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Emergency road aid funds awarded to Wolfe County 3-17-08
For Stovall Road bridge replacement
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Transportation Secretary Joe Prather today announced that Wolfe County Fiscal Court will receive $150,000 in County Road Aid emergency funds for replacement of a bridge on Stovall Road (County Road 1019).
The bridge was recommended for closure by the Kentucky Department of Highways. Replacing the bridge will make it safer for vehicles traveling Stovall Road.
“It is important that we help cities and counties fund emergency repairs to local roadways, because those routes are vital links in the state’s transportation network,” Prather said. “Solid transportation infrastructure is vital as we build strong communities in Wolfe County and across the commonwealth.”
Wolfe County Fiscal Court is responsible for administering the work.

Kentucky gets high marks on highway safety ‘report card’ 3-8-08
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety grades states based on enactment of model laws
FRANKFORT, Ky. – For the second consecutive year, Kentucky has earned a prestigious designation from the national highway safety advocacy group Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. The organization identified Kentucky as one of 17 “green” states in its fifth annual highway safety report. The green designation is reserved for states that have enacted at least 11 of the Advocates’ 15 model laws for curbing highway fatalities.
“We are pleased to have received this recognition,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “This distinction raises awareness among Kentuckians and the nation that we are very serious about saving lives on the commonwealth’s roadways. We are determined to strengthen our highway safety initiatives across the board.”
Green is the highest of three ratings the Advocates assign to reflect a state’s adoption of optimal safety laws.  A yellow rating signals a need for improvement. A red rating means a state is seriously lacking in safety-related legislation.
A primary-enforcement seat belt law is essential to winning a green rating. Kentucky enacted primary seat belt legislation in 2006. Highway fatalities in Kentucky declined in both 2006 and 2007.
“We already have a very good foundation of effective highway safety laws,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Prather. “From that foundation we intend to keep working toward the goal of improving on Kentucky ’s downward trend in highway fatalities and serious injuries.”
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, based in Washington , D.C. , is a coalition of insurance, consumer, health, safety and law enforcement organizations that work together to advance state and national highway and safety policies. The complete “2008 Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws” report can be found at: www.saferoads.org.

Metal Item Dumpage 11-26-07
The Breathitt County Fiscal Court will be having a metal item only drop off event at the lot below Wal-Mart on November 28th-December 1st from 8am until 6pm.  We will accept any type of metal items such as old stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, scrap metal, etc.  We cannot accept any household trash, plastic items, wood, construction debris, or tires.
We did not receive any grant money from PRIDE this year to help pay for trash disposal.  We are sorry for any inconvenience.  Please call Calvin Saum, Breathitt County Solid Waste Coordinator, at 666-3818 with any questions.

Drainage pipe installation to result in closure of KY 1010 in Morgan County on Thursday, Sept. 6
JACKSON, KY – (Aug. 23, 2007) – Personnel from the Kentucky Department of Highways, Morgan County Maintenance, will close KY 1010 in order to install a drainage pipe between mile markers 1 and 2 on Thursday, Sept. 6. The project will begin around 9 a.m. and will continue until approximately 3 p.m. During this time, the road will be closed to through traffic and motorists should plan their trips accordingly.
No marked detour will be posted, but drivers can use KY 946 as an alternate route around the project location. In case of inclement weather, the project will be rescheduled for a later date.

Letcher Co. Murder Investigation  6-26-07
On 06/14/07 at approximately 22:56 hrs Kentucky State Police Post 13 received a call of a possible murder at the residence of Hobert Elkins’s in the Partridge community of Letcher County.
The Letcher County Sheriff’s Dept and the Kentucky State Police arrived at the residence and conducted a search. Elkins was found deceased from multiple stab wounds. Preliminary investigation determined that Jonathan Marlow had entered the residence in an attempt to rob the victim. After the victim was stabbed, Marlow fled the scene in the victim’s truck, which was located abandoned a short time later.
Marlow was located and arrested at a residence in Letcher County without incident. He has been charged with Murder, Burglary 1st Degree and Robbery 1st Degree and lodged in the Letcher County Jail. The body has been sent to the State Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy. The investigation is continuing by Det. Randy Combs and assisited by Det. Clayton Stamper and Det. Chris Collins.

