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Post by Press Release on Oct 9, 2008 7:12:26 GMT -5
Kentucky Veterans Fund New Web Site on Military HistoryThe Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) recently received a gift of $20,000 from the Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund Board to create a new Web site that will profile the military history of the commonwealth. The generous donation will allow KHS to share Kentucky’s rich military history. “We feel strongly that this new Web site will positively affect the well-being of Kentucky’s veterans by sharing their compelling stories with the citizenry across the length and breadth of the commonwealth,” said Marty Pinkston, member of the Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund Board. “We appreciate the good work that KHS does in serving Kentucky’s veterans.” Set to launch in late 2009, the Web site will accompany a special exhibition, Kentucky Military Treasures, at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort. The exhibition will showcase Kentucky’s proud military heritage through images and artifacts from KHS collections. A cup that was used to ration rice to a Kentucky POW and a soldier’s lucky cap will be among the items on display. The new Web site will ensure that these treasures, featuring all branches of the military and all wars in which Kentuckians have participated, are available to all Kentuckians. The timing of this token of support for KHS is especially appropriate, as 2008 marks the twentieth anniversary of the Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund and the tenth anniversary of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA). Though KDVA administers the Trust Fund, the board is independent of KDVA. “We are truly excited about our partnership with the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Kent Whitworth, director of KHS. “The project provides a great opportunity to expand our work with Kentucky’s veteran community.” The Web site and Kentucky Military Treasures demonstrate KHS’s continued commitment to the preservation and presentation of Kentucky’s military history while the Kentucky Military History Museum is closed for renovation. An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage 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 the Web site at www.history.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from Lunday sentenced for possessing oxycodoneAndre Deshawn Lundy, 36, of Detroit, Mich. was sentenced yesterday to 200 months in prison for knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute approximately 4,000 pills containing oxycodone. In March of 2008, Lundy pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that he and a co-conspirator traveled south from Detroit for the purpose of distributing 270 OxyContin 80 milligram tablets in the Eastern District of Kentucky. Lundy also admitted that he had made approximately ten similar trips to Kentucky, where he attempted to sell 300 to 450 dosage units of 80 milligram OxyContin tablets. Under federal law, Lundy must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 6 years. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Robert L. Corso, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, and James Gray, Chief, Barbourville Police Department, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing yesterday afternoon. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Barbourville Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen C. Smith and W. Samuel Dotson. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Students raise $1,072 for UNITEStudents from Paintsville Elementary School and members of the Paintsville Aquatic Club raised more than $1,000 for the UNITE Foundation through a special program held September 30. This was the second year for the Mini-Apple Run, created last year as a way for youth to become directly involved in the fight against drugs. The class collected a total of $1,072 for the UNITE Foundation – nearly identical to last year’s tally. “We educate our kids about the dangers of drug addiction so why not make it a cause they can fight for,” said Bernie Carroll, a sixth-grade teacher and the swim club sponsor. “These kids are excited about doing a fundraiser they believe in.” Approximately 30 children from Paintsville Elementary participated and collected money for the event, held at the elementary school. Paintsville Mayor Bob Porter and local business owners were on hand to support and participate in the run as well. The top fundraiser was Matthew Miller, who will be receiving gift certificates donated by Walmart and Radio Shack. Walmart associates were among the run participants.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 10, 2008 8:46:20 GMT -5
Kentuckians Can ‘Vote in Honor of a Veteran’Trey GraysonTens of thousands of Kentuckians will be “voting in honor of a veteran” this fall, and there is still time for individuals to sign up to participate in the program before the November 4, 2008 election. The Vote in Honor of a Veteran program is a program sponsored by the Office of Secretary of State Trey Grayson. “The enthusiasm for this voting initiative is simply overwhelming,” remarked Secretary of State Trey Grayson. “I am especially delighted for those veterans who deserve this honor and recognition. Their sacrifice protects our democratic process. Although we will never be able to repay them for their efforts, this is a small way that we can give tribute to their service for our country.” The program, an initiative designed to increase voter participation by honoring the service of America’s military men and women, has two main components. The first are personalized buttons that citizens can wear on Election Day to honor their favorite veterans. Buttons can be acquired by visiting most local County Clerk’s offices, or citizens may submit a request online at the Office of the Secretary of State website. To date, over 100,000 buttons have been distributed. In particular, the Vote in Honor of a Veteran buttons have been enormously popular with citizens, election officials, and veterans alike. In fact, thousands of additional buttons have been sent to various veterans groups who have also asked to help promote the program. "I'm very much in support of it," local AMVETS Post Commander Gene Hook told the Maysville Independent Ledger when the program was launched shortly before the 2007 primary election. "I think it's an exceptionally good idea." The second component of the program allows individuals to honor veterans by visiting the tribute gallery where visitors can read stories and tributes from the friends and families who have elected to honor their loved ones through the simple act of voting. Citizens can also submit a written tribute about the individual that they have chosen to honor with their vote. Selected tributes will be posted in the online testimony gallery or collected for the archives of the Kentucky Historical Society. “I am hopeful that many more individuals will share their stories about their favorite veteran. I especially want to encourage veterans themselves to comment about their experiences on our tribute page. That is what makes this program unique; it allows us to preserve these memories for generations to come,” noted Grayson. Grayson is optimistic that the program will draw more attention to the general election. “We are hearing from a number of clerks and participants in the program that individuals stop and ask them about the buttons. It is a great opportunity to remind citizens to vote on November 4, 2008.” For more information about the new program, to order a personalized button, or to leave a tribute to a veteran, please visit: www.sos.ky.gov/veterans. The preceding press release was from Congress Had to Act to Protect Main Street from Wall Street By Senator Mitch McConnellMitch McConnellNothing’s more frustrating than having to clean up the mess made by the poor decisions of others. Yet that’s just what Congress had to do recently, when it passed an unprecedented financial stabilization plan to prevent the trouble on Wall Street from spreading to Main Street. I share Kentuckians’ frustration that the actions of a few threatened to throw our nation’s economy into chaos. I understand your concerns that this crisis could affect your own financial security. I heard from a lot of you in recent weeks—and I want to explain what I think government must do to make sure a financial calamity like this never happens again. It is clear that America is facing the most severe economic crisis in a generation. Starting in September, Treasury Department officials and the chairman of the Federal Reserve warned that the problems in our financial markets caused by the misdeeds of a few imperiled our entire financial system. But I didn’t have to take the so-called experts’ word for it. Thousands of you wrote my office to express your opinions. Many were furious, as I was, that the foolish decisions and bad behavior of others required the government to step in to stabilize the economy. But it was also clear that, no matter who was to blame for the impending catastrophe, ordinary Kentuckians would be hurt the most—homeowners, small-business owners, retirees and students. A small-business owner in LaGrange with 100 employees said the interest rate on his building had increased by 400 percent in a week, threatening his ability to run his business and pay his employees. A 68-year-old retiree from Bowling Green worried that his retirement savings would dwindle away, and wondered whether he would be better off burying his money in the backyard. A couple in Louisville wrote about a friend who cashed in his 401(k) retirement account to pay off his mortgage and confessed they were thinking about doing the same thing. The fear and uncertainty of many was best summed up by a retired school counselor from Lawrenceburg. “I have never written to any senator or congressman before now…[but] this is so important to our government and its citizens,” she said. “I cannot afford to see my small retirement savings vanish.” I heard your concerns, and took them to heart. Congress had to act. But we couldn’t pass just anything. I resolved that I could only vote for a financial-stabilization plan that met four important criteria: 1) It had to protect the taxpayers, making sure to stabilize the economy in a fiscally responsible manner without rewarding unacceptable behavior;
2) It had to include strong oversight of the Treasury Department, to ensure transparency so Congress and the American people could see how their money was being invested;
3) It had to enforce accountability for senior executives of failing companies, by limiting their pay and regulating any “golden parachutes” or other excessive benefits as a result of their poor business decisions;
4) And it had to ensure that every dollar of profit would go only toward reducing the national debt—not to new government spending we don’t need and can’t afford.
I insisted on these four points and flatly rejected repeated attempts to load the bill up with a slew of new spending programs. I’m pleased the bill that became law met every one of these important principles. Of course, we are not out of the woods yet. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth to have the government intervene because a few people made reckless business judgments. But with millions at risk of losing all should our Main Street economy collapse, we had to act. As we work through this problem, Congress must closely monitor the implementation of the plan to make sure it helps people on Main Street, not Wall Street. We must swiftly punish anyone found guilty of fraud or other violations of the law. And we must continue to identify and fix the underlying causes of this crisis, to ensure it never happens again. Government made the unpleasant choice to step in and staunch the bleeding—this time. But as the American people made clear in recent weeks, even once is once too many. Senator McConnell is the Senate Republican Leader and only the second Kentuckian to lead his party in the U.S. Senate. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. New Statewide Partnership To Increase Cybersafety EducationAttorney General Jack Conway, Kentucky Child Now and the Kentucky Department of Education today announced a new partnership that will expand statewide cybersafety education efforts and teach adults to be online models, mentors and monitors. Each agency has independently conducted its own education efforts and training programs to teach students, parents, teachers, law-enforcement officers, and prosecutors about the dangers that exist online. The groups have agreed to coordinate their resources to reach more Kentuckians. “Social-networking sites are the new malls for Kentucky kids, and parents must know who their children are socializing with, not just in the real world, but the virtual world as well,” General Conway said. General Conway created a CyberCrimes Unit in his office that is solely dedicated to investigating online crimes and training law-enforcement officers throughout the Commonwealth about how to preserve and process digital forensics. His office also conducts cybersafety workshops in schools. The three-year education initiative will kick off with a statewide conference on November 24 and 25 at the Lexington Downtown Hotel and Conference Center (formerly the Radisson), 369 W. Vine Street. The conference will provide adults with the strategies they need to help keep children safe online. “Without appropriate safeguards, giving a web-enabled cell phone or computer to a young person is the equivalent of sending them on a trip around the world, all expenses paid, unchaperoned,” said Doris Settles, director of program support at Kentucky Child Now. Workshops at the conference, which is open to adults throughout the state, will include presentations from MySpace and Facebook. Ernie Allen, formerly of Louisville, who is the executive director of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, will be the keynote speaker at the conference. His organization will also teach breakout sessions. The Kentucky Department of Education teaches students and staff not only to use technology, but to use it safely and responsibly. “We do a tremendous job, but we can’t do it alone. We need adults to plug into their children’s lives. This isn’t just an education issue – this is a Kentucky issue,” said David Couch, associate commissioner for education technology. For information about the conference or to register for the event, visit www.ag.ky.gov or www.kychildnow.org. Cost per registrant is $100 and EILA continuing-education credits will be offered for school system employees. Organizers expect several hundred parents, teachers, investigators and prosecutors to attend. The conference will be followed by regional workshops that will be announced at a later date. Kentucky Child Now works to ensure that Kentucky’s youth have access to the fundamental resources they need to succeed in life – The Five Promises 1) caring adult; 2) safe places; 3) a healthy start 4) marketable skills; 5) and opportunities to serve. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Oct 11, 2008 11:29:21 GMT -5
Magoffin County Facing Water Supply ShortageMagoffin County residents are facing a water supply emergency as their water supply continues to diminish. Imminent loss of the primary water source, the Licking River at Salyersville, will substantially decrease the ability of Salyersville Municipal Water to supply its customers. State agencies are working with local officials to establish alternate water supply sources. The Kentucky Division of Water placed Magoffin County under a water shortage warning Sept. 26. City and county officials have declared a state of emergency for the affected area. There is no anticipation of significant rainfall in the near future that will provide relief for the current situation. Precipitation totals in the headwaters of the Licking River associated with the recent rainfall event were limited to a half-inch and did little to alleviate the current water supply condition. The 6- to 10-day and 8- to 14-day outlooks from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center both indicate below-normal chances of precipitation for Magoffin County. The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) has been monitoring the Magoffin County water situation during the past several weeks, working very closely with local officials and state agencies seeking a solution to the problem. KYEM Director, General John W. Heltzel, stated, "Obviously the best solution is much needed rain. Even then there is no guarantee this problem will not re-occur in the future. As local and state officials, it is our responsibility to take whatever steps necessary to ensure that folks across the state, not just Magoffin County, have safe and adequate water available. We all need to be mindful, especially during times like these, to conserve and protect our natural resources. It is much too easy to take something as common as clean water for granted." The current source of most of Salyersville Municipal Water’s supply is two back-up wells. It is anticipated that the back-up wells cannot sustain current demands. The state agencies are encouraging Salyersville Municipal Water and Magoffin County Water District to interconnect with water supplies in nearby counties as an interim measure. It is important that customers of Salyersville Municipal Water and Magoffin County Water District limit water usage to that which is necessary for basic human health and sanitary needs. Citizens are strongly encouraged to follow all recommendations from their water suppliers. Any additional increases in demand for water will lead to limitations in the ability to supply water to the area as a whole. “The situation developing in Magoffin County is very serious and water conservation is of utmost importance to sustain the water system until alternative sources can be used,” said Environment and Energy Cabinet Secretary Dr. Len Peters. For more information on drought conditions, water availability and conservation tips, visit the Division of Water’s drought Web site at: www.water.ky.gov/wateruse/drought/The preceding press release was from 5LINX offers consumers wide range of products and services5linx.net5LINX is a premier network marketing company offering consumers a wide range of products and services. Our company is at the forefront of the latest technologies in the telecommunications and wireless industries. 5LINX was built upon five fundamental principles: • Vision - A vision of the opportunity in communications • Integrity - All of our associates can hold their heads high with the knowledge that they are providing the best products and services available • Opportunity - The opportunity to grow without limits • Freedom - The freedom to make your own success on your own schedule • Success - As defined by YOU (more quality time with your family, unlimited financial opportunity, helping others achieve success, etc.) CLICK HERE to contact Perry Thompson for more information.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 13, 2008 15:56:34 GMT -5
Death Investigation in Rockcastle CountyOn Saturday October 11, 2008 at 18:40 PM EDT the Kentucky State Police Post 11, London, received a report, from the Rockcastle County 911 Center, of an injury traffic crash involving a pedestrian on Williams Street in Mount Vernon. Upon arrival KSP Trooper Coby Smith determined that a 1995, Chevrolet, S-10 pickup truck, operated by Travis Smith, was northbound on Williams Sreet when it travelled over a hill crest and struck the victim, Frances Higginbotham, 55, of Mount Vernon. Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was lying on the roadway, unknown why, when struck. Higginbotham was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY for treatment where she was pronounced dead. Trooper Smith is continuing the investigation and was assisted at the scene by officers of the Kentucky State Police, the Rockcastle County Sheriff's Office, the Mount Vernon City Police and the Rockcastle County EMS. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. NATIONAL SPEAKERS HEADLINE MARKETING CONFERENCERichie FarmerA futurist, a farmer and a food marketing expert will show Kentucky producers how to “Grow Your Cash Crop in Kentucky” at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s inaugural Direct Marketing Conference Nov. 13-14 in Lexington. Economist, futurist and author Dr. Jay Lehr of Ostrander, Ohio, will talk about megatrends in agriculture and the future of sustainable agriculture. Innovative farmer Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley will speak on diversifying for profit, product and pleasure. Stephen Farrelly Hall, food marketing consultant and author of “From Kitchen to Market: Selling Your Gourmet Food Specialty,” will present a step-by-step look at the marketing process. Conference sessions will focus on business management, customer service and marketing. Breakout sessions will be divided into protein, produce and on-farm market. Business basics and methods of attracting customers will be addressed. Following the conference, participants may choose from among four farm tours. At Evans Orchard in Georgetown, they can see a working agritourism destination. At the Woodford County Extension Service office in Versailles, they can tour the certified kitchen where growers may make value-added food products. At Boone’s Butcher Shop in Bardstown, they can learn how to make money on protein-based products and see the state’s mobile processing unit for small livestock species. At the University of Kentucky research farm in Lexington, they can see organic farming practices and learn about UK’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and sustainable agriculture programs. Registration is $50. The optional farm tour following the conference is an additional $20. Accommodations for the conference are available at the Hyatt Regency Lexington. Reservations must be made by Oct. 27 to receive the reduced conference rate. For more information, contact Donna Baker at (502) 564-4983 or go to the conference page on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Web site, www.kyagr.com/marketing/dmc. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. National Lieutenant Governors Heart Health InitiativeLt. Governor Daniel MongiardoLieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo launched the Kentucky chapter of the National Lieutenant Governor’s Association heart health initiative, Your Heart is in Your Hands. This nationwide effort to improve cardiovascular health has created a simple, effective, online way that individuals can record and compile their nutritional and physical activity in order to reach targeted health & wellness goals. Modeled after Delaware Lieutenant Governor John Carney’s successful statewide program, Lieutenant Governors across the nation are now participating in this effort to encourage citizens to take preventative measures against cardiovascular disease. When an individuals signs up for the program, he or she commits to a twelve-week “challenge” which involves increasing fruits and vegetables in one’s diet and committing to regular exercise. The individual is able to track his or her progress from any location through an online system, and at the end of the twelve weeks receives an award if goals are successfully met. “Kentucky has one of the worst track records for health in the nation. Two-thirds of Kentuckians are overweight or obese, increasing their chances for heart disease and other cardiovascular problems,” said Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo. “By participating in the Lieutenant Governor’s Challenge program, individuals will be given a simple and meaningful way to get motivated to eat right and increase activity. This will help improve their heart health, as well as decrease their risk of other chronic disease and illnesses.” Your Heart is in Your Hands not only takes direct and pragmatic action towards improving the quality of life and wellness of individuals; it helps to raise awareness about the prevalence of heart disease in our nation. The numbers are startling: more than 80 million Americans are affected by heart disease, a number larger than those affected by cancer, AIDS/HIV and accidents combined. However, many do not recognize that personal choices can improve their chances of avoiding heart disease by up to 82%. Lieutenant Governors across the nation have set out to change this. “The National Lieutenant Governors Association is excited to assist Lt. Governor Mongiardo in bringing this program to Kentucky,” said NLGA Associate Director Morgan Mundell. “Cardiovascular disease accounts for 1/3 of the deaths in Kentucky. We appreciate the Lieutenant Governor’s efforts in helping residents of Kentucky live a longer and healthier life.” To participate in the program or to learn more, visit: ltgovernorschallenge.usThe preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Oct 14, 2008 16:10:55 GMT -5
