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Post by Press Release on Sept 24, 2007 21:22:23 GMT -5
SHEEP AND GOAT INDUSTRIES HONORED IN OCTOBEROctober Goat and Sheep Development Month honors two rapidly growing agricultural industries and the people behind them. “Kentucky’s sheep and goat industries have made great strides in recent years,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Our goat industry is ranked fifth in the nation at 74,000 head. Our sheep industry has a rich tradition in Kentucky history, and now it is making a comeback. Many Kentucky farmers have turned to sheep and goat production to offset the loss of tobacco income. I am pleased that goats and sheep have become major players in Kentucky agriculture.” The Kentucky Wool Festival Oct. 5-7 in Falmouth will highlight the month’s festivities. The festival offers heritage demonstrations, food, crafts and a full schedule of music at two locations. For more information, or for directions, go to www.kywoolfest.org. The Kentucky Goat Producers Association will hold its annual meeting Oct. 20 at the Boyd County Extension office in Catlettsburg. The Kentucky Sheep Producers Association will meet Oct. 27 at the Clark County Extension office in Winchester. About a year ago the groups formed the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office to promote their industries. In April they named Ray Bowman, a Franklin County goat producer and former state government information officer, as its executive director. Prices at Kentucky’s goat auctions are on a par with those of the largest sales in the nation. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture developed graded sales and Tel-O-Auctions that other states emulate. Kentucky had 37,000 sheep and lambs as of Jan. 1, an increase of 5.7 percent over 2006 and nearly double the 1996 total of 20,000, the lowest number since the state’s sheep inventory first was recorded in 1920. For more information, e-mail info@kysheepandgoat.org or go to www.kysheepandgoat.org. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Internet Tax Moratorium Should Be Made Permanent‘Congress should encourage innovation and broadband deployment, not tax the life out of it’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following statement on the need to make the Internet Tax Moratorium permanent, and prevent a tax increase on innovation: “Congress should act now to permanently ban taxes on Internet access. Americans’ Internet access bills shouldn't begin to resemble their phone bills, with countless separate taxes and fees. Taxing Internet access raises costs to consumers while discouraging innovation, and we should act now to block these taxes permanently. The Congress should encourage innovation and broadband deployment, not tax the life out of it.” McConnell also announced that he will cosponsor S. 156, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2007. The moratorium on Internet access taxes is set to expire on November 1, 2007. The Senate Commerce Committee is expected to address the issue later today. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Clay County Waste Tire Amnesty ProgramMANCHESTER, KY — The Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet in coordination with Clay County Officials will be hosting a Waste Tire Amnesty Program this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27- 29 in Clay County. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Highways county maintenance facility will be used for the collection of unwanted waste tires from the public. Citizens will be allowed to bring their waste tires to the garage located on US 421 between the hours of 8 AM and 4 PM, each day. For additional information contact the District 11 highway garage at 606-598-3541. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11. Revenue boost sought for fire districtsFaced with rising costs, Kentucky's fire districts are asking state lawmakers to lift a statutory cap on the amount of county tax revenue they are allowed to receive to give them more revenue options, a legislative committee heard today. The state's 63-year-old cap of 10 cents per $100 of assessed property is insufficient to meet fire districts' payroll, benefits and equipment needs, several fire chiefs from the Jefferson County Fire Protection District told the Interim Joint Committee on Local Government. Chuck Bauer with the Jefferson County Fire District's Trustees Association said some departments are having to cut back the number of firefighters responding to calls to three instead of the recommended number of four firefighters to keep lower costs, even though the number of calls is increasing. "We're not asking the Legislature to increase tax rates," Bauer clarified. "All we want to do is have the opportunity to let our citizen (fire district trustee) boards decide if rates need to be increased. I'm begging you to consider this cap release; We've got to do something." Committee co-chairman Rep. Steve Riggs, D-Jeffersontown, said the Kentucky General Assembly needs to give "a great deal of attention to this life-and-death issue." "I'm very concerned that the level of fire service quality could decrease in Kentucky if we don't make changes. Fire and emergency medical service is a basic government function--we can't let that slide." What changes will be made remains to be seen. Some lawmakers on the committee said they not believe that allowing the district boards--which are comprised of elected and non-elected officials--to raise the tax rate is a viable option. Committee co-chair Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, said a key finding of the 2005 Task Force on Local Government Taxation was that Kentucky needs more accountability for special taxation at the local level. Allowing non-elected officials to raise tax rates, he explained, would not meet that obligation. "We have to be very careful with taxation in the Commonwealth by boards that are not entirely elected by the people," said Thayer. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Governor Fletcher Breaks Ground on I-75/KY 92 InterchangeGovernor committed to building ‘modern highway network’Governor Ernie Fletcher joined state and local officials in Williamsburg to break ground on the I-75/KY 92 interchange project – a long-awaited improvement that will mean greater safety and less traffic congestion for motorists in Whitley County. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in this area, and with it increased traffic,” said Governor Fletcher. “This project will contribute to a modern highway network that will support new economic development and improve the safety of those traveling on I-75 and KY 92. I am committed to improving the quality of life for every Kentuckian. This project is an example of our commitment to work with local officials to build stronger communities across our great state.” The project involves reconstruction of the I-75/KY 92 interchange at Exit 11. The single point, urban interchange is the first of its type in the area. In addition, KY 92 will be expanded from two to four lanes at the interchange and will include turn lanes to handle increased traffic volume. KY 92 currently bears 17,000 vehicles per day, and its load is projected to nearly double to 30,000 vehicles per day by 2027. It is a design/build project, in which design and construction can proceed at the same time, allowing projects to be completed more quickly. Most highway projects go through a design–bid–build process, in which design work is completed before a construction contract is awarded. Design/build is a method of highway project delivery that brings project designers and construction contractors together to expedite a project. More than 30 states have used this innovative methodology. “This is a wonderful day for Whitley County,” said Senate President David L Williams (R-Burkesville). “This new road is going to be a great asset for the people of our entire area. Not only will it improve congestion along this heavily traveled roadway, but it will also help support the economy of Whitley County. Governor Fletcher and Secretary Nighbert have worked closely with those of us in the General Assembly to move several of our state’s most important improvement projects forward under this new design/build approach.” A contract for the project was awarded in February to the design/build team of Kay and Kay Contracting and Vaughn and Melton Engineers. The Kentucky Legislature authorized the Transportation Cabinet to pursue 10 design/build projects in the current biennium. The cabinet has awarded eight of the projects. “The improvements we are about to make here are extremely important to the community and the surrounding area,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert. “This project is a perfect example of Governor Fletcher’s ability to recognize that improvements to highway networks at the local level are critical to enhancing the economic strength of individual communities throughout the commonwealth.” “This investment is vital to the future of Whitley County,” Rep. Charles Siler (R-Williamsburg) said. “By working together, we can provide our communities with the resources they need to attract new business while preserving the integrity of our region and ensuring the safety of the traveling public.” The total cost of the interchange reconstruction project is estimated at $6.8 million. An additional project, to reconstruct KY 92 to the McCreary County Line, is to be awarded in November, and $46 million has been allocated. The preceding press release was from the Commonwealth News Center. Have you invested money with this man?Toby D. MasonAttorney General Greg Stumbo today announced the arrest of Toby D. Mason on charges related to a natural gas well investment scam. The investment scam involved the sale of an interest in a natural gas well in Brazoria County, Texas for $10,000, with the promise of a return of more than $50,000 in ten (10) months. The victim never received any payment from Mason and an investigation determined that he used the victim’s funds for personal expenses. “My office will continue to crack down on scam artists,” Stumbo said. “Consumers should be aware that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Mason was arrested last night at his home by Louisville Metro Police on a bench warrant after being indicted September 11, 2007 for 1 count of Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Property over $300, 1 count of Failure to Register Securities and 1 count of Sale of Unregistered Securities which are all class D felonies. The case was investigated by the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection and will be prosecuted by the Jefferson Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. The preceding press release was from the Commonwealth News Center. Kennedy Amendment Jeopardizes Military Pay Raise, Wounded Warriors‘Let us not sacrifice the bipartisan work of the Committee for an amendment that is not relevant.’ Mitch McConnellTed KennedySenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate floor urging the Senate to vote against the Hate Crime amendment to the Defense Authorization bill: “A vote for Senator Kennedy’s Hate Crime amendment regretfully puts this whole bill in jeopardy. The only way to ensure that we have a Defense Authorization bill this year is to vote against the Kennedy Amendment. There are too many important defense provisions in this bill that are at risk because of a controversial, non-germane amendment dealing with social policy: “Among the items at risk: Wounded Warriors The pay raise Acquisition reform and many other important defense provisions are all put at risk by the Kennedy amendment. We have now gone through a long exercise debating Iraq amendments and non-germane amendments related to the social agenda of the other side. What are we trying to accomplish here? “Do we want to protect the defense policy matters in this bill that actually matter to our forces in the field? Or do we want to debate political and social issues on this measure? This Senate has been on record all year that we will not cut off funding for our forces in the field, and that we need to do more to help our wounded warriors returning from the war. Let us not sacrifice the bipartisan work of the Committee for an amendment that is not relevant to the underlying bill. I would hope the Kennedy Amendment would be defeated.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Burma: The World is WatchingSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on reports from Burma that security forces of the State Peace and Development Council violently attacked and arrested several peaceful protestors: “There is disheartening news coming out of Burma this morning. Last night, following yet another day of massive peaceful protests demanding political reform in Burma, the repressive Burmese regime imposed a nighttime curfew and banned all public gatherings of more than five people. Despite this brazen effort to muzzle freedom of expression, reports indicate that thousands of Buddhist monks and other protestors courageously defied this prohibition on public assembly and marched again in Rangoon. In response, reports indicate that the security forces of the State Peace and Development Council responded with typical brutality, beating and arresting scores of these brave protestors. It was reported that at least one person was shot dead and several others received gunshot injuries. “In 1988, the regime responded to similar peaceful protests by massacring thousands of its own citizens. But the Burmese regime should know that things have changed in the intervening years. Modern technology has permitted photographs of these heroic protestors to be transmitted via the internet around the world. Whereas before the news could be more easily muzzled by the junta, today that is no longer the case. The world is watching, and any brutal steps taken in Rangoon are instantly made known in places such as New York, New Delhi and Beijing. These moving images of heroism have certainly reached Washington, D.C. “As I’ve said before, to the regime in Burma, we are watching; to the people of Burma, we stand with you.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. London physician pleas guilty to involvment in internet drug ringusdoj.govA London physician pleaded guilty to conspiracy for his participation in an Internet pharmacy business that generated more than $126 million in gross revenues from the illegal sale of prescription pharmaceuticals, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Karen P. Hewitt for the Southern District of California announced Subramanya K. Prasad, M.D., 40, of London, Kentucky, pleaded guilty one count of conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances. Prasad also agreed to forfeit $95,994. In pleading guilty, Prasad admitted that, as a licensed physician in Kentucky and Ohio, he was recruited by the Affpower Company to review and approve orders for prescription drugs. In a four-month period between March and June 2006, he approved more than 30,790 orders for prescription drugs from Affpower customers. He occasionally reviewed and approved more than 1,000 orders in a day, sometimes spending fewer than five seconds reviewing the online medical questionnaire. Affpower usually paid Dr. Prasad $3 for every customer order he reviewed and his earnings during that four-month period exceeded $95,000. Dr. Prasad also admitted that he and other Affpower doctors: had no contact with Affpower customers and lacked any physician-patient relationship with them; were not issuing prescriptions in the usual course of a professional practice; and were not issuing the prescriptions for a legitimate medical purpose, but simply to make money. Prasad faces a maximum of five years in prison for conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2008. Prasad is one of 18 defendants charged by indictment on July 27, 2007, for their involvement in the Affpower online pharmaceutical business. Defendants include: three physicians (including Prasad), two pharmacists, a pharmacy owner, an administrator and manager, two recruiters of physicians and pharmacies, a credit card processor, and eight affiliate website operators. From August 2004 through June 2006, the Affpower enterprise allegedly received over one million Internet orders for controlled and non-controlled prescriptionpharmaceuticals from customers in all 50 states, and generated in excess of $126 million in gross revenue. Pavement rehabilitation project on I-75MANCHESTER, KY. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet continues the pavement rehabilitation project on I-75 in Whitley County, between MP 5 and 11, Sunday, September 23, 2007. Construction in the Northbound lanes will begin Sunday, Sept. 23 at 8:00 PM and continue through Thursday, Sept. 27, at 9:00 AM (24 hrs a day), between MP 7 and 11.2. NB will resume Thursday night, Sept. 27 at 7:00 PM and continue through Friday, Sept. 28 at 7:00 AM. Construction in the Southbound lanes will begin Sunday, Sept. 23 and continue through Friday, Sept. 28 (nighttime only), from 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM each night, between MP 5 and 11.2. One lane will remain open at all times North and Southbound. This area is a Double Fine Zone with a reduced speed limit of 60 MPH within the work zone. The actual starting date and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. This project is expected to remain active through 2008. EXPECT DELAYS AND WATCH FOR SLOWED/STOPPED TRAFFICThe preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11. ‘Handing a Megalomaniac a Megaphone’Republican Leader discusses Iran, Ahmadinejad’s visit to New YorkMahmoud AhmadinejadSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks (as prepared) on the Senate floor regarding Iranian President Ahmadinejad’s visit to New York: “I rise to discuss Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s visit to New York. The ostensible purpose of this visit is to address the United Nations General Assembly. But Ahmadinejad will have accomplished much more than that by the time he leaves. By opening its gates to this man’s hateful ideology, Columbia University is allowing him to take full advantage of a golden opportunity to spread it — and giving it a level of deference it does not deserve. “It is one thing for a foreign leader, even one as disreputable as Ahmadinejad, to visit the U.N. and remain confined to its grounds. As head of state, he is legally entitled to visit the United Nations. It is quite another to give a man who has referred to the United States as ‘the Great Satan’ and who denies the Holocaust a coveted platform from which to speak. Let’s consider for a minute what Iran has said and done under his presidency: • Iran actively supports militias that undermine the Rule of Law and export weapons that are killing our United States soldiers and Marines in Iraq. • Iran is actively pursuing a nuclear program that puts it on a path toward possessing nuclear weapons. • Iran is a state sponsor of terror. • Iran supports proxies that are undercutting attempts to bring peace, reconciliation, and democracy to Lebanon. • Ahmadinejad has called for Israel, one of America’s closest allies, to be ‘wiped off the map.’ • Iran supports proxies in Syria and Gaza that are actively trying to goad Israel into war and undercut efforts to facilitate peace between Israel and the Palestinians. • Ahmadinejad has denied that the Holocaust ever took place, calling it a ‘myth.’ • He even hosted a convention of Holocaust deniers. “It’s hard to imagine any nation on earth that threatens U.S. interests and those of its allies much more than Iran. It’s equally hard to imagine any great American University of generations past inviting a world leader to its campus who supported groups that kill U.S. soldiers and Marines. Think of the irony: Columbia University, home of the core curriculum that prizes an in-depth understanding of Western civilization and the free exchange of ideas is bringing to its campus a state sponsor of terror. A school that rejected the ROTC in 2005 on the grounds that the ‘Don’t ask don’t tell policy’ discriminated against gays now welcomes a man whose government reportedly executes them. “Whether Mahmoud Ahmadinejad should be speaking at Columbia shouldn’t be the subject of a philosophical debate. He already rejected that debate by leading a regime has chosen terrorism over reason and open dialogue. Under Ahmadinejad, the Iranian regime trains, funds, and exports terror. Defense Department sources tell us that Explosively Formed Penetrators, the most lethal form of improvised explosive devices used against our forces in Iraq, are being manufactured in Iran. “I was heartened to see some common sense was injected into the Iranian leader’s visit when the New York City Police Department denied his request to visit Ground Zero and lay a wreath. Looking at Ahmadinejad’s record on terror, one wonders whether the wreath was meant to honor the victims of the World Trade Center attacks or its perpetrators. I support the Administration’s approach to the Iranian nuclear program. Active diplomacy and ratcheting up international sanctions are, at this point, the best path forward. That said, diplomacy is only as effective as the credibility and potential force backing it up. The President, as Commander in Chief is correct to preserve a broad spectrum of policy options in confronting the Iranian threat. “Some groups on the left, such as MoveOn.org, believe we should take military options off the table, then negotiate. Such an approach might make sense to the zealots on the far left, but it won’t help us in our efforts to slow Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Why would Iran take us seriously if we negotiate with all carrots and no sticks? And why would they take us seriously when their hateful screeds against us and our allies are met with an invitation to join polite society’s lecture circuit? “There is a world of difference between not preventing Ahmadinejad from speaking and handing a megalomaniac a megaphone, and a stage to use it.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Sept 28, 2007 16:03:32 GMT -5
Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Laurel County On Tuesday 10-02-2007 at 7:42 AM the Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London received a request for assistance, from the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, on a single vehicle (motorcycle) traffic crash, with fatally, on KY 3094 in Laurel County. Upon arrival KSP Traffic Crash Reconstructionist Trooper Greg Hill determined that a 2006 Buel Motorcycle driven by Hershel W. Woods, 42, of London, was eastbound on KY 3094 when it went out of control and struck a sign. Woods, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle and was discovered approximately 20 feet away, down an embankment. Alcohol and/or drug involvement is unknown at this time pending completion of the investigation. Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling pronounced Woods dead at the scene. The exact cause, time and date of the crash is unknown at this time. Trooper Hill is in charge of the investigation and was assisted by the Laurel County Sheriff's Office and the Laurel County Coroner's Office. 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. USDA Declares Kentucky a Natural Disaster AreaFarmers Can Now Apply For Financial AssistanceSenator Mitch McConnell announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared every Kentucky county a natural disaster area due to extreme drought conditions. In September, Senator McConnell sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns in support of Kentucky’s request for disaster designation. The current drought condition, combined with frigid temperatures over Easter weekend, devastated many agriculture products, including an estimated 50 percent loss on Kentucky’s forage crops and decreased yields for corn and soybeans. The drought also impacted Kentucky’s cattle producers who are struggling to secure adequate pasture and hay for their herds. “Agriculture is a vital part of the Commonwealth’s economy, and this disaster declaration will provide much needed assistance to our agriculture producers during these difficult times,” said McConnell. “Our farmers will now be able to apply for low-interest emergency loans to help them pay their essential farm and living expenses.” Kentucky farmers interested in applying for the assistance should contact their local Farm Service Agency office for further information. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. “Drought Friendly” Changes Made to Model ProgramsThe Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB) met last Friday and approved minor changes to the County Model Programs making them more “drought friendly” to producers across the state. These changes will increase the model programs’ effectiveness due to the exceptional drought that has blanketed the Commonwealth. The KADB also approved an expedited approval process for administrative changes to county model programs that will assist in the implementation of the programs. “Governor Fletcher encouraged us to explore every option to assist Kentucky producers,” said Keith L. Rogers, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy. “These steps will provide important assistance while remaining within the intent of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.” The Board members were in consensus that the most important action at this time, for our agricultural community, is to ensure the education of producers on the best practices for livestock and crops during this period of extreme drought. A program to assist in the promotion of county educational programs designed to assist all producers during the drought was adopted at the meeting. “I directed my Office of Agricultural Policy (GOAP) to continue diligently working with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, and Kentucky State University to advise producers regarding alternative practices, to provide financial assistance and to explore other opportunities for farmers,” said Governor Ernie Fletcher. “This is a crucial time for Kentucky agriculture and the joint efforts of these groups will be important in helping farmers progress through this difficult time.” To begin efforts in providing drought assistance, Governor Fletcher sent a letter, on August 29, 2007, to then-Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns declaring that Kentucky was in a period of severe drought and requested an official declaration from his office. Governor Fletcher also contacted the Kentucky Congressional Delegation to inform them of the situation and emphasize the necessity of federal drought assistance. Details of the modifications to the Model Program Guidelines will be available, Thursday October 4, 2007, on the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy website at agpolicy.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. COMMISSIONER FARMER URGES FORAGE TESTINGAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer reminds livestock producers that it’s important to test forages, especially in a drought year like this one in which farmers are looking for ways to stretch their hay supplies. “Nitrate poisoning can occur when feeding forages in which nitrates can accumulate, such as crop residue,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Testing forages is simple and inexpensive, and it can save you a lot of headaches later.” Dr. Lucky Pittman, head of the Pathology Section at the Murray State University Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville, said his facility has tested numerous corn stalk samples in recent weeks and has found some to be well in excess of the safe level of nitrates for feeding to livestock. Some forages from Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres that have been opened to haying and grazing have been found to have little or no nutritional content, Dr. Pittman said. “Farmers should work with their veterinarian and their Extension agent to decide what is the best, least-cost ration,” Dr. Pittman said. “They need to know what the nutritional content is and supplement accordingly. If they don’t test, they don’t know what they’ve got.” Farmers can have their forages tested at the Breathitt Center or the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center in Lexington. For more information, call the UK Center at (859) 253-0571 or the Breathitt Center at (270) 886-3959 or contact your county Extension agent. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture tests forages for nutritional value. For a fee of $10 per lot, KDA staff will take samples at the farm and analyze them in the Department’s Frankfort lab. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-248-4628 or go to www.kyagr.com, click on Programs and click on Forage Testing. The Department has set up a Hay Hotline for producers with hay to sell or looking for hay to buy. To get on one of the lists, call toll-free 1-888-567-9589. The KDA also hosts a Hay Directory where hay for sale is listed by county. To view the Hay Directory, go to www.kyagr.com, click on Programs and click on Hay for Sale (tested). The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Jobless rates rose in 61 counties from August 2006 to August 2007Clay County has third highest rate in KentuckyUnemployment rates rose in 61 Kentucky counties between August 2006 and August 2007, dropped in 45 counties and remained the same in 14 counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education Cabinet. Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 12 percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 10.3 percent; Clay County, 10 percent; Harlan County 9.8 percent; Wolfe County, 8.9 percent; Muhlenberg and Owsley counties, 8.7 percent each; Leslie County, 8.6 percent; McCreary County, 8.5 percent; and Bell County, 8.4 percent. Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.8 percent. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Fayette and Warren counties, 4.1 percent each; Henderson County, 4.2 percent; Clark, Franklin, Jessamine and Oldham counties, 4.3 percent; Shelby County, 4.4 percent; and Mason and Scott counties, 4.5 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. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and counties figures. Learn more about the Office of Employment and Training at www.workforce.ky.gov. Pavement rehabilitation project on I-75MANCHESTER, KY. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet continues the pavement rehabilitation project on I-75 in Whitley County, between MP 5 and 11, Sunday, September 30, 2007. Construction in the Northbound lanes will begin Sunday, Sept. 30 at 8:00 PM and continue through Thursday, October 4, at 9:00 AM (24 hrs a day), between MP 7 and 11.2. NB will resume Thursday night, Oct. 4 at 7:00 PM and continue through Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:00 AM. Construction in the Southbound lanes will begin Sunday, Sept. 30 and continue through Friday, Oct. 5 (nighttime only), from 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM each night, between MP 5 and 11.2. One lane will remain open at all times North and Southbound. This area is a Double Fine Zone with a reduced speed limit of 60 MPH within the work zone. The actual starting date and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. This project is expected to remain active through 2008. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet also announces construction in Whitley County on the I-75/KY 92 (Exit 11) project. There will be a lane closure, Southbound, near MP 11, Sunday through Wednesday, from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, each day, to complete ramp widening (SB Ramp only). This lane closure will be in effect (24 hrs. a day) and coincide with the I-75 project currently active from MP 5-11. The actual starting date and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. This project is expected to remain active through 2008. EXPECT DELAYS AND WATCH FOR SLOWED/STOPPED TRAFFICThe preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11. Jackson County Business Wins $7 Million Army ContractRepresentative Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the U.S. Army will purchase $7.3 million in helicopter gear that enhances critical search and rescue missions. The contract continues McKee-based Phoenix Products efforts to retrofit MedEvac helicopters with leak proof oil and fluid drip pans which keep troops and patients safer during rescue missions. "Recognized throughout the U.S. Army, Phoenix Products continue to generate an excellent safety and performance record. This contract is a tribute to the fine employees working in McKee,” said Rogers. “Army MedEvac helicopters transport precious cargo. These drip pans keep helicopters in good running order so our brave men and women in uniform can stay mission-focused during extremely stressful operations.” Rogers, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, has secured nearly $7 million for Phoenix Products’ aircraft accessories over the last three years. The Army contract provides nearly 500 leak-proof transmission drip pans for Army helicopters. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Insurance benefits will remain unchangedState employee health benefits will remain unchanged next year and cost increases will be less than national health trends, Personnel Cabinet Secretary Brian Crall told members of the State Government Committee. "The good news is that the benefits remained unchanged for essentially the tenth straight year," Crall said. "We've been very fortunate over the last couple of years. The move to self-insurance, which you all as legislators agreed with us on and moved us in the direction of, has been very helpful in both giving us information to manage the plan by and also giving us the ability to manage our costs. So we've been fortunate in that respect... "The other good news is that the premiums for 2008 reflect a 5.8 percent increase. That is less than last year's 5. 93 percent increase. Both of those are less than the national trend. The trend for this year was running about 6.1 percent." The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Democrats giving much needed 'Children’s Health Insurance' money to adultsKentucky tax dollars goes to health care for adults earning over $70,000 a yearSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need for a responsible expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program to cover more low income children: “Ten years ago a Republican Congress created a program that had a worthy and straightforward goal: health insurance for kids whose parents made too little to afford private coverage but too much to qualify for government help. Millions of children were caught between rich and poor, we wanted to help, and thanks to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, we did. The program has been a success. Since SCHIP’s creation, the uninsured rate for children in families earning between about 20 and 40 thousand dollars a year has dropped by 25 percent. Last year it covered more than six and a half million kids. Today the number of uninsured children within the income group we originally targeted is down to about one million nationwide. “Republicans were ready to finish the good work we started with SCHIP, and we approached its reauthorization this year as an opportunity to do just that, to reach out to the kids in our original target area who should be covered by SCHIP but weren’t. Meanwhile, our friends on the other side had another idea: following the lead of a number of state governors, they decided to expand SCHIP beyond its original mandate and bring us down the path of government-run healthcare for everyone. These governors started with adults and children from middle and upper-middle income families. Taking SCHIP funds that were originally meant for children from poor families, they spent it on these other populations instead. Then they turned around and said they didn’t have enough money to cover the poor children in their states. Which is absurd. This is a capped entitlement. The dollar amount is fixed. If you’re spending it on adults, you’ve already decided not to spend it on the children who need it most. And that’s wrong. "New Jersey, under the leadership of one of our former Senate colleagues, helped lead the way. Rejecting a rule that limits SCHIP funds to the poor children, New Jersey now uses SCHIP for adults, and for children in families that earn as much as $72,275 a year. For millions of hard-working Americans who have to pay for their insurance, it doesn’t seem right that they should have to subsidize the families in New Jersey who can and should be paying for their own. And a lot of poor families in New Jersey are also right to wonder why Trenton is suddenly enrolling middle-class families for SCHIP when their kids still lack coverage — about 120,000 of them by one count –that’s poor kids in New Jersey who are not being covered. “Kentuckians don’t want the money they’ve targeted for poor children going to adults and middle class families in other states that can afford insurance on its own. KCHIP’s money goes where it should be going: to low-income kids who need it most. Right now, KCHIP serves about 50,000 kids in my state, but there are a lot more who could be covered and aren’t. We need to focus on them before expanding SCHIP program to other populations. And the Republican proposal I co-sponsored with the other Republican Leaders would do just that. “Until this year, SCHIP had been a bipartisan program and a bipartisan success. But in yet another sign that no good deed goes unpoliticized by our friends on the other side in the 110th Congress, our Democratic colleagues accuse Republicans who want to reauthorize SCHIP of shortchanging it, of shortchanging children. Which is patently absurd. We want to improve the program we’ve got, not expand it into areas it was never meant to go. “Of course some of the news organizations are running with the story. They seem to have forgotten that basic rule of politics that anytime somebody accuses you of opposing children they’ve either run out of arguments or they’re trying to distract you from what they’re really up to. And what our friends on the others side are up to is clear: they’ve taken SCHIP hostage, and what they want in exchange is Republican support for government-run healthcare courtesy of Washington. While Democrats are busy looking for ways to shift this program away from its original target, the deadline for reauthorization looms. Republicans have made this reauthorization a top priority. If Democrats want to expand government-run health care, they should do it in the light of day, without seeking cover under a bill that was meant for poor children, and without the politics. Republicans can take the shots. But the poor kids who we were originally trying to help shouldn’t be caught in the middle.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Senator McConnell Sends YouTube Message to Burma*Your struggle is our struggle. The world is watching and we are cheering you* Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) recorded a video message Thursday for the people of Burma. In the video, Senators McConnell and Feinstein spoke directly to the people of Burma to let them know that the United States supports their efforts for freedom and democracy. CLICK HERE to view the video at YouTubeThe preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. $12 Million Homeland Security Investment Going to Eastern Kentucky UniversityRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award a grant to Eastern Kentucky University of $11.6 million to administer a national rural training initiative enabling emergency responders in rural areas to increase disaster response skills, a critical homeland security gap that was not adequately addressed until recent years. Eastern Kentucky University is the lead institution of a group of colleges across the nation providing critical training courses for rural first responders. EKU will administer the grant for the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium as it addresses what rural first responders identified as their biggest unmet training need: planning for terrorism. “Small communities are not immune from terrorism,” said Rogers. “Law enforcement, fire, EMS and emergency management are ready to act in rural areas – anywhere and anytime — provided we get the right tools in their hands and the right training for the job.” Disaster prevention and response courses for law enforcement, fire, EMS and emergency management personnel are going on around the country. Current sessions focus on agro-terrorism, hazardous materials response, and handling college campus incidents and will expand to cover other threats rural areas face. To date, nearly 1300 public safety personnel in nine states have completed rural preparedness courses through the Consortium. Eastern Kentucky University, East Tennessee State University, Iowa Central Community College, Northwest Arkansas Community College and the University of Findlay, in Ohio are the Consortium’s academic partners, each of which has unique capabilities in rural emergency preparedness training. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Democrats want to rob the poor to give to the richStates with most electoral votes will benefit the mostI would like to talk about the State Children’s Health Insurance Program – also known as SCHIP. Several weeks ago, the Senate debated a bill that would reauthorize this program. We are now debating a bill that looks very much like that last bill. I did not support the Senate passed bill and I cannot support this version presently on the floor. The tobacco tax funding mechanism is an irresponsible way to pay for children’s healthcare. The increased tax is fundamentally unfair to my state and the surrounding states. It takes a government program intended for low-income kids - - one that I support - - and - - by raising taxes - - the bill expands it to cover middle-income adults and illegal immigrants in other states. It redistributes income from low-income smokers to states with the highest per-capita incomes. It could be called Robin Hood in reverse. New taxes paid by low-income smokers in my state will go to pay for an extravagant expansion of SCHIP in California, New York, and Texas. Many people predict that the new federal tobacco tax needed to pay for the expansion of SCHIP is likely to cause states to increase their own cigarette taxes, to avoid state revenue shortfalls. This will lead to artificially high cigarette prices that are an irresistible target for foreign cigarette counterfeiters and bootleggers here in the United States. There is new evidence of the absolute folly of this plan to increase tobacco taxes by over 150%. We won’t see the revenue projected, but you can be sure organized crime will profit from this situation. I also don’t believe that this bill focuses on those that need health insurance the most. When richer families are made eligible for SCHIP, kids move from private coverage to government health care. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office tells us that this bill will result in 2 million children moving off of private coverage. It is absurd to me that children above the 300% poverty level will be added to this program. New York still has the possibility of covering families who make over $82,000 a year. These are families who pay AMT taxes – a tax which is supposed to only affect the wealthy. This expansion of the bill is a push for government funded national healthcare which is not the original intent of SCHIP. Let me make it clear that I want to see the SCHIP program continue and I want to see it reauthorized. However, I want to see it done responsibly. This bill does not do that so I must oppose it and urge my colleagues to do the same. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 4, 2007 15:47:34 GMT -5
Waste Tire Amnesty ProgramMANCHESTER, KY. — The Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet in coordination with Bell County Officials will be hosting a Waste Tire Amnesty Program this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-13 in Bell County. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Highways maintenance facility will be used for the collection of unwanted waste tires from the public. Citizens will be allowed to bring their waste tires to the garage located off US 25E between the hours of 8 AM and 4 PM, each day. For additional information contact the District 11 highway garage at 606-337-3284. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11. FARMER HONORS SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer praised the National School Lunch Commodity Program on the eve of National School Lunch Week Oct. 15-19. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Division of Food Distribution administers the program in Kentucky. “The National School Lunch Commodity Program makes it possible for school children all over Kentucky and the United States to have affordable and nutritious meals,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Study after study has shown that kids who get enough good food to eat do better in school, and that gives them a better chance for a bright future. The Department’s work for this program is one of the most important things we do.” The National School Lunch Commodity Program provides nutritionally balanced lunches at little or no charge to children in public, independent and nonprofit private schools and in residential child care institutions. The lunches contain no more than 30 percent of calories from fat and less than 10 percent from saturated fat in a week as recommended in federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The lunches provide one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium and calories. Each year, the KDA distributes 17.3 million pounds of U.S. Department of Agriculture commodities valued at $13.7 million to about 1,600 Kentucky schools that serve more than 500,000 students daily. Another $1.6 million from the U.S. Department of Defense is used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for Kentucky students. In 2006, USDA purchased more than $12.9 million of commodities from Kentucky farmers and industry to distribute across the United States. Nationally, nearly 30 million children are served school lunches in 99,000 schools each day. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. 5 charged in Bath drug investigationAn on-going investigation into drug dealing in Bath County resulted in the arrest of five individuals on Friday, October 5. During the past three months detectives with Operation UNITE have conducted a series of undercover investigations into the sale of drugs – primarily cocaine and marijuana, said Iain Dalrymple, manager of UNITE’s Big Sandy Drug Task Force. Indictment warrants were served Friday by UNITE detectives with assistance from officers with the Kentucky State Police and U.S. Forest Service. “We expect to pick up additional individuals in the near future,” Dalrymple said. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. THE GREAT JOHN HENRY IS GONEJohn Henry, the legendary Thoroughbred racehorse who was twice Horse of the Year, was humanely euthanized at the Kentucky Horse Park Monday. John Nicholson, executive director of the park expressed, “The mighty heart of the great John Henry has, at long last, yielded to time. The racing industry has lost a legend, but more significantly, many people have lost a personal hero. John Henry’s true legacy was written in people’s hearts far more indelibly than his superlative racing career could ever reflect.” He continued, “John Henry was a testament to the fact that a horse’s value is far greater than the sum of his pedigree, conformation, sales price and race record. Winston Churchill said that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man, but I would add that horses like John Henry prove that the inside of a horse is even better for the inside of man.”Recent photos and video of John Henry can be seen on The Horse website at www.thehorse.com by searching for “Hoofing it With John Henry.” A new documentary, John Henry: An American Hero, produced by Open Sky Entertainment (Producer: Rebecca Gebhard, Directors: Chris Koby and Cameron Duddy) is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the release date to be announced. The preceding press release was from the Commonwealth News Center. American People Set New Economic Record49 Consecutive Months of Job Growth; Longest EverSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement following a record-setting 49 months of consecutive job growth: “This report is a milestone, showing the American economy has created jobs for 49 consecutive months, breaking the record set under President Reagan. Smart economic policies led principally by a lowered tax burden created the economic environment necessary for sustained growth, and the American workforce took it from there. Some in Washington have proposed turning back the clock and socking our hard working families and small business with higher taxes and more regulation. I couldn’t disagree more. I can assure our workers that Republicans will stand firm against any such effort to stop economic progress in its tracks.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Pavement rehabilitation project on I-75MANCHESTER, KY. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet continues the pavement rehabilitation project on I-75 in Whitley County, between MP 5 and 11, Sunday, October 7, 2007. • Construction in the Southbound lanes will begin Sunday, Oct. 7, at 8:00 PM and continue through Thursday, October 11, at 9:00 AM (24 hrs a day), between MP 7 and 11.2. SB will resume Thursday night, Oct. 11 at 7:00 PM and continue through Friday, Oct. 12 at 7:00 AM. • Construction in the Northbound lanes will begin Sunday, Oct. 7, and continue through Friday, Oct. 12 (nighttime only), from 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM each night, between MP 5 and 11.2. One lane will remain open at all times North and Southbound. This area is a Double Fine Zone with a reduced speed limit of 60 MPH within the work zone. The actual starting date and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. This project is expected to remain active through 2008. EXPECT DELAYS AND WATCH FOR SLOWED/STOPPED TRAFFICThe preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11. Pete DomeniciPete DomeniciSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the announcement by Senator Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) that he will retire at the end of the 110th Congress: “I’ve always said that if I was asked to make up a list of the top five Senators I’ve ever served with, Pete Domenici would be on that list. He is a giant, and New Mexico has never had a more forceful advocate. Over the next year, Pete will continue to serve his state and nation as New Mexico’s voice in the Senate. Elaine joins me in wishing Pete and Nancy well as they enter this new chapter in their lives.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. KDA PARTICIPATES IN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION STUDYKentucky and five other states are participating in a pilot project to measure how quickly and effectively they can communicate with agricultural stakeholders in the event of an animal disease outbreak. “At the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we are constantly testing and upgrading our emergency communications processes,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “If an agricultural emergency occurs, we will be able to send important emergency messages to the public quickly so that people can take steps to protect themselves and their property.” State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout and his counterparts in Arkansas, Montana, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas will perform three tasks in the next six months. On Oct. 29, they will send a mock animal disease-related message through the County Animal Security and Health Network (CASHN). In Kentucky, the message will go to Extension administrators at the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University. In November, the state veterinarians will be asked to deliver a list of sample animal disease-related messages that could be delivered to feed retailers and their customers through CASHN. In January and February, they will send three mock animal disease messages by e-mail through the network. The pilot study is headed by the National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense based at Texas A&M University. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. McConnell on Death Tax ReliefSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell applauded the agreement reached by Senator Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) to move forward with legislation to provide death tax relief: “The initiative shown by Sens. Kyl and Baucus to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing America’s small businesses and family farms is an example of the bipartisan spirit we strive for in the Senate. I applaud their agreement to markup legislation to provide death tax relief.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Perry man charged with selling cocaineAn investigation into alleged cocaine sales resulted in the arrest of a Perry County man on Thursday, October 4. Jeffrey B. Brashear, 46, was charged by Operation UNITE with one count of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Using information obtained by an approximately six-month investigation, UNITE detectives obtained a search warrant for Brashear’s home on Meadowbrook Road in the Airport Gardens section of Perry County. About 6 p.m., with assistance from the Hazard Police Department’s K-9 and patrol divisions, detectives served the warrant and recovered two bags containing approximately one-half ounce of suspected cocaine, digital scales and some cash. Brashear, who has a prior federal conviction for drug trafficking, was lodged in the Perry County Detention Center. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. McConnell Reintroduces Kids First Health Care LegislationKids First calls for responsible expansion to cover more low-income kidsRepublican Leader Mitch McConnell reintroduced Kids First, a Republican alternative to the Democrats’ vetoed State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) on Thursday. Kids First is cosponsored by 18 Senators. “Our first priority is to ensure that poor children have the healthcare they need. We can forge a bipartisan compromise, and Republicans have an alternative that can serve as a basis,” said McConnell. “Kids First calls for responsible expansion to cover more low-income kids, and to cover them first.” Kids First would reauthorize SCHIP while focusing on low-income kids who are eligible but not enrolled in the program. It would expand current coverage to include 1.3 million new low-income kids, remove non-pregnant adults from the program and strengthen premium assistance so states can use the money to keep people in private health coverage. “In Kentucky, the Democrats’ vetoed bill would provide less coverage for kids’ health care in 2008 than our Kids First plan,” McConnell said. “Kentuckians don’t want the money they’ve targeted for poor children going to adults and middle class families who live in other states and can afford insurance on their own.” Kentuckians would pay $600 million more in new taxes than they would receive in new benefits under the Democrats’ plan – a $600 million wealth transfer from Kentucky to states like New York and New Jersey. “Until this year, SCHIP had been a bipartisan program and a bipartisan success,” added McConnell. “All of us can agree that providing health care to low-income children is important. Democrats should not use these children as a political pawn for campaign purposes. These kids deserve our best work, and we owe it to them to forge a bipartisan compromise the President can sign.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Where Is the Troop Funding?‘We cannot, we must not, close this session without providing the funding these troops need’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Democrats’ ‘conscious decision’ to leave war on terror funding out of the Defense Appropriations Bill: “Republicans and Democrats have been debating all year long about the troops. This hasn’t been a debate about who wants to bring them home—all of us do. It’s been a debate about who do you trust to decide when those troops come home, about who has the authority and judgment to make decisions about how to protect our national security interests in the Persian Gulf. Republicans think it should be the commander in chief in consultation with his commanders on the ground. We don’t think our foreign policy should be drafted by people like MoveOn.Org and CodePink. “However, on one thing we’ve almost all agreed: when you’ve got forces in the field, you fund them. Once they’re over there, you don’t leave them guessing about whether they’re going to eat or be clothed or have the equipment they need to do their jobs. And you don’t leave their replacement units wondering whether they’ll be trained or equipped. They can’t plan for training, equipping, feeding or protecting our troops until they know the money will be there beyond the immediate future. And they can’t plan to be ready for any other operations that might arise outside of the current conflicts. This is no way to run a Defense Department. It’s no way to treat the troops. And it’s entirely inconsistent with the expressions of support for the troops that we registered with the Gregg and Murray Resolutions, and which we’ve reaffirmed repeatedly, including yesterday, by rejecting the Feingold Amendment. “The Defense Department is currently revising its spending request for the current fiscal year. But that’s no reason to deny the funds it’s already said it needs to get it through the spring. The fact that we’re waiting on a request for more is not an excuse to deliver nothing. The men and women who are serving our country deserve better. Let’s not pass up the chance to acknowledge, to acknowledge their ‘selfless service and devotion to duty’ by giving them exactly what they need — before we conclude this session of Congress.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. BURTON PUMPKIN SETS STATE RECORDTwo state records fell at the inaugural Atlantic Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Sept. 29 at Bear Wallow Farm near Nancy in Pulaski County. The runaway winner, owned by Billy Burton of Nancy, tipped the scales at 1,123 pounds, 105 pounds more than the runner-up. It was produced from 928 Van Hook seed. Burton’s entry set a new Kentucky record, besting the old standard of 1,089 pounds set by a pumpkin belonging to Frank Mudd of Flaherty in Meade County. Burton won $400, a rosette from Great Pumpkin Commonwealth, and a ribbon. The sixth-place pumpkin, a 789-pounder submitted by Jason Gagne, set a record for a pumpkin grown in Georgia. Burton submitted an “exhibition” pumpkin that weighed in at 1,394 pounds. It was not counted because it had damage that went to the cavity. A pumpkin must be sound with no damage that goes through to the cavity to be eligible for official placing. In all, 14 pumpkins from Kentucky, Georgia and Indiana were entered into the weigh-off. John Van Hook of Somerset was awarded the Howard Dill Site Award by the crowd for exhibiting the prettiest pumpkin. In the watermelon weigh-off, Frank Mudd exhibited the heaviest of seven entries with a 171-pounder earning him a $100 cash prize. The competition was the first in Kentucky sanctioned by Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC), the official record-keeping body of pumpkin weight statistics. Also Saturday, a pumpkin belonging to Joe Jutras of North Scituate, R.I., weighed in at 1,689 pounds to set a world record at the Topsfield Fair GPC Weigh-off in Topsfield, Mass. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. LRC approves 2008 session calendarA schedule for the General Assembly's 2008 session, which convenes Jan. 8, has been approved by legislative leaders. The session is scheduled to last 60 working days – the maximum allowed by the state constitution – with April 15 as the final adjournment date. The session calendar shows that the General Assembly won’t meet on Jan. 21 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or on Feb. 18 in honor of Presidents' Day. The veto period -- the time during which lawmakers return to their home districts while waiting to see which bills, if any, the governor chooses to veto -- will last from April 1 through April 11. Once the veto period ends, lawmakers will return to Frankfort the following Monday for the final two days of the session. The session calendar is available online at www.lrc.ky.gov/sch_vist/08RS_calendar.pdf. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Drug-dealing complaint leads to two arrestsAn investigation into possible drug-dealing from a local motel led to the arrests of two Magoffin County residents on Tuesday, October 2. UNITE detectives arrested 27-year-old Ashley Minix and 25-year-old John C. Whitaker, both of Salyersville. Each was charged with one count of first-degree possession of a controlled substance. “We received a complaint from the Salyersville Police Department that these individuals were selling drugs from the Parkway Motel on Route 460,” said Iain Dalrymple, manager of UNITE’s Big Sandy Drug Task Force. Our detectives, along with two officers from the Salyersville PD, went to the motel around 8:30 a.m. and spoke with the suspects,” Dalrymple continued. “They gave us permission to search the room and discovered two 80mg OxyContin tablets along with 58 Adipex tablets.” Adipex is a stimulant similar to an amphetamine that is used as an appetite suppressant. They were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. Lawmakers heading into classroomsState lawmakers are once again going into schools across Kentucky to give students face-to-face lessons about their work as elected officials and the importance of citizen involvement in government. The school visits are part of the America's Legislators Back to School Program, which was created by the Trust for Representative Democracy. The Trust is an educational initiative of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and is designed to make government interesting to young people and build their support for democratic institutions. Kentucky has enjoyed strong participation in the Back to School Program ever since it began in 1999. The school visits were originally held on one day each year, but the program has expanded so that it now begins each year during the third week of September and runs throughout the remainder of the school year. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. COMMISSIONER FARMER APPLAUDS DISASTER DECLARATIONAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for making Kentucky farmers eligible for low-interest emergency loans because of this year’s extreme drought. “This year’s weather has created a tremendous hardship for thousands of Kentucky farmers,” Commissioner Farmer said. “I’ve heard from many farmers who tell me they’ve lost crop income or had to sell cattle because they can’t feed them. The emergency loans will help our farmers get through the winter and hopefully to better days ahead.” USDA declared all 120 Kentucky counties a disaster area, triggering the emergency loans. Commissioner Farmer joined with other state leaders in August to seek the declaration. The drought and an April freeze together damaged about 50 percent of Kentucky‘s forages. The lack of forages has made it difficult for livestock producers and horse farmers to feed their animals and store an adequate supply for the coming winter. The drought also reduced yields for corn, soybeans, tobacco and other crops. As agriculture commissioner and president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Commissioner Farmer is working to get disaster aid for Kentucky into the Farm Bill. “Congress has the resources to make a big difference in a disaster of this scale,” Commissioner Farmer said. “I urge the senators and representatives to work with all deliberate speed to help our farmers.“ Producers who would like more information on applying for emergency disaster loans should contact the Farm Service Agency office that serves their county, Commissioner Farmer said. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Republicans Add Border Security Funding to Defense BillSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate floor regarding the Senator Graham’s border security amendment to the Defense Appropriations Bill: “I’m extremely pleased the Senate is about to adopt Senator Graham’s border security amendment to this bill, and I’m proud to be a co-sponsor. We got the message earlier this year: Americans want a strong and secure border. Now we’ll be sending them a $3 billion down-payment on it. The border is our first line of defense; the Graham Amendment is intended to make sure we don’t lose sight of that, and our adoption of it proves that we haven’t. Thanks to this amendment, we’ll soon have thousands more agents patrolling the border, three hundred miles of vehicle barriers, and 105 ground-based radar cameras. “We’ll finish hundreds of miles of fencing that we already promised to build. And we’ll have the funds to remove and detain potentially dangerous illegal immigrants for overstaying their visas, and illegally re-entering the country. To Republicans, it’s simple: there is no defense without a strong border first. And I think most Americans agree. I hope the amendment will be adopted overwhelmingly.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 12, 2007 9:28:46 GMT -5
