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Drug Arrest in Letcher County 2-7-08
On 01/28/08 at approximately 2:05 p.m. Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement were conducting a traffic checkpoint in the Jeremiah Community of Letcher County.
A vehicle operated by Jimmy Gilley Jr. age 22 of Jeremiah, Kentucky was stopped at the checkpoint. Preliminary investigation led to the arrest of Mr. Gilley for numerous traffic violations. Consent to search the residence was obtained and a large amount of drugs, money, weapons and drug paraphernalia were seized.
The accused was lodged in the Letcher County Jail charged with DUI 3rd Offence, Trafficking In A Controlled Substance 1st Degree, Trafficking In A Controlled Substance 2nd Degree (3 counts), Trafficking In A Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, Trafficking In Marijuana, Possession Of A Controlled Substance 2nd and 3rd Degree, Endangering The Welfare Of A Minor (2 counts), Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts). The investigation is continuing by Tpr. Jackie Pickrell.

NATURAL GAS PRICES INCREASING THIS WINTER 11-7-07
Wholesale costs slightly higher than a year ago
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2007) – Kentuckians will be paying somewhat more for natural gas at the start of the 2007-2008 heating season than they paid a year ago, the Kentucky Public Service Commission ( PSC ) says.
“While any increase in natural gas prices is unwelcome, this one is relatively modest compared to some that we’ve had in recent years,” PSC Chairman Mark David Goss said. “There is an ample supply of gas available nationally and, absent any widespread and extreme cold weather, prices are expected to remain fairly stable through the heating season.”
This year marks a return to the trend of higher natural gas prices in the last five years, Goss noted. Natural gas was less expensive a year ago than in the fall of 2005, but that was only in comparison to the unprecedented high prices caused by disruptions in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, he said.
“Natural gas prices are not likely to decline substantially any time soon,” Goss said. “Consumers should begin each heating season with a plan for paying their energy bills and a strategy for reducing those bills through energy conservation.”
As always, weather will be the main factor in determining how much energy consumers use to heat their homes and thus the size of their heating bill, Goss said.
“If customers haven’t already done so, now is a good time to take measures to conserve energy,” Goss said. “Reducing consumption is the best defense against high energy bills.”
Wholesale costs, which account for the majority of natural gas bills during the heating season, are up slightly this year but have nearly doubled since 2002.
By federal law, natural gas prices are not regulated at the wholesale level and fluctuate with supply and demand. Under Kentucky statute, gas companies are entitled to recover the wholesale cost of the gas delivered to customers, including the fees they pay to transport the gas by interstate pipeline to their retail distribution systems. Companies are not allowed to earn a profit on their gas costs. The companies’ gas cost adjustments are reviewed by the PSC to make sure they accurately reflect the wholesale cost of gas.
About half of the natural gas used for winter heating is put into storage in the summer. In the past, this gas was less expensive and helped offset higher gas prices in the winter. Due to national demand for gas for electric generation, especially in the summer, that is no longer the case.
Kentucky’s five major natural gas distribution companies expect their wholesale cost this November to be, on average, $9.46 per 1,000 cubic feet (mcf). That is up 81 cents (9 percent) from an average of $8.65 per mcf a year ago.
In November 2002 the average wholesale cost was $4.90 per mcf.
The wholesale cost of natural gas accounts for about three-fourths of a typical consumer’s winter bill. On average, a Kentucky customer using 10 mcf next month will pay a total monthly bill of $128.43, up $12.08 from the $116.35 average bill a year ago.
That 10.4 percent average increase reflects the higher wholesale gas costs as well as the higher monthly customer charges resulting from recent base rate adjustments granted to three of the five major local natural gas distribution companies whose projected bills are used to calculate the statewide average.
The five major natural gas distribution companies in Kentucky are Atmos Energy, Columbia Gas of Kentucky Inc., Delta Natural Gas Co. Inc., Louisville Gas and Electric Co. and Duke Energy Kentucky Inc. Together, the five companies serve over 750,000 customers in Kentucky and deliver 176 billion cubic feet of gas annually.
About 44 percent of Kentuckians heat their homes with natural gas. Those who heat with propane (10 percent) and fuel oil (3 percent) also will pay more than a year ago.
Goss noted that many Kentuckians have difficulty paying their heating bills every winter. Information on heating assistance is available from utility companies and local community action agencies, but funds are limited and sometimes run out during the heating season, he said.
“Look for help now if you think you may need it later,” Goss said. “Do not delay until the situation becomes a crisis.”
A briefing held today on natural gas prices will be available for viewing at a later time in in the PSC ’s video library at http://psc.ky.gov/agencies/psc/webcast/AV_Index.htm. A video of the briefing also will be available for download on the PSC ’s FTP site ftp://162.114.3.167/.
The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Department of Public Protection in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in the commonwealth of Kentucky and has approximately 110 employees.

