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| Archives Page # 20 |
| Jobless rates down in 101 counties from October 2003 to October 2004
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 30, 2004) - Unemployment rates decreased in 101 Kentucky counties between October 2003 and October 2004, rose in 17 and remained the same in Livingston and Scott counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training in the Education Cabinet. In October 2004, three counties had jobless rates at or above 10 percent, and 10 counties recorded double-digit rates in October 2003. Woodford County's 2.5 percent jobless rate was the lowest in the commonwealth. Other low rates were recorded in Oldham County, 2.6 percent; Metcalfe County, 2.7 percent; Menifee County, 2.8 percent; Anderson, Barren, Jessamine and Trigg counties, 2.9 percent each; and Fayette and Monroe counties, 3 percent each. Magoffin County recorded the state's highest unemployment rate - 12.9 percent. It was followed by Elliott County, 12.7 percent; Carter County, 10.3 percent; Lewis County, 9.3 percent; Morgan County, 8.3 percent; Fulton County, 8.2 percent; Allen County, 7.9 percent; McCreary County, 7.8 percent; Wolfe County, 7.6 percent; and Graves, Mason and Muhlenberg counties, 7.3 percent each. In the KY River Region, only Letcher & Wolfe had higher unemployment rates than Breathitt County. Jobless rates down in 100 counties from September 2003 to September 2004 FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 29, 2004) - Unemployment rates fell in 100 Kentucky counties between September 2003 and September 2004, rose in 19 and remained the same in Grant County, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training in the Education Cabinet. In September 2004, two counties had jobless rates at or above 10 percent, and eight counties recorded double-digit rates in September 2003. Metcalfe County's 1.9 percent jobless rate was the lowest in the commonwealth. Breathitt County has the 2nd worst unemployment rate in the Kentucky River Region, behind only Wolfe County. The Kentucky River Region consists of Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, & Wolfe Counties. In August of 2004 Breathitt had the 4th highest unemployment in the region. All 7 other counties in the region had unemployment decrease from August 2004 through September 2004. Breathitt County was the only county to increase unemployment rates. (Unemployment figures supplied by KY Labor Force) Bus Wreck in Wolfe County Sends 20 to Hospital 10-19-04 Wolfe County, A scary trip to school this morning, sent 18 children, 1 bus monitor and 1 bus driver to Kentucky River Medical Center, in Jackson, after a school bus overturned on Profitt Fork Road in Wolfe county around 6:30am this morning. School officials say the bus went over an embankment. No other vehicles were involved. The investigation into what caused the crash continues. Officials say it was rainy and wet this morning, and may have contributed to the accident. All those who went to the hospital, were all treated released by early afternoon. FALL FOREST FIRE HAZARD SEASON BEGINS OCT. 1 “Heavy accumulation of fuel” within woodlands FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 28, 2004) _ The fall forest fire hazard season begins Oct. 1 in Kentucky. Until it ends Dec. 15, burning within 150 feet of a woodland or brushland is illegal from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Forests already ravaged by southern pine beetles have been further damaged by ice storms, and three previous fire seasons have been unusually light. The result has been “a very heavy accumulation of fuel in our forests,” Kentucky Division of Forestry Director Leah MacSwords said. “This heavy accumulation could create a very dangerous situation,” MacSwords said. “This year, more than ever, citizens who live in and around our state’s woodlands should take extra precautions to ensure their property is safe from wildfire.” The national Firewise Communities Program recommends keeping at least a 30-foot mowed buffer area around homes, water hoses long enough to reach around houses, decks enclosed to keep out dried leaves and firewood stacked away from houses. Information is available at www.firewise.ky.gov and www.firewise.org. Most forest fires in Kentucky are arson. Wildland arsonists have burned nearly half a million acres of Kentucky’s forests in the last five years. Suspected arsonists should be reported to the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON, any local law enforcement office or the division. Callers to the Target Arson hotline are eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest and indictment. Safety precautions should be taken and weather conditions considered before outdoor burning. Check with the Kentucky Division for Air Quality and Division of Waste Management to ensure compliance with outdoor-burning regulations. Internet Scam 9-11-04 The Kentucky State Police in Hazard would like to inform everyone that a scam has surfaced in Kentucky dealing with internet fraud. People who are trying to sell belongings on the internet are being sent fake credit card numbers and cashier's checks to purchase these items. The buyer is sending an amount greater than the purchase price and asking that the victim purchase a money order or a cashier's check for the overpayment amount and send it to a mailing address overseas. Frequently, the credit card numbers are stolen and the cashier's checks are fake. We are advising all people to be aware that this type of crime is taking place and follow these guidelines when dealing with the suspicious offers: *verify the authenticity of the buyer via telephone *do not release property until all checks have cleared the bank with sufficient funding-banks should verify funding with issuing institutions *insist that buyers only send the purchase amount, no overpayments *do not release personal credit card numbers or account numbers to suspect businesses or persons, if suspicious, contact your bank or credit card company *many internet scams originate from overseas, be suspicious of buyers who want you to send money or property to address outside the U.S. Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Deaths Equal To Last Year 11-29-04 (FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* show that 11 people died in 11 separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways during the four-day 2004 Thanksgiving holiday. This figure equals the fatalities recorded during the Thanksgiving holiday period last year. Of the 11 fatal Thanksgiving holiday crashes, preliminary data indicates alcohol was a suspected factor in five of the crashes. Seven of the victims were not wearing seat belts. One crash involved a pedestrian fatality. Two of the crashes occurred in Jefferson County. The other crashes occurred in Bell, Hart, Laurel, Lyon. Marshall, Muhlenberg, Pulaski, Warren and Woodford counties. The official Thanksgiving holiday period ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 24 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 28, 2004. All statistics are from that time period. The 2004 Kentucky highway fatality count currently stands at 863. This is three more than at this same time in 2003. At the current rate, Kentucky could surpass the 931 fatalities recorded in 2003, making it one of the deadliest years for highway fatalities in Kentucky history. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas. Transportation Cabinet Awards Bids for Improvement Projects on Breathitt County Roads JACKSON, KY - (Oct. 14, 2004) - As part of Governor Ernie Fletcher and Secretary Maxwell Clay Bailey's plan to improve Kentucky's highways, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has awarded bids for improvement projects on two Breathitt County highways. Asphalt resurfacing will be done on 6.98 miles of KY 315,Buckhorn-Guerrant Road, between KY 1933 and KY 30. Hinkle Contracting Corp. will perform the work at a cost of $542,834.75. The work is scheduled to be completed by June 1, 2005. Asphalt resurfacing will also be done on 2.92 miles of County Route 1033, Hunting Creek Road, between a point one mile north of KY 30 extending north to KY 1094. Hinkle Contracting Corp. will perform the work at a cost of $130,810. The work is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 30, 2004. "These projects are part of the ongoing commitment by the Fletcher administration to provide a safe network of roads for Kentucky motorists," said Samuel H. Beverage, chief district engineer for the Department of Highways, District 10. "We are pleased to make these improvements for the benefit of drivers in Breathitt County." Is Justice Being Jeopardized in Kentucky? (Frankfort, KY, September 28, 2004) Forty years ago, in the landmark case of Gideon v. Wainwright, the United States Supreme Court declared "any person haled into court, who is too poor to hire a lawyer, cannot be assured a fair trial unless counsel is provided for him." As the justices said, "This seems an obvious truth." Yet decades later has the promise of Gideon been fulfilled in Kentucky? The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) represents over 120,000 citizens each year in Kentucky's trial and appellate courts. The staff of the Kentucky's statewide defender program protects what we value most - our liberty and our lives. Every day in Kentucky's 120 counties public defenders stand up for citizens who are accused by the Commonwealth of having committed a crime. Defenders insure the criminal justice process is fair, the result reached by jurors and judges is reliable, and that individual liberty is protected. DPA has announced today its annual report of the numbers of cases and clients represented by public defenders during the last year. This report demonstrates that the quality of justice being provided by Kentucky's public defenders is compromised by the continued significant increase in caseload. Findings of the most recent caseload report reveal: · Overall cases rose to 131,094, up from 117,132 the previous year. · Cases at the trial level increased by 12% during FY04. · Cases have been steadily rising over the past four years. In FY2000, DPA had 97,818 cases. In FY 01, DPA had 101,847 cases. This increased to 108,078 in FY02, and again to 117,132 in FY03. · Public defenders began FY04 with an average caseload of 484. DPA used additional revenue during FY04 to hire 10 new caseload reduction lawyers and placed them in offices with the heaviest caseloads. · Public defenders ended FY04 averaging 489 new cases annually. Despite the hiring of the new caseload reduction lawyers in FY04, the average caseload has risen by 1.1%. DPA's average caseload for its trial attorneys is 185% of the recognized National Advisory Commission's national standards. · In its 1999 report, the Blue Ribbon Group on Improving Indigent Defense for the 21st Century recommended that until funding was available to meet national standards, rural Kentucky public defender offices should carry no more than 350 cases per lawyer, while