| News |
 |
 |
| Breathitt, Magoffin residents invited to attend public meeting on improvements to KY 30
2-29-08 JACKSON, KY – Residents of Breathitt and Magoffin counties are invited to attend a public informational meeting to discuss a project to improve KY 30 at the county line. The meeting will be held Tuesday, March 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Middle Fork Elementary School on KY 30 in Magoffin County. The public meeting will be in an informal, open house-type format. It will begin with a brief presentation at 5 p.m., followed by an open exhibit area where officials from the Transportation Cabinet and the project consultants will be available to answer questions and receive public input. Informational handouts, comment sheets and displays will be available to attendees. There will also be a 15-day public comment period after the meeting, and exhibits will be available at the Department of Highways District 10 office in Jackson. This proposed project will reconstruct KY 30 across the mountain at the Breathitt-Magoffin county line, from milepoint 37 in Breathitt County to milepoint 0.75 in Magoffin County. The current route is narrow, steep, crooked and prone to slips. The proposed new route will be wider and straighter along its 1.3-mile length. The project is currently in the design phase. Construction is currently not scheduled to begin until 2012 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants Available to Local Fire Departments 11-7-07 WASHINGTON, DC.—U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will make available $27 million in grant funds across the country under the 2007 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program. Applications are due to FEMA on November 30. “Fire departments are front and center in responding to any disaster,” said Rogers. “The Department of Homeland Security makes available resources to ensure our first responders are trained, equipped and ready to act, and I encourage fifth district fire departments to apply.” Local fire departments may apply for projects including public education campaigns, smoke alarms, sprinkler awareness, code enforcement, firefighter safety and training, wildfire prevention and awareness and arson prevention and awareness. Application materials are online at www.grants.gov. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the fifth Congressional district. Three State Resort Parks To Offer Fall and Winter Elk Tours Pine Mountain Added To Tour Sites FRANKFORT, Ky. – Pine Mountain State Resort Park near Pineville will be offering elk viewing tours this fall and winter, along with two other state parks in Eastern Kentucky. The return of elk to the region is considered to be one of Kentucky’s biggest wildlife management success stories. The animals, after being gone from the state for 150 years, were returned in 1997. They now number more than 6,300. You can pick out a weekend, stay at a state park lodge or cottage and rise early to enjoy one of these unique tours. Participants should bring their cameras – there should be great photography opportunities. The largest elk herds are located on privately-owned lands that are normally closed to the public. This is one of the few opportunities available for the public to see the greatest number of elk. The tours will continue to be conducted at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park. “Elk tours are still rising in popularity as a wildlife viewing experience,” said state park naturalist Carey Tichenor. “The tours from the Pine Mountain State Resort Park location will offer a different viewing opportunity from the other parks because they will take place in another geographic region.” Pine Mountain State Resort Park will offer tours for $20 a person ($10 for children 12 and under). The program includes a Friday evening natural history program, a continental breakfast, transportation and guide. Pine Mountain has a lodge, cottages, Mountain View Restaurant, hiking trails, golf course, interpretive center, mini-golf, naturalist programming and gift shop. The dates of the Pine Mountain elk tours for 2007 are Sept. 22; Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Dec. 15 and in 2008 on Jan. 12 and Jan. 19. Call Pine Mountain at 1-800-325-1712 for information and reservations. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park at Prestonsburg will be offering the tours starting Sept. 22. The half-day tour includes a continental breakfast and costs $20 for adults and $10 for children under age 12. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park has a lodge, cottages, campground, Music Highway Grill, hiking trails, disc golf, fishing, a summer theater and recreational activities. The other elk tour dates at Jenny Wiley are: Sept. 23; Oct. 13, 20, 21, 27; Nov. 3, 17, 24; Dec. 1, 15. For 2008, the tours will be Jan. 12, 19, 26, 27; Feb. 9, 16, 23; March 1, 8, 15. For information and reservations, call Jenny Wiley State Resort Park at 1-800-325-0142. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park in Perry County is also offering elk tour packages in September and October. The park’s weekend packages include a night’s lodging, two meals, and the elk tour. The package price is $145 per couple. Morning tours leave at 5:45 a.m. Stay an extra night Saturday for $45. The elk tour alone is $30. Buckhorn Lake has a lodge, cottages, Bowlingtown Country Kitchen, hiking trails, mini-golf and fishing. The dates for the elk tour weekends at Buckhorn Lake are Sept. 21-22; Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 12-13. For information and reservations, call 1-800-325-0058. Group tours are also available at these parks. Call the park for information. GOVERNOR FLETCHER DIRECTS FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF IN HONOR OF CLAY CITY POLICE OFFICER FRANKFORT , Ky. – Governor Ernie Fletcher has directed that flags at all state office buildings remain at half-staff in honor of Clay City Chief of Police Randy Lacy. According to the Kentucky State Police, Chief Lacy, 55, was shot and killed earlier today while on duty. “Glenna and I send our thoughts and prayers for the grieving family and stunned community now bereft of the brave service of Chief Lacy,” said Governor Fletcher. “Our prayers of thanksgiving and for protection also go out for all the courageous men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities and their citizens safe.” Flags are currently at half-staff in honor of Pfc. Timothy R. Vimoto, of Fort Campbell , who died June 5 in Korengal Valley , Afghanistan . Flags will remain at half-staff throughout the state until sunset on the day of Chief Lacy’s funeral. Arrangements have not yet been determined. Flop Enlists James David Finley (Flop) enlisted into the Det 1 207th Horizontal Construction En Co of Jackson, Kentucky. James is the son of Shirley Conner of Vancleve, Ky and Michael Collins of War Creek, Ky. James enlisted on 16 March of 2007 and was sworn in by Retired LTC. Ervine Allen. He has enlisted into the unit as a 62B and will later be a 21E equipment operator. After several years of being out of the service James decided to take advantage of the many offers that were presented to him by the Kentucky National Guard. If you are interested in joining the Kentucky National Guard contact SGT. Brian Curtis at (606) 568-6757 or (606) 666-2440. Counselors Needed Clinical Counselors are needed to provide therapeutic intervention with youth in a residential setting at our Buckhorn Campus in Buckhorn, KY. Staff Housing is provided. Prepare treatment plans as a part of a treatment team. Supervise the daily operation of the treatment setting including assisting in staff supervision. Must have a Master’s Degree with a Kentucky license (Licensed Professional Counselor or LSCW). Submit your resume to: Julia Brewer Buckhorn Children’s Center 116 Buckhorn Lane Buckhorn, KY 41721 Phone: (606) 398-7000 Fax: (606) 398-7912 Email: julia.brewer@buckhorn.org EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Commercial driver license applicants to pay skills test fee starting Sept. 5 (FRANKFORT, Ky.)--- Starting September 5, 2006, applicants for a commercial driver license (CDL) in Kentucky will have to pay a skills testing fee in addition to the $11 CDL permit fee. Beginning Tuesday, a driver who has held a Kentucky operator’s license or permit for 30 days or longer will pay a skills testing fee of $50 in addition to the permit fee. A driver who has held a Kentucky operator’s license or permit for less than 30 days will pay a skills testing fee of $150 in addition to the permit fee. The fee does not apply to renewal or duplication of CDL permits. Circuit clerk offices will collect the fees at the time of permit issuance. The Kentucky State Police will continue to administer both the written and skills tests. The money collected from the fees will be placed in the Kentucky State Police CDL skills testing fund, said Lt. Adam Whitlock, assistant commander of the KSP Driver Testing Branch. “The new fee schedule was mandated by House Bill 707 during the 2006 Kentucky Legislative Assembly in an effort to shorten the waiting time for obtaining a commercial driver license,” said Whitlock. “The money collected from the fee schedule will be used to contract additional CDL examiners to administer the skills test.” KSP Commissioner John (Jack) Adams said the fee change will streamline the procedure for obtaining a commercial driver license in Kentucky. “This program will allow the Kentucky State Police to put licenses in the hands of trained commercial drivers in a more efficient manner,” said Adams. “That’s better for the drivers and better for the economy of Kentucky.” The new fee schedule applies to applicants for commercial driver licenses at the nine KSP testing sites across the state and the 15 commercial driver training schools operated by private companies, said Whitlock. “Regardless of where the drivers receive their training, all CDL applicants will be required to pay the skills testing fee,” he said. For more information about the CDL and the testing fees, call the KSP Driver Testing Branch at (502) 226-7404. Don’t Get Me Started By Barney Fife strongarmoflaw41339@yahoo.com