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| Road crews mopping up after winter storm
3-17-08 Mostly spot treating but plowing some secondary roads FRANKFORT , Ky. – Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) crews are mopping up from a winter storm that dumped up to a foot of snow in some areas. Snow and ice removal has been completed in six of the 12 KYTC districts. Crews still at work are mainly spot treating slick areas. Some plowing continues in northern Kentucky and a few counties east of Louisville . The KYTC used nearly 1,000 snow plows and all available manpower to keep major roads open as snow blanketed the commonwealth Friday and Saturday. Some crews worked 16-hour shifts. Interstates, parkways and major arteries – classified as “A” routes – are given top priority. In most districts, crews were able to begin working on secondary roads – “B” and “C” routes – by Saturday afternoon. “Our maintenance crew members and contractors worked long and hard in difficult circumstances,” Transportation Secretary Joe Prather said. “But we made certain our priority routes remained open.” Following is a summary of continuing work in KYTC highway districts: DISTRICT 2 ( Caldwell , Christian, Daviess, Hancock, Henderson , Hopkins , McLean, Muhlenberg , Ohio , Union , Webster) – Spot treating. DISTRICT 4 (Breckinridge, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Taylor , Washington ) – Spot treating. DISTRICT 5 (Bullitt, Franklin , Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby , Spencer, Trimble) – Spot treating in Bullitt, Franklin, Jefferson, Spencer and Trimble counties. Plowing and treating in Henry, Oldham and Shelby counties. DISTRICT 6 (Boone, Bracken, Campbell , Carroll, Gallatin , Grant, Harrison , Kenton, Owen, Pendleton, Robertson) – Plowing and treating. DISTRICT 7 ( Anderson , Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Madison , Mercer, Montgomery , Scott, Woodford) – Spot treating. DISTRICT 9 ( Bath , Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas, Rowan) – Plowing and treating, primarily C routes. Condition reports on major routes are available by calling 511 or logging onto the 511 travel and traffic information Website, 511.ky.gov. Road conditions are described as follows: Wet Pavement – The roadway is wet. Ice could form as temperatures drop. Partly Covered – The roadway is partly covered with snow, slush or ice. Markings may be obscured. Mostly Covered – The roadway is mostly covered with snow, slush or ice. Roadway markers may be difficult to see because of packed snow and rutting conditions. Completely Covered – The roadway is completely covered with snow, slush or ice and markings are obscured. Impassable – Roadway conditions are not suitable for travel unless required by an emergency. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, through the 511 service, strives to provide the most descriptive and up-to-date information for motorists. Drivers are reminded that bridges and overpasses are typically the most treacherous parts of roadways. Motorists should use extreme caution. Governor proclaims March Sexual Assault Awareness Month 3-8-08 Innovative programs honored at kick-off event Frankfort, Ky. (Feb. 28, 2008) – Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear today proclaimed March Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the commonwealth at a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. “One of every nine adult women in Kentucky has been a victim of forcible rape sometime in her life,” Gov. Beshear said. “That’s more than 175,000 of our mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, friends and neighbors - 175,000 too many.” During the observance kick-off event, four programs were honored for their role in preventing or reducing the impact of sexual assault in Kentucky. The state Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) and the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs jointly sponsored today’s ceremony. “Sexual assault costs the United States $127 billion every year in medical care, mental health services, lost productivity and related expenses,” said CHFS Secretary Janie Miller. “The programs we honor today are models for ways communities and rape crisis programs can and must work together to educate, inform and end the violence.” Steve Nunn, CHFS deputy secretary, presented the awards honoring innovative sexual assault programs. The following programs and their sponsor agencies were honored at the awards presentation: §Laundry of Love New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services Green River Region §Nurses Exchanging Training and Services Center for Women and Families KIPDA Region §Community/Campus Sexual Assault Task Force Pathways Rape Victim