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Report Calls for Booster Seat Law to Reduce Child Deaths and Injuries 1-31-08
Louisville, KY - Think of a kindergartner you know. Now think of his or her kindergarten classroom. Since 2000, nearly three classrooms full of children around this age have died from a motor vehicle-related unintentional injury. This frustrating reality is among the findings of a report released today by Kentucky Youth Advocates.
Each year, Kentucky Youth Advocates releases the National and Kentucky KIDS COUNT Data Books. For the past couple of years, the National Data Book, which ranks states on key indicators of child well-being, has shown a troubling trend for Kentucky. While the national child death rate shows improvement, Kentucky’s child death rate is moving in the wrong direction.
Fifty-five children ages 4, 5, 6, and 7 lost their life between 2000 and 2005 as a result of an accident involving a motor vehicle. Many thousands more are injured each year in crashes.
Booster seats properly position the seat belt in vehicles over the strongest part of the body – the hips and the collarbone. Without booster seats, vehicle seat belts often go across the soft belly and the neck of young children. If a crash occurs, the impact can cause significant injuries to internal organs, damage to the spinal cord, and even death.
“First responders and emergency room doctors are doing all they can for children involved in crashes,” said Sharon Rengers, RN, Child Passenger Safety Coordinator at Kosair Children’s Hospital. “Once these injuries are sustained, it’s too late for some children. We need to prevent these injuries before they occur.”
The report shares analysis of Kentucky crash data conducted by the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center. Their analysis shows that children in this age group who were in a child safety seat at the time of a crash were less likely to be hospitalized, and if hospitalized, had less severe injuries, spent fewer days in the hospital, and incurred fewer hospital charges.
“The legislature has taken bold steps for children in recent years by requiring helmet use for children riding all-terrain vehicles and strengthening the seat belt law,” said Tara Grieshop-Goodwin, Deputy Director of Kentucky Youth Advocates. “However, a gaping hole remains with the lack of a booster seat law. Current law does not follow recommended practices for keeping our kids safe.”
“Kentucky is one of only twelve states without a booster seat law,” stated Terry Brooks, Executive Director of Kentucky Youth Advocates. “Our child death rate is higher now than it was in 2000, and that does not reflect well on our priorities as a state. In a year of budget deficits, this is the type of legislation that will move Kentucky forward without tapping state funds. In fact, Kentucky will get federal funding, if we act quickly to pass a booster seat law, to help families purchase booster seats.”
The report calls for passage of legislation that would require all children ages 4 up to their 8th birthday to ride in a booster seat, unless they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height.
The report is available on the Kentucky Youth Advocates website: http://www.kyyouth.org

