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KENTUCKY RIVER MEDICAL CENTER  RECEIVES ACR ACCREDITATION 2-21-08
Kentucky River Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology.
The ACR, headquartered in Reston, Va., awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and adequacy of facility equipment. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR’s Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report.
The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 diagnostic-interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, and nuclear medicine and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.
Kentucky River Medical Center is a 55-bed facility that is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. As a full-service facility with an active medical staff of more than 20 physicians, Kentucky River Medical Center features 24-hour emergency care, same-day surgery and outpatient care, advanced pulmonary care, physical therapy and rehabilitation services, broad-based diagnostic services including on-site CT and MRI capabilities, cardiac services, pediatric care, senior wellness programs and an on-site clinical laboratory.

OLD PERRY COUNTY  LANDFILL REMEDIATION COMPLETED 11-7-07
$3.7 million spent to protect groundwater and streams
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 2, 2007) – Environmental remediation work to reclaim the old Perry County Landfill and to protect nearby groundwater and surface waters has been completed, thanks to the Kentucky Pride Fund administered by the state Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC).
The $3.7 million project will safeguard groundwater and surface water quality in the community by minimizing and controlling leachate from the landfill. Leachate is water that collects contaminants as it seeps through the landfill.
Work included regrading the earthen cap covering the landfill, upgrading portions of the cap to include a water barrier, relocation of some waste, stormwater drainage improvements and improvements to the leachate collection system, including a drain, a trench to protect groundwater and a pumping system.
Previously, the county had been spending at least $37,000 a year on environmental testing at the site, according to Denny Noble, county judge/executive for Perry County . Now it is a “good property” that could be used for a ball field or other recreational facility, he said.
Foppe Technical Group Inc., Cincinnati , was the contractor for the site characterization and design phase of the project. The Walker Company, Mt. Sterling , was the construction contractor.
The Perry County project is among several being conducted under EPPC oversight at old, closed landfills. Upgrades at these old landfills are aimed at protecting human health and the environment, a top priority of the cabinet and the Fletcher Administration, said EPPC Secretary Teresa J. Hill.
In addition to the Perry County Landfill, construction is complete on the Sims Road Landfill and Briar Hill Landfill in Scott County , and the old Leitchfield Landfill in Grayson County . 
Work is in progress at Leitchfield’s Millwood Landfill in Grayson County , the Campbellsville Landfill in Taylor County , the old Floyd County Landfill, the old Cynthiana Landfill in Harrison County , the old Manchester Landfill in Clay County and the old Harlan County Landfill.
The Kentucky Pride Program was created by the General Assembly in 2002.  Funding for the program comes from a $1.75 per ton fee paid by generators of waste disposed at municipal solid waste landfills and the proceeds from a $25 million bond issue.

Burglaries In Eastern Madison County
The Kentucky State Police , Post 7, Richmond, and the Madsion County Sheriff's Department are currently investigating several burglaries that have occured in the eastern portion of Madison County over the past two months. Each agencies' investigation has yielded information that a common suspect vehicle has been seen in the area during the commission of the burglaries. The vehicle has been described as a silver Honda passenger car bearing a KY license plate , with the first three characters of the plate being 213. The modus operandi of the burglaries has been the perpetrator making forced entry through the back door after the residents leave the house or are otherwise gone. Anyone with information concering these cases or suspect vehicle, is asked to contact TFC Chris Crockett of the Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555 or  859-623-2404.

HARLAN COUNTY LANDFILL PROJECT NEAR COMPLETION
Upgrades funded by Kentucky Pride Program
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 2, 2007) – Around $3.2 million in environmental remediation work is near completion at the old Harlan County Landfill.
The project involved overall site storm-water and erosion control improvements, slope stabilization, construction of a barrier-type cap to prevent entry of rainwater and minimize leachate, and a leachate collection and treatment system including a lined holding lagoon and wetland cells.  Leachate is water that collects contaminants as it seeps through the landfill.
Wetland plantings and permanent seeding will be done in the spring.
The Harlan County project is among several being conducted under oversight of the state Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC) at old, closed landfills. Upgrades at these old landfills are aimed at protecting human health and the environment - a top priority of the cabinet and the Fletcher Administration, said EPPC Secretary Teresa J. Hill.
Funding is from the Kentucky Pride Program created by the General Assembly in 2002.  Program money comes from a $1.75 per ton fee paid by generators of waste disposed at municipal solid waste landfills and proceeds from a $25 million bond issue.

