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Governor Beshear Authorizes Emergency Funds For Heating Crisis Programs
FRANKFORT,  Ky. (Jan. 17, 2008) – Gov. Steve Beshear this afternoon ordered immediate distribution of $7,195,000 in federal appropriations to be allocated to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization (WX) program.
“Increase in the cost of heating fuel has created an additional burden on financially-strapped families, making the availability of energy assistance even more critical at this time,” Gov. Beshear said.
The state’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) made the emergency request. The funds are provided by the federal Omnibus Appropriations bill for 2008, signed into law Dec. 26, 2007.  CHFS disburses funds to Community Action Agencies, who in turn, distribute funds to families requiring such assistance.
In accordance with KRS 48.605, the Governor may authorize appropriations such as this in emergency situations.

Kennith Smith named Sen. Jeff Green Scholar
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kennith Smith of Lost Creek, a 2007 graduate of Jackson High School, has been named a Sen. Jeff Green Scholar. Students earn this designation by achieving a 4.0 grade point average all four years of high school and scoring at least a 28 composite on the ACT.
As a Sen. Jeff Green scholar, Smith is eligible for $2,500 a year in Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) awards. Students may receive up to $10,000 toward their college expenses if they continue to do well in school.
The title honors the late state Sen. Jeff Green of Mayfield, who served in the Kentucky General Assembly from 1992 to 1997.
KEES awards are funded by net Kentucky lottery proceeds and may be used at most colleges and universities in Kentucky . In some cases, the award may be used at out-of-state schools if the major the student is pursuing is not available in Kentucky. No application is necessary for KEES awards, and students may access their KEES account information on www.kheaa.com by setting up a Zip Access account.
For more information about KEES, write to KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602-0798; call (800) 928-8926, extension 7394; e-mail kees@kheaa.com; or visit www.kheaa.com.

Church Burglaries
On 07/24/07 at approximately 15:17 Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard responds to another church burglary.
The Little Rock Old Regular Baptist Church in the Kona community of Letcher is the latest victim of a burglary. The church was broken into, but nothing was apparently stolen. This is the 4th church burglary in the past week in the Post 13 area. The investigations into the rash of burglaries are continuing. The Kentucky State Police along with the Letcher County Sheriffs Department will be conducting extra patrols in the communities. We are asking anyone with any information to call the Kentucky State Police at (606) 435-6069 or 1-800-222-5555.

Kentucky State Parks Offers Plenty Of Outdoor Fun During June -- “Great Outdoors Month”
FRANKFORT, Ky. – With the month of June being designated as the “Great Outdoors Month,” the Kentucky State Parks are providing many opportunities for visitors to get outside this summer.
Governor Ernie Fletcher, in a proclamation, noted how the Kentucky State Parks resorts, recreational parks and historic sites “provide a variety of outdoor activities across the state to Kentuckians and visitors.” The Governor also noted the many outdoor recreational activities that Kentucky offers including fishing, boating, golf and hiking.
“If you’re looking for something to do outside, the Kentucky State Parks have something to offer you,” said Parks Commissioner J.T. Miller.
For example, June 2 is National Trails Day and several state parks will be holding special hikes and events. They include Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin, John James Audubon State Park at Henderson, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park at Jamestown and Natural Bridge State Resort Park at Slade. And Jenny Wiley State Resort Park near Prestonsburg will be holding an overnight canoe trip June 2-3.
Also on June 2, Carter Caves State Resort Park near Olive Hill will be holding its Bat Cave Extreme trip. This adventure is considered strenuous and you will be stooping, bending and climbing.
On June 16, Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park near Carlisle will have an overnight canoe trip on the Licking River.
Several parks will be holding fishing events for children in June and E.P. “Tom” Sawyer Park in Louisville will hold an outdoor skills camp June 11-15 for ages 8-12.
All 31 of the Kentucky State Park campgrounds with 2,600 improved sites are now open for the summer. And across the state, the state parks offer some excellent golf courses including the seven “Signature Series” courses. There are also Tee’s and Zzz’s golf packages that include lodging, meals and golf rounds.
For reservations and more information about these events, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Ten Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week     (Mar. 19 through Mar. 25)                            
(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that 10 people died in nine separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways from Monday, Mar. 19 through Sunday, Mar. 25, 2007.
Eight of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and five of the victims were not wearing seat belts. Three of the crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. One of the fatalities involved a motorcycle and one of the victims was operating an ATV and not wearing a helmet.
One double-fatality crash was reported in Whitley County and two single-fatality crashes occurred in Madison County. Single fatality crashes occurred in Barren, Jackson, Perry, Pike, Scott and Simpson counties.
Through Mar. 25, preliminary statistics* indicate that 141 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2007. This is 14 fewer than reported for this time period in 2006. Of the 129 motor vehicle fatalities, 78 victims were not wearing seat belts.
Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

