Breathitt Online News Archives
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City Adds New Software 8-29-02
Jackson, Ky.In achieving Mayor Miller's goals of improved citizen services and office efficiency, the City of Jackson has partnered with Capital Software, Inc. a leading software provider in Kentucky, to automate the City’s Property Tax, Utility Billing, Business Licensing, and Accounting functions to better serve the citizens of Jackson.  Mr. Jason Glass, Government Specialist with Capital Software stated, “The City of Jackson has taken an exciting step in securing the City’s future. Two keys to success for any new software solution are a clear vision and strong leadership. The City has a solid vision for the future and a strong leader in Mayor Miller. The success of our partners is our number 1 priority. We will assist the Mayor and City in securing not only efficiency in the day-to-day operations, but financial stability as well.” Mr. Glass was instrumental in assisting Mayor Miller and the City to obtain an affordable software solution to fit not only the City’s budget, but also operational needs. Capital Software, located in Park Hills, has been a leader in software innovations specifically geared to the needs of local city government and city management. Capital Software’s credits include enabling the City of Florence, Kentucky to offer online payment options to their citizens and a solid Accounting program, which enabled the City of Crestview Hills, Kentucky to be the first to achieve GASB 34 compliance in the state. The ease of use of the programs is unparalleled and the programs will provide the latest Windows based technology to the City of Jackson.  The City will begin training on the new software in September and is looking forward to a long successful partnership with Capital Software, Inc.

Breathitt Youth Killed in Auto Accident 8-26-02
Wolfcoal Ky. ON 08-25-2002 THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE WERE DISPATCHED TO AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ON KY. 1110 AT WOLFCOAL IN BREATHITT COUNTY. UPON ARRIVAL AT THE SCENE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT A 17 YEAR OLD YOUTH WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON KY. 1110 WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE 1988 TOYOTA HE WAS OPERATING. THE YOUTH  RAN OVER THE EMBANKMENT BEFORE COMING TO REST IN THE CREEKBED. DUE TO NOT WEARING A SEATBELT THE YOUTH WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE YOUTH WAS PROUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE BY THE PERRY COUNTY CORONER. THE ACCIDENT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

Laurel Judge-Executive Pleads Innocent
11-06-02
Laurel County Judge-Executive Jimmy Williams has pleaded innocent to charges of official misconduct and conspiracy.
Williams entered his plea Monday in Laurel County District Court. Williams' wife, Mairian, and Laurel County Occupational Tax Office worker Peggy Sutherland also pleaded innocent to the same charges. Judge Walter McGuire set a Nov. 20 trial date for all three.
Williams, his wife and Sutherland were indicted by a Laurel County jury in September for allegedly removing confidential tax records from the Laurel County Occupational Tax Office, which violates state laws and local ordinances, according to Laurel police Detective Lonnie Owens, who investigated the case.
Owens said the grand jury was presented with details concerning the alleged theft of more than 300 tax records from the office in August. Allegedly, Sutherland aided Williams in transferring records that are required to be kept confidential from her office to the judge-executive's office across the street. Police said Mairian Williams picked the records up for her husband. Williams, who is up for re-election Tuesday, will be in court for a second, non-related arraignment later this month. He and four Laurel magistrates have been charged with more than a dozen counts of official misconduct after the discovery of several county driveways and roads that had been illegally paved by the fiscal court.

Louisville Teen, Child Die In House Fire 11-6-02
An 18-year-old man and a 7-year-old boy were killed in a house fire early Monday morning, authorities said. The victims were Delbert Thurman Jr., 18, and Ashton Thurman, 7, said Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Jim Minton.
Four other members of the same family escaped the flames, according to fire officials. An electric blanket was considered a possible cause of the fire, Minton said. The blaze was reported about 5:26 a.m. in the 900 block of Geiger Street, said Lt. Col. Cynthia Brooks of the Louisville Fire Department.
When firefighters arrived, the two-story frame house was engulfed in flames, Brooks said. Firefighters gained control of the fire shortly after 6 a.m., and parts of the building collapsed, she said. "When the floor started to cave in, we withdrew the firefighters temporarily," said Fire Chief Greg Frederick.

Two Fatal Traffic Crashes 11-06-02
Traffic crashes on election day that are attributed to vehicles hydroplaning on rain-slick roads have killed two Kentuckians. Twenty-four-year-old Shonda Montooth of Waynesburg in Lincoln County died after her car hydroplaned, struck a guardrail, then another vehicle near her hometown.
In Madison County, 47-year-old Diana Hunter of Grayson was killed when her car skidded off Intertate 75 and struck a ditch, then rolled several times.

HCC bulb planting 11-3-02
Students at Hazard Community College are planting bulbs, a total of 3,025 - one for each victim from 9-11-01. The bulb planting is a fund raiser organized by the Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa at  HCC. Faculty member Sabine Globig's botany class coordinated the planting this fall so the daffodils will be in beautiful bloom for spring.