As I sit here and think of a topic for my second article in this fine newspaper, I keep coming up blank. Thelma Lou and I have been out on the porch swinging and it has drained any thoughts I might of had left. I started to tell you how the radical and religious right is destroying this county but you already knew that. I wanted to tell you about the meaningless deaths in Iraq but you already knew that. I began to tell you about Governor Fletcher can’t seem to raise enough money to run for even county surveyor, but, again, you already knew that. So what does that leave? How about the impeachment of President Bush? He’s only the most incompetent President this county has ever seen. Republicans are running all over the country screaming that if we elect Democrats to the House and Senate, the first item on the agenda is impeachment. Why not? If it was good enough for Tricky Dick, it’s good enough for Wubya. No sane individual reading this can honestly say that we are better off with George Bush in the White House. Yes, ole Barney knows that another election is just months away. It’s what happens before then that worries me. That’s all for this time folks, sorry to cut you off short. I smell supper in the kitchen. Time to eat! Got a comment for good ole Barney? E-mail me at strongarmoflaw41339@yahoo.com. Rinse, Return Site is Robinson Station Rinse and Return collection day will be Friday, June 23, 2006 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The collection site for plastic pesticide containers will be at UK Station, Quicksand. Individuals are encouraged to bring in their rinsed plastic containers where they will be inspected, run through a chipping machine, and the material will be shipped to a facility to be reused in the manufacture of new pesticide containers. How to participate: Triple rinse or pressure rinse all containers when emptied; dispose of the pesticide caps and remove sleeves and labels from containers. The pesticide caps are made of a different plastic material that cannot be currently recycled. You should bring all properly rinsed, five gallon or smaller, plastic containers to the UK Station Wednesday, September 17th.. Keep the empty containers in a dry, secure place until collection date. Each empty pesticide container returned will be inspected to insure it has been properly rinsed. Un-rinsed containers will not be accepted. The Rinse and Return program was started in 1990 to encourage farmers, retail farm supply dealers and other pesticide users to recycle their properly rinsed plastic containers. For more information contact the Breathitt County Extension Office at 666-8812. Huge Crowd attends Breathitt Co. Monthly Board Meeting At LBJ ... The Breathitt Co. Board Members were met by a huge crowd and the board Chairman opened with a Thank You for all attending and said he was Glad too see a big Crowd as they were at the Breathitt Co. Monthly Meeting,this month they Met at The LBJ Grade School.. The Meeting was called too Order at 7 PM on April 25th 2006 By Board Chairman Kelly Noble Jr., Roll call was then done and everyone was present and then the Agenda was adopted... Mrs Clara Gabbards class of Pre-schoolers lead the Huge crowd in the saying of The Pledge,and then they did a really neat thing saying things about the Planets that really surprised a lotta people and everyone enjoyed see such young kids doing so well,At the end Superintendant Arch Turner Gave each One of the kids a Treat... Mr Board Chairman Thanked LBJ Principal Ronnie Combs for coming back too Breathitt Co. And do such a great job at LBJ Grade School,and asst. Principal Patrick Wooton for all they were doing for the Kids at LBJ.... Seem like all was satisfied with the way TESTING had gone and was going and was really the Hot Topic at this Meeting ,almost everyone mention it in the Central Office Staff reports, all Principals were excited and said they were satisfied that the Test Score would be where they need too be,and the Breathitt Board would be happy with The Results... Chairman Noble Comened the Teachers on a Job well Done and stated he was Happy too be on the board with such good people and They do Care about The KIDs of Breathitt Co.... Mrs Brenda Terry of Buildings and Grounds said that the buildings and grounds people were busy and they would be happy when summer got here had lots of thangs to do,the Board also voted to accepted the Bid for the new Gym Floor for SMS Middle School it at last evenings meeting,it will be done soon and all Kids and parents will be happy a long time coming,and I personally have to say This Board Jumped on this quick and Gotter Done,Thanks To all The Breathitt Board Members and Superintendant Arch Turner,also New lockers are already installed at SMS and look really good stated Mrs Terry and Board Member Ina Southwood mention them also,go by and check them out..... Breathitt Co.'s ROTC unit Made Superintendant Arch Turner A Honorary Colonel and sluted him and was thankful for his help,and dedication too the kids of Breathitt Co Schools... Also Asst.Superintendant David Napier was also presented with a