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Post by Press Release on Jul 15, 2008 8:51:45 GMT -5
Democrats Still Refuse to Take ‘Yes’ For an Answer on Judicial NomineesSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks at a forum regarding Democrats’ decision to put partisanship above a fair process for circuit court nominees: “I thank Senator Alexander and the Republican Conference for this forum on the need to remove politics from the judicial confirmations process. “When this Congress began, we all hoped that a forum such as this would not be necessary. The Majority Leader and I agreed that the partisanship that had infected the judicial nominations process over the years was unhealthy. And we committed to make this Congress different. The Majority Leader—like the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post—acknowledged the President’s good faith in not resubmitting circuit court nominees whom Democrats disapproved of. In return, he pledged that Democrats in the President’s final two years would treat circuit nominees fairly. “Now, what is ‘fair?’ This President is a ‘lame-duck,’ and Senate Democrats hope to recapture the White House. So obviously, there is a partisan incentive not to confirm his judicial nominees. That is human nature, but that is not a new phenomenon. President Bush is not the first President to be in his final two years in office when the opposite political party controls the Senate, and he will not be the last. “Even with ‘lame duck’ Presidents, there is an historical standard of fairness when it comes to confirming judicial nominees, especially circuit court nominees. The Majority Leader and I agreed that this Senate should meet that standard. The average number of circuit court confirmations in this situation is 17. President Clinton had 15. This Senate has confirmed only 10 circuit court nominees, and our Democratic colleagues have not indicated that they will do better. What happened? “Unfortunately, old habits are hard to break. And in my opinion, Democrats on the Judiciary Committee found it hard not to play politics. It started with the re-nomination of Judge Leslie Southwick. Judge Southwick was a distinguished state court judge and an Iraqi War veteran. Moreover, he was someone whom Committee Democrats had already approved, unanimously, to the district court. “So at the beginning of this Congress when the President tried, yet again, to fill a vacancy on the Fifth Circuit that had existed for his entire Presidency, he did not resubmit a nominee whom Democrats opposed. Instead, he quite reasonably nominated someone whom Committee Democrats had already approved: Leslie Southwick. How did Judiciary Committee Democrats respond? With one exception, they did an about face and actually tried to filibuster Judge Southwick’s nomination. “Unfortunately, Judge Southwick isn’t the only consensus nominee who became ‘controversial.’ Judge Robert Conrad is the Chief Judge of a federal district court in North Carolina. The Senate has already approved him to important positions twice: first, as the chief federal law enforcement officer in his state, and then to a lifetime position on the trial bench. The American Bar Association has given him its highest rating, unanimously well qualified. And former Attorney General Janet Reno called him ‘an excellent prosecutor,’ and said she was ‘impressed with his judgment . . . and his knowledge of the law.’ “Again, to resolve a dispute—this time over a Fourth Circuit seat—President Bush did not resubmit a nominee whom Senate Democrats opposed. As with Judge Southwick, he nominated someone whom they had already approved: Judge Robert Conrad. Guess what has happened? Well, nothing. This Thursday, Judge Conrad will have been sitting in the Committee for 365 days without a hearing, even though he meets all the Chairman’s criteria. “What is the result of all this? While Judge Conrad waits in Committee, the circuit court to which he is nominated is over 25 percent vacant. Its Chief Judge states that to keep up with its work, the Court must rely heavily on district court judges. In short, it is robbing Peter to pay Paul. ‘It goes without saying,’ she says, ‘that having to use visiting judges puts a strain on our Circuit. In particular, it forces the Circuit’s district judges to perform ‘double duty.’’ “Still, the Committee refuses to move Judge Conrad’s nomination, or any other pending Fourth Circuit nominee. For example, we are told that Democrats do not support Rod Rosenstein’s nomination to the Fourth Circuit—which is supported by the Washington Post—because he is doing too good a job in his current position as U.S. Attorney. Enough said. “No party is without blame in the confirmation process. But what is now going on—or more accurately, what is not going on—is yet another step backward in the politicization of a process we had all hoped we could get beyond. We have an impressive panel of experts from various fields and with various backgrounds to discuss this situation, and I look forward to hearing from them. “And I thank Senator Alexander again for organizing this forum and Senator Specter, our distinguished Ranking Member on the Judiciary Committee, for presiding over it.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 16, 2008 7:02:30 GMT -5
It’s Time for a Serious, Balanced Approach to the Price of GasSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need for a serious and balanced approach to lowering the price at the pump: “As we stand here, Americans are suffering from the most dramatic oil shock in memory. A single barrel of crude oil costs almost three times today what it did a year and a half ago. This is a crisis that demands our full attention. Yet, until now, Democrats on Capitol Hill have responded as if high gas prices were a mere distraction. And their proposals have been the legislative equivalent of a flyswatter when the American people are clamoring for the heavy artillery. “Part of the reason for this timid approach by our friends on the other side, as anyone can see, is the upcoming election. They’ve made no secret of the fact that they don’t want to consider real legislation until Inauguration Day, when they hope their candidate will take the White House. We need to realize that Americans are more concerned at the moment about paying for groceries and filling up their tanks with gas than they are about the political calendar. Americans aren’t thinking about next January. They’re thinking about today. And they expect their elected representatives in Washington to take serious steps now to lower the price of gas. “The proposal that the Democratic Leader outlined on gas prices last week falls laughably short. It has all the marks of a political exercise nervously cobbled together in the face of constituent pressure and none of the elements of a serious plan that would actually lower the price of gas or reduce our dependence on the Middle East. The Democrats will have to do better than this if Americans want to see their gas prices go down. Here’s their plan. “First, they propose curbing speculation. Democrats want us to forget that no reputable economist thinks speculators alone are the reason for the spike in gas prices. Or that a recent report by the 27-nation International Energy Agency chided politicians who blame speculators alone as searching for a scapegoat instead of looking real answers. Blaming speculators alone is not a serious proposal for lowering the price of gas. We do need more cops on the beat at the CFTC. But if Democrats think that the answer to $4-plus a gallon gasoline is curbing speculation alone, then they’re obviously asking the wrong question. “Second, their plan calls on the President to release 10 percent of the oil contained in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It’s encouraging to see our friends on the other side acknowledging that increasing supply has an effect on price. But, at best, this is a polite nod in the direction of supply. It’s nibbling around the edges. Again, it’s timid. Even if we were to tap 10 percent of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, as they suggest, that would only allow for the release of 70 million barrels at a time when Americans are using more than 20 million barrels of oil a day. In other words, this is a three-day solution. And it should go without saying that a three-day supply of oil is not a serious proposal for lowering the price of gas. “Next, the Democrat plan for high gas prices calls for increasing production on the 68 million acres already leased to oil companies. This is the so-called ‘Use it or lose it’ provision that says scolding energy companies for not producing fast enough will magically cause gas prices to go down. Let me remind my friends that this is why we call it exploration. And those who do it should be encouraged, not threatened. The fact is, the Secretary of the Interior already has the authority to revoke a lease if it’s not being used according to the original terms of the lease. Democrats don’t mention this at their press conferences. Nor do they mention that many of these leases are unproductive. Nor do they mention that the federal government has declared 85 percent of offshore land and 62 percent of known onshore oil reserves completely off-limits to new exploration. “Nor do the Democrats mention that — because of them—100 percent of Western oil shale is off limits, despite the fact that experts estimate that the western states that have oil shale deposits are floating on a sea of oil roughly three times the size of Saudi Arabian oil reserves. In other words, ‘Use it or lose it’ is already the law of the land. And ‘Use it or lose it’ is not a serious proposal for lowering the price of gas. “Finally, the Democrat plan says we should stop exporting oil that’s produced domestically. Well that’s an interesting idea. Last year, America exported only 10 million barrels of crude oil overseas — including sales to Puerto Rico. Today alone, Americans will use more than 20 million barrels of oil. This is a half-day solution to a year-long problem. It is, in other words, a joke. “This crisis is real. Americans are really suffering from high gas prices. And they deserve better from their elected leaders in Washington than half-day or three-day solutions and bad jokes. They deserve a year-round solution. Americans deserve a solution that says if prices are going to go down, supply needs to go up. They deserve a plan that lifts the ban on offshore exploration and oil shale development, even as we continue to promote conservation. Americans know this crisis is not only a demand problem. It’s a supply and demand problem. And until more of our friends on the other side acknowledge this, record high prices will persist. “Some of our friends are beginning to acknowledge the undeniable. As of today, 10 Democrats have expressed some level of willingness to explore offshore. They’re acknowledging a groundswell of public opinion — even among self-described liberals — in favor of more domestic supply. And Republicans have a proposal that was designed specifically to attract their support and the support of any other member of the Senate who actually wants to achieve a result here. It promotes energy efficient vehicles like plug-in electric cars and trucks. And it addresses supply and demand by lifting the ban on Western oil shale development and opening up exploration far from the shores of the states that want it. “Ours is a serious proposal that directly addresses the price of gas at the pump. It is not a gimmick. It’s not a half-day band aid on a year-round problem. It is a solution. And it’s what the American people demand. High gas prices are a serious problem that demands to be taken seriously. It’s time our friends on the other side put partisan differences — and timid, peripheral half-measures — aside and get serious about this urgent situation. The American people expect and deserve it.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 16, 2008 7:31:34 GMT -5
Kentucky's circuit court clerks attend 2008 Circuit Court Clerks Summer CollegeThere were 105 circuit court clerks from across Kentucky who attended the 2008 Circuit Court Clerks Summer College. The Administrative Office of the Courts hosted the training college June 18-20 in Lexington. Circuit court clerks have offices in all 120 Kentucky counties and are responsible for managing the records of circuit and district courts. Participants were given an update on how legislation passed by the 2008 General Assembly will affect the Offices of Circuit Court Clerk. They also learned how automation and new court technology can streamline the way circuit court clerks conduct business. The circuit clerks also elected Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk Jan Rogers to serve as president of the Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks. Her term as KACCC president is July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009. Rogers succeeds Nelson County Circuit Court Clerk Diane Thompson. “It’s critical for circuit court clerks to be aware of new legislation so we can stay current in our procedures,” said Rogers. “In addition, we want to learn how advances in technology can help us better serve our customers.” The college also offered sessions on strategic planning, how to troubleshoot problems with bookkeeping and personnel, and how to prepare court records for appeals. Representatives from Trust For Life gave a presentation on the ongoing charitable campaign sponsored by the KACCC to promote organ donation throughout Kentucky. The AOC supports the activities of 4,000 Kentucky Court of Justice employees, including the elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks. The AOC Department of Judicial Branch Education provides regular training colleges for circuit court clerks. The preceding press release was from Another Step Closer to Increased American Energy ProductionPresident George BushSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the President’s intention to lift the administrative ban on offshore exploration: “Now the only thing standing between consumers at the pump and the increased American energy they are demanding is the Democrat leadership in Congress. We should act and act now; Congress should pass balanced legislation, like the Gas Price Reduction Act, to not only find more American energy, but to use less as well. “Our bill does both, and with the administration’s action today, passing this bill will send a clear signal to the markets that we are serious about taking care of our energy needs here at home rather than a continued reliance on the Middle East. A growing number of members of Congress have signaled a willingness to join with us in passing legislation to expand deep-sea exploration and bring prices down at the gas pump. Now they will have a chance to join us in voting for it.” Background: The administrative ban on offshore exploration is one of two hurdles to increased exploration. The Congress must also act to lift its legislative moratorium, to open the 85 per cent of the Outer Continental Shelf that is currently off-limits to oil and gas exploration. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Kentucky meth lab cleanup law amendedPeople who are considering renting, leasing or buying a residence must now be given written notice by the owner if the property has been contaminated by methamphetamine and has not been properly cleaned up by a certified contractor. Failure to give potential occupants a written notice will be a Class D felony under amendments to the current Kentucky meth lab cleanup law that go into effect July 15. Each violation could result in a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment from one to five years. House Bill (HB) 765, passed during the 2008 regular session of the General Assembly, also sets up a four-tier cleanup system based on the level of meth production and the potential contamination. The range will be from Tier 1, a small-scale, short-term meth lab, to Tier 4, a mass production lab where large amounts of meth are produced and large volumes of wastes were generated. “Chemicals and equipment used to ‘cook’ meth in illegal makeshift labs create an immediate danger of explosion and fire and leave waste that poses a threat to the health of future occupants and to the environment,” said Tony Hatton, director of the Division of Waste Management in the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC). Based on evidence and observations made at the scene, the Kentucky State Police or other law enforcement will determine if the property is contaminated and make a recommendation regarding the tier level. The recommendation is final unless the certified contractor provides clear justification for the property to be assigned to a different tier. Meth cleanup contractors applying for certification will post financial assurance in the amount of $100,000 for a Tier 1, 2, or 3 cleanup; and $250,000 for a Tier 4 cleanup. Current contractors will be “grandfathered in.” The certification program is administered by the Division of Waste Management’s Superfund Branch. The division is drafting decontamination requirements for the cleanup response tiers and modifying the cleanup guidance document in line with HB 765 amendments. Other changes in the law will: • Allow law enforcement to post a meth contamination notice at the request of state or local health departments. Removing a notice without authorization will be a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up a year in prison and/or a fine up to $500. • Require establishment by the state Department for Public Health of disclosure requirements for property owners and a process for appealing a posting. For more information about the contractor certification program, contact Kim Leingang, Superfund Branch, 502-564-6716, Kim.Leingang@ky.gov , or go to the division’s Web site, waste.ky.gov/ . HB 765 is online at www.lrc.ky.gov/record/08RS/HB765.htm The preceding press release was from More Drug Treatment Funding Approved for Operation UNITERep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that $1.15 million for Operation UNITE was approved by a key congressional subcommittee. Included in the FY09 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, $600,000 is set-aside for the Operation UNITE voucher program which helps makes drug treatment programs affordable to low-income fifth district residents. In addition, $550,000 will fund Operation UNITE substance abuse counselors in schools throughout southern and eastern Kentucky. “Operation UNITE has led the way in helping our loved ones, friends and neighbors kick drug addiction and these funds will help continue these impressive efforts,” stated Rogers. “If someone is serious about getting off drugs and turning his or her life around, Operation UNITE, in concert with area churches, drug programs, school counselors, and health care professionals, is there every step of the way.” Operation UNITE, which stands for Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education, serves 29 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky. The region-wide program has three main tasks: creating regional drug task forces for interdiction, confiscation and undercover operations; organizing local citizens’ groups and coordinating drug treatment programs; and working with educators to expand drug awareness and education programs in local schools. With this funding, Rogers has directed over $42 million for UNITE. To date, UNITE detectives have confiscated over $8 million worth of drugs off the street, including more than 73,300 prescription pills, nearly 20 pounds of cocaine, and over 11 pounds of methamphetamine. Their efforts have led to the arrests of 2,550 drug dealers and a 98% conviction rate. Operation UNITE also provides non-violent offenders and those grappling with addiction with a second chance—over 1,590 non-violent offenders have participated in UNITE drug court programs, and more than 1,170 individuals have received vouchers for treatment. Finally, Operation UNITE continues to educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse; to date, 64,595 counseling sessions have taken place with UNITE substance abuse counselors. For more information on UNITE, visit www.operationunite.org or call 866-678-6483. 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. Governor Beshear announces initiatives to aid state employeesRecognizing the financial burden imposed by escalating gas prices, Gov. Steve Beshear today announced two initiatives designed to help state employees and their families with rising costs. The governor introduced a new carpooling web site that will link commuting state employees, and he encouraged a more aggressive push toward flexible work hours throughout state government. “Families across Kentucky are looking for relief. We must be responsive and we must be innovative,” Gov. Beshear said. “These two initiatives are creative and cheap. They will not only help our employees cut costs, but also by reducing driving time, they will help decrease fuel consumption, carbon emissions and highway congestion.” The CarpoolKY Web site is thought to be the first of its kind for state governments across the nation. It will provide a safe and secure venue for state employees to connect with other state employees who are potential ride partners. Interested commuters can access the Web site at www.kentucky.gov/carpool. The flexible work options already exist through Personnel Cabinet regulations. Gov. Beshear, though, has asked Cabinet secretaries and other agency heads to take a closer look at implementing a voluntary flexible schedule for employees whose duties would allow it. The governor emphasized the flexible work options initiative will not affect delivery of services. The initiative also will not reduce operating hours for various offices nor reduce the quality of service provided to the public. “Kentucky state government will remain open for business on the same schedule it operates on today,” he said. The Personnel Cabinet provides an online tool to illustrate how various options can be put into practice. Managers can access that Web site at personnel.ky.gov/csi/flexworkoptions.htm. Record-high gas prices are hurting families across the commonwealth. That pain is especially acute for Kentucky state government workers who commute long distances to work every day. Some 56 percent of executive branch state employees who work in Frankfort live outside Franklin County. That accounts for nearly 6,000 employees. Fifty-five percent of those commuters live at least two counties away. The preceding press release was from Bunning Statement On The Federal Reserve Monetary PolicyFirst, on monetary policy, I am deeply concerned about what the Fed has done in the last year and in the last decade. Chairman Greenspan’s easy money the late nineties and then following the tech bust inflated the housing bubble and created the mess we are in today. Chairman Bernanke’s easy money in the last year has undermined the dollar and sent oil to new record highs every few days, and almost doubling since the rate cuts started. Inflation is here and it is hurting average Americans. Second, the Fed is asking for more power. But the Fed has proven they can not be trusted with the power they have. They get it wrong, do not use it, or stretch it further than it was ever supposed to go. As I said a moment ago, their monetary policy is a leading cause of the mess we are in. As regulators, it took them until yesterday to use power we gave them in 1994 to regulate all mortgage lenders. And they stretched their authority to buy 29 billion dollars of Bear Stearns assets so J.P. Morgan could buy Bear at a steep discount. Now the Fed wants to be the systemic risk regulator. But the Fed is the systemic risk. Giving the Fed more power is like giving the neighborhood kid who broke your window playing baseball in the street a bigger bat and thinking that will fix the problem. I am not going to go along with that and will use all my powers as a Senator to stop any new powers going to the Fed. Instead, we should give them less to do so they can do it right, either by taking away their monetary policy responsibility or by requiring them to focus only on inflation. Third and finally, since I expect we will try to get right to questions in the next hearing, let me say a few words about the G.S.E. bailout plan. When I picked up my newspaper yesterday, I thought I woke up in France. But no, it turns out socialism is alive and well in America. The Treasury Secretary is asking for a blank check to buy as much Fannie and Freddie debt or equity as he wants. The Fed’s purchase of Bear Stearns’ assets was amateur socialism compared to this. And for this unprecedented intervention in the markets what assurances do we get that it will not happen again? None. We are in the process of passing a stronger regulator for the G.S.E.s, and that is important, but it allows them to continue in the current form. If they really do fail, should we let them go back to what they were doing before? I will close with this question Mr. Chairman. Given what the Fed and Treasury did with Bear Stearns, and given what we are talking about here today, I have to wonder what the next government intervention in private enterprise will be. More importantly, where does it stop? The preceding press release was from United States Senator Jim Bunning.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 17, 2008 8:29:59 GMT -5
