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| National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month:
ENDING CERVICAL CANCER IN OUR LIFETIME In Kentucky and throughout the nation, cervical cancer is a disease that occurs with alarming frequency, harming tens of thousands of women each year. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), about 3,700 women will die nationwide this year from cervical cancer, with over 11,150 new cases diagnosed. From my own personal experience as a medical doctor, I can attest that the occurrence of cervical cancer within Kentucky is one of the highest in the nation. Statistics from the Kentucky Cancer Registry show that in 1998, Kentucky 's invasive cervical cancer incidence rate was 49% higher than the national rate. Yet, this cancer is almost entirely preventable. In conjunction with the National Lieutenant Governor’s Association, National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and as a concerned medical doctor, I would like to use this opportunity to enlighten Kentuckians about the facts regarding this preventable and, unfortunately, pervasive disease. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a viral infection known as human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types of HPV, the majority of which are spread by skin to skin contact in the genital area. Some more benign forms of HPV cause no symptoms and usually go away on their own. However, there are many high-risk forms of HPV that have much more dramatic consequences. High-risk HPV can stay in a woman’s body a period of years, perhaps without initial symptoms. Nevertheless, once a woman is infected, the high-risk HPV virus causes the cells to change form, eventually leading to the development of cervical cancer. Luckily, though, cervical cancer can be prevented or cured by removing the abnormal cells before they reach a cancerous state. One surefire way to detect these abnormal cells is through obtaining a regularly scheduled Pap test. Low-cost and free Pap tests are available in communities across Kentucky . In my medical practice in Eastern Kentucky , I have heard many women raise concerns about being able to afford this procedure. However, there are resources in place to help those who may be unable to finance such screenings. If you think you cannot afford a Pap test, please call The Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program at 1-800-4CANCER. This program works in conjunction with local health departments to provide the free and low-cost Pap test programs. The program can also provide resources about cervical cancer for those women who are typically underserved and uninsured. According to the Department of Public Health, approximately 60 percent of all women who die of cervical cancer have either never been screened or have not been screened in the past five years. Clearly, offensive action is key to preventing the development of this disease. Additionally, you can take the following steps to reduce the chance of HPV infection. The surest prevention of HPV infection is abstinence. If one does become sexually active, limiting the number of sexual partners decreases the chance of infection. In conjunction with limiting the people with whom one is involved, the use of condoms can reduce, but will not eliminate, the chance of HPV infection. Following these guidelines will go great distances towards helping to prevent the spread of this infectious virus. Why talk about cervical cancer now? It is in recent years that the facts told here have become generally, medically accepted. Modern medicine and advanced technology have also put new tools before us in the fight against cervical cancer. When a woman receives an unclear Pap test result, for example, doctors may now order a test which can specifically determine if high-risk HPV is in the body. In addition, one vaccine is available and another is being tested which—combined—protect against four types of HPV, including the two types of HPV which cause 70% of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine in use is the first cancer fighting vaccine in the world and it was developed by researchers who, because of the Bucks for Brains Program, work and teach at the University of Louisville . So—as both your Lieutenant Governor and a medical doctor—I am joining with men and women, Republicans and Democrats, and lieutenant governors across the country in trying to pass on these facts so you can act. My message is simple. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by a sexually transmitted virus. Women should commit to get a regular Pap test and follow up on results. These regular screening eventually can rid us of cervical cancer. Please, pass it on to your friends and neighbors throughout the Commonwealth and nation. If we all work together, we can help end cervical cancer perhaps within our lifetime. Synopsis: Jimmy Ray McDonald, age 47, was arrested at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 25 at his home in Gray , Ky. on the federal charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. McDonald is schedule for his Initial Appearance in the U. S. District Court in London, Ky. at 3:00 p. m., today. Investigators from the Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the ATF London Field Office began a joint investigation into this shooting incident. This investigation determined that McDonald and Brian Myrick went hunting together and that McDonald apparently had accidentally shot Brian Myrick with a Winchester , .22 caliber rife after mistaking him for a squirrel. Moreover, investigators discovered that McDonald had previously been convicted of at least two felonies and therefore it was illegal for him to possess a firearm. Court documents revealed that McDonald was convicted in federal court in 1983 of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and that he was also convicted in 2000 in Knox County Circuit Court of driving a motor vehicle under the influences while his license was revoked or suspended (third offense). ATF Louisville Field Division’s Mission : The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a principal law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice dedicated to protecting the public and reducing violent crime. ATF enforces the federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol and tobacco diversion, firearms, explosives, and arsons. The men and women of ATF perform the dual responsibilities of enforcing Federal criminal laws and regulating the firearms and explosives industries. ATF Special Agents work in partnership with local, state, and other Federal law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime and the illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products, while ATF Industry Operations Investigators serve to protect the public by enforcing the adherence to legal and regulatory requirements by the firearms and explosives industries throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky, western and northern West Virginia, and southern Indiana. The ATF Louisville Field Division is responsible for overseeing the local field offices in Ashland, Bowling Green, Louisville, and Lexington, Ky.; Wheeling and Charleston, W.Va.; as well as our satellite offices in New Albany, In.; Covington, Ky., London, Ky., and Bridgeport, W.Va. ATF Louisville Field Office Website: http://www.atf.gov/field/louisville/index.htm Seventeen Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week (July 30 through Aug. 5) (FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that 17 people died in 16 separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways from Monday, July 30 through Sunday, Aug. 5, 2007. Thirteen of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and seven of the victims were not wearing seat belts. Eight of the fatalities were the result of crashes that involved the suspected use of alcohol. Four of the victims were operating motorcycles and three were not wearing helmets.. One double-fatality crash occurred in Marshall County. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Breathitt, Carroll, Fayette, Henderson, Jefferson, Knox, Larue, Marshall, McCracken, Owen, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor, Warren and Whitely counties. Through Aug. 5, preliminary statistics* indicate that 502 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2007. This is 22 fewer than reported for this time period in 2006. 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. Jessica Howard Smith survives accident 7-18-07 This past Sunday, Jessica Howard Smith took the ride of a lifetime, and survived. According to authorities, Smith was traveling on Wolverine Road when she lost control of her vehicle. Smith left the roadway, going through a ditch line and hitting the hillside before spinning the vehicle around. Smith was taken to a hospital in West Virginia where she is listed in serious condition. Early reports indicate multiple internal injuries as well as facial injuries. The cause of the accident is unknown at this time and is being investigated by KSP Officer Combs, Post 13. PHOTOS HERE Inmate Escapes from Blackburn Correctional Complex Frankfort, KY – Jeffrey Reed #185486, an inmate at the Blackburn Correctional Complex (BCC) was reported missing at 1:20 p.m. following the noon count. State and local police were notified and the BCC Canine Unit was dispatched to respond to the escape. Reed was serving an 8 year sentence for Burglary II out of Owsley County. His parole eligibility date is May 2008. Reed is a 40-year-old white male, 5’11”, 220 pounds with green eyes and brown hair. Anyone with information regarding Reed please contact the Kentucky State Police at (502) 227-2221 or Metro Lexington Police at (859) 425-2370. HOME INVASION ROBBERY/MCCREARY COUNTY (LONDON, KY) – On March 22, 2007 at approximately 5 PM Trooper Craig Reed responded