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| Shooting Occurs in Breathitt County 3-8-08
On 02/29/08 at approximately 2:29 p.m. Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard received a 911 call of gun shots being fired at Hardees in the Jackson community of Breathitt County. Jackson Police Department, Trans-Star Ambulance and Kentucky State Police Troopers were dispatched to the scene. When units arrived it was discovered that 43 year old Donna Tester had been shot by her estranged husband 54 year old Clarence Tester. The alleged perpetrator then fled the scene in a Chevrolet S-10, which was later recovered in Wolf County. The victim was transported to the Kentucky River Medical Center and later transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center where she is listed in critical condition at this time. Clarence Tester is still at large at press time and considered to be armed and dangerous. We are asking anyone with any information to contact the State Police or your local police department. The investigation is continuing by Det. Dean Craft. Thirteen Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week ( FRANKFORT , Ky. ) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that thirteen people died in eleven separate crashes on Kentucky ’s roadways from Monday, October 29 through Sunday, November 4, 2007. Eleven of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and eight of the eleven victims were not wearing seat belts. The seat belt status of one of the victims is not known at this time. Three of the fatalities were the result of crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. Two of the fatalities involved pedestrians and occurred in Jefferson and Boyd counties. The single fatality crashes occurred in Boone, Caldwell, Carter, Christian, Floyd, Gallatin, Jefferson (2), Metcalfe, Pike, and Scott counties. Through November 4, preliminary statistics* indicate that 576 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2007. This is 44 fewer than reported for this time period in 2006. Of the 576 motor vehicle fatalities, 328 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 90 motorcycle fatalities, 52 were not wearing helmets. Of the 24 ATV fatalities, 20 were not wearing helmets. Thirty-six pedestrians and one bicyclist have been killed. A total of 173 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. 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. Clay City Police Chief Killed In The Line Of Duty (Clay City, Ky.) - Kentucky State Police at Morehead are investigating the shooting death of Clay City Police Chief Randy Lacy. Chief Lacy had responded to complaint of an intoxicated driver in the Clay City Bottoms area of Powell County. Chief Lacy located and arrested Jamie Barnett, 37 of Clay City and was transporting him to the Powell County Detention Center when Lacy received a fatal gunshot wound. Barnett was apprehended a short distance from Chief Lacy’s Police Vehicle by Powell County Sheriff’s Dept, Stanton Police Dept, And Kentucky State Police. Barnett is lodged the Montgomery County Detention Center charged with Murder for allegedly committing the offense. ARMED ROBBERY/PULASKI COUNTY (LONDON, KY) – On Thursday April 05, 2007 approximately 10:12 PM Kentucky State Police Trooper David Cornett responded to an Armed Robbery complaint at the Blockbuster Video, south store, on US 27 in Pulaski County. Upon arrival it was learned that a lone male had entered the store armed with a knife and demanded money. Kentucky State Police Detective Doug Boyd and the Pulaski County Major Crimes Task Force were notified and responded to the scene. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet in height, weighing approximately 200 pounds and was wearing a hood over his head with a ski type mask and a flannel shirt. The suspect left the business on foot with an undetermined amount of cash. Anyone with any information on this incident is urged to call the Kentucky State Police at (606) 878-6622 or the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office at (606) 678-5145. Photo #1 Photo #2 Breathitt Youth Soccer League Spring Registration Sign-ups for the Spring Season will be February 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jackson McDonald's. For more information, please contact Julie Hamblin at 666-2119. Breathitt County's Elk Viewing Station Govenor Ernie Fletch and the Governor's Office for Local Development announced on Friday, September 29, 2006 that Breathitt County along with 13 other counties in Kentucky would be receiving funds to help create recreational areas to provide family fun for our citizens. The Breathitt County Fiscal Court was awarded $40,000 to construct an Elk Viewing