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Post by Press Release on Apr 22, 2009 21:07:18 GMT -5
Rogers Recognizes the Volunteers who Helped Kentucky Recover from the Ice StormHal RogersRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced today that the House of Representatives has passed a resolution recognizing the thousands of volunteers who helped Kentucky respond and recover from the Ice Storm of January 2009. Cosponsored by the entire Kentucky congressional delegation, H.Res. 214, passed unanimously on April 21, 2009. Rogers made the following remarks in support of these remarkable individuals: “Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the countless number of volunteers who made a difference and helped the Commonwealth of Kentucky recover from the devastating ice storm of January 2009. On January 26, 2009, the Commonwealth of Kentucky suffered a catastrophic ice storm that left more than 700,000 homes and businesses without electricity and tragically claimed the lives of over 30 Kentuckians. This is the worst natural disaster in the history of the Bluegrass State. “Together, state and local municipalities organized relief efforts by coordinating volunteer agencies, faith-based groups and community organizations. This quick action made the difference for the hundreds of thousands that were stranded across the Commonwealth. Total, volunteers hailed from 25 organizations in 15 States, operated 192 shelters for victims, distributed more than 378,160 meals, and provided 7,884 Kentuckians with shelter, food and water. Furthermore, 4,600 members of the Kentucky National Guard were activated and helped the Bluegrass State recover. “I also rise to commend the courage of the citizens of Kentucky and the bravery and kindness demonstrated from the volunteers who took the time to help the Bluegrass state recovery from the destructive ice storm of 2009.” 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. Tree Seedling Orders Available Through April 24State Nurseries to Hold Cooler Sales May 4 - 9The Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) will stop taking orders for spring planting season on April 24. Although orders for shipping will end on Friday, each of the two state nurseries – John P. Rhody Nursery in western Kentucky and the Morgan County Nursery in eastern Kentucky – will hold on-site cooler sales the week of May 4 – 9. The year-end sale will take place at the nurseries where the remaining seedlings are sold directly from the coolers. The division’s nurseries grow over 3 million seedlings annually for sale to public and private landowners across the state. Nearly 2 million seedlings have been sold this year and there are approximately 300,000 still available. Landowners, resource agencies and communities purchase the seedlings for the purpose of establishing timber stands, improving wildlife habitat, restoring streamside riparian zones and planting in residential and urban areas. “Our nurseries have produced high-quality seedlings for over 50 years and we are fortunate to be able to offer native trees for reforestation in our state,” said Leah MacSwords, director of the Division of Forestry. “The seedlings are grown locally from native stock and they are well-adapted to Kentucky’s soil and climate,” she added. For more information about the seedling orders and cooler sales, or for directions to the state nurseries, contact KDF at 1-800-866-0555 or visit the KDF Web site at: www.forestry.ky.govThe preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Governor Beshear announces help for first-time home buyersGovernor Steve BeshearGov. Steve Beshear announced today a special initiative by Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) to offer up to $4,500 for down payment and closing costs for first-time home buyers who obtain a KHC home loan. The program will begin on May 1, 2009 and continue through Nov. 30, 2009. The First Home Advantage Program provides a second mortgage with principal and interest payments deferred until July 1, 2010 for KHC-approved, first-time home buyers. “For many first-time home buyers, the biggest barrier to homeownership is the ability to pay upfront expenses, such as the down payment and closing costs,” said Gov. Beshear. “The innovative First Home Advantage Program will not only help qualified Kentucky home buyers overcome this barrier and realize their dream of owning a home, it will hopefully reinvigorate the housing market help get our economy moving in the right direction.” The First Home Advantage Program offers a 10-year loan that defers payment with a zero percent interest rate until July 1, 2010. After the initial deferment period, the loan will fully amortize over ten years at the rate of 6 percent. If the borrower pays off the loan before July 1, 2010, KHC will forgive $300 of the principal balance. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009, provides first-time home buyers with an $8,000 tax credit. After purchasing their home, home buyers have the opportunity to file for the housing tax credit provided by the stimulus on their 2009 tax returns and use the tax credit for the repayment of the First Home Advantage Program loan to take full advantage of the prepayment incentive. “We want to do everything we can to help Kentucky homeowners purchase their new homes,” said Richard L. McQuady, chief executive officer of KHC. “The First Home Advantage Program allows home buyers to take advantage of every opportunity available to them in these difficult times.” In order for home buyers to qualify for this program, they must obtain a KHC first mortgage through a KHC-approved lender, be a first-time home buyer, meet KHC income and purchase price guidelines, and have a 620 minimum credit score. To learn more about KHC’s homeownership programs, visit their Web site: www.kyhousing.orgThe preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Apr 23, 2009 5:14:33 GMT -5
Decker College students may be eligible for tuition and book refundsStudents who attended Decker College in Kentucky or were Kentucky residents and enrolled at the Indianapolis, Ind., campus of Decker College during the fall 2005 term and have suffered a monetary loss due to the closing of the school and have not yet obtained a refund or had their debt forgiven, may be eligible to a pro-rated refund of their tuition, books and fees. In order to make a claim against the Kentucky State Board for Proprietary Education Student Protection Fund, you must file a claim form with the Kentucky State Board for Proprietary Education either by mail to P.O. Box 1360, Frankfort, KY 40602, or by delivery to 911 Leawood Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601. Claim forms can be downloaded on the Board’s Web site at: finance.ky.gov/bpe/. If you have any questions, call the board’s administrator at 502-564-3296, ext. 237. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Fire Departments can Apply for Federal Funds this SpringCongressman Hal Rogers is encouraging fire departments throughout southern and eastern Kentucky to apply for federal grants through the Grants Management Directorate within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The deadline for submitting application materials is Wednesday, May 20, 2009. “The federal fire grant program provides funding for training and equipment that is critical to protecting our firefighters and the people they serve,” said Rogers. “I want to encourage all of our fire departments to take advantage of this opportunity.” The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program serves rural, urban, and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. Funds are used by the nation’s firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, improve firefighter health and safety programs, and establish or expand fire prevention and safety programs. An application and information about the fire grant program may be obtained by visiting the DHS website at www.firegrantsupport.com. Fire Departments are also welcome to contact Congressman Rogers’ Washington, DC office at 202-225-4601. Rogers works to provide funding for the Firefighters Grant Program in his role as a senior member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Whitley County to break ground for $18.9 million judicial centerThe public is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony for the planned Whitley County Judicial Center on Friday, April 24, at noon EDT. The event will take place at the Merry Jeffries Community Center at 299 S. Second St. in Williamsburg. The judicial center will be constructed at 100 Main St. in Williamsburg. The Kentucky General Assembly authorized the Whitley County project in 2006 and approved its funding in 2008. The total project cost is $18.9 million. The building will be approximately 58,728 square feet and is expected to be completed in 2011. “I am excited to be involved with the Whitley County Judicial Center project, which will bring a modern facility to downtown Williamsburg and benefit generations to come,” Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. said. “The design of the judicial center will help revitalize Williamsburg, improve our ability to effectively process legal matters and offer a high level of security.” New judicial centers often replace older, inadequate facilities, greatly increasing the efficiency of services and public flow. All new judicial centers are equipped with the modern infrastructure to support data, computer, video and networking technology. The facilities also provide the highest level of Kentucky court security through a single-point entry with magnetometers and security personnel. Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr. said that he appreciates the legislators and county officials who have supported this project for Whitley County. “Kentucky citizens generate more than 1 million court cases each year,” Chief Justice Minton said. “Our citizens deserve safe, efficient facilities in which to conduct their business before the courts.” Murphy + Graves architectural firm of Lexington designed the Whitley County Judicial Center. Codell Construction of Winchester is the construction manager for the project and Ross, Sinclaire & Associates, which serves Kentucky and six other states, is the financial agent. Chief Justice Minton and Judge-Executive White will be among the speakers at the ceremony. Other state and local officials expected to attend include judges, attorneys and the Whitley County circuit court clerk. For more information, contact Judge-Executive White at 606-549-6004. Process for Constructing Judicial FacilitiesThe Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts provides oversight and administration of court facilities in accordance with House Bill 734, which was passed by the 2000 General Assembly. As a result of this legislation, the AOC created a process that would fairly and objectively determine facility needs. The AOC’s Facilities Management System has earned the Kentucky Court of Justice a national reputation for being able to identify facilities with the greatest needs for new construction, renovation, expansion and adaptation. Once funding for a judicial center is authorized, the AOC Department of Facilities works with local communities to assemble a Project Development Board. This board ensures that county and court officials have input on all aspects of the project, including decisions on the site, architect and contractor. The PDB consists of the county judge-executive, a fiscal court representative, the chief circuit judge, the circuit court clerk, the AOC director or designee and a Kentucky Bar Association designee. The AOC’s executive officer of the Department of Facilities and AOC legal counsel serve in an advisory capacity. As the administrative and fiscal agent for the Kentucky Court of Justice, the AOC oversees the construction and maintenance of court facilities statewide and supports the activities of 3,800 court system employees, including the elected offices of justices, judges and circuit court clerks. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Apr 23, 2009 16:50:46 GMT -5
Days of RemembranceSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor in honor of those victimized by the Holocaust: “Later this morning, President Obama will speak at a Days of Remembrance ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda — an annual event that was established by Congress as a living memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Throughout the week, Louisville, Lexington, and other communities across Kentucky and the Nation have held events to commemorate this solemn occasion. “As we remember the terrible sufferings of the Jewish people and all others who have suffered and who continue to suffer at the hands of hatred and intolerance, we spread one of the most enduring lessons of the Holocaust: that evil exists in the world, and that it is the responsibility of free and just nations to protect the innocent by speaking up for all those who cannot speak for themselves. “The theme of the 2009 Days of Remembrance is ‘Never Again: What You Do Matters.’ Those words should serve as a reminder to all of us that anti-Semitism and other forms of religious hatred are as real today as they were in the middle of the last century, and that the best way to honor the victims of the Holocaust is for us to work toward building a more hopeful and a more peaceful world.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. STEPHENS INDICTED FOR BANK ROBBERYTimothy M. Morrison, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, announced that JOHN LEE STEPHENS, 44, Louisville, Kentucky, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Indianapolis for one count of armed bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Floyd County Sheriff’s Department, New Albany Police Department, Louisville Metropolitan Police Department, and Indiana State Police. The indictment alleges that on March 25, 2009, while brandishing a firearm, STEPHENS robbed Your Community Bank, located at 701 Highlander Point Drive, Floyds Knobs, Indiana. According to Assistant U. S. Attorney James M. Warden, who is prosecuting the case for the government, STEPHENS faces a maximum possible prison sentence of 25 years and a maximum possible fine of $250,000 for the armed bank robbery and not less than 7 years consecutive to the bank robbery for the count of brandishing a firearm. An initial hearing will be scheduled for before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in New Albany, Indiana. The indictment is an allegation only, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial or by guilty plea. 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 Apr 24, 2009 22:08:19 GMT -5
Conway Announces Indictments Following Election Probe in CovingtonJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Special Prosecutions today announced the indictment of three persons stemming from unlawful campaign practices in the 2008 election for Covington City Commission. Defendants Jerry Bamberger, 66, Steven Megerle, 29, and Craig Johnson, 44, were each indicted today by a Kenton County Grand Jury for one count conspiracy to violate campaign finance restrictions, and one count conspiracy to fail to identify campaign contributors and advertisers. The indictment stems from an effort in late 2008 to support the candidacy of defendant Johnson and defeat the candidacy of opponent Shawn Masters for Covington City Commissioner. The indictment alleges that the three named defendants conspired to create an unlawfully anonymous campaign circular or advertisement advocating the defeat of Masters, while further conspiring to conceal, from the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, their identity as financial contributors toward the effort. Prosecutors from the Attorney General's Office of Special Prosecutions are handling the matter at the request of Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders and pursuant to the Attorney General's independent authority to enforce campaign finance regulations. This matter was investigated by the Office of the Attorney General's Department of Criminal Investigations. Arraignment and further proceedings in this matter are set for April 29, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. in Kenton County District Court. An indictment is an accusation only. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Prison Receives Near Perfect Score in National Re-Accreditation AuditKentucky Correctional Institution for Women (KCIW) received a near perfect score during its re-accreditation process this week with the American Correctional Association (ACA). The prison received a total score of 99.8 percent on their audit, the highest score the institution has ever received. The head of the audit team praised the facility for receiving such a high score and said the team could tell KCIW was a very good institution because of the pride and professionalism demonstrated by staff during the three-day audit. Audit team members also noted there were very few complaints by inmates, which is also a reflection of the quality of the prison and its staff. Commissioner LaDonna Thompson attended the exit interview, the final stage of the audit process where auditors present their findings, and congratulated the KCIW employees. “Managing a female inmate population is difficult, but this institution does an excellent job on a day-to-day basis and not just during the audit period,” said Thompson. “The professionalism and pride of the staff at KCIW is evident and I had no doubt that the institution would do very well during the audit.” KCIW has been accredited since 1983. The prison will receive its re-accreditation award during ACA’s summer conference in Nashville. ACA consists of over 500 national standards that cover security, operational and programming aspects of a prison and require constant monitoring and quality control checks. Each prison is audited by ACA every three years and has an inter-departmental audit (Program Security Review) every year. Kentucky has been a member of ACA since the early 1980s. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Governor Beshear, EQT Launch Big Sandy PipelineEQT Sets Stage for Additional Growth in Eastern KentuckyGovernor Steve BeshearEarlier today, Gov. Steve Beshear joined Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo and State Sen. Johnny Ray Turner in officially opening EQT Corporation’s new Big Sandy natural gas pipeline. EQT’s Big Sandy line, a $150 million investment in Kentucky’s energy future, transports gas nearly 70 miles from the company’s state-of-the-art Langely processing plant in Floyd County to where the gas enters an interstate pipeline for distribution to various markets in the Northeastern United States. EQT Chairman & CEO Murry Gerber and other EQT participants at the ceremony credited Gov. Beshear, Energy and Environment Cabinet Sec Len Peters, members of the General Assembly, local government officials and other Kentucky natural gas producers – as well as their own employees -- for the success of the project. Gov. Beshear cut the ceremonial ribbon. “This is a significant day for any Kentuckian who values energy independence and a strong state economy,” Beshear said. “Innovative companies like EQT are the kind of partners Kentucky needs to reach energy independence by 2025.” With the addition of Big Sandy’s natural gas capacity, an additional 130,000 Dekatherms per day of natural gas will eventually be able to make its way from the eastern Kentucky mountains to northeastern markets. “Big Sandy was a huge undertaking for EQT, but the truth is, we’ve been committed to success in Kentucky for many, many years,” said Murry Gerber, EQT’s chairman and CEO. “Natural gas reserves are the lifeblood of our company’s future, and almost half of our reserves are located in Kentucky.” EQT took on the ambitious 17-month pipeline project in November 2007 when it became clear that the gas from its expanding system of wells – as well as gas from other smaller producers in eastern Kentucky – could otherwise be “shut in” because of lack of pipeline capacity to carry the gas to market. A well is “shut in” when available gas that could be produced cannot be transported to a sales point because of lack of pipeline capacity – and therefore is not drilled or sold. But as a result of EQT’s leadership in technology and financial commitment to this project, natural gas – and the stream of tax revenues it produces – are once again flowing, and growing. EQT, the largest producer of natural gas in Kentucky and the Appalachian Basin, operates more than 5,000 gas wells currently producing natural gas in Kentucky. In 2008 alone, the company invested more than $762 million in natural gas production and transportation in the state. Overall, EQT’s presence in Kentucky had a positive economic impact of roughly $1.7 billion during 2007. In 2008, EQT completed the construction of 254 miles of pipeline and the drilling of more than 230 new wells in the state. The company, widely known as an innovator in the natural gas industry, is the 14th largest producer in the United States, by reserves. In addition to being a major revenue generator in Kentucky, EQT has become known throughout the state in recent years for its increasing support of community and nonprofit organizations and for its concern for the environment. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Apr 25, 2009 6:13:30 GMT -5
New Educational Resources Available for Families of Children with AutismApril is Autism Awareness MonthIn recognition of Autism Awareness Month, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services is working to raise awareness about the complex developmental disability, promoting new resources produced by Kentucky families and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help others better understand and cope with autism. “Many children are affected by autism, which is more effectively managed when identified early,” said Ruth Shepherd, M.D., director of the division of maternal and child health in Department for Public Health. “There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today. That’s why it’s important to get these materials into the hands of the medical community and, ultimately, families in need of autism resources and services.” The CDC created materials to help families learn more about the importance of measuring their child’s social and emotional progress in the first few years of life. “Learn the Signs. Act Early” is a video produced to educate families about early childhood development, including potential early warning signs of autism and other developmental disabilities. It can be accessed at www.cdc.gov/actearly. In Kentucky, a new resource, Kentucky's Family Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders, has been developed and written by family members of individuals with autism spectrum disorders featuring examples from personal experiences. It includes information on what to do when a child is diagnosed and other helpful resources. A free copy is available for health care providers at the Kentucky Autism Training Center’s (KATC) Web site: louisville.edu/education/kyautismtrainingAutism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" meaning that it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. The CDC estimates the prevalence of autism has risen to 1 in every 150 children. For more information on autism and various resources across the state, contact the following agencies: • First Steps, the Kentucky Department for Public Health, Lynn Butler, (502) 564-3756. • The Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities, Department for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addiction Services, (502) 564-7841. • The Kelly Autism Program, Bowling Green, Director Marty Bowman, (270) 745-4527. • Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky, Director Harold Kleinhart, (859) 257-3045. • Kentucky Autism Training Center, College of Education and Human Development, University of Louisville, Interim Director Rebecca Grau, (502) 852-7799. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Rogers Announces New Improvements at Kentucky National Guard FacilityHal RogersRepresentative Harold “Hal” Rogers announced the Department of Defense is improving a Kentucky National Guard facility in London with a total project award of $20,000. The project includes the installation of oil heaters. “Maintaining our military facilities is vital to our homeland security,” said Rogers. “I am pleased that the field maintenance center in London will be receiving an upgrade in order to better maintain the facility. The Kentucky National Guard is a tremendous asset to our region and these upgrades will go a long way to improving their day to day operations.” The field maintenance facility is receiving $20,000 for the installation of oil heaters. The project funding comes from the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization Program which ensures that the DOD’s facilities are kept in good working order. 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. Attorney General To Host Victims' Rights Day Rally In Capitol RotundaJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway today announced that his office will be hosting the 18th annual Kentucky Crime Victims’ Rights Day Rally in the Capitol Rotunda on April 28 at 1 p.m. The rally is part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and this year’s theme is "25 Years of Rebuilding Lives: Celebrating the Victims of Crime Act." The Victims of Crime Act was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 and provided national statutory rights to victims of crime along with funds to expand and enhance director services to victims of crime. The Victims of Crime Act has since been amended to place special emphasis on the victims of Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault and underserved victim populations. Featured speakers at the event will include General Conway and Mildred Muhammad. Muhammad is a domestic violence survivor, author and anti-violence activist. She is the ex-wife of John Muhammad, more notoriously known as the "D.C. Sniper." She endured years of physical and mental abuse during her marriage to him that culminated in multiple death threats. Muhammad and her three children fled their home in the state of Washington for a new life in Maryland. It was at this time that the entire country became aware of the actions of John Muhammad as he stalked his former wife across the United States, randomly shooting and killing innocent citizens and terrorizing a nation. The first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was in 1981. Since then, the field of victims’ rights and services has contributed to many accomplishments that enhance individual and community safety. Today, there are more than 10,000 justice system and community-based programs that inform and educate victims about their rights, and provide supportive services to help them cope with the physical, emotional, financial and spiritual impact of crime. More than 32,000 laws have been passed at the state and federal levels that define and protect victims’ rights, including the Kentucky Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights (KRS 421.500-421.575). "I hope that people will take time to remember Kentucky families who have been the victims of violent crimes," General Conway said. "I work each and every day to make sure those victims have a voice and that the victims have an opportunity to be victors." Advocates, victims, families of victims, law-enforcement officers, prosecutors and volunteers will attend the rally. It is open to the public. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Releasing Guantanamo Detainees Into the U.S. Will Not Make America SaferMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding reports of potential release of Uighur detainees now held in Guantanamo into the United States: "The question remains, as it does with all detainees held at Guantanamo: does their release make America safer? Surely the administration will not release these terrorist-trained detainees onto the streets of a U.S. community before providing to Congress the legal rationale for doing so, and a guarantee of safety for American citizens. "Can the administration assure the American people that releasing men trained in terrorist training camps into American society poses no danger to our citizens? To date, they have not done so. There’s a reason U.S. law prohibits the entry of anyone trained in a terrorist camp. Why that law would be ignored to bring terrorist-trained detainees into American cities has not been answered by this administration." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Big Sandy Inmate Sentenced 26 Years for Murder A former inmate at U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy was sentenced to 26 years for the murder of another inmate. U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove imposed the sentence and also ordered the defendant to pay restitution in the amount of approximately $6,000. Terrell Johnson, 33, of Omaha, Neb. killed an inmate with a prison-made weapon in October of 2006. Johnson stabbed Calvin Speight in the neck with the weapon. This was the first homicide in the history of the Big Sandy Penitentiary which opened in 2003. Johnson pleaded guilty to the charge of second degree murder in August of 2008. Johnson was serving a sentence at Big Sandy for armed bank robbery in Nebraska. He will serve the remaining four years of his robbery sentence and the ensuing 26 years at another Bureau of Prisons facility (BOP). Johnson’s prison term began at a different BOP facility in 2000. “I think the sentence imposed by the court today sends a loud message that any type of violence in any of our maximum security facilities will not be tolerated, especially murder,” said Assistant United States Attorney Robert Duncan Jr. United States Attorney James A. Zerhusen, J. C. Zurcher, Warden, USP Big Sandy, and Timothy D. Cox, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by the USP Big Sandy Special Investigative Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Three Plead Guilty to Participating in Conspiracy to Receive Fraudulent VA Disability BenefitsJames Darrell Grimes, age 61, of Scottsville, Kentucky, and Joe Davis Snooks, Jr., age 61, of Roundhill, Kentucky, pled guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States of money and bribing a public official, and Randell Lee Adkins, age 62, of Logan, West Virginia, pled guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States of money, Acting U.S. Attorney Candace G. Hill of the Western District of Kentucky announced today. Grimes, Snooks, and Adkins admitted that between November 2003 and November 2008, they participated in a conspiracy to defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through the submission of fraudulent military related disability claims. Grimes, Snooks and Adkins all admitted that they conspired with co-defendants Daniel Ryan Parker, a former National Service Office Supervisor for the Disabled American Veterans Service Organization (DAV), and Jeffrey Allan McGill, a former Veteran Service Representative with the VA regional office in Louisville, to submit fraudulent claims for military related disabilities, and to have Parker and McGill falsify documents to ensure that those claims were approved. Specifically, Grimes falsely claimed to suffer from lung cancer and malignant brain metastastis, while Snooks and Adkins falsely claimed to suffer from hearing loss and tinnitus. Grimes and Snooks further admitted that they paid McGill bribes to ensure that their fraudulent claims were approved. The loss associated with Grimes, Snooks, and Adkins is over $235,000. Grimes, Snooks and Adkins are among fourteen defendants named in a November 2008 indictment. Co-defendants Susan Diane Smith, of Hurricane, West Virginia, and Guy Allen Condon, of Mount Prospect, Illinois, have already plead guilty. The remaining defendants, including Parker and McGill, are scheduled for trial beginning September 22, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky. The maximum potential penalties for Grimes and Snooks are 20 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and supervised release for a period of 3 years; and for Adkins 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release for a period of 3 years. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Weiser, and it was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The pleas were entered before Jennifer B. Coffman, Judge, United States District Court, Louisville, Kentucky. Grimes, Snooks and Adkins are scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Coffman on October 19, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., in Louisville, Kentucky. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky office of the FBI.
