| Breathitt Online News Archives Page #8 |
| A Matter of Principle. 1-26-03 This was sent to the Online News and I thought you should read it Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years. Our Senators and Congress men & women do not pay into Social Security and, of course, they do not collect from it. You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for themselves. So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan. In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan. For all practical purposes their plan works like this: When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die, except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments. For example, former Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives may expect to draw $7,800,000.00 (that's Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275,000.00 during the last years of their lives. This is calculated on an average life span for each. Their cost for this excellent plan is $00.00. Nada. Zilch. This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them. You and I pick up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come directly from the General Funds-our tax dollars at work! From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into-every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer) we can expect to get an average $1,000 per month after retirement. Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000. monthly benefits for 68 years and one (1) month to equal Senator Bill Bradley's benefits! Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made. That change would be to jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and Congressmen. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us ... then sit back and watch how fast they would fix it. **Note** This article is for your general information and not designed to advise you on the matter. HARDSHELL NEWS JAN 24, 2003 OH NAPIER My horse just won't leave me alone. I want to sleep so badly but since it is pouring the rain outside he wants inside this graveyard house with me. It just ain't big enough. I have a little fire built and it is getting dry in here. The dirt on the grave is getting warm in under the cold tombstome. I can make the last name out as Smith on the old handmade rock but the other dates are worn away by time and weather. As soon as the dirt gets a little dryer I am going to sleep. Old Tenn will just have to find him some shelter somewhere in under a bunch of trees. I know he has his belly full. I did get my rifle but he still has on the saddle. He will not leave as like me we are headed to Hardshell. He has been a good horse a long time and a faithful friend. I keep hearing a strange noise which the likes I never heard before and Tenn is acting funny. I swear he must be seeing a ghost as he is trying to kick his way inside. I would shoot him but I cannot walk and then I would have to bury him here on the graveyard and I just ain't up to it. The rain is getting harder and now the lightning and wind is working hard. Hell, Tenn, lets go. I can stand it if you can. My leg has stopped bleeding and I can make it. We are the last outlaws and ain't no use to die on this old graveyard. Just give me a little beef jerky and as stiff drink of moonshine and we will try it. It is so dark and wet as I climb out of the gravehouse. I just put out the warm little fire. OK, Tenn, I am here leave me along. Then I saw in his eyes while the lightning struck. They were green. I slowly looked around to see what he was looking at. It was a beautiful grey horse but it was not standing on the ground, it was floating toward us. I remember the song my old grandma use to sing to me about the pale rider and his horse. Now I was scare. I know I was seeing something unnatural. Was it the sign of the end for me or was it the sign of life? It floated up to Tenn and me, then with those empty eyes I saw death. Suddenly the rain and the storm stopped. I knew I had escaped death thanks to Tenn for warning I made it one more time. The saddle was wet when I threw my self across it but me and Tenn headed out and never looked back, our destination was Hardshell as death would be waiting there for hell for certain. Homemade Bomb Discovered Outside Residence 1-30-03 The Hardin County Sheriff's Department is investigating the discovery of a device outside a residence that is being described as a"home-made bomb." The device did not explode and no one was injured. State police were called yesterday morning when the bomb was found outside the residence of Jack Lloyd. A state police dispatcher says a report described the device as like: "several Molotov cocktails connected to a battery by wires." Explosives experts were called from Frankfort and deactivated the bomb with a device called a "disrupter." No motive for the incident could be determined and no arrests have been made 16 Year Old Dies in Accident Jessamine, Ky 1-28-03 It wasn't until daylight that Chuck Caudill discovered a car in the ditch below his home, and it wasn't until he approached the car that he found a 16 year old boy inside. Caudill was the first to find Stanfield. Authorities say his car slid off Clays Mill Extended in Jessamine County, slammed into this brick mailbox on the drivers side, sending Standfield and the mailbox into the next yard. So now a student body mourns the loss of an honor student and football player. But what happened is complicated for authorities to explain. With no witnesses to the crash, they're still trying to pinpoint when and why it happened, and how a car could hit a brick mailbox with so much force that it would launch it onto a neighbors driveway. NOBLE'S GROCERY ARMED ROBBERY ON 01-24-2003 THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE RECEIVED A CALL THAT NOBLE'S GROCERY HAD BEEN ROBBED AT GUN POINT BY A WHITE MALE AND A WHITE FEMALE. AT APPROXIMATELY 1600 HOURS A PURSUIT BEGAN AFTER THE RED CAMARO THE TWO SUBJECTS WERE DRIVING BYPASSED A SHERIFFS CRUISER AND ENTERED KY. 15 NORTH. TROOPER GARY SANDLIN BEGAN A PURSUIT OF THE SUSPECT VEHICLE ON KY. 15. AT THIS TIME THE RED CAMARO STRUCK A SOUTHBOUND TRUCK AND BECAME DISABLED. THE TWO SUBJECTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HAZARD HOSPITAL AND ADMITTED WITH MINOR INJURIES THEY RECEIVED DURING THE ACCIDENT. BOTH EARL WATKINS AND TERESA SALYERS WATKINS ARE FROM JACKSON, & WERE CHARGED WITH ROBBERY 1ST, THEFT OF A VEHICLE AND NUMEROUS TRAFFIC CHARGES. AT THIS TIME THE CASE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION BY TROOPER TIM MULLINS. WYMT Mountain News 1-25-03 Coal Miner Killed The Kentucky Department of Mines and Minerals reports a Letcher County coal miner's death in a Pike County underground accident. A release from the department this morning says 28-year-old David Wright of Jenkins was killed at 9:45 last night inside the AEP Kentucky Coal, LLC's Mine Number ten. The report says Wright was operating a coal scoop in a 36-inch high coal seam when the scoop came in contact with a water hose. The report says the hose became taut as the scoop continued to push forward and once under enough pressure, snapped, striking and killing Wright. The accident is being investigated by state and federal officials Patton Reacts To Released Prisoner's Rape Charge 1-30-03 Governor Patton reacted Thursday to news a released prisoner is now charged with rape. Forty-year-old Richard McGregor was released from jail last month. He was one of hundreds of prisoners released early to help the state deal with its ongoing budget problems. Police in Hopkinsville say McGregor raped a 25-year-old woman three days after his early release. Teen Killed In Sledding Accident Hillview, KY. 1-28-03 A 17-year-old boy was killed this weekend when a sled he was riding hit a mailbox. Shane Curtis Riggs, of Hillview, was being towed by an automobile when the accident occurred at 1:30 