Honorary Colonel also ... BCEA president Lillian Trent was happy as usual and told of the teachers projected rasies and seemed to thank all was well with the Possibility of" No" Teachers being layed off and she commended the Board on That and was so happy about that news... The meeting went on and thangs went well Untill The very end and A Member of the huge Crowd stood up and asked if he could say a word or too,and Mr Kelly Noble said ,your not on Agenda and its a board policy that we not do this,but with such a crowd he said have floor for about two minutes: They were about 50-60 Parents and students with The Gentleman who's name was Mr David Wheeler and his concern was the numbers of kids signed for in agreement (is 25 Students) with Perry Co. ,and length of time kids would be on buses if they came to Breathitt Schools,and I think that number that goes to the Buckhorn School alone is 50-70 ,stated Board Chairman Noble , and Breathitt Board Chairman Noble said that they had 125 Breathitt Co. Students in Perry Co. System and Breathitt Co. had 8 Perry Co. Kids attending Breathitt School System and there was no way that could happen and he wanted his students back,and he (Board Chairman Noble)also Told Mr David Wheeler that he had put a statement in our Local Paper about Superintendant Arch Turner and he Needed to aplolgize too him personally,Chairman Noble stated that Buckhorn had built 10 new Classrooms and expected to get them paid for by Breathitt Students and that wasn't going too happen,we need the Money for Our Students in Breathitt Co.,If the Main Concern was the length of Time too bus the kids,Superintendant Mr Arch Tuner stated that he has already added a new bus route so that wouldnt be a problem and that the bus would be running and they wasnt changing the way thangs was... They had better take the 25 or they could get ZERO stated Board Chairman Mr. Kelly Noble the Breathitt Co... Add it up u take 125 Breathitt Co. kids attend Perry Co. School system,and 8 Perry Co. Kids are in Breathitt Co. System Minus them and that leaves 117 students that Perry Co. get paid for and thats about $688.300.00 dollars (Add It UP) a year they are reciving from Breathitt Kids going To Perry Co.these are all approx. numbers ,and we just cant loose that kinda monies to Perry Co. School System we need it Here ,They wouldnt let that happen either.... Thangs kinda got outta hand as the crowd got closer and closer to The Board members and Chairman Kelly Noble ask for and got an adjournment and good eating was next for all that attended the meeting,and that was the end of this monthly Meeting Of Breathitt Co. Board of Education!! Cumberland Falls To Host Easter Egg Hunt FRANKFORT, Ky. – Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin will host an Easter egg hunt for children 10 and under at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 16. The kids will search for 1,000 eggs hidden around the community pool area. The gates open at 2 p.m. and the event is free. Meanwhile, the lodge’s Riverview Restaurant will hold its special Easter buffet from noon to 8 p.m., featuring country ham, carved beef, and roast leg of lamb. The price is $14.95 for adults, $6.95 for children. For more information, contact the park at 1-606-528-4121. Victory for Southern Civil Rights In Confederate Prom Dress Settlement 3-9-06 The Kentucky Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans applauds the victory achieved through settlement in the case of Jacqueline Duty, the young lady violently deprived of attending her prom in 2004 because of bigoted actions by the school principal in Russell, Kentucky. Prejudice towards Southerners has become an increasing problem, but school systems are now discovering this form of “political correctness” to be costly behavior. “School systems are finding out that the landmark Castorina v. Madison County School Board Federal 6th Circuit decision is serious when it says Confederate symbols cannot be singled out for bans and restrictions by school systems,” said Don Shelton, spokesman for the Kentucky Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans. “The SCV hopes that Castorina and now Duty will convince school systems and their insurers to affirm that Southern students and Confederate symbols are treated fairly,” Shelton continued, “and we stand ready to work with any school system which wants to make sure its policies and practices are in compliance. However, if any school systems want to try prejudicial bans and behavior, then we simply say ‘who wants to be next?’” This achievement was made possible through a cooperative effort of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Southern Legal Resource Center. “The SCV provided the funding,” Shelton said, referring to the nearly $100,000 committed if necessary by the SCV to underwriting legal costs, “and the SLRC provided the legal brain trust to make it happen. It’s a pretty good team.” For further information contact: Don Shelton, KY Division Heritage Forward Chairman, SCV (859) 553-1892 sheltonreb@qx.net Dr. Tom Hiter, Commander, KY Division SCV (270) 354-8819 