Students to Learn Privilege of Driving
No Pass / No Drive Law Now in Effect 
FRANKFORT , Ky. (August 1, 2007) – Don’t look for teenagers to pass you on the road if they don’t pass their high school courses in the classroom. The No Pass / No Drive Law (KRS 159.051) is now in effect. The law states that all students ages 16 or 17 can be denied a driver’s license or have a license revoked for academic deficiency. The statute only affects drivers who obtain a permit or license after August 1, 2007.
A student is considered academically deficient when he or she has not passed at least four courses or the equivalent of four courses in the previous semester, has accumulated 9 or more unexcused absences, or has dropped out of school.
Students will be required to present a school compliance verification form, which is issued from their school, and a parental consent form when applying for a driver’s license or permit.
If a student becomes academically deficient, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be notified by the school, and that student’s license will then be revoked. Students may reapply for a license once compliance is met.
“I’m sure this will not be a popular law with some students,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert.  “But education serves as a foundation for success in life.  If this measure keeps kids in school then the extra work involved for the Transportation Cabinet, Department of Education, and school districts will be worth it.  Part of the process of becoming an adult includes accepting responsibility for your actions and this law holds teenagers accountable.” 
The original No Pass / No Drive Law (HB-43) was enacted in 1990. In 2003, the law was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, and a new version was created. The new No Pass / No Drive Law will affect students in public and private schools as well as students being schooled at home.

ASSAULT INVESTIGATION/LAUREL COUNTY
(LONDON, KY) – On March 31, 2007 at approximately 5:30 AM the Kentucky State Police received a request for the on-call Detective from the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office in reference to an Assault at 138 Cherry Avenue, in Laurel County, KY. Detective Mark Allen responded to the scene and determined that an altercation between two men had left both injured. Christopher Moore, 22, of Corbin had been stabbed twice in the back and was transported to the Baptist Regional Medical Center in Corbin for treatment of his injuries. Ross Fore, 52, of Corbin, KY had sustained head injuries and was flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY for treatment. Detective Allen continues the investigation into the cause of the incident and will present the matter to the Laurel County Grand Jury for consideration. No arrests have been made at this time. Detective Allen was assisted at the scene by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office and the Laurel County EMS.

Transportation Cabinet Installs New LED-Enhanced Curve Warning Sign on KY 82 in Estill County
JACKSON, KY – (Jan. 24, 2007) – In order to enhance safety along an accident-prone stretch of KY 82 in Estill County, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet today installed a new LED (light emitting diode) curve warning sign. This solar-powered LED-enhanced sign was placed near milepoint 4.5, just south of the Powell County line, for the benefit of northbound traffic in the vicinity of Salem Baptist Church. In addition, the advisory speed for this curve has been lowered from 35 mph to 25 mph.
“We are currently in the process of buying right of way for the relocation of KY 82 to bypass this curve which has been the site of several fatal crashes in the past few years,” said Linda Wagner-Justice, chief district engineer for the Department of Highways District 10. “We hope to let this project for bids later this year if the property acquisition process continues without delays. In the interim, however, we believe this sign will be a significant safety improvement to warn motorists that this curve can be more treacherous than it appears.”
Signs of this type were recently approved in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the federal standard for traffic signs and signals. Similar signs have been installed in various locations across the state to improve visibility and call attention to potential highway hazards. Since these new LED-enhanced signs are solar powered, they save on electricity costs. They also automatically adjust the brightness of the flashing LEDs for better day or nighttime visibility.
“The new LED curve warning sign will supplement existing signage, including warnings that the highway is slippery when wet, to advise motorists to slow down and take care while traveling through this area,” Wagner-Justice said. “The new signage also warns drivers that the recommended maximum safe speed for this curve is 25 mph. Until the new alignment of KY 82 bypasses this curve, we urge drivers to slow down and pay attention to weather conditions and oncoming traffic whenever they use this road.”
KY 82 carries more than 3,500 vehicles per day in this area. This road connects Estill and Powell counties and provides access from Irvine and Ravenna to the Mountain Parkway at Clay City.