urban offices should carry no more than 450 cases per lawyer. DPA is now further away from meeting this interim goal. · One office, Hazard, averaged in excess of 600 new cases per lawyer in FY04. · Sixteen offices had average caseloads in excess of 500 new cases per lawyer. · In the 1999 Blue Ribbon Group Report, it was found that the Department of Public Advocacy was near the bottom among all the states in per case funding. In FY 1998, the funding per case was at $187. In FY03, the funding per case was at $238. In FY04, per case funding declined 4.2% to $228. · DPA represented 18,006 children and youth in FY04. · Public defenders are now required to represent clients in drug court and family court in addition to circuit, district, and juvenile court. Defenders have received no new funding for their responsibilities in drug and family court. In light of the Department's most recent data, Public Advocate Ernie Lewis comments, "Is the quality of justice compromised when public defenders in Kentucky are being called upon to represent Kentucky accused citizens at 185% of nationally recognized standards? We are approaching that point when our public defenders are simply unable to perform their essential task of defending the accused due to these crushing caseloads. The people of the Commonwealth want to believe that the quality of justice provided an accused does not depend upon the money available to pay a lawyer. These caseloads threaten that fundamental belief." This Caseload Report will be presented to the Public Advocacy Commission at its meeting on October 1, 2004. A full copy of the FY 2004 DPA Defender Caseload Report is available at the Department or Public Advocacy Website at www.dpa.state.ky.us . Shannon Means, Executive Advisor Office of the Public Advocate Department of Public Advocacy 100 Fair Oaks Lane, Suite 302 Frankfort, KY 40601 Where does our money go during Honey Festival? 11-29-04 by Ron Hamblin I remember, way back in my teens, 20 + years ago, how excited everyone, was when Labor Day finally rolled around each year. I could not wait to go see the parade full of vehicles, trucks, marching bands, and floats. I remember stores all over Jackson having their windows decorated. I can remember, my family, from all over the country driving to Jackson for Labor day and our prestigous Honey Festival. My, how times have changed. Last year I figured the severe drop off in attendance and events were due to the, on again, off again rain. Myself and Donna Combs worked hard at getting our events going, such as horseshoes and softball. I knew how hard we were fighting the rain, and how hard it must have been for the Honey Festival Committee trying to get the whole Festival to go off, in the rain. I also knew that downtown contruction was a hinderance. Then came this years Honey Festival. Great weather, alot of sunshine. I went downtown Friday night and hardly anyone was there. I went back through Saturday afternoon, same thing. Both times I went through, noone was on the stage performing, although before I left Friday, someone did play. Traffic driving through downtown was easy compared to years passed. The food booths didn't offer much of a variety, and in all honesty, everything appeared the same as it did 5 or 10 years ago, with one glaring exception, nobody showed up this year. The bad turnout led me to a cause. WHY? The fiscal court & tourism board gives money every year to promote the Festival. The Festival has been going for 25+ years, so it has been established in the region. What was the problem. I contacted Honey Festival Chairperson and asked her what was spent and where. She mailed me a breakdown of where the money "Was". Keep in mind, the Fiscal court gives money every year for the festival. This year $5,000.00. The Tourism Board, which was started in 1999, has given $5,000.00 a year from 2000 - 2004, with the exception of this year, when they gave $10,000. It has to be noted that Clara Gabbard is the Chairperson on the Jackson Tourism Board as well. In her letter to the Tourism board, she stated, "I am requesting an additional $5,000.00 this year for the Breathitt County Honey Festival. You have approved $5,000.00 as a standing request. That would make a total of $10,000.00. In the past, I have received $5,000.00 from the Breathitt County Fiscal Court, however I do not see that happening this year, due to the budget crisis. Remember this money will be used to promote the festival and our wonderful county. Should you need additional information, please advise. Sincerely, Clara Gabbard" This letter told me that there would be $10,000.00 used to promote the Festival. So let's see how it broke down. These are numbers straight from Clara Gabbard. Ending balance from September 30th 2003: $ 3,839.26 Money Donated from Fiscal Court & Tourism Board: $15,000.00 Ending balance from September 30th 2004: $11,887.54 Money Spent: Advertisment: $ 1,685.00 Tee Shirts: $ 4,197.00 Insurance: $ 1,211.37 Trophies: $ 501.54 Toilets: $ 500.00 Electric Total: $ 2,300.17 Tent: $ 3,830.00 Kick Off Dinner: $ 650.00 Revenue Cabinet: $ 203.00 Entertainment: $ 4,350.00 TOTAL SPENT: $19,428.68 Entertainment Eve of Evolution $200.00 Allison Wasson $200.00 Alvin Prater $275.00 Dixie Ryders $500.00 Lethargic $450.00 Darlene Fugate $125.00 Bluegrass Edition $600.00 Jack Strong $600.00 New Horizon $1,400.00 Total: $4,350.00 Here is the problem I have. If you have $3,839.26 at the end of 2003, and you get $15,000.00 minimum in donations, that gives you a minimum total of $18,839.26. This doe