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Post by Press Release on Apr 25, 2009 6:22:52 GMT -5
Former Pineville Mayor Pleads Guilty to Vote Buying ConspiracyRobert L. “Bob” Madon, of Pineville, Ky. pleaded guilty today to a conspiracy to buy votes that helped him win the 2006 mayoral election in Pineville. During his guilty plea, Madon admitted he conspired with his son, Brent Madon, to pay cash to Pineville residents to cast absentee votes. Bob Madon also admitted he gave Brent Madon money to pay voters who were willing to sell their vote. In the 2006 mayoral election, Bob Madon received 250 absentee votes while his opponent only received 55. According to the plea agreement, in early November of 2007, Brent Madon paid four or five Pineville residents between $10 and $20 to cast an absentee vote for his father. He also drove them to the courthouse and instructed them on exactly what to say to the clerk to obtain an absentee ballot. The plea agreement also stated that a Pineville police officer overheard Brent’s instructions to a Pineville resident. Brent Madon alerted his father of this matter and Bob Madon met the female at her residence and paid her $50.00 for gas money to leave the county on election day. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Timothy D. Cox, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today after Bob Madon entered his guilty plea. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick H. Molloy and J. Thompson. Brent Madon is currently scheduled to appear for sentencing before United States District Court Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove in London, Ky. on August 12, 2009 and Bob Madon will be sentenced the following day. Both face a maximum sentence of five years in prison. However, any sentence following a 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 Kentucky office of the FBI. 2009 SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURIAL FORUM SERIES KICKS OFF IN BARBOURVILLEFree conference designed to help businesses & entrepreneurs withinThe Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is partnering with several organizations across the Commonwealth to kick off the 2009 Small Business & Entrepreneurial Connections Forum Series. The first event will be held Thursday, April 30, in Barbourville within the Cumberland Valley Area Development District. The free conference will provide an opportunity to learn about federal, state, and local resource organizations that provide financing, marketing, and other services to help small businesses grow. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of entrepreneurs that currently operate small businesses throughout the region. The April 30 small business conference will be held in Union College’s Frances Patridge Campus Center Building located at 310 College Street in Barbourville. The forum will run from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET, and include a free lunch sponsored by the Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation. Optional one-on-one business funding consultations with representatives from the Cabinet for Economic Development, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Capital Access Corporation, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation and the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) will be available from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET for attendees to discuss specific funding opportunities. “Regional entrepreneurs shouldn’t miss this chance to learn about a wealth of small business resources available to them from the local, regional and state levels,” said John E. Cole III, director of the Cabinet for Economic Development’s Small Business Services Division. “Whether you’re currently in business, or thinking about starting a business, this forum is a perfect opportunity to gain additional information about programs that can help you in today’s tough business environment.” The Cabinet will present information on services provided by the Small and Minority Business Branch, the Procurement Assistance Program, the International Trade Division, and the Commission on Small Business Advocacy. In conjunction with the forum, the SBA District Office will also convene a Lender Workshop from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ET in the Edward H. Black Technology Center, adjacent to the Patridge Campus Center Building. The workshop is open to any banking institution within the Cumberland Valley Area Development District and will cover the different Economic Recovery changes to SBA programs, as well as discuss which programs may best suit the bank and its customers. Other organizations providing information on available programs include the Southeast Kentucky Small Business Development Center, the Eastern Kentucky University Innovation and Commercialization Center, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Capital Access Corporation, MACED, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Rural Development. Attendees can register for this free forum by contacting Darlene Barber with the Cabinet for Economic Development’s Small Business Services Division at (800) 626-2250. The Barbourville Small Business & Entrepreneurial Connections Forum is a joint effort of Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, Union College, the Southeast Kentucky Small Business Development Center, the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency in Kentucky responsible for creating new jobs and new investment in the state. New business investment in Kentucky in 2008 totaled over $1.8 billion with the creation of more than 11,500 new jobs. Information on available development sites, workforce training, incentive programs, community profiles, small business development and other resources is available at: www.ThinkKentucky.comThe preceding press release was from kentucky.gov London Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute 30 Pounds of Methamphetamine The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) jointly announced today that Teresa Donnell, 22, of London, Ky. admitted in federal court today that she conspired to distribute 30 pounds of methamphetamine. Donnell pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The investigation was conducted by DEA. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory A. Ousley. Donnell is currently scheduled to appear for sentencing before United States District Court Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove in London on August 27, at 2:30 p.m. The maximum statutory punishment for this offense is for not less than 10 years and not more than life in prison. Donnell could also receive a fine of up to $4 million. 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 Apr 26, 2009 7:22:17 GMT -5
Drilling of test well to research carbon dioxide storage is underwayFifteen months after project planning began, drilling has started in Hancock County, Ky., for a test well to research the permanent storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) deep underground in western Kentucky. The 8,300-foot well will help determine the feasibility of injecting CO2 into geologic formations to help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The project is the result of a joint effort between Kentucky state government agencies, the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS), and a consortium of public and private participants. “This project and the partnership formed to plan it will help us develop and deploy technologies that allow us to use our abundant coal resources, while reducing overall carbon dioxide emissions,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “Research to help us safely and permanently store carbon dioxide in the deep geology of Kentucky is one of the most important steps toward reaching our goals of becoming more energy secure, protecting the health of our citizens and the environment, and revitalizing Kentucky’s economy.” This project was made possible by a $5 million grant awarded to the geological survey from the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence as a result of appropriations from the Kentucky General Assembly. A portion of this grant is used for the west Kentucky project, with substantial matching funds provided by industry partners. The KGS recruited corporate partners who have contributed the majority of the funding and services crucial to completing the project. NorAm Drilling Inc. of Houston, Texas, has been selected to drill the well, a task that is expected to take 45 to 60 days. To protect shallow groundwater and oil and gas resources of the drilling site, the upper 3,800 feet of the well will be lined with steel casing. “We’re pleased to move forward into the testing phase of this study, which will lay the foundation to assess Kentucky’s geological makeup for long-term storage,” said Dianna Tickner, chair of the Western Kentucky Carbon Storage Foundation and Peabody’s vice president of Generation and Btu Development. “This is a great example of the progress we can achieve to advance carbon study through public-private partnerships." Project plans call for drilling through the Knox and Mount Simon formations to test their potential to permanently store CO2. Studies have indicated these formations may have characteristics needed for such storage. The well will penetrate Precambrian basement rocks at its total depth. Samples of geologic formations will be taken for testing and analysis, and up to 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide will be injected into deep formations to further the understanding of the feasibility of commercial CO2 storage. State grant funding will also be used for a similar deep carbon dioxide storage test in eastern Kentucky and enhanced oil/enhanced gas recovery projects. Progress reports on all of these projects are available at the Web site of the Kentucky Consortium for Carbon Storage: www.kyccs.orgThe preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Barbourville Man Sentenced to 10 Years and Lifetime Supervision for Child PornographyThe United States Attorney’s Office, The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Kentucky State Police (KSP) jointly announced today that 23-yearold Ricky Gray of Barbourville, Ky. was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for the transportation of child pornography. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove. In January of 2009, Gray pleaded guilty to the charge and admitted that he uploaded more than 600 images of child pornography to his Yahoo account. Gray also admitted that he knew the images depicted children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. During the investigation, KSP and the FBI identified the images and tracked down Gray at his home in Barbourville even though Gray’s Yahoo account was password protected and otherwise unavailable to the public. As part of the lifetime supervision, Gray must register as a sex offender, not use a computer or camera without supervision, and not live or work near children. The investigation was conducted by the Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States was represented by the London Branch Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky $15 million in stimulus funds for Kentucky Summer Youth Employment ProgramARRA dollars to provide employment and training programsGov. Steve Beshear today announced that over $15 million will be distributed to the Commonwealth’s 10 local workforce investment boards. The funds, provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will be used to conduct the Kentucky Summer Youth Employment Program and provide other training opportunities to approximately 6,000 at-risk youth and young adults across the state. “These funds make it possible to give our young people the valuable work experience they need while simultaneously assisting our employers who need but can’t afford to hire summer workers,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is especially important to the economic stimulus of our local communities.” The program will offer paid work experience and work-readiness education via the summer 2009 program running from May 1 through September 30. It is available to low-income youth ages 14 to 24 who have one or more of the following barriers: deficient in basic literacy skills; school dropout; homeless, runaway or foster child; pregnant or parenting; offender; or an individual (including a youth with a disability) who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment. Employers can partner with local workforce investment boards to provide opportunities for youth in their communities and at the same time receive a short-term employee at no cost to the employer. Employment sites can be in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Youth are usually paid minimum wage for a specified workday/workweek. Worksites are coordinated throughout the commonwealth by local workforce investment boards as designated under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Work experiences are structured to impart measurable communication, interpersonal, decision-making and learning skills in the workplace. Efforts are made to match worksites with the interests and goals of participating youth. Local youth leads can provide details on participant eligibility for both youth and employers. Employers can find local contact information about Kentucky’s Summer Youth Employment Program at: www.oet.ky.gov/des/documents/YouthLeadMap.pdfFor general information on programs and services, please call 502-564-7456. These stimulus funds are administered through the Office of Employment and Training in Kentucky’s Education and Workforce Development Cabinet and are awarded to local workforce investment areas. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Apr 27, 2009 16:40:29 GMT -5
Accidental Shooting Investigation in Wayne CountyOn Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 2:55 PM the Kentucky State Police, Post 11, in London was notified of the accidental shooting of an OFF DUTY Kentucky State Police Officer in Wayne County. Trooper Jeremy Johnson, who is assigned to the Kentucky State Police Post in Columbia, was turkey hunting with a friend, Mike Garner, on a farm in Wayne County when the incident occurred. KSP Post 11 Detective Doug Boyd has determined that as the two men were hunting a turkey took flight traveling between them. Garner fired at the turkey and accidentally hit Johnson. Garner and Johnson drove to the Wayne County Hospital where Johnson was treated and released. Garner and Johnson then drove to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY where Johnson is being treated and is listed in good condition. No charges are expected to be filed. Detective Boyd, of KSP Post 11 in London, is continuing the investigation and was assisted by officers from the Kentucky State Police. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Clay, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. UK Creates Consortium to Reduce Coal Carbon Dioxide EmissionsThe University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) has created a consortium with government agencies, electric utilities and their research organizations to seek cost-effective technologies to reduce and manage carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. It is anticipated that Kentucky state government and the industrial partners will provide $24 million over 10 years to support the research. At a news conference today, accompanied by representatives from the industrial partners, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and UK Pres. Lee T. Todd Jr. announced the consortium, which builds on ongoing carbon management research at CAER initiated by E.ON US in 2006. The consortium is designed to split the cost of research into large-scale carbon dioxide capture systems, which often has shown itself to be too expensive and high risk for a single utility or government agency to undertake. By teaming the state, UK, several electricity-generating companies and the utilities’ national research organization, the consortium will share the costs and risks over the 10-year life of the project. The founding industry members of the consortium are E.ON US, Duke Energy, Kentucky Power Co., East Kentucky Power Cooperative and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Each member will contribute $200,000 a year to the consortium. The Kentucky Department of Energy Development and Independence has shown its support with a one-to-one match up to $1 million annually, as approved by the Kentucky General Assembly in the 2008 budget. Kentucky House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins (D-Sandy Hook) said, “I am proud to have sponsored legislation that addresses carbon capture research and creates this new consortium. Kentucky, as a major coal producing state, must stay in the forefront of energy issues and develop technologies to reduce carbon emissions. This collaboration will help us do that by continuing the work of the CAER on an even larger scale." State Energy Sec. Len Peters explained the reason for the state’s support. “To achieve our goal of being a national energy leader, Kentucky must address carbon dioxide emissions from our coal-based electric generating units. With effective carbon management, we can utilize our abundant natural resources in an environmentally sound manner. Partnerships such as this further the Governor’s comprehensive energy plan, which aims to reduce Kentucky’s overall carbon dioxide emissions 40 percent by 2025.” “Most experts agree that carbon limitations will be imposed on fossil fuel-burning power plants in the future. Teaming with the state program will benefit the partner utilities in their response to a carbon-constrained world,” said Rodney Andrews, director of CAER. The consortium will pursue three major carbon management research projects: • Post-combustion carbon dioxide capture, using a pilot plant at CAER that was funded by E.ON US; • Large-scale carbon dioxide capture, in a portable unit to be constructed and operated at the power plants of consortium industry members; and • Development of a new combustion technology process for solid fuels like coal and biomass that could provide a more efficient power production technology for next-generation power plants. Gov. Beshear enthusiastically embraced the consortium concept. “Given the unique challenges Kentucky faces in a carbon-constrained world, our state will have to make a concerted effort to control emissions of carbon dioxide, while recognizing that coal is a vital part of our energy mix. This partnership between our utilities and CAER provides a way to efficiently mobilize our limited resources,” Beshear said. Executives from the utilities voiced their general consensus: “The environmental landscape of the electric utility industry faces unprecedented change that will require a multi-faceted approach to address current and future energy challenges,” said Victor A. Staffieri, chairman, CEO and president of E.ON U.S. “Meeting these challenges requires a collective effort, such as the one put forth by the formation of this consortium. E.ON U.S. brings a strong global set of expertise to this partnership, which will build on the work we helped start in 2006 with CAER.” Julie Janson, president of Duke Energy Kentucky agreed. “The business of energy is complex and constantly evolving. That’s why Duke Energy is pleased to join forces with one of the Commonwealth’s leading research institutions, progressive government officials, and fellow energy providers to research technologies that are affordable and good for the environment.” John Twitchell, senior vice president of generating and transmission operations of East Kentucky Power Cooperative added, "EKPC is dedicated to providing energy to its members that is cleaner and better for our environment. Supporting carbon capture research not only has the potential to significantly benefit our environment, it can benefit Kentucky by continuing to utilize our abundant coal supply. It’s Kentucky's energy and Kentucky's future." “Kentucky Power and our parent, American Electric Power, are committed to the continued use of coal as a low cost, reliable and readily available source of fuel for our generation fleet. We fully understand the environment in which we operate, however, and realize we must develop the technologies and systems to use coal more effectively in a carbon-constrained world. Through partnerships such as CAER and the development of internal systems like AEP’s carbon sequestration project at our Mountaineer Plant in West Virginia, Kentucky Power hopes to be on the forefront of carbon capture research that will enable us to sustain the use of coal for the benefit of our customers, the Commonwealth and nation,” said Tim Mosher, president and chief operating officer of Kentucky Power Co. Rosa Yang, vice president, Office of Innovation at EPRI, the national research arm of the utilities, said, "The challenge of reducing climate change gas emissions from the electricity generation sector requires the skills and creativity of a wide range of scientists and engineers -- those in academia, private research organizations, industrial process suppliers, and the power industry. Further, given the magnitude of this challenge, it is essential for government and industry to pool their resources. The CAER collaboration is an excellent example of such collaboration and a role model for other partnerships that EPRI intends to create or join." The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Apr 27, 2009 16:52:27 GMT -5
Stivers named to task force to assist former inmatesRobert StiversState Senator Robert Stivers has been named by Gov. Steve Beshear to a task force established to develop recommendations to help former inmates re-enter their communities and reduce the likelihood that they will reoffend. The Governor’s Re-entry Task Force will research best practices in innovative drug treatment; causes of recidivism; and methods to improve education and vocational training while incarcerated. Gov. Beshear said the goal is to reduce recidivism by 50 percent over a five-year period. “We must break the cycle that keeps former inmates coming back into the correctional system, by identifying and addressing the challenges they face when they eventually re-enter society so they can find a job, pay taxes and care for their families,” Gov. Beshear said. Gov. Beshear noted that all but a small number of inmates will eventually be released from prison. Over the course of the next year, the Kentucky Department of Corrections (DOC) estimates that nearly 15,000 inmates will be released in some capacity. “Simply put, without treatment and rehabilitation for the causes that landed them in prison in the first place, there is a higher probability that they will re-offend,” Beshear said. The Commonwealth’s overall recidivism rate – defined as inmates returning within 24 months of their release – stands at 35 percent. However, the majority are technical violators – inmates returned to prison for violating conditions of their probation or parole, not for a new felony charge. Less than 9 percent of those released are returned to prison for a new felony offense. Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Sec. J. Michael Brown said even though the bulk of former inmates who return to prison have not committed a new felony, the revolving door creates a tremendous strain on the criminal justice system. Better preparing inmates to re-enter their communities has critical public safety, fiscal and social impacts, he said. “Not only is this an essential first step in our goal of curbing prison population and reigning in costs, but we can deter individuals from going deeper into the criminal justice system and becoming career criminals,” Sec. Brown said. The creation of the task force also puts Kentucky in the running for federal grants funded under the Second Chance Act, for drug treatment, job training and educational programs, Beshear said. Kentucky has already been recognized for its efforts to improve offender re-entry. The governor noted that the Dept. of Corrections was recently selected in a competitive bid to take part in training by the U.S. Dept. of Justice Bureau on Community Safety through Successful Offender Re-entry. Representatives of the DOC and Kentucky Parole Board will take part in the training, to be held in May in Washington. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov KENTUCKY PROUD TAKES THE LEAD AT 2009 DERBY BREAKFAST MAY 2Visitors to the 2009 Kentucky Derby Breakfast on May 2 can enjoy Kentucky Proud foods – and take some home with them. Kentucky Proud vendors will offer sauces, sweets, cheeses, herbs, mushrooms and other products for sale during the annual event at the state Capitol. A farmers’ market also is scheduled to be offered. “The Kentucky Derby Breakfast attracts visitors from all over the state to celebrate ‘the greatest two minutes in sports’ and enjoy a hearty breakfast on our beautiful Capitol grounds,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “I invite all Kentuckians to attend the Derby Breakfast, and while you’re here, visit the Kentucky Proud vendors and the farmers’ market. When you buy Kentucky Proud, you’re buying food you can serve your families with confidence while helping Kentucky producers make a living.” The Derby Breakfast will include Kentucky Proud items such as Penn’s Country Ham, Purnell’s Sausage and assorted muffins made with Weisenberger Mill flour. Kentucky Department of Parks employees also will serve boneless fried chicken breast, juice, coffee and water. Cost is $1 for each item except coffee and water. Visitors to the Derby Breakfast also can experience a hot air balloon ride (weather permitting), enjoy live entertainment, see and purchase Kentucky arts and crafts, tour the Capitol, and take part in children’s activities. The Derby Breakfast is 8 a.m.-noon EDT. Admission is free, and the public is invited. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