to the Burlon R. Galloway residence on Bud Taylor Road in the Marshes Siding area of McCreary County. Trooper Reed determined that two (2) male subjects had came to the residence and began asking directions before pulling a gun. The two subjects forced their way into the residence, restrained Galloway by tying him up and stole various items. Within one (1) hour of the Robbery the two subjects attempted to use the victims credit card to make a purchase at the Lowe’s Store in Somerset, KY, but the card was declined. The first subject is described as a white male, medium to stocky build, scruffy facial hair (possible goatee) and was wearing a tan ball cap, tee shirt, and dark pants or jeans. The second subject is described as a white male, slim to medium build, scruffy facial hair (possible goatee) and was wearing a tee shirt and dark, possibly, work pants. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call the Kentucky State Police at (606) 878-6622 or 1-800-222-5555. Trooper Reed continues the investigation. Photo #1 Photo #2 FORMER FUNERAL DIRECTOR ARRESTED ON 20 CRIMINAL CHARGES Allegedly pocketed at least $80,000 intended for prepaid funeral arrangements FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 2, 2007) – Richard A. Justice, 53, a former funeral home operator in Pikeville, was arrested this afternoon and charged with 19 felonies and one misdemeanor ranging from insurance fraud, theft, violations of the Kentucky Funeral Trust Act, and acting as a funeral director without a license. The Insurance Fraud Investigation division of the Kentucky Office of Insurance (KOI) began investigating Justice in October 2006 following a consumer complaint. An elderly woman alleged Justice had collected funds for a prepaid burial arrangement but did not send the money to an insurance company or place it in a trust, as is required by law. As a result of the initial complaint, the KOI investigation uncovered 11 additional victims with similar issues. KOI estimates that Justice pocketed at least $80,000 from senior citizens as part of the scheme. The Justice Funeral Home closed in late 2006. The complaint alleges that he operated the facility without the proper license since August 2004. Justice faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000 on each count (or twice the amount of gain), or both. He is being held in the Pike County Jail on a $2 million bond. November is American Diabetes Month Health Officials Urge People Living with Diabetes to Get Eye Exams FRANKFORT, KY (Oct. 26, 2006) – Throughout November – recognized nationally as American Diabetes Month and Diabetic Eye Disease Month - the Department for Public Health (DPH) is reminding Kentuckians living with diabetes of the importance of dilated eye exams. DPH is joining the American Diabetes Association and Prevent Blindness America to raise awareness of this important issue. Health officials and educators are using this time to teach Kentuckians about diabetes, particularly the impact the disease can have on eyesight and how people living with the disease can live healthier lives. “Diabetic retinopathy is the most common form of diabetic eye disease and the leading cause of blindness in adults,” said William Hacker, M.D., acting undersecretary for health and public health commissioner at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). “Finding and treating retinopathy early, before it results in a loss of vision or blindness, is our best treatment option. That’s why we recommend that people living with diabetes get annual dilated eye exams.” Kentuckians of all ages and backgrounds live with diabetes. An estimated 376,000 Kentuckians have diabetes, with more than 109,000 of these individuals being undiagnosed. The commonwealth ranks seventh (tied with two other states) in the nation for the highest percentage of the adult population diagnosed with diabetes, according to DPH data. For Kentuckians living with diabetes, appropriate medical care and self management are crucial to maintaining a healthy life despite the disease. Trend data shows more people have been getting necessary dilated eye exams over the years, with an adjusted rate of 55.6 in 1995 compared to 65.5 in 2004. “With over one-third of Kentuckians with diabetes not getting the recommended dilated eye exam, there is much room for improvement,” said Janice Haile, of the Kentucky Diabetes Prevention and Control Program. “It is very important for Kentucky practitioners and diabetes educators to take steps to ensure that people with diabetes understand the importance of getting this critical exam.” The Kentucky Diabetes Network (KDN) Health Plan Partners recently developed a diabetes and eye disease brochure that includes a form to assist the medical provider in obtaining reports of dilated eye exams from the eye doctor. To obtain free copies of this brochure, contact Lonna Fraine of the Kentucky Diabetes Prevention and Control Program at (502) 564-7996 or e-mail