Station. Approximately 1,200 elk were transported from Utah and several other western states to Eastern Kentucky in one of the largest Elk Relocation Projects in history. One of the oldest cemetaries in Eastern Kentucky, the Clemons-Ritchie Cemetery, was chosen as the site for an elk viewing station. The South Fork Ellk Viewing Area is being vastly improved upon with the help of International Coal Group, James River Coal, and over 17 other organizations. Breathitt County Judge Executive, Lewis H. Warrix, would like to express his thanks to everyone for their support and interest in this project. The hope is that eith the many vast improvements tourism will greatly increase. Other concerns surrounding the limited access is considered an ongoing project. The South Fork Elk Viewing Area can be accessed by turning left onto South Fork and Quicksand Road #1098 and going approximately 16 miles; turn right and proceed up the hill to the Celmons-Ritchie Cemetery. This area is considered to be a most beautiful area and very much worth the drive. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 1 at 10 am! BAD BOYS OF SOUTHERN ROCK!!! Molly Hatchett, Blackfoot & Atlanta Rhythm Section Live IN Concert! PRESENTED BY WQHY FM IN PRESTONSBURG Saturday, October 21 at 7 pm Tickets: $30 To order tickets or for more information, Call the box office toll free: 1-888-MAC-ARTS (1-888-622-2787) In 2003 the Molly Hatchett Band celebrated its 25th anniversary of the first national or international release with first a double-live album "Locked and Loaded" recorded in Germany as they consider this their home away from home and it is the first time in 7 years that a live album has made the European Charts. The band has plans on touring in support of the 25th anniversary and will release a new studio album of all of the classic songs re-recorded in this generation of the band with Artists International Management, Inc. as their agency. Often described as a more radio-friendly version of Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Allman Brothers, the Atlanta Rhythm Section was one of many Southern rock bands to hit the upper reaches of the charts during the late `70s. Hailing from the small town of Doraville, Georgia, the beginning of the Atlanta Rhythm Section can be traced back to 1970. It was then that a local recording studio was opened, Studio One, and the remnants of two groups (the Candymen and the Classics Four), became the studio`s house band. One of the facilities head figures, Buddy Buie, soon began assembling the session band — singer Rodney Justo, guitarist Barry Bailey, bassist Paul Goddard, keyboardist Dean Daughtry, and drummer Robert Nix. After playing on several artists` recordings, it was decided to take the band a step further and make the group of players a real band, leading to the formation of the Atlanta Rhythm Section. Blackfoot`s bold and long history is the thing that legends are made of. Touring with bands such as The Who, Deep Purple, AC/DC, ZZ Top and giving America their first taste of bands like Def Leppard, Scorpions, Iron Maiden and others who opened the show for Blackfoot`s headline tours. While remaining friends throughout the years, the members were involved in countless recording and touring projects, some included 2 or more of the members but never the entire available lineup. By late 2004, after a worldwide petition found its way into their hands the talks began, the rehearsals started, and soon after the band hit the road. Blackfoot has left their mark in Southern Rock History and their fingerprint on countless bands that followed. Now we all have a chance to hear the real thing. More Kentucky Cities are Kicking Butts FRANKFORT, KY (Aug 11, 2006) - A growing list of communities around the commonwealth is saying no to cigarettes and secondhand smoke exposure, enacting smoke-free policies in public areas and businesses as a way to better protect the health and welfare of employees and patrons. To date, Lexington, Louisville, Morehead, Georgetown, Frankfort, Daviess County, Letcher County and Kentucky state government have adopted policies that prohibit smoking inside buildings, public facilities and, in some instances, on the outside campuses of facilities and public sidewalks. The cities of Ashland and Elizabethtown are in the process of adopting similar smoke-free policies in their communities. “We commend local governments for taking this bold step toward improving the health status of Kentuckians,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Mark D. Birdwhistell. “Exposure to secondhand smoke poses a very real and serious threat to a person’s lungs and cardiovascular health. We need to do everything we can to reduce the amount of secondhand