Jackson City Parent Dana Fugate speech to the Breathitt County School Board 10-28-02 Supt. Eden, Chairperson Southwood, Members of the Board;
I stand before you not as an adversary or enemy, but as a mom. A mom who’s children mean the world to me and a mom who feels a responsibility to stand and speak up when important issues that concern and affect them are involved. I hope that you take my remarks in the spirit they are given.
When we were blessed with our first child, I don’t even remember discussing with my husband the subject of where he would attend school. It was just an unspoken understanding he would go to L.B.J. where my husband and I had both attended. About the age of 3 we noticed some speech problems and when he was 4 I had him evaluated by a friend of mine who is a speech pathologist. She suggested we seek speech therapy through a preschool program. We didn’t necessarily want to send him full-time, we just wanted him to receive the treatment. I phoned the Breathitt Co. System and spoke with one person, who referred me to another person, who referred me yet to another person. I don’t exactly remember, but I believe it was 4 different individuals I talked with & no one could tell me what I needed to do. When the last person I spoke with referred me back to the first, I decided it was time to pursue a different course of action. I phoned Jackson Independent and talked to one person who informed me of what needed to be done. That was 10 years ago and the rest as they say is history. He began speech therapy, was soon asking to go full-time, and when it was time to begin Kindergarten, Jackson offered a strictly Kindergarten, self-contained class in an environment he was familiar with so we decided the best choice for him was to trust Jackson Independent with his education. We were right. He has done so well and we were so pleased that when our youngest began school 6 years later the choice was obvious. My boys educational experience has been so positive and I could stand here for a very long time and talk about the virtues of Jackson City School but that isn’t my purpose for being here.
About a year ago I received and completed a survey from Mr. Woods, who was your Superintendent at that time. I appreciated him asking why I had made the choices I had concerning my children’s education and I was open and honest in my responses to him. I have copies of the letter I sent to him if any of you would like one.
I have shared our story with you. I’m sure others stories are different, but one thing I know there are valid legitimate reasons why parents are choosing to send their children elsewhere to school. It is obvious there are problems in your system but Jackson City School is not one of them nor did it cause them and I believe these problems require action not additional money to solve them.
I am deeply concerned about your failure to sign the non-resident open enrollment agreement that was presented to you by the Jackson Independent Board of Education. Of course first and foremost I’m concerned how it affects my children and their future. As a parent, I feel that I should have the right to make choices in areas that will greatly affect their whole lives such as education. We just get one shot to raise them. I am also concerned for other reasons I worry about the effect this will have on our community and the very real possibility that it will bring division that would not be otherwise. I’m also deeply concerned about the youth of our community and how their attitudes toward one another will be affected. Sadly to say I feel that I have already witnessed some negative changes in that respect.
I am not anti Breathitt Co. As an alumnus of the system, a graduate of Breathitt High School I have very fond memories of the Breathitt system and it holds a special place in my heart. I sincerly want the Breathitt Co. School System as well as every system in our county to prosper and be successful. I just don’t believe that limiting school choice is going to help achieve this. Having students in your schools who don’t want to be there and parents who resent having to send them there in my opinion will not be beneficial to anyone.
I have spoken with individuals who have children in the Breathitt system, people who have children in other systems and people who have neither. I have yet to speak to one person who thinks it is in the children’s best interest to limit school choice.
I believe you have a golden opportunity to send a positive message to students, parents and the community in general by saying yes to school choice and agreeing to the non resident open enrollment agreement.
All we’re asking for is to be able to do for our children what we feel is best for them. I implore you not only as Board Members, but also as parents to consider all the facts, look at the situation from all angles, search your hearts and do what’s best for our children.
Signed Dana Fugate

Morehead Man Arraigned on Murder Charges 11-3-02 
A Morehead man accused of stabbing a woman to death in his trailer was arraigned Friday on first-degree murder and robbery charges. Jamie Adams, 31, was arrested Oct. 14 in Maine in connection with the death of Sarah Easton, of Salt Lick, Ky. Police say Easton, 32, died from a knife wound to the neck. She was found Oct. 9 at a trailer rented to Adams. While in custody in Maine, Adams indicated that he "thought he killed his girlfriend but would rather not talk about it," said Fort Kent Police Chief Kenneth Michaud. A pretrial hearing was set for January 3 in Rowan County Circuit Court. Adams trial is set to begin May 12. 

Guard unit receives send-off for Bosnia mission 11-3-02
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Members of a Kentucky Army National Guard unit received a formal send-off from the community before leaving for a 12-month mission that will take them to Bosnia for peacekeeping duty.
The unit will train in Kansas and Germany before beginning its mission in Bosnia. The soldiers are from the HHC, 2nd Battalion of the 123rd Armored/35th Mechanized Infantry Division.
"Although none of these men prefer to be going and leaving their families, they're all fulfilling their responsibility ... to defend our nation," Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon told the group that gathered Saturday in a school gymnasium. After speeches, songs, prayers and a cascade of red, white and blue balloons, the guardsmen and their families ate a meal provided by the well-wishers.

Authorities search for Laurel man accused of trying to kill deputy 11-1-02
Authorities continued searching Friday for a Laurel County man accused of trying to kill a sheriff’s deputy during a shootout at his home this week. A warrant was issued for Randy Creech, who is wanted for allegedly conspiring to commit the murder of a police officer. Creech is accused of firing shots at Laurel County Deputy Greg Poynter during a stolen vehicle investigation Tuesday at Creech’s home in the McWhorter community. Laurel County Sheriff Gene Hollon said when officers arrived at the mobile home they found a man outside who told them Creech was inside. He failed to warn officers that Creech might be armed, Hollon said. As deputies heard someone running inside the home, Poynter went to the back of the trailer and found Creech armed with an assault rifle, trying to leave through a back window.

