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Wolfe County, area residents invited to attend public meeting on improvements to KY 715
JACKSON, KY – Residents of Wolfe and nearby counties are invited to attend a public informational meeting to discuss proposed highway improvements along the KY 715 corridor between KY 11 at Zachariah and the Mountain Parkway at Pine Ridge.
The meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Rogers Elementary School, 1750 KY 715, Rogers.
The purpose of the meeting is to inform the public of a planning study for improvements to this highway. Various environmental and technical issues concerning the area will be presented, and opinions and ideas about the proposed project will be solicited.
The public meeting will be informal and interactive. Officials from the Transportation Cabinet and the project consultants will be available to answer questions and receive public input from area residents, business owners and highway users. Informational handouts, comment sheets and displays will be available to attendees. Exhibits will outline the project study area and describe the potential environmental, community, traffic and engineering impacts. There will also be a 15-day public comment period after the meeting, and exhibits will be available at the Department of Highways District 10 office in Jackson.

GOVERNOR FLETCHER BREAKS GROUND ON MOUNTAIN PARKWAY WIDENING PROJECT
$48 million investment is first significant upgrade since the road was built
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Ernie Fletcher today joined state and local officials in breaking ground for a $48 million project to widen a section of the Mountain Parkway east of Campton. Other than pavement resurfacing and bridge deck replacement no noteworthy improvements have been made to Kentucky ’s first parkway since it opened in January 1963.
“I think it’s high time we brought in the construction crews and started to work on the Mountain Parkway ,” said Governor Fletcher. “This is the primary transportation artery for eastern Kentucky . For decades, every administration has promised to widen the Mountain Parkway east of Campton.  I’m here to tell you today that when I make a promise I intend to keep it. We are going to stop talking about it and start moving forward with this project.”
Governor Fletcher also announced that he has designated the widening project to be one of 10 Design-Build projects authorized by the 2007 General Assembly.
“My responsibility as governor is to pave the road to opportunity for all Kentuckians,”    Governor Fletcher said. “The Mountain Parkway should be the ‘Road to Opportunity’ in eastern Kentucky . The people in this region deserve nothing less than to have this project placed on a fast track for completion.  The economic and safety benefits derived from this investment will improve the quality of life for people in this region for generations to come.”
The Design-Build approach calls for all phases of a project to proceed simultaneously, with project designers and construction contractors working together to speed up all the processes of design, utility relocation, right-of-way acquisition, and construction.
“Everyone in Wolfe County and throughout Eastern Kentucky is truly elated that the widening of the Mountain Parkway is about to become a reality,” said Sen. Robert Stivers (R-Manchester). “ Eastern Kentucky cannot realize significant economic progress without improvements to its transportation infrastructure. Our sincere thanks go out to Governor Fletcher and the Transportation Cabinet for taking this important step forward.”
The project will include the widening of the Mountain Parkway to four lanes between exits 43 and 46. It will also include the addition of a ramp from northbound KY 15 at Campton to the eastbound lanes of the parkway. Special drainage features will be added to control runoff from the roadway surface to improve the quality of water in Campton Lake .
Governor Fletcher also said widening the parkway will make it safer for travelers. The section being widened has been the scene of 18 accidents in the last three years, resulting in eight serious injuries and one fatality. “In addition to our successful effort to have effective traffic safety laws passed in Kentucky , we’re improving our older roads in the interest of saving lives in Kentucky ,” the Governor said.
In 2006 Governor Fletcher championed the passage of three landmark pieces of highway safety legislation for Kentucky . The primary seatbelt law, graduated driver’s license and “quick clearance” law contributed to the first decline in highway fatalities in Kentucky in seven years. So far in 2007, 40 fewer people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways than at this point in 2006.