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Post by Press Release on Apr 28, 2009 15:52:14 GMT -5
Weekend Wildfires Have Forestry Officials ConcernedWildfires Burn Over 5,200 Acres StatewideThe Kentucky Division of Forestry and many local fire department firefighters battled more than 100 fires over the weekend. Increased fire activity is expected to continue today as low humidity, low fuel moisture and windy conditions persist. The extreme fire conditions have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning today. “The last few days have been the busiest time for fighting forest fires since spring fire hazard season began this year,” said Leah MacSwords, director of the Division of Forestry. “While others were out enjoying the beautiful weather, division firefighters and countless local fire department firefighters were battling these fires and protecting Kentucky’s forests, homes and communities.” The warmer weather was certainly a contributing factor in the number of fires that occurred. When temperatures rise and the humidity is low, conditions are ripe for forest fires. The weekend’s warm temperatures also prompted people to spend time in the outdoors, which usually means increased fire activity. Because most of the fires were caused by careless debris burning and arson, the division is urging citizens to choose an alternate disposal method to burning and to report any information about arson to the division or a local law enforcement agency. The division is also reminding citizens that during fire season, which ends April 30, it is illegal to burn any flammable material in or within 150 feet of any woodlands or brushlands except between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Other outdoor burning laws to consider include open burning regulations and legal disposal methods. Contact the Division for Air Quality at 1-888-BURN-LAW and the Division of Waste Management at 1-888-NO-DUMPS for more information. For information about fire hazard seasons and safe burning practices, contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at 1-800-866-0555 or visit the division’s Web site at: www.forestry.ky.govThe preceding press release was from kentucky.gov America’s Foreign Policy Challenges Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Monday regarding recent administration decisions on foreign policy: “America faces many serious challenges not only at home but abroad. I was reminded of that fact in a vivid way during my own recent trip to Iraq and to the broader Middle East, and I was reminded of it as I followed with great interest the President’s recent trips to Europe and South America, as well as some of his recent decisions relating to the shape and spirit of U.S. foreign policy. “What these trips and decisions have shown many of us is that, looking forward, we would do well to reaffirm some basic foreign policy principles that have served America well in the past; namely, that our security and prosperity rely on a strong national defense, both militarily and with regard to the gathering of intelligence, and that America must honor its commitments to allies and alliances. “This afternoon, I’d like to take a few moments to explain why these principles are so important, and I would also like to outline a few of the areas where I agree and where I respectfully disagree with the foreign policy decisions the new Administration has made. “I’ll begin with the praise. In my view, the President admirably followed the principle of maintaining and employing a strong defense when he accepted the advice of his military commanders to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq based on conditions on the ground, not political calculations. He followed this principle again by pursuing in Afghanistan the same counterinsurgency strategy that has worked in Iraq. The Administration deserves credit for both decisions, and I haven’t been hesitant in giving it that credit. The next step, of course, is to keep our forces ready. And in order to do so, the Senate must pass the Administration’s supplemental spending request to train and equip the Armed Services. This is a spending request that I will support. “Unfortunately, the Administration erred when it selectively declassified a number of the so-called CIA interrogation memos almost in their entirety. The choice on this issue was clear: defend career intelligence professionals, or reveal to Al Qaeda terrorists the interrogation methods they can expect to face if captured. The Administration chose the latter. This was a mistake. And it would also be a mistake for the Administration to pursue or condone the kind of protracted investigation that some have proposed into intelligence gathering efforts after the 9/11 attacks. “Some of the President’s own advisors have warned that such an investigation would only serve to demoralize the intelligence community and therefore weaken its ability to protect the American people. Moreover, the President himself has repeatedly said that America must use all the tools in its arsenal in addressing the problems we face, including, presumably, the ongoing threat of Islamist terrorism. Weakening our tools of intelligence through an investigation of the intelligence community and other key decision makers would, by definition, make that pledge impossible to fulfill. It would also serve to divide us, I fear, at a time when we must continue to present a united and determined front to our enemies. “In my view, the Commander in Chief has an obligation to unify the country while we are at war and at risk. Looked at in this context, attacking each other on these issues is not only counterproductive, it’s dangerous. It’s important to remember that we are still very much engaged in a global fight against terror. And as long as that fight continues, a strong, ready, defense will require our strong support for an intelligence community that is uniquely equipped to deal with many of the problems that arise in this fight. At a time like this, hampering the vital work of our nation’s intelligence professionals is exactly the wrong thing to do. “I have already openly and repeatedly expressed my disagreement with the Administration’s approach on Guantanamo. Americans want to know why we’re preparing to transfer prisoners who were involved in the 9/11 attacks either to facilities that are outside our control or into the United States. They want assurances that the next detention facility, or the country to which they are transferred, keeps them as safe as Guantanamo has. “So far, the Administration hasn’t been able to provide those assurances. Its only assurance is that Guantanamo will close sometime within the next nine months. To achieve that goal, the Administration has asked Congress for $80 million in the upcoming supplemental war funding bill. In my view, Congress would be shirking its duties if it were to approve these funds one second before we know exactly what the Administration plans to do with these terrorists. “News reports over the weekend suggest that the Administration is close to announcing the release of a number of detainees into the U.S. — not to detention facilities, but directly into communities and neighborhoods right here on U.S soil. Virtually every member of the Senate is on record opposing the transfer of detainees to United States soil — even if it only meant incarcerating them in some of the nation’s most secure prisons. Until these new reports emerged, no one had ever even contemplated the possibility of actually releasing trained terrorists into American communities. “If the Administration actually follows through on this shocking proposal, it will have clearly answered the question of whether its plan for the inmates at Guantanamo will keep America as safe as Guantanamo has. By releasing trained terrorists into civilian communities in the United States, the Administration will, by definition, endanger the American people. Moreover, by releasing trained terrorists into the United States, the Administration may run afoul of U.S. law, which prohibits admission to the United States of anyone who has trained for, engaged in, or espoused terrorism. Before any decision is made that will affect the safety of American communities, the Attorney General needs to explain how his decision will make America safer, and whether this decision complies with U.S. law. “I also disagree with the Administration’s recent pledge to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, a treaty that we have voluntarily abided by for years. Before the President rushes to fulfill this goal, America needs assurance that our nuclear stockpile is both reliable and safe. As our nuclear stockpile ages, this assurance becomes increasingly important. “There are only two ways to ensure the safety of our nuclear stockpile: through actual tests, or by investing in a new generation of warheads. At the moment, the Administration isn’t willing to do either. And when it comes to deterrence, this represents a serious dilemma. As Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said: ‘… there is absolutely no way we can maintain a credible deterrent and reduce the number of weapons in our stockpile without resorting [either] to testing our stockpile or pursuing a modernization program.’ “As we seek to keep our defenses strong, we must also be careful to keep our commitments to our allies and friends, particularly in the Middle East and in NATO. After all, what good is an alliance if one of its members can’t be trusted to uphold its end of the bargain? If America can’t be expected to keep its word, we can’t expect others to keep theirs. “Our NATO allies need to know that we will not walk away from missile defense or rush to reduce our own nuclear stockpile in the misguided hope of securing a promise of cooperation from Russia with respect to Iran. “The notion that the key to containing Iran lies with Russian cooperation is not new. But it has repeatedly proven to be futile. The previous administration pursued the path of cooperation in the form of the Nuclear Cooperation 123 Agreement, and Russia did not end arms sales to Iran as a result. We should learn from our mistakes, not repeat them. And this means that as we engage the Russians, we must always do so as realists. The newer members of the NATO alliance must know that the United States will not help Russia carve out a new sphere of influence in the 21st century to match the one that it had in the second half of the 20th century. “The Administration should be equally realistic in its dealings with Iran. It must make perfectly clear that the pursuit of a nuclear weapons program is unacceptable. And this means explaining to our friends and to our foes that pursuit of such a program will have consequences. Israel and a number of moderate Arab regimes have all risked a great deal in confronting Islamic extremism. We need to assure every one of them that the Administration’s negotiations with Iran will lead to real results. “The challenges we face abroad will require much patience and endurance, just as they always have. And efforts to improve our image abroad are a part of that. But we shouldn’t overvalue the power of personal diplomacy in overcoming problems that have been with us for many years. “We saw this recently with Iran. In response to the Administration’s offer of a new era of engagement that is honest, and grounded in mutual respect, Iran convicted an American journalist to eight years in jail after a secret trial and accused the United States in an international forum of conspiring to create Israel, quote, on the “pretext of Jewish sufferings.” The Administration offered respect, and Iran responded with contempt. Iran continues to fund terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and there is little evidence that any incentive could keep the Supreme Leader of Iran, Khamenei, from pursuing a nuclear weapon. Iran must be deterred. “Then there’s Cuba. In response to the Administration’s proposal for a “fresh start” in our relations with Communist Cuba, Fidel Castro said the new Administration had confused his brother Raul’s reaffirmation of the Cuban Revolution and its principles for an openness to discussing democratic reform. As far as ‘fresh starts’ go, this was not particularly encouraging to me. Nor was it likely to encourage the 11 million Cuban citizens who continue to be denied any basic human rights, the thousands of Cubans who, according to the State Department, are forced to serve jail sentences without having even been charged for a specific crime, or human rights advocates there who face arbitrary arrest, detention, and the denial of a fair trial. “And what about the Venezuelans who face arbitrary arrest and detention and who can’t expect a fair trial? It’s unlikely that they were cheered by the new Administration’s warm embrace of a man who oppresses them. Just imagine the signal this sends to those in Venezuela and throughout the world who are fighting for freedom and democratic reforms, and who expect the United States to defend and promote their efforts in our dealings with friends and foes alike. “Similarly concerning is the increasing reliance on special envoys. The Administration has rushed several of these envoys, all fine public servants, to foreign capitals — and yet none of them were subject to Senate confirmation or are answerable in any way to the Congress. “These envoys face significant challenges — from divides among the Palestinian people to the growth of the Taliban inside Pakistan. During their negotiations these envoys are likely to make commitments that Congress will be expected to fulfill or fund. But Congress cannot be expected to simply hand out funds to support negotiations we know nothing about. These special envoys should be accountable to Congress. “Every American president from George Washington to the current day has struggled to balance America’s interests with its ideals. This is something Americans have long accepted. But the rush to initiate ‘fresh starts’ with old adversaries or to find quick solutions to the many complex problems we face is not always advisable when it comes to advancing our long-term interests, or in preserving and strengthening alliances or our relationships with allies. “So Republicans will have many reasons to stand with the President in the months and years ahead. But we will not be reluctant to remind him of some of the principles that have served us well in the past, or to speak out against decisions with which we respectfully disagree. “As we wage two wars overseas, we must be sure to maintain strong relations with our allies. Some days they will need us. Some days we will need them. But in a dangerous world, these vital relationships must be preserved. We must also preserve the dominance of the U.S. military in the near term and in the long term. And any arms control agreement sent to the Senate must be verifiable and clearly in the national interest. “These are principles all of us should agree on and all of us should be eager and able to defend. Our allies deserve to know that we will be guided by them, and so too, I believe, do the American people.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Apr 28, 2009 20:14:23 GMT -5
Department of Parks Will Serve Breakfast Items At Derby CelebrationAs part of Gov. Steve Beshear’s Kentucky Derby Celebration at the Capitol on May 2, the Department of Parks will be selling breakfast items for guests. The following items will be sold for $1 each: freshly baked biscuit with choice of country ham, sausage or chicken; homemade muffins; and apple and orange juice. Hot coffee and ice water will be free. The food will be available from 8 a.m. to noon. Arts and crafts will also be on display along with entertainment by performers and a farmers’ market. To help restock the pantries of local food banks and soup kitchens, the Governor and Mrs. Beshear also are inviting visitors to the Derby Celebration to bring a nonperishable food item or make a charitable donation at the Derby Food Drive. Representatives from Frankfort’s Access Soup Kitchen, God’s Pantry and Dare to Care will be on site to collect canned goods and accept charitable gifts to help these organizations meet the heightened demand for their services. Several changes have been instituted this year to help reduce the cost of the event by approximately $200,000. The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at: www.parks.ky.govThe preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Questions for the Attorney GeneralMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell asked the following questions on the Senate floor Tuesday in advance of the Attorney General’s speech in Berlin (Note: the Attorney General is scheduled to speak at the American Academy in Berlin Wednesday on ‘closing the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay’): “Tomorrow night in Berlin, Attorney General Holder is scheduled to deliver a speech about the administration’s plan to shut down the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay by the arbitrary deadline of January 2010. “Many Americans are skeptical of the Administration’s decision to close Guantanamo before it has a plan to deal with the 240 terrorists who are currently housed there. And Americans were rightly alarmed by recent news reports that the Administration is considering releasing some Guantanamo detainees into the U.S. — not to detention facilities, but directly into our neighborhoods. “Aside from the question of why the Attorney General thinks a German audience should hear about the Administration’s plans for Guantanamo before the American people do, there are a number of questions about the Administration’s plan for releasing terrorists into the United States that I hope the Attorney General will address tomorrow night. • What is the legal basis for bringing these terrorist-trained detainees to the United States, given that Federal law specifically forbids the entry of anyone who endorses or espouses terrorism, has received terrorist training, or belongs to a terrorist group? • Can the Administration guarantee the safety of the American people, particularly in the neighborhoods where these terror-trained detainees will live? • Will the residents of the communities where these men will be released be made aware of it? • Will these trained terrorists be allowed to travel freely anywhere in the United States? • What will their status be? Will they be allowed to stay here permanently? Will they be eligible for citizenship? • Will they receive or be eligible to receive taxpayer funding? • Why did no other country agree to accept them? • What threat do these men pose of returning to terrorist activities and what threat assessments have been conducted to evaluate whether these men will attack U.S. troops on the battlefield or Americans at Embassies abroad? “There are now less than 300 days until the President's Executive Order mandates the closure of the secure detention facility at Guantanamo and the transfer or release of its remaining detainees. I recognize the difficulty of the challenge these detainees present. But we shouldn't let an arbitrary deadline and a desire to appease critics overseas lead to decisions that make American citizens less safe.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Covington Couple Sentenced to 123 Months for Drug and Gun OffensesCharles Robert (a.k.a. Bill) Garr, 73, and Melody Smith, 47, both of Covington, Ky. were sentenced today by United States District Court Judge David L. Bunning to 108 months and 15 months imprisonment respectfully for drug distribution and firearm offenses. Garr pleaded guilty in January of 2009 to being a felon in possession of firearms and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force executed a search warrant at the couple’s home in May of 2008 and located seven firearms. Garr, who has two prior drug trafficking convictions in Kentucky, was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment for being a felon in possession of firearms, to be followed by a 60 months sentence for possessing the firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. During Smith’s guilty plea in January of 2009, she admitted that she conspired with Garr to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute oxycodone and hydrocodone. (Garr’s conspiracy count was dismissed as part of the plea agreement). Smith also sold prescription pills with Garr out of their home in Covington for several months. Under federal law, both Smith and Garr must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Paul J. Vido, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) (Louisville Field Division) jointly made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted jointly by ATF and the NKDSF. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Elaine K. Leonhard. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Death Investigation in Laurel CountyOn Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 4:59 PM the Kentucky State Police, Post 11, in London was notified, by the Laurel County 911 Center, of the infant that was unresponsive at a residence on KY 552 in Laurel County. Upon arrival Trooper Steve Smallwood was informed that a 9 year old child was carrying the infant, tripped and dropped the infant. Trooper Smallwood began an investigation into the incident. The infant was flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington for treatment. On Sunday, April 26, 2009 the Kentucky State Police, Post 11, in London was notified, by the Fayette County Coroners Office, that the infant was pronounced dead at 8:58 AM. No criminal charges are expected at this time pending the completion of the investigation. The exact cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy. Trooper Smallwood is continuing the investigation and was assisted by officers from the Kentucky State Police and personnel from the Laurel County EMS. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Clay, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley.
