|
Post by ClayLive on Mar 12, 2011 12:47:24 GMT -5
Former Clay County Clerk Sentenced 150 Months for Racketeering and Voter Fraud Conspiracies Department of Justice Press Release
FRANKFORT, KY—A federal judge sentenced a former Clay County Clerk to 150 months in prison for his criminal actions that allowed him and other officials to gain power and control politics in the county.
Freddy Thompson was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Danny C. Reeves for conspiring with a former circuit court judge, a school superintendent, and other county officials in schemes that involved racketeering, money laundering and voting fraud. He was also sentenced for obstruction of justice.
Last March, a jury convicted Thompson and seven others for their participation in the above mentioned schemes. The jury also found that the eight men were jointly liable for $3.4 million that represented the salaries and contracts they were able to get as a result of the conspiracies.
As chairman of the board of elections, Thompson helped the Clay County elections board control the outcomes of the primary and general elections for the years 2002, 2004 and 2006.
Evidence at the trial proved that during elections, Thompson provided large sums of money that was used so they could buy votes from residents in the county. He also instructed the officers how they could use the voting machines to steal votes.
As part of the scheme, Thompson and others switched the votes of county residents. Thompson also used others at his office to compile a list of vote sellers in the county.
On more than one occasion, after the elections had ended Thompson helped prepare false election reports to be sent to Frankfort that intentionally contained inaccurate voting totals. Thompson also, according to court records, instructed election officers to destroy voter assistance forms to avoid reporting the total number of people assisted during the election.
Trial testimony also revealed that Thompson provided a false testimony before the grand jury in 2009.
Kerry B. Harvey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Elizabeth A. Fries, Special Agent in Charge of FBI, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI.The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Smith and Jason Parman.
|
|
|
Post by ClayLive on Mar 30, 2011 16:11:45 GMT -5
Free GED® Testing March 15-June 30
The GED test will be free in Kentucky March 15-June 30. Kentuckians taking the test during that timeframe will not have to pay the usual $55 fee, which will be paid by Kentucky Adult Education, a unit of the Council on Postsecondary Education. “Most of us have been affected in some way by the tough economic times over the past couple of years, and the impact is even greater if you are looking for work and do not have your high school diploma,” said Reecie D. Stagnolia, vice president, Kentucky Adult Education. “We see this as a way to help the individual student and to help increase GED attainment in Kentucky at the same time. “As the economy recovers, this is an excellent time for people who do not have a high school credential to earn their GED and transition to postsecondary education so that they’re prepared for the workforce.” The GED tests provide adults who did not finish high school with the opportunity to certify their attainment of high school-level academic knowledge and skills. The GED consists of five parts: reading writing mathematics science social studies. Completing the entire test battery takes just over seven hours. Free GED classes are available through local adult education programs in all 120 Kentucky counties. To be eligible to take the GED, students must first successfully complete the GED Official Practice Test to make sure they are prepared for the actual test. In 10 years, nearly 105,848 Kentuckians have earned a GED, ranking Kentucky 13th highest in the national in the percentage of non-high school completers earning a GED. The GED tests are currently offered only in a paper-pencil format at official GED Testing Centers – the tests cannot be taken online. State GED administrators often receive reports from adults who have spent time and precious resources pursuing what they believe are accredited high school equivalency credentials online. Consumers find, after spending $200-$1,200, that these dubious credentials are not accepted by either employers, colleges or universities. Kentuckians interested in taking advantage of free classes and the time-limited free GED testing should contact the adult education center in their county to discuss how to get started. Click on the link below for information about the Clay County center: www.kyvae.org/CountyContactDetails.aspx?code=026 GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education® and may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the American Council on Education.
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Mar 31, 2011 16:48:51 GMT -5
Governor Beshear Recognizes Sacrifice of Three Fort Campbell Casualties
FRANKFORT, Ky.– Gov. Steve Beshear today recognized the sacrifice of three Fort Campbell soldiers who died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. According to the Department of Defense, the following soldiers died March 29 of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with small arms fire in Konar province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. Sgt. 1st Class Ofren Arrechaga, 28, of Hialeah, Fla.