Work Zone Awareness—A Life and Death Issue
Everyday Highway Heroes Honored at Capitol Event
FRANKFORT , KY. –(April 4, 2007)—“Every time I hear the sound of tires squealing, I still panic.” Phillip Crittenden has reason. He’s survived three highway work zone accidents during his 22 years with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Today, at a memorial event outside the Capitol building, Crittenden made an emotional plea for drivers to slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones.
“It’s really all up to the driver. Our lives are in their hands, and sometimes that’s scary,” said Crittenden, who is now the cabinet’s assistant foreman in Franklin County .  Crittenden vividly recalled a 2006 work zone crash in Jefferson County that involved him.
“We were set up with all the equipment - warning signs, cones, a truck with a crash pad and even a police cruiser with its lights on. We were by the book. But that doesn’t guarantee anything.  The driver of the car came off the exit ramp of the Watterson. She was talking on her cell phone, looking the other direction, and came across all three lanes. We jumped anywhere we could for protection right before her car crashed into our truck.  Thank goodness no one was killed.”
A dramatic memorial display of 1,074 traffic cones was a symbolic reminder of the people killed in highway work zones in our country last year. There have been approximately 20 fatalities in Kentucky work zones in the past two years, three of which were highway construction workers.  A wreath and individual cones memorialized the Kentucky victims.  Family members of victims, along with traffic safety groups, the federal highway administration, Governor’s Executive Committee on Highway Safety and others all took part in today’s event, paying tribute to victims and raising consciousness about work zone safety.
“By talking about the issues, and taking a few minutes to reflect and remember, we hope we can save lives in the future,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert.  “These people risk their life every single day so we can go to work, school or the grocery store.  It is our responsibility to make highway work zones as safe as possible by slowing down and being alert when driving through them.”
Secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, BG Norman E. Arflack told the crowd at today’s event that law enforcement takes its role in work zone safety very seriously.  “If our presence in work zones can help slow down drivers and prevent a deadly crash, you can guarantee we’ll be there.”
The Transportation Cabinet is expected to invest a record amount in highway projects again this year.  That means a lot of construction zones.  Traditionally, the highway construction “season” kicks off in April. Cabinet engineers and contractors work cooperatively to design projects and work schedules that minimize delays and crashes.
“Our priority is the safety of our contract employees out there working on road projects,” added Charles Lovorn, of the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors.  “We vary work hours and consider other options to ensure quality road projects and a safe working environment within the work zone.”  
Statistics show more than 40,000 people are injured each year in work zone crashes; 85% of those killed in work zones are motorists, not workers.
Here are the “top 10” work zone safety tips.
1. Expect the unexpected.
2. Slow down.
3. Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you.
4. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the construction workers and equipment.
5. Pay attention to the signs.
6. Obey road crew flaggers.
7. Stay alert and minimize distractions.
8. Keep up with the traffic flow.
9. Schedule enough time and call 511 or go to www.511.ky.gov for Kentucky traffic and travel information.
10. Be patient and stay calm.
Photo Here

SPRING FOREST FIRE HAZARD SEASON BEGINS THURSDAY
Arson is leading cause of wildland fires
FRANKFORT , Ky. (Feb. 14, 2007) – Spring forest fire hazard season begins Thursday, Feb. 15 and runs through April 30. During this time, outdoor burning within150 feet of a woodland or brushland will be illegal from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Kentucky has had a wet winter, but a brief run of dry weather can turn forests into tinderboxes. Then there is the arson factor – the leading cause of wildland fires in Kentucky .
“Many people think that forest fires are caused by lightening or by careless campers,” said Leah MacSwords, director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry and Kentucky state forester. “While that may be true in the western United States , it isn’t true in Kentucky .”
Arson fires in Kentucky ’s forests can be reduced through aggressive law enforcement and prosecution combined with increased public awareness and education, the Wildland Arson Task Force said in a report to Governor Ernie Fletcher earlier this month.
MacSwords said the Division of Forestry needs the public’s help in stopping wildland arson. To report a suspected arsonist, contact the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON, any local law enforcement office or the division. Target Arson Hotline callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest and indictment.
A dry autumn raised fire danger levels in many areas. Some 1,857 fires – three-fourths of them arson – burned 49,759 acres last year. The division has battled 41 fires since Jan. 1.
Safety precautions should be taken and weather conditions considered before any outdoor burning. Check with your local fire department, the Kentucky Division for Air Quality and the Kentucky Division of Waste Management to ensure compliance with state and local outdoor-burning regulations.