"Issues Confronting the 2008 Kentucky General Assembly" book availableA book containing issue briefs on topics likely to confront lawmakers during the Kentucky General Assembly's 2008 session is now available in print and online. "Issues Confronting the 2008 Kentucky General Assembly" contains 26 issue briefs prepared by members of the Legislative Research Commission staff. The book is not meant as an exhaustive list of issues that lawmakers will consider, but reflects a balanced look at some of the topics that have been discussed in legislative committee meetings. Copies can also be picked up at the LRC Publications Office in the State Capitol, Rm. 83. The book can be viewed at www.lrc.ky.gov/lrcpubs/IB224.pdf. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. KENTUCKY’S FIRST ELITE HEIFER SALE WILL AUCTION OFF HEAD 10,000The Elite Heifer Sale at the UPI Paris Stockyards will sell its 10,000th heifer during its Nov. 5 auction. “I congratulate the Bourbon County Livestock Improvement Association on the occasion of this milestone,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “The people who started the sale in 1991 had the vision to see that there was a market for beef herd replacement females that met exacting standards. It’s people like them who are leading Kentucky agriculture into a period of prosperity.” A handful of producers started the sale, said Clarence Abney, co-chair of the sale. “It was born out of need,” he said. It was the first sale of its kind in Kentucky and led to the creation of several others. The annual auction sold 9,860 heifers for an average price per head of $897 through 2006. Last year, 639 head sold for an average of $1,151.The sale records were 668 heifers sold for an average of $1,281, both in 2004. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is a co-sponsor of the Bourbon County Livestock Improvement Association’s Elite Heifer Program. KDA graders will screen the heifers at the sale. The sale will start at 6 p.m. EDT. Heifers will be available for viewing starting at 1 p.m. The sale will offer free delivery within 500 miles to any buyer who buys 10 or more head, Abney said. Buyers may bid online through www.lmaauctions.com. Those who are interested in online bidding are asked to contact the Bourbon County Extension office toll-free at 1-888-317-2555. For more information about the sale and the Elite Heifer Program and representative photos of each consignor’s heifers, go to www.eliteheifer.com. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Rogers Announces $445,000 for Distance Learning TechnologyRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office is awarding $445,000 to connect more rural sites to southern and eastern Kentucky’s video conferencing network. The network, Center NET 2, provides data, voice and video service and is the largest provider of such information services in the state. “Smart investments in communications infrastructure is bridging what used to be the great divide separating our region from the rest of the world,” said Rogers. “That is no longer the case; because the best education is available anywhere there is a network.” The USDA’s rural development funds will be used to connect an estimated 89,000 residents to distance learning education. The Somerset-based Center for Rural Development administers Center Net 2 and 140 links across the state are part of the network. Center Net 2 applications include enabling students to prepare for ACT/SAT tests and gives teachers access to professional development and continuing education. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the fifth Congressional district. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Injury Collision on KY 92 in Wayne County(LONDON) On Sunday 10-14-2007 at 2:06 PM the Kentucky State Police received a request for assistance, from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, with an injury traffic crash on KY 92 approximately 5 miles east of Monticello. Upon arrival KSP Traffic Crash Reconstructionist Trooper Greg Hill determined that unit one a 1995 Chrysler, LeBaron, Convertible driven by Ashley D. King, 20, of Monticello, KY was westbound on KY 92 when it failed to negotiate a curve and struck unit two head-on. King and the two passengers of unit one were flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington for treatment of their injuries. Preliminary investigation indicates that no one in unit one was seat belted at the time of the crash. Unit two a 1999 GMC Pickup driven by Danny K. Coffey, 52, of Monticello, KY was eastbound on KY 92 when struck by unit one. Coffey was also flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington for treatment of his injuries. Preliminary investigation indicates that Coffey was not seat belted at the time of the crash. No alcohol or drug usage is suspected at this time, but is determination is pending the completion of the investigation. Trooper Greg Hill is in charge of the investigation and was assisted at the scene by Trooper Jeff Senters and officers from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. 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. Rogers Announces $450,000 in Economic Development FundsRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Office has approved a $448,209 low-interest loan that will boost economic development in the fifth Congressional district. The funds will go to the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation, which will provide low-interest loans to area businesses. “Access to capital is essential for new or expanding businesses, and it’s not easy to find,” said Rogers. “Economic development is critical for attracting jobs and keeping our people here.” SKED is a non-profit community organization formed in 1986 by Congressman Rogers to create jobs in a 42-county service area in Southeast Kentucky. It accomplishes this mission by recruiting new businesses, making direct loans, offering small business technical assistance and providing economic development services to local communities. “At SKED, we take great pride in our loan programs and the opportunities they offer business owners throughout the region,” said Greg Jones, SKED executive director. “This funding from the USDA will enhance our lending capabilities and help promote future economic growth in Southeast Kentucky.” As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important projects in the fifth Congressional district. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Armed Robbery Investigation in McCreary County(LONDON) On 10-14-2007 at 5:00 PM the Kentucky State Police received a report of an Armed Robbery at Goodin's Grocery on Mill Creek Road in the Parker's Lake Community of McCreary County. The suspect, armed with a handgun, entered the grocery store and demanded money. He is described as a white male, wearing a long sleeve shirt or jacket, a dark colored "hoodie" and long pants. The suspect was able to flee on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Kentucky State Police at (606) 878-6622 or 1-800-222-5555. KSP Trooper Jason Browning is in charge of the investigation and was assisted at the scene by Troopers Shaler Jones and Tony Dingess and officers from the McCreary County Sheriff's Office. 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. Congressional Resolution Honoring Kentucky National GuardRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers introduced legislation honoring three units of the Kentucky National Guard who returned home from Iraq at the end of September. The resolution, H.Con.Res 233, recognizes the Kentucky National Guard troops, many of whom dismantled improvised explosive devices, engaged in firefights and assisted with routine combat and security operations. “This resolution highlights an important fact,” said Rogers. “Iraq is the key battle in a world-wide struggle to preserve our way of life – indeed our civilized world. I am just one among many who welcome back our brave Kentucky troops from the front lines of this new world war we find ourselves in.” Cited in the resolution are the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry, known as the “Mountain Warriors,” the Heavy Equipment Transport Platoon, 2123rd Transportation Company and the Rear Area Operations Command from the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Armor. Based in Barbourville, Mountain Warrior missions included perimeter security, mounted combat patrols and personal security details. The Heavy Equipment Transport Platoon, out of Richmond, conducted daily re-supply missions including moving tanks, water, heavy equipment and weapons for the United States Army. Members of the Bowling Green-based Rear Area Operations Command performed combat patrols, site hardening and security improvements. "I am so proud to know that Kentucky's great citizen-soldiers are getting the recognition they deserve in the halls of Congress," said Maj. Gen. Donald C. Storm, Adjutant General for Kentucky. "The men and women of the Kentucky Guard have been in this fight from the very beginning and they have proven themselves time and again, for both their skills as warriors and their compassion for their fellow man. This resolution is indeed a tribute not just to our troops, but their families and everyone who supported them during their time of deployment." Rogers noted that these men and women served honorably and with steadfast resolve, sacrificing time away from loved ones, careers and their communities. Joining Rogers in co-sponsoring the resolution are Reps. Ben Chandler, Geoff Davis, Ron Lewis, Ed Whitfield and John Yarmuth. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. KENTUCKY AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL MEETINGThe Kentucky Aquaculture Association will hold its annual meeting and workshop Oct. 19 at Kentucky State University’s Aquaculture Research Center in Frankfort. The morning workshop on largemouth bass production is from 9 a.m. to noon EDT. Dr. Michael P. Masser, professor and extension fisheries specialist at Texas A&M University, will speak during lunch. Afternoon sessions begin at 1 p.m. with a chef’s panel led by Angela Caporelli, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s aquaculture coordinator and marketing specialist. Following will be 20-minute presentations on seven species – freshwater prawn, paddlefish, channel catfish, rainbow trout, marine shrimp, tilapia and koi – as well as a session on transport/viral hemorrhagic septicemia. The KAA will hold a business meeting and tour the KSU research center. Cost is $20 per person for KAA members and $30 for non-members. To obtain a registration form or more information, call Karla Johnson at (502) 597-8106 or Angela Caporelli at (502) 564-4983. The Aquaculture Research Center is located at 103 Athletic Road off Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near the KSU football stadium. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Distance Learning Initiative for Manchester EKU CampusRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Office has approved a $307,000 grant to provide distance learning courses to remote campuses that are part of Eastern Kentucky University. “Smart investments in communications infrastructure is bridging what used to be the great divide separating our region from the rest of the world,” said Rogers. “That is no longer the case because the best education is available anywhere there is a network.” The investment will enable students and teachers to interact through live two-way video. Campuses in Corbin, Danville and Manchester will be included. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure important funding initiatives for the fifth Congressional district. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. KET documentary features health care in Clay Countyket.orgThroughout 2007, people across Kentucky gathered in church basements, firehouses, libraries and other public venues to openly discuss their experiences with health care and envision a health system that works for all Kentuckians. A new documentary chronicling the comments of Kentuckians in seven Kentucky communities, Every Heartbeat Has a Voice: Kentuckians Speak Out about Health Care, airs Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 10/9 p.m. CT on KET2 and Thursday, Nov. 29 at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET1. Sponsored by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky in partnership with the College of Public Health at the University of Kentucky, the forums’ goals were two-fold: to collect and synthesize the experiences of a diverse cross-section of Kentuckians to present to the Kentucky legislature and to plant the seed for further citizen engagement in health care. The program begins in Maysville then travels to Smoketown, a predominantly African-American community in the heart of Louisville, where health-care practitioners and patients at the free Harambee Clinic talk about long waits for specialists, high co-pays and high prescription medication costs. In Eastern Kentucky, participants in Clay County relate their problems with isolation and transportation and in Harlan County, two determined women grapple with the stigma of mental illness. In Murray, the small business employers discuss their problems in providing coverage for employees, and in Berea, community advocates talk about the creation of walkways and bikeways to support healthy lifestyles. Every Heartbeat Has a Voice: Kentuckians Speak Out about Health Care, part of KET’s Be Well Kentucky initiative, is a KET production, produced by Laura Crawford and Duncan Hart. Judy Flavell is executive producer. More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org. GOAT PROCESSING PLANT OPENSBluegrass Lamb & Goat celebrated the opening of the new producer-owned meat processing business in Paint Lick with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 5. “This plant will give a big boost to Kentucky’s growing lamb and goat industries,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Kentucky needs more processing to serve our livestock producers. I applaud the owners of Bluegrass Lamb & Goat for taking this bold step.” “This is a win-win situation,” said Ray Bowman, executive director of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office. “The producers win by having another outlet for their product and a means to have animals custom processed for resale to restaurants, markets and individual customers. Garrard County wins by gaining another employer and corporate citizen. The Commonwealth wins because more dollars remain in the state. I look forward to seeing Bluegrass Lamb & Goat flourish and thrive.” Bluegrass Lamb & Goat will largely focus on developing markets for USDA-inspected, Kentucky-produced sheep and goat products. The owners plan to launch a custom business for cattle, sheep, goats and deer in mid-October to accommodate deer season. They hope to open a retail meat store at the plant in the future. “Diversification will be a large part of this company’s success,” said company President Roger Thacker. Bluegrass Lamb & Goat will begin taking reservations for deer processing on Oct. 13. The plant is located at 3060 Cartersville Road. To make a reservation or for more information, call (859) 925-2000. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. CELEBRITY CHEFS WILL TEST THEIR CHOPSFour reality television stars will find out “whose cuisine reigns supreme” in a cooking competition during the Kentucky Proud Expo Oct. 20 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington. The Reality Iron Chef Showdown will pit “Survivor” contestants Rodger Bingham of Crittenden and Lillian Morris of Loveland, Ohio, against David and Mary Conley of Stone in Pike County, who competed in “The Amazing Race” and were named TV Guide’s “Reality Couple of the Year.” Gil Logan, executive chef at Churchill Downs in Louisville, will host the event. “The Reality Iron Chef Showdown will be fun and exciting while also demonstrating creative ways to prepare Kentucky Proud foods,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “The Expo will show retailers and consumers alike some of the vast array of delicious and nutritious Kentucky Proud products available to them. I’m grateful to the Kentucky Grocers Association and the Kentucky Association of Convenience Stores for giving us this opportunity.” Each team will have one hour to create three dishes with Kentucky Proud products, including two mystery ingredients. Bingham (an official in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s marketing office) and Morris will be assisted by Chef Jim Gerhardt of Limestone Restaurant in Louisville and Mike and Jimmy’s Chophouse in northern Kentucky; Denise Nelson of Chrisman Mill Winery in Nicholasville, and Robert Coltrane, a student at Midwest Culinary Institute. Joining the Conleys will be Chef Jared Whelan from Pho Paris restaurant in Covington; Don Talbert, a tomato farmer and president of the Boone County Farmers’ Market, and Steve Simms, a student at Midwest Culinary Institute. The Showdown will begin at noon EDT. Judges will be Sarah Fritschner, former food editor at The (Louisville) Courier-Journal; Sharon Thompson, food editor at the Lexington Herald-Leader; Pat Huller of the Midwest Culinary Institute, and Rita Heikenfeld, a Macy’s Culinary Professional. The public session of the Kentucky Proud Expo will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visitors may taste and purchase more than 100 Kentucky Proud products such as cheese, salsa, popcorn, beverages, meats, sweets, and many others. Kentucky Proud is the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s farm marketing program. The familiar blue, green and red Kentucky Proud logo means that product was raised or produced in Kentucky by Kentuckians. Nearly 1,000 producers, retailers, processors, restaurants and farmers’ markets are members of the Kentucky Proud program. The reality TV celebrities will be available for autographs from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Visitors who vote for the best booth and best food items will have a chance to win a Kentucky State Parks Getaway Prize Package. “Fun for the Kids” will be sponsored by the KDA, the Kentucky Soy Council and Ale-8-One. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and $2 for children. Children 6 and under will be admitted free. Visitors who present a Remke Markets store card will get $1 off admission. Proceeds will go to the Kentucky Grocers Association Scholarship Fund and the FFA Scholarship Fund. Partners in the expo are the Kentucky Grocers Association/Kentucky Association of Convenience Stores (KGA/KACS), the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy, Allied Food Marketers, Remke Markets, Countertops and Cabinetry by Design, and Hagedorn Appliances. The expo is being held in conjunction with the KGA/KACS annual conference Oct. 17-20. For more information on the Kentucky Proud Expo, contact Susan Raque at (502) 592-2865 or raques@bellsouth.net. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Rogers Announces $677,000 to Expand Drug Treatment OptionsRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will invest $677,000 to expand Foothills Academy, Inc. and its residential treatment and care capacity in Clinton and Wayne Counties. “These centers, and others like them in our region, turn the tide on the havoc drugs wreak on people’s lives,” said Rogers. “These investments pay off by helping young people regain their potential and become productive citizens again.” The funds will be loaned to Foothills Academy in Clinton County to provide working capital that will support 71 new employees. Foothills Academy is a non-profit organization currently targeted to boys ages 13 to 18. The Foothills Academy will add 24 beds. The Wayne County facility, to be located near Otter Creek, is for girls in the same age group. Foothills Academy will construct a residential treatment and care facility to accommodate 48 young female residents. The facility will provide life skills training, work skills training, academic instruction, and substance abuse counseling. Operation UNITE, which fights drug abuse in the region, provides assistance to centers like Foothills, most notably by providing vouchers for poor addicts. This summer, Rogers secured $200,000 in a House-passed appropriations bill for the Wayne County facility. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the fifth Congressional district. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 17, 2007 19:07:41 GMT -5
McConnell Calls for Immediate Reform of AMTSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee Charles Grassley, Senator Gordon Smith (R.-Ore.), and Senator Mike Crapo (R.-Idaho) held a press conference urging immediate action to reform the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). “If Congress does not take action to correct, or in my preference to repeal, AMT before the end of 2007, upwards of 20 million middle-income households will find themselves paying AMT,” said Sen. Smith. Because the AMT was not indexed for inflation, it attacks more and more middle-income families every year. “Since the AMT was never intended to reach to the extent that it reaches, and Congress never intended this tax to be collected from so many Americans, we should not subject this tax to the paygo rules,” said Sen. Crapo. “At the very least we need the AMT patch that’s been used in recent years to protect taxpayers,” said Sen. Grassley. “Even so, this falls short of what Democrats pledged to do to fix the AMT problem when they took over in January.” The most recent patch expired last year, leaving millions of families vulnerable to AMT if another is not added. “If we don’t act soon, about 25.7 million families and individuals will be hit with a very unpleasant surprise next year to the tune of about $65 billion in taxes,” said McConnell. “We have a very difficult situation building in our tax code right now,” warned Sen. Crapo. “We need immediate action, we need solid and decisive action.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Pavement rehabilitation project on I-75MANCHESTER, KY. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet continues the pavement rehabilitation project on I-75 in Whitley County, between MP 5 and 11, Sunday, October 21, 2007. Construction in the North and Southbound lanes will begin Sunday, Oct. 21, at 8:00 PM and continue through Thursday, October 25, at 9:00 AM (24 hrs a day), between MP 5 and 11.2. NB & SB will resume Thursday night, Oct. 25 at 7:00 PM and continue through Friday, Oct. 26 at 7:00 AM. One lane will remain open at all times North and Southbound. This area is a Double Fine Zone with a reduced speed limit of 55 MPH within the work zone. The actual starting date and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. This project is expected to remain active through 2008. EXPECT DELAYS AND WATCH FOR SLOWED/STOPPED TRAFFICThe preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11. It’s Time to Move Forward with a Responsible Expansion of SCHIPThe House of Representatives voted to sustain the President’s veto of an unworkable transformation of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the urgent need to reauthorize this program: “Now that the veto has been sustained, it’s time to move forward with a serious plan to extend health coverage for those SCHIP was meant to cover: low-income children. It’s time to stop the campaign ads and time to start working across party lines to forge a bipartisan compromise. “Surely Democrats wouldn’t walk away and leave these young people from low-income families uninsured just to make a political point. I don't see how they can refuse to sit down with us to improve this bill when Republicans support and the President will sign legislation maintaining current coverage and extending coverage to additional low-income kids.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Waste Tire Amnesty ProgramMANCHESTER, KY. — The Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet in coordination with Whitley County Officials will be hosting a Waste Tire Amnesty Program, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-27 in Whitley County. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Highways maintenance facility will be used for the collection of unwanted waste tires from the public. Citizens will be allowed to bring their waste tires to the garage located off US 25W in Williamsburg between the hours of 8 AM and 4 PM, each day. For additional information contact the District 11 highway garage at 606-549-1870. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11. Roundup targets 30 dealers; community rally set for Oct. 23Thirty suspected drug dealers were targeted by UNITE in a roundup held Friday, October 19, in Bell County. “A majority of these dealers were in the Pineville area, but we had cases spread throughout Bell County,” said Joel Cunigan, manager of UNITE’s Cumberland Drug Task Force. “We purchased a variety of drugs, including OxyContin, Hydrocodone, Methadone, marijuana and some crack cocaine.” Staging from the Bert T. Combs Forestry Building in Pineville, law enforcement officers from five local agencies set out around 8 a.m. to serve arrest warrants. As of 2 p.m. police had arrested one-third of individuals. The undercover investigations into illegal drug dealing leading to these indictments began about one year ago, Cunigan stated. Bell County UNITE Coalition Chair Cathy Woolum and ministers from the West Pineville Baptist Church and Lighthouse Medical Clinic were on hand to offer assistance to those being arrested. Lighthouse holds a weekly drug and alcohol recovery Lifeline program. Woolum said anyone concerned about the drug problems in Bell County should plan to attend a community rally to be held on Tuesday, October 23. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in The Commons at Pineville High School. City, county and school officials recently voiced their support for the anti-drug movement by declaring September as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Agencies assisting UNITE detectives Friday included the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, Pineville Police Department, Middlesboro Police Department, Kentucky State Police, and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. McConnell on FISA‘Any bill that leaves this chamber must restore to intelligence officials the same tools they’ve had in fighting terrorism for decades’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the need to provide intelligence officials with the tools they need to protect the nation: “As the House prepares to take up the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, I’d like to remind my colleagues what we decided about this program just a little over two months ago. In August a bipartisan Senate majority voted to embrace the two principles behind the original FISA law in 1978: that foreign terrorists overseas are a legitimate target for warrantless surveillance, and that Americans at home are not. We did this because we’d been informed by the Director of National Intelligence that advances in technology and an outdated provision in law had made it impossible for the intelligence community to act on the first of these principles, causing us to miss significant, actionable intelligence. “The Senate responded to this information accordingly. We addressed the change in technology and updated the law, restoring to the intelligence community a tool it had effectively used even before the 9/11 attacks to track terrorist activity abroad. Congress made sure in 1978 that the intelligence community was free to collect intelligence on foreign targets overseas and act on it quickly. In a post 9/11 world, we were insisting that they continue to have this vital capability. Now we’ll have the chance to insist on it again, by voting against the bill that’s being considered in the House or by approving an alternative that corrects its flaws. “The bill that’s being taken up in the House has two major weaknesses. First, it requires intelligence officials to obtain a warrant before listening in on foreign terror suspects abroad. In other words, if we want to listen in on a terrorist in Tehran who may be talking about blowing up Los Angeles, we’d have to stop and get a court approval first. I guarantee you there isn’t a single person in this country outside this building who thinks that makes any sense. “It’s just common sense that our ability to act quickly on the intelligence we get is a crucial part of our ability to prevent terror attacks at home. This dangerous provision would create a new hurdle for intelligence officials to jump before they can collect and act on a live potential threat. Allowing it to stand would have been foolish before 9/11. It would be inexcusable now, which is exactly why we acted to remove it in August and why the President has rightly said he’ll veto any law that retains it. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Lawmakers get update on World Equestrian GamesThe biggest event ever scheduled to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park -- the World Equestrian Games -- will end its 16 day run on Oct. 10, 2010. But the following day is the day that the park's executive director says will mark "the new beginning of the Kentucky Horse Park." That's because all the development and building projects completed in preparation the games will help make large events successful at the park for years to come, Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director John Nicholson told lawmakers on the Appropriations and Revenue Committee yesterday during the panel's meeting in Lexington. "We're going to have events that heretofore we've only been able to imagine," Nicholson said. Organizers of some large equestrian events currently held in other parts of the country haven't been able to hold their events at the Kentucky Horse Park in the past because the park lacked the facilities to accommodate them. "These are national-level events that bring large amounts of people ... that go to cities like Fort Worth or cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City," Nicholson said. "All of them would love to come to Kentucky and come to a facility like the Kentucky Horse Park that is in an agrarian setting, that has white fences and green grass for their horses. But frankly, we have not had the kind of facility that can accommodate that." That will change now that construction is underway for a new indoor arena and design work is almost done for a proposed new outdoor stadium, Nicholson said. "We're not only putting ourselves in a position to host the World Equestrian Games, but we're putting ourselves in a position to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact in each year of the decades to come." Funding was appropriated by lawmakers for the new indoor arena in 2006. Construction on the climate-controlled facility is ahead of schedule. "It will be as fine an arena as there in the country" Nicholson said. Lawmakers will be asked in the 2008 legislative session to provide $24 million for the construction of the outdoor stadium, Nicholson said. Design work for that project has been funded with $900,000 that Gov. Ernie Fletcher made available from a Department of Parks maintenance fund. The World Equestrian Games are expected to draw 800,000 people to the Kentucky Horse Park, said Jack Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of the World Equestrian Games 2010. While in Kentucky, they'll see the world championships of eight equestrian sports -- show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, reining, vaulting, endurance and para-equestrian. "The World Equestrian Games will be one of the great sporting events -- one of the great international happenings -- ever to occur in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and we are poised to do this in a way that will be a source of pride to every citizen," Nicholson said. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Court of Appeals upholds cocaine convictionA unanimous panel of appellate judges has affirmed the May 2006 cocaine trafficking conviction of Keith Fitzpatrick, according to Commonwealth’s Attorney Eddy F. Montgomery. The decision was announced Friday, October 19. According to UNITE Prosecutor David L. Dalton, on May 9, 2005, the Somerset Police Department, acting on an anonymous tip, searched the 47-year-old Fitzpatrick’s room at the Budget Inn and found more than two ounces of cocaine and other items of drug paraphernalia. Fitzpatrick, a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, stated that he was in town working construction, but that he was also selling cocaine to friends and co-workers. The Somerset Police Department arrested Fitzpatrick at the scene. Fitzpatrick was shortly thereafter indicted for trafficking in cocaine. On May 22, 2006, a Pulaski County jury convicted Fitzpatrick of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was subsequently sentenced to seven years imprisonment. Fitzpatrick appealed his conviction, arguing that the search of his room was illegal and that the jury was improperly informed of the anonymous tip that led to his arrest. The Kentucky Court of Appeals held oral arguments on the case on October 5, 2007. UNITE Prosecutor Dalton stated that Assistant Attorney General Kristin N. Logan of the Office of Criminal Appeals presented the Commonwealth’s case on appeal. Only 14 days later, the Court of Appeals rendered a unanimous decision upholding Fitzpatrick’s conviction. In the 13-page opinion, the Appellate Court ruled that Pulaski Circuit Judge Jeffery T. Burdette correctly overruled Fitzpatrick’s attempts to suppress the search. The Court ruled that Burdette was well within his authority to allow proof of both the cocaine and Fitzpatrick’s statements to the jury. In addition, the Court ruled that there was no error in informing the jury that there was an anonymous tip of cocaine trafficking which led to the search. Dalton thanked the Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force and Somerset Police Department for their efforts in the case. Montgomery thanked the Office of Criminal Appeals for their excellent work on the appeal. “The evidence in this case, combined with Judge Burdette’s thorough ruling and the outstanding work from the Appellate division, allowed for such a swift decision following oral arguments,” Montgomery stated. Montgomery also thanked Dalton for his efforts in the case and noted that this case was prosecuted as part of Operation UNITE’s prosecutorial initiative. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. COMMISSIONER FARMER APPLAUDS KENTUCKY FFAKentucky FFA membership has grown by some 50 percent over the past 20 years and is approaching an all-time record, according to Matt Chaliff, executive secretary of the youth organization. “I am thrilled that Kentucky FFA is enjoying such terrific success,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “FFA does an outstanding job of molding young people into disciplined, hard-working, responsible men and women. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has invested close to $200,000 in Kentucky FFA since I’ve been commissioner, and those investments are paying off.” Kentucky FFA membership in 2006-07 was 14,865, placing the state organization 11th in the nation. The goal for the current school year is to top 15,000, Chaliff said. The organization hit a low of about 10,000 members in the late 1980s, he said. The growth of FFA in Kentucky mirrors the national trend. Membership in FFA’s 7,358 chapters exceeded 500,000 this year, the highest number since 1978. FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. It is open to any student in grades 7-12 who is enrolled in an agriculture course in a public school. The 80th National FFA Convention is Oct. 24-27 in Indianapolis. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s Remarks Honoring the Dalai Lama“Your Holiness, Mr. President, distinguished congressional colleagues and friends. One of the people we have to thank for this event isn’t with us. Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming was a strong but serene man who admired the Dalai Lama and worked with him closely for a long time as chairman of the Foreign Relations panel that deals with Asia. Along with Senator Feinstein, he introduced the bill that got us here. We remember him and we thank Susan, his wife, for being with us. “I also want to recognize someone who could have stayed home this afternoon but didn’t …U.S. Presidents have met privately with the Dalai Lama for years. But it wasn’t until today that any of them had lent the prestige of the office to a public event in his honor. Mr. President: good to see you. You join a growing list of world leaders who are stepping forward to say in public what the world has long known: the Tibetan people have a right to their heritage, their freedom, and the man we honor today is not only courageous but also right to demand both. “Congress has expressed this view in sixteen resolutions since 2001. We’ve delivered funds to preserve the Tibetan culture and to help refugees who’ve escaped through the mountains to India and Nepal. We’ve educated some of these refugees at U.S. schools through the Tibet Fulbright program. And we’ve broadcast a message of hope across Tibet through Voice of America and Radio Free Asia. “Again and again, we’ve reached out in solidarity to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people, and the Chinese government needs to know that we will continue to do so. The U.S. Congress stands with Tibet. “Truth is persistent, and in the case of the Dalai Lama, so is the messenger. He’s carried the plight of his people to the world for nearly fifty years, never growing tired or frustrated. It’s this constancy and hope in the face of violence and intimidation that inspires Tibetan teenagers and grandfathers to risk arrest, or worse, by keeping pictures of him in their homes or by scrawling his name on a schoolhouse wall. In recent weeks he has inspired the suffering people of Burma to similar acts of heroism. And he has inspired Congress to give him the greatest honor in our power to bestow. “Your holiness, America admires you and we thank you. You are always welcome here.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Bank Robbery Investigation in Rockcastle CountyJoshua Shane Rickels(LONDON) On 10-17-2007 at 10:11 AM the Kentucky State Police, Post 11 London, received a report of a bank robbery at the Citizens Bank in the Brodhead Community of Rockcastle County. The suspect entered the bank wearing camouflaged clothing, a ski mask and armed with a handgun. The suspect demanded money and left the scene in a white vehicle. Upon arrival Detective Mark Allen began an investigation into the incident which developed a suspect identification. The suspect was later located and interviewed in the Berea area of Madison County. Detective Allen charged Joshua Shane Rickels, 27, of Mount Vernon, KY with Robbery 1ST Degree. This robbery makes the second Bank Robbery in the KSP Post 11 district within the last week, with arrests being made quickly in both incidents. 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. Ban on Internet Tax Should Be Made PermanentSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Republican Whip Trent Lott, Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Ranking Member Ted Stevens, and Senator John Sununu (R-N.H.), held a press conference Tuesday urging a vote to make the internet tax moratorium permanent before the moratorium’s November 1st expiration date. “It is the view of the group of us, led by Senator Sununu. that we should have a permanent ban on taxation of the internet,” Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said today. Senator Sununu along with 6 cosponsors recently introduced S. 2128, The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2007. The bill has been placed on the Senate calendar. Republican Senators are urging swift action to bring an up-or-down vote on making the internet tax moratorium permanent before its looming expiration date. “It would be my goal to get a vote on permanency before the expiration on November 1st,” said Leader McConnell. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Arrest Made in Armed Robbery Investigation in McCreary County(LONDON) The Kentucky State Police, Post 11 London, has made arrests in reference to the Armed Robbery of Goodin's Grocery on Mill Creek Road in the Parker's Lake Community of McCreary County, KY. KSP Trooper Jason Browning charged Morgan D. Wallace, 29, of Burnside, KY with Robbery 1ST Degree in connection with the robbery. Wallace was also charged with Possession of Marijuana, DUI 2ND Offense and Operating a Motor Vehicle on a Suspended or Revoked Operator's License. Trooper Browning also charged, Megan O. Sharpe, 20, of Burnside, KY and Geneva S. Goodin, 42, of Parker’s Lake, KY, with Conspiracy to commit Robbery 1ST Degree in connection with the robbery. Goodin was also charged with DUI 1ST Offense and Failure to Wear Seat Belts. Wallace, Sharpe and Goodin were lodged in the McCreary County Jail. Trooper Browning was assisted in the investigation by KSP Troopers Shaler Jones, Tony Dingess and Craig Reed, Officers from the McCreary County Sheriff's Office and McCreary County Constable James Higginbotham. 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.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 23, 2007 15:24:51 GMT -5
It’s Time to Start Addressing the Country’s PrioritiesSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the President’s call for action on spending bills. Friday marked the first time in 20 years that the Congress failed to send a single appropriations bill to the President this late in the year. “Friday marks the first time in 20 years that Congress has gone this long without sending even a single appropriations bill down to the President for his signature. In addition, Congress is woefully behind in passing a clean veterans’ bill, fixing the middle-class tax hike, and working together to pass an SCHIP bill that the President will sign. “Unless Congress acts soon, we’ll have troops in the field without a commitment from Congress to fund their mission. We ought to immediately provide our troops the funding they need. It’s time to start addressing the country’s priorities. All of these things need to be done, and soon.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Pavement rehabilitation project on I-75MANCHESTER, KY. - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet continues the pavement rehabilitation project on I-75 in Whitley County, between MP 5 and 11, Sunday, October 28, 2007. Construction in the Northbound & Southbound lanes will begin Sunday, Oct. 28, at 8:00 PM and continue through Thursday, November 1, at 9:00 AM (24 hrs a day), between MP 5 and 11.2. NB & SB will resume Thursday night, Nov. 1 at 7:00 PM and continue through Friday, Nov. 2 at 7:00 AM. One lane will remain open at all times North and Southbound. This area is a Double Fine Zone with a reduced speed limit of 55 MPH within the work zone. The actual starting date and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. This project is expected to remain active through 2008. EXPECT DELAYS AND WATCH FOR SLOWED/STOPPED TRAFFICThe preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11. Rangel Tax Increase ‘Dead on Arrival’ in SenateSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement regarding Congressman Rangel’s proposed $1.3 trillion tax hike, which, if passed, would be the largest tax hike in U.S. history: “The last thing the American people need right now is a $1.3 trillion tax increase that would be a dangerous jolt to our economy. If such a proposal were to pass the House, it would be dead on arrival in the Senate.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. McConnell on the DREAM Act‘It is our duty to promote respect for America’s immigration laws and fairness for U.S. citizens and lawful immigrants. The DREAM Act fails that test and I will oppose it.’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the DREAM Act: “Mr. President, earlier this year, a bipartisan group of Senators took up the issue of illegal immigration. It was clear from the debate that ensued that there are deeply held beliefs on both sides. It was also apparent that this is not a problem with a simple solution; it is one that requires time and consideration. And to live up to the expectation of our constituents, it seemed clear to me that Congress must take steps to secure our borders and provide for our national security first. The Senate seemed to get the message, because it voted overwhelmingly in July to dedicate $3 billion in emergency spending to help promote our border and interior security. “I am disappointed my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are not continuing on the bipartisan path of enhancing our security. Instead, they are bringing up a controversial issue with the DREAM Act. This bill is an attempt to put illegal immigrants who graduate from a U.S. high school or obtain their GED on a special path to citizenship. Though I recognize and appreciate the tremendous contributions to our country made by generations of legal immigrants, I do not believe we should reward illegal behavior. It is our duty to promote respect for America’s immigration laws and fairness for U.S. citizens and lawful immigrants. “The DREAM Act fails that test and I will oppose it. “This is not an issue that can be solved in one day, and there are pressing matters which we must address. Here we are, 4 weeks into the new fiscal year and we have yet to send a single appropriations bill to the President’s desk. We should be focused on funding our troops in the field, ensuring our intelligence forces have the tools they need to find and catch terrorists, and holding the line on budget-busting spending bills. The internet tax moratorium expires in exactly one week. Unless we act soon, internet users across the country will be hit with yet another tax. “And we still have yet to see any plan for addressing the looming middle class tax hike known as the Alternative Minimum Tax. Secretary Paulson told Congress that we must act by early November if we don’t want to see 50 million taxpayers ensnared in a confused filing season next year. This deadline, too, is just around the corner. We still have an enormous amount of work to complete, and we are running out of time. “I urge my colleagues to oppose this attempt to bring up a divisive issue, further delaying the essential, unfinished, business of the Congress. The Senate has more than enough to do without also tackling issues that divide both this body and the nation.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Self-insurance could allow state to refine health planThe state's transition to self-insurance for its public employees health plan could allow changes in the future to better manage care, executive branch officials told a legislative panel this week. The comments came during a presentation on the 2008 health plan and changes from the current year. Benefits are unchanged for the 10th straight year, Personnel Secretary Brian Crall told members of the Interim Joint Committee on Banking & Insurance, but benefits may soon require "modest adjustments." "Because we haven't made any real changes to the plan, we are going to be faced with continued cost pressures, and having to adjust or calibrate the benefits at some point in the future in order to keep the plan sustainable," Crall said. He noted that premiums will rise 5.8 percent for employers as well as employees next year. Department for Employee Insurance Commissioner Christine Wilcoxson noted that the state now self-insures, with Humana as the plan administrator. Self-insurance has allowed state officials to track trends within the plan. By investigating what is driving claims, officials can help plan members hold down their costs while also saving the state money. Sen. Dick Roeding, R-Lakeside Park, said that the average plan member received nearly 20 prescriptions per year. Using technology to track prescription drug use could help employees realize they could order their drugs in 90-day supplies, he said, saving both them and the state money. Databases could also track where people take multiple drugs when one would do. "After you get above nine scripts ... you've got a problem that should be handled, and in a lot of instances, those people don't even know what's going on as far as all this medicine they're taking." Visits to the doctor are also up, Wilcoxson said, but the data is available to see if illnesses are up, or if people are seeking preventive care, which is less expensive in the long run. Rep. Steve Riggs, D-Jeffersontown, pointed to financial data that suggested that the Commonwealth Premier plan, the state's highest-level plan, pays out more money in claims that it takes in, while the three lower tiers in effect subsidize the highest. "The rates have to be adjusted," Riggs said, to more evenly spread the load on premiums. Crall noted that it's common for insurance plans to take a loss on the highest-level plan, but that state officials would be looking at recalibrating the premiums. Open enrollment for the plan ends on Friday, Crall noted, so employees needing to change their coverage or contribute to a Health Reimbursement Account or a Flexible Savings Account need to do so by that time. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. COMMISSIONER FARMER SUCCEEDS IN GETTING ACTION TO HELP KENTUCKY FARMERS GET MUCH-NEEDED HAYAt the urging of Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, an executive order was signed by Governor Ernie Fletcher on Wednesday that will help Kentucky farmers get much-needed hay to make up for shortages caused by the drought and the April freeze. “This will make it easier and cheaper for cattle producers, horse farms and others to get the forages they need to feed their herds through the winter,” Commissioner Farmer said. Commissioner Farmer and members of his senior staff worked with other state officials and representatives of Kentucky Farm Bureau, the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, the Kentucky Dairy Development Council and other agricultural organizations to hammer out details of the executive order. The order waives size and weight restrictions for vehicles transporting hay and other livestock forages through and into the Commonwealth. The order waives permit fees for oversized or overweight vehicles carrying forages. Carriers are required to obtain all necessary permits for route verification. Kentucky’s hay crop is expected to be down as much as 50 percent from 2006 production of 6.3 million tons valued at nearly $493 million. Five consecutive days of below-freezing temperatures in early April damaged this year’s first cutting. The drought further limited hay and pasture growth. The hay shortfall has forced some farmers to feed crop residue, buy commercial feeds or sell livestock. Earlier this month the U.S. Department of Agriculture made low-interest emergency loans available to farmers in all 120 Kentucky counties who are affected by the drought. Commissioner Farmer, who is president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, has urged Congress to put drought relief for affected farmers in the Farm Bill. That would make affected farmers eligible for grants. The Department has set up a Hay Hotline for producers with hay to sell or looking for hay to buy. To get on one of the lists, call toll-free 1-888-567-9589. The KDA also hosts a Hay Directory where hay for sale is listed by county. To view the Hay Directory, go to www.kyagr.com, click on Programs and click on Hay for Sale (tested). The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Waste Tire Amnesty ProgramMANCHESTER, KY. — The Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet in coordination with Laurel County Officials will be hosting a Waste Tire Amnesty Program, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-3 in Laurel County. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Highways maintenance facility will be used for the collection of unwanted waste tires from the public. Citizens will be allowed to bring their waste tires to the garage located off West KY 80 between the hours of 8 AM and 4 PM, each day. For additional information contact the district 11 highway garage at 606-330-2100. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11. Amul Thapar has “the Wisdom and Integrity to Excel as a Federal JudgeAmul ThaparSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell introduced fellow Kentuckian Amul R. Thapar to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Thapar is President Bush’s nominee to be Federal Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. McConnell’s remarks follow: “It is my great honor and privilege today to speak on behalf of Amul R. Thapar, the President’s nominee to be the next United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. During the course of these hearings, this distinguished committee will learn what I know: Without a doubt, Amul Thapar has the qualifications, the intellect, the integrity and the judicial temperament to make an excellent addition to our federal judiciary. Amul graduated from the Boalt Hall School of Law of the University of California after receiving his undergraduate degree with high honors from Boston College. “He clerked for Judge Nathaniel R. Jones of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and Judge S. Arthur Spiegel of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. From them, he learned first-hand how a judge presides in a just and fair manner, and with a measured temperament. An accomplished attorney in private practice, Amul has managed and litigated complex cases on behalf of major corporations in both federal and state courts. “Amul served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for several years, first in Washington, D.C., from 1999 to 2001 and then in Cincinnati from 2002 to 2006. The greater Cincinnati area includes the suburbs of northern Kentucky, where Amul made his home in these years and strengthened his ties to Kentucky’s communities. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he successfully prosecuted a wide variety of federal crimes, with an emphasis on public corruption and homeland security. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center, and again at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where he taught Federal Criminal Practice. “After years of experience as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Amul rose up through the ranks to earn confirmation as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky in early 2006. Since then, as the chief federal law-enforcement officer for half our state, he has easily become one of the most respected U.S. Attorneys in the country. He was appointed as one of only 17 nationwide to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys. As the chairman of the Controlled Substances and Asset Forfeiture Subcommittee, Amul has focused on prosecuting prescription narcotics abuse in Kentucky. Internet safety is also an important issue for Amul. He has traveled throughout his district, speaking to schools, churches and civics groups on the dangers of online child pornography and child exploitation. “He has visited all 67 counties of his district to reach out to state and local law-enforcement, building relationships and working to root out public corruption, vote buying and racketeering. Amul not only works hard at the office—he volunteers in his community as well. Several years ago he founded a brand-new chapter of the well-respected Street Law program, which sends law-school students into underprivileged high schools to teach the basic underpinnings of our legal system. Hundreds of students have benefited from Amul’s initiative, and the program is larger and more successful than ever after 12 years. In addition to these myriad accomplishments, Amul has a wonderful family who are all very proud of him and all he has achieved. His wife, Kim, their sons Zachary and Nicholas, and their daughter Carmen are here with us today. “We’re also joined by Amul’s mother, Veena Bhalla, his father and step-mother, Raj and Rama Thapar, his mother-in-law Joan Schulte, his sister Vandana Thapar and his uncle, Anand Bhasin. I want to take special note of Veena Bhalla’s presence at this hearing today. Ms. Bhalla is a civilian social worker with the U.S. Army who works to help transition soldiers returning home from the battlefield. She chose to sell her successful restaurant and serve her country this way after the 9/11 attacks. She’s traveled from Italy to be here to support her son, and we’re all glad she could make it. Ms. Bhalla, thank you for your service. With so many good people behind him, clearly Amul Thapar is the right man to serve as the next federal judge for the state’s Eastern District. “His time in the U.S. Attorney’s office and as a clerk for two respected federal judges has given him an understanding of the day-to-day operations of federal courts. He’s risen through the ranks to the top of his field to become a stellar prosecutor, all while maintaining his reputation as a man of unquestioned ethics and integrity. If confirmed, Amul Thapar will scrupulously interpret the law while always remaining impartial and fair. I’m confident he has the wisdom and integrity to excel as a federal judge. “I’d like to add one more thing: As you know, this committee has received letters from both the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and the North American South Asian Bar Association, strongly in support of Mr. Thapar’s nomination. Both bar associations point out that if confirmed, he would be the first South Asian American Article III judge in the history of this country. I’m sure this committee appreciates them bringing this milestone to its attention. Kentucky Supreme Court LIVE allows public access to Supreme Court of Kentucky Oral ArgumentsOral arguments presented to the Supreme Court will be available Oct. 24-26 via an online website called Supreme Court LIVE. "I have long endeavored to promote public trust and confidence in the Kentucky Judiciary," said Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert. “Broadcasting Supreme Court Oral Arguments live gives every citizen access to our proceedings and an opportunity to see their highest court doing its work." “The Justices on the Kentucky Supreme Court recognize that cases argued before it can be useful teaching tools, so we are pleased to partner with the University of Kentucky College of Law to open Oral Arguments to students all across the world via live streaming of the oral arguments,” said Justice John D. Minton, Jr. Oral Arguments online will allow the general public, students and press to have easy access to the oral arguments being presented to the Supreme Court. The program will give individuals with internet access the ability to see how the Supreme Court of Kentucky works and will bring a more open court system to Kentucky. The oral arguments site will be available from the Court of Justice website, www.courts.ky.gov as well as from the University of Kentucky College of Law’s website, www.uky.edu/law. The University of Kentucky will maintain the site that will host the live oral arguments. Funding Troops in the Field is Our Responsibility"Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale and undermine the military are sabateurs and should be arrested, exiled, or hanged." Abraham LincolnSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement on Monday in response to President Bush’s call for Congress to continue to fully fund the troops in the field: “During the last few months, the Petraeus plan has produced important military progress in Iraq. Gen. Petraeus and our men and women in harm’s way are combating Al Qaeda and assisting our allies in Iraq and Afghanistan. We cannot turn our backs on our warriors now by cutting off funds when there is still work to be done and still troops to protect. Congress overwhelmingly passed two resolutions this year rejecting any action that would undermine our troops in the field and Congress must now fulfill its responsibilities and send the message to our troops that we support their mission.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. WOMEN IN AG OFFER ‘A TASTE OF KENTUCKY PROUD’The public is invited to get “A Taste of Kentucky Proud” Nov. 1 from 6-8:30 p.m. EDT at the Crowne Plaza Campbell House Hotel in Lexington. “This event will give people an opportunity to try a variety of Kentucky Proud foods,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Come to ‘A Taste of Kentucky Proud’ and you will find out why nothing else is close.” Guests may sample and buy Kentucky Proud foods. Sullivan University students will prepare appetizers made with Kentucky Proud products. The event includes live music, door prizes and raffles. The event will be hosted by the 8th annual Kentucky Women in Agriculture Conference, which is Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Space is limited. A portion of the proceeds will go to the culinary programs at Sullivan University. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.kywomeninag.com or call 1-877-266-8823 The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. McConnell on Judge MukaseyMichael MukaseySenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the confirmation process for Judge Michael Mukasey to serve as Attorney General of the United States: “The Judiciary Committee will begin hearings on the nomination of Judge Michael B. Mukasey to be the nation’s 81st Attorney General. judge Mukasey has outstanding qualifications and a sterling reputation. Throughout four decades, he selflessly devoted his life to public service, culminating in his selection as Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. As a jurist, Judge Mukasey handled complex legal problems judiciously, thoughtfully, and fairly. The complex problems that face the Justice Department merit similar serious treatment, and I am confident that were he to be confirmed, Judge Mukasey will bring his trademark qualities to bear in analyzing them. “Analyzing these problems requires a careful and deliberative process. It is a process that starts today, and it will continue after the Judiciary Committee’s hearings are over. It is a process that does not lend itself to snap judgments or snap answers. Judge Mukasey will not abandon his trademark qualities of judiciousness and thoughtfulness today, nor should we want him to. And it would be injudicious and un-thoughtful for Judge Mukasey to make snap judgments about particular outcomes on highly complex--and highly-sensitive--policies in the war on terror before he even gets into office. Judge Mukasey is not read into some of these programs, and is not, at the present time, fully familiar with others. “And even if he were fully familiar with them, it would be imprudent for him to discuss their classified features in open session, while our enemies are watching. The Senate Judiciary Committee should be mindful of the complex problems that Judge Mukasey is being called on to solve, as well as the constraints under which he is operating. And it should treat him fairly. If he is treated fairly, I am confident that the Committee will report him to the floor for a prompt up or down vote.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Madrigal tickets go on sale Mondayucumberlands.edu/academics/musicUniversity of the Cumberlands’ Madrigal dinners will be held at 6:30 p.m., November 29, 30 and December 1, in the TJ Roberts Dining Hall. Tickets may be purchased by calling the music department at (606) 539-4332. Tickets are $25 each, and go on sale Monday, October 22.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 30, 2007 17:10:56 GMT -5