not include gross sales from tee shirts, booth rental and other donations. If you have $11,887.54 at the end of this year, My math says you only spent $6,951.72 on the festival. I can only use the numbers that the Honey Festival Chairperson provided me, and they just don't add up. If you take her numbers, she gives, they had $18,839.26, with the donations, spent $19,428.68, and have a balance of $11,887.54. $19,428.68 less balance of $18,839.26 leaves a negative $589.42. For these numbers to work out right, the balance after donations would had to have been around $30,000.00. I guess we will never REALLY know! Man Arrested In Virginia For Sexual Abuse In Kentucky 11-24-04 (Pendleton Co, KY) --On November 22, 2004, law enforcement officers in the Norfolk, Virginia, area-along with agents from the Naval Crime Investigative Service (NCIS)-arrested 52 year-old Daryl Kimberly, a Virginia resident, at the Norfolk Naval shipyard on a warrant resulting from the investigation of an online traveler case in Kentucky. Det. Jacqualine Rogers with the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch (ECB), a part of the Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, has been investigating Kimberly for enticing a Kentucky juvenile over the Internet for the purpose of having sex. In June 2004, Kimberly allegedly drove to Falmouth, Kentucky where he sexually abused a juvenile female. Evidence of Kimberly's online activities was found on the juvenile victim's computer by KSP ECB forensic examiners. Kimberly has been indicted on charges of sodomy, 3rd degree by the Pendleton County grand jury and is being held in Virginia awaiting extradition to Kentucky. Det. Rogers is continuing the investigation, and additional charges may be filed in the case. KSP Trooper Injured In Explosion Continues Recovery 11-11-04 (Frankfort, KY)--- Kentucky State Trooper Rick Conn is continuing his recovery in the burn unit of the Cabell-Huntington Hospital in West Virginia. Conn was severely injured yesterday while helping to evacuate residents at the scene of a suspected natural gas explosion in the community of Ivel in Floyd County, Ky. Trooper Conn received second and third degree burns on his hands and face while trying to rescue victims of the explosion. He remains in fair condition and is in good spirits, according to KSP Commissioner Mark Miller. He is expected to undergo further treatment at the hospital. "Trooper Conn's quick thinking and dedication to service despite his own injuries made a real difference in the lives of others," said Miller. A resident of the Ivel area, Conn was traveling in his personal vehicle when the explosion occurred. Unable to open the door to his vehicle due to his injuries, he crawled out of the window and assisted a female resident who was attempting to remove her child from her residence. Conn successfully moved the child to safety and returned to assist the mother. After ensuring her safety, Conn collapsed from his injuries. "Trooper Conn's selfless actions yesterday define heroism at its best," said Lt. Gov. Stephen B. Pence. "My thoughts and prayers go out to Trooper Conn and to the people of Floyd County for a quick recovery." A nine-year veteran of the Kentucky State Police, Conn has been assigned to KSP Post 9 in Pikeville since 1996. Commissioner Miller also recognized the efforts of two other troopers involved in immediate response and rescue efforts during the incident. Trooper Bo Cure suffered slight smoke inhalation and, after receiving breathing treatment at the hospital, returned to the scene of the explosion to render assistance. Trooper David Watkins also responded to the scene and assisted in evacuation of the injured, including Trooper Conn. 6 Inmates Overdose Summary: ON 10-23-2004 THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE PERRY COUNTY JAIL STATING THAT SEVERAL INMATES HAD POSSIBLY TAKEN A DRUG OVERDOSE. SIX INMATES WERE TAKEN TO THE HAZARD HOSPITAL AND TREATED FOR DRUG OVERDOSES. A LIST OF THE INMATES ARE AS FOLLOWS: JAMES HUDSON- AGE 24 - ADMITTED IN CRITICAL CONDITION WILLIAM FELTNER-AGE34- ADMITTED SIMON STACY JR. - AGE 32 - ADMITTED JOE LEWIS - AGE 35 - ADMITTED JOHNNY W. SMITH - AGE 37 RELEASED TO JAIL NICKY LEWIS - AGE 27 - RELEASED TO JAIL AT THIS TIME IT APPEARS THAT AN INMATE ON FURLOUGH FROM 10-22-2004 SMUGGLED THE DRUGS BACK INTO THE PERRY COUNTY JAIL. TROOPER IRA NAPIER IS CONTINUING THE INVESTIGATION FOR 2 CTS. PROMOTING CONTRABAND 1ST, TRAFFICKING IN SCHEDULE NARCOTIC 1ST, AND TRAFFICKING IN NARCOTIC 3RD. THE PRELIMINARY REPORT FROM THE HOSPITAL IS THAT THE DRUGS TAKEN WERE XANAX AND METHADONE. Breathitt County Coroner Press Release October 11, 2004 Death Investigation at Vancleve The Breathitt Co. Coroner’s Office received a call at 7:30pm on Monday October 11, 2004 of a death at Hwy 1812 North at Vancleve. Upon arrival a white male identified as 38 year old Roger White of Jackson, Ky was pronounced dead at 7:55 pm. The body was transported to the Ky State Medical Examiners Office in Frankfort for an Autopsy. Autopsy and Toxicology results are pending. The death remains under investigation by the Breathitt Co. Coroner’s Office and the Ky State Police. The following is a statement issued by Governor Ernie Fletcher: 9-18-04 STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR ERNIE FLETCHER REGARDING A POSSIBLE KEA STRIKE Over the last several days, I have met with many state employees, public school teachers and union leaders. I met with Frances Steenbergen and want to keep the lines of communications open. As