Transportation Cabinet Sets Snow Removal Priorities
For 2006-07 Winter Season in Breathitt County
JACKSON, KY - (Nov. 27, 2006) -- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Department of Highways has established priority routes for snow and ice removal for the upcoming winter season in Breathitt County.
The Department of Highways is responsible for keeping approximately 275 miles of state-maintained roadway in Breathitt County passable in inclement weather. It sets snow removal priorities according to the amount and nature of traffic on the routes within each individual county. Priority A routes include major through routes and are those most heavily traveled. Priority B routes include other important, but lesser traveled, routes in the county. Other roads fall into Priority C.
In Breathitt County, Priority A highways are KY 15, KY 52 and large portions of KY 30 and KY 205.  Priority B routes include KY 28, KY 315, KY 476, KY 1110, a large segment of KY 1812, and the remainder of KY 30 and KY 205. Other routes are Priority C.
"The Transportation Cabinet recognizes how important roadway conditions are to Kentucky motorists," said Linda Wagner-Justice, chief district engineer. We are dedicated to keeping these roadways clear and safe for travel. Our snow removal crews will work long, hard hours during the winter to keep our highways passable."
"We just ask for motorists' patience during snow removal operations," Wagner-Justice added. "Drivers should slow down, keep an eye out for snowplows, and remember to buckle up to ensure their safety."
For the latest road conditions in bad weather, motorists may dial 511 to hear traffic and travel information. Signs have been erected throughout the 10 counties of District 10 to promote the 511 service.

Letcher Co. Robbery
ON 08/06/06 AT APPROXIMATELY 02:30HRS. KENTUCKY STATE POLICE POST 13 RESPONDED TO A POSSIBLE ROBBERY COMPLAINT IN THE MAYKING COMMUNITY OF LETCHER COUNTY. UPON ARRIVAL OF TROOPERS 2 MALE SUBJECTS ADVISED THEY WERE ROBBED AT GUN POINT WHILE PURCHASING A BOAT. AN INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED AND DUSTIN YEARY 21 YEARS OF AGE OF WHITESBURG, KY. WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED FOR ROBBERY 1st DEGREE AND LODGED IN THE LETCHER COUNTY JAIL. INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING BY TPR. BEN McMCRAY.

The Arrest of Dwayne Robertson
On August 3rd, 2005 at approximately 7:00 p.m., the Richmond Police Department received a call at 664 Jennifer Drive in reference to finding child pornography.  The previously vacant house was about to be rented by some female college students who found the items in the home while moving in and called Richmond Police.  After police arrived they advised they saw a suspicious white male hiding in the wooded area possibly with a shotgun.  After a search, Richmond Police located Dwayne Robertson, DOB March 10th, 1979, in the undeveloped part of Hidden Hills.  The females identified Mr. Robertson as the male they saw hiding in the woods.  He was taken to the Richmond Police Department for questioning at that time.  Search inside the home revealed that Mr. Robertson had been living there.  They located the following items inside the home.
Clothing, burglary tools, a sleeping bag, a tent, knives, a 12 Gauge Mossberg shotgun, shotgun shells, handgun bullets, pictures (one of which was pornographic), a homemade garrote (strangulation device), rope, duct tape, binoculars, note books, flash cards with different street addresses in the neighborhood (beside some of the addresses were listed descriptions of the females that lived at those addresses, some with sexual descriptions of the females) as well as keys to several homes in the neighborhood.  A resident of 641 positively identified a prescription bottle that was found inside the residence of 644 as his.  Some photos found in the home belonged to another college student who lived in the neighborhood.
Mr. Robertson is a convicted felon and Officer Spencer has charged him with burglary 1st, burglary 2nd and possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  Other charges are pending at this time.  Officer Spencer would like to thank Joe Brester of Brester Homes, the residents of Hidden Hills and the County Attorney for all the assistance they’ve given in this case.  He also asks that anyone with any additional questions or information contact him at the Richmond Police Department at 859-623-8911.

