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| Breathitt Co. Shootings 1-31-08 On Thursday January 24, 2008, at approximately 07:57 am, Kentucky State Police in Hazard responded to an assault/shooting complaint at Jackson in Breathitt County. The assault took place on Washington Avenue. Upon arrival, KSP officers discovered a victim suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Further investigation showed that the victim, Terry Mullins, had been in an altercation with the accused, Christopher Crank, earlier at the above location. Terry Mullins had apparently struck Crank’s vehicle several times with his car. He then exited his vehicle, entered Crank’s vehicle, and began assaulting Christopher Crank. A Jackson P.D. Officer, who had been nearby in a local restaurant, approached the subjects, identified himself, and began to pull Mullins off of Crank. While the Officer was separating the combatants, Christopher Crank pulled a .38 caliber handgun and fired one shot, striking Terry Mullins. Terry Mullins was transported to the KY River Medical Center emergency room, then later was transferred via Medivac, to the UK Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition. Christopher Crank, 22 of Jackson, was arrested and lodged in the Three Forks Regional Jail, in Lee County. He is charged with Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree, and Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Further charges are pending Grand Jury Indictment per instruction of the Commonwealth Attorney. This case is under investigation by Detective Dean Craft. Construction Blasting to Force Temporary Closure of KY 7 in Perry County 10-30-07 JACKSON, KY – (Oct. 24, 2007) – In order to allow for blasting and debris removal required for a $35 million highway reconstruction project, KY 7 in Perry County will be closed for at least three days beginning Friday, Nov. 2. The highway will be closed between mile markers 1 and 2, between Jeff and Viper, beginning at 7 p.m. on Nov. 2. The closure is expected to last at least until the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 5, although circumstances may require the road to be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 6. No marked detour will be posted during this road closure. Motorists should seek alternate routes. 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, traffic control devices and construction equipment when traveling in areas where projects are ongoing. 2 Arrested In Pharmacy Burglary On 08/05/07 at approximately 03:23 am Kentucky State Police in Hazard received a call of an alarm sounding at the Isom Community Pharmacy in Letcher County. Troopers arrived at the scene to find that someone had crashed a vehicle into the pharmacy. A security video was able to catch the incident on tape. Two individuals were arrested after the tape was watched. Billy Gibson age 18 of Whitesburg and Shaun Matthew Kaiser age 24 also of Whitesburg were arrested and charged with Burglary 3rd degree and Criminal Mischief 1st degree. Both subjects were lodged in the Letcher County Jail. Investigation is continuing by Det. Dean Craft. Stolen Safe June 11-07 The Menifee County Sheriff's Department partnered with the Rowan County Rescue Squad to recover a stolen gun safe from Cave Run Lake at the Menifee-Rowan County bridge. The safe was taken from a residence on Route 1274. The crime is still being investigated by the MCSD and an arrest is expected soon. Photo Here Authors and sometime political activists to discuss Mountaintop Removal at SCC’s Arnow Conference, April 13-14 SOMERSET, Ky. -- The Sixth Annual Harriette Arnow Conference on Appalachian Literature and Culture, scheduled for April 13-14 at Somerset Community College, will present its popular writing workshops, as well as a panel discussion featuring prominent voices in opposition to the mountaintop removal method of extracting coal. Supporting this year’s conference theme, "Weeping for the Cumberlands: Environmentalism in Text and Context," several authors and political activists are slated to take part in the discussion, including Erik Reece, author of Lost Mountain; poet and journalist Anne Shelby; novelist Gurney Norman; water quality expert Gary Sherman; and Father John Rausch, who is a syndicated columnist and Director of the Catholic Committee of Appalachia. The panel discussion is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 14. According to author Erik Reece, mountaintop removal is a mining method that might be called “extreme strip mining." In the process, Reece contends, entire mountaintops are clear cut of their vegetation and then leveled by explosives in order to reach low-sulfur coal seams as deep as one thousand feet below the surface. Reece explained that the remaining debris is pushed into nearby valleys and streams in a process called “valley fill.” Mountains are often restructured by the process and sometimes reduced in height by hundreds of feet. Reece is an instructor of environmental journalism at the University of Kentucky. His 2006 book Lost Mountain: A Year in the Vanishing Wilderness described the mining of a particular mountain from October 2003 to November 2004. “Mountaintop removal is the most radical form of strip mining,” Reece said. “In traditional strip mining, portions of the sides of a mountain are taken, but with mountaintop removal the whole contour of the mountain is changed.” In some cases, Reece said, mountains are “literally flattened.” According to Reece, in addition to the aesthetic damage to the region, mountaintop removal causes extensive ecological damage, burying miles of