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Post by Press Release on Apr 28, 2009 20:25:03 GMT -5
Fire Investigation in Laurel CountyOn Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 8:45 PM the Kentucky State Police, Post 11, in London was notified, by the Laurel County 911 Center, of a house fire at a residence on Johnston Lane in Laurel County. KSP Detective Millard Root, KSP Arson Investigator Pat Alford and KSP Sergeant Thomas Atkin responded to the scene. Upon arrival officers were informed that Lt. Wiley Saylor of the Laurel County Fire Department had collapsed at the fire scene and was transported to Saint Joseph of London Hospital for treatment. The exact cause of the fire is undetermined at this time, pending completion of the investigation. Detective Root is continuing the investigation and was assisted by officers from the Kentucky State Police, Laurel County Fire Department and personnel from the Laurel County EMS. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Clay, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Attorney General Conway Announces New Resource To Keep Kentucky Roads SaferJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway today announced the launch of the Kentucky Traffic Safety website www.Kytrafficsafety.comThe site will allow prosecutors and law enforcement officers to view dates of upcoming traffic safety training events in Kentucky. It will also serve as a contact point for community concerns involving traffic safety issues. Police and prosecutors will be able to use the website to access state and national statistical data and information to assist them in their goals of reducing highway fatalities. “It’s taken a team effort to create this website, and I believe police and prosecutors will benefit from having these resources available at their fingertips,” General Conway said. The website construction and maintenance is funded through the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety with grant funds provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Transportation Secretary Joe Prather said the site will provide a much-needed resource for prosecutors and law enforcement personnel who need to be well-informed of DUI and other traffic-safety issues. “The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is proud of our continued partnership with the Office of the Attorney General to provide funding in support of the Commonwealth’s Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor and the development and maintenance of their newly developed traffic safety website,” said Prather, the Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety. “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.” Christian County Attorney Mike Foster, who also serves as President of the Kentucky Association of Counties and as a member of the Prosecutor’s Advisory Council in endorsing the Kentucky Safety website stated: “Attorney General Conway is to be commended for his implementation of the Kentucky Traffic Safety website and his commitment to provide specialized training to prosecutors concerning traffic issues and related crimes. Traffic crashes claim nearly 43,000 lives per year nationally. Kentucky is no exception as traffic collisions took the lives of over 800 Kentuckians and severely injured many more.” The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov First Lady, Louisville Stoneware join forces for Breast Cancer AwarenessWith the 135th Kentucky Derby rapidly approaching and festivities underway across the state, First Lady Jane Beshear joined nationally renowned, Kentucky-native landscaper Jon Carloftis today to help raise breast cancer awareness and encourage wildlife conservation efforts. This morning, Mrs. Beshear and Mr. Carloftis placed limited edition, pink Louisville Stoneware birdhouses in the trees around the Governor’s Mansion. Designed by Louisville Stoneware and Carloftis specifically for the 2009 Kentucky Derby season, the birdhouses will decorate the Mansion grounds until the First Lady’s Celebration of Hope luncheon on Monday, May 4 at the Frankfort Civic Center. Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the annual Celebration of Hope seeks to honor breast cancer survivors from across the Commonwealth. Originally a small tea for 25 guests, this year more than 1,000 survivors are expected to attend. The birdhouses will be on sale at the luncheon for $65, with 15 percent of the proceeds benefiting National Garden Clubs, Inc. and 10 percent going toward the Susan G. Komen Fund for the Cure. “Thanks to the innovative vision of Mr. Carloftis and Sandy Robinson of the National Garden Club of America, these beautiful birdhouses will help to raise funds for two causes deeply important to me—breast cancer awareness and the preservation of our nation’s green spaces,” said Mrs. Beshear. For more information about purchasing a birdhouse, visit: www.louisvillestoneware.comThe preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Jobless rates up in 120 counties from March 2008 to March 2009Unemployment rates rose in all 120 Kentucky counties between March 2008 and March 2009, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Fayette County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 7.4 percent. It was followed by Woodford County, 7.7 percent; McCracken and Oldham counties, 8.1 percent each; Calloway County, 8.2 percent; Boyd County, 8.3 percent; Pike County, 8.5 percent; Jessamine County, 8.8 percent; and Franklin and Rowan counties, 8.9 percent each. Menifee County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 18.1 percent. It was followed by Bath County, 17.7 percent; Jackson County, 16.8 percent; Magoffin County, 16.5 percent; Powell County, 15.6 percent; Cumberland County, 15.4 percent; Trigg County, 15.3 percent; Butler County, 15.2 percent; Lewis County, 15 percent; and Wayne County, 14.8 percent. Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The statistics in this news release are not seasonally adjusted to allow for comparisons between United States, state and county figures. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Apr 29, 2009 19:13:06 GMT -5
ROBLEY REXThis July 17, 2007 photo shows Robley Henry Rex, 105, in Louisville, Ky., while he was handing out flags for the homecoming of National Guard soldiers from Iraq. Rex died Tuesday, April 28 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville, just four days short of his 108th birthday. Rex was still volunteering three days a week at the VA hospital in Louisville when he was 105. He was named National Volunteer of the Year in 2005 by the national Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. Kentucky’s last surviving WWI veteranSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the passing of Robley Rex, Kentucky’s last World War I-era veteran: “Mr. President, I rise because my State, and our country, have lost one of our last links to a bygone era. On Tuesday, April 28, Robley Rex passed away a few days shy of his 108th birthday. He will be forever remembered as Kentucky’s last World War I-era veteran. Ninety years ago, a teenaged Robley Rex landed in France, carrying a rifle and wearing a U.S. Army uniform. He was a long way from Christian County, Kentucky, where he was born in 1901 and raised. “Wanting to see the world and fight for his country, Robley enlisted in the 5th, and later the 28th, Infantry Division and was deployed to Europe. After leaving the Army in 1922, he returned to Kentucky and settled in Louisville, where he became a postal worker and an ordained Methodist minister. Robley was not only the Bluegrass State’s preeminent veteran, he was also its preeminent volunteer on behalf of veterans. Decades after his own active service ended, he continued to serve his fellow soldiers by volunteering at the Louisville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, right up until the last years of his life. The Veterans of Foreign Wars honored him for over 14,000 hours of service in 22 years. “I was proud to call Robley a friend of mine. A few weeks ago when I was in Louisville, I had the pleasure to read a wonderful article about Robley in the Southeast Outlook. On a sad note, the article mentions how Robley was looking forward to his impending birthday. I know a lot of the rest of us were too. His friends were planning a special birthday celebration at the Louisville VA hospital next month. Instead, it will be an opportunity to remember how much Robley meant to us. “And as much as we will all miss him, I take comfort in knowing that Robley is reunited with his beloved wife, Gracie, who passed away in 1992 after more than 60 years of marriage. I know all my colleagues join me in honoring the memory of this great patriot and soldier. Through his long lifetime of service, Robley Rex proved his faith and devotion to his country. Now his country will forever be faithful and devoted to him.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Governor recognizes passing of Kentucky’s last surviving WWI veteranGov. Steve Beshear today recognized the passing of Kentucky’s last surviving World War I–era veteran, Robley Henry Rex, of Louisville, age 107. Rex would have celebrated his 108 birthday this Saturday. “Mr. Rex was not just Kentucky’s last link to what a more innocent nation believed was the War to End All Wars, but a sterling example of volunteer service, of veterans giving back to their community,” said Gov. Beshear. Rex was well-known to both patients and staff at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville, where he was still volunteering three days a week at age 105. He had logged more than 14,000 volunteer hours at the hospital since 1986, delivering charts and records along with the mail. At his 107th birthday party last May, Rex was presented with the Kentucky Governor's Award for Outstanding Service. He was named National Volunteer of the Year in 2005 by the national Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. Rex joined the U.S. Army in May 1919, shortly after his 18th birthday and six months after fighting ended. He served in a military intelligence unit at 3rd Army Headquarters in Germany. Back home, he farmed in Daviess County before moving to Louisville, where he eventually retired as a railroad postal clerk. Robley Rex will be interred with his wife at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery. His interment date has not yet been announced. Governor Beshear will order flags at state government facilities lowered to half-staff in Rex’s honor from sunrise to sunset on the date of his burial. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Apr 29, 2009 20:14:53 GMT -5
Republicans: Principled Support, Principled OppositionMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday regarding the budget, foreign policy and the challenges facing the country: “From the very first days of the new administration, Senate Republicans have pledged to work closely with our new President and his Cabinet to find solutions to the nation’s many foreign and domestic challenges. On the foreign policy front, we felt strongly about the need to work with the new administration on a unified agenda that protects the American people and furthers our interests abroad. So far, we’ve had two major points of convergence. “On the enormously important question of our strategies in both Afghanistan and Iraq, Republicans support the President’s decision to follow, in both cases, the best advice of his military commanders on the ground. We may part ways on a number of other foreign policy issues, some of which I outlined in greater detail earlier this week. But when it comes to the question of Iraq and Afghanistan, the President’s strategy is one that most everyone can support. Here at home, there have admittedly been fewer opportunities for agreement. “An ongoing recession and the continuing reverberations of a financial shock that began in the housing industry led both parties to come up with their own respective plans to jumpstart the economy in the short-term and strengthen its foundations in the long-term. “The administration’s plan revolved around a trillion dollar stimulus that was neither timely, targeted, nor temporary — as well as a decision to press forward on several major, controversial legislative proposals. And if the President’s budget is fully implemented, it would double the national debt in just five years and nearly triple it in 10. “Republicans had a different approach. We worked closely with Democrats last fall to pass a financial rescue plan aimed at stabilizing the overall economy. But we refused to support a second round of funds when the administration couldn’t assure us it would only be used to address the crisis at hand. “When it came to an economic stimulus, Republicans pointed out the glaring weaknesses in the Democrat plan and we offered a plan of our own that would have cost half as much and gone straight to the root of the problem, which is housing. We also suggested that instead of spending billions on wasteful projects, we loan state and local governments money. This would have encouraged the careful use of taxpayer dollars since state and local governments would have known they’d have to pay the money back when the economy improved. “We also refused to support bailouts for the auto industry, since we don’t think the government should be picking winners and losers. We said bailouts would only delay necessary reforms for long-term success. And our position was recently vindicated when the automakers came back for even more money, forcing the administration to talk seriously about bankruptcy as a means of achieving the necessary restructuring. “When it comes to protecting taxpayers and to a mounting debt that our children will inherit, the new administration has been remarkably carefree. Most of this debt is being financed by China and countries in the Middle East, which of course increases the economic leverage these countries have over the United States. Americans are worried about this, and they should be. In a time of economic hardship, we shouldn’t be borrowing money we won’t be able to pay back. “The current administration seems to disagree. In just one week in February, the administration’s actions cost the American taxpayers more than $1 trillion, or more than the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina combined. And Federal support for a single company in the financial sector now amounts to almost $175 billion over the past year alone. That’s more than what we’ll spend this year on the deployment costs of our armed forces fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. “So far this year, the most far-reaching legislation we’ve considered is the budget. In the middle of a recession, the same Democrats who were outraged over a $455 billion deficit last year came to us this year with a budget that would lead to trillion dollar deficits and which saddles Americans with more debt than all the debt we had accumulated from George Washington to the present day — combined. “Hundreds of thousands of American workers are losing their jobs every month. They’re concerned that all this spending and debt won’t just slow the economic recovery, but make it harder to keep or find jobs. These Americans may like the President. But they don’t understand how a giant expansion of government will help create or preserve jobs. And they don’t think the administration has done enough to explain how borrowing money to create these programs will make America stronger, more secure, and more economically sound. “Americans are also increasingly concerned about the administration’s approach to a number of foreign policy issues that are related to our efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. One of the most troubling of these decisions relates to the terrorist detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. Shortly after taking office, the new Attorney General was tasked with closing Guantanamo by next January. Yet three months later, the administration still hasn’t provided the American people with any further details about what will happen to these inmates once the January deadline arrives. “The American people don't want terrorists back on the battlefield, and they certainly don’t want them released into their neighborhoods, as some in the administration have shockingly proposed, according to news reports. The administration has not been clear about its reason for closing Guantanamo before it has a plan for these detainees. But its reason can’t be that the facility is poorly run, since Attorney General Holder has said himself that the facilities there are good ones. And it can’t be that the administration has a better alternative. If it did, we would have heard about it by now. “The American people don’t want trained terrorists released into their neighborhoods. They want answers. Unfortunately, the administration has only offered silence. In the face of tremendous challenges at home and abroad, the new administration has offered a burst of activity and a veritable explosion of debt. Meanwhile, Republicans have proposed responsible solutions that are meant to empower the American people and improve the quality of their daily lives. “On this front, Republicans will continue to offer sensible ideas on health care that address the concerns Americans have about the high cost of doctors’ visits, about finding good health coverage, and about keeping the coverage they have. The lesson of the failed health care proposal of the Clinton era is not that Americans don’t want reform. It’s that any reform should reflect the needs of all Americans — not just a select few in Washington. “Americans don’t want a health care solution that puts bureaucrats in charge of medical decisions, delays appointments, or diminishes the quality of the health care they already receive. Health care is an area where Americans expect the President and Congress to work together. The divide and conquer approach didn’t work in 1993. It won’t work in 2009. Energy is another area where Republicans have offered and will continue to offer commonsense solutions. Last year, even before gas prices hit the roof, we proposed a sensible approach of finding more and using less. “Republicans are also proposing a dramatic expansion of nuclear power. This would match the high demand for energy in the world’s largest economy with a growing public desire for cleaner, more efficient energy sources. Health care and energy are just two of the areas where Republicans will continue to offer better ideas in the coming months. And we hope our friends on the other side are more supportive of these ideas than they have been of our proposals on the economy. “On this point, it’s interesting to note that just a few weeks ago, Democrats showed strong support on the Senate floor for Republican proposals to protect small businesses and middle class taxpayers, as well as a proposal to keep the nation’s debt at a level we can manage. They also expressed strong support for a Republican proposal that climate change legislation not lead to higher gas and electric bills. “Yet these Republican proposals, which drew such widespread support on the Senate floor just a few weeks ago, were for some reason taken out of the final product that came out of a closed conference. Democrats can’t have it both ways. Americans are suffering. They’re losing homes and they’re losing jobs. Republicans have offered and will continue to offer proposals that put the concerns of these ordinary Americans first. Democrats offer spending, taxes, and debt. “Massive spending and debt is not the answer to a recession. A one-party solution with no checks and balances is not the answer for health care. Opposing clean, nuclear power and the expanded use of other domestic energy sources is not the answer for our energy needs. Voting for tax relief before voting against it is not the way to show the American people you have their best economic interests in mind. “Republicans have not been hesitant to offer our strong public support for the new administration, and again, I commend the President on his approach to Afghanistan and Iraq. But we have not been hesitant to state our differences clearly. That’s been the story in the first 100 days for Senate Republicans, and that will continue to be the story for Senate Republicans: principled support, principled opposition, and pragmatic, creative solutions to meet the challenges of the day.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Bunning Statement On The FY2010 BudgetJim BunningI rise to discuss the conference report on the fiscal year 2010 budget. Unfortunately, I will not be able to support this legislation. As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I spoke on this budget during committee consideration and I also spoke on it while it was on the senate floor. I was unable to support it those two times and I am disappointed to say that I will not be able to support it here either. Today marks the 100th day of the Obama Administration. It is still too early to see most of the effects of the different pieces of legislation the President has signed into law will have on America. However, we do know one thing: it sure has cost a lot. The price tag for the so-called stimulus bill was $780 billion. The cost of the 2009 omnibus appropriations bill was $410 billion. What does this mean? It means that over these first 100 days, President Obama has spent an average of $12 billion per day. This is a staggering rate of spending. We cannot continue to manage our nation’s finances like this. The budget proposed by the Obama Administration several weeks ago is no more responsible than these other bills. It spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much. I have mentioned these numbers before, but they are worth repeating. The president’s proposal would double the publicly held national debt to more than $15 trillion. Annual spending would leap from $24,000 per household to $32,000. This plan would also raise taxes by $1.4 trillion over 10 years. The increase in debt is also staggering. The president’s proposal would double the debt held by the public in five years and nearly triple it over ten. In fact, the proposal would create more debt than under every previous president from George Washington to George W. Bush. Now, I know that today we are not voting on the Obama proposal. However, I still think it is completely reasonable to discuss it. This proposal gives us great insight into how President Obama views government, and we see that he wants to greatly expand it. He is no longer a member of the legislative branch. However, he is the leader of the party that controls the legislative branch, so we know he will have influence over how legislation is written here. One of the most troubling aspects of the document before us is the inclusion of reconciliation instructions for health care and education legislation. I don’t want to talk about arcane Senate procedure today. However, this is an abuse of the process. Reconciliation is supposed to be used to return money to taxpayers and the treasury. It makes legislation that accomplishes this easier to pass. These instructions require a total savings of $2 billion. This is absurd, because we know that health care reform and education legislation will cost much more than this. In fact, as we know from the numbers I mentioned above, the Administration has spent $2 billion dollars every four hours, so this will not be any kind of significant deficit reduction. Another worrying feature of this budget is the assault on small businesses. President Obama admits that 70 percent of job growth will come from small businesses. So why does this budget tax them out of existence? My colleagues on the other side of the aisle claim they are only raising taxes on a handful of small businesses. But they ignore the fact that they are hurting the businesses that are responsible for two-thirds of small business jobs. Small business jobs are key to our economic recovery, but look at what the failed policies of this Congress have done for small business. The so-called stimulus bill that added $780 billion to our national debt spent less than one half of one percent on small businesses. Also, after mortgaging our future on the TARP bailout, 70 percent of large banks have actually decreased their small business lending. So now these small businesses that have been devastated by the economy and cannot get a loan to make payroll are going to be hit with a massive tax increase. How are these small business owners going to be able to hire even one more worker? This budget is an assault on small businesses. It taxes too much and should be defeated. I would like to mention energy policy before I conclude my remarks. Throughout this year’s Budget debate, we have talked a lot about energy, particularly a proposed cap and tax program. At a time when our nation’s energy needs are continuing to grow we should turn our focus on how best to meet these needs while creating jobs instead of increasing taxes on American families. If we act too rapidly by imposing carbon taxes, all Americans will pay the cost through dramatic increases in utility prices. If enacted, a cap and trade revenue program will institute one of the largest tax increases in American history. Every American will pay a sales tax whenever they turn on light switch. This tax will be untargeted and regressive. Even our poorest citizens will be hit by this. This is a dangerous policy and I am startled by how much support it has received from the Obama Administration. So much for the President’s promise not to tax anyone making less than $250,000 per year. Maybe that is because he knows he needs more money than he can raise by taxing just the rich to pay for all of his plans to make government an even bigger part of ordinary Americans lives. As I have outlined above, this budget has problems. It spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting fiscal responsibility by voting against this piece of legislation. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning.