Rogers Announces Water Treatment funding for ManchesterHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded $500,000 for the construction of a water treatment plant servicing 6,820 new and existing Clay County homes and businesses with a reliable source of drinking water. “A modern, well-maintained drinking water and sewer system is essential for improving the environment, public health, and economic growth,” stated Rogers. “These funds are critical to improving Clay County and will result in meaningful cost-savings for working families while providing the basic infrastructure to attract businesses to our growing region. I applaud ARC and the Commission’s continued leadership in supporting important community development, healthcare, and educational initiatives.” The awarded ARC funds will be combined with $1 million from Kentucky’s Community Development Block Grant program and $2.5 million in State coal development funding to replace substandard wells and cisterns. The new water treatment plant will complement and improve Manchester’s existing water system. To be constructed at Bert T. Combs Lake, the treatment facility will have the capacity to treat upwards of 4 million gallons of water per day and reduce reliance on outside suppliers in Barbourville and North Laurel County. The project is projected to cost approximately $6.16 million in total. Throughout his tenure in the U.S. Congress, Rogers has worked to secure funding for water improvement projects throughout the fifth congressional district. In 1997, Rogers founded Eastern Kentucky PRIDE to promote Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment in 38 counties. PRIDE unites citizens with the resources of federal, state and local governments to improve water quality in the region, clean up illegal trash and solid waste that would pollute local rivers and streams, and promote environmental awareness and education in our communities. To date, Rogers has secured more than $187.9 million for these important initiatives. “PRIDE has united people around our region to alleviate major concerns about access to safe drinking water and damage to the environment,” said Rogers. “Organizations such as PRIDE and the Appalachian Regional Commission have invested incredible time, talent and resources into the betterment of southern and eastern Kentucky, and their continued support and dedication to our area will ensure that the quality of life for families in our region will continue to rise.” 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. Kentucky: The Energy Capital of the World?Confronted by rising gas prices and citing Kentucky's traditional role as a leading energy producer, Governor Steve Beshear today said now is the time for the state to lead the nation to an era of energy self-sufficiency. The Governor and Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters today unveiled ways in which the administration will explore all options in meeting that goal. “We are all tired of seeing our hard earned dollars going overseas to countries that, for the most part, despise us, because we need their foreign oil to run our cars and trucks and heat our homes,” said Gov. Beshear. “If ever there was a time for this country to become energy independent, that time is now. Kentucky is sitting on top of all of the resources it will take to aggressively pursue that goal.” When creating the Energy and Environment Cabinet last month, the governor charged Secretary Peters to develop a comprehensive energy plan for the commonwealth. In a news conference today, the governor outlined more details around the goals and vision of the newly created Energy and Environment Cabinet, which incorporates the Departments for Environmental Protection and Natural Resources and the former Governor’s Office of Energy Policy. “We have to contend with the reality that, going forward, our state’s energy policy will be increasingly influenced by decisions at the national level," Secretary Peters said "It is imperative that we have policies and programs in place that allow us to utilize our energy resources in an environmentally sound manner and that help us to achieve energy independence. Our strategic plan will help us do that." Beshear said that, at a minimum, he expects the comprehensive plan to: • Create thousands of additional jobs for Kentuckians in our energy sector. • Result in Kentuckians using less energy. The state ranks 6th in the nation in per capita energy usage. • More fully use our wind, solar and other renewable energy resources. Right now, less than 3 percent of our electricity is generated by renewable sources, and most of that is hydro-electric. • Reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation. Kentucky ranks 7th in the nation in carbon dioxide emissions per capita. • Maintain and increase the state’s annual coal production levels, thereby protecting the employment of the 18,000 coal miners in Kentucky. • Use coal to produce enough crude petroleum to meet our transportation needs. Kentucky currently consumes more than 2 billion gallons of gasoline a year. • And, generate adequate biodiesel from algae production and cellulosic non-food biomass. The comprehensive energy plan is expected to be on the governor’s desk by September. The preceding press release was from WOMAN INDICTED FOR INSURANCE FRAUDA Louisville woman has been indicted on one felony count of insurance fraud after allegedly filing a false claim with Nationwide Insurance Company. Linda M. Schierer, 69, stated under oath that she drove her 2008 Toyota Corolla into a concrete post in a parking lot. The insurer’s inspection revealed damage inconsistent with striking a post. During the investigation, Schierer admitted that she was involved in a collision with another vehicle and left the scene of the accident. Nationwide denied the claim based on the material misrepresentation. She was indicted on a felony charge because the benefit for a paid claim would have been more than $300. The case was investigated by the Kentucky Department of Insurance Fraud Investigation Division. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for Aug. 18 in Jefferson Circuit Court. If found guilty, Schierer faces a prison sentence of one to five years; a fine of $10,000 or twice the amount of gain; or both a prison sentence and a fine. The preceding press release was from Increase Responsible Domestic ProductionMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need for serious action on energy: “Democrats yesterday came up with a new slogan for gas prices: Act More, Talk Less. They talked about it to the press. They talked about it here in this chamber. They even used a colorful floor chart to make their point. I couldn’t agree more with their new slogan, and I hope they take it seriously, too. It’s time to get about passing serious, balanced legislation that will make a difference. “Americans are hurting as a result of high gas prices, and they’re looking to us for action. This is an issue that affects every single American, so it’s of great importance to every member of this body. The vast majority of Americans are asking us to get at the root of the problem, instead of timidly dancing around the edges as some have tried to do. “And it’s clear the American people strongly support increased responsible domestic production. It’s also clear at this point that a solid bipartisan majority in the Senate is ready and willing to move forward on limited, environmentally-sensitive exploration here at home, so we reduce our dependence on imports from the Middle East. “Republicans welcome this newfound slogan from the Democrats, but we hope it is more than just a slogan. We should Act More and Talk Less. In the days ahead, the American people will be able to judge who wants to boldly act, and who wants just to talk. So it’s important for us not to fail the American people at this critical point.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Jewell Robbins Sentenced to 120 Days in JailJewell Robbins, aka Jewell Burgin, of Nicholasville, was today sentenced to 120 days in jail after Judge Thomas D. Wingate found her in violation of contempt of court orders. “We take very seriously the responsibility to protect Kentucky investors from fraud,” said Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Commissioner Cordell Lawrence. “Hopefully this will serve as a deterrent and disincentive to Jewell Robbins, as well as to others.” During a show cause hearing today in Franklin Circuit Court, counsel for DFI presented evidence that Robbins continues to defy the court’s orders of June 12, 2006, and May 10, 2007, to refrain from selling securities. Evidence included a recorded conversation between WAVE 3 TV news reporter Charla Young, posing as an investor for an investigative news report, and Rev. William Jackson, who claimed to be selling shares on behalf of Jewell Robbins. During the recorded conversation, Jackson connected into a three-party conversation including Robbins, in which the minister discussed “what we had talked about yesterday in reference to the finances” and “making sure we’re doing everything the right way, that nothing will be hindered.” Robbins replied, “Good. Thank you.” After Robbins disconnected, Jackson continued his conversation with Young by going into detail describing how the investment could be paid for in a way to “get around getting anything attached to (Robbins).” On the stand, Robbins acknowledged that it was her voice on the recording, but said she had never spoken to Jackson before that day. She denied selling assignments and having any agreement with Jackson. She claimed she did not know what he was talking about and that she “just listened.” Summing up DFI’s case, department attorney Bill Owsley said that statements made by Robbins on the stand flatly contradict the cryptic statements in the recorded telephone conversation. Owsley said the telephone conversation implied that Robbins and Jackson were working around the court’s order, and Robbins did not deny that knowledge or act surprised during the recorded conversation. On June 12, 2006, Robbins signed a voluntary, permanent injunction order that bars her from selling any securities, including partial interest in litigation or judgments. Robbins sold shares in baseless lawsuits that attempt to claim inheritance related to the 1900s Spindletop oil strike in Texas. An order was entered May 10, 2007, finding Robbins in contempt of court because she continued to sell securities, despite the injunction. In 2007, the judge sentenced her to 120 days in jail, but suspended the sentence contingent on her complying with the court orders. In court today, Judge Wingate said the court had been patient with Robbins but that she continues to sell securities in a “so-called urban legend.” For more background information on DFI’s case against Robbins, visit www.kfi.ky.gov/consumerinformation/ofivrobbins.htm. DFI is an agency in the Public Protection Cabinet. It supervises the financial services industry by examining, chartering, licensing and registering various financial institutions, securities firms and professionals operating in Kentucky. DFI’s mission is to serve the public through effective and efficient regulation that promotes consumer confidence and economic growth. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Jul 18, 2008 8:32:09 GMT -5
McConnell: Democrats Continue to Play Politics With Judicial NomineesMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday regarding Democrats’ decision to put partisanship above a fair process for circuit court nominees: “When this Congress began, the Majority Leader and I agreed that the partisanship in the judicial nominations process was unhealthy, and we said that this Congress would be different. The Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post acknowledged the President did his part to get the process off to a good start. They, and many others, complimented his good faith in not resubmitting circuit court nominees whom some of Democratic colleagues did not like. “The Majority Leader, himself, said how much he appreciated the President’s good faith. He said, ‘I personally want the record to reflect that I appreciate the President not sending back four names that were really controversial.’ The Majority Leader said that he and his colleagues had an obligation to reciprocate and treat circuit court nominees fairly. He said, ‘I think we have to reciprocate in a way that is appropriate, and we are going to try to do that by looking at these nominees as quickly as we can.’ Have the Democrats treated these nominees ‘fairly?’ Have they, in fact, ‘reciprocated?’ “Let’s look at the facts. This President is in his final two years of office, and Senate Democrats hope to recapture the White House. So obviously, there is a partisan incentive not to confirm his judicial nominees. That is human nature, but this situation is not a new phenomenon. President Bush is not the first President to be in his final two years in office when the opposite political party controls the Senate, and he will not be the last. “Even with ‘lame duck’ Presidents, there is an historical standard of fairness as to confirming judicial nominees, especially circuit court nominees. The Majority Leader and I agreed that this Senate should meet that standard. The average number of circuit court confirmations in this situation is 17. President Clinton had 15. This Senate has confirmed only 10 circuit court nominees. What happened? “Unfortunately, old habits are hard to break. And in my opinion, Democrats on the Judiciary Committee found it hard not to play politics. It started with the re-nomination of Judge Leslie Southwick. Judge Southwick was a distinguished state court judge and an Iraq War veteran. Moreover, he was someone whom Committee Democrats had already approved, unanimously, to the district court. “So at the beginning of this Congress when the President tried, yet again, to fill a vacancy on the Fifth Circuit that had existed for his entire Presidency, he did not resubmit a nominee whom Democrats opposed. Instead, he quite reasonably nominated someone whom Committee Democrats had already approved: Leslie Southwick. How did Judiciary Committee Democrats respond? With one exception, they did an about face and actually tried to filibuster Judge Southwick’s nomination. “Unfortunately, Judge Southwick isn’t the only consensus nominee who became ‘controversial.’ Judge Robert Conrad is the Chief Judge of a federal district court in North Carolina. The Senate has already approved him to important positions twice: first, as the chief federal law enforcement officer in North Carolina, and then to a lifetime position on the federal trial bench. “In addition, the American Bar Association gave Judge Conrad its highest rating, unanimously well qualified. And former Attorney General Janet Reno called him ‘an excellent prosecutor,’ and said she was ‘impressed with his judgment . . . and his knowledge of the law.’ Again, to resolve a dispute—this time over a Fourth Circuit seat—President Bush did not resubmit a nominee whom Senate Democrats opposed. As with Judge Southwick, he nominated someone whom they had already approved: Judge Robert Conrad. “Guess what has happened? Well, nothing. As of today, Judge Conrad has been sitting in the Committee for 365 days without a hearing, even though he meets all the Chairman’s criteria—he has the highest possible ABA rating; he has strong home-state support; and he would fill a judicial emergency. “What is the result of all this? While Judge Conrad waits in Committee, the circuit court to which he is nominated is over 25 percent vacant—over one-fourth of its seats are empty. Its Chief Judge states that to keep up with its work, the Court must rely heavily on district court judges. In short, it is robbing Peter to pay Paul. ‘It goes without saying,’ she says, ‘that having to use visiting judges puts a strain on our Circuit. In particular, it forces the Circuit’s district judges to perform ‘double duty.’’ “The situation on the Fourth Circuit is so bad that the American Bar Association has made the crisis on the Fourth Circuit its lead story in the most recent edition of its professional journal. “Now, my friend, the Majority Leader comes to the floor this morning and essentially says judges aren’t important, and no one cares about them. Given the crisis in the Fourth Circuit—a crisis that is so bad the ABA is highlighting it—I can’t imagine he would say such a thing. I’m sure the millions of citizens of the Fourth Circuit don’t think that having their federal appellate court over 25 percent vacant doesn’t matter. I’m sure they care very much. But evidently that’s what the Majority Leader believes, and apparently he’s not the only one in his Conference who feels this way, given the lack of action in the Judiciary Committee. “The Committee refuses to move Judge Robert Conrad’s nomination, or any other pending Fourth Circuit nominee. We are told Democrats do not support Rod Rosenstein’s nomination to the Fourth Circuit—which is supported by the Washington Post—because he is doing too good a job as U.S. Attorney. “We have another Fourth Circuit nominee, Judge Glen Conrad from Virginia. He is a federal district court judge whom the Senate confirmed to the trial bench without any controversy. He has the support of both his home-state senators. After he was nominated, the Chairman said he would move him, as long as there was time to do so. Specifically, he stated: ‘I have already said that once the paperwork on President Bush’s nomination of Judge Glen Conrad to the Fourth Circuit is completed, if there is sufficient time, I hope to move his nomination.’ “Well, the Chairman’s conditions are met with respect to Judge Glen Conrad’s nomination, too. His paperwork has been ready for a month, and it is only July 17; clearly we have time to confirm him. But yet we still have no action on his nomination. Our Democratic colleagues continually talk about the so-called ‘Thurmond Rule,’ under which the Senate supposedly stops confirming judges in a Presidential election year. I am concerned that this seeming obsession with this supposed Rule is just an excuse for our colleagues to run out the clock on qualified nominees who are urgently needed to fill vacancies. “No party is without blame in the confirmation process. But what is now going on—or more accurately, what is not going on—is yet another step backward in the politicization of a process we had all hoped we could get beyond. It’s the American people, especially those in the five states that make up the Fourth Circuit, who are suffering the consequences. And I’m sorry the Majority Leader doesn’t think that matters.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 18, 2008 8:42:54 GMT -5
Flags to Half-Staff on July 19Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, July 19, in honor of a Kentuckian who died July 8 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. According to the Department of Defense, Specialist William L. McMillan III, 22, of Lexington, died in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Specialist McMillan will be interred at Camp Nelson cemetery at noon this Saturday, July 19. The governor has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on that day. The preceding press release was from BUSINESS OWNER INDICTED BY GRAND JURYA Louisville business owner has been charged with eight felony counts of insurance fraud and eight felony counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument after allegedly presenting fraudulent liability insurance certificates for his business, All Star Trucking Company. Robert E. Holbert, 65, allegedly provided the fake documents to at least five companies doing business with All Star Trucking, claiming to have valid coverage when he did not, according to an investigation by the Kentucky Department of Insurance Fraud Investigation Division. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for Sept. 2 in Jefferson Circuit Court. If found guilty, Holbert faces a prison term of one to five years on each count (not to exceed 20 years); a fine of up to $10,000 per count; or both imprisonment and a fine. The Department of Insurance is an agency of the Public Protection Cabinet. The preceding press release was from Log Splitter Engines Recalled By American Honda Motor Co. Due to Fire HazardThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Engines used in SpeeCo and Huskee Brand Log Splitters Units: About 6,400 Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, Calif. Hazard: The engine’s fuel tank can crack and leak, posing a risk of fire or explosion. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: The recall involves Honda engines (model type GCV160LA N1A) used in Split Master by SpeeCo and Huskee brand log splitters. Only engine serial numbers between 5547012 and 6880908 are included in the recall. The serial number is located below the upper shroud near the oil dip-stick. The following models of log splitters are affected by the recall and are either silver/black or red/black colored. LS401227TS (22 Ton) LS401228NO (27 Ton) LS401228SP (22 Ton) LS401227NO (22 Ton) LS401225NO (25 Ton) Sold at: The log splitters with the recalled engines were sold at outdoor power equipment dealers and Tractor Supply stores nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $1,150 and $1,500. Manufactured in: United States Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the affected log splitters and contact any Honda Lawn and Garden dealer or Honda Engine dealer for a free repair. Registered owners of the recalled log splitters will be mailed a notice. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honda at (800) 426-7701 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hondapowerequipment.com USDA Infrastructure Funds Bound for Leslie CountyRep. Harold "Hal" Rogers announced that the City of Hyden has been awarded $742,185 in federal funding to improve its water system and serve additional customers. "This funding is critically needed to bring clean, drinking water to additional families in Leslie County, and I am pleased to see this project moving forward," said Rogers. “For years, southern and eastern Kentucky lagged behind in basic infrastructure, but by working together, we’re making impressive strides to improve our communities, create good paying jobs, and strengthen our neighborhoods. Leslie County is open for business and a great place to live and raise a family.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture- Rural Development (USDA-RD) has approved a grant of $468,185 and a loan of $274,000 for this project. The funds will be used to install approximately 5 miles of force main, 244 individual grinder pumps, and upgrade an existing pump station to extend sewer service to 244 new customers in Leslie County. These USDA-RD dollars will be combined with other federal and state funds toward the $2.5 million project. Rogers is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, which provides funding to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make grants for water and sewer systems, and other rural development projects. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 19, 2008 8:06:06 GMT -5
SunL Group Inc. Recalls Youth ATVs Due To Safety DefectsThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: SLA90 Youth All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) Units: About 144 Distributor: SunL Group Inc., of Irving, Texas Hazard: The youth ATV lacks front brakes, a manual fuel shut-off, and padding to cover the sharp edges on the handlebar assembly. Additionally, the vehicle is sold without a tire pressure gauge or adequate flag pole bracket. The defects could lead to young drivers losing control of the ATVs, which poses the risk of serious injuries or death. Incidents/Injuries: None. Description: The recalled SLA90 ATVs are intended for children between the ages of 12 and 15 years old. The recalled SLA90 ATVs were available in the following solid colors: red, blue, yellow, green. The ATVs were available in the following camo colors: pink, brown, green, and blue. The word “Sunl” is on the front side of the ATV. Sold through: SunL Group dealers nationwide and Web retailers from May 2005 through March 2007 for between $400 and $500. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these ATVs and contact SunL Group for instructions on how to receive a full refund. Consumer Contact: Consumers can contact SunL Group toll-free at (866) 355-0497 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s web site www.sunl.com Sweepstakes Draws E-Visitors to Kentucky "Backyard" Web SiteThere is plenty of summertime left to log on to the Kentucky Department of Travel web site www.MyKentuckyBackyard.com and register for daily prizes in the Backyard Sweepstakes. Thousands have signed up to win a prize a-day valued at $50 or more since the promotion began in May. The sweepstakes concludes in mid-August with a grand prize of a deluxe houseboat trip provided by the State Dock on Lake Cumberland. Since the on-line promotion went “live” on May 1, it has netted more than 21,000 visits from across Kentucky and the U.S., and there have been about 7,000 registrations for the sweepstakes. Nearly 200 locations in Kentucky have joined in the e-fun and though the contest is for Kentucky residents only, the site has been visited by computer users in 48 states. The promotion invites state residents to visit Kentucky events and attractions and while the summer sweepstakes ends in August, the site will continue with new values for travelers. Everyone who registers for the sweepstakes is eligible for the grand prize. Visitors to the site also have the opportunity to share with other users their recommendations for favorite Kentucky places including trip and attraction ideas, shopping picks, golf outings and visits to bed and breakfasts on a page titled “Tell Us About It.” To see the reviews users click on the link titled “You Told Us.” Throughout the summer months different sites have been highlighted. “Nobody knows Kentucky better than other Kentuckians,” said Mike Cooper, Commissioner of the state Department of Travel. “It’s been great to see the variety of recommendations that visitors to the site have sent to us. At a time of record gas prices, the My Kentucky Backyard e-campaign has been a fun and effective way for people to discover travel opportunities close to home.” Another contest on the site is “Where’s Pat?,” a weekly quiz for participants to guess the whereabouts of Pat Stipes, who manages the broadcasting arena for the Travel Department. Stipes is pictured at various attractions and events around the state and the first web site visitor to guess his whereabouts gets an “Unbridled Spirit” beach towel and two tickets to Diamond Caverns in Park City (www.diamondcaverns.com/). To see a complete list of prizes and register to win, log on to MyKentuckyBackyard.com and take a regional tour of the state, view videos of attractions and link to the Kentucky Department of Travel for more ideas on things to do and places to visit across the state. Prizes, including gift certificates and concert tickets, were contributed by businesses and attractions throughout Kentucky. The preceding press release was from Senate Passes Act to Support Research for Childhood CancerMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell praised the Senate on Friday for its passage of the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. The legislation authorizes $30 million a year for the National Cancer Institute to enhance, expand and intensify research into causes of and treatments for childhood cancers. It also calls for the creation of a National Childhood Cancer Registry to help track the prevalence of childhood cancers and search for troubling patterns. “While our researchers have made great strides in the fight against cancer, we still lose far too many children to this dreaded disease,” Senator McConnell said. “It is my hope that this legislation will drive the National Cancer Institute to make childhood cancer research a top priority and provide new hope to those children who fight this disease every day.” “I want to thank all of the parents and grandparents who I met in the process of working on this legislation, particularly Tom Dunbar and Carol Crockett,” Senator McConnell said. “I remember when Carol approached me at a grocery store and told me the story of her granddaughter who was diagnosed with cancer. Her story, and others like it, inspired me, and helped make this legislation achievable.” Tom Dunbar, of Louisville, Ky., who is Chairman of the Board of Trustees for CureSearch/National Childhood Cancer Foundation, also commended the Senate for passing this significant legislation. “Every member of the Kentucky delegation played a role in the passage of this act, and none greater than our Senators, Jim Bunning and Mitch McConnell,” Tom Dunbar said. “Cancer kills more children in America than any other disease, and we are optimistic that the promise of this funding will result in the start of new trials, and confidence they will be completed, so more of the 13,000 kids diagnosed each year will live full lives.” The Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act now goes to the President for his signature. The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 20, 2008 6:54:07 GMT -5
New Federal Law Mandates Child Resistant Portable Gasoline Containers
Children and gasoline don't mix. With the passage of the Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act, an additional layer of fire safety and burn protection has been added for families across the country. President George W. Bush signed the Act into law which requires portable gasoline containers manufactured for sale in the U.S. on or after January 17, 2009 to conform to child resistance safety requirements.
Gasoline containers will join containers with other flammable liquids, such as turpentine, charcoal lighter fluid, and torch fuel that are required to have child resistant closures. CPSC has jurisdiction over child resistant product packaging.
"Families who purchase gasoline cans with child resistant gas caps and who keep all flammable liquids out of the sight and reach of children are improving the safety of their homes," said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord.
CPSC recommends these safety tips for consumers.
• Buy a gasoline container that is child resistant.
• Place a gasoline container in a well ventilated, cool area.
• Never store gasoline or other fuel inside the house, in the basement, or near a fuel-burning appliance, open flames, pilot lights, stoves, heaters, electric mowers, or any other sources of ignition.
• Never smoke near gasoline.
• Never carry gasoline in the trunk of the car. Escaping vapors can easily ignite.
• Keep gasoline, kerosene and other fuels out of the reach of children. Never permit children to play with matches or fuel.
