[Local News]

Grand Jury Indicts Two Clay County Residents

A grand jury indicts two Clay Countians on charges of fraud and theft. Court officials say Stella House and Stephen Hoop are both charged with two counts of forgery and three counts of theft. They say this all stems from the two stealing timber then falsifying deeds.

They will be arraigned in court in March.

Read the entire story at....

[Kentucky News]

Governor Fletcher Presents $3.1 Million for Clay County Projects
Funding for new health department, water projects, veterans’ memorial


Governor Ernie Fletcher

Governor Ernie Fletcher visited Manchester today to present more than $3.1 million in funding for community development projects in Clay County. Governor Fletcher presented local officials with $500,000 in state bond funds to construct the Clay County Health Center and $250,000 in state bond funds for sewer line extensions to the site. The health center is expected to open in April.

“The new health care center is an important step toward a healthier Clay County,” said Governor Fletcher. “The improved facility will make it possible for more citizens to receive quality health care services. This project is an example of how local and state officials are working together to strengthen critical public health infrastructure in small communities across the commonwealth.”

Governor Fletcher also announced $2 million in state bond funding for water lines and other infrastructure to ensure that local residents have clean, safe drinking water. The total included $1 million that the Governor presented to the city of Manchester for construction of a water plant and water line extensions. Built in the 1960s, the existing water plant is unable to meet the needs of the growing community. In addition, the Governor announced $1 million in bond funding for Clay County for various water line extension projects.

“Water infrastructure improvements are an important investment in the future of Clay County,” said Sen. Robert Stivers (R-Manchester). “These upgrades will improve services for residents and increase our ability to attract additional industry to this area.”

Governor Fletcher presented a ceremonial check for $400,000 in state bond funds to Clay County officials for improvements to the county administration building. The funding will also be used to construct a veterans’ memorial on the property.

“Veterans and their families need to know how much we value their service,” said Rep. Tim Couch (R-Hyden). “The new memorial will provide us with a way to honor their sacrifice by remembering the names of the men and women in our community who have paid the ultimate price in service to our country.”

The preceding was a press release from....

[Local News]

The "City Of Hope" Receives Money
Danielle Morgan, wymtnews.com

It's now called the city of hope and Manchester officials just unveiled new signs leading into the city with its new name. Governor Fletcher brought more than three million dollars to Manchester and Clay County giving residents even more to look forward to. Excitement has been building in Manchester and residents say major changes have taken place since their anti-drug march in 2004. Now with Manchester's newly adopted name, "The City of Hope" some say more people are taking part in newly formed city committees to take responsibility for bringing more change home.

“It's not about economics; it's about the change of heart of the people who live here,” Governor Fletcher said.

John Becknell presented the idea for the city's name change and he says after seeing hearts change as well there is more hope for better economic development. With Governor Fletcher's first visit, since the town had been renamed, he brought more than three million dollars for the city and county.

“One of the things they've take is the challenge of drugs and turned it into the challenge of opportunity,” Governor Fletcher said.

Two million dollars were presented to build a new city water plant, as well as extension lines for the city and county. More money was presented for a new veterans' memorial and 750-thousand dollars will help finish the new Clay County Health Department.

“One of the challenges we have besides drugs in east Kentucky is our health and changing our habits,” Governor Fletcher said.

Local legislators say the good news doesn't stop here.

“I think possibly the most important is yet to come, that being the new expanded EKU Center,” Senator Robert Stivers said.

The groundbreaking could be later this spring.

Read the entire story at....

[Local News]

Two Men Arrested For Criminal Littering
Reporter: Amy Walker, wymtnews.com

Two Clay County men are facing felony charges after police find hundreds of tires dumped on private property. County officials say the litter hurts more than just the environment. One dollar per tire. That's what police say Mike Wallin paid Curtis Hall to take hundreds of tires from the Eastern Kentucky Recycling Center and dump them on Hall's own property.

"I'm going to estimate from four thousand to six thousand tires here," said Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Reid.

Reid says he caught Hall red handed Wednesday, on his way to dump another load down one of these clearings. Reid says he thinks the men had been hauling tires for only two or three days in an effort to cut costs at the recycling center.

"I'm just glad that we did catch him in the time that we did or it would have been worse," Reid said.

Wallin and Hall are facing felony charges for criminal littering. County officials say the tires pollute more than just the environment.

"I had a prominent business person from an adjoining county told me recently that until you get your county cleaned up, nobody's going to locate there. We're our own worst enemy," said Clay County Judge Executive Carl Sizemore.