smoke exposure.” CHFS supports smoke-free policies because they’re considered a crucial step in reducing the amount of exposure to secondhand smoke and reducing smoking rates. Last month the United States Surgeon General issued a report that concluded exposure to even small amounts of secondhand smoke poses a risk to a person’s health. According to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, tobacco use accounts for almost 7,700 deaths a year in Kentucky and 400,000 deaths nationwide. Kentucky has the highest smoking rate in the country and the second highest prevalence of pregnant women who smoke. “We can’t force people to quit smoking, but we can put restrictions on where people are allowed to smoke. These actions not only lessen the amount of secondhand smoke in our environment, but we believe they also cause people to smoke less and encourage them to quit,” said Irene Centers, program manager for the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program. “We’re extremely pleased to see so many of our communities joining the smoke-free movement.” Smoke free ordinances have proven successful across the United States, where cities like Los Angeles and New York have been smoke-free for several years. Some nations, including Ireland and Italy, also have gone entirely smoke-free. “Opponents of smoke-free ordinances say smoking is a personal right. However, I would suggest to those elected officials contemplating similar legislation to consider – rather than a rights issue – it is a health issue,” said Kathy Carter, a Frankfort city commissioner. “I applaud the cities that took the initiative to go smoke-free and encourage others to follow their lead. Let’s make Kentucky a smoke-free state.” State government buildings went smoke-free on Aug. 1. Additional prevention and cessation programs designed to encourage public employee wellness will continue.The general public can get assistance to quit smoking by calling Kentucky’s Tobacco Quit Line. For help, call toll free at (800)-QUITNOW or contact the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Specialist in your local health department. Area motorists should be alert for bicycles next weekend as Pedals and Blooms Festival comes to the region June 16-18 Cyclists will hit the road in Estill, Lee, Menifee, Powell and Wolfe counties JACKSON, KY. - (June 9, 2006) -- Motorists in five of the Department of Highways District 10's counties should be on the lookout next weekend for a influx of bicycles, as the Red River Gorge and surrounding region plays host to the inaugural Pedals and Blooms Festival. Developed as a way to welcome Powell County native and first-ever Kentucky Unbridled Spirit Award recipient Joe Bowen back to the Bluegrass State after a cross-country bicycle ride, the event will combine street festivals in Beattyville and Stanton with bicycle rallies and races through Estill, Lee, Menifee, Powell and Wolfe counties. The event will take place Friday through Sunday, June 16-18. In cooperation with the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association (SEKTDA) and the office of U.S. Representative Hal Rogers, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet installed "Share the Road" signs on routes in the five counties to be used by the bicyclists who attend and participate. These signs will serve to remind drivers that bicycles are entitled to use Kentucky's highways as well as motor vehicles, and to encourage both bicyclists and motorists to be mindful of roadway safety. "We were pleased to work with SEKTDA and Congressman Rogers on this project," said Linda Wagner-Justice, District 10 chief district engineer. "Under the administration of Gov. Ernie Fletcher, economic development has been one of the major considerations as the Transportation Cabinet manages and maintains the state's network of highways. We realize that tourism is a very important part of the economy in this region, and we are happy to work with other groups and agencies to promote economic development in our district as well as all of Kentucky. This event is designed to increase awareness of the Red River Gorge region as a tourist destination for bicyclists, and we're glad to do our part to assist and to emphasize highway safety, which is another of Gov. Fletcher's prime goals." The featured attraction along several of the bicycle rally and race routes is the Red River Gorge National Scenic Byway, which was designated an America's Byway in 2005 through the efforts of SEKTDA. This route includes the loop of KY 77, KY 715 and KY 15 through Powell, Menifee and Wolfe counties. The Pedals and Blooms events are slated to kick off "Share the Road Week" in Kentucky, which will end with a Ride, Run & Rally