CPSC also requires child resistant packaging for many products that are dangerous for children to swallow including over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, household cleaning products including drain openers, personal care products such as baby oil and mouthwash containing ethanol, and adult strength vitamins and supplements with iron. For aspirin and oral prescription medicine, special packaging has saved the lives of about 900 children since the early 1970s.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 22, 2008 11:40:35 GMT -5
McConnell: ‘The Time for Timidity has Passed’Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need to pass a balanced, bipartisan approach to the rising price of gas: “All across the country, Americans are feeling the sting of record high gas prices at the pump. The cost of food is rising along with the price of gas. Truckers and stay-at-home parents and commuters and vacationers are frustrated at paying more for gas than any of them ever imagined. The situation is urgent, it demands our full attention, and it demands a serious legislative response. “And though a barrel of crude oil costs roughly three times what it did when Democrats took over Congress a year and a half ago, so far, the Democrat leadership has been timid about solutions. They’ve treated high gas prices as a distraction. But the time for timidity has passed. Americans are demanding that Congress do something to lower the high price of gas, and they won’t be fooled by gimmicks or half-measures. “The Majority Leader has moved to a bill that only addresses the issue of speculation. But no serious person thinks passing this legislation alone will fix the problem. I don’t know of any reputable economists who think that simply addressing the futures market will significantly affect the price of gas. “Warren Buffett, the most famous rich Democrat in America, dismisses the idea. T. Boone Pickens—who will be meeting with the Democrats tomorrow—dismisses the idea. The Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, dismisses the idea. Serious economists on all sides dismiss the idea. The 27-nation International Energy Agency dismisses the idea. Strengthening regulation of the futures market is a worthwhile piece of any legislative effort, but let’s be clear from the outset: it’s just a piece—and a small piece at that. “We need to think about the scope of this problem, and act boldly. Problems this big require a bigger solution than a single idea by a single member of Congress, not timid attempts to address only part of the problem. As the Senior Senator from Tennessee has said, can you imagine if President Kennedy had acted timidly when launching the space mission? What do you think the reaction would have been if he had declared we will go halfway to the moon? Good ideas from both sides should be considered. And Americans, we know, are demanding nothing less. “They’re demanding, above all, that we treat high gas prices for what they are: the single most important domestic issue facing Americans today. And they’ll know we’re doing so when they see us dealing head on with supply and demand. Increased global demand for oil is not going down anytime soon. This means gas prices will not go down unless supply goes up. “And with gas prices now well above $4 a gallon, the time has come for those who oppose a balanced approach to retreat from their long-held opposition to targeted and responsible oil exploration at home. They need to unlock the Outer Continental Shelf and lift their ban on the development of the vast oil shale deposits in western states. America is the third-largest oil producer in the world. We possess within in our own borders triple the amount of oil potential of Saudi Arabia with oil shale alone. It’s time for the opponents of a balanced approach to unlock these vast domestic resources that will allow us to finally start the process of increasing domestic supply even as we work together toward a future free from dependence on Middle East oil. “Our friends have been reluctant until now to unlock these vast domestic reserves because of an aversion to fossil-fuels and a sluggish attitude toward legislating in the middle of a presidential election year. But Americans are more concerned right now about paying for gasoline and groceries than they are about the political calendar. And, over the past couple of weeks, a number of our friends on the other side have indicated they want a balanced solution too. “So far, a dozen Democrats have expressed some level of openness to new domestic exploration. We are approaching a bipartisan consensus on the need to increase domestic supply. But their leadership isn’t there. Their presidential nominee opposes every effort to increase supply. The Speaker of the House is walking in lock-step with Al Gore. It’s time for Republicans and Democrats to come together on high gas prices. It’s time to put aside old and outdated prejudices about offshore exploration, which is being done safely by countless other countries around the world and here at home too. It’s time to use the resources we have, and stop timidly nibbling around the edges. It’s time to deliver for the American people. It’s time to do what we were sent here to do. “A serious solution is already at hand. The Gas Price Reduction Act, with 44 co-sponsors, features a speculation piece that addresses the concerns of the bill the Democrat Leadership would have us vote on tomorrow. But it’s bolder than just that. It also contains the elements of a serious energy bill. It faces supply and demand head on by lifting the ban on Western oil shale development and opening up exploration far from the shores of the states that want it. And it promotes energy efficient vehicles like plug-in electric cars and trucks. “The Gas Price Reduction Act was written with one bipartisan principle in mind: find more, use less. And if we adopt it, the American people will see that Congress is taking their concerns seriously. “Anything short of this bill will not be welcomed by the American people and will prove to be a waste of energy. If we pass the speculator piece alone, Americans will continue to demand a serious solution that gets at supply and demand. But we can avoid such a disappointment now by getting behind a proposal that directly addresses the price of gas at the pump. “This is a big problem, and the problem is bigger than just speculation; good ideas from all sides should be considered. It’s what the American people demand.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. 5 members of family charged in drug investigationA Knott County couple and three of their sons were arrested Friday, July 18, following an 14-month undercover drug investigation by Operation UNITE. Two other members of the family are still being sought. During the arrests, police recovered approximately 15 one-half gram bags of powered cocaine valued at about $750 on the street. “This family has been involved in the illegal drug trade for a long time,” said Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for Operation UNITE. “They were well-known in Knott County for providing cocaine, Methadone and Oxycodone.” According to UNITE, numerous purchases of drugs – primarily cocaine – were made between May 2007 and January 2008. Armed with District Court arrest warrants, officers from UNITE, the Knott County Sheriff’s Office and the Kentucky State Police K-9 unit went to the Pratt’s homes off Mallet Fork Road and Walnut Hollow Drive in the Pine Top Community about 9:45 a.m. The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 22, 2008 11:57:02 GMT -5
PRIDE Education Funds ApprovedRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that $200,000 for Kentucky PRIDE was approved by a key congressional subcommittee. The funding was included in the FY09 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill and will be used for environmental education and awareness programs to students throughout southern and eastern Kentucky. “Since its inception in 1997, I have witnessed firsthand the incalculable role of PRIDE in restoring our great land to its natural beauty. Just as important as ridding our forests, streams and roadways of litter and debris, the PRIDE program has inspired a younger generation of Kentuckians to value their surroundings and empowered them to take responsibility for the future of our region,” stated Rogers. “These critical funds will help further our earth science education efforts and encourage stewardship of our natural resources.” PRIDE, which promotes Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment in 38 counties, was launched in 1997 by Rogers and the late General James Bickford, former Secretary of the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet. The main activities of PRIDE are to improve the region’s waterways, clean-up illegal dumps, and promote environmental education and awareness. 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. First Lady Announces 'Horses and Hope' to Fight Breast CancerFirst lady Jane Beshear today announced “Horses and Hope,” an initiative she has created with the Kentucky Cancer Program. The project will foster work with the state’s equine industry to identify new opportunities to provide breast cancer awareness, education, screening and treatment referral, as well as to raise funds to sustain programs into the future. “Most of you know of my great love for horses,” said Mrs. Beshear. “Horses and Hope will combine my passion for these great animals with the fight to cure this disease.” “Horses and Hope” will also be supported by the Pink Stable, a committee of women horse owners, trainers, jockeys, race track representatives and others convened by the first lady. In addition to Mrs. Beshear, who chairs the committee, members of the Pink Stable include Wende Bell, Anita Cauley, Patricia Cooksey, Carol Farmer, Mary Midkiff, Susan Nicholson, Ann McBrayer and Donna Ward. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Kentucky’s women. According to the Kentucky Cancer Registry, an average of 2,700 new cases of breast cancer is diagnosed in Kentucky women each year. Over the last five years, an average of nearly 600 Kentucky women has died each year from breast cancer. The preceding press release was from Public Health Works to Ensure Food SafetyThe Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Preparedness and Food Safety Branches and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have teamed up to help protect the state’s food supply, holding a rigorous international food defense certification training for more than 100 of Kentucky’s food industry stakeholders. Food, milk and beverage industry personnel gathered last week in Louisville for the AIB International Food Defense Coordinator Course, an intensive training in the most current food security and defense practices. The course, a three-day event held at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, was specifically designed to examine the issues and challenges of protecting the food supply from intentional contamination. “Given recent issues with national foodborne illness outbreaks, the need to ensure the safety of our food supply is even more pronounced,” said Guy Delius, acting director of the division of public health protection and safety in DPH. “The goal of public health’s food safety and milk safety programs is to make sure our fellow Kentuckians are shielded from dangerous bacteria, toxins and other dangers that lead to foodborne illness. We also want to provide our food industry stakeholders with the latest information and training on protecting our food supply from deliberate contamination during all stages of production, storage and shipping.” The Food Defense Coordinator Course targeted these food production industry employees: maintenance managers, security professionals and engineers, quality assurance/quality control managers, safety managers, human resource managers, corporate personnel, corporate legal counsel insurance managers, plant managers, and security regulators. Kentucky food and beverage manufacturers with statewide, national and international food distribution networks attended the course. Participants who successfully complete the course via an online testing system will become Certified Food Defense Coordinators. This title means businesses will have met governmental and customer recommendations to have a staff member trained in all provisions of a food defense plan. “Successful completion of this course shows a high commitment to the quality and safety of a company’s food supply,” said Delius. “It’s one more thing we’re doing to help ensure the health, safety and welfare of Kentuckians.” The preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker. Restaurant owner sentenced in illegal alien caseChun Ya (“Jerry”) Cheung, 40, of Cincinnati, Ohio was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for harboring illegal aliens by United States District Court Judge David L. Bunning. On April 3, 2008, following a three day jury trial, Cheung was found guilty of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens for commercial advantage. Cheung is a 50% owner of the Empire Buffet Chinese restaurant in Crescent Springs, Kentucky, where several illegal aliens were employed in late 2007. Under federal law, Cheung must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 3 years. James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Paul Chambers, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. The investigation was conducted jointly by ICE and the Villa Hills Police Department. 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 Mongiardo learns how to ride an ATVLieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo took the lead in the promotion of All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) safety statewide by completing his ATV certification training at the ATV Safety Institute in Knott County. ATV riding is a favorite pastime for thousands of Kentuckians both young and old and is an integral part of Kentucky’s Adventure Tourism initiative. However, whether hiking, biking or ATV riding across Kentucky’s trails, it is imperative that every rider makes personal safety the first priority. Seasoned ATV enthusiast and first-time riders alike have much to gain from the completion of an ATV certification training program. Aside from providing the proper knowledge base and background to become a more informed ATV operator, it provides a way to hone one’s skills first-hand. “The Safety Institute in Knott County is an invaluable resource for all Kentuckians who are ATV operators,” said Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo. “Today, I hope to serve as an example of how immensely important it is to complete training and become certified, whether you are a lifelong enthusiast or a first-time rider.” The Knott County ATV Safety Institute is one of only a handful of ATV training facilities in the nation. Trainees learn about proper attire while riding, the importance of helmet use and how to handle potentially tricky situations by completing a course filled with turns, hills and valleys. In order to further educate Kentuckians about the importance of ATV safety, Lieutenant Governor Mongiardo joined with First Lady Jane Beshear and 30th District Senator Brandon Smith to record radio Public Service Announcements which will begin airing on radio stations across the Commonwealth this week. Kentucky’s adventure tourism initiative has been successful in bringing leaders from the public and private sector and both sides of the political aisle together to make Kentucky the premier outdoor recreation destination not just nationally, but internationally. For more information about ATV safety, Kentucky’s Adventure Tourism initiative and ways to become involved, visit www.kyunbridledadventure.comThe preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Jul 23, 2008 15:05:48 GMT -5
Rogers: Corps of Engineers Awards Wolf Creek Dam Wall ContractCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has notified key congressional leaders that the agency has awarded a $341 million joint venture contract to Treviicos Corporation and Soletanche Bachy for the construction of a 4200-foot concrete barrier wall at Wolf Creek Dam. After vigorous technical review, the contract is expected to be let by the Corps today and construction on the barrier wall is slated to begin in 2008. “Shoring up Wolf Creek Dam for boaters and fishermen, lake-dependent businesses, hydropower, and water strapped communities is of utmost importance and I am pleased to see a decision on the wall contract,” stated Rogers. “Going forward, safety remains my top priority for the Wolf Creek Dam project, and while challenges remain, I am optimistic that the Corps and these contractors are well-equipped to safely move this important project towards completion and end seepage issues at the lake. We must continue to work cooperatively to solidify the dam and attract visitors from our communities and neighboring states.” Both companies have a long history with dam rehabilitation and construction efforts. Treviicos has successfully worked in conjunction with the Corps on a number of dam safety projects in the past, including the cutoff wall at McAlpine Lock and Dam in Louisville and a diaphragm wall at W.F. George Dam in Alabama. Soletanche Bachy specializes in all aspects of modern geotechnics and foundation engineering. In 1988, Soletanche was awarded a Corps’ contract to construct a diaphragm wall at Mud Mountain Dam on the White River in the State of Washington. The Wolf Creek Dam project is the top dam safety project for the Corps in the nation. Already over $98 million in federal funding has been dedicated toward this initiative, including $57 million Rogers helped secure in the Army Corps of Engineers’ FY09 budget. The House Appropriations Committee approved this funding in the Energy & Water Appropriations bill on June 26, 2008. Rogers 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. Nine Fatalities Reported on Kentucky RoadwaysJuly 7th - 13thPreliminary statistics* indicate that nine people died in nine separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, July 7 through Sunday, July 13, 2008. Eight of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and four of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Breckinridge, Calloway (2), Jefferson, Marshall, Shelby, Warren, and Washington counties. Two of the crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. One motorcycle crash occurred in Laurel county and the victim was not wearing a helmet. Through July 13, preliminary statistics* indicate that 388 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 69 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 305 motor vehicle fatalities, 190 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 39 motorcycle fatalities, 22 were not wearing helmets. Eleven people have been killed in ATV crashes and 10 of those were not wearing helmets. Thirty-two pedestrians have been killed. A total of 77 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Wal-Mart Market Team Contribute to Trooper IslandOn Thursday July 17, 2008 Ken Rush and management within the Wal-Mart Market team # 438 returned to Trooper Island to present a check for $2,000.00. The donation is a manager's grant which was submitted by Wal-Mart store representatives from Somerset, Monticello, Lawrenceburg, Harrodsburg, Bardstown, Danville, Stanford, Columbia, Campbellsville, Glasgow and Tompkinsville when they assisted in the preparation of the 2008 summer camping season on May 14, 2008. This time when they came they were able to meet campers which had been selected to attend from the Pikeville and Hazard post areas. While visiting on Thursday the managers observed campers participating in camp activities. Trooper Island was created in 1965 by the Kentucky State Police as a boys camp to help those who may not have otherwise had a chance to attend a summer camp. Located on Dale Hollow Lake near the Clinton-Cumberland County line Trooper Island, is now a co-ed camp, approximately 700 boys and girls ages 10 to 12, selected from across the commonwealth by Troopers attend a week long camp at no charge during the summer months. In addition to the regular camping schedule Trooper Island conducts special camps for some of Kentucky's special needs youth. These camps include Camp PKU (phenylketonuria), Hearing Impairment and a camp for the Hispanic. Trooper Island is a non-profit charitable corporation, operating solely from donation from private individuals, Corporations, Civic and Business groups, along with charitable activities held by Kentucky State Police posts across the state. Some of the scheduled events in which funds are raised for Trooper Island are golf scrambles, motorcycle runs, fishing tournaments and a yearly statewide raffle. This year we are raffling off a 2008 Black Ford Mustang Convertible. Tickets may be purchased at any Kentucky State Police Post (Charitable Gaming License #00006333). Anyone that would like to make a donation can send a contribution directly to Trooper Island at Post Office Box 473, Albany, Kentucky 42602 or by contacting your local Public Affairs Officer at any of the Kentucky State Police Posts across the state. Currently Further information on Trooper Island can be found at www.kentuckystatepolice.org/island.htm. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. It’s MY Binky RecalledPersonalized pacifiers can cause chokingThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: It’s My Binky’s Personalized Pacifiers Units: About 115,000 Importer: It’s My Binky, of Henderson, Nev. Hazard: The pacifier button, ring handle and shield with nipple can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants. Incidents/Injuries: It’s My Binky has received two reports of the pacifier button, ring handle and shield with nipple detaching. No injuries have been reported. Description: The recalled pacifiers have "Japlo" imprinted on the front of the pacifier shield at the bottom, center. The pacifiers were sold in blue, white and pink with various words or designs printed on the button of the pacifier. Examples of text and symbols printed on recalled Japlo pacifiers include but are not limited to the following: Sold at: Nordstrom and baby boutique retail stores nationwide and online at www.itsmybinky.com from February 2006 through June 2008 for between $5 and $6. Manufactured in: Malaysia Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these pacifiers away from children and return them to the store where purchased or contact the firm if purchased online to receive a free replacement pacifier. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact It’s My Binky toll-free at (888) 689-9444 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday PT or visit the firm’s website at: www.itsmybinky.com Big Problems Require Big SolutionsSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need for a serious approach to the rising price of gas, not a timid one as suggested by the Majority party: “The Senate today will continue our debate on the number-one domestic issue facing our nation. But it now seems clear that the Majority party is not interested in a full and open debate; is not interested in good ideas from all sides; and is designing a floor debate that is designed to fail. That is simply unacceptable. “I was disturbed to read this morning that our friends on the other side are considering only a brief and limited consideration of this bill. It’s troubling that at a time of $4.06-a-gallon gas, the U.S. Senate treats the issue as if it’s some technical corrections bill. Let me assure my friends it is not. Let me be absolutely clear: Republicans will not accept a perfunctory approach to this problem. We are not content with check-the-box exercises. And more important, the American people will not accept a timid approach to such a major problem. “My conference is interested in a solution. We're not interested in holding a pair of votes so that we can go home with the political cover to blame the other side for our collective lack of accomplishment. And let's be clear, speculation-only legislation is a very little piece to a massive problem Americans are facing every day at the pump. The American people are speaking very clearly about what needs to be done and the U.S. Senate has the ability to answer their call. “Americans will continue to demand a serious solution that gets at supply and demand; nothing less than that can be seen as a solution. Nobody can say with a straight face that simply addressing speculation—a very narrow part of the problem—is a serious approach. The Majority party seems less concerned with passing a bill which can bring down the price of gas, and more concerned with just passing a bill. But it wasn’t too long ago that the Majority party – regardless of which party was in control – welcomed an open debate on energy legislation. “Just last year when the Senate considered the Energy Independence and Security Act—and when gas was at $3.06 a gallon—49 amendments were agreed to out of the 331 which were filed. Of these amendments, 16 received roll call votes in the Senate. And in 2005—when the price of gas was $2.26 a gallon—a Republican Majority allowed 19 roll call votes on amendments during debate on the Energy Policy Act of 2005. A total of 57 amendments were agreed to out of the 235 proposed. “And neither of these bills was rushed through in less than a week. We spent 15 days on the floor debating last year’s energy bill, and 10 days in 2005 because we wanted to make sure we got it right, that ideas from both sides were considered, that the legislation would have the intended impact. And we need to do that again here. But the current cost of gas is a serious problem that requires a serious approach. The Senate insults the American people if it treats this problem with anything less than the seriousness such a big problem requires. “We need to find more and use less. We need to consider good ideas from all sides. And we need to take seriously that energy is the number-one issue facing our nation—and act on it. We simply can’t go through a failed process, claim credit for ‘trying,’ and go home. Americans know better; Americans expect more.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Jackson charged in armed robberyBrandon Jackson, 23, of Cincinnati, Ohio was sentenced today to 162 months in prison and ordered to pay $24,350 in restitution for armed robbery by United States District Court Judge David L. Bunning. In April 2008, Jackson pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the armed robbery of C&O United Credit Union, located in Edgewood, Ky., on November 23, 2005. Jackson entered the credit union, pointed a gun at the tellers, and demanded money. Jackson and his cousin and co-defendant, Ivory Powell, obtained $24,350 from the credit union. Under federal law, Jackson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 5 years His sentence will run consecutive to the 166-month sentence he received for another armed bank robbery in Federal District Court in Cincinnati. James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Timothy D. Cox, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI and Edgewood Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony J. Bracke and Elaine K. Leonhard. 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 Jul 24, 2008 6:38:55 GMT -5