Cervical Cancer
January brings a wave of New Year’s Resolutions, and with the Breathitt County Relay for Life Committee, this is no exception.  Committee Chairperson Patty Wilder met with Relay team captains at City Hall to discuss team strategies and ideas for fundraising and promotion.  The Relay Committee then met, discussing ideas for the upcoming Relay.  Their New Year’s Resolution?  Make this the best Relay ever!
WE need your help!   If you are interested in forming a team, contact Patty Wilder at 295-4000 or 398-7000.  The Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s premier fundraising event.  Dollars raised go toward sponsoring cancer survivor assistance right here in our local area.  The American Cancer Society provides support systems through their toll-free number, 1-800-ACS-2345 and at their website www.cancer.org. This helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  They provide much needed information and place those diagnosed with cancer in touch with local support groups and survivors.  Another function of the ACS is educating people on the different types of cancer. 
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.  According to American Cancer Society representatives, Breathitt County is one of the top counties in Kentucky affected by cervical cancer.  While cervical cancer used to be much more deadly, it is now less likely to happen thanks to research dollars and the development of the common Pap smear, which may detect precancerous cells before cervical cancer develops.  Risk factors for cervical cancer include the human papillomavirus infection (HPV), which is more prevalent in young women with multiple sex partners and began to have sex at an early age.  This is one reason for the development of Gardasil, a new vaccine that targets HPV.  This vaccine is recommended for girls 9-26 and was just approved in 2006.  Other risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, diet, and use of birth control pills. Yearly Pap tests are recommended for any woman who is sexually active or over the age of 21.  Most cases of cervical cancer occur in those women who are not screened regularly. For more information about cervical cancer, screening, or treatment, contact your primary doctor or the American Cancer Society at the above number.
Mark your calendar for June 8, beginning at 6 PM.  The Relay for Life is a party for a purpose, and includes lots of fun and entertainment for the whole family. Teams may be formed through families, churches, businesses, organizations; please join in and help us with the fight against cancer.  Feel free to check out our website, www.acsevents.org/relay/ky/breathitt for updates on teams, events, and fundraising.  Stay tuned for more information in future Relay Corners.

Attorney General Stumbo Obtains Restraining Order AgainstMinnesota Company Selling Vending Machine Business Opportunity
FRANKFORT, KY (October 20, 2006) –  Attorney General Greg Stumbo announced today the filing of a civil lawsuit and the issuance of a restraining order against two Minnesota defendants who are charged with selling business opportunities without registering, in violation of the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act.
National Snack Products, Inc., and Dennis Roberts offered Kentuckians a potential income of up to $50,000 per year for 4 to 6 hours work per week and an initial investment of $8,900. At least two Kentucky consumers spent over $13,000 each purchasing vending machines in response to the advertisement.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit alleges sale of an unregistered business opportunity in violation of the Kentucky Business Opportunity statute, as well as unfair, false, misleading and deceptive trade practices in violation of the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act.
A temporary restraining order was issued today by the Washington County Circuit Court.  Judge Doughlas M. George ordered the defendants to cease from offering business opportunities in Kentucky and refrain from disposing of or concealing records or assets until further order of the Court.
“I am committed to protecting the public from the operators of get-rich-quick scams,” said Attorney General Greg Stumbo. “Legitimate business opportunities requiring an investment over $500 are required to register with my office, provide a bond and disclosure documents. People need to remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
The Kentucky Office of the Attorney General and the FTC suggest consumers follow these tips before investing in any new business venture or work-at-home opportunity:
Does the ad promise big money for little effort? Fraudulent ads use similar bait: Fast cash. Minimal work. No risk. And the advantage of being your own boss or working from home.
Before promoters can accept money from potential investors, the law requires that they give investors important disclosure documents. If the promoter does not make the document readily available, interested consumers should find another opportunity.
Talk to current investors, but beware of paid “shills,” who work for the company.  Visit other business sites in person. And get professional advice if you need it. Do not lose your life savings just because you did not spend a few hundred dollars to talk to a lawyer, an accountant, or another expert.
Consumers should visit the FTC’s Web site at www.ftc.gov/bizopps or www.ftc.gov/workathome for information in both English and Spanish to help identify and avoid business opportunity scams.
Anyone who has purchased a vending machine business opportunity from Dennis Roberts or National Snack Products is asked to contact the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection at 1-888-432-9257.