Money Tips for College Students:  How to Make It, Use It and Save It
Don’t underestimate the importance of a good credit report
While in college, you build a credit report and credit score with the bills you pay, from utilities to credit cards. When you receive a bill, it is important to pay it on time each month. If you have a history of paying bills late, it will be reported and will affect the interest rate you pay on your credit card, car, apartment deposit or even your car insurance.
Credit scores, which range from 300 to 850, are based on your payment history and are used by lenders to help determine whether you qualify for a particular credit card, loan, insurance or service. Most credit scores estimate the risk a company incurs by lending a person money, specifically, the likelihood that the person will make payments on time in the next two to three years. Generally, the higher your credit score, the less risk you represent. “Good” credit begins at the 700-score range.
If you are unsure whether you have a good credit report, you may want to request copies. Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act), consumers can request a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies, Equifax, Trans Union Corporation and Experian, at www.AnnualCreditReport.com.
This money management tip is brought to you by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) and The Student Loan People. For more tips, see “It’s Money, Baby!” at www.kheaa.com/pdf/ItsMoneyBaby.pdf.
KHEAA is the state agency that administers the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES), need-based grants and other student aid programs and guarantees Federal Family Education Loans to help Kentuckians pay higher education expenses. The Student Loan People is KHEAA’s sister agency and Kentucky ’s only public, nonprofit student loan provider.
To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, visit www.GoHigherKY.org. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798 , Frankfort , KY 40602-0798 ; or call (800) 928-8926, extension 7381. For information about low-cost student loans, visit www.studentloanpeople.com; write The Student Loan People, P.O. Box 24328 , Louisville , KY 40224-0328 ; or call (888) 678-4625.

Kentucky State Police Kick-Off Summer Highway Safety Enforcement Campaign in Eastern Kentucky
July 4th Second Deadliest Day of the Year
Hazard, Ky - July 4th is the second-most-deadly holiday period of the year - just behind New Year’s.  Last year, 16 people were killed in traffic crashes across Kentucky during the Fourth of July holiday period (06/30/06 @ 6:00 p.m. through 07/04/06 @ 12:00 a.m.).  
That is why Kentucky State Police will join with other local law enforcement and highway safety officials in working overtime this year to remind anyone planning to use alcohol while celebrating Independence Day that if You Are Over the Limit, You Are Under Arrest.  This campaign is part of the “Blue Lights Across the Bluegrass” Summer Enforcement campaign that will focus on impaired driving, speed and failure to wear seat belts.
Captain Jeff Caudill, of Kentucky State Police Hazard Post, encourages all drivers who will be on the roadways during the July 4th weekend to take extra caution when traveling.  “Too many people still don’t understand that alcohol and driving just don’t mix. Impaired driving is no accident-nor is it a victimless crime.  Too many lives are being lost and we need everyone’s help to stop it,” Caudill said.
Alcohol plays a major role in motorcycle fatalities, affecting those skills essential to operate a motorcycle -- balance and coordination.  Last year, in Kentucky there were 1,770 motorcycle collisions with 97 fatalities.
To make this enforcement campaign successful, the Kentucky State Police have teamed up with local prosecutor’s to make sure that impaired driving, speed and seat belt violations are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Knott County Attorney Tim Bates said his office will be working with law enforcement during this campaign and will prosecute any impaired driving, speed or seat belt violations.
“Drunk driving, and now even more prevalent, drugged driving, is a serious life threatening hazard to everyone traveling the highways” said Bates.
KSP Commissioner Jack Adams said traffic safety checkpoints will be held across the state, simultaneously to remove impaired drivers from the roadways and to increase the use of seat belts.
“Last year there were 1,160 collisions over the July 4th Holiday which led to 16 fatalities.  We want Kentuckians to enjoy the holiday with their families, so we will be out in full force to ensure safe and sober roadways as they travel” added Adams.
Captain Caudill provided simple precautions to take before going out to celebrate - that may avoid much of the tragedy from drunk driving:
·       Whenever you plan on using alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;
·       If you’re impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;
·       Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement; Kentucky State Police has a toll-free hotline to call to report impaired driving: 1-800-222-5555
·       Wearing your safety belt or using protective gear on your motorcycle is your best defense against an impaired driver;
·       While traveling to and from celebrations on your motorcycle, remember to make yourself visible by riding your motorcycle where you can be seen to avoid a crash;
·       And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.  If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Urban Astronomy Center Opens At E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park
Planet Watch Set For June 22
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – If you’ve ever looked to the sky on a clear night and wondered if that bright spot was a star, planet or possibly something else, there’s now a place where you can find the answer.
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville is now the home of the Urban Astronomy Center, operated by the Louisville Astronomical Society. The center hosts free events that allow the public to view the nighttime skies and learn about stars, planets and other astronomical bodies.
The group’s next event is Planet Watch 2007 on Friday, June 22, at 9 p.m. when the moon, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus will be viewed. More lunar and planetary viewing events are planned for July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 14, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 14.
The society had used the park before, but in May opened the Urban Astronomy Center in buildings that had previously been used for pottery shops at the park. The center features a classroom, education center, computer lab, restroom and four acres of observing field with plenty of free parking. Society members will provide telescopes for viewing or visitors can bring their own for free lessons.
“Everybody is so excited about our association with the Kentucky State Parks,” said Ken Alderson, president of the Louisville Astronomical Society.
The center is also available for group events for a fee. Senior citizen groups, church groups, school groups and Scout organizations are invited to the events. The society has members who can help scouts earn astronomy badges.
For more information about the Louisville Astronomical Society, visit www.louisville-astro.org
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is a 550-acre park in Eastern Jefferson County. It has a swimming pool, fitness and nature trails, tennis courts, sports fields, BMX track, picnic shelters and year-round programming. For information, call 502-429-7270.
To reach the park, take the Gene Snyder Freeway to the Westport Road west exit. Follow the signs to the park, located at 3000 Freys Hill Road. Go to the second park entrance on the right and follow it until it ends at the Urban Astronomy Center.