at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 24 on the Capitol grounds in Frankfort. At that time, Kentucky's new "Share the Road" license plate, promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety, will be unveiled. Gov. Fletcher recently proclaimed the week of June 18-24 as "Share the Road Week" across the state. Motorists should be aware that they will encounter heavy bicycle traffic on the following highways: Estill County, KY 52 and KY 213. Lee County, KY 11 and KY 52. Menifee County, KY 77 and KY 715. Powell County, KY 11, KY 15, KY 77, KY 213, KY 599, KY 613 and KY 615. Wolfe County, KY 11, KY 15 and KY 715. In addition, KY 52 (Main Street) in Beattyville will be closed Friday and Saturday, June 16-17. Drivers can use River Drive as an alternate route. There will also be some street closures in Stanton during the festival. To reduce the risk of accidents as the bicyclists take to the region's highways, drivers should heed the following safety tips: Drive cautiously. Reduce speed when encountering cyclists and recognize situations that may be potentially dangerous to cyclists and give them space. Yield to cyclists. Bicycles are considered vehicles and should be given the appropriate right of way. Cyclists may take the entire lane when hazards, road width or traffic speed dictate. Motorists should allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections. Be considerate. Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections. Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists. Look for cyclists when opening doors into traffic. Pass with care. Avoid tailgating cyclists when following them. Leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist. Wait until road and traffic conditions allow you to safely pass. Check over your shoulder after passing a cyclist before moving back to normal position. In Kentucky, bicycles are prohibited from riding more than two abreast on streets and roads. Information on the Pedals and Blooms Festival can be found at www.cyclethegorge.com or www.tourseky.com. Information on the festival, as well as road conditions on highways leading to the area, can also be obtained by calling 511. Details of Bowen's cross-country ride can be seen at www.ridejoeride.org. The Transportation Cabinet's mutimodal programs and policies, including safety tips, can be viewed at bikewalk.ky.gov. Local Organizations Partner to Host First Annual Road to Recovery Car and Bike Show PIKEVILLE. – WestCare Kentucky, Lifeline and UNITE Pike will sponsor the first annual "Road To Recovery Car and Bike Show" on Saturday, June 10, at the City Park, located on College Street in downtown Pikeville. Trophies will be presented to the Top 20 Cars and Top 20 Bikes. Awards for cars will also be given to the Best GM, Best Ford, Best MOPAR, Best Mini-Truck and Best of Show. Motorcycle awards will be for the Best Street, Best Sport, Best Paint, Best Custom/Custom and Best of Show. Business Choice Trophies will be awarded throughout the day. Only cars and bikes from the year 2000 and under will be eligible for trophies. Registration will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with trophies presented at 2 p.m. The on-site registration fee is $15 Rain location will be on the first floor of the parking garage located on the corner of Huffman and College streets. General admission to the daylong event is free. All three organizations sponsoring this show are committed to the prevention, treatment and recovery of those fighting substance abuse. WestCare operates a licensed drug treatment facility, a jail recovery program and the homeless shelter in Pike County. UNITE Pike is a coalition of concerned citizens that have consolidated their efforts to combat the epidemic of substance abuse in Pike County. Lifeline, affiliated with Teen Challenge, is a group ministry offering faith-based services to those seeking lifelong recovery. “This exciting event will feature entertainment for the entire family,” said Bill Baird, co-chair of WestCare Kentucky Board of Directors. “Besides the cars and bikes we will have music, concessions, face painting, vendor booths, a silent auction and a community bake sale. I encourage everyone to attend and support the recovery efforts in our community” For more information contact Debbie Trusty of UNITE Pike at unitepike@setel.com or toll-free by calling 1-877-DO-UNITE, or WestCare’s Jenifer Noland at jenifer.noland@westcare.com. Home Invasion in Knott County 4-13-06 ON 04/03/06 AT APPROXIMATELY 03:00 AM KENTUCKY STATE POLICE POST 13 RECEIVED A CALL OF A POSSIBLE HOME INVASION AND ATTEMPTED ROBBERY IN THE KITE COMMUNITY OF KNOTT COUNTY. TWO WHITE MALE SUBJECTS KNOCKED ON THE DOOR OF MR. OLLIE JAMES TERRY AND ASK