Kentucky State Police Offers Guidelines For a Safe Halloween 10-30-07
(FRANKFORT, KY) - With Halloween fast approaching, the Kentucky State Police is urging motorists, homeowners, parents and trick-or-treaters throughout the Commonwealth to prepare for a safe celebration.
“Halloween is one of the most exciting seasons for children, but also one of the most dangerous,” says Kentucky State Police Commissioner Jack Adams. “Safety is often the last thing on their minds, so parents and motorists need to be especially alert.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Halloween consistently ranks as one of the top three days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the U.S. and more than half of all traffic fatalities on Halloween are alcohol-related
While primarily a holiday for children, more adults are now engaging in festivities. According to the National Retail Foundation, more than 28 percent of adults plan to hold or attend a Halloween party this year.
“Many of these parties may start as early as this weekend,” says Adams, noting that Kentucky has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to driving while impaired. “Violators will be arrested. There are no warnings or second chances.”
According to NHTSA, the most dangerous time nationwide for children ages 5 to 14 on Halloween night is between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Children in elementary school are at the greatest risk. Children in this age group:
? Have a field of vision one-third narrower than an adult.
? Are often unable to determine the direction of sounds.
? Cannot accurately judge the speed or distance of moving vehicles.
? Are easily distracted and tend to focus on one thing at a time like a ball or a friend.
? Are easily hidden by parked cars, bushes, leaf piles, trash bins, etc.
“Drivers need to be extremely cautious during this time period,” says Adams. “The season’s shortened daylight hours and reduced visibility create a dangerous combination while children are out trick-or treating. Everyone needs to slow down, use extra caution and follow common-sense safety tips.”
KSP offers the following Halloween safety tips:
FOR MOTORISTS:
. Don’t drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
· If you plan to drink, arrange for alternate transportation or a designated driver.
· Stay alert for increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic on Halloween night.
· Be patient and SLOW DOWN! Give children lots of time to cross the street.
· Excited kids may forget to “stop, look and listen” before crossing the street.
· Drive defensively. Don’t assume that a pedestrian will move in a predictable manner. Expect the unexpected.
· Be extra cautious in areas where vehicles are parked along the side of the street. Trick-or-treaters may dart into traffic from between parked cars.
· Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Also watch for children walking on medians and curbs.
· Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
FOR PARENTS and CAREGIVERS:
· Trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights or “glow sticks.”
· Dress children in costumes that are light-colored and clearly visible to motorists.
· Costumes should be no longer than ankle-length to prevent tripping,
entanglement or contact with flame.
· Use face paints or make-up rather than masks that could impair vision.
· Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat
bags.
· Children should wear comfortable, well-fitting, sturdy shoes.
· Children should wear flame-resistant costumes. Avoid paper costumes.
· Younger children should be accompanied by an adult.
· Older children should stay in a group.
· Avoid capes that could pose strangulation risks by getting caught on structures or
yard decorations your child may encounter.
· Make sure props such as swords, scythes, pitchforks, spears, wands or knives are
flexible (not rigid) with smooth or rounded tips to prevent eye or other injuries if
fallen upon.
· If driving children to trick-or-treat, make sure they exit vehicle on the curb side
and not the traffic side.
· Instruct your children not to eat any candy until they bring it home and you examine it thoroughly. Inspect commercially wrapped candy for tampering (unusual appearance, discoloration, tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers). Discard anything suspicious. Throw out homemade treats.
· Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard while wearing a costume.
· Secure identification (name, address, phone number) on or within a child’s costume.
· Teach children their home phone number and how to call 9-1-1 if they become lost or have an emergency. (9-1-1 service can be dialed free from any phone).
FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS:
· Don’t assume the right of way when crossing a street. Motorists may have trouble seeing you. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean they all will.
· Be very cautious of strangers. A stranger is someone you don’t know who behaves in an inappropriate way. Adults asking children for help can be potentially dangerous.
· Trick-or-treaters should only visit houses that have porch lights turned on.
· Never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle. (Parents should stress “vehicle” because some
children might think it is OK to approach a van or bus.)
· Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available,
walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
· Never cut across yards or use alleys. By crossing a lawn, you might be tripped by
clotheslines or lawn furniture.
· Don’t run! Always walk when crossing streets or going from house to house.
· Cross streets only at corners and crosswalks. Never cross the street from between
parked cars.
· Remove mask or any item restricting eyesight before crossing streets.
· Don’t take shortcuts through back alleys or parking lots.
· Cover one side of the street at a time, no crisscrossing.
· Look “left, right, left again” for cars before stepping off the curb to cross a street.
· Don’t play near jack-o-lanterns, the candle inside could start a fire.
· Stay with the adult who is leading the group.
· Keep away from open flames or burning candles.
· Try on your costume before Halloween night to make sure it fits properly.
· Stay away from and don’t pet animals you don’t know.
· Don’t eat any treats until you get home.
· Have an adult check all candy before eating it.
· Stay focused on your surroundings. If you feel threatened, go to the nearest store or restaurant and ask to use the phone. Call parents or the police.
FOR HOMEOWNERS:
· Turn on your porch light. Provide ample outdoor lighting. Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
· Eliminate tripping hazards on your porch, yard and walkway (flowerpots, lawn furniture, lawn decorations, bicycles, children’s toys, ladders, garden hoses, dog leashes, support wires, low tree limbs).
· Remove wet leaves from steps and sidewalk.
· Use battery-powered jack-o-lantern candles or light sticks. If candles are used, place pumpkin away from area where children will be walking or standing to prevent accidental fires.
· Keep dried leaves and cornstalks away from flames and heat sources.
· Never drape a fabric ghost or other decoration over a light bulb.
· Make sure that paper or cloth lawn decorations do not blow into a burning candle.
· Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords with lighting or special effects.
· Avoid lighting sidewalks and driveways with luminaries (small candles inside decorative paper bags). Injuries might result when children are tempted to take a closer look.
· Pets can be frightened by Halloween activities. Restrain them or bring them indoors to protect them from cars or from accidentally hurting trick-or-treaters.