Ten Die On Kentucky RoadwaysOctober 6 through October 12Preliminary statistics* indicate that 10 people died in 10 separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008. Three of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles. Two of the victims were not wearing seat belts. Four victims were riding motorcycles and three were not wearing helmets. Three fatalities were pedestrians. Three of the fatalities were the result of a crash involving alcohol. Three single-fatality crashes occurred in Jefferson County. Single-fatality crashes also occurred in Boone, Bracken, Edmonson, Fayette, Larue, Rockcastle and Woodford counties. Through Oct. 12, preliminary statistics* indicate that 599 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 89 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 445 motor vehicle fatalities, 277 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 78 motorcycle fatalities, 46 were not wearing helmets. Of the 23 ATV fatalities, 21 were not wearing helmets. Forty-eight pedestrians and five bicyclists have been killed. A total of 125 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: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Fort Harrod to Kick Off Holiday Season and Present Civil War Living HistoryThe holiday season officially kicks off at Old Fort Harrod State Park November 14-15, 2008 with its annual Holiday Special and an open house at the park gift shop. Stroll through the front grounds of Old Fort Harrod State Park where over 1,000 glowing candles will guide your way. Step back in time and enjoy a candlelit tour of the 18th century fort replica that is complete with furnished cabins, blockhouses and a unique state park gift shop stocked with great items. Santa Claus will await all visitors, young and old, and your visit will not be complete without enjoying holiday music, hot apple cider and homemade cookies. The hours are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. On November 15-16, Old Fort Harrod will present its second annual Civil War Living History Program. This living history program will give the general impression of a mid-19th century Civil War atmosphere. There will be approximately 50 living historians portraying Union army soldiers and civilians in Harrodsburg after the Battle of Perryville on Oct. 8, 1862. This area will be interactive with the public and all participants. Historical speeches will also be given on the Battle of Perryville, Harrodsburg's conditions after the battle and the history of Harrodsburg. The hours of this event are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it is free and open to the public. For more information on the event, please contact Robert Preston after 5 p.m. at 859-734-2116 or 859-621-1537 or Joan Huffman at 859-734-3314. Old Fort Harrod State Park, the Commonwealth’s first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains, is located on South College Street in Harrodsburg (on the corner of U.S. 127 and U.S. 68). In addition to the reconstructed fort and period reenactors, the park features a picnic shelter, playground and gift shop. The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at: www.parks.ky.govThe preceding press release was from Salyersville Man ArrestedOn October 10, 2008, Walter Edward Hardin, age 28, of Salyersville, Ky., was arrested by the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Section (Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force) as the result of an online undercover investigation. Hardin traveled to Lexington, Kentucky to meet a 15 year old girl to engage in sexual activity. Hardin was charged with unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activities. He was lodged in the Fayette County Detention Center. The investigation is continuing. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Portable Generators Recalled by General Power Products Due to Fire HazardThe 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: Portable Generators Units: About 13,000 Importer: General Power Products LLC, of Loveland, Ohio Hazard: The generator’s fuel valve can be damaged by the cover plate during shipment and cause a fuel leak and fuel spillage during use, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: General Power Products has received 14 reports of damaged fuel valves. No injuries have been reported. Description: This recall includes the General Power Products 6000 Watt portable generator and the Poulan Pro 6000 Watt portable generator with serial numbers 060400483 through 060600725. The serial number is stamped on the engine block which is located on the front of the engine below the generator’s control panel. “General Power Products” and “6000 Generator” are printed on the side of the General Power Products generator. “Poulan Pro” and “6000 watts” are printed on the side of the Poulan Pro generator. Sold at: Hardware and home improvement stores primarily located in Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio and Texas from June 2008 through September 2008 for between $600 and $800. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the generators and contact General Power Products to determine if the generator’s fuel valve is damaged and, if it is, to receive a free repair kit and instructions. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact General Power Products toll-free at (877) 428-3769 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit the firm’s Web site at: www.generalpowerproducts.com
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Post by Press Release on Oct 15, 2008 16:27:26 GMT -5
Fire marshal offers Halloween fire safety tipsHalloween is a fun time for little ghosts and goblins. Parents of the little trick or treaters can make sure that Halloween is a safe, enjoyable evening by taking a few basic steps, according to William Swope, Kentucky State Fire Marshal. “A little planning can go a long way toward making sure that your child has a ‘fire-safe’ holiday,” Swope said. The planning begins with buying the Halloween costume. Check the labels to make sure your little one’s costume, wig or prop is fire resistant or flame retardant. When creating a costume, choose material that doesn’t ignite easily. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers these additional tips for the big night: • Provide your child with a lightweight flashlight to carry around. • Keep dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper away from heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. • Illuminate jack-o’-lanterns with flashlights or battery-operated candles, instead of burning candles. • Use lights instead of candles or torch lights to decorate sidewalks and yards. • Instruct your child to stay away from open flames, and to stop, drop and roll if clothing catches on fire. More Halloween safety tips are available at the NFPA Web site: www.nfpa.org. The preceding press release was from More than $44 million paid to Kentuckians through extended unemployment insuranceMore than $44 million in extended unemployment insurance benefits have been paid to 20,581 Kentuckians since the program began in July 2008 and more benefits will continue to be paid out, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training in the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The extended 13 weeks of benefits are being paid to Kentuckians who exhausted their regular unemployment insurance benefits and are currently unemployed. “This extension has helped many people who have lost a job through no fault of their own to carry on until they find employment,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “In addition, it is 100 percent federally funded so it does not impact Kentucky employers or the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.” Kentuckians who may be eligible for the additional jobless benefits are being notified by mail when they exhaust regular UI benefits, said Division of Unemployment Insurance Director Tony DeName. The weekly benefit amount for extended benefits will be the same as the person received for regular unemployment compensation during the original 26-week period. The maximum amount of benefits is $415 a week and depends on the person’s prior earnings. The extension will be available through March 22, 2009. DeName said that people who may be eligible can still file a claim for extension benefits at www.kewes.ky.gov . For more information about the extended unemployment insurance benefits call the UI office at (502) 564-2900, or visit the Office of Employment and Training Web site at: www.oet.ky.gov/des/ui/ui.htmThe preceding press release was from Voter Registration Figures Set for Election, Registration Record BrokenTrey GraysonMore Kentuckians are registered to vote than ever before in Kentucky, according to figures released by Secretary of State Trey Grayson and the Kentucky State Board of Elections. In total, 2,906,809 citizens will appear on Kentucky’s voter rolls for the November 4, 2008 general election. This figure eclipses the previous record, set for the 2008 primary election, which totaled 2,857,231. There were 2,840,898 registered to vote in the 2007 general election and 2,794,286 in the 2004 general election, the most recent comparable election cycle. “These figures are indicative of the diligent work of the State Board of Elections and County Clerks to ensure a fair and honest election while maximizing the number of registered voters in the Commonwealth. Because of their efforts, Kentucky has one of the best voter registration databases in the country,” stated Secretary of State Trey Grayson. “These healthy registration figures are an indication of a potentially strong turnout on election day.” The registration totals are a net increase of 49,578 voters from those who were registered to vote in the 2008 primary election, increasing the voter rolls by 1.74%. In comparison, voter registration figures increased by a net of 45,885, or 1.64%, from the 2007 primary election to the 2007 general election. Registration figures continued to show little change in the percentage of male and female voters with females representing nearly 53% of the registration population and males representing 47%. In terms of party registration, Democrats, Republicans, and “others” increased their number of registered voters by 1.98%, 1.29%, and 2.09% since May of 2008, respectively. Democrats increased their voters by 32,248 to 1,662,093. Republicans increased their voters by 13,433 to 1,053,871. “Others” increased their voters by 3,897 to 190,845. Democrats and “Others” increased their percentages of the Kentucky voter rolls as they now comprise 57.18% and 6.57% of Kentucky voters, respectively. That is an increase of 0.14% and 0.03% since the 2008 primary election, respectively. Republicans saw their percentage decrease 0.15% from the 2008 primary election to 36.26% for the upcoming election. Compared to the 2004 general election registration figures, there has been a net increase of 112,523 in total voters, or 4.03%; 46,744 in Democratic voters, or 2.89%; 57,208 in Republican voters, or 5.74%; and 8,571 “Other” voters, or 4.70%. Democrats, Republicans, and “Others” represented 57.81%, 35.67%, and 6.52% of the electorate in November of 2004, respectively. Since November of 2004, the percentage of the electorate has changed -0.63% for Democrats, 0.59% for Republicans, and 0.05% for “Others” as compared to current percentages of Kentucky registered voters. The large net increase in total voters includes the removal of nearly 28,000 deceased voters from the voter rolls in late September. The State Board of Elections received the Master Death File from the National Technical Information Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which maintains the file for the Social Security Administration. The file, commonly used by states around the country to determine deceased voters, includes the 82 million Americans who have passed away since the inception of the Social Security Administration. These figures are on top of the bi-monthly reports that the State Board receives from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “We must do all that we can to maintain accurate voter rolls. As evidenced in recent convictions, Kentucky has a long history of voter fraud. By removing deceased voters from the rolls, we are eliminating yet another avenue for potential fraud,” remarked Grayson. Secretary Grayson noted that the election’s focus now shifts to getting people to the polls on Election Day. “Now that the registration books are closed, we must work diligently to see that every registered Kentuckian votes in the November 4, 2008 general election.” Grayson encouraged citizens to utilize the Voter Information Center (VIC) on the State Board of Election’s website to confirm their voter registration and to locate their polling place. The site includes driving directions from the voter’s address to the polling location. For complete registration statistics and additional election information or to access the VIC, please visit www.elect.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from Kentucky Agriculture will be Showcased at Sunbelt ExpoKentucky agriculture will be showcased at next week’s Sunbelt Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. Known as, “North America’s Premier Farm Show,” the Expo is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors during its three-day run, October 13-16. A diversity of technology, products and interactive educational exhibits will be a must-see for farmer, agribusinessmen, and rural homeowners. Kentucky has always been known for basketball, bluegrass music and thoroughbred horses, but at this year’s Sunbelt Expo visitors will discover the rich agricultural heritage of the Commonwealth and the diversification efforts made possible by the over $268 million dollars invested from the Kentucky Master Settlement Agreement. Representatives from Kentucky’s delegation will include the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy (GOAP), Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture who will join forces for an exhibit highlighting the state’s agriculture industry. “The collaboration of the Kentucky delegation this will be a wonderful opportunity for the Commonwealth to tell our agricultural story,” said GOAP Executive Director, Roger Thomas. “We will have a chance to showcase and educate other states on the one-of-a-kind programs made possible by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund as well as bring back ideas from other states on issues that will enhance efficiency and profitability of agriculture.” Kentucky is the “spotlight state” among ten southeastern states involved in the 2008 Sunbelt Expo. Kentucky will have a 40-by-100-foot exhibit area in the heart of the various other 1,200 exhibitors located in the 100-acre area at a former Air Force base near Moultrie. GOAP Executive Director, Roger Thomas will be the keynote speaker at this year Sunbelt Expo Kick-off Luncheon where he will give greetings from Kentucky before an expected crowd of 1,000 attendees. The centerpiece of the Kentucky exhibit will be the GOAP display featuring projects and programs that are part of the state’s historic agricultural development initiative under the Kentucky Agriculture Development Board. KDA will feature its award-winning farm safety program, the Kentucky Proud Marketing initiative along with other achievements. Among several things, the UK College of Agriculture will showcase its equine initiative and engineering program. Kentucky Farm Bureau will promote its service to Kentucky’s farm families with more than 460,000 members, one of the strongest Farm Bureau Federations in the country. They will also feature their award-winning television program Bluegrass and Backroads. Monroe County dairy cattle producer Loretta Lyons will represent Kentucky in the 19th annual Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition that is part of the Expo. The contest includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennesee, and Virginia. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Oct 16, 2008 20:34:44 GMT -5
Write-in Candidates Face Deadline for Upcoming ElectionCandidates who want to be eligible to have their votes counted as a write-in candidate for the upcoming election have until October 24, 2008 to file with the appropriate filing officer. “As we head into the homestretch of the 2008 election cycle, I want to encourage those individuals who are considering running as a write-in candidate to file to run as soon as possible,” stated Secretary of State Trey Grayson. Eligible write-in candidates who must file with the Secretary of State have until 4:00 p.m. EDT to file their papers, while candidates for offices that file with the local county clerk will have until 4:00 p.m. local time to complete their filings. If candidates choose to mail their filing papers, the documents must still be received in the appropriate office by 4:00 p.m. on the 24th, and thus, candidates are asked to plan accordingly. The following offices must file with the Office of the Secretary of State: 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)
There will also be additional judicial races this year to fill unexpired terms. The following judicial offices for unexpired terms also face the October 24, 2008 write-in filing deadline: • Supreme Court Justice –Third Supreme Court District Vacancy effective: June 27, 2008
Counties affected: Adair, Bell, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Estill, Garrard, Green, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Lincoln, Marion, McCreary, Metcalfe, Monroe, Nelson, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Taylor, Washington, Wayne, and Whitley
Vacancy occurred by the Retirement of Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert
• District Judge – 41st Judicial District, Division 2
Vacancy effective November 6, 2007
Counties affected: Clay, Jackson and Leslie
Vacancy occurred by the election of Oscar Gayle HouseIn order to help the thousands of candidates, both new and old, seeking political office, the Office of the Secretary of State has developed a ballot access procedural manual titled: Declaring Your Candidacy. 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, sample filing forms of various types, contact information for state election agencies, and answers to candidates’ most frequently asked questions. “Candidates would be wise to file prior to the deadline date and time in the event their documents are not acceptable for filing,” stated Secretary Grayson. “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 Indentity Theft ArrestAttorney General Jack Conway today announced that his Department of Criminal Investigations has arrested 21-year-old Alvaro Rojas of Lexington in connection with an identity theft investigation that spans three states. Investigators arrested Rojas in Georgetown on Tuesday. He is charged with identity theft, a Class D felony. Rojas is currently free from the Scott County Detention Center on $5,000 bail, of which he had to post 10%. A court date has been set for Nov. 16 in Scott County. Investigators with the Office of the Attorney General began looking into the case after a man in Texas filed his 2007 tax returns and learned that people in three other states were using his Social-Security number for employment and identification purposes. In addition to the Kentucky arrest, another person has been arrested for using the same Social-Security number in Georgia. There is a case involving the stolen Social-Security number in a third state as well. Authorities cannot comment on an ongoing investigation. The maximum sentence for identity theft ranges from one to five years in prison, if convicted. An indictment or arrest is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until or unless found guilty. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Oct 18, 2008 22:36:25 GMT -5
Bus invovled in Clay County accidentOn Thursday October 16, 2008 at 4:24 PM EDT the Kentucky State Police Post 11, London, received a report of a two vehicle traffic crash with injury, on KY 11, 4 miles south of Manchester in Clay County. Upon arrival Trooper Nick Metcalf determined that a 1995 white Ford Ranger pickup truck, operated by Glen Shope, 75, of La Follette, TN, was northbound on KY 11 when it lost control, on the rain soaked roadway, in a curve. The truck then crossed the centerline, struck a 1996 yellow International school bus, operated by Rosalie Hoskins, 45, of Manchester, KY, in the front and traveled over an embankment coming to rest against a tree. Shope and his passenger, Pauline Shope, 70, of La Follette, TN, were transported the Manchester Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Hoskins and one passenger of the bus, Donetta Williams, 32, of Manchester, KY, were transported the Manchester Memorial Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Three children, who were passengers on the bus, but not injured, were transported the Manchester Memorial Hospital as a precaution. KSP Trooper Nick Metcalf is investigating in the incident and was assisted at the scene by officers of the Kentucky State Police, the Clay County EMS, the Horse Creek Fire Department and the Lockards Creek Fire Department. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Kentucky drinking water systems show significant progressDrinking water systems that made progress toward complying with the Safe Drinking Water Act in the last three years are highlighted in a report to Gov. Steve Beshear. The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) developed the triennial report to show how its Capacity Development Program is addressing problems water systems have had in developing the technical, managerial and financial expertise they need for optimal operation. Technical assistance and water “budgets” are among the tools of the program. Between 2005 and 2008, environmental technologists in the DOW Drinking Water Program performed more than 2,200 technical assistance visits and consultations covering all aspects of water treatment and distribution. They also encouraged regionalization of small systems. The results have been that in 2002, the commonwealth had 3.6 million people being served by 595 public water systems (PWS), of which 20 were identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as persistent violators of drinking water laws and regulations. In 2005, there were 521 PWSs serving more than 3.7 million Kentuckians and 11 systems were identified as persistent violators. By September 2008, there were 492 PWSs that serve more than 93 percent of Kentucky residents. In that three-year period, 14 systems were identified as persistent violators. A water “budget” is designed to avoid the issuance of a systemwide line extension ban or tap-on ban. A PWS nearing its system design capacity enters into an order under which it agrees to careful planning and management of available water. The agreed order typically includes a two- to five-year planned solution to increase system design capacity, and it allows the system to grow. At present, DOW is monitoring 24 voluntary water budget agreed orders. Since the program’s inception in 2005, 10 orders have been completed and closed. Without this tool, growth of the community would effectively be halted. Another tool that DOW has found invaluable in planning water infrastructure on a watershed basis is the Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS allows public water systems and the state to digitally display, manipulate and monitor their infrastructure with aerial views. Planners use these maps to identify source water availability and underserved areas, locate cross-reference sources in preparation for water shortages, determine logical transportation of water in cases of mergers and regionalization, and monitor trends in capacity development as systems grow. On-site technical assistance is offered to PWSs without threat of enforcement action, giving the systems an opportunity to be proactive in optimizing their technical capacity. From October 2005 through September 2008, DOW capacity development activities for small water systems (serving a population of less than 10,000) were supported by set-aside dollars from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. To read the report online, go to: www.water.ky.gov/dw/profi/awop/CapacityDev.htmThe preceding press release was from Governor declares state of emergency for Magoffin CountyGov. Steven L. Beshear today declared a water emergency for Magoffin County in southeastern Kentucky due to critically short water supplies and the lack of relief anticipated in the near future. In signing the declaration, Governor Beshear said conditions “endanger the public health and safety and threaten the public welfare of the citizens of Magoffin County.” He urged water users to stop all nonessential use of water and restrict its use to health and safety needs. The emergency declaration is issued in the wake of precipitation levels that have resulted in a complete cessation of flow in the Licking River at Salyersville, the primary source of water supply for the Magoffin County Water District and the city of Salyersville. Both water systems are served by Salyersville Municipal Water. There is also significant uncertainty about the capacity of two backup wells to continue to produce an adequate supply of water to meet health and safety needs. Declaration of a state of emergency by the governor authorizes the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) to take extraordinary measures to protect Magoffin County’s water supply during the emergency, if EEC determines those measures are warranted. For instance, EEC may allocate the available public water supply among water users and restrict the water withdrawal rights of entities that hold water withdrawal permits. It also enables the EEC to do some things more quickly than it could otherwise, such as modify existing water withdrawal permits. Some of the actions the cabinet may take to stop nonessential water uses and to restrict essential usage include: • Encourage or mandate local officials and water system managers to implement the appropriate stage of their water shortage response plans, including urging them to draft local ordinances to restrict water usage. • Direct the modification or removal of unpermitted impoundments blocking flow to downstream users, such as those put into place for agricultural uses. • Order immediate purchase or rental of goods and services essential for protection of public health and safety or maintenance or restoration of essential public services. Some of the actions the cabinet can take to conserve available water resources, order conservation and allocate water resources include: • Reduce or modify amounts within water withdrawal permits for certain uses. • Restrict normally unregulated withdrawers. • Initiate discussions with the Corps of Engineers (COE) on appropriate use of COE reservoirs during the drought. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Oct 20, 2008 20:58:31 GMT -5