FOR MONEY TO BUY GAS. MR. TERRY REPLIED HE DIDN’T HAVE ANY MONEY AND THE 2 FORCED THEIR WAY ON INTO THE RESIDENCE. ONE OF THE INDIVIDUALS HELD MR. TERRY WHILE THE OTHER SERCHED HIS PERSON. WHEN THEY FOUND NO MONEY THE INTRUDERS FLED THE RESIDENCE. MR. TERRY WAS NOT INJURED IN THE INVASION. THE STATE POLICE IS ASKING FOR ANYONE WITH ANY INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US AT 435-6069 OR 1-800-222-5555. INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING BY TPR. LLOYD COCHRAN. Frankfort, KY: As the leads in a highly innovative partnership, Rep. Teddy Edmonds, (D-Jackson) and Sen. Johnny Ray Turner (D-Drift) today announced that Jackson Independent and Breathitt County District students are expected to receive over 100 state-of-the-art Apple computers over the next year through an initiative with their school districts, Kentucky Dataseam Initiative, and the University of Louisville's James Graham Brown Cancer Center. "The computers will be used for more advanced computer design and math and science applications, and will be fueled by new software and high-speed Internet connections," said Rep. Edmonds. "When the students aren't using the computers, they won't actually be idle. Their processing power will be harnessed through a network linking more than 1,500 computers to the University of Louisville Brown Cancer Center, where the excess capacity will be used to run new cancer drug experiments." Researchers in the James Graham Brown Cancer Center will remotely link into the computers after school hours in the Jackson Independent and Breathitt County districts to help them analyze hundreds of thousands of molecule combinations for possible use as new drugs. "The computers help researchers do twice the work in the same amount of time," explained Sen. Turner. "In return, these same researchers will visit the schools to talk with our students about their work and about opportunities in science and math." In addition, teachers at both Jackson Independent and Breathitt County schools will receive extra training to help them make computers a more integrated part of the classroom. U of L also will offer scholarships to eligible students from the participating schools who attend U of L. Currently the program involves about 130,000 students. "The extra capacity provided by the initiative will make a big difference to cancer researchers," said Rep. Edmonds. "Because of our partnership with Dataseam, the James Brown Cancer Center is able to work on drugs to combat 18 cancer targets. Without it, they'd only be able to work on four." The idea of networking computers to create one, massive computing effort is known as “grid computing.” Kentucky Dataseam Initiative, a Louisville-based company, currently operates one of the largest research grids in the country and it hopes to have 50 systems participating statewide, according to Brian Gupton, Executive Director of the Kentucky Dataseam Initiative. "Initiatives such as these represent Kentucky’s future," said Rep. Edmonds. “We need to develop this capability quickly or other states will pass us by in jobs and economic growth. Not only are we providing exciting, new educational opportunities for our kids, but we are offering a critical resource to growing, research-oriented companies. We have the supercomputing power they need, plus the workforce and low cost of living that can give those companies competitive advantages.” “We’re very excited to be part of this program,” said Jackson Independent School Superintendent Timothy Spencer. “Keeping technology up-to-date for our students is one of the biggest budget issues we have to face. Because the school system isn’t paying for these computers, we can redirect portions of our budget to other things, like software and learning programs." "This program will have tremendous impact on the Breathitt County School District's ability to expand access and opportunities, for both our students and staff, to some of the latest, state-of-the-art technology available, at no direct cost to our school district," said Breathitt County School Superintendent Arch Turner. "We are elated to have this opportunity to further ensure that our students are exposed to the very latest technological advancements and that Breathitt County students are well-trained, and therefore, successful in a highly technical society." “Both of these schools systems were hand picked for this project through an extensive process that proved to us they were ready to make the most of this technology," said Brian Gupton. Random Acts of Kindness Week February 13-19 Kindness…Pass it On!!! "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." Author: Archbishop Desmond Tutu Riverside Christian School Plans Centennial