TRANSPORTATION CABINET GOES WILD WITH NEW SPECIALTY PLATE
Latest Special Issue Plate Designed To Support Louisville Zoo
FRANKFORT, KY (August 8, 2007) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announced today the release of Kentucky ’s wildest special issue license plate to date. The new plate, which depicts the image of a polar bear, carries the message “Go Wild! Support our Zoo.” That message refers to the Louisville Zoo, which in 1980 was designated as the State Zoo of Kentucky.
“This is a striking plate that is sure to get a lot of attention around the nation,” said Commissioner of Vehicle Regulation Roy Mundy. “It is also intended to support one of Kentucky’s most precious educational resources and one of the Commonwealths’ featured tourist attractions, the Louisville Zoo.”
The “Go Wild!” license plate is available now in county clerk’s offices across the state. The option is available to everyone who purchases the new plate to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Louisville Zoo at the time of purchase.
“Since being designated as the State Zoo of Kentucky in 1980, we have found numerous ways to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak. “The Louisville Zoo is involved in critical conservation programs through its management of wildlife and botanical collections. All funds raised through the sale of this beautiful license plate will provide ongoing support to conservation activities locally and worldwide, and will boost support for the Zoo’s statewide conservation education programs.”
For more information about Kentucky ’s special issue license plates visit:
http://mvl.ky.gov/MVLWeb/

Recovered ATV
Zack Manning of Frenchburg was arrested and charged with Theft of an ATV on June 7th. The ATV, owned by Michael Martin of Frenchburg, was stolen from the Menifee County Park and recovered on Route 1274. Manning is lodged in the Montgomery County Jail. The ATV has been returned to Martin.
Photo Here

Murder Investigation in Owlsey Co.
On 4/02/2007 at 1340 hours, the Kentucky State Police Post 7, Richmond, responded to a shooting on KY 846 in Owsley County. Upon arrival of KSP units, one victim was found deceased with a gunshot wound. The alledged perpetrator had left the scene prior to arrival of law enforcement. Through investigation it was learned that the suspect, Danny Day, confronted the victim at the victim's barn. The suspect then assaulted the victim by striking him repeatedly with a shotgun. The suspect then threatened the victim's wife , at which time she left the scene. After leaving the scene, the victim's wife then heard a gunshot. She then drove her pickup to a neighbor's home to summon help. The suspect was last seen by the victim's wife walking west on KY 846. The Kentucky State Police and the Owsley County Sheriff's Department set up a perimeter at the suspect's home and checked several locations in the surrounding area for any signs of the suspect. KSP aircraft were also utilized in the search for the suspect. The suspect, Danny Day , age 54, is described as a white male, 5'6" in height, 160 lbs., with blue eyes and a full gray beard. He is slight of build with shoulder length gray hair. He is considered armed and dangerous. We currently have a warrant for his arrest. Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Danny Day is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555 or contact Owsley County 911.

Kentucky Ten Commandments
Some people in Kentucky have trouble with all those "shalls" and "shall nots" in the Ten commandments. Folks just aren't used to talking in those terms. So, some folks in middle Tennessee got together and translated the "King James" into "Menifee County" language,.... no joke, read on... The Hillbilly's Ten Commandments (posted on the wall )
(1) Just one God.
(2) Honor yer Ma &Pa.
(3) No tellin' tales or gossipin'.
(4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'
(5) Put nothin' before God.
(6) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal.
(7) No killin.'
(8) Watch yer mouth.
(9) Don't take what ain't yers.
(10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff.
Now that's kinda plain an' simple, don't ya think? Y'all have a nice day.