a.m. EST Saturday on Scenic Trail in Bullitt County. Glenda Heath, Bullitt County deputy coroner, said the sled swerved, left the road and hit a 4x4 inch mailbox post. Riggs died instantly, Heath said. "He was doing something we've all been warned about and just lost control," Heath said. Heath said another juvenile was driving the car. Riggs' mother and stepfather, Debbie and Moe Poff, live in Edmonton. His father, Laymon Riggs, lives in Hiseville, according to the Butler Funeral Home in Edmonton. Shane Riggs lives with other relatives in Hillview. (Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press.) From WYMT Mountain News Prescription Drug Usage High In Eastern Kentucky Eastern KY. 1-20-03 Drugstores, hospitals and other legal drug outlets in eastern Kentucky have received more prescription painkillers per capita than anywhere else in the nation. That's according an analysis of Drug Enforcement Agency data from 1998 to 2001. Nearly half a ton of narcotics reached six small mountain counties during that span - the equivalent of three-quarters of a pound for every adult who lives there. Courts and hospitals have been overwhelmed by the influx. The Lexington Herald-Leader found that possession and trafficking charges for all controlled substances jumped 348% in eastern Kentucky from 1997 through 2001. Meanwhile, admissions of prescription-drug addicts to residential drug-treatment centers tripled from 1998 to 2001. The newspaper found Eastern Kentucky counties led the nation in per capita narcotics distribution in 1998, 1999 and 2000. In 2001, the St. Louis area surpassed Kentucky. Seasonally adjusted jobless rate goes up in December FRANKFORT, KY. (Jan. 29, 2003) - Kentucky's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased for the second consecutive month to 5.4 percent in December from 5.1 percent in November, according to the Department for Employment Services, a Cabinet for Workforce Development agency. In December 2001, the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.2 percent. The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate remained at 6 percent from November to December. "The .3 percentage point increase in December is the largest single-month increase in Kentucky's unemployment rate during 2002. Still, the 5.4 percent rate for December 2002 is below the 6.2 percent rate recorded for December 2001. More Drug Charges Filed ON 1-29-2003 TWO SEPARATE BUY BUSTS WERE CONDUCTED IN THE CHAVIES SECTION OF PERRY COUNTY. ANDREW ''JUNK'' HALL AGE 52 OF KRYPTON AND HARRISON SIZEMORE AGE 52, ALSO OF KRYPTON SOLD UNDERCOVER OFFICERS 35 - 40MG OXYCONTIN FOR $ 1365.00. MR. HALL AND CHANDLER WERE CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING IN CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 1ST DEGREE. THE SECOND BUY BUST WAS ARNOLD '' BOONEY'' CHANDLER AGE 60 OF KRYPYON. MR. CHANDLER SOLD UNDERCOVER OFFICERS TWENTY LORTAB FOR $ 200.00. AN ADDITIONAL 20 PILLS WERE RECOVERED FROM MR. CHANDLER. MR. CHANDLER WAS CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING IN CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 2ND DEGREE. ALL BUY MONEY WAS RECOVERED AT THE SCENE. THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE, HAZARD POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND THE PERRY COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE ASSISTED IN THE INVESTIGATION. Seasonally adjusted jobless rate goes up in December FRANKFORT, KY. (Jan. 29, 2003) - Kentucky's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased for the second consecutive month to 5.4 percent in December from 5.1 percent in November, according to the Department for Employment Services, a Cabinet for Workforce Development agency. In December 2001, the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.2 percent. The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate remained at 6 percent from November to December. "The .3 percentage point increase in December is the largest single-month increase in Kentucky's unemployment rate during 2002. Still, the 5.4 percent rate for December 2002 is below the 6.2 percent rate recorded for December 2001. Judge Rejects a Plea Agreement Hazard, Ky 1-27-03Perry Circuit Judge Doug Combs rejected a plea agreement in a gruesome murder case. In December, Jimmy Browning pleaded guilty to the murder of Tamara Beverly. Beverly was beaten and dumped in a septic pond in April, 2001. The plea agreement was reached months ago by Browning's Attorney and the Perry Commonwealth's Attorney. Judge Combs claimed the victim's family did not sign off on the agreement and said he wasn't pleased how the case was handled before the Attorney General's office took it over. Kentucky's Roads Took Over 900 Lives in 2002 1-6-03 2002 was a year of tragedy on Kentucky roadways with the number of fatalities now standing at over 900. What was even more troublesome and shocking for the London State Police Post is that around 70% of those involved in the crashes were not wearing seatbelts. Almost every road in Kentucky, marked with memorabilia can tell a tragic story of lives lost. This year fatalities have hit numbers not seen since 1977 when 958 people were killed. Employees at a Coal Company Are Laid Off Hazard, Ky. 1-6-03 Fifty employees at an Eastern Kentucky Coal Company start the new year without a job. Officials with Pine Branch Coal Company in Perry County say it's a regretful day as they lay off fifty of their workers. The layoff comes after nearly 150 employees were given warn notices back in November of last year. Right now only 50-employees have been sent home the other 100 employees could also lose their jobs in the near future. Officials at Pine Branch say that a slumping economy and a reduced demand for coal is why they were forced to make the cuts. Company officials say they will continue operations and remain hopeful they can rehire everyone in the future, but do not have a specific timeline of when more employees could be laid off or when they could return back to work. Operation Teddy Bear Hits Jackson Jackson, Ky. 1-3-03 Some bigger agencies have purchased bears to give to children when they get called to a domestic, accidents, etc.. Our agency doesn't have the funds right now so I searched around on the internet and finally found someone who could assist us. I wrote to a company in Halfmoon Bay, California about trying to help us out. A couple of weeks later we received 2 large boxes, stuffed with NEW teddy bears. It's called Operation TeddyCare. Each police cruiser, along with the police station will have these teddybears. They will be given to traumatized kids (those impacted by violence, abuse, neglect, conflicts, natural disasters, and accidents). All of these bears were donated by caring Americans to help comfort children. If anyone would like to help with this program, the website is http://teddycare.coastside.net. This will give an address to where the bear can be mailed. Officials Investigate Animal Killings Floyd County 1-6-03 Officials in Floyd County are trying to determine who shot and killed three puppies and left six others in the cold. A Floyd County sheriff's deputy found the puppies Friday by the road near the Middle Creek fire department. Officials were tipped off about the puppies after an anonymous call to Magoffin County's 911 center. The puppies were left inside a circle of garbage bags. They're now in the care of the Floyd County animal shelter. One puppy has been adopted. Anyone with information about the crime should call the Floyd County sheriff. Local Gas Station re-opens under new name & new management. Jackson, Ky. 1-6-03 Appco, formely known as Fillzone, was re-opend with a new owner, Appalacian Oil. Appalacian Oil is located in Blountville Tenn. Manager Rhonda Baker was excited about the store finally being FULLY STOCKED and a better variety on Cigarettes & great prices on Milk. The new store hours