Governor however, it would be inappropriate to negotiate if they choose to promote an illegal strike. No illegal strike or other organized job action can be justified. I am concerned and compassionate about the impact of health insurance costs on all state employees and teachers. An illegal strike or work stoppage would be harmful to our children. What makes this situation even more frustrating is that the problem of escalating health care costs has been neglected for so long by previous administrations. I want teachers and teacher unions to work with my administration toward the goal of parity of teacher compensation with the surrounding states-a goal which I share with the members of the teaching profession. Volunteer faculty make Radiography program No. 1 9-5-04 The success of the Radiography program at Hazard Community and Technical College and Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College would not be possible without those who work at clinical sites and volunteer their time to work closely with students enrolled in the radiography program, noted Homer Terry, coordinator. The Radiography program was named the No. 1 program by HCTC and Terry attributes part of the success to the following volunteers throughout Eastern Kentucky. The volunteer coordinators are: Joe Combs, Margaret Calhoun, John Williams, Alice Lucas, all of Whitesburg ARH; Jeannette Compkis of Dr. Mitchell Wicker’s office; Regina Holbrook and Jamie Williams of Mountain Medical Imaging Center; Lavon Warren of Kentucky River Medical Center; Bill Gayheart, Dean Fouts, Lester Combs of Hazard ARH; Patti Bentley, Madge Kiser, and Brian Hall, of St. Mary’s Medical Center in Norton, Va., Vickie Justice of Jenkins Community Hospital; Cleveland Hurt of Mary Breckinridge Hospital; Dennis Harris and Tabitha Martin of McDowell ARH; Ed Adkins, Roger Coleman of Norton Community Hospital; Mark Hall of the Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center; Brian Compton of Pikeville Medical Center. “We have a real commitment from these folks to make this program a success by providing the best on-the-job training possible for our students,” Terry said. “We just can’t thank them enough for all they do for education.” Kentucky State Police To Follow Aggressive Enforcement During Christmas-New Year's Holiday Period (FRANKFORT, Ky.)Nov. 30 2004 -Auto travel is expected to reach record levels throughout the nation during the Christmas-New Year holiday according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA). The organizations predict that about 81 percent of the 62.7 million holiday travelers will choose motor vehicle transportation this year. As a result, the Kentucky State Police is starting its highway enforcement efforts early to combat a possible surge in traffic deaths. The Governor's Highway Safety Program will begin airing "You Drink and Drive. You Lose" television commercials today in support of the holiday enforcement activities. Increased KSP traffic enforcement efforts, which include saturation road patrols and safety checkpoints, will begin today and continue through Sunday, Jan. 2. Approximately 943 KSP troopers, in conjunction with local police and sheriff's offices, will be using all possible resources in their enforcement efforts including video, radar, unmarked vehicles and passive alcohol sensors. "Through Dec. 19 of this year, Kentucky has experienced 931 highway fatalities," reports Kentucky State Police Commissioner Mark Miller. "That's already equal to our 2003 total and there are still 12 days left." During last year's four-day Christmas holiday period, six people lost their lives in six separate crashes on Kentucky roadways. One of those fatalities involved the use of alcohol and four were not wearing seat belts. "Unfortunately, whether they're driving across town or across the state, impaired drivers will pose the greatest threat to Kentucky motorists during the holidays," says Miller. "However, these needless tragedies do not have to happen. Those who endanger themselves and others should know they will pay a serious price. We will be aggressively enforcing the law to save lives and penalties will be severe." "We urge all motorists to exercise added caution and flexibility in their travel plans during this peak period," says KSP Capt. Lisa Rudzinski, commander of the Governor's Highway Safety Program. "Three actions can significantly increase the chances of surviving holiday road travel: slow down, buckle up and don't drink and drive." Remember the following: *Kentucky has a zero tolerance policy regarding driving while impaired by alcohol. Impairment begins with the first drink. *Your best defense against a drunk driver is your seat belt. In 2003, 67 percent of highway fatalities in Kentucky were not wearing seat belts. (Kentucky law makes the driver responsible for assuring that all passengers in their vehicle are properly restrained.) *Speeding reduces a driver's ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway. It extends the distance required to stop a vehicle and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation. Rudzinski offers the following additional tips for safe highway travel during the holidays: *Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation and fatigue can cause lapses in attention, slowed awareness and impaired judgement. *Obey speed limits. Excessive speed reduces your ability to avoid a crash, extends your vehicle's stopping distance and increases the severity of a crash when it occurs. *Slow down in roadway construction