Services Program Gateway Region §Big Sandy Coalition on Preventing Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Mountain Comprehensive Care Center Victim Services Program Big Sandy Region For more information about these and other sexual assault programs and services and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, please visit http://chfs.ky.gov/dhss/cadv/ or www.kasap.org. Arrest Made In Leslie County Murder Investigation 11-14-07 On 02/06/04 the family of Chris and Amanda Sturgill were found deceased in their partially burned residence located in the Jacks Creek community of Leslie County. On 08/06/07 the investigation was presented to a Leslie County Grand Jury and on 11/07/07 the grand jury reported out with an indictment. Clayton D. Jackson, age 27 of London, Ky. was arrested and charged with 5 counts of Murder, Arson 1st Degree, and Theft by Unlawful Taking 0/300. Mr. Jackson is presently lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center and will be transported to the Clay County Detention Center later today. Det John Griffith and Arson Investigator James Burnett are in charge of the investigation. Delays Likely as Work Begins on KY 52 Bridge Repair Project in Irvine Motorists Urged to Use KY 499 as Alternate Route JACKSON, KY – (Aug. 22, 2007) – Motorists traveling KY 52 in Irvine should be prepared for road construction and possible delays beginning in the next few days, as work begins on a $101,000 bridge repair project. Preliminary setup work on the project in Estill County to repair the side rails and curbs of the bridge carrying KY 52 across the Kentucky River will get started late this week. During this time, motorists should expect lane closures and possible delays. Construction on the project will begin after traffic control and signage is established, and will last approximately four weeks. During this time, traffic will be restricted to one lane and controlled by temporary traffic signals on each side of the bridge. Long delays are likely in the vicinity. Motorists are strongly urged to avoid delays by using KY 499, the Joseph Proctor Memorial Bypass, as an alternate route. This highway and its Kentucky River bridge connect KY 89, Winchester Road, north of Irvine with KY 52, Richmond Road, at West Irvine. To use this route, motorists driving west on KY 52 from Ravenna or Beattyville should turn right at KY 89 in downtown Irvine and follow KY 89 north past Estill Springs Elementary School, then turn left onto KY 499, then right onto KY 52. Motorists driving east on KY 52 from Waco or Richmond should turn left at the first traffic light onto KY 499, then right onto KY 89 south, then left on KY 52 in downtown Irvine. Construction activities are scheduled on a tentative basis and are subject to change depending on weather conditions. Motorists are asked to "Drive Smart" in work zones and be aware of workers, traffic control devices and construction equipment when traveling in areas where projects are ongoing. WATER SHORTAGE WATCH DECLARED FOR 61 COUNTIES Citizens advised to reduce demand for water FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 15, 2007) -- The Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet has issued a water shortage watch for 61 counties in Kentucky . Citizens living in these areas should closely monitor local news sources for notification from water suppliers on reducing demands for water. The following counties are under the water shortage watch: Western Climatic Division -- Muhlenberg , Ohio and Simpson counties; Central Climatic Division -- Adair, Allen, Barren, Butler, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Edmonson, Green, Hart, Larue, Marion, Metcalfe, Monroe, Nelson, Russell, Taylor and Warren counties; Bluegrass Climatic Division – Anderson, Bath, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Nicholas, Owen, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Washington and Woodford counties; and Eastern Climatic Division – Bell, Clay, Estill, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, McCreary, Menifee, Owsley, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe counties. All Kentuckians should be aware of the current drought situation and prepare to make adjustments to their use of water. A water shortage watch is issued when drought conditions have the potential to threaten the normal availability of drinking water supply sources. Officials at the Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) study rainfall amounts, reservoir levels, streamflows, the Palmer Drought Index and the Drought Monitor when determining drought status. Dr. Stuart Foster, state climatologist, said precipitation deficits for the past four months place all four climatic divisions among the driest periods on record