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Attorney General Greg Stumbo Announces Indictment Against Hazard Doctor and Pain Clinic
FRANKFORT, KY (November 15, 2006) –  Attorney General Greg Stumbo announced today that the Franklin County Grand Jury returned a  twenty-two count indictment against Michael Vories, M.D., and his pain management clinic, Simon & True Medical Consultants (now known as Kentucky Palliative Care) which was operating in Hazard, Kentucky.   The indictment alleges that Vories, age 44, committed fraud by submitting false and/or fraudulent claims to the Kentucky Medical Assistance Program. The indictment was sought by the Medicaid Fraud & Abuse Control Division of Stumbo’s office.
In the twenty-two counts of the indictment, Dr. Vories and his clinic are faced with Class D felony charges which carry a punishment of up to five years in prison for each count.  Dr. Vories is currently residing in South Carolina and will be arraigned on these charges as soon as he is returned to the state.
“The Medicaid program is in place to help Kentuckians who require assistance to meet their medical needs,” said Attorney General Stumbo.  “Submitting false or fraudulent claims robs the very program so many people depend upon, and in turn, steals directly from individuals in need.” 
The case is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Lettricea Jefferson-Webb and Kentucky Bureau of Investigation Agent Keith Howard both assigned to the Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control Unit.
Suspected fraud can be reported to this unit by calling the Attorney General’s tip line at 1-877-ABUSE TIP (1-877-228-7384).

Seventeen Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week (August 21 through August 27)
(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that 17 people died in 13 separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways from Monday, Aug. 21, 2006, through Sunday, August 27, 2006. Preliminary data indicates that alcohol was a factor in eight of the motor vehicle fatalities and one of the motorcycle fatalities. Fourteen of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and three of the fatalities involved motorcycles. Twelve of the 14 motor vehicle victims were not wearing seatbelts and the seatbelt status of two of the victims is not known. Two of the three motorcycle victims were not wearing helmets.
A triple fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Jessamine County. A double fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Cumberland County and another in Muhlenberg County. The remaining seven single fatality motor vehicle crashes occurred in Barren, Carter, Fayette, Jefferson, Metcalfe, Rowan and Simpson counties. The motorcycle crashes occurred in Calloway, Clark and Pike counties.
Through August 27, 2006, a total of 575 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways. This is 31 fewer than were reported for this time period in 2005. Of the 575 fatalities, 33 were pedestrians and 59 were motorcyclists. Thirty-six of the motorcyclists were not wearing helmets. There were six ATV crash fatalities and none of the victims were wearing helmets. There was one bicycle victim. Of the 476 motor vehicle fatalities, 309 victims were not wearing seatbelts and the seatbelt status of 34 of the victims is not known.
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.

Master of Arts Degree
MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY WILL HOLD AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING REGARDING ITS MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN ADULT AND HIGHER EDUCATION ON TUESDAY,
AUG. 8TH.
THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SOUTHEAST KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE IN WHITESBURG FROM 11 A.M. UNTIL 1 P.M. IN THE FIRST FLOOR LOBBY OF THE MASON BUILDING.
BEGINNING THIS FALL, STUDENTS MAY PURSUE THE MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM IN ADULT AND HIGHER EDUCATION IN JACKSON. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (606) 666-2800 OR TOLL FREE AT (800) 729-5225.