Gun Found in Notebook Binder
11-1-02  A Kentucky high school student faces weapons charges after an unloaded pistol is found in his three-ring binder.
The Graves County High School 16-year is suspended until a disciplinary hearing is scheduled. Police say the gun was found after a student reported it to a teacher. They also say the boy didn't make any threats.  The boy told school officials the pistol belonged to his father and he was taking it back from a cousin's house, where he had spent Tuesday night

Restaurants Push For Wet Vote In Danville 11-1-02   Area residents aren't the only ones interested in the outcome of Tuesday's vote on whether to legalize the sale of alcohol by the drink in Junction City, Mercer County and Danville. Mike Scanlon is president of the Lexington franchise that owns and operates 82 Applebee's restaurants in six states. The franchise donated five thousand dollars to the Danville Local Option Committee. That committee organized the petition to put liquor-by-the-drink on the Danville ballot.
Scanlon says Applebee's is interested in locating in Danville if voters approve alcohol sales. But the Kentucky League on Alcohol and Gambling Problems opposes the spread of legal alcohol sales and has advised opponents on how to fight the issue. Executive director Howard Beauman will speak at a Harrodsburg "keep it dry" rally on Sunday. The votes will be the latest under a 2000 state law that allows residents in otherwise-dry communities to vote on allowing alcohol in restaurants that seat at least 100 people and get at least 70 percent of their sales from food. Six cities and one county in Kentucky have voted for the measure. Five cities voted to remain dry.

Drug Investigation 11-1-02
ON 10-29-2002 THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE, HAZARD POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND THE PERRY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT EXECUTED A SEARCH WARRANT AT THE RESIDENCE OF LONNIE W. STANDAFER IN THE SCUDDY SECTION OF PERRY COUNTY. CONFISCATED IN THE SEARCH WAS APPROXIMATELY 209 METHADONE PILLS AND SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS IN CASH. LONNIE STANDAFER WAS CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING IN A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 1ST, AND A FEDERAL FIREARMS VIOLATION. AT THIS TIME HE HAS BEEN LODGED IN THE LAUREL COUNTY JAIL. FRANKIE J. ROBERTS AGE 47 OF HAZARD WAS ALSO ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 1ST, AND LODGED IN THE PERRY COUNTY JAIL. THIS IS ALSO PART OF THE DRUG ROUND-UP WHICH TOOK PLACE ON 10-31-2002.

Burglary 11-1-02
ON 10-30-2002 THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE RECEIVED A CALL THAT THE KNOTT COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK'S OFFICE HAD BEEN BROKEN INTO. UPON ARRIVAL IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ALL COMPUTER EQUIPMENT USED IN MAKING THE PHOTO I.D.'S AND OPERATORS LICENSE HAD BEEN STOLEN. THE VALUE OF THE ITEMS TAKEN WAS APPROXIMATELY $20,500.00. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CRIME IS ASKED TO CALL THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE AT 1-800-222-5555 OR 606-435-6069. THE CASE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY DETECTIVE GREG MULLINS.

Breathitt School Board Chairperson, Ina Southwood’s response to Dana Fugate "The intention of the Breathitt County Board of Education is to provide educational services to all of the students residing in the Breathitt County School District. We have no intention to eliminate freedom of choice - We have no intention to close the Jackson Independent School District - We thank you for your concerns, we must move on to the next item of business."

Breathitt Board of Education sheds some light on recent events with Jackson City.
Jackson, Ky. 10-15-02 Over the past couple of weeks alot has been said about the agreement to let students attend the school of their choice. Recently I discussed several items with Superintendent, as well as some of the school board members. Mr. Edens, on the recommendation of his council said he could not comment on the situation with Jackson City. I then asked Mr. Eden about the alleged refusal to let Jackson City play any games with Jackson City. Mr. Eden replied, "I was misquoted. I was asked if Jackson City could play in the County Tournament, and replied no. It had not been done in the past, I will not allow it now." Mr. Eden went on to say, "I cannot legally order them not to play, because that is a decision made by the Site Based Council. If a Jackson City Team were to draw a County team in any other tournament, like Riversides, they would be allowed to play the game."  We also talked to Board member Ina Southwood, who stated, "I have been informed not to talk about it." We asked her by who? She replied, 'I cannot say." When Board member Kelly Noble was approached with the same question about not playing Jackson City, he stated, "That is a Site Base Council decision of each School. The Superintendent does not have the authority."  Shirley Hudson responded with a signed letter stating the situation in her opinion. (SEE BELOW) As of today, we are no closer to a resolution to this matter. It appears that a court of law will have to decide the matter.

Eastern KY Drug Problems Highlighted in Maxim Magazine October Issue 10-7-02
Jackson, Ky.     "In Kentucky, the hills are alive with the sound of helicopter gunships and the smell of burning weed. But how long can the Feds wage war against dirt-poor farmers with nothing left to lose?" This is the heading for Maxim magazine article, "THE NEW BOOTLEGGERS."  This story goes on to explain the trials and tribulations of the east Ky. Pot Growers. The article shows how these drug growers make traps to ward off those would be theives as well as police who may try to take their crops. The article, mentions Breathitt County, & former Sheriff Ray Clemons as part of it's story.  Click here to read the article in it's entirety.

Priests Receive Threatening Letters
10-1-02
Police and the Diocese of Lexington are investigating threatening letters sent to three priests that warn them to stop persecuting homosexual priests within the diocese. The unsigned letters accuse the Rev. John Dane and the Rev. William Bush of St. Luke parish in Nicholasville and the Rev. Tom Imfeld of Corbin of wounding and slandering the diocese, its homosexual priests, and its former Lexington bishop, J. Kendrick Williams. Williams resigned in June after three men sued the church and accused him of sexual misconduct. The letters also accuse Dane of running a Web site that is highly critical of liberals, feminists and gay priests in the Lexington diocese. Dane has developed Web sites for many parishes and worked as an information technician at the diocesan office, but denies any connection to the site mentioned in the letter.  The Nicholasville Police Department is investigating the letters as cases of "terroristic threatening."