It will cost thousands of dollars to clean up this site and Reid says other sites are under investigation. Officials say they're determined to clean up the county.

"Your car looks a lot better when it's washed and your county looks a lot better when you get in cleaned, try to keep it clean," Sizemore said.

"We've got a beautiful place and I ask the people, the dealers the recyclers, just take pride in the community," Reid said.

They're hoping to take some pride and put a stop to pollution. Wallin and Hall are both being held in the Clay County Detention Center on cash bonds for criminal littering. Their court appearances have not been scheduled

Read the entire story at....

[Local News]

Senate approves prison work bill



Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, presents a bill on the Senate floor to reduce inmate recidivism in Kentucky. Photo by Mike Sunseri, LRC Public Information.

Inmates could work for private companies on prison grounds under legislation approved by the Senate today. Senate Bill 42, sponsored by Sen. Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, would create the Prison Industries Enhancement program, allowing the Department of Corrections to work with private employers, who would then allow prisoners to work for them on prison grounds. The industrial jobs would let the prisoners develop job skills they could use when they are released, Stivers said.

"The individuals can obtain job skills and learn the discipline of getting up and going to work on a day-to-day basis," Stivers said. "We are trying to give these individuals the opportunity to be productive."

The employers would be screened to make sure that jobs would not be lost in the surrounding community as a result, Stivers added. Among the 16 members of the screening panel would be four labor representatives to protect the companies' current workforce. Instead, the bill is crafted to help keep jobs in Kentucky. "This will enhance local businesses that would otherwise outsource their labor," he said.

Prisoners would pay taxes, including Social Security, on the money they make, as well as using their salary to make restitution for their crimes, pay into the victims compensation fund, and pay child support. Adding to savings accounts might even be possible, Stivers said. The bill, which passed 26-8, now moves to the House for its consideration.

The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator and/or representative.


Robert Stivers, State Senator - District - 25
Clay - Knox - Lee - Magoffin - Morgan - Owsley - Wolfe

Robert Stivers homepage

************************


Tim Couch, State Representative, House District 90
Clay - Harlan - Leslie

Tim Couch Homepage

[Local News]

Eastern Kentucky High School Suffers Another Loss
Heather Haley, wymtnews.com

An Eastern Kentucky high school has lost its fourth student in one school year. Officials say Tasha Howard was riding in the back seat of a car involved in an accident on Hal Roger's Parkway. She was flown out to the U.K. Medical Center where she later died and now students at Clay County High School have lost the fourth student this year. Students at Clay County High School lost another fellow student after Tasha Howard passed away after a car accident.

"We've had classes together ever since 7th grade. It was middle school when we first met. We just kept on talking and we got pretty close," said Ruth Anna Hall.

Hall says Howard was a sweet girl and she will be missed by many.

"She was always so friendly to me and she was a great person," Hall said.

Students say this school year has been tough for many.

"When Stumpy died and then when Frankie and Trenton died, it was really hard and you just tell the sadness in the school. You just sense it," Hall said.

Hall says graduation won't be the same this year.

"It's really hard to know that two people, Frankie and Tasha won't be in the line when we graduate," she said.

Some parents of Clay County High School students say it's hard to know so many kids have been taken at such a young age.

"It definitely saddens me and makes me nervous as a parent having a senior in high school. I think it's just sad for the families and friends," said Jalayne Ellis.

The visitation for Tasha Howard begins Monday at Otter Creek Baptist Church and runs through Tuesday. The funeral will be Wednesday at 2 pm also at the Otter Creek Baptist Church.

Read the entire story at....

[Kentucky News]

Governor Fletcher announces disbursement of $181,437 in cost-share funds
Clay County conservation district receives $15,478.67

Governor Ernie Fletcher announced that the Kentucky Division of Conservation (DOC) disbursed $181,437 to local conservation districts including $15,478.67 to Clay County. The cost-share funds were awarded in 14 counties for "best management practices" that serve to reduce water, land or air pollution caused by agricultural waste. Practices include:

Covered stack pads for manure, creating manure holding ponds, and poultry and livestock waste composting facilities.

Establishing rotational grazing systems, which enable better erosion control and protect surface and ground water from nonpoint-source pollution.

Reducing erosion, soil degradation and pollution caused by heavy agricultural use and concentrated livestock traffic.

Stabilizing stream banks and cleaning up sinkholes.

"These grants are important to our farmers and also to the protection and conservation of our natural resources," Governor Fletcher said.