Absentee Balloting is Open for ElectionTrey GraysonVoters across Kentucky have begun casting ballots for this year’s election. While not all Kentuckians can head to the polls before Election Day, Kentucky law does provide opportunities for some voters to cast absentee ballots before the November 4, 2008 election. “Kentucky law provides Kentucky voters with a number of opportunities to cast a ballot,” stated Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson, the Chief Election Officer of the Commonwealth. “I hope that all citizens will plan for Election Day accordingly, and if they need to cast an absentee ballot, will take the appropriate steps to do so.” Most county clerks’ offices across the Commonwealth have already begun in-house absentee voting, where voters actually vote on voting machines similar to those used on Election Day. All county clerks’ offices must allow in-house absentee voting at least twelve working days before Election Day. The actual start date for this voting may vary depending on whether the offices open on Saturdays. Voters will have until November 3, 2008 to cast an in-house absentee ballot. Voters might also be eligible to apply for a mail-in absentee ballot. Those applications are available from voters’ respective county clerks’ offices and must be received during office hours in those offices by October 28, 2008. After receiving an approved application, county clerks will mail a ballot to the respective voters, and voters will have until 6:00 p.m. local time on Election Day to return their ballots to the county clerk. There are a variety of reasons why a voter might request to cast an absentee ballot, including: • Advanced age, disability, or illness • Military personnel, their dependents, and overseas citizens • Students who temporarily reside outside the county • Other voters who temporarily reside outside of Kentucky, such as a vacationer • Voters incarcerated but not yet convicted • Voters’ employment takes them out of the county all hours the polling place is open • Voters who will be out of the county on Election Day • Military personnel confined to base who learn of it within seven days or less of an election • Voters who have surgery scheduled that will require hospitalization on Election Day, and the voter’s spouse • Pregnant women in third trimester • Election Officials Voters are restricted as to whether they can use in-house absentee voting or mail-in ballots according to their reason for casting an absentee ballot. Grayson also reminded voters that with the start of in-house absentee voting, electioneering laws are now in effect for the building in which the absentee voting is located. Electioneering is prohibited inside in-house absentee voting locations during the hours in which absentee voting is being conducted. Electioneering materials shall not be affixed to the interior or exterior of any in-house absentee voting location during that time as well. For more specific rules about electioneering, citizens are urged to contact their local board of elections or the State Board of Elections. To learn more information about absentee voting or to use the Voter Information Center, a service that will confirm voter registration and provide pertinent election information to registered voters, please visit: www.vote.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from $689,245 Invested in Kentucky Agricultural DiversificationThe Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, chaired by Governor Steve Beshear, approved $689,245 in agricultural diversification projects across the Commonwealth during their monthly board meeting on Friday, October 17 at the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Office in Frankfort. State and County Agricultural Development Fund projects approved for funding at the October meeting include: $485,000 - Foothills Products and Services, Inc. Foothills Products and Services, Inc. was approved for County Agriculture Development Funds from Clay County ($2,000), Clinton County ($1,000), Russell County ($3,000), Pulaski County (2,500), Wayne County ($5,000) and a $471,500 loan in state funds to purchase Foothills Country Meats, a USDA inspected custom processing facility. $7,500 - Franklin County High School Franklin County High School was approved for $7,500 in Franklin County funds to build a greenhouse on the grounds of Franklin County High School. $20,000 - Johns Custom Meats, LLC Johns Custom Meats, LLC was approved for $10,000 in Barren County funds and $10,000 in Warren County funds to complete the construction of their current livestock processing facility and purchase new equipment. Menu Approach Programs $50,000 - Appalachian Alternative Agriculture of Jackson County Appalachian Alternative Agriculture of Jackson County was approved for $50,000 in Jackson County funds to administer a Menu Approach Program with four model programs including: Dairy Diversification, Goat & Sheep Diversification, Swine Diversification, and Timber Production, Utilization & Marketing. $31,200 - Carroll County Agriculture Development Fund, Inc. Carroll County Agriculture Development Fund, Inc. was approved for $31,200 in Carroll County funds to administer a Menu Approach Program with six model programs including: Cattle Genetics Improvement, Cattle Handling Facilities, Farm Livestock Fencing Improvement, Forage Improvement & Utilization, and Hay, Straw, & Commodity Storage, and On Farm Water Enhancement. $5,200 - Carroll County Agriculture Development Fund, Inc. The Carroll County Agriculture Development Fund, Inc. was approved for $5,200 in Carroll County funds to administer a Menu Approach Program with six model programs including: Agricultural Diversification, Dairy Diversification, Goat & Sheep Diversification, Swine Diversification, Technology, and Timber Production, Utilization & Marketing. County model programs are designed to provide farmers with cost-share funding to allow them to improve and diversify their current production practices. For more information regarding the sign-up period and guidelines of programs funded in a specific county please contact the County Cooperative Extension Office. The Agricultural Diversification Program is designed to assist producers in the development and expansion of new agricultural products and through the development of new ways of working with existing agricultural commodities. There are twelve investment areas represented in this program. County Agricultural Diversification programs approved by the Board totaled $52,500 and included: $52,500 - Bath County The Cattle Genetics Improvement Program increases the genetic quality of beef and dairy cattle in Kentucky through the selection of superior sires, either through purchase/lease of sires or artificial insemination (AI). County Cattle Genetics Improvement programs approved by the Board totaled $37,445 and included: $37,445 - Clinton County The Shared-use Equipment Program allows producers who cannot justify ownership expenses associated with certain equipment by helping them access technology necessary to improve their operations in an economical manner. County Shared-use Equipment programs approved by the Board totaled $400 and included: $400 - McCreary County Governor Beshear and the Kentucky Legislature continue to make great strides toward lessening Kentucky’s dependence on tobacco production while revitalizing the farm economy by investing 50 percent of Kentucky's Master Settlement Agreement into the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. To date, Kentucky has invested more than $269 million to an array of county, regional and state projects designed to increase net farm income and create sustainable new farm-based business enterprises. The diversification programs represent more than 3,391 projects that have been funded through the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, since the inception of the program in January 2001. *Please contact the County Cooperative Extension Office for more information regarding model programs and when the sign ups will be held in your county. The preceding press release was from Roberts indicted for Sex Offender Registration failureThe United States Attorney’s Office and the United States Marshals Service jointly announced today that Deandre T. Roberts, 33, of Lexington, Ky. was indicted and arraigned for failing to register as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) in the state of Kentucky. SORNA is a subsection of the “Adam Walsh Act” passed two years ago to create stiffer federal penalties for sex offenders that travel across state lines and knowingly fail to register as sex offenders in the state they travel to. This act increased the maximum penalty for violating this law from one to 10 years in prison. In addition, if a sex offender commits a federal crime while unregistered, that individual is subject to a maximum 20 year prison sentence. The indictment alleges that between April and September 2008, Roberts traveled across state lines to Kentucky and knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by SORNA. Roberts has been previously convicted of second degree rape. Roberts pleaded not guilty and the trial is set for December 4th in Lexington. Roy Dale Robbins, 32, of Salt Lick, Ky., was also indicted for failing to register as required under SORNA in the state of Kentucky. The Indictment alleges that between April and September of 2008, Robbins traveled across state lines to Kentucky and knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by SORNA. Robbins has been convicted of having unlawful sexual contact with a minor. Robbins also faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and will be arraigned on October 20. The investigation preceding these indictments was conducted by the United States Marshals Service. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon W. Marshall. The indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only, and that person presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 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 Oct 21, 2008 15:56:41 GMT -5
KSP find Meth Lab in Pick-up TruckOn Saturday October 18, 2008 at 11:21 AM the Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London received a request for assistance from off-duty officers of the Manchester Police Department and the Kentucky State Police Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement on Logan Baker Street in the Big Creek area of Clay County. Upon arrival Trooper Jeff Senters determined that the off-duty officers had observed Dewey S. Finley, 37, of Big Creek, KY driving a black Ford Pick-up with no registration plate and upon stopping to talk to him observed Methamphetamine Precursors in the truck bed. Trooper Senters arrested Finley on the charge of Unlawful Possession of Meth Precursor 1ST Degree and lodged him in the Clay County Detention Center. Trooper Senters is in charge of the investigation and was assisted by officers from the Manchester Police Department and the Kentucky State Police Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Grayson Releases Video to Educate Kentuckians about YouTube-PBS InitiativeTrey GraysonSecretary of State Trey Grayson released a video today, which his office is distributing to colleges and universities around the state and sharing with other citizens via new media platforms such as Facebook.com, in which he urges citizens to be cautious when participating in a new YouTube PBS initiative called “Video Your Vote.” The initiative encourages citizens “to document their voting experiences.” However, the use of recording devices at the polls is illegal in Kentucky, and the State’s Chief Elections Official wants citizens to know the laws on the books in Kentucky. In the video, Grayson encourages voters to participate in the initiative but asks them to follow the law and respect other voters’ privacy by recording videos away from the polls. Grayson noted that many voters find recording “intimidating.” Intimidating voters is also forbidden by Kentucky law, as is recording the identity of voters. Grayson also encouraged citizens who have viewed his video, to share it with others so that they will know the laws in Kentucky concerning polling place activities. To view the video, visit: www.sos.ky.gov/videoyourvoteIf a voter sees the use of voting equipment at the polls, the citizen should immediately tell the precinct election officers at the polling location. In addition, citizens can call their local county clerk or law enforcement officials to help with the problem. The State Board of Elections recently made county clerks aware of the initiative which was just launched late last week. They also plan to help spread the message via new media outlets that typically have audiences that utilize YouTube. For more information about polling place activities or other election questions, please call your local county clerk or the State Board of Elections. The preceding press release was from Thirteen Die On Kentucky RoadwaysOctober 13 through October 19Preliminary statistics* indicate that thirteen people died in eleven separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, October 13 through Sunday, October 19, 2008. Eleven of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and seven of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Adair, Bracken, Floyd, Hardin, Larue, Lawrence, Pulaski, and Trigg counties. The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in one of these crashes. A triple-fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Clinton county. Candi J. Byers age 29 of Albany was traveling south on US 127 when she lost control of her vehicle and slid into the path of Brenda S. Logan of Albany which was traveling north. Both occupants of Ms. Byers' vehicle (Candi J. Byers & Kasen Byers) and the passenger of Ms. Logan's vehicle (Belinda L. Logan) were pronounced deceased at the scene by Clinton County Coroner, Steve Talbott. Brenda S. Logan was flown to University of Kentucky hospital in serious condition. One ATV fatality occurred in Floyd county and the victim was not wearing a helmet. One pedestrian fatality occurred in Jefferson and the suspected use of alcohol is a factor in that crash. Through October 19, preliminary statistics* indicate that 616 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 87 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 460 motor vehicle fatalities, 287 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the seventy-eight motorcycle fatalities, forty-six were not wearing helmets. Twenty-four people have been killed in ATV crashes and twenty-two of those were not wearing helmets. Forty-nine pedestrians have been killed. A total of one-hundred and twenty seven 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: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Psychologist guilty of receipt of child pornographyA Menifee county psychologist pleaded guilty today to Receipt of Child Pornography. Chad B. Stafford, 36, of Morehead, Ky. will receive at least five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years. Stafford admitted to knowingly downloading at least three hundred images of child pornography using a peer to peer file sharing program. Stafford further acknowledged that some of the images included children between the ages of four and six years old. During a detention hearing in August of this year, an FBI agent testified that Stafford worked with children in grades first through twelfth. Stafford acknowledged that from September of 2007 until December of 2007 he knowingly received in interstate commerce by any means including by computer, visual depictions that had been mailed, shipped or transported in interstate commerce, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The case started when an undercover investigation in Houston, Texas revealed that Stafford was download images of child pornography. Stafford will be sentenced on March 9, 2008 in Ashland. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Timothy Cox, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Menifee County Sheriff’s Department, Rodney C. Brewer, Commissioner Kentucky State Police, the Rowan County Attorney’s Office and the Morehead Police Department jointly made the announcement today after the plea agreement. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI, Kentucky State Police and the Morehead Police Department. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Collins Jailed For Stabbing BrotherOn Sunday October 19, 2008 at 8:10 AM the Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London received a report of an Assault at a residence on Fox Hollow Road in Clay County. Upon arrival Detective Mike Bowling determined that, during a domestic argument, Mark Collins, 30, of Manchester had stabbed his brother Marvin Collins, 26, of London. Marvin Collins was treated and released from the Manchester Memorial Hospital. Mark Collins was charged with Assault 2ND Degree Domestic Violence and lodged in the Clay County Detention Center. Detective Bowling is in charge of the investigation and was assisted by officers from the Kentucky State Police, the Manchester Police Department and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 22, 2008 16:12:37 GMT -5
Jackson County Death Investigation UpdateThe Kentucky State Medical Examiner's Office has identified the two persons found inside a burned vehicle in Jackson County on October 19th, 2008. The victims are Christopher R. Wicker, age 31 of McKee and Patricia Gabbard, age 51, also of McKee. The State Medical Examiner's Office has determined both victims died from smoke inhalation. The fire appears to be accidental, and the possible cause was a propane lantern that was being used as a light and heat source within the vehicle. Next of kin have been notified. The investigation is ongoing. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 7 in Richmond. 5LINX offers consumers wide range of products and services5linx.net5LINX is a premier network marketing company offering consumers a wide range of products and services. Our company is at the forefront of the latest technologies in the telecommunications and wireless industries. 5LINX was built upon five fundamental principles: • Vision - A vision of the opportunity in communications • Integrity - All of our associates can hold their heads high with the knowledge that they are providing the best products and services available • Opportunity - The opportunity to grow without limits • Freedom - The freedom to make your own success on your own schedule • Success - As defined by YOU (more quality time with your family, unlimited financial opportunity, helping others achieve success, etc.) CLICK HERE to contact Perry Thompson for more information. Cox sentenced for bank robberiesThe United States Attorney’s Office, Lexington Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation jointly announced today that David Thomas Cox, 28, of Lexington, was sentenced late yesterday by United States Chief District Court Judge Jennifer B. Coffman to five years and three months in prison for two bank robberies. Judge Coffman also ordered Cox to pay $15,939 in restitution. In July of 2008, Cox pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that on May 27, 2008 he robbed the Fifth Third Branch located at 2295 Nicholasville Road, taking approximately $6,210. Cox also admitted that he robbed the same branch previously on November 15, 2007 of approximately $11,100. Under federal law, Cox must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and upon release will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for three years. The investigation was conducted by the Lexington Police Department and the FBI. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky State Officials Announce Task Force to Investigate and Prevent Voter FraudTrey GraysonThe Commonwealth’s chief law-enforcement official and chief elections officer came together today in the State Capitol to announce that they will once again be working together with agencies across Kentucky as part of a task force to prevent and investigate allegations of voter fraud during the November 4, 2008 general election. Attorney General Jack Conway and Secretary of State Trey Grayson discussed the importance of this year’s elections and how each office is working to protect the election from potential fraud. The Office of the Attorney General has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute violations of the Kentucky election laws. By law, the Attorney General administers programs to observe the conduct of elections, maintains a toll-free hotline to receive reports of election law violations, investigates any such violations, takes appropriate enforcement action and conducts post-election audits based on random selection in counties throughout Kentucky. The Election Fraud Hotline is 1-800-328-VOTE (800-328-8683). The hotline is available throughout the year during normal business hours. On November 4, calls will be received from 6 a.m. EST until 7 p.m. EST. “We need Kentucky voters to be our eyes and ears on election day,” General Conway said. “We will have about a dozen investigators from my office patrolling precincts throughout the Commonwealth, but we need citizens to join with us to ensure we have a fair election.” Secretary Grayson, who serves as the Chairman of the State Board of Elections, noted that the cooperation between the agencies had been “tremendous”, but that many of these efforts require the help of citizens. “The success of any election includes the vigilance of Kentucky citizens, and their reporting anything that they may find unusual concerning the election. I encourage all citizens to report any irregularities, both large and small, so that our agencies may work together to address these issues as quickly as possible. Together, we will work to ensure that every citizen can participate in a fair and honest election,” said Secretary Grayson. The State Board of Elections will also be fielding calls about the election from now through Election Day. Citizens are encouraged to contact their local county clerk or the State Board of Elections with general election concerns or for election information. Officials from each agency have been meeting in recent weeks to prepare for the election, discussing any potential issues and problem areas. Because federal races will be on the ballot, the offices of the U.S. Attorney’s for both the Western and Eastern Districts in Kentucky will be conducting their traditional Voting Integrity Initiatives. United States Attorney David L. Huber of Kentucky’s Western District stated, "The detection of election fraud depends in large part on the watchfulness and cooperation of the Kentucky electorate. Election fraud and voting rights abuses dilute the worth of votes honestly cast. They also corrupt the essence of our representative form of government. As crimes against both the individual and the government, they will be dealt with promptly and aggressively. Regardless of the election involved, federal agents stand vigilant to the enforcement of federal laws regulating the election process and will investigate valid complaints of election impropriety that implicate federal criminal laws." “Voting is a direct function of this country’s democratic principles,” said Assistant United States Attorney Ken Taylor, representing Kentucky’s Eastern District. “This is an opportunity to let the citizens of this great state know that our office continues to make efforts to ensure that the election process will be handled with purity.” During the primary, the Office of the Attorney General’s Election Fraud Hotline received 59 calls on election day from 28 counties. There were no complaints of vote-buying. The majority of calls dealt with informational questions or complaints about electioneering within 300 feet of polls and exit-polling violations. The last Presidential election in 2004 resulted in 52 pre-election complaints, 123 Election Day complaints and 26 post-election complaints. Seventeen of those complaints were referred for review or investigation. There were no charges filed. Attorney General Conway also sent an alert today to county clerks, local law enforcement officers and prosecutors notifying them of Kentucky law as it pertains to voters wearing t-shirts, buttons or other attire in polling places. General Conway notified officials that voters should not be turned away for wearing such apparel and that any person who unlawfully prevents or attempts to prevent a voter from casting a ballot may be charged with a Class D felony under KRS.119.155. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Oct 23, 2008 15:26:05 GMT -5