KENTUCKIANS URGED TO PREPARE FOR SPRING STORM SEASON
Preparedness tips available at www.ProtectYourFamily.ky.gov
FRANKFORT , Ky. – Emergencies can range from the inconvenient to the devastating, but every Kentuckian can take simple preparedness steps in advance to minimize the impact on our families and communities. That is why this spring, the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security is urging the commonwealth’s families and businesses to make an emergency plan and to get a disaster supply kit to be better prepared for the unexpected.  Springtime in Kentucky can produce severe storms with damaging winds, tornadoes, hail and flooding, but Kentucky ’s family emergency preparedness Web site, www.ProtectYourFamily.ky.gov, provides easy, common sense ideas that can help.
“By taking some simple steps to make an emergency plan and get a disaster supply kit, Kentuckians will be better prepared if an emergency occurs,” said (Ret) Maj. Alecia Webb-Edgington, director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. “By logging on to www.ProtectYourFamily.ky.gov, you will have the information you need right at your fingertips.”
Every Kentuckian should plan in advance what they will do in an emergency. Below are a few items that should be included in any plan:
* Designate an out-of-state contact in the case of downed communication lines.
* Know your region's potential disasters and how you will be notified.
* Find out emergency plans at work, daycare and school.
* Create an evacuation plan.
After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene but may not be able to reach everyone immediately. An emergency supply kit can help your family stay safe and be more comfortable during and after an emergency. Below are a few items that should be included in any kit:
* three-day water supply
* three-day non-perishable food supply
* first aid kit
* non-prescription drugs
* tools and supplies
* clothing and bedding
* hygiene needs