Attorney General Stumbo Announces Seizure of Illegal Internet Drugs from Lexington Area Hub
FRANKFORT, KY (August 25, 2006) –  Attorney General Greg Stumbo today announced that agents of the Kentucky Bureau of Investigation (KBI) are in possession of drug shipments seized from shipping hubs in the Lexington area.  The packages were shipped to Kentucky residents from three unlicensed pharmacies in Florida. 
In this seizure, the KBI seized 2,486 pills, including 1,690 highly addictive Hydrocodone tablets with a total street value of almost $17,000.  The drugs seized were destined for Jessamine, Floyd, Scott, Letcher, Clark, Estill, Menifee and Knott Counties in Kentucky.
“This marks KBI’s third seizure of illegal Internet drugs in just over one month,” Stumbo said. “Drugs with the street value of nearly $130,000 have been taken off the streets and out of the hands of addicts and dealers during these three seizures.”  Since Senate Bill 63 was enacted last year, the KBI has seized approximately a half-million dollars in illegal Internet drugs.
KBI agents are actively enforcing Senate Bill 63. The law forbids the sale and shipment of drugs by unlicensed Internet pharmacies. Already, many unlicensed pharmacies refuse to ship to Kentucky due to the penalties now in place. It also requires Internet pharmacies follow the law or face felony charges.
“Drug sellers must obtain a permit from the Board of Pharmacy,” Stumbo continued. “A toll-free number where patients can consult with a qualified pharmacist must be maintained. Pharmacies must also comply with the KASPER monitoring system and display certification that it is a ‘Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site.’”
KBI agents are working in cooperation with Kentucky State Police, 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.

KENTUCKY FIREFIGHTERS ASSIST IN MINNESOTA
Division of Forestry provides 25 firefighters and one information officer
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 20, 2006) – Responding to a request for assistance from the U.S. Forest Service, the Kentucky Division of Forestry is sending 16 full-time firefighters and nine seasonal firefighters to help battle wildfires in Minnesota.
The Kentucky contingent is meeting today in London at the U.S. Forest Service Ranger District office to join additional firefighters from multiple federal agencies and to pick up gear. They are expected to take commercial flights out Friday. They are to report to Ely, in northern Minnesota, and most likely will be assigned to the 1,500-acre Turtle Lake fire.
On another front, the division sent an employee to Brusett, Mont., on Wednesday to act as an information officer.
Federal agencies and many states are asking for help with wildfires. State employees volunteer for these opportunities to assist, during which they are on leave from the division and paid by the U.S. Forest Service. The assignments typically are 14 days plus travel time.
“We are fortunate that the wildland fire danger in Kentucky is currently low, which allows us to provide these resources to other states,” said KDF Director and Kentucky State Forester Leah MacSwords. “If our conditions take a turn for the worse, I’m sure the U.S. Forest Service will return the favor.”

Motorcycle Accident
ON 06/11/06 AT APPROXIMATELY 10:50AM POST 13 OF THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE WAS NOTIFIED OF A 2 VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES ON HWY 160 IN THE MALLIE COMMUNITY OF KNOTT COUNTY. A VEHICLE OPERATED BY DEANA ADAMS WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON HWY 160 WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AND CROSSED IN FRONT OF A MOTORCYCLE TRAVELING NORTH ON HWY 160. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS OPERATED BY TOMMY GIBSON AND WAS ACCOMPANIED WITH A PASSENGER STARLA GIBSON. DEANA ADAMS WAS NOT INJURED IN THE COLLISON. TOMMY AND STARLA GIBSON RECEIVED MULTIPLE INJURIES AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE U.K. MEDICAL CENTER BY HELICOPTER. NO HELMETS WERE IN USE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING BY TPR. LOREN HOLLIDAY WITH THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE.