“Governor’s Tribute to Freedom” Media Advisory
Frankfort, KY (9-6-02)– On Wednesday, Sept 11 from noon – 1p.m. at the Farnham Dudgeon Civic Center, in Frankfort, Gov. Paul Patton will hold a remembrance ceremony for the men and woman who last their lives and loved ones. The Frankfort event will include the Army National Guard Band, the First Christian Church Bell Choir, the Kentucky State University Concert Choir, the Kentucky State Police Honor Guard, Gov. Patton and other speakers and entertainers. Mike Thomas, Frankfort actor, will present a special performance Remembrance and Reflection:  9-11-01.  For complete details of the program log on to http://gov.state.ky.us/freedom/index.htm
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Parking for media trucks will be on St. Clair street (behind the Civic Center).

Cabinet for Families and Children celebrating region's 40 adoptions
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 18, 2002) - The Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children's Bluegrass Rural Region is hosting a celebration of the year's adoptions this Friday. Adoption Day is 3-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the Richmond Public Library,
507 W. Main St., in Richmond. There have been 40 adoptions finalized so far this year for families in the Bluegrass Rural Region's nine counties - Bourbon, Clark, Estill, Franklin, Harrison, Madison, Nicholas, Powell and Scott. Adoptive families and their relatives are invited to Friday's celebration,
where there will be a reception and an opportunity to pose for family photographs.
Resources will be available to families considering adoption, and The Hon. Jean Chenault Logue, family court judge for Madison and Clark counties, will attend.
Kentucky voters will decide this November whether to amend the state constitution to specifically authorize family courts, in which judges focus on domestic law, including adoptions. The amendment would solidify the legal standing of family courts and allow the state to expand their use. "Courts specializing in family law have become an asset to the 26
counties piloting the effort," said Cabinet Secretary Viola P. Miller. "The continuity of the 'one family, one judge, one court,' system helps stabilize families coping with divorce, child custody disputes or domestic violence." For more information about Adoption Day or adoption in the Bluegrass Rural Region, call Rita Barlow in the Madison County Department of Community Based
Services' Protection and Permanency office at (859) 986-8411.

Jackson City School Choice Rally a Huge Hit.
10-25-02
Jackson, Ky. An estimated 800 people or more attended the Rally for School Choice at Jackson City, last night, Thursday, October 24th, 2002. Various people gave stirring speaches and the crowd, mixed with Breathitt County Parnets as well as Jackson City School Parents, continually erupted in applause. The gymnasium bleachers as well as the 300 chairs on the gym floor,were filled to capacity and the walls covered with standing room only crowds. Although Invitations to Breathitt Superintendent, Ron Eden, were extended to allow the Breathitt School Board to voice their side of the School Choice situation, they declined to answer the publics questions on the matter.

Breathitt Woman Dies 9-12-02
WANDA F. STIDHAM AGE 52 OF BARWICK WAS OPERATING HER ATV ON BARWICK RIVER ROAD WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL AND RAN OFF THE ROADWAY. WANDA STIDHAM WAS FATALLY INJURED WHEN THE ATV FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES. SHE WAS PROUNCED DEAD BY THE BREATHITT COUNTY CORONER.

Winchester Man Dies After 120 Foot Fall
Winchester, Ky. 10-1-02 A 19-year-old Winchester man fell to his death today while cutting trees along a bluff in rural Franklin County. Roman Flinchum fell about 120 feet into the bank of Elkhorn Creek. He was working near Steadmantown Lane around 11:15 AM when he lost his footing and fell. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Flinchum was trying to cut a tree next to cliff when he fell. He was working for Townsend Tree Service of Parkers City, Indiana, in a contract job for Kentucky Utilities.

Commissioner's Debate
Go Well 10-4-02
Jackson, Ky. The Commissioners debates had candidates, Ronn Turner, Arch Turner, & Steve Banks submit answers to various debate questions. Mr. Banks also did a television interview answering the debate questions. Orville Shouse declined to participate, and was asked if he could submit answers as Ronn Turner & Arch Turner had done. He declined. We would like to thank the three candidates that submitted answers to you the voting public's, questions.

Business Profile
Campton, Ky. 9-22-02  Our first business profile is of a business in Capton, Ky. This business is CJM Metal Fab.  CJM is owned by Donnie Haddix, Matt Blevins, & Kevin Kipp.  CJM Metal Fab is now starting it's 3rd year. It has been somewhat of a battle for the first two years, however the 3rd year seems as though CJM may be wining a battle or two.
    Donnie Haddix, CJM President, spends most of his day planning the day ahead, while Kevin Kipp, Vice-President in charge of production, prototyping and wears many more hats. Now comes Matt Blevins Vice President in charge of sales, who also works very hard, going on the road far & near selling CJM and its capability to build the tooling surface finishing industries.  We at CJM are proud of Matt's efforts in opening new doors, & keeping CJM going strong.  CJM is now doing work for the BIG 3 along with Honda. CJM is located at 85 Elkins Road, Campton, Ky.
    We at CJM Metal Fab appreciate our customers, Suppliers, and most of all our Employees whom, CJM feels, needs credit for any and all of its products we fabricate, They make a good team. Together with quality and delivery of our product, makes management very happy & thankful. In Closing, CJM feels that its going to be a very good supplier for material handling racks, and tooling for painters,f coaters, platers, anodizers , our customers, that we are thankful for. CJM employs welders, fabricators, and general hands. We work close with schools and surrounding counties for our workforce, trying hard to employ local residents. Thanks to Tom Jones and his Team at East Ky. Corp, Citizens Bank of Jackson, Bank One of Lexington & KRADD Agency, Paul Hall & Benny Hamilton, for all their support !