(CUTLINE INFORMATION: Mike Bush, Glenn Bush and Benny Chambers, employees of the Department of Highways District 10, installed the new LED-enhanced curve warning sign on KY 82 near Salem Baptist Church in Estill County. The new sign's LED flashers, powered by a solar panel mounted atop the sign assembly, are intended to call motorists' attention to the sharp curve. The advisory speed for the curve has been lowered from 35 mph to 25 mph.)

-  2006 Winter Weather Awareness Week is Here   -
Winter Weather Awareness Week for Kentucky is set for November 13 through November 17, 2006. Now is the time to review winter weather safety rules, and know what to do when winter weather strikes.
In major winter storms, preparation can be the key to survival. Take some time to get ready well before the storm strikes. At home, keep the following items available: flashlights and extra batteries, a batter powered NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio and a portable AM/FM radio, extra food and water, extra medicine, and first aid supplies. Always maintain an adequate supply of heating fuel since fuel carriers may not be able to reach you after a major winter storm. If you have an emergency heating source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater, make sure it is working properly and is properly ventilated.
Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins. Keep the following items in your vehicle: blankets, flashlight, high calorie non-perishable food, jumper cables, tow rope, shovel, sack of sand, and a windshield scraper. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Check the latest weather reports before you travel. Try not to travel alone, and let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.
If a snowstorm traps you in your car, do no panic. Stay with your vehicle. Run the heater about 10 minutes each hour, and keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make yourself visible to rescuers by turning the dome light on at night when running the engine. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or door. Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating, and to stay warm.
Whether at home or traveling, always dress to fit the season. When going outside wear loose fitting, warm clothing in several layers. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded. Since half your body’s heat loss can be from the head, it is important to wear a hat or hood. Also, always be sure to wear mittens and gloves.
Do not let severe weather catch you off guard. Monitor NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, commercial radio, and television for the latest winter weather watches, warnings, and advisories. Be prepared before a winter storm strikes, and stay safe this coming winter season.

COMAIR Flight 5191
The remains of the 49 victims of Sunday's Comair Flight 5191 have been removed as investigators continue to search for reasons behind the worst American aviation disaster in nearly five years.The twin-engine CRJ-100 jet took off Sunday morning from a runaway at  Blue Grass Airport which was not long enough to accommodate the plane that was nearly fully load with passengers, crew and fuel.
Investigators say the pilot tried to take off but clipped some trees before crashing into a nearby field and bursting into flames. The crash killed all but one person on board - James M. Polehinke, 44, the plane's first officer.
Monday, Dr. Tracey Corey, chief medical examiner for Kentucky, said all  the remains had been removed from the crash site and taken to Frankfort for identification and autopsies. A toxicology kit, containg fluid and
tissues samples taken from the victims, will be gathered from members of the flight crew and submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration  for examination.
Corey praised the efforts of the emergency crews, saying they worked "quickly, efficiently and timely" response to the site. A makeshift morgue has been set up at the central laboratory facility in Frankfort.
Although she declined to comment on specific individuals, Corey said it  will be a matter of "days" before all the initial autopsies are  completed and a matter of "weeks" before the toxicology reports were returned.
Corey said the priority right now is to identify the remains and determine a cause of death.
Because of the intense fire that engulfed the plane following the crash, Corey said identifying the remains will be difficult. "We will be using as many methods (of identification) as possible,"  Corey said. "Not just personnel effects or dental records, we will be  looking at everything that comes in."
None of the remains will be released for a few days, Corey said. Mike Wilder, a deputy coroner for Boyle County and leader of the  Kentucky Mass Fatality Team, said professionals from across the state have been turning out to help with the recovery efforts. Wilder, who also worked in the recovery of bodies from the Carrolton
bus crash in 1988, said this disaster compares to anything he has ever seen. "They both seem to overwhelm you," Wilder said.
Gov. Ernie Fletcher, who had been attending the World Equestrian Games in Germany, returned to the commonwealth Monday and ordered flags at  all state office buildings be flown at half-staff. “Many hearts are heavy today in Kentucky as we continue to learn the  names and stories of those whose lives were lost in Sunday’s horrible tragedy,”  Fletcher said in a statement.  “The First Lady and I send our heartfelt sympathies to the many whose lives have been impacted by  this event.”