DOC, an agency of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, administers the funds on behalf of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, which oversees the Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality Cost Share Program.

The preceding was a press release from....

[Local News]

Clay County Jail Inmate indicted in Bell County
By JAMES-CLIFTON SPIRES/Senior Staff Writer

The Bell County Grand Jury indicted Tara Sue Sanchez, 41, address listed as Clay County Jail, Manchester, on one count each of being a persistent felony offender, theft and terroristic threatening, all in connection with Dec. 20 incidents in which a death threat was made against Sgt.. Wade Barnett of the Middlesboro Police Department and involving a 32-inch LCD television taken from Wal-Mart of Middlesboro.

Read the entire article at....
[glow=black,2,300]MiddlesboroDailyNews.com[/glow]

[Kentucky State Police]

Drug Arrest in Clay County

(LONDON, KY) - On March 07, 2007 Trooper Chuck Johnson of the Kentucky State Police Post 11, acting on independent information, obtained a search warrant for a residence at 1882 Curry Branch Road, in Clay County. Trooper Johnson, along with Trooper Nick Metcalf, Clay County Sheriff Kevin Johnson, Deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Brian Jackson of the KVE executed the search warrant and discovered a large quantity of Cocaine, paraphernalia used in the distribution of illegal drugs, cash and a firearm.

Trooper Johnson arrested Henry Shell, 33 of Manchester on the charges of Trafficking in a control substance 1st degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 1st Offense and Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. Trooper Johnson also charged Rhonda G. Gray, 37 of Manchester on the charges of Trafficking in a control substance 1st degree and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 1st Offense. Both Shell and Gray were lodged in the Clay County Detention Center. Trooper Johnson continues the investigation.

The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Clay, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley.

[Kentucky State Police]

Metcalf stops would be emergency vechicle

(LONDON, KY) - On March 8, 2007 at approximately 2:15 PM Trooper Nick Metcalf arrested Anthony S. Deaton, 22 of London, KY on the charges of Speeding, 26 MPH or more over the limited, Reckless Driving, Failure to wear Seat Belt, Too Many Passengers in a Vehicle, Improper Emergency/Safety Lights, Improper Flashing Lights, Improper Sound Device, Improper Passing, Improper Use of Left Lane, Using Light and Siren on Non-Emergency Vehicle, and Improperly on Left Side of Road.

The arrest is a result of the observation a Gold, Ford, Ranger, Pick-up truck travelling eastbound, from Laurel to Clay County, on the Hal Rogers Parkway at a high rate of speed. Trooper Metcalf reports the truck had flashing lights and a siren activated so he turned and contacted the Clay County 911 Center to ascertain if there was a fire or emergency occurring in Clay County. He was advised no emergency was occurring. Trooper Metcalf overtook the truck at the Manchester exit and determined that Deaton was not affiliated with any emergency service. Trooper Metcalf was also able to determine that Deaton was not the owner of the truck and that the owner was not affiliated with any emergency service. Deaton was lodged in the Clay County Detention Center.

The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Clay, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley.

[Local News]

Dropped receipt leads to burglary arrest
By Dean Manning, Staff Writer

A Manchester man is back in Laurel County following his arrest in Clay County on felony theft and first-degree burglary charges. Laurel County Sheriff’s Detective Brad Mitchell issued an arrest warrant for Curtis Hall, 43, on Feb. 13. According to the warrant, on Feb. 9, Hall allegedly broken into the home of Wayne Barrett, on Parsley Hill Road, taking at least five firearms along with a large amount of jewelry and other items.

“A receipt from Eastern Ky. Recycling with the defendant’s name on it was found outside the window where he entered the house,” Mitchell stated in the warrant.

On Feb. 21, Clay County Sheriff’s deputies executed the warrant on Curtis at his home on Curtis Bend Road in Manchester. In the warrant, Hall was charged with first-degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking of a firearm and theft by unlawful taking over $300. Hall was returned to the Laurel County Detention Center Tuesday where he is being held on a $50,000 cash bond. Mitchell said Hall was facing other charges in Clay County which caused the delay in bringing him back to Laurel County. To date, Mitchell said none of the stolen items have been recovered.

“I have spoken with him but he (Hall) has not been cooperative,” Mitchell said.

Hall is scheduled to appear in Laurel District Court on March 13.

Read the entire article at....

[Local News]

Update: Wildfires on the Redbird Ranger District
Daniel Boone National Forest

As of 3:00 p.m. Tuesday evening, a total of seven wildfires has been reported from the Redbird Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Three of these fires have burned together in the Sizerock area of Leslie County.