since 1895. Drought conditions across Kentucky range from moderate to severe. The National Drought Mitigation Center indicates that severe agricultural and hydrologic drought conditions have developed south of a line stretching from Calloway County in the west to Jessamine County in central Kentucky and continuing southeast to Letcher County . Drought outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center indicate that extreme and exceptional drought in Alabama , Mississippi , Georgia and Tennessee will persist to our south and that drought will continue to build here in Kentucky . Record-low daily flows are being measured in areas of the Green, Barren, Salt, Upper Cumberland and Kentucky River basins. A reversal of current climatic conditions is needed to mitigate these low flows and replenish declining water supplies in rivers and reservoirs. Unfortunately, the six- to 10-day outlook indicates little promise of significant rainfall. Foster said that while it is certainly possible that the general weather pattern that has led to the current drought situation will change and bring beneficial rains, those who manage and depend upon water supplies should prepare for the possibility that the current drought conditions could intensify rapidly. “Water suppliers in the 61-county watch area and throughout the state should closely monitor their supply sources and notify the Division of Water as water shortages occur,” said Bill Caldwell, Kentucky DOW. For information about current drought conditions in Kentucky and water conservation measures visit the Division of Water Web site at http://www.water.ky.gov/wateruse/drought/. Attorney General Stumbo Announces Arrest of Caretaker at London Assisted Living Facility FRANKFORT, KY (April 6, 2007) – Attorney General Greg Stumbo today announced the arrest of Charles R. Gabbard, age 23, for allegedly abusing a 41-year-old resident of a London, Kentucky assisted living facility by tackling him to the ground in front of the facility, fracturing the victim’s left arm. Gabbard is a caretaker at the “Bush House, in London , Kentucky , a community assisted living facility operated by New Foundations, which also runs 17 similar houses in the area. Gabbard, of Manchester , Kentucky , is charged with Knowingly Abusing a Vulnerable Adult, a Class C Felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The incident is reported to have taken place on August 17, 2005 after Gabbard became angry with the victim. “My Office will not tolerate such cowardly abuse,” said Attorney General Stumbo. “This man was supposed to be caring for the resident and instead forced him to the ground and injured him. We will continue to see that such victims get justice.” Kentucky Bureau of Investigation agent John Dudinskie worked closely with the London Police Department and the Laurel County Adult Protective Services in this investigation. KBI Agents arrested Gabbard without incident this morning. He is being held in the Laurel County Jail on $50,000 bond. Other investigations are currently ongoing at New Foundations. No further information regarding those investigations can be made public at this time. However, anyone with information on incidents of abuse that have occurred at any New Foundation location is encouraged to contact Agent Dudinskie at (502) 696-5405. VolleyBall Standings w L Weakest Link 13 3 KMN 12 2 Tore Up 12 4 Net Toppers 10 4 Demolition 7 9 Flatliners 6 8 Like-to-Spike 4 10 Gators 3 15 Rebels 1 13 METHANE EXPLOSION RULED CAUSE OF DARBY MINE ACCIDENT Five killed when acetylene torch ignited gas FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 1, 2006) – An explosion that killed five Harlan County miners last May was caused by methane gas that had been ignited by an acetylene cutting torch, according to an accident report released today by the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing (OMSL). Only one miner, Paul Ledford, survived the explosion at the Kentucky Darby No. 1 mine May 20. State investigators believe two of the miners were using the torch to cut and remove a metal roof strap that intersected a seal in a return-air passage 3,200 feet inside the mine. The seal had been poorly constructed, according to the report, and was leaking methane. Methane gas occurs naturally in a coal mine. Seals are constructed to block off inactive areas of the mine, preventing the methane in those areas from entering sections where mining is taking place. Leaking mine seals can create an explosive mixture of methane and oxygen. Two of the miners, Amon “Cotton” Brock and Jimmy Lee, died in the explosion while three others died as they attempted to escape the mine. According to the Harlan County coroner’s office, Roy Middleton, Bill Petra and Paris Thomas died from carbon