Staff Sgt. Frank E. Adamski III, 26, of Moosup, Conn.
Spc. Jameson L. Lindskog, 23, of Pleasanton, Calif.
The Governor will order that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of each soldier’s interment for which arrangements are still pending. Flag status information is available at: www.governor.ky.gov/flagstatus.htm
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Apr 1, 2011 5:18:05 GMT -5
Governor Beshear Recognizes Sacrifice of Two Fort Campbell Casualties
FRANKFORT, Ky.– Gov. Steve Beshear today recognized the sacrifice of two Fort Campbell soldiers who died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. According to the Department of Defense, the following soldiers died March 29 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with small arms fire in Konar province. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Burgess, 29, of Cleburne, Texas.
Pfc. Dustin J. Feldhaus, 20, of Glendale, Ariz.
The Governor will order that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of each soldier’s interment for which arrangements are still pending. Flag status information is available at: www.governor.ky.gov/flagstatus.htm
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Apr 2, 2011 6:53:53 GMT -5
Governor Beshear Orders Flags to Half-staff on April 1
FRANKFORT, Ky.– Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Friday, April 1, 2011 in honor of a Fort Knox soldier who died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. According to the Department of Defense, Staff Sgt. Mecolus C. McDaniel, 33, of Fort Hood, Texas, died March 19 in Khowst province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, Ky. Funeral services for Staff Sgt. McDaniel will be held on April 1 at noon Eastern time at G.C. Williams Funeral Home in Louisville, Ky. Burial services will follow at approximately 2 p.m. Eastern time at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff, Ky.
|
|
|
Post by ClayLive on May 27, 2011 19:10:50 GMT -5
Bookkeeper for Former Whitley County Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Conspiracy
LONDON—A bookkeeper for former Whitley County Sheriff Lawrence Hodge admitted in federal court today that she assisted the sheriff in embezzling and laundering hundreds of thousands of dollars from the sheriff’s office. Abby Vicky Paul, 51, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove to embezzlement from a local governmental agency receiving federal funds. Hodge pleaded guilty last week to charges related to money laundering, extortion, and drug distribution. In her plea agreement, Paul admitted that from 2003 to 2008 she helped Hodge embezzle and/or launder a total of $222,914 from several different accounts belonging to the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department. Under Kentucky law, the sheriff’s department is responsible for collecting all state, county, county school district, and other property taxes within a given county. Paul admitted that she altered records related to the payment of property taxes by the citizens of Whitley County in order to create a false surplus of money in the department’s tax account. Paul did this with the knowledge and consent of Hodge. At the end of a given reporting period, typically every month, both Hodge and Paul took a portion of the excess money. According to court documents, in 2007, Hodge’s police cruiser burned in a fire at his residence. Paul admitted she and Hodge agreed to use the incident as an alibi for having records related to the tax account destroyed. Paul also acknowledged she helped Hodge steal money from the department’s drug and alcohol fund. Money donated or forfeited to the department in connection with criminal cases was placed in this fund to be used to make controlled drug buys, pay informants, and to further other similar law enforcement objectives. Instead, Hodge directed Paul to write checks from the fund for one of these legitimate purposes, when in reality he was cashing these checks and using the money to further his own drug habit and for other personal expenditures. Paul knew that Hodge was improperly taking these funds for his own personal use. Paul further admitted that Hodge permitted her to shift money from the department’s fee account in an effort to cover up any deficits to both the tax and drug and alcohol accounts. Paul’s plea agreement states that she admits to assisting Hodge in embezzling approximately $58,480 from the fee account in this manner. Finally, Hodge also authorized Paul to alter the office’s accounting records and to falsify reports and other required paperwork to conceal their criminal activities. Kerry B.Harvey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Paul J. Vido, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Elizabeth A. Fries, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Darryl Williams, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service jointly made the announcement today. The joint investigation was conducted by agents with the ATF, FBI, and IRS. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by W. Samuel Dotson. In addition, the investigating agencies received special assistance from the Kentucky State Police, the Williamsburg Police Department, Crit Luallen’s Office for the Auditor of Public Accounts for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and Whitley County Commonwealth Attorney Allen Trimble’s Office. Paul faces a maximum prison term of 10 years when she is sentenced in London, Ky. on September 1, 2011 at 3:30. louisville.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel11/lo051911.htm
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Jun 9, 2011 17:38:45 GMT -5
Clay County Added to FEMA Disaster Declaration Congressman Hal Rogers Press Release[/i] U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) has announced more counties in Southern and Eastern Kentucky have been added to the FEMA Disaster Declaration (FEMA-1976-DR) stemming from the severe storms that rapidly moved through the region April 22, 2011 through May 20, 2011. Federal funds will be available to help some individuals and communities recover from the damage left behind by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. "The people of Southern and Eastern Kentucky are still trying to recover from the devastating effects of the severe storms, but federal financial assistance is on the way," said Rogers. "I encourage eligible families and businesses to be diligent in documenting damage and to apply for assistance as soon as possible." The following counties in Southern and Eastern Kentucky are now eligible for federal financial assistance: Individual Assistance (IA) is available to Lawrence and Pike Counties. Public Assistance (PA) is available to Bath, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Lee, Magoffin, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry and Rowan Counties. All counties in the Commonwealth of Kentucky are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Jun 28, 2011 13:34:25 GMT -5
Hubble Meats is new Kentucky Proud source of locally raised beef and pork products Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife News Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Hubble Meats of Lincoln County has been upgraded to USDA-inspected status, joined Kentucky Proud, and added a retail sales area under owner Hal Akers. Hal Akers and Sam Lawson“Hubble Meats provides beef and pork producers a new local market for their products while enabling consumers to find locally raised Kentucky Proud meats,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “I commend Hal Akers and his farm manager, Sam Lawson, for their efforts and welcome them to the Kentucky Proud family.” With the upgrade, Hubble Meats now can sell meat by the piece from its retail store. Akers’ goal is to process 10 head of cattle from his operation plus several hogs and cattle from other producers on a weekly basis to supply the region with fresh, homegrown meats. Hubble Meats offers carcass grading through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s free carcass grading service, giving producers and consumers a yardstick by which to measure the quality of the products it processes. The plant processes beef and pork under U.S. Department of Agriculture or custom processing procedures. Hubble Meats recently added a smoker, which will enable the plant to cook and develop further value-added products such as summer sausage. The upgrade and the addition of the retail store is a step in the evolution of Akers Farms, Hal Akers’ 450-cow beef operation. Of that number, 300 head are registered Angus, and the upgrade of the processing plant provides a new outlet for the farm’s high-quality Angus beef. Under the direction of farm manager Sam Lawson, Akers Farms sells its best bulls in breeding stock sales while feeding some of the others to market weight under an agreement with JBS Swift. Hubble Meats is located between Stanford and Lancaster. For more information, call (606) 365-4994.