Meth lab found in vehicle; driver arrestedA Laurel County man has been charged with manufacturing methamphetamine after an active lab was found in his vehicle. Cy Doan, age 33, of Fount Hubbard Road, was arrested around midnight Monday, October 20, by Operation UNITE. At 11:44 p.m. Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Mitchell and Sgt. Rodney Vanzant responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint at an abandoned house on Fount Hubbard Road. When they arrived they found Doan sitting in the driver’s seat of the black Chevrolet Blazer. Once the officers spotted a one-step methamphetamine lab on the floorboard by Doan’s feet they contacted UNITE detectives to handle disposal of the materials. “It was a small lab that was in the beginning stages of cooking a batch of methamphetamine,” said Dan Smoot, UNITE law enforcement director. “Anytime you have a meth lab you have the possibility of a fire or chemical exposure.” The abandoned home was located just a short distance from Doan’s house. Doan was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. Clark guilty of preparing fraudulent income tax returnsA professional tax preparer from Georgetown, Ky., was sentenced by United States Senior District Court Judge Joseph M. Hood to 27 months in prison for preparing fraudulent income tax returns. David Michael Clark, 61, pleaded guilty during the second day of his trial in April 2008. He admitted to fabricating business expenses and business tax credits on 86 of his clients’ tax returns. Clark, who was self-employed and worked out of his home, acknowledged that he knew his clients did not have businesses and were not entitled to claim the expenses or the credits. Clark defrauded the Internal Revenue Service of approximately $238,607 because his clients received refunds that they were not entitled to receive. He benefitted from the scheme by requiring each client to pay $2,000 to him upon receipt of the refund from the IRS. After some of his clients became suspicious, they reported Clark to the IRS and repaid their refunds. Under federal law, Clark must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for one year. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Christopher R. Pikelis, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney John Patrick Grant. 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 Oct 25, 2008 13:37:09 GMT -5
Miner Killed in Perry County AccidentA miner was killed Wednesday in an accident near the Cornettsville community in Perry County. Rodney K. Blevins, 40, of Cumberland, was operating a bulldozer at the AM&E Coal Inc. mine when the accident occurred. Initial reports indicate he was pushing dirt near the edge of the bench he was making and the outside track got in soft dirt that gave way. The bulldozer overturned and rolled down a steep hill. The accident occurred at 2:45 p.m. Kentucky has experienced two fatal and one serious injury accidents in recent weeks involving bulldozers. In response, Johnny Greene, executive director of the Office of Mine Safety and Licensing, has directed the state’s surface mine safety analysts to visit all surface mines in the state to conduct safety meetings. Those meetings begin today and will conclude in about 10 business days. "Our analysts will be conducting these meetings with mine employees and contractors who are at risk for highwall accidents. We will discuss with these employees methods to prevent these types of accidents," said Greene. It is the fifth fatal coal mine accident reported in Kentucky in 2008. The preceding press release was from Groves sentenced to 210 months for Receipt of Child PornographySteven H. Groves, 30, of Covington, Ky., was sentenced to 210 months in prison and lifetime supervision by United States District Court Judge David Bunning for Receipt of Child Pornography. Groves admitted to using his computer to download more than 900 images of child pornography and copy them onto compact discs. These images included depictions of minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexual conduct as well as images of sadistic and violent conduct. Evidence at sentencing established that Groves also possessed sexually explicit images of a family member who was approximately six years old at the time that the images were taken. Evidence further established that Groves engaged in a pattern of activity involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of that minor. Groves pleaded guilty in July and was indicted in November of 2007. “This sentence shows that we are not going to permit adults to rob minors of their innocence by exploiting them for sexual purposes,” said Anthony Bracke who represented the United States in this case. “Child pornography is a plague on the internet and the community as a whole. Coordinated prosecutions between state and federal authorities such as this are one of our best tools in this battle.” Under federal law, Groves must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Groves was also required to register as a sex offender and to successfully complete sex offender treatment. James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Timothy D. Cox, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by the Covington Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony J. Bracke and Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Ward. Ms. Ward serves as an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney in Kenton County who works part-time with the United States Attorney’s Office to assist in the prosecution of child exploitation cases as part of Project Safe Childhood. Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders said his office would continue to work with federal prosecutors to maximize sentences for those caught downloading, producing, or trading in child pornography. “Our goal is to make Kentucky the safest place to raise children by locking up predators for as long as we possibly can; regardless of whether it’s in federal or state prison,” said Sanders. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the United States Attorney General 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 through electronic technology. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Great Golf Abounds Around KentuckyLast month, the 2008 Ryder Cup Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville drew national and international attention to the Bluegrass State’s love affair with professional golf. Touring the great state of Kentucky, you will find many outstanding public and state park-run courses that are ready and waiting to provide challenges to players of all skill levels. The Kentucky State Parks have added a new golf package now available at 10 parks across the state. The “Chip Shot” package includes overnight lodging and 18 holes of golf with a cart for $59 a person from Nov. 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009. From April 1 through Oct. 31, 2009, the cost will be $79 per person, based on double occupancy. The state parks golf staff has compiled a list of excellent public and state park courses that combine beautiful settings with challenging play. The list includes several courses in each of the four main regions of Kentucky – the Appalachians, Kentucky Derby, Western Waterlands and Southern Lakes areas. Keeping in mind that there are scores of good courses around the commonwealth, here is a list of several of the state park PGA professionals’ favorites in the Appalachian region. • Wasioto Winds, Pine Mountain State Park, Pineville. • Hidden Cove Golf Course, Grayson Lake State park, Olive Hill. • Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Yatesville Lake State Park, Louisa. • Old Silo Golf Club, Mt. Sterling. • StoneCrest Golf Course, Prestonsburg. All the courses are 18 holes, and all are open year-round. While golfers are hitting the links, non-golfing spouses have many options for entertaining themselves in close proximity to each of these courses. These itineraries include shopping, vineyard tours, bourbon distillery tours, spas and many well-known attractions. Whether it is day spas, shopping, vineyard tours or other well-known attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Bluegrass State. Visit us on the web at www.kentuckytourism.com or www.parks.ky.gov for information on area attractions. For more information, call Kevin S. Main, assistant director of golf for Kentucky State Parks, at 502-564-8611 ext. 256. The Kentucky Department of Travel, an agency of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy. The preceding press release was from Nine Floyd residents appear on drug chargesNine suspects wanted in connection with an undercover drug investigation appeared for arraignment in Floyd County Circuit Court this week. Arrest warrants will be issued for three other individuals who failed to show up for their court date. Chief Regional Circuit Judge John David Caudill had sent each of the suspects a letter ordering them to appear in court following recent indictments issued by a Floyd County Grand Jury. Operation UNITE detectives and an investigator from the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office of Criminal Investigations have been investigating these cases for about eight months. The charges involved the illegal sale of a variety of drug types. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. Online Resources Available for VotersKentuckians have access to multiple online services which will allow voters to prepare for the upcoming general election. Citizens can view sample ballots online, check their voter registration, and obtain driving directions to their polling location – all by visiting the Vote Kentucky! online presence created by the Office of the Secretary of State with support from the Kentucky State Board of Elections at: www.vote.ky.gov. “Information about the voting process should be as accessible as possible,” stated Secretary of State Trey Grayson. “This allows citizens to better educate themselves about the candidates and initiatives for which they will be voting on Election Day and have access to pertinent voting information for the elections process.” The Office of the Secretary of State worked with County Clerks across the Commonwealth as well as with election services providers, Harp Enterprises and Kentuckiana Election Services, to place as many ballots on the internet as possible. All of Kentucky counties’ sample ballots are now available online. The Office of the Secretary of State also offers a candidate database where voters can view information about candidates that file with the Office of the Secretary of State. Most of those candidates have their photos, email addresses, and links to their campaign websites available via this online tool. Kentuckians who do not know where they are supposed to vote can find their voter information via the State Board of Elections website’s Voter Information Center (VIC). The Voter Information Center can provide information on a particular registered voter’s polling location, party registration, and driving directions from the registered address to the polling location. The service can now be accessed from many mobile devices. “It is particularly important for voters to verify the address of their polling location due to polling locations changing every election cycle,” noted Grayson. “Checking this information before Election Day can reduce confusion before a citizen heads to the polls.” Other elections services that Kentuckians can find online include the Election Night Tally system, where citizens can access up to the minute unofficial results of the election, as well as general information about the election process in Kentucky. The new Vote Kentucky! site is in response to the National Campaign for Political and Civic Engagement’s report entitled: Navigating the Vote: A Review of How State Voter Education Websites Address the Needs of Young Voters. The report examined how information is provided to voters via voter information websites. The authors of the report reviewed Kentucky’s new site to ensure that it reached audiences in the way that the report recommends. Citizens can access the Office of the Secretary of State’s Vote Kentucky! website at www.vote.ky.gov. That site also contains a link to the Office of the Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.ky.gov, State Board of Elections website, www.elect.ky.gov, and the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance website, www.kref.ky.gov, where other election information is located. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Kentucky News on Oct 26, 2008 14:33:44 GMT -5
Governor Steve Beshear has reappointed Manchester Baptist Church pastor Ken Bolin to the Kentucky Agency for Substance Abuse Policy Board for a term which expires September 20, 2012. Bolin is shown taking pictures at the May dedication service of Chad's Hope Center.Click Here for the ClayLive.com Photo Gallery
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Post by Press Release on Oct 26, 2008 15:26:51 GMT -5
Senator McConnell Campaigns in Clay CountySenator Mitch McConnell and Labor Secretary Elaine ChaoSenator Mitch McConnell made a stop in Clay County on Friday, while campaigning in Southeastern Kentucky, where he spoke to supporters at the Memorial Hospital in Manchester. “The question in this election is: will Kentucky go to the back row, or will it continue to enjoy the privileges of having a Senator in leadership in Washington, D.C.?” McConnell said. Senator McConnell, who is the Republican leader of the U.S. Senate and only the second Kentuckian to lead his party, highlighted his work on behalf of Clay County, including securing a buyout for Kentucky's tobacco farmers, meaning that tobacco growers and quota holders in Clay County will receive over $14 million over the length of the buyout. McConnell’s bus tour, which kicked off on Monday, will make 62 stops and travel four thousand miles before it wraps up in two weeks. Senator McConnell also traveled to Leslie and Jackson counties on Friday. Congressman Hal Rogers, State Senate President David L. Williams, State Senator Robert Stivers and County Clerk James Phillips joined Senator McConnell in Manchester and touted McConnell’s leadership in the Senate and how it benefits the people of Kentucky. Rogers said it was a tremendous honor having Senator McConnell elevated to the leader of his party, but more importantly, it’s a great chance for Kentucky to have such a strong voice in the Senate. “Never has Mitch McConnell turned me down when I needed help delivering for eastern Kentucky,” Rogers said. “He delivers.” Williams said it was McConnell who can stop the worst ideas of the liberals in Washington, no matter who the president will be. “There is one man standing between America and Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, and that one man is Mitch McConnell,” Williams said. “He’s got the guts and courage to stand up for us and do what’s right.” Senator Stivers said with McConnell and Rogers in Washington, it was a winning team. “It’s an honor to have Senator McConnell here in Manchester, because we know how much he has done for us, and all of eastern Kentucky,” Stivers said. During this year’s campaign, Senator McConnell has been endorsed by the Kentucky State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition, the National Right to Life and Kentucky Right to Life, the National Rifle Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) PAC. Several newspapers across Kentucky have endorsed Senator McConnell, urging their readers to re-elect him because of his effective leadership, knowledge and responsiveness to the needs of Kentuckians. Newspaper endorsements include the Messenger-Inquirer in Owensboro, Advocate Messenger in Danville, the Kentucky Enquirer in northern Kentucky, the Ledger Independent in Maysville, and the Daily Independent in Ashland.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 28, 2008 19:32:25 GMT -5
Governor Beshear announces Kentucky universities and high schools receive over $14 million in federal grants Grants to provide funding for competitive research and Advanced Placement educationGovernor Steve BeshearGov. Beshear today announced two major federal grants totaling over $14 million to fund high-tech research at Kentucky universities and efforts to increase Advanced Placement education in high schools. Gov. Beshear announced the grants – from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Education (USDoE) – on the University of Kentucky campus Monday morning. “These grants further my administration’s goal of focusing on quality education for our children,” said Gov. Beshear. “We must broaden opportunities for students to stretch their minds and provide the necessary tools for them to learn, conduct research and develop innovative concepts that will, ultimately, improve Kentucky’s ability to compete in a 21st century economy.” The NSF grant, which totals $12.5 million over five years, will fund university research in three key technological areas: biotechnology, nanotechnology and cyber-technologies. Several universities will be involved in the research efforts. The major recipients are the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville. Other institutions involved include Kentucky State University, Northern Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University, Centre College, Berea College and Morehead State University. The five-year award made through Kentucky’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) is expected to be matched with an additional $5 million from the commonwealth over the life of the grant. Kentucky joined the EPSCoR Program, an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), in 1986 and today is one of its most successful members. Kentucky’s program supports 178 active research projects with budgets totaling over $139 million. In terms of federal academic research and development dollars secured, Kentucky ranks in the top five out of the 25 states eligible to compete for funding and is recognized for more than doubling its share of federal research funds since the program’s inception. The additional federal grant was received from the U.S. Department of Education Advanced Placement Incentive Program, which awarded $2.1 million to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). This grant will help AdvanceKentucky expand the number of Kentucky high schools implementing a proven program to dramatically increase students enrolled in rigorous math, science and English Advanced Placement (AP) courses and achieve college readiness by success on these AP exams. This grant includes $200,000 to KDE in the first year to help expand an instructional priority for AP courses in Chinese, designated as a critical foreign language. AdvanceKentucky is an initiative of the KSTC and is Kentucky’s affiliate of the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) under an existing $13.2 million six-year award that began in fall 2007. NSMI is the source of private matching funds for this federal grant. In addition to grants from NMSI and KDE/USDoE, other funders for AdvanceKentucky include the Appalachian Regional Commission, KSTC and cost-sharing from participating schools and other partners. Early start-up was provided by KDE, the Council on Postsecondary Education and the Partnership for Successful Schools. Six new schools will be added under this federal grant to the AdvanceKentucky program and those schools will be announced in January. Currently there are 12 schools participating in AdvanceKentucky and this program expects to be serving 90 high schools statewide by 2012. The preceding press release was from 41 month sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraudWilliam R. Bowling, Jr., 46, of Cincinnati, Ohio and his mother Georgia Bowling, 64, of Franklin, Ohio were sentence to 41 months and 2 months respectively for conspiracy to commit wire fraud against Countrywide Home Loans in Ohio. Both defendants pleaded guilty in September and admitted that they conspired with another individual, Gregg E. Russell, to devise a complicated scheme to defraud Countrywide Home Loans. Georgia Bowling acted as the real estate agent for her son William Bowling who was seeking a loan to make a down payment on 24 investment properties in Kettering, Ohio. She submitted the loan documents to Countrywide which alleged that a construction company had performed repair work on the properties when in fact that company hadn’t performed any work at all. Those false representations allowed the conspirators to use loan funds to provide Bowling Jr. with a $400,000 down payment. The paperwork submitted to the lender, Countrywide Home Loans, represented that the down payment came from Bowling Jr. Countrywide Home Loan’s office in Ft. Mitchell, Ky. processed the 24 separate purchases. Georgia Bowling also admitted that Gregg Russell, her boss at the Middletown, Ohio real estate brokerage, obtained the cashier’s checks that were presented at each of the 24 closings as Bowling Jr.’s down payment. Russell obtained these cashier’s checks knowing they would be presented as Bowling, Jr.’s funds when in fact they were not. Russell was sentenced earlier this month and received one year and a day in prison. James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Paul R. Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, jointly made the announcement today. The investigation preceding the Indictment was conducted by the United States Secret Service. The United States was represented in the case by Benjamin Dusing. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky NASA Selects Kentucky Spacecraft for 2009 MissionKentucky Space today announced that its first orbital satellite, KySat-1, has been selected by NASA to fly on a mission projected for launch in mid-2009. The selection of KySat-1 comes after a rigorous national review process by the NASA Launch Services Program of the Flight Projects Office at Kennedy Space Center. Satellites from the University of Colorado and Montana State University were also chosen for the mission. “This highly innovative Kentucky effort is the epitome of the talent that lies within our state,” said Gov. Beshear. “The Commonwealth has been, and will continue to be, aggressive in its pursuit of technological and knowledge-driven economic opportunities.” KySat-1, the first satellite ever built in Kentucky, is a cube shaped pico-class satellite powered by solar energy, weighs 1 kg and measures 10cm on a side. Once KySat’s on-board computers confirm its release into orbit, Kentucky Space ground controllers in Kentucky will operate the satellite for the duration of its expected 18-24 month mission. After proper operation is confirmed, KySat-1 will be made available to K-12 students throughout Kentucky, and the world, to allow them to issue select commands to the satellite and download the data received. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has invested approximately $850,000 over the last three years on this research and development of this project. Kentucky Space, a consortium of universities, public organizations and companies, has launched a series of sub-orbital and near space missions; however, this selection by NASA marks a historic first for the program and for Kentucky. This is also the first time NASA will launch university built satellites into orbit. The recommendations made by the launch panel and the NASA Flight Projects Office are being forwarded to NASA Headquarters for final approval and designation of the primary NASA mission. This announcement is expected as soon as December 2008. The KYSat-1 team has been asked to be prepared for a June 2009 launch. More details and information can be found at: www.kentuckyspace.com. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Oct 28, 2008 19:45:24 GMT -5