Make your Christmas Extra Special - Plan to Attend -
A KENTUCKY OPRY CHRISTMAS
Featuring Kentucky Opry with
Special Guests Kentucky Opry Junior Pros
Prepare to get into the holiday spirit with the Kentucky Opry`s annual Christmas show! The program features our Kentucky Opry cast singing your holiday favorites, along with new songs which are sure to become classics. The stage will be decorated in its holiday finest, and Munroe will be up to his usual comedic antics. A perfect way to celebrate the season with your friends and family!
Tickets are on sale now!
$15 Adults, $13 Seniors, $11 Students and $10 Groups (15+)
Call toll-free: 1-888-622-2787 or Locally 886-2623

Carole Bizzack a victim of Comair Flight 5191
Carole Bizzack, wife of John W. Bizzack, Commissioner of the Department of Criminal Justice Training, died Sunday in the crash of Comair flight 5191 at Bluegrass Field in Lexington .
Mrs. Bizzack was starting a vacation to Alaska with her sister, Zane Castle of
Berndon , Va.   The sisters were to meet in Atlanta and continue their flight to Juneau , Alaska , together.
“We are devastated by the loss of such a vibrant, loving individual,” said a family
spokesman. “Carole brought kindness, joy and smiles to everyone around her.”
Mrs. Bizzack and her husband operated Bittersweet Station Farm on Winchester Road near Lexington . Married for 35 years, the couple has two children, a son, Jason, 26, of Lexington and a daughter, Stacey, 24, of Tampa , Fla.
An animal lover and avid rider, Mrs. Bizzack raised horses at Bittersweet Station along with several dogs which followed her everywhere on the farm, according to Lisa Lemay, Bittersweet office manager.
She was also an enthusiastic traveler with her Alaskan cruise following recent trips to Australia and New Zealand .
She was the daughter of Randolph and the late Adelaide Phillips of Lynchburg, Va.
Mrs. Bizzack was a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Lexington . In addition to her husband and children and sister Zane, she is survived by two other sisters Neil Johnson of Paris, and Martha Lea Filson of Reston, Va., and a brother, Wayne Phillips of Myrtle Beach , S.C.

Lowell Mason, Little Giant...
Six decades of music ministry and still going strong! Lowell Mason is celebrating his 60 years of music ministry this year, and shows no signs of letting up! He is currently "on the road" 20 days a month! Lowell's biography and family background is not just a story in itself, but an entire book that could not only span his sixty plus years, but preceeds his birth in 1937, for his parents had already decided to raise their children in the ways of the Lord!
Thankfully,(for all)...Lowell began his music ministry at the tender age of 9, singing on the well known radio program, "Children's Bible Hour" out of Grand Rapids Michigan.
Lowell Mason has been a big part of the mission field in Russia, and was there when the Lord opened the doors and the hearts of the Russian people. There is a blessing for anyone who has heard Lowell sing the great gospel classics,for Lowell himself has been blessed with a gift (many gifts, actually...) and blessed with talented children as well. Lowell's son (in whom he is well pleased...) is the well known "Duke" Mason, also of radio and televison fame. Don't miss a chance to see Lowell perform, and hear his great voice and learn of his experiences. I have to thank Rachel Davidson of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church for bringing Lowell Mason to Leslie County, and giving us the opportunity to meet and greet this 46 inch tall "giant" of a man. Learn more about Lowell Mason and his ministry at lowellmason.com.