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Jul 12, 2011 23:49:51 GMT -5
Rogers Announces a $80,000 Grant to Improve London-Corbin Airport-Magee Field Congressman Hal Rogers Press ReleaseHal Rogers
Washington, DC - U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded an $80,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to the London-Corbin Airport-Magee Field for the installation of new airfield guidance signs. “It is vital to keep our rural airports, like the London-Corbin Airport in good operating condition to provide safe air travel for our communities,” said Rogers. “I am pleased to see that the Department of Transportation has invested in the Cumberland Valley region by ensuring the required signs are replaced to enhance aircraft safety.” The replacement of airfield guidance signs is required to enhance aircraft visual guidance and enhance safety of aircraft movements. With 77 aircraft based on its field, including single- and multi-engine airplanes, jets, glider plans and a helicopter, the London-Corbin Airport serves more than 500 aircraft a month—60% general aviation, 25% military and 14% air taxi. Grants are awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The FAA is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) provides grants for the planning and development of public-use airports, including improvements related to enhancing airport safety, capacity, security, and environmental concerns. Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Jul 17, 2011 6:56:48 GMT -5
Eastern Kentucky PRIDE launches new website
The Center for Rural Development’s web development team has designed a new website for Eastern Kentucky PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment), one of The Center’s affiliate organizations, that’s more interactive and user-friendly for viewers. The website, which launched in June, prominently features some of today’s top social media platforms—including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube—more news about PRIDE and what’s happening within its 38-county service area, and an up-to-date calendar listing of PRIDE Spring Cleanup and Roadside events. Viewers can also sign up for PRIDE’s electronic mailing list directly from the new site. The website puts viewers in touch with everything that’s going on with PRIDE and its volunteers scattered across Southern and Eastern Kentucky. View PRIDE’s gallery of photos on Flickr to see what PRIDE volunteers are doing to clean up the region and keep it free of litter and debris. To check out the new site go to: www.kypride.org
|
|
|
Post by ClayLive on Aug 3, 2011 17:09:34 GMT -5
Rural first responders to receive DHS-certified training
Knowing how to respond to the news media following a critical incident or planning for event security is vital to first responders, but many small and rural police departments simply do not have the funding to pay for officer training in these critical areas. In August, rural first responders, event planners, and public safety professionals will have an opportunity to receive free training in media response and event security at two U.S. Department of Homeland Security-certified courses presented by the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC) and The Center for Rural Development. These instructor-led courses—“MGT 335: Event Planning for Public Safety Professionals” and “AWR 209: Dealing with the Media: A Short Course for Rural Emergency Responders”—will be hosted onsite at The Center in Somerset. The event security course, scheduled for Aug. 8 and 9 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day, will cover basic principles for organizing security for events in small and rural communities. At the conclusion of the 16-hour management-level course, participants will be able to recognize and plan adequate strategies and security measures to prevent or mitigate security incidents related to planned events. Whether it is roadside at the scene of an emergency or detailing directions to the public in a crisis situation, first responders are often asked to provide information to the news media. The media response course, planned for Aug. 10 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., will provide first responders with the skills and knowledge to quickly adapt to the role of a public information officer, if and when needed, and to communicate with the public through the media. As a strategic partner in the RDPC, The Center is responsible for the design, development and continued support of the RDPC web presence, online training registration, reservation and evaluation reporting capabilities, learning management systems, and marketing of course offerings. The Center has become a trusted partner to the RDPC and its academic partners by providing an opportunity to inject cutting-edge technology into the RDPC training delivery and development process. For further information on these and other RDPC instructor-led training courses, visit www.ruraltraining.org/courses.
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Aug 7, 2011 7:04:42 GMT -5
medicare.gov Find and Compare Nursing Homes
Nursing Home Compare is a tool that has detailed information about every Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country. Before you get started, you or your family member may have other long-term care choices like community-based services, home care, or assisted living depending on your needs and resources.