lonna.fraine@ky.gov. The brochure can be downloaded at www.kentuckydiabetes.net where viewers should click Protect Your Vision. More information is available from: the American Diabetes Association, (800) DIABETES; the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Eye Care America, (800) 628-6733; and the American Optometric Association’s Diabetes Referral Line, (800) 262-3947. Plane Crash Claims Texas Family On Monday, August 28, 2006 at 2:43 PM EST, Post 13-Hazard, received a call regarding a reported plane crash in the Watts community of Breathitt County. The 1967 Cessna 401, 8 passenger, twin engine plane departed from Wichita Falls, Texas at approximately 9 AM CST on Monday, August 28, 2006 and was to arrive at the Wendell Ford Regional Airport at approximately 3 PM EST. The plane departed Texas carrying a family that totaled seven passengers. At 2:43 PM the KSP received a call from a local resident that heard the crash and observed smoke coming from the mountainside. KSP Troopers responded to the scene and in conjunction with Breathitt County Fire and Rescue teams developed a command post in the area below the crash site. Troopers, concerned citizens and volunteers from different agencies formed search teams attempting to locate the crash site. At approximately 3:48 PM the Kentucky State Police located the crash site. The crash site was located on a mountainside in the Watts community. Although no survivors were found Monday night, an exact number of fatalities had not been determined nor had the victims been positively identified. On Tuesday, August 29, 2006 investigators and from NTSB, FAA, Dr Emily Craig with the State Medical Examiners Office, Kentucky State Police, local fire and rescue teams, Breathitt County Coroner continued the investigation. The information received throughout the investigation is consistent with evidence obtained at the site and indicates that the plane located is the same plane that left Witchita Falls, Texas. A list of the family members that were aboard the plane at the time of departure are as follows: Jason Christie, 34 years old Sherry Christie, 33 years old Kendall Christie, 8 weeks old Cole Christie, 2 years old Holden Christie, 3 years old Brittany Gossett, 15 years old Peggy Morgan, 59 years old Positive identification of the victims have not been determined at this time. The cause of the crash will be determined by the National Transportation Safety Board. A preliminary report should be available in approximately 10 days at www.ntsb.gov. Honey Festival , by David W. Strong As the 28th annual Breathitt County honey festival approaches, I think back to that very first celebration in 1978. Who knew how it would go over with the public, for it hadn’t been attempted before. The closest thing to date had been the annual county fair, but nowhere near the scale this had been planned for. I covered many of the events of hf1 for WEKG-AM radio, doing various interviews and live broadcasts from the tent area and food booths. Many of the festival committee and crew worked all night to get everything ready for opening day. People like then Chairman Doug Terry, martin Douthitt, Walter and Wade Begley, Robert Dunn, and others were barely moving come morning. It had been an exhausting venture, but everything was ready as the crowds began rolling in. Robert Dunn would have served as the perfect photo for the newspapers. He was standing upright, but leaning against the stage truck sound asleep. Others stumbled about like zombies, but sleep would come this day in due time. And the entire group could rest easy knowing that the job was very well done. Oh, all was not all roses, however. There were scoffers of hf1 just as there have been for every festival since then and will be again this year. Most of the areas for debate continue to center around the committee, which has remained largely unchanged over the years. That leads to scrutinization of planned and scheduled events, many of which have never been modified or changed to this day. Committee personnel perform the same tasks year after year, so the events go unchanged year after year. A select few events have disappeared over the years, however. Early HF goers recall the coal truck parade through the tight confines of the streets of Jackson. During the heyday of the coal boom, coal trucks from all over the county were carefully washed and detailed for the competition. Youngsters lined the parade route enticing truck drivers to sound their horns, squealing with delight whenever they did. Adults as well as youngsters enjoyed various guided field trips to reclaimed strip mine sites as engineers and scientists described the projects to return stripped out coal properties to a usable state. sadly both of these popular events disappeared from the annual schedule after only a few years. A recent opinion survey conducted by Kentucky Mtn. News reflected some of the thoughts of festival goers regarding the future of the HF. New