Nine Fatalities Reported on Kentucky RoadwaysJuly 14th - 20thPreliminary statistics* indicate that nine people died in eight separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, July 14 through Sunday, July 20, 2008. Seven of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and five of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Boyle, Knott, Madison, Taylor and Webster counties. A double-fatality motor-vehicle crash occurred in Russell county. A motorcycle fatality occurred in Pike county and the suspected use of alcohol was a factor. The victim was not wearing a helmet. A bicycle fatality occurred in Jefferson county when a motor vehicle struck the bicycle as it was exiting I-65 onto the outer loop. The victim was not wearing a helmet. Through July 20, preliminary statistics* indicate that 403 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 73 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 315 motor vehicle fatalities, 197 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 42 motorcycle fatalities, 23 were not wearing helmets. Eleven people have been killed in ATV crashes and 10 of those were not wearing helmets. Thirty-three pedestrians have been killed. A total of 79 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas. Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Attorney General Conway Announces Indictment of Southern Kentucky PharmacistAttorney General Jack Conway today announced that a Franklin County Grand Jury has returned a six-count felony indictment against a Russell County pharmacist for allegedly engaging to defraud the Kentucky Medical Assistance Program. Eric Grider, 43, a pharmacist from Russell Springs, Ky. was indicted on Wednesday, July 23. According to the indictment, Grider allegedly defrauded the Kentucky Medical Assistance Program by submitting fraudulent claims for prescriptions. The indictment alleges Grider billed Medicaid for a different drug than was given to the client. The indictment was sought by Attorney General Conway’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control. Grider will be arraigned in Franklin Circuit Court on August 1, 2008. Citizens are urged to report suspected Medicaid fraud or elder abuse by calling the Attorney General’s tip line at 1-877-ABUSE TIP (1-877-228-7384). A criminal charge is an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The preceding press release was from Rogers Urges Congress to Take Up Comprehensive Energy, Gas BillHal RogersCongressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) today joined 84 Members of Congress in introducing comprehensive legislation to combat soaring energy and gas prices and create a stable, long-term domestic source of affordable energy for working families, seniors and veterans in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. H.R. 6566, the American Energy Act takes an “all-of-the-above” approach to reducing and stabilizing energy prices by increasing the supply of American-made energy, improving conservation and efficiency, and promoting renewable and alternative energy technologies. “No one contends that solving our energy problem will be easy, but doing nothing keeps us beholden to foreign oil cartels and the price of gas outrageously high. The American Energy Act is a bold opportunity for the Congress and Speaker Nancy Pelosi to answer the call of the American people and put forward real energy solutions,” stated Rogers. “Taking a multi-pronged approach that increases the supply of American-made energy, while investing in conservation and alternative energy projects, will reduce costs in the short-term as we fine tune new technologies to provide a stable, long-term source of affordable and environmentally-friendly energy.” The American Energy Act is the latest in a series of legislative initiatives supported and cosponsored by Rogers to bring down the price of gasoline and invest in alternative fuels. Passage of this bill will increase the supply of American-made energy through increased oil and natural gas production in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and Alaska’s coastal plain, the development of oil shale resources and coal-to-liquids, and the elimination of bureaucratic red tape that hinders the construction of U.S. oil refineries. In addition, the legislation provides monetary and government-backed incentives for conservation, including tax breaks for fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-efficient homes and businesses. Finally, H.R. 6566 establishes a renewable energy trust fund from revenues generated by domestic oil exploration and development and permanently extends tax incentives for wind, solar and hydrogen energy generation. Rogers will continue to press Speaker Pelosi to bring forward legislative measures to reduce the price of gasoline for the American public and urge the President to work with Congress to increase the production of American energy. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Gaming Supplier Faces License Revocation for selling pull tabsThe Kentucky Department of Charitable Gaming (DCG) has taken the first steps toward revoking the license of a company that sells gaming supplies. Following an investigation earlier this year, DCG notified Clarko Bingo of Lancaster, Ohio of its intent to revoke the company’s license to sell supplies such as pull tabs in Kentucky. The company has appealed the action, and the department will hold a hearing on the matter, said Commissioner Henry Lackey. DCG notified Clarko earlier this month that two inspections of company records uncovered violations of six statutes regulating charitable gaming. According to the notice of violation, Clarko had sold supplies to organizations not licensed to conduct charitable gaming and to organizations that were not allowed to sell pull tabs. The report said the company also accepted payments not drawn from charity gaming accounts as required, that some invoices lacked necessary information, and that the company failed to file an accurate quarterly report and keep accurate books and records. The notice said Clarko had sold to an unlicensed organization at least 15 times in the past year and to charities not permitted to sell pull tabs at least 16 times. On at least four occasions, the company accepted checks from accounts that were not used specifically for charitable gaming, the notice said. "The integrity of charitable gaming in Kentucky must be maintained," Commissioner Lackey said. "While the vast majority of both charitable organizations and their suppliers follow the law, we remain vigilant to ensure full compliance." More than 800 charitable organizations sponsor gaming in Kentucky, with gross receipts totaling $527 million. DCG is charged with ensuring such gaming complies with state laws. Last year, the department conducted 161 investigations. The department is part of the Public Protection Cabinet. The preceding press release was from Contracting company president sentenced in illegal alien caseA commercial interior contracting company in Kenton County and its president were sentenced late yesterday to two years probation and eight months in prison respectively, for harboring illegal aliens for a commercial and financial advantage. The two were also ordered to pay a combined $2 million, $500,000 of which was paid today. In November of 2007, Spectrum Interiors and its president, 49-year-old Jeffery Wolnitzek of Ft. Wright, Ky. admitted that they knowingly conspired to utilize labor contracting companies owned by Louis Garcia and others that provided illegal aliens to perform dry wall and exterior applications on many of Spectrum’s job site duties. “The sentences imposed by the Court today reflect the serious nature of this crime, and should serve as a wake-up call to any Kentucky employer utilizing illegal aliens in their work force,” said Robert McBride, who represented the United States in the case. “As this case shows, violating the law banning the employment of illegal aliens may lead to punishment of not just the company, but also its officers.” In November of 2005, Garcia pleaded guilty in federal court in Ohio to tax evasion and agreed to cooperate with ICE’s investigation of Spectrum Interiors before being deported back to Mexico. Garcia met with Wolnitzek and Spectrum’s chief financial officer in a recorded meeting in May of 2006 where he advised them that half of the workers he provided to Spectrum were undocumented aliens. Despite that revelation, Wolnitzek and the financial officer agreed to continue to utilize Garcia’s laborers on job site projects and planned to hire them with legal U.S. status. Wolnitzek also tried to convince Garcia to allow one of his relatives to assume his operations after his deportation so that Spectrum could still use the illegal aliens on its projects. In November of 2006, ICE conducted a work site enforcement action at various Spectrum job sites in Kenton and Boone counties and arrested 19 undocumented alien laborers. “ICE aggressively targets egregious employers like Mr. Wolnitzek who knowingly and recklessly employ an illegal alien workforce," said Paul Chambers, resident agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Ft. Mitchell. "We will continue to use all our investigative tools to pursue employers who take advantage of illegal labor to make an unlawful profit.” James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Paul Chambers, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement jointly made the announcement after the sentencings. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Attorney General Conway Announces Arrest In Cybersafety Predator StingBilly WilliamsAttorney General Jack Conway today announced an arrest in connection with a cybersafety predator sting that his office conducted in southern Kentucky. On Tuesday night, a suspect who had been communicating online with a decoy from Perverted Justice arrived at a restaurant in Williamsburg, Ky. to meet with what he thought was a 12-year-old girl. Instead, he was met by investigators with the Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations and officers from the Williamsburg Police Department. “This arrest was the result of collaboration between investigators at the state and local level,” said General Conway. “I appreciate the fact that, working together, we were able to execute this arrest and help keep Kentucky families safe.” Billy Williams of Knoxville, Tenn., age 48, was arrested without incident and charged with unlawful transaction with a minor in the first degree, a Class C felony, punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison. He is being held at the Whitley County Detention Center. The prosecution of this case will be handled by Commonwealth’s Attorney Allen Trimble. The Office of the Attorney General has arrested 29 men in three previous sexual-predator stings. 27 cases have resulted in guilty verdicts or pleas. Two defendants are awaiting trial. For more information about cybersafety, visit www.ag.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from COMMISSIONER FARMER SAYS FDA MUST SPEED UP SALMONELLA INVESTIGATIONRichie FarmerAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer today demanded that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration speed up its investigation into the salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 1,200 people nationwide. He said the agency is harming farmers whose products are not involved in the outbreak, as it did when it implicated tomatoes in June. Last week the FDA advised consumers to avoid eating raw jalapeno peppers or foods made with raw jalapeno peppers after a single pepper tested positive for Salmonella Saintpaul. The pepper came from a produce distribution center in McAllen, Texas, and was traced back to a farm in Mexico. “There is no evidence that any peppers grown in Kentucky are contaminated,” Commissioner Farmer said. “The FDA again has issued overly broad advice to consumers that will have severe consequences for growers. We know of one Kentucky farm family that lost a contract to sell jalapeno peppers to a major retailer because of the FDA’s guidance, and now they’re in danger of going out of business, even though they grew their peppers under Good Agricultural Practices guidelines and there is nothing connecting their products to this outbreak.” Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) is a program to educate fruit and vegetable growers and processors on best practices for growing, transporting and handling produce to minimize the risk of food contamination. The state and the University of Kentucky launched GAP last year. Since then, 855 Kentucky producers have been trained on GAP principles. In June, the FDA advised consumers to avoid eating certain tomatoes in an attempt to stem the outbreak. As a result, produce buyers stopped buying tomatoes from Florida, resulting in an estimated $100 million loss to that state’s tomato industry. Since then the FDA has changed its advice to say that tomatoes now available in the domestic market are not involved in the outbreak. Kentucky Proud fruits and vegetables are available at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, Kentucky state resort parks and some grocery stores and supermarkets. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. McConnell: We Cannot Solve This Problem with Timid, Half-hearted MeasuresSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the serious national problem of the rising price of gas at the pump and the need for a serious legislative response: “Right now in Lexington and Las Vegas and in every other city and town across the country, Americans are hurting from high gas prices. Right now there’s a man watching his hard-earned paycheck go into his gas tank instead of his daughter's college fund. And that man doesn't care about cloture petitions or 2nd degree amendments. He just wants Congress to do something. He wants us to act. “We’ve all heard the frustrations from constituents for months. They’ve made their feelings known. And so we were surprised yesterday to learn about the intentions of our friends across the aisle when it comes to high gas prices. The Majority Leader told reporters that voting on more than one amendment per side — on the number-one domestic issue facing our nation — is unreasonable. “Let me repeat that: our friends on the other side are saying that having a real debate, that considering good ideas from all sides is just too much for the Senate to handle. They’ve apparently rejected the idea of finding a serious solution to high gas prices. And instead, they want us to take up a proposal that’s designed to fail. They want us to try to fool our constituents into believing that we’re addressing this problem in a serious way, when we’re not. “It’s no surprise that the Democrat Leadership won’t allow Americans’ top priorities to be heard. It’s the same reason they’ve been cancelling hearings and markups all week: they don’t want to choose between their presidential nominee, whose position on bringing down high gas prices is: ‘No we can’t’, and the demands of the guy at the gas pump who’s watching his daughter’s college fund shrink with every gallon he puts in the tank. “It’s a sad commentary given the promises they made. Our friends across the aisle promised a year and a half ago in their ‘Six for ‘06’ pledge to ‘lower gas prices’ and ‘free America from dependence on foreign oil.’ But things didn’t turn out as planned. The fact is, a gallon of gas is now more than $1.70 higher than when the Democrats promised to lower it. And now — at a time when Americans are clamoring for them to make good on their pledge, they must muster the political will to do something about it. “We should not be content to leave town with a couple of failed votes and a speculation proposal that no serious economist in America believes will have a significant impact, by itself, on the price of gas. Let me reiterate, Republicans believe we can strengthen the futures markets. Our bill would do just that. If bad actors are out there, we’d like to find them by putting more cops on the beat and by bringing greater transparency to the market. But we don’t claim that this one provision alone will solve the problem. No serious person would, Mr. President. “The other side has made the astonishing claim that the speculation provision alone will lower the price of gas by 20-50 percent. Yet I have found no one — not the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, not the 27-nation International Energy Agency, not even the most famous rich Democrat in America, Warren Buffett, to back up this claim. “Yesterday, our colleague, the Junior Senator from Texas, asked here on the floor for any citation backing up their claim. The Majority Leader came back to the floor to respond. But the only person he could name who had made this claim has been so thoroughly discredited here in the Senate that the Democratic chairman of the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations issued a stinging 11-page rebuttal of his recent testimony. “In testimony before the committee, the Majority Leader’s source — a lawyer, not an economist, by the way — claimed that ‘overnight,’ a speculation bill dealing with energy commodities would ‘bring down the price of crude oil, I believe, by 25 percent.’ The committee’s public response to this notion of an ‘overnight’ reduction of ‘25 percent’ was blunt. Here’s what they said: ‘There is no credible evidence that simply amending the [Commodities Exchange Act] to regulate energy commodities as if they were agricultural commodities will lead to lower energy prices.’ “So, in other words, the one source our friends across the aisle point to when they claim their bill will lower the costs of energy by 20-50 percent is the subject of an 11-page, bipartisan rebuke—which says there is zero credible evidence to support his claim. Let me say it again. We, like our friends, support legislation that keeps bad actors from driving up gas prices. We’ve addressed this in our bill. But serious people understand that if this activity is occurring, it’s a small portion of the overall problem. “And this leads me to a broader point. The price of gas at the pump is a serious national problem that requires a serious legislative response. We cannot solve this problem with timid, half-hearted measures. We need to act boldly. And that means we need to consider good ideas from both sides. Now is not the time to be timid or to play political games that are designed to benefit a single party. Our job, it seems to me, is to help the man or woman at the gas pump who is making hard choices in order to keep his gas tank full. And that’s why it’s so irresponsible to shortchange this debate. Until we have acted boldly to cut gas prices and our reliance on Middle East oil, we will be ignoring the demands of the American people. “It’s time to get serious. No more unsupportable outlandish claims; no more relying on discredited testimony; no more canceling markups simply to avoid taking votes on a serious approach to lowering the price of gas at the pump. We need to find more and use less. We need to consider good ideas from all sides. And we need to take seriously that energy is the number-one domestic issue facing our nation. We simply can’t go through a failed process, claim credit for ‘trying,’ and then pack it up and go home. Let’s get serious. Let’s open this debate to more than one good idea — rather than bring it to a premature end. And let’s find a solution that incorporates increased domestic supply and conservation. We need to find more and use less. “Americans are demanding nothing less.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 25, 2008 15:02:16 GMT -5
Primary Election Turnout Data Now AvailablePresidential Primary Record SetTrey GraysonThe State Board of Elections announced today that turnout data for the May 2008 primary election is now available on its website at www.elect.ky.gov. Statewide turnout was 32.2% for the primary election, marking the highest turnout in Kentucky history for a Presidential Primary. That increase is in line with rising turnout percentages in general elections that had been seen over the last few years in Kentucky. Only last year’s fall Gubernatorial election defied that trend. “I am ecstatic to see a much higher number of citizens participating in the primary election process,” stated Secretary of State Trey Grayson, Kentucky’s Chief Election Official. “I am optimistic that this increased turnout foreshadows a record turnout for the fall election.” Franklin, Knott, and Floyd Counties had the highest turnout percentages with 54.9%, 47.2%, and 45.0% of registered voters turning out to vote, respectively. Monroe, Cumberland, and Clinton Counties had the lowest turnout percentage with 10.6%, 15.1%, and 15.3%, respectively. Statewide, Democrats, Republicans, and voters listed as Other turned out at 43.5%, 19.7%, and 3.9%, respectively. Turnout in the 2004 primary election, the most recent comparable election, was 14.0%. Turnout for the 2006 and 2007 primary elections were 31.4% and 20.2%, respectively. For more detailed voter information, including statistics on individual county or precinct turnout, or to view more detailed turnout by age, gender, or party, visit: elect.ky.gov/stats/turnout.htm. The preceding press release was from Buckhorn Lake to Stage Classic Car and Motorcycle ShowCruise on in to Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park on Saturday Aug. 16, 2008 for a celebration of classic cars, classic motorcycles and classic rock and roll music. The Cruisin’ with the Classics event will feature a classic car and bike show with trophies and no entry fees, starting at 10 a.m. and winding up at 4 p.m. Guests can enter hoola-hoop contests and a jump-rope competition and listen to live music and a DJ spinning “oldies but goodies” from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. A cook-out at the park’s beach house from noon to 8 p.m. will serve up food and refreshments for sale. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and stake out a piece of the park’s lawn area overlooking beautiful Buckhorn Lake. For more information on the event and sponsorship opportunities, call Tesa Turner or Wilma Neace at 800-325-0058. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park features a lodge and cottages for overnight accommodations, a restaurant and a wide range of activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming and mini-golf. The park is located 25 miles northwest of Hazard, or 124 miles southeast of Lexington. The park’s address is 4441 KY Hwy. 1833 near KY Hwy. 28 in Perry County. For more information about the park’s amenities, visit www.parks.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from We Can Work Together to Drive Down Gas PricesDemocrats Said ‘No’Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Thursday regarding Democrat obstruction of serious ideas to help drive down the price of gas: “When historians look back at the 110th Congress, they’ll say that the most vexing domestic issue we faced was a rapid and dramatic rise in gas prices at the pump. And, as is stands today, they’ll have to conclude that the Democratic Leaders ignored the problem by refusing to unlock the domestic energy resources that they put off limits back when gas and oil were cheap. “And if these historians do their homework, they’ll note the irony in all this. They’ll note that these same Democrats were the ones who took the Majority less than two years ago promising to do something about gas prices that were a lot lower than they are today. I recently received a letter from a dialysis center in Kentucky. It was a plea to do something about gas prices. The letter said that some of the rural patients who have to go to this center for treatment three times a week are now foregoing their treatment because they can't afford the gas to get there. “After reading that, I have a simple question for our friends across the aisle: If you won’t act now, with dialysis patients unable to get into town for treatment, when will you unlock the natural resources that Americans have right under their own feet? What’s it going to take? "Clearly, this is a serious problem for people. And we have an obligation to address it. But I’m afraid the Democrats who run the Senate just want it all to go away. They’ve been going to great lengths to make sure it goes away. They’re cancelling hearings where they’re afraid the issue might come up. And they’re muzzling their own members — more than a dozen of whom favor a balanced solution that includes more domestic production and increased conservation. They’re telling them the same thing they’re telling the American people: ‘No, we can’t.’ “The problem we face, as everyone knows, is that the demand for oil is increasing faster than the supply. And the solution, as everyone knows, is to increase supply and lower demand. Yet this week, the Democrat Leadership in Congress is saying ‘No we can’t.’ They’re saying ‘No we can’t’ produce a single additional barrel of oil at home. Instead of increasing supply, they’re trying to distract us with the same blame game they roll out whenever the demands of some special interest group conflict with the will of the people. “This time they’ve turned their attention on speculators. They say the reason gas prices have nearly doubled since the Democrats took over a year and a half ago is the speculators. Republicans have no problem strengthening regulation of the futures markets. But if Congress doesn’t allow any new exploration, it’s perfectly clear what the speculation about future prices will be — not good. The speculators are betting on scarcity. And the Majority is helping to prove them right. “So here we are. “After months of frustration, Americans are hearing from the Democrat leaders that Congress is going to do one thing about the single most vexing issue in America today. The Democrat leaders are telling the Americans people that the solution is to write up some new guidelines for energy traders, call it a day, and head home. “And if we don’t support this timid solution, they’ll go back to the blame game again. They’ll say Republicans voted against lowering gas prices, when the fact is that not a single person in America who doesn’t sit behind a desk on the other side of the aisle thinks this particular speculation provision will do anything to lower gas prices. “Let’s be perfectly clear: a vote for this narrow bill alone is not a serious vote about high gas prices. It’s an abdication of our responsibilities as lawmakers. And it’s an insult to the American people who are demanding every single day that we do something to ease their pain at the pump. “This isn’t a theoretical problem. This isn’t a looming problem. It’s an urgent problem. It’s an urgent problem for families that have to struggle to put food on the table or send their kids to school. It’s an urgent problem for the dialysis patients in my state who can’t get treatment because they can’t afford to get into town to the doctor. “And Americans are hearing the Democrat leadership’s response: ‘No we can’t.’ “The Ranking Member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, my good friend from New Mexico, put it this way: He said that in his 37 years of service in the Senate, he has never seen a bigger problem met with a smaller solution. I’d put it this way: Americans are saying the house is on fire, and the Democrat Leadership is showing up at the scene with squirt guns. “Let’s put the scope of this bill in perspective. During last year’s energy debate, on the Energy Independence and Security Act, 331 amendments were proposed. 49 amendments were agreed to. And gas prices were $3.06 a gallon. Two years before that, during debate on the Energy Policy Act, 235 amendments were proposed, 57 amendments were agreed to, and gas was selling for $2.26 a gallon. “And now, with gas prices in some places at more than double what they were then, when Americans are clamoring for dramatic action, the Democrat majority wants us to tighten the leash on a few speculators and then head home until and do nothing else until next year. To drive down gas prices, we could be opening up the Outer Continental Shelf. Democrat leaders say, ‘No, we can’t.’ “To drive down gas prices, we could be lifting the ban on the development of vast oil shale deposits in western states that sit on three times the reserves of Saudi Arabia. Democrat leaders say, ‘No, we can’t.’ To drive down gas prices, we could be approving incentives for battery-powered electric cars and trucks. Democrat leaders say, ‘No, we can’t.’ “To drive down gas prices, we could be voting to open up untapped American oil. Democrat leaders say, ‘No, we can’t.’ “To drive down gas prices, we could be voting for new clean nuclear technology. Democrat leaders say, ‘No you can’t.’ “To drive down gas prices, we could be approving new and promising coal-to-liquid technology. Democrat leaders say, ‘No, we can’t.’ “When will the Democrat Leadership listen to the 77 percent of Americans who want us to use our own domestic resources to drive down the price of gas and say ‘Yes, we can.’ When will they listen to more than a dozen of their own members and say ‘Yes, we can.’ “Americans never imagined they would be paying these prices at the pump. But if the Democrat Leadership has its way, Americans will be paying even more in the years to come. And when that time comes, and there’s no one else to blame, they’ll look around and see no one but themselves. Then Americans will know who to blame. And I can tell you this: it won’t be the speculators.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Kids II Recalls Infant Rattles Due to Choking HazardThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Bright Starts Ring Rattles Units: About 19,000 Distributor: Kids II Inc., of Alpharetta, Ga. Hazard: The tip of the rattle's antenna, which is attached to a bee figure, can detach and pose a choking hazard to small children. Incidents/Injuries: Kids II has received two reports of the tip of the antenna detaching from the rattle, including one report that the purple ball from the tip of the antenna was in the baby's mouth. No injuries have been reported. Description: The soft toy rattle is a bee with a yellow head, ring-shaped green body, blue/green wings and purple/red antennas. Model number 8534 and date code PA8 are printed on a sewn-in label on the bee's head. Sold at: Toy stores, mass merchandisers, and other retail stores nationwide from January 2008 through June 2008 for about $2-3. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled rattles away from small children and contact Kids II to receive a free replacement rattle. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kids II toll-free at (877) 325-7056 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.kidsii.comTo see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08343.html Sparks sentenced in meth caseCharles Scott Sparks, 44, was sentenced today to 50 months in prison for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Co-defendants Christopher Adams, Ralph Carpenter, and Billy Carpenter were sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine on Friday, July 18th. Adams, 23, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, Ralph Carpenter, 28, was sentenced to 35 months in prison, and Billy Carpenter, 37, was sentenced to 42 months in prison. Between February and March of this year, Adams, the Carpenters, and Sparks pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that from January 13 of 2007 until October 22, 2007 they were involved together in obtaining the ingredients to manufacture methamphetamine and in manufacturing methamphetamine. Sparks further admitted he possessed a total of ten firearms on two separate occasions after having been convicted of the felony offense of drug trafficking. Records from pharmacies in Richmond and Lexington revealed that they purchased pills containing pseudoephedrine on approximately 40 separate occasions between April of 2006 and November of 2007 for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine. One of the incidents charged in the conspiracy, involved a fire at Billy Carpenter’s residence in February of 2007 that resulted in the discovery of numerous items commonly utilized to manufacture methamphetamine. “These sentences illustrate the successful partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement who investigate cases involving drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms and the seriousness of manufacturing methamphetamine” said Assistant United States Attorney Hydee Hawkins. Under federal law, Adams, Sparks, and the Carpenters must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for four years. James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Paul Vido Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Madison County Sheriff Nelson O’Donnel, jointly made the announcement today after Sparks was sentenced. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. The forensic analysis was conducted by the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Hydee R. Hawkins. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Goat's milk is on the moveTodd Harp and Susan Miller didn’t set out to make history. It just turned out that way. On July 7, the Commonwealth’s first official load of goat’s milk was transported from Harp’s dairy to Miller’s cheese plant for pasteurization and processing. Harp, a Bourbon County dairy goat producer, received certification for a manufacturing grade goat dairy in May of this year. Miller’s Bleugrass Chevre in Clark County was designated the state’s first certified goat dairy and cheese manufacturing facility in the summer of 2007. From left, Susan Miller, Todd Harp and milk inspector Frank Jackson.“I want to congratulate Susan and Todd on this milestone,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “This is another example of Kentucky producers combining their resources to create a value-added Kentucky Proud product.” “It doesn’t rival the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but this is a historic and significant event,” remarked Ray Bowman, executive director of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office. “As a result of Todd and Susan’s work with the Milk Safety Branch of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the regulatory groundwork has been laid for the future of Kentucky’s small ruminant dairy industry.” “This has been a dream for over five years, and now it’s a reality,” notes Harp. Susan Miller agrees. “ It was a huge learning curve, and talking to other cheese makers around the country, it has taken many of them at least five years to actually get into business. So we were never really off schedule at all.” Now that the way has been paved, Lewis Ramsey of the Milk Safety Branch thinks the goat’s milk will start flowing like, well, goat’s milk. “This is a product with potentially high profitability. Until now, it was simply going to waste in many cases. We hope that the efforts of our branch and other segments of the small ruminant dairy industry will help Kentucky become a top sheep and goat milk producing state.” The output from Kentucky’s small ruminant dairies is expected to be used in value-added products like cheese, yogurt and ice cream. 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 Jul 27, 2008 18:42:13 GMT -5