4 out of 5 stars OWSLEY COUNTY HEALTH CARE CENTER BOONEVILLE, KY 41314 LAUREL HEIGHTS HOME FOR THE ELDERLY LONDON, KY 40743
3 out of 5 stars JACKSON MANOR ANNVILLE, KY 40402
2 out of 5 stars HYDEN HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER HYDEN, KY 41749
1 out of 5 stars LAUREL CREEK HEALTH CARE CENTER MANCHESTER, KY 40962 BARBOURVILLE HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER BARBOURVILLE, KY 40906
Do your own search at: www.medicare.gov/NHCompare
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Sept 17, 2011 20:06:04 GMT -5
Big Sandy Community & Technical College Town Hall Forum - Issues Facing Southeast Kentucky with Speaker Stumbo/Senator Stivers Robert StiversThe Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the October, 2011 Town Hall Forum. Kentucky Senator Robert Stivers and Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo will be the featured speakers at the event, which will be held on Tuesday, October 4, from 5:30—7:30 p.m. at the Gearheart Auditorium on the first floor of the Pike Building on the Prestonsburg Campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College. The Town Hall Forum is open to the public and is an event provided free of charge by the Chamber and event sponsor AT&T. At the Forum, both Stivers and Stumbo will have an opportunity to speak, addressing business issues and issues pertinent to Southeastern Kentucky. Following their speeches, a moderator will pose questions to both men and the audience will have time for a question and answer session. Robert Stivers, II (born December 24, 1961) is a Republican member of the Kentucky Senate representing the 25th Senate District since 1997. He serves as the Republican Majority Leader of the Kentucky State Senate. Stivers graduated from Sue Bennett College with a B.S. in Industrial Management. He graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law. He worked as Assistant Commonwealth Attorney from 1989 to 1993. Stivers works in private practice and is married to Nancy Stivers. He and his wife Nancy live in Manchester, Kentucky. Stivers was sworn in 1997 to represent the 25th District. The 25th District includes Clay, Knox, Lee, Magoffin, Morgan, Owsley, and Wolfe Counties. Stivers won contested re-elections in 2000, 2004 and 2008. He was the Senate Majority Floor Leade in 2008, Stivers was elected Republican Majority Leader of the Kentucky State Senate. He succeeded State Senator Dan Kelly (R) when Kelly was appointed to Kentucky Judiciary by Governor Steve Beshear (D). Gregory D. "Greg" Stumbo is the Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives. Stumbo, a member of the Democratic Party is a former Kentucky Attorney General from 2003 – 2007 and, prior to his election as attorney general, served in the Kentucky House of Representatives for twelve terms from 1980 – 2003. During this time, Stumbo was Kentucky's longest-serving House Majority Leader (1985 – 2003). Stumbo returned to the House of Representatives not long after his Attorney General term ended. On January 6, 2009 he was endorsed by Democratic lawmakers to be the party's nominee for Speaker of the House. He was sworn in as Speaker the next day, January 7. A native of Prestonsburg in Floyd County, Stumbo served as Assistant Floyd County Attorney and held the position of Martin city attorney for three years. He also served as trial commissioner to the Floyd County District Court for one year. Everyone in the community is invited to attend the October 4th event. Make plans now to come and get answers to questions you may have about the leadership of our state. sekchamber.myfullseat.com/events/1303527-Town-Hall-Forum-Issues-Facing-Southeast-Kentucky
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Oct 1, 2011 9:26:29 GMT -5
Forest fire season begins this weekend The Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) is once again preparing for an active wildfire season.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 30, 2011) – The Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) is once again preparing for an active wildfire season. The fall forest fire hazard season begins Oct.1 and runs through Dec. 15. During this time, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland between the daylight hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. “Battling wildfires has been all the more difficult in recent years as the division has been doing more with less,” said Leah MacSwords, director of the Division of Forestry. “The ability to respond to wildfires and protect the surrounding forests and the safety of our communities is still our number one priority. Our partnerships with local fire departments to protect citizens and property from wildfires are even more critical this fire season.” Forestry officials say that public efforts can go a long way in reducing the occurrence of wildfire. Taking extra precautions with debris fires and campfires, as well as being alert to forest arson can eliminate the majority of wildfires that occur in Kentucky. To help prevent wildfires, KDF recommends the following precautions: • Be aware of all outdoor burning restrictions, including forest fire hazard seasons, air pollution regulations, restrictions imposed by local ordinances and county burn bans.
• Avoid burning debris during fire hazard seasons and during times of dry, windy conditions. Outdoor burning is illegal between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland during forest fire hazard seasons.
• Extinguish all campfires and debris piles completely. Never leave a fire unattended and always extinguish fires if conditions become too windy. The smallest spark can lead to a dangerous wildfire.
• Extinguish smoking materials properly. Put out cigarettes, cigars, or pipes only in cleared areas free of vegetation or debris. A carelessly discarded cigarette can start a wildfire that could blacken thousands of acres.