will be 5:00am through 12:00 midnight, 7 days a week. Future Looks Bright in Breathitt County Jackson, Ky. 1-6-03 Today at 9:00am, Breathitt County began it's journey towards a brighter future by swearing in newly elected officials at the Breathitt County Courthouse. In a statement by Lew Henry Warrix in which he stated that he was tired of hearing Breathitt County could not improve. He thought this was the right group to get things done and move the county forward. Among those sworn in included, New State Rep. Ted Edmonds Jr. newly elected Breathitt County Attorney, Brendon D. Miller, new coroner, Bobby Thorpe Jr., & Commissioner Steve Banks, as well as Incumbents, Mayor Mike Miller & County Clerk, Tony Watts. We would Like to welcome all our new officials and would like to see everyone support these officials as they guide our wonderful county into a brighter future Son Charged With Killing Father Over Homework Dispute 11-20-02 Louisa, Ky. Police say it's a deadly fight over homework. A 52-year old Lawrence County man is dead after police say his 15-year-old son shot and killed him Sunday night. The shooting happened about eight miles south of Louisa on Kentucky Route 3. The son is charged with murder and is in the Breathitt County detention center. A detective says the argument started when the father questioned the son about his homework. Two Breathitt County Girls Hurt In Accident 11-14-02 Whick, Ky. Two Breathitt County Girls, Tiffany Strong & Heather Carver both remain in serious condition at UK's Trauma ward after they were involved in a collision on HWY 1110, Whick Ky. The accident is still under investigation. Both young woman have suffered several serious injuries, inculding several broken bones. We will update the situation as information becomes available. Winter Heating Tips 11-15-02 For most regions of the country, fall means forgetting about heating and air conditioning for a while. Crisp mornings and moderate temperatures during the day create a comfortable existence with lower-than-average energy usage. Right around the corner, however, is the first frost of winter and the promise of higher energy bills. Is there anything you can do now to impact your energy usage? "Absolutely," says Doug Adams, Air Conditioning Technology Instructor at the Technical Campus of Hazard Community College. "The transition period between the beginning of fall and the first days of cold weather is the perfect time to evaluate your home's energy efficiency and weather resiliency, and service your heating system. All of these things, along with following a few other simple recommendations, can impact your energy usage." Here are some tips Adams gives for making your home as energy-efficient as possible: * Install storm or thermal windows and doors; * Caulk and weather-strip all windows and doors; * Ensure your fireplace has a tight-fitting damper; * Tape and seal leaks in your duct system and coil enclosure. Consider adding insulation to your duct system; * For extremely cold climates, wrap your water heater with an insulated water heater blanket; * Seal gaps between heated and unheated spaces. This may be around pipes, ducts, fans or vents; * Consider installing ceiling fans with reversible motors. In the winter, fans push warm air that collects at ceiling level back down into the room; * If you don't have a programmable thermostat,consider purchasing one; thermostats are a great way to control the temperature in your home for maximum energy efficiency; * Install adequate insulation. Recommended: R-30 in ceilings, R-13 in exterior walls and R-11 in interior walls and floors.Adams also recommends having your heating system serviced, prior to the heating season, by a licensed contractor. Finally, here's what you can do during the heating season to help your heating system run smooth during the season you need it most. * Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions which generally include these instructions: o Keep air-supply outlets and return inlets clear of obstructions. o Clear leaves, brush, and dirt as they accumulate on the outside unit. If there's a pipe for draining condensate water, check it for blockage. o Check the air filter once a month during the operating season. Replace it if it looks dirty (some are washable). Breathitt Man Injured in Car Accident Whick, Ky. A Breathitt County man, Tim Strong of Whick, is listed in serious condition after the car he was driving left the road and went over an embankment. The accident is still under investigation by the Kentucky State Police. Contest Winners !!!!! 12-23-02 Dinner for 2 at Feedstore was won by J. Fugate. DK Fugate, PJ Hamblin & D. Leveridge won One Large one Topping Pizza from Little Caesars. Congratulation to all our winners and to Our Sponsors, THANK YOU !!!!!!!! Kentucky Has Nation's Highest Lung Cancer Rates 11-20-02 A new report says Kentucky led the nation with its lung cancer rates for men and women in 1999. Kentucky was among 37 states, six metropolitan areas and the District of Columbia that provided data about new cases of cancer diagnosis. The numbers represented an estimated 78 percent of the US population, an unprecedented amount of reliable cancer diagnosis data gathered by state cancer registries. Lung cancer rates among Kentucky men topped the national average by 52 percent in 1999. Some 135.6 Kentucky men per 100,000 were diagnosed with lung cancer compared with 89.1 per 100,000 nationally. The disease attacked 2,348 Kentucky men. Women's lung cancer rates in Kentucky also beat the national average by 32 percent. Kentucky's rate was 70.4 cases per 100,000 or 1,598 women in 1999. 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 . Two Breathitt County Girls Hurt In Accident 11-14-02 Whick, Ky. Two Breathitt County Girls, Tiffany Strong & Heather Carver both remain in serious condition at UK's Trauma ward after they were involved in a collision on HWY 1110, Whick Ky. The accident is still under investigation. Both young woman have suffered several serious injuries, inculding several broken bones. We will update the situation as information becomes available. 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 Son Charged With Killing Father Over Homework Dispute 11-20-02 Louisa, Ky. Police say it's a deadly fight over homework. A 52-year old Lawrence County man is dead after police say his 15-year-old son shot and killed him Sunday night. The shooting happened about eight miles south of Louisa on Kentucky Route 3. The son is charged with murder and is in the Breathitt County detention center. A detective says the argument started when the father questioned the son about his homework. Narcotic Treatment Program Hopes to Curb Drug Problem 12-2-02 As communities across the state continue to fight the drug problem, one Eastern Kentucky town believes they are seeing the direct effects of a narcotic treatment program that just opened. OxyContin, Lortab, and Lorcet are prescription drugs that in Eastern Kentucky have a high rate of illegal use, but a new narcotic treatment center is hoping to curb that. The clinic wasn't welcomed with open arms, some community members were scared it might increase drug use in the area and it's location didn't help, the center is located where federal investigators say a doctor freely handed out OxyContin and other narcotic prescriptions. The center does not hand out prescriptions, but does treat addicts on an outpatient basis with counselors, psychiatrists and treatment drugs like methodone. If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in the narcotic treatment program you can reach them at (606) 789-6966. Kentucky Has Nation's Highest Lung Cancer Rates 11-20-02 A new report says Kentucky led the nation with its lung cancer rates for men and women in 1999. Kentucky was among 37 states, six metropolitan areas and the District of Columbia that provided data about new cases of