LBJ Academic Team
Wednesday May 10, 2006 the LBJ elementary and 6th grade academic team attended their third annual end of the year trip. Mr. Alonzo Fugate started this trip in 2004 and hopefully we will carry on the tradition in the following year. The trip is the outdoor classroom at Kentucky Kingdom Six Flags Park.
The day started when everyone met at LBJ 6:00 in the morning. It was a gloomy, cloudy day but the children’s excitement was still there. Some of the students told me that they were unable to sleep because they were so excited. We left the parking lot at 6:05 am to go to McDonald’s and get sandwiches and drinks for the children. The children ate on the bus and we were off on our long journey. Many parents followed behind us with other family members to enjoy this trip. It almost looked like a convoy.
When we got to Kentucky Kingdom, it was around 9:15 am. We entered the park around 9:30 and the rain joined us. Nothing was going to get in the way with children having fun. We broke into groups until we were to meet at 4:00pm. The rain lasted for about 2 hours and the rest of the day was just right. It was a nice breezy day not to hot or to cold. Even during the dampest, gloomiest part of the day, you could look in these children’s faces and you would warm up from the inside out. That is when you are reminded why you are standing out in the rain. It was all for the children. If the children did not mind, why should we?
At 4:00, we met in front of the park and returned to the bus. We were on our way to Golden Coral. I could not believe how quiet the bus was. I know we took an attendance count so we had 24 children but it was too quiet. I turned around and realized the 75% of the children had fallen asleep and the other 25% were probably too tired to talk.
When we arrived at Golden Corral, everything was ready for us. All I had to do was pay the bill. The children received their drinks and then went to go get their food. During this whole time, I was proud to be the LBJ academic coach. The children were well behaved and they did Breathitt county schools justice.
We were back on the bus around 7:00 pm. I guess the students had a lot of sugar because their mouths were non-stop. That was just fine with me because I heard some of the children say that they have never been to an amusement park before or to the Golden Corral. It made my day knowing that we brought happiness to the children and allowed then to enjoy a new adventure.
We want to thank Mr. Combs and Mr. Arch Turner for their help and support with the Academic team this year and to all the parents and students that helped with our fund-raisers that allowed our students to enjoy this day. Without their support we would never been able to make this trip a reality.
Cindy Noble and Rena Hamblin

Governor Fletcher & Transportation Cabinet Award $534,820.04 Highway Contract for District 10
JACKSON, KY - (March 27, 2006) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is working to upgrade the highway network in the 10 counties in the Department of Highways District 10. One contract totaling $534,820.04 has been approved by the cabinet.
“Kentucky’s intricate highway system makes up the fabric of our economy,” said Governor Ernie Fletcher. “These highway projects are given considerable thought because each is equally important.”
The contract calls for waterborne paint striping on 514.155 miles of state primary and state secondary highways in the 10 counties of District 10, 209.260 miles of rural secondary highways in the district, and various routes in Natural Bridge and Buckhorn Lake state resort parks. Work is scheduled to begin May 1 and is to be completed by Sept. 1. Priority routes are scheduled to be striped by June 1.
Central Seal Co. of Danville was awarded the low-bid contract for $534,820.04.
District 10 consists of the counties of Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Magoffin, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell and Wolfe in east-central and southeast Kentucky. Statewide, more than $23 million worth of projects have recently been authorized.
“We want Kentuckians and visitors alike to know that whenever you drive and wherever you drive in this commonwealth, you can count on safe, dependable roads,” said Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert. “As we evaluate projects, safety, reliability and economic development are at the top of the list.”
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.


Magoffin couple charged with drug sales  12-24-05
Two people have been arrested after police found marijuana plants and prescription pills at their Salyersville home.
Operation UNITE charged 43-year-old Jonathan G. Ginter and 42-year-old Angela C. Ginter, both of Elm Street, with cultivating more than five marijuana plants, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and having a controlled substance not in its original container.
Magoffin County Sheriff Randall “Bob” Jordan received an anonymous tip about possible drug activity at the home and contacted Operation UNITE for assistance. Following a two-day investigation enough evidence was gathered to obtain a search warrant.
UNITE detectives and members of the Magoffin Sheriff’s Office went to the Ginters’ home about 10:40 a.m. Thursday, December 22 to serve the warrant.
During a search police found approximately three ounces of processed marijuana, five large and seven small marijuana plants, two grow lights, 12 Hydrocodone tablets and $625 in cash.
Following their arrest, the Ginters were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Johnson County.