Richmond Hospice Care Plus Breaks Ground
Community Development Block Grant Represented Final Piece in Funding Package
Frankfort, KY: Governor Ernie Fletcher and the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD) awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the city of Richmond to be used for the Richmond Hospice Care Plus Project.  Today, Senator Alice Forgy Kerr was on-hand to represent Governor Fletcher at the groundbreaking ceremony.
“Hospice programs aid families in their greatest hour of need,” said Governor Fletcher.  “Richmond Hospice Care Plus is providing this service to those who need it, regardless of their ability to pay.  This will ease the minds of many families whose loved ones are in need of this service.”
The city of Richmond will utilize CDBG funds to assist with the construction of a 16,000 square foot (SF) hospice inpatient facility on five acres of land.  When complete, the unit will provide care for patients and their families regardless of their ability to pay.  Patients admitted to the facility may need additional care for pain and symptom management, or may have no caregiver to provide assistance for them during their final weeks of life.  The non-profit has committed to creating approximately 30 new jobs to staff the facility.
Senator Alice Forgy Kerr (R-Lexington) noted, "This funding has provided the final piece of financial support to get this project off the ground. I know how important this project is to the communities that are affected."
Senator Ed Worley (D-Richmond) said, “This service provides compassion and dignity to some of our most vulnerable citizens.  This project is important to Richmond and the surrounding counties.”
Hospice Care Plus, Inc. has operated as a non-profit organization in Madison County since 1981.  Their mission is to provide care and services to terminally ill patients that reside in Estill, Lee, Madison, Owsley and Rockcastle Counties.  The proposed unit will have 12 patient beds and will be designed with adequate space for family members to stay overnight.  The building will also contain dining facilities and support service offices.
Representative Lonnie Napier (R-Lancaster) noted, "This project will provide relief for family members who have loved ones that are terminally ill. Additionally, it will improve the medical services available to the people of Madison, Estill, Lee, Owsley and Rockcastle Counties."
Hospice care will be provided by a team of professionals that will include a chaplain, medical director, nursing assistant, pharmacist, primary care physician, registered nurse and social worker.
“This project has profound implications for those individuals who require hospice care.  Individuals will be able to receive the best medical care while being close to their family,” noted Representative Harry Moberly (D-Richmond).
Kentucky's U. S. Congressional leaders continued support of the CDBG program has made the funding available nationally as well as within the commonwealth.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development makes these funds available through GOLD, which administers the CDBG Small Cities program in Kentucky.

KSP unveils drug abuse education trailer
(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - The Kentucky State Police introduced in Frankfort today a mobile substance abuse exhibit designed to help educate the public about the devastating effects of drug abuse.
The 40-foot trailer features a mock methamphetamine lab and marijuana grow, a video presentation of actual methamphetamine users, before-and-after images of actual drug users and a video loop of drug messages.
Lt. Governor Steve Pence, who also serves as secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, attended today’s introduction of the Substance Abuse Information Center (SAIC) and said he hopes schools and event planners will take advantage of the unit.
“While any legislation that helps deter any type of drug abuse is a positive thing, education is still a crucial aspect of mitigating the drug problem,” said Pence. “Schools, from junior high and up, are the primary audience, but the exhibit will be used at fairs and other events statewide.”
Nearly a year ago, a state law went into effect that restricted access to cold and allergy tablets with pseudoephedrine - a key ingredient used in making methamphetamine.
Teresa Barton, director of the Office of Drug Control Policy, said the trailer would provide an excellent vehicle for initiating conversations about drugs among young people and adults.
“Many adults are uncomfortable talking to children about drugs and other harmful behaviors,” said Barton. “As the images in these exhibits show, drug abuse is present here in Kentucky and cannot be ignored.”
Seventh-grade students from Second Street School in Frankfort who toured the trailer this afternoon said they found it interesting and “scary.”
“I’m not ever going to use drugs,” said Evan Wright, as he emerged from the trailer. “They showed a young girl who was really pretty and then just a few years after using meth she looked terrible, like an old woman. It’s scary.”
Deputy Commissioner Ricky Stiltner said the trailer represents a unique opportunity to capture the attention of the public with its dramatic visuals.
“This innovative exhibit is designed to raise awareness on many levels - addiction, detection, recognition, treatment and, we hope, prevention,” said Stiltner. “The images people will see here are not pretty, because the reality is that there is nothing pretty about drug abuse.”
The Substance Abuse Information Center was funded by a $50,000 federal Community-Oriented Policing grant. Partnering with KSP in the project were Holly Hopper, coordinator of the Kentucky Alliance for Drug Endangered Children; Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy; Drug Enforcement Administration; American Dental Association; Partnership for a Drug-Free America; Multnomah County (Oregon) Sheriff’s Office; Publisher’s Group LLC; Max Margolis, Oregon Partnership; Kentucky Substance Abuse Prevention, Mental Health & Mental Retardation Services; and Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force.
The displays were designed by KSP Maj. Michael Sapp, Special Enforcement Troop commander; KSP Sgt. Phil Crumpton, state D.A.R.E. coordinator; and Mary Ann Scott, KSP Commissioner’s Office. The exhibits were produced and assembled by DCX Displays in Louisville.
Contact the KSP Media Relations office at (502) 695-6344 for information on how to schedule the Substance Abuse Information Center for an event.