Thirteen Die On Kentucky RoadwaysOctober 29 through November 4Preliminary statistics* indicate that thirteen people died in eleven separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, October 29 through Sunday, November 4, 2007. Eleven of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and eight of the eleven victims were not wearing seat belts. The seat belt status of one of the victims is not known at this time. Three of the fatalities were the result of crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. Two of the fatalities involved pedestrians and occurred in Jefferson and Boyd counties. The single fatality crashes occurred in Boone, Caldwell, Carter, Christian, Floyd, Gallatin, Jefferson (2), Metcalfe, Pike, and Scott counties. Through November 4, preliminary statistics* indicate that 576 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2007. This is 44 fewer than reported for this time period in 2006. Of the 576 motor vehicle fatalities, 328 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 90 motorcycle fatalities, 52 were not wearing helmets. Of the 24 ATV fatalities, 20 were not wearing helmets. Thirty-six pedestrians and one bicyclist have been killed. A total of 173 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. 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. Students Cast Votes in Mock ElectionKentucky students see the upcoming election in a different manner than their parents if you compare the results of the 2007 Kentucky Student Mock Election to current public polling. Nearly 10,000 students from 85 schools across the Commonwealth picked the entire Republican slate in the election, sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of State and the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) “It is essential that students become acclimated to the democratic process, and there is no better way than for them to participate in the process themselves,” stated Secretary Grayson. “We hope that this will begin a lifelong commitment to voting among these young people.” This project is an exceptional tool for confronting, and in many cases, reversing the disturbing voting trends in the 18-24 year old demographic. Engaging students with the core principles of democracy fosters an important behavior that many will carry far beyond the classroom. The unofficial results for the election are: Governor/Lt. Governor SlateErnie Fletcher/Robbie Rudolph (R) – 54.09% Steven Beshear/Daniel Mongiardo (D) – 45.91% Secretary of StateC.M. “Trey” Grayson (R) – 55.93% Bruce Hendrickson (D) – 44.07% Attorney GeneralStan Lee (R) – 54.39% Jack Conway (D) – 45.61% Auditor of Public AccountsLinda Greenwell (R) – 59.29% Crit Luallen (D) – 40.70% State TreasurerMelinda L. Wheeler (R) – 53.47% L.J. “Todd” Hollenbach (D) – 46.13% Commissioner of AgricultureRichie Farmer (R) – 61.41% David Lynn Williams (D) – 38.59% This is the final of three such mock elections. The first was held at the campuses of the Governor’s Scholars Program during July in which the candidates had a dead-even tie. The second mock election was held on six college campuses across Kentucky with former Lt. Governor Steve Beshear beating Governor Ernie Fletcher by nearly 3 ½ percentage points. This election, unlike the others, featured all constitutional officer races. In addition to the mock election, the partnership with YLI allowed teachers, who chose to participate in the mock election, access to YLI’s on-line bank of lesson plans which are aimed at increasing civic literacy. The lesson plans provided on the site were aligned with Kentucky’s academic standards, saving teachers precious development time. Grayson directs the Civic Literacy Initiative of Kentucky, a multi-year effort that will determine a strategy for enhancing long-term civic engagement and civic literacy within the Commonwealth. As part of that effort, he released a report, Rediscovering Democracy: An Agenda for Action, that calls upon the state to take tangible steps to increase civic literacy. The report, which details four principle recommendations and scores of additional recommendations, was developed from the work of the Kentucky Workgroup on Civic Literacy and the CLIK. A focus of the report is increased technology in order to further engage students in the political process. Grayson’s office has an international award-winning website with increased online election services so that information is readily available for Kentucky citizens 24 hours-a-day/7 days-a-week. Grayson is also a pioneer in using popular mediums such as Facebook to make the political system more approachable to young people. During the 2006 election cycle, he created a national Facebook group to remind students to register to vote, request absentee ballots, and to turn out to vote on Election Day. “By involving students in the democratic process, we wish to not only energize young people to vote, but to also remind their family and friends about the importance of voting on November 6, 2007,” said Secretary Grayson. The entire official results will be available in the near future at www.sos.ky.gov/mockelection once they are sent to the Office of the Secretary of State from YLI. YLI was responsible for the tabulation of results for this election. The preceding press release was from the Commonwealth News Center. Suspects sought in pharmacy break-inPolice are asking for the public’s help in identifying two men who burglarized a Beattyville pharmacy early Thursday morning. About 1:30 a.m. two men threw a large stone through a front plate glass window of the Stufflebean Pharmacy at 27 Railroad Street. “They were in the store for approximately 17 seconds,” said Beattyville Police Chief Tim Chandler. “They grabbed what they were going after and took off.” A surveillance camera shows the men were wearing camouflage jackets, brown hooded masks, jeans, gym shoes and white Jersey gloves, Chandler stated. They both appear to be in their 20s and are approximately 5’8”-5’9” tall. Officials are not releasing the type of drugs taken during the break-in. Beattyville Police are being assisted by detectives from Operation UNITE. Anyone with information about the suspects can call 606-464-1104. Callers can remain anonymous. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. American People Set Another Economic Record50 Consecutive Months of Job Growth; Longest EverSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Friday following a record-setting 50 months of consecutive job growth: “The American people have done it again. The American economy is roaring along, creating new job growth for 50 consecutive months, the longest growth streak on record. Smart economic policies led principally by a lowered tax burden created the economic environment necessary for sustained growth, and the American workforce took it from there. While some in Washington want to impede this record growth by raising taxes, I couldn’t disagree more.” This is the first time the milestone of 50 consecutive months of job growth has ever been reached since the government began keeping records in 1939. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Perry man charged with drug possession while on federal probationA Perry County man on federal probation for drug trafficking was arrested Thursday, November 1, after police witnessed him selling drugs. Phillip S. Turner, age 51, of the Dwarf community, was arrested by Operation UNITE about 8:50 a.m. and charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance. “At the time of his arrest he had one and one-half tablets of OxyContin,” said Mike Luttrell, manager of UNITE’s Kentucky River Drug Task Force. “We expect to present additional charges to the Perry County Grand Jury in the near future.” UNITE detectives were conducting surveillance on an area suspected of drug trafficking when they observed a drug transaction between Turner and another individual in the parking lot of a business near Hazard. “Our detectives recognized Turner and knew he was still on supervised release,” Luttrell said. Turner was sentenced in 2004 on two counts of distribution of Methadone, one count of possession with intent to distribute OxyContin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute Methadone. He received a 30-month prison term on a plea and was released from federal prison in August 2005. He was currently on a supervised release scheduled to expire on September 1, 2008. Police are continuing the investigation and additional charges are pending. Hazard Police Department K-9 Officer Mike Napier assisted with the arrest. Turner was lodged in the Perry County Detention Center and federal officials notified for possible probation revocation. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. Republicans Committed to Bipartisan SCHIP CompromiseSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding Senate passage of the do-over SCHIP bill and the urgent need to responsibly reauthorize the program in a way the President will sign: “For the last several weeks, Republicans have requested true bipartisan negotiations so that we can create a serious plan to extend health coverage for those SCHIP was meant to cover: low-income children. But Democrats were unwilling to sit down at the table, insisting instead on sending a bill to the President they know he will not sign. Senate Republicans are committed to finding common ground on this issue, but we cannot do it alone. We must forge a bipartisan compromise to maintain current coverage and extend coverage to additional low-income children which the President can sign.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Clay County has third highest unemployment in stateUnemployment rates rose in 107 Kentucky counties between September 2006 and September 2007 and fell in 13 counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education Cabinet. Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 4.3 percent. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Fayette County, 4.4 percent; Henderson and Jessamine counties, 4.5 percent each; Oldham and Warren counties, 4.6 percent; Boone and Shelby counties, 4.7 percent each; Scott County, 4.8 percent; and Franklin County, 4.9 percent. Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 11.9 percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 10.6 percent; Clay County, 10.5 percent; Harlan County, 10.3 percent; Owsley and Wolfe counties, 9.6 percent each; Leslie County, 9 percent; McCreary County, 8.9 percent; Grayson County, 8.8 percent; and Bell and Morgan counties, 8.6 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. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and counties figures. Learn more about the Office of Employment and Training at www.workforce.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from the Commonwealth News Center. Seven More Years of Tax-Free Internet AccessSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement Tuesday regarding House passage of a seven-year extension of the Internet tax moratorium. The tax relief measure passed in the Senate last week by a unanimous vote. “Internet users across the country have Sen. Sununu and others to thank for keeping Internet access tax free and ensuring economic growth and innovation can continue without government interference for an additional seven years. By passing the Senate’s seven-year tax relief, the House agreed that the four-year ban was insufficient. But our job is not finished – we must continue to fight to ban taxes on Internet access--permanently.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Kentucky launches statewide high-speed education networkKentucky students now are on the leading edge of technology and education thanks to the newly created Kentucky Education Network (KEN). Public schools across the state now are connected to KEN, which continues Kentucky’s tradition as a leader in maintaining a high-speed link between education and the World Wide Web. Education Cabinet Secretary Laura E. Owens, along with other state education leaders, unveiled the capabilities of KEN and the opportunities it will provide to create a seamless P-20 education community that supports lifelong learning. “Technology is the foundation upon which today’s global economy is built,” said Governor Fletcher. “This new program helps prepare the students of Kentucky for the demands of a high-tech world by making technology a part of learning.” KEN addresses the need to improve the speed in which information through the Kentucky Instructional Data System, content via Web sites like Internet 2, applications and communications comes into and leaves local school districts. The goal is to provide equal access among the state’s 174 school districts to high-speed Internet that is reliable, secure and cost effective. The Kentucky Virtual School system, the Individual Learning Plan, online tutoring services, the GoHigher Portal, online advising services, a KCTCS course applicability system, KET’s Encyclomedia and a lifelong learning portal are just a few of the technological features to which KEN will provide all Kentucky students unprecedented speedy access. “Technology in schools means that learning is no longer bound within the walls of a classroom or the pages of a textbook,” said Kentucky Education Cabinet Secretary Laura E. Owens. “This new network will open more educational opportunities to our students and prepare them for the technology challenges of tomorrow.” KEN was created through a joint budget request during the 2006 session of the Kentucky General Assembly. State legislators awarded $70 million to build the Kentucky Education Network (KEN) and to provide an Instructional Device Upgrade (IDU) for Kentucky public schools’ technology programs. These initiatives are providing innovative ways to support the diverse instructional needs of students and prepare them for the 21st century. The implementation of KEN makes Kentucky the first state to connect all K-12 public school districts and state public postsecondary institutions on one seamless education-centric high-speed network. The network is the result of a collaborative effort among Kentucky’s local school districts, the Kentucky Education Cabinet, the Kentucky Department of Education, the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Education Professional Standards Board and state workforce organizations. KEN won the Best of Kentucky Award for “Best IT Collaboration Among Organizations” at the 2007 Kentucky Digital Summit. The summit, co-sponsored each year by the COT and Government Technology magazine, recognizes outstanding individuals and programs that have made information technology contributions to the public sector, In Education Week’s 2007 “Technology Counts” publication, Kentucky tied for fifth in the nation in the overall technology grades and was one of two states identified as the best at integrating technology into curriculum and classrooms. Learn more about the Kentucky Education Network at ken.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from the Commonwealth News Center. McConnell Calls on Majority to Fund Troops, Veterans by Veterans DaySenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks Tuesday on the Senate floor regarding the Democrats’ failure to pass appropriations bills five weeks into the fiscal year: “A lot of the business of the Senate involves numbers. There are 100 Senators. The majority has 51, this side of the aisle 49. It takes 60 votes to pass most significant legislation. Senators are always thinking about many different numbers. But today’s number is real simple. The number is five. Yes, just five. “Five because this is the fifth week of the new fiscal year. But our friends on the other side of the aisle have yet to fulfill, as the Majority Whip puts it, ‘the most fundamental job Congress is expected to do,’ and send a single appropriations bill to the President’s desk. “Let me give just one example. This Senate passed the Military Construction/Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, which provides critical funds for our wounded warriors, deserving veterans and the base installations that house our service members and their families, in a bipartisan 92 to 1 vote—nearly two months ago. Yet that bill now sits idle, as we wait for the majority to call it up to conference. “Meanwhile, as early as today the majority could proceed to take up valuable floor time on another version of the SCHIP bill, which is certain to be vetoed, again, by the President. Republicans want to strengthen and secure the SCHIP program. And the exact wrong way to do that is to lose focus on the low-income children it was designed to protect. So let’s work together on a compromise that will keep the focus where it belongs, on low-income children. “But I suspect I’m going to have plenty of chances to come back to the floor and debate this issue very soon. The point is, working on a bill we know will be vetoed is not the best use of precious legislative time. So why do they insist we go through with it? “Further, Mr. President, I think we can all agree that we should do everything in our power to provide for our veterans and for our troops. November 11 is Veterans Day. I think this Senate ought to honor our veterans and the brave men and women who serve under our country’s flag by sending the Military Construction/Veterans Affairs and Defense appropriations bills to the president’s desk by Veterans Day without any gimmicks or games. It’s the least this Congress can do for those who’ve worn the uniform. And it’s the least this Congress can do to meet the minimum threshold of conducting the government’s important business. “Five weeks and counting.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. ABC Cracks Down On Alcohol Sales to Underage College StudentsThe Kentucky Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is stepping up efforts to prevent sales to minors at establishments that cater to college and university students. ABC enforcement called on retailers, bars, and restaurants to prevent drinking by minors. While most establishments do a fairly good job of guarding against sales to minors, some that cater to college-aged students are less vigilant, he said. ABC investigators and local law enforcement are out in force to make sure that underage drinking laws are being followed. They are citing establishments that allow minors to drink and remain on their premises. With the school year just beginning, several establishments already have been cited for infractions and there have been dangerous incidents involving over-consumption of alcohol by minors. A popular night spot in central Kentucky, which previously has been cited for sales of minors, recently received two additional charges of illegal sales. This repeat offender was ordered to pay one of the largest fines in recent ABC history. Last week, two underage students were hospitalized for alcohol poisoning after drinking on the campus of a local university. Each charge of sale to a minor carries a fine of up to $1,750. Fines double with a second offense, and a third offense can result in the revocation of an establishment’s liquor or beer license. Adults convicted of providing alcohol to minors can receive up to 12 months in jail, while minors who drink alcohol or have fake identifications are also subject to criminal penalties. While the ABC is emphasizing enforcement as students return to school, that is only the beginning of efforts to combat underage drinking. Sellers and servers can be educated about legal requirements and prevention tactics through the Server Training in Alcohol Regulations (S.T.A.R) program. ABC offers alcohol awareness programs for high school and college students that emphasize the law, personal responsibility, and health. For information on these programs and other ways to stop underage drinking, contact the educational branch of ABC at 502-564-4850. ABC is an agency within the Department of Public Protection in the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. The preceding press release was from the Commonwealth News Center.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 6, 2007 12:14:45 GMT -5
Lawmakers debate merits, drawbacks of automotive "black boxes"With event data recorders becoming more commonplace on vehicles across the country, lawmakers should be thinking about legislation to deal with their use, a national expert told lawmakers today. Tom Kowalick, President of Click, Inc., spoke to members of the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation, raising several questions that legislators will wrestle with in upcoming sessions. EDRs, he said, monitor vehicle data such as speed, braking, and steering, and are already in use in more than 60 percent of vehicles on American highways. Air bags make use of such data to determine when they should deploy, Kowalick noted. Recording isn't constant, but is triggered by incidents such as sudden braking. In that sense vehicle EDRs are different than airplane "black boxes" or other electronic monitoring equipment on tractor-trailers. "If your vehicle has been manufactured since 1998, there is a good chance your vehicle has this technology in it," Kowalick said. Eleven states have already passed laws regulating access to the data, and Kentucky should consider mandates on the technology as well as legal parameters for the information's use, he said. Law enforcement and the courts can use the data to determine the cause of an accident, said Rep. Johnny Bell, D-Glasgow, but a subpoena or other court order may be needed. Legislators raised several questions regarding how to obtain access to the data and who should be able to. Rep. Carolyn Belcher, D-Owingsville, asked whether someone buying a used car could use the EDR to discover that the vehicle had been involved in an accident that had went unreported. Sen. Dick Roeding, R-Lakeside Park, also said that hydroplaning vehicles, as well as vehicles skidding on ice, would feed misleading data into the EDRs. Federal legislation will mandate uniformity for EDRs by 2011, Kowalick said, but states must decide for themselves how to use the data they provide — for instance, how insurance companies can use the data collected on the vehicles involved in accidents. "The challenge is to strike a balance between privacy concerns and the quest for the freedom to travel safely," he said. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. McConnell: ‘Let’s Have a Fair and Open Debate’Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks [as prepared] on the Senate floor regarding the Majority’s decision to block an open amendment process for the Farm Bill: “I am disappointed with the Majority’s decision today to fill the amendment tree and not allow an open amendments process to help perfect the pending farm bill. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have had all year to complete a farm bill prior to the September 30th expiration date, yet we’ve waited until now, two months after the law’s expiration, to bring it to the floor. Now, we are told by the Majority that there is just too much to do in this final two weeks for us to have an open and fair debate on the farm bill. It is another unfortunate example of mismanagement by the Democrat Congress. “Furthermore, Mr. President, filling the tree and shutting out amendments is not consistent with previous statements by the Majority. For example, just yesterday, Chairman Harkin reported the farm bill debate would be ‘wide open, as is usual in the Senate’ and the Majority Leader’s spokesman expected an open debate when he said, ‘The farm bill is the last truly amendable vehicle moving through the Senate this calendar year.’ But, today’s words and actions seem to be exactly contradictory to this promised ‘wide open’ process. “Mr. President, unfortunately, we’ve been down this road before. Almost at the inception of the last farm bill debate, then-Majority Leader Daschle filed cloture in an attempt to similarly limit amendments. After only two days of debate and only six amendments, a cloture vote occurred on December 13, 2001; not surprisingly the cloture motion failed 53-45. Like a bird continuing to slam into a pane glass window, we had a second cloture vote on December 18, 2001 with a similar 54-43 vote, and again another on December 19, 2001. Not surprisingly, this contentious debate took up most of December. “However, after the Majority finally agreed to an open amendments process, the farm bill returned to the floor on February 6, 2002, no further cloture votes were necessary, and final passage occurred fairly quickly, about a week later. Let’s not beat our head against a wall again this time. Our nation’s farmers are too important to wait until February. “Finally, Mr. President, look at the farm bill sitting on the desk in front of me. Reported by the Committee less than two weeks ago, it totals almost 1,600 pages. Is the other side of the aisle suggesting that this behemoth of a bill could not be improved by an open amendments process? I am surprised and disappointed by the assertion. The United States Senate does not work this way; legislation is not just rubber-stamped by fiat. “So, I am dismayed by the attempt by the Majority to ramrod this bill through. Especially since the ink on the 1,600 pages is barely dry and the Administration claims it contains $37 billion of budget gimmicks and new taxes. Let’s have an open, fair debate that will yield an effective farm bill for our nation; our farmers and rural communities deserve no less.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Bunning Comments On Mukasey And Defense Funding BillSenator Jim Bunning today issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s confirmation of Judge Michael Mukasey to be United States Attorney General and passage of the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill. "The Senate has finally voted to confirm Judge Michael Mukasey to be United States Attorney General. During his hearing before the Judiciary Committee, Judge Mukasey showed that he possesses the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to serve as our nation’s top law enforcement agent and I am proud to have supported him. "The Senate also approved funding for the Department of Defense. While I am glad that we finally approved this important funding bill – it is far from perfect. We have an obligation to provide our troops with the funding they need in a timely manner and Democrats failed to do this. The bill is more than a month late. I am also extremely disappointed that Democrats refused to include important funding for our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is simply unacceptable. "Finally, by blocking Republican efforts to include $3 billion dollars in border security funding, Democrats have once again shown the American people that they are not serious about keeping our borders safe. The Democrats refuse to take the steps necessary to solve the huge problem we have in this country with illegal immigration. The American people deserve better." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. New "RegWatch" service launchedIt's now easier for Kentuckians to be alerted to government regulations that may impact them as the result of a Web-based service called "RegWatch" recently launched by the state. RegWatch gives Kentuckians -- particularly small business owners who are often impacted by regulation changes -- an opportunity to be automatically notified of newly proposed administrative regulations or changes to existing regulations that may affect them. RegWatch users register for the service online free of charge. The service, provided by the Commonwealth Office of Technology, is the product of legislation passed last year by the Kentucky General Assembly. Sen. Dick Roeding, Co-chair of the General Assembly's Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee, said the services offered by RegWatch will strengthen the link between Kentuckians and their government. "We want to make it as easy as possible for people to be informed of government actions that may affect them," said Roeding, R-Lakeside Park. "RegWatch not only helps make it easier and less expensive for people to comply with new regulations, it gives them notice so they can provide their feedback on new regulations." Signing up for RegWatch is easy. Users can choose to be notified of regulation changes by e-mail or standard mail. They can register by agency, topic, or a combination of both. To sign up for RegWatch or to get more information about the service, go online to secure.kentucky.gov/regwatch. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Another ‘Withdrawal Date?’Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding Democrats’ plan to vote on yet another Iraq bill containing a withdrawal date: “What unfortunate timing for Democrats, announcing yet another attempt at a withdrawal date on a day when the papers are filled with encouraging news from Iraq. While our troops are quelling violence and defeating terrorists in Baghdad and throughout Iraq, Democrats in Washington are trying to choke off funds for our troops in the field.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Incoming administration welcomed at LRC meetingLegislative leaders welcomed Gov.-elect Steve Beshear and Lt. Gov.-elect Daniel Mongiardo to this afternoon's meeting of the Legislative Research Commission, where pledges were made to work cooperatively on the challenges facing Kentucky. Beshear, who will be inaugurated as governor on Dec. 11, told the lawmakers that he intends "to sit down with all of you and work with all of you to find those common grounds on which we can agree to move this state forward. ... We've got to work together as a partnership if we are really going to get anything done." Beshear's comments were echoed by Mongiardo, a state senator from Hazard. "I think if we work together, we can realize Kentucky's potential," he said. Senate President David Williams and House Speaker Jody Richards said lawmakers are ready to work with the incoming administration. "I will pledge to you that whenever we can, we'll work together," Williams said. "We have a lot of challenges and a lot of opportunities," Richards said. "Working together, I think Kentucky is poised for greatness." The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. McConnell Calls on House to Act Now on Veterans FundingSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell spoke on the Senate floor Wednesday regarding Sen. Hutchinson’s resolution to keep the Veterans Bill separate from the Labor-HHS Bill, in order to pass it immediately and have it signed by Veterans Day: “We have before us a combination of two bills, the Labor, Health and Human Services Bill and the Veterans Bill. We know that the president would sign the Veterans Bill, has been hoping to get it for the last couple of months. We know that he will veto the Labor, Health and Human Services Bill. So Senator Hutchison from Texas has offered the point of order that the Veterans Bill should not have been placed into the Labor-HHS bill in conference. The principal reason for sustaining that point of order is to separate these bills out and give us a chance to get a Veterans Bill to the president by Veterans Day, which is next Monday. "Today is the last day that the House of Representatives could appoint conferees on this bill in order to get it to the president by next Monday, Veterans Day. So the only way we can get a signed Veterans Bill by Veterans Day is for the point of orders to be sustained, thereby separating these two bills and giving us a chance to get the job finished for our veterans, who richly deserve this important bill, by next Monday on Veterans Day. “So I would urge my colleagues to vote to sustain the point of order, to give us a chance to get these bills separated and get this much-needed relief to our veterans by next Monday, Veterans Day.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Bunning Calls For End To Wasteful SpendingSupport Presidential Veto Of Labor-HHS Appropriations BillSenator Jim Bunning today issued the following statement criticizing Democrats for the billions of dollars in wasteful spending included in the Conference Report to the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill that was approved in the Senate by a vote of 56-37. "This Labor-HHS bill is an example of fiscal mismanagement at its worst," said Bunning. "The bill is $9 billion over budget and loaded with wasteful spending. I am glad that President Bush has promised to veto the bill and I will vote to sustain his veto. The American taxpayers deserve better." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Attorney General Greg Stumbo Announces Election Fraud Hotline ResultsAttorney General Greg Stumbo announced today that his Election Fraud Hotline received a total of 38 calls with 41 issues on election day from voters between 6a.m.and 7p.m. EST. Eight calls regarded voting machines; six calls regarded election officials; five callers had legal or procedural questions; three related to voter assistance; two calls each pertained to electioneering and allegations of disrupting polls. The remaining fifteen complaints were general in nature. There were an additional 18 calls in the days leading up to the election. During the last election, May 23, 2007, the Election Fraud Hotline received 14 complaints. Most of the voters in that election expressed concerns about the new voting machines. Kentucky Bureau of Investigation (KBI) agents worked side by side with the Kentucky State Police in the Attorney General’s election fraud “war room” to monitor statewide election activities. Agents were located in Kentucky’s six congressional districts providing an immediate response to allegations of voting irregularities. Investigators will review unresolved calls to determine which calls will require an investigative follow-up. Specifics of these calls cannot be released. The Office of the Attorney General enforces Kentucky election laws in cooperation with the Kentucky State Police, the U.S. Attorneys offices, and the Secretary of State. The preceding press release was from the Commonwealth News Center. Judge Mukasey Deserves a Full Senate Vote This WeekSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement after a bipartisan majority of the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to report to the Senate floor the nomination of Judge Michael Mukasey to serve as Attorney General of the United States: “Democrats asked the President to nominate a new Attorney General; he did. They asked for consultation; they got it. They asked for someone like Judge Mukasey to be nominated, and the President in fact nominated Judge Mukasey – almost seven weeks ago. Judge Mukasey is highly qualified and supported by a bipartisan majority of the Senate. He was deemed a consensus choice when he was nominated, and he still is today. Unfortunately, the nomination of this good man ran into the partisanship that affects all-too-many of those who volunteer for public service. “Judge Mukasey has waited almost seven weeks for a vote. This process has gone on long enough. Judge Mukasey deserves to have an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor this week. And I believe he will be confirmed with strong bipartisan support.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. 2 arrested, 1 sought in pharmacy break-inTwo people have been arrested and a third person is still wanted in connection with last week’s break-in at a Beattyville pharmacy. Police charged 18-year-old Austin E. Reece of Cedar Avenue, Heidelberg, and 20-year-old Daniel Keith Smith of Manor Drive, Beattyville, with one count of third-degree burglary. Both were lodged in the Three Forks Regional Jail. Both men were arrested by the Beattyville Police Department after being brought in for questioning Sunday evening, said Chief Tim Chandler. “We know the identity of the third person, but have been unable to locate him.” Chandler said some of the stolen pills have been recovered, but “most of what was taken is still out there.” About 1:30 a.m. Thursday, November 1, two men threw a large stone through a front window of the Stufflebean Pharmacy on Railroad Street. The men entered the store and removed a quantity of drugs in about 17 seconds while a third suspect waited outside the store, Chandler noted. The break-in was captured on surveillance video. “This was just a combined effort of the Beattyville Police, Operation UNITE and Kentucky State Police,” Chandler said. “The communications between agencies is what helped solve this case.” Because the break-in involved a pharmacy the case will be presented to federal authorities. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. November is American Diabetes MonthDiabetes can be an extremely debilitating disease for those who suffer from it, requiring thorough and consistent disease management and education to maintain good health and quality of life. “We’re reaching out to diabetes caregivers during American Diabetes Month because they are such an important link in improving quality of life for people living with diabetes and reducing health care costs for everyone,” said Health and Family Services Cabinet Secretary Mark D. Birdwhistell. “With the right tools and knowledge, caregivers can help their loved one reduce the number of diabetes-related complications he or she experiences and live a long and healthy life.” Many people living with diabetes, particularly children and the elderly, rely on caregivers to help them manage the disease. Often, this role presents many challenges. “Caring for someone with diabetes is an extremely important role,” said William Hacker, M.D., CHFS’ undersecretary for health and public health commissioner. “For many, particularly those who are new caregivers, the task can seem overwhelming. We want to help you find the resources and support needed so you can properly care for your loved one.” For new diabetes caregivers, it is important to identify helpful resources that provide knowledge and insight about diabetes. Such resources could include your health care provider or local health department. Counseling services or support groups also can be helpful in dealing with the emotional impact of having a loved one diagnosed with diabetes. “We want to help all our caregivers find resources to get the information they need,” said Linda Leber, education coordinator for the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program in the Department for Public Health (DPH). “Don’t be afraid to ask questions when talking to your loved one’s health care provider and seek out other sources of information.” DPH recommends all caregivers familiarize themselves with literature as well as useful Web sites that help keep them up-to-date on diabetes-related news such as medication, nutrition and lifestyle habits that can help better manage diabetes. Some helpful resources could include: · Local Health Department – ask for educational materials on diabetes, or where to go for diabetes self-management training or support groups for the person with diabetes and the caregiver.
· Local health care provider such as a physician, nurse practitioner, diabetes educator or physician assistant.
· Web sites such as the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org, or DPH, www.chfs.ky.gov/dph/ach/cd/diabetes.htm, are extremely helpful.
Governor Ernie Fletcher, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the General Assembly have worked diligently to improve care and services for people living with diabetes, as well as diabetes caregivers. During the 2006 General Assembly, Rep. Jimmie Lee secured funding for three Diabetes Centers of Excellence, which target the Medicaid population to provide a better system of care and disease management. Governor Fletcher added more funding to create a total of six Diabetes Centers of Excellence. In addition, the Department for Medicaid Services has been in engaged in outreach to promote better disease management for people with diabetes. At this time, 214 people are enrolled in the program. Caregivers, people living with diabetes and those at risk for developing diabetes are encouraged to join Get Healthy Kentucky, a statewide wellness initiative that promotes physical activity, healthy eating and tobacco prevention and cessation. To learn more about this program and how to apply Get Healthy’s wellness model to your personal lifestyle, visit www.gethealthy.ky.gov. “We know you want to do the best job possible caring for your family and loved ones,” said Leber. “That’s why it’s important to remember that the best caregivers are the ones who are most informed.” For more information, contact Leber at the Kentucky Diabetes Prevention and Control Program at (502) 564-7996. The preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 12, 2007 22:00:46 GMT -5
Seven Die On Kentucky Roadways Last WeekNovember 12 through November 18Preliminary statistics* indicate that seven people died in seven separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. All of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and three of the victims were not wearing seat belts (the seat belt status of two of the victims is not known). Two of the fatalities were the result of crashes involving alcohol. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Magoffin, McCracken, Mercer, Perry, Pike, Spencer, and Washington counties. Through Nov. 18, preliminary statistics* indicate that 753 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2007. This is 59 fewer than reported for this time period in 2006. Of the 601 motor vehicle fatalities, 345 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 90 motorcycle fatalities, 52 were not wearing helmets. Of the 24 ATV fatalities, 20 were not wearing helmets. Thirty-seven pedestrians and one bicyclist have been killed. A total of 178 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. 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. Pavement rehab project on I-75MANCHESTER, KY. - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet continues the pavement rehabilitation project on I-75 in Whitley County, between MP 5 and 11, Monday, November 26, 2007. Construction in the Southbound lanes will begin Monday, Nov. 26 at 7:00 PM and continue through Friday, November 30, at 8:00 AM (nighttime ONLY), between MP 5.5 and 11. One lane will remain open at all times. This area is a Double Fine Zone with a reduced speed limit of 55 MPH within the work zone. The actual starting date and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. This project is expected to remain active through 2008. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet also continues the 6-lane widening project on I-75 in Laurel County between Mileposts 48 and 51 the week of November 26, 2007. Lane closures are as follows: • Northbound lane closures will be in effect Monday, Nov. 26 at 6:00 AM through Wed. Nov. 28 at 9:00 PM (24 hrs a day). • Southbound lane closures will be in effect Monday, Nov. 26 through Wed. Nov. 28 from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (daytime only). This area is a Double Fine Zone with a reduced speed limit of 55 MPH within the work zone. The actual starting date and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. This project is expected to remain active through 2007. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has also scheduled a lane closure on I-75 in Laurel County near MP 30.5 for Monday, November 19, 2007. A Southbound lane closure, for a bridge inspection, will begin at 9:00 AM and continue, anticipate same afternoon, until inspection is completed. The actual starting date and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. EXPECT DELAYS AND WATCH FOR SLOWED/STOPPED TRAFFIC The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11. McConnell Statement on Sen. Thad CochranSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the announcement by Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) that he will seek re-election at the end of the 110th Congress: “Thad Cochran has served the people of the Magnolia State with distinction and grace in the U.S. Congress for 35 years. Mississippians will continue to have two strong advocates in the Senate who have dedicated their careers to serving the people of their home state with pride. I thank Thad for his years of service and friendship, and look forward to many more.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Congress Approves $3.6 Million for Military Equipment Made in Jackson CountyRepresentative Hal Rogers (KY-5) announced today that the U.S House of Representatives approved $3.6 million to enhance military search and rescue missions. The measure also passed the Senate and will now go to the President to be signed into law. The funding is the latest military investment that continues McKee-based Phoenix Products efforts to retrofit MedEvac helicopters with leak proof oil and fluid drip pans which keep troops and patients safer during complicated rescue missions. “Recognized throughout the U.S. Army, Phoenix Products continue to generate an excellent safety and performance record. This contract is a tribute to the fine employees working in McKee,” said Rogers. “Army MedEvac pilots have any number of threats to deal with during life-saving missions on the battlefield. Enhancing helicopters keeps our brave men and women mission-focused during extremely stressful operations.” The funding is included in the fiscal year 2008 Defense Appropriations conference report. Rogers, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, has secured $10.4 million for Phoenix Products’ aircraft accessories over the last three years. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the fifth Congressional district. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. We Need to Get Funds to the Troops – NowSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Friday regarding troop funding: “I have a simple message this morning: we need to get funds to the troops — now. “The Secretary of Defense told us yesterday that money for the Army and Marine Corps will soon run out—that he’ll have to start writing pink slips, tearing up contracts and reducing missions at military bases—if we don’t approve these funds for training and supplies that are needed to protect these brave men and women in the field. “Are we about to deny all those supplies just as the successes of General Petraeus’s plan have become clear? "Attacks are down. Casualties are down. Political cooperation is taking root at the local level. We should not leave our forces in the field without the funding that they need to accomplish the mission for which they have been deployed. The Pelosi bill, if it was to get to the President’s desk, would be vetoed, as was the supplemental bill sent to the president earlier this year that contained a withdrawal date. “We need to get our troops everything they need. We need to get it to them right now.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Funding Our Troops and Veterans Are Achievable GoalsSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor on the consequences of Democrats’ mismanagement with regard to funding for our veterans: “Americans were shocked earlier this year to learn about the conditions at Walter Reed Medical Center. And members of Congress were right to seize the moment by pledging to veterans that they would do everything they could to give them what they need. As Speaker Pelosi put it: “In the military we always say that in battle, we will never leave a soldier on the battlefield. And we say and when they come home, we will not abandon them. So we should have the best possible opportunities for them when they come home.” “The Veterans Spending Bill gave Speaker Pelosi and the rest of the Democrats in Congress an opportunity to make good on that pledge. And so far they’ve squandered it. The Veterans bill was ready more than two months ago. It had overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers: the House version passed in June by a vote of 409 to 2. The Senate version passed in September by a vote of 92 to 1. And the President has been ready to sign it for weeks. “What’s the holdup? The Democrats must have decided it somehow works to their advantage to hold onto this bill for political leverage. We know this because they attached it to a bill the President said he would reject, and which he did reject. Now it’s back on the shelf — and veterans are still waiting. Americans need to know what’s going on here: Democrats are holding onto this bill which contains money for critical new programs for Veterans returning from battle. “There’s still time to change course. And we must. So I call on my Democratic friends to end this game: the fiscal year has come and gone without acting on this bill. Veterans Day passed without acting it. Now is the time to take it off the shelf, blow the dust off, and get it to the President’s desk for a signature before the Thanksgiving recess. “The Democratic strategy on this bill is meant to put pressure on the President. But all it’s really doing is putting pressure on an already-strained VA, and delaying critical help to veterans and their families. Troops are finally coming home from Iraq. They deserve better than this when they get here, remove their uniforms, and return to our communities. “At this moment two very good and worthy goals stand before us: funding our veterans and getting funding to our troops in harm’s way. We promised them we would do this with both the Gregg and the Murray Amendments. We can achieve it before the recess. Republicans are ready. I call on the Democrats to join us in achieving these good things before recess.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. End the Middle Class Tax HikeSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the consequences of Democrats’ mismanagement for American taxpayers: “Right outside of this chamber stands a statue of Benjamin Franklin. According to the Office of the Senate Curator, sculptor Hiram Powers received a contract from President James Buchanan himself to sculpt Franklin in 1859. The statue arrived at the Capitol in 1862, and has been in that spot ever since. Franklin wrote many famous aphorisms that live on to this day, and I want to talk about one of my favorites. “Two hundred and eighteen years ago today, Franklin wrote to a friend words that will long outlive most things we say here: ‘Nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.’ Proving the aphorism, Franklin died less than a year later. “Mr. President, while we know the certainty of death and taxes, we can do something to ease the burden for the 23 million Americans who will be in for a rather unpleasant surprise on April 15 if Congress doesn’t act now to stop the middle-class tax hike, which goes by the rather innocuous name of ‘AMT’—a law that was originally intended in 1969 to impose taxes on a handful of high-income individuals who used loopholes in the code to avoided paying any regular income tax. “Congress has known about the need to fix this problem all year, but the majority hasn’t brought a bill to the floor. And now they say it will be December before they do. The consequences of mismanaging this stealth tax are very real. This tax will grab $65 billion out of the pockets of middle-class taxpayers—an average of $2,000 per family. Millions will be hit for the first time. The IRS sent a letter warning Democrats that unless they act before December, the tax returns of 50 million people—and $75 billion in tax refunds—will be delayed. “Just last week Democrats in the House of Representatives passed a bill that purports to delay the burden of the AMT for one year—by socking a massive, $80-billion tax increase to the American people. That’s the last thing they need right now, and it would be a disastrous jolt to the economy. Maybe a massive tax hike wrapped in an AMT fix sounds like a good idea to some people. But I’ve got a message for anybody who thinks that: such a proposal is dead on arrival in the Senate. The AMT, a middle-class tax hike, was never meant to be collected from the millions of Americans that it will hit this year if we don’t act. And I say this Congress ought to cut taxes by cutting taxes, not raising taxes.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Seven Die On Kentucky Roadways Last WeekNov. 5 through Nov. 11Preliminary statistics* indicate that seven people died in seven separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007. Six of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and all six of the victims were not wearing seat belts. One fatality was a pedestrian. One of the fatalities was the result of a crash involving alcohol. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Butler, Carroll, Crittenden, Greenup, Hardin, Scott and Warren counties. Through Nov. 11, preliminary statistics* indicate that 742 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2007. This is 52 fewer than reported for this time period in 2006. Of the 590 motor vehicle fatalities, 339 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 90 motorcycle fatalities, 52 were not wearing helmets. Of the 24 ATV fatalities, 20 were not wearing helmets. Thirty-seven pedestrians and one bicyclist have been killed. A total of 176 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. 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. Handbook on gubernatorial transition availableThe fourth edition of "A Handbook for Gubernatorial Transition in Kentucky" is now available from the Legislative Research Commission. The publication focuses on the busy and challenging period of time between the election of a new governor and the presentation of the governor's first state budget proposal to the General Assembly. The publication can be viewed by clicking here.The preceding press release was from the Commonwealth News Center. McConnell Secures 2017 Deadline for Cleanup at Blue Grass Army DepotSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced that the Senate approved his amendment imposing a deadline of 2017 on the Department of Defense (DOD) to complete disposal of chemical weapons at the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD). Without this amendment, DOD indicated it would not finish disposal at BGAD before 2023. McConnell’s amendment, which is included in the FY’08 Defense Appropriations conference report, gives DOD ten years to complete its work on chemical weapons disposal at the BGAD. The legislation now goes to the President for his signature. “The cleanup of these dangerous chemical weapons at the Blue Grass Army Depot has been a top priority for me since I first was elected to the Senate,” McConnell said. “It is vitally important that we keep the pressure on the Department of Defense to get the job done. The people of Richmond can be assured that I will continue to fight on their behalf until all the weapons at the facility are disposed of and their community is safe.” In related news, Senator McConnell also secured $28 million in additional funding for clean up efforts at the Blue Grass Army Depot in the FY ’08 Defense Appropriations conference report. “The people living near the Blue Grass Army Depot are at risk because the chemical weapons stored there are the most deadly in the nation,” McConnell said. “This additional funding will enable the ACWA program to move more quickly toward the safe elimination of the chemical weapons located at the facility.” The FY ’08 Defense Appropriations conference report now goes to the President for his signature. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Judge Mukasey Confirmed as U.S. Attorney GeneralSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement after a bipartisan majority of the Senate voted to confirm Judge Michael Mukasey to serve as the 81st Attorney General of the United States: “Tonight, a clear bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Judge Mukasey because he is one of the most qualified candidates ever nominated to the position of Attorney General. This support stands in stark contrast to the partisan politics that delayed this vote for seven weeks, and ends a sorry chapter in the history of the Senate confirmation process. It is my hope that our colleagues across the aisle can now put the campaign aside and work together with Judge Mukasey on our common goals for the Department of Justice.” Judge Mukasey was confirmed by a vote of 53-40. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Lengthy investigation into out-of-state 'doctor shopping' nets 34 arrest warrantsAn ongoing investigation into the illegal purchase of prescription medications has resulted in 34 arrest warrants by Operation UNITE. Nearly all of cases involved the unlawful procurement of a controlled substance – also known as “doctor shopping” – by fraudulently getting medication from doctors in Kentucky and at least two other states, said Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for UNITE, adding “several of those being arrested today will likely face drug trafficking charges.” “Detectives in our Big Sandy Drug Task Force have been working on this case with other agencies since the latter part of 2004,” Smoot said. “The more cases that developed, the larger this investigation grew. Many of these individuals are connected to an ongoing federal investigation by the Kentucky State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration.” UNITE’s cases primarily involved individuals who were obtaining drugs for their own use, noted Iain Dalrymple, manager of the Big Sandy Drug Task Force. “Our investigation identified approximately 180 people from five counties -- Floyd, Knott, Johnson, Martin and Pike -- who were traveling to either Philadelphia or Ohio for a doctor’s visit,” Dalrymple said. “While there is nothing illegal about seeing an out-of-state doctor, those we’re arresting today would return to Kentucky and visit a local doctor with the same complaints and receive prescriptions for additional pills.” “Doctors here in Kentucky were actually the victims because they didn’t know these people were seeing another doctor,” Dalrymple said. “These individuals were obtaining between 80 and 200 pills each month.” Prescriptions for Hydrocodone and Methadone were the most common, although Valium and Xanax pills were also obtained, Smoot said. “More than 50,000 Methadone tablets alone ended up in Eastern Kentucky from Philadelphia.” Assisting UNITE detectives Thursday were law enforcement officers from the Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Prestonsburg Police Department, City of Martin Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Paintsville Police Department and Kentucky Bureau of Investigation. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 20, 2007 16:40:33 GMT -5