The latest fire reported is occurring in Clay County near the Leslie County line. The remaining wildfires on national forest lands are burning in Leslie County. One structure (a barn) has reportedly been lost on private lands as a result of these fires. Several homes and other structures are being closely monitored.

A Type III Incident Management Team has been established at the Redbird office. At least 60 firefighting personnel are currently on the scene of these fires. Two additional 20-person crews from the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Arkansas and Oklahoma have been ordered to assist with the Redbird fires. These additional crew members are expected to arrive in Redbird tomorrow afternoon. Equipment on the scene at Redbird currently includes two helicopters, two engines, and one dozer.

Southwest winds at 10 to 20 miles per hour are pushing smoke toward the surrounding communities of Buckhorn and Hazard, Ky.

To report arson activity, the public is encouraged to call the Target Arson Hotline at 1 (800) 27-ARSON, or 1 [phone]. The public is also encouraged to avoid debris burning at this time.

Learn more at: fs.fed.us/r8/boone/fire/wildfire

[Local News]

Clay County Wages have increased by 26.1% Since 2001

From the second quarter of 2001 to the second quarter of 2006, industry wages have increased in Clay County, Kentucky by a total of 26.1%. This is greater than the growth in industry wages for the State of Kentucky and greater than the growth in industry wages for the nation as a whole.

These facts are part of the eCanned.com Industry Analysis Series. Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Private Sector Employment Only.

ecanned.com

[Local News]

Forest Fire Burns Nearly 300 Acres
Julie Maloney, wymtnews.com

A fire that started Tuesday afternoon burned nearly three-hundred acres in the Elijah's Creek area of Clay County. WYMT’s Julie Maloney spoke with concerned homeowners. Flames surrounded several homes Tuesday night in Clay County after officials with the U.S. Forest Service say a fire was intentionally set.

Wednesday the fire is contained and homeowners say they're thankful to have a place to sleep. A ring of ash is all that's left from a fire that surrounded Jerry and Sarah Noggle's home Tuesday.

“Looking from the road you could see nothing but black and smoke and flames,” Noggle said.

Jerry Noggle says he first saw the fire at two, Tuesday afternoon,” It came pretty quickly!”

Quick and dangerously close. Flames still surrounded their house when they went to bed late Tuesday night. Within minutes after Jerry Noggle noticed smoke and flames, the fire got closer to neighboring homes.

“We were packing up and leaving,” Carl Hacker said.

Carl Hacker says there was a wall of flames, fifty-feet high, just more than a hundred feet away from his house.

“We had four to five minutes to leave before it was in the yard,” Hacker said.

The fire covered nearly three-hundred acres. The U.S. Forest Service helped put the flames out with helicopters and family's say they are relieved that they still have a place to call home. Officials with the U.S. Forest Service say these families are very lucky. They say if there was debris and tree limbs in the yards homes could have been lost.

Read the entire story at....

[Local News]

Spine and Brain Neurosurgical Center Lexington Kenucky

Former Manchester Memorial Hospital staffer Martin P. Kreft, D.P.T. is now working at the Spine and Brain Neurosurgical Center in Lexington, Kenucky. Dr. Kreft has achieved a Doctorate of physical therapy from Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts with honors in January 2005. He has also achieved Master of Science and Bachelor of Science at the University of Kentucky, and in addition has become certified as a physical therapist by the National Board for Certification in Physical Therapy in 1997. He was award the AEGIS Therapies Employee/Educator of the Quarter in 2003 for efforts in promoting the need for strength training and fall prevention in the geriatric population.

He has served as director of physical therapy services and staff physical therapist at Memorial Hospital in Manchester, Kentucky as well as Jenkins Community Hospital in Jenkins, Kentucky. He has also served as master clinician for AEGIS Therapies at The Heritage as well as served as therapist at Sundance Rehabilitation. He has also served as the lead physical therapist for a neurosurgical clinic of Gateway Rehabilitation Services. He has provided physical therapy evaluation and recommendation services at the Spine and Brain Neurosurgical Center clinic since 2004.

He sees patients only at the request of Spine and Brain Neurosurgical Center physicians, and provides myofascial and physical therapy diagnosis and treatment plan recommendations which the patient can then perform locally with their local chiropractor or physical therapist as well as extensive home exercise programs for the maintenance and improvement of a variety of patient neurological functions.

sbncmd.com