Celebrating today's ribbon-cutting of the Kentucky State Police Substance Abuse Information Center (SAIC) were, from left, Lt. Col. Danny Fenwick, Kentucky National Guard; Mary Ann Scott, KSP Commissioner's Office; Holly Hopper, coordinator of the Kentucky Alliance for Drug Endangered Children; KSP Maj. Mike Sapp, Special Enforcement Troop commander; Teresa Barton, director of the Office of Drug Control Policy; KSP Deputy Commissioner Ricky Stiltner; and Lt. Gov. Steve Pence.

Maj. Mike Sapp, Special Enforcement Troop commander at the Kentucky State Police, left, gives Lt. Gov. Steve Pence a tour of the new KSP Substance Abuse Information Center.

Breathitt County and Jackson Independent Schools’ leaders reach agreement on non-resident student transfers .
(Monday January 9, 2006) -- The Breathitt County and Jackson Independent Boards of Education reached an agreement for the transfer of non-resident students and corresponding state funds.  The agreement consisted of an any/all contract for the 2005-2006 school year and  capping Jackson Independent School at a maximum student enrollment of 410 in grades K-12 beginning the 2006/07  School Year was adopted by each Board in separate, concurrent meetings followed by a joint meeting Friday evening. 
Correspondingly, the Jackson Independent Board adopted a resolution to: 1) honor the maximum student enrollment limits thus not accepting Breathitt County resident students seeking to enroll in Jackson Independent once the agreed maximum is reached each year; 2) drop efforts to seek court judgments and school district boundary changes that would provide increased student enrollment and funding; and, 3) in conference with Breathitt County School administrators, define and adopt corresponding fair and appropriate Breathitt County resident student enrollment policies and procedures.
Other terms and conditions of the agreement include:  1) The maximum total enrollment of 410 students includes students from grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12), the siblings of said students, the children of the faculty and staff of Jackson Independent, and any and all students who are paying tuition to Jackson Independent, who are receiving scholarships to attend Jackson Independent, or who are being sponsored in any way financially in their attendance at Jackson Independent.  2)  In the event a student who resides in the Breathitt County School District desires to enroll at Jackson Independent, Jackson Independent shall immediately notify the Breathitt County School District.  If Jackson Independent School District has less than 243 Breathitt County students enrolled at that time, Jackson Independent may enroll the additional student so long as its total enrollment does not exceed 410.  If Jackson Independent School District has 243 Breathitt County students and/or a total enrollment of 410, then Jackson Independent shall not enroll any additional student(s).  3) The Jackson Independent School District will educate pre-school students who legally reside in the Jackson Independent School District; Jackson Independent shall not enroll any preschool student who legally resides in the Breathitt County School District without prior written permission being granted by the Breathitt County Board of Education.  4)  For the purpose of information sent to the Kentucky Department of Education, the Jackson Independent School District shall report a zero (0) growth factor.  5) During the term of this agreement, Jackson Independent School District will not enroll any students who wishes to transfer from the Breathitt County School District without prior written permission being granted by the Breathitt County Board of Education.  Any transfer between the school districts shall only be allowed at the end of each semester.  6)  The Jackson Independent Board of Education covenants and agrees that the Jackson Independent School District, its employees, or anyone acting on behalf of the Jackson Independent School District will not recruit any student to attend and/or transfer to its district.  7)  In the event the Jackson Independent Board of Education, its agents or employees, and /or anyone acting on behalf of the Jackson Independent School District violate the terms or spirit of the agreement, this agreement shall immediately terminate and become null and void.  In such case the Breathitt County Board of Education will approve the transfer of nonresident students to Jackson Independent in an equal number of students as from Jackson Independent attending Breathitt County Schools.
“We appreciate the spirit of cooperation that Chairman Kelly Noble and the Breathitt County Board of Education demonstrated last week,” said Marty Hayes, Chairman, Jackson Independent Board of Education. The people of Jackson and Breathitt County want this issue put to rest so we can all get back to the business of educating our children.  Someone stated last week that we have turned the corner in our school relations.  I think that is true.  We can go forward now with a new sense of cooperation and common purpose.  This issue of non-resident contracts is impacting education all across Kentucky.  My heart goes out to those schools that are mired in this same debate.”
((Tim Spencer, Superintendent, Jackson Independent School)), said, “This is a great gift [agreement] for students and our community.  It brings monies back to our schools and community and lets people know what to expect for the foreseeable future.  Yes, there are some important details, like the actual enrollment procedures, to be worked out but this is a great next step and I am grateful to both Boards for the agreement.”