Knott Drug Arrest
ON 06/12/06 THE HIDTA DRUG TASK FORCE CONDUCTED A DRUG INVESTIGATION IN THE HINDMAN COMMUNITY OF KNOTT COUNTY. DURING THE COURSE OF THE INVESTIGATION AN UNDER COVER POLICE OFFICER ATTEMPTED TO PURCHASE OXYCONTIN AND METHADOSE WAFERS FROM STEVEN PAUL FAST OF ANGOLIA, INDIANA. AS A RESULT OF THE INVESTIGATION MR. FAST WAS ARRESTED AND SEIZED AT THE SCENE WAS 15 OXYCONTIN 40’S AND 120 METHADOSE WAFERS WITH A STREET VALUE OF $4,900.00 ALSO SEIZED WAS A HANDGUN $880.00 IN CASH AND A 2005 DODGE DURANGO TRUCK. THE HIDTA TASK FORCE WAS ASSISTED BY KENTUCKY STATE POLICE POST 13 TROOPERS AND THE KNOTT CO. SHERIFF’S DEPT. THE INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING BY THE HIDTA DRUG TASK FORCE
Photo of the Accused:

KSP collaborates on award-winning projects
(FRANKFORT, KY) - A collaborative effort by the Kentucky State Police (KSP), the Commonwealth Office of Technology (COT) and the Center for Rural Development (CRD) has resulted in the selection of the trio for a Development Award during the 2006 Kentucky Digital Government Summit held Apr. 25 in Lexington.
The award for Best IT (Information Technology) Among Organizations was presented to Deputy Secretary of Justice Cleve Gambill for the collaboration of the agencies in creating the Kentucky Wireless Information Network (K-WIN) to help law enforcement officials statewide obtain critical criminal justice data in real time.
In the category of Best Application Serving the Public, KSP Commissioner Mark Miller accepted another award on behalf of his agency and COT for the enhanced Kentucky Sex Offender Registry. The revised website allows direct and immediate access to public alerts and offender information through a single query.
The Kentucky Wireless Information Network provides a statewide, collaborative network to facilitate wireless data communication and interoperability among agencies, both large and small, across Kentucky. The system involves the mounting of antennae on 150 base stations throughout the state whose towers are owned by the state of Kentucky, Kentucky Educational Television (KET), Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), local agencies and other entities. The widespread coverage allows wireless access for all law enforcement agencies in the state without any financial outlay from them.
Maj. Brad Bates, chief information officer, KSP Technical Services Division, said KSP was responsible for constructing a high capacity mobile message switch into which the various agencies can tap. Law enforcement agencies intending to access the mobile switch system must purchase compatible vehicle hardware and mobile software, but the system avoids the need for thousands of dollars spent on multiple switches across the state.
“Once officers have been trained and the paperwork approved, officers can be granted mobile access to the Law Information Network of Kentucky (LINK) as well as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) data bases directly from their vehicles,” said Bates. “This direct connection will save time and enhance officer safety.”
Prior to implementation of the K-WIN project, law enforcement officers were limited to radio and cell phone communication through their local dispatch center - a time-consuming activity.
Bates said approximately 300 KSP troopers and 70 local law enforcement agencies are using the system, which is also available to fire and emergency medical agencies. He added that 439 law enforcement agencies comprising nearly 8,000 officers could use the system in the future.
KSP Commissioner Miller praised the cooperation among the agencies in devising and implementing K-WIN.
“This collaboration of KSP, CRD and COT is worthy of recognition and the implications of the program for law enforcement in the state will be vast,” Miller said. “The primary beneficiary of the wireless system is the officer who can quickly access critical information. Ultimately, however, it is the citizen who benefits because the officer can more efficiently respond to situations to ensure public safety and the dispatcher will be granted more time to handle other emergency calls.”
This is the first year the Best of Kentucky Technology Awards have been included in the Summit, which is in its sixth year. The winners were chosen for their efforts to improve the lives of Kentucky’s citizens and businesses through technology.

Motorcycle Reck
ON 04/05/06 AT APPROXIMATELY 21:00 HRS A SINGLE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON HWY 1110 IN THE ALTRO COMMUNITY OF BREATHITT COUNTY. ERIC T. ESTEP WAS RIDING A MOTORCYCLE TRAVELING SOUTH ON 1110 AND FAILED TO NEGOTIATE A CURVE. ESTEP LEFT THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK AN EARTH EMBANKMENT AND WAS EJECTED FROM THE MOTORCYCLE. MR. ESTEP WAS WEARING A HELMET BUT WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE BY THE BREATHITT COUNTY CORONER DUE TO THE INJURIES HE SUSTAINED. INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING BY TPR. GARY SANDLIN.