Local Purse Snatching at Wal Mart
Jackson, Ky. 9-30-02 A Local Breathitt Countywoman fell victim to another purse snatching. The victim was pushing her cart throught the parking lot when an assailant snatched her purse from her cart and ran away. Investigation into the incident is pending and an arrest is excpected in the case.

Jackson Fire Department Take part in FLAG Training 10-14-02
The Jackson F.D took part in Flamable, Liquid and Gas (FLAG) training this past Saturday night. In an awesome display the fire raced towards the sky. This was a staged propane fire provided with the help of Empire Gas. This class was designed to teach firefighters some of the things to expect during a propane and/or gas fire. Chuck Caudill Regional coordinator helped set up the training along with 6 KCTCS Instructors. Jackson Fire Chief, Roger Friley, felt that this was an important training tool to help better prepare our local fire departments.

Breathitt Man Arrested on Drug Charges 11-7-02
Jackson, Ky. Sheriff John L. Turner along with  Drug enforcement apprehended Randall M. Turner, 33, of 179 Toler Rd in Athol, on allegeded posession of Cocaine, Lorcet, & Marijuana. Mr. Turner was also charged with tampering with evidence.

Gary W. Stidham Pleads Guilty
Jackson, Ky. 11-7-02 Gary W. Stidham plead guilty to attempted armed robbery of Family Pharmacy. Mr. Stidham was sentenced to 114 months in Federal Prison.

True Value has Haunted House 10-6-02
Jackson, Ky. True Value along with Rose Wolfe, held a haunted house. The event was free to the public and presented some scary moments. Michael Myers was a huge hit as he put the fright in nearly everyone that attended. True Value also provided Hay rides as well as a small petting zoo. It was a great time for all.

Winter Storms Grips Breathitt County
Jackson, Ky. 12-5-02 The first major winter storm hit early this year as Breathitt Countians awoke to snow and ice covered terrain.  Breathitt was blanketed with snow all afternoon before the snow changed over to freezing rain, creating a drivers nightmare. Trees and power lines bent under the weight of the ice. Breathitt County Schools as well as Jackson City School called off for the rest of the week. Most businesses were empty as patrons are finding it very difficult to get around. The KSP post in Hazard has asked that people stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to be out on the roads. Road crews are working hard to clear the roads.

Jobless rates lower in 88 Kentucky counties from October 2001 to October 2002.  Breathitt 6th Highest Unemployment in the State
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 1st, 2002) - Unemployment rates fell in 88 Kentucky counties between October 2001 and October 2002, rose in 29 and remained the same in three counties, according to the Department for Employment Services, a Cabinet for Workforce Development agency. Kentucky's seasonally adjusted jobless rate in October was 4.9 percent.
In October 2002, five counties had jobless rates at or above 10 percent, while 11 counties recorded double-digit rates in October 2001. Woodford County's 2.1 percent jobless rate was the lowest in the commonwealth.  Other low rates were recorded in Jessamine County, 2.5 percent; Franklin and Oldham counties, 2.6 percent each; Barren County, 3.1 percent; Campbell and Greenup counties, 3.2 percent each; and Fayette, Gallatin and Henry counties, 3.3 percent each. Butler County recorded the state's highest unemployment rate - 14.4 percent.  It was followed by Muhlenberg County, 13.7 percent; Harlan County, 11.2 percent; Magoffin County, 10.9 percent; Letcher County, 10.2 percent; Breathitt, Ohio and Russell counties, 9 percent each; Morgan County, 8.9 percent; Clay and Monroe counties, 8.4 percent each. Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.  Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed  Kentuckians who are actively seeking work.  They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.
Kentucky Gets New "Smiling" License Plate
11-27-02
You'll have a friendly new look on your bumper beginning next year. Kentucky is unveiling a smiling license plate. Cars across the state will get the new plates in early 2003. On the plate, a smiling sun is peeping over a horizon. It also features the state's current tourism slogan "Kentucky, it's 'that' friendly."
There's a delay in getting the new plates, because there isn't enough blue paint to finish them. Local clerks may have to issue plain plates in January and let people exchange them for "smiley" plates later
DARE Program in Breathitt County
12-2-02 from Channel 57
The Kentucky State Police is recruiting some new, young soldiers, to help them fight the war on drugs here in Eastern Kentucky.  As part of the DARE or Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program, sixth graders in Breathitt County are learning from police about the dangers of drugs and the importance of saying, "NO".
Two days every week, Trooper Tim Kilburn from the Hazard State Police Post travels across Breathitt County, teaching the DARE program to 6th graders. Clint Lively says he enjoys Trooper Kilburn's visits to Rousseau Elementary, as do the other kids, who seem eager  to listen and learn about how to make good decisions regarding drugs and alcohol. Besides personal health and mental problems, the students also spend time learning about how drugs impact others around them. The program has been around for more than a decade and Trooper Kilburn says DARE should be a good starting point to discourage kids away from using drugs. After completing a workbook and finishing class time, each student has the opporunity to graduate from the DARE program. The DARE program is also offered this semester at Highland-Turner, Marie Roberts, and Sebastian Middle School .
Breathitt Man Killed In Crash at Vancleve
Vancleve, Ky. 11-23-02 According to the Kentucky State Police, Douglas McKinney, 30,  of Armory Rd. in Jackson was killed when his 1992 Mistubishi hit Marvin Neace, of Hwy 30, head on. Mr. Mckinney was driving southbound on KY 15 when his car apparently dropped off the shoulder, and lost control crossing over into the path of Marvin Neace and his Ford Truck. The accident is still under investigation
Yet another Breathitt County Man killed in auto accident. 11-27-02 (UPDATED)
Canoe, Ky. From K.S.P. report: On November 27th at approx  3:32pm, Arlis Ray Jones 39 of Hwy 476, Hardshell Ky.,  crossed the center line, unknown reason, into the path of Stephanie L. Davis of Spicer Br. Canoe Road. Davis attempted to stop to avoid Jones, but was hit head on. Mr. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene by Breathitt County Coroner. Mrs. Davis was air lifted to the UK Medical Center. Neither driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The accident is still being investigated by Trooper Derek Hall, Post 13