Press Release from the United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of KentuckyLondon, Ky. —The former mayor of Manchester Daugh K. White, 74, was sentenced to 84 months, former Assistant Chief of Police Richard Todd Roberts, 36, was sentenced to 87 months, former Manchester City Councilman Darnell Hipsher, 47, was sentenced to 46 months, former Manchester City Council and 911 Director Vernon Hacker, 55, was sentenced to 120 months, Tammy Napier, 36, was sentenced to 46 months, and Bobby Joe Curry, 56, was sentenced to 240 months today in United States District Court in London, Ky., after entering guilty pleas earlier this year to charges including racketeering acts involving arson, extortion, mail fraud, and obstruction of justice, as well as drug conspiracy charges. White pleaded guilty on August 13, 2007, Hipsher pleaded guilty on August 15, 2007, and Roberts pleaded guilty on August 17, 2007, to a charge of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act. Hacker pleaded guilty on February 5, 2007, to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute pills containing oxycodone and methadone. Napier pleaded guilty on September 5, 2006, to conspiring to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine. Curry pleaded guilty on October 2, 2006, to conspiring to distribute cocaine, oxycodone, and methadone and distribution of cocaine, oxycodone, and methadone resulting in the death of another person. Racketeering acts alleged include arson, obstruction of justice, extortion, and mail fraud. White, Roberts, and Hipsher admitted to controlling the affairs of the city, directly and indirectly, through a pattern of illegal acts including arson, mail fraud, extortion of payments from contractors relating to city government contracts for their own financial benefit, and obstruction of justice. Hipsher and White, aided and abetted by each other, deprived the citizens of Manchester of honest services by paving 30 private driveways to gain political favor. They also schemed to disguise the free paving with invoices to only 11 people at reduced amounts, and by mailing the invoices, committed mail fraud. The Court also ordered: • Roberts to pay $25,000 restitution to insurance carrier and a $15,000 fine; • White to pay $30,000 restitution to the City of Manchester, forfeit $67,000, and pay a $100,000 fine; • Hacker to pay a $1,000,000 money judgment; • Napier to pay a $1,000,000 money judgment; • Hipsher to pay $30,000 restitution to the City of Manchester; and • Curry to pay $22,987 restitution to victim’s family and a $1,000,000 money judgment. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen C. Smith. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Bill would upgrade constable roleConstable Harvey Dean CollinsLegislation that would provide county constables and deputy constables statewide with uniform law enforcement training and authority was reviewed by a state legislative committee. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Dan Seum, R-Louisville, told the Interim Joint Committee on Local Government that his legislation would allow the state's 496 constables to receive state law enforcement training, with deputy constables required to complete a 40-hour basic training course and 40 hours of annual in-service training. After completing training, constables and deputy constables would be considered "qualified", and deputy constables would have the powers of peace officers. Once qualified, constables and deputy constables would become uniformed officers under the bill. They would be allowed to drive vehicles equipped with sirens and blue lights, use local law enforcement radio and communications systems and make domestic violence arrests. They would not, however, have all the duties of certified peace officers-like police and sheriff's officers--unless they have that certification. Seum said that a lack of training has limited most counties' use of constables, who are constitutional officers that have state authority to serve warrants and even enforce some laws. Better training, he said, would allow constables to do more, especially reduce a backlog of unserved warrants in the state. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Meth Lab - Drug Arrest in Clay CountyOn 11-14-2007 at 10:00 AM the Kentucky State Police received a request for assistance from the Clay County Social Services on a complaint at the residence of Regina A. Griffie, 38, of 440 Saplin Fork Road, Manchester in Clay County. Upon arrival Trooper Greg Hill observed two subjects inside a Purple Chevrolet Blazer in the driveway. As Trooper Hill approached the vehicle he could smell a strong odor, that is associated with the manufacture of Methamphetamine, and discovered a working Meth Lab inside. Griffie, the vehicle's owner, and her 12-year-old son came out of the residence and approached Trooper Hill. Griffie was detained and that time. Also detained were the two subjects from inside the vehicle, identified as, Gary C. Grimes, 27 of Annville and Kathy L. Stewart, 35, of Manchester. Trooper Hill, with permission, searched Griffie's residence and found Matthew A. Welsh, 22, of Manchester, KY inside. Trooper Hill arrested all four subjects on the charge of Manufacturing Methamphetamine and charged Griffie with the additional charges of Endangering the welfare on a minor, resisting arrest and Criminal Mischief 3RD Degree. Information learned at the Griffie residence lead officers to a residence at the McCoy Heights trailer park where another Meth Lab was discovered. The Clay County Sheriff's Office is in charge of that investigation and arrests. KSP Trooper Greg Hill is in charge of the Griffie investigation and was assisted at the scene by Troopers and Detectives from the Kentucky State Police, officers from the Clay County Sheriff's Office, officer's from UNITE and worker's from the Department of Social Services. 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. McConnell: Troop Funding by ChristmasSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement on the need to fully fund our troops in the field before Congress leaves for Christmas: “The Senate overwhelmingly passed two resolutions this year rejecting any action that would undermine our troops in the field, and we owe it to our troops to protect them by providing the funding they need without further delay or grandstanding. Their families, here at home, deserve to know their loved ones are provided for by the time Congress leaves for Christmas.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Creating jobs for workers with disabilitiesA proposal to increase the number of jobs available to workers with disabilities was discussed during a meeting of the General Assembly's Appropriations and Revenue Committee. Rep. Charlie Siler, R-Williamsburg, said Bill Request 147 was prompted by "the realization that over the past few years we have trained a lot of handicapped people, both mentally handicapped people and physically handicapped people, to do jobs to earn a respectable living, and the truth of the matter is there's not enough work available to them." The proposed legislation takes a two-pronged approach, said Dr. Carl Metz, government affairs specialist with Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. First, it would provide for the effective implementation of the state's use law, which is aimed at providing employment and vocational opportunities for people with disabilities. Metz said the law "has been on the books since 1982 but has never been effectively implemented." The proposal would also create tax incentives for private companies when they contract with community rehabilitation programs for work. "We harness both the public and private sector in this effort," Metz said. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Armed Robbery in Whitley CountyOn 11-17-2007 at 8:41 PM the Kentucky State Police received a report of an Armed Robbery at the Pit Stop Tobacco on US 25W, 11 miles south of Williamsburg. Upon arrival Trooper David Lassiter learned that a white male, approximately 6-foot tall, entered the store armed with an unknown type of handgun and demanded money. The suspect then fled the scene, on foot, with an undisclosed amount of money. Storeowner Tim Hollis is offering a $500.00 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Kentucky State Police at (606) 878-6622 or 1-800-222-5555. KSP Trooper Kenny Fuson is in charge of the investigation and was assisted at the scene by Trooper David Lassiter, officers from the Whitley County Sheriff's Office, officer's from Jellico (Tennessee) Police Department and officer's from Campbell County (Tennessee) Sheriff's Office. 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. Funding needed to fight colon cancer, HIV/AIDSState legislative support during the upcoming 2008 session for increased funding to both detect and educate individuals about two deadly diseases was requested before a legislative committee today. In separate presentations, Paul Trickel with the Kentucky HIV/AIDS Planning and Advisory Council and Dr. Whitney Jones, M.D. and Dr. Tom Tucker, Ph.D. of the Louisville-based Colon Cancer Prevention Project asked lawmakers to support state budget requests for millions of dollars to fight HIV/AIDS and colon cancer in Kentucky. Trickel focused the Council's request on the need for $250,000 in state funding for HIV surveillance and $3.5 million for HIV and Hepatitis C initiatives in Kentucky's correctional facilities, while Jones and Tucker asked lawmakers to support the creation of a colon cancer screening program that Jones said would initially cost $1-2 million per year to implement. HIV, which Trickel said is 14 times more prevalent in prisons and correctional settings than among the general public, causes the deadly disease AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) which has been a factor in the deaths of over 2,000 Kentuckians, according to the Centers for Disease Control. About 1,000 Kentuckians die each year from colon cancer, which Jones said kills more people in the U.S. each year than AIDS and breast cancer combined. Jones said the colon cancer screening program would be modeled after the Kentucky Women's Cancer Screening Program, which provides breast and cervical screenings, outreach, surveillance and follow-up services through contracts with local health departments. It would eventually serve an estimated 8,000 Kentuckians who turn age 50 each year at an annual program cost of about $10 million. All individuals age 50 or with a family history of colon cancer should be screened for colon cancer, according to the Colon Cancer Prevention Project. Screenings are usually performed every 10 years for a person with normal colon cancer risk, but can be performed more frequently in persons with a high risk for the disease. Early detection and removal of cancer-causing polyps can save a life, Jones said. "This is the least expensive strategy because it really only requires a screening every 10 years," said Jones. "As a Legislature, I would implore you to lead again as you have in women's cancer screening services." The need for early detection and treatment is something that both colon cancer and HIV/AIDS patients share. With early detection, the Colon Cancer Prevention Project reports that up to 90 percent of colon cancers can be treated. With HIV/AIDS, Trickel said early treatment can extend a person's life--and protect the lives of others. "Delayed entry into treatment results in increased disease vulnerability" and a higher probability of exposing the general public to the virus, said Trickel. Improved testing and education, especially among inmates, would lower those risks, he said. "As there's an increase in knowledge, and that's correct knowledge, people's behaviors change and attitudes change," said Trickel. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 25, 2007 21:13:22 GMT -5
PSC has no authority over cable contentNFL FANS UPSET OVER TV COVERAGEThe Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) is advising National Football League fans that it cannot help them obtain cable television access to the NFL Network. “In the past several months, the PSC has received scores of e-mails from football fans asking that the PSC compel their local cable television systems to carry the NFL Network cable channel,” PSC Chairman Mark David Goss. “By federal law, the PSC has no authority over cable television content or rates, so we cannot act on these complaints.” Goss suggested that unhappy fans contact the Federal Communications Commission or local governments that issue franchises to cable television providers. The complaints are the result of a decision by the National Football League to establish its own cable network and make certain games available only on its network. Many cable companies are not carrying the NFL Network because they say it costs too much. The NFL Network is encouraging fans to pressure the cable systems by complaining to regulatory agencies, including state utility commissions. “While the PSC always wants to assist consumers, this is one instance in which all we can do is drop back and punt,” Goss said. “We simply have no jurisdiction.” The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Department of Public Protection in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and has approximately 110 employees. The preceding press release was from Pike drug traffickers targeted for third time in as many monthsA continuing investigation by Operation UNITE into illegal drug trafficking in southeastern Pike County has resulted in arrest warrants for 16 people. Nine of these suspects were arrested during a roundup conducted Friday, November 30, along with a fugitive from a previous investigation. Two other individuals were taken into custody earlier this week. Since mid-September UNITE has conducted three roundups targeting 48 people in Pike County. The Pike County Sheriff’s Office has sought approximately a dozen other individuals during these operations. Most of the drugs purchased in this latest investigation involved prescription medications – primarily Hydrocodone – with some cocaine and marijuana, said Iain Dalrymple, manager of UNITE’s Big Sandy Drug Task Force. Assisting UNITE detectives Friday were law enforcement officers from the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement. Two individuals wanted in connection to a four-month undercover investigation into illegal drug sales were arrested prior to Friday’s roundup. On Wednesday, November 28, eight UNITE detectives assisted by four deputies from the Pike County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at the River Road residence of 48-year-old Billy Joe Anderson in Draffin as part of the four-month investigation involving undercover drug buys. Police discovered approximately 10 firearms, a small quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia at the home. Anderson, who has prior felony convictions, was arrested on a Pike County indictment warrant for second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, trafficking in marijuana under 8 ounces, enhanced trafficking in marijuana (due to the weapons being present), and persistent felony offender. Charges related to the search are pending further investigation. Later in the day, Pike County deputies arrested Anderson’s step-daughter, 41-year-old Debra Ann Ratliff of Pond Creek Road, Draffin, on two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Both were lodged in the Pike County Detention Center. As of 3 p.m. Friday a total of 12 people had been arrested. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. Fall NewsletterBy: Jim BunningJim BunningAs the 1st session of the 110th Congress comes to a close, I want to give you a snapshot of what the Senate has been up to for the past year. As a United States Senator for nearly nine years, I have never seen anything like the current mismanagement of the legislative process by the Democrats. It is no wonder Congress has a record low approval rating. Only one of the twelve spending bills has been signed into law by the President. The last time this occurred was in 1987 when the Democrats controlled the House and Senate while Ronald Reagan was President. History has repeated itself. I believe in fiscal responsibility that does not bloat the budget with needless pork. Recently, a conservative taxpayer group gave me one of its highest ratings on supporting anti-pork measures. Not all earmarks are bad. Some are vital projects that help the American people. The Democrats have included over 12,000 earmarks in the 2008 spending bills. An example of needless pork that Democrats were trying to push through was a $1 million earmark for the Woodstock Museum in upstate New York. We don’t need to spend one million of your hard earned dollars to celebrate the "groovy era" of America. And we certainly don’t need to borrow money from our grandchildren to celebrate Woodstock. Thankfully, under Republican pressure the earmark was voted out of the Labor-Health and Human Services spending bill. While this Congress has been working on 12,000 earmarks for pet projects, the price of a barrel of oil is closely inching towards the century mark. In early October, I delivered a speech at the Kentucky Energy Summit, hosted by the Center of Applied Energy Research at the University of Kentucky. Like having a personal diversified stock portfolio, America needs diversified energy sources. In Lexington, I stressed that America needs to cure its addiction to foreign oil and invest in coal-to-liquid fuel (CTL). For the last two years I have been working with both Democrats and Republicans to push this important technology. Earlier this year, the United States Air Force successfully tested CTL fuel in a B-52 bomber. The CTL fuel performed better than conventional aviation fuel and can burn cleaner than other biofuels. This technology works, and if mass produced, will reduce our dependancy on foreign oil. Another important issue that Congress has failed to act on this year is immigration. Our nation’s immigration policy has daily consequences for our businesses, schools, communities, and our national security. It is an issue I hear about often from Kentuckians, and one I am glad people are watching closely. In October, I supported Senator Lindsey Graham’s amendment to the Defense spending bill that would have appropriated $3 billion for border security. The amendment passed 95-1 in the Senate, but under Democrat pressure, the amendment was stripped out of the final bill that the President signed into law. I was shocked Democrats took out this important measure which was sorely needed to protect our southern border, not only from illegal immigrants but terrorists as well. When the Senate speaks nearly unanimously on an amendment related to our homeland, it should be adopted into law and not thrown into the trash. I am also closely monitoring the developments of our brave Americans fighting overseas. The current situation in Iraq has steadily improved under the stewardship of General David Petraeus. Overall Iraqi civilian and coalition troop deaths are on the decline. The surge that was outlined in February and fully implemented this summer is working. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan – when an increase of violence usually occurs – casualties by terrorist activity were down 77 percent in Baghdad. That is great news, but it does not mean we are out of danger. We must keep at it, and let the Generals on the ground dictate troop movements, not politicians in Washington beholden to special interests. Democrats have pushed a total of sixty votes in both chambers of Congress to politicize the war in Iraq. It is a sad state of affairs to watch this overall assault both on the troops and the commanders on the ground by the likes of liberal groups such as Move On. If these groups are successful in swaying leaders in Washington, the outcome of the War on Terrorism would be disastrous and will make our homeland less safe. As we head into the holiday season, I want to remind Kentuckians of a couple of important dates that will help those men and women in uniform. December 4th is the deadline to send packages addressed to individual solders to both Iraq and Afghanistan. December 19th is the deadline to send packages to military personnel not in the war zone. These brave young men and women have fought valiantly to protect our freedoms here at home. If you can send a package, I am sure it will put a smile on a service member’s face. Our military families will also have a hard time with the coming holiday season. A seat at the table will be vacant. As a community, we must come together and help those families who are the backbone of our fighting men and women overseas. Finally, I wish all Kentuckians a Merry Christmas and hope you all have a great holiday season and a Happy New Year. God Bless. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. World AIDS Day 2007Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement marking World AIDS Day 2007: “Today, HIV/AIDS is recognized as a significant transnational crisis that poses an immediate and growing threat to social, economic and political stability across the globe. This epidemic creates widows and orphans and destroys entire families. It is especially brutal to youth, and saps the hope and promise of future generations. America has significantly increased its contributions to combating this disease. Over a five-year period, the U.S. will contribute a total of $15 billion to HIV/AIDS programs and activities. Fifteen countries, primarily in Africa and the Caribbean, are the main focus of this initiative, although funding will continue to some 100 countries where we have ongoing programs, and to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. “While recognizing the importance of the invaluable contributions made by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief during my tenure as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations foreign operations subcommittee, funding alone is not enough. To stem the tide of HIV/AIDS, nations must have committed leadership, the most basic health care delivery systems, and the capacity to absorb substantial assistance targeted toward the health and welfare of all people – regardless of ethnic, tribal, political, gender, or religious affiliation.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. FARMER AND FORMER UK TEAMMATES STAR IN ‘UNFORGETTABLE’ KENTUCKY PROUD CAMPAIGNThis holiday shopping season will be Unforgettable for shoppers looking for Kentucky Proud products to give to their loved ones or serve at festive holiday gatherings. The Unforgettables - Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, John Pelphrey, Deron Feldhaus and Sean Woods.Kentucky Proud has launched a promotional campaign featuring the Unforgettables – Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, Deron Feldhaus, John Pelphrey and Sean Woods, the seniors on the 1991-1992 University of Kentucky basketball team that nearly toppled top-ranked Duke in the NCAA Tournament in what many consider the greatest college basketball game ever played. “I’m grateful to Deron, John and Sean for joining me in this promotional campaign,” Commissioner Farmer said. “The people of Kentucky have been good to us, and we’re pleased to give something back to help Kentucky producers sell their Kentucky Proud products.” The former UK stars donated their time to produce the video and photographs for the campaign. Over the next few years, they will appear in print and broadcast advertisements, and their picture will appear on in-store signage in dozens of retail businesses. Kentucky Proud is the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s farm marketing program. The familiar blue, green and red logo tells consumers that product was made in Kentucky by Kentuckians. About 1,000 farmers, processors, businesses, retailers, restaurants and farmers’ markets are Kentucky Proud members. Kentucky Proud generated $39 million in retail sales in 2006, and that figure is expected to be much higher in 2007. To find Kentucky Proud products, go to www.kyproud.com. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Forged Check Investigation and ArrestOn 09-07-2007 the Kentucky State Police, Post 11 received a report of Forged Checks being used at the Wal-Mart and Kroger stores in Somerset, KY to purchase approximately, $8,000.00 in merchandise. Trooper Anthony Phillips, after a lengthy investigation, presented his findings to the Pulaski Grand Jury and an indictment was returned against Brian Z. Cook, 22, of Neely Lane in the Science Hill Community of Pulaski County. Trooper Phillips located and arrested Cook on 11-27-2007 and charged him with 8 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2ND degree and was able to recover approximately $2,500.00 worth of the merchandise. Cook was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center. Trooper Anthony Phillips is in charge of the investigation and was assisted by Loss Prevention Officer Danny Piccard from the Somerset Wal-Mart Store. 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. Congressman Henry HydeSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the passing of former Illinois Representative Henry Hyde: “Today we lost a true statesman. As a committed warrior in the fight to protect the unborn, Henry Hyde gave a voice to those who were unable to speak for themselves. His legacy exceeds his years as a legislator, and expands far beyond the borders of the district he served and the nation he adored.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. McConnell's Statement on Trent Lott's Announcement to Retire‘Trent is the best Whip I’ve ever worked with, and I’m pretty familiar with the requirements of the job’ Mitch McConnellTrent LottSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Monday regarding the announcement by Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.) that he will retire from the Senate: “Mississippi has been fortunate to have a series of giants in the Senate, and they will lose one of the greatest when Trent retires. Mississippi will miss his tireless advocacy, the Senate will miss his experience and advice, and I will miss a good friend. Trent is the best Whip I’ve ever worked with, and I’m pretty familiar with the requirements of the job. I am deeply grateful for Trent’s friendship—he is truly one of the great ones. “Elaine joins me in wishing Trent and Tricia all the best as they begin this new chapter in their lives and with their family.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Clay County at #5 in Jobless rateUnemployment rates rose in 94 Kentucky counties between October 2006 and October 2007, dropped in 18 counties and remained the same in eight counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education Cabinet. Fayette and Warren counties recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.7 percent each. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Woodford County, 3.8 percent; Jessamine County, 3.9 percent; Scott County, 4 percent; Mason County 4.1 percent; and Boone, Clark, Franklin, Madison and Robertson counties, 4.2 percent each. Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 10.2 percent. It was followed by Grayson County, 9.7 percent; Harlan County, 9.1 percent; Spencer County, 9 percent; Clay County, 8.9 percent; Magoffin County, 8.7 percent; Wolfe County, 8.4 percent; Owsley County, 8.3 percent; and Menifee and Morgan counties, 7.8 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. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and counties figures. Learn more about the Office of Employment and Training at www.workforce.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from Kentucky Unbridled Spirit Gift Card Makes A Great Holiday GiftLooking for a good idea for a holiday gift or stocking stuffer? The Kentucky Unbridled Spirit Gift Card may be just what you need. The card is good at all Kentucky State Parks, the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, the Kentucky Horse Park and the Kentucky Historical Society museum and gift shop. The card never expires and never charges a fee to use it, reload it or spend it. Cards can be purchased in person, on line or over the phone. The cards are sold with a $10 minimum or a pre-loaded amount when bought on line. The card can be used for golf, dining or an overnight stay at a state park, admission to the state history museum or the Kentucky Horse Park or used to purchase one of 4,000 different items from more than 650 artisans who sell their work at the Artisan Center in Berea. Unbridled Spirit Gift Cards can be purchased at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky Historical Society museum and gift shop as well as Kentucky State Parks. Cards can also be purchased by calling 1-800-255-PARK or online at www.kyunbridledspirit.com. The preceding press release was from Press Release from the United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of KentuckyLondon, Ky. —The former mayor of Manchester Daugh K. White, 74, was sentenced to 84 months, former Assistant Chief of Police Richard Todd Roberts, 36, was sentenced to 87 months, former Manchester City Councilman Darnell Hipsher, 47, was sentenced to 46 months, former Manchester City Council and 911 Director Vernon Hacker, 55, was sentenced to 120 months, Tammy Napier, 36, was sentenced to 46 months, and Bobby Joe Curry, 56, was sentenced to 240 months today in United States District Court in London, Ky., after entering guilty pleas earlier this year to charges including racketeering acts involving arson, extortion, mail fraud, and obstruction of justice, as well as drug conspiracy charges. White pleaded guilty on August 13, 2007, Hipsher pleaded guilty on August 15, 2007, and Roberts pleaded guilty on August 17, 2007, to a charge of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act. Hacker pleaded guilty on February 5, 2007, to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute pills containing oxycodone and methadone. Napier pleaded guilty on September 5, 2006, to conspiring to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine. Curry pleaded guilty on October 2, 2006, to conspiring to distribute cocaine, oxycodone, and methadone and distribution of cocaine, oxycodone, and methadone resulting in the death of another person. Racketeering acts alleged include arson, obstruction of justice, extortion, and mail fraud. White, Roberts, and Hipsher admitted to controlling the affairs of the city, directly and indirectly, through a pattern of illegal acts including arson, mail fraud, extortion of payments from contractors relating to city government contracts for their own financial benefit, and obstruction of justice. Hipsher and White, aided and abetted by each other, deprived the citizens of Manchester of honest services by paving 30 private driveways to gain political favor. They also schemed to disguise the free paving with invoices to only 11 people at reduced amounts, and by mailing the invoices, committed mail fraud. The Court also ordered: • Roberts to pay $25,000 restitution to insurance carrier and a $15,000 fine; • White to pay $30,000 restitution to the City of Manchester, forfeit $67,000, and pay a $100,000 fine; • Hacker to pay a $1,000,000 money judgment; • Napier to pay a $1,000,000 money judgment; • Hipsher to pay $30,000 restitution to the City of Manchester; and • Curry to pay $22,987 restitution to victim’s family and a $1,000,000 money judgment. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen C. Smith. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky
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Post by Press Release on Dec 4, 2007 20:15:17 GMT -5
US-Peru Trade Agreement‘It’s an opportunity to strengthen America’s economic growth. And it’s an opportunity to forge a stronger relationship with a key ally in an important region of the world.’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement after the Senate approved the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement: “A clear bipartisan majority in both the House and Senate approved the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement because it benefits U.S. economic growth. Not only will the agreement reinforce the free markets of Peru, it will help grow jobs here at home and continue to open the global marketplace to American products.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Thirteen Die On Kentucky RoadwaysNovember 26 through December 2 Preliminary statistics* indicate that thirteen people died in thirteen separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, November 26 through Sunday, December 2, 2007. Ten of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and four of the victims were not wearing seat belts (the seat belt status of six of the victims is not known). One of the fatalities was a result of a motorcycle crash and the driver was not wearing a helmet. Two of the fatalities were pedestrians. Four of the fatalities were the result of crashes involving alcohol. Single-fatality motor vehicle crashes occurred in Ballard, Butler, Crittenden, Cumberland, Greenup, Jessamine, Knott, Larue, Powell and Scott counties. The Motorcycle crash occurred in Russell county and the two pedestrian-involved crashes occurred in Fayette and Trimble counties. Through Dec. 2, preliminary statistics* indicate that 790 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2007. This is 60 fewer than reported for this time period in 2006. Of the 633 motor vehicle fatalities, 362 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 92 motorcycle fatalities, 53 were not wearing helmets. Of the 24 ATV fatalities, 20 were not wearing helmets. Thirty-nine pedestrians and two bicyclists have been killed. A total of 189 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. 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. Emergency road funding for Clay CountyMANCHESTER, KY. - Governor Ernie Fletcher and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet today announced emergency road funding for the Clay County Fiscal Court. The county has been authorized to receive $28,135 for a slide repair on School House Branch Road (CR 1169). A large break has developed along the lower bank of the roadway creating a hazard to the traveling public. In addition to serving the area’s residents this road is a school bus route. County Road Aid emergency funds will be used for this project. The county is responsible for all phases of the work. A check will be issued directly to the county for payment for the construction. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11. Attempted Murder Arrest On Friday 11-30-2007 at 5:28 PM the Kentucky State Police received a report of a hit and run two vehicle traffic crash on WTLO Road at the intersection with KY 80 in Pulaski County. A Pulaski County Sheriff's Deputy located the suspect vehicle on WTLO road and a vehicle pursuit began. KSP Trooper Chris Ison setup a tire deflation device on WTLO Road in an attempt to stop the pursuit but the suspect turned into a field to avoid the device. The suspect drove around the field for a short time before turning around traveling back toward Trooper Ison. Trooper Ison determined the suspect was attempting to run him over and fired three shots at the suspect in self defense causing the suspect to turn back into WTLO Road traveling toward KY 80. Once at KY 80 the Suspect turned westbound toward the Nancy community. The suspect was not struck or injured by the gun fire. The pursuit ended a short time later with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Deputies taking the suspect into custody, without any further incident, on various charges. Sergeant Jack Riley responded to the scene and charged Alonzo Dale Holbrook, 37, of Nancy, KY with one count of Attempted Murder in reference to the incident with Trooper Ison. Drug and/or alcohol usage is suspected in the incident. Sergeant Riley is in charge of the Attempted Murder investigation. The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office is in charge of the other incidents and charges. Trooper Ison assisted the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. 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. Governor Fletcher's Portrait To Be Added To KHS's CollectionGovernor Ernie Fletcher's official portrait will be unveiled and added to the Kentucky Historical Society's Toyota Kentucky Hall of Governors exhibition on Monday, December 3, at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in downtown Frankfort. The event will begin at 5 p.m. with refreshments and is open to the public. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. The Toyota Kentucky Hall of Governors, one of the main attractions at the Kentucky Historical Society, is a permanent exhibition with official portraits of all the Kentuckians who have held the highest elective office of the commonwealth, beginning with Isaac Shelby in 1792. Governor Fletcher's will be the 56th portrait to hang in the Hall of Governors. It was painted by John Michael Carter, an acclaimed portrait artist in Louisville. Another Carter portrait - that of former governor John Y. Brown Jr. - is also in the collection. The Kentucky Historical Society adds each governor's portrait to the collection at the end of the governor's term. An agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present, and inspiration for the future. KHS operates the Old State Capitol, the Kentucky Military History Museum, and its headquarters, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Since 1999, the thirty- million- dollar Center has welcomed more than one million visitors. For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit our Web site. The preceding press release was from THE CONSEQUENCES OF MISMANAGEMENT‘Senate Democrats have more to do in these last few weeks than they have done all year. It’s time to stop the political show. It’s time to focus, for once, on the fundamentals.’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks[on the Senate floor regarding the unfinished business of Congress and the need to fund the troops in the field: “We’re now in the final days of the session, and Congressional Democrats have left an enormous amount of work undone. As we move into the final stretch, let’s take stock of the unfinished business. “On spending: We’re two full months into Fiscal 2008, and our friends across the aisle are still staring at 11 unfinished spending bills out of the 12 they were supposed to do. We need to work together to get these overdue spending bills signed into law. “On troop funding: Thousands of American families will have sons and daughters fighting overseas this Christmas, and under the Constitution it falls on to us to provide for them. We may disagree about the mission. But no one should disagree about getting these courageous men and women everything they need while they’re fighting in the field. Congressional Democrats need to get serious about the troops, and get them the funds they need without any more games and without any further delay. “We’ve heard some remarkable reports from Iraq in recent weeks. Sunni tribes and other militants who turned against al-Qaeda are now working with coalition forces to secure Iraqi neighborhoods and towns. Refugees are returning to Iraq in droves. Shops are reopening, curfews are being relaxed. Al-Qaeda in Iraq, we’re told, has been pushed to the brink. Americans like what they’ve heard, and even some Congressional Democrats have acknowledged the positive reports. Congressman Murtha, a hero of the anti-war left, says the new strategy is a success. Congressman Dicks talked about a new feeling of normalcy in Iraq. Thanks to the increase in U.S. forces and a smart new strategy, we’ve seen a stunning reversal. “Unfortunately, talk of congratulations is scarce among the anti-war Left. Rather than stop for a minute to acknowledge what we’re hearing from the field, our friends on the other side now seem to be looking around for something that isn’t going well, so they can blame that on Republicans. According to press reports, they’ve settled on gas prices. “And we do need to do something to lower energy costs. But the bill our Democratic friends are reportedly about to bring to the floor won’t do it. In fact, the bill they’re discussing would actually increase gas prices at the pump and electricity bills in states that don’t have an abundance of windmills. An energy bill that raises the cost of energy is not what we need today. “Frankly, I’m baffled by the Congressional Democrats position in the whole troop-funding debate. Earlier in the year they said that sending more troops to Iraq would lead to failure, then they approved the funds anyway. Now they say things are going well, and they want to cut off the funds that are needed to finish the job. So they funded the war when they thought it would fail, and now they want to defund it when they think it’s succeeding. Does this make any sense? “Reasonable people should be able to agree that now is not the time to talk about walking away from our troops in Iraq. Yet this is exactly what Democrats are planning to do. The Senior Senator from Massachusetts has said he thinks Democrats have ‘an obligation’ to cut off funds for the war. And now they’re apparently following through with it. Just in time for the holidays, they’re forcing the Pentagon to prepare pink slips for more than 200,000 employees as a way of getting around the threat. “I urge the Majority to rethink its position, to keep its word, and to send our troops the funds they need to finish their mission and return home in success. We have a solemn obligation to assure America’s military families that their sons and daughters will get whatever they need. Let’s not break that trust at this moment of optimism and hope and good news from the field — at a time when even Congressman Murtha says the surge is working. “Congressional Democrats need to get serious about security at home, too. It’s no accident we haven’t been hit here since 9/11. We passed the Patriot Act, set up the Department of Homeland Security, and we made sure Intelligence agents would have the tools they need to do their jobs. One of those tools is the Protect America Act, which we passed in August, and which expires on February 1st. This essential terror-fighting tool recognizes that we need to be able to monitor terrorists overseas. And however the Senate deals with its expiration, we must protect its core strengths. But Democrats on the Judiciary Committee seem to disagree. They just voted for a revised version of this law that weakens it in dangerous ways. “The experts tell us that under this new version, U.S. commanders could be blocked from gathering critical intelligence on foreign targets. Imagine: an American commander prepares to attack a city like Fallujah. He gives the order for a blanket surveillance of the city to pinpoint terrorist activity. Then the lawyers step in and say, ‘Sir, you can’t do that. We need to go to the FISA Court first.’ “Well, this is one vision of how to fight the war on terror. Republicans have a different view. We think we need to stop foreign terrorists who want to kill innocent Americans — not be paralyzed into inaction over their search and seizure rights. Republicans are ready to support the bipartisan, common-sense Senate Intelligence Committee bill. In addition to allowing our commanders greater freedoms in the field, this version recognizes that telecom companies shouldn’t be sued for doing their patriotic duty in helping intelligence officials protect American lives. It also recognizes that if these companies are exposed to lawsuits, taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill. Which is exactly what the Democrats on the Judiciary Committee are proposing. They want to make sure the trial lawyers are happy one way or another. “We need to protect the telecom companies that did their duty and the taxpayers, not the trial lawyers who want to bring these suits. Congressional Democrats have neglected their duty on the 12 spending bills, they’re threatening to neglect their duty to our troops in the field and to our security at home, and now they’re about to slap millions of Americans with a middle-class tax hike better known as the AMT. "Well, the American people have a right to know how Democrats found the time for 63 Iraq votes over the course of the past year — some of them at midnight — but somehow couldn’t find an afternoon to fix a mistake in the tax code that’s about to hit 50 million households. It’s not as if they didn’t see it coming. They’ve known about the problem all year. Treasury Secretary Paulson reminded us about its urgency in October. “He warned that if Congress didn’t act by early last month, about 25 million households would get mistakenly whacked with a major tax hike. And he said that if we didn’t act by the middle of this month, 50 million would face delays in getting their refunds. Even if we acted today, millions of tax returns will still be delayed. The IRS oversight chairman reminded us about the problem again last month, saying the longer we wait, the longer the refund delays would be. “This is a tax none of these people were ever intended to pay. Originally targeted at fewer than 200 families, it was never indexed for inflation. It’s an mistake that’s never been permanently fixed. And Republicans are not about to let Democrats impose a new tax to pay for its correction. Americans don’t need to be giving government an interest-free loan in April by letting the IRS hold onto their refunds. They need to get their refunds when they expect them. We need to fix the AMT, without new taxes, and we need to do it now. “The number of families affected is staggering: Democratic foot-dragging on the AMT threatens 1.6 million taxpayers in New Jersey, more than three million in New York, and nearly 4.5 million in California — that’s more people in California alone than the entire population of Kentucky. We need to block this giant middle-class tax hike now, before voters get stuck with it in April. “Senate Democrats need to act on executive nominations, including nominees to head the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Agriculture. And the Judiciary Committee needs to do a much better job processing circuit court nominations. Christmas will be here before we know it, and we’ve only had one hearing on one circuit court nomination since the summer recess, and we’ve had only five hearings for five circuit court nominees all year. During a comparable period in President Clinton’s last Congress, the Republican-controlled Senate held hearings on 10 of President Clinton’s circuit court nominees, including five after the August recess. “We’ve had qualified circuit court nominees up here for months who satisfy the supposed criteria of the Democratic Majority. There is no good reason for the Judiciary Committee to bring progress on circuit court nominations to a standstill. It’s time our colleagues on the other side acted on nominations and on the other legislative duties I’ve listed. They’ve spent nearly a year now focusing on politics rather than essentials. And now they’re trying to distract the public by shifting focus at the finish line. “We need to pass the bills that keep the government functioning. “We need to stop taxes from being raised on the middle class. “We need to strengthen the laws that help us catch terrorists before they strike. "We need to fund our troops in the field. “It’s now December, and Senate Democrats have more to do in these last few weeks than they have done all year. It’s time to stop the political show. It’s time to focus, for once, on the fundamentals.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Dec 6, 2007 17:10:33 GMT -5
Kentucky expects at least $110 million from national tobacco settlement in 2008Kentucky is expected to receive at least $110 million next year from tobacco companies through a national settlement agreement that has brought $940 million in annual payments to the Commonwealth since 1998. The payment could be as large as $120 million, depending on certain factors, Kentucky Assistant Attorney General Michael Plumley told the Kentucky General Assembly's Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee today. The state received $105 million from the settlement agreement last year. "It is very difficult to predict actual payment amounts due to sales, withholding and other defaults which are still unknown," Plumley said. Withholding--or adjustment--of payments by tobacco companies to compensate for loss of market share to other companies called Non-Participating Manufacturers (NPMs) that did not participate in the settlement agreement has affected the state's payments in past years. Kentucky and most states have passed laws requiring NPMs to make escrow payments on cigarette sales to prevent such adjustments, and to protect the states if they decide to sue NPMs over smoking-related health care costs. Plumley said that Kentucky is now in court fighting to recoup $40 million in past NPM adjustments, which the state's escrow law is supposed to prevent. "...The Non-Participating Manufacturer escrow statute which was passed in 2000, and amended in 2003 and 2004, to deal with the tobacco manufacturers who do not participate in the (settlement) must be diligently enforced to prevent Kentucky from losing a percentage of its payments each year under the NPM adjustment," Plumley told lawmakers. Kentucky currently has $23 million in escrow from NPMs under its escrow law, according to Plumley. The 2008 settlement payment is due on April 15, he said. Annual payments are expected to continue "as long as cigarette sales continue in the United States," he added. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Statement from Kentucky State Police on Trooper B.J. Burton Caseby: Lt. Colonel Dean Hayes, Acting Commissioner, Kentucky State PoliceDean Hayes"Today, a Casey County jury acquitted Trooper B. J. Burton on a charge of Reckless Homicide. This verdict confirms the conclusions of the Kentucky State Police's internal investigation that Trooper Burton acted according to his training, and within the scope of Kentucky law when he responded to the resistance of the suspect, Billy G. Phillips, after his Driving Under the Influence arrest. After hearing expert testimony and the facts of the case, the jury unanimously acquitted Trooper Burton. Kentucky State Troopers undergo extensive training in defensive tactics on how to respond to force used against them in accordance with Kentucky Revised Statutes. This case has demonstrated the risks and dangers that face Troopers on a daily basis as they provide law enforcement services for the Commonwealth. Now that all the facts are known, we hope the healing process can now begin after this unfortunate incident." 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. Governor Fletcher Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Fort Campbell SoldiersGovernor Ernie Fletcher has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of three Fort Campbell soldiers who died in the line of duty. According to the Department of Defense, the soldiers, who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, died from wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device in Bayji, Iraq. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell. Killed were Sgt. Eric J. Hernandez, 26, of Waldwick, N.J., who died Dec. 4 in Bayji, Iraq; Pvt. Dewayne L. White, 27, of Country Club Hills, Ill., who died Dec. 4 in Bayji, Iraq; and Capt. Adam P. Snyder, 26, of Fort Pierce, Fla., who died Dec. 5 in Balad, Iraq. Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of the soldiers’ funerals, for which arrangements are incomplete. Individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies are encouraged to join in this tribute by lowering flags in honor of these soldiers. The preceding press release was from House Must Now Take Up Senate AMT Fix‘Democrats’ unprecedented and indefensible delay means the filing season will already be disrupted’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement after the Senate passed a bipartisan bill to prevent a middle-class tax hike The bill does not include the massive tax increase proposed by Democrats. "We have finally reached an agreement to prevent a middle class tax hike on 25 million Americans, and we did so without permanently raising taxes elsewhere. The Democrats’ unprecedented and indefensible delay on this commonsense solution means the filing season will already be disrupted. Now that the Senate has passed an AMT fix without tax hikes, the House must do the same or explain to taxpayers why they will further delay tax refunds for millions of Americans.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. KENTUCKY PROUD FOODS WILL BE SERVED AT INAUGURATION DAY CELEBRATIONThe celebration of Governor-elect Steve Beshear’s inauguration on December 11 will have a Kentucky Proud flavor. Kentucky Proud foods will be served to some 1,200 guests at the Kentucky Ball at the Capitol Annex in Frankfort. The menu will include cheese, beef, eggs, garlic jelly, honey, apple butter, paddlefish, beer cheese, Benedictine spread, country ham, milk, bourbon, wine, soft drinks and coffee from Kentucky producers. The ball will be catered by the Capital Plaza Hotel. It is free and open to the public. “I’m pleased that Kentucky Proud will play a prominent role on Inauguration Day,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “I want to welcome Steve Beshear to the governor’s office. I look forward to a fruitful relationship where we can work together in a bipartisan way on the challenges facing Kentucky.” Kentucky Proud is the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s farm marketing program. The familiar blue, green and red logo tells consumers that product was made in Kentucky by Kentuckians. About 1,000 farmers, processors, businesses, retailers, restaurants and farmers’ markets are Kentucky Proud members. Kentucky Proud generated $39 million in retail sales in 2006, and that figure is expected to be much higher in 2007. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Bunning On Passage Of AMT Bill: ‘It’s About Time’Senator Jim Bunning issued the following statement on the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Bill that was approved in the Senate by a vote of 88-5. The bill extends for one year AMT relief for non-refundable personal credits and increases the AMT exemption amount to $66,250 for joint filers and $44,350 for individuals. "It’s about time," said Bunning. "This is something that should have been done months ago, but thank goodness we finally passed a bill that will provide relief to the middle class Americans who have been unfairly affected by this tax that was never intended for them in the first place." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Energy Bill is Another Choice: Bipartisan Accomplishment or Partisan Failure‘The bill we are voting on is a massive tax hike, not a serious attempt to make law’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor on cloture on the House-passed energy bill: “There's a difference between passing bills—and actually making laws. The bill before us is a prime example: The Democrat leadership started with a bipartisan agreement that could be passed in both houses and signed by the President. In other words, it could become law. They’ve chosen, instead, to add the twin millstones of utility rate hikes and massive tax increases. The end result is that the House passed a bill—but it won’t become law. “There's a difference between making a partisan point, and having an accomplishment. Again, we can look to this current bill as an example. Rather than take the elements of the bill that had near-universal support and have an accomplishment on behalf of their constituents, the Democrat leadership chose instead to make a partisan point. “Now, I understand that the House is a different place, that the Speaker rules, as the Senate Majority Leader put it Wednesday, with an ‘Iron fist.’ And while she can muscle bills through the House on a party-line vote, it doesn’t work that way over here. We’ve shown that all year on the numerous political votes the majority has put on the floor. And we’ve shown that already this week on the AMT: When the Democrat leadership tried the my-way-or-the-highway approach, the bill failed; when they worked with us on a bill that could pass, we succeeded by a vote of 88-5. That was a success. “The same is true of the farm bill: When the Democrat leadership tried to dictate to the minority what amendments we could offer, the Senate spun its wheels and got nowhere. But when the majority worked with us, the result was a mutually beneficial agreement that will soon lead to an accomplishment. But the bill we are voting on today is a massive tax hike, and a utility rate increase for consumers across the southeast. It is not a serious attempt to make law, and is not a serious attempt at an accomplishment. It is a partisan bill that must be improved or set aside. “So let’s not waste even more time relearning the lessons of the past 11 months. If you're serious about an accomplishment, let’s fix this bill. Walking away from a bipartisan deal in favor of raising taxes and utility rates, as the Democrats in the House have done, will not make law. But working with us to find common ground to increase the use of renewable fuels and raise fuel economy standards to historic levels without costing American jobs, will. “I stand ready to work with my colleagues on a realistic, bipartisan bill. But I will vote no on this partisan tax increase, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. McConnell on Democrat InactionDemocrats’ Mismanagement, AMT Reform, Troop Funding, FISA, Energy, Farm BillSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell spoke on the Senate floor regarding the unfinished business of Congress. The following are excerpts from his remarks. On Democrats’ Mismanagement:“Here’s where we are: December 5th, and we have nearly a full year's worth of work to finish before we adjourn for Christmas. It's a little after noon and we are talking about why we’re just getting started now. We have offered our good friends a path forward on the AMT, on troop funding, on appropriations, on the energy bill and the farm bill, yet we can't seem to get the kind of bipartisan agreement that allows the minority to have some say over amendments and moving forward.” On the AMT:“The chair of the Finance Committee called the Republican proposal ‘constructive’ and said that it was the beginning of an agreement. That was yesterday. We want to make sure that 23 million people are not ensnared by this middle-class tax hike, and that the tax returns of 50 million Americans are not further delayed. The consequences of a delay will be felt by millions of taxpayers who will see a delay in their refunds next year. “It is, however, important to virtually every member of my conference that the AMT—a tax that will never be levied and not collected—not trigger a tax increase on a whole lot of other Americans. And the effort to ‘pay for’ the AMT is highly offensive to members of my side of the aisle, and I think the majority knows that.” On Funding Our Troops:“Any discussion of finishing up the year is going to have to include funding for the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. We know we have had this debate a lot of times—at last count, 63 Iraq votes in the House and Senate this year. We know that even when the war was going poorly and there was great opposition to the surge, at the end of the day, the funding was there. Now the surge is succeeding, the war is going better, why would we not continue the funding now that things are going better when the majority—which did not favor the effort in Iraq—provided funding when it was going poorly? As part of any settlement of the 11 appropriations bills we are going to have to have troop funding into next year.” On FISA:“On FISA, I think we have a way forward. The Majority Leader and I have talked about it. I think we both have the view that the underlying bill will probably be the Intelligence Committee (Rockefeller-Bond) measure. I think we should be able to construct some kind of consent agreement in that particular instance where I don't think there's much of a demand for amendments -- some amendments but not a whole lot -- that will allow us to go forward.” On Energy:“On energy, Senator Domenici tells me he had an understanding with the Majority Leader as to what would, and would not, be in an energy bill that we would finally pass. It's my understanding that an energy bill that the House may act on, I gather, today…is likely to include tax hikes and utility rate increases for those of us in the southeast. Now, in what way would an energy bill that raises taxes…when oil is $100 a barrel, and as the practical effect of raising utility rates across the southeast, be beneficial? “My understanding was that the Majority Leader and Senator Domenici and Senator Bingaman agreed that was not going to be part of the proposal. I don't know whether it will be part of the proposal when it comes from the House, or not. But, that agreement ought to be kept. Those provisions ought to be removed.” On the Farm Bill:“My advice both privately and publicly to my good friend the Majority Leader on the farm bill is take it up and go forward which is the way we have done it in the past. It is amazing how quickly you move along, and you can sometimes spend more time trying to get a consent agreement which, by its very nature, requires every single member of the Senate not to object. We could have made more progress on the farm bill by simply going to the bill, taking up amendments, and moving forward. That was my advice. It is still my advice. I think if we turned to the farm bill, even if we didn't have a very narrow amendment list, we would make dramatic progress and make it quickly. “Why? Because I think there are significant numbers of members of this body on both sides of the aisle who want to pass a farm bill.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Jackson Energy rates forced upThe Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) today made permanent a $19 million increase in annual revenue that had been granted to East Kentucky Power Cooperative Inc. (EKPC) on an interim basis in April. EKPC is the wholesale supplier of energy to Jackson Energy. While the increase is only about half the amount requested by EKPC, the PSC noted in today’s order that EKPC has indicated it will request two or three more rate increases in the next four or five years “in order to keep its finances on a strong footing.” “This is a reasonable expectation,” the PSC said, adding that “it expects EKPC to closely monitor its financial situation and file applications for rate cases in a timely manner.” Furthermore, EKPC should update its environmental surcharge filings with the PSC in order to begin recovering costs of emission control projects that were not included in the last update in 2005, the PSC said in today’s order. “Given its current financial condition, it is essential that EKPC utilize all available options to provide for timely recovery of costs,” the PSC said. The PSC was unable to grant the increase requested by EKPC because the company structured this rate request in ways that did not conform to accepted ratemaking principles. Bringing the request into line with established ratemaking principles and precedents lowered the allowed revenue increase down to just below $19 million. After examining all the evidence, the PSC concluded that the interim increase of $19 million should be made permanent. EKPC provides electricity to and is owned by 16 distribution cooperatives serving about 500,000 customers in 89 Kentucky counties. Because the interim increase in wholesale rates granted in April has been passed through to the customers of the distribution cooperatives, they will not see any rate changes as a result of today’s PSC action. In its original rate request, filed in January, EKPC sought a $43.4 million increase in annual revenue. EKPC subsequently reduced its request to $38.5 million based on a settlement the company reached with two of three intervenors in the case, the Kentucky Office of Attorney General and the Kentucky Industrial Utility Customers, Inc. Because the third intervenor, the Cumberland Chapter of the Sierra Club, was not a party to the agreement, the PSC could not consider the settlement. The PSC has been concerned about EKPC’s financial condition for some time. A number of factors have created problems for the utility, including a lengthy unplanned outage at a major power plant, substantial penalties and environmental compliance costs imposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and higher interest expenses due to the need to borrow money to build new facilities. As a result, EKPC’s credit ratings have declined, making it more expensive for the utility to borrow additional funds. The PSC noted that EKPC on May 1 filed a “plan of remedy” intended to restore compliance with certain requirements of its loan agreement with the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), the federal agency which lends money to electric cooperatives at favorable interest rates. The plan anticipates applications for several rate increases in the next few years. The first of those applications should come no later than nine months after EKPC begins generating electricity at its Spurlock 4 unit near Maysville, the PSC said in today’s order. EKPC should file sooner than that if conditions warrant, the PSC said. The PSC ordered EKPC to continue providing additional financial information, including monthly reports of revenues and expenses. Today’s order, other related documents and video of hearings in the case are available on the PSC Web site, psc.ky.gov. The case number is 2006-00472. The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Department of Public Protection in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and has approximately 110 employees. The preceding press release was from Bunning Comments On The Alternative Minimum TaxSenator Jim Bunning, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement regarding the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). "This Congress will fail 19 million middle class American taxpayers if it does not act now to save them from paying an unjust tax that was never intended for them. The AMT was created in 1969 to close a tax loophole that affected only 155 wealthy Americans. Unfortunately, due to the failure of Democrat Congressional leadership to pass an AMT repeal bill, millions of American working families will be unfairly taxed next year. "Throughout my career I have seen many things that do not make sense in Washington, but the AMT issue is the most glaring. If Congress does not do anything then we will set the country on a course towards recession. We have seen great economic prosperity over the last six years, and by eliminating this tax on the American middle class we will sustain that prosperity. "I hope during the course of this week or before Christmas break, we will do away with this unfair tax, and save the American middle class. Please stay tuned to this website for further updates about this important issue." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning.