Celebration Sept. 23-25 100 Years!!! Not many living things exist for 100 years. Now Riverside Christian School can claim that honor. Mr. and Mrs. George Drushal began the Riverside ministry in Lost Creek in October 1905. The Light in the Hills has been a guiding light for youth for a century. A celebration is in order. It will take place the weekend of September 23-25. Many activities are being planned and the public is invited. It all begins with a buffet dinner Friday evening. The dinner will be catered by Tommy and Carol Miller and the cost is $7.00. Children 7 and under pay only $3.50. During the evening there will be special music by different groups. Also there will be a traveling microphone for introductions and a number of door prizes will be given away. This will be given away. This will all be in the gymnasium. It begins at 5:00. A story swapping time will take place Saturday morning. Former students, former staff, and community folks are encouraged to gather in the gymnasium and share their stories from the past. While they are there, they can enjoy a buffet Kentucky brunch featuring biscuits, gravy, bacon, sausage, fired apples and more. The cost is not definite yet. Punch and cookies will be available for everyone between 1:15 and 1:45 prior to the Centennial Program. They will be prepared by folks from the Pilgrim Rest Church and served from the gazebo. The Centennial Program will take place in the Drushal Memorial Church sanctuary. There will be a drama, special music, comments from a number of dignitaries and more. This will be followed by a send off of 100 purple and white balloons. Next ice cream cones will be available for 5 cents. This is in remembrance of July 4th treats at Riverside in the past. A pig roast will be a highlight Saturday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. Bobby Collins will do the honors. Tommy and Carol Miller will cater the rest of the meal. The cost is $7.00. This will take place in the gymnasium followed by a concert by recording artist Mark Chapman. Chapman performs around the country singing Southern Gospel and Country music. A warship and praise service will take place Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Drushal Memorial Church. The Church is also 100 years old and part of the celebration. Throughout the weekend there will be special activities for children, campus tours, plus souvenirs and many door prizes. Burglary at Sykes in Perry County 6-28-05 Perry County (From K.S.P.) ON 6/23/05 POST 13 IN HAZARD RECEIVED A CALL OF A BURGLARY AT SYKES ENTERPRISES IN PERRY COUNTY. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION A FORMER SECURITY GUARD SAMUEL SIZEMORE III ADMITTED TO POLICE HE WAS INVOLVED IN THE BURGLARY. NUMEROUS ITEMS WERE RECOVERED FROM HIS RESIDENCE AT BLACKEY. THROUGH MORE INVESTIGATION POLICE WERE LED TO THE RESIDENCE OF TIMOTHY L. YONTS AT PREMIUM AND MORE COMPUTER SUPPLIES THAT WERE STOLEN WERE RECOVERED. ALL OF THE STOLEN ITEMS WERE RECOVERED VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $6000.00. SIZEMORE AND YONTS WERE BOTH CHARGED IN THE CRIME AND LODGED IN THE PERRY CO. DETENTION CENTER. INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING BY TPR. LOREN HOLLIDAY. 2 injured in Auto Accident 6-16-05 Jackson, KY 2 people were transported to KY River Medical Center after a late evening crash Sunday June 12th. According to authorities, a dark Green Cavalier, driven by Rhonda Stewart, was pulling onto HWY 15, when she pulled into the path of Brian Campbell, driving a Gold Cavalier. The accident is still under investigation by Jackson Police Officer, Elvis Noble. PHOTOS HERE (Photos Submitted) US 460 in Menifee County closure for June 10 postponed Menifee County (May 23, 2005) -- The closure of US 460 in Menifee County previously announced for Friday, June 10 has been postponed because of construction along the detour route. The culvert replacement project on US 460 near Means will be rescheduled after the bridge deck restoration on KY 36 near the Menifee-Bath county line is complete. John Brown honored by HCTC at Civic Night 4-21-05 PHOTO HERE The Hazard Community and Technical College Board of Directors honored former faculty member John Brown with the prestigious Distinguished Service award for his dedication to education, presented during the annual Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce Civic Night on April 15. The recognition was announced by HCTC Board of Directors Chair Fred Brashear and the unveiling of the award included HCTC Economics Professor Richard Crowe. President/CEO Jay K. Box, applauded Brown’s influence prior to the event. “I met John when I first came to Hazard. I can understand how he had a profound influence on