Accident in Perry County claims two lives by Leah Jett 12-27-05
Shortly after 9pm on the evening of December 16 Kentucky State Police responded to a call from Perry County 9ll, the dispatcher informed KSP of a vehicle fatality on Ky Hwy 28, near Chavies in Perry County. An accident reconstructionist was also dispatched to the scene. According to a press release issued by KSP, a vehicle driven by Kenneth Rucker crossed the center line and was involved in a head on collision with a vehicle driven by Hayes Lewis. Both occupants of Lewis's vehicle were transported by Perry County Ambulance Service to Hazard ARH hospital. Their condition has not been released at this time. The two occupants in Rucker's vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene by the Perry County Coroner.
Traffic was held up on Hwy 28 for some time while the occupants were being attended to and the accident was being investigated. Police did advise that there were places on the roadway that were covered with black ice on Friday night. At press time the accident is still under investigation by Trooper Rob Wood with KSP.

More and More Jails Going Smoke-Free 12-26-05
Frankfort, KY - It appears the air's getting a little fresher for Kentucky's inmate population.
At least 23% of the full-service jails surveyed by the Kentucky Department of Corrections' Division of Local Facilities report they are now completely smoke-free. And several others only allow it in a certain section of the facility.
"I applaud these jailers for making their jails non-smoking and taking this bold move," said Corrections Commissioner John D. Rees. "Not only are they giving their staff and the inmates a healthier environment, they will see a significant reduction in their maintenance and sanitation costs."
Rees noted that the largest state prison, the Kentucky State Reformatory in LaGrange, is going smoke-free in the spring of 2006 and is currently providing a smoking cessation program to both staff and inmates.
Fifty-five of the 75 full-service jails responded to the survey: 30 report they allow smoking, 17 are smoke-free and eight only allow it in the secure section of the jail.
American Jail Association Executive Director Stephen Ingley noted recently in a National Association of Counties publication that the trend of smokeless jails boomed about three years ago, although "it's definitely more and more popular every day."
"It's no longer uncommon to find a smoke-free jail" said Ingley. "In fact, it's very common to find that."
Warden Larry Chandler, in distributing information to his inmate population and his more than 500 employees, cites six main reasons KSR was chosen as the pilot project for the state:
·        Medical issues: This was a policy decision - As the designated medical institution for the Department of Corrections, we can't "with good conscience," continue to allow inmates to aggravate their health problems with tobacco products and second hand smoke.
·        Safety issues: Fires, in dormitories, directly attributable to cigarette smoking in a prohibited area.
·        Disciplinary issues: Although KSR's been smoke-free (no smoking in buildings) for some time, it's hard to enforce.
·        Maintenance issues: Nicotine, tar and smoke in general create havoc upon the HVAC systems. Tobacco smoke does the same thing to the mechanical systems as it does to a human lung.
·        Sanitation issues: The stains and residue of the by-products of tobacco have taken their toll over the years. The yard is constantly littered with cigarette butts and matches make the facility look continually littered.
·        Economic reasons: Tobacco prices have soared making a carton of even generic cigarettes cost more than a months pay for some inmates and a tank of gas for staff.

Letcher Inmate found Unresponsive 11-23-05
On 11/22/05 the Kentucky State Police Post 13 received a 911 call from the Letcher County Jail reporting a male inmate unresponsive. Medical personnel responded and transported the subject to the Whitesburg ARH. Toyna Brock age 50 of Whitesburg, Ky was pronounced dead upon arrival. No foul play is suspected , however, the victim has been sent to the state medical examiners office for an autopsy. The investigation is continuing by Det. Dean Craft.