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Post by Press Release on Apr 29, 2009 20:28:43 GMT -5
Bunning Stands Up For Life; Votes Against SebeliusJim BunningSenator Jim Bunning issued the following statement opposing the nomination of Governor Kathleen Sebelius to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. "I am strongly opposed to abortion. I have always been pro-life. I believe that life begins at conception and that every life is precious. Governor Sebelius is as pro-abortion as they come and I cannot support the nomination of someone to be the leader of our Health and Human Services Department who does not respect human life. "Her record as Governor of Kansas on abortion is dismal and I have serious concerns about her close ties to radical late-term abortionist -- George Tiller. Governor Sebelius is not the type of person I want as the face of health care in our nation. "The leader of the Health and Human Services Department should be balanced and reasonable. There is nothing in Governor Sebelius’ record that makes me think she is either of these things when it comes to protecting the life of the unborn." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Former VP of HealthEssentials Solutions, Inc. chargedSubmitting false and fraudulent billings to MedicareActing U.S. Attorney Candace G. Hill of the Western District of Kentucky announced today that a federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on April 22, 2009, against Karen Stone, age 49, of Paducah, Kentucky, on charges of Health Care Fraud.mThe Indictment alleges that between 2001 through 2004, Stone, while employed as the business manager for HealthEssentials, caused the corporation to submit false and fraudulent billings. As a result, Stone also caused the corporation to commit wire fraud and health care fraud. HealthEssentials Solutions, Inc. (“HealthEssentials”) was a former Kentucky-based nationwide provider of geriatric care. HealthEssentials generally provided two types of healthcare services to Medicare beneficiaries, which comprised the bulk of the defendant company’s revenues: (1) primary care provided by nurse practitioners to geriatric patients in non-acute, residential settings such as nursing facilities, homes, and facilities deemed to be assisted living facilities (“ALFs”) for purposes of Medicare reimbursement (hereinafter the “Nurse Practitioner Business”), and (2) general home health care services (hereinafter the “Home Health Business”). Between 1999 through 2005, HealthEssentials was a healthcare provider in the Medicare program. As a Medicare provider, HealthEssentials agreed to submit claims to Medicare that were not false or otherwise fraudulent. HealthEssentials’ Nurse Practitioner Business billed Medicare primarily for Evaluation and Management (“E&M”) services by using billing codes based on the American Medical Association’s Current Procedural Terminology coding system (“CPT”). The CPT code groups most frequently used by HealthEssentials’ Nurse Practitioner Business were location-specific. Thus, the defendant company’s personnel had to select the CPT code from the group that accurately reflected the location where the Nurse Practitioner Business services were being provided. Medicare reimbursement for evaluation and management services provided in a patient’s home using CPT codes 99341 - 99350 was generally higher than reimbursement for comparable services provided in an ALF (CPT domiciliary codes 99321 - 99333) or a nursing facility (99301 - 99313) which provided increased revenue to the business. As a part of the scheme to defraud, Stone directed that the employees submit claims for the higher paying ALF codes. This caused an estimated total loss to the program of $3,105,931. In the event of a conviction, the maximum potential penalties are 35 years' imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, and supervised release for a period of up to 3 years. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lettricea Jefferson-Webb and Benjamin Schecter, and it was investigated by the Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General. Stone is scheduled to appear for arraignment before the United States Magistrate Judge on May 19, 2009, at 9:30 a.m., in Louisville, Kentucky. The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky office of the FBI. Conway Announces Conviction of Three in Covington Election InvestigationAttorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Special Prosecutions today announced the conviction, by guilty plea, of three defendants indicted in connection with their joint roles in election finance crimes during the 2008 general election in Covington. Steven Megerle, a sitting Covington city commissioner, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate campaign finance restrictions and one count of conspiracy to fail to identify campaign contributors and advertisers. Megerle was sentenced to 12 months jail, conditionally discharged for one year, and a $500 fine. Prosecutors further demanded that Megerle have no involvement in the financial affairs of any political campaign and to be barred from seeking public office during this period. Jerry Bamberger pled guilty to the same two offenses as Megerle and was sentenced to 12 months jail, conditionally discharged for two years. Bamberger will also be barred from involvement in the financial affairs of any political campaign and from seeking further public office. Craig Johnson, an unsuccessful candidate for Covington City Commission in the 2008 election, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate campaign finance restrictions. The defendants’ convictions stemmed from a scheme to create and distribute an inflammatory campaign advertisement advocating the defeat of city commission candidate Shawn Masters and to hide the participants’ role in financing the documents. "We believe in the right to free speech in political campaigns, but the integrity of the Commonwealth’s campaign finance laws is at the heart of our electoral process," said General Conway. The Office of the Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations worked in conjunction with local authorities to investigate this case. "With cooperation from investigators at the state, local and federal level, we were able to bring about the successful prosecution of this case," General Conway said. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on Apr 30, 2009 5:12:23 GMT -5
Pork consumption not a risk factor for swine fluRichie FarmerIn response to public questions, Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer today reiterated that concerns over the worldwide outbreak of H1N1 flu should not extend to eating pork. “The experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have made it quite plain: you cannot get swine flu from eating pork,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Epidemiologists have told me that the strain which has prompted health officials to issue alerts is very different from any disease found in hogs, and that the current spread of the disease is from human-to-human transmission, and not from either the consumption of pork or from contact with hogs.” According to the CDC, most influenza viruses are not spread by food, and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said earlier this week that no food safety issues related to this outbreak have been identified. The Commissioner has been in contact with Federal and other state agricultural officials and said this virus subtype has never been identified in hogs in the United States or anywhere else in the world. Commissioner Farmer noted that even if a pig did have the disease, it would not enter the U.S. food supply because it would not pass Federal inspection. Mike Oveson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Pork Producers Association said that his organization is encouraging pork producers to tighten their biosecurity procedures to protect their animals from infection. More information for producers is available at the National Pork Producers Council website at: www.nppc.orgLast week, Commissioner Farmer directed the state’s livestock diagnostic laboratories to begin testing swine tissue samples for the H1N1 virus as a precautionary measure. To date, no evidence of the virus has been uncovered. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Kentucky Department for Public Health Continues to Be on Alert for Cases of Swine FluCurrently Testing Specimens Submitted by Health Care ProvidersDr. William D. HackerThe Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) continues to be alert for the presence of swine flu in Kentucky, but has not detected any probable or confirmed cases. If such a case is identified, samples from the patient will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for further testing. “While we do not yet have confirmed cases of swine flu in Kentucky, we are continuing to carefully evaluate all potential cases that are being reported by our health care community,” said Public Health Commissioner William Hacker, M.D. “We also join the CDC in cautioning Kentuckians against nonessential travel to Mexico.” DPH also reminds Kentuckians who have traveled recently to Mexico, or other countries or communities within the U.S. where swine flu infection has been reported, or who are planning such travel, to be alert for the symptoms of swine flu in the following ways: • Monitor self and travel companions for symptoms of fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea. • If symptoms of illness develop within seven days of travel return, seek evaluation by a health care provider as soon as possible. • Be sure to tell your health care provider about your recent travel and suggest testing for influenza. • Stay home from work, school and other public places until you are feeling well. People who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with swine flu or who reside in communities where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases should also be alert for these symptoms. “Kentucky health officials remain in close communication with health care providers and other stakeholders, and we will continue to provide new information as it comes in,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “Individuals should continue to monitor this developing situation and practice basic measures to stay healthy, such as hand washing and staying home when ill.” Common sense precautions to prevent illness include: avoiding close contact with those who are ill; staying home when sick; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and frequent hand washing. Currently, there are more than 91 confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S., a number that is expected to continue to grow. The World Health Organization and CDC have reported numerous human cases of a severe respiratory illness in at least three different regions of Mexico. The number of cases has risen steadily during April 2009. Laboratory testing of patient specimens has confirmed infections with swine influenza ("swine flu") A/H1N1 virus. This is a newly emerging, animal-origin virus that is now being spread from an infected person to another person. For more information on swine flu, visit: cdc.gov/swineflu. Individuals can also visit healthalerts.ky.gov for information on swine flu and Kentucky, or follow KYHealthAlerts on Twitter to be notified when new information is posted at the Web site. The preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker. McConnell Statement on H1N1 FluMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday regarding the H1N1 flu: “We were all saddened this morning to hear that a child has died from the recent outbreak of the H1N1 flu. This is a very worrisome situation and we’re all following it very closely. Yesterday, Secretary Napolitano briefed Republicans on this matter. We appreciate the administration’s coordination with Congress. “The Administration has said that it currently has all the personnel and equipment it needs to handle this situation. But going forward, Congress is prepared to work on the request for additional funds in the supplemental. I would note that Congress is in a much better position to deal with outbreaks like this as a result of the hard work Senator Burr and others have done on the issue of bio-preparedness, and on coordinating all the relevant government agencies. “We stand ready to closely work with the administration to protect the American people as this situation unfolds.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Apr 30, 2009 22:22:17 GMT -5
$451,164 in Stimulus funds will create 47 part-time jobs for older KentuckiansKentucky has received federal stimulus funds that will create jobs and increase training opportunities for senior citizens to re-enter the workforce, Gov. Steve Beshear announced. The state received $451,164 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Kentucky Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) which provides training and part-time employment opportunities to low-income people 55 and older. SCSEP is part of the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). “Job creation is one of the most important steps we can take at this time to help stimulate our economy,” said Beshear. “These funds will have a direct effect on Kentucky’s economy as they will create job and service opportunities for some of our older Kentuckians who need or want to re-enter the workforce but are unsure how to get started.” Funding will be distributed to five Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living (AAA), two community action agencies and one national provider of SCSEP services. The federal dollars are expected to create up to 47 new jobs for Kentucky seniors. SCSEP participants work an average of 20 hours a week, and are paid the highest of federal, state or local minimum wage or the prevailing wage. They are placed in a variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities, including day-care centers, senior centers, schools and hospitals. It is intended that these community service experiences serve as a bridge to other employment positions that are not supported with federal funds. “Kentuckians who live on a fixed income are often hit hardest in times of economic distress,” said CHFS Secretary Janie Miller. “It is imperative that our state’s businesses continue to support the state’s older workers whose lifetime and prior work experiences make a positive impact on services. SCSEP is an excellent program that acts as a bridge to other employment opportunities for people who want to remain in the workforce.” Federal funds were broken down and distributed by DAIL by need throughout the program. Priority was given to areas determined to be underserved by the program. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Rogers Announces $1 Million for PRIDE’s Water Infrastructure ProgramHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved an additional $1 million to support ongoing water infrastructure projects in Southeast Kentucky. As a part of its Section 531 program, the Corps will work with Southern and Eastern Kentucky PRIDE to identify priority wastewater treatment projects in the area. “Access to top-notch wastewater infrastructure is crucial for the health and well-being of our people – and our environment,” stated Rogers. “Because of the Corps and PRIDE, over 28,000 families in our region have access to responsible wastewater treatment which keeps our streams and rivers clean. It’s clear that this public-private partnership through the Section 531 program is invaluable, and I’m pleased that additional funds are headed their way.” PRIDE, which promotes Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment in 38 counties, was launched by Rogers and the late General James Bickford, former Secretary of the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet. Through the Section 531 program, also known as the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Environmental Improvement Program, the Corps of Engineers works with PRIDE to carry out water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection projects in the fifth congressional district of Kentucky. The program provides grants to counties, cities and utilities for innovative wastewater treatment projects, sewer line extensions or treatment plan upgrades in rural areas at a 75/25 federal/local cost share. So far in 2009, $3 million in federal funds have been designated for these initiatives that vastly reduce pollution otherwise headed for local lakes, rivers and streams. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the fifth Congressional District. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers.
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Post by Press Release on May 1, 2009 17:36:17 GMT -5
Bunning On Nomination Of Thomas Strickland To Be Assistant SecretaryFish And Wildlife At The Department Of InteriorMr. President, I rise today in opposition to the nomination of Thomas Strickland to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife at the Department of Interior. I have met with Mr. Strickland and while he has a distinguished career in public service, I do not believe that he is the appropriate candidate to fill this position. His disregard for Second Amendment rights coupled with his positions on domestic energy production leave me with little choice other than to oppose his nomination today. In December of this past year, the Department of Interior took great steps forward toward reversing the ban on lawful firearms in parks. However, because of one court case on technical grounds, millions of law-abiding park visitors find their Second Amendment rights challenged yet again. For decades, regulations enacted by unelected bureaucrats at the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have prohibited law abiding citizens from transporting and possessing operational firearms on federal lands managed by these agencies. The enactment of these rules pre-empted state laws, bypassed the authority of Congress, and trampled on the Constitutional rights of law abiding Americans guaranteed by the Second Amendment on more than one hundred and seventy thousand acres of public lands. No other federal land management agency has enacted anti-gun rules similar to the Park Service and Fish and Wildlife. Both the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service allow for the law of the state in which the federal property is located to govern firearm possession. Neither of these agencies experienced any difficulties as a result of allowing firearm possession. I have met with my friend Ken Salazar, who is now the Secretary at the Department of Interior, and told him of my support for repealing this firearms ban. At the time Secretary Salazar agreed with me and has stated before the Senate Energy Committee that he supports repealing the ban. This is the same committee that voted just this past November eighteen to five to repeal the ban. Secretary Salazar, then Senator Salazar, voted in support of this repeal. Now because of one court case, the Department of Interior is back peddling on its original position. I believe this is unsound policy and extremely short-sighted. This why I, along with my good friend Senator Coburn and sixteen of my colleagues in the Senate, sent a letter asking the Department of Interior for a clarification on its views on this regulation. While I appreciate the Secretary getting back to me so quickly on this, the response that I received was short and vague. I have always had a good working relationship with Secretary Salazar. In the past he has gone out of his way to tell me personally of his support for Second Amendment rights. Rest assured I will hold him to his word and will be watching this situation very closely as it continues to unfold. I will continue to work with the Department of Interior to get this regulation implemented properly. I am also concerned about this nominee’s stance on domestic energy production. I have long said – along with many of my colleagues – that America has the domestic resources to meet its growing energy needs. In order to meet them we need to use all of our resources – including nuclear, clean coal, renewables along with oil and natural gas. America has a wealth of oil and natural gas reserves that if utilized properly and in an environmentally sound manner could meet our energy demands for decades to come. The nominee before us today, Tomas Strickland, does not support using all forms of energy. He has been very public in his position that we should not open up A.N.W.R. to domestic energy production. I have been to A.N.W.R. to see firsthand what all the talk was about. After visiting it, I am even more confident in my support for drilling there. We met with environmentalists and villagers on the border of A.N.W.R. and talked to them about the United States’ desperate need for more domestic energy sources. There were a few residents who expressed opposition, but they were in the minority. The majority of the people living near A.N.W.R. – more than seventy-five percent – support drilling. I know that Mr. Strickland along with some of my colleagues in the Senate are desperate to stop us from opening up A.N.W.R. The facts about A.N.W.R., however, are not on their side. Some of these facts I think need to be repeated, especially for those who are new to the debate. A.N.W.R. itself is roughly the size of South Carolina. It’s absolutely enormous. It’s. 19.6 million acres or thirty thousand square miles. But when we talk about drilling in A.N.W.R., we’re talking about clean drilling in an area less than two thousand acres. That’s one one-hundreth of one percent of the total acreage of A.N.W.R. It’s smaller than many airports. To say that drilling in this limited portion of A.N.W.R. threatens the entire environment of the refuge is far-fetched and just plain wrong. During my trip, I visited the sites at Alpine and Prudhoe Bay. There is no doubt in my mind that we can develop A.N.W.R. in a safe and effective manner. Drilling will only be a small footprint in A.N.W.R. that can be carried out in an environmentally sound manner. State of the art techniques will lessen the environmental impact. The old stereotypes of dirty oil drilling just don’t apply any more. We all want to do what we can to protect the environment. But it’s just not credible to say that looking for oil in this small, limited part of A.N.W.R is a dangerous threat to the entire region. As our demand for energy is growing, we must increase our energy supplies to keep up. A.N.W.R. is the most promising domestic source of oil that we have. To automatically take it off the negotiating table - as this nominee has - is short-sighted. Finally, I have concerns with Mr. Strickland’s stance on regulations for coal mining operations. The Commonwealth of Kentucky is home to some of our nation’s largest coal reserves. I am proud to come from a coal state and firmly believe that we have the ability to develop and use this natural resource in an environmentally sound manner. This is why I was pleased last December when the Department of Interior issued a rule to clarify the disposal of excess spoil created by the coal mining operations. The rule also requires mine operators avoid disturbing streams to the greatest extent possible and clarifies when mine operators must maintain an undisturbed buffer between the mine and adjacent streams. Aside from striking a balance between environmental protections and responsible mining operations, this new rule clarified a long-standing dispute over how the Surface Mining law should be applied. Past confusion over how it should be applied has lead to undue litigation, suspension of mining operations and ultimately, job loss for many mining communities across America. In discussions I had with both the Secretary of the Interior and Mr. Strickland earlier this year, I expressed my support for this new rule and respectfully asked that they take this support into account. Both nominees stated that they would not overturn the rule, yet this past week the Department of Interior reversed its position and asked for the rule to be overturned. Issuance of the rule represents the culmination of a seven year process that was complete and well thought out. While developing the rule, the Office of Surface Mining solicited public input receiving over forty-three thousand comments on the proposal. They held four public hearings that were attended by over seven hundred people. When considering alternatives to the proposed rule in the Environmental Impact Statement, O.S.M. selected the most environmentally protective option. It helps ensure that coal mining activities are conducted in a manner that protects both mining communities and the environment. Overturning this rule risks returning to a state of confusion about how to apply the Surface Mining law, risking the future of mining operations, local communities and ultimately access to our most reliable domestic source of energy. In my home state of Kentucky over twenty-four thousand jobs are at risk should surface mining operations be disrupted. This is about half the jobs at risk for the region of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia. I am very disappointed that the Department of Interior under the leadership of both Secretary Salazar and Mr. Strickland chose to overturn this rule. Not only will that delay coal mining operations but it will also jeopardize jobs, and energy production. This is why I find myself unable to support this nominee today. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Administration’s Guantanamo Policy: Symbolism Ahead of SafetyMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Guantanamo: “Today the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State will appear before the Appropriations Committee to support the administration’s request for funding to execute our combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. They’ll be explaining the need to expend more than $80 billion in our efforts to defeat the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and to preserve our security gains in Iraq. The administration’s request also includes $80 million to close the secure detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. Yet rather than appear before the Senate to explain why these funds are necessary, and what the administration plans to do with the terrorists housed at Guantanamo, Attorney General Holder chose to deliver a speech in Berlin yesterday in which he reiterated the administration’s intent to close it. “During that speech, Attorney General Holder acknowledged once again that Guantanamo is ‘run in an efficient, professional manner.’ He said detainees there are treated humanely. Yet Guantanamo must be closed, he said, because it represents, as he put it, a time and an approach that we want to put behind us. And keeping this so-called symbol open ‘makes America less safe’ and makes our friends, including Europeans, ‘less secure.’ “It’s clear from these remarks that the administration is putting symbolism ahead of safety. This becomes even more apparent from Attorney General Holder’s admission that closing Guantanamo will be ‘one of the most daunting challenges’ he will face. He clearly realizes what most Americans realize: closing Guantanamo is not a good option if no safe alternatives exist. “In an effort to circumvent this dilemma, Attorney General Holder says the U.S. will not only transfer detainees, but also release some of them and try others in Federal court. Nowhere did the Attorney General mention the use of the military commissions process that Congress passed on a bipartisan basis at the direction of the Supreme Court. The Attorney General’s comments present a whole range of new problems and potential dangers that some of my colleagues will detail throughout the day. “Attorney General Holder also failed to address recent news reports that the administration was considering releasing Guantanamo detainees into American communities. On April 2, Senator Sessions sent the Attorney General a letter asking him what legal authority the administration has to release detainees who have participated in terrorist-related activities into the United States. The Attorney General still hasn’t responded to Senator Sessions. But it’s a question the American people want answered right away. “This weekend I’ll be attending the Kentucky Derby with well over 100,000 Kentuckians and other Americans, and if I asked every one of them if they thought sending terrorists to our neighborhoods was a good plan I would get more than 100,000 resounding ‘no’s.’ “Since the administration hasn’t given any indication where it plans to put the 240 terrorists currently housed at Guantanamo, the Attorney General was asked in Berlin if any of the detainees could be put up in hotels. According to the Associated Press report on the meeting, the Attorney General joked that, quote, ‘hotels might be a possibility, it depends on where the hotel is.’ “The question of where the terrorists at Guantanamo will be sent is no joking matter, Mr. President – and the administration needs to tell the American people how it will keep the terrorists at Guantanamo out of our neighborhoods and off of the battlefield. It’s one thing not to have a plan, it’s another to joke about not having one.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on May 1, 2009 17:42:58 GMT -5