tyhiter@wk.net DISTRICT CHAMPS Jackson High School Wins Governor’s Cup 2-13-05 Jackson High School won the 54th District Governor’s Cup Academic Competition held at Wolfe County High School on Saturday February 4, 2006. Breathitt High School placed second overall and Wolfe County High School came in third. Jackson High School academic teams are coached by Debbie Clemons and Anji Davidson. In team events, Jackson High School won Future Problem Solving. Team members Jessica McIntyre, Nathan Neace, Corey Davidson and Justin Watkins defeated teams from Breathitt (2nd) and Wolfe Co. (3rd). Jackson placed third in the Quick Recall event with Wolfe Co. winning and Breathitt placing 2nd. The individual written assessments made the difference in the overall totals with several Jackson High School students excelling in areas of Math, Science, Language Arts, English Composition, Social Studies and Arts and Humanities. Jackson High School won first place in 3 of the six subject areas, followed by Wolfe with 2 first place wins and Breathitt with one. Jackson High junior Mitch Smith won first place in Math, sophomore Zachary Cornett won first place in Science and fourth place in Arts and Humanities. Sophomore Randi Barnett won first place in English Composition and third place in Science. Hannah Yount, freshman, placed second in Arts and Humanities missing first place by a single point. Michael Oghia, the only senior on the team placed second in Social Studies and fourth in Math. Jessica McIntyre placed second in English Composition. At the end of the day, the final standings were Jackson High School 46 points, Breathitt High 41 points and Wolfe Co. High 35 points. Congratulations to all students who participated in Governor’s Cup District competition and for the good sportsmanship shown by all teams. Jackson will advance to the Regional Competition on Saturday February 25 at Letcher County Central High School. Cruze N Car Show 9-11-05 September 3rd at the beautiful Douthitt Park, a cruise-in was held in benefit of the American Red Cross. A total of 45 entries from all around the area nearly surrounded the soccer field on a picture perfect Saturday night. Local merchants donated lots of door prizes that were drawn for. The grand prize was a satellite radio system that was donated by Sound EFX in Hazard. All the participants as well as the spectators were given the opportunity to vote for their favorite car or truck. Once all the votes were counted, the top three awards were handed out by the Honey Princess Miss Amber Combs. The awards went as follows…3rd place, Anthony Little with a 1970 silver Camaro, 2nd place went to Ricky Fugate with his black 68 Dodge Charger. Taking top honors was Tyler Napier from Hazard, KY with an awesome yellow 66 Mustang. After the awards were passed our the participants lined up for a parade around the streets of Jackson adding to already fun filled weekend with the Honey Festival in full swing downtown. With the proceeds of the show, as well as donations from those in attendance, a grand total of $1020.61 was raised to aid in the relief efforts that the Red Cross is helping with in the hurricane ravaged areas of Mississippi and Louisiana. A big thanks to the following businesses and people who made this possible: Advance Auto Parts, Hutch Automotive, Breathitt Auto Parts, Sound EFX, Jiffy Mart, White Flash II, Frito Lay, Coca-Cola, Kings Pizza, Combs sign painting, Sports Shack, Rose Wolfe, Jamie Moore, Jamon Halvaksz, Tony Turner and all of his staff at Douthitt Park. This was the second and final show for this season. Upcoming shows are already being scheduled with some exciting attractions for next spring/summer. To all those that were involved in any way, I sincerely appreciate you. Tony Fletcher. Cabinet Health Officials Discuss Medicaid Budget Shortfall with Kentuckians, Medicaid Announces Delay of July 15 Co-Pays FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 21, 2005) Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) officials accepted suggestions from Kentuckians on addressing the projected $675 million Medicaid shortfall for fiscal year 2006 at public forums in Bowling Green and London last week and at a July 5 meeting of advocates in Frankfort. In response to feedback received at the forums, Medicaid will delay the prescription drug co-payments for optional eligibility groups ($3 for generic drugs, $10 for preferred brand drugs and $20 for non-preferred brand name drugs) that were set to take effect July 15 while it explores the possibility of placing a cap on the amount an individual can be charged in co-pays over a certain time period. "We are facing a true fiscal crisis in the Medicaid program. I commend everyone who came out to discuss possible solutions and offer feedback on the program," said Mark D. Birdwhistell, CHFS Undersecretary for Health. "There are no easy answers when you're facing a $675 million shortfall, which is why it is so important that stakeholders work with us to preserve Medicaid for our most vulnerable citizens." Birdwhistell, Medicaid Commissioner Shannon R. Turner and Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services Commissioner Pat Wear II led the forums, which were attended by providers, consumers, advocates and other stakeholders. More than 125 people attended the Bowling Green forum and about 50 people attended the London forum. The Frankfort meeting was attended by more than 125 people, including advocates and legislators. The shortfall Kentucky Medicaid faces is largely driven by federal changes, such as the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, which requires payments from the state Medicaid program to the federal government, and policy interpretation changes related to fund transfers, among others. The total estimated impact of federal actions on Kentucky Medicaid is more than $375 million. Governor Ernie Fletcher has directed the cabinet to explore all options and do everything possible to preserve Medicaid services for those who need them most. "Medicaid in its current state is simply unsustainable. These forums provided valuable information for us to consider as we look at what changes must be made to protect our most vulnerable Medicaid members," Turner said. Medicaid also announced that due to federal guidelines the co-pay on emergency room visits for non-emergency causes scheduled to take effect Aug. 1 will be $3, rather than the previously announced $6. Cabinet officials will continue to share information related to the shortfall with the public, advocates and legislators in the coming weeks and months. Large quantity of marijuana seized 6-28-05 Detectives from Operation UNITE have broken up a large marijuana growing operation in Rowan County. About 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, law enforcement agents from UNITE, with assistance from the United States Forest Service and Morehead Police Department's K-9 unit, executed a search warrant at a residence on Mt. Hope Road, about 10 miles southwest of Morehead. A search of the property uncovered a seedbed with 512 marijuana seedlings, 35 marijuana plants in black pots, two containers of marijuana seeds and several bags of marijuana rolled in sandwich bags. Also confiscated were a pair of scales, a safe containing marijuana and drug paraphernalia, camouflage clothing, camouflage packs, Miracle-Gro plant food, unusued black pots and bagged soil. Lee Weddington, Big Sandy Task Force manager for UNITE, said this was one of the largest marijuana busts involving UNITE. No one was home at the time of the search. Weddington said police do have a suspect and arrest is pending. Earlier in the week UNITE received an anonymous call alerting police to the growing operation, Weddington said. A detective following up on the complaint spotted the marijuana and obtained the search warrant. I would encourage people to call our drug tip line -- 1-866-424-4382 -- and report suspected illegal activity, Weddington said. This discovery was the direct result of a citizen taking the initiative to rid their community of a drug dealer. Jailer James Elliott Turner attends training 6-23-05 Breathitt Co. Jailer James Elliott Turner attended the annual Kentucky Jailers Conference last week in Owensboro, sponsored by the Division of Corrections. Several keynote speakers addressed the trainees with information that will be useful in operating county jails, state prisons, etc. The training concentrated on the use of restraints, abnormal behaviors of inmates, court operations, fire safety, OSHA standards, courtroom security, transportation safety, and the new jail standards. Also on attendance were other correctional professionals, law officials, Commissioner of Kentucky Department of Corrections, representatives from the Kentucky Jailers Association and staff from the Kentucky Department of Local Government. Jailer James Elliott Turner annually attends trainings that will keep the Breathitt Co. Jail Staff up to date on new jail procedures, money saving efforts for the county, technology and general corrections education. Drive by shootings in Panbowl area has community on edge 6-16-05 Panbowl, Jackson, KY, Late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, residents in the Panbowl area were shaken to the sounds of gunfire ringing throughout their community. Professional Pharmacy employee, Carolyn Hays, escaped serious injury, when one of six bullets that were fired into their business, just missed her as she was shelving a bottle of medicine. Professional Pharmacy is located at the junction of Hwy 15 & 1812, Panbowl Road. It was later discovered thet the windows were shot out of a Ford Bronco belonging to Armon Nichols, also residing in the Panbowl Community on Hwy 1812. upon researching the story, KY Mountain News & Jackson Times reporters, found yet another vehicle belonging to Peanut Little, had also been fired upon during the night. If anyone has any information regarding the shootings, they are asked to contact the Kentucky State Police as well as local authorities. PHOTOS HERE KY 1812 to be closed in Breathitt County for two months for construction of new KY 15 bridge 5-23-05 In order to begin construction of the bridge that will carry