Flu Deemed ‘Widespread’ in Kentucky
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 18, 2007) – The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) announced today that flu activity in the commonwealth is now considered “widespread,” a designation indicating increased flu-like activity or flu outbreaks in at least half of the regions in a state. Five other states have been given this designation in the Weekly United States Influenza Surveillance Report.
In recent years, the peak of flu season in Kentucky has occurred in February and March, meaning there is enough time to take advantage of public health measures to ward off the onset of flu.
“It is not too late to get your flu shot if you have not had one in the past six months. It is the best preventive measure you can take to keep from contracting this debilitating and sometimes fatal virus,” said Dr. William Hacker, Health and Family Services’ acting undersecretary for health and public health commissioner. “And, by all means, don’t ignore the advice your mother gave you – wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and stay home from work or school if you are feeling ill.”
In the United States each year, approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from the flu.
Unlike the common cold, influenza is a severe viral illness with symptoms that include a high fever, headache, extreme fatigue, cough, runny or stuffy nose and severe muscle aches. Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, also can occur, but are more common in children than adults. Illness can persist for up to two weeks causing loss of income and excessive school absence. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.
The supply of flu vaccine in local health departments in Kentucky is plentiful and getting vaccinated in January or later is still important because most influenza activity occurs in January or later in most years. Though it varies, flu season can last as late as May.
Two methods of vaccination for flu are available. The “flu shot” is an inactivated vaccine that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. The nasal spray flu vaccine, sometimes called “LAIV” for Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine, is approved for use in healthy people 5 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant. Within 10 days of vaccination, you develop protection against the flu.
DPH urges anyone who hasn’t received a flu vaccine, particularly those in the groups at high risk for complications related to the flu, to contact their local health departments about getting a flu shot. Older Kentuckians should also consider getting the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine.
For more information about the flu, visit DPH's Web site at http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/epi/Influenza.htm or CDC’s Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

KENTUCKY RIVER MEDICAL CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW CEO
Kentucky River Medical Center announced on Monday that Donny Rentfro has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.  He will begin his new position on October 30.
Rentfro brings more than 15 years of healthcare management experience to Kentucky River.  Most recently he served as Chief Operating Officer at Nacogdoches Medical Center and as Administrator of Shelby Regional Medical Center in Nacogdoches, Texas. 
Previously, Rentfro served in administrative positions for Trinity Valley Medical Center in Palestine, Texas and General Health System in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  He earned both master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Northeast Louisiana University.
Current CEO David Bevins has been appointed as Director of Special Projects for Kentucky and will be taking a more active role in those endeavors. He will be working with Rentfro during the transition.
“We have been fortunate to have David’s leadership the past sixteen years,” said Mary Bollinger, chairman of the Kentucky River’s board of trustees. “Not only has he led the hospital’s growth and improved the quality of healthcare for our community, he has also been honored as CEO of the Year by CHS.”
Under Bevins’ guidance, Kentucky River expanded to include an enlarged Emergency Department, new lab and imaging facilities, enhanced operating rooms and a new cardiac catheterization lab. In addition, the facility was recognized as a Top 100 Hospital three out of the last five years by Solucient Research.
In describing the new CEO, Bevins said, “Donny is an accomplished healthcare administrator and a dynamic leader who is a perfect fit for our hospital and the area we serve.  We’re pleased to welcome Donny, his wife, Missy, and their children, six-year-old Paige, and four-year-old Garrett, to our community.” 
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join David and the dedicated employees and medical staff at Kentucky River,” said Rentfro.  “I look forward to building on the solid foundation David and his team have in place.”

Dr. Sullivan Missing Person
At approximately 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday August 23, Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard received a call of a possible missing person in Leslie County.  Leslie EOC advised that Dr. Jean Sullivan was last seen leaving a residence in the Coon Creek area of Cutshin, after a home visit, at around 1:30 p.m.  She was to be en route back to the Cutshin Clinic to see other patients, but hadn’t returned.  Several fire and rescue members and EMS workers were in the area trying to locate Dr. Sullivan.  She was contacted at around 7:00 p.m. on her cell phone and advised dispatchers that she was fine, but her vehicle was stuck in mud, and she was unaware of her exact location.  Tpr. Danny Clark conducted a missing persons investigation, and with the assistance of personal from KSP, Leslie County Sheriff’s Dept., Coon Creek Fire and Rescue, and several volunteer citizens, began searching for Dr. Sullivan. 
At approximately 10:00 a.m. on Thursday August 24, Dr. Sullivan was located on Grey Mountain, in the Coon Creek area of Cutshin, by rescue workers.  Dr. Sullivan was not injured during her ordeal, but was taken to Mary Breckenridge Hospital for precautionary reasons.