New Law To Help Combat Metal TheftNew legislation that went into effect on July 15 is designed to help law enforcement agencies combat an increasingly frequent crime in Kentucky: the theft of certain non-ferrous metals and all ferrous metals. House Bill 106 requires metal dealers to record purchase transactions on a form and keep the form for two years. Upon request, the dealers are required to provide the forms to law enforcement agencies for the purpose of identifying the perpetrators of metal thefts. The information contained on the form will include the seller's name, address and some form of proof of identity such as a driver's license. It will also include the make, model, color and license plate number of the vehicle transporting the material, a description of the material, its weight and quantity, the amount paid to the seller and the date and time of the transaction. Under the new statute, the Kentucky State Police is charged with providing the tracking form to metals dealers. As of July 15, the form will be available online at www.kentuckystatepolice.org/pdf/ferrous metals.pdf. Paper copies can be obtained at any of KSP's 16 posts throughout the state. "With the price of copper and other metals on the rise, these materials are being increasingly targeted for theft," says KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer. "The use of this form will help metal dealers partner with law enforcement agencies throughout the state to deter such unlawful activity." "We'd like to thank Rep. Tanya Pullin for arranging for Kentucky Farm Bureau and American Electric Power to print these forms," added Brewer. "The insurance and energy industries have a special interest in reducing these thefts and we appreciate their help." The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Riley pleaded guilty to Armed Bank RobberyJoe B. Riley, 35, of Madison County, Ky, pleaded guilty today to Armed Bank Robbery and Brandishing a Firearm During a Felony Crime of Violence. He also agreed to forfeit the firearm he used in the robbery. In the course of his guilty plea, Riley admitted he entered Central Bank, located at 3101 Maple Leaf Drive in Lexington on April 12, 2008, brandished a firearm, and stole $7,231 dollars from the tellers. Riley was indicted in May of 2008. James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Timothy D. Cox, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today after Riley entered his guilty plea. The investigation was conducted by FBI and the Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Marshall. Riley is currently scheduled to appear for sentencing before United States District Court Judge Karen K. Caldwell in Lexington on November 13, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. 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 McConnell: ‘A vote against cloture is a vote for fixing the high price of gas’Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the need to keep the Senate focused on finding a solution to the high price at the pump: “Voting for cloture on this bill will take us off the single most important issue in America. The American people are clamoring for legislation that brings down gas prices, and the Democrat Leadership wants to dismiss the issue instead of taking it head on with bold action. “They, and their presidential nominee, can’t get away from this issue fast enough. “They proposed their ‘solution’ to high gas prices last week: a speculators-only bill that would not do enough to address the crisis and get at the root of the problem, namely a supply shortage that’s been driving up prices at the pump. But the American people are clearly not satisfied with this timid approach — and they are definitely not satisfied with throwing in the towel today and moving onto something else until we’ve addressed the high price of gas at the pump. “They’re telling us in poll after poll that this issue is too important to be brushed aside. High gas prices demand our full attention and they demand real action in the Senate. Americans want Senators to stand up and be counted on relying on our own enormous domestic energy reserves and lessening our dependency on Middle East oil. “It’s not too late. We can still do more than a timid speculator-only bill before the week is out. We can still have the kind of serious, balanced debate that our constituents demand. “The only question is: Will the Democratic Leadership let us have that debate? With more than a dozen of their own members calling for a ‘Find More, Use Less’ approach, combining responsible domestic production and conservation, I should think they would. Or will they keep ducking the number one domestic problem facing the nation and changing the subject, hoping it goes away? Well, it is not going to go away. “I will vote to keep the Democrat Leadership at the table until we do something serious about gas prices. “A vote against cloture is a vote for fixing the high price of gas and completing the job the American people want us to do. I urge my colleagues to vote to finish the job before moving to other matters.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 28, 2008 14:51:11 GMT -5
COMMISSIONER FARMER INVITES KENTUCKIANS TO CELEBRATE FARMERS’ MARKET WEEK AUGUST 2-9Richie FarmerFarmers’ market customers can enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and other attractions to go with Kentucky Proud foods at their favorite markets during Farmers’ Market Week August 2-9. First Lady Jane Beshear and Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer will commemorate the week at the Lexington Farmers’ Market Aug. 5 at noon. Several other markets have scheduled special activities during the week to honor Kentucky’s 120 farmers’ markets. The celebration is sponsored by the Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association. “Farmers’ markets are a great source of fresh Kentucky Proud fruits and vegetables,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Many also sell canned goods, meat, dairy products, crafts, flowers and other products. Those products are made close to home by your friends and neighbors. I invite all Kentuckians to go to your local farmers’ market and see what all the excitement is about.” On Aug. 2, Paducah’s Downtown Farmers’ Market will stage a scavenger hunt for kids and cooking demonstrations for adults. Customers at the Northern Kentucky Regional Farmers’ Market can enjoy a bluegrass band, a beekeeping demonstration, pony rides, a magician and other activities. Local chefs will compete in a cook off at the Beechmont Open Air Market in Louisville using items from the market. The Lawrence County Farmers’ Market will host cook offs for youths and adults. The Phoenix Hill Farmers’ Market in Louisville will offer live music, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and special customer appreciation gifts for everyone who spends more than $10 at the market during its Farmers’ Market Week festival Aug. 5 from 3-6:30 p.m. The Rockcastle County Farmers’ Market customer appreciation event will be held Aug. 6 in conjunction with the Brodhead Little World’s Fair. Vouchers for produce will be distributed to customers. Pressure canning equipment will be given away and tested, and information on pressure canning will be offered. On Aug. 9, 4-H members will display their projects at the Woodford County Farmers’ Market. Kentucky’s farmers’ markets rang up more than $8 million in sales last year despite an April freeze and a summer drought. Many other markets are planning Farmers’ Market Week activities. For more information, go to the Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association Web site, www.kentuckyfarmersmarket.org. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Cox says he is guilty in bank robberyDavid Thomas Cox, 27, of Lexington, Ky., pleaded guilty today to two counts of bank robbery and could receive up to 20 years in prison. In the course of his guilty plea, Cox admitted that on May 27, 2008, he robbed the Fifth Third Bank at 2295 Nicholasville Road. During the robbery, Cox took approximately $6,210. He also admitted that on November 15, 2007, he robbed the same bank, taking approximately $11,100. Cox was indicted in June of 2008. James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Ronnie Bastin, Chief, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Division of Police, and Timothy D. Cox, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today after Cox entered his guilty plea. The investigation was conducted by Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Division of Police and the FBI. The United States is represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. Cox is currently scheduled to appear for sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Jennifer B. Coffman in Lexington, Ky., on October 15, 2008, at 11:00 am. 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 Jul 29, 2008 9:19:45 GMT -5
Rogers Announces $700,000 to Continue Local Fight Against Drug AbuseRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced today that several counties in the Fifth Congressional District will receive $699,962 from the Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. These continuation grants will be used to strengthen community drug prevention efforts in these counties. The Drug-Free Communities Support Program was established to help community coalitions work together to reduce illegal drug use and educate young people about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. The program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in partnership with the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. Each community must provide a minimum 1:1 match of local funding for each Federal dollar awarded. Community coalitions that will receive funding under the ONDCP Continuation Grants are: • Knott County Drug Abuse Council - $100,000 • Magoffin Board for KY - ASAP (Kentucky Agency for Substance Abuse Policy) - $120,000 • ASAP Local Board - Clay-Jackson, KY - $100,000 • People Encouraging People, Beattyville - $99,962 • UNITE Bell County Drug Coalition - $100,000 • Knox County UNITE Coalition - $100,000 • Champions for a Drug Free McCreary County - $100,000 “Our communities are banding together to get the drug bandits out,” stated Rogers. “I’m pleased to see these groups receive this additional federal funding to carry out such an important mission. We must remain vigilant in educating our young people on the dangers of drugs and intervening when drug use occurs. The children of our region are our most valuable asset and these funds will go a long way toward ensuring their success in life – drug free.” These local coalitions work in collaboration with Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education). The region-wide program has three main tasks: creating regional drug task forces for interdiction, confiscation and undercover operations; organizing local citizens’ groups and coordinating drug treatment programs; and working with educators to expand drug awareness and education programs in local schools. To date, UNITE detectives have confiscated over $8 million worth of drugs off the street, including more than 73,300 prescription pills, nearly 20 pounds of cocaine, and over 11 pounds of methamphetamine. Their efforts have led to the arrests of 2,550 drug dealers and a 98% conviction rate. Operation UNITE also provides non-violent offenders and those grappling with addiction with a second chance—over 1,590 non-violent offenders have participated in UNITE drug court programs, and more than 1,170 individuals have received vouchers for treatment. Finally, Operation UNITE continues to educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse; to date, 64,595 counseling sessions have taken place with UNITE substance abuse counselors. For more information on UNITE, visit www.operationunite.org or call 866-678-6483. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 30, 2008 16:43:54 GMT -5
Clay County comes in at #3 in jobless rateUnemployment rates rose in 108 Kentucky counties between June 2007 and June 2008, fell in 10 counties and stayed the same in two counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 5 percent. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Fayette County, 5.2 percent; Henderson County, 5.3 percent; Boone County, 5.4 percent; Jessamine and Robertson counties, 5.6 percent each; Shelby County, 5.7 percent; and Anderson, Bourbon, Daviess, Kenton, Madison, Scott, Warren and Webster counties, 5.8 percent each. Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 11.8 percent. It was followed by Jackson County, 11 percent; Clay County, 10.4 percent; Wolfe County, 10.3 percent; Bell, Elliott and Morgan counties, 10.1 percent each; McCreary County, 9.9 percent; Harlan County, 9.7 percent; and Grayson County, 9.6 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 Nearly $12 Million in Homeland Security Funds bound for KentuckyHal RogersRep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced today that $11.9 million in federal funding is going to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to increase preparedness and response measures across the state. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security grants boost a variety of capabilities in public safety and health agencies at the state and local level. “Since the tragic events of September 11th, the size and complexity of the mission placed upon our first responders has only increased,” said Rogers. “These grant funds go a long way toward building up the capability of our state and local emergency response personnel in addressing security threats, preparing for natural or manmade disasters, and rapidly responding to the call for assistance. Our threats have not diminished; however, I’m confident with our increased vigilance at all levels of government, we’re better prepared to thwart terrorist plots as well as overcome Mother Nature’s wrath.” Grants will be provided through a variety of Department of Homeland Security formula grant programs, including: the State Homeland Security Grant Program, $9.59 million; the Metropolitan Medical Response System, $642,442 (Louisville and Lexington); Citizens Corps, $231,503; and the Urban Area Security Initiative $1,421,500 (Louisville). The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security administers the majority of these federal funds. This office, in turn, uses some funds to boost state capabilities and distributes the majority to local jurisdictions. Under provisions Rogers authored in 2003, 80% of the money in the major grant programs are required to go to local jurisdictions to give first responders the right equipment and training. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. IRS employee pleaded guilty to checking celebrity filesAn Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee based out of Covington, 56-year-old John Snyder, pleaded guilty today to a misdemeanor charge of exceeding unauthorized computer access to obtain information from the Internal Revenue Service. Snyder admitted today that he improperly accessed the accounts of nearly 200 celebrities including former Cincinnati Reds players and Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis. A criminal complaint was filed against Snyder in May and alleged that from 2003 until 2008, Snyder, an employee with the IRS since 1991, improperly accessed the IRS accounts of local sports figures and Hollywood actors such as Kevin Bacon, Alec Baldwin, Sally Field, Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, and Tara Reid amongst others. Snyder also looked at five pedestrian accounts, including one belonging to his next door neighbor. The Affidavit also states that the IRS possesses a data base that contains sensitive, personal and tax information on all tax payers. IRS employees are permitted to access the information for business purposes only. However, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) conducted a routine analysis to look for suspicious accesses from employees. The affidavit alleges his search resulted in the discovery of numerous suspected unauthorized accesses by Snyder, who works almost exclusively with business accounts as opposed to individual tax payer accounts. James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Robert Davila, Special Agent in Charge, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, jointly made the announcement today after the plea. Assistant United States Attorney Alamdar Hamdani represented the United States. Snyder’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 20 at 1:30 p.m. He will face a minimum sentence of probation and a maximum of six months. 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 KDA IS ON THE MOVE AT KENTUCKY STATE FAIRRichie FarmerThe Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s exhibits will be located along a new section of “Main Street Kentucky” inside the Kentucky Exposition Center at the 104th Kentucky State Fair Aug. 14-24 in Louisville. Agriculture information booths and two of the most popular displays, the chick hatch and the kid-popular replica tractor cab, have been moved near the center of South Wing B. This year’s theme is “The Kentucky Department of Agriculture: Working for You.” “We hope the change will expose some fairgoers who may not have visited our exhibits in the past to our message of how important agriculture is to their everyday lives,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. The KDA’s exhibits in the West Wing again will feature its one-of-a-kind rollover tractor simulator and booths representing the Kentucky Proud marketing program and KDA’s Department of Consumer and Environmental Protection, which invites fairgoers to handle Madagascar hissing thingyroaches. Also back for the second straight year will be confection vendors selling candies and cookies, along with the annual exhibits of fruits, vegetables, bees, tobacco, hay and grain; and a second chick hatch. KDA staff will work the livestock shows, check health papers for all animals competing in the shows, spray for mosquitoes and inspect amusement rides for safety. Hungry fairgoers can enjoy homegrown food in the Great Kentucky Cookout Tent, located between the Pavilion and Broadbent Arena, and purchase Kentucky Proud products under a tent near the midway. The state fair will kick off Aug. 14 with the Commodity Breakfast, an annual salute to Kentucky’s farm commodity organizations. The champion youth country ham will be auctioned at the Commodity Breakfast, and the grand champion ham will be auctioned for charity at the Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast on Aug. 21. The World’s Championship Horse Show, attracting more than 2,000 horses and people from all over the world and awarding more than $1 million in premiums, is Aug. 17-23 at Freedom Hall. The State Fair Miniature Horse Show on Aug. 21-23 is free and open to the public. Through midnight Aug. 13, fairgoers can purchase discount tickets online at www.kystatefair.org at $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 3-12 and seniors 55 and over, a savings of $3 per adult and $2 per child/senior compared to admission at the gate. The discounts are also available with a Kroger Plus card at Kroger stores throughout Kentucky and southern Indiana beginning July 6. Parking is $6 per vehicle. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. McConnell: ‘$4 a Gallon Gas is a Crisis That Must Be Dealt With Now’ Mitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks [as prepared] on the Senate floor regarding Senate Democrat leadership’s ongoing efforts to abandon consideration of the number one issue facing Americans, the rising price at the pump: “Voting for cloture on this bill will take us off the single most important issue in America. The American people are clamoring for legislation that would bring down high gas prices. They expect their representatives in Washington to do something about this crisis now. “The Democrat Leadership has already tried to take us off this issue 4 times in the last 5 days. About eight in 10 Americans disagree with them. The American people think $4 a gallon gasoline is a crisis that must be dealt with now. “Dealing with this issue shouldn’t have to wait until next year, as some have suggested. The high price of gas at the pump is the most important domestic issue on American minds. I will vote that we stay on the energy bill — until we offer the American people a solution. I urge my colleagues to do the same.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Attorney General Conway Announces Refund from Company that Violated No-Call ListJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway announced that 58 Kentucky consumers will receive a total of $17,276.55 in restitution as a result of a settlement reached with DNH Consulting for violating Kentucky’s Do Not Call Law. Consumers entitled to a refund will be receiving their checks in the mail directly from the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office within the next few days. "This investigation should send a clear message that there are consequences for a failure to observe the Do Not Call Law and Kentucky statutes that prohibit telemarketing fraud,” said Attorney General Conway. “We are proud to have recovered full restitution for the consumers in this case." DNH Consulting, also known as Health Services of Oviedo, Fla., allegedly violated Kentucky’s Do Not Call Law and telemarketing fraud statute by soliciting Kentucky consumers that were on the Do Not Call List to purchase a discount prescription card. These calls were made from November 2006 to July 2007, and in some cases, consumers’ credit cards or bank accounts were illegally charged for items that they did not approve. As a result, DNH has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $10,000, in addition to the restitution received by Kentucky consumers. The restitution amounts range from $40 to $499 per consumer, depending on the amount debited. The agreement with DNH was entered in Franklin Circuit Court by Judge Thomas Wingate. Anyone who purchased a discount health card from DNH Consulting or Health Services can call the Office of Consumer Protection at 1-888-432-9257. "The Office of Consumer Protection will investigate any additional violations that come to its attention, as we continue to work to protect Kentucky families and consumers,” General Conway said. For more information about the Do Not Call Law or to sign up for the Do Not Call List, visit www.ag.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Jul 31, 2008 12:33:49 GMT -5
Knox County man sentenced for possession of firearmJimmy Ray McDonald, 49, of Gray, Ky., was sentenced to 180 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. McDonald admitted that in October 2007, he was responsible for the accidental shooting death of his neighbor and hunting partner, 20-year-old Brian Myrick, also of Gray, Ky. McDonald shot Myrick with a .22 caliber rifle while aiming at a squirrel. On or about October 14, 2007, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police responded to a report of a shooting in the Bailey Hollow area of Gray, Ky. When law enforcement personnel arrived at the scene, they discovered McDonald attempting to provide aid to Myrick who had been wounded by a single gunshot to his side. Law enforcement and McDonald continued to provide aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. Myrick was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead from the gunshot wound. Subsequent investigation revealed that McDonald was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions. A felon in possession charge typically carries a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. However, McDonald was subject to an enhanced penalty of 15 years based on his status as an Armed Career Criminal. Specifically, McDonald had a prior 3rd Degree Burglary conviction, and two 2nd Degree Escape conviction in state court that qualified him for the enhanced penalty. James A. Zerhusen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Paul J. Vido, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (Louisville Field Division), and Rodney Brewer, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly made the announcement after the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the ATF & KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney W. Samuel Dotson. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Attorney General Conway Announces Distribution of Updated Open Records and Meetings Materials to Local OfficialsJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway announced that his office is distributing an update to more than 1400 public officials concerning the open meeting and open records laws. Those receiving the updated information include all county judge/executives and mayors, all school superintendents, all public university presidents, and their legal counsel. This distribution is statutorily required when either the open records or open meetings laws is amended. It is aimed at enhancing public officials’ understanding of the law and ensuring open government. On July 15, 2008, the open meetings law was amended to permit public agencies to send notice of special meetings to agency members and media organizations by email if the members or media organizations have filed a written request with the agency indicating a preference for email notification. Public officials who receives the open meetings and open records update from the Attorney General are required by law to distribute the information to all elected and appointed officials and members within the county, city, school district or university they represent, and to certify compliance with the Attorney General. The update will reach several thousand state and local officials and promote compliance with the open records and open meetings law in Kentucky. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Aug 1, 2008 14:21:51 GMT -5