McConnell Statement on Justice Souter, Upcoming VacancySenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the announced retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter and the Judicial nomination process: “I thank Justice Souter for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors once he leaves the Supreme Court. I trust the President will choose a nominee for the upcoming vacancy based on their experience and even-handed reading of the law, and not their partisan leanings or ability to pass litmus tests. A Supreme Court nominee needs to be able to fulfill the judicial oath of applying the law without prejudice, and not decide cases based on their feelings or personal politics. “Once there is a nominee, I will work to ensure that their record is thoroughly reviewed and that there is a full and fair debate.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Mongiardo praises the passage of Prescription Monitoring Bill in Florida Legislature“I applaud the Florida legislature for its quick, decisive action that has allowed Senate Bill (SB) 462 and SB 440 (HB 897 and HB 937) to pass through both chambers with overwhelming support. Thanks to a collective effort of leaders in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, this important bill authorizes the creation of an electronic prescription drug monitoring system to track the dispensing of controlled substances in Florida to help prevent abuse, misuse, and illegal sale of prescription drugs. This is especially important in stopping the current illegal drug pipeline between Florida and Kentucky, which for too long has led to addiction and death for citizens of the Commonwealth.” The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Recovery Act Investments Announced for Kentucky’s InfrastructureThe Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) today announced the CWSRF ARRA Priority List and DWSRF ARRA Priority List for water and sewer infrastructure projects that will be eligible for funding with the $66.7 million the state was allotted through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, known as the Recovery Act. KIA will administer approximately $47.8 million to fund wastewater infrastructure projects through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and approximately $18.9 million to fund drinking water projects through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application by May 22, 2009, to receive final KIA board approval. “President Obama’s economic recovery plan will not only create jobs on basic infrastructure projects, but it will help address both short and long-term water challenges facing the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “I commend the staff at KIA and the Division of Water for diligently reviewing the hundreds of applications they received to ensure the approved projects will make a real and immediate difference in the lives of so many Kentuckians.” With input from the Division of Water (DOW), KIA received 320 applications for drinking water projects and 356 applications for clean water projects, totaling approximately $1 billion. Eligible applicants include municipal governments, state government agencies, water and sewer districts and sanitation districts. The loan awards will be structured as 50 percent low interest and 50 percent principal forgiveness. Projects that are eligible for funding include: Wastewater projects that include treatment plant and collection system improvements; Drinking water projects that include treatment plant and distribution system improvements; and Nonpoint source projects that include Best Management Practices for agriculture and stormwater runoff. Factors taken into consideration in selecting approved projects are environmental and economic impact, number of households and businesses served, job creation and the ability to be under contract by February 2010. According to the Recovery Act, 20 percent of the money must be awarded to green projects; projects that improve water and/or energy efficiency and environmentally innovative projects. Examples may include managing water resources in a more sustainable way; pollution prevention; pollutant removal; low-impact development storm water projects; wetland restoration; decentralized wastewater treatment solutions; and water resource projects that reduce energy consumption. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on May 2, 2009 6:31:04 GMT -5
Rogers Announces $406,250 Grant for Manchester Memorial HospitalHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded $325,000 to the Manchester Memorial Hospital to purchase essential digital mammography equipment. Local sources are providing $81,250, bringing the total grant award to $406,250. “I have long believed that rural Americans should have access to the same quality and affordable healthcare services as are available to their urban counterparts, and this new equipment puts Clay County and other surrounding counties on track to vastly improve existing medical care,” said Rogers. “I am continually impressed by the dedication of ARC to our region and its ongoing cooperation with vital state and local partners.” With the grant, Manchester Memorial Hospital will purchase a new Full Field Digital Mammography system which will replace their fourteen year old equipment that does not always provide precise readings. The new equipment will ensure that all women in Clay and surrounding counties in the region will have access to reliable mammography technology. Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, and the mortality rates are abnormally high in Eastern Kentucky when compared to the rest of the state. Rogers currently serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. Through this role, Rogers supports important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Bipartisan Majority Protects HomeownersSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding a bipartisan rejection of the Durbin ‘cramdown’ amendment to the housing bill: “Once again, a bipartisan majority of the Senate has voted to protect current homeowners and future homeowners from legislation that will lead to higher interest rates and even greater uncertainty in the housing and credit markets. It’s clear that we cannot fix the housing problem by implementing bad policies. The vote today was a bipartisan rejection of an interest-rate hike, which is exactly the wrong solution for jobs, homeowners and the economy.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on May 2, 2009 21:09:16 GMT -5
Public Health Reports Probable H1N1 Swine Flu CaseSpecimen Has Been Sent to CDC for Further TestingDr. William D. HackerThe Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) will report Kentucky's third probable case of H1N1 (swine flu), involving a Montgomery County infant, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Saturday. "In Kentucky and nationally, we are still in the early stages of identifying cases of H1N1 swine flu, and determining how widespread it might become," said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of DPH. "While we have not identified many probable or confirmed cases, we continue to encourage individuals to stay informed as this situation evolves and to continue practicing basic health habits to prevent illness." The new probable case in Montgomery County involves an infant, who has not been hospitalized. Health officials from the Montgomery County Health Department are investigating the circumstances surrounding the case, and will evaluate close contacts for illness and possible preventive treatment. Earlier this week, DPH reported Kentucky’s first cases of swine flu, a confirmed case involving a Warren County woman who is hospitalized in Georgia, a probable case involving an infant in the Barren River Health District and a probable case involving a Fayette County man. Results from CDC on the samples from the previously reported probable cases are not yet available. Kentucky health officials continue to ask that Kentuckians who have traveled recently to Mexico or other countries or communities within the U.S. where the new H1N1 influenza strain known as swine flu has been reported, or who are planning such travel, be alert for the symptoms of swine flu in the following ways: • Monitor yourself and travel companions for symptoms of fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea. • If symptoms of illness develop within seven days of travel return, seek evaluation by a health care provider as soon as possible. • Be sure to tell your health care provider about your recent travel and suggest testing for influenza. • Stay home from work, school and other public places until you are feeling well. People who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with swine flu or who reside in communities where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases should also be alert for these symptoms. "Like the rest of the nation, Kentucky is taking every precaution in responding to this new strain of H1N1," said Gov. Beshear. "Health officials are working to detect all possible cases of swine flu and respond with the appropriate preventive measures. Individuals should continue to monitor this situation as it develops and practice basic measures to stay healthy, such as hand washing and staying home when sick." Common sense precautions to prevent illness include: avoiding close contact with those who are ill; staying home when sick; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and frequent hand washing. Currently, there are more than 141 confirmed cases of swine flu reported in the U.S., a number that is expected to continue to grow. The World Health Organization and CDC have reported numerous human cases of a severe respiratory illness in at least three different regions of Mexico. Laboratory testing of patient specimens has confirmed infections with swine influenza ("swine flu") A/H1N1 virus. This is a newly emerging, animal-origin virus that is now being spread from an infected person to another person. For more information on swine flu, visit: cdc.gov/swinefluIndividuals can also visit healthalerts.ky.govfor information on swine flu and Kentucky, or follow KYHealthAlerts on Twitter to be notified when new information is posted at the Web site. The preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker. Administration Acknowledges ‘Some’ Guantanamo Detainees May Be Released Into The United StatesThe Obama Administration is contemplating the release of “some” terrorist-trained inmates from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, into the United States, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing Thursday. The comments came during questioning from Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell about the Administration’s plan for a specific group of detainees, Chinese nationals known as Uighurs. Asked if the plan was to simply “release them in the United States…not to be incarcerated, but just to be released,” Gates did not rule out the possibility. “I’m not sure a final decision has been made,” Gates said, “[but] what I have heard people talking about is our taking some of the Uighurs” into the United States. McConnell has also raised questions about the legal authority for such a release, and has cited a letter that Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions recently sent to Attorney General Eric Holder in which he asked for the Administration’s legal justification for releasing trained terrorists into the U.S. Trained terrorists are currently barred by federal law from entering the United States. As for the remaining detainees, Gates said that it is still an “open question” as to where they will be held, though one option the administration is considering is housing them in U.S. facilities. To date, Gates said, there are still “50 to 100” detainees in Guantanamo “who we cannot release and cannot try either in Article 3 Courts or Military Commissions.” McConnell said he understood the dilemma, but that it was created by the Administration’s decision to mandate an arbitrary closing date for the facility before it had a plan for what to do with the inmates being held there. “The previous administration also said they wanted to close Guantanamo,” McConnell said. “The difference is, this administration actually put a date on it and actually has to answer the question: what are you going to do with them?” McConnell has emerged as a leading critic of the Administration’s reported plan to move trained terrorists from Guantanamo to the U.S. — a position the Senate affirmed two summers ago by a vote of 94-3. At Thursday’s hearing, McConnell noted that communities across the country are increasingly alarmed about the Administration’s proposal to transfer inmates to U.S. soil. “Communities are going to be upset about this,” McConnell said. “This is a very important issue and it deals with public safety, as we all know. We haven't been attacked against since 9/11. We like that and we'd like for that record to continue.” Gates acknowledge the widespread opposition among the public to transferring detainees to the United States, noting at one point that he fully expects to have to have “535 pieces of legislation before this is over saying ‘not in my district, not in my state.’” McConnell replied: “you can count on it.” Thursday’s hearing comes 267 days before the detention facility Guantanamo is mandated to be closed under a January executive order by the President. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on May 4, 2009 15:28:40 GMT -5
Couple Pleads Guilty to Bank Robbery Michael Helvey, 29, and Mandy Turner, 29, both of Newport, Ky. pleaded guilty today to bank robbery. In the course of their guilty pleas, Helvey admitted that he robbed the Fifth Third Bank located at 240 Bellevue, Ky. on January 16, 2009. He entered the bank that day and passed a note to a teller that demanded money and indicated that he had a gun. He took approximately $4,520.00 in the robbery. Turner wrote the note used in the robbery and split the proceeds from the robbery with Helvey. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Timothy D. Cox, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by the Bellevue Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony J. Bracke. Helvey and Turner are currently scheduled to appear for sentencing before United States District Court Judge David Bunning in Covington, Ky. on September 4, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. Each faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. However, any sentence following conviction will 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 No American Will Penalize the Administration for Putting Safety Over SymbolismMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Guantanamo: “With the administration still unsure of what to do with the detainees at Guantanamo, Attorney General Holder has described its arbitrary closing date as one of his most daunting challenges. Secretary Gates said some would be released or transferred overseas, some tried in American courts, and the administration doesn’t know what to do with 50-100 who can’t be released or tried. Clearly, the administration lacks a plan and a safe alternative for closing Guantanamo. “So let me make a suggestion: it should reconsider its arbitrary deadline on Guantanamo just as it reconsidered its commitment to arbitrary withdrawal deadlines on Iraq. Once the administration has a plan to safely detain, prosecute, or transfer these detainees, the Congress should be consulted and briefed to evaluate this proposal. With no safe alternative, this is the only sensible approach. “No American will penalize the administration for putting safety over symbolism — and Europe shouldn’t either, since it’s been far more critical than helpful. It is increasingly clear that working through the problems related to Guantanamo will require time and close consultation with Congress. The Senate voted 94 to 3 against sending detainees to American soil – even if only to prisons. Secretary Gates has conceded that no one wants these detainees in their communities. “The legal authority for releasing trained terrorists is in question — a concern the administration hasn't publicly addressed at all. The administration hasn’t decided if it will use the military commissions process that Congress passed on a bipartisan basis at the suggestion of the Supreme Court. “Finally, the administration hasn’t said how it plans to deal with the problem of terrorists we release returning to the battlefield — even as the DoD has confirmed that 18 released prisoners have returned to terrorism and that at least 40 more are suspected as having done so. The American people want to keep the terrorists at Guantanamo out of their neighborhoods and off of the battlefield. At this point, the only way we can assure them that neither one of these things will occur is for the administration to keep this secure facility open until it develops a sensible plan for the Congress to evaluate. “We remain a nation at war with ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite disagreements over the best way to combat international terrorism, the truth remains that we haven’t been attacked at home since 9/11. That is a record we want to continue, and maintaining a safe and secure way to detain terrorists is a critical part of protecting the American people.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Injury Collision on I-75 in Whitley CountyOn Friday, May 01, 2009, at 3:15 PM the Kentucky State Police Division of Commercial Enforcement was notified two vehicle injury traffic crash involving a commercial vehicle on I-75 in Whitley County. Upon arrival KSP CVE Officer Charles Garland determined that a white 2002 Ford box truck, driven by James Clifton, 64, of Lenore City, TN was southbound on I-75 when, according the another driver, it went out of control on the rain soaked roadway and slid into the path of a southbound tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailer a gray 2007 Peterbilt, driven by Stephen Engelhard, 43, of Oxford, OH was southbound on I-75 when it struck the Ford box truck. Mr. Clifton was transported from the scene to the Baptist Regional Medical Center in Corbin, KY and later flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN for treatment of his injuries. It is unknown at this time if Mr. Clifton was seat belted. Mr. Engelhard, who was not injured, was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. No alcohol or drug involvement is suspected at this time. Officer Garland is continuing the investigation and was assisted at the scene by the Whitley County EMS. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Clay, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Public Health Reports Probable H1N1 Swine Flu Case in Daviess County ResidentSpecimen Has Been Sent to CDC for Further TestingDr. William D. HackerThe Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) will report Kentucky's fourth probable case of H1N1 (swine flu), involving a Daviess County man, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today. "In Kentucky and nationally, we are still in the early stages of identifying cases of H1N1 swine flu, and determining how widespread it might become," said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of DPH. "While we have not identified many probable or confirmed cases, we continue to encourage individuals to stay informed as this situation evolves and to continue practicing basic health habits to prevent illness." The new probable case in Daviess County involves a young man, who received antiviral treatment and has recovered. He attends college in Massachusetts. The Green River District Health Department will evaluate close contacts for illness and possible preventive treatment, and Kentucky health officials will coordinate the investigation of the case with Massachusetts health officials. Earlier this week, DPH reported Kentucky’s first cases of swine flu, a confirmed case involving a Warren County woman who is hospitalized in Georgia, and probable cases in Barren River Health District, Fayette County and Montgomery County. Results from CDC on the samples from the previously reported probable cases are not yet available. Kentucky health officials continue to ask that Kentuckians who have traveled recently to Mexico or other countries or communities within the U.S. where the new H1N1 influenza strain known as swine flu has been reported, or who are planning such travel, be alert for the symptoms of swine flu in the following ways: • Monitor yourself and travel companions for symptoms of fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea. • If symptoms of illness develop within seven days of travel return, seek evaluation by a health care provider as soon as possible. • Be sure to tell your health care provider about your recent travel and suggest testing for influenza. • Stay home from work, school and other public places until you are feeling well. People who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with swine flu or who reside in communities where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases should also be alert for these symptoms. "Like the rest of the nation, Kentucky is taking every precaution in responding to this new strain of H1N1," said Gov. Beshear. "Health officials are working to detect all possible cases of swine flu and respond with the appropriate preventive measures. Individuals should continue to monitor this situation as it develops and practice basic measures to stay healthy, such as hand washing and staying home when sick." Health officials also continue to urge Kentuckians to use basic health habits that help prevent illness. Green River Health District Director of Nursing Judy Gilmore said, "Common sense precautions to prevent illness include avoiding close contact with those who are ill, staying home when sick, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth. I'd also like to particularly emphasize the role of frequent hand washing in staying healthy." Currently, there are more than 160 confirmed cases of swine flu reported in the U.S., a number that is expected to continue to grow. The World Health Organization and CDC have reported numerous human cases of a severe respiratory illness in at least three different regions of Mexico. Laboratory testing of patient specimens has confirmed infections with swine influenza ("swine flu") A/H1N1 virus. This is a newly emerging, animal-origin virus that is now being spread from an infected person to another person. For more information on swine flu, visit: cdc.gov/H1N1fluIndividuals can also visit: healthalerts.ky.govfor information on swine flu and Kentucky, or follow KYHealthAlerts on Twitter to be notified when new information is posted at the Web site. The preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker.