monoxide poisoning with smoke and soot inhalation. OMSL’s report is based on information gleaned from interviews with Ledford, as well as testimony from 27 Darby employees who were subpoenaed and questioned by state investigators. The investigators also conducted physical examinations of the accident scene and reviewed the mine’s ventilation plan, payroll timesheets as well as purchase orders and bills of sale to provide information on construction of the seals. Information obtained in the interviews and from the accident scene revealed the return-air seals were not built in accordance with Darby’s federally approved ventilation plan. Nonconventional seals were constructed with lightweight, synthetic OMEGA blocks and were “dry-stacked,” meaning there was no mortar. Nor were the seals secured 6 inches into the mine floor as required by the ventilation seal plan approved by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The investigation revealed the individuals assigned to build the seals were not familiar with the MSHA-approved seal plan. Investigators found oxygen tanks, the acetylene torch and a torch striker scattered across the blast area where the return-air seal had been located. Evidence at the scene indicated a portion of a metal roof strap that had intersected the return-air seal had been cut with a torch. Acetylene torches or any ignition sources are prohibited in the return-air course of a mine. According to statements from Ledford, he and the other three miners who survived the explosion donned Self-Contained Self Rescuers (SCSRs) and attempted to exit the mine. When their four-wheel buggy became stuck on mine debris, the men attempted to walk out of the mine by following a power cable. The escape was made difficult by dense smoke, equipment, coal and rock debris scattered along the exit way. Preliminary test results of the SCSR units revealed the units worn by the four miners did produce oxygen. The four miners became separated and Ledford was found by the mine rescue team approximately two hours after the explosion. Three days after the Darby accident Governor Ernie Fletcher ordered OMSL to require daily inspections of all nonconventional seals for a seven-day period. As a result, at least five mines were closed after inspections revealed improperly built or leaking seals. Governor Fletcher also directed OMSL to issue a safety awareness bulletin requiring coal companies to follow proper testing and inspection procedures for all SCSR units. OMSL analysts began visiting every underground mine in the state to meet with miners to inspect SCSR units. As a result, 134 damaged SCSR units were removed from service and replaced by coal companies. DATE FOR MS WHEELCHAIR KENTUCKY PAGIENT ANNOUNCED LOUISVILLE, KY, AUGUST 1, 2006: The search is on for the next spokesperson for people with disabilities. The 10th annual Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky Pageant will be held at the Rudd Heart and Lung Center at Jewish Hospital in Louisville on Saturday, November 11, 2006. The theme for this year’s pageant is “Celebrating the Journey of Women in Wheelchairs” to celebrate the accomplishments of Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky titleholders over the past 10 years. Past titleholders will be attending the event including Terri Cecil, Ms. Wheelchair America 1998. The Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky Committee is looking for contestants, venders, and sponsors. To be eligible, contestants must meet the following criteria: §A U.S. citizen between the ages of 21 & 60 §Utilize a wheelchair for 100% daily community mobility. §Marital status is not a consideration §Must be a resident of Kentucky for a minimum of 6 months. Entry fees are charged for each contestant. Fees may be paid by the contestant or by sponsors a contestant solicits. The deadline for entries is October 16, 2006. The winner will actively solicit speaking engagements and public appearances. She will also meet with state and local representatives as well as compete in the 2008 Miss Wheelchair America Pageant. The Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky judging is based upon the criteria established by the National Board of Directors of the Ms. Wheelchair America Program. They are: §Accomplishments: Personal Achievements Accomplishments since onset of disability in the following areas: Academic, Vocational, Personal and Adjustment to disability. §Communication Skills: Public Relations skills §Ability to deal with media, peers and civic groups—Advocacy for persons with disabilities, showing self-confidence, motivation, initiative and creativity. §Self Perception/Projection: Poise, Demeanor, Appropriate Attire and Personal Presentation. Ms Wheelchair Kentucky is not a beauty