Clay drug roundup targets 23  11-21-05
As the sun peaked above the Clay County hills Wednesday, November 16, nearly two dozen law enforcement officers headed out in teams to arrest 23 suspected street-level drug dealers sought in an Operation UNITE roundup.
As of noon police had served 15 of the indictment warrants with the suspects lodged in the Clay County Detention Center.
Staging at the Manchester Recreational Center in the Beech Creek Community at 7:30 a.m., officers from the Manchester Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police London Post joined UNITE detectives to serve the warrants resulting from an investigation spanning most of this year.
Other suspects have been identified and will be subject to arrest at a later date, said Joel Cunigan, Cumberland Task Force manager for UNITE.
“These individuals targeted today represent only a fraction of the known dealers in Clay County,” noted Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for UNITE. “Instead of arresting a large group at one time, which can overwhelm the jail and court system, we are electing to seek a more manageable number. This is just the beginning.”
“We’re sympathetic to the budgetary constraints of our county jails,” Smoot continued. “We are encouraging those who sell drugs in order to fuel their addiction to seek treatment before it’s too late. It’s as easy as calling 1-866-90-UNITE. If they fail to get help, we will get them.”
Pastors representing 13 churches from Clay, Knox and Whitley counties were present at the recreational facility just north of Manchester to counsel individuals arrested on drug charges.
“We’re here to provide help, not only to the person who was arrested but to their families,” said Doug Abner, chairman of Christians for a Drug-Free Clay County, the local UNITE coalition. “We really want to get their lives turned around.”
“This is like the dream team,” Abner continued. “You have Operation UNITE working with the churches to see these people’s lives change.”
Abner, who is pastor of Community Church in Manchester, said he invited other ministers “so they could see what we’re doing (in Clay County) and do the same thing when there’s a drug bust in their county.”
In addition, it allows faith-based communities to see opportunities for them to become involved in UNITE’s three-pronged anti-drug efforts – investigation, treatment and education -- throughout the Fifth Congressional District, he said.
Those arrested Wednesday were:
• Theresa Collis, age 32, Mount View Park, Hima, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• George Critt Duff, age 52, Old U.S. 421, Manchester, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Sarah Gilbert, age 39, Bourbon Street, Manchester, one count first-degree possession of a controlled substance.
• Dan Goins, age 58, Webb Street, Manchester, one count trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Lucy Louise Goins, age 52, Webb Street, Manchester, two counts trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Ronald Jerry Hacker, age 47, Mill Pond Drive, Manchester, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count possession of marijuana.
• J.C. Lawson, age 54, Big Creek, one count trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Carrie Lewis, age 28, Curry Branch Road, Manchester, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Lena Joan Napier, age 48, Mill Pond Road, Manchester, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count possession of marijuana.
• Jesse Rogers, age 38, Baker Street, Manchester, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count possession of marijuana.
• Edward “Cookie” Sandlin, age 42, Melton Springs Road, Manchester, one count third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Sonny Smallwood, age 38, South Highway 11, Manchester, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Herman Smith Jr., age 21, Morning Glory Road, Manchester, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count possession of marijuana.
• Fabian Wilson, age 44, Papaw Road, Manchester, two counts trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces.
• Flora “Flo” Gay Word, age 42, Collins Gibson Road, Manchester, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
MUG SHOTS HERE

