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Post by Press Release on Nov 11, 2008 17:46:18 GMT -5
Con Artist sentenced for mail fraudKenneth Robert Roth, 43, of Union, Ky. was sentenced today to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay $166,967.00 in restitution by United States District Court Judge Danny C. Reeves for mail fraud. The restitution amount also accounts for frauds that Roth had previously committed. Roth, an arts and craft’s promoter, admitted that he made $27,481.00 off vendors by lying to them about an arts and craft festival he was putting on in Newport, Ky. (On the Levee) in October of 2006. Roth collected the money from potential vendors knowing he had no intentions of following through with the festival. Roth generated interest in the event by promoting it in arts and crafts trade magazines. In the magazines, Roth lied about the details of the event to encourage more vendors to attend. Vendors mailed Roth their money for booth cost and location cost among other things. However, some of the potential vendors became suspicious and reported it to the local authorities. Roth pleaded guilty in January of 2008. On approximately 11 occasions, Roth duped other vendors using similar tactics in New York, Florida and North Carolina just to name a few. Several times, vendors from across the U.S. showed up at the advertised festival only to find out there wasn’t an event at all. In one instance, Roth falsely advertised an appearance by Patrick Swayze at one of the festivals. Under federal law, Roth must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Following his release, 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, and Timothy D. Cox, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney E.J. Walbourn. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Wildfires Continue in Southeast KentuckySince Oct. 1, the beginning of fall forest fire hazard season, a total of 475 fires have burned 9,488 acres. These wildfires create unnecessary expense, damage valuable resources and threaten lives of people across southeastern Kentucky. Fortunately, firefighters from the Kentucky Division of Forestry, the U.S. Forest Service, volunteer fire departments and correction crews are trained to safely and efficiently suppress and contain these fires. Their skills in fighting wildland fire, their knowledge of fire behavior and their courageous efforts are critical to the protection of our environment and the safety of our communities. “We have hard-working, dedicated forest wardens who have the authority to enforce forest fire laws and who have extensive training in wildland fire fighting,” said Leah MacSwords,” director of the Division of Forestry. “We also employ and provide training to part-time employees and emergency laborers each year during the forest fire hazard seasons.” These employees, like the forest wardens, are required to complete basic wildfire courses developed by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. As conditions for forest fires are likely to peak in the next few weeks, the Kentucky Division of Forestry would like to remind citizens to be cautious and mindful of outdoor burning restrictions. The state’s forest fire hazard laws restrict burning within 150 feet of the woods between the daylight hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. throughout the fall season from Oct. 1 through Dec. 15. Additionally, there are numerous burn bans that have been enacted by local governments. Local burn bans provide further restrictions by prohibiting all outdoor burning. Citizens should contact their county judge’s office or local fire department for more information on local burn bans. Although most individuals obey burning laws and otherwise use caution and common sense when it comes to fire, there are some individuals who set fires as a means to harass landowners, destroy property and retaliate against others. These few are the forest arsonists who deliberately set the woods on fire for no purposeful reason. Arson is the leading cause of wildfires in our state and is suspected in 70 percent of the fires that have occurred this fall. These offenders should be aware that people are watching and turning them in to authorities. To help expose arsonists: • Look for suspicious fires –the origin of arson fires are not easily identified. • Be able to provide information about location, vehicles, license plate numbers and suspicious individuals. • Call the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON. You may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if the information leads to the arrest and indictment of an arsonist. • You may also contact your local law enforcement officers, the Kentucky State Police or the Kentucky Division of Forestry district office that serves your area. Forest arson is a felony under state law (KRS 149.380) and is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines. For more information regarding forest arson, wildland fire, or outdoor burning restrictions contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at 1-800-866-0555. The preceding press release was from Fatal Collision on Interstate 75 in Rockcastle CountyOn Sunday, November 09, 2008, at approximately 1:37 PM EDT the Kentucky State Police, Post 11, in London was notified of a two vehicle traffic crash with injury on Interstate 75, at the 60 mile marker, in Rockcastle County. Upon arrival KSP Traffic Crash Reconstructionist Detective Mike Bowling determined a green, 2001, Ford, Taurus passenger car was traveling northbound on I-75, when it went out of control for an unknown reason and crossed the grass median. The Taurus then entered the southbound lanes and struck a gray 2002 International tractor-trailer. The operator of the Ford Taurus Thomas B. May, 20, of Louisville, KY received fatal injuries and was seat belted at the time of the crash. The front passenger of the Ford Taurus Bradley A. Hall, 18, of Rockfield, KY also received fatal injuries and was seat belted at the time of the crash. The rear passenger of the Ford Taurus Ben M. Cooley, 18, of Harrodsburg, KY received multiple injuries and was flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington for treatment. Cooley was seat belted at the time of the crash. The operator of the tractor-trailer James A. Donaldson, 51, of Oregon, OH was transported to the Rockcastle County Hospital as a precaution and was seat belted at the time of the crash. Detective Bowling is the lead investigator into the incident and was assisted by officers from the Kentucky State Police, the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, the Mount Vernon Police Department, the Rockcastle County EMS and the Rockcastle 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. COUNCIL AWARDS OVER $1.1 MILLION TO IMPROVE TEACHER QUALITYIn an ongoing effort to improve teacher quality, the Council on Postsecondary Education awarded more than $1.1 million in grant funding for professional development for P-12 teachers and administrators at a meeting in Morehead on Friday. As part of the Improving Educator Quality state grant program, eight approved projects will serve more than 310 teachers in 70 Kentucky school districts over 18 months beginning January 2009. The grant program, currently in its seventh year, awards grants to partnerships that deliver research-based training programs to P-12 teachers and administrators. To be eligible, a partnership must include a postsecondary institution’s school of arts and sciences and its teacher preparation program, as well as a high-need local school district. In 2006, the Kentucky General Assembly passed Senate Bill 130 requiring the P-12 assessment program to include a high school readiness examination in the eighth grade, a college readiness examination in the 10th grade, and requiring all students in the 11th grade to take the ACT. This has resulted in the implementation of ACT’s Educational Planning and Assessment System (EPAS) in Kentucky. Senate Bill 130 also requires the Council on Postsecondary Education and public postsecondary institutions to offer support and technical assistance to schools and school districts in the development of accelerated learning for students who demonstrate a need for intervention due to low scores on the high school or college readiness exams. To that end the Council is focusing Year 7 of the Improving Educator Quality state grant program on projects that fully integrate EPAS professional development that assists teachers in providing intervention in Core Content areas for students in need of accelerated learning. “We must continually improve the impact of higher education on teacher professional development,” said Richard Crofts, interim president of the Council on Postsecondary Education. “The goals of this program are greatly enhanced through the partnerships between the faculty of the colleges of arts and sciences and teacher preparation programs with teachers and administrators in local school districts.” The projects include: • The Math and Science Partnership: Increasing Science Instruction and Achievement in Middle School Classrooms, Morehead State University, $140,000. • West Kentucky Mathematics Partnership II, Murray State University, $140,000. • E2: Enlivening and Energizing EPAS Professional Development, Northern Kentucky University, $140,000. • Embedded Teacher Learning Through Online Modules: Leveraging Professional Development Resources in Kentucky, University of Kentucky, $135,000. • Mathematics and Special Education, University of Kentucky, $140,000. • Putting All Students on Track: A Partnership to Ensure Success in College Level Mathematics, University of Kentucky, $140,000. • Science Literacy Project for Middle School Teachers, University of Kentucky, $140,000. • Learning Capacity Advancement in Middle School Science and Mathematics, Western Kentucky University, $140,000. In other business, the Council heard a six-year performance report on Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, a private, nonprofit organization advancing science, technology, entrepreneurship and innovative economic development in Kentucky. KSTC, which grew out of the Kentucky Innovation Act, implements the Council’s knowledge-based economic investments. The report, presented by KSTC President Kris Kimel, highlighted strong and growing progress from a period beginning July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2008: • Overall growth of the KBE portfolio to $50.4 million invested in 952 awards. • 60 active contracts with negotiated payback terms with over $2.7 million in ROI from exits and conversions by 15 companies. • Growth in follow-on funding generated by awardees to $653.8 million from venture, federal, and other private sources. • Creation of 448 new companies and 4,100 new jobs among the Kentucky Enterprise Fund, the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation, and the Kentucky Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). • Intellectual property actions numbering 977 that include 519 patents, 34 provisional patents, 107 invention disclosures, 114 patent applications, one utility patent, 21 trade secrets, 49 copyrights, and 63 trademarks. Also at the meeting, the Council: • Heard from University of Kentucky President Lee Todd, chair of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Task Force, that a STEM business plan will be presented in December. Implementation plans are focusing on issues related to public awareness, professional development, partnership engagement and funding capacity. • Approved a tuition and mandatory fee policy and a tuition-setting process for 2009-10. • Discussed the current budget environment and the fiscal impact of budget cutbacks on the institutions. • Heard from John Hall that the Presidential Search Committee received 45 applications. The committee interviewed 10 applicants and reduced the number to four. The preceding press release was from Statement from Governor Beshear regarding Veterans’ DayGovernor Steve Beshear“Men and women of the United States have been defending our rights and our freedoms for over 230 years. Tomorrow, on Veterans’ Day, we honor our Veterans and say thank you to them, as well as those currently serving in our Armed Forces and National Guards. It’s appropriate to pause to reflect on the actions of those who have knowingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our country and our way of life. In truth, one day for more than two centuries of service and sacrifice is not nearly enough to express the gratitude of an entire nation. But on this day, our thoughts and prayers are with the millions of selfless heroes to which our country is indebted and to their families who have shared in their sacrifice. On behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I want to thank all Veterans for their service in defense of our great nation.” The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 12, 2008 17:12:11 GMT -5
State Health Department Acquires Mobile Medical Treatment CenterDr. William D. HackerThe Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) announced today that a new large-scale mobile medical treatment facility can now be deployed at or near the scene of a disaster or emergency anywhere in the state to provide treatment for patients on site and reduce the number of patients sent to hospital emergency rooms. “In the event of a serious public health emergency, health and medical systems might be overwhelmed with people seeking treatment, and the need to meet this demand would be critical,” said William D. Hacker, M.D., commissioner for public health. “This mobile medical treatment center will have the capability of providing medical services to our citizens utilizing local medical reserve corps volunteers without overburdening hospitals.” The mobile medical treatment center is an inflatable shelter system that can be rapidly deployed to the site of an emergency. The 3,342 square foot structure has a 45-bed capacity and houses separate areas for triage, isolation, administration/nursing station and patient care. The shelter is completely self-contained with two large 45-kilowatt generators and a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. Supplies such as beds and cribs are also included with the center. Two 28-foot cargo trailers provide storage and transport for the unit. President of the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) Mike Rust said, “The development of a large mobile treatment facility, which can both increase health care surge capacity and disaster response capability, is an important addition to the preparedness resources of the commonwealth. KHA is pleased to have had a role in assisting the DPH Public Health Preparedness Branch in assembling this new asset.” Funding for the center was provided through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The unit will be stored by DPH. The preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker. Governor Beshear Recognizes Sacrifice of Fort Campbell CasualtyGov. Steve Beshear today recognized the sacrifice of a Fort Campbell soldier who died Nov. 6, 2008. Spc. William Justice Foster McClellan, 22, of Illinois, died November 6 of injuries sustained in Iraq on Jan. 10, 2008. He was assigned to Alpha Company, 502nd Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Assault, 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 Spc. McClellan’s interment on Nov. 15, 2008, at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville. The preceding press release was from 70-year-old Teacher Sentenced to 104 Months for Receipt of Child PornographyA 70-year-old teacher at Two Rivers Middle School in Covington, Ky. was sentenced today to 104 months in prison by United States District Court Judge Danny Reeves for Receipt of Child Pornography. “Mr. Chase may have appeared to live an exemplary life as a school teacher and church goer,” said Tony Bracke who represented the United States in this case. “However, he had a secret side obsessed with adult and child pornography.” In July of 2008, James Chase, of Ludlow, Ky. entered a guilty plea and admitted that he used his computer to download over 3,000 images of child pornography. These images included depictions of minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexual conduct as well as images of sadistic and violent conduct. Chase was indicted in June of 2008. “Mr. Chase, and those like him, contribute to the sexual abuse of minors by creating a market for images, ” said Bracke. “He helped perpetuate the ongoing victimization of minors by using pictures and videos of children being sexually exploited for his personal sexual gratification.” Under federal law, Chase must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Following his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for the rest of his life. Chase will also be 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 Paul Chambers, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, jointly made the announcement today after Chase was sentenced. The investigation was conducted by United States Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Kenton County Police Department. 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 is 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. “We are grateful for the ongoing efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Kenton County Police Department and the Kenton Commonwealth Attorney, Rob Sanders. Federal and state officials are committed to working together to aggressively prosecute every person involved in the production, distribution, and receipt of child pornography.” 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 via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. 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 Transportation Secretary signs order to permit registration of electric vehiclesGovernor directs action, prompted by consumer interestAn administrative order signed by Kentucky Transportation Secretary Joe Prather allows “alternative electric vehicles” to be registered and titled for the first time in Kentucky. The order, which is being sent to Kentucky’s 120 county clerks, was prompted by an increase in consumer interest in electric cars and trucks. Gov. Steve Beshear in August directed the Secretary to develop and implement standards for authorizing the use of certain electric vehicles on Kentucky roadways. “Under certain prescribed conditions, the use of electric cars can – and should – be an important part of our efforts to offer cost-effective and energy efficient alternatives for our transportation needs,” Gov. Beshear said. “I believe there is a market for these alternative vehicles and I’m excited about the potential.” Prather’s order applies to alternative electric vehicles that at least meet federal safety standards for motorcycles. Their operation is restricted to roadways with posted speed limits of no more than 45 mph, of which Kentucky has 3,507 miles. The vehicles cannot be driven across a roadway with a posted speed limit higher than 45 mph except at intersections with stoplights. Operators must have a valid license, are subject to all traffic laws and the same insurance requirements that pertain to motor vehicles. Golf carts and all-terrain vehicles are specifically excluded from terms of the order. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 13, 2008 19:57:36 GMT -5
Twenty-Two Die On Kentucky RoadwaysNovember 3 through November 9Preliminary statistics* indicate that twenty-two people died in nineteen separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, November 3 through Sunday, November 9, 2008. Twenty-one of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and fifteen of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Five of these crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Bullitt, Carroll, Clark, Clay, Edmonson, Floyd, Grant, Grayson, Henderson, Jefferson, Knox, Letcher, Marshall, Russell, and Trigg counties. Three double-fatality crashes occurred in Butler, McCracken and Rockcastle counties. There was one pedestrian fatality in Jefferson county. Through November 9, preliminary statistics* indicate that 681 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 69 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 516 motor vehicle fatalities, 325 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 84 motorcycle fatalities, 51 were not wearing helmets. Twenty-four people have been killed in ATV crashes and 22 of those were not wearing helmets. Fifty-two pedestrians have been killed. A total of 143 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. Governor Proclaims November Alzheimer’s Awareness MonthGovernor Steve BeshearTo bring awareness about a devastating disease that affects thousands of Kentuckians and their families, Gov. Steve Beshear has proclaimed November Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in Kentucky. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of the brain diseases known as dementia. AD is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that often starts with slight memory loss and confusion, but eventually leads to irreversible mental impairment that destroys a person's ability to remember, reason, learn and imagine. “In the year 2000, it was estimated that 74,000 Kentuckians age 65 and older had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Gov. Beshear. “That number is expected to rise to 80,000 by 2010, a staggering figure.” According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 70 percent of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias live at home and receive care by family and friends. “With so many of our fellow citizens affected by Alzheimer’s, we must do what we can to bring awareness to this disease and its effects,” said Beshear. “Not only does Alzheimer’s rob a person of their memory, but it also robs families of those who suffer from it precious time with their loved ones.” There is currently no cure for AD, but researchers have made progress in the past 10 years with treatment and identification. Treatment for symptoms, combined with the right services and support, can make life better for those who have the disease, and for their caregivers. “We are thankful to the Governor for helping to bring awareness to this devastating disease,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Janie Miller. “It is through education and awareness that we may begin to increase understanding and improve the quality of life of Alzheimer’s patients, their families and caregivers.” Programs available through DAIL that target Alzheimer’s disease include the Adult Day and Alzheimer's Respite programs. These programs are designed to ease some difficulties of daily living while helping elder Kentuckians remain in the mainstream of community life. Certified Adult Day programs include supervision and care provided during any part of a day, but less than 24-hour care. All programs offer help with self-administration of medications, personal care services, self-care training, social activities and recreation. Alzheimer's respite is a program of supervision and care provided to a person with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia to give caregivers temporary relief from caregiving duties. DAIL also oversees the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Council that helps Kentuckians with Alzheimer’s, as well as their families. For information about DAIL programs, visit: chfs.ky.gov/dail The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 14, 2008 13:55:17 GMT -5
JA-RU Recalls Toy Trains Due To Choking 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: My Little Train Classics Toy Trains Units: About 18,000 Importer: JA-RU Inc., of Jacksonville, Fla. Hazard: The recalled toy contain small parts which can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: My Little Train Classics wooden toy trains are available in two styles. One, with a yellow cab, blue body and six red wheels and the other with a blue cab, red boiler, wooden base and four black wheels. The item #5293 is the same for both styles and is located in the lower left hand corner on the front of the package. Sold at: Various wholesalers and retailers nationwide from March 2007 through October 2008 for about $2. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should take the toy train away from children immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact JA-RU at (800) 231-3470 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09041.html Governor Recognizes Family Caregivers in NovemberGovernor Steve BeshearGov. Steve Beshear has designated November as Family Caregiver Month in Kentucky in recognition of the hundreds of thousands of people around the state who provide in-home care for family members who are ill, disabled and elderly. The Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) estimates 520,000 Kentuckians provide more than 570 million hours of unpaid care for family members per year. The value of that care is estimated at roughly $5.4 million. In addition, more than 75,000 children in Kentucky live with their grandparents. “Family caregivers deserve our utmost recognition, respect and support as they balance jobs, raising families and other daily responsibilities,” said Beshear. “They demonstrate extraordinary love, dedication, compassion and courage as they provide care for their loved ones.” DAIL provides numerous services and supports for family caregivers, including links to services in local communities through the 15 Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living (AAA). “We cannot say enough about the role our family caregivers play in ensuring their family members are able to stay in their own homes where they are comfortable and well cared for,” said CHFS Secretary Janie Miller. “Caregivers provide an invaluable service to their communities and our state.” The National Family Caregiver Support Program serves family members caring for relatives older than 60 and grandparents and other older relatives caring for children younger than 18. The AAAs also offer needs-based programs to caregivers in their service areas. This allows each region to focus resources on providing the programs and services caregivers need. The Kentucky Statewide KinCare Steering Committee also helps grandparents and other relative caregivers identify unmet needs and access available services to help them better function as caregivers. The committee also acts as an advocate for relative caregivers and advises CHFS about the needs of grandparents and other relative caregivers and recommends ways to address those needs. For more information about caregiver programs and services and supports, visit: chfs.ky.gov/dail The preceding press release was from Eclipse Award-Winning Mare to be Buried at Kentucky Horse ParkPrincess RooneyWhen Princess Rooney won the 1984 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Hollywood Park, she did it in grand style, by seven lengths, a full second faster than that year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, Wild Again. As a result, she earned a permanent place on the list of Thoroughbred racing’s great mares, and became the first Breeders’ Cup winner to be inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Now Princess Rooney, who was humanely euthanized on October 7 at the age of 28, has earned a resting place at the Kentucky Horse Park, near the graves of great race mares Allez France and Sefa’s Beauty. Other legendary Thoroughbreds buried at the Kentucky Horse Park include Man o’ War, War Admiral, Forego, Bold Forbes and John Henry. Specific burial plans for Princess Rooney have not been finalized. John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park, said it was a very easy decision, “Princess Rooney was a Kentucky-bred mare who made a significant contribution to the sport. She will be remembered by racing fans for her big talent, and by the people who loved her for her kind heart. We are honored to offer Princess Rooney a final resting place where the public will be able to pause and remember a fine mare who always gave her best.” Princess Rooney (Verbatim-Parrish Princess, by Drone) was bred by Dr. Ben Roach and Tom Roach at their Parrish Hill Farm in Midway, Kentucky, which sold her as a yearling. She had 17 wins, including five grade ones, and finished out of the money only once, earning $1,343,339 and the Eclipse Award for Champion Older Mare for owner Paula Tucker under the tutelage of trainer Neil Drysdale. In the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), she defeated the brilliant Champion Three-Year-Old Female Life’s Magic, who won the Distaff and another Eclipse Award the following year. Ray Paulick, former editor of The Blood-Horse magazine, in an ESPN editorial recently wrote, “No one was more sensational on that first Breeders' Cup afternoon 24 years ago than Princess Rooney.” When she retired from the track Princess Rooney was sold for $5.5 million, the third-highest price ever paid for a broodmare at that time. Matt Howard, farm manager at Gentry Farms where Princess Rooney spent the last several years of her life reminisced, “Princess Rooney was not only an extraordinary athlete, but something truly special to many people. To her fans she was an amazing runner, a real ham in front of the camera, and an instant friend. The horsemen who worked with her found her to be very patient, gentle, and easygoing, yet found she still had that air of royalty about her. But to the family she made here at Gentry farm, she was all of that and more.” In a Bloodhorse.com interview, retired jockey Eddie Delahoussaye remembered Princess Rooney, “I was blessed to get on her back and have the success we did… She was well balanced, never took a bad step, she was kind to work with, she was very intelligent. All of that combined and you wind up with a great horse.” Also in the Bloodhorse.com interview, Bud Downs, the former manager of Gentry Farms said, “Everything about her every day stuck in my mind because I loved that old mare. I still do. Her disposition, her independence, and how nice she is the younger generation. She’s special; yes she is. I’d like those who didn’t know her as well as I did to remember what a great athlete she is because most of them that are as good an athlete as she was come up a little bit mean, and she’s not. She’s kind.” Matt Howard continued, “She made herself her own little niche by being ‘Grandma’ to the weanling and yearling fillies, leading by example on how to behave, and enforcing her rules if necessary. She was a tremendous teacher to the fillies and people alike. She taught patience frequently by coming to the gate at her own pace. She was fiercely loyal and showed us that no matter what someone has done to wrong you, you should forgive them. Most of all she taught us love. She had not had a baby in four years, yet each year welcomed a new set of babies to teach, fuss over, and love. We at Gentry Farm will truly miss this one-of-a-kind mare, but will remember all the lessons she taught us.” John Nicholson concluded, “This lovely mare was a fighter on the racetrack and a lover in her retirement. She enjoyed visitors and attention at Gentry Farms, so we think it is only fitting that she will continue to have visitors and attention at her gravesite here at the Kentucky Horse Park.” The preceding press release was from Governor Awards Manchester Grant for Water Treatment Plantwatertreatment.industrysearch.comCarmen LewisGov. Steve Beshear presented the City of Manchester with a ceremonial check commemorating the award of a $1,000,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The funds will be used towards the design and construction of a new water treatment plant to serve all of Clay County. “Words can’t describe what this (new water treatment plant) will mean to the people out in rural areas of the county where wells dried up and caved in during last year’s drought,” said Manchester Mayor Carmen Lewis. “We sincerely appreciate the governor’s assistance with this additional funding and his recognition of the importance of safe drinking water for our community.” The existing water plant currently operates over 80% of its design capacity for 22.2 hours per day, leaving an inadequate amount of time for routine preventative maintenance. The new facility, which will be located at Bert T. Combs Lake, will have an initial capacity to treat 3.2 million gallons per day (MGD) with the ability to treat 4.0 MGD as customer growth demands. "Good, clean drinking water is a fundamental need and we must all work together to ensure that need is fullfilled," said Gov. Beshear. "Local, State and Federal funds are all being used for the betterment of this community and the citizens of Manchester and Clay County." During his visit, the governor also announced his recommendation for the approval of a $500,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant that will contribute to the $6,159,500 total cost of Manchester’s water project. ARC is a federal-state economic development program used to assist Kentucky’s Appalachian region through a variety of projects including public infrastructure. ARC grant applications are submitted to GOLD for review and require the governor’s recommendation before submission for final federal approval. GOLD administers all ARC and CDBG grants. PSC OPENS CASE ON 2007 FEDERAL ENERGY ACT CHANGESKentucky to consider energy efficiency and “smart grid” standardsThe Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) today initiated its consideration of new electric energy and natural gas provisions of the federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007). “This proceeding entails a wide-ranging look at how Kentucky’s electric and natural gas utilities plan for the future, set priorities and address the critical issue of energy efficiency,” PSC Chairman David Armstrong said. “We intend to take a comprehensive look at how the implementation of these proposed standards would affect our state’s utilities and their ratepayers.” The administrative case will determine whether Kentucky should implement five new electric energy standards that EISA 2007 requires states to consider. They are: • Making energy efficiency a component in the planning process electric utilities use to anticipate future generation and transmission needs and giving cost-effective energy efficiency a priority in the planning process. • Altering electric rate structures to encourage energy efficiency improvements by customers and promote energy efficiency investment by utilities, and offering residential customers assistance in improving energy efficiency. • Requiring consideration of “smart grid” technology as a priority when considering grid improvements. Smart grid technology uses advanced information tools to improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of electric distribution and transmission networks. • Providing electric customers with more information about the sources of their power and real-time information about their electric consumption and the price of that power. • Creating incentives for recovery and use of waste energy created by industrial processes. The first four standards involve changes to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, or PURPA, which is the federal law that sets the basic standards for regulation of electric utilities. EISA 2007 gives Kentucky and the other states until Dec. 19, 2009, to decide whether it is appropriate to implement the four PURPA-related standards. A decision on the non-PURPA standard dealing with waste industrial energy must be made within six months of the receipt of an application from a waste energy project sponsor. Two PURPA standards related to natural gas also will be considered during the proceeding. They are: • Making energy efficiency a component in the planning process and adopting policies that give priority to energy efficiency. • Structuring rates to encourage energy efficiency improvements by customers and promote energy efficiency investment by utilities, including creation of incentives for utilities to promote reduced usage. States may decline to implement all or some of the EISA 2007 standards, may set their own standards and may take into consideration existing state policies in reaching their decisions. All of Kentucky’s regulated electric utilities are being made parties to the case. They include four investor-owned utilities, two generation and transmission cooperatives and 19 rural electric cooperatives. Although the two generation and transmission cooperatives and several of the rural electric cooperatives are not subject to PURPA, they may be subject to any PSC decisions arising from the proceeding, the PSC said in today’s order. Kentucky’s five largest natural gas distribution utilities also are being made parties to the case. The Kentucky Office of Attorney General and the Kentucky Department of Energy Development and Independence were invited to take part in the proceeding. The PSC also invited the participation of a number of organizations representing industrial users, low-income consumers and environmental activists. In today’s order, the PSC issued requests for information to the electric and natural gas utilities. The responses are due Dec. 12. Requests to become an intervenor, or formal participant, in the case must be filed with the PSC no later than Dec. 15. A procedural schedule for the case, including a decision on holding a public hearing, will be issued at a later date. “These proposed standards could affect how Kentuckians use energy and how much they pay for it,” PSC Chairman Armstrong said. “We invite anyone with an interest in this issue to make their opinions known to the PSC.” Anyone wishing to submit written comments in the case can mail them to the PSC at P.O. Box 615, Frankfort, KY 40602, fax them to (502) 564-9625 or submit them by e-mail from the PSC Web site. Today’s order, as well as other case documents, can be found on the PSC Web site, which is psc.ky.gov. The case number is 2008-00408. 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 Nov 15, 2008 9:58:30 GMT -5
Ashley Judd joins First Lady Jane Beshear to launch online film festivalAshley JuddGolden-Globe nominated, Kentucky-raised actress Ashley Judd has joined First Lady Jane Beshear to launch the first annual “Green Team Kentucky Online Film Festival.” The launch was done using the same technology that hundreds of Kentuckians will use to enter the competition—a YouTube video, broadcast over the Internet. To watch the video, go to: www.greenteam.ky.gov/filmfestival. The Online Film Festival is a new initiative of the First Lady’s Green Team designed to inspire, teach and encourage individuals to take steps to improve our environment. Everyone is welcome to participate, but Mrs. Beshear especially encourages participation from Kentucky’s strongest advocates for sustainable environmental activism, its youth. “The generation growing up today will continue to lead us to develop more sustainable practices for our commonwealth, improve our economy and preserve Kentucky’s natural beauty,” said Mrs. Beshear. “They have some wonderful ideas. It’s time for them to share those ideas with the world.” As an additional incentive, the competition finalists will be judged by a panel of celebrities with Kentucky roots, led by Judd. Other judges include environmental activist Robert Kennedy, Jr., Kentucky-born actresses Florence Henderson and Laura Bell Bundy, award-winning directors Gus Van Sant and Gill Holland, popular rap group Nappy Roots, award-winning Kentucky author Silas House, public radio voice Bob Edwards, and University of Kentucky basketball coach Billy Gillispie. “I’m so proud of our state’s natural beauty, and we need to keep it that way,” said Judd on the video release. “It is my hope that this film festival will be one step in our important journey to protect our environment. So I encourage all Kentuckians—especially you kids out there—to enter your film in this festival. I can’t wait to judge the finalists.” Over the next few weeks, students from across Kentucky are being encouraged to show through films how to conserve energy, recycle, and find new and interesting ways to turn the commonwealth green. “With our budget challenges, it’s more important than ever to find ways to cut down on our energy use,” said Jonathan Miller, secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet. “Young people across the state have already caught on. We just want them to share with us their ideas and so we can start making a difference across the commonwealth.” Films may be entered in three categories: (1) a 30-second Public Service Announcement that encourages Kentuckians to reduce their energy consumption; (2) a short film of 10 minutes or less that highlights environmentally friendly, energy-saving actions that anyone can and should perform; and (3) a short film of 10 minutes or less that presents an invention, new device or new idea that would help reduce energy consumption in Kentucky. Filmmakers can visit www.greenteam.ky.gov/filmfestival for the link to the festival’s YouTube channel. Films must be submitted by midnight, December 31, 2008. Beginning January 1, 2009, visitors to the Green Team Web site will be able to vote for their favorites, and 10 finalists in each category will be selected. The finalists will then be viewed by the celebrity judges, who will then select a winner in each category. Winners will be announced on Earth Day 2009, the first anniversary of the First Lady’s launch of the Green Team. All entry information, answers to frequently asked questions, as well as a helpful demonstration film produced for kids by kids, is available at: www.greenteam.ky.gov/filmfestivalThe preceding press release was from Cobra Electronics Recalls Children's Two-Way Radios with Rechargeable BatteriesChemical Burn Hazard; Sold Exclusively in Toys "R" Us StoresThe 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: Children's Two-Way Radios Units: About 8,000 Manufacturer: Cobra Electronics, of Chicago, Ill. Hazard: The rechargeable batteries in the radios can leak electrolyte, posing a chemical burn hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: The recall involves two-way radios with the 300 mah "CEL" batteries. The walkie talkie style radios are made of pink plastic and come in purple packaging. Product number PR191-2VP is located on the front of the packaging and on the label inside the battery compartment. The batteries are standard AAA Nickle Metal Hydride battery cells with a black wrapper with the battery name 300 mah (CEL) with the date code (TF or RF) on the battery itself. Sold by: Toys "R" Us Stores nationwide from August 2008 through September 2008 for about $30. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the two-way radios and contact the company for a free replacement and a 20% off coupon for a future purchase at www.cobra.com. If batteries have leaked on to the radio, do not touch the liquid, and contact the company for a free replacement product. Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Cobra Electronics toll-free at (888) 252-9889 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.cobra.comTo see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09044.html
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Post by Press Release on Nov 17, 2008 20:04:58 GMT -5
Statement from Gov. Steve Beshear on Marco Allen ChapmanMarco Allen Chapman“I met with several church leaders and mental health representatives regarding the capital punishment case of Marco Allen Chapman. I had previously met with the Catholic bishops, who have corresponded with me on this issue. I greatly appreciate their perspective on the issue of clemency and their sincere opposition to capital punishment. However, I believe that capital punishment is appropriate in the case of particularly heinous crimes, absent some strong extenuating circumstances. I have reviewed the facts of this case in detail and have given much prayerful thought to it. I do not find any such strong extenuating circumstances in this case. Mr. Chapman has been found guilty of a vicious and almost indescribable crime. There is absolutely no dispute about his guilt and Mr. Chapman has been found competent in four different proceedings. Therefore, absent any further legal impediments which might arise, the state will proceed with carrying out the sentence of the court.” The preceding press release was from Ten Kentuckians pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodoneThe United States Attorney’s Office announced today that ten Kentuckians and a Florida doctor pleaded guilty yesterday evening to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone pills. Dr. Roger Browne, 52, of Pembroke Pines, Fla. admitted that beginning in January of 2007 and continuing through January of 2008, several of the Kentucky defendants traveled to Florida on numerous occasions to get oxycodone pill prescriptions from him at his office in Coral Springs, Fla. He also admitted that when he prescribed the pills to those individuals, he knew there was a high probability the pills would be distributed illegally in Kentucky. Browne admitted that he deliberately ignored this intuition and continued supplying pills to the defendants. The following individuals were involved in the scheme and pleaded guilty to the conspiracy: • Drew Evans Lane Jr., 32, of Morehead, Ky. admitted he provided money to the other defendants to travel to Florida to obtain an oxycodone prescription from Dr. Browne. Lane also admitted that he was responsible for collecting a portion of the pills from all the defendants and illegally distributing them in Kentucky. In addition, Lane pleaded guilty to possessing a short-barreled shotgun. • Rhonda Renee Burchett, 43 of Grayson, Ky., Seth Clay, 23 and James Clay, 30, both of Morehead admitted that they received money from Lane to travel to Florida to obtain oxycodone pills. Each individual also acknowledged that they provided a portion of the pills to Lane. • Janie L. Simmons, 47, and Herbert Euglindon, 57, both of Sandy Hook, Ky., Pearl Sue Drake, 40, and Charles Darren Winthrow, 31, both of Grayson, and Jason Todd Marshall, 29, of Olive Hill, Ky. admitted they traveled to Florida to obtain pills from Dr. Browne. Once they returned, each defendant admitted to giving a portion of their pills to Burchett and to Seth or James Clay. • Nick Sorrell, 26, of Morehead, Ky. admitted that he knew Lane was unlawfully obtaining and distributing oxycodone pills. Sorrell also stated he knew Lane was using other people to obtain the pills from Florida. Sorrell later admitted that with this knowledge and Lane’s direction, he delivered money on one occasion to a person Lane was using to obtain the oxycodone pills. “The unlawful use and distribution of oxycodone and other prescription narcotics has reached an epidemic level in the Eastern District of Kentucky,” said United States Attorney James Zerhusen. Zerhusen went on to comment about the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting System (KASPER). This system tracks and monitors controlled substance prescriptions filled in Kentucky. Zerhusen said it limits the ability for drug abusers to obtain narcotics from doctors in Kentucky without detection and forces them to turn to other means of obtaining prescription narcotics. “This prosecution highlights one of the ways that Federal, state, and local law enforcement in Kentucky are committed to investigating and prosecuting people who engage the unlawful distribution of prescription narcotics,” said Zerhusen. “That includes doctors like Mr. Browne, who deliberately close their eyes to what is obvious and continue to prescribe narcotics to such people.” The investigation was conducted by DEA in the Lexington Resident Office, the Grayson, Kentucky Police Department, the Russell, Kentucky Police Department, and the FADE Drug Task Force. These agencies were assisted by the Sheriff’s office in Broward County, Fla. and the DEA in the Ft. Lauderdale District Office. A sentencing date for the defendants has been scheduled for March 9, 2009. Each defendant 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 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 Nov 18, 2008 19:49:37 GMT -5
College Student Accused In Identity Theft ScamAttorney General Jack Conway today announced that the Williamsburg Police Department in a joint investigation with his Cybercrimes Unit arrested 23-year-old Sungkook Kim, a student at the University of the Cumberlands, for allegedly hacking into his fellow students’ email accounts and trying to blackmail them with personal information that he obtained. Kim is charged with identity theft, Unlawful Access to a Computer 1st and Unlawful Access to a Computer 2nd. “I appreciate the university’s cooperation in this investigation,” General Conway said. “Our investigators are currently examining the digital forensics in our lab and will soon be able to determine how sophisticated this operation was and if additional charges could be filed.” The Attorney General’s Cybercrimes Unit became involved in the investigation after the Williamsburg Police Department requested its assistance. A female student at the University of the Cumberlands contacted police after she received an anonymous message about personal information that had been stolen from her email account. The anonymous email threatened to expose that information unless she complied with some specific demands. Investigators were able to determine that Kim allegedly pirated another person’s wireless router to send the threatening emails and that he had installed spyware on college library computers to capture logon IDs and passwords for students and faculty. Investigators believe that is how Kim gained access to the female student’s email address and ultimately, her personal information. Kim is being held on a $100,000 bond. The university is cooperating with the investigation and additional charges could be forthcoming. An indictment or arrest is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until or unless found guilty. The preceding press release was from 30 year sentence for child pornJohn Charles Johnson, 38, of Lexington, Ky., was sentenced to 30 years in prison for producing child pornography. In July of 2008, Johnson pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that in Lexington in November of 2006, he persuaded and induced a ten-year-old female to engage in sexually explicit conduct Johnson admitted that he did it for the purpose of producing a visual image of the sexual encounter. The defendant used a digital camera to produce the images which were then transferred to his computer. The camera, the computer, and its periphery devices were all manufactured outside the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Therefore, those items were moved in and affected interstate commerce prior to being used to commit the offense. “We hope this sentence serves to deter those individuals who would harm a child,” said Assistant United States Attorney Erin May. “The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Division of Police deserve a great amount of credit for their outstanding work. This is a great example of the collaboration that’s necessary to bringing criminals like Mr. Johnson to justice.” Under federal law, Johnson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Following his release, Johnson will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for the rest of his life. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Timothy D. Cox, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Ronnie Bastin, Chief, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Division of Police, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Division of Police. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin J. May and Brandon Marshall. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky McConnell Calls for Cooperation, AccomplishmentMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Monday regarding the bipartisan accomplishments that can be achieved by working with President-elect Obama and the Democratic Majority: “First, I’d like to congratulate President-elect Obama on his victory. It’s a rare honor for the Senate to send one of its own to the White House. Regardless of party, every one of us, I’m sure, feels a certain institutional pride in the event. I called President-elect Obama shortly after his victory to offer my congratulations, and he was gracious in congratulating me on my own victory when he returned the call. As it happened, I was grocery shopping at the local Kroger when the call came. “I told the President-elect that I’ll be here to work with him once he takes office. I think both of us are eager to confront the challenges ahead. And I told him he can expect cooperation on the confirmation of qualified nominees to key cabinet posts. Faced with two wars overseas and a complex financial crisis at home, the American people shouldn’t have to worry about a power vacuum at places like the Pentagon, the State Department, Treasury or the Department of Homeland Security. “History offers a fairly clear path to success or failure for new presidents. The path I have discussed with President-elect Obama is one that can lead to success. As I see it, we face a simple choice: we can either work together to confront the big issues of the day that neither party is willing or able to tackle on its own, or the Majority can instead focus on narrow, partisan issues that appeal to a tiny sliver of the populace but which lack the support of the American mainstream. “In my view, the choice is simple. But the work that follows will not be. So I hope President-elect Obama will go after the big things, and go after them early. If he does, our chances of achieving a positive result for the American people will be greatly increased. “We could start with some of the things President-elect Obama spoke about on the campaign trail — such as cutting spending, paying down the national debt, providing speedy tax relief, committing to a long-term strategy for energy independence, and reining in out-of control entitlement spending that threatens to consume 70% of the federal budget in just nine years. “These are the challenges Senator Obama campaigned on. They also happen to be issues on which Republicans and Democrats can agree. The American people are looking to us to resolve these issues. And Senate Republicans are ready to get that work done.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. First Lady Announces Plans for Revitalization of the Old Governor’s Mansion“Kentucky Mansion Celebration” set for 2009First Lady Jane Beshear was joined today by former First Lady Libby Jones and former residents of the Old Governor’s Mansion to announce plans for the revitalization of the historic structure on High Street in downtown Frankfort. In 2010, Kentucky will become the first venue outside of Europe to host the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which will also be the largest equestrian event ever held in the United States. The world stage has inspired Kentuckians to put their best faces forward for this international audience. History will be made in 2010, but history itself will also be made-over before the audience takes their seats. “The Old Governor’s Mansion is a treasure of our heritage that has seen more than two centuries of wear and tear. Although it is structurally sound thanks to a recent restoration, its walls and rooms are mostly bare and in need of a makeover,” said First Lady Beshear. “I hope you will get excited about this project as visitors from all over the world come to Kentucky for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Let’s show them Kentucky, and an integral part of our history, at its best,” she said. Through a complex design entry process, talented volunteers from across Kentucky will be invited to compete in 2009 for the opportunity to showcase their designs and redecorate history in the nation’s oldest official executive residence. A weeklong celebration culminating in a grand gala will precede the unveiling of the redecorated mansion. Details of specific special events will be announced at a later date. Unlike a traditional decorators’ showcase, participants in this revitalization will be asked to volunteer their skills and talent. All of the furnishings, window treatments, furniture and accessories used to complete each room will remain in the mansion as donations to the commonwealth. Design specifications will be developed by the event committee to protect the history and integrity of the mansion while still achieving tasteful and functional rooms for continued use. All designers must be certified by the American Society of Interior Designers to be eligible to participate in the project. The Mansion Celebration concept originated out of the shared concern of Mrs. Beshear and former First Lady Phyllis George for the vacant mansion. Although there are no funds available for a renovation, neither let that deter from their shared mission. They quickly pulled together people they knew who can make things happen, including Margaret Jewett , owner of L.V. Harkness & Company in Lexington and co-vice president of the Kentucky Equine Humane Center Board of Directors, and thus was born the Kentucky Mansion Celebration project. All of this is being done through private or in-kind donations. No public funds will be used in the renovation or the gala celebration. Partial proceeds from the grand gala will help benefit another of Kentucky’s historic icons, the horse. The Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC), located in Nicholasville, will use a percentage of the funds to go toward their mission of finding homes for horses in precarious situations. The Kentucky Executive Mansions Foundation, Inc. (KEMFI), in partnership with the Governor’s Office, KyEHC and platinum event sponsor L.V. Harkness & Company will be coordinating the celebration and showcase. About the Old Governor’s MansionSince its construction in the late 1700s, the Old Governor’s Mansion has withstood the wear and tear of large families and entertaining of important guests and delegates. The mansion is an integral contribution to Kentucky’s political and social history. The parlor and formal dining room have welcomed dignitaries such as Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Jackson, Louis Philippe of France, Henry Clay and William Jennings Bryan, to name a few. The mansion was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1971 and celebrated its 200th birthday in 1998. It is reportedly the oldest official residence in use in the United States today. About KEMFIThe Kentucky Executive Mansion Foundation, Inc. (KEMFI) was organized to undertake, support, promote, foster and assist, financially and otherwise, the modification to increase environmental efficiency and sustainability, the restoration, the maintenance, and the preservation of Kentucky’s Executive Mansion, Kentucky’s Old Governor’s Mansion and other public buildings, sites, structures, places and objects of historic significance owned by the commonwealth of Kentucky. KEMFI is also to undertake, support, promote, foster and assist, financially and otherwise, the acquisition, restoration, maintenance, or preservation of appropriate works of art, furnishings, and decorative arts for the benefit of Kentucky’s Executive Mansion and Kentucky’s Old Governor’s Mansion. About KyEHCThe Kentucky Equine Humane Center plays a lifesaving role for horses that would have dim prospects for a productive future. The KyEHC is a first-of-its-kind facility, established with the specific goal of providing owners with a humane option when they need to give up their horses. Any equine—horses, ponies, mules, donkeys and miniature horses—in a precarious situation is accepted at KyEHC. The vision for KyEHC is to educate the public about responsible equine ownership and become a model for horse shelters in all 50 states. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 18, 2008 20:08:30 GMT -5