zones. Watch for flaggers, signs, lane closures and merge well before the actual closure. *Don't tailgate. Follow other vehicles at a safe distance. If you find yourself being tailgated, don't hit the brakes. Slow down gradually and let the other vehicle pass you. *Expect the unexpected. Watch traffic around you and be prepared to react. *Watch for road debris such as tire treads, garbage, lumber, gravel, tree limbs, mufflers and exhaust parts. *Avoid or minimize in-car distractions such as cell phone use, changing tapes or CDs, eating or other activities that can remove your attention from the road. *Take extra care on rural roads with 55 mile per hour speed limits. *Don't use cruise control. Keep your body involved and active in the driving process. *Slow down when driving on icy or snowy roads where stopping distances are longer. *Turn on your headlights any time your drive. This increases visibility and decreases risk. *Avoid smoking when you drive. Nicotine and carbon monoxide can hamper night vision. Citizens can contribute to highway safety during the holiday period by reporting erratic drivers to the KSP toll-free hotline 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. "Holiday travel should always be taken seriously. Don't let the joys of the season be ruined by a vehicle crash or an impaired driving arrest," advises Miller. "Adjust your driving behavior to stress safety. It's an alternative you can live with." Vandals Strike all over Jackson 11-29-04 Jackson, Ky On the Morning of November 28th, Police dispatch received several calls from local residents of vandalism. Areas reporting damage were: Jackson Christian Church Vans on College Ave. 2 vehicles in the college parking lot, 2 vehicles on Highland Ave., 1 vehicle in Lees Van Meter Gym Parking lot, 1 vehicle on Washington Ave. and 1 vehicle on Sycamore street. All vehicles had tires slashed including 1 police cruiser. This is a childish deed and very expensive one around the holidays to cause someone. If you have any information regarding these incidents last night, PLEASE, contact the Jackson Police Department Immediately. Your name need not be given. Breathitt Constable hit by fleeing suspect. 11-11-04 Early Friday morning, November 5th, 2004 around 8:30am, Breathitt County Constable, John Campbell from District 3, escaped serious injury when he was hit by a car from a fleeing suspect. Apparently, John Campbell had served a child support indictment warrant, near the Breathitt County Court House, on Steve Hudson, of Clayhole. Mr. Hudson got in his vehicle and allegedly took off. In the process of trying to get away, Mr. Hudson allegedly hit Constable John Campbell, with his vehicle. Mr. Hudson remained at large until Saturday November 6th, 2004 night, approx. 8:30pm. Sheriffs deputies, Shy Turner & Randy Gabbard apprehended Mr. Hudson in the Clayhole Community. Mr. Hudson is lodged in the Breathitt County Jail on charge of Wanton Endangerment 1st degree. More charges are expected. Constable Campbell is off work due to injuries suffered in the event, but is in good spirits. Kentucky State Police Offers Guidelines For a Safe Halloween 10-28-04 (FRANKFORT, KY) -Trick-or-treaters, parents, motorists and homeowners all play important roles in keeping Halloween safe, says Kentucky State Police Commissioner Mark Miller. "By observing the following tips and planning for a little extra caution, this holiday can be safe and enjoyable for everyone," he adds. FOR MOTORISTS: *Stay alert for increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic on Halloween night. *Be patient and SLOW DOWN! Give children lots of time to cross the street. Costumes may impair their ability to see and hear you and to get out of your way quickly. Young children may lack the physical ability to cross a street quickly. They do not effectively evaluate potential traffic threats, cannot anticipate driver behavior and process sensory information more slowly than adults. *Excited kids may forget to "stop, look and listen" before crossing the street. Since they may be trying to visit as many houses as possible within a specific time period, children could quickly dart in front of your car. *Drive defensively. Don't assume that a pedestrian will move in a predictable manner. Expect the unexpected. *Be extra cautious in areas where vehicles are parked along the side of the street. Trick-or-treaters may dart into traffic from between parked cars. *Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Also watch for children walking on medians and curbs. *Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully. FOR PARENTS and CAREGIVERS: *Trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights or "glow sticks." *Dress children in costumes that are light-colored and clearly visible to motorists. *Costumes should be no longer than ankle-length to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. *Use face paints or make-up rather than masks that could impair vision. *Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. *Children should wear comfortable, well-fitting, sturdy shoes. *Wear flame-resistant costumes. Avoid paper costumes. *Small children should be accompanied by adults. *Older children should stay in groups. *Avoid capes that could pose strangulation risks by getting caught on structures or protrusions your child may encounter. *Make sure props such as swords, scythes, pitchforks, spears, wands or knives are flexible (not rigid) with smooth or rounded tips to prevent eye or other injuries if fallen on. *If driving children