cancer diagnosis. The numbers represented an estimated 78 percent of the US population, an unprecedented amount of reliable cancer diagnosis data gathered by state cancer registries. Lung cancer rates among Kentucky men topped the national average by 52 percent in 1999. Some 135.6 Kentucky men per 100,000 were diagnosed with lung cancer compared with 89.1 per 100,000 nationally. The disease attacked 2,348 Kentucky men. Women's lung cancer rates in Kentucky also beat the national average by 32 percent. Kentucky's rate was 70.4 cases per 100,000 or 1,598 women in 1999. Kentucky's Last World War I Veteran has Died , Mr. Elwyn Coffman was Commonwealth's last veteran who deployed to France during World War I 11-18-02 Mr. Elwyn Coffman of Fulton, KY passed away October 31, 2002 just a few weeks short of 105 years of age. Born December 7, 1897, Mr. Elwyn Maurice Coffman of Fulton, Kentucky was just 15 days away from his 20th birthday when he first heard of President Woodrow Wilson's call for volunteers for the armed services. In college at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green studying accounting, Coffmam felt it was his duty. So, without telling his parents or his fiancée, he enlisted in the Army on November 22, 1917. Coffman received basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. While there he learned that his father did not want his only son in the Army. An Army Captain came to him one day and told Coffman of his father's attempt to intervene. Coffman simply said he had started something and he was going to see it through to completion. "Good enough" was the officer's reply. Coffman served in the Quartermaster Corps in France and was released from the service on September 27, 1919 when his enlistment was up. Just in case you are wondering...Mr. Coffman returned to the states and married Hyacinth, his childhood sweetheart and girl he'd left behind to enlist. Starting literally with a vest pocket full of seeds, Coffman went on to become very successful in the agriculture business as the world's largest producer of Sericea seeds. Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Fatalities 12-2-02 (FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* show that two people died in two separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways during the Thanksgiving holiday. The number of fatalities decreased drastically from the 2001 holiday period during which 10 people died in nine crashes. Of the two fatal Thanksgiving holiday crashes, preliminary data indicates alcohol was a suspected factor in one of the crashes. Only one of the victims was wearing a safety belt. The single fatality crashes occurred in Fayette and Hardin counties. The official Thanksgiving holiday period ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 27 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2002. All statistics are from that time period. The 2002 highway fatality count currently stands at 819. This represents a drastic increase from this same period in 2001, up 58. At the current rate, Kentucky could surpass 900 fatalities for 2002, making this year one of the deadliest 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 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. Breathitt Man Injured in Car Accident Whick, Ky. A Breathitt County man, Tim Strong of Whick, is listed in serious condition after the car he was driving left the road and went over an embankment. The accident is still under investigation by the Kentucky State Police. Contest Winners !!!!! Dinner for 2 at Feedstore was won by J. Fugate. DK Fugate, PJ Hamblin & D. Leveridge won One Large one Topping Pizza from Little Caesars. Congratulation to all our winners and to Our Sponsors, THANK YOU !!!!!!!! Back to Main Archives Click Here Back to Online News Click Here Morehead On Alert After Rape On Campus 1-30-03 Morehead State University President Ronald Eaglin has issued a safety alert after learning that a 20-year-old woman, who is not a student, told state police she was raped on the MSU campus Tuesday morning by three unknown males. The alleged victim says she was forced to take drugs that kept her from reporting the incident. President Eaglin says that warning notices are posted on the university web site and throughout campus residence halls and other buildings. Morehead State public safety says it was told last night by state police about the alleged incident. People are being asked to use extreme caution because the suspects are still at large. Anyone with information is asked to call Morehead State public safety. The alert comes as Kentucky State Police investigate whether employees at Morehead State University's clinic properly treated a former student who claims she was gang-raped. State police say at least two employees are being investigated. Last fall a 17-year-old female student claimed she had been sexually assaulted by five male students in a dorm. Nathan Blackburn, Jordan Tackett, Trevor Duncan, Quinton Martindale and Calvin Roach pleaded not guilty. Their trial is set for July 28th. All of the men are out on bond. They face twenty years to life if convicted. Breathitt County Treasurer Retires Jackson, Ky 1-31-03 Faye Miller, long time County Treasurer enjoyed a retirement dinner provided by her friends and family. Faye, center, is shown here with Son Thomas Miller along with his wife Lisa and their daughter. It has been a long enjoyable time for Faye, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting her. Mining Accident in Eastern Kentucky Kills One 12-15-02 A 31-year-old miner is dead after a mining accident in eastern Kentucky last night. Elmer Roland Hammonds, II was pronounced dead at about one this morning. The mine, near Jenkins in Letcher County, was owned by American Mining Company. Holly McCoy, spokeswoman for the Kentucky Department of Mines and Minerals. She says the accident occurred at 9:30 pm yesterday. McCoy says Hammonds was operating a double-headed roof drill in about 59-hundred feet underground. Officials believe the victim's head got caught between the boom and canopy of the drill. The boom pushes the bolts into the mine's roof. The canopy covers the drill and driller from roof debris. McCoy says Hammonds had been a miner for 12 years - working at the Letcher County mine for about two months. Car Accident Kills Toddler 12-15-02 It's a parents worst nightmare, your child is killed in a traffic accident. For one Floyd County family, that nightmare became a reality. Besides mourning the loss of their daughter, this family is also searching for the person responsible. The grief is almost too much for Denise Collins, she along with her husband, son and daughter were on their way home Thursday Night on Kentucky 2030 when they were struck by another car. The accident killed her daughter Stacia, who would have turned 3 on Monday. Whoever was driving the car that hit them didn't even stop. Denise Collins explains what she remembers seeing before the crash, "I just remember turning the curve and seeing the car and praying that they wouldn't hit us, but they did and it knocked us a real long way." Police have been able to locate the other car involved in the accident and it's owner, but have not yet determined who was driving the car. While police investigate, Stacia's family tries to cope which includes looking at Christmas presents that will never be opened. "I want them to be found and i want them to pay for what they did," Denise told WYMT. If you have any information regarding this accident you are asked to call the state police and you can remain anonymous, their toll free number is 1-800-222-5555. HCC student poem reflects on his home 12-15-02 Hazard Community College faculty member Lisa Maggard is always delighted when she sees the good work from her students. Below is the work of Brandon Coleman of Hindman writing about the land where he lives. "I really like this