higher education in our area,” Dr. Box noted. Brown was honored for his extraordinary achievements in improving the quality of life and creating educational opportunities for Southeastern Kentuckians. He was one of the first faculty to teach at Hazard Community College (now Hazard Community and Technical College) when the College was housed at the Board of Education Building on Broadway in Hazard. He was instrumental in developing the College’s reputation of being the “first choice” for higher education in Southeastern Kentucky. Brown’s service includes his 25 years at Hazard Community College where he taught history until he retired in 1994. He served as an advisor to Phi Theta Kappa and Student Government while teaching at HCTC. Thousands have benefited from him as a teacher, advisor for Phi Theta Kappa and Student Government; and as a faculty member, by taking other faculty under his wing, showing them the rules, talking to them about methods in the classroom and concentrating on how to improve this institution. He was honored by the faculty and staff at Hazard Community College by renaming the college’s faculty award “The John Brown Outstanding Faculty Award. Present English Professor Ron Reed has invited John Brown back to his Honors Class upon occasion to talk to the class. “When John Brown is there, I just sit back and watch as he engages the students in a discussion,” Reed said. “John always had a sure idea of how best to help students learn,” Reed said, noting Brown utilized question and response methods in the classroom. “He always wanted student response. So the student, in essence, was allowed to think. Of all the things John prized, it was that ability to think and respond with some sound educational response and so that, for him, made the entire notion of teaching worthwhile. If a student left his class with a sense of how to critically inquire, I think John felt he had succeeded. “That translated into his relationships with faculty. He liked the give and take of rigorous academic discussion. He felt that out of such discussion came valid action,” Reed said of his colleague. John Brown was very involved in his community. He worked as director of the summer program Appalachian Leadership and Community Outreach (ALCOR). He visited the Kellogg Foundation to get funding for this program. He hosted the radio talk show “Talk Back.” He worked with the Senior Citizens Program and he was a polling officer for many years. He was very involved with the First Christian Church where he served on the board and was an elder. John Brown and his wife, Cappy, have four children—Robert, Cathy, Susan, and John. His family attended the awards ceremony. The Distinguished Service Award is the highest award given by the Board of Directors, noted Fred Brashear, chair of the Board. This is the first year the award has been awarded for teaching contributions at the college. Past recipients include: Eugene Sebastian (2004), the late Carl D. Perkins (2003), Leon L. Hollon (2001), J. Phil Smith (1999), Marie R. Turner (1998), L.D. Gorman (1997), William D. Gorman Sr. (1994), Dr. C. Vernon Cooper Jr. (1993), George B. Campbell ( 1992) Bruce Stephens Jr. (1991), Eddie J. Moore (1990), Lewis A. Hopper (1989), Joe C. Eversole (1988) and Marvin Kohl Eblen (1986). The recognition awards hang in the First Federal Center in a conference room on the first floor. Job Fair a Huge Hit 4-20-05 Career Fair at Lees College Campus of HCTC attracts 225+ 4-20-05 The Federal Bureau of Prisons in Manchester representatives Keith Pray and Richard Vergne talk with a visitor during the April 13 Ready To Work Career Fair at the Van Meter gym at the Lees College Campus of Hazard Community and Technical College. Thirty-five vendors, including colleges and community agencies, participated in the fair. Vendors included American Woodmark, the National Weather Service, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Kentucky Division of Unemployment Insurance, Mountain Community Hospice, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Kentucky River Community Care, Jobsite, Kentucky River Medical Center, the Kentucky National Guard, the Kentucky Division of Forestry, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Citizens Bank and Trust of Jackson, Whitaker Bank, Lee Adjustment Center, Lee County Care and Rehabilitation Center, and Buckhorn Children’s Center. Also attending for the first time were Wizard Incorporated, WYMT-TV, the Kentucky State Police, Trus-Joist, Influent Inc. of Salyersville, U.S. Forest Service, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. College representatives included Hazard Community and Technical College admissions, financial aid, radiography, nursing, physical therapist