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Post by Press Release on Dec 10, 2007 19:41:14 GMT -5
Amendment to Promote Kentucky’s Horse Industry Included in Farm BillThe Equine Equity Act will provide tax relief for horse ownersSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced the Senate approved his legislation to promote investment in the horse industry. The Equine Equity Act is now included in the Farm Bill, which is currently under consideration by the Senate. “Horses are a vital part of Kentucky's economy and cultural heritage,” McConnell said. “They are the Commonwealth’s largest agricultural product, adding $3.5 billion to our economy and directly employing more than 50,000 Kentuckians.” The Equine Equity Act of 2007 will reduce the capital gains holding period for horses and allow horse owners to depreciate all racehorses over the same period. It reduces the capital gains holding period for horses from 24 months to 12 months, which is the case with most capital assets. Currently, horses must be held for two years to receive capital gains treatment. While many Americans identify the horse industry as one of Kentucky's signature industries, its economic impact extends well beyond the borders of the Commonwealth. A recent study found that the horse industry contributes approximately $39 billion in direct economic impacts to the U.S. economy each year. It sustains 1.4 million full-time equivalent jobs each year, with over 460,000 of those jobs created from direct spending within the industry. Nearly 2 million Americans own horses, either for racing, showing or recreational purposes. Only about one-quarter, 28 percent, of U.S. horse owners have incomes greater than $100,000. Thirty-four percent of horse owners have an income of less than $50,000. “Like many businesses, outside investments are essential to the operation and growth of the horse industry,” McConnell said. “Without investors willing to buy and breed horses, it is impossible for the industry to thrive.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Republicans Improve Energy Bill, Ensure Bipartisan Passage‘We recognized here in the Senate that the House bill couldn’t pass the Senate and wouldn’t be signed into law. So we fixed it. And now it will.’ Mitch McConellSenator Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding a Republican modified bipartisan energy bill: “First, I want to thank the Senators from New Mexico, as well as Senator Stevens and Senator Inouye, for all their hard work on this legislation, and for their dedication in seeing it through. The final product is not perfect, but it’s vastly better than the version that was sent to us by the House. We recognized here in the Senate that the House bill couldn’t pass the Senate and wouldn’t be signed into law. So we fixed it. And now it will. “The new fuel economy standards and the increase in renewable fuels represent a step forward in our common effort to make America more energy independent. And this is something we can all be proud of as we leave here to go home for the holiday recess. This is a good accomplishment — achieved, as everything good in the Senate always is, by cooperation between the parties. “What we’ve done on this bill, we’ve done together. And in a year that’s seen its fair share of partisan tensions, that’s no small accomplishment either. “So again I want to congratulate the managers of the bill, and I also want to thank my friend the Majority Leader for bringing it back to the floor in a form that guarantees it’ll get passed and then signed into law. “I’m extremely pleased about this bipartisan accomplishment. And I’m extremely pleased that we’re about to show the American people we still have it in us to come together as a body and achieve consensus on an issue that affects all of us.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Decisions needed on oil alternatives, lawmakers toldThe U.S. must start making decisions now on how it will weather a decline in its share of the world's oil supply, the head of the state's Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) told state lawmakers yesterday. "What we need to realize is whether peak oil production is here or is coming ... isn't really the question," CAER's Executive Director Rodney Andrews told the Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. "The question is that our share of what's available is going to continue to decrease, because the rest of the world is demanding more and is willing to pay for it--more than we ever have." Most of this competition, Andrews said, is coming from countries like China and India where the demand for oil has grown dramatically in recent years. That competition, combined with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) recent unwillingness to boost production and other factors means the U.S. must find other ways to meet its fuel demands. The best time to do that is now, he said. "Right now we tend to operate in a responsive mode. 'Oil prices are going up, let's do something,'" Andrews said. "We need to start making decisions about what we're going to do." That means taking a hard look at energy efficiency, considering alternative fuels and even a possible move to mass transit across the country, he said. "We have to increase efficiency in everything from electrical power production to vehicles to what we do with our lighting," said Andrews, adding there is "no silver bullet" to solve the energy challenges facing the nation. Committee Co-Chair Rep. Jim Gooch, D-Providence, asked Andrews if he felt the nation's energy demands can be met without the use of coal, which powers thousands of electrical power plants across the country. The answer was no. "I don't believe any rational energy policy can eliminate coal," he said. The need for increased oil refining capacity was also discussed. Andrews said many refineries in the nation are aging and new ones are needed, although those would take at least five to 10 years to build. Rep. Mike Cherry, D-Princeton, suggested that everyone has some role to play in meeting America's energy needs. "I'm of the opinion that we, as a legislature, ought to be figuring out ways to (encourage) an unwanting citizenry--myself included--to be more conservative with energy," said Cherry Confirmation Of Amul Thapar To Be U.S. District Court JudgeAmul ThaparSenator Jim Bunning issued the following statement regarding the confirmation of Amul R. Thapar to be United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. "I congratulate Amul Thapar on his confirmation to be a United States District Court Judge," said Bunning. "Amul is a top-notch lawyer with the character and integrity that makes him a perfect fit for the job. I want to thank the leadership here in the Senate for approving Amul before the recess so he can get to work for the people of Kentucky." Amul Thapar resides in Edgewood, Kentucky with his wife Kim and their three children. Amul currently serves as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. He has extensive experience as a federal prosecutor and in private practice. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Democrats Refuse to Take ‘Yes’ For an Answer on Tax Relief‘House Democrats must stop these political games and take up the Senate-passed AMT patch immediately, or explain to taxpayers why they are delaying refunds for tens of millions of American families’ Mitch McConnellSenator Mitch McConnell released the following statement in response to House Democrats’ decision to disregard the Senate-passed, bipartisan AMT patch and instead further delay tax refunds for millions of Americans: “Eighty eight Senators, an overwhelming bipartisan majority of the Senate, are on the record regarding the middle-class tax hike known as the AMT: the Senate will not pass a short-term fix for some, if it includes a permanent, massive tax hike for others. But rather than take up a bipartisan Senate bill that would pass the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, the House has chosen yet again to take the path of the partisan dead end. “They’ve chosen to put political gamesmanship ahead of the 50 million American families whose tax returns will be delayed while the House Democrat Leadership tries to make a political point. With less than a month before the filing season begins, the House must stop these political games and take up the Senate-passed AMT patch immediately, or explain to taxpayers why they are delaying refunds for tens of millions of American families.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Thirteen Die On Kentucky Roadways Last WeekNovember 26 through December 2Preliminary statistics* indicate that thirteen people died in thirteen separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, November 26 through Sunday, December 2, 2007. Ten of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and four of the victims were not wearing seat belts (the seat belt status of six of the victims is not known). One of the fatalities was a result of a motorcycle crash and the driver was not wearing a helmet. Two of the fatalities were pedestrians. Four of the fatalities were the result of crashes involving alcohol. Single-fatality motor vehicle crashes occurred in Ballard, Butler, Crittenden, Cumberland, Greenup, Jessamine, Knott, Larue, Powell and Scott counties. The Motorcycle crash occurred in Russell county and the two pedestrian-involved crashes occurred in Fayette and Trimble counties. Through Dec. 2, preliminary statistics* indicate that 790 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2007. This is 60 fewer than reported for this time period in 2006. Of the 633 motor vehicle fatalities, 362 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 92 motorcycle fatalities, 53 were not wearing helmets. Of the 24 ATV fatalities, 20 were not wearing helmets. Thirty-nine pedestrians and two bicyclists have been killed. A total of 189 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. 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. Bank Robbery at the Monticello Bank Branch Office in Wayne CountyOn Wednesday December 12, 2007 at approximately 11:05 AM the Kentucky State Police Post 11 London received a report, from the Monticello Police Department, of a Bank Robbery at the Monticello Bank Branch Office in the Tradeway Shopping Center, Monticello, KY. Upon arrival Detective Doug Boyd discovered that a white male entered the bank and demanded money before fleeing on foot. Further details will be forthcoming as the investigation progresses. Detective Boyd is in charge of the investigation. Anyone with any information on this incident is urged to call the Kentucky State Police at (606) 878-6622 or 1-800-222-5555. 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. McConnell proposal would ensure $70 billion for troop funding, reduce overall spendingMitch McConnellSenator Mitch McConnell announced that if the House sends an omnibus appropriations bill to the Senate, he will work through the amendment process to improve the bill by funding our troops in the field without micromanaging our military commanders, and reaching a fiscally responsible result on the 11 remaining funding bills. “We are quickly running out of time to take care of one of the most basic functions of Congress: funding the government,” said McConnell. “Yet Democrats have insisted on continuing partisan politics instead of funding our troops in the field without restrictions or funding the government at a fiscally responsible level.” The McConnell proposal would provide sufficient funds to bring the level for Iraq and Afghanistan to $70 billion. If the House-passed omnibus is above the President’s line, the amendment would provide across-the-board savings from non-defense programs to bring the omnibus in line with the President’s top-line number. “Republicans will continue to guard against reckless spending and dangerous policy riders, which is why I will work with my colleagues to institute across-the-board budgetary savings,” added McConnell. “This is a reasonable and responsible path forward to completing our work in a bipartisan manner that achieves the twin goals of providing for our troops in the field and protecting the taxpayer’s wallet.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Let’s Finish Our Work‘Let’s protect the taxpayers’ wallets, fund the troops, and end this otherwise unproductive exercise’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell spoke on the Senate floor regarding spending restraint for the remaining appropriations bills and the need to fund our troops in the field: “It’s hard to understand the complaints we’re hearing from the other side on our supposed lack of compromise on spending. We’ve sought compromises all year — dozens of appropriations committee and subcommittee hearings, which is the normal process. But we’re now a quarter of the way into the fiscal year. Reasonable, responsible people understand the time to get the work done is now. We can keep going back and forth with the House, but that would only further delay our fundamental responsibility of getting these spending bills signed into law. “Let’s protect the taxpayers’ wallets, fund the troops, and end this otherwise unproductive exercise.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. VIRGINIA FARMER DISCUSSES FAMILY FARMS, LOCAL FOOD AT ANNUAL SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE CONFERENCEInnovative farmer and author Joel Salatin will share his views on “Healing the Planet, One Plate at a Time” at the 17th annual Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference Jan. 16-19 at the Galt House Hotel and Suites in Louisville. Salatin owns Polyface Farm (“The Farm of Many Faces”), a three-generation family farm in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia. He supports and speaks on the importance of family farms and local food systems. The farm services more than 1,000 families, four retail outlets and 30 restaurants through on-farm sales and metropolitan buying clubs. The Salatins raise “salad bar” beef, “pigaerator” pork, pastured poultry, forage-based rabbits, eggs from pastured hens and forestry products. Salatin also will lead conference sessions where he will share some of his farming and marketing practices. A Taste of Kentucky dinner featuring Kentucky Proud foods will conclude the conference Jan. 19. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s marketing office will gather the Kentucky Proud foods for the dinner. Kentucky farmer and author Wendell Berry will host a pre-conference conversation on Jan. 17. There is no charge to attend. A total of 62 educational sessions on sustainable agriculture topics and 20 networking sessions will be offered at the conference. A silent auction, a trade show and showings of the “Natural Farming Systems in the South” video series also are scheduled. Pre-conference intensive short courses will be offered Jan. 16-17. Pre-conference field trips and mini-courses will be available the afternoon of Jan. 17. The conference is the annual meeting of the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group. Partners in the conference include the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and Kentucky State University. More than 1,200 people attended last year’s conference. Pre-registration fees are $135 for adults and $55 for children before Dec. 20 and $145 for adults and $60 for children after Dec. 20. Registration on-site is $155 for adults and $65 for children. Registration includes conference sessions and one ticket to the Taste of Kentucky dinner. Pre-registration forms must be postmarked no later than Jan. 7. Additional fees are charged for most of the pre-conference courses and field trips. Space for the pre-conference courses and field trips is limited. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. COMMISSIONER FARMER APPLAUDS PRODUCERS FOR RECORD CASH RECEIPTS IN 2007Richie FarmerAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer congratulated Kentucky farmers on weathering an extended April freeze and a withering summer drought to achieve record receipts for their farm products in 2007. University of Kentucky economists estimated 2007 farmgate receipts at $4.22 billion, eclipsing the 2004 record of $4.13 billion. The economists predicted that Kentucky farmers will set another record in 2008 at an estimated $4.294 billion. The estimates were announced Thursday at the 88th annual Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Louisville. “I am constantly amazed but never surprised by Kentucky’s farmers,” Commissioner Farmer said. “They persevered in a very poor growing season. That shows how good our farmers are at what they do. It also shows that Kentucky’s efforts to diversify its agriculture economy are working.” Net farm income is expected to remain strong in 2007 but is likely to be affected by the drought, lower government payments and higher production costs, the economists said. A continuing decline in government payments and further increases in input prices are expected to affect net farm income again next year. Cash receipts for livestock in 2007 exceeded $3 billion, a 10.9 percent increase over 2006, as equine, cattle and poultry prices remained strong, UK reported. Equine receipts surpassed $1.1 billion in another year of very strong thoroughbred sales. Income from cattle increased in part because some producers sent more animals than usual to market after the weather damaged hay and pastures. Driven by strong export markets, milk prices in Kentucky and the U.S. have increased significantly, but the number of dairy cattle in Kentucky continues to decline, contrary to the nationwide herd expansion. Crop receipts fell 6.5 percent to $1.215 billion in large part because of the drought. Cash receipts for corn jumped more than 35 percent because of a significant increase in acreage and strong prices, but tobacco receipts were lower due to poor growing and curing conditions. Lower yields and declines in acreage harvested cut the soybean and winter wheat crops in half in 2007. The fruit crop was damaged by the freeze, but vegetable income was up 15 percent to $23 million. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. DEMOCRAT FUNDING ‘DEAL’ UNACCEPTABLE‘While I appreciate the movement in the right direction on the part of Congressional Democrats, we must not overspend the taxpayer's money’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding reports that Congressional Democrats were negotiating among themselves on ways to meet the Pentagon’s request for troop funding, but significantly exceed the President’s request on other funding bills: “While it’s certainly encouraging to see Congressional Democrats stand up to the anti-war fringe and start the process of living up to Congress’ commitment to fund the troops in harm’s way, the rest of their self-negotiated ‘deal’ described in today’s press reports remains unacceptable to Congressional Republicans. The funding levels they are reportedly prepared to offer for their 11 unfinished funding bills is too much to ask of the American taxpayer. “Moreover, the funds they reportedly are prepared to provide the troops are insufficient to adequately provide for our troops in the field and they deserve better from Congress than that. Finally, while I appreciate the movement in the right direction on the part of Congressional Democrats toward concluding this Congress, we must not overspend the taxpayer's money and we must protect our troops; the deal described in recent press reports falls short of that mark. “We need to keep working together until we meet these two goals.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Dec 16, 2007 13:31:14 GMT -5
STATE SETS GUIDELINES FOR FARMERS’ MARKETS TO OFFER SAMPLES OF FOOD PRODUCTSNew state guidelines will allow vendors at Kentucky farmers’ markets and Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside markets to offer free food samples without having to get a food service permit. The guidelines will take effect Jan. 1. They were established by the Kentucky Department for Public Health in cooperation with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association to address sampling issues voiced by market vendors. “Offering samples is the best way to promote any food product,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “That’s especially true of foods offered for sale at farmers’ markets, which are judged more on taste than on appearance. These new guidelines will help producers promote their Kentucky Proud products while minimizing the risk of food-borne illness to customers.” The guidelines require vendors who offer samples to undergo a KDA training course. Those who will offer samples of raw fruits and vegetables are also required to complete the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) education course available through local Extension offices. The first sampling training will be offered at the KFMA’s annual conference Jan. 6 in Lexington. Producers may complete GAP training Jan. 8 at the Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference. The 2008-2009 Kentucky Farmers’ Market Manual will cover the guidelines in detail and give producers tips on easy ways to meet the requirements. The manual will be offered for the first time at the conference. Copies will be mailed to all markets across the state and will be available on the KDA Web site on the Farmers’ Market page. For more information, go to the KFMA’s Web site at www.kentuckyfarmersmarket.org and click on News. Questions about the policy should be directed to the Kentucky Food Safety Branch at (502) 564-7181. Questions about the required training sessions should be directed to Janet Eaton, the KDA’s farmers’ market coordinator, at (502) 564-4983. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Amul Thapar Confirmed as a Federal JudgeAmul ThaparSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced the Senate confirmed Amul R. Thapar to be Federal Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Amul Thapar will make an outstanding Federal Judge. He has risen through the ranks to the top of his field to become a stellar prosecutor, all while maintaining his reputation as a man of unquestionable ethics and integrity. Judge Thapar has the wisdom and the judicial temperament to excel as a federal judge, and I appreciate my colleagues for confirming him.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Unlicensed Electrician SentencedA Wayne County man is behind bars for performing electrical work on a house in Monticello even though he did not hold a state electrician’s license. William Frank Gilliam was sentenced to one year in the Wayne County Jail after pleading guilty to a Class A misdemeanor in Wayne District Court on Nov. 28. He began serving the sentence shortly thereafter. State Fire Marshal Rodney Raby said the sentence should serve as a deterrent to would-be electricians. “We were alerted by the local utility of the substandard wiring performed when this house was being renovated,” Raby said. “We found numerous electrical code violations that put the homeowner at risk.” When the wiring failed inspection, the homeowner, Kari Wardell, of 327 Golden Pond Resort Road in Monticello, was forced to pay a licensed electrician to undue the substandard wiring and perform the work properly. Kentucky has about 18,000 licensed electricians whose work is overseen by the state Office of Housing, Buildings, and Construction. The agency is a part of the Department of Public Protection in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. The preceding press release was from Eleven Die On Kentucky RoadwaysDecember 10 through December 16Preliminary statistics* indicate that eleven people died in ten separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, Dec. 10 through Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007. All of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and seven of the victims were not wearing seat belts (the seat belt status of one of the victims is not known). Three of the fatalities were the result of crashes involving alcohol. One double-fatality crash occurred in Barren county. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Floyd, Hardin, Henderson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Mason, Nelson, Perry and Russell counties. Through Dec. 16, preliminary statistics* indicate that 822 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2007. This is 55 fewer than reported for this time period in 2006. Of the 662 motor vehicle fatalities, 375 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 92 motorcycle fatalities, 53 were not wearing helmets. Of the 24 ATV fatalities, 20 were not wearing helmets. Forty-two pedestrians and two bicyclists have been killed. A total of 196 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. 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. Libraries rank as most highly regarded local government service in new state surveyPublic libraries are the most highly regarded local government service, according to a recent independent survey of Kentuckians. In addition, more than 95 percent of Kentuckians surveyed agree that public libraries are a good investment of tax dollars. A survey of 600 Kentuckians by the University of Kentucky Survey Research Center sponsored by the Kentucky Public Library Association indicates that Kentuckians place a high value on local public libraries. The telephone survey conducted Sept. 6 – Oct. 13 represents citizens from every county. The research shows that nine out of 10 people view Kentucky’s public libraries as a key educational asset in the community, while more than eight out of 10 agree that public libraries improve communities. Among six services provided by local government, Kentucky’s public libraries rank at the top with nearly 86 percent giving public libraries an A or B grade when asked to rate the quality of libraries’ services. The second highest ranking is police services at 75 percent. Kentucky General Assembly Public Library Caucus Co-chairs Reps. Bob Damron and Bob M. DeWeese, M.D., said they were very pleased with the community support for public libraries. The bipartisan caucus for members of the Kentucky House of Representatives supports public libraries through state initiatives. “Libraries have always been the center of community learning for all ages,” Damron said. “If Kentucky is going to continue progressing economically, we need to be a community of life-long learners, and libraries are critical to that vision. We’ve got to double our efforts to finance our libraries under an increasingly difficult budget situation so that we can maintain the progress we have made.” DeWeese said, "I am very pleased that such a large majority of citizens across the state use and appreciate the public library system and the opportunities it provides. Our libraries are woven in the very fabric of our society, providing learning and enjoyment and defining the richness of our communities. I am most supportive of our public libraries and will continue to work with the general assembly and budget offices in support of increased state general budget funding to keep our libraries strong." Currently more than 2 million Kentuckians have public library cards, according to Wayne Onkst, state librarian and commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA). Kentucky has 116 public libraries serving 118 counties. In FY 2006, more than 16.7 million visits were made to Kentucky’s local libraries, and more than 1 million children participated in children’s programs. Onkst said, “Community libraries serve people of all ages in a safe, friendly environment. They introduce preschoolers to reading, provide materials on parenting skills, assist school-age students with homework, help individuals prepare for the GED, provide equipment and assistance for job seekers, provide Talking Books for the visually impaired and elderly and serve as community centers.” Community libraries also provide computer access, free Internet service and computer training to citizens across the commonwealth. During fiscal year 2006, more than 31,500 people received computer training in the state’s public libraries. The survey shows that if more funds were available for public libraries, about one in three Kentuckians would like to see more computers made available for users. “I think people would be amazed to know that in fiscal year 2006, nine times as many people entered Kentucky public libraries as attended men’s and women’s basketball and football games at the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Kentucky State University, Eastern Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University and Morehead State University combined,” Onkst said. The preceding press release was from Child Nutrition Legislation Included in Farm BillSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced that the Senate approved his legislation to address the need for more nutrition education and physical activity in schools. The measure is included in the Farm Bill, which passed the Senate. “Over the past three decades, the childhood obesity rate has more than tripled, affecting over 4.5 million children,” Senator McConnell said. “Children who eat well-balanced meals at school are more likely to develop lifelong healthy eating habits and encourage their families to make sensible food choices.” Senator McConnell’s amendment will direct $18 million to states to educate school children on the importance of consuming a nutritious diet as well as increasing their level of physical activity. This money will be provided to the Team Nutrition Network, which is administered by the USDA, and then distributed to the states in the form of a grant. It also calls on the USDA to conduct periodic surveys of foods purchased by school food authorities participating in the National School Lunch program. According to the USDA, the most recent data is over a decade old. “New data would help USDA to provide guidance to schools to create meals that conform to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and better manage the types and varieties of food obtained by USDA on behalf of schools,” McConnell said. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Senate Confirms New Secretary of Veterans AffairsJames PeakeThe United States Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination of Lt. Gen. James Peake (Ret.) to serve as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said the confirmation allows Gen. Peake to begin to immediately “identify and correct” areas where the VA can improve. “The Senate has entrusted Gen. Peake to be an advocate for the best our country has to offer – the brave men and women who have ably served our nation,” McConnell said. “Their sacrifices on our behalf have earned them the finest treatment available, and I trust Gen. Peake will identify and correct any areas where the VA has fallen short in its duty so that our veterans receive the care and attention they deserve.” Peake is the first physician and first general to serve as VA Secretary. President Bush announced the nomination on October 30. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. COMMISSIONER CLARK RECEIVES ETHICS CLEARANCEConflict of interest no problem in Democrat AdministrationHer husband’s employment with a large law firm that represents utilities before the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) does not create an inherent conflict of interest for PSC member Caroline Pitt Clark, the Executive Branch Ethics Commission said. The Ethics Commission noted that Justin Clark’s employment with Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC does not involve representing utilities nor does he directly benefit from the firm’s utility practice. Therefore, “the potential for conflict that exists is far removed and is not substantial,” the Ethics Commission said. “I am gratified that this issue has been resolved in a manner that will allow me to fully participate in the work of the PSC,” Clark said. “The credibility of the PSC rests entirely on our adherence to the highest standards of transparency and ethical conduct and I intend to make the utmost effort to uphold those standards.” Clark said she will follow the Ethics Commission’s recommendation that she disclose to all parties her husband’s employment in any case in which Stoll Keenon Ogden is involved. She will also follow the Ethics Commission’s suggestion that she evaluate her participation in all matters involving Stoll Keenon Ogden on a case-by-case basis. The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Department of Public Protection in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and has approximately 110 employees. The preceding press release was from American Legion Post 88 Donates to Trooper IslandOn Monday, December 10, 2007 the American Legion Post 88, in Corbin, KY presented Trooper Duane Foley with a donation of $500.00 for Trooper Island Camp. The donation will used to help send boys and girls to Camp from the London Post area. Trooper Island is a non-profit charitable corporation, operating solely from donations and charitable activities held by Kentucky State Police posts across the state. Those charitable activities include golf scrambles, motorcycle runs, fishing tournaments and a yearly statewide raffle. Anyone wishing to make a donation can send a contribution to his or her local Public Affairs Officer at any of the 16 Kentucky State Police Posts across the state. For further information on Trooper Island Camp please visit: www.kentuckystatepolice.org/island.htm 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. FARMER SUPPORTS FDA LABELING STANDARDSKentucky consumers are increasingly aware of where and how their food is being produced. Kentucky’s dairy industry assures consumers that the dairy products they purchase are safe, are of the highest quality, and also labeled correctly to meet federal Food and Drug Administration standards. Kentucky’s dairy industry understands that consumers rely on accurate product labeling to make decisions about what they buy and what their families consume. Some dairy product labeling has been misleading as to what the product does or does not contain. Recent actions in other states have focused on the inaccurate labeling issues which promote certain dairy products as “hormone free” and/or “antibiotic free.” The FDA has “truth in labeling” standards in place that state that labeling milk as “hormone free” and “no hormones” is considered false advertising because all milk contains naturally occurring hormones. The FDA also contends that labeling milk as “antibiotic free” is a direct violation of their standards because all processed milk sold to consumers contains no antibiotics. Labeling that promotes what is not in the product is known as “absence labeling.” This marketing strategy is intended to confuse the consumer and implies a safe vs. unsafe product, which is not the case. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Milk Safety Branch, and the Kentucky Dairy Development Council as well as dairy producers want consumers to know that all milk produced for processing undergoes multiple quality tests before it reaches consumers. “Kentucky dairy farmers produce the highest quality milk, and the public can be assured that the milk they find in the dairy case is safe, wholesome, and nutritional,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “All processed milk undergoes a variety of tests to ensure the highest quality standards are met. Dairy products not in compliance with these standards do not reach the dairy case. I support the FDA standards that help to ensure accurate information for dairy product labeling.” The Kentucky Milk Safety Branch monitors the accuracy and compliance of labeling in accordance with FDA regulations set for dairy products. The Milk Safety Branch as well as the KDA and KDDC will continue to monitor milk and other dairy products sold in the state to ensure they are accurately labeled. Consumers can be assured that Kentucky’s dairy industry is focused on providing safe and nutritional products as well as protecting dairy product labeling integrity. For more information, contact Eunice Schlappi, the KDA’s dairy marketing specialist, at (502) 564-4983 or Roger Thomas, executive director of the KDDC, at (859) 516-1129. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
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Post by Press Release on Dec 19, 2007 16:42:45 GMT -5
Beshear Appoints Deputy Secretary of the Justice & Public Safety CabinetCharles GevedenGovernor Steve Beshear announced the appointment of Charles Geveden, age 67, as Deputy Secretary for the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. Geveden has spent the last three years as the Executive Director of the Office of Criminal Appeals at the Attorney General’s Office. “Charles’ qualifications and distinguished career in state government will make him a tremendous asset to the Cabinet,” said Beshear. “He has spent most of his career devoted to public service and I know he will continue to serve the people of the Commonwealth well assisting Secretary Brown in the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.” Geveden served 17 years in the Kentucky General Assembly representing House District 1, covering Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, Hickman and McCracken Counties. During his service as Representative, he chaired the State Government Committee and was a member of the House Judiciary Committee and the Economic Development Committee. Geveden, who practiced law for 36 years in Wickliffe, served as Commonwealth’s Attorney for the First Judicial District prior to his years in the Legislature. “Charles Geveden’s extensive background, leadership and experience make him the ideal choice for this position,” said Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary J. Michael Brown. “As a member of the Judiciary Committee in 1996, he was instrumental in the passage of House Bill 117, which established the Department of Juvenile Justice. I am confident he will continue to serve the Governor and this Cabinet well.” “I am honored to be selected for this key role in Governor Beshear’s administration,” said Geveden. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve as the deputy secretary for the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, looking forward to working with the staff to make Kentucky a better and safer place to live.” Geveden received a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University in 1962 and then his JD degree from University of Louisville School of Law in 1968. He resides in Frankfort with his wife Patricia. The preceding press release was from Senator McConnell Delivers for KentuckyMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell announced Wednesday that he was successful in defending Kentucky priorities in the FY ’08 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The bill was approved by Congress and is now on its way to the president for his signature. This year, as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell worked hard to secure critical funding for several major programs and key sectors of the Kentucky economy, including funding for our universities, defense and military interests, agricultural and environmental initiatives, and economic development. The bill contains funding – secured by McConnell – for medical, agricultural and environmental research at Kentucky’s universities; environmental cleanup at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant; chemical weapons disposal at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond; marijuana eradication in the Daniel Boone National Forest; infrastructure improvements at our state’s locks and dams and recreational facilities; and various statewide crime prevention and transportations priorities. “This was a tough year in the appropriations process, but after a long fight, Kentucky came out a winner,” McConnell said. “Whether it’s for education, defense or agriculture, I will continue to use my seniority in the United States Senate to help bring home funding on behalf of the hard working people of Kentucky.” For years, Senator McConnell -- on behalf of the people of Kentucky – has fought to secure important resources to ensure our commonwealth remains in the forefront in health care, crime prevention, economic development and most importantly, our universities. For example: • Health Care - over $12 million for health care initiatives at Kentucky’s flagship universities that focus on innovative research to fight deadly diseases and health care programs that reach underserved populations. • Crime Prevention and Justice - $7 million for projects in the commonwealth to equip small-town law enforcement officers to better serve our communities, to eradicate marijuana and to promote internet security. • Environment/Conservation - over $191 million to continue to rid our communities of hazardous materials and to protect our vital land and water resources. • Economic Development - over $210 million for economic development projects that allow commerce to flow into Kentucky – whether it is along our rivers via locks and dams projects, or improving community infrastructure to attract businesses and industries. • University/Education – over $36 million for research and development projects and facilities at UofL, UK, WKU and NKU, and includes additional construction funds for Kentucky’s two ARS federal research labs. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Honors ScholarshipKentucky high school seniors may apply for a Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship before Feb. 1. The scholarships, worth up to $1,500 a year for four years of college, are administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). Seniors may apply through Zip Access at www.kheaa.com. To apply, sign in to Zip Access with your user ID and password. Those who have not used Zip Access before should register to create a user ID and password. After the application period ends, counselors have until Feb. 15 to certify the applicants each school wishes to submit for consideration. The number of applicants that may be submitted depends on the school’s total enrollment. High schools with an enrollment of: • 1,500 or more may nominate five applicants. • 1,000 to 1,499 may nominate four applicants. • 500 to 999 may nominate three applicants. • Fewer than 500 may nominate two applicants. The Byrd Scholarship is named for longtime U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, who authored the legislation establishing the program in 1985. Kentucky receives enough funding to award scholarships to 84 high school seniors each year, 14 from each of the state’s six congressional districts. Recipients are chosen by an independent panel, based on academics, community service, school involvement and counselor recommendation. For more information about Byrd Scholarships, call Beth Lane at (800) 928-8926, ext. 6-7229. To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education and to access the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, go to www.GoHigherKY.org. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602-0798; or call (800) 928-8926, extension 6-7381. For information about low-cost student loans, visit write The Student Loan People, P.O. Box 24328, Louisville, KY 40224-0328; or call (888) 678-4625. The preceding press release was from 23 people targeted in drug roundupEleven of 23 people wanted by Operation UNITE on drug-related charges were arrested during a law enforcement roundup in Whitley County on Thursday, December 20. Hydrocodone, Percocet and marijuana were the most frequently purchased drugs during an undercover operation that began early in 2007. Assisting UNITE detectives with the roundup were officers from the Corbin Police Department, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, and Kentucky State Police. All suspects were lodged in the Whitley County Jail following their arrest. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. Burma Sanctions Bill Passes SenateSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced that the Senate approved the Burma Democracy Promotion Act of 2007. The legislation, sponsored by Senators McConnell and Joe Biden (D-DE), now heads to the House of Representatives to be reconciled with its version of the bill. “I am pleased that the Senate passed this bipartisan legislation, which would further tighten the economic sanctions on the regime,” McConnell said. “Perhaps the action taken by the Senate today will spur the UN Security Council to take action of its own, in the form of an arms embargo against the Burmese regime.” This legislation, if enacted, would ratchet up the already-tight sanctions against the Burmese junta by restricting the flow of Burmese gemstones and timber into the United States. It also would create a special coordinator at the State Department to oversee U.S. policy toward the regime. The position would be subject to Senate advice and consent. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. AMT Fix Welcome, Long Overdue‘Passage of the AMT patch without tax hikes is a bipartisan accomplishment, but one that could and should have been achieved many months ago’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Wednesday regarding the House passage of the Senate AMT fix: “Republicans provided the path forward to stop the middle class tax hike known as the AMT. Some Democrats in Congress insisted on a permanent tax increase for some Americans to temporarily stop the AMT from grabbing money from the wallets of millions of middle class Americans it was never intended to affect. If some Democrats had pursued this bipartisan path from the beginning, rather than insisting for months on a tax hike, millions of Americans wouldn’t be facing a delay in their tax return. “Passage of the AMT patch without tax hikes is a bipartisan accomplishment, but one that could and should have been achieved many months ago.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Crack cocaine delivery interceptedA large quantity of crack cocaine destined for distribution in Harlan County was intercepted Tuesday, December 19. UNITE detectives arrested 25-year-old Rodneshia Donyell Billings (aka Smith), of Old Maynardville Pike, Knoxville, on one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Police received a tip about 4:45 p.m. that a large quantity of crack cocaine was being delivered to Cumberland in a Buick Century driven by Billings. A short time later a UNITE detective spotted the vehicle around the Dione community and followed it for approximately three miles. About 5:28 p.m. detectives, along with Cumberland Police Officer Rodney Sturgill and Harlan County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Howard, stopped the car on U.S. 119 just inside the Cumberland city limits. The vehicle was occupied by Billings, an adult male, and two children – ages 1 month and 2 years. When officers approached, Billings reached inside her shirt and handed them a diaper containing approximately two ounces of crack cocaine. Billings said the cocaine, which has a street value of about $12,000, was intended for delivery to a suspect in Cumberland. Police received permission to search the Buick, which was done with assistance from a sheriff’s office drug dog, but no additional drugs were located. Billings was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center. UNITE is continuing the investigation and additional arrests are expected. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. The Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Spending BillJim BunningSenator Jim Bunning issued the following statement regarding the Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that was approved in the Senate last night by a vote of 76-17-1. The bill as amended by the Senate with $70 billion in unrestricted war funding for Iraq and Afghanistan must now be approved by the House before being sent to President Bush for his consideration. "I am glad we were finally able to pass a bill to complete our work on the remaining spending bills for the year. This is something that should have been done months ago, but as the old saying goes – better late than never," said Bunning. "I worked very hard to ensure that Kentucky’s needs were met in the bill and I am proud of the funding I was able to secure for projects around the Commonwealth. "By including $70 billion in funding for Iraq and Afghanistan this bill will ensure that the Pentagon and our commanders on the ground have the ability to fight and continue to make progress without the interference of politicians here in Washington. We have an obligation to provide our brave men and women with the resources they need to succeed and return home as soon as possible." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Homeland Security Director AppointedTracy Farmer, Adam Edelen and Steve BeshearGovernor Steve Beshear today appointed Adam H. Edelen as Kentucky Homeland Security Director. “Adam is a strong leader who will serve the Commonwealth well in coordinating our overall homeland security preparedness and response efforts,” said Beshear. “The task of keeping our public safe is an awesome responsibility and I am confident that Adam will work with our communities and first responders to ensure the state is ready and prepared for any emergency it might face.” Active in Kentucky’s business and civic arenas, Adam H. Edelen is a member of the executive team at Thomas & King, Inc, where he directs strategic planning for America’s eighth largest restaurant franchise company. Prior to his work for Thomas & King, Adam served as an aide to Governor Paul Patton and later as Vice-President of the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce. In 2003, he was the recipient of the Ace Magazine-Lexington Young Professionals’ Association “Rising Star Award.” He was named a 2007 Young Leader by the American Swiss Foundation. Adam has a demonstrated record of community leadership, having served as Chairman of the 2006 United Way of the Bluegrass Annual Campaign and Chairman of the Board of Kentucky Educational Television. Currently, he is Vice-Chairman of the Urban League of Lexington and Chairman of the Business Council for a Strong Start, an organization which advocates for universal Pre-K. From 2000-2002, Adam led New Century Lexington’s Report on Community Livability effort, resulting in a nationally recognized tool for measuring the community’s quality of life. In 2006 he was appointed to the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, where he serves as the youngest member of the prestigious statewide public education advocacy organization. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Adam and his wife Catherine live in Lexington with their twin sons. The preceding press release was from Bipartisan Amendment Will Provide Funding for Troops‘Let me be crystal clear: If this amendment does not pass in its current form, the underlying bill does not become law’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the McConnell troop funding amendment: “A lot has changed since last December. At this time last year, America and its allies were desperate for good news out of Iraq. The security situation was dire — and getting worse. An all-out civil war threatened to undermine the heroic work of U.S. forces and frustrate the hopes of millions of Iraqis. Then General Petraeus stepped forward with a bold new plan. We confirmed General Petraeus for what seemed like one last effort at salvaging the mission, and we sent him the troops and the funds he said he needed to carry out the job. “Since the implementation of the Petraeus Plan, we’ve marveled at the improving security situation in and around Baghdad. Attacks on U.S. troops are down. Civilian casualties in Baghdad are down 75 percent. Iraqi refugees are streaming back over the borders. And outside the cities, pragmatic local leaders are forging agreements among themselves and with U.S. forces to ensure greater security. “There is simply no question that on the military and tactical levels, the Petraeus Plan has been a tremendous success. So as we stand here today, we have new hope that U.S. servicemen and women are beginning to return home with a sense of achievement. A lot has changed in Iraq. And here in Washington, we should take notice. “Before us is an amendment sent to us by the House of Representatives that underfunds our troops, and only provides for those fighting in Afghanistan. It leaves the troops in Iraq to fend for themselves. This is unacceptable. Even those of us who have disagreed on this war have always agreed on one thing: troops in the field will not be left without the resources they need. So I offer an amendment that provides for our men and women in uniform in Iraq and Afghanistan because I believe it’s our duty to protect all those who are putting their lives on the line. “Let me be crystal clear: If this amendment does not pass in its current form, the underlying bill does not become law. “The Petraeus Plan provides for a gradual reduction of our forces, and a transition of the mission. Iraqi security forces will eventually shift from partnering with Coalition forces to leading forces on their own. We must not impose an arbitrary timeline for withdrawal or accelerate this timeline at an unrealistic pace. “This is a moment of real hope for our nation and for the people of Iraq. And it’s a moment of real urgency in the Senate. We need to pass this spending bill, with troop funds, without any strings and without any further delay.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Lawmakers asked to expand HANDS program A program that lets new and expectant parents receive home visits from child care experts is providing measurable, positive results in Kentucky, lawmakers were told during yesterday's meeting of the Subcommittee on Families and Children. Families enrolled in the HANDS program are less likely to have low birth weight babies, less likely to experience an infant mortality, less likely to face birth defects and less likely to be involved in a case of child abuse or neglect, said Dr. Steven Davis, deputy commissioner of the Department for Public Health. "The program is on track to showing tremendous success to date" in positive social, educational, economic and health outcomes for children, Davis said. The voluntary home visitation program started in 1998 as a pilot program in 15 sites across the state. It expanded across Kentucky as part of the KidsNow early childhood development initiative that lawmakers approved in 2000. Representatives from the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and the Catholic Conference of Kentucky appeared with Davis before the Subcommittee to ask that the HANDS program be expanded. "If you look at brain research, it's very clear that those early years -- in particular birth to two -- are very critical for social, emotional and cognitive development. And so we need to have children in the best environment possible. The HANDS program provides that environment in the home situation," said Cindy Heine, associate executive director of the Prichard Committee. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Bunning Statement In Support Of Medicare Physician Fix BillSenator Jim Bunning issued the following statement in support of the Medicare Physician Fix Bill that passed the Senate by unanimous consent. The Medicare Physician Fix Bill will provide an increase of 0.5 percent for a six month period to physicians who treat Medicare beneficiaries. It also extends the current State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) until March 31, 2009. "I am extremely pleased that we were able to pass this important bill to provide a short term fix to the physicians’ payment formula," said Bunning. "I am also glad that we were finally able to include an extension for the SCHIP program that is so vital to ensuring that our nation’s most needy children have access to the health care they need. "As a member of the Finance Committee I have worked very hard on many of the issues included in this bill such as making sure patients have access to affordable prescription drugs and that Long Term Care Hospitals can continue to operate efficiently and remain free of bureaucratic red tape. "Most importantly though, the bill contains provisions found in my legislation, introduced earlier this year with Senator Ben Nelson, to fix the impending ‘75 percent rule’ that would have placed unfair standards on rehabilitation hospitals by requiring that 75 percent of their patients be diagnosed with at least one specified condition such as stroke or brain injury. "The 75 percent rule would unfairly force hospitals to turn away patients based on arbitrary compliance levels, rather than actual medical needs and physician determinations. My provisions in this bill will ensure that rehabilitation facilities can continue to care for critically ill patients without having to turn patients away by setting the rate permanently at 60 percent. After working hard on this matter for years I am very happy to finally see it get done." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning.
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Post by Press Release on Dec 23, 2007 20:04:00 GMT -5
Rogers Secures Over $23 Million to Fight DrugsHarold “Hal” Rogers announced that the House of Representatives approved $23.3 million for various drug-fighting tools in the federal budget. Southern and eastern Kentucky will see $5.5 million of these funds as part of a sweeping anti-drug campaign focused on law enforcement, treatment and education. The region will also realize indirect benefits through national programs focused on student drug testing and prescription drug monitoring totaling $17.8 million. The bill passed the Senate and the House and will now go to the President who is expected to sign it into law. Anti-drug initiatives slated for funding are Operation UNITE, prescription drug and methamphetamine monitoring and drug treatment centers. “We’re going full throttle and won’t let up until the job is done,” said Rogers. “The sad reality is that the drug war is not over, and it’s going to take money to fight this scourge. These investments will show dealers that crime doesn’t pay, while helping addicts recover and become productive citizens again.” The following programs received approval from Congress:Operation UNITE: $3.6 million • The comprehensive counter-drug initiative is working with local, state and federal officials to combat drug abuse in southern and eastern Kentucky. Regional Drug Abuse Treatment Centers: $1.4 million • Treatment centers in Clay, Pike and Wayne counties will expand operations to help addicts. Methamphetamines Tracking: $564,000 • Using a device called “Meth Check,” ingredients used to make methamphetamines are tracked electronically and submitted to Kentucky law enforcement on a real-time basis. National Student Drug Testing: $10.8 million • This Department of Education program is being utilized in school districts throughout the country, including several Southern and Eastern Kentucky jurisdictions. Prescription Drug Monitoring: $7 million • The “Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program” allows states that are either looking to create a monitoring program, or upgrade their current system, to apply for federal money to supplement state funding. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Shooting InvestigationMickey StephensOn Monday, December 24, 2007, approximately 10:03 PM the McCreary County 911 Center received a report of an armed robbery at a residence on Cal Hill Road in the Pine Knot Community of McCreary County. Officers from the Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London and the McCreary County Sheriff's Office responded to the area to search for the suspect's vehicle. Upon locating the vehicle on East Highway 1470 officers conducted a traffic stop. The male suspect exited the driver's side of the vehicle armed with a handgun and began moving toward officers. Several verbal commands were given to him to disarm himself at which time the suspect pointed the handgun at officers. Trooper Tony Dingess and Sheriff Gus Skinner then fired their weapons wounding the suspect. The suspect is identified as Mickey Shane Stephens, 31, of Pine Knot, KY. Stephens was airlifted from the scene to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington for treatment. Charges of Wanton Endangerment 1ST Degree on a police officer (5 counts) and Possession of a Controlled Substance (1 count) are pending. Pursuant to KSP Policy Trooper Dingess, a 4-year veteran will be on paid administrative leave pending an Internal Investigation. Assisting Trooper Dingess and Sheriff Skinner at the scene were Deputies Ryan Hughes and Kenneth J. Shepherd, Jr. and KSP Trooper Shaler Jones. The investigation continues. 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. Rogers Announces $3.6 Million Going to PRIDEHarold “Hal” Rogers announced that $3.6 million in funds has been approved by the House of Representatives to continue PRIDE’s proven results in cleaning up the environment in southern and eastern Kentucky. The bill will now go onto the Senate and the President is expected to sign it into law. The House approved $1.6 million to fund the organization’s volunteer, education and clean-up efforts and nearly $2 million for water treatment technologies that vastly reduce pollution that would otherwise go into lakes, rivers and streams. “We’re taking another step in our mission to restore our waterways to their pristine beauty and engage the community to continue removing trash dumps in the mountains and litter on the roadways,” said Rogers. “And with the water treatment funding, our ongoing campaign to eliminate straight pipes and failing septic systems and provide more of our citizens with safe, sanitary wastewater treatment services can continue,” he said. PRIDE, which promotes Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment in 38 counties, was launched in 1997 by Rogers and the late General James Bickford, former Secretary of the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet. Their vision was to restore the natural beauty of their native region by encouraging citizens to take responsibility for protecting their environment. The water treatment infrastructure funds come through what is known as the Section 531 Program, which provides grants to counties, cities and utilities for innovative wastewater treatment projects, sewer line extensions or treatment plant upgrades in rural areas. The award covers 75 percent of the project cost, and the local entity contributes the remaining 25 percent. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the fifth Congressional district. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. LRC to host lobbyist workshopThe Legislative Research Commission will hold a January 10 orientation program for legislative agents to help them develop an understanding of the Kentucky General Assembly and the legislative process. The orientation begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. in the Capitol Annex, Room 154. A lunch break will be given from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The orientation is aimed primarily at legislative agents working during the General Assembly's 2008 session who are new to their jobs or who want a refresher course in legislative operating procedures. Those attending will have an opportunity to listen to presentations from legislative leaders, staff members of the Legislative Research Commission and a veteran lobbyist on the inner workings of the legislative process and the roles that legislative agents play in that process. The Legislative Ethics Commission will also offer a presentation. There is no charge for attending the orientation and no pre-registration is required. The General Assembly's 2008 session starts Jan. 8 and is scheduled to end April 15. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Conway Names Mayton as Deputy Attorney GeneralJack ConwayAttorney General-Elect Jack Conway announced that he has named Dana Bynum Mayton to serve as Deputy Attorney General, the top appointed position in his office, effective in early January. Mayton is currently Associate Vice-President for Governmental Relations and Special Assistant to the President at the University of Louisville. Prior to joining U of L, Mayton was the Secretary of the Revenue Cabinet. She was appointed to that position by the Governor after serving in various roles at the Revenue Cabinet, including Commissioner of the Department of Law. “Dana has a unique set of skills that make her a perfect fit for this particular position,” Conway said. “She has been a litigator, general counsel, cabinet secretary and university administrator, and she has earned a reputation for working well with members of both political parties. I feel fortunate that she has agreed to serve the Commonwealth as our Deputy Attorney General.” The position of Deputy Attorney General is created by KRS 15.100, which states that the individual “shall have the same qualifications required of a Circuit Judge except for residence in a district and who shall receive the same salary as a Circuit Judge.” The preceding press release was from Rogers Secures $2.5 Million for I-66Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that Congress approved $2.5 million to advance the vision of an Interstate 66 spanning southern Kentucky. This measure, part of a wider bill funding nearly all federal government operations for 2008, is expected to be signed into law by the President later next week. The money will be used for continued planning and right of way acquisition in the Somerset to London and Pike County segments. “Development of these segments of I-66 is absolutely critical to the future of Kentucky and our national highway system,” Rogers said. “The U.S. Interstate System has been hailed as one of the greatest public works projects ever, opening up areas to economic development, increasing road safety and improving mobility for all those fortunate enough to be served by them.” Since 1998, Rogers has secured over $90 million in targeted federal funding for development of I-66 across Kentucky. Rogers works to provide funding for Kentucky transportation funding in his role as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Edmonson County Sheriff IndictedCriminal Justice Training BuildingA Madison County grand jury has indicted Edmonson County Sheriff Billy Joe Honeycutt on one count of Providing Incomplete Firearms Training and one count of Misrepresentation of Having Conducted Training Courses. Each charge is a Class D Felony, which carries a possible prison sentence of one to five years for each offense. The charges are a result of an investigation by the Kentucky State Police stemming from a complaint from the Kentucky Dept. of Criminal Justice Training in Richmond regarding Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapon classes taught by Honeycutt. 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. JUDGE ORDERS TESTING OF CABLE IN JUNE INCIDENT AT KENTUCKY KINGDOMJefferson Circuit Judge Barry Willett has selected IMR Metallurgical Services – Louisville to test the cable from the Kentucky Kingdom ride that injured a Louisville teen in June. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is investigating the incident on the Superman Tower of Power ride as part of its responsibility for inspecting amusement rides in Kentucky. The Department had sought to test the cable earlier this year, but the parties in a lawsuit surrounding the incident successfully petitioned the court for an injunction blocking the KDA from testing the cable until the plaintiffs and the defendants could agree on testing protocols and a firm to perform the test. “We are pleased that Judge Willett has chosen a firm and has ordered that the cable be tested,” said Nicole Liberto, counsel for the KDA. “This will enable the Department to resume its investigation and bring it to a conclusion.” Judge Willett’s order states that the testing shall be conducted at one of two accredited laboratories in Ohio to be selected by IMR. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is required by state law to inspect every amusement ride in the state at least once a year before it may be opened to the public. The Superman Tower of Power ride was inspected April 5 and was found to be operating normally. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Rogers Secures $600,000 to Promote Southeastern Kentucky TourismRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that Congress approved legislation that will provide $600,000 in funding for southern and eastern Kentucky’s Tourism Development Association, SEKTDA. This measure, part of a wider bill funding nearly all federal government operations for 2008, is expected to be signed into law by the President later next week. “The natural beauty, history, artistry, and heritage of our region make southern and eastern Kentucky a natural travel destination,” said Rogers. “Like any other sector of the economy, making wise targeted investments now pays off many times over.” The tourism and travel industry contributed over $1.2 billion annually in the region, supporting 20,000 jobs. Statewide, there is $9.4 billion in annual impact from tourism. SEKTDA is a nonprofit organization created in 1987 to promote tourism throughout Southern and Eastern Kentucky in an effort to contribute to the economic and cultural growth of the region Rogers works to secure funding for SEKTDA, and other initiatives important in the fifth district, as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Senators Feinstein and McConnell to Introduce LegislationTo Award Congressional Gold Medal to Aung San Suu Kyi of BurmaAung San Suu KyiSenators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced they will introduce legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Burma opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in recognition of her courageous and unwavering commitment to peace, non-violence, human rights, and democracy in Burma. “Aung San Suu Kyi is a woman of unrivaled courage,” Senator Feinstein said. “She is devoted to the cause of freedom and democracy in Burma, and she continues to suffer for her views at the hands of the military junta. She remains under house arrest, isolated and facing threats and intimidation. Despite this, she is an unrelenting force for change in Burma and is committed to the cause of national reconciliation. I am proud to join with Senator McConnell to co-author legislation that would honor her with the Congressional Gold Medal.” Senator McConnell, the Senate Republican Leader, said: “I am honored to join my friend, Dianne Feinstein, in authoring legislation to award Aung San Suu Kyi the Congressional Gold Medal. The Burmese democracy activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate is a tireless advocate for the rights and welfare of the Burmese people and continues to sacrifice much in the struggle for democracy in her country.” The Feinstein-McConnell legislation is the Senate companion to legislation introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) and Don Manzullo (R-Ill.) Their legislation passed the House in a 400 to 0 vote on December 17. The Aung Sung Suu Kyi Congressional Gold Medal Act would recognize that Suu Kyi embodies the qualities represented by the medal, the highest honor bestowed by Congress. The legislation would also express solidarity with Suu Kyi and the people of Burma in their continuing struggle for a free and democratic Burma. In August, Burmese monks sparked the “Saffron Revolution,” leading peaceful protests against the military regime. They were joined by hundreds of thousands of Burmese citizens. The movement was brutally repressed by the regime, with hundreds of monks, nuns and other civilians beaten and jailed. At least 31 people were killed and 74 reported missing. More than 600 protesters remain imprisoned. Aung San Suu Kyi:In August 1988, Suu Kyi, in her first political action, sent an open letter to the military- controlled government, asking for free, open and multi-party elections. The following month, she founded the National League for Democracy, which remains dedicated to a policy of non-violence and civil disobedience. Suu Kyi was named its general-secretary. The Burmese junta had her placed under house arrest and held without charges or trial. In 1990, the National League for Democracy won 82 percent of the seats in parliamentary elections, which would have made Suu Kyi Prime Minister. But the junta annulled the election results, and refused to release Suu Kyi. Since then, the Burmese regime – called the State Peace and Development Council -- has refused to engage in a national dialogue with Suu Kyi and the democratic opposition, and intensified its campaign of oppression and abuse. Suu Kyi’s commitment to freedom and democracy has been widely recognized: • In 1990, Suu Kyi was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament. The prize honors efforts on behalf of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and in opposition to injustice and oppression. It is named for the late Andrei Sakharov, the Soviet dissident and Nobel Peace Prize winner. • In 1991, Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Suu Kyi donated her $1.3 million in prize money to establish a health and education fund for Burma. She is the world’s only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and has spent more than 12 of the past 17 years under house arrest. • In 2000, Suu Kyi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, by President Bill Clinton. • Despite international recognition, Suu Kyi remains the target of intimidation and threats in her home country. In 2003, she was targeted for assassination while riding in a motorcade in the northern village of Depayin. Earlier this year, Senators Feinstein, McConnell, and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), co-chair of the U.S. Senate Women’s Caucus on Burma, introduced a resolution honoring Suu Kyi, and calling for her immediate release and the release of other political prisoners in Burma. In May, First Lady Laura Bush joined with the Senate Women’s Caucus on Burma to express solidarity with Suu Kyi. McConnell-Feinstein Burma Sanctions Legislation:In July, the Senate passed a Burma sanctions bill introduced by Senators McConnell and Feinstein. The Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, signed into law by President Bush, calls for renewal of sanctions against the Burmese junta, including an import ban on Burmese goods and visa restrictions on officials from the Burmese regime. This was the fifth consecutive year that Senators McConnell and Feinstein worked together to extend the annual ban on imports from Burma. The McConnell-Feinstein legislation maintains sanctions until the regime takes concrete, irreversible steps toward reconciliation and democratization, including unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Suu Kyi. About the Congressional Gold Medal:For more than two centuries, Congress has expressed public gratitude on behalf of the nation for distinguished contributions through the occasional commissioning of individual struck gold medals in its name. This award, which initially was bestowed on military leaders, has also been given to such diverse individuals as Sir Winston Churchill and Bob Hope, George Washington and Robert Frost, Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, and other Nobel Peace Laureates, such as Elie Wiesel, Nelson Mandela, and the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. Under the rules, Congressional Gold Medals require the support of at least two-thirds of the Members of both the Senate and House of Representatives before they can be signed into law by the President. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Former Kentucky Dentist Arrested for Medicaid Fraud and Drug TraffickingAttorney General Greg Stumbo today announced that a former Kentucky dentist has been arrested for Medicaid fraud and drug trafficking. A Bell County Grand Jury returned a four count felony indictment against Craig L. Ralston on December 19, 2007. “The Medicaid Program is devoted to meet the needs of Kentucky’s most disadvantaged citizens,” Stumbo said. “My office will vigorously prosecute all violations of the public trust.” According to the indictment, Craig L. Ralston, 55, of Tennessee, fraudulently billed and accepted payments from the Kentucky Medicaid Program for tooth extractions that he did not perform between 1998 and 2004. Additionally, the indictment alleges that Ralston was trafficking in controlled substances by unlawfully providing schedule III drug prescriptions to patients, when there was no medical need or justification for the prescriptions. Ralston faces up to twenty (20) years in prison and up to a $40,000 fine under the four count Class D Felony indictment. Ralston was taken into custody today after a warrant was issued for arrest on December 19, 2007. He is lodged in a Knoxville, Tennessee jail awaiting extradition. Bond was set at $100,000. An arraignment has not been scheduled. The indictment was sought by Stumbo’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Wintergerst. It was investigated by Agent Paul Underwood of the Kentucky Bureau of Investigation. All defendants are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Suspected fraud can be reported by calling the Attorney General’s tip line at 1-877-ABUSE TIP (1-877-228-7384). The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Dec 28, 2007 16:07:49 GMT -5
State Board of Elections Nominate Presidential Preference Primary Party CandidatesThe Kentucky State Board of Elections met in Frankfort and as required by law nominated the following presidential preference primary candidates who have qualified, as of January 08, 2008, for federal matching funds according to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) guidelines: Joseph Biden (D) Christopher Dodd (D) John Edwards (D) Dennis Kucinich (D) Duncan Hunter (R) John McCain (R) Thomas Tancredo (R) The only candidates who have officially filed to appear on the primary ballot are John Edwards and John McCain. The remaining above candidates will be notified immediately of today’s nomination and will appear on the primary ballot provided they return to the Secretary of State a completed notice of candidacy and filing fee of $1,000 by no later than 4:00 p.m., January 29, 2008. Other candidates may qualify to appear on either the Democratic or Republican presidential primary ballot by filing a petition with the Office of the Secretary of State, by certification of the FEC that the candidate has qualified for matching funds before the filing deadline, or by evidencing that they are qualified to appear on the primary ballot of at least twenty other states. To become eligible for matching funds, candidates must raise a threshold amount of $100,000 by collecting $5,000 in 20 different states in amounts no greater than $250 from any one individual. Other requirements to be declared eligible include agreeing to an overall spending limit of approximately $50 million, abiding by spending limits in each state, using public funds only for legitimate campaign-related expenses, keeping financial records and permitting an extensive campaign audit. The primary election in Kentucky will be held on May 20, 2008. The preceding press release was from Bunning Supports Bush’s VetoSenator Jim Bunning issued the following statement in support of President Bush’s veto of the Defense Authorization Bill. "President Bush has vetoed the Defense Authorization Bill," said Bunning. "The Bill contained provisions that would hinder the Iraqi government’s reconstruction and stabilization efforts. The Iraqi government is making progress in stabilizing their country thanks to the efforts of our troops led by General David Petraeus. The provision in the bill will set back those achievements, and undermine our mission. I will vote to sustain the veto and work with my colleagues to address this important issue." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Jack Conway Sworn In As Commonwealth’s 49th Attorney GeneralJack ConwayJack Conway officially took office today as the 49th Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. “I am reaching out to residents in every corner of this state - from Paducah to Pikeville and from Ft. Mitchell to Franklin,” Conway said. “I am listening to their concerns and know we must work together to find new ways to fix old problems.” Conway promises to vigorously prosecute child predators and be a vigilant advocate for consumers - protecting Kentuckians from identity theft and online criminals. “The digital age has brought new challenges for our residents and our local law enforcement officers,” Conway said. “I will work with prosecutors and police to protect our residents, their identities and their bank accounts.” Conway’s swearing-in comes the day before the start of the 2008 Kentucky General Assembly. During this legislative session, Conway will focus his efforts on tightening loopholes in existing identity theft laws, creating stricter guidelines for internet pharmacies and providing prosecutors on the front lines with the tools they need to close cases. “I look forward to working with legislators from both sides of the aisle to create a better Kentucky for all of our residents,” Conway said. With his wife Elizabeth at his side, Conway was sworn into office in the Capitol rotunda by family friend and former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Martin Johnstone. The preceding press release was from Unlawful Use of Electronic Means To Induce A Minor To Engage in Sexual Activities ArrestOn Thursday, January 03, 2008, at 9:00 AM Fred Allen Leonard was arrested in the parking lot of a convenient store (BP) on Highway 60 in the city limits of Frankfort. Leonard was charged with Unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities (KRS 510.155). The arrest is a result of on an ongoing investigation conducted by the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Section and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). 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. Guilty Plea In Election Contribution InvestigationAttorney General Greg Stumbo announced today that his office has reached a landmark settlement in Franklin Circuit Court related to campaigns for Kentucky Governor. According to the Agreed Order of Dismissal and Settlement, Phillip Dufour, an employee of Elmo Greer & Sons, LLC, entered a guilty plea to an Information charging him with violating Kentucky’s elections laws, a Class D felony and has been ordered to pay the maximum fine, $10,000. Additionally, Elmo Greer & Sons paid $250,000 and pledged to cooperate with the Attorney General’s Office by naming all persons to whom monies were paid and identifying persons who solicited funds. Under the terms of the settlement, the company does not admit liability. The Complaint alleged that between September 18, 2006 and August 27, 2007, Phillip Dufour, an employee of Elmo Greer & Sons, LLC, made payments to eight individuals, Amber Dufour, Hannah Moses, Lauren Eggers, Rita Jo Dufour, Verne Hibbits, Elaine Stott, Jason Brown and Beverly Phillips. The payments were used as contributions to the gubernatorial campaigns of Steve Henry, Anne Northup and former Governor Ernie Fletcher. “Protecting our political process is essential to freedom,” said Stumbo. “With this criminal plea and significant fine, we have fired a shot across the bow of all who seek to taint elections with illegal contributions. I am pleased that one of my last official acts serves to safeguard one of Kentucky’s most cherished rights, free and fair elections.” The case was investigated by Agent John Sparks with the Kentucky Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Scott Crawford-Sutherland with the Special Prosecutions Division. The preceding press release was from Tractor Supply Toy Wagons RecalledThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Metal Toy Wagons Units: About 15,000 Importer: Tricam Industries Inc., of Eden Prairie, Minn. Hazard: Surface paint on the wagon bucket contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: This recall involves the red metal wagon model MH1250. The wagon has a red steel bucket, a black handle, a black steel axle support, and black tires. Sold at: Tractor Supply Company stores nationwide from September 2002 through November 2007 for about $30. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled wagon away from children and contact Tricam Industries for instructions on how to return the wagon and obtain a refund. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Tricam Industries at (800) 867-6763 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.tricam.comTo see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08154.html McConnell Welcomes Wicker to SenateRoger WickerSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement welcoming Roger Wicker to the U.S. Senate: “Gov. Barbour made a great choice, and Roger Wicker’s many years of public service in the military, the State Senate and in Congress will help him have an immediate impact in the Senate.” Wicker was appointed Monday by Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour to fill the U.S. Senate seat of retiring Senator Trent Lott. Although a Senator upon appointment by the Governor, he will be officially sworn in when the Senate reconvenes on January 22. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. December Monthly Activity From Post 11The Kentucky State Police, Post 11, London, which serves Clay, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne and Whitley counties, reports the following monthly activity for December 2007. 1,928 citations issued (of which 336 were speeding, 191 were seat belt, 21 were child restraint and 57 were for DUI), 863 courtesy notices written, 2,132 vehicles inspected, 1,811 complaints answered, 182 motorists assisted, 78 criminal cases opened, 292 criminal arrests made and investigated 74 traffic crashes with no fatalities reported. 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. CONGRESS SHOULD ACT QUICKLY TO CORRECT DEFENSE BILLSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the need for Congress to act quickly and fix an overly broad provision in the Defense Authorization Act that would punish the Iraqi government: “The President has indicated that he will veto this important defense bill due to an overly broad provision within it that would open the door to harmful litigation that will punish the new democratically elected government of Iraq for the crimes of the toppled Saddam Hussein regime. We must move rapidly to fix this section so that the underlying bill, which includes the Wounded Warrior provisions to improve our health care system for veterans, can be signed into law. “It is my hope that the House and Senate will pass the modification when we return in January, in a bipartisan manner that preserves the important gains our nation has achieved in Iraq during 2007, without further delaying the many valuable programs in the bill. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. BENAZIR BHUTTOBenazir BhuttoSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the death of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto: “Benazir Bhutto's bravery stands in stark contrast to the cowardice of those who remain committed only to chaos, murder and thwarting democracy in Pakistan. It is our expectation that President Musharraf and the Pakistani people will go forward with free and fair elections.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Beshear Addresses Budget ShortfallGovernor Steve BeshearGovernor Steve Beshear today announced that the Commonwealth’s financial condition, as discovered upon his taking office December 11th, is much worse than anticipated. “We are confronted by three very significant problems,” the Governor explained. “First and foremost, between now and the end of June, the state will not have enough money to pay its bills and maintain a balanced budget.” Projected revenues, or income, will not sustain current spending levels. The shortfall is approximately $434 million. In fact, last week the Consensus Forecasting Group reported the downward revisions of revenue for this fiscal year. “The report indicated that the Commonwealth’s revenues will be approximately $120 million less than budgeted,” said Mary Lassiter, State Budget Director. “The revenue shortfall in the current year is of great concern.” “The enacted budget was based upon assumed revenue growth of 4.5% over the last year,” Governor Beshear said. “However, revised estimates now predict revenue growth of less than 1% -- as a matter of fact, only eight tenths of a percent for this fiscal year.” Secondly, insufficient revenue is anticipated during the next fiscal year. Last October’s estimate for the next two fiscal years calculated revenue growth of just 2.4% in FY 09 and 3.6% in FY 10. “These estimates will be revisited in January,” said the Governor. “However, we expect more bad news. The economic outlook has become worse since this past October. Therefore there could be a decline in earlier numbers.” When it comes to spending, several areas of state government have experienced further expenditures since the enactment of the present budget. More than $166 million of additional spending authority has been requested in the current fiscal year by various state agencies to maintain their program and service levels. “Most notably and despite claims last summer that the Medicaid budget was balanced, the truth is otherwise,” explained Governor Beshear. “We are facing a current year shortfall of $389 million. About a third of that comes from General Funds. We must find additional dollars for our Corrections Department,” he added. “Moreover, several other areas of state government, including Mental Health/Mental Retardation, State Police, Parks and Public Advocacy face challenges we must address.” An additional $138 million in spending previously authorized by the General Assembly, but not accommodated in the present budget, must also be addressed. The third problem is structural. A structurally balanced budget refers to the ability of recurring revenues to meet recurring expenses. “Relying on one-time funds to balance the budget is risky business,” explained Beshear. “Although most budgets have some one-time funds in them, unfortunately, the enacted budget for this fiscal year relies on more than a half billion dollars in one-time funds – most of which won’t be available next year.” “In situations such as this, we hope future revenue growth will prevail,” Beshear continued. “Unfortunately, this does not seem to be in our future for at least the next two years. Projected revenue growth will not meet our current spending levels.” “We are facing nothing short of a budgetary crisis for the coming biennium,” said Governor Beshear. “Although the construction and evolution of this problem occurred before I was elected, it is my job to solve it. We’re setting about to do exactly that.” “The Governor will exercise his authority and responsibility to balance the budget for the current fiscal year as prescribed in the enacted budget through a Budget Reduction Order next week,” Lassiter said. “He has asked state agencies, the Department of Education, the postsecondary education community and the other branches of government to develop budget reduction plans to help address the shortfall. Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) and health insurance for school districts are exempt from the reduction analysis.” The specific budget reduction actions will be announced on January 4th. “The additional current year spending that is needed to sustain certain programs, including Medicaid, will be addressed as part of the Governor’s recommended budget to the General Assembly,” Lassiter added. The Governor stressed that in finding resolutions for the unfortunate budget quandary facing the Commonwealth, his utmost priority is sustaining essential services - especially among the most needy among us. “Concurrently, public safety, government efficiency and other factors bearing on what is best for all Kentuckians will dominate our decision-making,” Beshear said. The preceding press release was from Rogers Secures Over $54 Million for Lake Cumberland ProjectsRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the House of Representatives approved $54.1 million for projects at Lake Cumberland. The bill also passed the Senate, and the President is expected to sign it into law. The bill includes $53 million for overhauling Wolf Creek Dam and nearly $900,000 for mitigation measures caused by reduced Lake Cumberland water levels. The $309 million, five-year upgrade of the dam will address chronic deterioration dating back to the 1960’s. “Obtaining these funds is a critical next step in getting this dam fixed once and for all,” said Rogers. “These funds will ensure that money is not the issue, and that engineers can proceed with all possible speed.” As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important projects in the fifth Congressional district. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. End of Nursing StrikeGovernor Steve Beshear joined West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin in expressing gratitude that hundreds of Appalachian nurses, who have been on strike since October, have reached an agreement with Appalachian Regional Healthcare and will return to work. “Appalachian Regional Healthcare is the region’s largest health care provider and I am pleased that an agreement was made and patient care in Eastern Kentucky can again begin to take precedence over contract disputes,” said Beshear. Nurses and hospital officials had been unable to reach a new contract agreement since the old one expired. The resulting strike began October 1, 2007. On December 6, 2007, then Governor-Elect Beshear and Governor Manchin offered a proposal to help both sides reach an agreement. “We were very concerned about the impact this dispute would have on the health of East Kentuckians,” said Beshear. “Today’s vote illustrates that the majority of nurses supported coming back to work. This positive outcome is in the best interest of all concerned.” “I am so pleased that they were able to come back to the table and reach an agreement that gets our nurses back to work, and enables ARH to continue providing quality health care for southern West Virginia,” Manchin said. “This is truly good news, particularly at this time of year. I speak for so many people in West Virginia when I say we are so glad this has ended with a positive outcome. It just shows what can happen when people continue to try and work together on their differences.” The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Jan 10, 2008 20:44:10 GMT -5
This week at the State CapitolBeset with budget concerns, dealing with a new governor, and facing issues as potentially controversial as state-employee pension reform and casino gambling, the Kentucky General Assembly convened in Frankfort this week for its 60-day regular session. Some 138 lawmakers from all across the Commonwealth took their seats in the House and Senate chambers at noon Tuesday, to hear the winter's first gavel drop and gear up for what promises to be a long haul through complex terrain. The session's first concern is money. Lawmakers convened amid news from just-sworn Gov. Steve Beshear that the state faces revenue shortfalls that by some estimates could top $500 million. The governor has already ordered some cuts in the current budget, and has warned state agencies to brace for further significant reductions over the next two years -- including a 'worst-case scenario' of 12 percent slashes. A clearer picture of the state's budget situation is expected later this month, when Beshear gives budget address to the Legislature. Against this backdrop, some say the expected debate over expanded gaming in Kentucky takes on new relevance. While proposals for casino gambling or slot machines at racetracks have failed repeatedly in recent sessions, proponents say the time is right to tap the new revenues they expect expanded gaming to generate. Led by Beshear, who campaigned on a proposal to submit the idea to voters in a statewide referendum, proponents argue casinos can generate millions of dollars for budget priorities like education and health care, while helping state racetracks compete with tracks in other states that use gambling revenue to supplement purses. Opponents argue that casinos at racetracks would actually be detrimental to racing, by siphoning fans away from the betting windows into the casinos, and ruining the traditional racetrack experience. More generally, expanded gaming is also opposed by many who object to the social ills they associate with gambling, and the damage done to families when gambling becomes an addiction. They fear an increase in divorce, suicide, bankruptcies, child abuse and domestic violence if casinos come to Kentucky. Also on tap this session: A decision on whether to undertake a major overhaul of the state pension system, which currently faces a long-term unfunded liability of at least $20 billion. The retirement system, which affects some 445,000 current and retired state workers, is expected to be insolvent by the year 2022 if reforms aren't enacted. Other issues expected to see debate include legislation dealing with illegal immigrants in Kentucky, a proposed ban domestic-partner health insurance benefits in state health plans, environmental damage caused by mountaintop-removal coal mining, and funding for needed road and bridge projects across the state -- including state participation in the expensive Louisville bridge project. Lawmakers are also expected to consider proposals to offer financial incentives for students who perform well on advanced placements exams in math and science, give hiring preference to military veterans applying for jobs in state government, and establish staffing standards at nursing homes. Energy will also return as an issue this year -- just as it was in last year's special session -- this time focused on how to provide incentives for homeowners and small businesses to use wind, solar, geothermal or other renewable systems. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Education programs detailed for Senate panelReports on two innovative programs now beginning in the commonwealth were detailed for legislators Thursday. Joanne Lang with the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation spoke on AdvanceKentucky, an initiative aimed at growing the number of students taking and passing Advance Placement exams in English, math and science that gain them college credit. The program, which is being rolled out this year, has produced phenomenal results in Dallas, Texas, Lang said. Kirsten Fleming with the Kentucky Center for Mathematics described the results of its Number Works and Math Recovery programs, directed by 2005 legislation. The programs are aimed at early intervention strategies for elementary school students who are falling behind their classmates in math skills. The two programs work by improving teacher training and professional development, Fleming said. Now in its second year of implementation, Fleming the programs have provided results, with many students who scored lower on tests at the beginning of the year surpassing their peers at the end. Lawmakers also heard from new Education Commissioner Jon Draud, who reports on his efforts in the last month. Among his priorities, he said, are convening people across the state to come up with intervention strategies on the middle school and high school levels, as well as recapturing the spirit that dominated Kentucky after KERA's passage. "We're not going to be able to achieve proficiency if we don't create this sense of urgency," he said. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Fatal Traffic Collision on KY 92 in McCreary CountyOn Tuesday 01-08-2008 at approximately 2:25 PM the Kentucky State Police responded to a two vehicle traffic crash, with injury, on KY 92 1 ½ mile east of Pine Knot, in McCreary County. Upon arrival KSP Traffic Crash Reconstructionist Trooper Craig Reed determined that unit one a 2004 Black, Ford Ranger truck, operated by James Lawson, 43, of Verona, KY, was west bound on KY 92 when it crossed the centerline into the east bound lane and struck unit two. Unit two, a White 1997, Dodge Intrepid was operated by Lenville Duncan, 63 of Strunk, KY. Duncan, who was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, received fatal injuries. Mr. Lawson was transported from the scene by the McCreary EMS to Scott County Hospital in TN for treatment of his injuries. There were no passengers in either vehicle and possible drug involvement is under investigation. Mr. Duncan was pronounced dead at the scene by McCreary County Coroner Brandon New. Trooper Reed is continuing the investigation and was assisted at the scene by KSP Troopers Parrish Baker, Shaler Jones and Jason Browning. Other agencies assisting include the McCreary County Sheriff's Department, the Pine Knot Fire Department and the McCreary County Search and Rescue. Trooper Reed is requesting anyone that may have witnessed the collision to please contact him at 606-878-6622 or 1-800-222-5555. 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. Vote Buying SentenceCharles “Chuck” Hart, age 55, of Salt Lick, Kentucky was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for obstruction of justice, vote buying, and making false statements to federal agents by United States Senior District Court Judge Joseph M. Hood. In June, 2007, Hart was found guilty by a jury of the charges. The evidence at trial established that during the February 2007 trial of Bath County Attorney Champ Maze Hart schemed with Maze and former Bath County PVA Paul Goodpaster to attempt to contact a juror sitting on the Maze jury for the purpose of attempting to influence his judgment in favor of Maze. It also came out at trial that Hart had attempted to contact one of the jurors in his own case. Hart also was convicted of lying to the FBI during the investigation into the jury tampering, and of buying the votes of two Bath County voters during the May, 2006 primary election. Under federal law, Hart must served 85 percent of his prison sentence, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 3 years. James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Tracy A. Reinhold, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth R. Taylor. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky office of the FBI. Blasting off a cliffMANCHESTER, KY. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to set off blasts, for removal of a cliff, on US 25E at the Jct. of KY 1304 and US 25E beginning Wed., Jan. 9. Blasts are scheduled to be set for 4:00 PM each day Wednesday through Friday, Jan. 9 – 11. Motorists can expect delays as traffic will be stopped during the blasting and for removal of debris from the roadway. The actual starting date and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. EXPECT DELAYS AND WATCH FOR SLOWED/STOPPED TRAFFICThe preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11.