poem," Mrs. Maggard commented. "This is just one example of the fine work of our Hazard Community College students." I Am From I am from majestic green covered mountains, From bluegill infested fountains, From autumn colored leaves that engulf the land, From the scenery drawn on the back of God's hand. I am from Grandma's delicious soup beans that you have to try, From monstrous onion heads that make grown men cry, From dumplings that will melt in your mouth, From cinnamon flavored gingerbread; the best in the south. I am from the gentleness of grass running between my toes, From the chill felt as the cool wind blows, From the slippery worm that hides between my fingers, From the sharp blackberry bushes where the dangerous copperhead lingers. I am from the sweet fragrance that comes from the various flowers, From the fresh smell that comes from April showers, From the scent that arises from a warm apple pie, From the barbecue that goes on near by. I am sweet melodies that the hummingbirds sing, From the thunderous cheers at Patriot stadium that make my ears ring, From the heart stopping sound of a engines roar, From the thumping of a Jehovah witness knocking at the door. I am from a childhood filled with laughs and tears, From a loving family that wiped away my adolescent fears, From many trails in life that have taught me everything I know, From the blessings of God that follow me everywhere I go. By Brandon Coleman Hindman, Kentucky Police Continue To Investigate Boy's Death 1-3-03 Investigators are trying to piece together how a toddler was fatally wounded by a .22-caliber revolver during a family gathering New Year's Eve. Investigators are conducting ballistics tests, looking for fingerprints and checking for gunpowder residue to determine if 3-year-old Jaryon Mathis fired the gun that killed him. Authorities also want to know who moved the weapon from the upstairs bedroom, where Jaryon was shot, to the kitchen table downstairs, where police discovered it. So far, the child's family has not given police the answers to those questions, Georgetown Police Chief Alonzo B. Palmer said. "Somebody knows what happened in that home," Palmer said. "If it was an accident, come and tell us, talk to us. It's weighing heavy on our hearts and we want to know." Jaryon died shortly before 2 a.m. New Year's Day at University of Kentucky Medical Center, about five hours after his family discovered him in an upstairs bedroom with a single bullet wound to the chest. The shooting happened in the apartment of the boy's great-aunt, Vivian Scrubbs, while Jaryon, his mother, Riquita Mathis, and other relatives were visiting. Family members told police that Jaryon was alone upstairs playing video games or watching a video when they heard a "pop." Police want to find out who owns the weapon. The woman who rented the apartment told police she had no weapons in the home, Palmer said. Woman Killed by Pellet from Air Rifle 12-30-02 Preliminary autopsy findings show a pellet firedfrom an air rifle killed a Paducah woman. Forty-four-year-old Rhonda Williams died early Thursday morning after being shot in the chest during a Christmas party. McCracken County Coroner Dan Sims says the pellet that struck Williams' lacerated the main artery to the heart. Authorities have charged 32-year-old Douglas Terrell with second-degree manslaughter in William's death. The shooting happened at Terrell's home at the Saxony Mobile Home Park. Williams' small puncture wound was not immediately noticeable to emergency workers. It wasn't discovered until after X-rays of Williams' were taken at Lourdes Hospital Sexual Assault Suspects Turn Themselves In 12-30-02 Two men indicted for using a minor in a sexual performance at Morehead State University turned themselves into police. 19-year-old Jordan Tackett of Jenkins and 19-year-old Trevor Duncan of Olympia are being held in the Rowan County jail. Police are still looking for Nathan Blackburn, Quinton Martindale, and Calvin Roach who are also supects in the assault. The men were indicted after police say they sexually assaulted a minor September 14th in a campus dorm. Better Business Warning 12-28-02 The Better Business Bureau system has issued a national consumer alert to warn of a scam targeting families who have had a loved one pass away. Exodus Collection Services, which bills itself as a dept collection agency for Alliant Bank, is sending Alliant Visa Cards to people across the U.S. that have had a recent death in the family. The invoices come addressed to the deceased family member in amounts ranging from $100 to more than $700. Recipients are told to send a money order. The BBB of Deleware has found this to be a credit card invoice scam. The phone number on the invoice has been disconnected and the address is just a mail drop. Unfortunately, many people will pay the invoice without question, not knowing whether their recenty deceased member ever actually incurred the debt. If you or anyone you know receives an invoice for an Alliant Visa Card from Exodus Collection Services please notify the Better Business Bureau at , toll free- 1-800-866-6668 Fax line 859-259- 1639 or info@ky.bbb.org Native American Traditions Spotlighted In Lake Cumberland SRP Event FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 30, 2002)The annual Native American Weekend at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park near Jamestown offers guests an opportunity to learn more about the culture and traditions of our region's first residents. The 2003 edition of this special weekend is scheduled for Jan. 31-Feb. 1. On Friday evening, guests will be entertained by music on Indian flute and fiddle. Saturday's busy schedule includes presentations on Native American traditions and genealogy, animal totems, storytelling, and myths. Also scheduled is a native dance demonstration. In the evening, a buffalo dinner buffet will be served. The Native American Weekend is presented jointly by the park and Indian Creek Productions. The package price of $159 per couple includes two nights' lodging, all sessions, and the buffalo dinner. For reservations, call 1-800-325-1709. For more information, call park naturalist Steve Thomas at 1-270-343-3111. **This Story Updated 12-23-02** Identity theft can perpetuate legal woes PHILADELPHIA WOMAN CHARGED IN KY. 12-22-02 Leslie Sampson fought for years to untangle herself from a web of fraud that started in 1995 when someone stole her identity and rang up bad debts. She sued to restore her good name and got results. Last year, credit bureaus responded to her contention that she was a victim and cleared her record. Creditors backed off. And a bank that had docked her account for a bad check issued a refund. But her problems were far from over. CLICK HERE for Full Story. Gun that killed boy, 3, checked for prints ANY WITNESSES ASKED TO SPEAKUP By Frank E. Lockwood HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER 1-3-03 GEORGETOWN - Law enforcement officials are checking the fingerprints on the weapon that fatally wounded 3-year-old Jaryon Mathis on New Year's eve. They want to know who owns the .22-caliber revolver, who fired it, and who moved it from the upstairs bedroom, where the boy was shot, to the kitchen table downstairs, where police officials found it. So far, the child's family members aren't supplying the answers to those questions, said Georgetown Police Chief Alonzo B. Palmer. Yesterday, Palmer urged anyone with information to come forward, warning that the person who moved the gun faces possible evidence-tampering charges. "Somebody knows what happened in that home," he said. "If it was an accident, come and tell us, talk to us ... It's weighing heavy on our hearts and we want to know." So far, police have interviewed several people, including the child's mother, Riquita Mathis, and his great-aunt, Viv-ian Scrubbs. Officials are conducting ballistic tests and are