streams and polluting others with heavy metals and acid runoff. Reece said the practice also exacts a toll on the human population. “It fouls well water; it causes flooding, mudslides; the blasting destroys home foundations; dust from the blasting is ruining air quality—the list goes on and on,” Reece said. Authors Shelby and Norman became vocal opponents of mountaintop removal after taking a tour of mining sites in Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. Anne Shelby is the author of Can a Democrat Get Into Heaven?, a collection of her newspaper columns, and Appalachian Studies, a collection of poems. She has also authored five picture books for children, with a sixth scheduled for publication next year. Shelby is a member of Kentucky Writers Against Mountaintop Removal, the band of writers who penned Missing Mountains: We Went to the Mountaintop, but it Wasn't There in 2005. Gurney Norman was also a contributor to Missing Mountains. He is the "Writer in Residence" at the University of Kentucky. The author of Divine Right’s Trip and Kin Folks, Norman grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Sherman, an Associate Professor of Biology at SCC, has devoted his personal time and efforts in recent years to watershed protection efforts, primarily with the Upper Cumberland River Watershed Watch. Rausch, a Roman Catholic priest based in Stanton, works with Appalachian Christian Ministries and is a member of the Glenmary Home Missioners, an organization of priests whose mission is to work in poor areas with low Catholic populations. A syndicated columnist, Rausch often writes about issues of economic and social justice. As director of the Catholic Committee of Appalachia, he leads tours of mountaintop removal mining operations in Eastern Kentucky. A popular feature of the Harriette Arnow conference is its writing workshops. This year's conference will include a nonfiction workshop led by Reece, a fiction workshop conducted by Norman, and a poetry workshop conducted by poets Gayle Waddell and Brenda White, all scheduled for Friday, April 13. The Harriette Arnow Conference will also feature presentations of scholarly papers on a variety of topics related to Appalachian literature and culture. One such presentation, titled "Jewbilly: Outmigration, Judaism and east Kentucky," will be conducted by internationally-recognized multi-media artist Anya Liftig. "I am very proud to say that the Harriette Arnow Conference has grown and flourished over the past six years under the leadership of Lynn Crabtree (chair of the SCC Arts and Humanities Division) and her committee," said Dr. Jo Marshall, the President and CEO of SCC. "The conference has become a wonderful and valued tradition at our college." The annual conference is named in honor of Harriette Arnow, the Kentucky-born author of the award-winning novel, “The Dollmaker,” which received the National Book Award in 1955. A native of Wayne County, Arnow taught school and was a principal in Pulaski County before beginning her publishing career. For more information about the conference contact Lynn Crabtree at (606) 451- 6765 or e-mail lynn.crabtree@kctcs.edu. CUTLINE (photo credit--Mary Bolin-Reece): Dr. Erik Reece, author of Lost Mountain: A Year in the Vanishing Wilderness, will be the keynote speaker at the 2007 Harriette Arnow Conference on Appalachian Literature and Culture, April 13-14, on the Somerset Campus of Somerset Community College. CUTLINE (photo credit--Vivian Stockman, ohvec.org): In this photo by Vivian Stockman, a massive dragline is dwarfed by the huge scale of the mining operation. This mining method is sometimes called mountaintop removal. The photo was taken near Kayford Mountain in West Virginia on February 23, 2007. Attorney General Greg Stumbo Announces Child Sexual Predators Caught in Online Sting Head to Court Among them is former Fleming County School Teacher Steven Duncil FRANKFORT, KY (February 2, 2007) – Attorney General Greg Stumbo today announced that sexual predators from across the state who were caught in October’s Child Sexual Predator sting will face a Jefferson County judge this month, beginning next week. During a sting operation in October, 2006, these men, ages 23 to 48, drove to a home in Louisville with one goal in mind – to victimize an innocent child. Instead they came face to face with law enforcement. “These sexual predators assumed they had been chatting online with a 13-year-old child for a day or two, or in some cases, for several days or weeks,” Attorney General Stumbo said. “They actually had been chatting with a volunteer from watchdog group “Perverted Justice,” which assisted law enforcement in the undercover operation. Several of the predators also sent explicit photos and showed indecent video of themselves to the person they thought was an underage female. It’s time they face justice.” On Monday, February 5, 2007 two of the child sexual predators will go before a Jefferson County judge during a pretrial conference. The cases are being prosecuted by John Heck of Jefferson County Commonwealth ’s Attorney David Stengel’s Office. Anthony Vincent Ross’ pretrial conference is scheduled before Judge McKay Chauvin at 10a.m. Ross, from Louisville , is alleged to have driven his Mercedes sports car to have sex with what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl whose mother was away. Steven Darrell Duncil’s conference is scheduled at 10:30a.m. before Judge James M. Shake. Duncil was a substitute school teacher in Fleming County who had taught 4th graders the previous year. He’s alleged to have traveled for hours believing he had lured