new KY 15 over Frozen Creek, KY 1812 in Breathitt County will be closed near mile marker 13 beginning Thursday, May 26. The closure is expected to last approximately two months. The closure location is between Keck and Vancleve, or between KY 378 and Hoover Bridge Road. The closure is necessary to begin construction of the piers on the bridge for new KY 15, which is part of the $37 million project that began in January. The road closure will require motorists on the Keck side of the new bridge to detour via KY 1812 south across Frozen Mountain to reach KY 15 near Panbowl Lake in Jackson Jackson City Tuition Forum 4-21-05 by Julie Hamblin PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 Jackson, KY On Monday, April 18, 2005 Jackson Independent held Leaving No Child Behind: Tuition Forum. Tim Spencer, Interim Superintendent, spoke to the audience regarding the recent ruling by the Kentucky Board of Education allowing funding for 249 non-resident students. The Jackson Independent Board and the Breathitt Board of Education have met numerous times and have been unable to come to an agreement regarding a contract for non-resident students. In the 2002-2003 school year JCS lost $92,000, 2003-2004 JCS lost $189,000 and in 2004-2005 JCS lost $482,000. Schools receive $45.71 per child per day of attendance and funds are based on the previous school year’s Average Daily Attendance which is why attendance is very important to all schools. JCS does receive funding for students enrolled at JCS prior to 9/3/02. KRS 158.020 allows any board of education to charge a reasonable tuition fee for non-resident students. A tuition committee has been formed and has met regarding tuition fees for the 2005-2006 school year to best meet the needs of the school and the students. A copy of the tuition charged at other schools in the region was shared with the group and reviewed. JCS does not want the price of tuition to be too high so that people cannot afford to send their students to JCS but it needs to generate funds to pay for teachers and programs. Mr. Spencer explained that the school district limits were set in 1937 and were not the city limits and if parents had questions regarding whether they were considered within the city school district they may contact Brenda Begley. If the Board decides to charge tuition, a Jackson Independent School District Tuition foundation may be formed to help those students who cannot afford tuition. A Tuition survey was distributed to the families present at the meeting along with two tuition proposals. This survey will be given to the Board of Education to help them determine what the opinions of the families of Jackson students are. The JCS Board of Education will meet April 26 to determine the issues of tuition. The audience was given the opportunity to ask questions regarding topics discussed. Mr. Spencer stated that he wanted Jackson to “continue to provide a quality and exemplary education for the students”. Following Mr. Spencer, Judy Hamilton discussed a statewide coalition that will be lobbying the KY Legislature for School Choice in which the money follows the student. Lester Scott Noble Changes Plea. 4-13-05 Lester Scott Noble, changed his plea from Not Guilty to Guity on charges stemming from a UNITE drug bust. It was alleged that on November 8th, 2004, in Breathitt County, Mr. Noble knowingly and unlawfully sold oxycontin, a schedule II controlled substance. The original charge was trafficking in a controlled substance, in the first degree. Class C Felony (5-10 years). Recommendation by the Commonwealth on a Plea of Guilty (Plea Agreement); 7 years to serve, to run concurrently with Breathitt Circuit Court Indictments. Governor Ernie Fletcher announces work to begin on KY 315 in Breathitt County 4-4-05 JACKSON, KY - (April 4, 2005) -- Orange "Road Construction Ahead" signs are in place, and work has started on a project to improve the state's transportation network in Breathitt County. Work began Monday, April 4 on a $542,835 project to resurface 6.98 miles of KY 315, between KY 1933 and KY 30. Traffic between Jackson and Buckhorn will be impacted. Hinkle Contracting Corp. will perform the work, which is expected to take up to two weeks to complete, weather permitting. "This is part of the vision of Governor Ernie Fletcher and Acting Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert to provide a safe and reliable transportation system for all Kentuckians," said Linda Wagner-Justice, acting chief district engineer for District 10 of the Department of Highways. "These improvements will help ensure better, safer traveling for all drivers who use this road." Motorists are urged to watch out for flaggers, workers and equipment during the work period. They are also reminded to slow down in construction zones and obey any posted speed limit reductions, and to pay attention to any traffic control devices such as cones, barrels or barriers they may encounter in the work area. There may be delays in the work area, so drivers should plan their trips accordingly. Knott County Roundup Targets 37 on Drug Charges 3-28-05 