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Post by Press Release on May 4, 2009 20:08:04 GMT -5
Marijuana Grow Investigation in Whitley CountyOn Friday, May 01, 2009, at 00:46 AM the Kentucky State Police, Post 11, in London was notified, by an anonymous caller of a large outdoor marijuana grow on C. Bryant Road in Whitley County. Upon arrival Detective Billy Correll and Trooper Phillip Hays discovered 154 marijuana plants growing at the location. The plants were eradicated by the officers. Detective Correll is continuing the investigation and was assisted by Trooper Hays. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Clay, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. McConnell Calls for Reform in Tax System While Protecting U.S. JobsMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding tax reform: “I certainly support reforming the tax system and agree with the President that we must crack down on tax evasion through the use of tax shelters or abuse of offshore bank accounts. But as to the larger part of his proposal: I cannot endorse a plan that gives preferential treatment to foreign companies at the expense of U.S.-based companies and the 52 million people they employ. “When even a member of the President’s cabinet says a recession is the wrong time to raise taxes, the administration’s plan—a significant tax increase on companies representing 44 percent of total U.S. private employment—seems particularly harmful to our shared goal of creating more American jobs rather than driving them overseas by increasing the cost of job creation here at home.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Dental Office Employee Sentenced for Stealing $250,000Sandra Baker, 37, of Florence, Ky. was sentenced today to 18 months in prison by United States District Court Judge David L. Bunning for stealing $250,000 from her employer. In December of 2008, Baker pleaded guilty to the charge of Aggravated Identity Theft. Baker served as an administrative assistant at a Florence dental office. She opened a credit card in her employer’s name and made several unauthorized purchases for more than four years. Under federal law, Baker must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky made the announcement today after the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin G. Dusing. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Breast Cancer Survivors Honored at Annual LuncheonToday, First Lady Jane Beshear welcomed approximately 1,000 breast cancer survivors from across the Commonwealth to the 12th annual Celebration of Hope. “It is very appropriate that on the Monday after the Kentucky Derby, we celebrate the winning of another “Derby” as women have won their own race of life by defeating breast cancer,” said Mrs. Beshear. “The Celebration of Hope is their winner’s circle and we want to congratulate each of them.” This year’s guests heard words of inspiration from Nancy Cox, news anchor for WLEX-TV in Lexington. Cox is a native of Taylor County and a graduate of Western Kentucky University and was named Miss Kentucky in 1990. Cox started at WLEX in 1992. She is currently the station’s 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 and 11:00 p.m. news anchor. Among her community activities, she hosts WLEX 18’s “First Monday” reports, profiles of breast cancer survivors in conjunction with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, as well as the “Race for the Cure” and the “Pink Tie Gala,” both efforts to raise breast cancer awareness. Also, sharing her story of survivorship, Cathy Halloran, of Highland Heights, is a breast cancer survivor of over seven years. Halloran is the owner of the nonprofit organization CHICKS & CHUCKS. The organization is designed to be a resource for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who require products and services, but may not have the financial means to acquire the needed services. Along with the two speakers, musical entertainment was provided by Dr. Everett McCorvey from Lexington and Grammy nominee Kenny Bishop. Holding true to the “pink” theme of breast cancer awareness, the tables on the convention floor and the entryway were decorated with pink and green cloths, pink floral arrangements and pink and green wooden jockeys. With the help of over 100 volunteers, lunch was provided to the survivors by Yum! Brands and included grilled chicken, potato salad, biscuit and slaw. Various merchants were in booths in the convention center lobby. These merchants include Two Chicks & Co., Gilda’s Club of Louisville, Louisville Stoneware, Elmwood Inn and various authors. Vendors were asked to donate a portion of all proceeds to the Celebration of Hope. The luncheon was held at downtown Frankfort on May 4, 2009 in the Frankfort Convention Center from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., concluding a weekend of Derby events. In addition to the luncheon, the Governor’s Mansion is open to all attendees from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. for tours. Downtown Frankfort shuttled guests from the Frankfort Convention Center to the mansion and back. In honor of the cancer survivor celebration, the Thomas D. Clark Kentucky History Center offered free admission today to those wearing pink. The Celebration of Hope was initiated by former First Lady Judi Patton and has since developed into a celebration of survivorship as well as an opportunity to educate Kentucky’s women on the issue of breast cancer awareness. Additionally, this gathering of survivors and advocates serves to promote awareness that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among women—both nationally and in Kentucky. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on May 4, 2009 20:12:53 GMT -5
Public Health Reports Probable H1N1 Swine Flu Case in Hardin County ResidentSpecimen Has Been Sent to CDC for Further TestingDr. William D. HackerThe Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) will report Kentucky's fifth probable case of H1N1 (swine flu), involving a Hardin County toddler, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today. "We continue to investigate and identify possible cases of H1N1 swine flu in Kentucky," said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of DPH. "There are no special recommendations to individuals other than to stay informed and focus on practicing good health habits. In partnership with local health officials, we evaluate the circumstances surrounding all cases we detect to ensure the appropriate precautions are taken to help prevent the further spread of the illness.” The new probable case in Hardin County involves a toddler with a history of recent travel to an affected area in the U.S. The child has not been hospitalized. Health officials from the Lincoln Trail District Health Department are investigating the case, and will evaluate close contacts for illness and possible preventive treatment. The child attends a child care center on Fort Knox and local health officials have been working closely with Fort Knox officials. Fort Knox officials have voluntarily closed the child care center through at least Wednesday of this week. Parents of children who attend the Fort Knox child care center are encouraged to keep their children at home and to notify their physician if their child develops any flu-like symptoms. Last week, DPH reported Kentucky’s first cases of swine flu, a confirmed case involving a Warren County woman who is hospitalized in Georgia and probable cases in the Barren River Health District, Fayette County, Montgomery County and Daviess County. Results from CDC on the samples for those cases are not yet available. Kentucky health officials continue to ask that Kentuckians who have traveled recently to Mexico or other countries or communities within the U.S. where the new H1N1 influenza strain known as swine flu has been reported, or who are planning such travel, be alert for the symptoms of swine flu in the following ways: • Monitor yourself and travel companions for symptoms of fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea. • If symptoms of illness develop within seven days of travel return, seek evaluation by a health care provider as soon as possible. • Be sure to tell your health care provider about your recent travel and suggest testing for influenza. • Stay home from work, school and other public places until you are feeling well. People who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with swine flu or who reside in communities where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases should also be alert for these symptoms. "Kentucky is taking every precaution in responding to this new strain of H1N1," said Gov. Beshear. "Health officials are working to detect all possible cases of swine flu and respond with the appropriate preventive measures. Individuals should continue to monitor this situation as it develops and practice basic measures to stay healthy, such as hand washing and staying home when sick." Common sense precautions to prevent illness include: avoiding close contact with those who are ill; staying home when sick; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and frequent hand washing. Currently, there are more than 141 confirmed cases of swine flu reported in the U.S., a number that is expected to continue to grow. The World Health Organization and CDC have reported numerous human cases of a severe respiratory illness in at least three different regions of Mexico. The number of cases has risen steadily during April 2009. Laboratory testing of patient specimens has confirmed infections with swine influenza ("swine flu") A/H1N1 virus. This is a newly emerging, animal-origin virus that is now being spread from an infected person to another person. For more information on swine flu, visit: cdc.gov/swinefluIndividuals can also visit: healthalerts.ky.govfor information on swine flu and Kentucky, or follow KYHealthAlerts on Twitter to be notified when new information is posted at the Web site. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department's Web site is: www.ltdhd.ky.govThe preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker. Former USP Big Sandy Corrections Officer IndictedCivil Rights Violation, Wanton Endangerment, Providing Prohibited Item to InmateLarry Ray Miller, Jr., 33, of Hazard, Kentucky, a correctional officer at the United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy, in Martin County, was indicted today for violating an inmate’s civil rights, a Kentucky state law violation of first degree wanton endangerment, and aiding and abetting providing a prohibited item to an inmate. The Superseding Indictment alleges that on December 30, 2007, Miller, then employed as a corrections officer at USP Big Sandy, and acting under the color of laws of the United States, did injure, oppress, intimidate, and threaten inmate M.L.T., in inmate confined in the prison’s special housing unit. In so doing, Miller deprived inmate M.L.T. of the free exercise and enjoyment of his Constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment. The Superseding Indictment also alleges that Miller committed the Kentucky crime of First Degree Wanton Endangerment. The Superseding Indictment alleges Miller, while acting under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life, opened inmate M.L.T.’s cell door and allowed fellow corrections officer Kevin Christopher Fallen to enter the cell with a folding pocket knife. The Superseding Indictment alleges that Miller in so acting created a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to inmate M.L.T., Fallen, and others. Finally, the Superseding Indictment alleges that Miller, aided and abetted by Fallen, provided a folding pocket knife to inmate M.L.T. in violation of Bureau of Prisons policy. In March 2009, Fallen pleaded guilty to providing the pocket knife to inmate M.L.T. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, J. C. Zurcher, Warden, USP Big Sandy, John F. Oleskowicz, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, (DOJ-OIG) Chicago Field Office, and Timothy D. Cox, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today after a federal grand jury in Ashland, Ky., returned the Superseding Indictment. The investigation preceding the Indictment was conducted by the USP Big Sandy Special Investigative Services, DOJ-OIG, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Superseding Indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. Miller’s appearance before the United States District Court has not yet been set by the Court. If convicted, Miller 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 indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only, and that person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky KSP Awards $350,000 in Grant Funding to Enforce Underage Drinking LawsKentucky State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer announced today the agency awarded $350,000 in federal grant funds to enforce underage drinking laws that prohibit the sale, purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL) block grant. KSP serves as the designated state administrator for EUDL grant funds and monitors each awarded project. "Our goal is to make minors and their parents more aware of underage drinking laws and the dangerous consequences of underage drinking," said Brewer. "These federal dollars will allow communities to work together to identify local needs and sustain a successful strategy to combat underage drinking." "The key is educating both youth and parents about the dangers involved while cracking down on people who sell, or provide, alcohol to minors. "We believe that strong community involvement increases the odds of reaching these community goals. Education is essential to this effort as well as enforcement of the law," added Brewer. The 2006 Kentucky Incentives Prevention (KIP) Survey indicates that 30 percent of tenth graders and 39 percent of twelfth graders reported alcohol use in the past 30 days. Even more alarming, 25 percent of twelfth graders reported 'binge-drinking' in the previous two weeks. The Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) reports that underage drinking costs the United States $2.1 billion each year through medical care and loss of work. Brewer advised that the two main contributing factors to underage drinking is a youth's ability to illegally purchase alcohol and obtaining someone, over the age of 21, to purchase it for them. "EUDL grant activities specifically target these factors and are designed to reduce underage drinking by making it harder to gain access to alcohol," remarked Brewer. "Kentucky's youth are the future of the Commonwealth and we must utilize every effort available to protect this most valuable asset." The Kentucky Department of Alcohol Beverage Control is the main enforcement component in Kentucky's Underage Drinking Enforcement Program. Over the past two years, Kentucky ABC has conducted 5,767 compliance checks resulting in 479 underage alcohol purchases. During 2008, the division conducted 80 Targeted Enforcement Details (festivals, sporting events, campus keg parties, etc.) resulting in 834 citations. Of those citations, 540 were for possession of alcohol by a minor, which is the focus of the detail. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Clay, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley.
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Post by Press Release on May 5, 2009 17:36:01 GMT -5
Help Celebrate Nurses WeekMake a Commitment to HealthAs part of National Nurses Week, the thousands of nurses employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) and local health departments across the state are working to spread an important message to all Kentuckians about preventive health - it’s time to get serious about physical activity, nutrition and saying no to tobacco. Nurses Week, which was created to promote the important role of nurses in American health care and government, will be observed this year May 4–8 around the country as a way to honor the contribution of nurses to health care, the delivery of clinical services, nursing and health education, public health and health policy. In addition to a week of continuing education and staff promotional events, nurses on staff at CHFS also wanted to use the observance as a platform to help educate Kentuckians about various ways to sustain long-term health. “As nurses who work in the public sector, we are constantly focused on new programs and initiatives that reach people suffering from chronic disease like diabetes, cancer and heart disease,” said Rosie Miklavcic, chief nursing officer for the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH). “Because of the devastating effects of these diseases on the people of our state, we must do all we can through programs - like the dozens of disease prevention and education programs offered through our local health departments - to prevent diseases before they strike.” Throughout the week, nurses employed by CHFS will engage in various activities, including a continuing education class on influenza, a health walk and a nurses’ tea. “We are using the week as a way to celebrate the profession of nursing and the contribution of each nurse employed by CHFS and local health departments,” said Miklavcic. “But we also want to use the observance as a time to speak with a collective voice about ways Kentuckians can improve their health and well-being. Emphasizing a wellness model that incorporates physical activity, nutrition and tobacco cessation and prevention components is extremely important to improving the health of our state.” Miklavcic encouraged anyone interested in learning more about incorporating more physical activity into their life, improving nutrition or quitting smoking to contact the local health department in their county. “It’s possible to live well and feel good every day, but it takes a commitment and the right lifestyle,” said Miklavcic. “What better way to celebrate Nurses Week in Kentucky than making a change to improve the health of not only yourself, but also your family and loved ones.” The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Bunning Statement On The Death Of Jack KempJack KempSenator Jim Bunning issued the following statement on the death of former Vice Presidential Candidate, Congressman, and NFL Quarterback, Jack Kemp. "Jack Kemp was a dear friend and I was saddened to learn of his passing this weekend. I’ve known Jack since 1968 when we met as part of ‘Athletes for Nixon’ and I also had the pleasure of serving with him in the House of Representatives where we were both members of the ‘Jock Caucus’. Not only did our mutual affinity for sports bring us together as friends, but I also shared strongly in Jack’s belief that by lowering taxes and cutting spending we can put the country on better financial ground. Jack Kemp was a American patriot who served his country well and he will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Joanne and the family." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning.