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Post by Press Release on Jan 15, 2008 19:00:14 GMT -5
Injury Collision on Hal Rogers Parkway in Clay CountyOn Tuesday 01-15-2008 at approximately 11:53 AM the Kentucky State Police responded to a single vehicle traffic crash, at approximately the 30-mile marker, on the Hal Rogers Parkway in Clay County. Upon arrival KSP Trooper Nick Metcalf determined that a 1989, Mack, tanker truck, operated by Paul Wooton, 29, of Busy, KY was westbound on the parkway when it dropped off onto the shoulder of the roadway. Mr. Wooton then overcorrected the vehicle causing it to overturn and spill an undetermined amount of diesel fuel. Taskforce 11 is in charge of the diesel spill cleanup and is monitored by the Department of Public Safety. The crash caused the Hal Rogers parkway to be totally closed for approximately 4 hours while the scene was cleaned up. Mr. Wooton, who was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, received minor injuries and was transported by the Clay County EMS to the Manchester Memorial Hospital, in Manchester, KY for treatment. KSP Trooper Metcalf is in charge of the investigation and was assisted at the scene by the Clay County EMS, Big Creek Fire Department, Manchester Fire Department, Taskforce 11, the Department of Public Safety, and the Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement. 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. Twelve Die On Kentucky Roadways Last WeekJanuary 7 through January 13, 2008Preliminary statistics* indicate that twelve people died in twelve separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, Jan. 7 through Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008. Eleven of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and eight of the victims were not wearing seat belts. There was one fatality involving a motorcycle. Four of the fatalities were the result of crashes involving alcohol. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Bell, Bracken, Fayette, Grant, Hickman, Jefferson, Livingston, Marshall, McCreary, Pike, Washington and Wolfe counties. One fatality was a delayed entry from the previous week. Through Jan. 13, preliminary statistics* indicate that 29 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 2 less than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 26 motor vehicle fatalities, 22 victims were not wearing seat belts. There have been 3 motorcycle fatalities and one of those was not wearing a helmet. One pedestrian has been killed. A total of 6 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 0-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. 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. Shooting Incident in McCreary CountyOn Monday 01-14-2008 at approximately 3:27 PM the Kentucky State Police responded to a shooting incident at a residence on Kidd Cemetery Road in the community of Pine Knot. Upon arrival KSP Detective Billy Correll determined that Michael Stephens, 66, of Kidd Cemetery Road in Pine Knot, had shot the victim, Ronald Ross, 52, of Sterns, one time in the right shoulder. Ross, who received a non-life threatening injury, was transported by the McCreary County EMS to the Scott County Hospital in Tennessee for treatment. Stephens was arrested at his home without incident and lodged in the McCreary County Jail on the charge of Assault 1ST Degree. Detective Correll is continuing the investigation and was assisted at the scene by KSP Trooper Craig Reed. Other agencies assisting include the McCreary County Sheriff’s Department, the McCreary County EMS and McCreary County Constable David Kilby. The preceding press release was from Toy Wrestler Figures Recalled by A.A. of AmericaDue to Violation of Lead Paint StandardWASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Toy Wrestler Figures Units: 5,400 Manufacturer: A.A. of America Inc., of East Brunswick, N.J. Hazard: The surface paint contains high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: The recalled toy is a package of four action figures. Each figure is about 5 3/4 inches high. The UPC number 604111230003 is printed on the product's packaging. Sold at: Dollar stores and discount stores nationwide from January 2007 through December 2007 for about $1. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should take the toy away from children immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact A.A. of America toll-free at (888) 822-8697 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, e-mail the firm at recalls@aatoys.com, or visit the firm's Web site at www.aatoys.comNote: CPSC was alerted to this hazard by New York State's Consumer Protection Board. To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08164.html FBI Announces Tipline, 1-800-CALLFBI, for Public to Call in Information on Cesar Armando LaureanThe FBI, in conjunction with the Onslow County Sheriff's Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the US Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the US Marshals Service, announced a new tipline to assist in the search for Corporal Cesar Armando Laurean, USMC, a suspect in the homicide investigation of Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach, USMC. FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Nathan T. Gray stated, "With Laurean on the run, the public's assistance is key to locating and apprehending Laurean to bring justice to the Lauterbach family. Anyone with information related to Laurean or his whereabouts should call 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324)." Tips regarding Laurean's whereabouts can also be submitted online at [www.fbi.gov]. Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution - Murder Cesar Armando Laurean Aliases: Cesar Gudino, Cesar Sanchez, Cesar Armando Laurean Ramirez DESCRIPTIONDate of Birth: 11/13/1986 Height: 5'9" Weight: 160 pounds Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Sex: Male Race: White (Hispanic) Nationality: U.S. Citizen (since 2003); Mexican National NCIC Number: W653665176 Occupation: United States Marine Corps Corporal Scars and Marks: Laurean has a tattoo of a skull on one of his upper arms and a tattoo of a black widow spider, including an hourglass on the spider's abdomen, on the other upper arm. Remarks: Laurean is a United States Citizen and a United States Marine Corps Corporal currently assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Laurean may be driving a four-door 2004 Dodge Ram truck, black in color, displaying North Carolina license plate TRR1522. Cesar Armando Laurean is wanted for his alleged involvement in the murder of 20-year-old Maria F. Lauterbach, who was pregnant at the time of her murder. Lauterbach was a United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. She had been missing since December 14, 2007. The charred remains of Lauterbach and her unborn infant were recovered in a shallow grave in the backyard of Laurean's Jacksonville, North Carolina, residence. A state arrest warrant was issued on January 12, 2008, in Onslow County, North Carolina, after Laurean was charged with murder. That same day, Laurean was charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution by the United States District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina, and a federal warrant was issued for his arrest. CAUTION - SUSPECT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUSREWARDThe FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of Cesar Armando Laurean. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS PERSON, PLEASE CALL THE FBI TIPLINE, 1-800-CALLFBI Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville (center), welcomes Governor Steve Beshear (left) into a joint session of the Kentucky General Assembly for the governor's State of the Commonwealth address as House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, looks on. Photo by Mike Sunseri, LRC Public Information.Governor Beshear Seeks Ideas & Input from State EmployeesInitiative to make government more efficient and productiveOn the morning following his first State of the Commonwealth address, Kentucky state government employees were greeted with a personal message from Governor Steve Beshear, asking for their help in addressing the Commonwealth’s looming budget crisis. In an email, Gov. Beshear announced his efficiency initiative, requesting ideas from state employees on how to make Kentucky state government operations more cost-effective, productive and innovative. “No idea is too big or too small,” Gov. Beshear said. “If it helps your department or agency become more economical, more innovative, more productive or more accountable, I want to hear about it.” This government efficiency initiative will be administratively attached to the Finance and Administration Cabinet. State government employees may submit their ideas by clicking on the efficiency logo on the www.kentucky.gov homepage or by visiting the Finance Cabinet’s Web site at finance.ky.gov/ideas.htm. Ideas submitted via this electronic suggestion system will be collected and studied by the governor and his staff to determine merit, practicality, feasibility and legality. “We are looking long and hard at every cost saving measure we can think of,” said Gov. Beshear. “But, I’m sure there are things we haven’t thought about and you just might do so….please, put your minds to work!” The Governor’s video message can be viewed at: governor.ky.gov/ideas. The preceding press release was from House panel passes Holocaust education billThe House Education committee today approved a resolution that would require the state to develop curriculum on the Jewish Holocaust for use by Kentucky's public schools.House Joint Resolution 6, sponsored by Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, D-Louisville, now goes to the full House for consideration. If passed into law, the curriculum--developed by a state work group--would be available to teachers by the 2009-2010 school year. "It's not a mandate, but it would be offered as a curriculum," Marzian said. Several students from St. Francis of Assisi School in Louisville who have received Holocaust education testified to the committee about why the legislation is necessary. By remembering the Holocaust, student Bennett Heine said, Kentucky can honor its victims by "never letting it happen again." "Kentucky students can set a precedent for kids throughout the country and around the world that we can no longer leave it up to others to fight for the forgotten," Heine said. "We must take a stand." Rep. Charlie Siler, R-Williamsburg, who visited the concentration camp of Auschwitz in Germany during his early days in the Army, thanked the students for their work on the resolution. "They're doing something very important that will stick with them a long time," Siler said. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. FARM TOURISM WEB SITE TO LAUNCH AT KENTUCKY AGRITOURISM SUMMITThe new Web site for farm-based tourist destinations in Kentucky will be unveiled at the 2008 Kentucky Agritourism Summit Feb. 21 at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset. “The new ‘Kentucky Farms are Fun’ Web site will enable Kentucky agritourism operators to market their attractions quickly and efficiently,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Tourists from near and far will be able to find Kentucky farm destinations that the whole family will enjoy.” Also at the summit, farm destination operators can get valuable tips for business planning, insurance, signage, using MarketMaker: Kentucky and Kentucky Proud as marketing tools, and utilizing the media to promote their farms. The owners of four successful Kentucky agritourism businesses will lead a panel discussion. Registration is $20 until February 7 and $30 after that date. The registration fee includes lunch. For more information, contact Stephen Yates, agritourism director for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, by phone at (502) 564-4983 or by e-mail at stephenp.yates@ky.gov. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Senate panel votes to scrap gubernatorial runoffThe Senate State and Local Government Committee unanimously voted to eliminate the runoff in gubernatorial primaries, a system that has never been used but was close to becoming a reality in 2007. The system, which requires the top two candidates to face off five weeks after the primary if no candidate received more than 40 percent of the vote, could potentially cost counties millions of dollars, advocates for the repeal said. Gov. Steve Beshear received 41 percent of the votes in the 2007 Democratic primary narrowly averting the need for a runoff. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Attorney General Conway Announces Agreement With MyspaceJack ConwayKentucky Attorney General Jack Conway joined other attorneys general from across the country in announcing a landmark agreement that will help keep Kentucky children safe while they’re visiting social-networking sites. MySpace, one of America’s largest and most popular social-networking sites, has agreed to significant steps that will help protect children from sexual predators - including the creation of a broad-based task force that will develop age and identity verification technology. Conway and 49 other attorneys general are supporting this agreement, which has been a priority for a National Association of Attorneys General. “New technology presents new challenges for parents, police officers and prosecutors,” Conway said. “I am heartened by the fact that MySpace has stepped up to the plate and will assist us in protecting Kentucky families.” The agreement is the result of almost two years of discussions between MySpace and attorneys general from across the country. In addition to identity verification, MySpace has agreed to making the following improvements: • Allowing parents to submit email addresses that cannot be used to create profiles • Set default setting for profiles of 16 and 17 year olds as “private” • Respond within 72 hours to inappropriate content complaints • Proactive identification and removal of questionable content • Sever links between MySpace and pornographic websites • Create a closed “high school” section for users under 18 The Kentucky Attorney General’s office, working with the Kentucky State Police and the Department of Corrections, has subpoenaed the names of registered sex offenders whose profiles have been removed from MySpace. Investigators are looking into whether the men violated the provisions of Kentucky’s Sex Offender Registry law by not registering their email addresses with the Kentucky State Police. These investigations are ongoing. “I have pledged to create an Internet Crimes Unit that will work with law enforcement officers at the local, state and federal level to crack down criminals who are preying on our children,” Conway said. Conway and the nation’s attorneys general commended MySpace for its efforts to address social-networking concerns. For more information about today’s agreement, visit www.naag.orgThe preceding press release was from Bills on university project financing advancesAmid a budget crunch that could require state colleges and universities to lose hundreds of millions in state dollars, the House budget committee today approved two bills that would allow them to finance projects on their own. House Bill 111 would allow colleges and universities to issue revenue bonds for capital projects like construction of dorms and research buildings if they cover all the bond costs. The second bill, HB 177, would allow the schools to undertake capital projects funded with cash restricted funds approved by the schools' governing boards and the state without prior state legislative approval. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Attorney General Conway Announces Regional DUI TrainingAttorney General Jack Conway today announced that his office is training police officers and local prosecutors about how to effectively prosecute DUI cases at a regional seminar on Monday, January 14 through Wednesday, January 16 at Jenny Wiley State Park in Prestonsburg. The goal of the training is to create a team-building approach in the detection, apprehension and prosecution of impaired drivers. “It is crucial that we give prosecutors and police officers the tools they need to effectively enforce our DUI laws and protect the citizens of our Commonwealth,” Conway said. “A team approach is imperative, and I am pleased that we can coordinate this effort that will result in tough consequences for DUI offenders.” Entitled “Protecting Lives, Saving Futures,” the training is funded through the Kentucky Department of Transportation Safety with grant funds provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Assistance for this training has been provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Kentucky State Police, and the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board. The first regional training of this type was conducted last June in Bowling Green. Additional trainings will be conducted in other parts of the state later this year. “The Transportation Cabinet is pleased to support the traffic-safety initiatives and training opportunities provided to law enforcement and prosecutors throughout the state,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Prather. “It is not only our responsibility, it is a priority of this administration to provide all highway safety professionals with the tools and resources they need to save and protect lives on our highways.” Representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) also plan to attend the training. “MADD commends the Attorney General's office for implementing a Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor program and for making this joint training possible,” said Angela M. Criswell, executive director for MADD Kentucky. “You can have tough laws and tough enforcement, but without tough outcomes in the court system, the public will not get the message that drunk driving is a serious crime.” The training is presented under the direction of the American Prosecutors Research Institute’s (APRI) National Traffic Law Center and is open to the media. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Jan 22, 2008 16:12:40 GMT -5
We Can and Should Pass FISA Bill by February 1stOur first duty is to protect Americans from harm, and we know for a fact this law has helped us detect and disrupt terrorist plots Senator Mitch McConnell[/b] Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell spoke on the Senate floor regarding the need to pass FISA reform by February 1: “We may only be a few days into the session, but it’s not too early to note a change in tone from last January. Talks are moving forward on an economic growth package, and there’s good reason to expect an important national security achievement on FISA by next week. “I had hoped that we would move to FISA first, since nothing could be more urgent than protecting this vital national security tool before its expiration on Feb. 1. Our first duty is to protect Americans from harm, and we know for a fact this law has helped us detect and disrupt terrorist plots. It would be grossly irresponsible for Congress to weaken it or let it lapse. And the notion that some in Congress would even consider filibustering this vital anti-terror tool is difficult to comprehend. “Fortunately, common sense seems to have prevailed. I was encouraged to see that my good friend the Majority Leader believes we can pass a FISA bill with sufficient time to get it signed before it expires. And I was very pleased to see that the Chairman of the Intelligence Committee believes the bipartisan version reported out of his committee last fall will be the one we ultimately pass by Feb.1. This is good news not only because the Intelligence Committee’s version is the best, but with some modification is also the only one the President will sign. “We’ve put this off long enough. Let’s pass this bill, and protect this vital tool before it expires.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. KSP makes Wanton Endangerment, Sex Offender Arrests Ronald Renner, Willie CrabtreeOn Friday 01-25-2008 Kentucky State Police Detective Doug Boyd formally charged Ronald D. Renner, 50, of Mount Vernon, KY with one (1) count of Wanton Endangerment 1ST Degree. The charge comes as a result of an investigation into the January 17th disturbance at 4870 South Wilderness Road, Mount Vernon, in which Renner barricaded himself inside his residence. Renner was lodged in the Rockcastle County Jail. On Friday 01-25-2008 Kentucky State Police Detective Doug Boyd charged Willie W. Crabtree, 64, of Monticello, KY with one (1) count of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration, 1st Offense. The charge comes as a result of a weeklong investigation into an anonymous complaint that Crabtree was residing within 1000 feet of a daycare facility. Detective Boyd was assisted by Trooper Parrish Baker. Crabtree was lodged in the Wayne County Jail. 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. Senate Passes McConnell Resolution150th Anniversary of American Printing House for the BlindThe APH has opened up a world of knowledge and information to millions of Americans for the past 150 years Senator Mitch McConnell[/b] Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered a speech on the Senator floor on honoring the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) for its 150 years of service to blind and visually impaired Americans. Senator McConnell also authored a resolution recognizing the Louisville, Ky. facility on its anniversary -- the resolution passed the Senate Wednesday evening (resolution attached). During the floor speech, McConnell noted that APH, which was established in 1858, has served as the official national source of educational materials for the legally blind for more than a century. He also praised the APH for its continued commitment to developing, producing and distributing materials in Braille, large print, and enlarged print for over 58,000 blind and visually impaired Americans. “Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky are proud to be the home of the American Printing House for the Blind, which adds much to our community,” McConnell said. “My resolution reflects the Senate’s appreciation for the hundreds of employees at the APH who are committed to serving blind and visually impaired individuals throughout our country. The Louisville facility has opened up a world of knowledge and information to millions of Americans for the past 150 years, and their dedication deserves to be honored. I appreciate my colleagues for recognizing this important institution and milestone.” Senator McConnell’s resolution was co-sponsored by Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY). The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. McConnell: March for Life a ‘Just and Noble Cause’Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding the 35th annual March for Life: “Tens of thousands of Americans will gather today in Washington to affirm that every human life is precious. They know this principle lies at the root of every just society, and their presence is a powerful reminder of just how fragile a principle it is. I applaud the participants of the 35th annual March for Life on their commitment to a culture that treats its weakest members with dignity and respect, and I join them in working to advance this just and noble cause.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Candidate Filing Deadline One Week AwayTime is running out for potential candidates to place their name on the ballot for the 2008 primary elections. Primary candidates, including political party candidates and candidates for non-partisan races that file with the Secretary of State, have until January 29, 2008 to file for office. “We are one week away from the deadline,” said Secretary of State Trey Grayson, the Commonwealth’s chief election officer. “Our office’s election staff is already extremely busy, and we anticipate that filings will continue up until the last minute.” Candidates for offices that file with the Office of the Secretary of State may file their papers with the office until 4:00 p.m. EST on January 29th. If candidates choose to mail their filing papers, the documents must still be received by 4:00 p.m. on the 29th, and thus, candidates are asked to plan accordingly. Offices that file with the Secretary of State that are regularly scheduled to occur in 2008 include: President and Vice-President of the United States
United States Senator
United States House of Representatives
Kentucky State Senate (Odd Districts)
Kentucky State House
Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court (District 5)
In order to help the hundreds of candidates, both new and old, seeking political office, the Office of the Secretary of State has updated its ballot access procedural manual titled: Declaring Your Candidacy. Kentuckians can use this manual as a quick guide to filing for political office. Although the publication focuses primarily on candidate filing procedures, sample forms for attaining ballot access, and qualifications for each elective office, it also includes other important and pertinent election information that may affect candidates. The manual contains an election schedule, contact information for state election agencies, and answers to candidates’ most frequently asked questions. “Candidates would be wise to file prior to the final deadline, in the event their documents are not acceptable for filing,” stated Mary Sue Helm, election administrator for the Secretary of State. “There is no opportunity for correction of documents after that date and time.” For more information about filing to run for elected office in Kentucky, to obtain a copy of Declaring Your Candidacy, or to view a list of candidates who have filed for office, please visit www.sos.ky.gov/elections. The preceding press release was from McConnell: We Must Work Together Toward Common GoalsSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the priorities for the second session of the 110th Congress: “First, I want to welcome back the distinguished Majority Leader. It’s good to see him, and it’s good to be at the podium again, refreshed and ready for Act Two of the 110th Congress. Republicans are eager to get to work on the unfinished business from last year and we’re determined to address the other issues that have become more pressing or pronounced since we stood here last. “We face a number of urgent challenges domestically and internationally, and there will be a strong temptation to politicize them or put them off as the current administration comes to a close and a new one prepares to take its place. This would be an irresponsible path, and it’s one we should not take. We’ve had a presidential election in this country every four years since 1788. We won’t use this one as an excuse to put off the people’s business for another day. “We have our differences in this chamber. But Americans expect that when we walk into this well we’ll sort through those differences and work together toward common goals. And here are a few things we should be able to agree on: “We need to show America that government can live within its means by keeping spending low; that we can protect their quality of life without raiding their wallets with higher taxes; that we won’t push problems off to future Congresses, and that we will not take chances with their security. As we do all this, we can be confident of success — confident because we have faith in this institution, and confident because of what we learned the last time around. “Personally, I think there are a lot of lessons we can take away from last year, and that if we’re smart we’ll learn from them. We all know what worked and what didn’t work. We all know the formula for success and the formula for failure. So this year even more than last year, success and failure will be a choice. “I think we can agree, for instance, that we all worked best last year when we worked together. Last January our Democrat colleagues presented us with a Minimum Wage Bill that didn’t include needed tax relief for small businesses. It didn’t pass. But when they did include the tax relief these small businesses deserved, it did pass — by a wide margin. “Our friends gave us an energy bill that would have meant higher taxes and higher utility rates. It didn’t pass. But when they agreed to remove these objectionable provisions, it did — by a wide margin. Senate Democrats also tried to use a looming AMT Middle Class Tax Hike as an excuse for a giant tax hike elsewhere. That didn’t get very far. But when we all agreed to block the AMT expansion without a new tax, together we prevented a major middle class tax hike. “The temptation to partisanship was strongest on issues of national security. By the end of the year, the Majority had held 34 votes related to the war in Iraq and its opposition to the Petraeus Plan. Yet whenever Republicans defended the view that Congress should not substitute its military judgment for the judgment of our military commanders, or cut off funds for troops in the field, we moved forward. With the recent success of the Petraeus Plan, the chances of such votes passing this year have not improved. It was wrong to tempt fate when our progress in Iraq was uncertain. It would be foolish to do so when progress is undeniable. “So there’s a pattern here, a pattern for true accomplishment. And now that we know it, we shouldn’t hesitate to follow it. Not this November. Not sometime this summer. But now. As we move into 2008, the problems we face are big, they’re real, and they are urgent. And Americans expect competence, cooperation, and results. We know from experience that it’s in our power to deliver. And it’s in everyone’s interests that we do. So on behalf of Senate Republicans, I want to begin this session by extending the hand of cooperation to our colleagues on the other side. As we begin this second session, we need to focus on our common goals. “We need to come together to protect and defend Americans from harm. We need to come together to meet the economic challenges of the moment. And we will need to come together to protect Americans’ quality of life by keeping taxes low, and by working to relieve anxieties about healthcare, tuition, the cost and quality of education, jobs, and the fate of entitlements. “On the economy, Republicans are encouraged by recent talk on the other side of a willingness to work with us on an economic growth package. Now it’s time to prove this is more than just talk. We need to move ahead with a plan that stimulates the economy right away and which is consistent with good long-term economic policy. “An effective plan will focus on growing the economy and securing jobs. It will be broad based for maximum effect, and it won’t include wasteful spending on programs that might make us feel good but which have no positive impact on the economy. "Republicans in the 110th Congress have shown that we will use our robust minority to ensure we’re heard. And we will use our power to reject any growth package that’s held hostage to wasteful spending. Americans are concerned about the state of the economy, they’re looking to us to act, and acting now will be far less costly than waiting for more troubles to gather. Time is short. We need to put together a bipartisan package that helps the economy, and do it soon — without raising taxes and without growing government. “In the longer term, Congress can keep the economy stable by keeping taxes low and by assuring families, retirees, and small businesses that current rate reductions and tax credits will continue. We can prepare for the future by making sure every child in America gets a good education through reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act and by completing action on the Higher Education Act. “Our friends should also resist the temptation to increase taxes on dividends and capital gains; agree early that we won’t offset a patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax with a massive tax elsewhere; extend the current expanded child tax credit; and end the marriage penalty for good. “We can also boost the economy by boosting trade, which broadens the market for U.S. goods. Last May, Democratic leaders agreed to allow passage of four Free Trade Agreements if the Administration negotiated increased worker rights and stronger environmental protections. The Administration did its part by negotiating the changes. Yet so far, only one of the four FTAs from last year, Peru, has passed. Now it’s time for the Democrats to uphold their end of the bargain and pass the remaining three FTAs: Panama, South Korea and Colombia. “We can help the economy by keeping spending low. Republicans will do our part by making sure, as we did last year, that government spending bills don’t exceed fiscally responsible levels even as they meet the nation’s highest priorities. And Democrats can help by keeping spending in these bills low from the start — and resisting the urge to lace them with poison pill social policy. “Working together to strengthen America at home also means increasing access and lowering the cost of good health care. We should empower individuals and protect the doctor-patient relationship by promoting research into new treatments and cures and by investing in new information technology like electronic medical records and e-prescribing. We can also increase access by letting small businesses pool resources to get the same deals from insurers big businesses do. “In the coming months, Americans will hear a lot of different health care proposals coming out of the campaigns. And while presidential election years are not typically the time when broad based reforms are achieved, we shouldn’t let disputes among candidates or the failures of the past keep us from delivering something for Americans now. In the long term, Republicans are committed to the goal of every American having health insurance. But there is no reason we can’t find bipartisan support this year for other common sense measures that remove barriers to access and increase coverage options. “We should also be able to agree that too many judicial posts have been left empty too long. Last year we confirmed 40 judges, including six circuit court nominees, and an attorney general. But we’re not on pace to keep up with historical precedent. The historical average for circuit court confirmations in the last Congress of a divided government is 17. President Clinton — who had the second most judicial confirmations in history, despite having to deal with a Republican Senate almost his entire time in office — had 15 circuit court confirmations in his last Congress. “Clearly, we need to catch up. But we can’t confirm judges if they don’t get hearings. And since last summer, Democrats have allowed only one hearing on a circuit court nominee. Compare that with Senate Republicans in 1999, who held more hearings on President Clinton’s nominees in the fall of that year alone than Democrats allowed this president all last year. This pattern is neither fair nor acceptable. “As we focus on crucial issues at home, we’re reminded that our first responsibility is to keep Americans safe. For some, the passage of time has made 9/11 seem like a distant memory and the people behind it a distant threat. Yet the best argument in favor of our current strategy of staying on offense is the fact that not a single terrorist act has been carried out on American soil since that awful day. “We decided early on in this fight that the best strategy would be to fight the terrorists overseas so we wouldn’t have to fight them at home. This policy has worked. And we must continue to ensure that it does by giving those who protect us all the tools they need. “One of the most valuable tools we’ve had is the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which lets us monitor foreign terrorists overseas and react in real-time to planned attacks. In August we updated this protection. Yet with only 10 days to go before it expires, we need to pass new FISA legislation that allows the intelligence community to continue its work and which assures telecom companies they won’t be sued for answering the call to help in the hunt for terrorists. “Some of our Democratic colleagues delayed consideration of this vital legislation at the end of the last session. And it should have been the first thing we turned to this session. American lives do not depend on whether we pass the Indian Health bill by the end of the month. “We also need to renew our commitment to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces whose hard work over a number of years has helped change the story in Iraq in 2007. No issue should bring us together more readily than this one. Yet no issue threatens to divide us more as the November elections draw near. Let the candidates say what they will. The Senate should stand united in supporting the troops — and we can start by affirming that the Petraeus Plan is working. “We could even go one step further by making a pledge that during the session that begins today, we will not attack the integrity of our uniformed officers or subvert the efforts of the troops — all of whom have made sacrifices for us equally, regardless of our political parties or theirs. “Beyond that, we should be able to agree that we need to invest in the future of our military. This remarkable volunteer force is built on the finest training, weaponry, and education system in the world. We need to support this great national resource not only to retain our strength for today’s battles, but in preparation for the unexpected challenges that lie ahead — particularly in the Persian Gulf and in the Pacific, where our strategic interests will continue to be challenged for many years to come. “So, we stand at the beginning of a new year. I for one am hopeful that it will be a year in which we accomplish much for the people who sent us here. We can start by agreeing to protect taxpayer wallets and by facing concerns about health care and the other economic pressures that so many American families face. We must act right away to keep our economy strong. And above all we can work together to keep America and its interests safe both at home and overseas. “We can do all this — we can live up to our duties to work together on behalf of the American people — by learning from last year and working together. Republicans are ready, we’re eager, to do our part.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jan 29, 2008 18:58:42 GMT -5
Eleven Die On Kentucky Roadways Last WeekJanuary 21 through January 27, 2008Preliminary statistics* indicate that Eleven people died in eight separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008. Eight of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and five of the victims were not wearing seat belts. The seat belt status of one victim is not known. Three of the fatalities resulted from crashes involving alcohol. Three of the fatalities were Pedestrians and occurred in Johnson and Greenup counties. Single fatality crashes occurred in Bourbon, Clay, Franklin, Hickman, Jefferson (2), Muhlenberg and Warren counties. The quintuple-fatality crash that occurred in Gallatin County was included in last week’s fatality statistics. After further investigation into the death of the Johnson family, KSP Post 11 has determined preliminary results indicate that the actual time of death was December 27, 2007. Therefore, that has changed the total fatalities for 2007 from 858 to 863. The new fatality total for 2008 is reflected in this release. Through Jan. 27, preliminary statistics* indicate that 55 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is five less than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 43 motor vehicle fatalities, 35 victims were not wearing seat belts. There have been 3 motorcycle fatalities and one of those was not wearing a helmet. A total of 13 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. Three fatalities were pedestrians. Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. 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. ‘Go Red’ for Kentucky WomenFriday Marks Annual Observance for Women’s Heart DiseaseDr. William D. HackerThe Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is encouraging all Kentuckians to “Go Red” on Friday to show support for National Wear Red Day, an observance created to highlight the dangers of heart disease among women. This year marks the fifth year women and men of all ages will be wearing red blouses, sweaters, shirts, ties, shoes or other favorite accessories to show support for women’s heart disease awareness. “Though a small gesture, participating in National Wear Red Day sends a strong message about the importance of continued education, research and prevention of heart disease among women,” said William Hacker, M.D., DPH commissioner and acting undersecretary for health at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “Heart disease is one of the biggest threats to the health of women in Kentucky. I hope everyone will join us in taking part in National Wear Red Day.” In Kentucky, more women die each year from heart disease than men, according to DPH. Also, more women die of heart disease than all cancers combined, yet only 20 percent of women identify heart disease as the greatest health problem facing women today, and most fail to make the connection between its risk factors and their personal risk of developing heart disease. The ultimate goal of National Wear Red Day, part of February’s American Heart Month, is to reduce the rate of heart disease among women. To do that, DPH recommends avoiding the use of tobacco products like cigarettes, exercising more and following a diet that includes more fresh fruits and vegetables, but avoids high salt and fat. DPH also recommends having a blood pressure screening and taking necessary to steps to lower blood pressure if the reading is higher than 120/80. “Women can lower their risk of heart disease by educating themselves and following guidelines necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Hacker. “I cannot stress enough how important it is to know the risk factors, how to avoid them and to follow the advice of your health care provider. The lessons of Heart Month should not be put away after February comes to an end, but remembered and observed throughout a person’s life.” The preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker. 'Bullying bill' passes House, 96-0Legislation that would prohibit bullying and harassment among students in Kentucky's public schools and require school districts to put procedures in place to handle reports of such behavior passed the House today by a vote of 96-0. House Bill 91 or "The Golden Rule Act", sponsored by Rep. Mike Cherry, D-Princeton, now goes to the Senate for its consideration. It is the fourth anti-bullying measure that Cherry has tried to pass into law in recent years. The prohibition against bullying, harassment and other forms of intimidation--including cyberbullying via the Internet--required by HB 91 would be included in a "code of acceptable behavior" formulated by each district that would be based on the Golden Rule of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Each code would include procedures for handling complaints of bullying and protecting those who make reports from retaliation. Students who break the code by harassing, bullying, cyberbullying or intimidating other students could face suspension, expulsion or other disciplinary action under the proposal. Because the original bill did not include cyberbullying as a form of harassment, intimidation and bullying, the bill was amended by the House to include a prohibition against cyberbullying. Cherry said eight out of 30 states that currently have anti-school bullying laws list cyberbullying as a form of bullying in their legislation. Cherry said he would work with the Senate to ensure that cyberbullying is well-defined in the legislation, at the suggestion of Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville. An amendment sponsored by Rep. David Floyd, R-Bardstown, that would require school districts to provide information and assistance to students who are victims of bullying about how to respond to such behavior was also passed by the House. "In the legislation, we assume those who are bullied are going to get some counseling, are going to get some help, but assuming (doesn't get it done)," said Cherry, commenting on why the amendment is needed. HB 91 also includes provisions that would require school districts to provide training on the code to teachers and others who work directly with students, if funds are available, and include information on both the code and the Golden Rule in district employee training manuals. Districts would also be required to report to the state Department of Education all incidents where a student has been disciplined for harassment, intimidation or bullying three times in one semester, as well as those times where a student has been the object of such behavior three or more times per semester. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Secretary Ed SchaferEd SchaferSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the unanimous confirmation of former North Dakota Governor Edward Schafer to serve as Secretary of Agriculture: “I congratulate former Gov. Schafer on his unanimous confirmation as the new Secretary of Agriculture. This confirmation is particularly timely with the ongoing discussions to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the farm bill. I hope Secretary Schafer can bring a fresh perspective to the discussions so we can enact a good farm bill prior to the initiation of planting season. Our farmers and rural citizens deserve no less.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Senator Jim Bunning On President Bush’s State Of The Union AddressJim Bunning (R-KY) offered the following comments regarding the address by President Bush to the joint session of Congress: "In his State of the Union address tonight President Bush spoke about the importance of passing legislation to provide a boost to the economy. I support the idea of a stimulus for the American economy so long as it is done in a timely and effective manner. Proposals that take effect too late are likely to fuel inflation and overheat the economy. "Any stimulus that we pass this year must be done quickly and it must ensure that the money goes to those who will actually spend it. In order for an economic stimulus package to work it must have an effect on the economy in 2008. One such policy that I favor is the proposal to stop taxing unemployment benefits. "Repealing the tax on unemployment compensation payments will target spending to a group that is likely to spend quickly, with less risk of long term consequences. I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues here in Congress in the coming weeks to get something done to provide some help to those who need it most." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Senator McConnell Reacts to President’s State of the Union AddressFollowing the President’s State of the Union Address, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell called on his colleagues to build on the legislative successes of last year by working together to address a number of issues that are important to the American people. “We in the Congress are recommitted to moving our nation forward. There are many things we can do right now to protect America at home, and now is the time for Congress to act. We need to work together to pass key national security legislation which will help keep America safe from terrorist attacks. “We need to protect our long-term economic interests by keeping taxes low so that hardworking American families can keep more of the money they earn, and providing relief to the small businesses that are the cornerstone of our economy. And Congress can provide peace of mind to Americans about their health care, by increasing access to quality, affordable health coverage. The problems we face are urgent and real. But we can solve them together. “Americans expect us to sort through our differences and produce results. We must build on our successes from last year and continue to work together toward our common goal of protecting America.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. 7 charged in Perry drug investigationSeven Perry County residents have been arrested on drug-related charges as a result of separate UNITE investigations. Indictment warrants were obtained December 18 for a number of individuals suspected of selling a variety of controlled substances. In addition, police are seeking several people who fraudulently obtained drugs by “doctor shopping” – visiting multiple doctors for prescriptions. UNITE detectives -- assisted by the Kentucky State Police, Hazard Police Department and Perry County Sheriff’s Office -- began trying to locate the suspects on January 17. As of Sunday, January 27, the following individuals have been arrested: • Teresa Lynn Carr, age 41, of Broadway, Hazard, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (Percocet). • Karis Jean Causey, age 55, of Hemlock Street, Hazard, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second offense (OxyContin). • Samuel T. Eddington, age 31, Lauren Paige Lane, Hazard, five counts attempt/obtaining controlled substances by fraud or false statement. • Troy J. Fugate, age 43, Entertainment Drive, Bonnyman, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (Methadone and Oxycodone). • Ale R. Keith, age 33, Laurel Street, Hazard, one count each first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (Methadone) and second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (Lorcet). • Bobby Shepherd, age 34, Hooterville, Dice, three counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (Methamphetamine, Hydrocodone and Percocet). • Sandra Lee Shepherd, age 39, Hooterville, Dice, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (Hydrocodone). The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. DUI Fatal Collision on KY 11 in Clay CountyOn Friday, January 25, 2008, approximately 7:01 PM the Kentucky State Police responded to a, two vehicle traffic crash, with injury, on KY 11, 5 miles south of Manchester, in Clay County. Upon arrival Trooper Josh Wilson discovered that Unit one a Red, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado truck, driven by Russell Gray, 53, of Manchester was southbound on KY 11 when it crossed the centerline and struck unit two head-on. Unit two a Red, 1987 Ford Ranger truck, driven by Eugene Scottie Henson, 20, of Manchester was northbound on KY 11 when it was struck head-on. Mr. Henson and a juvenile passenger were airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington for treatment. The 17 year old female passenger was pronounced dead by the Fayette County Coroner at approximately 9:21 PM. Mr. Henson was listed in Critical Condition. Neither Mr. Henson nor his passenger was wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. No drug or alcohol involvement is suspected by Mr. Henson. Mr. Gray, who was wearing his seat belt, was transported to Manchester Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Alcohol involvement by Mr. Gray is suspected. Upon release Mr. Gray was arrested and charged with DUI 1ST, Murder, Assault 1ST, and other traffic related charges. Mr. Gray was lodged in the Clay County Detention Center. The incident is still under investigation by Trooper Josh Wilson, who was assisted at the scene by the Clay County Sheriff's Office, the Clay County EMS and the Lockhart's Creek Fire Department. 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. Robbery and Theft Arrest in Laurel CountyOn Sunday, January 27, 2008, approximately 4:30 AM Officers with the Kentucky State Police, London Police Department and the Laurel County Sheriff's Department responded to a theft in progress complaint on White Oak Church Road, 5 miles west of London in Laurel County. Upon arrival KSP Sergeant Steve Walker learned an unknown male subject entered a 1989 Buick LeSabre and upon being confronted by the owner allegedly fired shots and sped away. The owner then followed the subject until he crashed the vehicle and fled on foot allegedly firing shots again. After an intensive three and one half hour search, conducted by all agencies, the subject was located and arrested. Sergeant Walker charged Timothy P. Combs, 30, of London with Robbery 1ST Degree, Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (2 counts), Burglary 3RD Degree, and Theft by Unlawful Taking. Combs was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center. Sergeant Walker, who continues the investigation, was assisted at the scene by officers of the London Police Department, the Laurel County Sheriff's Office and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. 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. Key National Security Legislation Blocked Again‘So here we are, once again pushed up against a looming deadline because of a pattern of misplaced priorities and partisan delay’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the Democrats’ decision to block passage of the bipartisan Rockefeller-Bond FISA legislation: “We’re now only a few days away from expiration of the Protect America Act — days away from a situation in which the Intelligence Community will be unable to freely monitor new terrorist targets overseas. We are flirting with disaster, and the American people deserve to know how we got in this predicament. So let’s review. “Ten months ago the Director of National Intelligence asked us to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Our Democratic friends waited until July to take up a bill that agreed with his recommendations, it wasn’t until August that Congress finally answered his pleas by authorizing for six months the overseas surveillance of foreign terrorist targets with the Protect America Act. “When our Democratic friends got back from the August break, they vowed to quickly address what they decried as the shortcomings in the Protect America Act. The Senate Intelligence Committee took on the task. Reforming FISA was complicated and demanding work. But the Committee members came together, as they were intended to, along with the Executive Branch, as was necessary. “Everyone involved acted with determination, deliberation, and skill. The process lasted for months. It involved numerous hearings, briefings, and negotiation sessions. And the final product was a model of bipartisanship and accommodation, across the Senate aisle and with the White House. The Committee vote wasn’t 15-0, but around here 13-2 is nearly as impressive. “But what was perhaps even more impressive is the fact that such a broad coalition of players had come together to meet the minimum standards required of any legislation that replaces the Protect America Act — something that allows the intelligence community to operate without unreasonable and counterproductive restrictions; which protects phone carriers from frivolous lawsuits for helping the government hunt for terrorists; and which is guaranteed to be signed into law. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t until just before the Christmas break that our Democratic colleagues decided to even turn back to this vital issue. And even then we had to listen to a filibuster against FISA reform. Then, when we began this session, our Democratic colleagues delayed consideration of FISA reform again by moving to the Indian Health bill instead. “So here we are, once again pushed up against a looming deadline. During last week’s consideration of the FISA reauthorization, the Majority said it would not consider 60-vote thresholds for votes. It did not offer time agreements. Nor did it make any effort to limit the number of amendments. In short, the Senate faces a legislative logjam that ensures that we will let the February 1st deadline come and go without making a reasonable effort to enact a law. “It shouldn’t have turned out this way. The Administration negotiated in good faith with the Democratic Majority on the committee that has the technical, operational expertise to handle this subject. And in the course of painstaking negotiations, the Administration made tough concessions to our Democratic colleagues. It did this in order to arrive at a fair, bipartisan result that would allow it to continue to protect the Homeland. Now that work is being brushed aside. “The menu of amendments to the Intelligence Committee bill is little more than an effort to renegotiate this hard-won deal, an effort to deconstruct the bipartisan Intelligence Committee bill, and reconstruct — amendment by amendment — the divisive Judiciary Committee bill that was tabled by a strong, bipartisan majority. That bill will not — I repeat, will not — become law. “Reconstructing the Judiciary Committee bill is a pointless exercise. And with only five days until the Protect America Act expires, it is an exercise we do not have the luxury to engage in. We can get serious and pass the bipartisan Intelligence Committee product, or we can waste time voting on poison pill amendments that weaken that bill and that will prevent it from becoming law. “I urge my colleagues to make the right choice, to vote for cloture so we can continue to protect the Homeland and against cloture on the 30-day extension. We cannot delay this important legislation for another month. That said, if we can’t complete this bill, Republicans will not allow this critical program to expire and will offer a short-term extension, if necessary.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Greer named Fair Board chairmanAgricultural Commissioner Richie Farmer visits with Lanny Greer during last year's State Fair. (Jim Trammel photo)The Kentucky State Fair Board has elected a bank president from Manchester, Ky., as its new chairman. Lanny Greer, president and CEO of First National Bank of Manchester, has served on the Fair Board since 1997 and was chairman in 2004 and 2005. He also is a past president of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce. Greer succeeds Tom Schifano, manager partner of Louisville insurance brokerage firm Arison Insurance Services Inc. Schifano was chairman of the 15-member Fair Board for 2006 and 2007. The board also re-elected Ron Carmicle, president of River City Development Corp. in Louisville, as vice chairman. The Kentucky State Fair Board operates the Kentucky Exposition Center and the Kentucky International Convention Center. It also will manage a new 22,000-seat multi-use arena in downtown Louisville that is scheduled to open in fall 2010.