• Avoid parking cars, trucks, or recreational vehicles on dry vegetation. The exhaust system on a vehicle can reach a temperature of more than 1,000 degrees, which is hot enough to start a wildfire during our current dry season.
• Incorporate “Firewise” practices around homes and communities in forested areas. Firewise practices range from creating a defensible space by removing leaves, debris and firewood to ensuring access for safety personnel and equipment in rural or isolated areas.
• Report suspicious acts of arson to the nearest Kentucky State Police post or call the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON.
For more information about how you can prevent wildfires, contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at 1-800-866-0555 or visit the division’s website at: forestry.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Dec 6, 2011 19:19:40 GMT -5
“The Legend of Johnny Cash” coming to Center for Rural Development
Programming for Center Stage and Children’s Prime Time Theatre takes a short break after the holidays, but will return in February with three new, exciting shows. The music of country music superstar Johnny Cash comes to stage at The Center for Rural Development in the next scheduled Center Stage performance, “The Legend of Johnny Cash,” starring Philip Bauer. Bauer’s musical tribute to one of country music’s legendary performers, set to open on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m., includes some of Cash’s unforgettable hits such as “I Walk the Line,” “Ring of Fire,” “Man in Black” and many, many more. “His dynamic stage presence, combined with his quality and impressive vocal range, will take the audience back to when Cash was the king of country music,” said Dianna Winstead, associate director of arts, culture, and events for The Center. “If you close your eyes, you’ll think the real Johnny Cash is on stage!” “The Three Little Pigs” comes to Children’s Prime Time Theatre in February. In February, the curtain will go up on two new Children’s Prime Time Theatre shows: “Four Score and Seven Years Ago,” an exciting and suspenseful musical about two men on different sides of the Civil War; and “The Three Little Pigs,” inspired by the popular children’s storybook characters. One of America’s favorite children’s fairy tales, the story of the three little pigs and the “big bad wolf” will be brought to life on stage in this beloved bedtime nursery rhyme on Friday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. at The Center. “This is a favorite children’s fairy tale that is sure to delight families and audiences of all ages,” Winstead said. “Houses of straw, sticks, and bricks are built along with lessons of a job well done and understanding.” In “Four Score and Seven Years Ago,” life in Gettysburg is everything young Lemuel, an escaped slave from Georgia, thought it would be. That is until his ideas about the North and South, as well as what it means to be a free man, are challenged when he unexpectedly befriends Jacob, a young Confederate soldier. The two men may be on different sides of the Civil War, but they have much to teach each other about bravery and loyalty in this new musical play on Friday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. at The Center. Both Center Stage and Children’s Prime Time Theatre are presented by Lake Cumberland Performing Arts in partnership with The Center. For tickets to these and other Center Stage and Children’s Prime Time Theatre performances, contact The Center’s Box Office at 606-677-6000. The Box Office at The Center, located at 2292 South U.S. 27 (at Traffic Light 15) in Somerset, is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and prior to each performance.