Invention Keeps the Sick and Their Caregivers Connected Anyone who is in charge of an elderly or sick person knows that it is full-time job, both physically and mentally. Even if the caregiver has a few hours of respite and is able to leave the ailing person’s side, they might still be significantly preoccupied with their condition. Also, there are cases where the sick person might be well enough to leave alone completely for short periods of time, but might have a mishap and find themselves in need of assistance and all alone. A simple yet effective solution to this potentially dangerous problem, the Help Alert Bracelets, has been developed by inventor Kayopia Stacy of Hazard, KY. Mrs. Stacy began to conceive the idea when her 75 year old mother fell and was not able to get to a phone. The invention’s unique design guarantees that a sick person and their caregiver are connected electronically at all times. It provides peace of mind, safety, comfort and can prevent potentially fatal situations. The original idea is now being made available for licensing to manufacturers interested in new product development, especially in the medical products industry. Mrs. Stacy is hoping to have the Help Alert Bracelets in full production to the public within the very near future. Additional information about the Help Alerts Bracelets can be obtained by contacting the Publicity/Press Department of Invention Technologies, Inc. at (800) 940-9020, ext 2285 or at products@invent-tech.com. EMT Class Offered Emergency Medical Technician Course in Jackson being offered. Emergency Medical Technician Course is being offered in Jackson KY beginning in June. After successfully completing this course, students will be permitted to take the NREMT exam. Instructor for this course will be Bobby Thorpe Jr. For more information on this class call 693-0622. This class is limited to 20 people. Funding options and payment plans are available. Bobby Thorpe, Jr. Breathitt Co. Coroner 1154 Main Street Jackson, KY 41339 Office (606)-666-0031 Fax: (606)-666-0047 Pager: (606)-666-1210 Web Address: http://www.breathittcoroner.com Guilty plea entered to drug trafficking; three sentenced on drug charges A Pulaski County man entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking charges while three other individuals learned their final sentences, according to UNITE Prosecutor David L. Dalton. On Thursday, March 23, James A. Davis, 25, of Somerset, pled guilty to one count of trafficking in a controlled substance, second degree, first offense. According to Dalton, in April 2005 UNITE operatives purchased marijuana and Hydrocodone from Davis. Dalton indicated that he would recommend a sentence of two years imprisonment on this charge. Division I Judge David A. Tapp set final sentencing for April 27, 2006. Also on Thursday, 21-year-old Heather Kimbrell of Somerset, was sentenced to five years imprisonment for two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, first offense. According to Dalton, UNITE operatives purchased OxyContin, Tylox, and marijuana from Kimbrell during two buys in January 2005. Kimbrell asked that the court to probate her sentence. Dalton opposed this motion, noting that Kimbrell had been able to secure a variety of drugs in a short span of time – selling all for profit. Judge Tapp rejected the request for probation and ordered the imprisonment of Kimbrell. In Rockcastle County on Friday, March 24, Michael W. Bullock, 37, of Mt. Vernon, was sentenced to three years imprisonment for trafficking in a controlled substance, second degree, first offense. According to Dalton, in July 2004 operatives from Operation UNITE purchased two, 20 mg OxyContin tablets from Bullock. Beside this three-year sentence, there are other narcotics charges pending against Bullock which have yet to be presented to the Rockcastle Grand Jury. Joshua Frith, 23, of Brodhead, was sentenced to three years imprisonment for the offenses of trafficking in a controlled substance, second degree, first offense. According to Dalton, agents for Operation UNITE arraigned two purchases of Hydrocodone from Frith in April and May of 2005. Undercover surveillance discerned that on one occasion Frith brought a female and 2 small children to one of the buys. Dalton stated that he would oppose any form of early release for Frith based on this conduct. Investigation leads to cocaine arrests 3-9-06 MOREHEAD – Morehead police have arrested two brothers on drug charges following an investigation that began with a tip to Operation UNITE. After UNITE detectives received a tip Wednesday, March 1, that cocaine was going to be brought into Rowan County they began an investigation and found the suspect’s vehicle parked at a lot at Main Street and Bishop Avenue. Morehead Police Department K-9 Officer Erskin Davis used his dog to check vehicles in the lot and the dog alerted on the passenger side of a 1998 Gold Saturn owned by 30-year-old Scottie Thornsberry, of U.S. 60 