an innocent minor into a sexual relationship. Following is the court schedule for the other men caught in the sting operation: Jeffrey Wayne Barnes – Guilty plea entered on December 13, 2006 . Sentencing will occur on February 6, 2007 at 8:30a.m. before Judge Judith McDonald Burkman in Jefferson County . Charles Martin Clark – Pretrial conference scheduled for February 14, 2007 before Judge Craig Clymer in McCracken County . Todd Edward Noble – Pretrial conference scheduled on February 23, 2007 at 9:45a.m. in Jefferson County – unclear which judge will hear. Damon Baete – Pretrial conference scheduled for February 20, 2007 at 9:30a.m. before Judge Stephen K. Mershon in Jefferson County . Jury Trial set for May 22, 2007 . Bryan J. Prow – Pretrial conference scheduled for March 9, 2007 at 11:45a.m. before Judge Kathleen Voor Montano in Jefferson County . Leslie R. Peek – Pled guilty on November 20, 2006 . Sentenced on January 12, 2007 to five years supervised probation and a $1,000 fine before Judge Martin McDonald in Jefferson County . Each perpetrator was charged with use of an electronic device to entice a minor into a sexual act, a Class D felony, and all but one was charged with attempted unlawful transaction with a minor, a Class C felony. These criminal defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Since the sting operation, Attorney General Stumbo has formed an i-Shield Task Force to get "cybersafety" information out to our schools and communities. This Task Force is composed of specially trained law enforcement officers from across the state who help teach children and others in our community how to avoid Internet predators and other Internet dangers. He has also added a Cybersafety section to the Office of the Attorney General website (www.ag.ky.gov/cybersafety) with online tips and information to safeguard children from Internet threats including dangers such as cyberstalking and cyberbullying. The Office of the Attorney General , in partnership with the Kentucky Center for School Safety, also sponsored an i-SAFE Assembly Program at Green County High School last week to educate and empower students to act safely and responsibly on the Internet. A day-long program is being planned for Bullitt County on March 31st, 2007 . The Attorney General ’s Kentucky Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Office of Consumer Protection coordinated October’s undercover child sexual predator sting operation with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Louisville Metro Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit, Jefferson County Attorney’s Office and the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Kentucky State Police, the Regional Organized Crime Information Center, Lexington Metro Police Department Crimes Against Children Unit, the New Albany Police Department, Floyd County, Indiana County Attorney’s Office. MINER KILLED IN ACCIDENT IN PIKE COUNTY MINE McCoy Elkhorn No. 23 mine closed for investigation FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2006) – A coal miner was killed today in an accident inside the McCoy Elkhorn No. 23 mine near Ashcamp in Pike County. The victim has been identified as Tony Swieney, 44, a section foreman. The Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing is investigating the accident. In keeping with procedure, the mine has been closed for the investigation. The accident occurred about 1:30 p.m. EST. The initial indication is that Swieney was struck in the head by a large plug at the end of an electrical cable, which he was dragging behind a motorized coal scoop. The plug end was wrapped around a pole of the scoop canopy. It appears the cable became snagged, the plug end whipped loose from the pole, and the victim was struck in the head. He was conscious when brought out of the mine but died enroute to a hospital. “I want to express sincere sympathy to the friends and family of Mr. Swieney,” Governor Ernie Fletcher stated. “Coal mining is part of our heritage and our economy, but this accident underscores the fact that mining has many hazards. That’s why we are determined to keep working to improve mine safety.” It was the 15th coal-related fatality in Kentucky in 2006 and the 11th to have occurred underground. Well-known National Suicide Hotline to Shut Down Kentuckians in Need Advised to Call 1-800-273-TALK FRANKFORT, KY (August 11, 2006) – The Kentucky Department for Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services has learned that the well-known national suicide prevention hotline, 1-800-SUICIDE, is scheduled to go out of service within the next week. “The entire suicide prevention community is working diligently to ensure that every person calling for help during a suicidal crisis is answered. The American Association of Suicidology is working closely with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and our sister organizations to accomplish this goal,” said Amy Kulp, deputy director of AAS. Help is available and immediately accessible through 1-800-273-TALK, which provides suicide intervention. All participating organizations are certified and accredited local crisis centers so that callers can continue to receive counseling or emergency services close to home. ”Counselors and other mental health professionals need to be aware of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline so those in need are able to reach immediate counseling services, “said Jason H. Padgett, the state’s suicide prevention program administrator. “At this time, several organizations are working to ease the transition of calls to 1-800-273-TALK and to