Beshear objects to mountain top removal measureGovernor Steve BeshearGov. Steve Beshear today formally objected to a proposed move by the Bush Administration to weaken restrictions that prohibit dumping mountaintop mining waste near rivers and streams. The objection, contained in a letter from Gov. Beshear to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), contends that the proposed rule change, offered in the waning days of President Bush’s term, would threaten the commonwealth’s ability to protect its natural resources, including water and streams. Gov. Beshear was joined in his objection by Attorney General Jack Conway and Congressmen Ben Chandler, of Lexington, and John Yarmuth, of Louisville, all of whom wrote individual letters of concern to the EPA. “Kentucky’s vast water resources are critical to our health and economic development,” Beshear wrote in his letter to Stephen Johnson, EPA administrator, “and I do not believe the newly proposed waivers can be effectively and uniformly applied to protect these water resources.” In his letter to Johnson, the governor noted that coal is – and will remain – “a vital resource” as part of Kentucky’s economy and the country’s future energy needs. “It is a crucial energy resource for us and for the nation overall now and into the future,” Gov. Beshear wrote. “However, I am strongly committed to environmentally responsible coal mining and cannot support rules that may be subject to arbitrary administration or enforcement.” Gov. Beshear, along with General Conway and Congressmen Chandler and Yarmuth, contends that the proposed waivers would weaken a 1983 federal regulation that restricts where mining waste can be dumped, a so-called “Excess Spoil minimization – Stream Buffer Zone” rule. The proposed rule change would erase that restriction, making it easier to dump waste near homes and potentially into waterways and streams. “Coal is an integral part of Kentucky’s economy and an important domestic energy resource,” Conway wrote. “Nevertheless, our rivers and streams are also critical natural resources that must be protected if we are to pass along a stable environment to coming generations ... I support environmentally conscious mining and am concerned that a series of new waivers to existing regulations will lead to the potential for abuse or arbitrary enforcement.” “I applaud Governor Beshear’s opposition to this rule," said Congressman Chandler in a statement. “Undermining the Stream Buffer Zone would endanger our water and threaten the health of our people and our economy. I am convinced we can protect Kentucky’s unique landscape while also maintaining our low-cost energy advantage.” Echoing that sentiment, Rep. Yarmuth said while coal is a “critical source of energy for our nation … the economic gains of this industry should not come at the expense of our residents’ health and quality of life. The damaging effects of dumping fill into our streams are evident in the water quality and environment in coal producing regions.” The preceding press release was from Senator McConnell Re-elected Senate Republican LeaderMitch McConnellThe U.S. Senate Republican Conference held Leadership elections for the 111th Congress on Tuesday and Senator McConnell was unanimously re-elected by his colleagues to serve as Republican Leader. “I am honored that my colleagues re-elected me to serve as the Republican Leader in the 111th Congress,” McConnell said. “As Republican Leader, I will continue to use my clout to advance Kentucky’s interests and to ensure that our voice is heard.” The results are as follows: • Republican Leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) • Republican Whip, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) • Republican Conference Chair, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) • Republican Policy Committee Chairman, Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) • Republican Conference Vice Chair, John Thune (R-S.D.) • National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman, John Cornyn (R-Texas) “We’ve assembled a great team which stands ready to protect American taxpayers by cutting spending, paying down the national debt, and moving our nation toward energy independence,” McConnell said. “We are eager to work with our Democrat colleagues to forge bipartisan agreements and implement real legislative accomplishments.” Senator McConnell is only the second Kentuckian to lead his party in the U.S. Senate. The only other Senator from Kentucky to serve as his party’s leader was Alben Barkley. Senator Barkley (D-KY) served as majority leader for nearly 10 years, from 1937 to 1947, longer than anyone else before him. From 1947 to 1949 he served as minority leader, and in 1948 he was elected vice president to President Truman. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Arrests cripple crack cocaine sales ringA number of suspects involved in a crack cocaine distribution ring in Rowan County, including the out-of-state suppliers, were arrested Friday as part of a drug roundup conducted by Operation UNITE. Indictment warrants for a total of 14 people were issued last week. While the majority of the arrests involved trafficking in crack cocaine, some suspects identified during the six-month undercover investigation were involved with the illegal sale of prescription drugs, primarily Methadone and Percocet. Police were able to arrest or serve warrants on 10 of the individuals Friday. Assisting UNITE detectives were officers from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, Morehead Police Department, and U.S. Forest Service. Two of the main players, 28-year-old Shaunta Kennerly and 25-year-old Frederick Reed, were bringing cocaine from their home in Dayton, Ohio, to local distributors, said Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for UNITE. Kennerly and Reed were arrested earlier this summer in Montgomery County following a traffic stop by the Kentucky State Police after being identified through a UNITE investigation. At the time of their arrest for first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance they had more than 60 grams of crack cocaine in their vehicle. They were served the latest warrants at the Montgomery County Jail. Two other individuals, both arrested during UNITE’s August 20 Rowan County roundup, were still lodged in the Rowan County Detention Center at the time of the latest indictments. One of these suspects, 42-year-old Dennis L. Carroll, entered a guilty plea to all pending UNITE charges last week and has been sentenced to serve 20 years in jail. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. Bunning Statement On The Auto Industry BailoutJim BunningBefore talking about any legislation, I want to say that I am very concerned about the state of the auto industry. I am not concerned out of a sense of American pride or because of the great history of the American auto industry. What concerns me are the workers – the men and women who assemble our cars and trucks, who sell and service vehicles at dealerships, and those who work for suppliers that keep the industry running. Auto manufacturing is the largest manufacturing sector in my state. I know Detroit’s pain is felt in the towns and cities all across Kentucky. In many counties, jobs making seat belts or radiator hoses are some of the best jobs around. And those jobs are in danger. Just last week at least 600 steel workers were laid-off at a plant in Ashland, Kentucky, that supplies steel for exhaust pipes. I am concerned for those workers and their families. The question facing Congress is what, if anything, to do about the industry’s current problems. The proposal coming before the Senate tomorrow is not a serious one. Much like the other bailouts we have passed, it is virtually a blank check that does not require serious concessions. It also does not address the current problem facing the industry, which is a lack of funding for auto loans. More importantly, it does not address the long term viability of the domestic manufacturers. Everything I read says that the three companies before this committee cannot survive at their current size and cost structure, even when the current economic climate passes. I also hear that $25 billion is not enough to last past about February at the current spending rate. To me, that says that major changes are needed if federal dollars are to be made available. The bill coming before the Senate requires no such changes. What I want to hear from our witnesses today is whether they are serious or not about making the painful changes that are necessary for these three companies to survive in the long term. One idea I read in the New York Times this morning is for the companies to go into a pre-arranged Chapter 11 restructuring, and the government would provide financing for the companies coming out of bankruptcy. That is a more serious proposal than what is coming before the Senate. So I want to know if the people sitting at the witness table today are willing to make those tough changes. Are the companies ready to close down brands and factories and shrink their overall size? Is the union willing to go along with cost and size reductions as the companies restructure? Are executives willing to give up their jobs as a condition of getting these funds? These are just some of the questions that need to be answered. Finally, I want to repeat my concern for the workers up and down the auto supply chain and dealer networks. Many of those families and communities are living in fear right now. No matter what we do, some of those jobs are going to go away for at least the short term. We owe it to them to discuss serious proposals that will lead to long-term stability in the auto industry. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 19, 2008 20:49:12 GMT -5
Therapists Plead Guilty in Bribery Case Attorney General Jack Conway announced a plea agreement was reached in the case of two Kentucky therapists arrested earlier this year on charges that they bribed a witness. Vanessa Rouse, a speech pathologist from Deane in Letcher County, and Janice Fields, a developmental interventionist from Happy in Perry County, both pled guilty in Perry Circuit Court to bribery of a witness, a class D felony, which carries a one-year sentence. Under the terms of the plea agreement, each will serve 30 days in the Perry County jail with the remainder of the sentence probated. They will also be on probation for five years. Rouse and Fields were indicted in Jefferson Circuit Court for fraudulently billing the Kentucky Medicaid Program for services provided to children in First Steps, a statewide early-intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities. During 2006 and 2007, the therapists allegedly billed the state for services that were not provided to children. Following receipt of a tip, investigators from the Office of the Attorney conducted surveillance of Rouse and Fields. On April 16, the pair was arrested after investigators monitored a transaction in which Rouse and Fields gave $200 to a prosecution witness in Perry County and instructed the witness as to how to testify. “Without the help of the witness and the thorough and exhaustive investigation by our office, justice might not have been served in this case. These two women clearly crossed the line, and I’m pleased to see this portion of the case come to a close,” General Conway said. Sentencing is scheduled for December 18 in Perry Circuit Court. The Medicaid Fraud case against Rouse and Fields is still pending in Jefferson Circuit Court. Rouse faces eight counts of Medicaid Fraud while Fields faces four counts. An indictment or arrest is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until or unless found guilty. The preceding press release was from GIVE THE TASTE OF KENTUCKY PROUD FOR THE HOLIDAYSRichie FarmerAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer encourages Kentuckians to give the taste of Kentucky this holiday season – Kentucky Proud foods and products. “Kentucky Proud products are made with care in Kentucky by Kentuckians,” Commissioner Farmer said. “When you buy Kentucky Proud for the holidays, your loved ones will find what you already know – nothing else comes close.” The Kentucky Proud search engine is a free, easy-to-use way to start off your holiday shopping. The search engine enables consumers to search through about 1,300 Kentucky Proud members selling more than 18,000 products. From the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Web site, www.kyagr.com, go to the “KY Proud” pull-down menu on the top right side of the home page. Click on “Find KY Proud Producers” and enter any combination of the company name, the county and the city to find Kentucky Proud producers. Or click on “Find KY Proud Products,” select one or more product categories and then select one or more product names. You can narrow your search to a specific county or city, or search for all products in a county or city. If you prefer to do your holiday shopping the old-fashioned way – browsing in person – you can pick from an assortment of Kentucky Proud gift baskets at Remke Markets in northern Kentucky or A Taste of Kentucky in the Louisville area. This year Remke has introduced baskets from Katelyn’s Honey, featuring a unique variety of sauces from northern Kentucky restaurants Dee Felice, Oriental Wok and Barleycorn’s. At A Taste of Kentucky, you can pick one of its ready-made gift baskets, most of which feature Kentucky Proud products, or choose from its wide selection of Kentucky Proud products and make your own basket. You also can shop A Taste of Kentucky online at: www.atasteofkentucky.comMany other retail outlets, such as Save-A-Lot’s 102 Kentucky stores, several Kroger and Wal-Mart locations, and numerous others, also offer Kentucky Proud products. Many Kentucky Proud producers sell directly to consumers. To find Kentucky Proud items in your area, look for the blue, green and red Kentucky Proud logo or use the Kentucky Proud search engine to find a participating retailer near you. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Federal Housing Assistance Funds Coming to Eastern KentuckyHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced today that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has approved a $348,850 grant to the Kentucky Housing Corporation for the construction and rehabilitation of homes in eastern Kentucky. “Safe and affordable housing gives people the boost they need to start careers, take care of loved ones, and establish themselves in their community,” stated Rogers. “I am pleased to see multiple federal and state organizations banding together to improving the quality of life for families in our area of southern and eastern Kentucky. When working families and seniors get the support they need to improve their homes or gain access to clean and reliable water, it breaks down the limits to what our communities can achieve.” The Kentucky Housing Corporation and the Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises (FAHE) will work with local partners to finance construction or rehabilitation of housing units in distressed counties in Eastern Kentucky. ARC funds will be used for development and construction costs including site clearing, water and sewer extension, wells, and septic tanks. The awarded ARC funds will be combined with $3,122,000 in additional federal funding, $763,500 in state funding and $1,386,500 in local funding, bringing the total project funding to $5,620,850. With this funding, approximately 95 low-income families in the region will gain new or upgraded housing. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. A Bipartisan Path Forward to Protect Jobs, TaxpayersMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday: “The auto industry is an important part of the American economy, and an important job creator in my state. We are all aware that one reason Congress is back in session this week is to address the crisis in the auto industry. Though our friends on the other side have been talking about this issue with increasing frequency, they have yet to indicate how they plan to move forward. “There is clearly deep controversy about using funds designed to strengthen the credit markets to shore up distressed companies in other industries. We all understand that; it’s one of the main reasons why there is still a significant lack of support from both sides of the aisle to that approach. And it’s an understatement to say that there is deep concern about the impact of the more than $100 billion in new deficit spending in the bill put forward. “So let me suggest a bipartisan path forward that has not yet been offered by the majority. It’s a compromise being worked on by Senators Voinovich and Bond which repurposes funds already appropriated by this Congress to fund a $25 billion loan program for automakers to build advanced technology vehicles—coupled with new taxpayer protections and federal oversight of how the money is spent. This is a proposal which I believe has support from both sides of the aisle, and that actually has the potential to pass right now—not next year. “There is a way forward that will help protect the jobs in the auto industry, while also protecting the taxpayers. Senators Voinovich and Bond are working with colleagues across the aisle to protect taxpayers and our long-term economic health. Should this compromise approach be approved by the Congress, it is the only proposal now being considered that has a chance of actually becoming law. As we move forward we must do so in a bipartisan way on this and the myriad issues to come. We should start now.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Governor kicks off KCHIP enrollment driveGovernor Steve BeshearJoined by representatives of the United Way, advocacy groups and children’s health care providers, Gov. Steve Beshear officially kicked off a coordinated effort to enroll as many children as possible in the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) by the end of Fiscal Year 2010. Since changes to the plan were announced in September and the mail-in application became available online Nov. 1, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) KCHIP hotline has received a greatly increased number of calls, including almost twice as many calls coming into the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department alone compared to the same time period last year. “During these extremely difficult economic times, we must not underestimate the value of preventive health care for our children,” said Gov. Beshear. “With families struggling now more than ever, we must make sure they get the assistance they need to provide their children with appropriate health care.” At a rally in the Capitol Rotunda, Gov. Beshear was introduced by Dr. Mary Fallat of Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky’s only free-standing, full-service pediatric care facility providing health care to children without regard to their families’ ability to pay. “Governor Steve Beshear is committed to providing affordable, accessible health care to all Kentuckians, especially our children,” said Dr. Fallat. “That is why he has a plan to get all eligible children enrolled in KCHIP. Governor Beshear has a vision for the betterment of Kentucky’s children and affordable health care and wellness are matters of utmost priority.” As part of its mission to address the most urgent issues local communities face, the United Way of Kentucky will be a primary partner in the effort to get eligible children enrolled in KCHIP. “The KCHIP program aligns with our mission uniquely and completely,” said Dana Mayton, board chair of the United Way of Kentucky. “United Ways work every day to mobilize the caring power of their communities and what better issue to mobilize around than helping those who are most vulnerable and least able to defend themselves—the state’s uninsured children.” Gov. Beshear was also joined by Debbie McGrath, executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. Epilepsy is the leading neurological condition among children, with more than 27,000 children living with this disorder in Kentucky. “We estimate that more than 1,475 Kentucky children with epilepsy are eligible for KCHIP,” said McGrath. “So we are honored to join Governor Beshear in this effort to help improve their quality of life.” The Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA) also presented a $100,000 check today to Gov. Beshear to help offset the cost of training representatives of community agencies to assist people in applying for KCHIP. “The Kentucky Primary Care Association’s mission is to increase access to comprehensive, community-oriented primary health care services for the underserved and strengthen the primary care safety net,” said Chris Keyser, chair of KCPA. “Providing these funds to ensure adequate training for KCHIP enrollment helps us serve that mission.” The Beshear KCHIP Plan, announced in September and implemented on Nov. 1, aims to dramatically cut the number of children without health coverage by removing barriers to enrollment, retaining more children once they are enrolled and significantly increasing education and outreach regarding the program. 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. Details of the plan and enrollment information are available at: kidshealth.ky.govThe preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 20, 2008 20:54:26 GMT -5
Gov. Steve Beshear, Finance and Administration Cabinet Sec. Jonathan Miller and State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach meeting with leaders of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Education Association to discuss public pension investment practices.Click Here for the ClayLive.com Photo GalleryIMAGESHACK.US Beshear calls on pension systems to reform investment practicesCalls for plan to be implemented in concert with key stakeholdersGov. Steve Beshear today announced a series of recommendations to reform the investment practices of the state’s two major public pension systems, the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System (KTRS) and the Kentucky Retirement Systems (KRS). The recommendations are in response to the report of Gov. Beshear’s bi-partisan Public Pension Working Group, which was chaired by Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary Jonathan Miller. The working group found the systems had significantly trailed the average investment returns of their peers, to the tune of approximately $5 billion over the last decade. After weeks of intense study and discussion, Gov. Beshear brought together key stakeholders and representatives of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce late Wednesday to forge a final set of recommendations for the pension systems. The recommendations include: • Adding four investment experts to the investment committees of each of the two pension boards, enabling them to better formulate allocation policies to net better investment returns; • Requiring all public pension board members to receive continuing education on current investment practices; • Conducting an immediate study to determine the proper allocation of the systems’ investment portfolios; and • Reviewing administrative regulations and eliminating those that impair the pension systems’ ability to implement efficient investment portfolios. Gov. Beshear today also announced the appointment of Henry Clay Owen, retired long-time treasurer of the University of Kentucky, to the board of KRS. Owen is the governor’s second appointment of an investment expert to the KRS Board. This spring, he appointed Chris Tobe, a Chartered Financial Analyst from Louisville to the board. By statute, the governor does not have the authority to appoint members to the board of KTRS. “We appreciate and respect the hard work that each of our public pension board members does to ensure a safe and secure retirement for all of our teachers and public employees,” stated Gov. Beshear. “But since every dollar of investment earnings translates into one less dollar that taxpayers need to contribute to these funds, it is essential that we have the involvement of investment experts. That is why I have appointed Mr. Owen and Mr. Tobe, and that’s what we hope the systems will accomplish through enacting our recommended actions.” "We support the changes embodied in this proposal and applaud the governor's leadership on this issue,” stated David Adkisson, president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. “Adding a majority of members with investment experience to the public employee pension investment committees is a step in the right direction to ensure confidence in the ongoing performance of these plans." “In a time of economic uncertainty, it is imperative that we as constitutional officers act in the best interest of our fellow Kentuckians,” stated State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach, who Gov. Beshear appointed chair of the Investments Subcommittee of the Public Pension Working Group. “To that point I want to thank Gov. Beshear for tackling the issues most important to the people of the commonwealth.” Sharron Oxendine, president of the Kentucky Education Association (KEA), a statewide membership organization made up of more then 40,000 teachers, classified employees, education students and retired school employees, said: “KEA appreciates the work of Gov. Beshear, Finance Secretary Miller and Treasurer Hollenbach to bring together concerned parties to work together to improve the investment returns. The governor's leadership in creating a consensus is exactly what the commonwealth needs in these troubling economic times. While the agreement addresses investment returns, it also protects the independence of the retirement systems, important to protect them from political influence like that seen in the Transportation Cabinet during the previous administration." With the issue of the pension funds’ investments taking pre-eminence in the Governor’s Public Pension Working Group discussions, and with the boards of both KTRS and KRS meeting before the end of the year, Gov. Beshear felt it essential and timely to issue his recommendations today, in the hopes that the two boards will immediately enact needed reforms. Absent implementation, the governor said he will work with key members of the General Assembly to pursue legislation in the upcoming session. Gov. Beshear will release additional recommendations on other issues addressed by his Public Pension Working Group within the next few weeks. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 20, 2008 21:04:25 GMT -5
