home. The next day Barnett turned herself in at the Jackson Police Department and returned 54 Hydrocodone pills to authorities.
Barnett was lodged in the Three Forks Regional Detention Center in Lee County.

22 people sought in Breathitt County roundup 11-18-05
Law enforcement officials targeted 22 Breathitt County residents Thursday, November 17, in the third Operation UNITE drug roundup conducted in the last nine days.
Staging at the Jackson County Fire Department, approximately 14 officers from UNITE, the Breathitt County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Police Department and Kentucky State Police Post in Hazard set out about 7:30 a.m. to serve indictment warrants.
Most of the charges involved the illegal sale of prescription medications.
As of Friday morning 17 people had been arrested and taken to the Three Forks Regional Jail in Lee County.
Thursday’s roundup continued a trend of smaller sweeps by Operation UNITE.
“We know there are other drug dealers operating in Breathitt County, and we will be returning soon to arrest them,” said Mike Luttrell, Kentucky River Task Force manager for UNITE. “By keeping the roundups smaller we avoid overcrowding the jails and court system.”
UNITE conducted similar drug roundups in Letcher County on November 8 and in Clay County on November 16.
Those arrested in Breathitt County as of 9 a.m. Friday were:
• Rosetta Fraley, age 50, Combs Street, Jackson, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Chris Fugate, age 22, Shuckey Bean Hollow, Jackson, trafficking in a simulated controlled substance.
• Greg Haddix, age 33, Fayette County Detention Center, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Eva Lee Hudson, age 31, Snapper Lane, Jackson, theft by unlawful taking items valued under $300.
• Maxine Hudson, age 51, Snapper lane, Jackson, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Victoria Hudson, age 22, Jones Trailer Court, Jackson, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Jeremey Jones, age 26, Collier Avenue, Jackson, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Devin Little, age 24, Highway 30 West/KY3193, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Adam Morris, 19, Fox Hole (off Big Sand Road), two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Eric Napier, age 24, Highway 30, Jackson, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Billy Ray Noble, age 35, Quicksand Road, Jackson, trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Mary Puckett, age 45, Quicksand Road, Jackson, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Balis Ritchie, age 25, Town Hill Road, Jackson, four counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and three counts trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Carrie Shelton, age 26, Highway 52 (Beattyville Road), two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Phillip Spicer, age 27, Sewell Street, Jackson, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Robin Deanne Stamper, age 19, Jetts Drive, Jackson, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Katie Strong, age 19, Quicksand Road, Jackson, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
MUG SHOT PHOTOS HERE
Photos not available for Rosetta Fraley, Greg Haddix, Mary Puckett and Phillip Spicer.

Soccer tournament a success  11-13-05
JACKSON – Dream big and live an active, healthy lifestyle.
That was the advice Major League Soccer player Stephen Herdsman shared with those attending the inaugural Operation UNITE U8 North Fork Classic soccer tournament held Saturday, November 5, at Douthitt Park in Breathitt County.
A defenseman for the Columbus Crew, Herdsman said he didn’t even start playing soccer until his early teens. By living clean, staying healthy and polishing his skills through constant practice he has achieved professional success.
Herdsman, along with Dave Tyahla, director of government relations for the U.S. Soccer Foundation, attended the day-long event to encourage fun, healthy alternatives to drugs.
Tyahla said there is a tremendous opportunity to expand soccer throughout the region, especially to adults. One possibility, he noted, would be for UNITE coalitions to field teams in conjunction with a youth tournament.
Operation UNITE has used a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Soccer Foundation to create or expand youth soccer programs in Breathitt, Lee, Owsley and Wolfe counties.
Eight teams from three counties competed in the double-elimination North Fork Classic. Two Breathitt County teams outlasted the field to play for first and second place. Two Lee County teams faced off for third and fourth place.
Organizers were excited about the tournament’s success, and noted there are already plans for a tournament in the spring of 2006. Between now and then clinics will be conducted for referees, coaches and players.
For more information contact UNITE Activities Coordinator Carlos Cameron at 606-677-6179 or Dr. Carla Rodriguez at 606-666-2262 or by e-mail at crod@mikrotec.com
COMPLETE PHOTOS HERE

Two charged with drug trafficking 10-25-05
A tip that drugs were being brought into Eastern Kentucky from Michigan has led to the arrest of two men.
Pike County resident Marvin D. Collins, 27, of Anderson Branch Road in Shelby Gap, was charged with one count each of second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, and prescription drugs not in their original container.
Timothy A. Kelly, 37, of Merriman Road, Romulus, Michigan, was charged with one count each of second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, prescription drugs not in their original container, and giving a false name and address to a police officer.
Both were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.
On Friday, October 21, Kentucky State Police received information that two men would be passing through Magoffin County in a black Ford Explorer and notified Operation UNITE detectives. UNITE, in turn, notified the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 4 p.m. Sheriff Randall Jordan spotted the Explorer on KY 114 and followed it approximately 5 miles before stopping the vehicle on a speeding violation.
A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 90 tablets of Valium and 120 tablets of Tylenol with Codeine.
Police impounded the Explorer. On Monday, after obtaining a search warrant, the vehicle was given a closer examination by UNITE detectives and the Martin County Sheriff’s Department K-9 and its handler, Deputy Kirby Preece.
“The search revealed that there had possibly been other controlled substances in the vehicle, as the dog alerted on several occasions,” said Lee Weddington, Big Sandy Task Force manager for UNITE. “The only thing found, however, was a prescription bottle legally prescribed to one of the suspects.”