Operation Send Off
Kentucky River Medical Center held a silent auction this week to raise money to bring the soldiers home from Mississippi before they have to go to Iraq.  The auction was only supposed to last two days but everyone kept bringing stuff in and having a good time bidding, they extended it to Friday afternoon.  When it was over, they had raised $2,020.  The families also had a yard sale at the Quicksand Fire Department on July 29th.  Anyone interested in donating can donate at First National Bank in Jackson, KY under the Operation Send Off.

Basin Oil And  Gas Ordered to Pay $20,000 Fine
Company found to be in contempt of court
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 14, 2006) – The Kentucky Office of Financial Institutions (OFI) today announced that Basin Oil and Gas, which had been barred from selling securities, was found in contempt of court in Franklin County Circuit Court and ordered to pay a $20,000 fine.
“This hefty fine sends a clear signal to the securities industry that fraudulent investment offerings will not be tolerated in Kentucky,” said Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet Secretary LaJuana S. Wilcher.  “OFI will continue to work hard to protect Kentuckians from becoming victims of securities fraud.” 
Basin Oil and Gas was fined $7,500 in May 2004 for selling interests in oil and gas wells without disclosing material facts to investors.  An agreed order barred Basin from selling oil and gas investments or any other securities for one year.
Further investigation revealed the owner, Tom Watkins, had simply closed Basin and was doing the same business as before under the name of Matrix Petroleum Inc.  OFI filed a motion to join Tom Watkins and Matrix Petroleum to the legal action and also filed a motion to have all parties declared in contempt.  Franklin Circuit Court ruled that Watkins and Matrix Petroleum were subject to the May 2004 order against Basin Oil and Gas.  The new order, entered in August 2004, also required them to cease the sale of securities.
In March 2006, a new order was filed with the Franklin Circuit Court against Basin, Matrix and Watson after a former employee testified he worked for the company in early 2005 and in February 2006.  The court again found the company to be in contempt of court. 
Basin today was ordered to pay a $20,000 fine and was suspended from selling any type of securities for an indefinite period.  The same order barred Basin, Matrix or Watson from selling interests in oil and gas wells or any type of security in the future without written approval from the court.  Judge Roger Crittenden signed the order today.
The Kentucky Office of Financial Institutions is an agency of the Department of Public Protection in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.  It is charged with licensing, chartering and regulating the activities of state-chartered/licensed depository and nondepository financial institutions.

“Big Blue Caravan” Set for May 8 – June 6
Fans Invited to Eight Locations in Kentucky for Golf, Food, and Fun
LEXINGTON, Ky. –  Kentucky Wildcat fans are invited to join the UK Athletics’ “Big Blue Caravan” that will tour the Commonwealth from May 8 through June 6.  The Big Blue Caravan is presented by Family Home Health Care.
Tubby Smith, Rich Brooks, Mickie DeMoss, and Mitch Barnhart are among the UK coaches, administrators, and student-athletes who will visit eight sites in Kentucky.  The Caravan features community golf outings and barbecue dinners.  In addition, former Wildcat basketball star Jeff Sheppard will accompany the Caravan and be the master of ceremonies at the dinners.
Stops in the 2006 Big Blue Caravan include:
Frankfort – Mon. May 8, Frankfort Country Club
Mt. Sterling – Tues. May 9, Old Silo Golf Club
Maysville – Fri. May 12, Maysville Country Club
Louisville – Mon. May 15, Harmony Landing Country Club (SOLD OUT)
Owensboro – Tues. May 16, The Summit
Elizabethtown – Wed. May 17, Elizabethtown Country Club
Prestonsburg – Mon. June 5, Stonecrest Golf Course
London – Tues. June 6, London Country Club
A typical daily schedule includes:
11:30 a.m.         Registration begins
Noon                Box lunch
1 p.m.               Golf
6:30 p.m.          Buffet dinner
The visit to Maysville also includes a community-service event at the Boys and Girls Club at 10 a.m.  The visit trip to Elizabethtown includes a public autograph session at the Kroger on Towne Drive at 10 a.m.
At each location, the complete lunch, golf, and dinner package costs $150 per person and each golf participant also receives a UK shirt and hat.  Or, fans may come to the dinner only for $25 each ($10 for children age 10 and under).  Reservations should be made in advance.  Fans may register on-line at ukathletics.com (click on “Athletic Dept.” at the top of the home page, then click on “Big Blue Caravan”).
For more information, call Lori Armstrong at UK Athletics, (859) 257-5526.
-GO CATS –