ensure callers in distress have immediate access to competent crisis services.” For more information, visit the Lifeline organization’s Web site at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. All calls to the Lifeline are private and confidential. Note to editors: Local community mental health center information is available online at http://mhmr.ky.gov/CMHC_Crisis_Info.rpt Pepsi Presents Check To Governor Fletcher, Kentucky Office For The Blind FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 20, 2006)—Governor Ernie Fletcher and the Kentucky Office for the Blind (OFB) received a $20,000 check today from Pepsi to help fund tuition and books for postsecondary education students who are blind or visually impaired. In the contract, Pepsi has made a commitment of $100,000 over the next five years to OFB. Vice President and General Manager Mike Brown from the Kentuckiana Division of PepsiAmericas was in Frankfort to make the presentation. “An opportunity for a postsecondary education should be available to all Kentuckians, regardless of the limited financial resources and physical challenges some students face,” said Governor Fletcher. “Advancing education in this way contributes to my administration’s priorities of building strong Kentucky communities and helping Kentucky students reach their higher education goals.” Pepsi’s contract makes them the exclusive beverage distributor for the Executive Branch of state government. Federal interstate rest area vending services are operated through the OFB, and commissions received at those locations are used for OFB programs. Bellarmine University senior Abby Cocanougher of Boyle County spoke at the ceremony, calling her tuition assistance from OFB a gateway to learning. “My freshman year of college, I was very nervous about how I would get books, note takers and adaptive technology,” said Cocanougher. “OFB changed all of that for me that year. Now after three years of college, I have been receiving on-going services from OFB and thanks to them have had a fully successful college career. Education can be pursued by anyone at any given moment because everyone has an equal opportunity to educate themselves. Thank you OFB and Pepsi for helping college students like myself pursue their goals for higher learning and career ambitions.” Mike Brown, of PepsiAmericas, said as a former board member of The Kentucky School For The Blind Foundation, he is aware of the obstacles facing the visually impaired when they seek a college education. He says he hopes the contribution to the Office for the Blind will help deserving students pursue a college degree. “We all know that visually impaired Kentuckians have higher barriers to scale in obtaining a college education and this money is an investment in Kentucky and Pepsi’s future that will retain dividends to all consumers in the Commonwealth,” Brown said. Kentucky Education Cabinet Secretary Virginia G. Fox, Deputy Secretary Laura E. Owens and OFB Executive Director Stephen Johnson, also participated in check presentation. "Money from this contract will allow the Office for the Blind to help more visually impaired Kentuckians get a postsecondary education and prepare them for the work force,” said Johnson. “This year, OFB financially assisted 249 students at 62 postsecondary schools. We appreciate the investment that Pepsi is making in our students’ futures.” In federal fiscal year 2005, the OFB served 2,895 people with visual impairments. It is a statewide network with 11 regional offices with rehabilitation counselors and independent living specialists who help blind or visually impaired prepare for employment and job opportunities. OFB provides medical evaluation and assistance, personal counseling, independent living skills development, vocational evaluation, training and job placement, and technical equipment and visual devices. A rehabilitation counselor works with individuals to get them ready for a vocation or help them keep their current job. OFB is in the Department for Workforce Investment, in the Education Cabinet. The Education Cabinet coordinates learning programs from P-16, and manages and supports training and employment functions in the Department for Workforce Investment. For more information about OFB programs, visit http://blind.ky.gov , call toll-free 877-KYBLIND (592-5463.) NHR Oustanding American Teachers Lynbrook, New York June 14, 2006 National Honor Roll is pleased to announce that Ms. Jessica Bowling of Jackson, Kentucky, has been accepted as a member of NHR’s Outstanding American Teachers for 2005/2006. NHR’s Outstanding American Teachers recognizes educators who have made a difference in their communities. Ms. Jessica Bowling who teaches English and journalism at Jackson City School will appear in the NHR Outstanding Teachers 2005/2006 Commemorative edition. “The service teachers provide to society cannot be underestimated,” says publisher Lynn Romeo. “Our goal is to recognize outstanding teachers for their contribution to the positive development of America’s youth. We cannot thank them enough for all that they do.” National Honor Roll congratulates Ms. Jessica Bowling on being chosen for this special honor. Senior Games Held in Perry County May 18th was a full day for Kentucky Senior Citizens from the area, as the annual fun filled "Senior Games" took place. Participants from 8 counties in the KRADD jurisdiction, competed for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, and several trophies in many different events. Eligible participants had to meet a "minimum age requirement",(you must be 50+) and be pre-registered through