Clay County Jobless rate now at 10 percentUnemployment rates rose in 115 Kentucky counties between September 2007 and September 2008 and fell in five counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 4.9 percent. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Fayette County, 5.1 percent; Livingston and Webster counties, 5.2 percent each; Warren County, 5.3 percent; Madison County, 5.6 percent; Barren and Boone counties, 5.7 percent each; and Franklin, Hancock, Henderson, Jessamine and Robertson counties, 5.8 percent each. Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 10.9 percent. It was followed by Jackson County, 10.5 percent; Wolfe County, 10.3 percent; Clay County, 10 percent; Grayson County, 9.9 percent; Spencer County, 9.7 percent; McCreary County, 9.5 percent; Morgan County, 9.4 percent; and Bell, Harlan and Lewis counties, 9.2 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 county figures. The preceding press release was from Thompson pleas guilty to an Extortion schemeA senior federal corrections officer at FCI Ashland pleaded guilty to an Extortion scheme that involved smuggling contraband tobacco products to inmates. David Thompson, 43, of Raceland, Ky. admitted that from October 30, 2006 through February 8, 2008 he received $19, 200 in exchange for providing inmates with cigarettes, chewing tobacco and loose leaf rolling tobacco. Once the inmate received the tobacco he then passed it along to another inmate who sold the tobacco at “black market” prices on the prison compound. Thompson instructed the inmate to sell the cigarettes for $500 dollars a carton. Thompson compensated the inmates involved in the scheme with tobacco. A different inmate also received tobacco products and owed Thompson $5,000. The friends and relatives of the inmates compensated Thompson through cash payments shipped to Thompson’s residence that were addressed to a false name. Thompson has worked at FCI Ashland as a corrections officer since July of 1990 and received annual training regarding the Bureau of Prisons Employee Standards of conduct for the past 17 years. James A. Zerhusen, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Ron Verst of the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Glenn A. Fine, Inspector General for the Department of Justice jointly made the announcement today after the plea. The investigation was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Justice and United States Postal Service (Cincinnati). Assistant United States Attorney E.J. Walborn represented the United States in the case. Thompson’s sentencing before United States District Court Judge David L. Bunning in Covington is scheduled for January 30. Thompson faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. However, the court must consider the Federal Sentencing Guidelines before imposing sentence. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Over $42 Million in USDA Electric Loans Approved for Cooperatives in KentuckyRep. Harold "Hal" Rogers announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Rural Development (USDA-RD) has approved $42,607,000 in electricity investment loans to three cooperatives in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. These low-cost federal loans provides for infrastructure investments to enhance utility services throughout the Commonwealth. “Providing reliable and efficient electricity services is essential to the growth and prosperity of rural America,” stated Rogers. “These funds will reduce outages and get power to growing businesses and expanding neighborhoods. Kentucky continues to have some of the lowest energy rates throughout the country and I applaud the leadership of these energy cooperatives and USDA-RD in working together to advance our future energy delivery needs.” The Licking Valley Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation has been approved for an $11,978,000 loan to build or improve over 75 miles of distribution lines to provide enhanced service to 2,000 new and existing consumers. The Licking Valley Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation is located in West Liberty, Kentucky and serves Elliott, Breathitt, Lee, Magoffin, Menifee, Morgan and Wolfe Counties. The Jackson Energy Cooperative Corporation has been approved for a $19,695,000 loan to build or improve 190 miles of distribution lines to serve 2,375 new and existing customers. The Jackson Energy Cooperative Corporation is located in McKee, Kentucky and serves Lincoln, Breathitt, Clay, Jackson, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Owsley, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wolfe, Estill, Garrard, Madison and Powell Counties. Finally, the Fleming-Mason Electric Cooperative, Inc. has been approved for a $10,934,000 loan to build or improve 214 miles of new distribution lines to serve 1,200 new and existing customers. The Fleming-Mason Electric Cooperative is located in Flemingsburg, Kentucky and serves Bath, Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas, Robertson, and Rowan Counties. Rogers is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, which provides funding to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make grants and loans for rural development projects. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 29, 2008 19:41:54 GMT -5
Seven Die On Kentucky Roadways Last WeekOctober 20 through October 26Preliminary statistics* indicate that seven people died in seven separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, October 20 through Sunday, October 26, 2008. Five of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and three of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Boone, Clark, Pendleton, Warren and Woodford counties. One of these crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. There was one motorcycle fatality that occurred in Rowan county. The victim was not wearing a helmet. A pedestrian fatality occurred in Daviess county. Through October 26, preliminary statistics* indicate that 630 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 90 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 471 motor vehicle fatalities, 295 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the eighty motorcycle fatalities, forty-eight were not wearing helmets. Twenty-four people have been killed in ATV crashes and twenty-two of those were not wearing helmets. Fifty pedestrians have been killed. A total of one-hundred and twenty eight 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: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Grayson Urges Citizens to Prepare for the Upcoming ElectionTrey GraysonSecretary of State Trey Grayson, the chief elections officer of the Commonwealth, is encouraging all registered voters to cast their ballots on Election Day, November 4, 2008 and is encouraging citizens to prepare before doing so. “Voting is an important right and responsibility. I highly encourage voters to research the candidates before they get ready to cast their vote,” noted Grayson. “It is also important that voters determine a time when they can vote and thus prepare appropriately. The polls close at 6:00 p.m., local time, and any voter in line to vote by that time will be allowed to cast a ballot.” Grayson noted several heavy times during voting that occur: the morning rush hour, lunch, and the evening rush hour. Turnout is expected to be heavy and voters should plan accordingly. In addition, Grayson reminded voters that no Kentuckian should be prevented from voting in the upcoming election due to his or her work schedule, if he or she requests leave prior to the day in which he or she will cast his or her vote. The Kentucky Constitution provides “that all employers shall allow employees, under reasonable regulations, at least four hours on election days, in which to cast their votes.” “It is my hope that every Kentuckian who is registered will exercise their right to vote on November 4th,” stated Secretary Grayson. “This section in the Kentucky Constitution helps to ensure that every citizen will have the opportunity to cast a ballot on Election Day regardless of his or her work schedule, so long as the employee requests leave in advance.” Employees need to request leave from their employer prior to the day in which they will cast their ballots to be eligible for this incentive. Kentucky law provides the employer discretion as to whether the employee will be compensated for that time and at what time the employee may vote. If an employee requests leave to vote and does not do so, state law deems that he or she may be subject to disciplinary action. Kentuckians who will be working outside their county of residence on Election Day are eligible to vote by absentee ballot. Absentee voting on a voting machine is currently taking place in county clerks’ offices until close of business on Monday, November 3, 2008. Grayson also encouraged voters to make note of Kentucky’s identification requirements at the polls. Voters must produce identification or be known by a precinct officer prior to voting. Types of ID include: personal acquaintance of precinct officer, driver’s license, social security card, credit card, or another form of ID containing both picture and signature. When voters head to the polls on Election Day, they will also be governed by electioneering laws that prohibits electioneering within 300 feet of the polling location. Bumper stickers on cars of voters at a polling location are an exception to the electioneering prohibition. Cars may not be left near polling locations all day with the intent of advocating for a particular candidate. In addition, an Office of the Attorney General Opinion suggests that wearing personal items such as a campaign t-shirt, hat, or button is protected by the 1st amendment and therefore is an exception to the electioneering ban. Grayson stressed that voters will not be turned away from voting for wearing campaign materials to the polls, but noted that the best advice is to simply “wear those items outside of the precinct or cover them up when you go vote.” Grayson also noted that it is illegal to record the identity of voters or to intimidate voters. As such, the use of recording devices, including cameras and cell phones, are prohibited from the polling place. Secretary Grayson recommends for voters to review the ballot before they get to the polls in order to make the voting process as efficient as possible. The Office of the Secretary of State and State Board of Elections have a number of online services which can help citizens prepare for the election. Voters can view and print sample ballots, determine their polling location, and find pertinent election information by visiting either agency’s website. Grayson encouraged citizens to visit the Voter Information Center to determine whether they are eligible to vote in this year’s primary election. “A little preparation can go a long way this election season. Hopefully, voters will heed this advice so that the election will go as smoothly as possible,” Grayson concluded. Citizens with general questions about the election are encouraged to visit the Office of the Secretary of State and State Board of Elections’ Vote Kentucky! website at www.vote.ky.gov or contact their local county clerk. The preceding press release was from Clark sentenced to 27 months for fraudulent income tax returnsA professional tax preparer from Georgetown was sentenced by United States Senior District Court Judge Joseph M. Hood to 27 months in prison for preparing fraudulent income tax returns. David Michael Clark, 61, pleaded guilty during the second day of his trial in April 2008. He admitted to fabricating business expenses and business tax credits on 86 of his clients’ tax returns. Clark, who was self-employed and worked out of his home, acknowledged that he knew his clients did not have businesses and were not entitled to claim the expenses or the credits. Clark defrauded the Internal Revenue Service of approximately $238,607 because his clients received refunds that they were not entitled to receive. He benefitted from the scheme by requiring each client to pay $2,000 to him upon receipt of the refund from the IRS. After some of his clients became suspicious, they reported Clark to the IRS and repaid their refunds. Under federal law, Clark must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for one year. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Christopher R. Pikelis, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney John Patrick Grant. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky NATURAL GAS PRICES TO AGAIN BE HIGHER THIS WINTERConsumers urged to prepare for heating seasonKentuckians will pay more for natural gas in the coming months than they did a year ago, the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) says. “High heating costs will again be a burden for many of our citizens,” PSC Chairman David Armstrong said. “Although the prices have come down since August, natural gas still costs more than it did at this time last year.” On average, Kentucky customers can expect to pay about 17 percent more this year than last for the same quantity of natural gas. That is in line with national averages. Energy prices in general have been declining in recent months, and natural gas today is well below its peak price of this summer. But the summer prices will affect winter heating costs. A portion of the natural gas that will be used this winter was purchased and stored during the summer and its cost will reflect the higher price. “Fortunately, we are heading into the heating season with every indication that natural gas supplies will be sufficient to meet demand,” Armstrong said. “This would suggest that, unless there is widespread and extreme cold weather, prices should stay fairly stable.” Weather is always the main factor in determining the amount of energy that consumers use to heat their homes and thus the size of their heating bill, Armstrong said. Measures to improve energy efficiency and conservation are the best way to counteract the impact of high energy costs, he said. “Consumers are always wise to begin each winter with a plan for paying their heating bills, and should take steps to reduce those bills by conserving energy,” Armstrong said. Wholesale costs, which account for the majority of natural gas bills during the heating season, have more than doubled since 2002, Armstrong said. Despite the recent declines, consumers should not count on further reductions, he said. “Nobody expects a return to cheap energy, and natural gas is no exception,” Armstrong said. By federal law, natural gas prices are not regulated at the wholesale level and fluctuate with supply and demand. Under Kentucky law, gas companies are entitled to recover the wholesale cost of the gas delivered to customers, including the fees they pay to interstate pipelines to transport the gas to their retail distribution systems. Companies are not allowed to earn a profit on their gas commodity costs. The companies’ gas cost adjustments are reviewed by the PSC to make sure they accurately reflect the wholesale cost of gas. About half of the natural gas used for winter heating is put into storage in the summer. In the past, this gas was less expensive and helped offset higher gas prices in the winter. Due in part to national demand for gas for electric generation, especially in the summer, that is no longer the case. Kentucky’s five major natural gas distribution companies expect their wholesale cost this November to be, on average, $11.70 per 1,000 cubic feet (mcf). That is up $2.24 (24 percent) from an average of $9.46 per mcf a year ago. But the November 2008 cost is well below the August 2008 average of $15.17 per mcf. The wholesale cost has declined $3.47, or 23 percent, in the last three months. In November 2002 the average wholesale cost was $4.90 per mcf. The wholesale cost of natural gas accounts for about three-fourths of a typical consumer’s winter bill. A typical Kentucky customer using 10 mcf next month will pay a total monthly bill of $150.78, up $22.38 – or 17.4 percent - from the $128.40 average bill a year ago. That increase is an average for Kentucky’s five major local natural gas distribution companies. The increase for any given customer depends on his or her gas company and individual usage patterns. The five major natural gas distribution companies in Kentucky are Atmos Energy, Columbia Gas of Kentucky Inc., Delta Natural Gas Co. Inc., Louisville Gas and Electric Co. and Duke Energy Kentucky Inc. Together, the five companies serve more than 750,000 customers in Kentucky and deliver about 176 billion cubic feet of gas annually. About 44 percent of Kentuckians heat their homes with natural gas. Those who heat with propane (10 percent) and fuel oil (3 percent) also will be paying more than a year ago. The 39 percent of Kentuckians who use electric heat are expected to see the smallest increase in their energy bills this winter. Regardless of the type of heat they use, many Kentuckians have difficulty paying their heating bills every winter, Armstrong said. Information on heating assistance is available from utility companies and local community action agencies, but funds are limited and sometimes run out during the heating season, he said. “Do not put off looking for assistance until your situation has become a crisis,” Armstrong said. “If you think you may need help paying your heating bill this winter, start looking for assistance now.’ The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Energy and Environment Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in Kentucky and has approximately 100 employees. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Oct 30, 2008 15:45:46 GMT -5
Statement from Governor BeshearObama effigy found on UK campusGovernor Steve Beshear“I strongly agree with President Todd’s statement this morning about this embarrassing and unfortunate incident. This was not political speech. It was simply hate. It was profoundly wrong and deeply offensive. This incident does not reflect who we are as a flagship institution of higher learning or a Commonwealth. I appreciate the university’s resolve to investigate this matter and ensure that such actions will not be tolerated.” The preceding press release was from Lake Cumberland Visitation Increased in 2008Visitation to Lake Cumberland increased for the 2007-2008 fiscal year with over 3.9 million visitors, according to figures released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Although the increase of more than 7,200 people was a small percentage improvement, it is important to note that this is the first increase since 2003 and came in a season of rising fuel costs and an unsteady economy. An informal license plate survey indicated that most visitors were from Kentucky with guests from Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Illinois following close behind. Gas prices may have contributed to the increase in Kentucky visitors and also a slight increase in visitors from Tennessee. Visitation to Lake Cumberland fell significantly in 2006-2007 as a result of lowering the lake elevation while critical repairs are being made to Wolf Creek Dam. That encouraged Lake Cumberland marinas, tourist commissions, tourism agencies and local governments to work together to launch a website and develop a targeted marketing campaign in late spring – early summer of 2008. “We believe these figures show that our efforts to promote Lake Cumberland through the media and other marketing efforts paid off during 2008,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Marcheta Sparrow. “Lake Cumberland will continue to be a great place to visit and we’ll continue working to promote it as a tourist destination.” The campaign closely followed an increased marketing effort in late winter – early spring of 2008 by the Kentucky Department of Travel and TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky. These campaigns combined with positive word-of-mouth comments made by 2006-2007 visitors helped increase visitation. In early 2007 Kentucky State Government pooled the resources of several cabinets and departments to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure there would be access to Lake Cumberland as the elevation changed. As a result there are now 52 ramps located around the lake providing access to Lake Cumberland. For information on Lake Cumberland and the surrounding area visit: www.visitlakecumberland.netThe preceding press release was from Kentucky Army National Guard exceeds recruiting goals fifth year in rowThe Kentucky Army National Guard has exceeded its annual recruiting goals for the fifth year in a row. Brig. Gen. John W. Heltzel and members of the Kentucky Army National Guard gathered on the steps of the state capitol building today to make the announcement. "It doesn't get better than this," said Heltzel. "Our goal for 2008 was to reach 7,200 troops and we exceeded that number by 72 Soldiers. I am so proud of our recruiting force. They are one of the very best in the nation and are at the top of their game." More than 1,300 recruits signed on with the Kentucky Guard in fiscal year 2008, bringing the total strength number to 7,272. Attrition, the rate of which Soldiers leave service, dropped to an all-time low of 18%. "This is remarkable," Heltzel remarked in regards to the attrition rate. "It's important to remember that we are a nation at war. Kentuckians are volunteering once again. We are an all-volunteer force and Kentuckians exemplify the Army values." The announcement comes while the Kentucky National Guard currently has more than 700 Soldiers and Airmen deployed fighting the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 10,000 Kentucky Guard members have been deployed overseas since 2001. Kentucky's Citizen-Soldiers have also been instrumental in domestic missions, mobilizing several thousand in support of relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike. To learn more about the Kentucky National Guard and the Department of Military Affairs, visit: www.dma.ky.govThe preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Oct 30, 2008 15:53:10 GMT -5
First Lady invites Trick-or-Treaters to the Mansion on Halloween nightCitizens also encouraged to follow food safety tips when trick-or-treatingGov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear will participate in the long-standing tradition of inviting area trick-or-treaters to visit the Governor’s mansion on Halloween night, Friday, Oct. 31, 2008. “Halloween is a fun and festive occasion for children and a wonderful opportunity for them to use their imaginations and be creative with their costumes,” said Gov. Beshear. “Trick-or-treating at the Governor’s mansion has been a tradition for many years and we are happy to continue it, even in these difficult economic times.” The Governor and First Lady will be handing out candy on the front porch of the Governor’s mansion from 6-8 p.m. Parents and chaperones are encouraged to bring their trick-or-treaters by for a treat. “Because the Governor’s mansion is uniquely positioned in such a residential area, it truly is the people’s house and we are happy to participate with other residents in the tradition of trick-or-treating,” said Mrs. Beshear. “It will be our treat to see children dressed-up in their costumes and have an opportunity to meet their parents.” While Halloween can be a fun holiday for the children, citizens should also be aware of the importance of following general food safety guidelines when trick-or-treating. “Every year Kentucky’s children look forward to trick-or-treating,” said Guy Delius, director of the public health protection and safety division in the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH). “While it’s fun for children to dress up and try their luck at gathering treats and candy, our food safety guidelines should be remembered when collecting and consuming the food.” The following are general food safety guidelines provided by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services: • Candy that is not labeled in English may be imported illegally into the U.S. There have been some recalls this year of illegally imported candy potentially contaminated with melamine from China. Do not consume candy that isn’t labeled in English. • Only visit familiar homes and businesses. • Don’t take candy or treats from people you do not know. • Only eat candy that has been made commercially and wrapped. • Do not eat candy if the outer wrapper has been noticeably altered. • Homemade treats should not be eaten unless you know and trust the person who made them. • Do not eat any candy or food that is unwrapped. • Always wash your hands before eating any foods. • After handling any unclean food products, wash your hands thoroughly. • Be conscious of choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys as treats for small children. • If in doubt, toss it out. The preceding press release was from Williamsburg father and daughter indicted for counterfeitingThe United States Attorney’s Office and the United States Secret Service jointly announced that Amanda Jo Lowrance, 25, and her father David Vincent Peace, 45, both of Williamsburg, Ky., were indicted for counterfeiting U.S. currency. The Indictment alleges the father and daughter manufactured counterfeit currency in October and November of 2007 at their home in Whitley County. In two additional counts, the indictment alleges that David Peace passed some of the counterfeit currency at the Corbin Bingo Hall on November 4, 2007. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the United States Secret Service. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by the London Satellite Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. The defendants’ appearance before the United States District Court has not yet been set by the Court in London, Ky. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences. The indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only, and that person presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 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 Oct 31, 2008 22:21:15 GMT -5