Seventeen Die On Kentucky RoadwaysNovember 10 through November 16Preliminary statistics* indicate that seventeen people died in fifteen separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, November 10 through Sunday, November 16, 2008. Fourteen of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and nine of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Three of these crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Barren, Breckinridge, Floyd, Hardin, Letcher, Lyon, Madison, Pike, Trimble and Warren counties. Two double-fatality crashes occurred in Morgan and Nelson counties. There were two pedestrian fatalities in Harlan and Jefferson counties. One motorcycle fatality occurred in Pike county. The victim was wearing a helmet and alcohol was not a factor in this crash. Through November 16, preliminary statistics* indicate that 705 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 56 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 534 motor vehicle fatalities, 337 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 87 motorcycle fatalities, 52 were not wearing helmets. Twenty-four people have been killed in ATV crashes and 22 of those were not wearing helmets. Fifty-four pedestrians have been killed. A total of 148 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. Barbourville Man Pleads Guilty To Murder-for-Hire ConspiracyBill Perkins, 42, of Barbourville, Ky. pleaded guilty today to a charge of Conspiracy to use a Facility of Interstate Commerce to Commit a Murder-for-Hire. Perkins admitted that in June of this year, he conspired with his brother, Randall Perkins to commit a Murder-for-Hire. Randall Perkins, an inmate at the Whitley County jail in Williamsburg wanted to hire a hit-man to murder a witness in a state drug trafficking case against him. Bill Perkins admitted that he provided a firearm to a cooperating witness (CW) to execute the murder-for-hire conspiracy. Bill Perkins also admitted that, under the direction of his brother, he knowingly obtained $500 in cash to give to the CW as a downpayment for committing the murder. Bill Perkins further admitted that Randall Perkins directed him to provide the firearm to the CW. According to the criminal complaint (filed in June of 2008), In May of 2008, Randall Perkins tried to persuade a former cell mate to murder the witness. The cell mate told the authorities and agreed to cooperate with investigators from ATF and the Barbourville Police Department (BPD). On several occasions, the CW communicated in coded language with Randall Perkins through a series of letters and in person about the murder plot. Randall Perkins informed the CW that he believed he would be acquitted of drug trafficking charges if the key witness was unable to testify. In exchange for committing the murder, Randall Perkins promised the CW approximately $4,000 and a car. Randall Perkins went on to instruct the CW to meet with Bill Perkins who would provide him with a gun. According to the plea agreement, on June 11, 2008, the CW traveled to Bill Perkins’ home in Barbourville, where he provided the CW with a .22 caliber rifle and 16 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition to commit the murder. The criminal complaint further stated that on June 25, 2008, the CW met with Randall Perkins at the Whitley County Detention Center and informed Perkins that the job had been completed. The CW went on to show Randall Perkins a picture on his cellular telephone of a staged homicide scene. The CW asked Randall Perkins when he would get paid. Perkins advised the CW that he could obtain $500 from Bill Perkins as a down-payment. In addition, the plea agreement states that on June 26, 2008, Randall Perkins placed a telephone call to Bill Perkins and informed him that the CW came to the jail and showed him a picture on a cell phone of what happened. Randall Perkins directed Bill Perkins to write out a receipt for $500 to the CW for “building a garage.” On June 27, 2008, law enforcement executed an arrest warrant on Bill Perkins. During a search incident to arrest, agents recovered a receipt made out to the CW along with $500 cash from Bill Perkins. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Paul Vido, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF -Louisville Field Office), and James Gray, Chief of the Barbourville Police Department, jointly made the announcement. The investigation was conducted by the ATF (London Field Office) and the Barbourville Police Department. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney W. Samuel Dotson. Perkins is currently scheduled to appear for sentencing before United States District Court Senior Judge Joseph M. Hood in Lexington, Ky., on March 12, 2009, at 2:30 p.m.. Perkins faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release. 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 preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Governor Beshear unveils first-ever comprehensive energy planGovernor Steve BeshearProclaiming Kentucky’s place as a national leader, Gov. Steve Beshear was joined today by Energy and Environment Cabinet Sec. Len Peters as he unveiled the state’s first-ever comprehensive energy plan, which calls for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while creating some 40,000 jobs tied to energy production and conservation between now and 2025. “Kentucky can be a national leader in energy technology and production,” Gov. Beshear said in unveiling his nearly 150-page plan, titled “Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future.” “We can help the country move toward greater energy self-reliance. I intend to put us on such a path.” Toward that end, Gov. Beshear said the new energy plan builds on the efforts of state legislators – such as Rep. Rocky Adkins and Sen. Robert Stivers – who in recent years have crafted legislation designed to invest more in technology, research and energy production. Beshear said the plan, which he charged Sec. Peters to develop when he established the Energy and Environment Cabinet and appointed him secretary, is a framework for future initiatives as well as more discussion. The plan centers on seven primary strategies: • Improve the energy efficiency of Kentucky’s homes, buildings, industries and transportation fleet; • Increase Kentucky’s use of renewable energy; • Sustainably grow Kentucky’s production of biofuels; • Develop a coal-to-liquids industry in Kentucky to replace petroleum-based liquids; • Implement a major and comprehensive effort to increase gas, including coal-to-gas in Kentucky; • Initiate aggressive carbon capture/sequestration projects for coal-generated electricity in Kentucky; and • Examine the use of nuclear power for electricity generation in Kentucky. Specifically, the plan calls for a 20 percent reduction from 1990 levels in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. Moreover, that is a 50 percent reduction from emission levels if Kentucky continues on its current pace of electricity and energy production, a pace that would require a dramatic increase in both production and demand. While coal and other fossil fuels must and will remain central to the state’s energy production needs, the plan calls for diversification, conservation and efficiency to reduce demand, and an increasing reliance on renewable and alternative sources. Beshear said these are critically important steps that must be undertaken for Kentucky’s economic, energy and environmental success and security. An element of that diversification effort is to explore the potential of nuclear power, already utilized in a majority of states, including some bordering Kentucky. Significantly, the plan proposes the creation of Kentucky’s first Renewable and Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) to promote greater energy efficiency, conservation and use of renewable resources. In addition, the plan calls for the creation of an Alternative Transportation Fuel Standard (ATFS) that will help Kentucky transition away from dependence on foreign petroleum. By 2025, the plan for the REPS contemplates that 25 percent of Kentucky’s energy needs should be provided by greater efficiency, conservation and use of renewable and alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar power and biofuels. Those percentages are largely in line with the energy plan being proposed by President-elect Barack Obama, who has pledged to make energy a centerpiece of his administration. “The choice we face is to take no action and see large price increases in energy with limited economic security,” Gov. Beshear said, “or to take prudent actions now for a better chance at smaller price increases, as well as increased economic security.” Another pillar of the plan is greatly expanded research into carbon capture and sequestration, as well as the development of a large coal-to-liquids industry. The plan proposes a goal of 50 million tons of coal used per year to produce 4 billion gallons of liquid fuel per year by 2025. In addition, by 2025, the plan proposes that Kentucky evaluate and deploy technologies for carbon management for use in 50 percent of coal-based energy applications. Taken together, these initiatives – among others – can lead to the creation of 30,000 to 40,000 new Kentucky jobs “as a result of a booming diversified energy sector,” Gov. Beshear said. As the economy for both the state and nation faces huge challenges, Beshear said Kentucky’s emergence as a leader in energy is a critically important economic strategy. The state faces a projected shortfall in this budget year of some $300 million, according to internal estimates. The Consensus Forecasting Group, a team of outside, independent economists expected to issue a formal report on Nov. 21, has said that shortfall could be even worse. Gov. Beshear said that in both the short-and-long-term, energy can and must play an important role in helping the economy recover at both the state and national levels. “For Kentucky to be a national leader, we must fully integrate the development of our energy resources with our mission to protect the environment,” he said. “The seven strategies, when implemented, will restructure our energy portfolio so that we can use energy in its broadest sense – as a tool for economic development and preserving our environment – which Kentucky desperately needs.” The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 21, 2008 14:46:45 GMT -5
Department of Revenue Sets 2009 Tax Interest RatePursuant to KRS 131.183 et seq., the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue has set the following tax interest rates: for taxes underpaid the interest rate shall be seven percent; for taxes overpaid the interest rate shall be three percent when interest is required to be paid. The rates, effective Jan. 1, 2009, are based on the prime rate charged by Kentucky banks during October 2008. A recent survey of Kentucky banks showed the average prime interest rate in October was 4.6 percent. Pursuant to KRS 131.183(1)(c), the average prime rate is rounded to the nearest full percent, which is five percent. Effective May 1, 2008, all taxes payable to the commonwealth that have not been paid at the time prescribed by statute shall accrue interest at the base rate plus two percent; when interest is paid on a refund, it shall be paid at the base rate minus two percent. The Commissioner of the Department of Revenue is required by law to set the tax interest rate by Nov. 15 for the following calendar year. The preceding press release was from Make a Difference Day Project Collects 71 Tons of Food;Effort was part of national volunteer projectA statewide food drive led by the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS) has collected almost 71 tons of food for Kentuckians in need. The project was part of Make A Difference Day, an annual nationwide effort held on the fourth Saturday of October and billed as a day to help others. USA Weekend magazine was the main sponsor. The state’s 12 AmeriCorps programs and staff from CHFS’ nine Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) regions were invited to participate in the food collection. Eileen Cackowski, executive director of KCCVS, part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, said she was impressed with this year’s totals. “It is incredible that so much food could be collected during this year’s drive,” said Cackowski. “The AmeriCorps members and DCBS staff serve vulnerable and disadvantaged families every day, and the success of this effort shows their commitment to serving these families is not just what they do, it’s their way of life.” The amount collected this year is enough to feed 283,880 Kentuckians an 8-oz. serving of food. If all 283,880 Kentuckians were standing in line for their serving of food, the line would be more than 100 miles long. The KCCVS traditionally sponsors an annual campaign to collect as much canned beef stew, canned goods and other non-perishable food as possible as part of its Make A Difference Day observance. Food is donated to food pantries and emergency feeding centers in the communities of collection. The leading AmeriCorps program was the 31-member MSU Corps of Morehead State University, which collected 878,739 ounces of food, followed closely by 49-member The Learning Corps of the Barren County School District. The winning DCBS service region was Eastern Mountain Service Region, which has 496 employees. MSU Corps and the Eastern Mountain Region will receive Make A Difference Day Traveling Awards next spring at the annual Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. They will keep the awards for one year before the awards are passed on to another group. Cackowski said the campaign is a good way for AmeriCorps members and CHFS staff to connect in service. “The Make A Difference Day food drive calls attention to the great needs of people across the state that so many families – even families with working parents – are experiencing,” she said. The day also highlights the ease and fun of volunteering when you do it as a group with your coworkers, church or family, Cackowski said. For more information about the Make A Difference Day campaign, volunteering or the AmeriCorps programs visit: www.volunteerKY.ky.govThe preceding press release was from REPORT: KENTUCKY PROUD IS HIGHLY SUCCESSFULRichie FarmerAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said a University of Kentucky report identifies Kentucky Proud as a highly successful investment of the Commonwealth’s tobacco settlement funds. The report says every dollar of tobacco settlement money invested in Kentucky Proud added $4.70 in additional farm income. Kentucky Proud was one of nine projects out of 64 large and medium-size non-model projects to receive a five-star rating in the report. “The Agricultural Development Board was extremely wise to invest $5.3 million in Kentucky Proud, and this report bears that out,” Commissioner Farmer said. “But we’ve barely scratched the surface of this program’s potential to open new markets for Kentucky farm products and raise awareness among consumers. A greater investment is needed to build on the momentum the Kentucky Proud movement has generated, and this report proves that the program is more than worthy.” A five-star rating means that all goals were accomplished and researchers found evidence of sustained impacts and indications that the benefits of the project were greater than the amount of the investment. The report says Kentucky Proud generates an additional $7.8 million in farm income per year. “The Kentucky Proud state branding program is among the most successful in the nation,” UK researchers said in the report. A group of 10 marketing experts assembled to discuss the Agricultural Development Board’s marketing investments found that “the Kentucky Proud program has been extremely successful and has had a large and positive impact.” The group attributed the impact to the work of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s marketing staff, which administers the Kentucky Proud program. The Agricultural Development Board awarded a total of $5,329,300 for Kentucky Proud in 2003 and 2006. The Kentucky Proud movement generated $120 million in retail sales of Kentucky farm products in 2006-2007. More than 1,300 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, farmers’ markets and state parks are members of Kentucky Proud. The UK report examines the economic impact of $209 million in Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund investments from 2001-2007. It found that the $86 million invested in non-model projects – individual projects funded by the state Agricultural Development Board, including Kentucky Proud – generated $1.87 in new farm income for every $1 invested and impacted 50,000 Kentucky tobacco farmers. County model programs – standardized programs that fund such projects as forage improvement, beef cattle genetics improvement and diversification – have been highly successful in improving producers’ knowledge, farming operations and net return and also helped many former tobacco producers, the report said. The county model programs have received $99.7 million in tobacco settlement funds. The Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation – created by the Agricultural Development Board to provide farmers with access to capital – had approves 249 projects and committed more than $26 million by mid-2008, the report said. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. A Path to Accomplishment, Not GridlockMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered a letter discussing the role of the Senate Minority to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Friday. The letter, signed by 42 Republicans representing more than 157 million Americans, calls on the Majority to work with Republicans to accomplish bipartisan legislative achievements. The text of the letter appears below: As we begin our work together in the 111th Congress, Republican Senators are united in our support for the Senate’s Constitutional duty to freely debate and amend. During the 110th Congress, the Senate was frequently stalled by periods of partisan gridlock. Too often in the previous Congress, legislation bypassed the committee process and was considered with no input from Republican Senators. Further, when those bills were considered on the floor and there were no opportunities for Republican Senators to offer any amendments, millions of our constituents from many states were denied the right to be heard. A record number of cloture petitions were filed, and the “amendment tree” was filled in order to stymie efforts of the Minority to shape legislation of critical importance to those very constituents. During the 111th Congress, we will need to work together across the aisle to ensure that the Senate returns to the regular practice and tradition of allowing all Senators their fundamental right to debate and amend legislation. As Senator Robert C. Byrd told the incoming Senators-elect in 1996: ‘As long as the Senate retains the power to amend and the power of unlimited debate, the liberties of the people will remain secure.’Senator Reid, we agree with your statement earlier this year that, ‘A filibuster is the minority’s way of not allowing the majority to shut off debate, and without robust debate, the Senate is crippled.’ As we learned in 2007, when Senators are permitted to fully debate and amend, we can work together to pass bipartisan legislation. The Senate passed several pieces of landmark legislation that were debated and amended with full participation from both Democrats and Republicans. The leaders and bill managers worked together to structure debate so that Senators could consider and vote on different approaches to major issues. But we also learned that filling the tree and filing cloture to stifle the Minority’s right to debate and amend is invariably counter-productive. As a caucus, Republicans will insist on our basic right to participate in the legislative process. The Republican Conference intends to protect the Senate’s history of full and open consideration of major legislation, which includes a fair amendment process and the opportunity for debate. We look forward to working with you and your fellow Democratic Senators to enact legislation that will make a difference for the American people. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Convicted drug dealer pleads guilty to new charges of selling OxyContinA Pulaski County man with a history of drug convictions pled guilty to multiple counts of trafficking in OxyContin Thursday, announced Eddy F. Montgomery, Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney. Billy Black, 21, of Somerset, was the target of separate investigations by Operation UNITE and the Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force during 2007 and 2008, according to Assistant Commonwealth Attorney David L. Dalton, a UNITE prosecutor. Confidential Informants with the Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task force purchased OxyContin from Black on November 9, 2007, and again on January 18, 2008. In March 2007 detectives with the task force served a search warrant on Black and found OxyContin and more than $3,000 in cash. Informants with Operation UNITE purchased OxyContin from Black on May 30, 2007; May 31, 2007, and October 2, 2007. According to Dalton, Black was previously convicted of drug trafficking in Wayne County in 2003 and 2004. Dalton stated that Black had multiple prior convictions and instances of drug trafficking, making him both a second offender and a persistent felony offender. At the time Black committed the new offenses he was on parole for a 15-year sentence, Dalton said. Black’s first series of cases were set for trial on December 8, 2008. At a hearing before Pulaski Circuit Judge Jeffrey T. Burdette, Black entered a plea of guilty to six counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second offense and six counts of second-degree persistent felony offender. Dalton stated that he would recommend 22 years imprisonment to run consecutively to Black’s paroled sentence for a total of 37 years imprisonment. Judge Burdette set final sentencing for December 18, 2008. Montgomery stated that 22 years was a fair sentence given Black’s admission of guilt, but added that Kentucky’s Persistent Felony Offender Statute – which has been the subject of some criticism by a few Kentucky academics – allows for severe penalties for repeat offenders such as Black. Montgomery stated that repeat offenders such as Black commit a correspondingly higher number of the crimes and deserve stiffer penalties. Dalton thanked the Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task force and Operation UNITE for their excellent efforts in the case. He stated that interagency cooperation allowed for the result in this case. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 21, 2008 20:09:24 GMT -5