FALL FOREST FIRE HAZARD SEASON BEGINS OCT. 1
Drought conditions, 'heavy accumulation of fuel' are reasons for concern
            FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 26, 2005) - The fall forest fire hazard season begins Oct. 1 in Kentucky. Until it ends Dec. 15, burning within 150 feet of a woodland or brush land is illegal from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
            "The last four fire seasons have been unusually light, and that has created a very heavy accumulation of fuel in our forests," said Leah MacSwords, director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry, an agency of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC).
            "In addition to the heavy accumulation of fuel, the current drought conditions could create a very dangerous situation," MacSwords said. "Citizens who live in and around our state's woodlands should take extra precautions to ensure their property is safe from wildfire."
            The national Firewise Communities Program recommends a 30-foot mowed buffer area around homes, hoses long enough to reach around houses, decks enclosed to keep out dried leaves, and firewood stacked away from houses. Visit www.firewise.ky.gov and www.firewise.org.
Most Kentucky forest fires are set by arsonists. Suspected arsonists should be reported to the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON, local law enforcement or the division. Hotline callers can qualify for a cash reward if information leads to an arrest and indictment.
Precautions should be taken and weather conditions considered before outdoor burning. The wildland Fire Situation Report at http://www.forestryky.gov/situationreport/ lists fire conditions and counties that have banned burning. Also check with two other EPPC agencies - the Division for Air Quality and Division of Waste Management - to ensure compliance with other outdoor burning regulations.

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY - MAKE IT YOURS!
"Fall Sweep the Bluegrass"
FRANKFORT, KY (September 14, 2005) - "Let's "Fall Sweep" the Bluegrass!"  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced today that the Adopt-a-Highway Fall Scrub Week will be held September 18th - 24th!
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet began the Adopt-A-Highway Program in 1988 to raise environmental awareness and discourage littering.  Over the past 17 years, Adopt-A-Highway has become a successful educational tool.  Participating groups demonstrate the importance of a clean environment by spreading the word and setting the example that littering is unacceptable behavior.  Today, more than 1,312 groups participate in Kentucky's program, cleaning approximately 8,327 miles annually.
The program increases public environmental awareness, reduces littering, expands tourism, creates a partnership between citizens, community and government, and establishes a sense of pride in our Bluegrass State.  The Transportation Cabinet salutes each and every participant, and thanks them for their tireless efforts to educate others.
Each year, the Transportation Cabinet's highway workers spend approximately 200,000 hours removing litter from Kentucky's roadways, collecting over 96,000 bags of litter. The total yearly cost of litter removal averages $4 - 5 million.
GET INVOLVED!
How can you contribute to your community, make a difference, send a message and educate others, and have fun with friends and family all at the same time? Join Kentucky's Adopt-A-Highway Program.  By taking personal responsibility for one of your area roadways, you will be setting an example for your community.
The environment is everyone's responsibility. Adopt-A-Highway provides the opportunity to be a part of the solution. As a volunteer, you will save thousands in taxpayer dollars and demonstrate to others the importance of a clean environment.
Any permanently established business, association, community or public organization, or government entity can adopt a stretch of highway. A wide range of groups throughout Kentucky now participate, including homemaker clubs, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, high school organizations, Rotary clubs, veterans, college fraternities and sororities, sports teams and Kiwanis clubs. (Sorry, those entities established for the sole purpose of pursuing legislative or regulatory changes are not eligible.)
Two-mile sections of highway are adopted for a period of two years. Groups sign a contract with the Transportation Cabinet, which recognizes the need and desirability of a clean environment and permits the group to contribute toward that effort.  Volunteer groups may renew the contract at the end of the two years.
Adopt-A-Highway Coordinators can explain the fundamentals of the program to your group, work with group members in locating an available highway, and notify you of news and upcoming events.
Litter pickups are held at least four times per year or as many times as necessary to keep the area reasonably litter free. The Cabinet coordinates three annual clean-up efforts throughout the year.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Groups interested in becoming members of the Adopt-A-Highway Program can find specific details and District Coordinator information at http://adopt-a-highway.ky.gov/.  Safety guidelines are provided to volunteers and should be reviewed prior to each cleanup.
Your Adopt-A-Highway coordinator will help you get in touch with your county's Maintenance Crew Superintendent to arrange warning sign placement on the date of your pickup. Trash bags and safety vests can be obtained at each State Maintenance Facility, and litter removal is provided by the state highway crews.
For more information, please visit our Website at www.transportation.ky.gov and follow the links to Adopt-a-Highway.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Miranda Thacker at (502)564-3419 or email at miranda.thacker@ky.gov.