United Way Funds for Breathitt County Distributed
Breathitt County Attorney Brendon D. Miller, Elizabeth Miller, and Alice Kilburn, the Breathitt County Board of Directors of the United Way of Southeastern Kentucky distributed checks on April 3, 2006, totaling $12.000 to human service agencies in Breathitt County.  The Breathitt County agencies funded are the Breathitt County Senior Citizens Center, Breathitt County Youth Soccer League, Interfaith of Breathitt County, Breathitt
County Youth Foundation, and the Breathitt Action Team.  Also receiving unding totaling $1,634.00 are agencies that serve Breathitt and other counties in the Kentucky River Area Development District region:  Mountain
Community Hospice, Kentucky River Animal Shelter, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Joshua's Dream Foundation.
The agencies represented at the presentation were:  Breathitt County Senior Citizen Center (Bethel Watkins), Breathitt Youth Soccer League (Mark Driskell), Interfaith of Breathitt County (Juanita Callahan), Breathitt
Youth Foundation (Marty Hayes), and Breathitt Action Team (Sandra Fugate).
The United Way of Southeastern Kentucky allocated $102,456.00 in donations that have been raised in our area of 44 human services agencies with 45 programs in the Kentucky River Area Development District's eight county
region (Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe). The UWSKY Board of Directors is comprised of two representatives from each of the counties who made the allocation of funds for their county. 
Each county's board members are charged with the responsibility of reviewing the recipient agencies, allocating funds, and participating in fund raising. Brendon and Elizabeth have now served as the Breathitt County Board
members for the last six years, and noted that there has been a dramatic increase in the amount allocated during that time, however funds did decrease this past year.  The total allocation in 2001 was in the neighborhood of $8.000.00, $15,000.00 in 2003, and $13,634.00 this year.  Brendon explained that although the numbers have increased, participation in Breathitt County has not.  Increased participation in Breathitt County would increase the money available to Breathitt County agencies, and money donated may be specified for use in Breathitt County and for specific agencies.  Miller explained that any contributions are tax-deductible, so there is a double
benefit. The mission of the United Way is to increase the organized capacity of the people to care for one another.  Through a network of volunteers and community services agencies, United Way serves as an advocate on behalf
of people with needs that otherwise might not be met.  The UWSEK takes pride in the fact that almost 86% of all funds raised are allocated to local KRADD agencies to help meet needs. After six years on the board, Brendon and Elizabeth will be leaving the Board next month as they have each served their maximum terms.  Alice Kilburn will be serving in the upcoming years with another person from Breathitt County yet to be chosen.  If you are interested in serving on the Board, or for more information on the United Way, please contact Alice
at 666-6000 or regional director Gaylan Good at (606) 439-0329.

TEAM RECOVERS MINE FOREMAN'S BODY
Second victim of roof fall deep inside Harlan County mine
CUMBERLAND, Ky. (Aug. 7, 2005) - A recovery team today removed the body of a miner killed when a portion of the roof deep inside the Stillhouse Mining LLC No. 1 Mine collapsed late Wednesday.
Russell L. Cole, 39, of Partridge in Letcher County, was foreman of the mine. Cole and a second victim, Brandon Wilder, 23, were killed while engaged in retreat mining. Wilder's body was recovered early Thursday. The search for Cole was hampered by two subsequent roof falls, the first of which injured two members of a rescue team.
Recovery workers spent Saturday installing additional roof supports inside the mine. Cole's body was removed from the mine shortly after 7 a.m. today.
The accident occurred about three miles from the entrance to the mine, which is near Cumberland in Harlan County. The recovery team included personnel of the Office of Mine Safety and Licensure, an agency of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. The deaths were the second and third coal mining fatalities in Kentucky in 2005.