East, Morehead. Law enforcement officers learned that Thornsberry was at the East Main Street apartment of his brother, 23-year-old Jason J. Waddell. With Thornsberry present, police conducted a search of the car and found a small rock of cocaine inside a pill bottle. Morehead police charged Thornsberry with first-degree possession of a controlled substance. Officers then received consent from Waddell to search his apartment. That search uncovered approximately one-half ounce of cocaine, marijuana pipes and a straw with drug residue. Waddell was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Morehead Police Department is handling the arrests and follow-up investigation. Both men were lodged in the Rowan County Jail. Severe Weather Preparedness FRANKFORT, Ky. -- March has been designated as Severe Storms Preparedness Month across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, the Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee along with the National Weather Service offices that serve the state of Kentucky have designated this month as a time for severe weather preparedness. The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee urge you and your family to review these safety tips as we enter the peak severe weather season in Kentucky: Flash Flooding Safety Rules According to statistics from the National Weather Service; flash floods and floods are the most recent year’s #1 storm related killer in Kentucky and across the United States. o If driving, DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS, even if it looks shallow enough to cross. The majority of deaths due to flooding are due to people driving through flooded areas. Water only one foot deep can displace 1500 pounds. Two feet of water can easily carry most vehicles. Roadways concealed by floodwaters may not be intact. o If caught outside, go to higher ground immediately! Avoid small rivers or streams, low spots, culverts, or ravines. Do not try to walk through flowing water more than ankle deep, as it only takes six inches of water to knock you off your feet. Do not allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches, or viaducts, storm drains, or other flooded areas. o If ordered to evacuate or if rising water is threatening, leave immediately and get to higher ground. Lightning Safety Rules Lightning is the number two storm related killer. In Kentucky, more people are killed by lightning in an average year than tornadoes. Although severe thunderstorm warnings are NOT issued for lightning, you should move to shelter when thunder is heard as lightning can strike 10 to 15 miles away from where the rain is falling. o If outside, go to a safe shelter immediately, such as inside a sturdy building. A hard top automobile with the windows up can also offer fair protection. o If you are boating or swimming, get out of the water immediately and move to a safe shelter away from the water! o If you are in a wooded area, seek shelter under a thick growth of relatively small trees. o If you feel you hair standing on end, squat with your head between your knees. Do not lie flat! o Avoid: Isolated trees or other tall objects, bodies of water, sheds, fences, convertible automobiles, tractors, and motorcycles. o If inside, avoid using the telephone (except for emergencies) or other electrical appliances. o Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm. Tornado/Severe Thunderstorm Safety Rules o In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement. o If an underground shelter is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outdoors. o Stay away from windows. o Get out of automobiles. o Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately for safe shelter. Do not seek shelter in an underpass. o If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. o Be aware of flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes and high winds causes most fatalities and injuries. o Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes or high winds. You should leave a mobile home and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy building or storm shelter. Search continues for Breathitt drug dealer 1-23-06 Police continue to search Monday for a Breathitt County man who attempted to run over Operation UNITE detectives during a drug investigation on Thursday, January 19. Eddie Arnold Baker, 53, of Strongs Branch Road, fled from police after they interrupted a drug transaction while attempting to serve a search warrant at his home in the Barwick community of southern Breathitt County. Detectives had to fire shots at Baker’s Chevrolet pickup truck after he attempted to run them over during the escape. Officers managed to jump clear of the truck but it is not known whether Baker was injured, said Karen Engle, executive director of UNITE. An air and ground search over the weekend failed to locate Baker, but police did find three stolen all-terrain vehicles on his property. Engle said Baker is to be considered