Attorney General Conway Urges FTC To Strengthen "Used Car Rule"Jack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway has joined 42 other state attorneys general in asking the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to strengthen Buyer’s Guide notices to indicate if used cars, trucks, or SUVs that are for sale have been assigned titles indicating past flood or collision damage. Under the FTC’s “Used Car Rule,” Buyer’s Guide notices must be posted on used vehicles for sale; however, the current rule only requires that the notices only tell prospective buyers whether the car is offered with a warranty, or is being sold “as is,” without a warranty. “The current rule does not go far enough,” cautioned General Conway. “By not requiring disclosure of a vehicle’s damage history and prior use, consumers may not know the true value of the vehicle they are buying. Withholding information that is readily available can lead to deceptive sales practices by unscrupulous dealers and may pose safety hazards to consumers.” Wisconsin already requires prior-damage information to be disclosed on their Buyer’s Guide, and the FTC approved the Wisconsin regulation. “There simply is no excuse for the national Buyer’s Guide to fail to include vehicle history and title brand information,” said Conway. “The most important fact a consumer can know about a used vehicle is its damage, title and Lemon Law history.” The preceding press release was from Governor Steve Beshear Proclaims November 21-27 Farm-City Week in KentuckyRoger Thomas, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy, today presented a gubernatorial proclamation on behalf of Gov. Steve Beshear declaring Nov. 21-27, 2008 Farm-City Week in Kentucky at the 2008 Farm City Luncheon held in Louisville. The luncheon was held in conjunction with the world’s largest, purebred livestock exposition, Louisville’s own North American International Livestock Exposition. “Kentucky has a rich heritage of agricultural prosperity, innovation and excellence,” said Gov. Beshear. “Both urban and rural communities depend on Kentucky farmers for a safe, abundant and affordable supply of food; therefore it is important that all citizens of the commonwealth recognize the many accomplishments of our farm families and their contributions to our economy.” Farm-City Week 2008 will commemorate Kentucky farmers, food producers, processors, transporter, retailers, distributors and food service providers that move agriculture products to consumers across the commonwealth and around the world. Agriculture accounts for approximately one-third of Kentucky’s economy, with farm-gate receipts topping four billion dollars over the past two years. Kentucky Farm-City Week coincides with National Farm-City Week, which is recognized by a White House proclamation, and is organized by the National Farm-City Council. The National Farm-City Council, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to enhancing links between farm families and urban residents. For more information on National Farm City Week visit: www.farmcity.orgThe preceding press release was from John Deere Named Official Equipment Sponsor of 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesJohn Deere is the “Official Equipment Sponsor” of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, as announced today by the World Games 2010 Foundation. The Games will be held September 25-October 10, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. “On behalf of the Federation Equestre Internationale, we are pleased to have John Deere Company partnering with our sport as the official equipment provider of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said FEI President HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein. As part of the partnership, John Deere will provide a variety of grounds care equipment to be used during the 2010 Games, some of which will also remain onsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for ongoing use after the event. A long-time partner of the global equine community, John Deere will also support many pre-event elements and serve as the title sponsor of the Reining competition during the 2010 Games. At today’s press conference, Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear noted John Deere’s commitment to Kentucky and the Kentucky Horse Park. “At the outset of pursuing these Games, our goal was to not just put on a great event but to leave a legacy for the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Mrs. Beshear. “John Deere's sponsorship will help us fulfill that legacy by leaving the Park with some of the best equipment in the world.” “John Deere is thrilled to serve as the Official Equipment Sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Dennis Stewart, manager of national sales at John Deere Agricultural Equipment Division. “We’re committed to providing the equine community with quality, value and innovation through a broad range of property care solutions, supported by the industry’s most trusted brand and dealer network.” John Deere becomes the latest top name brand corporate sponsor of the 2010 Games. The Games has already announced sponsorship agreements with Alltech, Rolex, Ariat, and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. “Our goal has always been to partner with the top global brands in each sponsorship category,” said Terry Johnson, Vice President of Sales for the Foundation. “Having the strength of the John Deere brand behind our event is tremendously exciting for us.” The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit: www.feigames2010.orgThe preceding press release was from Increase in projected shortfall to more than $450 millionGov. Beshear says spending cuts necessaryGovernor Steve BeshearGov. Steve Beshear said new projections issued today by the Consensus Forecasting Group (CFG) estimating a more than $450 million shortfall this fiscal year confirm a crisis is looming that will require not only extensive spending cuts, but also a bipartisan resolve to work together to meet the challenges ahead. An internal projection nearly a month ago estimated a $294 million shortfall in General Fund revenues, a 3.3 percent decline. The revised estimate of $456.1 million, which includes an additional month of economic data, represents a 5.1 percent decline in revenues. Gov. Beshear asked the CFG, a panel of independent economists who by law set the official revenue forecast for the state, for the updated projections, which they released today. The CFG also projected a $104.7 million shortfall in the Road Fund, a decline of nearly 8 percent. This number is up from a projected shortfall last month of $71 million, a 5.3 percent decline. “This financial crisis is neither imagined nor exaggerated. It’s real and it must be addressed,” Gov. Beshear said. “Kentucky’s elected leaders, regardless of party or politics, must come together to confront this challenge. “Make no mistake, only tough choices lie ahead.” To that end, Gov. Beshear said he would formulate a plan to address the shortfall by early December and then meet with legislators and people throughout the state for input in “finding the best way to navigate an economy as challenging as any in U.S. history.” Gov. Beshear said three principles will guide the proposed plan: • Broad spending cuts throughout state government will be necessary. “The shortfall is too large, and it comes too far along in the fiscal year,” Gov. Beshear said. “Let me be clear: I’m talking about cuts that will bring pain.” • Cuts may not be enough to responsibly balance our budget. “Families are hurting,” the governor said. “State government services are needed in this time of crisis more than ever, and I have no intention of letting them down.” • Cuts must not compromise future needs. Any budgetary steps taken now to address the fiscal crisis “must not compromise our ability to meet future needs,” Gov. Beshear said. Most economists predict our economy will remain deeply troubled for several months, if not a couple of years. “Next year, the budget shortfall may be even larger.” As a result, Gov. Beshear said it was critical that any solutions to this year’s shortfall must keep in mind the long-term fiscal health of the state. Yet, even in the midst of a clear financial crisis, Gov. Beshear said he is confident that the state can, and will, emerge stronger. “If we work together, if we put progress ahead of partisanship, I believe we will emerge stronger than before,” he said. “But we must commit ourselves now to working strategically and thoughtfully. “I stand ready and committed to that work, confident that Kentucky’s best days lie ahead.” The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 22, 2008 10:02:52 GMT -5
Statement from Gov. Beshear regarding Marco Allen ChapmanMarco Allen Chapman“Tonight, the state carried out the mandate of the court in a professional and solemn manner. Let there be no question: Mr. Chapman committed a horrible crime, he pled guilty and was repeatedly found competent to make decisions. The state responded by doing its duty. My hope is that the Marksberry family, whose lives were torn apart by Mr. Chapman’s horrifying acts, can find some level of peace and the ability to move forward. I pray for them, and I pray for Mr. Chapman and his family on this difficult day.”The preceding press release was from..... Bunning Supports Extension Of Benefits For Kentucky’s UnemployedJim BunningSenator Jim Bunning today supported The Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008 to extend temporary unemployment benefits. The legislation was approved by voice vote and will now go to the President’s desk for his signature. "The current turmoil in the housing and financial markets along with the layoffs resulting from the troubled auto industry have unemployment on the rise and working families across Kentucky are feeling the pain," said Bunning. "It is my top priority to see that the working families across the Commonwealth get the help they need. I am glad that we were able to extend these benefits today in order to make sure that those folks who are out of work can continue to make ends meet until they are able to find a new job." The bill would provide up to seven additional weeks of federal extended unemployment benefits to workers in all states, with up to an additional thirteen weeks of federal extended benefits for workers in Kentucky and other states with unemployment rates of six percent or higher. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. 22 arrested in Harlan drug roundupA total of 22 people have been arrested in connection with an undercover drug investigation by Operation UNITE. Detectives from UNITE, in conjunction with the Harlan Police Department, Cumberland Police Department, Harlan County Sheriff’s Office and the Kentucky State Police served 21 individuals with indictment warrants on Thursday and Friday. In addition, one person was arrested for having drugs in their possession at the time the arrests took place. One of the suspects picked up Friday, 64-year-old Freddy Soloe of Harlan, had Hydrocodone pills, a handgun, rifle and cash on him at the time of his arrest. Soloe has a previous armed robbery conviction in Indiana and was prohibited from having firearms. The arrests are the result of an approximately six-month investigation into the illegal sale of prescription drugs, primarily OxyContin. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 24, 2008 17:50:17 GMT -5
Oneida woman dies from burnsOn Friday, November 21, 2008, at approximately 2:28 AM EDT the Kentucky State Police, Post 11, in London was notified of a female victim with serious burns at the Manchester Memorial Hospital, in Clay County. Upon arrival KSP Trooper Jeff Senters determined that Sandra Spurlock, 33, of Oneida had sustained serious burns at a residence on Cold Fork Road 9 miles north of Manchester. Spurlock was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington for treatment of her injuries. On November 22, 2008 the Kentucky State Police, Post 11, in London was notified that Spurlock was pronounced dead, on Saturday the 22nd at 1:20 PM, from her injuries. Trooper Senters is the lead investigator into the incident and was assisted by officers from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Manchester Police Department, Operation Unite, and the Clay 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. Four Inmates Indicted for Possession and Conspiracy to Distribute MarijuanaThe United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation jointly announced today that four USP McCreary County Inmates and two others were charged in two separate federal indictments. The defendants were charged with conspiring to distribute marijuana, providing a prohibited object to an inmate, and an inmate in possession of a prohibited object. The indictments allege that 33-year-old Rico Mallard Crump and 25-year-old Ronnie Lynard Morrow, both inmates at the prison, conspired with their girlfriends to distribute marijuana. Shirley Munsey and Shelia T. Collins, both of Charlotte, N.C. provided marijuana to Morrow and Crump during a visit to the prison. Crump and Morrow were charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession of a prohibited object. Collins and Munsey were charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and providing a prohibited object to an inmate. Another Indictment accuses inmate Doug Rogers, 38 and Samantha Lee Ann Farmer of Oliver Springs, Tenn. of the same offenses listed above. The indictment alleges that on September 6, 2008, Farmer provided her boyfriend, Rogers, with marijuana. Farmer was charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and providing a prohibited object to an inmate, while Rogers was charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possessing a prohibited object. The investigation preceding the Indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Prison and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick H. Molloy. A court date for the defendants hasn’t been set by the Court in London, Ky. If convicted, all the defendants face a maximum prison sentence of five years each. However, any sentence following conviction would be mposed 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 Nov 25, 2008 16:59:12 GMT -5
State Fire Marshal Investigating Laurel FireTwo Kentucky State Fire Marshal investigators responded to the scene of a fatal fire early this morning in a manufactured home in Laurel County. Deputy Fire Marshals Alan Walters and Doug Silvers have completed their on-site investigation. The fire claimed the life of Jeanette Smith, 35. Four other occupants were initially hospitalized. According to a media report, one victim, a 14-year-old boy, has since been released from a local hospital, while the others remain at the Albert B. Chandler Medical Center in Lexington. The fire’s cause has not yet been determined, Walters said. The fire is believed to have started in a bedroom. The preceding press release was from Two Indicted In Child Abuse Case Attorney General Jack Conway and his Special Prosecutions Division today announced the indictment of two people on multiple felony charges connected with the abuse of children in their home outside of Murray. A Calloway County Grand Jury indicted Carol Elizabeth Erwin and Derek Chandler on charges ranging from complicity to Assault First Degree, Criminal Abuse First Degree and Criminal Abuse Second Degree, to Intimidating a Participant in a Legal Process. The indictment alleges that the couple, over a year-long period, inflicted, or permitted the infliction of, serious physical injury, torture, or cruel confinement to children under 12 years old. They are also accused of threatening other children in the household to keep them from reporting the abuse. The couple faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted. The indictment comes after the removal of children from the household and a two-month, joint criminal investigation by the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, employees of Child Protective Services, the University of Louisville’s Forensic Medicine Program and prosecutors from the Office of the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division. “The investigation and prosecution of crimes involving children is a top priority for my office. I am pleased that this office was able to offer assistance to local law enforcement in such a serious case,” General Conway said. Erwin is being held on a $50,000 bond. Chandler is behind bars on a $35,000 bond. The two will appear in court on January 26, 2009, at 9 a.m. An indictment is an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The preceding press release was from DLG Accepting Applications for Recreational Trails and Land and Water GrantsThe Department for Local Government (DLG) is currently accepting applications for two grant programs to be awarded in 2009: Recreational Trails Program grant applications will be accepted through February 1, 2009 and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) applications will be accepted through March 1, 2009. The Recreational Trails Program is funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). It can be used to provide assistance for acquisition of easements, development and maintenance of recreational trails and trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized use. Eligible applicants are city and county governments, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations. The LWCF provides federal grant funds to acquire land for outdoor recreation and to develop or renovate public outdoor recreation facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, sports & playfields and support facilities. Administered by DLG, funds for this program are allocated to Kentucky by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior. Cities, counties, state and federal agencies are eligible to apply. More information and applications for both programs are available online at: www.gold.ky.gov/grants/federalor you may call 1-800-346-5606 for assistance. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Nov 26, 2008 20:26:55 GMT -5
University of the Cumberlands Student Charged with Child Pornography PossessionA University of the Cumberlands student will make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in London, Ky. today pursuant to a criminal complaint that charges him with possessing child pornography. Sungkook Kim, 23, of Williamsburg, Ky. is accused in a criminal complaint of possessing one or more images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. One week ago, the Office of the Attorney General, Cyber Crimes Unit, was investigating Kim for identity theft and extortion when investigators discovered the child pornography images on his computer. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Timothy D. Cox , Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Attorney General jointly made the announcement today. Kim’s initial appearance will take place at 4 p.m. in U.S. District Court in London. If convicted, Kim faces up to 10 years in prison for the child pornography charges. Kim is currently being held at the Laurel County Detention Center. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Conway Urges Parents To Check Video Game Ratings When Buying Games As GiftsAttorney General Jack Conway is urging parents and other consumers to check the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating before purchasing computer or video games as gifts. Although these ratings appear on the front and back of each game, the ESRB has introduced a video game rating search “widget,” a free downloadable tool, that will allow consumers to search for games by their title, and provide easy access to “rating summaries.” “As a supplement to the ESRB rating system, the new online device will empower parents and consumers to make informed decisions about what’s appropriate for their children. The rating summaries take consumer education to the next level by providing exclusive and unprecedented insight about game content,” said General Conway. According to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), more than 40% of Americans expect to purchase a computer or video game this year and a majority of those games are purchased during the holiday shopping season. “As parents choose titles from the broad range of entertainment choices our industry offers, we urge them to use the ESRB ratings system to ensure the games they purchase for their children are appropriate,” said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of ESA. The new rating summaries are available by searching titles on ESRB’s website at www.esrb.org. Consumers can download their very own video game rating search widget, free of charge, by going to www.esrb.org/widget . The tool is also available on the Attorney General’s website at www.ag.ky.gov. Rating summaries are also accessible from a new mobile website at m.esrb.org, which allows consumers to search game titles on their mobile devices right at the point of purchase. To stay ahead of the curve on the games children might be asking for, parents can sign up for the ESRB ParenTools, a new bi-weekly e-mail that offers lists of recently rated titles customized to your preferred rating category and game platform, complete with rating summaries. To sign up for the free ParenTools e-mail, visit www.esrb.org/parentools. The preceding press release was from Kentucky Derby Winner FUNNY CIDE to Kentucky Horse ParkKentucky Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide will become the newest resident of the Kentucky Horse Park on December 5. He will join another Kentucky Derby winner, Alysheba, who came to the park in October. Funny Cide (Distorted Humor – Belle’s Good Cide, by Slewacide) was bred by William Casner and Kenny Troutt’s WinStar Farm in a collaborative venture with McMahon Thoroughbreds of Saratoga Springs, New York where he was foaled, raised and then sold as a yearling for $22,000 at the August 2001 Fasig-Tipton NY Bred Preferred Yearlings Sale. He was later purchased privately as a two-year old by Sackatoga Stable for $75,000. For them he went on to earn $3,529,412 and an Eclipse Award as Champion Three-Year-Old Colt, becoming the highest-earning New York-bred in history for trainer Barclay Tagg, under Jose Santos. His nine stakes wins also included the prestigious Jockey Club Gold Cup. John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park stated, “Funny Cide will be a welcome addition to our Hall of Champions. He was one of those rare horses who captured the public’s imagination while he was on the track and continues to have a significant following of loyal fans. He is quite a young horse, so we hope the public will visit him often and get to know him over the coming years, and develop a special relationship with him the way they have so many of our other resident champions. We are honored that Funny Cide’s connections recognized the Kentucky Horse Park as a good fit for their horse and his fans.” Jack Knowlton, Managing Partner of Sackatoga Stable, stated “The 10 owners of Funny Cide are truly honored that the Kentucky Horse Park has invited him to reside in its Hall of Champions. We are pleased that his large fan base will have an opportunity to visit him at this wonderful facility not too far from his greatest triumph.” WinStar Farm’s President, Doug Cauthen, said, “Funny Cide helped put WinStar Farm on the map, because he proved we could breed a top horse, and that we were willing to sell our best to promote our stallions. He was the first classic winner for his sire Distorted Humor, who is the foundation stallion at WinStar Farm, and who has proven to be one of the top sires in the world. Watching Funny Cide win the Kentucky Derby was a surreal moment, and a game-changing event for WinStar Farm. We owe him big!” Since his retirement as a race horse in 2007, the eight-year-old gelding has been used as Barclay Tagg’s stable pony on the track. According to Barclay, “The rigors of racing and training for several years have started to cause him mild discomfort recently as he continued working on a regular basis as my stable pony. So, now the time has come, as he is turning 9-years-old, to really retire.” Robin Smullen, the Assistant Trainer to Barclay Tagg stated, “We have been fortunate and very blessed to have had Funny Cide in our lives. He has changed people’s perspective about horse racing. Realistically, he is a once in a lifetime horse and now he will be able to touch other people’s lives in his retirement. We will miss him dearly in our daily schedule.” Funny Cide has his own website, FunnyCide.com, and a fan club. The public is invited to the Kentucky Horse Park for Funny Cide’s Welcome Reception on Friday, Dec 5 at 2pm. It is included with park admission. For more information contact the Kentucky Horse Park, 859-233-4303 or www.KyHorsePark.com. Park hours and rates: The park is open Nov 1- Mar 14 Wednesdays through Sundays, 9am to 5pm. Winter admission is $9 for adults, $7 for children ages 7-12 and children 6 and under are admitted free of charge. Admission includes the International Museum of the Horse, the American Saddlebred Museum, and Funny Cide’s Reception. 2008 is the 30th anniversary of the Kentucky Horse Park, a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet that hosted nearly 920,000 visitors and campers, as well as 15,000 competition horses in more than 100 special events and horse shows in 2007. The park is home to the National Horse Center which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is The place to get close to horses. Open daily March 15 to October 31, and Wednesday through Sunday, November 1 to March 14. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Dec 1, 2008 20:37:16 GMT -5
Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberiesThe United States Attorney’s Office, the Commonwealth Attorney’s office for Harrison, Robertson and Pendleton Counties, the Cynthiana Police Department, Kentucky State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Harrison County Sheriff’s office jointly announced today that 30-year-old Jeffrey Allen Pratt of Cynthiana, Ky. pleaded guilty to robbing two central Kentucky banks. Two other Cynthiana men, 19-year-old Steven Wayne Price and 28-year-old Joshua Griffieth also pleaded guilty to their roles in the robberies. Price pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting, while Griffieth pleaded guilty to being an accessory to a robbery. Pratt admitted that on August 18 of this year he robbed the Farmers National Bank in Cynthiana, Ky. Pratt admitted that he entered the bank, threatened to use a gun if the teller didn’t meet his demands, and took $11,920. Griffieth admitted that following the robbery, he drove Price and Pratt from Cynthiana to a Lexington motel to hide their location from authorities. Pratt also acknowledged that on August 6 of this year, he robbed the Farmers National Bank in Falmouth, Ky. of $6,6771. Price admitted to driving Pratt to the bank locations in both of the August robberies. In his plea agreement, Pratt admitted that he robbed four other banks. The plea agreement also states that on two separate days in March of 2008, he robbed the Integra Bank in Mount Olivet, Ky. of approximately $3,500 and the Harrison Deposit Bank in Cynthiana of approximately $1,673. Pratt also confessed that he robbed the Farmers National Bank in Cynthiana, stealing approximately $6,944 on February 25, 2008. In addition, Pratt admitted that he robbed the Farmers National Bank in Berry, Ky. of $5,660 in October of 2007. Two other individuals were indicted in October for their roles in the robberies. Miguel David Ayala, 29, and Kristin Marie Welte, 21, both of Cynthiana, were charged with aiding and abetting Pratt during some of the robberies. Their trial is scheduled for December 10, 2008 at 9 a.m. in Lexington, in front of Judge Karl S. Forester. Pratt, Price and Griffieth will appear for sentencing on February 13, 2009 at 10:15 a.m.. Pratt and Price face a maximum of 20 years in prison, while Griffieth faces a maximum 10 year sentence. If they’re convicted, Ayala and Welte face a maximum of 20 years in prison. 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 sentencing. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky
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Post by Press Release on Dec 2, 2008 17:05:21 GMT -5