Jobless rates up in 86 counties from June 2004 to June 2005
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 3, 2005) - Unemployment rates rose in 86 Kentucky counties between June 2004 and June 2005, fell in 30 counties and stayed the same in four counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training in the Education Cabinet.
In June 2005, three counties had a jobless rate at or above 10 percent and three counties recorded double-digit rates in June 2004. Woodford County's 4.4 percent jobless rate was the lowest in the commonwealth. Other low rates were recorded in Anderson County, 4.6 percent;
Fayette, Oldham and Spencer counties, 4.7 percent each; Barren, Boone and Jessamine counties, 4.8 percent each; and Franklin, Scott and Shelby, 4.9 percent each.
Magoffin County recorded the state's highest unemployment rate - 11.7 percent. It was followed by Elliott County, 10.4 percent, Wolfe County, 10.1 percent; Graves County, 9.6 percent; Carter, Clay and Leslie counties, 8.8 percent each; Morgan County, 8.7 percent; McCreary County, 8.6 percent; and Lawrence, Muhlenberg and Nicholas counties, 8.5 percent each.

50th Clep Graduation 7-6-05
On Friday July 1st, the Cadet Leadership and Educational Program (CLEP) graduated it's 50th class. Pictured are the 8 Cadets participating in this graduating class.  PHOTO HERE

Breathitt County Man Survives Accident 5-10-05
Breathitt County An early morning accident on Hwy 15 South of Jackson Kentucky, left one young man lucky to be alive. 19 year old Travis Moore, was travelling north, towards Jackson, when he  left the roadway, hit a culvert, and hillside, before overturning back onto the roadyway. Mr. Moore was transported to KRMC. The accident is still under investigation by the Kentucky State Police. PHOTOS HERE

Judge Profitt on Reclaiming Futures as a Valuable Tool By  Donia Shuhaiber  3-21-05 PHOTO HERE
Trying to deal with substance abuse problems in any situation is always difficult. What makes it even harder is that there is no one right approach to getting a person to deal with their substance abuse addiction or problems. If there was one way that was guaranteed to work, then we would not have as many substance abuse problems with our youth as we have today.
Still it is those many approaches that allow us to use what works because everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another.
Judge Kenny Profitt, who serves in Breathitt, Powell and Wolfe counties, knows about the obstacles he faces when dealing with youth who have substance abuse problems. “There is no one solution, no silver bullet, that’s going to eliminate substance abuse,” said Profitt.
Reclaiming Futures is one of the programs that Judge Profitt uses as a tool, to try to help our youth. “Reclaiming Futures is one of the tools that I can use to give better outcomes for our youth,” he said.
From the start about two years ago, the Judge saw promise in the Reclaiming Futures program. “I could see from the description of the program, that it would benefit our youth,” he said. “I think it’s been a successful effort,” he added.
Judge Profitt just wishes the youth who have substance abuse problems realize how much harm they are doing to themselves and to those who they will support in the future. Eventually these same youth will have children of their own.
"Substance abuse is a multi-generational problem. The youth I have in court today most often have witnessed their parents and grandparents use and abuse narcotics or alcohol and unless that cycle is broken today’s youth will repeat those same mistakes with their own children. Some parents rationalize that it’s ok to use as long as they don’t do it in front of their kids. But our children know what’s going on with an understanding way beyond their years. And as that little boy or girl grows and matures they copy what they have learned from their parents is acceptable behavior,” he said.
He also has a strong message for the parents as well as their troubled youth. "If you’re a parent who’s using…stop. Get help and treatment for your addiction before you pass your problems on to the next generation. If you’re a young person whose in trouble look for at least one person in your life who loves and cares for you and doesn’t use or abuse alcohol or narcotics. Someone that has high expectations for you, someone you can count on. And when you find that person promise yourself that you will not disappoint them, that you will not do anything that they would not be proud of. Then keep that promise to yourself and your loved one,” says Profitt.
"Everyone who works with youth wants the same thing. We want our young people to have the hope of a decent life, one that’s not dependent on drugs and alcohol: A life that they can proudly pass on to the next generation. We’re all just looking for a way to turn that hope into a reality in lives of the young people we meet," he said. 
Reclaiming Futures is a program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and offers services in Breathitt, Lee, Owsley and Wolfe counties. This program is operated in partnership with Kentucky River Community Care, Inc. To learn more, call 606-666-9006.

Seven Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week (Mar. 7 through Mar. 13)
(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that seven people died in five separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, March 7 through Sunday, Mar. 13.
Of the five fatal crashes, preliminary data* indicates alcohol was a suspected factor in three of the crashes and five of the victims were not wearing seat belts.
One double fatality crash occurred in Jessamine County and one double fatality crash occurred in Rowan County. Single fatality crashes occurred in Barren, Clay and Martin counties.
Since the beginning of the 2005, a total of 150* people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways. This is an increase of 14 over the same time period in 2004. Ninety-one of these 150 fatalities were not wearing seat belts.
Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.
*These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.