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Post by Press Release on Jan 31, 2008 16:05:47 GMT -5
Clay minister indicted in money laundering caseWayne Reid, age 60, of Oneida, Kentucky, was indicted December 19, 2007, for money laundering conspiracy and the harboring of a fugitive. The Indictment alleges that Reid did conspire with others to knowingly conduct and engage in financial and monetary transactions in criminally derived property which involved the proceeds of trafficking in controlled substances with the intent to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of proceeds of said trafficking and harboring and concealing Larry Golden Jackson, Jr., for whom an arrest warrant had been issued under the provisions of a law of the United States, so as to prevent the discovery and arrest of Larry Golden Jackson, Jr., after notice and knowledge of the fact that a warrant had been issued for the apprehension of Larry Golden Jackson, Jr. In addition, it is alleged that the Defendant conducted financial transactions regarding the sale of Deer Creek Quick Stop and various pieces of construction equipment which involved drug proceeds. The Government is seeking forfeiture of $1 million as well as several tracts of real property. James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Madie Branch, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and Tracy A. Reinhold, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today after Reid appeared in Court. Reid was arraigned on the indictment today and set for trial on April 8, 2008, before United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves. Reid was released on a $200,000 cash bond with home detention. The investigation preceding the Indictment was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen C. Smith. If convicted, Reid faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence. The indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only, and that person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky LOW-INCOME CITIZENS CAN GET VOUCHERS TO HAVE THEIR PETS SPAYED OR NEUTERED Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has announced that low-income Kentuckians again may apply for vouchers to help offset the cost of having their pets spayed or neutered. The Kentucky Animal Control Advisory Board voted recently to spend $100,000 on the program. “The voucher program is very popular, and I thank the board for providing more funding,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “I also want to express my appreciation to participating veterinarians. They’re helping the state deal with a real public safety issue and reduce the number of unwanted animals in the state. They’re also helping pet owners who want to do the right thing.” Previous rounds of funding for vouchers were exhausted in a few weeks. Pet owners with annual household incomes of $30,000 or less may get a voucher application from the Department’s Web site, from participating veterinarians, or by calling the Department toll-free at 1-888-297-9093. Applicants must return the completed application with proof of low income to the KDA. The participant will be responsible for a $20 co-pay per procedure, to be paid to the veterinarian. Vouchers must be redeemed no later than 60 days after the date they are issued. Each approved household will be eligible for up to two vouchers. Pets to be spayed or neutered must be 6 months old or older. The voucher program is funded primarily with proceeds from the sale of spay and neuter license plates. The plates are available for an initial fee of $25 and an annual renewal fee of $20. Vehicle owners can get the spay and neuter license plate by applying at their county clerk’s office. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. FBI Identifies Recurring Fraudulent E-mail ScamThe FBI has recently developed information indicating cyber criminals are attempting to once again send fraudulent e-mails to unsuspecting recipients stating that someone has filed a complaint against them or their company with the Department of Justice or another organization such as the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, or the Better Business Bureau. Information obtained during the FBI investigation has been provided to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS has taken steps to alert their public and private sector partners with the release of a Critical Infrastructure Information Notice (CIIN). The e-mails are intended to appear as legitimate messages from the above departments, and they address the recipients by name, and other personal information may be contained within the e-mail. Consistent with previous efforts, the scam will likely be an effort to secure Personally Identifiable Information. The nature of these types of scams is to create a sense of urgency for the recipient to provide a response through clicking on a hyperlink, opening an attachment, or initiating a telephone call. It is believed this e-mail refers to a complaint that is in the form of an attachment, which actually contains virus software designed to steal passwords from the recipient. The virus is wrapped in a screensaver file wherein most anti-virus programs are unable to detect its malicious intent. Once downloaded, the virus is designed to monitor username and password logins, and record the activity, as well as other password-type information, entered on the compromised machine. “Through FBI investigations we frequently uncover information about ongoing cyber attacks and scams. We share this information through our partnership with DHS to alert the public and the private sector,” noted James E. Finch, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Cyber Division. Be wary of any e-mail received from an unknown sender. Do not open any unsolicited e-mail and do not click on any links provided. To receive the latest information about cyber scams please go to the FBI website and sign up for e-mail alerts by clicking on one of the red envelopes. If you have received a scam e-mail please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov. For more information on e-scams, please visit the FBI's New E-Scams and Warnings webpage. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky office of the FBI. Law Enforcement and Drug Eradication Programs to Receive Over $8 Million in Federal FundingRepresentative Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that anti-drug initiatives and a rural law enforcement program will receive $8.4 million in federal funding. Two programs that combat drugs, the Appalachian High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and the Daniel Boone National Forest Drug eradication program, will receive $6 million and $900,000 respectively. The Rural Law Enforcement Technology Center (RULETC), operated by the Center for Rural Development, will receive $1.5 million. The President signed the bill into law late last year as part of a wider measure funding nearly all federal government operations for 2008. “In our region, we are serious about getting rid of drugs and crime,” said Rogers. “This funding will ensure that law enforcement has the right tools so criminals are brought to justice and make an impact on reducing drug trafficking. We owe it to our children to keep up the fight against crime and drugs, and help people lead happy, productive, and drug-free lives.” This funding comes in addition to a $23 million investment Rogers also secured last year for various drug-fighting initiatives, the most prominent of which is Operation UNITE. The Appalachian HIDTA program is run by the Office of National Drug Control Policy and combats marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other drugs. The Daniel Boone National Forest Drug eradication program seeks to root out marijuana production where it is grown. A combination of state and federal workers, including state police, National Guard members, DEA agents, and the U.S. Forest Service, form a team that searches remote areas of the forest where producers attempt to hide their plants. RULETC links rural law enforcement with a vast network of technology and agencies across the country to help them better serve the nation’s smaller areas and the unique challenges they face. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the fifth Congressional district. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Feasibility study examines new entrance to Kingdom Come State ParkNew entrance to better accommodate motoristsMANCHESTER, Ky.— The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is conducting a feasibility study to determine the best options for improving the entrance to Kingdom Come State Park at Cumberland in Harlan County. Cabinet officials say a new entrance will better accommodate motorists traveling to the park. The study will analyze the area between KY 1254 and the park to seek potential routes. One potential route begins at the state park and connects to KY 1254 near US 119, a length of approximately one mile. Survey crews are scheduled to begin staking center lines during the next few weeks in preparation for core drilling that will determine soil and rock types. Concerns about rock formations in the area could affect the location of the entrance. Motorists and residents should be alert to crews working in the area through the summer of 2008. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways, District 11. Going out of Business for too longAttorney General Jack Conway announced that his Office of Consumer Protection has obtained a restraining order from Fayette Circuit Court against Oriental Rug Warehouse of Lexington, d/b/a Khazai Oriental Rug Gallery, located in the Lexington Green Shopping Center. The restraining order, also entered against the businesses’ sole officer, David Khazai, requires the defendants to immediately cease operations at the Lexington Green location. In addition to seeking injunctive relief, the Attorney General’s law suit seeks civil penalties of $2,000 as permitted under the Consumer Protection Act. According to the complaint filed in Fayette Circuit Court, the defendant violated the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act by continuing to operate a going-out-of-business sale after the expiration of its license on December 26, 2007. Under the law, to protect consumers and other competing businesses, a going- out-of-business sale must be concluded within 30 days, or 60 days if the business obtains an extension. The defendant’s sale started on October 20, 2007 and its one allowed extension expired on December 26. Despite the expiration and notice from the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection that it was facing legal action if it continued to operate, the defendant failed to end the sale. “It is unfair to ethical businesses and to consumers for a business to claim that it is going out of business, advertise huge savings and then to never actually close its doors,” Conway said. “This office will continue to vigorously enforce the Consumer Protection Act to protect Kentucky’s consumers and the ethical businesses in our Commonwealth that do their level best to play by the rules.” The preceding press release was from Lawmakers announce legislation to open court proceedings in child-protection casesChief Justice Joseph E. Lambert, Rep. Susan Westrom and Rep. Tom Burch announced legislation at a news conference today that would open certain Kentucky child-protection proceedings to the public. Child-protection court cases typically involve dependency, neglect and abuse, and termination of parental rights. Currently, all juvenile court proceedings in Kentucky are closed and the records sealed. The legislation would not include opening juvenile criminal proceedings. The legislation, which is expected to be filed this week, would authorize the creation of three to seven pilot projects to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of opening child-protection proceedings to the public. The pilot projects would operate for four years and would help determine if the practice should be expanded statewide. The pilot sites have not been identified. “This legislation is a groundbreaking first step in allowing greater public access to juvenile court proceedings,” Chief Justice Lambert said. “It is vitally important that we maintain public trust and confidence in our child welfare system. This pilot program will give us time to learn whether opening child-protection proceedings to the public will bring about substantive improvements in our ability to protect Kentucky’s children.” Rep. Westrom, D-Lexington, will be the bill’s primary sponsor, and Rep. Burch, D-Louisville, will be the main co-sponsor. “It’s been a pleasure working on this initiative with the Chief Justice, who has the same desire I do in making sure families feel safe and heard in our courtrooms,” Rep. Westrom said. Increased transparency in child-protection proceedings may enhance accountability among judges, attorneys, social workers and other professionals who have roles in those cases, Chief Justice Lambert said. Opening the courts would also serve as a way to alert interested parties to the proceedings who would otherwise be unaware of them, such as extended family members who might want to show support. Rep. Burch, who is chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee, said it is important for the public to have the ability to witness court proceedings in child-protection cases. “It’s about time the courts are opened up to let people see what goes on in decisions involving families,” Rep. Burch said. “By opening up the courts, I feel the public would be better informed and would see the good and the bad in some of the court decisions. I really appreciate the help and involvement of Chief Justice Lambert in bringing this legislation forward. He is showing great leadership.” If the legislation passes, Chief Justice Lambert will be responsible for creating the corresponding Rules of Administrative Procedures under which the program would operate. During the four-year pilot period, the Administrative Office of the Courts would monitor the program’s guidelines and limitations, suggest potential improvements and recommend rule changes if the initiative were to be implemented statewide. Under the legislation, the AOC would provide an annual report to the Legislative Research Commission, which would include statistics, findings and recommendations. The AOC would also prepare periodic progress and statistical reports and provide suggestions to the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare and the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary at the discretion of Chief Justice Lambert. Further study of opening court proceedings in child-protection cases was a recommendation of the Transparency Workgroup of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Blue Ribbon Panel on Adoption. Reps. Westrom and Burch are members of the panel, which is chaired by CHFS Deputy Secretary Steve Nunn. “We view this legislation as an opportunity to explore the issue of transparency on a pilot basis,” Deputy Secretary Nunn said. “We look forward to working with the courts to determine whether and when transparency is appropriate, while balancing the best interests of children in our care.” Rep. Kathy Stein, D-Lexington, praised the Blue Ribbon Panel on Adoption for its efforts. “The task force doing this work is to be congratulated for its production of this good beginning of a solution for a complex problem,” said Rep. Stein, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee. Kentucky is one of approximately 20 states that have completely closed proceedings in child-protection cases, according to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Other states have varying degrees of openness in their courts. As the administrative and fiscal agent for the Kentucky Court of Justice, the AOC supports the activities of approximately 4,000 court system employees, including the elected offices of justices, judges and circuit court clerks. The preceding press release was from Bunning Opening Statement On The Economic Stimulus PackageSenate Finance CommitteeIn nearly every case, I believe it is important for this committee - - because of its expertise in tax policy - - to review tax legislation before it goes to the full Senate. This situation may be one of the exceptions, because of the urgent need to address the rapidly deteriorating state of our economy. But, I appreciate the willingness of the Chairman to move quickly. Many economists are skeptical about a fiscal stimulus, because Congress typically acts too late. Today, we are proving that Congress can act quickly. Members can put aside their differences and work together for the common good when we face a clear threat to our economy. Over the past several months, we have witnessed an unprecedented decline in the real estate market. This is something that we were all told could never happen, but it is happening, and it has sparked a global credit crunch. The housing market represents only 4% of our economy, but its effect on the availability of credit is much more substantial. It is encouraging to see both parties coming together to respond to this crisis, and I appreciate that many people have made sacrifices to their legislative priorities to craft the package that the house passed overwhelmingly on Tuesday. I don’t know if we can improve the house bill, but I do know we can make it worse. Therefore, I will be watching this process closely, and if, in the end, the resulting package is less likely to spur the economy before the 4th quarter of this year - - which I believe is essential - - I will oppose it here, and on the floor of the Senate. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Senate passes drug treatment bill, headed to HouseA proposal to help arrested drug addicts be treated before heading to trial won unanimous approval in the Senate today. Senate Bill 72, co-sponsored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Dan Kelly, R-Springfield, and Senate Minority Floor Leader Ed Worley, D-Richmond, passed on a 36-0 vote and now heads to the House for its consideration. "What we're doing is not working," Worley said. Kelly noted that if the state spending on correction now had kept pace with spending in 1970, it would cost $50 million to house prisoners today. Instead, he said, the commonwealth spends around $400 million. Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, recognized the impact on the state budget. "We're sacrificing educational dollars for prison dollars," he said. Under the plan, those charged with a felony would be screened for substance abuse problems before they appear for trial. At the trial judge's discretion, the offender could be ordered into a recovery program as a condition of bail. If they completed the pretrial diversion program and did not commit any other offenses, the charges could eventually be dropped and no felony listed on their record. Kelly said any notion that bill was "soft on crime" was unfounded. "What we see now is that ... they're still addicted when they're released on bail, they re-offend before they go to trial, and now they're looking at 10 years in prison" when they could have been treated and returned to normal society as productive citizens. Buford said treatment was a key component toward keeping offenders out of jail over the long term. "They're not being rehabilitated when they're in prison," he said. "They're learning how to become better criminals when they get out." Under the plan, the state corrections system would also set aside at least 200 beds in a secure facility for people who have been charged with a felony and have substance abuse issues. Prisoners in the program would voluntarily undergo intensive counseling for at least 90 days as well as skills training to make sure they can overcome their addictions. An aftercare plan would also be in place for each participant, including referral to a local substance abuse counselor, to make sure they stayed away from their vices upon leaving the facility. "We know from research that just 2-3 weeks in the program won't do it," Kelly said of both pre-trial diversion programs. "Working is the highest predictor of a person's success." The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch.
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Post by Press Release on Feb 4, 2008 19:13:51 GMT -5
Senate approves military aid legislationSeveral measures related to the military were approved in the Senate, including a bill aimed at offering tax relief to those serving in the armed forces. "This has been a good day in the Kentucky State Senate for the members of the armed forces," said Senate Majority Floor Leader Dan Kelly, R-Springfield. Senate Bill 85, sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Tori, R-Radcliff, would create a $17 million tax rebate fund. The money would then be used for full rebates on taxes paid on military income, including active duty military members, reservists, and National Guard troops. "Kentucky is one of only five states that do not offer relief for our military," Tori said. "Today's military men and women live in a different world that before. Some depend on food stamps, their benefits are being diminished, and their pay is not equal to their work." Sen. Joey Pendleton, D-Hopkinsville, noted that many soldiers at Fort Campbell, in his district, claim citizenship in other states to save money. With 5,000 troops moving to the military base as a result of realignment, "it'll say to the troops, 'We want you to live in Kentucky because we appreciate what you do.'" Base Realignment and Closure has also expanded in Tori's district. "BRAC at Fort Knox will have an economic impact on this commonwealth exceeding $1 billion," she said. "It's imperative our state does its share in welcoming this opportunity for economic development." Senate Bill 111, which Tori also sponsored, would create a $296 million bond pool as well as an economic development commission to prioritize projects concerning transportation, education, and other infrastructure issues around the base. "By this action we stand ready to receive more missions in the next round of base realignment," she said. Senators also approved Senate Bill 68, which would allow Kentucky to join an interstate compact to make interstate school transitions easier on children of military service members, as well as Senate Joint Resolution 5, which would designate roads passing Fort Knox and Fort Campbell as "The Purple Heart Trail." All four pieces of legislation now move 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 Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Kentucky to Receive $4.6 Million for Emergency Management CapabilitiesRepresentative Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY05) announced that Kentucky is slated to receive $4.6 million in U.S. Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management Performance Grants. These funds assist state and local emergency operations centers – the coordination hubs during multi-agency responses to potential terrorism and natural disasters. Emergency management agencies bring together law enforcement, fire, EMS and public health, to coordinate government resources and maximize preparedness, response and recovery measures. “We must enable our first responders on the front lines to work seamlessly with each other,” said Rep. Rogers. “These funds will increase Kentucky’s ability to manage those complex, multi-jurisdictional incidents where seconds count and lives are at stake.” The Emergency Management Performance Grant program provides funding to State Administrative Agencies, including the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, to boost capabilities at emergency operations centers across the country. Rogers is the top member of his party on the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, which writes the federal budget for DHS and has direct oversight of the Department’s wide-ranging security efforts. As a senior member of this committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in Kentucky. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Monthly Activity from All KSP Post 11 CountiesThe Kentucky State Police, Post 11, London, which serves Clay, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne and Whitley counties, reports the following monthly activity for January 2008. 2,614 citations were issued (of which 486 were speeding, 186 were seat belt, 16 were child restraint and 97 were for DUI), 946 courtesy notices (warnings) written, 2,356 vehicles inspected, 1,765 complaints answered, 222 motorists assisted, 77 criminal cases opened, 539 criminal arrests made and investigated 80 traffic crashes with two fatalities reported (one on 01-08-2008 and one on 01-25-2008). 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. Rebate Checks Being Slowed by Politics‘These are precisely the kind of shenanigans Americans had been hoping we could get past this year’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need to put politics aside and immediately pass the bipartisan economic growth package: “Americans are probably wondering why the rebate checks we’ve been talking about now for almost a month are still being debated on the floor of the Senate, and we owe them an answer. Two weeks ago they saw what looked like a bipartisan agreement between Democrats and Republicans in Congress and the White House over the details of a deal. “They saw Speaker Pelosi and Leader Boehner, to their great credit, resist the temptation to add pet projects that they knew would only slow the package down — and rob it of its stimulative effect. They heard a chorus of pleas from economists, trade groups, and members of both parties in both chambers endorsing this approach. This package had to be targeted and it had to be timely, or it wouldn’t work at all. “So most days we find ourselves trying to explain to people why it takes so long to do things in the Senate. But this time was going to be different. Here was that rare situation when both parties agreed to put politics and individual interests aside and come together for the good of the people. But then the stimulus bullet train turned into a rickety stage coach here in the Senate. “When it got right down to it, Senate Democrats couldn’t do what House Democrats had done. They couldn’t resist — just once — a chance to play politics. If Americans are wondering why their checks aren’t in the mail, they can find it in last week’s news clips. “Of particular interest is an AP story entitled ‘Politics Creeps into Stimulus Package.’ Democrats are holding onto the stimulus bill, the article said, not to speed up the rebate checks, but to try to make Republicans look bad in November. Asked about the amendments we were expecting to take up this week, the Senior Senator from New York said, quote: ‘It’s tough votes for them.’ It’s tough votes for them. “Now, the same AP article also helpfully points out that the Senior Senator from New York is no sideline observer in this debate. It notes that he moonlights as chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. For people outside the Beltway, that means he’s is in charge of recruiting and helping Democrat candidates for the Senate — which, this week, according to the AP, evidently involves holding up the stimulus bill over votes he thinks will help his candidates against Republicans in November. Now I don’t know if the thrust of this article was entirely accurate. “But if it was, these are precisely the kind of shenanigans Americans had been hoping we could get past this year. And, frankly, Senate Republicans were hopeful after the speed with which the House approved its version of the growth package that Senate Democrats would also see the wisdom in coming together to deliver relief in a timely manner. It’s disappointing that politics would come to play a part in a deal that seemed refreshingly free from it for a change. “But unfortunately, it seems the never-ending campaign that tainted so much of last year’s Senate business has carried over to this year. Last night my good friend the Majority Leader suggested that Republicans were delaying action on the stimulus plan because we asked for some time to review his latest proposal — a full four days after he said he would deliver it. “Never mind that passage of the Senate Democrats’ bill forces a conference, worsening an already-prolonged process. Never mind that once we did take a look, we noticed an extra $1 billion in spending, which I think most Americans would consider a significant addition. And never mind that our friends on the other side had no intention of voting on the package today anyway. “We could have disposed of this stimulus package a week ago. But our Democratic colleagues wanted, as they said, to put their ‘stamp’ on it. I don’t think Americans care one bit whether this bill has a Republican or a Democratic stamp on it. “They are completely fed up with political gotcha. Americans want — and deserve — results. Taxpayers will get their rebate checks and businesses will get their much-needed relief. But not without having to watch a show here for a few more days or a week — put on for the sake of a depressingly familiar political circus. That’s unacceptable to Republicans. “I presume it’s unacceptable to the 385 Democrats and Republicans who votes the stimulus package out of the House. It’s unacceptable to the more than 100 million American families who are probably still wondering why we’re talking about this bill at all.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Funding For Chemical Weapons Cleanup At The Blue Grass Army DepotSenator Jim Bunning issued the following statement regarding the funding request for chemical weapons cleanup at the Blue Grass Army Depot included in the President’s budget for Fiscal Year 2009. "I am glad to see that the President’s budget addresses the need to clean up the chemical weapons at Kentucky’s Blue Grass Army Depot and to finish the job by the year 2017. I have often raised concerns about the lack of urgency with which the Department of Defense has handled funding the cleanup at the Blue Grass Army Depot. I’m glad to see that they have finally gotten the message and are taking the necessary steps to get it done. "I firmly believe we have an obligation to the citizens of Kentucky to dispose of these weapons as quickly and safely as possible. And there has been no bigger advocate in the effort than my colleague and friend Senator McConnell. I am proud to have worked side by side with Senator McConnell on this important issue. He deserves loads of credit for holding the administration’s feet to the fire in the effort to get these dangerous weapons cleaned up." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Injury Collision on Hal Rogers Parkway in Laurel County(London, KY) - On Monday 02-04-2008 at approximately 5:27 PM the Kentucky State Police responded to a two vehicle traffic crash, with injury, on the Hal Rogers Parkway 6 miles east of London, in Laurel County. Upon arrival KSP Trooper Mike King determined a 2004 White, Ford, Crown Victoria Police vehicle, operated by Whitley County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua R. Wolfe, 24, of Williamsburg, KY, was west bound on the Hal Rogers Parkway. Wolfe lost control of his vehicle, on the rain soaked roadway, after passing another westbound vehicle and struck the westbound side guardrail. Wolfe then traveled back onto the roadway and entered the path of an eastbound vehicle operated by Vance Mosley, 69, of Mozelle, KY. Mosley was operating a 2001, Silver, Dodge Durango, during the crash. Both drivers were transported to the Saint Joseph - London Medical Center for treatment of their injuries. No drug or alcohol usage is suspected. Seatbelt usage is still under investigation. KSP Traffic Crash Reconstructionist Trooper Greg Hill continues the investigation and was assisted by KSP Traffic Crash Reconstructionist Detective Mike Bowling, Trooper Mike King, Trooper Nick Metcalf, officers from the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, the Laurel County Fire Department, the Laurel County Rescue Squad and the Kentucky Highway Department. 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. Shell gives guilty plea to cocain and gun chargesHenry Shell, age 36, of Manchester, Kentucky, pleaded guilty on January 22, 2008, to conspiring to distribute and distributing cocaine, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm before United States District Court Judge Danny C. Reeves after being indicted in April of 2007. In the course of his guilty plea, Shell admitted to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Tracy A. Reinhold, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement after Shell entered his guilty plea. The investigation was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen C. Smith. Shell is currently scheduled to appear for sentencing in United States District Court in London, Ky., on May 5, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. Shell faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years in prison. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky office of the FBI. McConnell Gets Increase for Blue Grass Army Depot in President’s Budget RequestSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell was successful in convincing the Department of Defense to increase the President’s annual budget request for disposal of chemical weapons at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond, Kentucky. Last December, Senator McConnell wrote Secretary of Defense Robert Gates urging him to add funding to the President’s Fiscal Year 2009 budget for cleanup at the facility. In January, Secretary Gates responded to McConnell in writing telling him that he agreed with his request and added nearly $50 million in funding to the President’s budget for the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (ACWA) program. Prior to this announcement, the funding for the ACWA program had been set at $351 million – the budget now stands at nearly $398 million. This marks the third consecutive year Senator McConnell persuaded DOD to increase the President’s budget for ACWA before it was submitted to Congress. “I am pleased that Secretary Gates agreed with me about the importance of increasing funding for chemical weapons disposal,” McConnell said. “His decision to provide nearly $50 million more in his budget request for the ACWA program will help ensure that the chemical weapons stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot are not only disposed of safely but also more quickly.” “This is only the first step in the FY ’09 budget process,” McConnell added. “But as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will fight to secure these additional resources in the final bill.” Also included in the letter, Secretary Gates discussed the implementation of the 2017 deadline for disposal of the chemical weapons at the Blue Grass Army Depot, which Senator McConnell got enacted into law last year. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. BLUEGRASS BEEKEEPING SCHOOL RETURNS TO FRANKFORTBeekeepers at every experience level will benefit from the Bluegrass Beekeeping School March 8 at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. National and international beekeeping experts will deliver presentations on production, business issues, value-added beeswax products and more. Dr. Rick Fell, professor of entomology at Virginia Tech University, will conduct the opening session. Other presenters include Dr. Stu Jacobson of the University of Illinois at Springfield, Adony Melathopoulos of the Lacombe Research Centre in Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada, and Tennessee State Apiarist Mike Studer. Dr. Tom Webster of Kentucky State University will conduct a beginner’s track of classes for new and novice beekeepers. A vendor trade show will be offered. Pre-registration is $20 and should be mailed by March 4. Registration at the door is $25. Registration includes lunch. Family rates and discounts for children are available. For more information, go to www.kyagr.com and click on Beekeeping or contact state apiarist Phil Craft at (502) 564-3956 or phil.craft@ky.gov. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
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Post by Press Release on Feb 6, 2008 16:48:16 GMT -5
McConnell on the 98th Anniversary of the Founding of the Boy Scouts of AmericaSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor marking the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. “Today marks the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. Boy Scouting had already been established in Great Britain a few years earlier by the father of Scouting, General Robert Baden-Powell, when the American William Boyce paid a visit to that country. Legend has it that the Chicago publisher found himself lost on a foggy London street. A Boy Scout came to his aid and led him to his destination. When Boyce offered the boy a tip, he refused, saying that as a Scout it was his duty to do a good turn. “Today, nearly 3 million boys and over 1 million adult leaders participate in Boy Scouting. It is one of our country’s most vital institutions to teach character, leadership and civic responsibility to our children. BSA membership since 1910 totals more than 111 million. With programs including Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouting, Webelos, Varsity Scouting and Venturing, boys from as young as 7 to as old as 20 have the opportunity to participate in Boy Scouting. With parents often serving as adult leaders, Boy Scouting is a family activity. “Boys who are successful in Scouting often grow up to be successful in life—and my colleagues in this chamber can attest to that. We have 35 former Boy Scouts in the Senate of the 110th Congress, and 147 in the House of Representatives. And this Senate has 10 members who earned Scouting’s highest distinction, the rank of Eagle Scout. “Every Boy Scout learns at his first meeting the Scout Law, which states: ‘A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.’ Our country is stronger because millions of boys have learned these words. They are the values of Scouting, and they are the values of America.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. State's Flu Activity Now Classified as WidespreadKentucky’s influenza (flu) activity has been classified as “widespread,” the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) announced today. The “widespread” classification indicates the highest level of flu activity, with laboratory-confirmed flu cases occurring in at least half of the regions of the state. But DPH officials want Kentuckians to know the opportunity to get vaccinated for flu and pneumonia is still available. “We are letting our residents know that it is not too late to vaccinate against flu and pneumonia, especially since there is a plentiful supply of flu vaccine this year,” said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of DPH and acting undersecretary for health at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “An annual flu vaccine – either the flu shot or the nasal-spray flu vaccine – is the best way to reduce the chances of getting the flu.” Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Flu is responsible for approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths a year in the United States. Infants and the elderly population are most at risk of serious illness, hospitalization or death from the flu. While it can be a serious disease that can result in extended time away from work and school, influenza is preventable. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against flu virus infection. Although almost anyone who wants protection against influenza can receive a flu shot, annual flu vaccinations are particularly recommended for: all children ages 6-59 months (6 months to 4 years of age); adults 65 or older; people age 2-64 with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, asthma or diabetes; women who will be pregnant during flu season; residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; children 6 months to 18 years old on chronic aspirin therapy; health care workers; household contacts of children less than 6 months old; and caregivers of people with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from the flu. All healthy individuals ages 50 to 64 are also strongly recommended to receive flu vaccine. In addition to flu vaccine, state health department officials encourage all adults age 65 or older and others in high risk groups to ask their health care provider about the pneumoccal vaccine. This vaccine can help prevent pneumonia, one of the flu’s most serious and potentially deadly complications. For more information about flu and pneumonia vaccine availability, contact your local health department or primary care provider. The preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker. McConnell Statement on the President’s Budget ProposalSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following on the President’s FY’09 budget: “The President proposed pro-growth policies aligned with our long-term economic goals. The best way to ensure lasting health for the U.S. economy is to keep taxes low and spending in check so that U.S. businesses remain competitive and American families have more to invest. “It now falls to Congress to fully and fairly consider this budget proposal. As we do, we must ensure the priorities of balanced budgets, lasting tax relief for American workers and job creators, continued security, and sustained prosperity are protected. The Senate must take care not to undo the economic expansion policies contained in the proposed growth package by increasing the size of government instead of the size of the economy. “While this is only the first step in the budget process, I will work with the delegation to ensure that essential Kentucky priorities are protected in the final budget.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Teacher ScholarshipKentucky students who want to become teachers may qualify for a scholarship from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). Applicants must show financial need and must be enrolled full-time in a teacher education program at a participating Kentucky college to receive a KHEAA Teacher Scholarship. Teachers who are already certified are not eligible. The amount a student may receive depends on funding and the student’s year in school. The most a college junior or above may receive is $2,500 for each spring and fall semester. If funds remain, college freshmen and sophomores may receive up to $625 per semester. Recipients must teach at a school certified by the Kentucky Department of Education. Recipients who do not finish their teacher education program or do not teach at a certified Kentucky school must repay the scholarship with 6 percent interest. Students who wish to apply must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a KHEAA Teacher Scholarship application. To complete the application, go to www.kheaa.com and log on through Zip Access. To file the FAFSA, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students may request up to three copies of the paper FAFSA by calling (800) 4-FED-AID. KHEAA must receive the scholarship application and the FAFSA results by May 1. Recipients will be notified in early July. To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education and to access the FAFSA, go to www.GoHigherKY.org. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602-0798; or call (800) 928-8926, extension 6-7381. For information about low-cost student loans, visit write The Student Loan People, P.O. Box 24328, Louisville, KY 40224-0328; or call (888) 678-4625. The preceding press release was from Bunning Statement On The Severe Weather In KentuckyJim BunningSenator Jim Bunning today issued the following statement on the severe weather that hit Kentucky. "Mary and I want to extend our prayers to the families that were affected by the severe weather that hit the Commonwealth last night," said Bunning. "I will be doing everything I can here at the federal level to see that those hit hardest by these storms receive all the help we can get for them." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Seven Die On Kentucky Roadways Last WeekJanuary 28 through February 3 Preliminary statistics* indicate that seven people died in seven separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, January 28 through Sunday, February 3, 2008. Seven of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and three of the victims were not wearing seat belts. One of the fatalities resulted from a crash involving alcohol. One of the fatalities was a pedestrian and occurred in Jefferson County. Single fatality crashes occurred in Estill, Grant, Hickman, Madison, Mercer, and Pike counties. Through February 3, preliminary statistics* indicate that 60 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is eight less than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 50 motor vehicle fatalities, 38 victims were not wearing seat belts. There have been 3 motorcycle fatalities and one of those was not wearing a helmet. A total of 15 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. Seven fatalities were pedestrians. Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas. 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. Beshear Rules Regarding State Aircraft to remain same as Fletcher'sDuring my campaign for Governor last year, I said there should be a clear set of rules regarding the Governor’s use of state aircraft to make certain that if any part of a particular trip was non-government related, all costs of that part would not be paid for by the taxpayers of Kentucky. Since I came into office on December 11, I have kept that promise. We instituted a policy (copy attached) which clearly allocates those costs. This policy was applied to the one and only trip I took in January, which had both governmental and non-governmental purposes. On that day, January 28, I flew to Paducah to speak with the Paducah Sun Editorial Board and then to the citizens of that area at the West Kentucky Community and Technical College about the financial condition of the state and my plans for future economic development. During the day I also attended several campaign events for Will Coursey, Democratic nominee for the House of Representatives in a special election to be held on February 5. The airplane costs for that trip are being allocated according to the policy in place, and the Kentucky Democratic Party is paying the non-governmental part of those costs. Any future flights involving trips, which have both governmental and non-governmental purposes, will be handled in the same way. This policy insures that no taxpayer money will ever be used to pay for any use of state aircraft which is non-government related. The preceding press release was from Senator McConnell Comments on Kentucky Storm DamageSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: “Mr. President, I want to start today by acknowledging the tragedy that has befallen several states in the South, including my home State of Kentucky. According to news reports, rare winter storms have struck across Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi. News reports indicate at least 44 people have been killed. Seven of those were in my state—four in Allen County, which is down along the Tennessee border; and three in Greenville, which is in Muhlenberg County in the western part of the Commonwealth. “Thousands more are left with damaged or destroyed property or are without power. The authorities are still working to determine the extent of the damage. I ask my colleagues to join me in praying for the families of the victims, and to all who have been touched by these terrible storms. State and local officials are working as hard as they can to survey the destruction, and get help to anyone who needs it.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. DOE to restructure federal participation in the FutureGen ProjectKentucky Governor Steve Beshear today directed officials of his administration to contact the U. S. Department of Energy advising them of the state’s interest in participating in future energy initiatives of the Department of Energy (DOE). This action was taken in response to a recent announcement by the DOE to restructure federal participation in the FutureGen Project. Governor Beshear directed the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy (GOEP) and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development to collaboratively solicit interest from public and private businesses and organizations to assist in responding to the federal Request for Information March 3 deadline for post-FutureGen projects. “I am disappointed that DOE appears to have decided to change course regarding the FutureGen Project in Illinois,” said Beshear. “However, Kentucky never quit working on energy initiatives when Illinois was selected as the FutureGen site. This is evidenced by the passage of H.B. 1 in last year’s special legislative session and the on-going work of groups like the University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research and the Kentucky Geological Survey. That, along with our vast natural resources, clearly makes Kentucky more ready than ever to take advantage of future federal investments in innovative energy development.” Beshear said that his administration is determined to effectively compete for the high-wage jobs resulting from the worldwide search for new and environmentally-responsible energy solutions. The Beshear administration has contacted the DOE to notify them of Kentucky’s intent to respond to their RFI and will be doing the same by letter. The GOEP and the Cabinet for Economic Development will jointly issue a state RFI and, using the information gathered from that, respond to the federal RFI. The preceding press release was from Rogers Announces Nearly $600,000 to Protect Kentucky’s Critical InfrastructureRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced that Kentucky is slated to receive $597,000 to protect critical infrastructure– power plants, chemical facilities, stadiums, and other high-risk assets, through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s buffer zone protection program. The funding will go to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to administer. “Terrorists wish to wreak the most havoc and inflict the most loss of life, economic and property destruction they can,” said Rogers. “They are on the lookout for our vulnerabilities and increasing our security measures around our state’s most critical assets keeps us ahead of their planning and plotting and might very well thwart the next possible attack.” A variety of upgraded security measures are eligible under the buffer zone protection program including protection against explosive attacks, preparedness planning and training, equipment and exercise funding. Rogers serves as the top member of his party on the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, which writes the federal budget for DHS, and has direct oversight of the Department’s wide-ranging security efforts. As a senior member of this committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in Kentucky. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Kentucky Division of Forestry to assist Texas Forest Service with wildland fire emergencyThe Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) is sending personnel and equipment to Texas to assist with their current wildland fire emergency. A total of 10 division employees, comprising two tractor/plow strike teams, reported to Granbury, Texas. The Texas Forest Service requested the additional assistance from KDF Saturday through the Southeastern Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact. There are currently 12 large fires burning in Texas with 31,982 acres turned. Due to last week’s heavy fire activity, resources were ordered from Kentucky as well as from around the country to assist with the fire emergency. Thirteen southern states make up the compact, which allows them to share skilled wildland firefighters and equipment. Member states help each other to the extent they can, depending on their own fire status. Division staff will be on compact detail for 14 days plus travel days, and Texas will reimburse KDF all personnel and equipment costs. KDF Director and Kentucky State Forester Leah MacSwords said, “We are fortunate that wildland fire conditions in Kentucky are currently stable, which allows us to provide these resources.” The division would like to remind citizens that Kentucky’s Spring Forest Fire Season begins Feb. 15 and runs through April 30. During this time, it is illegal for any person to burn within 150 feet of woodlands between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The Division for Air Quality also has many outdoor burning restrictions and should be contacted at 1-888-BURN-LAW before conducting any outdoor burning to ensure compliance with its regulations. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Feb 9, 2008 7:40:14 GMT -5
Rogers Opens House Session with Somerset PastorRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) officially opened today’s session of the U.S. House of Representatives and paid tribute to Dr. French Harmon of the First Baptist Church Somerset, who, in turn, gave the opening prayer. Rogers’ opening speech lauded Pastor Harmon’s community involvement and his leadership which has led to a substantial increase in the church’s membership last year and reminded House colleagues about the importance of faith in guiding decisions regarding national priorities. “Let’s remember the higher power we answer to and to whom we are ultimately accountable,” said Rogers. “I am proud of my hometown pastor who reminds me of what really counts, what’s important and why we are here.” Dr. Harmon’s opening prayer touched on themes affecting the country and the recent tornadoes that caused loss of life in southern states including Kentucky. “Please renew the strength of our military personnel that serve around the world and provide peace for each family that waits here at home,” Harmon said. “We especially ask that you comfort the families of those who lost loved ones during the recent storms throughout the southern states.” Harmon was accompanied by his three children, wife Rachael and her parents who watched the proceedings from the House gallery. The day before, Harmon and Rogers attended the National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event attended by nearly 4000 people. Rogers, who is a member of the church, repeated a message often heard at Sunday sermons- celebrate, connect and care – which urges people to adhere to religious principles, interact and show compassion among others. “It’s not a bad idea for members of Congress to follow this advice too,” said Rogers. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. General Election Turnout Data is Now AvailableThe State Board of Elections announced today that turnout data for the November 2007 election is now available on its website at www.elect.ky.gov. Statewide turnout was 37.8% for the general election, marking the lowest turnout in modern history for a Kentucky gubernatorial election cycle. That decline is in sharp contrast with rising turnout percentages in general elections that had been seen over the last few years in Kentucky. “I am optimistic that this decline in turnout is specific to only the 2007 general election,” stated Secretary of State Trey Grayson, Kentucky’s Chief Election Official. “My colleagues in other states have seen tremendous turnout during the 2008 election cycle, and I remain hopeful that Kentuckians will also see increased participation this year.” Franklin County had the highest turnout percentage with 59.7% of registered voters turning out to vote. Martin County had the lowest turnout percentage with 19.3%. Statewide, Democrats, Republicans, and voters listed as Other turned out at 40.8%, 36.2%, and 21.6%, respectively. Turnout in the 2003 general election, the most recent comparable election, was 40.2%. Turnout for the 2004 and 2006 general elections were 64.7% and 49.5%, respectively. For more detailed voter information including statistics on individual county or precinct turnout, or to view more detailed turnout by age, gender, or party, visit: elect.ky.gov/stats/turnout.htm. The preceding press release was from Fire/Death Investigation in Wayne CountyOn Monday February 11, 2008 at approximately 5:28 AM, the Kentucky State Police, London Post, was notified by the Wayne County 911 of a residential fire scene on Thompson Lane in Monticello. Upon arrival KSP Detective Doug Boyd and KSP Arson Investigator Detective Henry Nunn determined the suspected origin of the fire was electrical in nature. The age of the home was estimated to be approximately 100 years old. The fire, which claimed the life of the resident, Irene P. Thompson, 46, of Monticello is still under investigation by Detective Boyd. Detective Boyd was assisted, at the scene, by Detective Henry Nunn, the Monticello Police Department, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and the State Fire Marshall's Office. 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 Celebrates One of its Own: President Abraham LincolnSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday honoring the birthday of Abraham Lincoln: “Today on February 12, America celebrates the birthday of the greatest leader our country has ever produced—and my home State of Kentucky has a front-row seat. Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809, in a log cabin three miles south of Hodgenville, Kentucky. The one-room cabin measured 16-by-18 feet, had a dirt floor and no glass in the windows. “The future president was born with no advantages in life, except for a strong curiosity and a sterling character. By the end of his life, this man of humble background had united our country by demonstrating leadership during America’s time of greatest crisis. And he showed our country the true value of the Declaration of Independence, by asserting that there must be no exceptions to the ideal that all men are created equal. “Two centuries later, America looks back with gratitude at our 16th president by celebrating the Lincoln Bicentennial. The Commonwealth of Kentucky can take special pride in the fact that Lincoln was one of our own, and the Lincoln Bicentennial’s opening ceremonies will take place in Hodgenville. So begins a two-year event celebrating the Great Emancipator’s life and legacy. All across the country, from the state capital in Springfield, Illinois, where Lincoln served as a legislator to here in Washington, D.C., where Lincoln served as a wartime commander-in-chief, Americans will celebrate this important figure in our national story. “This time will be exciting for teachers, students, and any adult who loves American history. I know that Kentucky’s friendly neighbors to the north in Illinois often claim Lincoln as their own. Their license plates even say so. But Lincoln was born and spent his formative years in Kentucky, which surely must have shaped the man he became. And he would never have denied his Kentucky heritage. “In fact, in 1861 as he traveled east to Washington to begin his term as president, Lincoln wrote a speech that he intended to deliver in Kentucky, but never got the chance to. In it, he crafted these words: ‘Gentlemen, I too, am a Kentuckian.’ “So it is appropriate that the Lincoln Bicentennial celebration begins in the same state the man himself did. I hope every Kentuckian and every American will take advantage of this opportunity to explore this exciting chapter in history." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Theft Arrest in Laurel CountyOn Monday February 11, 2008 at approximately 3:53 AM, Kentucky State Police Sergeant Steve Walker conducted a traffic stop, on a 1997 Chevrolet pick-up truck, on Pennington Drive in the East Bernstadt community of Laurel County. During the traffic stop Sergeant Walker discovered a total of ten, ten foot sections of highway guardrail. An investigation into the origin of guardrail discovered they were stolen from Long Branch Road in southern Rockcastle County. Occupants Justin Nolen, 23 and Dylan Eversole, 21 both of East Bernstadt were arrested and lodged in the Rockcastle County Detention Center. Sgt. Walker is continuing the investigation and was assisted by Laurel County Sheriffs Department Officers Sergeant Daryl Zanet and Sergeant Jerry Jones. 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. Osteopathic ScholarshipKentucky students planning to study osteopathy at Pikeville College may be eligible for an Osteopathic Medicine Scholarship, administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). The amount of the scholarship is equal to the difference between the average in-state tuition charged at the state medical schools and the tuition charged at the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine. The application deadline is July 1. For application information, contact Teresa Jones at (606) 218-5400 or tjones@pc.edu. Students who receive the scholarship are required to practice 2,000 hours of osteopathic medicine in Kentucky for each year they receive the scholarship. If they do not fulfill the practice requirements, they must repay the scholarship with 6 percent interest. Approved fields of service are family practice, general practice, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, general obstetrics and gynecology. To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, go to www.GoHigherKY.org. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602-0798; or call (800) 928-8926, extension 6-7381. For information about low-cost student loans, visit write The Student Loan People, P.O. Box 24328, Louisville, KY 40224-0328; or call (888) 678-4625. The preceding press release was from Kentucky National Guard responds to severe storms emergencyBy direction of Gov. Steve Beshear and under command of Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonin, Adjutant General for Kentucky, more than 100 troops have been mobilized in response to last night's severe weather. "The Kentucky National Guard has been working since early Tuesday morning in anticipation of these catastrophic storms that have besieged so many of our citizens," said Tonini. "We've made all of the Guard's resources available to Govenor Steve Beshear who has been traveling in the stricken area with Brig. Gen. Lonnie Culver and Brig. Gen. Norman Arflack to survey the damage and meet with local officials. "I want to assure everyone that, despite fighting the Global War against Terrorism, we are well equipped and, most important, extremely experienced at handling these situations. More than 7,000 Citizen Soldiers and Airmen stand ready to support the needs of Kentuckians across the Commonwealth during a wide range of disasters at this time." The total Kentucky Guard resoruces mobilized to date include 112 personnel, 32 humvees, two UH-60 Black Hawks, one wrecker, one fuel tanker and a bus. The Kentucky National Guard currently has more than 8,300 members, approximately 500 of which are currently deployed overseas. The largest deployment in-state for the Kentucky guard was the 1997 flood, with about 1,600 troops on State Active Duty during that crisis. The preceding press release was from A Bipartisan Achievement for Our Economy‘This is not a victory for Republicans or Democrats. This is a victory for the American people’ Mitch McConnellMitch McConnellThe Senate on Thursday passed a bipartisan economic growth package, including an amendment that mirrors a provision offered Wednesday by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens. The amendment, offered Thursday by Majority Leader Harry Reid and McConnell, will ensure that low-income seniors and disabled veterans receive a rebate check as part of the economic growth package. The amendment also ensures the widows of disabled veterans receive rebate checks and makes immigrants who have entered the country illegally ineligible to receive rebate checks. “On January 18th, I came to the floor and said if we can work together to keep partisanship from infecting this process, we can quickly have a template for making law, not just making a point.” McConnell said. “This is not a victory for Republicans or Democrats. This is a victory for the American people.” The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 is identical to the bipartisan House-passed economic growth package (H.R. 5140) with the following modifications from the Reid-McConnell amendment: • Counts social security payments and VA disability payments as "qualifying income,” allowing seniors, disabled veterans and widows of disabled veterans to qualify for rebate checks • Contains the Senate Finance Committee language with respect to making illegal aliens ineligible for rebate checks Makes additional technical changes related to: • IRS math error authority • A hold harmless with respect to eligibility for federal benefits • An appropriation for the Social Security Administration • Anti-double dipping provisions for residents of U.S. territories The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Judicial Nominating Commission announces names of nomineesVacant District Court judgeship in Clay, Jackson and Leslie countiesThe Judicial Nominating Commission, led by Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert, today announced the three nominees to fill a vacant district judgeship for the 41st Judicial District, Division 1, consisting of Clay, Jackson and Leslie counties. The three attorneys named as nominees to fill this vacancy are Henria Bailey-Lewis, Alice Annette Morgan-White and Yancey Lee White, all of Manchester. The District Court judgeship was left vacant by Judge Oscar G. House, who was elected as circuit judge for Clay, Jackson and Leslie counties. Judicial Nominating ProcessWhen a judicial vacancy occurs, the executive secretary of the Judicial Nominating Commission publishes a notice of vacancy in the judicial circuit or the judicial district affected. Attorneys can recommend someone or nominate themselves. The names of the applicants are not released. Once nominations occur, the individuals interested in the position return a questionnaire to the Office of the Chief Justice. Chief Justice Lambert then meets with the Judicial Nominating Commission to choose three nominees. Because the Kentucky Constitution requires that three names be submitted to the governor, in some cases the commission submits an attorney’s name even though the attorney did not apply. A letter naming the three nominees is sent to Gov. Steve Beshear for review. The governor has 60 days to appoint a replacement, and his office makes the announcement. District CourtDistrict Court is a court of limited jurisdiction which hears civil cases involving $4,000 or less, juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors and cases relating to domestic violence and abuse, guardianships for disabled people, traffic offenses, small claims, probate of wills and felony preliminary hearings. The Administrative Office of the Courts in Frankfort supports the activities of 4,000 Kentucky Court of Justice employees, including the elected offices of justices, judges and circuit court clerks. The preceding press release was from 5 arrested at Beattyville motelAn investigation into alleged drug dealing led to the arrest of five individuals at a Lee County motel on Wednesday, February 6. The Jackson Police Department had received a tip about possible marijuana sales from the Tinchers Motel on KY 11-South and notified Operation UNITE, said Paul Hays, deputy law enforcement director for UNITE. About 3 p.m. on Wednesday, UNITE detectives accompanied by officers from the Jackson Police Department, Beattyville Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police approached the room where the suspects were staying and discovered approximately 2 pounds of marijuana and $445 in cash. UNITE arrested 61-year-old Charlie J. Neace, of Little Leatherwood Road in Lost Creek (Breathitt County), on a charge of trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school (Southside Elementary). Neace currently has an unrelated drug trafficking charge pending in Breathitt County. KSP troopers charged Neace’s wife, son and two other woman on charges ranging from first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and public intoxication (drugs). All suspects were lodged in the Three Forks Regional Jail. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite.