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Apr 12, 2012 17:25:13 GMT -5
Two Harlan County Men Indicted for Federal Hate Crime U.S. Department of Justice Press Release
WASHINGTON—Two Harlan County, Kentucky men were indicted today for their roles in kidnapping and assaulting a gay man because of his sexual orientation, the Justice Department announced today. A federal grand jury in London, Kentucky returned a three-count indictment charging David Jason Jenkins, 37, and Anthony Ray Jenkins, 20, for kidnapping and assaulting Kevin Pennington and for conspiring with each other and with other unnamed individuals to commit the kidnapping. The indictment charges the men with committing a hate crime in violation of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded federal jurisdiction to include certain assaults motivated by someone’s sexual orientation. This case marks the first federal hate crime charging a violation of the sexual orientation provision of the statute. The indictment alleges that on April 4, 2011, the two defendants kidnapped and assaulted Kevin Pennington because of Pennington’s sexual orientation. According to the indictment, the defendants enlisted two women to trick Pennington into getting into a truck with the defendants, so that the defendants could drive Pennington to a state park to assault him. According to the indictment, the defendants then drove Pennington a secluded area of the Kingdom Come State Park in Kentucky and assaulted him. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of up to life in prison for each charge. The Shepard-Byrd law, enacted in 2009, criminalizes acts of physical violence causing bodily injury motivated by any person’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. This case was investigated by Special Agents Anthony Sankey and Mike Brown with the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hydee Hawkins with the U.S. Attorney Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Angie Cha with the Civil Rights Division. An indictment is only an accusation, and the defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Jun 12, 2012 20:07:59 GMT -5
Kentucky wins Silver Shovel Award
Area Development’s annual Gold and Silver Shovel Awards recognize states for their achievements in attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs in their communities. We collected information from all 50 states about their top-10 job-creation and investment projects initiated in 2011 (only those projects that actually had monies invested, “broke ground,” began an expansion, started new hiring, etc. were considered). Based on a combination of weighted factors — including the number of new jobs to be created in relation to the state’s population, the combined dollar amount of the investments, the number of new facilities, the diversity of industry represented — four states achieving the highest weighted overall scores are awarded Area Development’s 2012 Gold Shovels in four population categories: 9+ million, 5+ to 9 million, 3+ to 5 million, and fewer than 3 million. Runners up in each of these population categories are awarded 2012 Silver Shovels. Alabama, Louisiana and Kentucky were given a Silver Shovel in the 3+ to 5 million category Kentucky received Silver Shovel awards in 2007 and 2011. According to the University of Louisville, Kentucky’s economy continues to improve, adding 17,000 jobs in the first two months of 2012. Much of the expected job growth will be in healthcare, logistics, advanced manufacturing, business services, and energy. The big driver in advanced manufacturing is automotive, a deep tradition in Kentucky. In 2010, more than 738,000 cars and light trucks were assembled in the state — in fact, almost 10 percent of all vehicles produced in the United States are made in Kentucky. In 2011, 71 motor vehicle-related companies announced new locations or expansions in Kentucky. Those projects represent more than 5,000 new jobs and nearly $1.1 billion in new investment across the state. Some of these are game-changing developments for the local economies, such as Ford Motor Company’s $600 million expansion in Louisville (1,300 workers) and General Motors’ $131 million expansion in Bowling Green that will result in 250 new jobs. Bowling Green Technical College and Western Kentucky University help prepare area residents for work in the automotive and other advanced manufacturing industries. Interestingly, every Corvette made today is produced at GM’s Bowling Green plant. The community is also home to Bowling Green Metalforming (a Magna International company and a supplier of automotive frames), which is located in the Kentucky Transpark. The industrial park offers immediate access to I-65 and is one of only five CSX “Select Sites” in the nation. It’s not just cars in the Bluegrass State, however — Elizabethtown was recently selected by Flex Films USA for a new $180 million plastics packaging facility that will hire 250 workers. This is the first U.S. manufacturing plant for the India-based company — a result of Governor Steve Beshear’s economic development trip to India in the fall of 2010. “We’re very excited to take our relationship with Kentucky to the next level,” says Pradeep Tyle, CEO of Flex Films. “It has long been our desire to set up a premium manufacturing facility in the heartland of the U.S., which is the world’s largest and most advanced packaging market.” South Carolina won the golden shovel in the 3+ to 5 Million Population Category, Tennessee was first in the 5+ to 9 Million Population Category while Texas won the 9+ Million Population Category. www.areadevelopment.com/AnnualReports/Summer2012/silver-shovel-awards-3-5million-population-882221.shtml