Fiery Quadruple-Fatality Crash Tops Highway Death Toll Last WeekJuly 21st - July 27thPreliminary statistics* indicate that 16 people died in twelve separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, July 21 through Sunday, July 27, 2008. Eleven of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and two of those victims were not wearing seat belts (the seat belt status of 6 of the victims has not been determined). Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Breckinridge, Calloway, Hopkins, Jefferson (2), Logan and Marshall counties. One crash involved the suspected use of alcohol. A quadruple-fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Henry county on I-71 when a southbound passenger vehicle on Interstate 71 in Henry County crossed the median and hit a tractor trailer traveling in the northbound lane near mile marker 35. Four people were killed in the passenger vehicle. There were three motorcycle fatalities and they occurred in Hopkins, Leslie and Marshall counties. None of the victims were wearing a helmet. A double pedestrian fatality occurred in Jefferson county when two children were struck by a driver who was fleeing police. Through July 27, preliminary statistics* indicate that 422 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 69 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 327 motor vehicle fatalities, 200 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 47 motorcycle fatalities, 27 were not wearing helmets. Eleven people have been killed in ATV crashes and 10 of those were not wearing helmets. Thirty-five pedestrians have been killed. A total of 80 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. WHITLEY CITY WOMAN CHARGED WITH FRAUDA Whitley City woman will be in McCreary District Court on Aug. 7 for a preliminary hearing on charges that she falsified a workers’ compensation claim by exaggerating the extent of her injuries. The case was investigated by the Kentucky Department of Insurance Fraud Investigation Division. Connie Sellers Redmond reported that she was injured while working at Quest Community Services. When filing for workers’ compensation benefits, Redmond allegedly lied about the severity of her injuries. The workers’ compensation insurance carrier, Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance, paid more than $2,000 in temporary total disability benefits to which she was not entitled. She has been charged with one felony count of insurance fraud. If found guilty, Redmond faces a prison term of one to five years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both imprisonment and a fine. The Department of Insurance is an agency of the Public Protection Cabinet. The preceding press release was from USDA AWARDS GRANT TO KDA TO IDENTIFY NEW MARKETS FOR SHEEP AND GOAT PRODUCTSRichie FarmerThe Kentucky Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with Kentucky State University and Western Kentucky University, has been awarded a matching grant of $55,780 to identify new niche market opportunities for sheep and goat products. Direct marketing to Kentucky’s ethnic consumers and retailers will be looked at, as well as alternative channels such as local butcher shops and meat processors. “This grant will help open up new markets for Kentucky sheep and goat producers,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said, “and allow their numbers to continue to grow in the Commonwealth.” Kentucky is one of the top five states in number of goats with 81,400 as of Jan. 1, according to the Kentucky office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Kentucky’s sheep inventory totaled 37,000. Sales of Kentucky sheep and goats totaled an estimated $20 million in 2007. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced matching grants today provided under the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program. More than $1.3 million was awarded to Kentucky and 23 other states and territories to support agricultural market research. “Farmers are the first important part in the chain of food production,” Shafer said, “and these USDA matching grants support new and practical links from farm to market.” The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour Marks 500th BroadcastThe multi-media broadcast of the WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour airs on 491 radio stations worldwide, XM Satellite Radio, online and on public television stations across the nation. The show is produced every Monday evening from the historic Kentucky Theater in Lexington. On September 15, 2008, the folk music show will celebrate its 500th broadcast, a landmark event for both WoodSongs and the amazing community that helped make the all-volunteer run show possible. It places WoodSongs in the same league as other historic broadcasts, like the Grand Ole Opry, the Louisiana Hayride, and of course, A Prairie Home Companion. Journalists are invited to be part of the landmark event by considering a feature story on WoodSongs. Writers are welcome to visit the broadcast and interview host Michael Johnathon at the theater or by phone. Visit the website www.woodsongs.comfor complete information, and even sample some shows online. Johnathan, often referred to as “Woody Guthrie in a Cyber World,” grew up in upstate New York, rambled to the Mexican border town of Laredo, Tex. where he worked as a late-night radio DJ, and decided to pursue a career as a folksinger. Two months later, he bought a guitar and banjo and settled into the isolated mountain hamlet of Mousie, Ky. For the next three years, he traveled throughout Appalachia to learn the music of the mountain people. Soon he began performing “Earth Concerts” at colleges, schools and fairs. Billboard magazine headlined him an “UnSung Hero.” WoodSongs began broadcasting on one college radio station but has grown to nearly 500 radio affiliates. Johnathan’s stature in the music world has grown along with the show. “We started this with the goal that it could be a Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage or Austin City Limits for the grass-roots music world,” says Johnathan. “WoodSongs is not meant for the caliber of artist that could fill a 1,000 seat hall, but I do that kind of artist occasionally because it validates the stage for other artists.” Along the way, WoodSongs and Johnathan have become favorites of their host community, Lexington, and a proudly cited example of the best of Kentucky culture. At nearly every broadcast, tour buses with out-of-state plates are parked outside the Kentucky Theater. For a chance to see this phenomenon in action, contact Anna thingyens at: 859-255-5700 The preceding press release was from Americans Have Waited Long Enough for a Solution to $4 GasMitch McConnellSenate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Friday regarding the number one issue facing the nation and the need to address it now, not after the election: “All across America today, people are looking at Capitol Hill with astonishment. They’re wondering how it’s even possible that lawmakers who’ve been hearing from their constituents for months about the burden of record-high gas prices could fail to work out a sensible response. I don’t blame them. High gas prices have triggered a crisis in American homes and in the broader economy, and the American people have a right to expect their elected representatives to do something about it. “Every crisis is a call for leadership, and this one was no different. This was an opportunity for the Democrats who control Congress to demonstrate courage and resolve. They squandered it. In their hunt for more seats in Congress and control of the White House, they took the path of least resistance. They decided that they could increase their hold on Congress by avoiding tough votes, and then blaming the mess that followed on a party that wasn’t even in charge. “While Republicans were working out a legislation solution that addressed high gas prices head on, Democrats embarked on a concerted effort of pointing fingers and casting blame. Americans were looking for answers, and the Democrat answer was to make everyone accountable but themselves. First came the energy producers, who were threatened with higher taxes that would have passed along to consumers, making the problem worse. Then came the foreign oil producers, who were threatened with lawsuits unless they increased production, even though America sits on massive energy reserves that dwarf their own. “Finally, it was the speculators. Citing the testimony of a lawyer whose previous statements on energy provoked a stinging bipartisan rebuke, the Democrats claimed that writing a few new regulations for speculators would solve the energy crisis. Republicans agree that we need greater transparency in the market and more cops on the beat. But the notion that speculators alone have led to a dramatic surge in gas prices is, according to every serious person, completely and totally absurd. “The chairman of the Federal Reserve has rejected the idea that speculators alone were the cause of the oil shock. Warren Buffett, a prominent Democrat and perhaps the most successful investor of our generation, has said speculators alone are not the problem. The 27-member International Energy Agency said speculators alone are not the problem. T. Boone Pickens, who has been cited by both sides in this debate, has said unequivocally that speculators alone were not the problem. “When asked about high gas prices, all the experts seem to agree on two things: first, that speculators alone are not the problem. And second, that the high price of gas is primarily the result of increased demand and static supply. Increase supply, and the price of gas will go down. Keep it static and prices will continue to rise. That’s why even the liberal New York Times derided the Democrats’ speculators-only approach as a ‘misbegotten plan.’ “Republicans didn’t invent the law of supply and demand. It’s as old as commerce itself. And it has the virtue of being perfectly straightforward: any serious proposal for bringing down high gas prices would have to increase supply. And any serious proposal that aims to decrease our dependence on Middle East oil would have to increase supply here at home. “Every expert in America tells us that Americans will be dependent on fossil-fuels for decades to come. And until the day when we’re all plugging in our cars or using alternative fuels, Americans can’t be expected to shoulder the crushing burden of ever increasing gas prices. Congress has a responsibility to act, and that action must involve a comprehensive approach. This is why Republicans put together a solution to this crisis that seeks, first of all, to accelerate the day when America will no longer be dependent on foreign sources of oil. We do this in our plan by addressing not only the principal cause of rising fuel prices — insufficient supply — but also by promoting new energy technologies, such as plug-in hybrid cars and trucks. “We heard the concerns of the American people, brought together the best ideas from both sides of the aisle, and pressed forward, confident that here was a solution that would be embraced by Americans and acceptable to a majority in Congress who could claim shared credit for the result. But, in the end, the Democrat Leadership showed it would rather cast blame than share success. Americans are wondering why the Democrat Leadership voted to leave town last night without proposing a comprehensive solution of their own to $4 a gallon gasoline. And they deserve an honest answer. The moment that gas prices became a major issue here in Washington, Democrats started to build a protective blockade around their presidential nominee. “Rather than come up with a comprehensive solution that would do something to lower the price of gas, they set out to insulate their candidate from ever having to take a difficult vote on the issue. They have done this because their nominee opposes expanding the domestic energy supply. Recall that his initial response to high energy costs was that Americans would have to learn to turn their air conditioners down and consume fewer calories. “He has stated publicly that high gas prices are only a problem because America didn’t have enough time to adjust to them. And just this week the Junior Senator from Illinois unveiled his own comprehensive solution to the high price of gas: ‘We could save all the oil that they’re talking about getting off drilling,’ he said, ‘If everybody was just inflating their tires and getting regular tune-ups. “This is the proposal of the man that Democrats in Congress want to lead us through the nation’s energy crisis: regular tune-ups. This is the answer the Junior Senator from Illinois has proposed to the patients at the Woodland Dialysis Center in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, who are now limiting their treatments because they can’t afford the cost of getting to them. This is Senator Obama’s answer to $4 a gallon gas: issue some new regulations and go to Jiffy Lube. “Add it to the growing list of laughably inadequate proposals that our Democrat friends have brought forward over the last few months. Some of them wanted to sue foreign countries as a way of forcing them to open up their supplies. Others proposed tax incentives for riding bicycles to work. But Senate Democrats really outdid themselves earlier this summer when they showed off a two-seat, electric-powered Tessla Roadster. It gets excellent mileage, and any American family can buy one of its own for $109,000. These are the kinds of solutions we’ve heard from the other side. “Over the last few weeks, the time for real action arrived. And when it did, the Democrat Leadership blocked and stalled every attempt to advance a real solution to the energy crisis. They cancelled appropriations hearings out of fear that a deep-sea exploration amendment to lower gas prices would be offered. They offered a speculation-only bill, which no serious person thinks is in itself the answer to $4 a gallon gas. And then, over the last seven days, they have tried to take us off the issue of high gas prices seven times, taunting Republicans for standing on principle rather than taking the bait. In every case, Republicans refused to turn their backs on the people at the pump. “These last weeks were a time for decision. And the Democrats made theirs. When Americans demanded action, the Democrats played games. They changed the topic so that the man they want to lead our country wouldn’t have to make a public decision about high gas prices. Some on the other side may think this kind of behavior is acceptable. They might think it makes sense to block the Senate minority from offering a balanced solution to high gas prices in order to protect one senator and the 20 percent of Americans who think we shouldn’t use more energy from American soil. We couldn’t disagree more. “When faced with a crisis, the Democrat Leadership opted instead to follow the political playbook of the Senior Senator from New York, who recently told a reporter that Democrats should wait until Inauguration Day — when he hopes to see a Democrat in the White House — before doing anything about high gas prices. This is precisely the kind of statement that frustrates the American people. They have waited for a solution long enough. They shouldn’t have to wait another day.” The preceding press release was from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. Conway Announces DUI Training for Prosecutors and Law EnforcementJack ConwayAttorney General Jack Conway today announced that Robert Stokes, the Commonwealth's Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, is presenting a regional training workshop to police officers and other prosecutors on effective DUI prosecution. The goal of the training is to create a team building approach in the detection, apprehension and prosecution of impaired drivers. "It is crucial that we give prosecutors and police officers the tools they need to effectively enforce our DUI laws and protect the citizens of our Commonwealth," Conway said. "A team approach is imperative, and I am pleased that we can coordinate this effort that will result in tough consequences for DUI offenders." Entitled "Protecting Lives, Saving Futures," the training is funded through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Office of Highway Safety with grant funds provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and will take place July 30 - August 1 in Lexington at the Hilton Suites, Lexington Green. The workshops will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday. Assistance for this training has been provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the Kentucky State Police, and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement. This regional training has been held previously in Bowling Green, Prestonsburg and Covington. "The Transportation Cabinet Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is pleased to provide funding in support of traffic safety initiatives and training opportunities provided to law enforcement and prosecutors throughout the state," said Transportation Secretary Joe Prather, who also is Governor Steve Beshear's designated 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. This training will specifically focus on detection, apprehension and prosecution of impaired drivers." Representatives of the organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving also plan to attend the training. "MADD commends the Attorney General's office for implementing a Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor program and for making this joint law enforcement/prosecutor training possible," said Angela M. Criswell, State Executive Director for MADD Kentucky. "You can have tough laws and tough enforcement, but without tough outcomes in the court system the public just will not get the message: Drunk driving is a serious crime." Ms. Criswell further commented, "With trainings such as this, law enforcement and prosecutors can learn together how to ensure the criminal justice system addresses DUI charges rigorously, consistently, and effectively". The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Aug 2, 2008 7:45:06 GMT -5
MAN CHARGED WITH INSURANCE FRAUDA Georgetown man has been charged with one felony count of insurance fraud after providing false information to Bluegrass Family Health Inc. Darrell E. Gibson Jr. and his wife, Veronica, were divorced in December 2003. In December 2004, he allegedly listed her as his spouse on an application for health insurance obtained through his business. Veronica Gibson remained on the policy until June 2007. During that time, Bluegrass Family Health paid more than $169,000 in benefits for her health care. The case was investigated by the Kentucky Department of Insurance (DOI) Fraud Investigation Division. “The company paid a significant amount in health care benefits for someone who was not eligible for coverage,” said Sharon P. Clark, DOI commissioner. “Our Fraud division actively pursues cases like this one because we all pay when insurance fraud is committed.” The preliminary hearing in Scott District Court will be Aug. 7. If found guilty, Darrell Gibson faces a prison term of one to five years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both imprisonment and a fine. The Department of Insurance is an agency of the Public Protection Cabinet. The preceding press release was from Graham gets life for drug traffickingDonald Graham, 29, of Cincinnati, Ohio was sentenced today to life imprisonment for drug trafficking by United States District Court Judge Danny C. Reeves. In July 2007, following a three-day trial, Graham was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to distribute and distributing crack cocaine. The evidence at trial established that Graham, along with co-defendants Jermaine Goodwin and William “Corey” Howard, conspired to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine over several months in 2007. The evidence at trial also established that on two occasions Graham supplied a quantity of crack cocaine that was sold to a confidential informant working with the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. Because Graham has two prior felony convictions for drug trafficking, and based upon the quantity of drugs involved, he was subject to a mandatory term of life imprisonment by statute. 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 & Explosives (ATF), Louisville Field Division, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. The investigation was conducted jointly by ATF (Lexington Field Divison) and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. 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
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Post by Press Release on Aug 4, 2008 20:27:22 GMT -5
Work to begin this week on bridge repairs on Hal Rogers Parkway in Perry CountyWork will begin this week on a project to replace the deck and make repairs to the bridge carrying the Hal Rogers Parkway across KY 80 and Big Creek at milepoint 55.97 in Perry County. During this project, traffic will be reduced to one 11-foot lane on the bridge and will be controlled by signals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Drivers should be alert for lane shifts and tapers approaching the project area. Motorists should expect delays in this area during the project and should plan their trips accordingly. Law enforcement officers will be present to enforce applicable traffic laws within the work zone. The contractor has 30 working days to complete the project once work begins. Working days do not include days when the weather is inclement, or when other factors beyond the contractor’s control preclude work on the project. All work must be completed by Nov. 30. Construction activities are scheduled on a tentative basis and are subject to change depending on weather conditions. Motorists are asked to "Drive Smart" in work zones and be aware of workers, traffic control devices and construction equipment when traveling in areas where projects are ongoing. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Parks Announce Discount Offer For Current And Former Members of the MilitaryThe Kentucky State Parks are now offering 10 percent off lodging and camping rates for current and former members of the military. “This is our way of saying thanks for your service,” Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer said. “We’re very proud of our soldiers and want them to know they’re welcome at our state resort parks and campgrounds.” The discount is good for lodge rooms, cottages and campgrounds any time of the year, based on availability. To get the discount, guests will need to show some proof of service such as discharge papers, military ID or VFW member card, at check in. The Kentucky State Parks have 17 resort parks that have lodges and cottages. The resort parks have restaurants, gift shops, hiking trails, picnic areas and recreational activities such as boating, fishing, golf and tennis. The parks also have 31 campgrounds, all with water and electric hookups at improved sites. Many of the resorts and campgrounds are near state park historic sites. Guests can make reservations by visiting www.parks.ky.gov or by calling a resort park. Call 1-800-255-PARK for assistance. The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at www.parks.ky.govThe preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Aug 5, 2008 15:02:26 GMT -5
Sixteen Fatalities Reported on Kentucky RoadwaysJuly 28th - August 3rdPreliminary statistics* indicate that 16 people died in sixteen separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, July 28 through Sunday, August 3, 2008. Twelve of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and nine of those victims were not wearing seat belts – the seat belt status of one victim has not been determined. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Allen, Bath, Boone, Christian, Floyd, Franklin, Grant (2), Graves (2), Jefferson and Magoffin counties. Three of these crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. There were two ATV fatalities and both victims were not wearing helmets. The first ATV crash occurred in Perry county. The preliminary investigation indicates that the operator of the ATV, Donnie Stacy, age 14 of Chavies, attempted to pull onto the highway from a parking lot and pulled into the path of a passenger car. The operator of the passenger car slowed and attempted to avoid the collision but was unsuccessful and the two collided. The operator of the ATV was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene by the Perry County Coroner’s Office. The second crash occurred in Pike county when Police say Billy Jones, age 42, was riding his ATV on Kentucky Route 195, Marrowbone Creek Road, when his ATV dropped off an embankment. Jones was thrown from his ATV and died from his injuries. The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in this crash. A fatal motorcycle crash occurred in Calloway county and the victim was not wearing a helmet. A pedestrian fatality occurred in Madison county and alcohol was a factor in that death. Through August 2, preliminary statistics* indicate that 441 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 68 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 340 motor vehicle fatalities, 209 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 50 motorcycle fatalities, 30 were not wearing helmets. Thirteen people have been killed in ATV crashes and 12 of those were not wearing helmets. Thirty-six pedestrians have been killed. A total of 85 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Fuel Prices: A Simple SolutionBy Hal RogersHal RogersIt’s simple economics. Gas prices are high because world-wide demand for oil has increased while global supply has stayed at a near steady state. Logic will tell you that if you increase the supply, prices will come down. Yet, OPEC, the world oil cartel has been slow to increase the supply of oil. So, is there anywhere else we can turn to for more oil? That answer is simple too—billions of barrels of oil are right here in American waters and on American soil. So, why aren’t we using our own oil? Another simple answer—Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Since she became Speaker, gas prices have nearly doubled. She refuses to allow us to debate or even vote on producing our locked-up oil reserves in Alaska and on our own continental shelf. I have cosponsored the American Energy Act along with 124 colleagues. Why? It’s simple. With almost 60 percent of our oil coming from foreign sources and gas prices breaking records at over $4 per gallon, the American Energy Act frees us from the shackles of foreign oil and brings down the price at the pump for folks in Pikeville, Pineville, Morehead, and Mt. Vernon and everywhere in between. The American Energy Act opens U.S. territory to drilling, encourages new refinery construction, and invests in coal-to-liquids, nuclear, wind, solar, biomass and other energy and fuel alternatives. Simply put, the bill puts us on the road to American energy independence. We have pushed the Speaker to allow for a vote—yet she does nothing. She’s bowing to radical environmentalists in San Francisco while three out of four Americans agree that drilling for domestic oil is essential to bring down the price of gas. Speaker Pelosi is allowing us to remain hostage to high gas prices and the whims of the Middle East rulers and foreign dictators. Together, we can bring down gas prices, create jobs, and remove the foreign yoke around our national neck if Speaker Pelosi will simply allow us to use the untapped energy under our feet and on our own shores. Contrary to my objections, she has now adjourned the Congress for six weeks and gone home to California. Just as the ancient Roman dictator Nero before her, the Speaker is piddling while Rome burns. She sits in her San Francisco tower, while the people of southern and eastern Kentucky suffer. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers. Governor Beshear Recognizes Sacrifice of Kentucky Casualty in IraqGov. Steve Beshear today recognized the death of a Fort Campbell solider who died supporting Operation Iraq Freedom. According to the Department of Defense, Pfc. Jennifer L. Cole, 34, of American Canyon, Calif., died of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident in Bayji, Iraq, on Aug. 2. She was assigned to the 426th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell. The governor will order that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of Pfc. Cole’s interment, for which arrangements are pending. The preceding press release was from PSC WARNS OF RISING HEATING COSTSUrges customers to prepare for higher natural gas pricesHeating homes and businesses this winter is likely to cost more as a result of higher energy prices, particularly for natural gas, the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) says. “Natural gas prices this summer have hit levels not seen since the fall of 2005, when supplies were disrupted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” PSC Chairman David Armstrong said. “Although prices have fallen in recent weeks, it still seems likely that heating costs this winter will be higher than in the last two years. “Now is the time to prepare for the heating season by weatherizing your home,” he said. “A little bit of caulking or insulation now can make a big difference when cold weather arrives.” Armstrong also urged consumers to sign up for budget billing plans, which spread winter heating costs over a 12-month period. Consumers who think they might qualify for home heating assistance programs should begin gathering information about the application process, he said. Natural gas prices generally are driven by supply and demand. They have been moving higher since 2003, with most of the increase due to rising demand that has strained the ability of producers to keep pace. However, the steep increases seen this summer do not appear to be related to market imbalances. Rather, according to many analysts, they are a result of the flow of investment dollars into commodity markets, which has driven up prices. By federal law, natural gas prices are not regulated at the wholesale level and fluctuate with market conditions. Under Kentucky law, gas companies are entitled to recover the wholesale cost of the gas delivered to customers, including the fees they pay to interstate pipelines to transport the gas to their retail distribution systems. Companies are not allowed to earn a profit on their gas costs. The companies’ gas cost adjustments are reviewed by the PSC to make sure they accurately reflect the wholesale cost of gas. The wholesale cost of natural gas accounts for about three-fourths of a typical consumer’s winter bill. The most recent wholesale gas cost adjustments filed by Kentucky’s five major natural gas distribution companies reflect the situation in the national natural gas market. They are, on average, 65 percent higher than a year ago. Three of the five companies - Atmos Energy, Delta Natural Gas Co. Inc., and Louisville Gas and Electric Co. - filed their highest gas cost adjustments ever last month. Gas cost adjustments for Columbia Gas of Kentucky Inc. and Duke Energy Kentucky Inc. are at near-record levels. All of the companies will be adjusting their wholesale costs again prior to the start of the winter heating season. Those adjustments will take into account further changes in wholesale prices for natural gas. “While the high prices now are certainly cause for concern, they are coming at a time when most consumers are using relatively little natural gas,” PSC Chairman Armstrong said. “If prices continue their current trend, the situation could improve before the start of winter.” About half of the natural gas used for winter heating is put into storage in the summer. In the past, gas was less expensive in the summer and helped offset higher gas prices in the winter. Due to national demand for gas for electric generation, especially in the summer, that is no longer the case. Even though prices have fallen sharply in recent weeks, a portion of the gas put into storage this summer was bought prior to the decline. The cost of that gas will be reflected in heating bills this winter. The overall cost of natural gas this winter will be determined by the cost of gas withdrawn from storage combined with the cost of gas purchased by distribution companies during the heating season. The five major natural gas distribution companies serve a total of more than 750,000 customers in Kentucky. About 44 percent of Kentuckians heat their homes with natural gas. Those who heat with propane (10 percent) and fuel oil (3 percent) also will pay substantially more than a year ago. The cost of heating with electricity also will be somewhat higher due to higher prices for coal, which is used to generate nearly all of Kentucky’s electric power. 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 the Commonwealth of Kentucky and has approximately 100 employees. The preceding press release was from Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear Commemorates Farmers’ Market WeekFarmers’ Market to be held annually on Capitol groundsToday, First Lady Jane Beshear and Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer joined together in commemorating Farmers’ Market Week at the Lexington Farmers’ Market in Fayette County. Farmers’ Market week is being celebrated August 2-9 at markets across the Commonwealth including special events where customers can enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and other attractions. Mrs. Beshear also announced her plan to host a farmer’s market on the Capitol grounds annually. This comes after the great success of the farmer’s market hosted by Mrs. Beshear this past June located on the Capitol grounds. The market attracted twenty-two vendors from Franklin County and surrounding areas and offered a variety of fruits, vegetables and other Kentucky Proud products. “With the rising cost of fuel, food, and energy now more than ever we need to support our local farmers and rural economy,” said Mrs. Beshear. “Across Kentucky, there are over 120 farmers’ markets providing access to fresh, locally grown products for consumers and giving farmers an outlet for their Kentucky Proud products. I urge all Kentuckians to visit their local markets throughout the year.” The combined efforts of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is helping provide excellent support for farmers’ markets and is contributing significantly to their growth in numbers and sales. For the 2008 season, farmers’ markets estimated gross sales are over $8 million. To date, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, chaired by Governor Beshear, approved over 60 farmers’ market applications for marketing, promotion and construction of facilities totaling over $3 million. The preceding press release was from Kentuckians get to drive plug-in cars on highwayGov. Steve Beshear today signed an executive order directing the Transportation Cabinet to immediately develop and implement an emergency regulation authorizing the use of low-speed electric vehicles on Kentucky’s roadways. “Kentuckians, like all Americans, are hard hit by record-high gas prices,” Gov. Beshear said at a news conference announcing the order. “These tough times call for creative solutions, and I believe allowing Kentuckians the option of using an electric vehicle is one of those solutions. Electric vehicles may help ease the burden on the pocketbooks of hard-working Kentucky families, as well as reduce their carbon footprint.” “In addition, my administration will also aggressively pursue any economic development opportunities to recruit manufacturers and the jobs that come with this growing field,” the Governor added. Following a recent review of low-speed electric vehicles ordered by the Governor, the Transportation Cabinet reported that under certain conditions, such vehicles can operate safely on Kentucky’s highways. “We’re in favor of new and innovative transportation technologies,” Transportation Secretary Joe Prather said. “We will work diligently to develop and implement standards to ensure safe operation of these vehicles on Kentucky roads.” The executive order calls on Secretary Prather to immediately develop and implement the standards for authorizing the use of Low Speed Electric Vehicles upon Kentucky’s roadways; defines a low-speed electric vehicle; and identifies rules under which a person may operate these vehicles. The executive order also calls on Secretary Prather to report to the Governor by Dec. 1, 2008, any recommendations for legislation, additional regulation, or other policy and procedures needed to facilitate the safe use of low speed electric vehicles in Kentucky. In addition, the Cabinet for Economic Development and other state and local agencies are currently engaged in efforts designed to retain and recruit major manufacturers of low-speed electric vehicles. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Aug 6, 2008 5:52:17 GMT -5
Judicial Nominating Commission announces names of nominees for Supreme Court vacancy in 3rd DistrictThe Judicial Nominating Commission, led by Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr., announced on Aug. 5 the three nominees to fill the vacant Supreme Court seat for the 3rd District, which is comprised of 27 counties in southcentral Kentucky. The Supreme Court seat was left vacant by former Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert, who retired June 27. The two attorneys and one judge named as nominees to fill this vacancy are Robert W. Dyche III of London, Eddie C. Lovelace of Albany and Daniel J. Venters of Somerset. The 3rd Supreme Court District is comprised of Adair, Bell, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Estill, Garrard, Green, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Lincoln, Marion, McCreary, Metcalfe, Monroe, Nelson, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Taylor, Washington, Wayne and Whitley counties. NomineesRobert W. Dyche III is a former Kentucky Court of Appeals judge who practices law in London. He was a Court of Appeals judge from 1986 to 2006 and a District Court judge for the 27th Judicial District, which consists of Laurel and Knox counties, from 1978 to 1986. As an attorney, his areas of practice include insurance defense, personal injury, Social Security for plaintiffs, real estate and criminal defense. He is a frequent speaker at continuing education seminars for judges and attorneys and is a former member of the Judicial Conduct Commission (2002-2006), the Kentucky Continuing Judicial Education Commission (1992-2006) and the Ethics Committee of the Kentucky Judiciary (1997-2002). He was admitted to practice law by the Kentucky Bar and the U.S. District Court, Eastern District, in 1975. He earned his juris doctor at the University of Kentucky College of Law, graduating in 1975. He has a bachelor’s degree from Centre College in Danville. Eddie C. Lovelace has been a Circuit Court judge for the 40th Judicial Circuit since 1992. He was previously the commonwealth’s attorney for Clinton, Russell and Wayne counties from 1969 to 1992, county attorney for Clinton County from 1965 to 1969 and attorney for the city of Albany from 1961 to 1965. He was admitted to the Kentucky Bar in 1961 after graduating from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law with his juris doctor in 1959. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky. Daniel J. Venters is a former Circuit Court and District Court judge who practices law as an attorney in Somerset, focusing on civil litigation. His areas of practice include real estate, contracts, insurance and probate. He has also represented clients in criminal and family law cases. He was a judge for the 28th Judicial Circuit, which consists of Lincoln, Pulaski and Rockcastle counties, from 1984 to 2003. From 1979 to 1984, he served as a judge for the 28th Judicial District, which consists of Pulaski and Rockcastle counties. He served as assistant commonwealth’s attorney for Lincoln, Pulaski and Rockcastle counties from 1975 to 1979. He was admitted to practice by the Kentucky Bar in 1975, the U.S. District Court – Eastern District – in 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court in 2001 and the U.S. District Court – Western District – in 2004. He earned his juris doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law, graduating in 1975. He has a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. Judicial Nominating ProcessWhen a judicial vacancy occurs, the executive secretary of the Judicial Nominating Commission publishes a notice of vacancy in the judicial circuit or the judicial district affected. Attorneys can recommend someone or nominate themselves. The names of the applicants are not released. Once nominations occur, the individuals interested in the position return a questionnaire to the Office of the Chief Justice. Chief Justice Minton then meets with the Judicial Nominating Commission to choose three nominees. Because the Kentucky Constitution requires that three names be submitted to the governor, in some cases the commission submits an attorney’s name even though the attorney did not apply. A letter naming the three nominees is sent to Gov. Steve Beshear for review. The governor has 60 days to appoint a replacement, and his office makes the announcement. The justice appointed by Gov. Beshear will serve until after a justice is elected to the 3rd Supreme Court District seat in November. The seat will be on the ballot for the November 2008 general election. Once the State Board of Elections certifies the election results, the elected justice will immediately be sworn into office. This justice will serve for the remainder of the term for the 3rd District seat, which ends in 2010. The seat will be on the ballot again in 2010. The filing deadline for the November general election is Aug. 12. Supreme Court of KentuckyThe Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and the final interpreter of state law. It consists of seven justices who are elected from the seven appellate districts and serve eight-year terms. The preceding press release was from Governor Beshear Recognizes Sacrifice of Kentucky Casualty in AfghanistanGov. Steve Beshear today recognized the death of a Fort Campbell solider who died supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. According to the Department of Defense, Sgt. Ryan P. Baumann, 24, of Great Mills, Md., died of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device in Route Alaska, Afghanistan, on Aug. 1. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell. The governor will order that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of Sgt. Baumann’s interment, for which arrangements are pending. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Aug 7, 2008 3:54:31 GMT -5
KENTUCKY PROUD WELCOMES SAVE-A-LOTKentucky Proud and Save-A-Lot are working together to stock Kentucky farm products in the 102 Save-A-Lot stores across the Commonwealth this summer. The St. Louis-based grocery store chain plans to sell Kentucky Proud produce, salsa, popcorn, beverages and many other products to its customers. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is working to bring Save-A-Lot representatives and Kentucky Proud producers together. Save-A-Lot is supporting the campaign with radio and in-store print advertising. “This is what Kentucky Proud is all about – forging partnerships and helping Kentucky producers find markets for their products,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “This partnership will help many Kentucky farmers make a living on the farm. It will provide Save-A-Lot customers the opportunity to buy fresh, nutritious, great-tasting Kentucky Proud products and keep their food dollars close to home. And it will be good for Save-A-Lot, too. Everybody wins.” “Save-A-Lot is proud to carry field-fresh produce in our Kentucky stores. Our customers will now enjoy the freshest produce picked straight from area farms,” said Bill Shaner, CEO and president of Save-A-Lot. “The dollars spent at Save-A-Lot stay close to home with local farmers and growers, as well as with local Save-A-Lot owners. This is a great opportunity to support the communities we serve. Kentucky is an important market for us, and this program offers us and our customers a chance to put dollars back into the local economy.” Kentucky Proud is the official farm marketing program of Kentucky agriculture. When consumers see the Kentucky Proud logo on a product, they know it was made with care in Kentucky by Kentuckians. The program has grown from a few dozen members four years ago to more than 1,300 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, farmers’ markets and Kentucky state parks. Save-A-Lot operates more than 1,150 stores from Maine to California. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Supervalu Inc., a Fortune 100 company. The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Public Health Takes Extra Measures to Protect Kentucky’s Food SupplyGAPS Program Designed for Agricultural CommunityDr. William D. HackerWarm weather means harvest time for a host of delicious fruits and vegetables, encouraging Kentuckians to add more produce to their diets. With the added emphasis on agriculture, popularity of farmers’ markets and recent concerns related to foodborne illness and food contamination, the Kentucky Department for Public Health wants to assure the public of its critical role in Kentucky farm production and post-production processes that help to ensure a safer food supply. “Public health is committed to protecting foods that are grown, manufactured and distributed in the commonwealth,” said William Hacker, M.D., DPH commissioner. “Through the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS) program, we are able to work directly with the agricultural community on food safety issues.” DPH follows GAPS, best practice guidelines designed by the produce industry, to help farmers apply food safety controls that, if implemented, can significantly reduce the risk of product contamination. The focus of the program includes monitoring the microbial quality of irrigation water supplies; farm worker hygiene; equipment sanitation; fertilizer application; careful consideration of land use in areas near or adjacent to food crops; and harvest equipment sanitation. In 2007, DPH began working to promote the GAPS message to the farming community in response to the growing popularity of farmers’ markets throughout the state. The department spearheaded a multi-agency GAPS task force that consisted of the Kentucky Food Safety Branch, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and other stakeholders. The mission of the task force was to develop a voluntary GAPS education program for Kentucky farmers' market growers and producers. Task force partners have conducted training across the commonwealth. More than 800 farmers' markets vendors have completed the voluntary GAPS education component, which includes a farm practices self-assessment as well as a GAPS education component. “Kentucky is a leader in assembling this statewide voluntary educational program, to help further assure the safety of our grown food. Expectations are high that most - if not all - of our farmers’ markets vendors will eventually have signed on to complete this valuable food-safely training and on-farm GAPS assessment," said Guy Delius, acting director of the public health protection and safety division. "With consumer expectations for safe, locally-grown produce at an all-time high, the Kentucky Department for Public Health is pleased to be able to assist our local producers in this effort.” 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 Aug 9, 2008 7:36:47 GMT -5
DETENTION CENTER SUPERVISOR PLEADS GUILTY TO CIVIL RIGHTS CRIMEClinton Shawn Sydnor, a former sergeant at the Grant County, Ky., Detention Center, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring with deputy jailers and with inmates to violate the civil rights of a man who was in his custody at the jail. Today’s plea was jointly announced by Grace Chung Becker, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, together with James A. Zerhusen, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Tracy Reinhold, Special Agent in Charge of the Louisville Division of the FBI. Sydnor faces a possible sentence of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 8, 2008. Sydnor was initially charged in a federal indictment that also charged deputy jailers Wesley Lanham and Shawn Freeman. The indictment charged all three defendants with conspiring to violate the civil rights of the man in their custody; with violating the man’s rights; and with obstructing justice in connection with the investigation of those crimes. Sydnor was also charged with additional counts of obstruction for falsifying records in a federal investigation and for tampering with a witness. According to the original indictment, on Feb. 14, 2003, Sydnor, Lanham and Freeman, along with other deputies not named in the indictment, while on official duty, taunted an 18-year-old high school student who had been brought to the detention center on a speeding charge. The deputies teased the teenager about his physical appearance. The indictment alleges that the defendants then solicited a group of convicted felons housed in a general population cell to intimidate the teenager. The indictment further alleges that the officers then left the teenager in the cell with the inmates, who proceeded to sexually assault the teen. Sydnor admitted in court today that he conspired with the other officers and with the inmates to violate the teenager’s civil rights, that he knew the teen faced a threat from the other inmates, and that he deliberately ignored that danger. Sydnor also admitted that he had other officers falsify reports relating to the incident. Lanham and Freeman have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and will face trial beginning on Aug. 11, 2008. The case is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Kristy L. Parker and Trial Attorney Forrest Christian of the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky office of the FBI. Fire and Burn Hazards Prompt Recall of Gas Grills Sold at Lowe's StoresThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Perfect Flame Double Lid Four Burner Gas Grills Units: About 24,000 Retailer: Lowe's Home Centers, Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C. and Lowe's HIW, Inc., of Tukwila, Wash. Manufacturer: Lucas Innovation Inc., of China Hazard: The cooking chamber of the grill can melt and/or ignite, posing a risk of fires and burn injuries to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: There have been 175 reports of gril fires and 25 reports of grills melting, some of which resulted in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported. Description: This recall involves Perfect Flame brand grills, Model GAC3615 four burner LP gas grills. The grill has two lids. "Perfect Flame" is printed on the larger lid. The model number, serial number, and date code are printed on a label on the right side cart frame panel. The following serial numbers and date codes are included in this recall. Model Number: GAC3615 Date Code: Serial Number KU (July 07): 000001 - 001278, 001282 - 001423 KV (Aug. 07): 001424 - 001849, 001855 - 005404 KW (Sept. 07): 005405 - 006540, 006548 - 009671, 010299 - 010440 KX (Oct. 07): 010005 - 010297, 010441 - 014305, 014322 - 017164 KY (Nov. 07): 017165 - 020714, 020715 - 022856 KZ (Dec. 07): 022859 - 023284, 024301 - 025862 Sold exclusively at: Lowe's stores nationwide from October 2007 through July 2008 for about $300. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled grills, disconnect the propane tanks, and return the grills without the propane tanks to any Lowe's store to receive a full refund. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Lucas Innovation toll-free at (877) 385-8226 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.gac3615grillrecall.comTo see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08359.html State Park Golf Courses To Take Part In Patriot Golf DayAll state park golf courses will be taking part in Patriot Golf Day on Aug. 30, 2008, as part of an effort to support the families of soldiers who have become disabled or lost their lives in the line of duty. Anyone playing golf at a state park golf course will be able to voluntarily donate $1 to Wounded Warriors, Inc., which will also benefit the Fallen Heroes Foundation. Patriot Golf Day has the backing of the United States Golf Association and the PGA of America. Patriot Golf Day is the brainchild of Dan Rooney, a 34-year-old USGA and PGA member who has served two tours of duty in Iraq as an F-16 fighter pilot. He got the idea as a way to remember those who have died in military service. “This is a great opportunity to honor those who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer. “I would encourage golfers to participate at our state park courses and other participating golf courses in Kentucky.” The Kentucky State Parks operate 19 courses across the state, including several courses that have received national recognition by golf publications. For more information about state park golf courses, visit www.parks.ky.gov and click on “golf” at the top. For more information about Patriot Golf Day, visit www.playgolfamerica.comThe Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at www.parks.ky.govThe preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Aug 10, 2008 7:47:05 GMT -5
Manchester man sentenced in US District CourtCecil Sizemore, 46, of Manchester, Ky., was sentenced to 96 months in prison for distribution of narcotics and being a felon in possession of a firearm, by United States District Court Judge Danny C. Reeves. In March of 2008, Sizemore pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted that from February until April of 2007, he distributed hydrocodone pills, a Schedule III substance, to a confidential informant. Sizemore also admitted that he sold a Maverick, 12 guage shotgun, to the confidential informant after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Under federal law, Sizemore must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for four years. 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 & Explosives (Louisville Field Division), jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (Lexington Field Division). The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Erin J. May. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Ratchford pleas guiltyPaul M. Ratchford, age 48, of Stearns, Kentucky, pleaded guilty today to certifying as true, false documents. Ratchford, a Construction Inspector with the Bureau of Prisons since November of 1993, was indicted in May of 2008. In the course of his guilty plea, Ratchford admitted in January of 2007, his work station was at the United States Penitentiary Canaan in Waymart, Pennsylvania. In September of 2006, he was advised he was being transferred to the United States Penitentiary McCreary in McCreary County, Kentucky. To assist employees in their moves, the BOP authorizes them to submit relocation expense claims for reimbursement of approved expenditures incurred by the employee, and his family. PAUL RATCHFORD was approved to submit such vouchers or documents on his move from Pennsylvania to Kentucky. His relocation expense vouchers were to be submitted to the BOP’s Relocation Offices in Annapolis, Maryland for reimbursement. On March 15, 2007, PAUL RATCHFORD, knowingly and willfully submitted material false writings and documents to the BOP’s Relocation Offices. He submitted a Permanent Change of Station travel claim with supporting documentation which purported to include legitimate expenses incurred by him and members of his family on a house hunting trip to Kentucky. In fact, as he well knew, the documents were false and contained expenses which he and his family had not incurred but which enabled him to receive monies to which he was not entitled. The total false claim is approximately $8,128.72. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Ed Dyner, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, jointly made the announcement today after Ratchford entered his guilty plea. The investigation was conducted by Department of justice, Office of the Inspector General. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Marshall. Ratchford is currently scheduled to appear for sentencing before United States District Court Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove in London, Ky., on November 12, 2008, at 3:00 p.m.. Ratchford faces a maximum prison sentence of five years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky
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Post by Press Release on Aug 12, 2008 20:52:31 GMT -5