extremely dangerous. Baker and his son, 31-year-old Eddie Arnold Baker Jr., were suspects in an ongoing Operation UNITE drug investigation. The elder Baker has a prior drug conviction in U.S. District Court in Pikeville. A dozen UNITE detectives, assisted by other law enforcement agencies, went to Bakers’ homes at about 7 p.m. to serve Breathitt Circuit Court search warrants. When detectives pulled into the father's driveway they observed him making a drug deal from his truck. Baker attempted to flee from police by driving at a high rate of speed through a field toward his son's house. Other detectives were already out of their vehicles and the elder Baker attempted to run them over, Engle said. Baker continued driving about 1,000 yards down Strongs Branch Road before heading up a creek, where the truck became stuck and Baker fled on foot. A search of Baker’s truck, home and property uncovered 1,621 OxyContin pills with a street value of approximately $132,000, a stolen four-wheeler, and $7,432 in cash. Police also confiscated two four-wheelers, a race car, and two other vehicles belonging Baker. Subsequent searches of the property by the Kentucky State Police Aircraft Section and Special Response Unit resulted in the discovery of a four-wheeler stolen from the Perry County Coroner and another four-wheeler along with approximately $20,000 worth of building materials stolen from the Buckhorn Children’s Home. Police have charged Eddie Baker Jr. with one count of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, but additional charges are pending further investigation. Also arrested was 29-year-old Jeffrey Miller of Jackson. He was charged with one count of tampering with physical evidence. The Kentucky State Police Hazard Post is investigating the shooting. GOVERNOR FLETCHER IMPLEMENTS PROVISIONS AIMED AT PROTECTING KENTUCKY CONSUMERS FROM PRICE GOUGING Gas cannot be sold grossly in excess of price prior to executive order FRANKFORT, Ky. - Governor Ernie Fletcher signed an executive order today declaring a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Under this order, the Governor can implement Chapter 267 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes to implement provisions of the law aimed at protecting Kentucky consumers from price gouging. "We have sufficient fuel supplies for the short term, and if we can get everything back online in a reasonable amount of time, our supply will be OK," said Jason Bentley, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy. "In the meantime, this order will help protect consumers from those who may try to take advantage of these difficult times." Under the order, no persons defined within the statute may sell or offer to sell gasoline at a price grossly in excess of the price prior to the order. The order allows those who violate the provisions of KRS 367.372 to be penalized. Department of Highways Maintenance Schedule for Breathitt County JACKSON, KY - (Aug. 22, 2005) -- Department of Highways personnel plan to conduct the following maintenance activities in Breathitt County for the weeks of Aug. 22-26 and Aug. 29-Sept. 2: Monday, Aug. 22-Friday, Aug. 26 * Repairing slips on KY 30. * Monday, Aug. 29-Tuesday, Aug 30 * Shoulder repair on KY 15. * Tree and brush cutting on KY 1098. Wednesday, Aug. 31-Friday, Sept. 2 * Culvert repairs on KY 1278. Former Life Care Ambulance Owner Arrested 7-21-05 Off Hwy 30, Johnson Branch Road, Booneville, KY Michael D. Johnson, 40, of Johnson Branch Rd., Booneville KY. was arrested Monday July 19th, 2005 after authorities found marijuana plants on his property. He was charged with cultivating marijuana and possession of firearms by a felon. According to Breathitt County Jailer, James Turner, Mr. Johnson was lodged in the Three Forks Jail in Lee County. Mr. Johnson was the owner of the Life Care Ambulance service which closed under much scrutiny after one of Life Care's ambulance was involved in an accident that killed a woman. At the time, A preliminary hearing had been set for Life Care Ambulance Service, on September 18th 2003. Life Care has been charged with 4 counts of No Insurance 1st Offense. A warrant was obtained & was filed at the Breathitt County Courthouse on July 22nd 2003. The documents state that on 5-15-03 Life Care Ambulance committed the offense of No Insurance when it was involved a fatal accident on HWY 30, killing one and seriously injuring another, when the vehicle had no insurance. According to Court Records, Michael D. Johnson, former Owner of Life Care Ambulance, was adjudged guilty on or about, April, 2004, of (3) Three Counts of Fraudulent Insurance Acts over $300.00 and Failure to Maintain Insurance. Michael D. Johnson was sentenced to (3) Three years in the State Penitentiary and $10,000 for each of the 3 counts of Fraudulent Insurance Acts over $300.00 and 90 days a $1,000.00 fine for failure to maintain Insurance. Jail time to run concurrently and probated for 18 months. Fines