NOAA ANNOUNCES LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK, EMPHASIZES RISK REDUCTION
“Leon the Lightning Lion” Joins Effort To Educate Children
Reducing the risk of being struck by lightning is the focus of national Lightning Safety Awareness Week, June 18-24. Lightning is most common in the summer months, but can be a hazard throughout the year. And although most lightning victims are struck outdoors, lightning poses a threat to those indoors as well.
“All thunderstorms produce potentially deadly and destructive lightning. Knowing lightning is in the forecast and being prepared to react to the first sound of thunder are the initial key safety steps,” said Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), director of NOAA’s National Weather Service.
If you are outdoors and see darkening skies or hear thunder, seek a sturdy, enclosed shelter immediately, such as a building or hardtop automobile. “Don’t wait for rain to start falling to seek shelter from the storm — by then it could be too late,” says John Jensenius, lightning expert with NOAA’s National Weather Service. “Lightning causalities frequently occur before the rain begins and soon after the rain ends. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before returning outside.”
If you are indoors during a thunderstorm, try not to use corded appliances and electronics, such as computers and phones, as well as plumbing. Electrical wiring and pipes can provide a path for lightning to enter an enclosed structure.
“Lightning is a cunning and powerful force of nature. It is important to realize there are no guaranteed safe shelters — rather only ways to reduce your chances of becoming a victim,” adds Jensenius.
Last year in the United States, lightning was reported to have killed at least 43 people. On average, lightning is responsible for 66 fatalities annually. Additionally, hundreds of people are injured by lightning. “Lightning survivors are often left with debilitating health effects, such as permanent nerve damage or brain injury,” says Dr. Mary Ann Cooper, professor at the University of Illinois’s department of emergency medicine.
To stress the importance of lightning safety for people of all ages, the Lightning Safety Alliance created a cartoon character, Leon the Lightning Lion, who promotes the slogan “When thunder roars, go indoors!” created by a private group, Struckbylightning.org. Both organizations are among the NOAA partners providing public information about lightning safety. Leon is featured in a new children’s coloring page that can be printed from NOAA’s lightning safety Web site.
The National Weather Service is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with our federal partners and more than 60 countries and the European Commission to develop a global earth observation network that is as integrated as the planet it observes.
On the Web:
NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov
NOAA’s National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov
NOAA Lightning Safety: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov
NOAA Lightning Safety (en Espanol): http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/espanol.htm

Hazard Rotary Club Honors Members
The highest award that a Rotary Club can give one of its members is called the Paul Harris Fellowship, named for the founder of Rotary International. It is awarded for service to the club over and above what would be considered usual and/or financial support to The Rotary Foundation.
Every year, over $70 million is raised to support The Rotary Foundation. These funds have helped to eradicate almost all polio worldwide. And the Foundation works toward international projects like helping children to read, digging wells for clean water, supporting emergency burial funds, and building baseball diamonds for disabled children. The Rotary Foundation also funds the largest international scholarship program in the world.
The Hazard Rotary Club is pleased to award the Paul Harris Fellowship to two distinguished members-Bill Bettinazzi and Mary Begley.
Former Rotary president, Bill Bettinazzi, is no stranger to public service. In addition to the Rotary Club, he also serves as chairman of the ARH Local Advisory Council, president of the ARH Development Board, and is a member of the Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce. Employed with Kentucky Power Company, he works closely with the city of Hazard and has been instrumental in improvements made to downtown by his service to the Renaissance Committee. And he and his wife, Sherry, have taught many Perry County residents to dance!
Mary Holliday Begley, past president of the Rotary Club of Hazard, is employed as Manager of Community Affairs with Kentucky Power. In addition, to past president, she has been actively involved with the club’s community outreach through projects such as Rotary/KCTCS Career Day at Hazard Community and Technical College and the club’s PRIDE participation. Currently she is working, along with other members, to develop Interact, similar to Rotary, in local high schools. She will serve as a 2006-2007 Rotary Assistant District Governor. You’ll often find Mary and her husband, Dan, dancing with Bill and Sherry.
Both Bill Bettinazzi and Mary Begley exemplify the Rotary Club motto – Service above Self.

Letcher County Drug Searches a Success
On April 6, 2006, Post 13 Drug Enforcement, H.I.D.T.A., K.S.P. K-9 units, Whitesburg P.D., and Letcher County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 448 Dinah Blair Road at Cowan, in Letcher County.  The search warrant ended a month long investigation by the Whitesburg Police Dept and the Kentucky State Police.
During the search, approximately seven (7) ounces of cocaine and approximately $2000.00 in cash was located along with four (4) handguns.  Arrested as a result of the search was Charles “Bud” Perry Jr., 43 of Whitesburg, and 45 year old Michael Adams of Isom, KY.  Both were charged with trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree cocaine.  A.T.F. has been contacted concerning this matter.
Another search warrant was executed at Perry’s other residence in Mayking in Letcher County, but nothing was seized.  The case is still under investigation by Det. Crandall Hurt.