contest and this category is not taken as a license to choose the most attractive entrant. Instead, the items in this category are simply to express a desire to have a pleasing appearance, capable of obtaining favorable responses from any audience before which Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky may appear. Established in 1998, The Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky Program is part of Ms. Wheelchair America, Inc. For more information, please visit http://www.mswheelchairkentucky.com/ Pine Mountain Grass Great!...One of the better bands was Pine Mountain Grass I met them all and got a group shot on the ground...there are shots of the crowd...different angles..stage shots, etc,...headliners were Bobby Osborne and Rocky Top X-press,of course, the Dean Osborne band,Mac Wiseman, JD Crowe and New South, David Davis, James Monroe, Eddie and Martha Adcock, the Sullivan family, and the list goes on...the 13th annual Osborne Bros' Hometown Festival was a three day event that began Aug 3rd and ran thru the 5th...Main Sponsor was Hyden Citizens Bank...purpose is to raise money for the volunteer fire companies of Leslie County Photo #1 Photo #2 Photo#3 Summer’s Here!!!!!!!!! At Long Last & We Have One of the Most Exciting Kentucky Opry Shows You’ve EVER Seen!!! Kentucky Opry Summer Show 2006 With Special Guests The Kentucky Opry Junior Pros Opening Night Friday, June 16 At 8 pm The Kentucky Opry troupe was formed in 1990 and consists of a cast of very talented individuals, all of whom call Eastern Kentucky home. From their opening act to the inspirational and patriotic finale, the Kentucky Opry performers leave audiences wanting more. If you want to see the best musical variety performance this side of the Rocky Mountains, bring your family to enjoy the KENTUCKY OPRY at the Mountain Arts Center! Other Dates/Times: Friday, June 30, 2006 at 8:00pm Friday, July 7, 2006 at 8:00pm Friday, July 14, 2006 at 8:00pm Friday, July 21, 2006 at 8:00pm Friday, July 28, 2006 at 8:00pm Friday, August 4, 2006 at 8:00pm Saturday, September 2, 2006 at 8:00pm Ticket Information: Kentucky Opry Tickets: Adults $15; Seniors $13; Students Under 18 $11; Groups of 15+ $10 Dates & Times are subject to change. To order tickets or for more information, call the box office toll free: 1-888-MAC-ARTS (1-888-622-2787) Check our website for all our exciting shows: www.macarts.com Prom At SMS Dressed Up and Ready Too Dance.... May 1,2006 was The Prom for The Kids at SMS, The Lunch room was Transformed into a Dancing room and thats all that was needed and was They ever Dressed up so pretty,The Ladies were wearing The Most Beautiful Prom Dresses,and The Young Men were wearing Tux's and Some even was wearing Hats,Mr Jarrod Wolfe was One that stood out as He was Wearing a WHITE Tux and Did it Ever Look Good On This Young Man,as Parent It Was sure Nice too see These young people enjoying Themselfs,as I do know they did,and They were lots Of Music and Dancing and I was so surprised That so Many Come To This as I really Think Most All The Kids were at The 2006 Prom,and A Good Time was Had By All,The Teachers were There In Full Force To see That The Young People were enjoying Themselfs and They were well protected as They made sure They wasnt out in Halls and doing Things they shouldnt be doing,But In the lunch room On The Dance Floor Dancing and having The Time of Their Lives..... With not many More days of School Left The 8th Graders will Have too Wait a While for Their prom A BHS till they become Jr's But It will Be here before you Know It.... Parents we all Should Be Proud Of These kids as they were well Behaved and looked just Great,On The Big Nite In Their Young Lifes,THE 8th Grade Prom..... Dear Vote Seller, We are pleased to inform you that you will receive your bribe on or before Election Day. This could be in the form of a little gravel or a big beautiful fat $ 20.00 bill. If you hold out long enough, it could go even higher. We feel this is necessary to help build up the economy in Breathitt County. If you receive gravel, it will be considered the first installment of your vote selling benefits. Everybody gets a little something this way, except those that are incarcerated, who we know are against us already. Not to worry because we will make sure they stay there until this campaign is over. Our organization expects to hand out mucho money in order to make this years vote buying campaign a success. You don’t even have to go to the polls, but can contact us prior and we’ll set something up like “To sick to get there.” or “I’ll be out of town that day.” This will ensure that you receive your full benefits for selling your vote and not be short changed. Lately we have conducted a few polls with the “Person on the