Human Rights Commission condemns UK incidentKentucky Commission on Human Rights Executive Director John Johnson has made the following statement in response to the effigy of Senator Obama found on the University of Kentucky campus: “This was a vile and callous act that demonstrates all too clearly the urgent need for serious dialogue regarding issues of hate and intolerance in our communities. The significance of a noose – a historical symbol of hate and lawlessness – is a blatant attempt to cause intimidation and fear, and it represents the intent to destroy the object of that hatred. “The Commission commends University of Kentucky President Lee Todd for his quick response and swift condemnation of this horrendous act. The Commission stands with President Todd in supporting the freedom of political expression, and we stand with him in strongly and unequivocally condemning malicious demonstrations of hatred. “We also commend the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission for aggressively addressing this issue to ensure that it becomes an opportunity to educate Kentucky’s residents on the importance of being ever mindful of the need to promote equality, understanding and diversity. “Our nation has progressed in many ways. Sadly, incidents such as these continue to occur not only at institutions of higher learning but also in the workplace, businesses, places of worship, and public recreational areas throughout the nation. Incidents of this nature are disruptive to continued progress on matters pertaining to diversity and inclusion. “The demographics of this state are changing daily. All Kentuckians should embrace what each individual contributes to the betterment of the community and ultimately to the Commonwealth. “Wherever we find extreme unacceptable and un-American behavior, people of good will and those people who believe in equality must speak strongly against it and take action. While we hope that this incident is an isolated one and that we do not see copy-cat occurrences, individuals who have knowledge of this particular incident or who witness similar events locally are encouraged to contact their local authorities or the state or local human rights commission. “We hope the investigating agencies will be able to identify the perpetrators so that they can be brought to justice and appropriately punished. The Commission will continue to monitor this situation, and we will use our offices to ensure that laws pertaining to civil rights are upheld and enforced. We will also continue to monitor activities within our borders to remain aware of the state of civil and human rights throughout the Commonwealth.” KCHR is the state government agency that enforces the Kentucky Civil Rights Act and policies of federal civil rights laws. It initiates, receives, investigates, conciliates and rules upon jurisdictional complaints. KCHR has jurisdiction in housing, employment, public accommodations, and financial transactions. The Kentucky Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status in housing, disability, age (40 or over) in employment, and smoking status in employment. Complaints not dismissed, settled or conciliated go to administrative hearing where commission rulings have the authority of a court of law. The preceding press release was from Beshear says state will manage projected shortfallConsensus Forecasting Group called upon to verify revenue estimatesGovernor Steve BeshearAgainst the backdrop of a projected shortfall of nearly $300 million this budget year, Gov. Steve Beshear said he would develop a plan over the next several weeks to create a “leaner, stronger and more focused” government to “survive this economic crisis.” Beshear told reporters that internal economic estimates project a revenue shortfall of nearly $294 million in the General Fund in the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2009. That shortfall represents 3.3 percent of expected budget revenues. Revenues for the state Road Fund are projected to be nearly $71 million less than expected, a 5.3 percent shortfall. “This is a serious shortfall,” Gov. Beshear said, “and it will require action. But, considering the extreme volatility of our economy, that action must be neither rushed nor rash. We are going to act decisively, but in a measured and strategic way.” To that end, Gov. Beshear outlined a three-point action plan that his administration will undertake over the next several weeks, including: • Asking the Consensus Forecasting Group to formalize the revenue projections for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2009. • After the forecasting group finalizes projections, formulating a plan to address the shortfall, which will include spending cuts and may include revenue measures. • Meeting with Kentuckians, interest groups and legislators across the state to discuss the depths of the financial problem and his plan to address it. “Families across Kentucky are making their budgets as lean as possible,” Gov. Beshear said. “They are eating in instead of eating out, lowering the thermostat, combining trips to save fuel and even putting off visits to the doctor. In state government, we must do likewise. We must intensify efforts to find cost-efficiencies in state spending,” a hallmark of the Beshear administration since taking office last December. Those efficiency measures already enacted include an executive branch that is the smallest in 20 years. There are 4,000 fewer full-time executive branch employees than five years ago and almost 2,000 fewer than last December. In fact, Gov. Beshear said that, as of last month, his administration had more than 460 fewer non-merit employees than his predecessor. In addition, most state agencies reduced spending by 3 percent in the last fiscal year and many faced additional cuts this year, including up to 12 percent in initial reductions and an additional 4.5 percent required to meet legislative mandates. Beshear said further spending cuts are inevitable, and he told cabinet secretaries today in a special meeting to begin preparing for that likelihood. “I believe, together, we can emerge from this tumultuous time stronger,” Beshear said. “We can create a state government that is leaner, more flexible, more nimble and more focused on critical services. This will require bold, steady leadership and a cooperative, bi-partisan effort. “My message to Kentuckians is this: Like you, state government faces some severe economic challenges. And like you, we are going to meet these challenges head on – with steady, strategic decisions, with boldness and with full intention of fulfilling our obligations to you. Together, we can – and we will – get through this.” The preceding press release was from Over 100,000 Students Participate in Kentucky Student Mock ElectionStudents across the Commonwealth are choosing both Democrats and Republicans to send to Washington. Over 100,000 students in elementary, middle, and high schools across the Commonwealth went to the polls this week to vote for their favorite candidates for President, Congress, and to voice their opinion on the most important issue facing our country. Most notably, students selected John McCain for President of the United States and Mitch McConnell for Kentucky’s next U.S. Senator. Over 300 schools participated in the National Student Parent Mock Election, coordinated by Secretary of State Trey Grayson. “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 following are the statewide results of the mock election: United States President: • John McCain/Sarah Palin (Republican) – 48.6% • Barack Obama/Joe Biden (Democrat) – 47.0% • Ralph Nader/Matt Gonzalez (Independent) – 3.1% • Chuck Baldwin/Robert Thornsberry (Constitution) – 0.6% • Bob Barr/Wayne Root (Libertarian) – 0.8% United States Senator • Mitch McConnell (R) – 52.8% • Bruce Lunsford (D) – 47.2% United States Representative, 5th Congressional District: • Harold “Hal” Rogers (R) – 68.1% • Jim Holbert (I) – 31.9% Of the issues listed below, which issue do you feel is the most important one our country is facing today: • Economy – 48.1% • Energy Crisis – 9.0% • Healthcare Quality and Costs – 13.6% • Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – 20.7% • Other Issues – 8.5% For results from individuals schools, please visit: www.sos.ky.gov/mockelection. This is third and final mock election for the Office of the Secretary of State. The first, held with Kentucky Governor’s Scholars, saw John McCain win the race for President by 2.5%. The second election, held with college students across the Commonwealth, saw Barack Obama win by 11.1% and Mitch McConnell win by 1.4% of the vote. During these mock elections, the Office of the Secretary of State registered nearly a thousand students to vote. The results of this mock election will represent Kentucky’s votes in the National Student/Parent Mock Election. The National Student/Parent Mock Election seeks to turn the sense of powerlessness that keeps young Americans and their parents from going to the polls into a sense of the power of participation in our democracy. The National Student/Parent Mock Election receives support from numerous organizations, including the National Parent Teachers Association, the National School Boards Association, the National Council for the Social Studies, the American Association of School Administrators, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Council of the Great City Schools. The Election Assistance Commission and the Kaplan Foundation provide ongoing funding for the Mock Election. Kentucky’s mock election was selected as one of three mock elections in the country to receive funding from the Election Assistance Commission. The grant allowed the office to expand its efforts to reach more students across the Commonwealth. Without the grant, the deep state budget cuts threatened to cancel this year’s mock election. Kentucky has hosted a mock election for every general election since Secretary Grayson assumed office in 2004. Grayson directs the Civic Literacy Initiative of Kentucky (CLIK), 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. “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 4, 2008,” said Secretary Grayson. The preceding press release was from Internet Site Designed To Scam Residents Has Been Shut DownJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway announced today that investigators from his Office of Consumer Protection have shut down a website that was attempting to scam Kentuckians by promising a guaranteed loan in exchange for a payment of several thousand dollars. “Right now consumers are vulnerable because credit markets are frozen and they are struggling to keep their jobs and pay the bills,” General Conway said. “I want our citizens to know that no legitimate financial institution will require you to pay money up front as a condition of securing a loan.” The website, Rothwellfinancial.com, was shut down Thursday. The company claimed it was operating out of a dummy address on Linn Station Road in Louisville. The Office of the Attorney General received 27 complaints about the company and worked with the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to shut down the site. The site appears to be based in Singapore. At this time, investigators do not believe there have been victims in Kentucky, but people in other states have been swindled out of at least $50,000. “These types of scams seem to be more prevalent in challenging economic times,” General Conway said. “If you receive a solicitation of this type by fax, phone or email, you should immediately discard it, disconnect it or delete it.” If you have been a victim of this scam, you may contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-432-9257. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 1, 2008 22:38:32 GMT -5
Conway Reminds Kentuckians About Election Fraud Complaint HotlineJack ConwayKentucky Attorney General Jack Conway is reminding citizens that his office will once again operate the Election Fraud Hotline on Election Day, November 4. “Investigators from my office will be patrolling precincts and polling places throughout the Commonwealth, but we need citizens to join with us to ensure that all Kentuckians have a chance to make their vote count on election day,” General Conway said. The Election Fraud Hotline is 1-800-328-VOTE (800-328-8683). The hotline is available throughout the year during normal business hours. On Nov. 4, calls will be received from 6 a.m. EST until 7 p.m. EST. In the primary, there were 60 calls from 28 counties to the hotline on Election Day. There were no complaints of vote buying. The last Presidential election in 2004 resulted in 52 pre-election complaints, 123 Election Day complaints and 26 post-election complaints. Seventeen of those complaints were referred for review or investigation. No charges were filed. Staff attorneys from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) process the hotline complaints and refer them out for investigation to the Kentucky State Police, the State Board of Elections, county clerks, local law enforcement or the OAG’s Department of Criminal Investigations. The State Board of Elections will also be fielding calls through Election Day. Citizens are encouraged to contact their local county clerk or the State Board of Elections with general election concerns or for election information. The preceding press release was from Grayson Releases Election Dos and Don’ts ListTrey GraysonWith just a few days before the November 4, 2008 election, Secretary of State Trey Grayson released, today, an election “Dos and Don’ts” list for Kentucky voters. The list is designed to help voters understand Kentucky’s election process and to inform them of helpful hints before they go to the polls on election day. “Our office is taking unprecedented steps to educate voters about elections in Kentucky,” stated Secretary Grayson. “We have so many new and infrequent voters that are expected to participate this year; we want to provide as much information as possible to ensure a smooth election for voters. A positive experience will hopefully cause them to vote in future elections.” Below is a list of important “Dos and Don’ts.” For more information, visit www.vote.ky.gov. Kentucky Election Day Dos and Don’ts: Do: Verify your voter registration status before you head to the polls. Visit the Voter Information Center at www.vote.ky.gov/vicDon’t: Get discouraged by long lines or long ballots. You can be prepared by previewing your ballot online at Vote.Ky.Gov. Remember, as long as you are in line by 6 PM on November 4th you will be able to cast your ballot. Do: Know where to go to vote. The Vote.Ky.Gov website has the Voter Information Center that allows voters to both find the address of their polling place and to obtain driving directions from their residence. Don’t: Campaign or solicit votes within 300 feet of a polling place. Electioneering in the immediate area around polling places is illegal in Kentucky. However, you will not be turned away from the polls for simply wearing a campaign button, shirt, hat, etc. Do: Know the most convenient times to vote are during low traffic periods: not during the morning rush hour, lunch, or the evening rush hour. Remember, polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, if you are in line by the close of polls at 6:00 p.m. local time, you will be allowed to vote. Don’t: Wait until the last minute to head to the polls. You may encounter traffic or another unexpected delay. If you are not in line by 6:00 p.m. local time, you will not be allowed to vote. Do: Bring identification to the polls on Election Day. Types of acceptable voter ID include: personal acquaintance of precinct officer, driver’s license, social security card, credit card, or another form of ID containing both picture and signature. Don’t: Use prohibited items at the polls such as video cameras, cell phones, or any other device that can record the identity of voters. If you bring a cell phone to the polls, you are encouraged to place it on silent or vibrate. Do: Know what races are on your ballot. Newspapers across the Commonwealth print sample ballots, and you can find them online at Vote.Ky.Gov and posted in each precinct. Don’t: Cast a provisional ballot at the incorrect polling place. If a poll worker tells you that you are at the wrong polling place, please take the time to go to the correct location to make sure your voice is heard. Provisional ballots cast at the incorrect polling place will not be counted. Do: Ask a poll worker for instructions on how to use the voting machine or ask other procedural questions of the precinct election officials if you are confused about the voting process. Don’t: Get caught up in election rumors. To get the facts, visit: www.vote.ky.gov/rumorcontrol. Do: Let officials know immediately if you encounter any problems at the polls. Start with your precinct election officers and county clerk, or call the State Board of Elections at (502) 573-7100. Don’t: Forget to thank your poll workers. Without the nearly 15,000 Kentuckians that have volunteered to be poll workers across our state, this election would not be possible. They work long days on the front lines of our elections and deserve our appreciation. Contact your county clerk if you are interested in helping in the future. Do: Call your friends and family to remind them to vote. All elections are important as it is one way that you can make your voice heard. Don’t: Forget that you can obtain all of the election results in near real time by visiting www.elect.ky.gov after the polls have closed. The preceding press release was from Beshear Announces Creation of Kentucky Prescription Assistance ProgramProgram will aid needy Kentuckians in locating free or reduced cost prescription drugsGovernor Steve BeshearAt a news conference today, Gov. Steve Beshear announced a new program to aid eligible Kentuckians in locating free or reduced cost prescription drugs. The Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program (KPAP), an innovative initiative to utilize and coordinate existing assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies, will be coordinated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). “It is vitally important that we provide all the assistance we can to Kentucky citizens who are unable to afford the prescription drugs they need, especially in these tough times,” said Gov. Beshear. “The new program will be an important step toward empowering and expanding community-based efforts to make it easier for Kentuckians who qualify to obtain free or reduced cost sources of prescription drugs that may prevent or manage illnesses, and even save lives.” The General Assembly appropriated $400,000 in fiscal year 2008-2009 and $600,000 in fiscal year 2009-2010 to consolidate and coordinate existing efforts around the state aimed at connecting needy individuals — such as those near the federal poverty level or seniors in the so-called “doughnut hole” of Medicare Part D — with prescription medications. After reviewing existing programs across the state, CHFS identified a model program run by HEART USA, a 501(c)3 volunteer organization in Paducah. The KPAP expands this model program statewide, adding enhanced computer-assisted technology to allow for reduced paperwork and a streamlined process to increase public access to sources of free and low-cost medications. “Not only will we saves lives, but we also will avoid the higher cost of caring for those individuals who are unable to buy their medications and do without them until they become so sick they must seek medical care through our emergency rooms,” said Rep. Jimmie Lee, D-Elizabethtown, who was instrumental in securing funding for KPAP. “This coordinated program will become, in my view, a national model for other states to follow.” To launch the program, CHFS will collaborate with medical and social service stakeholders while empowering interested community members to identify resources and determine how the community can best assist citizens with their KPAP needs. Each participating county will have a designated community site where individuals can access the program. The cabinet will provide computer software that determines eligibility and connects individuals with prescription drug sources, training on use of the software, training on volunteer and physician recruitment and program troubleshooting. Patients will be able to access the community program in their area through referrals by physicians or social services, or on their own. Individuals whose income or resource levels make them ineligible for existing drug assistance programs through pharmaceutical manufacturers will receive consultation about other sources of low-cost prescriptions, such as $4 prescription programs at pharmacies. The program rollout will begin with a technology training and community organization process later this year. Physician recruitment and volunteer recruitment will occur during January and February, with the full launch of the program in March 2009. Initially, the program is expected to include approximately 90 counties, with more sites being added as CHFS works with communities. “During these tough economic times, we want to help Kentuckians who are having trouble affording necessary prescriptions as much as we possibly can. We are proud to play a role in creating a network of community resources to tap into existing sources of free and low-cost drugs for eligible Kentuckians who need them,” said CHFS Secretary Janie Miller. For more information about volunteering and training in the KPAP program, call 1-800-633-8100. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 3, 2008 21:15:34 GMT -5
Governor Orders Flags to Half-StaffFormer Kentucky State Representative Jim BruceGov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff until sunset Wednesday, November 5 in memory of former state Rep. Jim Bruce who died November 2 of natural causes in Hopkinsville. “For more than 40 years, former State Representative Jim Bruce served the people of Christian County with his faithful wife Janie always at his side,” said Gov. Beshear. “Over these many years, he earned the respect of both Republican and Democratic legislators alike, who frequently sought his counsel and advice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Janie and the entire Bruce family during this sorrowful time.” Bruce represented the state’s 9th House District for 42 years from 1964-2006. He served as chairman of the House Banking and Insurance Committee for many years. Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 5 in Hopkinsville. The governor has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff until sunset on that day. Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute by lowering flags to half-staff. The preceding press release was from Kentucky National Guard Soldier killed in AfghanistanOne Kentucky National Guard Soldier was killed when his unit was attacked by enemy forces while conducting a route clearing mission in Afghanistan on Friday, October 31. Killed was Sgt. Daniel Wallace, 27 of Dry Ridge Kentucky. Wallace was assigned to the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Company C, 201st Engineer Battalion based in Cynthiana. The unit mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom in March of 2008 and deployed to Afghanistan in May. At the time of the incident, Sgt. Wallace was serving as a gunner on a Mine-Resistant, Armor-Protected vehicle (also known as an MRAP). He was a member of a platoon of soldiers from the 201st Combat Engineer Battalion conducting a mission to remove improvised explosive devices (or IED’s) in Afghanistan’s West Paktika Province when they came under small-arms fire from a group of Taliban attackers, immediately wounding Wallace. Wallace’s fellow soldiers repulsed the attack so that they could evacuate the fallen soldier to a medical facility, however Sgt. Wallace’s wounds proved to be fatal. SGT Wallace enlisted in the Kentucky Army National Guard in May of 2006 and was a member of Company C, of the 201st in Cynthiana, but in Afghanistan he was assigned to the battalion’s Company B, out of Olive Hill. This was SGT Wallace’s first deployment. Operating in Afghanistan as "Task Force Workhorse", the 201st has the mission of maintaining hundreds of miles of roadway. While performing this mission, Soldiers of the 201st routinely are required to deal with numerous obstacles and remove the roadside bombs or IED’s planted by enemy forces in the area. At the time of his death, Daniel Wallace held the rank of Specialist (E4), but was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant (E5) and awarded the Bronze star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Army Good Conduct Medal. He leaves behind his parents – Kenneth and Karen Wallace, a sister, two brothers - one of whom (Alex) also serves in the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 940th Military Police Company - and a six year old son. "The death of Sgt. Wallace is a tragedy for his family, the Kentucky National Guard and the Commonwealth of Kentucky," said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Adjutant General for Kentucky. "He was a fine soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation. He was also a loving son, brother, and father and his family is in our prayers and we will continue to support them throughout their time of grief." Wallace is the 17th Kentucky Army National Guard soldier to lose his life since the Global War on Terror began in 2001, and he is the third Kentucky Guardsman to be lost in Afghanistan. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be provided as they become available. The preceding press release was from Beshear Recognizes Sacrifice of Kentucky Casualty in IraqGov. Steve Beshear today recognized the sacrifice of a Fort Campbell soldier who died October 29 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. According to the Department of Defense, Sgt. Scott J. Metcalf, 36, of Framingham, Mass., died in Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell. The governor will order that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of Sgt. Metcalf’s interment, for which arrangements are pending. Flag status information is available at: www.governor.ky.gov/flagstatus.htmThe preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 3, 2008 21:25:52 GMT -5