your area senior center. The event is organized for seniors through KRADD with the much appreciated help and support of Kentucky Power and their Volunteers, as well as ARH and others. Area Seniors were also able to pick up "Healthy Tips" brochures and information about maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well as a bagfull of "freebies" such as pens, visors,and water bottles, free blood pressure checks, and of course, free T shirts and more! Events included shuffle board, ring toss, spincasting, darts, rook, softball throw,miniature golf and even basketball! Some lucky door prize winners also received "energy efficient" packages for prizes which included lightbulbs and showerheads and other "energy efficient" items provided by Kentucky Power. County officials such as judges and city mayors were on hand to present the winners with their awards. Congratulations to all the winners in the Senior Games and to all the participants! As for the organizers, sponsors and volunteers, we can't thank you enough, you are greatly appreciated. We're all proud of our Kentucky Seniors! Photo #1 Photo #2 Social Security Column IMPORTANT AND TIME SAVING INFORMATION FOR ANYONE NEEDING A NEW OR REPLACEMENT SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND CARD By John Watts Social Security Manager in Jackson, KY A Social Security card and number are almost essentials for life in 21st century America. That is why Social Security wants to make sure that if you or a family member is applying for a new or a replacement Social Security card that you understand the new rules on what identifying documents you will need to bring with you. Here is some useful information that can make the application process easier and quicker. If you are applying for a new or replacement Social Security card First, all documents that you bring to Social Security to prove your identity, age, citizenship or immigration status must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Social Security cannot accept photocopies or notorized copies of documents. Social Security also has strict requirements on what documents we can accept to prove your citizenship and identity. Under the new law, only certain documents can be accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include your U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. If you are applying for a replacement Social Security card and you are already in our records, Social Security does not need proof of your citizenship or age. Social Security will ask you to prove your identity by providing an acceptable document that shows your name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. Examples of acceptable identity documents include your U.S. driver’s license, State-issued non-driver identification card or U.S. passport. Holiday fatalities significantly down from 2004 Last week, year-to-date fatalities remain below last year FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 5, 2005) - Preliminary statistics* show eight people died in seven separate traffic crashes in Kentucky during the official Labor Day holiday period. During last year's holiday period, there were 18 people killed in 13 crashes. This year's crashes occurred between 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5. Of the seven fatal holiday crashes, preliminary data indicates alcohol was a suspected factor in two of them. Four of the eight victims were not wearing safety belts. Three of the eight people killed were riding motorcycles and of those three, one was not wearing a helmet. Single fatality crashes occurred in Boyle, Breathitt, Clinton, Knox and Jefferson (2 separate crashes) counties. A crash in Wolfe County took the lives of two people. "Our preliminary holiday data show fatalities were well below last year's holiday period. I believe it is because people are listening to our messages and our enforcement efforts continue to have impact," said Kentucky State Police Commissioner Mark L. Miller. "We've made a concerted effort through the media to strongly and repeatedly emphasize that reckless driving, especially speeding and drinking while driving, can result in devastating consequences that can be avoided." Preliminary statistics* indicate that 22 people died in 20 separate crashes on state roadways from Monday, Aug. 29 through Sunday, Sept. 4. Of the 20 fatal crashes, preliminary data* indicates alcohol was a suspected factor in four of the crashes and 12 of the victims were not wearing seat belts. Three motorcycle crashes accounted for four fatalities; two were not wearing a helmet. Three of the fatalities were pedestrians. Wolfe and Powell counties each reported one double-fatality crash. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Boone, Boyle, Bracken, Breathitt, Bullitt, Carter, Clinton, Hart, Henry, Jefferson (3), Knox, Madison, Rowan, Scott, Taylor and Woodford counties. Through Sept. 5, a total of 619* people have lost their lives on Kentucky's highways, 28 fewer fatalities than reported for this time period in 2004. Of the 619, 360 people were not wearing safety 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. Criminal Charge Filed in Lab Evacuation 8-5-05 (FRANKFORT, KY) -A criminal summons has been issued in connection with the Centralized Laboratory Facility evacuation that occurred in Frankfort on Thursday, July 28, 2005. On Thursday, August 4, 2005 at 11:30 AM (EDT) a criminal summons was served on James W. Everman, 30 years of age, of Owingsville, charging him with one count of Criminal Use of a Noxious Substance, a Class B misdemeanor. The criminal summons, issued in lieu of an