EKU – General Atomics Partnership to Boost Biofuel Production in KentuckyA partnership between Eastern Kentucky University and General Atomics, announced at a news conference at the State Capitol could provide the basis for a new and sustainable fuel production industry in Kentucky and ultimately have a global impact, officials said. With the establishment of the Eastern Kentucky University Center for Renewable and Alternative Fuel Technologies (CRAFT), researchers will examine the potential for a cellulose-derived biodiesel industry in Kentucky. By using algae techniques to process cellulosic materials that are available in Kentucky, the project offers both a technological underpinning for sustainable fuel production and a technology that could benefit agriculture in Kentucky. General Atomics, headquartered in San Diego, Calif., was founded in 1955 and specializes in diversified research, development and manufacturing in defense, energy and other advanced technologies. Affiliated manufacturing and commercial service companies include General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., which produces the Predator® family of UAVs. EKU President Doug Whitlock said: “Kentucky’s current economic situation makes this a critical time for the initiation of such a project. President-Elect Obama has made it clear that the development of alternative energy will be a centerpiece of his economic plan. “The efforts of Congressman Ben Chandler and Governor Steve Beshear have made possible our partnership with General Atomics. This partnership links Kentucky and EKU with an international business leader that is turning its focus and considerable resources to biomass-to-fuel initiatives. This project is different in that it will be focused on production of biodiesel and ultimately bio jet fuel using non-food cellulosic materials in a process that will utilize algae to convert the biomass into bio-oils. The research at EKU will determine both the optimal ‘recipe’ of cellulosic material and the economic feasibility of the project.” Whitlock said the project is “important to Kentucky’s farmers looking for cash crops to replace tobacco, to the Commonwealth’s carbon footprint, and for making Kentucky a leader in an emergent technology. “Kentucky is most fortunate to have Congressman Chandler and Governor Beshear, whose combined visionary leadership support alternative energy technologies that will ultimately drive much of the nation’s economic future.” Recognizing the progress already made on alternative energies at other educational institutions statewide, Whitlock said the EKU Center will pursue opportunities to develop collaborative relationships with other colleges and universities. Much of the initial funding for this project was contained in H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009 which became law on September 30, 2008. "I am thrilled that I was able to secure $4 million of federal money to make alternative fuel production in Kentucky a reality—creating jobs, and giving Kentucky, especially Eastern Kentucky University, the opportunity to be a national leader in the field,” Chandler said. “It has been extremely rewarding working with General Atomics, President Doug Whitlock, my longtime friend, Vice President Harry Moberly. I look forward to working with Governor Beshear to ensure the long-term success of this innovative research project. I applaud the Governor’s focus on biofuels and his commitment to alternative fuels.” Beshear said: "It is vital that we examine innovative, long-term solutions to the energy issues we face. Due in part to our fertile farms, Kentucky has the ability to greatly contribute to the research and development of alternative fuel sources. I am pleased that General Atomics sees as much potential in our state as President Whitlock and I do." The study will focus on determining appropriate cellulosic feedstocks and defining a strategic plan for starting up an industry that will convert those feedstocks to biodiesel products, and describe the technologies required along with their developmental costs, risks and schedules. Research and development will be performed on key elements of the required technologies in order to quantify and mitigate risks. The work will be performed by a team comprised of EKU and General Atomics representatives, with EKU as prime contractor and General Atomics providing the technical lead. According to Bill Davison, GA’s vice president for the group doing biofuels development programs, “We are very excited by this opportunity to work together with EKU to develop and deploy a technology that we believe has great economic, environmental and strategic potential.” Cellulose-derived biodiesel process systems design and modeling, to be led by General Atomics, will define the conceptual design for the overall cellulose-derived biodiesel processing plant and establish an economic model for the processing plant to be used for guiding the developmental work. Agricultural and economics modeling research led by EKU, will identify and develop baseline agricultural and economics data. The work will include: a) the prioritization of agricultural crops that would make good feedstock for the production of bio-oils, b) the identification of land that could be cultivated without negatively impacting existing agricultural businesses, c) the determination of potential/probable crop yields, d) the identification of the economic impacts on the Commonwealth’s agricultural, transportation, and biofuels industries, and e) the determination of transition scenarios for moving toward a biofuel industry in the Commonwealth. Co-products will also be evaluated during this process systems and modeling phase. General Atomics will provide input on the biofuel conversion costs and issues of various cellulosic feedstocks to be studied. The result will be a technical report covering biofuel crop feedstocks in Kentucky and an economic impact model for this crop and biofuel industry. Biomass survey research will be performed principally by EKU to assess the current and potential sources of biomass in the Commonwealth, including the economics and logistics of transportation to regional processing facilities. Types of biomass will include such sources as agricultural residues (corn stover), forestry wastes (such as saw dust, tree thinning, or pulp-mill residues), and purpose-grown crops for either marginal land (switch grass) or cropland (sorghum). The research will gather and archive representative samples for chemical analysis and laboratory-scale testing which will result in a technical report entitled “Assessment of the Economics, Transportation & Logistics of Biomass Utilization in Kentucky for BioFuels Production.” Cellulose conversion research will focus on conversion of cellulosic feedstocks to useable sugars. The task will primarily be performed by General Atomics. Evaluations of technologies for conversion of cellulosic materials to sugars will be performed to determine the best technologies to pursue. This work may include subcontracts to companies with unique processes that may be appropriate for this critical step. Existing strains of heterotrophic algae will be used to determine which cellulosic feedstocks provide the most suitable sugar sources. A technical report will summarize the research and recommend the follow-up work required for development of a commercially viable cellulose-to-biodiesel production process. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Dec 2, 2008 17:16:59 GMT -5
Attorney General Conway Announces Regional DUI TrainingJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway today announced that his office is training police officers and local prosecutors about how to effectively prosecute Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases at a regional seminar in Lexington, Ky. on Wednesday, December 3 through Friday, December 5 at the Hilton Suites Lexington Green, 245 Lexington Green Circle. The goal of the training is to create a team-building approach in the detection, apprehension and prosecution of impaired drivers. “It is crucial that we give prosecutors and police officers the tools they need to effectively enforce our DUI laws and protect the citizens of our Commonwealth,” Conway said. “A team approach is imperative, and I am pleased that we can coordinate this effort that will result in tough consequences for DUI offenders.” Entitled “Protecting Lives, Saving Futures,” the training is funded through the Kentucky Department of Transportation Safety with grant funds provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Assistance for this training has been provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Kentucky State Police, and the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board. The first regional training of this type was conducted last June in Bowling Green, the second was held in January in Prestonsburg and the third was held in Covington in March. “The Transportation Cabinet is pleased to support the traffic-safety initiatives and training opportunities provided to law enforcement and prosecutors throughout the state,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Prather. “It is not only our responsibility, it is a priority of this administration to provide all highway safety professionals with the tools and resources they need to save and protect lives on our highways.” Representatives of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) also plan to attend the training. “MADD commends the Attorney General's office for implementing a Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor program and for making this joint training possible,” said Angela M. Criswell, executive director for MADD Kentucky. “You can have tough laws and tough enforcement, but without tough outcomes in the court system, the public will not get the message that drunk driving is a serious crime.” The preceding press release was from Free Market Labor Reform Group Presents Bunning With Worker Friendly AwardJim BunningU.S. Senator Jim Bunning was honored by the Alliance for Worker Freedom (AWF) with their fifth annual "Guardian of Worker Freedom" award. The free-market, worker rights organization presents the award to members of the U.S. Senate who vote in favor of worker’s rights, and free and open labor markets on over eighty percent of the national policy issues tracked by AWF. Bunning was one of twelve Senators to receive the award. "I am pleased to be named the ‘Guardian of Worker Freedom’ by the Alliance for Worker Freedom," said Bunning. "In the 111th Congress I will continue to fight for the rights of American workers. I will be against the card check legislation that could be one of the first bills to come up in the new Congress. America was founded on the secret ballot system, and now big labor wants to eliminate that right in the workplace." "Senator Bunning clearly knows the difference between being pro-worker freedom or a union-puppet," said AWF Executive Director Brian M. Johnson. "When it comes to keeping American workers and our economy competitive, Senator Bunning is a tremendous advocate for a twenty-first century workforce. Senator Bunning is without question a true guardian of worker freedom." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Department of Revenue sets 2009-2010 Homestead ExemptionThe maximum homestead exemption on real estate owned by qualified persons has been set at $33,700 for the 2009 and 2010 tax periods. The 2009-2010 exemption reflects a $2,300 increase over the 2007-2008 exemption of $31,400. The amount of the homestead exemption is adjusted every two years in accordance with KRS 132.810 to compensate for changes in the purchasing power of the dollar. The exemption provided state and local property tax savings of approximately $135 million for more than 380,000 elderly or disabled Kentuckians during the 2008 tax year. To qualify for the homestead exemption, a person must be at least 65 years old during the tax period or have been classified as totally disabled by any public or private retirement system. The property must also be owned, occupied and maintained by the taxpayer as a personal residence on the January 1 assessment year. Disabled persons younger than 65 years of age must apply annually for this exemption with the exception of service-related disabled veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The preceding press release was from Eight Die On Kentucky RoadwaysNovember 17 through November 23Preliminary statistics* indicate that eight people died in seven separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, November 17 through Sunday, November 23, 2008. All of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and none of those victims were wearing seat belts. Two of these crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Fayette, Laurel (2), Morgan, Perry and Pike counties. A double-fatality crash occurred in Jefferson county. Through November 23, preliminary statistics* indicate that 714 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 63 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 543 motor vehicle fatalities, 346 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 87 motorcycle fatalities, 52 were not wearing helmets. Twenty-four people have been killed in ATV crashes and 22 of those were not wearing helmets. Fifty-four pedestrians have been killed. A total of 151 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. New KY 52 Beattyville bypass open to trafficThe new routing of KY 52 in Beattyville, bypassing downtown, is now open to traffic. Although construction is not complete, the project is at a point where drivers can now use the new facility. As a result of the road being opened to through traffic, some traffic patterns that were in use during construction have changed. Previously, a temporary four-way stop was in effect at the intersection of West Main Street, Carlisle Avenue, and the new route. That four-way stop condition has been removed and traffic traveling on the new KY 52 will not be required to stop. Traffic heading west on old KY 52 (West Main Street) and traffic on Carlisle Avenue/Silver Creek Road will still be required to stop. Also, traffic heading toward Beattyville on KY 1144 (Center Street) will now be required to stop at the new route. Previously, KY 1144 traffic used a portion of the new route as a detour after the railroad crossing was closed and was not required to stop. Final paving and finishing work is yet to be completed on the new route, and work will be done during the winter and into the spring as weather permits. Upon completion of the project, the bypassed portion of Main Street will be turned over to the city of Beattyville and will no longer be maintained by the state. The new route eliminates two at-grade railroad crossings and bypasses a substandard railroad underpass, and allows through traffic to bypass Beattyville’s narrow Main Street. As work on the final touches continues, motorists are asked to used caution on the new KY 52. Construction activities are scheduled on a tentative basis and are subject to change depending on weather conditions. Motorists are asked to "Drive Smart" in work zones and be aware of workers, traffic control devices and construction equipment when traveling in areas where projects are ongoing. They are also encouraged to use caution as drivers adjust to these new traffic pattern changes. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Dec 3, 2008 17:30:52 GMT -5
Copper Theft Threatens U.S. Infrastructurefbi.govElectrical substations like these are common targets for copper thieves.Last April, when tornadoes were threatening Jackson, Mississippi, many residents were not alerted to the severe weather because five tornado warning sirens didn’t work. The reason: the sirens’ copper wiring had been stolen. A month earlier in Polk County, Florida, nearly 4,000 residents were left without power after thieves stripped copper wire from a transformer at an electric company facility. Estimated losses: $500,000. Not to mention the homeowner hassles. And late last year, vandals removed 300 feet of copper wire from a Federal Aviation Administration tower in Ohio, threatening to interrupt communications between in-flight aircraft and air traffic controllers. Individually, these isolated crimes cause big enough headaches of their own. Taken together, however, they present a fairly significant problem for our country—a threat to public safety and to U.S. critical infrastructure. We know…because we’ve done our homework. More and more since 9/11, we’re using intelligence to get our arms around emerging threats at the national level—not just when it comes to terrorism, but also in the criminal arena. In this case, a recent criminal intelligence report scoped out the problem and is driving new solutions. Among the findings: • “The demand for copper from developing nations such as China and India is creating a robust international copper trade,” and as the global supply of copper continues to tighten, “the market for illicit copper will likely increase.” From 2001 until 2008, the price of the metal has increased by more than 500 percent. • The thieves—many of whom are drug addicts or gang members—may act individually or as part of organized groups and are interested in the quick cash they get from selling copper to scrap metal dealers. • Their targets include electrical substations, railroads, security and emergency services, and other sensitive sites. Already, copper thefts have been responsible for shutting down railway systems and even 9-1-1 emergency systems. “On the surface, it could be a relatively small theft,” explained an agent who specializes in major theft crimes and who commissioned the report after getting wind of the problem, “but the public safety impact could be significant.” And while copper thieves may not intend to compromise critical infrastructure, they can still be charged with more weighty federal crimes, the agent said. The fact that most copper thefts involve a relatively small amount of money, often take place in rural areas, and are investigated by local law enforcement agencies helps explain why, until recently, the implications of these crimes fell below the radar of federal law enforcement. The FBI intelligence analyst who wrote the report spoke with nearly 150 people from local and state law enforcement and with officials from railroad and energy companies. “Everywhere I went,” she said, “someone had something to say about the problem of copper theft. But nobody had the big picture.” Now we do and are developing solutions. Several informal task forces between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have been established to combat copper theft, most notably in Nevada. In one such case, they are charging a copper thief with a more serious federal statute that can carry up to a 20-year sentence. There is still a lot of work to be done, our agent acknowledged, but now, the serious issues surrounding copper theft are known and being addressed.
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Post by Press Release on Dec 3, 2008 17:43:48 GMT -5
Nine Fatalities on Kentucky Roadways During Thanksgiving Holiday PeriodPreliminary statistics* indicate that nine people died in nine separate crashes on Kentucky roadways during the Thanksgiving holiday enforcement period (Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, November 30, 2008). Last year, there were ten fatalities during the same time period. Seven of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and four of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Two of the crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Two of the holiday fatalities involved pedestrians. Through November 30, preliminary statistics* indicate that 738 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 63 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 563 motor vehicle fatalities, 356 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 87 motorcycle fatalities, 52 were not wearing helmets. Twenty-four people have been killed in ATV crashes and 22 of those were not wearing helmets. Fifty-four pedestrians have been killed. A total of 155 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. Securities Regulators Reach Settlement With Prosper.comKentucky is at the forefront of a settlement reached in principle between state securities regulators and Prosper Marketplace Inc., an online peer-to-peer lending service. Several states investigated Prosper for selling unregistered securities and omission of material facts in connection with the offer. However, the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) was the first state regulator to take formal action against the company. DFI issued a stop order on May 28 halting the sale of the securities in the commonwealth, which was later replaced with an agreed order on June 20. “Kentucky was one of the first states to raise concerns about the securities sold by Prosper Marketplace. Kentucky also was instrumental in organizing the working group formed by the North American Securities Administrators Association to investigate Prosper’s activities,” said James Strode, director of DFI’s Division of Securities. “Our message is clear that companies and individuals will not be allowed to violate the registration and disclosure requirements of Kentucky’s securities law.” Through Prosper’s Web site, which has since been shut down, lending “members” would pledge an amount to lend and how much interest they expected to receive. Borrowing “members” would submit an application, and Prosper would issue funds. In return, the lender would receive a “note” issued by Prosper. The states consider the notes to be securities that were not registered for sale, as required by law. Regulators also were concerned that Prosper failed to disclose the true risks involved in the transactions. Neither the lenders nor the borrowers knew each others’ identity, or had the ability to contact each other. The collection and disbursement of loan proceeds and payments was the responsibility of Prosper. Borrower credit checks were minimal, and if loan defaults occurred, Prosper had no liability for payments. Its collection responsibilities were limited to referring defaults to third-party collection agents. There are 310 Kentucky investors holding notes that cover 10,843 loans in Kentucky with a value of $855,517. More than $500,000 of those loans remain outstanding. While Prosper may not issue more of the notes without first registering, the current notes outstanding will remain until paid off. Under the terms of the settlement, the San Francisco-based company agreed not to offer or sell any securities in any jurisdiction until it is in compliance with that jurisdiction’s securities registration laws. Prosper also agreed to pay a fine totaling $1 million to the states. In consideration of the settlement, the states will terminate their investigation of Prosper’s activities related to the sale of securities before Nov. 24. DFI’s agreed order issued in June 2008 can be found online at: www.kfi.ky.gov/legalresources/enforcementactions/securitiesea.htmFrom February 2006 until it stopped in mid-October 2008, Prosper offered and sold promissory notes with fixed annual interest rates ranging from 7 percent to 36 percent, amortized over a three-year term with equal monthly payments. As of Sept. 29, 2008, Prosper’s Web site reported that it had 810,000 members and $175 million in loans funded. DFI is an agency in the Public Protection Cabinet. It supervises the financial services industry by examining, chartering, licensing and registering various financial institutions, securities firms and professionals operating in Kentucky and many of the products they sell. DFI’s mission is to serve the public through effective and efficient regulation that promotes consumer confidence and economic growth. The preceding press release was from Man Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyThe United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement Special Investigations Unit jointly announced that Elio Lopez, 30, of Chicago, Ill. was sentenced to 151 months in prison for his role in a drug conspiracy that profited $1,000,000. Lopez was ordered to forfeit that money over to the court. In June of this year, Lopez pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute, and distributing cocaine. During the conspiracy that lasted from 2002 until 2006, Lopez acknowledged that he supplied approximately 40 kilograms of cocaine to co-conspirators Pam Justice and Darrell Triplett. During the conspiracy, Lopez and the co-conspirators brought the cocaine to Pike, Knott, Floyd and surrounding counties. In January of this year, Senior District Court Judge Danny Reeves sentenced Triplett to 148 months and Justice to 128 months. “This conspiracy lasted a long time,” said Stephen Smith who represented the United States in this case. “However, this sentencing shows that if you’re distributing drugs, sooner or later we will find you and you will be spending significant time in prison.” Under federal law, Lopez must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Following his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for five years. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen C. Smith. “Again, this was a lengthy investigation,” said Smith. “These individuals would not be behind bars right now without the persistence of the FBI and Kentucky State Police during the investigation of this case.” The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky OKK Trading Recalls Toy Army Figures Due to Violation of Lead Paint StandardThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Army Figures Units: About 5,400 Importer: OKK Trading, of Los Angeles, California Hazard: Surface paint on the face of the Army figures contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: The recall involves 7 ½ inch tall plastic toy Army figures. The figures are dressed in Army fatigues and have guns. Sold at: Dollar type retailers and OKK Trading’s Web site www.okktoys.com from June 2008 through September 2008 for about $1. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact OKK Trading for a full refund or replacement toy. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact OKK Trading at (877) 655-8697 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at: www.okktoys.com
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Post by Press Release on Dec 4, 2008 18:41:09 GMT -5
Clay, Jackson Counties remain #2 and #1 in unemployment ratesUnemployment rates rose in 112 Kentucky counties between October 2007 and October 2008, fell in six counties and stayed the same in two, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 10.1 percent. It was followed by Clay County, 9.7 percent; Wolfe County, 9.3 percent; Magoffin County, 9.2 percent; Grayson and McCreary counties, 9.1 percent each; Russell County, 8.6 percent; Bell County, 8.5 percent; and Harlan, Morgan and Spencer counties, 8.3 percent each. Fayette and Livingston counties recorded the lowest jobless rates in the commonwealth at 4.6 percent each. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Ballard, Warren and Woodford counties, 5 percent each; Madison County, 5.2 percent; Hancock, Jessamine and Robertson counties, 5.3 percent each, and Boyd and Greenup counties, 5.4 percent each. Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and county figures. Learn more about the Office of Employment and Training at: www.workforce.ky.govThe preceding press release was from Guilty Plea for Man Who Tried to Lure Child Over InternetAttorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Special Prosecutions announced the conviction of a former Russellville man for using the Internet to attempt to induce a minor to sexual activity and for the possession of child pornography. “The prosecution of crimes involving children is a top priority for my office. I am pleased that there are parents who follow our office’s regular advice - to keep their children safe by taking measures to know who they are communicating with online. Also, we are pleased that our Office of Special Prosecutions was able to offer assistance to local law enforcement in this serious case,” General Conway said. Kevin Wayne Cain, 40, entered a plea of guilty today in Logan County Circuit Court to use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activity and possession of material portraying a sexual performance by a minor. The charges are Class D felonies and a sex offense, carrying up to five years in prison, a minimum $1000 fine, and registry as a sex offender. The victim's father used a program called Spector Pro to monitor his daughter's activities online. When he learned that Cain was having inappropriate conversations with his daughter and attempting to meet with her, he notified the Kentucky State Police (KSP.) KSP, in conjunction with the Bowling Green Police Department, acted quickly to obtain a warrant and search Cain's residence and computers. The findings of the search resulted in Cain's prosecution. Cain will be formally sentenced on February 12, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. The preceding press release was from Governor urges Obama to quickly implement direct fiscal stimulus to statesGovernor Steve BeshearGov. Steve Beshear joined governors from across the nation in Philadelphia for a meeting with President-Elect Barack Obama to discuss the country’s current economic crisis. “Kentucky’s economy, like many states, is in recession,” Gov. Beshear said in a letter he delivered today to the president-elect. “Kentucky and all states need immediate help to assure that the federal efforts to stimulate the economy are not jeopardized by lagging state economies.” In a letter to President-Elect Obama, Gov. Beshear emphasized the need for aid to continue funding for programs that provide increased assistance and support to vulnerable populations, especially during tough economic times. Gov. Beshear specifically requested: • Increased match rates for Medicaid to help states meet the needs of the increasing numbers of vulnerable citizens eligible for healthcare services; • Direct aid for state unemployment insurance programs in grant form, similar to the 2002 Reed Act; • Funding for infrastructure projects that could be quickly started to generate work in the construction and road building industries; and • Direct federal fiscal relief for state governments, similar to aid provided in the 2002 and 2003 recessions, which alleviated cuts to education and some social programs. In his letter to President-Elect Obama, Gov. Beshear also reiterated the great need for assistance for the domestic automobile industry, which employs nearly 82,000 Kentuckians and is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, adding $5.6 billion to the commonwealth’s gross domestic product in 2006. “We must do everything in our power to assure that the auto industry maintains a strong economic foundation,” said Gov. Beshear. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Dec 4, 2008 18:53:11 GMT -5