WOLFE COUNTY RECLAIMING FUTURES FALL BASH 10-25-05
Campton, Ky.  - The Wolfe County Reclaiming Futures Council and Youth Leadership successfully hosted their Fall Bash, October 7, at the Wolfe County Community Center.
The Bash, scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., was designed to connect youth and their families with positive activities. Members of the Wolfe County Youth Leadership group decorated the Community Center and helped monitor the event. There was a live D.J., as well as food and refreshments.
The event was very successful with 63 people attending. Children and youth ranging from ages five to 17 attended the Bash. Some brought their parents along to join in the fun. Several door prizes were given away, which were donated by many different community members and organizations; Susan Burt, Wolfe County Farm Bureau Insurance, The Wolfe County Woman's Club, George and Pam Pilgrim, Wal-Mart and Caney Creations.
There was food, dancing, socializing and many youth stopped to sign the graffiti board that Reclaiming Futures, in partnership with Kentucky River Community Care, supplied. The question that youth responded to on the board was, “What can your community do for you?” Some of the comments included, “fun activities after school” and “get something in the community to do for teenagers.”
Getting youth and families involved together in positive activities is an effective way to keep youth away from the cycle of drugs, alcohol and crime.  
Reclaiming Futures, a $21 million initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is a new approach to helping teenagers caught in the cycle of drugs, alcohol and crime. Our mission is to promote new community opportunities and standards of care for youth. To accomplish this, Reclaiming Futures has awarded $1.25 million grants to 10 pilot projects charged with reinventing the way courts, police, detention facilities, treatment counselors, businesses, schools, families and others work together with teens in trouble with the law. Reclaiming Futures in the Mountains of Kentucky is located in the Appalachian Mountains in Eastern Kentucky.
For more information please call Kari Collins, Project Director at 606-666-9006.

Sonny St. Pierre hired to help with training needs 10-12-05
            Working to help businesses with their training needs is just one of the roles for Sonny St. Pierre who has been hired as the new Workforce Development Liaison, based at the Technical Campus of Hazard Community & Technical College.
            “I’ve been involved in vocational education in excess of 30 years. I am a firm believer in connectivity between industry and educators,” noted St. Pierre.
            Because of the recent boom in the mining industry, Sonny is working on training for maintenance workers for coal companies. “We work closely with industry. If we don’t give them the training they need with the quality of instruction, then we’re not doing our job,” he said. “There is not enough skilled labor to fill the job market and our role is to create the classes so people can get trained to fill those jobs. If we don’t have the teachers, we’ll find them.”
            Dr. Jay K. Box, HCTC president/CEO, said he has been impressed with St. Pierre in the short time he’s been on the job here. “He will make the contacts with business people, and he will listen to their needs so he can develop whatever training is needed,” Dr. Box said.
            One of the needs is Continuing Education for those occupations requiring a license. St. Pierre will work to provide continuing education classes in areas such as plumbing, electricity, cosmetology, construction, welding and real estate.  Those who work at water plants also need training and HCTC is equipped to offer those classes. “It’s not cost effective to send water plant workers away for this type of training; we can offer it here, meaning a savings on mileage and hotel bills.”
            Water treatment classes will be offered Oct. 25 and 26. Also on the schedule is a Dec. 5 real estate class.
            “I have a lot of motivation because I believe in what I’m doing. If I can help someone every day, that’s my satisfaction. I like to help people and industries. It makes me happy.”
            St. Pierre comes to HCTC from a sister institution—Henderson Community College where he held a similar position. He not only helps business, he started one himself, so he knows the challenges that face a small business owner. St. Pierre’s Chuckwagon BBQ is his restaurant in Henderson.
            Other jobs include: accounts manager at Airgas Mid-America in Henderson,  welding instructor at Henderson County Technology Center, welding instructor for the Breckenridge Job Corps Center in Morganfield, welding foreman at Mine Services Installation in Paducah, welder/fabricator at Pittsburg Steel, welder with Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation in Dansville, NY, maintenance welder at Titanium Metals of American in Henderson, Nevada and Certified Aircraft Flight Line Welding/Metals Processing Specialist at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV.
            He holds a bachelor degree in Industrial Education from Murray State University. He attended Finger Lakes Occupational School in Geneva, NY.
            Sonny and his wife Patricia have two sons, Kyle, a machinist in Henderson and Jay, a safety coordinator at a Tennessee paper mill. Besides spending time with his family, Sonny enjoys camping and fishing.
            To contact Sonny, call 800-246-7521, ext. 73308 or at 606-487-3308.