arrest warrant, requires Everman to appear in Franklin District Court on August 30, 2005 at 9:00 AM. The criminal summons was issued by Franklin County Attorney Rick Sparks and signed by a judicial official. The investigation into the evacuation is continuing by Kentucky State Police Detective Mack Rayburn. Note-Criminal Use of a Noxious Substance, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $250.00, is defined by Kentucky Revised Statutes as: "...unlawfully deposits on the land or in the building or vehicle of another any stink bomb, device or irritant with the intent to interfere with another's use of the land, building or vehicle." Benefit Show for Cancer Patient, Shannon Richardson Jackson, Ky. 5-10-05 There will be a Gospel Fest to benefit 16 year old Shannon Richardson. Shannon was recently diagnosed with cancer. The benefit show will be held May 21st at 5:00pm at the Lion's Club, on Quicksand Road, Jackson, KY. Singing, auction, cookout & cake walk will be part of the benefit. Come out and show your support for Shannon. Come hungry as plenty of food will be available. Scheduled to appear: Eastern gates, The Gilbert Family with Carolyn & Auburn Haddix, Cane Creek Five, & Ladies of Grace from Clayhole Brethern Church. Event will be from 5pm - 9pm or finished. GOVERNOR ERNIE FLETCHER DIRECTS FLAGS AT STATE OFFICE BUILDINGS BE LOWERED TO HALF-STAFF Kentucky National Guardsman killed in Iraq 3-21-05 Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of Specialist Jonathan A. Hughes, 21, of Lebanon Kentucky. Spec. Hughes lost his life on Saturday, March 19th in Iraq. "I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Special Hughes. He paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country in Iraq," said Governor Ernie Fletcher. "We have truly lost a valiant man, one of the commonwealth's finest." Hughes was a Kentucky Army National Guardsman assigned to Bravo Battery 1st Battalion 623rd Field Artillery, based in Campbellsville, KY. Hughes was killed when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb during an escort patrol for a convoy. Flags will remain at half-staff throughout the state until sunset on the day of Specialist Hughes' funeral. "First Lady Glenna Fletcher and I will keep the Hughes family, and all the soldiers in Iraq, in our prayers during this difficult time," continued Governor Fletcher. In a separate incident over the weekend, three Kentucky Army National Guard soldiers were wounded during an ambush southeast of Baghdad. All three are now in military hospitals in Germany where they are listed in stable condition. There are currently 1,600 Kentucky National Guard soldiers and airmen mobilized in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle, or participating in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo. KRCC RECEIVES GRANT FOR APPALACIAN VIOLENCE OUTREACH NETWORK: HELP IS HERE CAMPAIGN 3-8-05 Kentucky River Community Care, Inc., (KRCC) has received a $5,000 grant from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky as part of the Foundation’s Community Grants Program. The grant will be used to produce public service announcements to raise awareness on how big the problem of women being traumatized by domestic violence and sexual abuse is. KRCC was among the 23 organizations that received a Community Grant from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. The Foundation was created in 2001 to address the unmet health care needs for Kentuckians. Funding consideration was given to those projects whose goals fit with at least one of the Foundation’s focus areas of fitness and nutrition for children and families, youth, smoking prevention, youth substance abuse prevention, access to health care for low-income, the uninsured and rural populations and to increase access to integrated mental health services. The grantmaking strategy of the Foundation seeks to address the unmet health care needs of the people of Kentucky though strategic initiatives designed to improve health status and access to care, with influencing public policy as a key component for fostering permanent change. For more information about the work of KRCC, visit the website www.krccnet.com or call 606-666-9880. Nose Pickin Gives Kids and Adults the Opportunity to Dig In to Reading Local Author Publishes Childrens Book PHOTO HERE (Jackson, Kentucky,February 2005) It happens in America everyday. Parents and teachers fight a battle to gain some of the seemingly limited attention span of their children and students. In todays information age of 24-hour internet access, video games, and other types of fast-paced electronic distractions, it is sometimes difficult to get children to learn about the joys that a good book can bringunless it is accompanied with the words Harry Potter or Lemony Snickket. These same adults often wonder how to even go about introducing the subject of poetry without the usual protest. So how can this be done in a way that is both educational and fun? National Board Certified Teacher and Kentucky Colonel, Alonzo Fugate has what he thinks may be one answer to this question with the release of his book of fabulously twisted poetry, NOSE PICKIN (AND 50 OTHER WAYS TO TICKLE YOUR BRAIN!) [ISBN 1-4137-5358-2, PublishAmerica, $14.95]. Drawing on his professional knowledge as a National Board certified teacher (the highest achievement in teaching today), Colonel Fugate realized that todays youth often miss out on the fun of reading poetry because they may have a misconception about it and about how much fun that it can be. He saw the results of this in his own third-grade classroom. It was just