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Post by Press Release on May 5, 2009 17:45:57 GMT -5
National Travel and Tourism Week May 9-17To emphasize the importance of the tourism industry, several attractions and tourism offices will be taking part in National Travel and Tourism Week May 9-17. Tourism has an economic impact of more than $10 billion annually in Kentucky and is one of the major employers in the state. “This is a good time of year to point out what an important role tourism plays in our state economy,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Marcheta Sparrow. “We’ve just completed another successful Kentucky Derby celebration and our summer vacation season with great attractions across the state is just a few weeks away.” Communities across Kentucky will be celebrating the week with events and ceremonies. Here is a listing of some of the events planned as part of National Travel and Tourism Week: • The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau will kick-off its Hometown Tourist Celebration on May 8 at 8:30 a.m. at the Visitors Center at 4th and Jefferson streets in downtown Louisville. This annual event encourages area families to visit attractions that participate with discounts and special offers from May 9-30. • The Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will hold a rally for tourism industry workers on May 13 on the Purple People Bridge from noon to 12:30 p.m. • Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park near Mount Olivet will offer free admission to its Pioneer Museum to residents from Robertson, Nicholas and Fleming counties from May 9-17. • The Bed and Breakfast Association of Kentucky will offer a buy one, get one night free deal during May 9-17. Visit www.kentuckybb.com and look under “current news” for details. • TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky (TOUR SEKY) will celebrate National Tourism Week on May 12 when it hosts “A Region Under Construction” luncheon from 11:30-1:30 at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset. TOUR SEKY will award funds to winning communities for C.I.T.Y. (Community Initiatives in Tourism for You) and Let’s Paint the Town, downtown revitalization programs. • The Woodford County Tourist Commission will honor local tourism efforts and recognize the week with a public reception on May 11 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Woodford County Courthouse in Versailles. The eight state Welcome Centers will be holding special events including safety demonstrations, artisan displays and presentations from area tourist attractions during the week. The centers, based along interstate entrances to the state, are located near Shepherdsville, Shelbyville, Hopkinsville, Florence, Franklin, Grayson, Paducah and Williamsburg. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov A Full and Fair DebateMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Justice Souter’s decision to retire and the nomination process for his replacement: “Justice Souter’s decision last week to retire from the Supreme Court presents us with an opportunity to prepare for an important debate about the role of the courts and the meaning of the Constitution. Of all the Senate’s duties, few have come to enliven our civic life as much as the consideration of a Supreme Court nominee. “Justice Souter never made a secret of the fact that he prefers New Hampshire to Washington, and the fact that he’s served so long in spite of that preference speaks of a deep commitment to public service. As Justice Souter returns to New Hampshire, we thank him for his many years of dedicated service. “Now attention turns to the President’s eventual nominee. “Republicans are hopeful that President Obama will choose someone with the same qualities that have always characterized a good judge: superb legal ability, personal integrity, sound temperament, and, above all, an even-handed reading of the law. “These are the qualities Americans have always looked for in their judges. Any judge who has them can fulfill his or her judicial oath to ‘administer justice without respect to persons and do equal right to the poor and to the rich.’ And these are the qualities that we should expect of any nominee to the highest court in the land. “Over the years, there has been a growing tendency among some on the Left to pick or promote judges based on policy and political preferences, and President Obama’s past statements on judicial appointments strongly suggest that he shares this view. “As a candidate for President, he said that his criteria for a judicial nominee would be someone who would empathize with particular parties or particular groups. This viewpoint was evident again last week when, in describing a good nominee, the President seemed to stress empathy over and above a judge’s role of applying the law without prejudice. “The problem with this philosophy is that it arises out of the misguided notion that the courts are simply an extension of the legislative branch rather than a check on it. Americans don’t want judges to view any group or individual who walks into the courtroom as being more equal than any other group or individual. They expect someone who will apply the law equally to everyone, so everyone has a fair shake. “Americans expect, and should receive, equal treatment whether they’re in small claims court or the Supreme Court. And any judge who pushes for an outcome based on their own personal opinion of what’s fair undermines that basic trust Americans have always had and should always expect in an American court of law. “The President is free to nominate whomever he likes. But picking judges based on his or her perceived sympathy for certain groups or individuals undermines the faith Americans have in our judicial system. So throughout this nomination process, the impartiality of judges is a principle that all of us should strongly defend. “In a nation of laws, the question is not whether a judge will be on the side of one group or another. It is not ‘whose side,’ the judge is ‘on,’ as a senior Democrat on the Judiciary Committee framed the issue during another debate over a Supreme Court nominee. The issue is whether he or she will apply the law even-handedly. “Once the President chooses his nominee, Senate Republicans will work to ensure the Senate can conduct a thorough review of their record, and a full and fair debate over his or her qualifications for the job. This is a responsibility we take seriously, and one that the American people expect us to carry out with the utmost deliberation.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on May 6, 2009 15:59:29 GMT -5
KY 3347 in Owsley County closed for bridge repairsThe bridge carrying KY 3347 (Shepherd Lane) over Meadow Creek in Owsley County will be closed until Thursday, May 14 for repairs. Inclement weather during this period may force the closure to be extended as required to complete the work. No marked detour will be posted, but motorists can use KY 30 and KY 28 as alternate routes. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Americans Want Answers on GuantanamoSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday regarding Guantanamo and the lack of response from the administration on their intentions for the detainees: “It should be clear to everyone at this point that the administration got ahead of itself by announcing an arbitrary closing date for Guantanamo before it even drew up a list of safe alternatives. So I rise this morning to express my continuing concerns about the administration’s apparent lack of a plan for detainees at this facility and to press the administration for answers on a number of important questions. “Over the past two weeks, I and others have asked the Attorney General to provide the American people with the assurance that closing Guantanamo will keep the American people as safe as Guantanamo has. We’ve asked a series of questions. So far, these questions have gone unanswered. But the questions remain. • Which detainees will be released or transferred overseas? • How do we know these men won’t return to the battlefield? • Will they be tried in American courts or will we use military commissions? • Will any be sent to U.S. soil, even though the Senate voted against it 94 to 3? • Finally, what legal basis does the administration have to release trained terrorists into the U.S.? “Americans want answers. Unfortunately, the administration seems more comfortable discussing its plans for the inmates at Guantanamo with a European audience than it is discussing these details with Americans. “Senator Sessions wrote a letter to the Attorney General weeks before his trip to Europe asking about the legality of releasing trained terrorists into the U.S. He sent another one to the same effect on Monday. He still hasn’t heard back. “During the same trip, Attorney General Holder talked specifics about Guantanamo with European leaders. He said that the administration has identified 30 detainees at Guantanamo who are ready for release and that he would, quote, ‘be reaching out to specific countries with specific detainees.’ And according to reports, the administration has presented at least one country with a list of detainees it would like that country to accept. “Americans want to know that on the issue of Guantanamo the administration is as concerned about safety as it is about symbolism. They’re concerned about the administration’s plans for releasing or transferring some of the most dangerous terrorists alive. They want to know that these terrorists won’t end up back on the battlefield or in their backyards. “At the very least, they should know as much about the administration’s plans for these men as our European critics do. So this morning I would like to ask the Attorney General to provide Congress with any information he has provided to foreign governments about his plans for detainees at Guantanamo. If the administration will not relate its plans to the American people or their representatives in Congress, it should at least relate the details of its conversations on this issue with foreign leaders. This is not too much to ask.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. COMMISSIONER FARMER SAYS TEST YOUR FORAGESTO MINIMIZE COSTS AND MAXIMIZE PROFITSRichie FarmerAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer advises forage and livestock producers to test their forages. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture provides a forage testing service for a small fee. “Testing provides livestock producers with valuable nutritional information,” Commissioner Farmer said. “By knowing the nutritional value of their forages, producers can minimize the cost of their feed while maximizing the production of their livestock.” The Department tests samples for $10 per lot (same field, same cutting). Producers receive a laboratory analysis of their forage’s nutritional value and an “Interpreting Forage Quality Report” from the KDA. The analysis helps forage producers determine a fair market value for their product and helps livestock producers formulate the most nutritious and economical feed ration for their animals. For producers who wish to sell their forages, a KDA inspector will make a visual evaluation and list the product in the Department’s online Hay Sales Directory. Each listing describes a lot’s type, cutting date and number, bale size and weight, color, odor, relative feed value (RFV) and other characteristics. Listings may be sorted by any combination of county, RFV, bale size and type of hay. Producers and brokers looking to buy or sell hay also may contact the KDA’s toll-free Hay Hotline at (888) 567-9589. The Department makes no guarantees or claims to the quality, price or nutritional value of hay and forages submitted through the hotline. The KDA has a forage testing van used for testing and educational purposes. The van may be booked for hay contests, meetings, fairs and other events by calling toll free 1-800-248-4628. For more information on the KDA’s Forage Testing Program, go to: www.kyagr.comclick on Programs, and click on Forage Testing, Hay for Sale (Tested) or Hay Hotline, or contact Kim Field at Kimberly.field@ky.gov or 1-800-248-4628. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
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Post by Press Release on May 6, 2009 16:11:53 GMT -5
Public Health Receives Confirmation of Daviess County H1N1 Swine Flu CaseDr. William D. HackerThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notified the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) today that a case of H1N1 swine flu has been confirmed in a young man from Daviess County. This marks the state's second confirmed case of H1N1. Specimens from Kentucky's four remaining probable cases—in the Barren River Health District, Fayette County, Montgomery County and Hardin County—are still pending at CDC. The state's other confirmed case was announced last week and involves a Warren County woman who is hospitalized in Georgia. No new cases are being reported today. For more information on swine flu, visit: cdc.gov/H1N1fluIndividuals can also visit: healthalerts.ky.govfor information on swine flu and Kentucky, or follow KYHealthAlerts on Twitter to be notified when new information is posted at the Web site. The preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker. Kentucky Businesses Beware of Scam Filings NotificationsTrey GraysonSecretary of State Trey Grayson announced a warning today to Kentucky businesses of a scam that is currently circulating in the neighboring states of Ohio and Indiana. The scam targets businesses, informing them that they are required by law to submit an “Annual Minutes Disclosure Statement.” The letter solicits an annual fee of $125 or $150 and claims it will be used for record keeping and processing of the annual minutes. It gives the appearance of coming from a legitimate government agency and cites fictitious state law. “Businesses need to be on alert for this scam and immediately report it if seen,” stated Secretary Grayson. “Official documents from my office will always include my name and the appropriate seal.” Because most entities that conduct business within the Commonwealth are required to register with the Office of the Secretary of State and are required to file annual reports with the Office, many might mistake this mailing as an official mailing from the Kentucky Office of the Secretary of State. However, this letter is not official correspondence from the Office of the Secretary of State or any other Kentucky state agency. Kentucky law does not require such a document, nor can such a document be filed with the Secretary of State as a business filing. However, all Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships, Business Trusts, and Professional Service Corporations (PSCs) that are registered with the state, are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State by June 30 of each year. Failure to file the annual report will result in the company being listed in bad standing with the office and could lead to administrative dissolution or revocation of authority to do business in Kentucky. The easiest way to make an annual report filing is by doing so online at: www.sos.ky.gov/annualreportsIf citizens have questions relating to business filings, please contact the Office of the Secretary of State at (502) 564-3490. If citizens have already responded to such a letters and believe you are a victim of this scam, please contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-888-432-9257. The Indiana Office of the Secretary of State has announced that they are working with federal law enforcement officials on the issue. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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Post by Press Release on May 7, 2009 19:51:59 GMT -5
PSC Chairman Armstrong Addresses National Conference on CarbonDescribes Kentucky’s efforts to test carbon sequestrationDavid ArmstrongKentucky is preparing for the likelihood of federal regulation of carbon dioxide emissions from the coal-burning power plants that produce 95 percent of the state’s electricity, Kentucky Public Service Commission Chairman David Armstrong told a national meeting today. Speaking at the Eighth Annual Conference on Carbon Capture and Sequestration, Armstrong described two projects to test whether the state’s geology is suitable for the long-term underground storage of carbon dioxide (CO2). Armstrong also noted that Kentucky’s existing laws regarding utility rates may provide a ready regulatory framework for allocating the costs that would come as a result of limits on CO2 emissions. “Our initial thinking is that Kentucky has in place a regulatory framework for dealing with the costs that carbon constraints would impose on our regulated utilities, particularly if CO2 is eventually regulated under the Clean Air Act,” he said. “That will, I hope, give us a bit of a leg up as we begin what is sure to be the lengthy, difficult and expensive process of adapting our electric utility industry to realities of a carbon-constrained world.” Federal legislative or regulatory mandates are likely to require substantial reductions of emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), Armstrong said. Rising levels of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere are believed to be the principal cause of global climate change. The burning of coal to produce electricity is one of the major sources of atmospheric CO2. Coal-burning power plants are expected to be one of the early targets of measures to reduce CO2 emissions. The cost of electricity produced from burning coal is expected to rise as a result of those carbon constraints. A Kentucky law (KRS 278.183) enacted in 1992 established a procedure – known as the Environmental Surcharge Mechanism – for coal-burning utilities to recover the costs of emission controls required by the federal Clean Air Act or other federal, state and local environmental statutes or regulations. The process has worked very well for the past 17 years “and has the added advantage of making clear to electric consumers the costs of environmental protection,” Armstrong said, while noting that the concept has never been applied to CO2 controls. Kentucky’s reliance on coal has spurred intense interest in technology to collect and store CO2 emissions from power plants, a process known as carbon capture and sequestration, or CCS, Armstrong said. “As you might expect, clean coal technology and CCS enjoy strong support from the state legislature and from Governor Steve Beshear,” he said, “One of the governor’s first initiatives upon taking office was to develop a comprehensive energy strategy, a key element of which is to control carbon dioxide emissions while continuing to use our state’s abundant coal resources. Development and demonstration of CCS technologies are central to implementing that strategy.” The two projects underway in Kentucky are designed to test whether CO2 can be stored in certain geologic formations deep beneath the state. The projects are at Duke Energy Kentucky’s Beech Bend power plant in Boone County and at a site in Hancock County. Both are being conducted by public-private partnerships that include utility companies and the state and federal governments. Armstrong appeared on a panel with utility regulatory commissioners from Indiana and Minnesota. The conference included featured speakers representing international organizations, federal and state government, utility and financial companies, the scientific community and interest groups. 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 kentucky.gov Bunning Statement Opposing Housing BillJim BunningSenator Jim Bunning issued the following statement opposing S. 896, the Housing Bill. "I opposed the FHA bailout program when it was created last year because it was going to be a place for irresponsible banks to dump their worst loans and irresponsible borrowers to get a taxpayer handout. This bill removes critical protections to prevent borrowers who lied on their original mortgage from getting a taxpayer subsidy. This is something I fought for and got included when the program was created last year and now under this bill it would only make it easier for banks to dump their worst loans on the taxpayers. "I certainly want to help families that are struggling through no fault of their own, but Congress should not reward people who engaged in mortgage fraud. This bill hurts responsible homeowners and rewards those who made bad decisions. The federal government should not be in the business of bailing out homeowners and banks who gambled on home prices and lost." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Guantanamo: Republican Concerns Are RealMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Guantanamo and the lack of response from the administration on their intentions for the detainees: “For the past several weeks, Republicans in Congress have expressed serious concerns about the administration’s insistence on closing Guantanamo before it has a safe alternative. “These concerns are rooted, among other things, in the fact that roughly 10 percent of the detainees who’ve already been released from Guantanamo have returned to the field of battle. These concerns are rooted in the fact that the administration has talked about releasing some of these trained terrorists into the United States - not into detention facilities, but directly into our communities. These concerns are rooted in the fact that Americans like the fact that we haven’t been attacked at home since 9/11, and they don’t want the terrorists at Guantanamo back on the battlefield or in their backyards. “These concerns are real … and yet all we’ve gotten from the administration on this issue is silence. “Five weeks ago, Senator Sessions sent the Attorney General a letter asking what legal authority the administration has to release trained terrorists into the United States. He sent another letter asking the same question earlier this week. In response, he’s gotten silence. Senator McCain and Senator Graham wrote an op-ed yesterday asking serious questions about what the administration plans to do with the detainees it releases or transfers from Guantanamo. “We haven’t heard anything in reply. “These aren’t academic questions we’re asking. When Americans hear about a former detainee named Said Ali al-Shihri, who was last seen serving as one of Al Qaeda’s top deputies in Yemen, calling on his Somali comrades to increase attacks on American ships, they have reason to be concerned. When Americans hear about a former detainee who was last seen serving as the Taliban's operational commander in southern Afghanistan, they have reason to be concerned. These are just a couple of the men previously deemed safe for transfer. They're living proof that the dangers of closing Guantanamo without a safe alternative are real. Yet all we get from the administration is a request for funds to close Guantanamo. “House Democrats agree that providing a blank check to close Guantanamo doesn’t make sense. But now Senate Democrats are reportedly supportive of a plan to appropriate funds to close Guantanamo before we know where these terrorists will end up. “Does the administration really think Congress will appropriate these funds before it presents us with a plan that keeps the American people as safe as Guantanamo has? “The administration needs to explain its actions to the American people and their representatives in Congress. And Republicans will continue to ask these questions until they do.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on May 7, 2009 20:03:39 GMT -5
Investigation on complaint leads to arrest of ABC licenseeAn investigation by state officials has led to the arrest of a bar owner in Burnside. Linda Bowling, owner of Louie’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill, was taken into custody Tuesday by Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) investigator Mark Cassity. Warrants for Bowling’s arrest followed an investigation into complaints that she purchased alcohol from a retail liquor store and re-sold the alcohol at her bar. She faces four counts of violating state laws that prohibit an ABC licensee from purchasing alcohol from a retail establishment for the purpose of re-sale. The transportation of the alcohol is also a violation of state laws. The charges are class B misdemeanors and if convicted, Bowling could face fines of up to $250 plus court costs and up to 90 days in jail for each count. The investigation by ABC continues and administrative charges are pending. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Budget Savings: ‘A Fraction of a Percent’Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Thursday regarding the President’s FY 2010 budget and proposals to cut .5% of the spending: “It’s clear that the budget Democrats passed last week on a party-line vote spends too much, taxes too much and borrows too much. And as a result, the President has now proposed some modest spending reductions totaling a fraction of a percent of the trillions his budget would add to the debt. That’s a start, but with Democrats in Congress adding to the national debt at a rate of more than $100 billion every month already this year, and with a budget that triples the already unsustainable public debt over the next decade, it’s clear that there is much more that we can do to protect our children and grandchildren from the unprecedented trillions in additional debt proposed by the administration. “When the government is paying nearly $100 million every day just to pay the finance charges from one stimulus bill, the only way to really address these out-of-control spending and debt levels is to get at the heart of the problem, which is entitlement spending. Nearly 70 percent of the money the federal government spends every year is mandatory spending on programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and on the interest we have to pay on the national debt. So rather than expanding entitlement programs, we should focus on solutions such as the Gregg/Conrad proposal or else we’ll be in very serious trouble as a nation.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Governor Beshear Joins EcoDrivingUSA during EcoDriving Month Governor Steve Beshear today joined the EcoDriving movement—a comprehensive, nationwide effort to save consumers money at the gas pump, reduce fuel use and cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. “May is EcoDriving month and the perfect time for each of us to become an EcoDriver,” said Governor Beshear. “As the driving season starts we should all keep in mind that if everyone in Kentucky practiced just a moderate level of EcoDriving, we could potentially reduce three million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).” “EcoDriving” provides easy tips for getting the most mileage out of your vehicle. And because burning gasoline produces carbon dioxide, saving fuel helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions - which helps address climate change. Some EcoDriving tips include: • Not tailgating • Knowing the proper way to accelerate and brake • Driving at the optimum highway speed • Understanding when to use air conditioning “Kentucky’s drivers don’t have to wait to buy a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle to reduce fuel costs and their carbon footprint,” Governor Beshear said. “On average, an EcoDriver™ can expect a 15 percent improvement in mileage by following some easy EcoDriving practices for driving and vehicle maintenance.“ The educational program, EcoDrivingUSA™ (www.EcoDrivingUSA.com), provides consumers with dozens of simple steps to save money and gas, while reducing CO2 emissions. The site includes a video guide to EcoDriving, an “EcoCalculator” to determine benefits for individuals or states, a virtual road test and a variety of educational tools. EcoDriving comes from the nation’s automakers which announced the program last August. While automakers continue working to bring to the market groundbreaking fuel-saving technology, they also wanted to provide customers with an immediate way to save fuel and help the environment. EcoDriving techniques can start saving motorists money right away. “We’re all in this together – industry, government and consumers,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. “Working together we can substantially reduce CO2 emissions and fuel use, one EcoDriver at a time.” Kentucky is among seven states to join the EcoDriving movement. A number of other states are looking to follow suit. For more information on EcoDriving go to: www.EcoDrivingUSA.comThe Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 11 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen. For more information, visit the Alliance website at: www.autoalliance.orgThe preceding press release was from kentucky.gov Bunning Co-sponsors Constitutional Amendment To Defend ‘Old Glory’Jim BunningSenator Jim Bunning issued the following statement in support of S.J. Res. 15, a Constitutional Amendment that will give authority to the U.S. Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the American flag. "The American flag is a beacon of hope for all of those who yearn to be free," said Bunning. "Our brave men and women in uniform have sacrificed so much for the flag, it breaks my heart to see Old Glory desecrated for what is usually just a publicity stunt. When people desecrate the flag they have turned their back on America. I have tried in previous Congresses to see that this important Constitutional Amendment sees the light of day. Unfortunately, leaders on both sides of the aisle do not see the need to protect the flag. I am humbled to stand with the American Legion in this fight and hope my colleagues rethink their position and stand with us so we can defend Old Glory." The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning. Scammers Try To Cash In On Swine Flu EpidemicJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway cautions Kentucky consumers that con artists are trying to cash in on the swine flu epidemic. As H1N1 (aka swine flu) spreads, scammers are targeting consumers who turn to the Internet for information about the deadly virus. An online security firm reports a spike in new swine flu domain names with some of the sites advertising items to “protect your family” against “swine flu.” “As we have seen all-too-often, con artists seize every opportunity to prey on the fears of unsuspecting consumers to make a quick buck,” General Conway said. “Their intentions with these bogus prevention websites and emails are to either obtain money for worthless products that they’re advertising, or to obtain personal information from consumers to steal their identities or access their bank accounts. Don’t let your concern about the flu trick you into clicking on links in these deceptive emails. There is currently no vaccine for the swine flu” General Conway urges consumers to always be suspicious of these types of ads on the Internet and in printed tabloids. “Do not respond to unsolicited emails making H1N1 flu protection claims. Responding to the email only verifies a valid address for the con artist,” cautioned General Conway. “The links within the emails could also contain a computer virus.” To track legitimate information and to obtain updates on the H1N1 virus, consumers should rely on trusted sources of information, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov. Information about this flu strain is also available on the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services website: chfs.ky.govIf you receive unsolicited emails regarding H1N1 virus “cures,” forward them to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov. If you see print ads that make similar claims, report them to the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 888-432-9257. The preceding press release was from kentucky.gov
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