street” and found some very interesting answers as to what they plan to do with their blood money, I mean Vote Selling Benefits. It amazed us that the majority would give their money to charities, such as County Line Liquor or Joe’s drug emporium for the betterment of the youth. This was very gratifying for us and made us more determined than ever to be a big participant in this Vote Buying program. Many times we hear of things that need to be done for the youth and others and it made us so proud to know our money will be spent on these wonderful things which will, in turn, boost the economy and make things even better than they are now. The only downfall to this poll was that some said they would contribute to the big oil organizations and get a tank of gas. This actually disgusted us as we all know these people are crooks. In conclusion, we would like to thank everyone who plans to participate in this year’s campaign. And for those of you who do not agree with our political views, we really feel you are being misled and hope you decide to be a part of this great program before the big day. Remember that this tradition is only one of a few that we still celebrate in this area and we would love to have you participate it with us. God Bless and be looking for that gravel truck that will soon be coming your way. Most people will laugh at the above comments and joke about them, but the majority of what you have just read is nothing but truth. On Election Day you will have the choice of your candidate or you can fall into the category above and sell the future of your children and grandchildren. Hold your hands out, palm up and imagine the payoff in one hand and the future in the other. Look at them seriously and decide which is more important to you. Better yet, hold a child’s hand and hold the other out and then decide. I can only hope you look with your heart. Hazel Geen man dies in Wolfe County 8-7-05 Jackson, KY. Daniel Haney, 20 of Hwy 191 Hazel Green, was found unresponsive by a friend, at a house on Washington Ave. in Campton near Dairy Queen. According to the Breathitt County Coroners office, Mr. Haney was transported from the scene by Wolfe County Ambulance, which transferred Mr. Haney to Breathitt County Ambulance. Mr. Haney was taken to KRMC where he was pronounced dead by Deputy Coroenr, Mike Prater at approx. 11:50 am. Cause of death is pending an autopsy and toxicology reports. Wolverine Road (KY 3193) in Breathitt County closed for repairs JACKSON, KY - (Aug. 2, 2005) -- In order to repair a break in pavement, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has closed KY 3193 (Wolverine Road) at milepoint 2.3 in Breathitt County. The closure will be in effect until 6 p.m. today. Traffic may detour by using KY 15, which connects to both ends of KY 3193. Jackson Fire Department assist Water Plant workers 7-6-05 Jackson, KY. Jackson Fire Department personnel recently had to assist water plant workers as they sprayed chlorine in one of the water holdings. This was an extremely dangerous procedure as the chemical vapors could easily overcome an individual if proper steps are not taken. Due the precautions taken, noone suffered any injuries and the job was completed properly. PHOTOS HERE 26.2-mile marathon for Shannon by E. Richardson 3-21-05 16-year-old battles cancer PHOTO HERE “There’s too much out there. I don’t want to miss a thing.” These words come from 16-year-old Shannon Nicole Richardson, who has experienced drastic changes in her life during the past few weeks. Shannon’s life, as she new it, took a sharp turn shortly after her 16th birthday on January 19th. Her plans then were driving, going to school, hanging out with friends, and other normal teenage activities. Now Shannon is a homebound student, very limited in her activities, and is taking things day-by-day, as she is in a battle against cancer. The daughter of Sandra and the late Clarence (CR) Richardson, Shannon was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in late January. This is a disease in which cancer cells begin rapidly growing in muscle tissues, forming highly-malignant tumors. Shannon’s illness involves a highly-malignant tumor with surrounding tissue and lymph node involvement. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 90 percent of rhabdomyosarcomas are found in infants, children, and young adults under the age of 25. About 250 new cases occur each year in the United States. Since January 21st, this Breathitt High School sophomore has undergone surgery, CT scans, bone scans, chest x-rays, bone marrow and lymph node biopsies, MRIs, and numerous blood tests. Shannon is presently undergoing a 48-week treatment period, consisting of chemotherapy and radiation. Traveling to Lexington to the UK Medical Center each week, she is administered vincristine, an anti-cancer drug, via a port-a-cath, which is an internal catheter that has been placed under the skin in her chest, and must be accessed with a needle prior to use. In addition to this, every three weeks she is hospitalized for a full chemotherapy treatment. For several days after this treatment Shannon is very ill, and to keep her white blood cell count elevated her mother must administer to her an injection daily for ten days. Later on, Shannon will be undergoing five to seven weeks of daily radiation therapy. She will have to stay in Lexington during this period. On Sunday, March 13th, Shannon was hospitalized due to low, red blood cell count and received several units of blood. She is also undergoing evaluation of lymph node abnormalities in another part of her body. Her family is presently waiting to see if her medical insurance (Medicaid) will pay for a PET (Photo Emission Tomography) test, which has been turned down once. Shannon’s team of eight doctors highly recommends this test. Due to Shannon’s illness and the many doctor visits she has had to make for tests and treatment, her family is undergoing a tremendous financial burden. Shannon lost her father, Clarence (C. R.) Richardson, in an automobile crash in 2002. Sandra, Shannon’s mother, is employed at American Woodmark in Hazard, Perry County, Kentucky. She has been on leave (without an income) for the last month. She was scheduled to return to work on March 14th but was unable to do so due to Shannon’s hospitalization. Shannon has two brothers, Brandon, a student at Lees College Campus of HCC, and Jordan, a sixth grader at Marie Roberts-Caney Elementary. She is the granddaughter of Drema Robinson and the late Sam Robinson of Lost Creek and the late Mack and Kelsie Richardson of Curt. Elesha Richardson (wife of Mack Richardson, Jr. of Curt), Shannon’s aunt, is preparing to run a 26.2-mile marathon for the benefit of her niece. The event will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 1, 2005. Elesha has registered for the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon which has made the mark of being the third-largest first-time marathon in the country. This event welcomes athletes of all running abilities and thousands of dollars are raised by runners for cancer research. Elesha has chosen to raise funds to go directly to Shannon’s family. With over 25 support stations and entertainment all along the course, the Flying Pig Marathon is a premier run. This marathon is a beautiful course which “flies” along the streets of Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport; presenting a well-balanced, diverse tour of some of the best neighborhoods in the area. The marathon starts Sunday morning, May 1st, at 6:30 a.m. between the Ohio River and the new Paul Brown Stadium. Elesha hopes to complete the course in four hours. On behalf of Shannon, Elesha is asking for pledges for each mile she runs during this marathon that will go toward transportation costs (to and from treatments) and other expenses to help Shannon and her family. Elesha has run a total of 340 miles since January 1, 2005, preparing for this marathon. She has completed the distance of 20 miles during a single-run comfortably. This will make her second marathon, the first one being in 1985 in Louisville, Kentucky. She challenges runners, walkers, and all those who enjoy good health to join in on this most worthy cause and to keep Shannon and her family steadfastly in prayer as they make this long journey, which hopefully leads to Shannon’s full recovery. Pledges for this marathon for Shannon may be made by calling Elesha at 295-2113 after 6:00 p.m. or by stopping by The Kentucky Explorer magazine during regular office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., or donations may be sent directly to Sandra Richardson, 450 HWY 476, Lost Creek, KY 41348. LaGrange Woman Indicted 3-9-05 (FRANKFORT, KY) -The Oldham County Grand Jury has indicted Susan E. Martin, 43, of LaGrange, Ky. on charges of Abuse of Public Trust, Forgery 2nd degree and four counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card. She has been lodged in the Oldham County Jail. The charges stem from a two-month investigation by the Kentucky State Police Special Investigations unit, which indicated Martin allegedly misappropriated $200,000 from the Oldham County Sewer District where she was previously employed. Rolling Meth Lab stopped in Breathitt County 2-15-05 Vancleve, KY. In what seems to be an increasingly dangerous drug problem, Meth. is on the road. The making of a meth lab mobile seems to be the method of choice for this newest problem in the war on drugs. In what was an odd call to the authorities early afternoon on Feb. 14th, 