sad, he stated about the attitude he often saw toward poetry in the classroom, My students would often get this look of oh no whenever I would mention that we were going to work on a unit over poetry. They just hadn't been exposed to how much fun poetry can be. By incorporating such fun poets as Shel Silverstein and Paul Fleischman, Colonel Fugate often saw a big change in the attitude of his students. It was such a joy to see, he continued, We would have so much fun just reading these poems that were justwell, they were just fun! By the end of the unit, the students were reading poetry and writing poetry of their own. It was just a natural way to learn and to develop a love for the language. I guess that I just took that one step further when I decided to publish my own book of poetryfun poetry. Colonel Fugate had been working on writing his own collection of children's poetry for years before he finally decided to take a chance at having them published. I have always dreamed of becoming a published author, Colonel Fugate said with a sparkle in his eyes, I don,t have any fantasies of becoming rich and famous thats not what this is all about for me. What I want is to get these poems into the hands of as many kids as possible. I want to accomplish what I was able to do in my own classroom on a much larger scale. I don't want the kids of today growing up and not being able to appreciate poetry. You can imagine how thrilled I was when my work was accepted at my publisher, PublishAmerica NOSE PICKIN (AND 50 OTHER WAYS TO TICKLE YOUR BRAIN!) provides the reader with a selection of 51 poems that are, as the author describes them, twisted, zany, and wild! In this 80 page book, readers will also find 15 original black and white illustrations that help to bring these poems to life. It is easy to tell from the title, NOSE PICKIN, that this is not going to be your usual type of poetry book. The poems deal with such topics as mean teachers, school bullies, zombies, unicorns, pimples, farting, andyeseven nose picking! Kids should love these, Colonel Fugate stated, Parents and teachers will appreciate them as well. This is a good book for parents to share with their children. I also hope that teachers will share this book with their students. There is a great power in the ability to read. It can unlock the world! It is amazing to be able to pass this power along to others. I love to teach, and I love to write. I have the best job in the world because I get to do both! NOSE PICKIN (AND 50 OTHER WAYS TO TICKLE YOUR BRAIN!) will be officially released on March 7, 2005. More information about the book and the author can be found at the official website (http://www.alonzofugate.com). It will be available from the publisher, PublishAmerica, or at online bookstores such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble. It will also be available worldwide wherever books are sold. To reserve your copy of NOSE PICKIN today, just check with your local bookseller. Governor Fletcher Announces Legislation to Combat Kentucky's Methamphetamine Problem 2-3-05 Plan Addresses Key Ingredient, At-risk Children, Manufacturing Frankfort, KY - Standing before a crowd at a Kroger pharmacy today, Governor Ernie Fletcher, Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence and the Attorney General's Office announced a comprehensive measure to effectively address the growing crisis of methamphetamine production and use in Kentucky. "We must take action to stop the potentially fatal practices of producing and using methamphetamine in the Commonwealth and to protect our citizens from the explosive meth labs that could be living right next door to them. We need to keep our children safe from the chemicals and volatile nature of these labs," said Governor Fletcher. "We have reached out to many people and groups on this issue, and the consensus is that this is right for Kentucky." Senator Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, will sponsor the legislation. The plan would restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine in tablet form - the key ingredient in meth production - to pharmacies, limit the amount purchased and require customers to present identification and sign for the medication. The proposal also calls for a new section of law that sets out penalties for those who expose children to meth labs, and it specifies that two or more chemicals or pieces of equipment and intent substantiates a manufacturing charge. "When I served as U.S. Attorney, I witnessed the devastating impact methamphetamine had on families in the Western District of Kentucky. However, as the drug becomes popular throughout the state, we need to be vigilant in our efforts to stop this scourge," said Lieutenant Governor Pence. "Today, we are proud to propose this initiative." In the last seven years - from 1998 through 2004 - the instances of meth labs in Kentucky increased by nearly 3,000 percent - from 19 labs to 579. In the last five years alone, the number of labs has jumped by more than 450 percent - from 104 labs in 2000 to 579 in 2004. The portion of the Kentucky legislation pertaining to pseudoephedrine is patterned after a measure Oklahoma enacted in April 2004. Since then, the number of responses to meth labs in Oklahoma has dropped from 130 in March to 38 in October. Attorney General Greg Stumbo said he is committed to reducing the meth crisis in Kentucky as well. "The Office of the Attorney General is committed to working with all law enforcement agencies and Kentucky citizens to attack the methamphetamine epidemic," Stumbo said. "Our Kentucky Bureau of Investigation