Transportation Cabinet Launches 511 Traveler Information Number
FRANKFORT, Ky.-(November 27, 2002)-Just in time for holiday travel,
a new service to assist Kentucky's travelers was launched today by Gov. Paul Patton.  By dialing three simple digits, 5-1-1, callers can now get accurate, useful and timely traffic, travel and road weather information 24 hours, 7 days a week.  The Governor said, "this new service will assist commuters, vacationers, highway travelers and the trucking industry in finding the quickest and safest way to get from point "a" to point "b" in the commonwealth."  Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary James C. Codell, III explained that, "the system will assist travelers with easier, faster and safer routes. The information will be available to callers with an interactive voice recognition technology that allows callers to use the phone system without punching buttons.
Coroner Budget Highlights Nov. 21st Fiscal Court Meeting. 11-21-02
Irene McIntosh asked the court for an additional 5 years on her lease of the Ambulance Service. That would be a total of ten years from the year 2000. Motion made by Taulbee and seconded by Turner, unanimous.
Roy Spencer presented pictures of some dumpsites in the county and stated they need to be cleaned up. The audience got involved and a member stated that mandatory garbage pick-up needs to be enforced and not just talked about.
The Court talked of the cost of prisoners housed in other counties. The court is bound by law to cover all medical cost of these prisoners after their insurance pays, if they have any. The new facility will house 60 prisoners and will deter this cost.
Bobby Thorpe, Coroner Elect, presented the court with options to the Coroner Budget. He stated that he had checked on 3 different locations that could house the Coroner's office. They were the old First National Bank Branch Bank (located across from Hardee's) for $ 450.00 per month, the building owned by Marylou Campbell (located at Campbell Circle) for $ 1000.00 per month and the Howell Building (located behind Deaton Funeral Home) for $ 400.00 per month. Irene McIntosh stated that her son, Steve, had bought the Howell building and the ambulance would also be housed there. Taulbee made a motion to rent the Howell Building and Turner seconded. Unanimous.
Thorpe also presented the cost of vehicles to the court and a motion was made to but two vehicles from Watt's Funeral Home and Ron Hunt at a cost of $ 5500.00 for both.
Thorpe then went on to ask the court to allow him two Deputy Coroner's and set their salary at $ 6000.00 per year. Frank Noble asked Mr. Thorpe to wait until the next regular meeting to see if this can be done with the budget they have. This was due to possibly having to move some of the Coroner's money from one account to another and to see if it was legal to do so. Gary Strong approached the court and asked for a donation of $ 1500.00 to help keep the program going due to all grants being gone and none will be available until 2003. Mr. Strong stated that if they did not get some help, the program may in jeopardy by December 31st. Hershel Branson recommended to the court that it may not be legal to donate and that maybe a contract could be wrote up to help the program. Gary Taulbee talked of maybe getting the Local Volunteer Fire Departments $ 250.00 per month each. Hershel Branson stated that if an agreement were wrote by each Department, then the court could approve it.
David Wheeler asked the Fiscal Court to include the Buckhorn Fire Department due to over 50% of their calls come from Breathitt County. Hershel Branson told the court it would not be legal due to the Department being in Perry County, but asked Mr. Wheeler if he could bring in the Department Charter to see if the area they cover could constitute Buckhorn being included.
Meeting Adjourned