Fifteen Die On Kentucky Roadways   Last Week (Feb. 28 through Mar. 6) 3-8-05
(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that 15 people died in 11 separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, Mar. 6.
Of the 11 fatal crashes, preliminary data* indicates alcohol was a suspected factor in three of the crashes and four of the victims were not wearing seat belts. The seat belt status of five of the fatalities is unknown at the present time. One of the fatalities involved a pedestrian and one involved a bicycle.
One triple fatality crash occurred in Bath County and one triple fatality crash occurred in Hart County. Two single fatality crashes occurred in both Jefferson and Pike counties. Single fatality crashes also occurred in Boyd, Butler, Campbell, Carroll and Hickman counties.
Since the beginning of the 2005, a total of 140* people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways. This is an increase of 15 over the same time period in 2004. Eighty-four of these 140 fatalities were not wearing seat belts.
Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.
*These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas

Breathitt Jail Faces Closure 2-2-05
Jackson, KY. A spirited discussion was held during a special Fiscal Court, to work out shortcomings with the County budget. In previous Fiscal Court meetings, the Sheriff's office and County Clerk both suffered cuts. Todays meeting brought the County Coroner, Constables and Jail into question. County Judge Executive, Lewis Henry Warrix opened the meeting by introducing Dave Matthews of KRCC. Mr. Matthews explained how laws have changed this year requiring more from jails, like suicide blankets, restraining chairs and a suicide smock. Mr. Matthew explained that this went into effect in November of 2004. The cost for these items is roughly $2,000. He explained the new program that offered a hotline for jailers who were having trouble with certain inmates. 
    After Mr. Matthews explained the new laws, Judge Warrix began discussion on Constables and their pay. He explained that the Constables would have to make efforts to help Solid Waste Coordinator, Calvin Saum in order to receive any payments through the Fiscal Court. The discussion then turned to Breathitt County Coroner, Bobby Thorpe, Jr.  Mr. Thorpe explained that he has saved the County over $40,000 since he took office. He explained he could save even more if they would move his office into the Court House after other members move into the new  Judicial Center. Mr. Thorpe explained he is way under budget and has made more cuts than most have. He also stated that while he was making cuts, he found it disturbing that the Fiscal Court was handing out raises at the same time.  Mr. Thorpe also questioned the Fiscal Court about the high cost of Hotel rooms when the Fiscal court went to out of town meetings. Mr. Thorpe explained that his cost for deputy Coroners hotel bill was around $240.00 for the entire week, while the Fiscal Court spent over $700.00 on 3 rooms for their stay.
Mr. Thorpe explained that even though he was on a shoestring budget, he would try to find a way to help even more, as he has always done in the past. Local citizen, Mr. Verle Bowman then asked the Fiscal Court if they were willing to cut their salaries to help out. Judge Warrix said yes which brought an applause from the crowd. No Commissioner followed Judge Warrix lead.
    The final discussion of the night was the Jail situation. The discussion became heated when Judge Warrix explained it is costing over $600,000 to run the Jail, and the county could save $100-$150,000 by closing it and transporting the prisoners to Three Forks facility. After discussions back and forth it was decided that the Fiscal Court would give the Jail Staff until February 22nd, 2005 to come up with a way to keep the Jail open.
   KY Mountain News editor Ron Hamblin asked the Fiscal Court why the Sheriff, County Clerk, Constable, Coroner & Jailer all were asked to make cuts, yet there were other areas such as Animal Control, that were not even discussed. Mr. Hamblin said that the general view of the public was that cuts needed to be made across the board not just in the vital areas that they were cutting.
Mr. Danny Fugate what has happened over the past few years in Breathitt and surrounding counties is with the Fiscal Courts, is that we dig a hole with a shovel and when we see we are in a hole, we get a backhoe and make an even bigger hole. We have hit a rock with the backhoe now and we have to decide if we dig more or quit. It seems that every four years (election) the shovels and backhoes come back. You (Lew) said that we have bonds for the 1 Million dollar blacktop, which I will not go into because it is a long story and the Jail Bond ($125 Thousand), which we only got a picture to show for it. If this Fiscal Court is sincere in saving money and doing what is right, you be the first to throw away the shovel and backhoe.  PHOTOS HERE