assistant, and information technology programs, the University Center of the Mountains, Morehead State University-Jackson, Commonwealth Educational Opportunity Center, KHEAA, and Kentucky Mountain Bible College. Kim Barnes, coordinator of the Ready to Work program, estimated that 225-250 visitors attended the career fair. Special guest visitors included seniors from Breathitt County High School and Jackson City High School. Vendors gave applications, distributed promotional products, and offered career and educational advice to potential job seekers. The Ready to Work program is a project funded by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. This program offers academic, personal, and professional enhancement assistance to full- and part-time students who are KTAP or TANF-eligible. PHOTOS HERE Kick Butts Day 2005 - Teens Reaching Out to Teens to Stop Smoking on April 13 FRANKFORT, KY (April 7, 2005) In Kentucky, hundreds of teens across the state are planning Kick Butts Day activities on April 13 aimed at educating other teens about the health risks of tobacco use and the marketing practices of the tobacco industry. Currently, 34 percent of Kentucky high school students smoke and 15 percent of middle school students smoke. Both rates are well in excess of the national averages of 28 percent and 11 percent respectively. To meet the Healthy Kentuckians 2010 goals, current cigarette smoking must be reduced to 28 percent for high school students. "Research indicates that increasing the cost of cigarettes has a direct effect on tobacco consumption among teens," said Governor Ernie Fletcher. "The 27 cent increase in the cigarette excise tax passed by the General Assembly in the historic JOBS for Kentucky tax modernization plan will improve the health of our young people." Kentucky's excise tax on cigarettes will increase to 30 cents on June 1. The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids estimates that the increase in the state's excise tax on cigarettes will decrease the number of teens who smoke by 5.7 percent. "Our hope is that this increase will motivate teen smokers to quit and act as a deterrent for non-smoking teens," said Dr. James Holsinger, Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Nearly 8,000 Kentuckians die each year as a result of tobacco use. Every day more than 4,000 kids nationwide try their first cigarette; another 2,000 become addicted smokers. "I'm glad to see our teens involved in helping to spread the word about the harm tobacco use can cause." said Dr. William Hacker, Commissioner of the Department for Public Health. "Many teens become addicted smokers before they leave high school. If we can encourage them not to start, we can save lives." Across the state, teens will participate in a variety of Kick Butts Day activities to increase awareness of the effects of tobacco use. · Students in the Powell County High School will don green ribbons in memory of loved ones who have died of smoking related illnesses. · Lincoln County's Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU) will take to the streets. They plan a march down Main Street to draw awareness to the health risks of tobacco use. · Pike and Powell Counties are using this opportunity to encourage people to buy baby items instead of cigarettes for the day. The baby items will be distributed through the HANDS program at the health departments. · Northern Kentucky Independent Health Department will host a "Three on Three" basketball tournament to dramatize that cigarettes inhibit physical activity. · An art contest was held in Hopkins County Central High School. The winning design was imprinted on T-shirts and will be distributed to staff and teenagers. · Students in Woodford County have partnered with Students Against Drunk Drivers to create a public service announcement centered on risky behaviors like smoking and drinking while driving. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Kick Butts Day activities. Kick Butts Day is sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, a Washington D.C.-based youth advocacy group supported by such non-profit agencies as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Medical Association and many others. For information about Kick Butts Day activities in your area, contact the tobacco coordinator at your local health department. Information about national activities can also be found at www.kickbuttsday.org. For more information about the Kentucky Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program, log onto http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/tobacco.htm, contact program staff at 502-564-7996, or contact the tobacco program coordinator at your local health department. |