to trick-or-treat, make sure they exit vehicle on the curb side and not the traffic side. *Instruct your children not to eat any candy until they bring it home and you examine it thoroughly. Inspect commercially wrapped candy for tampering (unusual appearance, discoloration, tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers). Discard anything suspicious. Throw out homemade treats. *Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard while wearing a costume. *Secure identification (name, address phone number) on or within a child's costume. *Teach children their home phone number and how to call 9-1-1 if they become lost or have an emergency. (9-1-1 service can be dialed free from any phone). FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS: *Don't assume the right of way when crossing a street. Motorists may have trouble seeing you. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean they all will. *Be very cautious of strangers. A stranger is someone you don't know who behaves in an inappropriate way. Adults asking children for help can be potentially dangerous. *Trick-or-treaters should only visit houses which have porch lights turned on. *Never enter a stranger's house or vehicle. (Parents should stress "vehicle" because some children might think it is OK to approach a van or bus.) *Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic. *Never cut across yards or use alleys. By crossing a lawn, you might be tripped by clotheslines or lawn furniture. *Don't run! Always walk when crossing streets or going from house to house. *Cross streets only at corners and crosswalks. Never cross the street from between parked cars. *Remove mask or any item restricting eyesight before crossing streets. *Don't take shortcuts through back alleys or parking lots. *Cover one side of the street at a time, no criss-crossing. *Look "left, right, left again" for cars before stepping off the curb to cross a street. *Don't play near jack-o-lanterns, the candle inside could start a fire. *Stay with the adult who is leading the group. *Keep away from open flames or burning candles. *Try on your costume before Halloween night to make sure it fits properly. *Stay away from and don't pet animals you don't know. *Don't eat any treats until you get home. *Have an adult check all candy before eating it. *Stay focused on your surroundings. If you feel threatened, go to the nearest store or restaurant and ask to use the phone. Call parents or the police. FOR HOMEOWNERS: *Turn on your porch light. Provide ample outdoor lighting. (Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs). *Eliminate tripping hazards on your porch, yard and walkway. (Flower pots, lawn furniture, lawn decorations, bicycles, children's toys, ladders, garden hoses, dog leashes, support wires, low tree limbs). *Remove wet leaves from steps and sidewalk. *Use battery-powered jack-o-lantern candles or light sticks. If candles are used, place pumpkin away from area where children will be walking or standing to prevent accidental fires. *Keep dried leaves and cornstalks away from flames and heat sources. *Never drape a fabric ghost or other decoration over a light bulb. *Make sure that paper or cloth lawn decorations do not blow into a burning candle. *Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords with lighting or special effects. *Avoid lighting sidewalks and driveways with luminaries (small candles inside decorative paper bags). Injuries might result when children are tempted to take a closer look. *Pets can be frightened by Halloween activities. Restrain or bring them indoors to protect them from cars or accidentally hurting trick-or-treaters. Secretary of State Announces More Kentuckians than ever are Registered to Vote 10-20-04 Frankfort, Ky More Kentuckians than ever before are registered to vote in the upcoming general election according to figures released today by Secretary of State Trey Grayson and the State Board of Elections. In total, 2,794,286 citizens will appear on Kentucky's voter rolls for the November 2nd election. "We are very excited to have so many new Kentucky voters for the upcoming election" stated Secretary Grayson. "It is my hope that this large increase in registrations will result in a large turnout on Election Day." The registration totals are a net increase of 87,693 voters from those who were registered to vote in the May 18th primary, swelling the voter rolls by 3.14%. This percentage is considerably higher than the registration increase during the 2000 presidential election cycle for that same time period. The voter rolls only increased by 2.09% in 2000. Registration figures continued to showed little change in the percentage of male and female voters. Female voters increased by 46,217 since the May primary while male voters increased by 41,455 voters. Female voters comprise 52.9% percent of Kentucky's voting population, the same percentage as in the Primary election. A larger number of Republicans registered to vote between the Primary election and the October 4th registration deadline. Republican registrants increased by 45,408 voters. Democrats increased by 34,825 while "other" voters increased by 7,460. Republicans and "others" also increased their percentages of the Kentucky voter rolls as they now comprise 35.67% and 6.52% of Kentucky voters, respectively. That is an increase of just over a half percentage point for Republicans and a .06% increase for "others" since the Primary election. Democrats saw their percentage decrease from 58.4% of the voter rolls in