The Junior Jamboree’s "Tribute to the Country Music Highway"
Tuesday, July 25 -  8 pm-------Tickets:  $7
To order tickets or for more information,
call the box office toll free: 1-888-MAC-ARTS (1-888-622-2787)
The newest group of the Kentucky Opry family - Junior Jamboree will perform their rendition of the Country Music Highway`s music. These youngsters are ages 6 to 16, and they are extremely talented - we`re used to making stars at the Mountain Arts Center! We`re extremely proud to present them!!
Expectations were high when the Mountain Arts Center and the Kentucky Opry held local auditions in February for a new program that would feature talented young people.  However, these high expectations were exceeded on July 11th when these young performers took the stage as part of the MAC’s Junior Jamboree.  The audience was captivated by the talent and the confidence of these young singers who paid tribute to US 23 Country Music Highway artists such as The Judds, Dwight Yoakam and Billy Ray Cyrus.
The performers, representing seven different counties in Eastern Kentucky, included Bronson Bush, Tyler Childers, Kristen Coots, Ally Davis, Emily Dillon, Ashley Hall, Aaron Haney, Jesse Osborne, Hannah Ratliff and Tyra Short.
The Junior Jamboree is part of a performing arts series that features a variety of young talent from the region.  The show was created by the Mountain Arts Center and the Kentucky Opry to provide artistic opportunities for area youth and at the same time, promote the rich heritage of US 23 Country Music Highway.  In time, a multi-media presentation which incorporates live performers along with video will be developed and toured to different cities as an endorsement of our region and culture. 
A number of young performers selected from the auditions have also participated in the Young Artists Showcase, a series of four television specials created and produced by the Mountain Arts Center, which will soon air on cable television stations across the state.  Other selected performers have been recent participants in the MAC’s US 23 Showcase.
Keith Caudill, Executive Director of the Mountain Arts Center, stated, “The Junior Jamboree is one of four shows that the MAC is producing to promote our local talent, and in doing so, we hope to share our region’s proud musical heritage with those outside of Eastern Kentucky”.  Kentucky Opry Founder Billie Jean Osborne added, “We are always looking for ways to get more talented young people on stage and involved in what we are doing here at the Mountain Arts Center”.
The Junior Jamboree will be giving an encore performance at the Mountain Arts Center on Tuesday, July 25th at 8:00pm.  For more information, contact the Mountain Arts Center Box Office at 1-888-MAC-ARTS.

Road to Recovery Car and Bike Show to Feature Kentucky Army National Guard Rock-Wall
PIKEVILLE. – The Kentucky Army National Guard will provide their Rock Climbing Wall as entertainment at the Road To Recovery Car and Bike Show on Saturday, June 10th at the City Park, located on College Street in downtown Pikeville. 
The Army National Guard offers the Rock-Wall as a service to area schools and festivals to promote interest and awareness of the opportunities that are offered by joining the Guard.  The Kentucky Army National Guard offers $20K Enlistment Bonus, College Tuition, Montgomery GI Bill and will have information at the show if anyone is interested in obtaining more information.
The show will open at 10:00 and registration will be at 9:00 am.  Car and Bike Trophies will be presented at 2 p.m.   The on-site registration fee for cars and bikes is $15.00   Rain location will be on the first floor of the parking garage located on the corner of Huffman and College Street.  General admission to the daylong event is free.
All three organizations sponsoring this show are committed to the prevention, treatment and recovery of those fighting substance abuse.  WestCare operates a licensed drug treatment facility, a jail recovery program and the homeless shelter in Pike County.  UNITE Pike is a coalition of concerned citizens that have consolidated their efforts to combat the epidemic of substance abuse in Pike County, Kentucky and Lifeline, affiliated with Teen Challenge, is a group ministry offering faith based services to those seeking lifelong recovery.
“This is truly shaping up to be a family event,” said Bill Baird, Co-chair of WestCare Kentucky Board of Directors. “We appreciate the support of the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Army National Guard and are pleased that they see the importance of our mission and I encourage everyone to attend to see what we have to offer.”
For more information contact Debbie Trusty at UNITE Pike at unitepike@setel.com, 1-877-DO-UNITE.