rrests made in Owsley Triple Homicide Case 1-2-06
On Wednesday, May 24th, 2005, Gary "Boogerman" Peters, Fannie Mae McIntosh, and Billy Tirey were found dead from gunshot wounds at the Peters residence on KY 11, Booneville. The Kentucky State Police and the Owsley County Sheriff's Department conducted the investigation and with community involvement several leads were developed.  On 12/19/2005 , the Owsley County Grand Jury returned indictments for Charles "Rooster" Napier charging him three counts of Murder, Ricky Green with three counts of Complicity to Commit Murder, and Marietta Short with Hindering Apprehension regarding the deaths of Peters, McIntosh, and Tirey. The Owsley County Grand Jury also returned indictments against Ricky Green charging him with Murder and Michael Dwayne Bowling charging him with Complicity to Commit Murder . These indictments are in regards to the death of Charles "Slick" Bowling, a potential witness to the triple murder. Charles Bowling was killed on July 23, 2005. Ricky Green and Michael Dwayne Bowling are lodged in the Three Forks Regional Jail in Lee County. Charles "Rooster" Napier has not been located. Napier is 53 years of  age, 5'5" in height, weighs 130 lbs. with brown hair and blue eyes. Napier is considered armed and dangerous and the public should not attempt to apprehend him. Contact Law Enforcement immediately if he is sighted. Napier has contacts in Indiana and Kentucky. If you have any information regarding the location of Charles "Rooster " Napier or information regarding these murders, contact the Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555 or the Owsley County Sheriff's Department at 606-593-5161.

On December 16th, 2005, the Cadet Leadership and Education Program (CLEP) held graduation.  There were 8 Cadets from Bravo 14 who were honored during the graduation ceremony.  Congratulations to these fine young men and the entire staff at CLEP for helping these young individuals.  Photo Here

Campton Man Dies 11-23-05
On 11/21/05 Kentucky State Police Post 13 received a 911 call of an accident at the junction of Hwy 1110 and Hwy 397 in the Haddix Community of Breathitt County. EMS, rescue and KSP responded to the scene. A Chevrolet Blazer operated by Christopher Elam, 21 years of age, of Campton, Ky was entering Hwy 1110 from Hwy 397 when he pulled into the path of a chevrolet truck operated by John Bush Jr., 44 years of age of Whick, Ky. Both vehicles left the roadway and the blazer overturned. Christopher Elam was pronounced dead at the scene by the Breathitt County Coroner. John Bush and a passenger in his vehicle, 22 year old David Neace of Jackson Ky. Were transported to the Kentucky River Medical Center for treatment. No seat belts were in use and the accident remains under investigation by Tpr. Rob Wood.
(Please Note: The information in this article is derived completely from the Kentucky State Police Press Release. It has come to our attention, through a family member of Mr. Neace,  that Mr. Neace was a passenger in the Elam vehicle, not the Bush vehicle as the release stated. We apologize for any problems this may have created for all the parties involved.)

Waco Bank Robbery 10-27-05
The Kentucky State Police Post 7 Richmond is currently investigating a bank robbery that occurred at the Waco Branch of the Peoples Bank of Madison County. At 0835, a male suspect walked into the bank and implied that he was armed and demanded money. The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect left driving east on KY 52 in a white Dodge pickup truck. The pickup was later determined to be stolen from a local used car lot. The pickup was later found abandoned several miles from the scene. Through investigation, it was determined that the suspect changed vehicles after the robbery and was now driving a grey 1967 Ford pickup. The grey Ford pickup was spotted by officers of the Ravenna and Irvine Police Departments. The officers conducted a felony stop on the vehicle and took the suspect into custody. There were no injuries in this incident and the money taken from the bank was recovered. The case remains under investigation by Detective Michael Stotts.

James E. Turner and Staff Attend Training 10-13-05
Breathitt Co. Jailer James Elliott Turner and the jail staff attended a two-day training at the Hal Rogers Forum in Hazard. Turner and his staff received training in areas that are a concern to correctional officers and local jail staff in the state. The training covered these topics: transporting/lodging of prisoners with contagious diseases, new HIPA laws, proper restraints of prisoners, prisoners with suicidal behavior and how to look for contraband on prisoners or in the jail transportation vehicle.
“These trainings are vital to properly transporting and dealing with prisoners in our jail and court systems,” stated Jailer James E. Turner. “I am committed to making absolute sure that the Breathitt Co. Jail staff, including myself, will stay up to date on all new techniques, regulations and procedures available.”

Dialysis Center Saving Lives 9-14-05
The new Fresenius Medical Dialysis Center located in Wa-Mart shopping center has been a blessing for many here in Breathitt County. Many patients had to get up around 4:30 in the morning in order to catch a van to Hazard in the past. But now that time has been cut between 2 to 3 hours thanks to this center opening. Anything that can make life easier for these patients is well worth it and many people here in Breathitt County that have had relatives or loved ones on Dialysis knows this definetly helps as it is closer to home for them. Pictured: Ervine Fugate on Dialysys at the Fresenius Medical Center.  PHOTO HERE