checking for gunpowder residue on the child to see whether it's possible he fired the gun himself. Yesterday, the child's mother declined to answer a reporter's questions. Jaryon Mathis, his mother and other relatives were visiting Scrubbs' apartment when the shooting occurred. Family members told police that Jaryon Mathis was alone upstairs playing video games or watching a video when they heard a "pop Mild Earthquake Rattles Kentucky 1-3-03 Some Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky residents felt a jolt from a small earthquake Friday morning. A very mild earth tremor was recorded in southwestern Illinois at 11:17 a.m. EST, according to Ray Bowman of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. Bowman said there were no reports of damage or injuries. The quake, centered about 30 miles west of Henderson, Kentucky, registered 2.9, according to a U.S. Geological Survey spokeswoman. The same area had a more noticeable tremor on June 18 with a 5.0 magnitude earthquake that was centered about 10 miles north of Evansville, Ind. That quake caused no major damage or injuries but was felt at least 250 miles away - as far north as South Bend, Ind., and as far south as Memphis, Tenn. Human Services/Social Work 9-19-02 Hazard Ky. Two new faculty members have joined the Human Services/Social Work program offered by Eastern Kentucky University and Hazard Community College on the Hazard campus. Students can obtain a bachelor's degree in Hazard from EKU. Shown above, from left. are Dr. Pat Peacock, EKU faculty; Cindy Plummer, HCC human services program coordinator; Joan Enochs, HCC human services faculty and EKU adjunct faculty; and Jim Gibson, EKU faculty. Enochs and Gibson began teaching full-time this fall semester. Those interested in enrolling for the spring semester can contact Dr. Peacock at 436-5721, ext. 8020 or Plummer at ext. 8018 now. Students are encouraged to apply for EKU classes by Oct. 31. Painkillers flood mountainous Eastern Kentucky in record amounts BY LINDA J. JOHNSON Knight Ridder Newspapers. 1-23-03 (KRT) - Eastern Kentucky is the prescription-painkiller capital of the United States, a place where narcotics such as OxyContin and Vicodin pour in at much higher rates than in Miami, Detroit or Los Angeles. Nearly half a ton of narcotics reached parts of seven small mountain counties from 1998 to 2001 - the equivalent of more than 3,000 milligrams for every adult who lives there. A typical pill might contain 10 to 20 milligrams. All the drugs were legal, but they didn't all stay that way. In fact, federal officials say, the more legal narcotics are available in an area, the more will be diverted to illegal use. That's bad news for a region suffering from nothing less than a prescription-drug crisis. In an analysis of federal data, the Lexington Herald-Leader found that, on a per capita basis, Eastern Kentucky drugstores, hospitals and other legal outlets received more prescription painkillers than anywhere else in the nation. April Vallerand, a Detroit pain expert, thinks doctors should manage patients' real pain more aggressively. But "I can't imagine that Kentucky has any more pain than Detroit has. There's something going on," she said. In truth, Eastern Kentucky has plenty of pain: the pain of an addiction epidemic, state health officials say. _A state police captain says that for every prescription-drug dealer his officers take off the small-town streets, four replacements are ready to take over. _A public defender in Perry County estimates that 95 percent of his clients either sell or abuse prescription drugs. _Eastern Kentucky circuit court dockets are jammed; possession and trafficking charges for all controlled substances jumped 348 percent from 1997 through 2001. _Residential drug-treatment centers are overwhelmed. Their admissions of prescription-drug addicts tripled from 1998 to 2001. "This may be the first epidemic - if it is an epidemic - that started in rural areas," said Richard Clayton, an addiction expert who heads the University of Kentucky's Center for Prevention Research. Clayton and others have known for some time that Eastern Kentuckians use lots of prescription drugs, legitimate or otherwise. He said he suspects that many turn to drugs for relief from poverty, unemployment and low educational attainment. The nation caught a glimpse of Appalachia's drug dependency in 2001, when major media outlets carried stories about the abuse of OxyContin, a painkiller linked to dozens of overdose deaths in Eastern Kentucky and elsewhere. Still, national experts said they were surprised by the Herald-Leader's analysis of data from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. The DEA tracks the distribution of all controlled substances used in medicines. Dr. Eduardo Bruera, who directs pain treatment at the noted M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, said he was amazed. "Ten years ago, I would have said, `Hooray for you, your region is to be commended' " for treating pain, Bruera said. "Now, I have to ask who is being treated for which condition." --- Eastern Kentucky counties led the nation in per capita narcotics distribution in 1998, 1999 and 2000, the newspaper found. In 2001, the St. Louis area passed Kentucky, driven by large increases in the amount of OxyContin and of morphine, which is widely used to treat pain after surgery. St. Louis is home to many oncologists, plus a teaching hospital, which accounts for some of its numbers, said Susan McCann, administrator of the Missouri Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. As a whole, the nation saw rapid growth in the amount of prescription narcotics distributed during the late `90s, which reflected a national trend toward treating chronic pain more aggressively. One Appalachian pain specialist suggested that Eastern Kentucky, with its older population, many injured coal miners and high rates of lung cancer, might need large amounts of narcotics to treat legitimate pain sufferers. "An older population with more chronic disease and more chronic pain would, of course, explain at least part of the need for more pain meds," said Dr. Philip Fisher, head of the Huntington, W.Va.-based Appalachian Pain Foundation, a non-profit organization. The foundation, which tries to teach health care providers and law enforcement officials about the proper use of painkillers, is funded by dues-paying members, most of them health care providers, Fisher said. As it was forming in 2001, however, it received a $20,000 matching grant from Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin. Fisher said the grant has had no effect on the foundation's work. Fisher and other pain specialists argue that law enforcement intimidates too many doctors into avoiding the use of OxyContin to treat pain. The American Pain Foundation, a non-profit that lobbies for better access to pain treatment, says that 33 million to 125 million Americans suffer from under-treated pain - a claim other experts find hard to believe. "Pain in the butt, I can believe," said UK's Clayton, laughing at the suggestion that more than 40 percent of Americans are in pain. Deciding who really needs narcotics isn't easy for doctors whose practices serve low-income people, said Dr. Danny Clark, a Somerset, Ky., physician and chairman of the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure. Such patients "do not have the money to go to places to be evaluated for chronic pain," Clark said. So to relieve their pain, doctors prescribe pills. It ought to be easy to tell the difference between legitimate sufferers and addicts, said April Vallerand, an assistant professor at Detroit's Wayne State University who serves on pain advisory panels. In 2000, she won a three-year, $489,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute to study cancer pain management in the home. "My patients with pain take these drugs so they can go back out and do the things that are important in their lives," Vallerand said. "My addicted population takes them to escape."