Hindman, KY An investigation into illegal drug dealing in Knott County by Operation UNITE has resulted in the indictment of 37 individuals. Detectives from UNITE's Kentucky River Task Force, accompanied by the Knott County Sheriff's Office, Hindman Police Department and Kentucky State Police began rounding up the suspects at 7:00am on Monday, March 28th. This is the first drug roundup conducted by UNITE in Knott County, said Mike Luttrell, Kentucky River Task Force Manager. The arrests are the result of a lengthy investigation that was conducted by UNITE with assistance from the Knott County Sheriff's Office. Karen Engle, executive director of UNITE, said getting drug dealers off the street is just one way to fight the war on drugs, and thanked citizens for getting involved and passing along tips to law enforcement personnel. This is law enforcement¹s grand opening. Š We¹re making it known we're alive and well in Knott County. Attending the news conference were government representatives from Knott County, the City of Hindman, and members of the Knott County UNITE Coalition. UNITE only works when you unite with the communities. When you have people reaching out to you that means more than words could ever express, Engle said. If we all get involved and do our part amazing things can happen. It¹s time to get angry at the problem. What you see here is a dream, said UNITE Law Enforcement Director Dan Smoot, referring to the joint cooperation between the city, county, state and UNITE officers. That's the only way it¹s going to work. It¹s going to take all of us working together. Knott County Sheriff Ray Bolen was presented a plaque recognizing his commitment to the effort. He has gone out of his way to provide support, Engle noted. Anyone interested in becoming more involved in the coalition can contact Chairwoman Glenda Shrum at 785-5605 or the Kentucky River UNITE office in Hazard at (606) 487-3700. The following 24 individuals had been formally charged as of 3:45 p.m.: € Traci Jent, age 33, charged in the Perry County Detention Center with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Tina Campbell Thompson, age 38, of 18 Peachtree Lane, Mousie, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Amber Collingsworth, age 24, of 419 Bear Fork Road, Mousie, two counts first-degree possession of a controlled substance and one count of second-degree possession of a controlled substance. € Melissa Collins, age 20, of 141 Rooster, Littcarr, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Christine Little, age unknown, Jamestown Villave Trailer Court, Talcom, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Sonya Bently, age 36, of 2289 Highway 550 East, Garner, three counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Bruce Fields, age 61, of Route 1231, Amburgey, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Rebecca J. Campbell, age 34, 301 Old Garner Road, Hindman, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € H.B. Campbell, age 50, Old Garner Road, Hindman, first-degree conspiracy to traffick in a controlled substance. € Bobby Owens, age 57, of Route 721, Clear Creek, third-degree possession of a controlled substance. € Brad Day, age 27, of Route 160 Littcarr, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Sue Smith, age 47. 609 Bear Fork Road, Mousie, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Larry Amburgey, age 56, of Ball Branch Road, Mousie, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Following his arrest he was additionally charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance and three counts of prescription drugs not in original container. € Glema Amburgey, age 30 of Route 550 Mousie, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Carson Thacker, age 42, of Bear Fork Road, Mousie, first-degree conspiracy to traffic in a controlled substance, two counts first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, and third-degree possession of a controlled substance. € Brian Howard, age 34, of 751 Bruce Branch Road, Mousie, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Alvin Jent, age 28 of Mill Creek Road, Leburn, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Gladys Jent, age 28, of Box 251 Palm Lane, Leburn, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Timothy Collins, age 50, of HCR 60, Box 3055, Pine Topp, third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Lucy Hunt, age 54, of 51 Tiempe Drive, Highway 7, Topmost, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Margaret Slone, age 37, of 231 Hall Branch Road, Topmost, trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school. € Osby Gayheart, age 65, of Clydedean Apartments, Soft Shell, five counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Kathy Jent, age 44, of Box 259 Palm Lane, Leburn, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. € Jason Hale, age 24, of Highway 550, Mousie, four counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, and second-degree posssion of a controlled substance. Round Up Photos Here MUG SHOTS HERE |
| All Our Old News Stories Click Here |
 |