will continue its work with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration to investigate businesses licensed to sell precursor chemicals, such as pseudoephedrine, needed to manufacture meth. KBI agents will also continue to use the KASPER system to detect prescription fraud and drug diversion. I applaud Governor Fletcher, Lt. Governor Pence, the Kentucky State Police and the DEA for the cooperation they have shown over the past 12 months." Additional Information on Governor Fletcher's 2005 Methamphetamine Initiative Current Condition Kentucky has a growing problem with methamphetamine abuse and production. Methamphetamine labs increased by more than 633% from 1999 to 2003. From 1998 through 2004, the instances of meth labs increased by nearly 3,000 percent - from 19 labs in 1998 to 579 in 2004. In the last five years, the number of labs has jumped by more than 450 percent - from 104 labs in 2000 to 579 in 2004. In 1998, the number of children in Kentucky found to be involved at meth labs was three. In 2000, the number was 33. In 2004, there were an estimated 87 children in the presence of hazardous chemicals that were about to be or being used to produce meth. Methamphetamine production and its use create an extreme danger to Kentucky's children. Nearly 150 children have been involved in meth labs within the past two years. Past efforts have not reduced the problem. 2004 Statewide Drug Control Assessment Summit Frustration was expressed by law enforcement with present laws. Law Enforcement needs help with legislation to address: The availability of precursors; Child endangerment; Certain language in the current manufacturing statutes. Why This Issue Is Important The number of small, independent methamphetamine labs is growing at an alarming rate, with 579 labs in 2004. The public, law enforcement, treatment providers and prevention specialists are all frustrated by the growing methamphetamine problem. Each time a meth lab is discovered, Kentucky's first responders are placed at risk. Cleaning up the average methamphetamine lab costs from $2,000 to $5,000 per site. The 2003 National Drug Threat Survey report surveyed Kentucky law enforcement - 86% reported that methamphetamine availability was moderate to high; 67% reported that methamphetamine production was moderate to high; 38% reported that methamphetamine was the greatest drug threat to our state. Kentucky's children are being placed at risk. In 1998, three children were involved at meth lab sites; in 2004 that number is 87. Meth labs have been reported in 89 of our 120 counties. Treatment admissions increased by 52% for methamphetamine addiction between 1998-2003. Highlights of Proposed Legislation Create a new section of KRS Chapter 218A - Controlled Substance Endangerment - first through fourth degree. Permitting a child to be present near a hazardous chemical with the intent to manufacture a controlled substance will be a: fourth-degree offense if there is no injury - Class D felony; third-degree offense if there is a physical injury - Class C felony; second-degree offense if there is a serious physical injury - Class B felony; First-degree offense if there is a child death - Class A felony. Change KRS 218A 1432, the manufacturing statute, to read that "two or more chemicals or two or more items of equipment with the intent to manufacture" meets the elements of manufacturing. This will assist law enforcement in light of the Kotila decision that states that all chemicals need to be present to substantiate a manufacturing charge. Restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine in tablet form. Require pseudoephedrine to be dispensed only at pharmacies and require identification and signature for purchase. Limit the amount purchased to 9 grams per person in a 30-day period. Allow for Civil Remedies to be sought by the Attorney General, Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet or any Commonwealth Attorney for persons trafficking in precursors or manufacturing methamphetamine. Penalize persons using a firearm in furtherance of an offense. Comparison to Other States Oklahoma Oklahoma was the first state to restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine - the key ingredient in meth production - to pharmacies and require identification and signature for purchase. Since the law was enacted April 1, 2004, Oklahoma has seen a significant decrease in meth labs. In 2003, the state of Oklahoma averaged 103 labs per month. From April to October 2004, that number decreased to 56 per month, resulting in a 45% reduction. During 2004, Oklahoma City Police Department saw a 50% drop in labs from 2003. Tulsa Police Department saw a 38% reduction in 2004 from 2003. During the legislative process, Oklahoma did not experience organized opposition from retailers or pharmacists. Other States Twenty states are considering legislation that would impose restrictions on common cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine. Indiana has introduced House Bill 1044, which restricts the sale of pseudoephedrine to pharmacies and classifies pseudoephedrine as a Class V controlled substance. Missouri has introduced Senate Bill 10 which restricts the sale of pseudoephedrine to pharmacies and classifies pseudoephedrine as a Class V controlled substance. Illinois currently limits amount of pseudoephedrine that can be purchased to two boxes per sale and requires training for all retail employees. When neighboring states limit the availability of pseudoephedrine, Kentucky will become the destination for criminals seeking the product unless we also limit the availability. |