--- Peyton Reynolds, head of the Hazard office of the Department of Public Advocacy, said he sees many addicts among his clients - 95 percent of whom sell or use prescription drugs, he said. "Our economy has failed," Reynolds said. "Young people are in despair. They have no future." Police who try to stop the pill-sellers say the nature of the crimes makes enforcement seem like trying to hold back the tide. With drugs such as cocaine and marijuana, police could occasionally work their way to Mr. Big, said Capt. Mike Reichenbach, who heads drug investigations in Eastern Kentucky for the Kentucky State Police. "You work it long enough, you get back to the head and take it out," Reichenbach said. But in the prescription-drug trade, each day brings a new kingpin: whoever "has got their prescription filled at 9 a.m.," he said. Those who get arrested sometimes wind up in the care of people such as Scott Walker, the substance abuse program director for Mountain Comprehensive Care. Every person in Mountain Comp's 21-bed Layne House in Prestonsburg, Ky., is a recovering prescription-drug addict. Each might have another addiction as well, but it's "Lorcet, Lortabs and Oxy, mostly," Walker said. "They are younger and sicker," Walker said, compared with clients from previous years. Layne House residents are rarely older than 30. The number of people seeking residential treatment for painkiller addiction in Eastern Kentucky nearly tripled from 1998 through 2001, and the wait for admission to one of the region's five community treatment centers can take several months. Prescription-drug abuse has been "slow and insidious over the years; the last three or four years, it's been overwhelming," Walker said. Lexington Herald-Leader (Lexington, Ky.). Story Contributions by; Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services Missy's Video of Old Buck Vandalized Again 9-21-02 Canoe Ky. Sometime during the night last night, someone vandalized Missy's Video again. This time the vandals destroyed a coke machine in an effort to rob it. The protective bars were torn off it to gain access to it. If you have any clues as to the identity of the person or persons involved, contact the authorities Another Coroner Candidate Files 9-20-02 Breathitt County Ky. Jimmy Robinson of Blanton Bridge has filed for write-in coroner. Tony Watts confirmed the filing bringing the official total so far for coroner to four. George Spicer, Lacy Miller, Bobby Thorpe & now Jimmy Robinson have all officially filed as of today. Teacher Accused Of Taping Student's Mouth 9-21-02 A teacher in Harlan County is accused of taping a third grader's mouth shut with duct tape. Bobby and Teresa Lewis say their nine-year-old son, Steven, came home from Cumberland Elementary School in tears. He says the teacher taped his mouth when he talked in class. The teacher, Janey Feher, has not been charged with anything, and no disciplinary action has been taken. We were unable to contact her. Superintendent Tim Saylor says he's investigating. Georgetown Twelve-Year-Old Missing; Police Want Public's Help 9-19-02 Georgetown police want your help to find a 12-year-old boy. Noah Taylor Perkins was last seen Wednesday at three at Georgetown Middle School. He's five-foot-two, 80 pounds, with short, black hair. He was wearing a navy blue golf shirt, khaki pants, and white tennis shoes. Anyone with information is asked to call Georgetown police. Another Coroner Candidate Files 9-20-02 Breathitt County Ky. Jimmy Robinson of Blanton Bridge has filed for write-in coroner. Tony Watts confirmed the filing bringing the official total so far for coroner to four. George Spicer, Lacy Miller, Bobby Thorpe & now Jimmy Robinson have all officially filed as of today. Patton Denies Woman's Allegation Of Affair 9-18-02 Frankfort, Ky. Governor Paul Patton is is denying allegations raised by a member of the Lottery Board that he exchanged political favors for sex. The allegations come in an interview with WHAS-TV in Louisville. In the interview, Tina Conner claims she had an affair with Patton that lasted two years. She also says he used his power to help her during that time, and turned state government against her nursing home after the affair ended. The governor's office issued a statement late Tuesday afternoon. In it, Patton "denies any inappropriate contact with Ms. Conner or on her behalf." The statement goes on to say that Conner's allegations are -- quote --"acts of desperation from a nursing home operator whose facility has been decertified for numerous health and safety violations..." Patton also said he directed two state cabinets to review their records relating to Ms. Conner. He says the review shows -- quoting from Patton's statement -- "no evidence of any improper influence being used concerning her or her businesses." Patton's office says it will not make any other comment because Conner's nursing home is suing. Video Catches Mother Beating Child 9-22-02 Indiana police are looking for a woman who was caught on tape beating her child. The woman is from the Ft. Worth, Texas area and has a criminal record.The images are disturbing--a mother viciously beating her 4-year-old daughter in full-view of a security camera. But, police in Indiana say they released the video for the sake of the child. The incident took place last Friday, but police have not been able to find the mother or her child, so they are asking the people of Indiana for help. The mother's name is Madelyn Gorman, sometimes known as Madelyn Toogood. Her daughter's name is Martha. The other woman in the video is Madelyn's sister--now in police custody. Authorities are very worried about the child, wondering that if the mother can be so violent in a public place, what might she be doing at home. Breathitt Man Pleads Guilty to drug Charges 8-26-02 Breathitt County Ky.ON 08-14-2002 GARY STIDHAM OF BREATHITT COUNTY ENTERED GUILTY PLEAS TO A VIOLATION OF ATTEMPTED ROBBERY OF FAMILY PHARMACY IN JACKSON, KY AND ALSO TO USING A FIREARM DURING THE CRIME. THE PLEA WAS ENTERED BEFORE JUDGE JOSEPH HOOD IN US DISTRICT COURT IN LEXINGTON, KY. THE INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED BY ATF, THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE IN HAZARD, JACKSON P.D., AND THE BREATHITT SHERIFF'S OFFICE. Drug Conviction 8-26-02 Perry County, Ky. TWO PERRY COUNTY PEOPLE WERE RECENTLY SENTENCED IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT IN LEXINGTON BY JUDGE JENNIFER B. COFFMAN. THE TWO SUBJECTS WERE 57 YEAR OLD JIM SMITH AND 32 YEAR OLD HAZEL WILLIAMS, BOTH OF COMBS IN PERRY COUNTY. BOTH SUBJECTS PLEAD GUILTY TO POSSESSION OF WITH THE INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE AND TO DISTRIBUTE OXYCONTIN. BOTH JIM SMITH AND HAZEL WILLIAMS COMMITTED THE CRIME WHILE ON BOND RELEASE FROM EARLIER CHARGES. THE CASE WAS INVESTIGATED BY THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE IN HAZARD AND THE HAZARD CITY POLICE. THE CASE WAS PROSECUTED BY ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY ROGER WEST. Hatfields and McCoys are In Court 1-26-03 Descendants of the nation's most famous feuding families are facing off in court to settle a dispute over access to an Eastern Kentucky Cemetery. This trial centers around one family wanting to have the cemetery as a tourist attraction while the other wants their privacy. John Vance, a decendent of the Hatfield family owns the property leading to the cemetary where several people who were killed in the feud are buried. He doesn't want hundreds of people on his land while the McCoy's want the cemetary to be a tourist attraction. Vance says he does not want to deny access to everyone, he just doesn't want hundreds of people on tours coming to see it. The judge should make a ruling in this case in the next few