Beshear urges visitors to the Capitol to participate in Feed a FamilyIn an effort to support families in need during the holiday season, the Governor’s office will be holding a Feed a Family – Canned Goods Drive during the month of December. “In these tough economic times, we must remember those less fortunate and in need of everyday items that many of us take for granted. I encourage state employees and visitors to the Capitol to participate in our Feed a Family - Canned Goods Drive,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “No child should go to sleep hungry,” said First Lady Jane Beshear. “Every non-perishable good we can get to a family in need will ease the choices many Kentucky families have to make between food, rent and other expenses. “I think it is marvelous that the Governor’s office and the people in Frankfort would take the time out of their busy schedules to help those in need,” said Linda Brown, executive director of Access, a soup kitchen in Frankfort that will be the recipient of the donated items. “This is a great way to show that Kentuckians are looking out for each other.” Non-perishable food items will be collected in a bin outside of the Governor’s office beginning on Dec. 2 and continuing until Dec. 22, 2008. All visitors to the Capitol are invited to participate in the drive. The preceding press release was from Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderThe United States Attorney’s Office and the United States Marshals Service jointly announced that Deandre T. Roberts, 33, of Lexington, Ky. pleaded guilty for failing to register as a sex offender as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Roberts is the first individual in Fayette County to plead guilty to this federal offense. SORNA is a Subsection of the “Adam Walsh Act” passed two years ago that created stiffer federal penalties for sex offenders that traveled in interstate commerce and failed to register as sex offenders. Because of this act, the federal penalty for this violation increased from one year to 10 years in prison. Roberts admitted that between April and September of this year, he traveled from North Carolina to Kentucky and knowingly failed to register as a sex offender. Roberts was arrested in Frankfort, Ky. early in September for first degree state charges of Unlawful Imprisonment and Wanton Endangerment in Kentucky. He was also arrested for third degree terroristic threatening and fourth degree assault in Kentucky. A follow up investigation revealed that Roberts failed to register as a sex offender after moving to Kentucky. A court in Tulsa County, Okla. sentenced Roberts in 2001 for second degree rape of a 16-year-old girl. Following the sentencing Roberts signed several written acknowledgements of his duty to register as a sex offender in Oklahoma and later in North Carolina. Between 2002 and 2007, Roberts properly registered as a sex offender. The investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service. Brandon W. Marshall represented the United States in this case. Roberts’ appearance before the United States District Court is set for March 2, 2009 in Lexington, Ky. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 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 preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Attorney General Conway Selected As Aspen Rodel FellowJack ConwayThe Aspen Institute’s Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership has announced that Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway is one of 24 elected public officials in the country chosen for its 2008 class of Fellows. Each of the members of the class was selected on their reputation for intellect, thoughtfulness, and a bipartisan approach to governing. The class is evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats and represents Fellows from 22 states, serving at both local and state levels of government. “I am honored to be chosen for this prestigious Fellowship and look forward to working with other young leaders from across the country as we search for bipartisan solutions to real challenges that face our states and communities,” General Conway said. Holders of statewide office include: Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Vermont Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie, Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler, Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel, and Mississippi State Treasurer Tate Reeves. State legislators in the Fellowship include: New Jersey Senator Jennifer Beck, Texas Representative Dan Branch, Oklahoma Senator Sean Burrage, Hawaii House Minority Leader Lynn Berbano Finnegan, Nevada Assembly Assistant Minority Leader Heidi Gansert, Colorado Senate President Peter Groff, Virginia Senator Robert Hurt, Ohio Representative Shannon Jones, Pennsylvania Senator John Pippy, Iowa House Minority Leader Chris Rants, Maryland Senator Jamie Raskin, Arizona Representative Kyrsten Sinema, Wisconsin Senator Lena Taylor, and Arkansas Senator Robert Thompson. Local officials include Santa Cruz, Calif., Mayor Ryan Coonerty; New Castle, Del., County Executive Chris Coons; Hamilton County, Ohio, Commissioner David Pepper, and Jackson County, Mo., County Executive Mike Sanders. The Aspen Institute-Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership program, established in 2005, works to enhance American democracy by convening the nation's most promising young political leaders in a casual, bipartisan setting to explore the underlying values and principles of western democracy, the relationship between individuals and their community, and the responsibilities of public leadership. The Class of 2008 will begin its dialogue when Fellows convene for the first time in January 2009. The new class will meet two more times over the course of its 24-month Fellowship. For additional information concerning the Aspen Institute-Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership, please contact the program’s director, former congressman Mickey Edwards at 202/736-5823 or at mickey.edwards@aspeninstitute.org. More information on Rodel Fellows and the program can be found at aspeninstitute.org/rodel. The Aspen Institute, founded in 1950, is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering enlightened leadership and open-minded dialogue. Through seminars, policy programs, conferences, and leadership development initiatives, the Institute and its international partners seek to promote nonpartisan inquiry and an appreciation for timeless values. The Institute is headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia, and has campuses in Aspen, Colo., and on the Wye River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Its international network includes partner Aspen Institutes in Berlin, Rome, Lyon, Tokyo, New Delhi, and Bucharest, and leadership programs in Africa, Central America and India. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Dec 5, 2008 16:50:46 GMT -5
COMMISSIONER SALUTES KENTUCKY FARMERS FOR RECORD FARM CASH RECEIPTS IN 2008Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said record farm cash receipts and higher net farm income in 2008 are a tribute to the skill and resolve of Kentucky’s farmers and the impact of the state’s agricultural development efforts. Kentucky farmers took in an estimated $4.7 billion for farm products this year, topping the 2007 record of $4.43 billion, University of Kentucky economists reported Thursday at the 89th Kentucky Farm Bureau annual meeting in Louisville. Net farm income rose by more than 10 percent, even with significantly higher input costs, the UK economists said. They forecast 2009 farm cash receipts of $4.6 billion. “Kentucky’s farmers did remarkably well in this economic climate,” Commissioner Farmer said. “They got through this year with hard work and resourcefulness. I commend them for rising above the challenges of the past year.” Commissioner Farmer said the economic outlook report shows that Kentucky’s investments in agricultural diversification are working. Another UK study, released last month, found that $86 million in tobacco settlement funds invested in individual “non-model” projects from 2001 to 2007 returned $1.87 in new farm income for every dollar invested. The study found that every dollar invested in the Kentucky Proud farm marketing program generated $4.70 in new farm income. "These investments are producing positive returns at a time when individuals, businesses and even entire industries are suffering great hardship,” Commissioner Farmer said. “The General Assembly was wise to create this program. But we can’t rest on our laurels. This economic situation calls for bold action to keep the gains we’ve made and build on them. “We especially need to maintain and expand the Kentucky Proud program. Consumers increasingly are demanding fresh food made or raised right here at home. There has never been a better time to promote Kentucky Proud products.” Kentucky Proud generated an estimated $120 million in retail sales of Kentucky products in 2006-07. More than 1,300 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, farmers’ markets and state parks are members of Kentucky Proud. The UK report said cash receipts for livestock were down this year, but crop receipts, buoyed by high prices, rose nearly 40 percent. Cash receipts for vegetables were more than double the level of 10 years ago, and Kentucky growers achieved near-record yields for apples and peaches, the report said. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. London Man Guilty of Insurance FraudA Laurel County man received a 360-day jail sentence, probated for 24 months, after falsifying a towing and storage invoice and giving it to his insurer for reimbursement. The case was investigated by the Kentucky Department of Insurance Fraud Investigation Division. Steven Daniels, 41, told State Farm Insurance that after his vehicle burned in October 2007, it was towed to and stored at Gibson’s Automotive in London. Daniels showed an invoice indicating he had paid Gibson’s $775 in cash for the services. As part of the investigation, it was discovered that he falsified the invoice and had not received any services from Gibson’s. He originally was charged with one felony count of insurance fraud but pleaded guilty to an amended misdemeanor count in Laurel District Court. In addition to the probated sentence, he was ordered to pay $154 in court costs. “We take these cases very seriously, regardless of the dollar amount involved. When someone tries to cheat the system, we all pay,” said Insurance Commissioner Sharon P. Clark. The Department of Insurance is an agency of the Public Protection Cabinet. The preceding press release was from Operation UNITE’s drug tip line call leads to drug arrestA Perry County man with a history of drug trafficking was arrested Wednesday, December 3, as a result of tips called in to Operation UNITE’s drug tip line. Michael Deaton, age 40, of Peach Drive, Combs, was charged with two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance following the execution of a search warrant at his home. “We have received 25 calls from residents complaining about Mr. Deaton,” said Dan Smoot, UNITE law enforcement director. “Based upon these calls we were able to purchase drugs from Mr. Deaton on Tuesday, which gave us probable cause for the search warrant.” Accompanied by officers from the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Hazard Police Department and the Kentucky State Police K-9 unit, UNITE detectives went to Deaton’s trailer yesterday afternoon. Inside they recovered 33 OxyContin 80mg pills, 86 Xanax pills, 7 Suboxone pills, 2 Hydrocodone pills and $2,311 in cash. Following his arrest, Deaton was lodged in the Perry County Regional Detention Center. Deaton has prior felony drug convictions in Perry County for which he had been given probation, Smoot said, but noted that at the time of his arrest Deaton was not on probation. Perry County leads the Fifth Congressional District in the number of drug tips received through UNITE’s toll-free tip line (1-866-424-4382). Through November, 1,547 tip line calls have been received from Perry County. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite. First Lady Celebrates Work of Children’s ClinicFirst–of-its-kind medical center for youth in foster care is innovative partnershipFirst Lady Jane Beshear marked a milestone today at a Lexington clinic, the first of its kind in the state dedicated to caring for the health of children in foster care. The Medical Home for Coordinated Pediatrics (MHCP), a joint venture of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ (CHFS) Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CCSHCN), the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics and CHFS’ Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), celebrated its 500th patient visit in less than one year of operation. First Lady Beshear toured the center, met its staff and spoke about the benefits of the program. “Children’s health care is a priority of my husband, Gov. Steve Beshear,” said Mrs. Beshear. “In these tight economic times we must use our existing resources to best serve the children of the commonwealth – including those who are in state foster care. When a partnership like this results in so many benefits, it’s a win for all of Kentucky.” The clinic is a one-stop medical center that provides comprehensive, compassionate, coordinated pediatric primary care for children in out-of-home care. The center, located in the CCSHCN’s Waller Avenue office, serves children in out-of-home care from Fayette and 19 surrounding counties. Medical information for children who visit the center is entered into CCSHCN’s database, which can be accessed by its staff statewide and follows the children no matter where they go, improving the consistency of care they receive. CCSHCN Executive Director Rebecca Cecil said that clinic staff address each child’s needs, make appropriate referrals and coordinate follow-up care. “This clinic, coupled with the nine commission nurses stationed in DCBS offices across the state, provides a level of medical expertise that has been desperately needed,” she said. DCBS Deputy Commissioner Teresa James said this continuity gives the children a medical home. “We strive to reduce the number of placements for our children in foster care,” James said, “but there are often situations when a child must be moved to another home or facility.” The clinic also provides support for families in the Kinship Care Program, which places children with relatives rather than in a foster home, James said. “The importance of this program to the health and lives of these Kentucky children is profound,” said Dr. Timothy Bricker, professor and chair, Department of Pediatrics, UK College of Medicine, and physician-in-chief of Kentucky Children’s Hospital. “The foster caregivers and the staff of this program are our heroes.” Because the program is able to use existing commission clinic space and share some staff, the additional costs of running the clinic are less than $100,000. The clinic is located in available space within the commission’s office and Medicaid pays for the services provided to the foster children. Approximately 7,100 Kentucky children are in state foster care. DCBS is responsible for coordinating an initial physical health screening within 48 hours of the child’s entry into out-of-home care. DCBS also must ensure that each child has a physical, dental and visual exam scheduled within two weeks of entry into care. About 122 children in foster care are considered medically fragile with specialized health care needs. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Dec 5, 2008 16:59:27 GMT -5
More than 10,500 Kentuckians may qualify for seven-week unemployment insurance extensionMore than 10,500 Kentuckians who have exhausted their 26 weeks of regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and their 13 weeks of extended benefits may be eligible for an additional seven weeks of assistance, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency in the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. “This assistance is much needed and appreciated,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “As more Kentuckians are struggling financially to provide for their families, support from their government is vital to help them get through this difficult time. We will continue to search for ways to help ease the economic burdens we all are facing.” Kentuckians who have filed their unemployment insurance claim on or after May 7, 2006, exhausted those benefits plus the additional 13 weeks of assistance and are currently unemployed may be eligible for another seven weeks of extended benefits under the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act signed by President George W. Bush on Nov. 21. Depending on Kentucky’s unemployment rate, up to 13 more weeks of extended benefits may be added after the first of the year. “Since the seven-week extension is completely federally funded, it will not impact Kentucky employers or the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund,” said Division of Unemployment Insurance Director Tony DeName. Individuals who are potentially eligible for the federally funded extended benefits program will be notified by mail. 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. Potential candidates may apply until March 31, 2009. Kentuckians who have exhausted their original 26 weeks of UI benefits but have not yet applied for an extension may be eligible for up to 20 weeks of UI assistance. The program is effective with the week beginning Nov. 23, 2008. You may file your claim for benefits on line at www.kewes.ky.gov beginning Dec. 5, 2008, said DeName. OET helps individuals prepare for, secure, and maintain employment; assists employers in locating and selecting the best qualified workers for their job openings; and provides income maintenance to ease the financial burden on individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own. The Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet coordinates learning programs from P-16, and manages and supports training and employment functions in the Department for Workforce Investment. For more information about our programs, visit www.educationcabinet.ky.gov or www.workforce.ky.gov, or call 502-564-6606. The preceding press release was from Major Apparel Retailer To Pay a $60,000 Civil PenaltyFailure To Report Drawstrings In Children's OuterwearThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Nordstrom Inc., of Seattle has agreed to pay a $60,000 civil penalty. The penalty settles allegations that the firm knowingly failed to report to the CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, that its children's hooded jackets and sweaters were sold with drawstrings at the hood and neck. These products, which the firm eventually recalled, pose a strangulation hazard that can cause death to children. The settlement has been provisionally accepted by the Commission. CPSC alleged that Nordstrom failed to report to the government in a timely manner that drawstring jackets and sweaters were sold by the firm. Nordstrom sold about 2,400 drawstring jackets and sweaters in the United States between November 2007 and December 2007. In February 2008 and March 2008, CPSC and Nordstrom announced the recall of the drawstring jackets and sweaters. In February 1996, CPSC issued drawstring guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from getting entangled and possibly strangling on hood and neck drawstrings in upper outerwear, such as jackets and sweatshirts. In May 2006, CPSC's Office of Compliance announced (pdf) that children's upper outerwear with drawstrings at the hood or neck would be regarded as defective and a substantial risk of injury to young children. Federal law requires manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to report to CPSC immediately (within 24 hours) after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard, creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or violates any consumer product safety rule, or any other rule, regulation, standard, or ban enforced by the CPSC. In agreeing to settle the matter, Nordstrom Inc. denies CPSC's allegations that it knowingly violated the law. HIGHER ED REPORT CARD SHOWS KENTUCKY MAKING GAINSAFFORDABILITY REMAINS CRITICAL TO FUTURE SUCCESSKentucky has made progress in four of five categories of postsecondary education performance, according to Measuring Up 2008: The National Report Card on Higher Education. The report, released today by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education in Washington, D.C., assesses the performance of the nation and all 50 states in five key areas: college preparation, college participation, college affordability, college completion and the benefits of postsecondary education to the state. Kentucky’s postsecondary education system posted significant improvements in the categories of preparation, participation, completion and benefits to the state since the early 1990s. However, like 49 other states, Kentucky received an “F” in the category of affordability. “This report underscores our concerns on affordability and makes clear that the issue is a concern for the entire county,” said Richard Crofts, interim president of the Council on Postsecondary Education. “However, we are pleased with the positive trends in the data that show Kentucky is making significant progress,” noted Crofts. The results did not come as a surprise because the report parallels Kentucky’s own accountability system, he said. In the area of bachelor degree completions, the report states that Kentucky has been among the fastest-improving states in the percentage of first-time, full-time college students earning a four-year degree within six years of enrolling in college over the past decade. “Kentucky now surpasses the national average in the number of undergraduate credentials and degrees awarded relative to the number of students enrolled, and in fact is performing at the level of the top five states,” added Crofts. Key findings: • The percentage of 25 to 64 year olds with a bachelor’s degree or higher has risen from 15% to 22%. This is the fastest growing rate in the nation. • The rate of first-time, full-time students completing a bachelor’s degree within six years has risen from 37% to 47%. • The number of certificates and degrees awarded at all colleges and universities per 1,000 state residents (ages 18 to 44) without a college degree has risen from 15% to 32%. • The percentage of young adults in KY (18-24) who earn a high school credential has increased substantially since the early 1990s from 81% to 87%. • The percentage of young adults in KY (18-24) enrolled in college has improved substantially since early 1990s from 28% to 35%. Kentucky’s postsecondary affordability situation, along with many other states, continues to be a concern: • A larger percentage of family income is needed to pay for the entire cost of college in all sectors of postsecondary education than in 2000. • At the lowest-priced public college (community college), the share of income that the poorest families need to pay for tuition has more than doubled from 14% to 31% since 1993. • The average loan amount that undergraduate students borrow each year has almost doubled since 1995, from $2,672 to $4,841. In the last two years alone, the amount of loans has increased 50%. Even though Kentucky significantly increased its investment in need-based aid in the early 1990s, its current proportion of state aid to federal aid is well below the top performing states in this indicator. Kentucky’s report can be accessed at: measuringup2008.highereducation.org/print/state_reports/long/KY.pdfThe preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Dec 7, 2008 12:34:13 GMT -5