Contact your legislators about education plight
2-4-03 The plight of education is at a critical stage because of the state budget situation and the public is urged to contact their legislators to tell them about the need to protect education in the Kentucky General Assembly.  "A better educated people attracts better jobs; better jobs means these folks will pay more in taxes helping to diminish the chance of a budget shortfall again," noted Dr. Jay K. Box, president and CEO of Hazard Community College, who is working with elementary to high schools, as well as the universities and other educators to let folks know how serious these cuts are in Kentucky.  Just at Hazard Community College, the budget situation means that two full-time faculty positions cannot be filled, one instructional assistant for students won't be hired, the business affairs office is without a worker, and three maintenance and operations positions won't be filled. The Kentucky School of Craft's opening is now on permanent hold for hiring a slate of instructors, the Knott County Branch and the Leslie County Center of HCC will have reduced class offerings and services, summer school classes can only be offered on a limited basis and construction work at the New Opportunity Center in Hindman, which would house HCC offices and classes, is being delayed.  "This is a lot for one school to suffer, especially at a time when we hoped to offer new and expanding programming," Dr. Box said.  The public is urged to contact their legislators today by calling the Legislative Message Line in Frankfort at 800-372-7181. "Tell them education matters and they should avoid making cuts in education, from elementary to college and universities," Dr. Box said.  Tony D. Whitaker, president of the Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce said education should not be cut. "No business person ever wants education cut," he said.  "We need to continue the great strides in education that we've made so far." The Perry County School System could lose as much as $3 million over a two-year period, noted John Paul Amis, superintendent. "This loss of funding leaves the Board of Education no choice but to consider the following adjustments and perhaps others: raising property taxes; reducing 33 basic classroom teachers therefore increasing class size to the state cap; not purchasing new busses for the second consecutive year; not staffing art, music, and physical education teachers; discontinue plans to improve facilities; reduce expenditures to maintain facilities and grounds; not staffing counselors for the elementary schools; not staffing elementary assistant principals; reducing the number of extra curricular activities offered at the elementary and secondary level; offering Pre School only to students who qualify for state funding; increase in lunch and breakfast prices; eliminating district support for technology, improvement of instruction and professional development; reducing classified support staff, perhaps eliminating some positions; and reducing central office staff." O. Taylor Collins, superintendent of the Jackson City School system, urges legislators to rescind any cuts that have been made so far and restore full funding for education. "It is imperative that we maintain and enhance the great progress that we have made in Kentucky schools," Collins said. "The entire nation is focused on Kentucky and our achievements in our schools. For us to remain in the forefront of schooling in the U.S., our legislators must fully fund elementary, secondary schools and universities," Collins said. "Jackson City School is achieving greatness. Cuts in funding will put that at risk." James Francis, Hazard City School superintendent, noted that cuts this year and next means a loss of 14 percent of certified staff and an 18 percent loss of classified staff. The Bridge Program, which involves both gifted and academically challenged students, can't be expanded. "Funding cuts means the loss of a writing portfolio specialist, which impacts student achievement," Francis said, "and teachers for art, music and physical education must be cut." Francis noted they have already cut two bus routes and "we just can't cut any more."  Dr. Box and Hazard Community College are part of "Partners for Kentucky's Future"--a group hoping to get the word out to the public about the value of education to Kentucky's future. "To ensure economic success and a high quality of life for its citizens, Kentucky must sustain its commitment to this continuum of education and build on the positive momentum created by its forward-looking actions of the past," is noted in their position paper. Their fundamental message is Promise, Progress and Pride, with three points. One is Kentucky must keep the promise it made to its citizens, children and adults, to improve their educational opportunities at all levels. Second, the record is clear: We have made progress at all levels, and momentum is on our side. But much work remains to be done. Third, Kentuckians are rightfully proud of these accomplishments, and they recognize that the future of their state is at stake. Research shows that for every dollar spent on high-quality early education programs, taxpayers can expect $4 to $7 in benefits. As for elementary and secondary schools, test scores are up. Kentucky is one of only three states to show continuous progress in fourth-grade reading in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. As for Adult Education, there's good success. In two years, enrollment in adult education jumped by 35,000 students, or 69 percent. The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is a major success story. Since 1998, enrollment in KCTCS has grown by more than 22,000 students, an increase of 49 percent. At Hazard Community College, which is part of KCTCS, enrollment hit an all time high of 4,100 students in the fall 2002 semester. Other research shows that education is the answer for many social
problems. Documentation shows that education has an affect on crime rates, welfare costs, amount raised in taxes, and the amount of civic responsibility. Call your legislators right now. 
Evelyn Wood
Public Relations Director
Hazard Community College
One Community College Drive
Hazard, KY  41701

WYMT Mountain News
Fatal Accident Leaves Two Others Injured
Wolfe County 2-5-03
A 43-year old woman is dead and two teenagers injured after a car accident last night. It happened on Kentucky 715 in Wolfe County. Police say 16-year-old Jordan Burch lost control of his vehicle and hit a truck driven by Teresa Brewer.
Brewer died at the scene. Burch, and his 15-year old passenger, Neil Young, were taken to the Middle River Medical Hospital in Jackson.

Mountain Life 2-3-03 OH Napier
This was the best time in my life that I felt at peace on stage. Might of been the rum but I believe it was pure love singing to a lady that believes in me. This picture was taken at last years Honey Festival. Several people told me that was the best I have ever done in public. Thanks to my first cousin Greg Hays for loaning me the guitar the night before. This was the first time I ever played on a Gibson and it sounded great. Also thanks to Steve Barnett along time friend and school buddy from Hardshell. Steve also is very talented in music. I am looking forward to making a CD this coming spring. My girlfriend won't quit on  me tell I do. She loves to hear me sing.
Hillbilly From Heaven

BYF PRESS RELEASE
02-03-2003
The Breathitt Youth Foundation has provided summer baseball fun and enjoyment for the young people of Breathitt County for many years. The 2003 season is now taking shape, and we are even more excited about it than usual.
Changes have taken place that will make the children's baseball season better than ever. The Breathitt Youth Foundation is now affiliated with the National Little League Baseball Association®. Our children will now be playing by the same rules as most teams in the nation, and will be eligible to play in tournaments and could even qualify for the famed Little League® World Series.
This year, in order to be more equitable for the players, we are directing all donations and sponsorships directly to the Breathitt Youth Foundation. When you make your contribution, BYF will allocate it equally to all kids in the league. You can be sure that your contributions benefit all children equally, and our local businesses no longer have to decide which requests to honor, and which to turn down. This will aid local businesses that find themselves in a quandary when several teams were requesting sponsorships. The Breathitt Youth Foundation is a charitable organization, so all contributions are tax-deductible.
Little League® Sponsorship Agreements will be mailed out or hand delivered to many businesses, organizations and individuals very soon. We appreciate everyone's support in the past, and we ask for your support now and in the future. Your generosity today will benefit the children who will be our leaders of tomorrow.
We are available to answer any questions you may have. You can contact Danny Fugate at 295-2350, Buddy Watkins at 295-2268, Guy Coomer at 666-2440 or Marty Hayes at 666-6760.