|
|
|
Post by Press Release on Nov 5, 2012 22:01:23 GMT -5
Every Day is Veterans Day By James E. Koutz, National Commander of The American Legion When people think of veterans, they often think of warriors, but Hurricane Sandy offers just the latest reminder of the significant humanitarian and often times life-saving work performed by our veterans on a daily basis. As Sandy was still wreaking devastation on the east coast, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members mobilized on the opposite coast –at March Air Reserve Base in California to trek nearly 3,000 miles to assist their fellow Americans. The Navy sent large-deck amphibious ships off the shores of New York and New Jersey, where Marines, soldiers and Coast Guardsmen were busy rescuing storm victims, rebuilding ravaged areas and providing food and fuel. Memorial Day is appropriately set aside to honor our fallen war veterans – those who made the Supreme Sacrifice for this great country. Unfortunately, we are unable to personally show our appreciation to these heroes. Veterans Day, however, is intended to honor all of our military veterans, including the nearly 23 million living men and women that are still among us. Sometimes all that is needed is a simple ‘thank you’ directed at the veteran or the family member for his or her sacrifice. Part of that sacrifice too often includes unemployment or underemployment when the veteran’s military service is over. Companies should understand that it’s smart business to hire veterans, and when members of the Guard and Reserves deploy, it is America’s business to ensure that their civilian careers do not suffer. We must not forget the unique health care needs of women veterans. There are more than 1.2 million women in America today who have worn the uniform. Women play a pivotal role in our mission in Afghanistan. The Department of Veterans Affairs must adequately treat breast and cervical cancer as well as trauma that may have resulted from domestic violence, sexual harassment and assault. We must always remember those veterans who have given their lives for us long after they stopped wearing their military uniforms. While their service obligations may have expired, their love of country endured .Chances are that if you surveyed your local police or fire department, you would find that a disproportionately high amount of its members are veterans. Men like Navy veteran and Boston firefighter Paul J. Cahill, who sacrificed his life when a restaurant roof collapsed while he was fighting a fire in West Roxbury on August 29, 2007. Or Washington State Trooper and U.S. Army veteran Tony Radulescu who was killed on February 23, 2012 when he was shot during a traffic stop in Kitsap County. When an emergency hits, there is a good chance that it is a veteran that is first to respond. Whether it’s a school teacher, construction worker or first responder, military veterans take their missions seriously. On September 12 of this year – 11 years and one day after the worst terrorist attack ever inflicted on American soil -- two Navy SEAL veterans made the Supreme Sacrifice while protecting their fellow Americans who were under attack at the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi,, Libya. Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods knew the meaning of service. In an open letter to Glenn Doherty, SEAL Team 3 Comrade Brandon Webb wrote in The New York Times: “I still can’t believe you punched out early on me, but glad to hear from the guys that you fought like a hero – no surprise there… You should know, your efforts resulted in the rescue of over 20 Department of State personnel. They are alive today because of yours and Ty’s heroic action.”
Tyrone Woods was described by his mother as a “stellar SEAL who thrived on adrenaline, excitement and danger.” In addition to his grieving mother, Ty is survived by his wife, an infant daughter, two teenage sons and countless friends. And it’s important to remember not only the price that is paid by so many veterans to maintain our freedom – but the price paid by their heartbroken families as well. Journalist Abigail Pesta, who is the sister of Glen Doherty, wrote, “Today we held his funeral in his hometown of Winchester. During the procession from the funeral home to the church, the streets were lined with hundreds of people. Schools were let out; there were bands playing… People were holding signs. We have seen such a show of support – from both the town that we grew up in and the nation that we live in. We feel so much love.” Scenes similar to what occurred in Winchester, Massachusetts have taken place in many other cities and towns across America. We revere these heroes because they revered us –their families, their neighbors, their fellow citizens. A country is only as good as the people in it. And a land that could produce such heroes is truly a land worth serving. While fewer than 10 percent of Americans can claim the honorable title “U.S. military veteran,” this special group often provides the vital services that enable our communities to function. We must heed the words of our first Commander-in-Chief, General George Washington who said in 1798, “The willingness with which our young people will fight in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country.” Born of their extraordinary accomplishments comes our extraordinary debt. And for those accomplishments and for their dedication, we must always be grateful. James E. Koutz of Boonville, Ind., is national commander of The American Legion, www.legion.org, the nation’s largest organization of wartime veterans with 2.4 million members.
|
|