Texas drug pipeline broken 10-4-05 (From Unite)
A woman believed to be a major supplier of drugs to dealers in the Breathitt County area is now behind bars.
With assistance from Jackson Police Department Officer Brian Haddix, detectives from Operation UNITE were able to locate and arrest 40-year-old Jeannie Marie Grady late Monday night.
During a search of Grady’s vehicle police confiscated nearly 400 assorted prescription pills with a street value estimated at approximately $15,000.
Grady, a former resident of Breathitt County now living in Waco, Texas, was charged with one count each of first-degree, second-degree and third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. She was also cited for failure to maintain insurance.
“We’ve been looking for her for over three months,” said Mike Luttrell, Kentucky River Task Force manager for UNITE. “We knew she was supplying local dealers with hundreds of pills each month but had not been able to locate her.”
Fortunes changed about 10 p.m. Monday, October 3, when an Operation UNITE detective received a tip that Grady was back in town driving a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban.
Local police were notified, and Haddix recalled seeing the car earlier in the evening. He checked out a local motel but Grady wasn’t there. At approximately 11 p.m. he spotted the car at another residence, and ultimately conducted a traffic stop on KY 1812.
After receiving consent to search the Suburban, police discovered an assortment of pills, including OxyContin, Methadone, Hydrocodone and Xanax.
Grady was arrested at 11:35 p.m. and lodged in the Three Forks Regional Jail in Lee County.
“UNITE is constantly focusing on out-of-state mid-level suppliers who are bringing drugs into southern and eastern Kentucky,” said Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for UNITE. “This is the third time in the last two months citizen tips have led to criminal cases against individuals hauling drugs into the region.”
A Hamilton, Ohio, couple suspected of funneling drugs into Pulaski and surrounding counties was arrested on September 21. On August 16 police recovered more than 7 ounces of suspected cocaine from two Floyd County men as they were bringing the drug in from another part of the state.
“As you can see, there is no part of this area immune to the influence of drugs,” Luttrell noted. “It is important we continue to receive tips about individuals seeking to profit off the lives of our citizens.”

(From Jackson Police Dept.)
From Jackson PD/UNITE/Chief Clyde Caudill
RE: ARREST
On 10/03/2004, Operation Unite received a tip that a maroon Chevy Suburban was in the area from Texas possibly containing a large quantity of controlled substances. Operation Unite contacted the Jackson Police Department of the situation. Jackson Police Department observed for the vehicle and found vehicle on Ky. 1812.
Patrolman Brian Haddix stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation and after stopping vehicle for the minor violation Officer Haddix obtained a consent to search for the vehicle. During the search Officer Haddix found in excess of 350 pills with a street value of over $10,000.00.
Officer Haddix contacted officers from UNITE who responded to the traffic stop and assisted the Jackson Police Department with arrest of Jeannie Marie Grady of Waco, Texas.
PHOTOS HERE

Historic site near Richmond to be Rededicated in Honor of Beula Nunn 9-14-05
FRANKFORT, Ky. -  White Hall State Historic Shrine, the ancestral home of emancipationist Cassius Marcellus Clay, near Richmond, Ky., will be rededicated on Friday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m. in honor of former Kentucky first lady Beula C. Nunn, who worked tirelessly to preserve the once dilapidated site.
The White Hall of today bears little resemblance to the one Nunn saw when she initially took an interest in the historic home in the late 1960s. The grounds were overgrown and the house was falling in on itself after 60 years of neglect. Working closely with the Richmond Garden Club, the Kentucky Mansion Preservation Foundation, volunteers and Clay's ancestors, the late Mrs. Nunn used her considerable clout and persuasive powers to help bring the site back to life.
Today, the Kentucky State Parks operates White Hall for all to enjoy.  Period furnishings remain and guides wear period clothing.
Originally built in 1799, White Hall also educates its visitors about Clay. Once known as the "Lion of White Hall," he spent four decades working to end slavery and served as minister to Russia under three presidents.
As part of the rededication ceremony, a new historic marker commemorating Nunn's efforts will be unveiled. Nunn's children, Rep. Steve Nunn, Glasgow, and Jennie Lou Nunn Penn, Frankfort, will speak. Others scheduled to attend include Commerce Cabinet Secretary James Host; Department of Parks commissioner George Ward, Executive Director of the Kentucky Historical Society Kent Whitworth, and Kathleen White, Historic Site Manager of White Hall.
Music will be provided by the Eastern Kentucky University Department of Music. Light refreshments will be served.