[The agreement emerged from a January 2nd meeting proposed and facilitated by Tim Holt, Director, Governance Team Development and Planning, Kentucky School Boards Association.  Participants in that meeting included: Breathitt County board members Gene Bays and Kelly Noble and school superintendent Arch Turner and director of pupil personnel David Napier; Jackson Independent board members Terri Halsey and Marty Hayes and school superintendent Tim Spencer; and, Holt.
“I was not at all surprised but very pleased that all participants were most willing to talk and think cooperatively about developing a mutually agreeable resolution that was best for all students and the community,” said Holt.  They readily accepted my request that everyone be respectful and they quickly agreed to look toward the future and not the past in their discussions.  They shared facts and related information and explored possible alternatives and reached consensus to propose to their respective Boards what has now been adopted as the resolution.  [I am grateful they welcomed my involvement and hope that this indeed allows everyone to concentrate on serving students and helping them learn so they and the community can continue to experience success.  Frankly, that seems essential to every one and our democratic American way of life.”]

47 drug suspects sought in combined UNITE, Harlan SO roundup 12-27-05
HARLAN – Taking advantage of extra manpower, Operation UNITE and the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office conducted a combined roundup of suspected drug dealers on Wednesday, December 14.
Beginning at 7:30 a.m., law enforcement officers set out throughout Harlan County to arrest 22 people on UNITE warrants and an additional 25 individuals on cases developed by the Sheriff’s Office.
Wednesday’s roundup is the third time UNITE has conducted a sweep of suspected drug dealers in Harlan County, said Joel Cunigan, Cumberland Task Force manager for UNITE. Cases have been made on more than 100 people following undercover investigations during the past 16 months.
UNITE conducted its first roundup in Harlan County on August 17, 2004, and returned exactly 6 months later. Cases against those identified in the latest roundup were developed through investigations over the past four to five months.
“We are still not finished in Harlan County,” Cunigan said. “Thanks to tips we have received from citizens there are a number of on-going investigations into illegal drug dealing and we anticipate more arrests in the near future.”
Nearly three dozen law enforcement officers participated in Wednesday’s roundup. These included Harlan County Sheriff Speed Duff and his deputies, the Harlan Police Department, Cumberland Police Department, Lynch Police Department, Benham Police Department and Kentucky State Police Post 10.
Once processed suspects were lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center.
“It is always a pleasure to come to Harlan County where you have so many departments coming together for a common goal,” said Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for UNITE. “When law enforcement agencies work together, sharing information, better cases can be produced and more criminals can be taken off the street.”
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday the Sheriff’s Office had arrested 17 of their 25 and UNITE had taken 20 of their 22 people into custody. Those arrested by UNITE were:
• Jimmy Bright, age 33, Cawood, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Elizabeth Edwards Cozart, age 30, Evarts, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Richard Crusenberry, age 40, Red Bud Hill, Evarts, one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Delbert Dixon, age 54, Highway 413, Baxter, one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
Tonya Dixon, age 27, Highway 413, Baxter, one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Michael Earls, age 21, Mose Howard Hollow, Cawood, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Mark Farmer, age 52, Cumberland Avenue, Harlan, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Willie Irvin, age 48, Highway 3459, Sunshine, one count trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Gaynelle Halcomb, age 47, Highway 160, Line Fork (Letcher County), one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces.
• Tresa Lankford, age 47, Mastin Drive, Cumberland, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Frank Edward Latham, age 38, Wallins Street, Sunshine, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and two counts trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Vincent McComb, age 40, Jonhson Street, Cawood, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Herbert Middleton, age 62, Penny Branch Hollow Road, Evarts, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Melton Middleton, age 29, Hill Court, Jones Creek, Evarts, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Gill Smith Sr., age 64, Sunshine, one count trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
• Cholleey Kay Stewart, age 72, Loyal, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Wanda Tackett, age 40, Highway 3459 Sunshine, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Mervin David Weddman, age 39, Gilbert Street, Evarts, one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Ray Widner, age 69, Colts Road, Evarts, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Linda Wynn, age 55, Ready Mix Road, Harlan, one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces.