days Armed Robbery of a Pharmacy 1-26-03 Police in Laurel County are investigating the armed robbery of a pharmacy, where masked gunmen made off with a sizeable amount of prescription drugs. Authorities say two men broke into Thompson's Drug Store Monday night demanding money and drugs. Police say the drug store was an appealing target due to the drug store's close proximity to I-75. Anyone who may have information on the case is encouraged to contact the London Police, Laurel County Sheriff's Office, or the Kentucky State Police. First National Bank Clock Hit By Truck Jackson, Ky. 1-15-03 Today around 2:00pm a Solid Waste Management truck, moving down Main St. going through the construction in front of the Old Jefferson Hotel, Hit the clock hanging on the 1st National Bank Building. The street was closed so that the sign could be supported and secured to keep it from falling. Woman's Adult Exercise Classes has opening Jackson, Ky. 1-7-03 Jamie Davidson is conducting woman's adult exercise classes both days & evenings. Day classes are held on Tuesday & Thursdays from 11:30am - 12:45pm. Evening classes are held on Monday & Thursdays from 6:30pm - 7:45pm. Classes are held behind the Grace Brethern Church formely the Deaton Bros Building next to Adas Flowers. For more information contact Jamie Davidson at 666-4466. Perry Judges Office Broken in to ON 01-13-2003 THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE IN HAZARD RECEIVED A CALL THAT THE PERRY COUNTY DISTRICT JUDGE'S OFFICE HAD BEEN BROKEN INTO. THE BURGLARY OCCURRED BETWEEN 2:00 P.M. 0N 01-12-2003 AND 8:00A.M. ON 01-13-2003. TWO COMPUTERS VALUED AT APPROX $3,000 WERE TAKEN FROM THE OFFICE. TOOLS VALUED AT $ 600.00 WERE ALSO TAKEN FROM A MAINTENANCE OFFICE DURING THE BURGLARY. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CRIME IS ASKED TO CALL THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE AT 1-800-222-5555 OR 606-435-6069. AT THIS TIME THE INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING BY DETECTIVE KEN DUFF. BULAN MAN KILLED IN AUTO ACCIDENT 1-13-03 49 YEAR OLD DANNY W.DEATON OF BULAN WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON KY. 1146 WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE 2000 MODEL CHEVROLET TRUCK HE WAS OPERATING. THE TRUCK OVERTURNED AFTER STRIKING A DITCH AND EJECTED THE DRIVER. MR. DEATON WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HAZARD HOSPITAL WERE HE WAS PROUNCED DEAD BY THE PERRY COUNTY CORONER. ON 01-16-2003 THE KENTUCKY STATE POLICE DRUG ENFORCEMENT SECTION EAST BRANCH, HIDTA DRUG TASK FORCE, ATF, ABC, AND THE PERRY COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE EXECUTED A FEDERAL SEARCH WARRANT AT THE RESIDENCE AND BUSINESS AT EXIT 56 LIQUOR BELONGING TO FRANK ''MACK'' COUCH. A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS INCLUDING OXYCONTIN, LORCET, XANAX, TYLOX, AND METHADONE WAS LOCATED DURING THE SEARCH ALONG WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA. ALSO SEIZED DURING THE SEARCH WERE SEVERAL GUNS, CARS, AND SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASH. MR. COUCH WAS ARRESTED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE FEDERAL COURTHOUSE IN LONDON. THE ARREST WAS THE RESULT OF A 3 MONTH INVESTIGATION BY STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES. COUNTY ATTORNEY CORNER WITH BREATHITT COUNTY ATTORNEY BRENDON D. MILLER 1-12-03 Hello, citizens of Breathitt County. I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you for providing me the opportunity to serve as your County Attorney for the next four years. During my campaign, I noticed that as I spoke with people about why I wanted to be County Attorney, most had no idea what the job involves and the many far-ranging duties that the County Attorney must undertake. I decided that once elected, I would attempt to educate the public as much as possible about what the job actually entails, and attempt to explain associated issues. As County Attorney, I will be a prosecutor, counsel for the Fiscal Court and county officials, a tax collector, and handle all issues regarding child support. I have found that the more educated a person is on an issue, the more receptive they are to another person’s viewpoint. Also, education allows people to understand what rights and responsibilities they have under the law. Initially, I would like to announce that I will personally maintain an office in the Courthouse. The County Attorney Office is Room 209 and is located at the left end of the hallway on the main floor of the Courthouse. It is my understanding that I will be the first County Attorney to actively work in the County Attorney Office in the last couple of administrations. I believe that the citizens of this county deserve to have the County Attorney in the Courthouse where matters can be addressed in an open setting, not in a private office where other factors can come into play. To this end, I have presently began significant improvements to the office that my staff and I hope will make the actual office a place that you, the citizens, can be proud of and exhibit the wise use of your tax dollars. The office hours will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to noon, and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The Saturday office hours will either be maintained in the Courthouse or at my private law office/Division of Child Support located at 1128 Main Street, upstairs over First National Bank, depending upon which of my staff is scheduled to work that date. The County Attorney phone number is 666-3808, my office number is 666-4400, and Child Support number is 666-5927. Due to the overwhelming response to my election website, I have launched a new website for the County Attorney Office which I hope will be a resource for all Breathitt Countians. The site address is www.breathittcoattorney.com, and is currently under construction. In the future, this site will be the place to find links to such things as court dockets and statute searches. I appreciate this paper allowing me this space to perform this public service. I will attempt to address an issue each month or as time permits. If you have any ideas or comments please email me at coattyoffice@breathittcoattorney.com. Let’s Build a Better Breathitt County Together! Two Perry Countians Arrested for Stealing Out of Cars Jackson, Ky. 9-9-02 On Thursday September 5th, Jackson Police Officer, Claude Barrett, reponding on a tip from Breathitt Ambulance workers, arrested two Perry County residents stealing from cars here in Jackson. Darlene Neace & Roman L. Noble were arrested and charged with possessing burglary tools, receiving stolen property, over $300.00, Theft unlawful taking under $300.00, fleeing & evading 2nd degree. What can you do to prevent these types of theft? Lock your vehicle. Do not leave valuables in car. If you see someone acting suspicious around vehicles, call the police. It is your tips, like this one, that help catch these crooks. Police Chief Caudill stated that Officer Barrett done a great job apprehending these two and wanted to thank the Ambulance employees for their tip. Breathitt Youth Dies as Result of Car Wreck 8-25-02 Wolverine, Ky. On 8-21-02, the Kentucky State Police were dispatched to an automobile accident on KY 3193 at Wolverine. 44 year old James Saint was traveling south when he lost control of his Ford Windstar Van and left the roadway. The van then overturned in the river. A 14 year old female youth was freed from the van by her father, who gave her cpr until emergency personnel could arrive. The youth was transported to the hospital in Jackson before being taken to the UK Medical Center. The youth died on 8-25-02 from injuries received during the accident. James Saint was arrested on several charges related to the accident. Seatbelts were in use at the time of the accident. |
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