May to 57.81% for the upcoming election. Secretary Grayson noted that election's focus now shifts to getting people to the polls on Election Day. "Now that the registration books are closed, we must work diligently to see that every Kentuckian votes on November 2nd." For complete registration statistics or to find out where citizens are supposed to vote on Election Day visit www.elect.ky.gov. Breathitt County High School Student Graduates From KSP "Drive To Stay Alive" Program 10-20-04 (FRANKFORT, Ky.) -John Paul Stamper, a student at Breathitt County High School, graduated from the "Drive To Stay Alive" program sponsored by the Kentucky State Police on Sept. 24. A resident of Jackson, Stamper joined 22 other students from across the state who completed the training at the KSP Academy in Frankfort. Targeting counties with high teen traffic crash and fatality rates, the five-day program featured classroom and hands-on instruction designed to decrease teenage driving deaths. "Tragically, in 2003, there were more than 25,700 motor vehicle collisions involving drivers aged 16-19 in Kentucky," says KSP Commissioner Mark Miller. "This represents 20 percent of all collisions in the state during this time period. The "Drive To Stay Alive" program is specifically designed to have an impact on this problem." During the week of training, the students were taught by Kentucky State Police driving instructors to help recognize the most common factors leading to fatal crashes. The curriculum featured topics such as vehicle dynamics and skid control, safety belts and airbags, impaired driving, off-road recovery, evasive maneuver, controlled braking, multiple turns and lane interchange. It also included three days of hands-on instruction in actual motor vehicle skills at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. Stamper said the training taught him the importance of using steering rather than braking to keep a car under control. "We learned 'You drive the car, don't let the car drive you,'" he said. His advice to fellow students? "Wear your seat belt, don't panic and don't drink and drive." According to Capt. Lisa Rudzinski, commander of the KSP Governor's Highway Safety Program, the real benefits of the program begin after the students complete the course and return to their individual schools. "The students will partner with an experienced Kentucky State Police trooper to spread the message to the student body in each school," she notes. "The real value of the program is based on the concept that a message conveyed by a fellow student carries a more personal tone with other students and is therefore more effective." Trooper Tim Kilburn, public affairs officer at the KSP Hazard post, will team up with Stamper to help convey his newly acquired driving skills and knowledge to fellow students. Rudzinski pointed out that 14 percent of all fatal collisions in the state during 2003 involved teenage drivers. "This program provides practical instruction that will enhance the skills and sensitivities of Kentucky's teen drivers," she says. "Once it spreads throughout the school system, the benefits should certainly pay off in reduced teen crashes and more lives saved." Click Here for Photo No Rain, No People. What has happened to the Honey Festival. 9-5-04 Jackson, Ky. By Ron Hamblin I guess, I will play the devils advocate and ask the question everyone is thinking. What has happened to our once proud Honey Festival? I am not writing this to make anyone mad or to make light of the work people are putting into the Festival, but something is seriously wrong. Last year, we could blame the rain for the poor turnout, but this year the weather was spectacular. Traffic was nearly non-existent, (meaning noone is coming in droves to get to it). How many years, during the Honey Festival did you have to wait for all the traffic on HWY 15, just to turn into town? This year, you moved as you wanted on HWY 15. I know there is still Monday morning to hope for a turnout, but as of tonight, noone seems to be going to the Festival. Why is that? Here is my opinion. The Festival has become a routine of nothing new. Year after year it is the same thing. We never have any big name entertainers and the food booths never change. The parade is holding it's own but would get a huge boost from all the car show vehicles, if they were allowed to attend the parade. A couple things I did notice and am glad they are going on, and that is the Men's Softball Tournament, Horse Shoes and the Kids Fest. All had great turnouts. Why is that? Simply put, they are all held at Douthitt Park. Plenty of Parking, and easy access off HWY 15. Why is the Festival dropping? It remains downtown where there is no parking, and once you walk through it all once, there is no reason to come back. With the Tax money the City, County and Tourism board, throw at the Festival, along with all the ads sold by the Honey Festival, also with food booths, and tent rentals, somewhere, somehow, we should have more. Again this is just one man's opinion, but I have yet to find one person, out of the general public, who has disagreed with me. This is our Festival, and our tax money funding it. It is time there is some accountability for what our Tax money is being spent on. I honestly believe it is time for a serious change if this Festival is going to continue in the future. If it continues like it is now and dropping every year, you can put a fork in it, because it is done! This is my opinion, but obviously, it seems to be the majority opinion as well. |