Whitesburg Man Admits To Murders
11-7-02 Guilty pleas have been entered by a Whitesburg man in the February shooting deaths of Timothy Cook and his four-year-old son Timothy James Cook. Jerome Boggs now faces life behind bars. He also pleaded guilty yesterday to robbery, burglary and gun charges. There is no possibility of probation or parole. The case earlier had led to a courtroom fight between Boggs and members of the Cook family.  Commonwealth's Attorney Edison Banks says Boggs will be sentenced November 21st. Charges against his wife, April Boggs, are still pending. Before the sentencing, Boggs has agreed to speak with Kentucky State Police investigators, which should shed light on the motive. Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Lieutenant Governor 11-7-02
Federal authorities filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking thousands of dollars from Lt. Gov. Steve Henry for allegedly defrauding Medicare and Medicaid. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Louisville, accuses Henry - an orthopedic surgeon who plans to run for governor next year - of billing government health programs for surgeries that he did not supervise. Henry supervises orthopedic residents, or surgeons in training, at the University of Louisville.
Federal regulations require supervising physicians to be physically present in order to bill the government for their time. The federal lawsuit brought under the False Claims Act cites 44 separate incidents from April 17, 1996 to July 11, 2001, in which Henry allegedly billed Medicaid or Medicare for surgeries he was not present for. Each incident depicted in the suit outlines Henry's whereabouts during the alleged surgeries. The case had been investigated for possible criminal violations, but U.S. Attorney Stephen Pence said in September that he would not seek an indictment of Henry. Instead, Pence decided to file suit against Henry. He said his office delayed filing the lawsuit at the request of Henry's lawyers. But the settlement discussions have "not been fruitful," Pence said.  Henry formed a committee in June to explore a race for governor and has said he intends to move forward despite any legal action against him by federal authorities. He took another step Wednesday by announcing he won't accept any public financing of his campaign.  Under the False Claims Act, the government is allowed to seek triple damages. The suit seeks triple damages between $5,000 and $10,000 for each claim violating the False Claims Act before Sept. 30, 1999, and between $5,500 and $11,000 for each claim on or after Sept. 30, 1999. Compensatory and punitive damages are asked to be determined at a trial. Most investigations have involved Medicare, which pays for health care for the elderly and also provides billions of dollars to the nation's teaching hospitals for medical education, including salaries of medical residents.  Reportedly, the University of Louisville is also considering filing suit against Steve Henry alleging the same fraud.
Central Kentucky Dentist Faces Charges
11-7-02  A Harrodsburg dentist may be in some trouble after allegedly numbing a patient and then leaving him unattended for almost two hours. Dr.William Wittwer has been indicted on a charge of wanton endangerment. Jerry Braithwhaite says he went to have a tooth pulled last month and was injected with a painkiller. His girlfriend came looking for him later and says the dentist was nowhere to be found. They called police who located the receptionist who refunded Braithwhaite's money. Wittmer will be arraigned on the charge against him next Tuesday.

Families earn bonus for Kentucky's adoption program by making room in their homes and hearts
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 10, 2002)-Kentucky will receive $796,000 in federal bonus money for dramatically increasing the number of children adopted from state-supervised foster care during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2001. That's the largest bonus the state has received to date under the four-year-old bonus program administered by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. This year, $17.5 million in bonuses went to 23 states and Puerto Rico. Only 10 states won larger bonuses than Kentucky. The Cabinet for Families and Children will use the extra money to bring together more waiting children and families, improve training for foster and
adoptive parents and provide more  ongoing support to families who adopt. The bonuses, part of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, reward states that exceed the number of children adopted from foster care compared to the previous year. States can receive up to $4,000 per additional adopted child and $6,000 for each additional child with special needs. Each state sets its own definition of children with special needs. Kentucky defines them as those who are older, who have brothers and sisters needing to be placed with them or who have moderate to severe disabilities. Kentucky qualified for its latest bonus by increasing its total adoptions from 384 in 2000 to 542 in 2001 and its special-needs adoptions from 93 to 112. Previously, the state's biggest bonus had been $235,765 for the growth in adoptions during the 1999 fiscal year.

Breathitt Man Arrested on Drug Charges 11-7-02
Jackson, Ky. Sheriff John L. Turner along with  Drug enforcement apprehended Randall M. Turner, 33, of 179 Toler Rd in Athol, on allegeded posession of Cocaine, Lorcet, & Marijuana. Mr. Turner was also charged with tampering with evidence.

Gary W. Stidham Pleads Guilty
Jackson, Ky. 11-7-02 Gary W. Stidham plead guilty to attempted armed robbery of Family Pharmacy. Mr. Stidham was sentenced to 114 months in Federal Prison.

HHS APPROVES KENTUCKY PLAN TO INSURE WOMEN WITH BREAST OR CERVICAL CANCER 11-13-02
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today approved Kentucky's request to extend Medicaid benefits to uninsured women who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through a federal screening program.  Kentucky is the most recent state to take advantage of the federal Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act (BCCPT) of  2000, which allowed states to expand Medicaid coverage to these women who otherwise would not have health coverage.  "This expansion offers help, hope and health care to women in Kentucky who otherwise would receive only a diagnosis that may sound like a death sentence," Secretary Thompson said.  "With this change, women who had no health coverage can now get immediate access to lifesaving treatment through Medicaid."  Under the 2000 law, states can extend the full Medicaid benefit package to women who were screened through the National Breast and Cervical
Cancer Early Detection Program run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and found to need treatment for breast or cervical cancer. Since the CDC program began in 1990, more than 3 million breast and cervical cancer screening tests have been provided to more than 1.8 million women. To qualify for Medicaid coverage under the program, women must be under age 65, not eligible for Medicaid and without creditable health care coverage. Under the law, these women may now be eligible for Medicaid benefits for the duration of their cancer treatment.  States that choose to extend  Medicaid benefits to women under this new option will receive a federal match of up to 85 percent of the costs of treatment.  To date, HHS has approved this expanded Medicaid eligibility in 48 states.  Details about this Medicaid option are available at http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/bccp
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