Fugitive apprehended following tip 10-25-05
For nearly six months Bobbie Jean Walker had stayed one step ahead of law enforcement officers seeking to arrest her on drug-dealing charges. The 56-year-old Hazard resident’s luck ran out on Friday, October 21, when a citizen’s tip led Operation UNITE detectives to her location. Walker was charged with three counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. All charges involved selling OxyContin to an undercover detective, said Mike Luttrell, Kentucky River Task Force manager for UNITE. “We had missed her on several occasions,” Luttrell said. “Bobbie Jean has apparently been staying in Alabama and returning to Perry County periodically. She was living in the city of Hazard at the time the original charges were instituted.” On Friday afternoon about 4 p.m. UNITE was told that Walker was riding in the Lothair section of Hazard in an older model Ford Thunderbird. Luttrell, two detectives, and Hazard Police Department Officer Todd Roberts drove through the area and eventually spotted the vehicle pull into a driveway off Third Street. Although the Thunderbird apparently belonged to Walker, she was not driving at the time.
A search of the car found no illegal substances, and the driver was not charged. Walker was lodged in the Perry County Jail.

KENTUCKY'S WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAMS RANKED THIRD IN NATION 10-13-05
                FRANKFORT, KY - Climbing to third in the nation, Kentucky's workforce training programs have once again received high marks in Expansion Management magazine's annual survey of industrial site selection consultants. For the third consecutive year, Kentucky has ranked in the Top Ten, placing fifth in 2004 and eighth in 2003.
"The ability to have a workforce that knows how to handle the task at hand from the beginning and not experience the inevitable missteps that come with on-the-job training is more than just a luxury. It is a necessity for companies competing in the global economy," said Ken Krizner, managing editor of Expansion Management. "The commonwealth of Kentucky is proving on a continuous basis that it understands this and stands ready to work with companies relocating or expanding into the commonwealth to make sure they have a properly trained workforce from the day they open their new facilities."
"The state has consistently demonstrated its ability to provide a ready supply of educated and trainable workers to companies looking to locate or expand their business in Kentucky," said Governor Ernie Fletcher. "I'm delighted to see our success earning praise from a respected and objective resource such as Expansion Management. Kentucky's greatest resource is its people and it is imperative that we continue to invest in improving the skills of our workforce to meet the needs of our growing economy."
Highlighted in the October issue of Expansion Management is the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC), which is the primary agency within the Cabinet for Economic Development whose mission is to stimulate economic development through programs of skills training to meet the needs of business and industry. The BSSC, in partnership with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and the Council on Postsecondary Education's Kentucky Adult Education (KYAE), has the capability to customize a comprehensive program of skills training services for new, expanding and existing companies.
"Kentucky's workers have shown time and time again its strong work ethic and ability to improve its work skills," said Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Gene Strong. "In order to remain competitive in a global economy, it is critical that the state be able to provide an educated and trainable workforce to new and expanding industries. Through the dedication of the professionals in BSSC and the Cabinet's strong partnership with the Education Cabinet, we are able to meet and exceed the demands for a high quality workforce."
In the annual survey, consultants were asked to identify states where they found the best workforce training programs while investigating potential sites for their clients. Programs were judged in terms of financial value, ease of usage and applicability.
Expansion Management magazine, a leading international economic development publication, is published by Penton Media and is distributed to business executives involved in expanding or relocating their business. To see the full report, visit www.expansionmanagement.com.

Man dies after logging accident 10-4-05
Jesse Neace, 38 years of age was pronounced deceased at 11:00am October 4th 2005 from injuries sustained in a logging accident at Roark Ridge. The accident is still under investigation by Kentucky State Police Officer Doug Gay and Breathitt Coroner, Bobby Thorpe, Jr.

Human Remains Found 9-14-05
The Kentucky State Police Post 7, Richmond, is currently investigating the discovery of human remains found off Long Branch Road in the Red Lick area, at the Madison/Jackson County Line. The remains have been determined to be those of a Caucasian adult male. The cause of death has not been determined. Further investigation has determined that the remains were found just inside Jackson County, and not Madison County as originally reported. The Jackson County Coroner has been notified. The remains will be sent to the State Medical Examiners Office, where they will be examined by Dr. Emily Craig, State Forensic Anthropologist. The case remains under investigation by KSP Detectives Mike Stotts and Monte Owens.