Bowling killed in auto accidentOn Friday October 31, 2008 at 11:59 PM EDT the Kentucky State Police Post 11, London, responded to a report of a single vehicle traffic crash with injury, on US 421, 3.3 miles north of Manchester in Clay County. Upon arrival Kentucky State Police Trooper Josh Wilson determined that a 1998 Jeep Wrangler SUV, operated by Chester C. Bowling, 49, of Manchester was southbound on US 421 when, for an unknown reason, it crossed the northbound lane and struck the Kentucky Baptist Mission Youth Center building. Bowling, who was not wearing a seat belt, received fatal injuries during the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by a member of the Clay County Coroner’s Office. Alcohol involvement is suspected. Trooper Wilson is investigating in the incident and was assisted at the scene by officers from the Manchester Police Department, the Clay County EMS, the Manchester Fire/Rescue and the Clay County Coroner’s Office. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Secretary of State Embraces Technology to Communicate on Election DayTrey Grayson Secretary of State Trey Grayson announced today that his office will be utilizing various techniques to communicate important messages on Election Day and to monitor the election. Grayson and his Deputy Assistant Secretary of State will be using “Twitter” to communicate to voters important information that occurs on election day. Their Twitter accounts are also tied to other popular social sites such as Facebook.com. “Clearly, the way that Americans communicate is changing rapidly,” remarked Secretary Grayson. “Our office is trying to be on the cutting edge and communicate through as many avenues as possible. Hopefully, these efforts will allow us to communicate more rapidly and directly to our constituents.” Grayson said that the Office plans to include the latest news from throughout the state on the sites so that citizens and members of the media can keep up to date on the latest information. The communications will come primarily from the State Board of Elections headquarters in Frankfort, where the State Board of Elections stages an operations center to staff election day. Grayson’s twitter account can be found at twtitter.com under the username KYTrey. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Les Fugate’s username is LesFugate. Making the Office of the Secretary of State more accessible via technology has been a focus of Grayson’s administration. He is a pioneer in using popular mediums such as Facebook to make the political system more approachable to young people. 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. The preceding press release was from Cannon man indicted for child pornThe United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Louisville, Ky. and Kentucky State Police jointly announced today that 23-year-old Ricky Gray of Cannon, Ky. was indicted for Transportation and Possession of Child Pornography. The Indictment alleges that Gray uploaded images of child pornography to a Yahoo account over the internet in Knox County in November of 2006. The Indictment further alleges that the defendant possessed images of child pornography in February 2008. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Kentucky State Police. The Indictment was presented to the grand jury by the United States Attorney’s branch office in London. Gray’s appearance before the United States District Court has not yet been set by the Court in London. If convicted, Gray faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences. The indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only, and that person presumed innocent unless proven guilty.The preceding was a press release from Kentucky office of the FBI. Proposed Kentucky Native American license plate design unveiledCommemorates November as KY Native American Indian MonthA colorful design for a proposed new license plate celebrating the Unbridled Spirit of Kentucky’s Native American culture was unveiled today during a ceremony at the State Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. A proclamation by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear declaring November as Kentucky Native American Indian Month was also presented by Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Marcheta Sparrow. Entries for a license plate design contest were accepted throughout October, and if enough pre-orders are received the winning design will be featured on the first Native American license plate in Kentucky. The contest and license plate unveiling were sponsored by the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission, which is provided administrative support by the Kentucky Heritage Council / State Historic Preservation Office. "The commission works hard to promote increased awareness of Kentucky Native American heritage and to help Kentuckians recognize, appreciate and understand the significant contributions that Native Americans have made to the Commonwealth’s rich cultural heritage," said Secretary Sparrow. The winning license plate entry features colors of blue and brown depicting a Kentucky Native American looking out on the rolling hills and mountains of Kentucky, with the slogan: Native Americans share our grandparents stories with our children. The winning design was submitted by Jannette Parent of Princeton. The plate slogan was contributed by Jen Spangler Williamson of Frankfort. Today's program also featured a Native American honor guard and Children of the Buffalo, members of a children’s Cherokee learning group from Mantle Rock Native Education and Cultural Center in Marion, who sang songs in the Cherokee language. Group leader is outgoing Commission Member Martha “Momfeather” Erickson of Marion. The Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission is taking orders for the plate now through the deadline of Friday, February 27, 2009. According to state law, 900 applications including the $28 registration fee must be in hand before production of the plate can proceed. For a high-resolution image, event photo and order form, see the Kentucky Heritage Council Web site: www.heritage.ky.govUnder the auspices of the Kentucky Heritage Council State Historic Preservation Office, the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission was established to recognize and promote Native American contributions and influence in Kentucky history and culture. The commission has 17 members, eight of whom are required to be of Native American heritage, and includes representatives from institutions of higher learning, archaeology, Native American arts and the public. An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Heritage Council / State Historic Preservation Office is responsible for the identification, protection and preservation of prehistoric resources and historic buildings, sites and cultural resources throughout the Commonwealth, in partnership with other state and federal agencies, local communities and interested citizens. This mission is integral to making communities more livable and has a far-ranging impact on issues as diverse as economic development, jobs creation, affordable housing, tourism, community revitalization, environmental conservation and quality of life. The preceding press release was from Richardson sentenced for enticementTimothy Scott Richerson, 40, of Greensburg was sentenced to 120 months in prison before United States District Court Senior Judge Karl S. Forester for using a computer to entice a 14-year-old female to engage in sexual activity. Richerson admitted in July of this year that he met the victim on a My Space page where he represented himself as a sixteen-year-old male. Richerson communicated with the victim through the computer and telephone during the summer of 2007. In September of that year, Richerson traveled from his home in Green County, Ky. to the victim’s residence in Madison County. Richerson picked up the victim and drove to a location near her residence and sexually exploited her. After becoming suspicious, the victim’s mother found some sexually explicit text messages on the victim’s cellular phone and reported it to the Richmond Police Department. Richerson was indicted in March 2008. “A lot of credit goes to the victim’s mother in this case,” said Hydee Hawkins who represented the United States in this case. “She did what we wish every parent would do, that’s being nosey with your children and their activities. “We can’t emphasize enough how important that is.” James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police Commissioner, and Larry Brock, Richmond Police Chief, jointly made the announcement today after Richerson entered his guilty plea. The investigation was conducted by the Richmond Police Department and the Kentucky State Police, Electronic Crimes Section which is the Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Hydee R. Hawkins. This case was brought as part of the Eastern District of Kentucky’s efforts pursuant to Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative dedicated to protecting children from online exploitation and abuse. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Governor Launches New Children’s Health Insurance InitiativeKentucky Families Encouraged to Visit www.kidshealth.ky.govGovernor Steve BeshearFollowing through on a promise he made in September, Gov. Steve Beshear today launched an initiative to enroll more children in the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP), including a new Web site, easier enrollment, improved efforts to retain children currently enrolled and significant education and outreach efforts. The plan hopes to enroll more than 35,000 children in KCHIP or Medicaid by the end of 2011. The new initiative meets a goal set by Gov. Beshear to make enrollment easier by eliminating the need to meet face-to-face with a caseworker to apply for KCHIP. Parents now can complete, print and mail an application available at request a mail-in application by calling 1-877-KCHIP-18 (toll-free); or return a postcard mailed to them by the KCHIP program. “The health of Kentucky’s young people is my top priority and the most significant investment we can make to secure the future of our commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want every child who is eligible for KCHIP or Medicaid to be enrolled, and this new Web site and our other greatly expanded outreach efforts make enrollment much simpler and more convenient.” The Web site also features information on the newly formed Kids’ Health Squad, a cross-section of consumers, advocacy organizations, professional associations, health care and education professionals, and religious, business and legislative leaders who have come together to show that, in Kentucky, children really do come first. To celebrate the launch of the KCHIP initiative, Gov. Beshear and Kentuckians who care about children’s health care will gather at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008, at the Frankfort Civic Center in downtown Frankfort. The public is invited to attend. “I call on all Kentuckians who want to help enroll more children in KCHIP to join the Kids’ Health Squad, attend our rally and visit the Web site to see how they can get involved,” Gov. Beshear said. KCHIP provides health insurance to children whose family income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, about $42,400 a year for a family of four. An estimated 67,000 Kentucky children are eligible for KCHIP or Medicaid, but are not enrolled. For more information or to request an application, call 1-877-KCHIP-18 or visit: www.kidshealth.ky.govThe preceding press release was from Shooting Investigation on Hopper Creek Road in Laurel CountyOn Friday October 31, 2008 at 7:52 PM EDT the Kentucky State Police Post 11, London was notified by the Laurel County 911 Center of a possible shooting incident at a residence on Hopper Creek Road in southern Laurel County. Upon arrival Kentucky State Police Detective Millard Root determined that the victim, Michael D. Sasser, 47, of Laurel County had suffered a gunshot wound. Sasser was transported to the Saint Joseph Hospital of London and later transferred to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington for treatment. Details of the cause of the incident are limited at this time and the investigation continues. Detective Root is the lead investigator into the incident and was assisted at the scene by officers from the Kentucky State Police, the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, the London Police Department and the Laurel County EMS. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 5, 2008 5:15:17 GMT -5
More Kentuckians Vote than Ever Before, Election a SuccessUnofficial results from the 2008 general election indicate that over 1,825,000 people voted in the 2008 general election, setting a new record for voter turnout in Kentucky. The Office of the Secretary of State estimates the turnout percentage to be 63% of the 2.9 million registered voters in Kentucky. Final numbers will not be available for several months until after the precinct rosters are scanned and voter credit is assigned to registered voters. The previous record, set in 2004, was 1,809,102, but was 64.7% of the 2004 electorate. “I am delighted that so many Kentuckians chose to participate in this historic election,” remarked Secretary of State Trey Grayson, Kentucky’s chief election official. “The record breaking turnout speaks volumes to Kentuckians commitment to the democratic process.” Grayson also noted the success of the election, “On the whole, this election was very successful. Outside of some isolated challenges, there were few complaints or issues for election officials to address. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our county clerks, county boards of elections, the state board of elections, and the thousands of poll workers across Kentucky who sacrificed to make this election run so effectively and efficiently.” The preceding press release was from Enjoy an Enchanting Celebration with the Kentucky Historical SocietyKick off this year’s holiday season at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History during Candlelight Tours on Thursday, November 13, from 5 to 9 pm. Guests for the evening will receive free admission to the commonwealth’s signature Lincoln Bicentennial exhibition, Beyond the Log Cabin: Kentucky’s Abraham Lincoln, along with a full night of performances. This year’s line-up of entertainment at the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) includes the Kentucky Sassafras band, the Kentucky State University Gospel Choir, The Squallis Puppeteers, and a special presentation by the KHS Museum Theatre team. In addition, guests will enjoy holiday displays, including a Lionel “O” Gauge Train, the magnificent Cornelia Vanderbilt Whitney Dollhouse, and the Kentucky Treasures Tree, a holiday tree showcasing ornaments from more than 80 Kentucky counties. Candlelight Tours is an annual Frankfort tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season. This year’s event is sponsored by Whitaker Bank and Downtown Frankfort, Inc.,. During Candlelight Tours, downtown Frankfort businesses and organizations invite people from across the region to visit the Capital City and enjoy a variety of activities and discounts on merchandise. The Kentucky Historical Society is pleased to be a part of this annual family event. To find out more about the KHS’s plans for this Enchanting Celebration, visit www.history.ky.gov/lincoln, or to view the full schedule for the four-day event, visit: www.downtownfrankfort.comThe preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 5, 2008 16:43:16 GMT -5
Statement from Governor Beshear on Tuesday’s electionsGovernor Steve Beshear"I congratulate everyone who won last night and everyone who made the sacrifice of time away from families and work to vie for public office. Campaigns are tremendous work. We should honor all those who believe in public service through elective office. Now, however, the elections are over. It's time to get to work -- together. Kentucky and our country face unprecedented challenges. We are in the midst of a financial crisis as significant as any in our lifetimes and, perhaps, since the Great Depression. It is critically important that all of us, Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike, come together, first, as Kentuckians to successfully confront the issues facing our commonwealth. There is no partisan path we must tread, only that of Kentuckians united by a common purpose to face what lies ahead for our state. Kentuckians and people across the country have repeatedly told us that they expect and deserve leaders who vigorously contest elections, but who then work together with resolve and a sense of unity on behalf of our families and children. That is my commitment to our state. I look forward to the important work that, together, we will undertake on behalf of everyone in this commonwealth." The preceding press release was from Home Heating Season BeginsThe recent cold snap has prompted Kentuckians to begin turning on their furnaces and space heaters and using their fireplaces. Kentucky State Fire Marshal William Swope reminds residents to take basic steps to ensure safe home heating. “Winter is the peak time for house fires,” Swope said. “By taking basic precautions, we can reduce the number of house fires caused by improperly used or maintained heating equipment.” Have your furnace inspected by a qualified technician at the beginning of every heating season, Swope recommends. If you use a fireplace regularly, contact a chimney sweep every year to inspect your chimney and clean it, if necessary. Burning wood over time causes a build up of creosote in the chimney; creosote can ignite and cause a fire. To obtain a listing of local chimney sweeps, visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America Web site at: www.csia.orgMany residents turn to electric space heaters to help warm their homes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers these tips on using a space heater: • Make sure your space heater carries the label of an independent testing laboratory. • Never use an extension cord for your heater; make sure the outlet is sufficient for the heater. • Turn off the heater when the room is unoccupied. • Place the heater away from flammable materials, such as drapes, upholstered furniture or bedding. More home heating tips are available at the NFPA Web site at: www.nfpa.org The preceding press release was from USDA Declares Clay County Eligible for Disaster AssistanceGov. Steve Beshear today received word from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that farmers in all 120 counties in Kentucky are now eligible for emergency loans due to drought and high winds that occurred in Kentucky in 2008. “I am pleased that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer recognized the financial hardships our farmers are facing following two consecutive years of drought and compounded by the disastrous winds experienced this September,” said Gov. Beshear. “This disaster aid will help lessen the impact on our farm families and rural communities.” On September 19, Gov. Beshear sent a request to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer requesting that USDA disaster assistance be made available to farmers across the Commonwealth due to crop losses resulting from widespread drought conditions that began in early 2008 and continue today. He further amended his request to include disaster assistance related to wind damage that occurred on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008. Hurricane force winds flattened crops and damaged orchards across the commonwealth. The devastating wind damage compounded the effect of the two consecutive years of drought conditions Kentucky farmers have experienced. In response to Gov. Beshear’s request the USDA reviewed the Damage Assessment Reports and other related information for all 120 counties and determined that all counties sustained sufficient production losses to warrant a Secretarial disaster designation. For more information on drought assistance, visit your local USDA/Farm Service Agency office or visit the USDA’s Web site at: www.usda.gov. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 6, 2008 17:20:32 GMT -5
Seventeen Die On Kentucky RoadwaysOctober 27 through November 2Preliminary statistics* indicate that seventeen people died in seventeen separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, October 27 through Sunday, November 2, 2008. Fourteen of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and eleven of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Bourbon, Clay, Edmonson, Fayette, Hardin, Henry, Larue, Laurel, Letcher, Lewis, McLean, Muhlenberg, Rockcastle, and Woodford counties. Five of these crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Two fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in Bullitt and Jefferson counties and neither victim was wearing a helmet. The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in the Jefferson county crash. There was one pedestrian fatality in Boone county. Through November 2, preliminary statistics* indicate that 649 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 91 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 486 motor vehicle fatalities, 307 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 83 motorcycle fatalities, 50 were not wearing helmets. Twenty-four people have been killed in ATV crashes and 22 of those were not wearing helmets. Fifty-one pedestrians have been killed. A total of 135 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: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Conway Announces Election Fraud Hotline ResultsJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway announced today that his Election Fraud Hotline received 271 calls from 50 counties between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. (EST) during the General Election on Tuesday, November 4. This is the most calls ever received on Election Day. The previous record was 182 calls during the General Election in 2006. The majority of calls on Tuesday came from county officials or voters with procedural questions. The most common complaints concerned election officials, electronic voting machines and electioneering within 300 feet of a polling place. There were four complaints of vote-buying. None of those complaints was substantiated. The hotline received 60 calls on Election Day during the primary. “The increase in calls to our hotline reflects the turnout and interest in the national and state races that were on the ballot in Kentucky,” General Conway said. “I appreciate voters and concerned citizens who, even with a near record voter turnout in the Commonwealth, took time to be our eyes and ears in the polling places.” Investigators with the Office of the Attorney General conducted on-site surveys of polling places in each of Kentucky’s six congressional districts. Agents were able to provide immediate response to any allegations of voting irregularities. Staff did not observe any election violations in the counties they surveyed. The number of complaints totals 292; the number of calls totals 271 – some calls contained multiple complaints. The Office of the Attorney General, Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky Board of Elections, the Kentucky Secretary of State and the U.S. Attorneys from the Western and Eastern Districts of Kentucky are reviewing each complaint and will investigate any that prove to be criminal in nature. The Office of the Attorney General, by law, cannot provide details regarding specific complaints or possible pending investigations. The preceding press release was from Beshear Increases Heating Assistance Subsidy by 40 Percent Money Will Help Kentucky FamiliesGovernor Steve BeshearGov. Steve Beshear today announced that Kentucky families who qualify will receive a 40 percent increase in their subsidy for bulk fuels to help pay heating and fuel costs this winter. The increased subsidy is part of a significant funding hike this year - $75 million – for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program helps qualified recipients with the purchase of home heating fuel or with ensuring that heating services to homes isn’t discontinued. “LIHEAP is a wonderful program that provides a vital service for Kentucky families in need,” said Gov. Beshear. “With the news that we’ll be receiving more funding than we had initially anticipated, even more Kentuckians will benefit, meaning more Kentuckians will stay warm this winter.” Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) disburses funds to Community Action Kentucky, which in turn processes applications from families requesting assistance and contracts with vendors for delivery of fuel. The increase in federal funding will enable Kentucky to increase the benefit level for both the subsidy and crisis programs. During the subsidy program, which began Nov. 3 and will run through Dec. 12, eligible households will receive assistance in purchasing heating fuel. The 40 percent increase in subsidy benefits will more closely approximate the cost of a deliverable load of bulk fuels. “With winter on its way, making sure Kentuckians keep warm is vital,” Kentucky Congressman Ben Chandler said. “This Congress has made a special commitment to Low-Income Heating Assistance which I strongly supported. I am pleased Kentucky will benefit from this important program so our citizens can remain healthy this winter.” The crisis component, available from Jan. 5 until March 31, 2009 or until funds are expended, provides eligible households assistance with remedying service discontinuation and/or a lack of fuel. The maximum crisis benefit allowance for electricity and natural gas will be increased from $250 to $400, which will bring that benefit level more in line with the benefit available for bulk fuel. “Because of the increase in funding, more Kentucky families will be helped this winter,” said CHFS Secretary Janie Miller. “The increase in the level of benefits people can receive means that families will be better able to afford the rising cost of fuel for their homes.” Also receiving an increase in federal funding is the Weatherization Program, which provides assistance for homes being made energy efficient resulting in long-term heating and energy efficiencies. The LIHEAP and Weatherization programs are administered by Community Action Kentucky’s contracts with local Community Action Agencies. Individuals interested in applying for this assistance should contact their local Community Action Agency. For more information, visit www.kaca.org or call 1-800-456-3452 to find a local Community Action Agency. The preceding press release was from Jury recommends maximum sentence for repeat drug trafficking offenderA Lawrence County jury has sent a strong message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated by recommending a repeat offender should spend at least 20 years in jail. Rachel Blackburn was found guilty of two counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and of being a persistent felony offender after a one-day trial held Monday, November 3. Final determination on how long Blackburn will serve is up to Lawrence County Circuit Court Judge John David Preston when Blackburn appears for final sentencing on December 12. The 46-year-old Lawrence County resident sold Morphine pills to an informant working for Operation UNITE on two occasions in March 2007. At the time of the sales she was on probation for a second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance conviction on March 21, 2006. Blackburn was part of a six-month undercover investigation into the sale of Morphine, OxyContin and Hydrocodone pills in and around Lawrence County that ultimately led to the indictment of 24 people. On August 30, 2007, UNITE detectives along with state and local law enforcement officials conducted a roundup of those suspects. Downstairs from where the prisoners were being processed a press conference featuring the director of Kentucky’s Office of Drug Control Policy, the state Inspector General and Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers was held to draw attention to the “devastation of drugs” in the region and value of partnerships to combat the problems. At the time drugs were purchased, Blackburn was living at the Southland Plaza trailer court in Louisa. At least two other individuals sold drugs from that residence during the investigation and were wanted as part of the roundup. Blackburn was not present when officers came calling just after daybreak. Among those who were present, however, was 24-year-old Joshua Sleasman, Blackburn’s son, who unsuccessfully attempted to flee apprehension by escaping through a trap door. Four people at the trailer – Amanda L. Bowen and Karen D. Webb, both of Louisa, and Barbara K. Jude and Jamie C. Jude, both of Inez – were charged with trying to hinder Sleasman’s arrest. Sleasman was charged with two counts of trafficking in a simulated controlled substance, two counts first-degree wanton endangerment, and one count felony theft by unlawful taking. He received a five-year sentence after pleading guilty to the charges on March 20, 2008, and is currently out on four years probation. After the roundup, Blackburn fled across the Big Sandy River to neighboring Fort Gay, West Virginia, where she remained a fugitive until her arrest on May 21, 2008. Blackburn declined to accept a plea agreement offered by Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Melissa Fannin and chose to face her peers in a jury trial. After viewing the evidence, it took jurors only a few minutes to return with a guilty verdict and recommend the maximum 10 years on each count with the sentences to run consecutively. The jury then deliberated on whether Blackburn was a persistent felony offender. They found her guilty and recommended the maximum of 20 years on each. It will be up to Judge Preston to decide whether she will serve these sentences at the same time or consecutively. Blackburn was remanded into custody and taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center until her sentencing. A third suspect from the home wanted in connection with drug trafficking was 26-year-old Wilben Maynard. He also managed to avoid arrest on charges of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and trafficking in a simulated controlled substance until September 22, 2008. Maynard is scheduled back in court for a pre-trial conference on November 14. All but one person indicted as part of the 2007 drug investigation have been arrested. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. Governor Urges Seniors to Take Advantage of Medicare Open EnrollmentGov. Steve Beshear joined a representative from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to impress upon Kentucky’s Medicare-eligible seniors the importance of signing up for prescription drug coverage through Medicare. Medicare Part D is the prescription drug component of Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people older than 65, certain people with disabilities and people with end-stage renal disease. Part D has been a Medicare component for four years and offers several prescription drug plans to beneficiaries. Making the right choice in plans is even more important in today’s economy, when paying for prescription drugs can be increasingly burdensome. “We all know that prescription drug costs can hit seniors particularly hard,” said Gov. Beshear in an announcement at the Franklin County Senior Citizens Center. “That’s why, as part of our continuing efforts to make sure Kentuckians know about assistance available to them, we’re taking this opportunity to encourage Kentuckians to take advantage of Medicare Part D. We want to help seniors get the coverage they need – coverage they can afford – when they need it.” To assist seniors who fall in the “doughnut hole” of Medicare, Gov. Beshear announced last week that a new statewide program to aid eligible Kentuckians in locating free or reduced cost prescription drugs will launch in March 2009. The Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program will expand a model program to a statewide network of assistance, using specialized computer programs and trained staff, to identify sources of free or low-cost medications for those who can’t afford their prescriptions. “Prescription drug costs are a heavy burden on our senior citizens,” said Kentucky Congressman Ben Chandler. “I appreciate the Governor’s leadership in helping Kentuckians understand and take advantage of prescription drug assistance programs so our seniors can afford the medications they need.” Open enrollment for all Medicare plans starts on Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 31, 2008. Renard Murray, the acting bi-regional administrator of CMS’ Atlanta and Dallas Regions, joined Beshear in urging Kentuckians to review Medicare’s prescription drug coverage plans and choose the plan that best fits their needs. “It is imperative that all Kentuckians with Medicare review their Medicare coverage and participate in open enrollment,” said Murray. “Each year plans change in what they cost and what they cover. Now is the time for people with Medicare to review the changes being made by their current plan and compare it to others to make sure it still meets their needs.” Last year, more than 700,000 Kentuckians enrolled in a Medicare plan. To view and compare Medicare plans online, visit: www.cms.hhs.gov. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 7, 2008 14:34:03 GMT -5
Huffman sentenced for robbing Rite AidMichael Huffman, 27, of Annville, Ky. was sentenced today to 115 months in prison for robbing a Rite Aid Pharmacy of perscription drugs. United States District Court Judge Danny Reeves also sentenced Huffman for Possession of Controlled Substances with intent to distribute them. In July of 2008, Huffman pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that he robbed the Rite Aid Pharmacy in London of approximately $9,179 worth of hydrocodone and oxycontin pills. Police estimate the street value of the drugs to be more than $82,000. On March 18 of this year, Huffman and a co-defendant entered the pharmacy and threatened to kill the clerks before getting the pills. Huffman told the clerks “I would hate to blow your little heads off.” After Huffman and his accomplice left the pharmacy, the clerks spotted the license plate number and reported it. Shortly thereafter, Authorities apprehended Huffman and the co-defendant. Huffman later admitted he intended to sell the drugs. Huffman possesses a criminal history dating back to 1999. In 2004, he assaulted his grandmother and on two other occasions he threatened to harm law enforcement officers. At the time of this robbery, Huffman was serving parole from a ten year sentence for an Armed Robbery conviction in state court. Under federal law, Huffman must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Once he’s released, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for three years. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Robert L. Corso, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Elijah Hollon, Chief of the London Police Department, jointly made the announcement. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the London Police Department. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Smith and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Pratt. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Agreement announced to Improve Public Safety on WebsiteJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway today announced that he and 42 other state attorneys general have reached agreement with Craigslist to crack down on inappropriate adult content that could be accessed by children using the online classified ad website. In addition, Craigslist will deploy search technology that it developed to assist the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and law enforcement agencies in identifying missing persons, children and victims of human trafficking. Under the agreement with attorneys general and NCMEC, Craigslist will remove ads for illicit services and non-age appropriate materials from areas of the website that are accessible to children. The site will require those who post ads featuring adult services to list a working phone number and pay a fee with a valid credit card that has a track-able billing address. This should significantly reduce the number of adult-services ads and it gives law enforcement a tool to track illegal prostitution and or any other criminal investigation that may result from the use of Craigslist. Craigslist will also explore technology to block inappropriate image uploads and better screen for words and euphemisms for illegal activity. “Like Facebook and MySpace, Craigslist is a popular Internet destination for our nation’s youth. As such, it is vital that we continue to work together to combat unlawful activity online and to protect our children from those who wish to do them harm,” General Conway said. “The criminals engaged in the sexual trafficking of children no longer parade them on the streets of America’s cities. Today, they market them via the Internet, enabling customers to shop for a child from the privacy of their own homes or hotel rooms,” said Ernie Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCMEC. “We are honored to join with the attorneys general and Craigslist in this historic agreement to combat child prostitution advertisements and other illegal activity.” This agreement follows a series of discussions and in person meetings between Jim Buckmaster, CEO of Craigslist, Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut’s Attorney General, and NCMEC. Craigslist and the attorneys general will continue to meet on a regular basis to discuss ways to improve public safety on the website. Other steps by Craigslist to crack down on adult-services ad content include: •Attach “tags” to the adult- services section that assist parental screening software; •Employ “digital tagging” to identity and eliminate inappropriate content. Users flag ads that violate Craigslist’s terms of service, which include prohibitions on pornography and criminal activity. Ads that reach a certain threshold of “flags” will be automatically eliminated. The preceding press release was from AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER PLEASED ABOUT DISASTER AID FOR KENTUCKY FARMERSRichie FarmerAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer is extremely pleased by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to make all 120 Kentucky counties eligible for emergency loans due to drought and wind damage to crops this year. “This disaster aid will help reduce the financial impact of the bad weather on Kentucky’s farm families,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Kentucky farmers get more than $4 billion a year in cash receipts for their products, and they produce the food and fiber we all depend on. So it’s important to help them stay on their feet until conditions improve.” Gov. Steve Beshear sent a request for disaster assistance to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer on Sept. 19 due to crop losses resulting from drought. He amended his request to include wind damage that occurred on Sept. 14, when the remnants of Hurricane Ike flattened weakened, dry crops and damaged orchards across the Commonwealth. To find out more about federal crop disaster assistance, contact the Kentucky office of the U.S. Farm Service Agency at (859) 224-7601 or go to www.fsa.usda.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 Nov 9, 2008 8:14:42 GMT -5
Rogers: Over $19 Million Allocated to Kentucky For Homeland Security NeedsHal RogersRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that over $19.4 million in federal funding has been set aside to increase preparedness, reduce threats, and improve emergency response across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This initial allocation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will boost a variety of capabilities for first responders at the state and local level. “Federal funding is critical to ensuring all communities big and small are meeting national preparedness goals and reducing potential security vulnerabilities within the Commonwealth,” said Rogers. “We must continue to make wise investments in upgrading communications equipment, training our first responders, and hardening potential targets. Disasters, whether manmade or the work of nature, are indiscriminate and will often seek the path of least resistance; therefore, we must give our police, fire and emergency response personnel the tools and training necessary to stay ahead and on top.” Upon receipt of applications from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, DHS will review applications and release funds later this year through a variety of formula grant programs including: the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), $9,111,000; Emergency Management Performance Grants, $4,838,849; the Port Security Grant Program, $1,513,000; the Metropolitan Medical Response System, $642,442; the Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program, $506,776; the Buffer Zone Protection Program, $400,000; and Citizens Corps, $230,487. In addition, the city of Louisville is slated to receive $2,198,500 under the Urban Area Security Initiative. For six years, Rogers has served as the lead Republican on the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Homeland Security. The Subcommittee is charged with allocating resources toward these important grant programs. In fiscal year 2009, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will award more than $3 billion in grants to states, urban areas and transportation authorities under 14 programs to bolster national preparedness capabilities and protect critical infrastructure. As a senior member of the Committee, Rogers works to secure funding to increase the nation’s preparedness and for important homeland security initiatives in Kentucky. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Beshear renews call for stimulus help for auto industryGovernor Steve BeshearIn the wake of both Ford and General Motors announcing new earnings numbers with billions in losses, Gov. Steve Beshear renewed his call for the President and Congress to move quickly on a stimulus package that includes the automotive industry. “Today's earnings and sales reports paint a sober picture of an auto industry in distress as it struggles desperately to overcome the impact of a credit crisis and dramatic drop in consumer confidence,” Gov. Beshear said. Ford Motor Co announced further cuts this morning as it reported losing $129 million in the third quarter. The automaker, which has two manufacturing facilities in Louisville, will shave 10 percent more white-collar employees from its payroll, reduce its product-development and engineering budget, and continue to implement production cuts to pare inventories in line with the worst auto sales market in decades. At the same time, General Motors Corp, which has a manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, reported a net loss of $2.5 billion, an adjusted loss of $4.2 billion and burned through $6.9 billion in cash in the three-month period ended Sept. 30. “These third quarter results make it increasingly clear that under these extraordinary conditions, the industry cannot continue its progress alone,” Gov. Beshear said. “Our nation's competitive strength and the economic health of families, communities, and states throughout our country are at stake, which requires us to act now to support our nation's automakers.” Beshear recently signed a letter with governors from other auto-manufacturing states, urging Congress to help the industry by continuing to make moves to free up more capital to prop up credit markets, which have been frozen in the wake of the financial crisis. In addition to freeing up credit markets, though, Gov. Beshear said the automotive industry needs to direct financial help to preserve those industries and their jobs. Kentucky has 461 motor vehicle-related facilities, employing some 85,000 people. The Commonwealth is now the third largest producer of automobiles in America, behind only Michigan and Ohio. Kentucky now produces more cars than any state in the South. “The automotive industry is critical to Kentucky. It’s critical to America,” Beshear said. “Time is not our friend, though, when it comes to preserving these jobs and vital industries. I urge the Congress to move as quickly as possible to preserve these jobs and critically important businesses.” The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 10, 2008 17:14:23 GMT -5
Fatal Collision on US 421 in Clay CountyFriday November 07, 2008 at 6:35 PM EDT the Kentucky State Police Post 11, London, responded to a report of a single vehicle traffic crash with injury, on US 421, 13 miles north of Manchester in Clay County. Upon arrival Kentucky State Police Trooper Greg Hill determined that a green, 2001 Dodge pick-up truck, operated by Eugene Curry, 39, of Manchester, KY, was northbound on US 421 when, for an unknown reason, it crossed the southbound lane, struck an embankment and overturned. Mr. Curry, who was not wearing a seat belt, was partially ejected and received fatal injuries during the crash. Mr. Curry was pronounced dead at the scene by Clay County Deputy Coroner Danny Finley. Alcohol involvement is not suspected. Trooper Hill is investigating in the incident and was assisted at the scene the Clay County Sheriff's Office, the Clay County EMS, the Burning Springs Fire Department and the Clay County Coroner’s Office. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Beshear jumps on global warming bandwagonGovernor Steve BeshearNoting that our changing climate and global warming must be addressed, Gov. Steve Beshear today announced that Kentucky has joined The Climate Registry, a non-profit organization that seeks to develop a common method for measuring greenhouse gas emissions. “Joining the registry will enable Kentucky to work with other states to develop an agreed-upon reporting system for greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide,” said Gov. Beshear. “By doing so, we will ensure that we are better positioned to respond to any future carbon management rules that the federal government might issue.” Gov. Beshear also announced that he has appointed Dr. Len Peters, secretary of the Energy and Environment Cabinet, to serve as the commonwealth’s representative on the registry’s board of directors. Kentucky’s membership in the registry also complements ongoing state efforts to craft a comprehensive energy plan. This summer, Gov. Beshear directed Sec. Peters to develop a comprehensive state energy plan that will reduce Kentucky’s energy usage, capitalize on renewable energy sources and significantly reduce our dependence on foreign fuels. Officials are currently finalizing the plan, which is to be released later this month. “It’s important to note that Kentucky’s power plants already are reporting their carbon dioxide emissions,” Peters said. “Kentucky’s active involvement in The Climate Registry will be useful in establishing a baseline for any future emission reductions.” The registry is a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles. It emphasizes voluntary actions by states to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are associated with global climate change. Kentucky is among 40 states that have joined the registry since its formation in March 2007. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Promotes OfficersThe Kentucky State Police announced the promotion of 30 officers at a ceremony held in Louisville. One lieutenant colonel, three majors, five captains, five lieutenants and 16 sergeants were commissioned including: Sgt. Micky Hatmaker, a native of Pineville, Ky. and a resident of Middlesboro, Ky., was promoted to lieutenant. He is a 14-year veteran of the agency. Sgt. John Taylor, a native of Middlesboro, Ky. and a resident of Lexington, Ky. was promoted to lieutenant. A 14-year veteran of the agency, he will remain assigned to KSP Post 6 in Dry Ridge. Trooper Christian Feltner, a native of Hyden, Ky. and a resident of Walton, Ky., was promoted to sergeant and transferred from KSP Post 6 in Dry Ridge to KSP Post 7 in Richmond. He is a 10-1/2-year veteran of the agency. Trooper Starlin Hacker, a native and resident of McKee, Ky., was promoted to sergeant and transferred from KSP Post 7 in Richmond to the Driver Testing Branch. He is an eight-and-a-half-year veteran of the agency. "These officers are valuable assets who have honed their practical skills from the ground up through classroom studies and real world operations," said Kentucky State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer. "Their future contributions will help move the agency forward in fulfilling its public safety mission to the citizens of the Commonwealth." "We also thank the families of these officers," he added. "By its nature, the law enforcement profession often requires sacrifices of family members as well as the officers themselves. Their strength, support and understanding are critical factors in the success of a trooper. Without it, our mission would be much more difficult." The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley.
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