2005, a man said he thought he had dangerous material in his vehicle. Sheriff's Deputies, Dana Strong & Daniel "Shy" Turner, stopped the vehicle in the Vancleve area. State Police officer Sandlin was called in along with the Meth. removal team. The situation is still under investigation and no arrests have been made at this time. PHOTOS HERE Nose Pickin’ Gives Kids and Adults the Opportunity to “Dig In” to Reading Local Author Publishes Children’s Book (Jackson, Kentucky, January 2005) It happens in America everyday. Parents and teachers fight a battle to gain some of the seemingly limited attention span of their children and students. In today’s information age of 24-hour internet access, video games, and other types of fast-paced electronic distractions, it is sometimes difficult to get children to learn about the joys that a good book can bring…unless it is accompanied with the words Harry Potter or Lemony Snickket. These same adults often wonder how to even go about introducing the subject of poetry without the usual protest. So how can this be done in a way that is both educational and fun? National Board Certified Teacher and Kentucky Colonel, Alonzo Fugate has what he thinks may be one answer to this question with the release of his book of fabulously twisted poetry, NOSE PICKIN’ (AND 50 OTHER WAYS TO TICKLE YOUR BRAIN!) [ISBN 1-4137-5358-2, PublishAmerica, $14.95]. Drawing on his professional knowledge as a National Board certified teacher (the highest achievement in teaching today), Colonel Fugate realized that today’s youth often miss out on the fun of reading poetry because they may have a misconception about it and about how much fun that it can be. He saw the results of this in his own third-grade classroom. “It was just sad,” he stated about the attitude he often saw toward poetry in the classroom, “My students would often get this look of ‘oh no’ whenever I would mention that we were going to work on a unit over poetry. They just hadn’t been exposed to how much fun poetry can be.” By incorporating such “fun” poets as Shel Silverstein and Paul Fleischman, Colonel Fugate often saw a big change in the attitude of his students. “It was such a joy to see,” he continued, “We would have so much fun just reading these poems that were just…well, they were just fun! By the end of the unit, the students were reading poetry and writing poetry of their own. It was just a natural way to learn and to develop a love for the language. I guess that I just took that one step further when I decided to publish my own book of poetry…fun poetry.” Colonel Fugate had been working on writing his own collection of children’s poetry for years before he finally decided to take a chance at having them published. “I have always dreamed of becoming a published author,” Colonel Fugate said with a sparkle in his eyes, “I don’t have any fantasies of becoming rich and famous…that’s not what this is all about for me. What I want is to get these poems into the hands of as many kids as possible. I want to accomplish what I was able to do in my own classroom on a much larger scale. I don’t want the kids of today growing up and not being able to appreciate poetry. You can imagine how thrilled I was when my work was accepted at my publisher, PublishAmerica” NOSE PICKIN’ (AND 50 OTHER WAYS TO TICKLE YOUR BRAIN!) provides the reader with a selection of 51 poems that are, as the author describes them, “twisted, zany, and wild!” In this 80 page book, readers will also find 15 original black and white illustrations that help to bring these poems to life. It is easy to tell from the title, NOSE PICKIN’, that this is not going to be your usual type of poetry book. The poems deal with such topics as mean teachers, school bullies, zombies, unicorns, pimples, farting, and…yes…even nose picking! “Kids should love these,” Colonel Fugate stated, “Parents and teachers will appreciate them as well. This is a good book for parents to share with their children. I also hope that teachers will share this book with their students. There is a great power in the ability to read. It can unlock the world! It is amazing to be able to pass this power along to others. I love to teach, and I love to write. I have the best job in the world because I get to do both!” NOSE PICKIN’ (AND 50 OTHER WAYS TO TICKLE YOUR BRAIN!) will be officially released on March 7, 2005. More information about the book and the author can be found at the official website (http://www.alonzofugate.com). It will be available from the publisher, PublishAmerica, or at online bookstores such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble. It will also be available worldwide wherever books are sold. To reserve your copy of NOSE PICKIN’ today, just check with your local bookseller. |