to run concurrently. Defendant to pay $5,00 and the remaining $6,000 suspended. Defendant is to perform 156 hours of community service and shall maintain auto insurance. Glenna Moore, Jackson, KY was also arrested on the property of Michael Johnson, and was also charged with cultivating marijuana. The case is still under investigation by Authorities. We will have more on this story as it develops. Wal-Mart Store # 693 celebrated their 20th year of operation on Wednesday June 15th,2005. The store employs around 125 people from Breathitt and surrounding counties. There are 17 employees who celebrated their 20th year with Wal-mart and received steak dinner, a letter of recognition, a plague and a 20 year pin. They are: Anthony Allen, Polly Clemons, Kathy Combs, Regina Combs, Sandy Deaton, Sandy Fugate, Doug Gross, Polly Gross, Audrey Halsey, Doris McIntosh, Stella McIntosh, Diane Noble, Shirley Palmer, Mary Prater, Nannie States, Allie Turner and Myrtle Watts. Pictured are all 20 year employees with the exception of Anthony Allen. PHOTO HERE Breathitt Countians Walk To Las Vegas 6-13-05 Over the last eight weeks, 40 Breathitt Countians walked 2,028 miles or from Jackson, Kentucky to Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2,028 miles walked is all part of the fourth annual “Get Moving Kentucky” program. The program ended on May 23 at Douthitt Park with healthy snacks, door prizes and an award presentation. “Get Moving Kentucky” is joint project sponsored by the Breathitt County Healthy Department and Breathitt County Extension Service. James E.Turner and Martha Yount would like to thank everyone that participated in “Get Moving Kentucky”. The next walking program is scheduled for the fall of 2005. Two officers in Metcalfe County shooting released, one to be released FRANKFORT, KY (June 1, 2005) - Two law enforcement officers involved in a Metcalfe County shooting incident yesterday have been released from the hospital and a third is expected to be released tonight. Kentucky State Police Tpr. Andy Olson was released from the University of Louisville Hospital today and is recovering at home. Edmonton Police Chief Tony Hill was released from the same hospital last night, and Metcalfe County Deputy Sheriff Kevin Thompson is expected to be released from the U of L hospital this evening. Olson was treated for gunshot wounds to his left arm, Thompson was treated for a head wound and Hill received care for a gunshot wound to his right arm. A suspect wounded and then apprehended after firing on the officers is still in the University of Louisville Hospital undergoing treatment. Kentucky State Police Commissioner Mark L. Miller said he is pleased that two of the officers already have been released from the hospital with a third going home soon. He emphasized the peril that officers face every day. "Law enforcement agencies working together, as in this case, can help minimize risks through combined efforts," said Miller. "Whether it's a traffic stop or serving warrants, as in this circumstance, no situation is ever 'routine' for police officers. Tpr. Olson, Chief Harris and Deputy Thompson thankfully survived this, but were wounded nonetheless. Officers put their lives on the line every day. It's not just a saying; it's a reality." Lt. Governor Steve Pence expressed relief upon hearing updates about the officers. "I am thankful to hear the officers have or are being released from the hospital, and I wish them speedy recoveries," said Pence. "Events like these remind us of the dangers associated with law enforcement. This profession demands much from those who are sworn to serve and protect our commonwealth. We are truly grateful for their courage in the line of duty." Olson and Thompson were serving warrants on James Allen Coomer, 42, at a Metcalfe County residence when Coomer fled the residence and allegedly began shooting at the officers. Olson was wounded and Thompson returned fire, fatally wounding Coomer who died at the scene. Coomer was wanted in Barren County on charges of fourth-degree assault, first-degree burglary and violation of a domestic violence order. The second suspect fled the same residence and allegedly began firing at Thompson and Harris, who had arrived on the scene to assist. The officers returned fire, wounding the suspect. The investigation is open and charges are pending. 5-22-05 Kentucky Alliance for School Choice launches statewide petition drive The Kentucky Alliance for School Choice - a coalition of community groups, civic action groups, parents, educators, and child advocacy organizations - has launched a statewide petition drive to support legislative action for a Kentucky school choice program. Kentucky can no longer be one of only four states with no school choice options for parents. The Kentucky Alliance will serve as a source of information and organization for concerned parents across the commonwealth who want the best for their children. To Learn More CLICK HERE |