James E. Turner files for Jailer  11-27-05
James Elliott Turner was first candiate to officially file for office on Wednesday, November 9th. Turner is seeking re-election for the office of jailer. Turner has served Breathitt Co. the last 16.5 years as an elected offifical. All candidates that want to file for the May 2006 primary election have until Jan. 31, 2006. Candiates can file at the county clerks office.
Others that have filed include: Tony Watts (clerk), John Hollan (sheriff), Brendon Miller (county attorney), Tim Spencer ( commisioner dist.1) and Willard Spicer ( commisioner dist.20)

Young Breathitt Lady Dies After Auto Accident 10-31-05
20 year old, Santana Napier was killed Sunday afternoon, when the car she was driving, left the roadway, went in to a ditch, before coming across the roadway and hitting the guard rail. According to the coroners office, Napier, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. The accident is still under investigation by the coroners office and the Kentucky State Police.  Photo Here

From K.S.P Post 13 10-31-05 3:00pm
On 10/30/05 at approximately 13:16 hours, Kentucky State Police Post 13 received a 911 call of a single vehicle accident on HWY 1110 in the Whick Community of Breathitt County. EMS and State Police units responded to the scene. A passenger car operated by Santana L. Napier, age 20, of Jackson, was south bound on Hwy 1110 when she ran off the roadway and struck an embankment. The vehicle overturned before coming to rest on the highway. Napier was not wearing a safety belt and was ejected from her vehicle. She was pronounced dead by the Breathitt County Coroners Office. The investigation is continuing by Trooper Wood.

4 Die in Knott County Crash  9-15-05
On 9-13-05 at approximately 4:42 am post 13 received a call from a cell phone of an accident on KY 80 in the Rockfork Community of Knott County. Upon arrival of emergency personnel both vehicles involved in the accident were on fire. Ball Creek and Hindman Fire Departments responded, extinguishing the flames. A total of 4 fatalities were confirmed and all were pronounced dead at the scene by the Knott County Coroner Jeff Blair. All bodies were sent to Frankfort to determine cause of death and positive identification. Trooper Rob Wood of the KSP and Knott County Coroner are continuing the investigation.
On 9/14/05, the Knott County Coroner's Office, confirmed the identity of the 4 victims involved in the 2 vehicle fatality. One victim, in an S-10 pickup was identified as Rex Lee Combs, age 24 of Busy in Perry County. The other 3 victims in an Oldsmobile passenger car are identified as Floyd Ritchie, age 54 of Emmalena in Knott County, Clyde Perkins, age 48 of Mallie in Knott County, and Edwin Vance, age 43 of Mallie in Knott County. Autopsie Reports are still pending.