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Post by Press Release on Feb 13, 2008 17:14:02 GMT -5
51 months Traveling with the Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual ContactThe United States Attorney's Office of the Eastern District of KentuckyDistrict Court Judge David L. Bunning sentenced an Ohio man to 51 months in prison today for Traveling with the Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Contact. Paul Westwood, 46, of Monroe, Ohio, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and 20 years supervised release. Westwood admitted to engaging in an on-line chat with an individual he believed to be a 13 year old girl. On April 14, 2007, he traveled from Ohio to Kentucky in order to engage in sexual activity with this individual. This was the final sentencing in an operation that resulted in the successful prosecution of seven individuals in federal court. Dennis M. Wissel, 45, of Reading, Ohio, was sentenced to 84 months in prison and lifetime supervised release. Donny Joe Emmert, 30, of Groveport, Ohio, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and lifetime supervised release. James Clifford Rauch, 59, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and lifetime supervised release. Richard Springmeier, 49, of Loveland, Ohio, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and supervised release for a period of 20 years. Timothy L. Kyne, 42, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and supervised release for a period of 20 years. Matthew R. Barlow, 25, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and supervised release for a period of 8 years. All of the individuals convicted in federal court will not be eligible for parole and will have to serve at least 85% of their sentences. Each of these individuals admitted traveling into Highland Heights, Kentucky in order to have illegal sexual contact with an individual they believed to be a 13 year old minor. However, instead of meeting the 13 year old children they expected, each was arrested by police officers at the meeting location since the targeted youth was actually an adult working in a cooperative capacity with the investigating agencies. 5 additional individuals have been prosecuted in state court in Campbell County, Kentucky as part of this operation. These individuals engaged in similar behavior within Kentucky but did not cross state lines. 4 men have been convicted in state court. The average sentence imposed there has been 5 years in prison. One individual charged in state court is set to go to trial this month. The individuals convicted in state court will be eligible for parole after serving 20% of their sentences. The investigation was conducted by a joint effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kentucky Bureau of Investigation, the Campbell County Police Department, the Highland Heights Police Department, and Jack L. Porter, Jr., the Campbell County Commonwealth's Attorney. The United States was represented in the federal cases by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony J. Bracke. The Commonwealth of Kentucky was represented in the state cases by Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Michelle Snodgrass. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. James A Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Tracy A. Reinhold, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. Putting the Nation at Risk by Failing to Act‘We must not leave our nation at greater risk, but if the House leaves town without providing the tools we need to keep our country safe, that’s exactly what they will have done’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Thursday regarding the apparent decision by the House Democratic leadership to allow the Protect America Act to expire, putting the nation at great risk: “This critical national security legislation has wide bipartisan support in the Senate, bipartisan majority support in the House, and will ensure that surveillance of terrorists can continue. The Senate passed it by a 68-29 margin, but the House Democratic leadership refuses to even bring it to a vote—preferring to let it expire instead. “We must not leave our nation at greater risk, but if the House leaves town without providing the tools we need to keep our country safe, that’s exactly what they will have done.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Twelve Die On Kentucky Roadways Last WeekFebruary 4 through February 10Preliminary statistics* indicate that twelve people died in twelve separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, Feb. 4 through Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008. Eleven of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and four of those victims were not wearing seat belts. The seat belt status of one victim is not known. Two of the fatalities resulted from crashes involving alcohol. One of the fatalities involved a motorcycle and occurred in Russell County. Single fatality crashes occurred in Boone, Christian, Clark, Clinton, Green, Hickman, Henry, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Pulaski and Russell counties. Through Feb. 10, preliminary statistics* indicate that 72 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is five less than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 61 motor vehicle fatalities, 44 victims were not wearing seat belts. There have been 4 motorcycle fatalities and two of those were not wearing helmets. A total of 17 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. Seven fatalities have been pedestrians. Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas. 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. A Bipartisan Protection of Our National Security‘We have another chance this week to put up a bipartisan win by passing the bipartisan Rockefeller-Bond bill—a bill that is critical to protecting the homeland from attack and protecting our forces fighting overseas’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday regarding the need to finish the FISA legislation before it expires at the end of the week: “The Senate today will finish the bipartisan Rockefeller-Bond bill. This bill is the product of months of painstaking negotiations between Senate Republicans and Democrats, and benefitted from the participation of intelligence experts in the Executive Branch. “The overwhelming bipartisan vote in the Intelligence Committee reflected the care, concern and good faith that went into crafting this bill. The final vote was not 15-0, but a vote of 13-2 around here is pretty close. The Rockefeller-Bond bill contains the two main ingredients that are needed for this bill to be signed into law: it will allow intelligence professionals to do their jobs, and it will not allow trial lawyers to sue the telecommunications companies who may have participated, and according to the Intelligence Committee itself, acted in good faith to help protect the country. “A bill that does not satisfy these two requirements will not become law, nor should it. Last week was a great example of what we can accomplish when we work with, instead of against, each other. We were able to pass an economic growth package on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis which the President will sign this week. “We have another chance this week to put up a bipartisan win by passing the bipartisan Rockefeller-Bond bill—a bill that is critical to protecting the homeland from attack and protecting our forces fighting overseas. I am confident that, with the help of our friends on the other side of the aisle, we can work through pending amendments, send this over to the House, and then on to the President for his signature this week.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Bomb Threats in McCreary CountyOn Tuesday, January 29, and Wednesday, January 30, 2008, at approximately midnight (both nights) the McCreary County 911 Center received threats of a bomb in the McCreary County High School. The Kentucky State Police, Kentucky State Police K-9, McCreary County Sheriff's Office, McCreary County Constables, McCreary County Board of Ed. Resource Officers and Rudy Young of Kentucky Emergency Management responded to the school and a searches were conducted. The searches of the school determined that the threats were unfounded and no students or faculty were ever in danger. KSP Detective Billy Correll began an investigation into the incident and on February 08, 2008 identified and arrested the first caller as Jacob Watson, 19, of Stearns. Watson is charged with Terroristic Threatening 1ST Degree and was lodged in the McCreary County Jail. Detective Correll also identified the second caller as a juvenile and charges are pending. The offense of Terroristic Threatening 1ST Degree, (making a false bomb threat at a school), is a Class C Felony in the State of Kentucky. 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. Safe Infants Law allows safe surrender of newbornsParents can leave baby with personnel at ‘safe placesA state law that allows parents to safely surrender their newborns gives hope to men and women concerned about becoming parents. The Safe Infants Act became effective in April 2002 and allows parents or someone acting on their behalf to anonymously place infants they cannot care for at selected “safe places.” The law has resulted in 20 babies being placed in the care of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). “We all read the headlines when an infant has been unsafely abandoned, so it’s essential people are educated about the Safe Infants Act,” said Lisa Durbin, manager of the CHFS Child Safety Branch. “For women who may have lost hope because of a pregnancy, this is an option.” Under the law, parents may leave a baby up to 72 hours old at any hospital, with emergency medical services (EMS) personnel or with any firefighter or police officer. Parents remain anonymous and cannot be pursued or prosecuted unless an abandoned infant shows signs of abuse or neglect. Supporters of the law intended it to eliminate incidents of newborns being left in unsafe locations outdoors or in trash cans, restrooms or other public places, or outside a home. Unsafe baby abandonment is considered child abuse and neglect. “The primary goal of the law is to keep babies from being abandoned with no one knowing about it,” Durbin said. “Women who have hidden a pregnancy may be frightened, but they can ensure their baby will be safe and they can protect themselves with this law.” Two babies have died in Kentucky after being unsafely abandoned by their mothers in the past three years, Durbin said. “If those parents had left the babies at a ‘safe place,’ those tragedies could have been avoided,” she said. Babies left with staff at a “safe place” are examined and, if needed, treated at a hospital. CHFS then places them with certified foster parents who are interested in adopting. Birth parents have 30 days to reconsider leaving their baby. CHFS then asks the courts to terminate parental rights, freeing the baby for adoption. CHFS’ protection and permanency staff works with those parents who decide to reunite with their child. Infants coming into the state’s care are placed with foster families who are interested in eventually adopting to minimize placements for children. Durbin said safely surrendering an infant can be an important choice for women and their partners. “Becoming a parent is hard work, but choosing to let another family raise your baby is also difficult,” she said. “However, for many women, knowing they can safely surrender their baby without being pursued or legally charged provides them great relief regarding their decision.” At the identified safe places to leave a baby, parents receive an information packet that includes coded bracelets for parent and baby and voluntary medical disclosure forms that can be left with the baby or returned by mail. The information helps caregivers determine treatment for the baby and is kept confidential. Durbin said the parents’ medical history is important in determining the future needs of the child. The packet also includes a brochure instructing mothers about how to keep themselves healthy after delivery. Since 2002, 12 of the 20 children who have been surrendered have been adopted. Women who know they will want to surrender their baby can plan for adoption through CHFS even before their babies are born. This can ensure that both a woman and her baby have the benefits of medical care during pregnancy. For those who want to keep their babies but are worried about the challenges of parenting, help is available. “Our local office staff can help connect families to several community providers that offer assistance,” Durbin said. Pregnant women who need help with prenatal care may get assistance at their local health departments. Durbin said that CHFS has provided publications and posters about the Safe Infants Act to several community agencies and wants to encourage more discussion about the law. “It is important that everyone get involved in educating social service providers, physicians, schools, universities and community partners about this law,” she said. “Getting the word out is one of the best ways to protect these vulnerable infants.” The public can learn more about the Safe Infants Act or download the publications at chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dpp/KYSafeInfants. Find out more about adoption by calling CHFS at (800) 232-KIDS. The preceding press release was from Bunning Statement On Senate Passage Of FISA BillSenator Jim Bunning issued the following statement on the FISA Amendments Act that passed the Senate today by a vote of 68-29. "I am glad that the Democrats finally decided to stop holding up this legislation and pass a FISA bill that will give our intelligence agencies the tools they need to keep up with modern technology and monitor terrorist activities around the world," said Bunning. "This bill should have been done six months ago and it is about time the Senate acted in the best interest of our national security and the safety of the American people." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning.
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Post by Press Release on Feb 15, 2008 16:41:31 GMT -5
SCHOOLS NOTIFIED OF BEEF RECALLThe Kentucky Department of Agriculture has notified Kentucky school districts that 143 million pounds of fresh and frozen beef products from the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company of Chino, Calif., have been recalled. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the recall on Sunday. USDA officials said about 37 million pounds of the recalled beef went to the National School Lunch Program and other domestic nutrition programs nationwide. A small portion of that beef was distributed to at least 17 school districts in Kentucky. USDA has ordered that all beef products from Hallmark/Westland since Feb. 1, 2006, and all foods produced with Hallmark/Westland beef processed since that date be destroyed. Beef from Hallmark/Westland can be identified by the company’s federal establishment number, EST 336. Products that include beef that is subject to the recall can be identified by the processing firm. The recalled beef went directly from Hallmark/Westland to other processors to be processed into other products before going to Kentucky schools, according to the KDA’s Division of Food Distribution, which administers USDA food programs in Kentucky. USDA awarded the contract to Hallmark/Westland to supply beef products for the School Lunch Program and other nutrition programs. The KDA has been in constant contact with Kentucky schools since the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service placed beef products from Hallmark/Westland on administrative hold and suspended Westland Meat as a supplier to USDA in January. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Medicare Must Be Strengthened to Ensure Sustainability‘We can work together to secure the future of the Medicare program while implementing reforms that decrease costs and improve coverage’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement on the Bush Administration’s proposed legislation required by the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act to bring fiscal stability to the Medicare program: “Medicare is a critical source of health insurance for millions of America's seniors. Yet because of demographic changes like the coming retirement of the Baby Boom generation, the program needs to be strengthened so it can continue to serve the needs of older Americans and the disabled. This point was driven home by the Medicare Board of Trustees’ recent report to Congress. “This afternoon, the President sent Congress legislation that includes common sense solutions to address some of the challenges facing Medicare. It includes limits on frivolous medical liability lawsuits - which drive up health care costs and have caused good doctors to limit their medical practices in places like my home state of Kentucky. This plan would also limit the premium subsidies to those who can afford them. Most importantly, this plan does not include any benefit cuts that could limit seniors’ access to health care. “We should use this opportunity to show the American people we can work together to secure the future of the Medicare program while implementing reforms that decrease costs and improve coverage. This legislation can and should be a bipartisan accomplishment. “I have designated Sen. Gregg to introduce this legislation. As Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, Senator Gregg has focused on entitlement reform and long term fiscal responsibility, making him the natural choice to take the lead on this issue.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Justice Served: Murderer of Kentucky Marine Killed in SyriaSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday delivered the following speech on the Senate floor about the killing of the terrorist responsible for the death of Kentuckian, U.S. Marine Colonel William Richard Higgins: “An important mile marker in the War on Terror was passed late Tuesday night. A terrorist by the name of Imad Mugniyah, one of the world’s most wanted murderers and a top commander of Hezbollah, was killed in Damascus. With his death, long-delayed justice has finally been served. News reports are still coming in, and so far no one has claimed responsibility for his death. But we know one thing for certain: As Sean McCormack, a spokesman for the State Department put it, ‘The world is a better place without this man in it.’ “Let me describe for my colleagues just a few of this murderer’s many heinous crimes. American officials accuse him of plotting the 1983 bombing of a U.S. Marine compound in Beirut, killing 241 soldiers. He is accused of masterminding a car bomb which exploded at an American embassy in Beirut, also in 1983, killing 63 people. American prosecutors charged him in the hijacking of a TWA jetliner in 1985. He is also accused of shipping arms to violent, radical terrorist groups. “And then there is one brutal act that struck deep in the heart of my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Imad Mugniyah was behind the brutal kidnapping, torture and murder of U.S. Marine Colonel William Richard Higgins. Colonel Higgins was a Kentuckian, born in Danville. He graduated from Southern High School in Louisville, participated in ROTC at Miami University in Ohio, and served multiple tours in Vietnam. Over a 20-year military career, he received numerous medals and awards, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with combat ‘V’ and the Purple Heart. “On February 17, 1988, Colonel Higgins was captured by armed terrorists in Lebanon while serving on a UN peacekeeping mission. He was held, interrogated and tortured. A year and a half after his capture, terrorists released a grisly videotape of Colonel Higgins’s lifeless body, hung by the neck, which played on television sets around the world. In Louisville, we built a memorial to Colonel Higgins on the grounds of his alma mater, Southern High School. We were outraged then, and we are still outraged now, to see what happened to this good and brave man at the hands of thugs. Now, at long last, we know justice has been brought to his murderers. “In an essay titled ‘My Credo,’ Colonel Higgins once wrote: ‘As an officer of Marines, I believe it is my charge to set the example.’ Well, Colonel, the high-school students in Louisville who pass by your memorial every day will always remember the example you set. You served your country with pride, and now may rest in peace.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Casino gaming scheme payoff climbs to $600 MillionKentucky Governor Steve Beshear today unveiled proposed legislation that will allow Kentucky voters to determine a constitutional amendment permitting limited expanded gaming. The governor also discussed details of legislation that would govern the way in which expanded gaming would operate once the constitutional amendment is passed. “For nearly 15 years this issue has been discussed, debated and yet, deferred. Today, I am taking action and responding to the wishes of the vast majority of Kentuckians by sending to the General Assembly legislation that will give our citizens the opportunity to do as they have demanded – let their voices be heard on whether or not to change the state’s constitution to have limited expanded gaming,” said the governor. “Public opinion research shows that more than 80 percent of Kentucky voters want the right to vote on this issue. It’s past time we acted on that demand and be responsive to the people.” The language of the proposed constitutional amendment limits the creation of expanded gaming facilities to up to seven licenses for horse racing tracks and up to five free-standing gaming facilities with the approval of voters in the five cities or counties where the proposed casino would be located. Those counties include Daviess, Kenton or Campbell, Boyd or Greenup, Christian, and either Laurel or Whitley. The taxing rate on the casino revenues is spelled out and, more importantly, the allocation of those revenues for additional services and programs is specified in the legislation, according to the governor. “We face a financial crisis in this state that is slowly destroying our ability to educate, protect and take care of our people,” said Gov. Beshear. “We no longer have the financial ability to fund the programs we should have in order to meet those needs. Nor do we have the ability to look into the future and begin to build on those opportunities to restore Kentucky’s economic viability. By allowing our fellow Kentuckians to vote on this issue, we are sending a clear message that we are joining with them in finding other ways in which to address this financial crisis.” The fiscal impact of the proposed gaming legislation indicates total receipts for fiscal year 2009 from facility application and license fees would be approximately $500 million. The estimated gaming receipts for fiscal year 2010 would be approximately $482 million with the majority of those receipts from license fees and wagering taxes. “If the people of Kentucky vote ‘Yes’ for limited expanded gaming, we strongly believe that the annual estimated fiscal impact of the legislation at full implementation would be approximately $600 million,” said the governor. The legislation that would be enacted, once the constitutional amendment is approved, contains a number of measures that will assure the people of Kentucky that this initiative will be done correctly and with openness, according to the governor. Those details include: • Creation of a seven-member Gaming Commission with four-year terms, appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate, which would hire an executive director to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Commission. • For horse racing tracks, up to seven casino licenses which would be located either at the tracks or on other property within the county in which the track is located. • Up to five free-standing casinos with a provision that a local referendum will be held in which voters will decide to allow a free-standing casino in their city or county. • Specific allocation of gaming tax proceeds to state and local programs including 50 percent for education, including early childhood, primary and secondary, and post-secondary; 20 percent to healthcare, including care for the indigent, seniors and children; a program for treatment of compulsive gambling will receive up to $2 million per fiscal year, 3 percent to host jurisdictions and 5 percent each to support city and county programs, with 17 percent divided among other programs including substance abuse and treatment, veterans’ programs, tourism, fish and wildlife, environmental protection, agriculture, livestock research, and agriculture easements; economic development in non-host communities. Separate accounts will be established for support of racing and to further improve the various breeds of horses found in Kentucky. “This is a critical time for Kentucky and its citizens. Our legislators should listen to their constituents and allow them to vote on this question. There will be no better opportunity to help move Kentucky forward,” said Gov. Beshear. The preceding press release was from ‘I Don't Know Why the House is Even Thinking About Leaving Town’‘I’m wondering why this new bipartisan spirit that we experienced here in December, and again in January, is breaking down on a matter that is extraordinarily important to protecting the American people’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday regarding the decision by the House Democratic leadership to leave town without passing the overwhelmingly bipartisan Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which extends liability protection to telecommunications companies and gives our intelligence professionals the tools they need to protect America: “We have a serious crisis confronting our country as a result of the House of Representatives’ refusal to take up the Senate-passed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. We know for a fact the following: we know that the United States Senate approved yesterday with 69 votes a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act crafted by Senator Rockefeller and Senator Bond. It came out of the Intelligence Committee 13-2. This is about as bipartisan as it ever gets around here. “We know in addition to that, Mr. President, that this bill is the only bill that can pass the House of Representatives. They took up yesterday a 21-day extension of existing law, and it was defeated; defeated because there were 20 to 25 House Democrats who didn't want the bill at all—[they] want it to die. [They] want to walk away from it and leave the American people unprotected. In fact, there is a bipartisan majority for the Senate-passed bill in the House, and that is the only bill for which there is a bipartisan majority in the House. Now we've all learned that the House of Representatives is going to close up shop and simply leave town, arguing that somehow allowing this bill, this law to expire will not harm America. “Now we know, Mr. President, that at the heart of this struggle is retroactive liability for the communications companies who stepped up in the wake of the 9/11 disaster at the request of their government to help protect us from terrorism. As a result of that, there are numerous lawsuits pending against these companies, I assume largely by the American Civil Liberties Union. The CEOs and the boards of directors of these companies have a fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders. These lawsuits have the potential to put them out of business. As a result of doing their duty and responding to the request of the President of the United States to help protect America, they run the risk of being put out of business. “That is what is before us. This retroactive liability problem continues. It is not solved by continuation of existing law. In addition to that, with the law expiring, it hampers opportunities prospectively in the future to surveil new terrorist targets overseas. So the notion that somehow no harm is done by allowing the law to expire is simply incorrect. In fact, it borders on outrageous. “Now, this was going to be another example of bipartisan cooperation on behalf of the American people. We saw it at the end of the year last year when we passed a bipartisan AMT fix without raising taxes on anybody else. We passed an energy bill without a tax increase and without a rate increase. We met the President's top line on the appropriations bill. And, yes, we appropriated $70 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan without any kind of micromanagement. And at the beginning of this year, we came together, it was a bit challenging in the Senate, but we came together and passed a bipartisan stimulus bill to try to deal with our slowing economy, and we did it in record time. In fact, the President had a signing ceremony just yesterday. “So I’m wondering why this new bipartisan spirit that we experienced here in December, and again in January, is breaking down on a matter that is extraordinarily important to protecting the American people. It is absolutely irresponsible, Mr. President, for the House of Representatives to simply throw up their hands and leave, particularly when the only measure that enjoys a bipartisan majority in the House is exactly what enjoyed a bipartisan majority in the Senate. It's the only measure that can pass the House. “So the refusal of the House Leadership to take up and pass the only bill that could possibly pass is an act of extraordinary irresponsibility. Nothing else would pass over there. So, Mr. President, I don't know why the House is even thinking about leaving town. They have an important responsibility to help protect the American people. The opportunity is right before them, and they won't take it.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Meth lab cleanup orientation slatedContractors certified by the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet to clean up methamphetamine (meth) labs will have an opportunity to receive important information concerning Kentucky’s new meth lab cleanup program during an orientation on Feb. 27 at the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority building, 100 Airport Road, Frankfort. Certification of contractors who decontaminate meth labs is a new requirement under a law that went into effect in June 2007. There are currently 15 contractors certified to clean up meth labs in Kentucky. The goal for this orientation, sponsored by the cabinet’s Division of Waste Management, will be to provide information on meth cleanup issues and to develop and enhance the working relationship between the certified contractors and state agencies who are involved with meth lab cleanup. Those agencies include the Division of Waste Management, Kentucky State Police, Department for Public Health, Office of Occupational Safety and Health, and Kentucky Housing Corp. Jim Morrison, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, will be the featured speaker. He will address general questions and issues concerning meth lab cleanup and discuss Tennessee’s experience with this effort. For more information about the orientation, contact Kim Leingang in the division’s Superfund Branch, 502-564-6716, ext. 236, Kim.Leingang@ky.gov. Details about Kentucky’s new meth cleanup law, including a guidance document and cleanup standard, is available by going online to www.waste.ky.gov/branches/sf/Meth.htm or contacting Leingang. Chemicals and equipment used to “cook” meth in illegal makeshift labs create an immediate danger of explosion and fire. The process also leaves behind waste that contaminates the site – often a house, apartment or other dwelling – and poses a threat both to the environment and the health of future occupants. If you find what you suspect is a meth lab, do not move, touch or smell any container or its contents. Contact law enforcement. The Kentucky State Police hotline is 1-800-222-5555. The preceding press release was from 46 months in prison for robbing the Bank of Kentucky on two separate occasionsThe United States Attorney's Office of the Eastern District of KentuckyDistrict Court Judge David L. Bunning sentenced an Ohio man with no prior criminal record to 46 months in prison for robbing the Bank of Kentucky on two separate occasions. Robert Pettit, 41, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and 3 years supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $6,575.75 in restitution to the Bank of Kentucky. Pettit pled guilty on October 31, 2007 to robbing the Bank of Kentucky located on Ashwood Circle in Ft. Wright, Kentucky on July 6, 2006 and September 7, 2007. He was caught immediately after the September 7, 2007 robbery and the money taken in that robbery was recovered by the arresting officer. Pettit admitted to the commission of the July 6, 2006 robbery during a follow-up interview. Both robberies were committed by passing a threatening note to the bank teller. The investigation of this matter was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ft. Wright Police Department, and the Park Hills Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony J. Bracke. James A Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Tracy A. Reinhold, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. Drug Arrest in Clay CountyOn Tuesday February 12, 2008 at approximately 2:00 PM, Kentucky State Police Detective Mike Bowling conducted an investigation into possible drug activity at a residence on Balls Branch Road in Clay County. Upon arrival Detective Bowling contacted the resident, Theo L. Hoskins, 65, of Manchester. During the investigation into the complaint Detective Bowling discovered drugs, drug paraphernalia and a handgun. Hoskins was arrested and charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 3RD Degree 2ND Offense, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 2ND Offense and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Hoskins was lodged in the Clay County Detention Center. Detective Bowling, who continues the investigation, was assisted by KSP Troopers Greg Hill and Nick Metcalf, Officers of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Officers of the Manchester Police Department and UNITE Detective Patrick Robinson. 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.
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Post by Press Release on Feb 19, 2008 22:10:29 GMT -5
Thirteen Die On Kentucky Roadways Last WeekFebruary 11 through February 17 Preliminary statistics* indicate that thirteen people died in twelve separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, Feb. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008. All of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and eight of those victims were not wearing seat belts. The seat belt status of one victim is not known. Two of the fatalities resulted from crashes involving alcohol. One double-fatality crash occurred in Grayson County on the Western Kentucky Parkway. Single fatality crashes occurred in Bath, Calloway, Fayette, Hardin, Jefferson, Kenton, Lyon, Magoffin, McCracken, Perry, and Warren counties. Through Feb. 17, preliminary statistics* indicate that 86 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is one more than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 74 motor vehicle fatalities, 52 victims were not wearing seat belts. There have been 4 motorcycle fatalities and two of those were not wearing helmets. A total of 20 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. Eight fatalities have been pedestrians. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. 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. press PROFITABILITY SUBJECT OF DAIRY MEETINGKentucky dairy farmers and industry representatives will have an opportunity to discuss ways to make dairy farming more profitable, export opportunities and new technology for the industry at the first combined meeting of three Kentucky dairy organizations in March in Cave City. The Kentucky Dairy Partners meeting will bring together the Kentucky Dairy Conference, the American Dairy Association/Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, and the Kentucky Dairy Development Council at the Cave City Convention Center March 4-5. The KDDC and ADA/SUDIA will hold their annual meetings at the event. Experts from the University of Kentucky and the University of Wisconsin will talk about dairy farm profitability and technology. Bruce Vincent, a motivational speaker from Montana, will speak at the luncheon on coming changes in the dairy industry. Producers Billy and Brenda Komar will talk about the expansion of their 900-cow Barren County dairy and the challenges they faced along the way. Dairy industry vendors will exhibit at the meeting. Two Holstein heifers will be given away to two producers at the close of the meeting. A reception will kick off the event March 4 from 6-9 p.m. CDT. Exhibitors will showcase their products, and free ice cream from Chaney’s Dairy Barn of Bowling Green and other refreshments will be served. The meeting will open March 5 with registration at 8 a.m. and the welcome at 9. Registration is $25. Dairy producers will receive two complimentary admissions per dairy farm permit. For more information, contact Eunice Schlappi, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s dairy marketing specialist, at (502) 564-4983 or Jack McAllister at the University of Kentucky at (859) 257-7540. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. 2008 RYDER CUP LICENSE PLATES NOW AVAILABLE IN KENTUCKYKentucky drivers can show their support for the 2008 Ryder Cup by purchasing a specialty license plate created for the international event, in which the best golfers in America compete against the best from Europe. It will be held Sept. 16-21 at Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville. Owners of vehicles registered in Kentucky can purchase the plates for $44 apiece. The fee includes $10 to benefit Kentucky First Tee, a charity of the World Golf Foundation. The plates are now available at county clerk offices throughout the commonwealth. “This is a great opportunity for Kentuckians to show their support for the Ryder Cup while making a contribution to a great cause at the same time,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. The First Tee is an initiative dedicated to providing young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop through golf and character education. It teaches the life-enhancing values of honesty, integrity and sportsmanship. Kentucky has First Tee chapters in Louisville, Lexington, Owensboro and at Pine Mountain in Eastern Kentucky. Funds raised through sales of the special plate will be distributed equally to the four chapters. "The Ryder Cup is a true celebration of all that is good about the game of golf," said PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka. "This commemorative license plate provides Kentuckians with the opportunity to display their pride in hosting this match, but more importantly provides funds to assist the work of Kentucky PGA Section Professionals in making the game available to young people throughout the Commonwealth through the Kentucky First Tee. The work at Kentucky's four chapters of The First Tee will enrich the lives of countless young people." Jerry Anglin, acting commissioner for vehicle regulation in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, said the Kentucky Sports Authority had 1,042 paid orders in hand when it applied for approval of the specialty plate. “This could very easily be one of the best-selling Kentucky specialty plates of all time,” Anglin said. For information, contact the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing, 502-564-5301. The preceding press release was from SPONSORS SOUGHT FOR SUMMER FOOD PROGRAMThe Kentucky Department of Education is seeking sponsors to operate the 2008 Summer Food Service Program. Many counties throughout the state are greatly underserved. The Summer Food Service Program provides nutritious meals to children without regard to race, color, national origin, age (within statutory limits), sex or disability, during extended school vacation periods. The program is needed from May until September when schools are not in session. Meals and snacks are served to children in such places as churches, parks, playgrounds and schools. Public or private nonprofit schools; units of local, municipal, county or state government; and public or private nonprofit agencies may qualify as sponsors of the Summer Food Service Program. Residential summer camps whose enrollment includes needy children may also act as program sponsors. Qualified sponsors are reimbursed for program operating and administrative expenses up to the current rates of reimbursement. To be eligible, sponsors must: • provide continuing service to the community • serve meals on a regular schedule to children or provide meals as a part of an organized program for enrolled children at camps • show they are financially and administratively capable of operating the program For more information, contact the Division of Nutrition and Health Services, 2545 Lawrenceburg Road, Frankfort, KY 40601; phone (502) 564-5625; fax (502) 564-5519; or e-mail paul.mcelwain@education.ky.gov. In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Press release from the Kentucky Department of Education[/url] Cervical cancer vaccine bill goes to SenateA cervical cancer vaccine would be added to the list of immunizations required for school-age girls under legislation that the House passed 56-37 today. House Bill 396 as passed would allow parents or guardians to opt their children out of the vaccinations for any reason. The bill, sponsored by Rep. David Watkins, D-Henderson, would also require the state to provide the public with education materials on the vaccine, cervical cancer and human papillomaviruses (HPV), the group of sexually transmitted viruses associated with the development of cervical cancer. "There is no treatment for this once you get it, but there is prevention. And an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," Watkins said, adding that the vaccine prevents up to 70 percent of cervical cancer cases caused by HPV. The target population for the vaccine--which is delivered in three doses at a total cost of $290 per person--is 9 to 26 year old females, although the bill would specifically target sixth-graders, Watkins said. Girls who are underinsured or uninsured would receive the vaccine from their local health departments, costing the state an estimated $1.3 million in the first year if every child is vaccinated. Rep. Steve Riggs, D-Louisville, said that cost of treatment for cervical cancer would be more costly than the vaccinations. "The fiscal note (attached to the bill on the estimated $1.3 million cost) is way too high compared to the benefit that would be given," Riggs said. An amendment to the bill sponsored by Rep. Tim Moore, R-Elizabethtown, that would have required girls to have a pregnancy test before being immunized against HPV failed by a vote of 34-59. Moore said studies show that miscarriages have occurred in some females who received the vaccine. HB 396 now goes to the Senate for 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 Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. Kentucky Department for Public Health Responds to National Beef Recall*No Recalled Beef was ever purchased by any Clay County School cafeteriaThe Food Safety Branch – a part of the Department for Public Health’s Public Health Protection and Safety Division – has issued an advisory regarding the nationwide recall of beef. “We deal with many food recalls over the course of the year, but this one is larger than most,” said William Hacker, M.D., acting undersecretary for health at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) and DPH commissioner. “We wanted to ensure that our citizens were aware of the recalled products.” The Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company, a Chino, Calif., establishment is voluntarily recalling approximately 143 million pounds of raw and frozen beef products. The Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture has deemed the food unfit for human consumption because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection. The DPH advisory was sent to all 120 local health departments, the Kentucky Grocers Association, the Kentucky Restaurant Association, the CHFS Office of Inspector General and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. “Because this is a nationwide recall, we understand that some of the product could have been marketed in Kentucky,” said Hacker. “This recall is not a priority Class I recall, but there is some reason to believe that because proper inspections may not have taken place, the safety of the meat cannot be 100 percent assured.” At this time there are no illnesses reported associated with the recalled beef. However, this measure is being taken to reduce the risk of potential exposure to consumers, according to DPH. USDA officials said about 37 million pounds of the recalled beef went to the National School Lunch Program and other domestic nutrition programs nationwide. A small portion of the recalled beef was distributed to 17 school districts across Kentucky. The Department of Agriculture and DPH are working with school systems to inform them about the recall and to ensure student safety. These products were sent to wholesale distributors nationwide and bear the establishment number “EST. 336” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were produced on various dates from Feb.1, 2006, to Feb. 2, 2008. Recalls to wholesalers are in progress. Some of the products were purchased for federal food and nutrition programs. USDA has had an administrative hold on all of these distributed products. *According to a statement from the Clay County Board of Education no recalled beef products were purchased by the Clay County School Lunch program.More information can be found at www.fsis.usda.govand chfs.ky.gov/dph/info/phps/foodrecalls.htmThe preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker. Bailey-Lewis Appointed District JudgeHenria Bailey-LewisGov. Steve Beshear has appointed the Honorable Henria Bailey-Lewis to the office of District Judge for the 41st Judicial District, Division 2. Baily-Lewis is an attorney in private practice. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law. She and her husband, Brian, reside in Manchester. Baily-Lewis replaces Oscar G. House, who was elected Circuit Judge. The appointment shall serve until the general election on Nov. 4, 2008. The preceding press release was from Democrats force casino scheme out of subcommitteeA legislative subcommittee today recommended a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow nine casinos to be licensed in Kentucky instead of the 12 proposed by Gov. Steve Beshear. The proposed amendment, recommended by House Special Subcommittee on Expanded Gaming Co-Chair Rep. Joni Jenkins, D-Shively, would limit the number of casinos at race tracks to "no more than five", unlike Gov. Steve Beshear's proposal which would set aside up to 7 licenses for race tracks. Casinos licensed and operated by race tracks would be approved by the local legislative body under the proposal, while casinos not associated with tracks would have to be approved by voters in a local referendum. Jenkins' proposal is expected to be considered tomorrow by the House Elections, Constitutional Amendment and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. Some lawmakers were concerned that the wording of the proposal could prevent race tracks from receiving any casino licenses. "With this language, it says no more than 5 (casinos) may be established by horse racing tracks. That says to me there could be 9 freestanding casinos," said Rep. Carl Rollins, D-Midway. Jenkins said the proposal was written that way to avoid potential litigation caused by guaranteeing one industry a certain number of casino licenses. She was supported by Rep. Harry Moberly, D-Richmond, who said the proposal provides flexibility. "If you're talking about tracks, how would you put in a constitutional amendment that so many must be at certain tracks before you know what their position may be on meeting minimum investment and all that?" he asked, adding that some tracks would probably be approved while others would not. Rep. Larry Clark, D-Louisville, said he likes the idea of simplifying the proposed amendment to nine rather than 12 casinos, but that treating casinos operated by tracks differently from other casinos concerns him. "I think when you say to the tracks that they just have to have local government body approval, but the casinos have to have a referendum, I think you've killed casinos in Kentucky," said Clark. But Rep. Harry Moberly, D-Richmond, said allowing the local legislative body to approve casinos licensed and operated by tracks would give the local government leverage in deciding where casinos ought to be located. "All in all, I think it's a very good compromise," Moberly said. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky Legislature Home Page. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers and/or representative Tim Couch. POSTER AND ESSAY ENTRIES DUE FEBRUARY 22Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer reminds Kentucky schoolchildren, parents and teachers that entries for the 2008 Poster and Essay Contest are due in to Kentucky Department of Agriculture offices by February 22. The contest is an annual statewide competition for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Each year hundreds of children submit posters and essays about Kentucky agriculture. This year’s theme is “How the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Works for Me.” Statewide winners in each grade will be awarded a $100 savings bond and will be honored at the annual Kentucky Agriculture Day luncheon March 25 in Frankfort. “One of the most important things the Department does is teach children about the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “This contest is a big part of that mission. This year, participating students can learn about all the things the Department does to improve the quality of life of every Kentuckian every day. I urge parents and teachers to get their children involved in this contest.” Poster contest entries must be in color on white paper, must demonstrate the theme and must include the theme in the artwork. Entries should be submitted rolled in a tube or wrapped flat. Essay contest entries must be no more than 150 words for participants in kindergarten through third grade and no more than 250 words for those in fourth through eighth grades. Entries must be mailed to: Kentucky Department of Agriculture Poster and Essay Contest 500 Mero Street 7th Floor Frankfort, KY 40601 Entries must be postmarked no later than February 22. Winners in each grade will be notified by March 10. For complete contest rules, an entry form or more information, go to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Web Site, www.kyagr.com, click on Education Resources under the Programs menu, click on Agriculture Education and click on 2008 Poster & Essay Contest. More information also is available by contacting Rayetta Boone or Teresa Prather by phone at (502) 564-4696 or by e-mail at rayetta.boone@ky.gov or teresa.prather@ky.gov. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Arrest in Pulaski CountyOn Monday, February 18, 2008, at 9:53 AM while on route patrol, on US 27 South, Trooper Anthony Phillips observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Trooper Phillips attempted to stop the vehicle for the violation but the driver refused to stop. The vehicle continued until it turned onto a dead-end road and came to a stop at the end. Trooper Phillips arrested Jonathan L. Cook, 22, of Monticello and charged him with Speeding, Driving on a DUI Suspended License - 1ST Offense, Fleeing or Evading Police, 1st Degree and Giving Officer False Name or Address. Upon checking for local warrants Trooper Phillips discovered Cook had a Failure to Appear bench warrant in Pulaski County, which was served by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office at the Pulaski County Jail. 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.
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Post by Press Release on Feb 21, 2008 16:09:56 GMT -5
Department for Public Health Sponsors Essay Contest to Raise Awareness of HIV/AIDSContest Targets African-American, Hispanic YouthsThe Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is sponsoring an essay contest challenging Kentucky teenagers to learn more about HIV/AIDS and the impact the disease has on their generation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African-American and Hispanic youths, respectively, make up 60 percent and 17 percent of all HIV/AIDS youth cases (13-24 year olds) diagnosed from 2001 to 2005. Similar impacts can be observed in Kentucky’s African-American and Hispanic youths. While the two groups represent a small portion of the population, African-American and Hispanic youths represent 38.8 percent and 10.5 percent of living AIDS cases reported in Kentucky through Dec. 31, 2006. “We’re sponsoring this essay contest in hopes of making young people more aware of the impact HIV/AIDS has on their communities and how they can contribute to the fight against it by becoming HIV/AIDS advocates for their generation,” said Sigga Jagne, manager of the HIV/AIDS branch in DPH. The goal of the essay contest is to educate and inspire Kentucky’s minority youth to take action and help stop the increasing spread of HIV/AIDS among young people in minority populations. The contest is open to minority youths age 13 to 18 who live in Kentucky. “We are looking for compelling essays that demonstrate the impact of HIV/AIDS on young people’s lives and how each young person, as an individual, can help others learn about the disease,” said Jagne. Three finalists will be chosen to present their essays at the Eighth Annual African-American and Hispanic Youth Conference on AIDS on April 26 at the University of Kentucky Student Center. DPH will award prizes to the top three winners. If interested, please review the attached essay requirements. All essay submissions must be postmarked by March 31, 2008. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Hambrick, HIV prevention coordinator, DPH/HIV/AIDS Branch, at 1-800-420-7431, ext. 3560 or e-mail Michael.Hambrick@ky.gov. The preceding press release was from STONE PROMOTED TO KDA AG MARKETING CHIEFJUDGE LED KENTUCKY PROUD TO $80 MILLION IN SALESMac Stone explains the features of MarketMaker: Kentucky at the Kentucky Agritourism Summit Feb. 21 in Somerset. Ted Sloan photoAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has named Mac Stone, a longtime educator and sustainable agriculture leader in Kentucky, executive director of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s marketing office effective March 1. Stone will replace Michael Judge, who will resign effective Feb. 29 after four years with the Department. Stone currently is director of the KDA’s Division of Value-Added Plant Production. “We are saddened by Michael’s departure, but we are fortunate to have someone with Mac’s diverse background to step into this position,” Commissioner Farmer said. “It will be a seamless transition, and the momentum that the Kentucky Proud movement has gained will continue.” Stone joined the Department in October 2004 after 19 years as manager of the Research and Demonstration Farm at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. Under Stone's guidance, the KSU farm established fruit, vegetable, greenhouse, livestock, aquaculture, apiculture and composting programs. Stone helped start KSU's Third Thursday sustainable agriculture workshop. Prior to joining KSU, Stone worked at the Spendthrift Farm thoroughbred operation and as beef research specialist at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky. Stone has been active in the Kentucky Sustainable Agriculture Community, Partners for Family Farms, the Organic Farming Research Foundation and the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association. He and his wife, Ann Bell Stone, produce vegetables, tobacco, Angus for seed stock, organic beef, lamb and organically raised pastured poultry at Elmwood Stock Farm in Scott County. Judge was executive director of the KDA’s Office of Agriculture Marketing and Product Promotion since May 2004. He joined the Department the previous February as director of the Division of Agriculture Marketing and Agribusiness Recruitment. Before joining the KDA, Judge was the agriculture department chair and director of University Farms at Eastern Kentucky University. A native of Nicholas County, Judge is a graduate of Nicholas County High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky. Under Judge’s leadership, Kentucky Proud grew into a major statewide movement that generated an estimated $80 million in retail sales of Kentucky-raised and -produced agricultural products in 2007. More than 1,000 producers, businesses, retailers and farmers’ markets are members of Kentucky Proud. Judge also led development of MarketMaker: Kentucky, an interactive Web site that connects food producers and buyers, and Kentucky’s Good Agricultural Practices program, which encourages farmers to look for ways to improve their operations so they can raise fresh, healthy produce. With Judge at the helm, the KDA’s marketing office launched the “Agriculture Adventures: Kentucky” educational program, added a second mobile science activity center to visit Kentucky schools, and expanded the scope of its Farm and Home Safety Program. Judge served on the executive committee of the Task Force on the Future of Agriculture in 2007. “I am deeply grateful to Michael Judge for his leadership and hard work,” Commissioner Farmer said. “His efforts have been instrumental in making Kentucky Proud the success it is today. Along with being a key member of my management team, Michael is a good friend. I will miss his wise counsel, and I wish him well.” The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Kentucky will receive federal disaster relief fundsKentucky Gov. Steve Beshear announced today that he has been notified that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will make disaster relief aid available due to the tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding from storms that hit the commonwealth on Feb. 5 and 6, 2008. Gov. Beshear had requested a federal disaster declaration shortly after assessing the damage himself on Feb. 6. FEMA Administrator David Paulison said the declaration was authorized under a disaster declaration issued by President Bush. That will make federal assistance available to individuals and families in Allen, Christian, Fayette, Hardin, Hart, Meade, Mercer, Monroe, and Muhlenberg counties. It is possible more counties and other forms of assistance could be designated following further assessments. “I am pleased that the impacted citizens of Kentucky will be able to seek this federal assistance as they recover from these terrible storms earlier this month,” said Gov. Beshear. “The assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses.” Additional low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available for residential and business losses. According to FEMA, federal funding will be available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation in all counties in Kentucky. Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. The preceding press release was from Cybersafety Legislation Passes House 94-0Legislators in the Kentucky House of Representatives overwhelming passed Attorney General Jack Conway and Representative Johnny Bell’s cybersafety legislation by a vote of 94 to 0. House Bill 367 will now be presented to members of the Senate. “I appreciate legislators on both sides of the aisle recognizing the importance of this legislation and its potential to help protect Kentucky kids,” General Conway said. “The legislation will make Kentucky a leader when it comes to bringing our statutes up to date with changes in technology.” House Bill 367 contains the following provisions to strengthen or amend current Kentucky laws:• Social-networking sites with children will be off limits to sex offenders • Sex offenders must register changes in email address • Creates searchable database of registered sex offender email addresses and online identifiers • Recognizes stalking can take place in person and online • Clarifies that it is a crime to transmit sexually explicit images to a child via webcam • Allows prosecutors and police to seize cars or computers used in the commission of online sexual offenses against children • Non-sworn or specially trained personnel may lay groundwork for online predator stings. The preceding press release was from Fatal Collision on KY 80 in Laurel CountyOn Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at 5:30 PM the Kentucky State Police responded to a two vehicle traffic crash, with injury, on KY 80, 7 miles west of London, in Laurel County. Upon arrival KSP Traffic Crash Reconstructionist Detective Mike Bowling determined a 1997 Silver, Toyota, 4-Runner SUV, operated by Charles David Dodd, 44, of Corbin, was eastbound on KY 80 when it crossed the centerline and struck another vehicle head-on. Dodd was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The second vehicle a 2007, White, Ford, Truck, operated by Anthony Keith Blair, 46, of Somerset, KY was westbound when struck by the Toyota. Blair was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Both drivers, who were extricated from their vehicles, were pronounced dead at the scene. Due to the proximity of the crash scene to the Laurel/Pulaski county line both county coroners were present and made the pronouncements. No drug or alcohol usage is suspected. Detective Bowling continues the investigation and was assisted by KSP Sergeant Lafe Owens, Troopers Mike King, Fred Pennington and Chris Roberts, officers from the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, the Shopville Fire Department, the Laurel County Rescue Squad, the Laurel County EMS, the Laurel County DPS, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement and the Kentucky Highway Department. 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. New Federal Report Provides Snapshot of Kentucky's Public Health PreparednessDr. William D. HackerKentucky's successes in the area of public health preparedness were highlighted in the first national report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlining effective measures developed since 2001 by all states. The CDC compiled the report to assess progress made by states using preparedness grant funds invested by the agency in state and local preparedness efforts in every year since 2002. The report, “Public Health Preparedness: Mobilizing State by State,” also describes how CDC and its state and local partners continue to work together to address common challenges. "This federal funding has been invaluable to Kentucky. It has allowed us to address critical needs in our capacity to respond to the growing magnitude of public health threats and emergencies," said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of the Department for Public Health and acting undersecretary for health at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. "The majority of these funds have been placed at the local level because the response to disasters occurs first in local communities." The report provides a snapshot of progress in the area of public health preparedness that was formed by using available data and performance measures prior to February 2007. Highlights cited in Kentucky’s snapshot include: • Deployment of public health teams in support of Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts • Ability to detect and investigate diseases or other health threats in the community • Provision of laboratory services to test and confirm agents that can threaten health • Having adequate response plans to distribute emergency vaccines, antidotes and medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile In December, Kentucky received a perfect score in the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) “Ready or Not? Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters and Bioterrorism – 2007” report and was ranked among the top seven states in the nation in preparedness to respond to acts of bioterrorism or public health emergencies. The report examined 10 key indicators to gauge state preparedness and determine America’s overall readiness to respond to bioterrorist attacks and other health emergencies. This is the fifth year that TFAH conducted a review of bioterrorism and public health preparedness. Last year, Kentucky received eight out of 10 indicators. For the full text of the CDC report, visit emergency.cdc.gov/publications/feb08phprep. The preceding press release was from Beshear Pension Plan to Limit Annual RaisesKentucky Gov. Steve Beshear today released details of the Kentucky Public Pension Protection and Modernization Act, his proposal to address the long-term financial problems faced by the state's pension systems. The bill will be filed today in the Kentucky House of Representatives by Rep. Mike Cherry of Princeton. The Kentucky Public Pension Protection and Modernization Act is a bold, consensus plan that would help protect the retirement savings of Kentucky's teachers, local and state employees, while continuing to allow the state to attract the best and brightest to our schools and to local and state governments. The Act was developed as the result of months of intensive consultations with legislators, local government officials, pension system staff, and representatives of affected employee groups. It represents a bi-partisan, consensus approach to address this critical pension issue. "I'm pleased to stand with my fellow elected officials and the people who make our schools and government work— teachers and public employees — to introduce this important package of reforms that will establish better oversight, address the funding challenges and modernize the systems for the next generation of employees," said Gov. Beshear. "As chair of the House State Government committee, I understand the issues facing our retirement systems and the need for changes to ensure its future viability," said Rep. Cherry. "I have been impressed with the approach that the governor has taken in the development of these recommendations. Together with all the stakeholders, he has put together a responsible plan and I'm pleased to be the bill's sponsor." "Addressing the CERS crisis is the number one legislative priority of cities in the commonwealth," according to Sylvia L. Lovely, executive director/CEO of the Kentucky League of Cities. "We appreciate the governor's willingness to offer assistance and we look forward to working with the General Assembly to find a solution." Bob Arnold, executive director/CEO of the Kentucky Association of Counties echoed Lovely's comments. "We appreciate the efforts of Governor Beshear and look forward to working with the House and Senate to ensure that the past promises made to county employees are fulfilled and to maintain appropriate benefits that allow counties to continue to attract and retain dedicated, qualified employees without unduly burdening taxpayers," Arnold said. The Kentucky Retirement Systems, which manages the pensions of state and local government employees and the state police, and the Kentucky Teachers' Retirement Systems, together face an estimated $26 billion in unfunded liabilities. This projected liability is the result of benefit enhancements with insufficient cost analysis; dramatic federal accounting rule changes; double digit annual increases in health care costs; and inadequate investment returns due to a volatile stock market and unanticipated liabilities. Highlights of the Kentucky Public Pension Protection and Modernization Act include the following: Adjustments for Current Teachers, Employees and Retirees:• Setting the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) at 1.5 percent, providing equity between the KRS and KTRS. The COLA may be enhanced if approved and pre-funded by the legislature; • Reducing health insurance costs through the collaboration of all stakeholders, while improving and expanding wellness programs; and • Reforming provisions for returning retirees that will strengthen the system for current employees, teachers and retirees. Adjustments for Future Hires:• Incentives for employees to work longer; • Longer vesting periods for retirement and health benefits; • Closing loopholes that provide benefits to few, but significant costs to the state and other retirees; • Limiting hazardous duty benefits to those who daily risk their lives; and • Differentiating between long-term, career government employees and short-term hires. The Kentucky Public Pension Protection and Modernization Act also ensures the sound investment performance and long-term financial stability of these retirement systems through improved accountability and education. The plan also calls for more transparency through proper public disclosure of investment practices and holdings of the retirement systems. "After all, it is the hard-earned money of our public employees, teachers and taxpayers that funds the pension benefits upon which state and local government employees, teachers and retirees depend and they deserve to know how their financial future is being managed," said Gov. Beshear. The preceding press release was from Theft Arrest in Whitley CountyOn Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at 10:00 AM Kentucky State Police Detective Colan Harrell arrested Steve Back, Jr., 56, of London, on the charges of Theft By Failure to Make Required Disposition and Theft By Deception. On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at 9:40 AM Kentucky State Police Detective Colan Harrell arrested Billy Ray Clontz, 48, of Berea, on the charges of Theft By Failure to Make Required Disposition and Theft By Deception. The arrests are the result of an investigation into complaints about the business practices of the Williamsburg Automotive Group, where Back is a salesperson and Clontz is the owner. Detective Harrell is continuing the investigation and was assisted by the Williamsburg Police Department. 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.
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