First Lady Urges Kentuckians to Remember Service Members Overseas During the Holiday SeasonWhile Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear prepare to visit with Kentucky National Guard families across the state this weekend, they invite all Kentuckians to remember these brave men and women for their service to the state and the nation during the holiday season. “I take great joy and pride when visiting with these true Kentucky heroes,” Gov. Beshear said. “Not only our heroes in uniform, but I believe the loved ones who provide support and care when military families are separated by war are heroes as well.” Governor Beshear and Mrs. Beshear will join Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini in visiting the families of deployed Soldiers from the 223rd Military Police Company in Louisville and the 1163rd Area Support Medical Company in Shelbyville on Saturday. On Sunday the First Family will celebrate the holidays with families from the 201st Engineer Battalion in Ashland and Cynthiana, and Company C, 206 Engineer Battalion in Prestonsburg. In addition, the Governor and the First Lady have suggested several ways Kentuckians can show their appreciation for overseas military service members. “Being apart from your family during the holidays can be the toughest time for our troops,” Mrs. Beshear said. “I hope all Kentuckians will take the time to express their gratitude and appreciation for their service.” American Red Cross Holiday for Heroes CampaignKentucky residents can send warm thoughts and holiday cheer this upcoming holiday season to our troops abroad through the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign sponsored by the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross is collecting holiday cards to distribute to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Cards may be sent to the below address and the subsequent guidelines should be followed: Holiday Mail for Heroes PO Box 5456 Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456 Guidelines: • All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender. • Participants are encouraged to limit the number of cards they submit to 25 from any one person or 50 from any one class or group. If you are mailing a larger quantity, please bundle the cards and place them in large mailing envelopes. Each card does not need its own envelope or postage. • Please ensure that all cards are signed. • Please use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program. • Please send greeting cards instead of lengthy letters that can delay the review process. • Please do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships. • Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process. • All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online mediums. Care Packages for Military Service Members America Supports You is a Department of Defense program that was launched in 2004 in an effort to recognize citizen support for our military men and women and communicate that support to the members of our Armed Forces at home and abroad. If you would like to help out, but don’t necessarily have a specific troop in mind, America Supports You has access to more than 350 regional groups that provide a variety of support for military members and their families. To learn more about what you can do to help, please visit the following Web site: www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/help.htmlMilitary Missions, Inc.Based in Lexington, Ky., Military Missions, Inc. sends care packages to thousands of deployed troops, started a bimonthly support group in Central Kentucky and initiated numerous projects designed to help our military families here on the homefront. Working with America Supports You in the future, Military Missions, Inc. hopes to increase the number of packages sent to our deployed troops, offer classes and services to the families on the home front and sponsor community events that will raise awareness to support and encourage our military and their families. Military Missions, Inc. 4808 Holmhurst Way Lexington, KY 40515 859-509-4827 www.militarymissionsonline.com*Please note that each of these organizations may have different guidelines/deadlines. The preceding press release was from Newsletter On Our Financial CrisisBy: Senator Jim BunningJim BunningSince my summer newsletter our nation has been rocked by a financial crisis that cuts to the very core of our economic system. American capitalism was the envy of the world. Unfortunately, capitalism as we once knew it is dead. Our system used to be based on risk and reward. With the government bailout of Wall Street, risk has been taken out of the equation. The reward does not go to the American taxpayer, but to foreign governments - namely China - who will profit from our large amounts of new debt for generations to come. I have been vocal in my opposition to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson’s bailout plan. In October, I voted against the legislation, stating at the time that I hoped in the end to be proven wrong. That did not occur. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has dropped 1,949.14 since the bill was signed into law. The credit markets remain virtually frozen, and just last week the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve propped up Citicorp – another bank that was deemed "too big to fail" with over $300 billion of taxpayer money. It is frustrating to witness the actions taken by both Secretary Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke during this crisis. The current confidence problem can be traced back to the Bear Sterns back in March. The markets operated all summer with the belief that the government would step in and rescue failing firms. Then they let Lehman Brothers fail, and the markets had to adjust to the idea that Wall Street would have to take the losses for Wall Street’s bad decisions, not the taxpayers. That new uncertainty could be the most significant contributing factor to why the markets have lost confidence. Even worse, in the build up to the bailout vote to sell the public and Congress; the President, Secretary Paulson, and Chairman Bernanke pushed the media and public to the edge of panic by telling everyone that we were staring at the second coming of the Great Depression. But the bailout bill that passed is not solving those problems. Back in October I was not alone in my concerns. Nearly 300 economists wrote my office saying the bailout plan would not work. I also talked to many market participants who disagreed with the plan. However, I do support taking action to address the mess government has created. We could allow companies with earnings overseas to bring that money back to the United States tax free if they invested it in the same troubled assets. Congress should also immediately put in place policies that will encourage economic growth, such as energy exploration and development and tax policies to encourage job creation. We also need to address the regulatory and structural problems of the financial sector. I am sure there are plenty of other ideas that could help as well. But just throwing taxpayer money down a black hole is not working. I hope that when the new Congress convenes in January we can take a look at a number of proposals to clean up the mess left by Secretary Paulson, Chairman Bernanke, and the members of the Senate Banking Committee that were responsible for passing the bailout bill. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, I promise you that I will look out for the taxpayer first in all of my votes! Finally, Mary and I wish all Kentuckians a Merry Christmas and hope you all have a great holiday season and a Happy New Year. God Bless. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. State Prosecutors May Furlough Employees As Part Of Budget Reduction PlanThe Prosecutors Advisory Council submitted its budget reduction plan to Gov. Steve Beshear regarding the request for a 4% budget reduction. At a special meeting on Wednesday, the Prosecutors Advisory Council debated the options available to it in addressing the proposed budget cut. The meeting was attended by more than 80 prosecutors. The Council voted to give elected prosecutors the option of reducing staff salaries by 14-16%, furloughing employees in one-week increments or laying off employees to meet the targeted budget reduction amount. The components of the proposed prosecutor budget reduction plan were sent to Governor Beshear today. If the Unified Prosecutorial System is not exempted from this budget cut, prosecutors’ offices could begin furloughs or layoffs of employees as early as January 2009. “The Commonwealth’s prosecutors are in a crisis situation,” said Chris Cohron, president of the Commonwealth’s Attorneys Association. “The severe underfunding of the prosecutorial system is going to continue to have an adverse effect on our employees and the criminal justice system as a whole. Prosecutors were not sufficiently funded by the General Assembly during this legislative session, and these additional requests to cut our budget will have a devastating effect.” The Commonwealth’s Attorneys are facing a budget shortfall in fiscal year 2009 of more than $1.3 million, which equates to the funding for 84 employees. “This is the worst budget crisis and potentially the most dangerous public safety crisis I have seen in the last thirty years,” said Ray Larson, Fayette County Commonwealth’s Attorney. The state’s County Attorneys are also facing a severe budget shortfall this fiscal year. The budget shortfall for County Attorneys is more than $1.1 million, which equates to approximately a 16% reduction in staff salaries. Mike Foster, president of the Kentucky Association of Counties and Prosecutors Advisory Council member, noted that if prosecutors are not exempted from this latest budget reduction, they will lose staff necessary to prosecute cases. “Our County Attorneys are on the frontline in protecting the public in cases of domestic violence and DUI. We also are responsible for removing children from abusive homes. Underfunding our offices hurts not only our employees, but the public as a whole,” Foster said. Attorney General Jack Conway, who chairs the Prosecutors Advisory Council, voiced concern over this latest round of budget cuts. “Prosecutors are unique because their budgets are personnel driven. For example, the budget for County Attorneys is more than 98% personnel. Therefore, these proposed cuts will have far-reaching effects that could include reducing the number of prosecutors, increasing case loads, delaying court proceedings and potentially compromising public safety. Even before the present fiscal crisis, the prosecutors and the Office of the Attorney General were significantly underfunded, so I am now urging the governor to consider exempting critical components of public safety, such as prosecutors, from these proposed cuts,” General Conway said. There are 57 elected Commonwealth’s Attorneys and 120 elected County Attorneys whose staffs handle all of the criminal prosecutions in the Commonwealth. Prosecutorial employees include assistant prosecutors, victims’ advocates, detectives, and support staff in every county in the state. Once the General Assembly passes a budget, the money allotted to prosecutors is administered by the Prosecutors Advisory Council. The Prosecutors Advisory Council is chaired by the Attorney General and consists of three Commonwealth’s Attorneys, three County Attorneys, and two citizen members, all of whom are appointed by the governor. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Dec 8, 2008 18:48:30 GMT -5
Bunning Announces Over $140,000 for Fogertown Fire DepartmentJim BunningSenator Jim Bunning announced that the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded Kentucky fire departments $1,380,407 in federal funding as part of the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. "This is great news for Kentucky fire departments," said Senator Bunning. "These funds are vital to ensuring that our firefighters in Kentucky have the tools necessary to handle emergencies in the safest and most effective manner possible." This funding will be used for fire operations and vehicle acquisition by a number of departments stretching across the Commonwealth: • Fogertown Fire Department Vehicle Acquisition - $142,500 • Graham Volunteer Fire Department Operations and Safety - $58,211 • Wooton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Vehicle Acquisition - $194,750 • Cunningham Fire Department Vehicle Acquisition - $142,263 • Laurel County Fire Department Operations and Safety - $64,872 • Cloverport Fire Department Operations and Safety - $149,169 • Southeast Casey Volunteer Fire Department Vehicle Acquisition - $237,500 • Butler And Community Volunteer Fire Department Operations and Safety - $192,629 • Brush Creek Volunteer Fire Department Vehicle Acquisition - $185,678 • Providence Fire Department Operations and Safety - $12,835 The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo participates in RAM Free ClinicLt. Governor Daniel MongiardoThis Saturday, Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo joined with other physicians, nurses, dentists and optometrists from across the Commonwealth and country to offer free medical care to some of Kentucky’s most disadvantaged at the RAM (Remote Area Medical) Clinic in Knott County. “As a practicing physician in neighboring Perry County, I see day in and day out the health struggles of those in our rural Kentucky communities. This is not only due to lack of access but the increasing cost of healthcare, which has risen exponentially in recent years,” said Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo. “The RAM Clinic offers an invaluable resource for so many in the region who otherwise would have limited options for both prevention and treatment of illness.” The RAM Clinic is a non-profit organization that offers free medical services to some of the United States’ most underserved communities as well as remote reaches of countries around the globe. Founded in 1985, the program seeks to provide medical attention and assistance as well as the chance to teach technical skills and provide educational resources for areas in need. All medical professionals and those involved with the program work on a strictly voluntary basis in each of the communities served. “As the holiday season approaches so does the spirit of giving. December 6th and 7th marked the second visit of Remote Area Medical to Kentucky this year and one of the first nationwide to have an elected official such as Lieutenant Governor Mongiardo providing services to patients," said Julie Haynes, coordinator for the RAM Clinic in Knott County. “The first Kentucky expedition was in Pike County in June 2008, where more than 600 patients were provided services in a 1 ½ day event. Our Knott County expedition was scheduled on short notice due to a Knoxville clinic cancellation. People drove from miles around to seek the services provided, with dental and vision services attracting the most patients.” 60% of outreach efforts to date have been in rural regions of the United States, with new programs constantly expanding to diversify the locations of communities served. For more information about the RAM program or to become involved, visit: www.ramusa.orgThe preceding press release was from Cincinnati Man Sentenced to 90 months for Trafficking in Drugs Grady Williams, 39, of Cincinnati, Ohio was sentenced to 90 months in prison and ordered to pay a $400 special assessment fee for trafficking and conspiring to traffic in cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. In August of 2008, Williams pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that in September of 2006, an Erlanger Police Officer pulled over Williams and his co-defendant David Spencer. After searching the vehicle, police found 35.584 grams of crack cocaine, 24.456 grams of powder cocaine, and 6.871 grams of a mixture of heroin and cocaine. A jury convicted Spencer for the same offenses last week. Spencer will be sentenced in February. Under federal law, Williams must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Russell Nevill, Resident Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Adminstration, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the DEA. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky
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Post by Press Release on Dec 8, 2008 18:57:33 GMT -5
Containment of spill into Laurel River underwayThe Kentucky Division of Water continues to work with Aisin Automotive Casting LLC in Laurel County to treat and dispose of a lubricant product that was accidentally released Nov. 30 from the plant into the Laurel River. Approximately 1,000 gallons of a mold-release lubricant used in the manufacture of die-cast automotive products was released and entered the river stream. The Kentucky Environmental Response Team was immediately activated to respond to the emergency. The slow-moving 2,000-foot white plume is being treated through aeration and vacuuming. The spill occurred approximately five miles upstream from the raw water intake of the Laurel County Water District #2 near Dorothea. The operators of the Laurel plant and of the Corbin Water Treatment Plant have been notified about the spill. The lubricant is composed primarily of silicones and water. It is not considered a hazardous substance and is responsive to treatment with carbon filters. Samples of the contaminated water are undergoing laboratory analysis at the Division of Environmental Services in Frankfort. No water consumption advisories have been issued. The preceding press release was from McConnell Calls for Taxpayer Protection, Oversight, AccountabilityMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Monday regarding proposed auto legislation: “Congress returns this week at a time of grave concern about the state of our nation’s economy. Americans are worried about the credit markets that serve as the lifeblood of our Main Street economy. They are worried about the broader financial industry. And now they are worried about the possibility of another major convulsion coming from the auto industry — an important source of jobs throughout America, including my own state of Kentucky. “As we consider new legislation this week, we must first ensure that we do no harm to taxpayers later in our efforts to help any one particular industry now. That is why Republicans insist that any proposal aimed at helping the auto industry include a firm commitment on its part to significant and fundamental reform. Troubled automakers cannot expect taxpayer help without a serious commitment to change their ways — permanently. “Any assistance from Congress would hold the auto industry accountable to essential reforms from day one. And it would include enforcement capabilities, including strict, immediate accountability and oversight. Automakers should not expect any new appropriations. And Congress will not draw on funds that have already been designated to stabilize the entire economy in order to help one sector of it. “As Congress works to help stabilize the broader economy we cannot expose the taxpayers to new burdens without the promise of avoiding in the future the same mistakes that created these problems in the first place. This is the principle that should guide all of us in this week’s negotiations. I know it will guide Republicans.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Norwood Woman Sentenced to Prison for Use of a Telephone In Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Tammy Isbel, 32, of Norwood, Ohio was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison and one year of supervised release for use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes by United States District Court Judge David L. Bunning. In August of 2008, Isbel pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that she knowingly and intentionally used a telephone on numerous occasions to make drug deals in which she was purchasing heroin. She admitted that she purchased less than five grams of heroin. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Special Agent in Charge Russ Neville, Drug Enforcement Administration, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony J. Bracke. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky
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Post by Press Release on Dec 9, 2008 20:51:24 GMT -5
Beshear, Mongiardo to take 10 percent pay cut in 2009Other members of senior team also take 10 percent reductionGov. Steve Beshear and Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo today announced that they would each take a 10 percent reduction in pay for calendar year 2009. Several senior members of the Beshear administration – Executive Cabinet Secretary Larry Hayes, Chief of Staff Adam Edelen, Deputy Chief of Staff Vince Gabbert, General Counsel Ellen Hesen and Communications Director Jay Blanton – will also take 10 percent cuts in pay for 2009. “The lieutenant governor and I feel strongly – as the top two elected officials in the state – that we have an obligation to make tough decisions. If we are to cut and reduce state government, the two of us – and our senior team – must signal that we are willing to share in the sacrifices that will and must be made,” Gov. Beshear said. “The two of us believe that we should not ask of others without making some personal sacrifice,” he added. “Today’s announcement reflects our desire to let the people of this commonwealth – and our employees throughout state government – know that we are in this together.” “These are very difficult times in Kentucky and throughout America,” said Lt. Gov. Mongiardo. “All of us have suffered because of an economic downturn that is beyond our control and all of us must sacrifice to ensure that the state we love can emerge from this crisis with sound financial footing and an opportunity to move forward.” Gov. Beshear said he recognizes that the action will not substantially affect the $456.1 million shortfall confronting the state in this fiscal year. Gov. Beshear said he will put forward a proposal to address the shortfall in the next few days after more analysis with his budget team and the chance to discuss options in detail with legislative leadership. Without question, that plan will include additional spending cuts, but might also include a proposal for additional revenue if cuts are so deep that they “threaten to send the state significantly backward in critical areas of basic services,” Gov. Beshear said. Above all, though, the governor said the reduction in pay for 2009 reflects his desire to demonstrate a sense of “shared sacrifice” with employees in state government and families across the commonwealth who are faced with difficult decisions each day and the need to make priorities. “Today’s announcement reflects our desire to let the people of this commonwealth – and our employees throughout state government – know that we are in this together,” Gov. Beshear said. “Together, we will experience pain. Together, we will face what only can be called tough choices. “But, together, we will survive. I am as confident of that today as I have ever been. And by making those tough choices together, we will position our state for better days ahead.” The preceding press release was from Frankfort Man, Woman indicted for Bank RobberyThe United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation jointly announced that Reeta Lerai Dennis, 31, and Becky L. Metcalf, 32, both of Frankfort, Ky. were indicted for bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on November 5, 2008, Dennis, aided and abetted by Metcalf, took approximately $2,300 from the Lawrenceburg National Bank branch in Danville, Ky. The indictment alleges that Dennis took the money by force, violence, and intimidation from the bank teller. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Danville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. A date for the defendants to appear in United States District Court has not yet been set by the Court in Lexington, Ky. If convicted, Dennis and Metcalf each 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 McConnell Renews Call for Taxpayer Protection, Business ReformMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday regarding proposed auto legislation: “The auto industry is vitally important to our nation’s economy and it is vitally important to my home state of Kentucky. This is not in dispute. The question before us is how to reverse the decline of some of these auto manufacturers after decades of complicity between management and labor. “I understand congressional Democrats sent a revised proposal to the White House late last night. We will reserve our judgment until we see the latest text. But the proposal we saw yesterday afternoon fails to achieve our goal of securing the long-term viability of ailing auto companies. “I want to support a bill that revives this industry. But I will not support a bill that revives the patient with taxpayer dollars yet doesn’t secure a commitment that the patient will change its ways so future help isn’t needed. “To do so would be a betrayal of the millions of hardworking taxpayers who are not at fault for the troubles in the auto industry. And it would be unfair to the millions of Americans who depend on these companies. “On the management side, the draft plan released yesterday fails to require the kind of serious reform that will ensure long-term viability for struggling auto companies. By giving the government the option of cancelling government assistance in the event that reforms are not being achieved – rather than requiring it – we open the door to unlimited federal subsidies in the future. “Instead, we should demand that management make the tough choices that are required for long-term viability. This is the only fair approach from the standpoint of the taxpayer, who’s footing the bill. “On the labor side, this bill proposal fails to require any serious reform of legacy costs. Indeed, it states explicitly that one of its purposes is to preserve the same retirement and health care benefits that have made these companies so uncompetitive. It’s delusional to expect a company that spends $71 per labor hour to compete with a company in a neighboring state that spends $49 per labor hour. “In short, this proposal is deeply flawed because it fails to assure taxpayers — who rightly expect us to be good stewards of their hard-earned money — that they will not be asked to shell out billions more a few years or even a few months from now. “There are times when help is needed. But one thing most people expect when they’re asked for help is that the one asking makes a commitment to change. This proposal does not go nearly far enough. It holds neither management nor labor truly accountable. And in areas where one side is held accountable, the other side isn’t. One example is a provision that requires automakers to drop all legal challenges to state fuel economy standards that are inconsistent with the federal standard. “Where is the offer from our friends on the other side to call on environmental groups to drop their lawsuits? Democrats say they want to solve this problem as much as we do. Yet they seem all too eager to tip the scales to the detriment of the manufacturers. There is plenty of blame to go around for the problems that ail the auto industry. But fixing half of a problem is not a real solution. “Any successful proposal would force companies to reform, either inside of bankruptcy or outside of bankruptcy. Without that mandate, there can be no real expectation of reform. “A good proposal would force automakers to get control of their benefit costs. “A good proposal would make wages at struggling companies competitive with other automakers — not tomorrow, but today. “A good proposal would end the practice of paying workers who don’t work. “And a good proposal would rationalize dealer networks. Just as struggling airlines adjust their capacity to respond to market conditions, automakers must respond to market demands as well. “I regret to conclude that this proposal Republicans saw yesterday afternoon does not do enough to fix the whole problem. It subsidizes it. A real solution must protect the taxpayers by forcing the changes needed to put these companies on a path to long term success.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Economic Downturn Sparks Rise in Scam ReportsJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway cautions Kentuckians to be on guard against con artists who prey on job seekers and consumers struggling to pay their mortgages. With the economic downturn, the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division is receiving more scam-related calls from concerned consumers. “Kentuckians struggling to make ends meet can easily fall victim to con artists’ gimmicks. I encourage citizens to be extra vigilant when considering foreclosure help, work-at-home offers and sweepstakes or lotteries. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” General Conway said. Consumers should also be on guard against fraudulent charities this holiday season. “At a time when so many families are struggling, it is more important than ever to support reputable, well- established charities that truly make a difference in our local communities. However, consumers should be mindful that there are irresponsible, even fraudulent charities that abuse the public’s trust and deprive the needy,” cautioned General Conway. The following are important tips for consumers: • Charitable solicitors – Be cautious of sound alike charities and solicitors unable to answer questions. Always ask the solicitor what percentage of your dollar goes to the cause. Ask for written information so that you can research the charity through the Office of the Attorney General at www.ag.ky.gov or the Better Business Bureau before giving. • Sweepstakes and Lotteries – The Attorney General’s Office receives several calls daily regarding foreign lotteries and sweepstakes. Some consumers receive what appears to be a legitimate check to assist them in paying “fees and taxes.” These checks are counterfeit and should NOT be cashed. Additionally, money should NOT be wired to any sweepstakes promoter. It is illegal. • Foreclosure Help – Con artists prey on consumers struggling to pay their mortgages by offering help for a fee. These offers are often found in classified ad sections and tabloids, but can also come by mail or telephone. These offers are often bogus and seldom result in legitimate help. If you are in danger of foreclosure, contact Protect My Kentucky Home at 1-866-830-7868 for assistance. • Work-at-Home Offers – Beware of ads appearing in classified ad sections of the newspaper and tabloids or offers by mail or phone. Applying for jobs online sometimes results in your receiving emails indicating that you can work from home and serve as a money “processor” for an out-of-the-country company, or a “customer service representative.” These offers are bogus and involve processing checks or money orders and wiring money to an unknown source. The checks are counterfeit and you will be held liable for the funds at the bank. • Online Shopping – Only deal with companies that you know and trust. Make sure that you are shopping on a site that offers secure payment processing. Beware of contacts made on some of the popular “for sale” listing sites or auction sites that require you to wire money instead of using a secure payment processor. Be aware if you’re selling an item, you may be contacted by con artists as well. • Gift Cards – If you purchase gift cards for Christmas gifts, research the financial stability of the store and shop with established stores with whom you know and trust. If a store closes, the card is of no value to the recipient. If you have been a victim of a consumer scam or want to check on a company or report suspicious companies, please contact the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-432-9257. The preceding press release was from
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