Armed Robbery and Arrest in Whitley CountyOn Sunday August 10, 2008 at 9:35 PM the Kentucky State Police, Post 11, in London responded to an Armed Robbery complaint at the Fast Trax Gas Station on US 25W in Whitley County. Upon arrival KSP Detective Millard Root began an investigation that led to the arrest of Douglas Boyd Malone, 36, of Jellico, TN, Josh Emerson Surgener, 23, of Williamsburg, KY, and Todd Evan Bryant, 25, of Williamsburg. All three (3) men were charged with Robbery 1ST Degree and lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center. Detective Root is continuing the investigation and was assisted at the scene by Officers from the Kentucky State Police, the Whitley County Sheriff's Office and the Williamsburg Police Department. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Many Kentuckians Report Poor Health, High Rates of Chronic DiseasePublic Health Releases New Risk Factor DataDr. William D. HackerMany Kentuckians report they are in poor health, have been diagnosed with chronic diseases, and don’t have access to health care, according to 2007 data released today by the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH). The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Systems, a survey, conducted by the Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement in DPH, looks at several health indicators, such as diet and physical activity, to determine the health and lifestyle habits of Kentuckians. According to the survey, almost a quarter (23.1 percent) of Kentucky adults rate their general health as fair or poor. In general, residents of Kentucky’s Appalachian counties reported higher rates of poor health and chronic diseases than those in non-Appalachian counties. In addition, Kentuckians with a high school degree or less and those with lower income levels reported higher rates of poor health and chronic diseases. In terms of health care access, the latest BRFSS data found that 15.9 percent of adults reported a lack of health care coverage. Lack of access is highest among residents of Appalachia (21.5 percent); men (20.9 percent); and those ages 18-24 (31.4 percent). “The BRFSS is a wonderful tool that allows us to paint a portrait of our state’s health status,” said William Hacker, M.D., DPH commissioner. “Each year, we use information from this survey to learn more about health risk behaviors; shape recommendations for preventive health practices; and determine to what extent Kentuckians have access to care, particularly for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the survey in 1984 to track health conditions and risk behaviors of U.S. adults. The Kentucky BRFSS is the main source of non-reportable disease data in Kentucky broken down by demographics like gender, race, age group, income levels, education status and geographic areas such as Area Development Districts. Among the survey’s other findings: • Almost a third (30.3 percent) of Kentucky adults reported they did not participate in any physical activities or exercise such as running, golf, gardening or walking for exercise, other than their regular jobs. • More than 80 percent of Kentuckians reported they did not consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. • Around 70 percent of Kentuckians are overweight or obese. • Kentucky adults reported some of the highest prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease, in the nation. • Around 10 percent of Kentucky adults reported being told by a doctor that they had diabetes. • Approximately 6 percent of Kentuckians reported they had been told by a doctor that they had coronary heart disease. • 6 percent of Kentuckians reported they had been told by a doctor that they had suffered a heart attack. • 3.5 percent of Kentuckians reported being told by a doctor that they had suffered a stroke. • 28 percent of Kentuckians reported having smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and now smoke some days or every day. The BRFSS data contains more health indicators in addition to those listed in this report. To make an inquiry or request data or datasets, please send a request to either Tracey Sparks, program coordinator, at tracey.sparks@ky.gov; or Yvonne Konnor, epidemiologist, at Yvonne.konnor@ky.gov; or call (502) 564-0068. The preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker. Pursuit and Arrest in Laurel CountyOn Sunday August 10, 2008 at 7:12 PM the Kentucky State Police, Post 11, in London responded to a complaint of a White Ford Pickup Truck being operated in a reckless manor on Waterworks Road in Laurel County. KSP Trooper Steve Smallwood observed a vehicle that matched the given description, on West 16TH Street in London, KY and attempted to stop the vehicle. The operator refused to stop and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The white pickup continued traveling on West 16TH Street to the intersection with North Mill Street where it struck another vehicle. No injuries where reported. The white pickup then traveled south on North Mill Street where it struck a street lamp pole before cutting across a business parking lot to Moren Road. The pickup came to rest in the area of Moren Road and Nazareth Hill Road after striking several trees and a fence in the backyard of a private residence. The operator then fled from the vehicle on foot. Trooper Smallwood arrested Adam McQueen, 40, of London on the charges of Reckless Driving, Fleeing or Evading Police 1ST (in a vehicle), Fleeing or Evading Police 2ND (on foot), DUI 1ST, Criminal Mischief 1ST, Criminal Mischief 2ND , Wanton Endangerment, Resisting Arrest, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Persistent Felony Offender 1ST and Fugitive from Justice from another state. McQueen was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center. Trooper Smallwood is continuing the investigation and was assisted at the scene by Officers from the Kentucky State Police and the London Police Department. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. 10 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearmJeffrey Clay Darnell, 37, of Harrodsburg, Ky, was sentenced today by United States Senior District Court Judge Joseph M. Hood to five years, 10 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. In June of 2008, Darnell pleaded guilty to the charge. Darnell admitted that on January 12, 2008, while being pursued by Versailles police for suspected drunk driving, he threw a Smith & Wesson, Model 17-3, .22 caliber revolver pistol from his vehicle. Darnell also admitted that he had previously been convicted of several felony offenses, including first degree wanton endangerment and conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine. Under federal law, Darnell must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 3 years. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Paul J. Vido, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF- Louisville Field Division), jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by the Versailles Police Department and ATF (Lexington Field Office) The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in connection with the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. The PSN program is a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing gun crimes and violent crime. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Health Screenings, Family Services Information Available at State FairVisitors to the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville this month can get information to help their families’ health and well-being through free screenings and educational activities at the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ (CHFS) exhibit. The highly interactive display, located in the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center’s South Wing B, features health educators and family services information and encourages guests to make good lifestyle choices. CHFS Secretary Janie Miller said her staff sees the fair as one of the agency’s best outreach opportunities, enabling staff to personally connect with up to 700,000 Kentuckians from all walks of life. “We are giving visitors the chance to learn that by making good health choices, they can take major steps on the path to wellness,” she said. “And we also show them that many of the assistance programs we offer – like child care subsidies – can make a big difference toward family well-being.” The fair runs Thursday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 24, and visitors can learn something new every day. Miller said many state programs offer support to people trying to stop smoking, be more active and make healthier food choices. “Healthy choices like these are the root of preventing chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, which are so prevalent in our state,” Miller said. “When families, especially those with children, make these choices together, we have healthier homes and communities across the state.” Expert staff will offer free daily blood pressure screenings and body fat analysis on most days of the fair. Screenings should not be a replacement for regular doctor visits, but they may indicate a concern to discuss in greater detail with a health care professional. The exhibit also will feature information on recognizing and preventing abuse, finding quality child care and prescription drug abuse prevention. Other programs spotlighted include diabetes education, childhood lead poisoning prevention and the Special Needs Adoption Program. Free screenings on specific dates include bone density screening, glucose monitoring and cholesterol testing. Age and other restrictions apply for some tests. Elder Kentuckians will be in the spotlight on Tuesday, Aug. 19, when staff from the Department for Aging and Independent Living, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s Office and Adult Protective Services will answer questions. Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital staff will offer glucose and cholesterol testing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also in the South Wing, the cabinet’s Nutritional Services Branch staff will assist visitors to the Rock and Relax room, sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness and Baptist East Hospital. Parents can stop by to privately and comfortably nurse, feed or change their infants and learn about breastfeeding and baby safety. Cabinet staff from Jefferson County’s Department for Community Based Services will assist with the Wednesday’s Child booth, located in the South Wing, to recruit adoptive families. Listed below is a calendar of program areas featured daily and rotating displays. Exhibit buildings at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center are open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Advance discount tickets, purchased at Kroger, are $5 for adults and $2 for seniors 55 and older and children ages 3 to 12. Beginning Aug. 14, tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children and seniors. Children 2 and younger get in free. Parking is $6 per vehicle. For more information, visit kystatefair.org. The preceding was a press release from Clay County native and current Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, William D. Hacker. State Park Resorts Offer Coupon For Lodge Rooms Kentucky State Parks are making travel a little more affordable for you this fall. The state parks are offering a coupon good for lodge rooms for $50 a night Sundays through Thursdays at its 17 resort parks across the state. The coupons can be found on the state park web site (www.parks.ky.gov or at the state park booth at the Kentucky State Fair Aug. 14-24 and in newspaper inserts in Kentucky on Sept. 7. “This time of year is a great time to check out our resort parks to see what they have to offer,” said Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer. “Whether you want to enjoy the fall colors, take a hike through the woods or play golf, we have something that appeals to everyone’s interest.” The offer runs Sept. 2 through Dec. 30, 2008 and is based on availability. (The coupon is not valid at Pine Mountain or Natural Bridge state parks during October.) The coupon is good for one room and must be presented at check in. The coupon is a great idea for families looking for a fall break trip. The coupon is good for up to five night The state park resorts have restaurants, hiking trails, gift shops, picnic areas and recreational activities such as boating, fishing, golf and tennis. Many of the resorts are near state park historic sites. Guests can make reservations by visiting www.parks.ky.gov or by calling a resort park. Call 1-800-255-PARK for assistance. The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at www.parks.ky.govThe preceding press release was from
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Post by Press Release on Aug 14, 2008 20:13:26 GMT -5
Psychologist indicted for child pornJames A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Timothy Cox, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Menifee County Sheriff’s Department, Ronnie Brewer, Commissioner Kentucky State Police, the Rowan County Attorney’s Office and the Morehead Police Department jointly announced that A federal judge detained a Menifee county psychologist on Friday, 36-year-old Chad B. Stafford of Morehead, Ky., pursuant a federal indictment that charges him with seven counts of receipt and one count of possession of child pornography. Stafford will serve at least five years if convicted. A federal judge detained a Menifee county psychologist on Friday, 36-year-old Chad B. Stafford of Morehead, Ky., pursuant a federal indictment that charges him with seven counts of receipt and one count of possession of child pornography. Stafford will serve at least five years if convicted. At Thursday’s detention hearing, a Lexington FBI agent testified that an undercover investigation in Houston, Texas revealed Stafford used a file sharing program to download images of child pornography. The FBI agent also testified that a forensic examination from Stafford’s computer from his residence in Rowan county disclosed numerous child pornography images. Further testimony revealed that Stafford serviced children from approximately first through twelfth grade. Stafford was arrested on August fifth pursuant a Federal Indictment from July 17. The indictment alleges that from September of 2007 until December of 2007 Stafford did knowingly receive in interstate commerce by any means including by computer, visual depictions that had been mailed, shipped or transported in interstate commerce, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Stafford pled not guilty to the charges earlier in the week. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI, Kentucky State Police and the Morehead Police Department. The Indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Hydee R. Hawkins. Stafford’s trial is scheduled for October 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the United States District Court in Ashland, Ky. If convicted, Stafford faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences. The indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only, and that person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky KY 846 in Owsley County to be closed for repairs on Saturday, August 30Personnel from the Kentucky Department of Highways, Owsley County Maintenance, will replace a culvert on KY 846 on Saturday, Aug. 30. The work will take place near mile marker 1.0. The project will begin around 8 a.m. and will continue until approximately 4 p.m. During this time, the road will be closed to through traffic and motorists should plan their trips accordingly. No marked detour will be posted, but motorists can use KY 1350 and KY 1503 as detour routes around the project area. In case of inclement weather, the closure will be rescheduled for a later date. The preceding press release was from ARC Study: Disproportionately High Rates of Substance Use in AppalachiaAccording to an ARC commissioned study announced by Kentucky Governor Steven Beshear and ARC Federal Co-Chair Anne Pope, Appalachia suffers from disproportionately high rates of substance use and mental health disorders, including the alarmingly increasing abuse of prescription painkillers. Conducted for ARC by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, the study also reveals that Appalachia is doing better than the rest of the nation in terms of access to treatment for substance use and mental health problems. The study analyzes the disparities in mental health status and substances abuse prevalence, as well as access to treatment services, across the 410 counties and 13 states of Appalachia by using community hospital discharge data, national household survey data, and treatment episode data. To supplement quantitative data sources, case studies were conducted in partnership with East Tennessee State University (ETSU) to gather additional information. The study’s findings demonstrate particular disparities associated with Appalachian sub-regions, county economic distress level, and within coal-mining areas that all confirm the presence of a place-based disparity in the Region. Governor Beshear stated that the study “clearly illuminates a major problem we are facing all across Appalachia, and particularly in our state’s 51 ARC counties. This is why it is imperative that we do not lose productive members of our workforce, or particularly our kids, the future of our towns, to drug addiction.” Noting that substance abuse had become a “major impediment to economic growth in the Appalachian Region,” ARC Federal Co-Chair Anne Pope said that the report was a great help to “scientifically understand the scope of the problem.” But, Pope noted, it was then essential “to doing something about it.” To that end, Pope and Beshear announced a $250,000 ARC grants competition to assist communities in improving their intervention and service programs dealing with illegal drugs and prescription drug abuse. The grants being offered will range from $40,000 for individual communities, with the possibility of as much as $75,000 for multi-state grants. More information about the grants competition is available at www.arc.gov. Key findings from the study include the following: Substance Abuse: • Prescription Painkillers: The admission rates for primary abuse of other opiates and synthetics are higher in Appalachia that the rest of the nation, especially in coal-mining areas. The trend is rising all across the nation, but at a faster pace in Appalachia. The rate in Appalachia is more than twice that of the U.S., and it doubled from 2000-2004. • Meth: Usage and admission rates for methamphetamine are lower across Appalachia than in the rest of the nation although the regional trend is rising. • Alcohol: The study finds that alcohol is still the predominant substance of abuse nationally and in Appalachia. Mental Health • Mental health diagnoses for serious problems independent from substance abuse are proportionately higher in Appalachia than in the rest of the nation. • Mental health problems are not equally distributed across the Region, with higher rates of serious psychological stress and major depressive episodes in central Appalachia as compared to northern and southern Appalachia. Treatment of Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders: • Adults in the Appalachian Region with mental health problems reported a somewhat greater likelihood of having received outpatient mental health treatment or counseling in the past year as compared to adults outside the Appalachian region, according to the national household survey. • The vast majority of Appalachia treatment facilities offer some substance abuse treatment. • While access to substance abuse and mental health treatment is a problem across the U.S., in some respects, treatment availability is better in Appalachia when compared to the rest of the nation. The preceding press release was from NEW LOGO POINTS KENTUCKY TRAVELERS TO FUN AND EXCITING FARM DESTINATIONSKentucky officials unveiled a new state agritourism logo to raise public awareness of Kentucky’s more than 250 farm-based destinations today at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville. The logo appears on the Kentucky Farms Are Fun Web site, an online directory of Kentucky farm attractions that enables consumers to search for agritourism adventures by activity, region or county. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet launched the Web site earlier this year. “Farms are exciting places to live, work and – increasingly – to visit,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “By merging our agricultural heritage with marketing principles, we can create tourist attractions that not only entice visitors but also provide business opportunities for our farmers. Since 2005, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board has provided $2 million to develop and stimulate the growing agritourism industry.” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said the Kentucky Farms Are Fun Web site lists 269 agritourism businesses in 76 Kentucky counties. “Although these days fewer Kentuckians live on the farm, many want to learn more about agriculture, which has always been such an important part of our Commonwealth’s heritage,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Today we unveil the new logo for the Web site and for a new campaign to let our guests know about the many fun activities they can enjoy on the farm.” Marcheta Sparrow, secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, pointed out that tourism generates $10 billion in economic activity every year in the Bluegrass State. She tied agritourism into the Department of Travel’s “Discover Your Own Backyard” campaign. “I’m proud that our backyard includes those barnyards, pastures and farm operations that are so important to the Commonwealth,” Secretary Sparrow said. The blue, green and red colors of the new agritourism logo match the Kentucky Proud logo, which identifies food products made in Kentucky. To find out more about Kentucky farm destinations, go to www.kentuckyfarmsarefun.com. 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 Aug 16, 2008 7:47:28 GMT -5
State Purchase of $50 Million Bond to Ensure Student Loans are Available to Kentucky StudentsWith the national credit crisis threatening the ability for the state to offer low-cost student loans in time for this fall’s college enrollment, Governor Steve Beshear today announced that the commonwealth will purchase a $50 million bond to ensure student loans remain available to Kentuckians from the state’s only public, nonprofit student loan provider during the 2008-2009 school year. Under this plan, the Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation, also known as The Student Loan People, has authorized the sale and issuance of a $50 million private placement bond to the Commonwealth of Kentucky that will provide short-term bridge financing for student loans. “Low-cost student loans enable thousands of Kentuckians to obtain a college education or technical training every year. This is critical, both to provide educational and economic opportunity for all of our citizens, as well as for the commonwealth’s ability to attract the high-tech industries and the well-paid jobs of the 21st Century,” said Gov. Beshear. “This bond issuance, which will be paid back on time, with full interest, represents the state’s most important investment, an investment in Kentucky’s future.” The bond issuance represents the culmination of months of efforts by the Beshear Administration to ensure that low-cost student loans would be available to Kentucky students this fall. This spring, Gov. Beshear sent Finance and Administration Secretary Jonathan Miller to Washington to meet with Bush Administration officials and Members of the Kentucky delegation to Congress to develop solutions to the crisis. Ultimately, Congress passed the “Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008” in May. As part of the implementation, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) determined lenders must obtain short-term bridge financing to initially fund new student loans before the USDE will provide liquidity to lenders for loans. Kentucky is thus far the only state in the nation to purchase a private placement bond to meet the state’s needs. Some states have looked to their public pension systems for relief; others have simply had to close down their state student loan operations for the near future, impacting the ability of thousands of young people across the country to obtain student loans. “We are extremely grateful to Gov. Beshear for his strong and timely leadership to develop an innovative plan to meet Kentucky’s student loan needs for the upcoming year,” said Edward J. Cunningham, CEO of The Student Loan People. “While other state student loan programs are struggling, our partnership will ensure that Kentucky can continue to fulfill our public-purpose mission of making higher education more accessible to our students and families.” Under the bond, The Student Loan People will originate student loans as normal, selling participation interests in the loans to the USDE and allowing the proceeds of the bonds to be recycled into additional loans. The cycle can be repeated as often as needed to meet the student loan demand in Kentucky. In return, the commonwealth will receive a high quality investment security collateralized by guaranteed and federally re-insured loans, an over-collateralized reserve fund, and the commitment of USDE to purchase the loans. The Student Loan People was created by the state legislature in 1978 to ensure funding would be available to Kentuckians by making, purchasing, and financing student loans. Like other student loan providers, the agency traditionally issued bonds, taxable and tax-exempt, in the form of auction rate securities to finance student loans. For years, this financing vehicle provided lenders with an efficient means of raising capital. However, the credit crisis essentially closed the auction rate securities market, leaving KHESLC and other Federal Family Education Loan providers across the country searching for a new student loan financing method. The preceding press release was from 15-year-old's Kentucky Proud products will show up on store shelves all over the CommonwealthBy ROGER SNELL, Kentucky Agricultural NewsAlex Tingle, second from left, shows off the fruits of his labor with the rest of his team: from left, Alex's mother, Kathy Fields; his FFA advisor, Ryan Thomas, and Burlington processor Millard Long.A 15-year-old sophomore at West Jessamine County High School has turned an FFA project into a tomato-growing operation that will reach the shelves at top retailers this fall. Alex Tingle of Nicholasville will be the focus of promotional efforts related to a restaurant partnership in northern Kentucky and Remke Markets, and the fruit of his labors will appear statewide on shelves of more than 100 Save-A-Lot stores in Kentucky. “Alex is just one more example of hard work and the support of farm families that make Kentucky Proud succeed so dramatically,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said today. “You’ve heard me talk about teamwork, and Alex stands as that kind of example,” Commissioner Farmer said. “He took a classroom project to the top of the retail market by networking with my team at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and other Kentucky Proud members.” Tingle started a major tomato-growing operation as a freshman project, working with his FFA advisor and ag teacher, Ryan Thomas. “What Alex proposed as a freshman is one of the best project proposals that I’ve seen because of the size, scope and amount of work,” Thomas said. "He worked many hours into the night. I would have to call him in at 1 in the morning, asking him to quit working and come to bed so he could get some sleep before school,” said his mom, Kathy Fields, who is a principal at West Jessamine County Middle School. Alex initially planned to have 100 tomato plants at most and figured that he would sell at the local farmers’ market. But Thomas’ ag class didn’t sell all their plants from the greenhouse they run at the school. At the end of the school year this spring, Alex informed his mom that he was going to bring home all the unsold plants. “I thought he was talking about another 40 or 50 plants,” Kathy said. “It was 900 total plants, including 700 tomatoes.” Alex planted everything by hand. He did not have a tractor. He tilled a massive garden space that had been idle pasture for the 13 years the family has lived at their rural Nicholasville home. Previously, they had raised Angus cattle. Alex and his brother had an earlier farm project when they were younger: “Goats!” Kathy said. “I like tomatoes better. Tomatoes don’t get out, and your neighbors don’t complain about tomatoes loose in their yard.” Of the 700 tomato plants, 425 are Roma tomatoes, perfect for the pulp that salsa-maker Millard Long of Boone County needs for a number of private-label products he processes. “As soon as I saw all the blooms, flowers everywhere, I panicked,” Alex said. “‘Mom, can you help?’” The Tingles know Kevan Evans in Georgetown, owner of Evans Orchard, which also has a country store. Evans couldn’t buy that many tomatoes, but he knew Millard Long through a connection made by Roger Snell of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Snell networked Long and Evans together more than a year ago to process apple butter for Ale-8-One from apple pulp from 10 orchards left from the cider-making process. Alex e-mailed Long, and he visited the Tingles at their home, offering to buy all of Alex’s tomato harvest and even some of his peppers. “For somebody just getting started, he did a thorough job,” Long said. “He had a plan. He took it upon himself to find a market for all of it. He did all of the work by hand. He solicited the help of friends. I’m very impressed with his resourcefulness and the support he got from Ryan [his ag teacher] and his mom.” Long said he started his processing business with a firm commitment to Kentucky growers. All of his private-label sauces, salsas, apple butter and other products are directly sourced from Kentucky farms in season. “Alex is 15 now,” Long said. “It is a great feeling to help someone like this out. In 10 years, I may be retired. In 10 years, Alex will be 25 and just the kind of person to take the reins of his own company, processing his own products. His work ethic is what will make the difference.” Alex traces the hard work of farming to grandparents who raised tobacco in Scott and Jessamine counties, starting with mules. Long said he has a soft spot for future farmers like Alex and anyone else in the business now. “My parents were farmers, but they had to give it up and go to the city to work,” Long said. Long closed the deal with Alex after inspecting the farm and seeing that Alex used city water, drip irrigation and had not used any pesticides in the garden during the growing season. In fact, Alex and Ryan are now linking up with Michael Fitzgerald at KDA to see if the entire operation can be certified organic, beginning with the plants and fertilizer in the greenhouse next season. Alex plans to use the money from Long’s purchases for his college savings. He will major in agriculture and hopes to go to Morehead State University or the University of Kentucky. Long was a key supplier of one of the single largest transactions in Kentucky Proud’s young history when Save-A-Lot ordered four tractor-trailer loads of Long ’s salsa for its 102 Kentucky stores in August. As Save-A-Lot prepares to reorder, Alex’s tomatoes will be part of the product. The tomatoes also will go to a major partnership of restaurants in northern Kentucky that are launching a series of retail sauces, salsas and special recipes for sale at retail. Kroger, Biggs, Meijer and Wal-Mart also are in early stages of launching products processed by Long. Tingle’s tomatoes will be part of six-figure purchases of tomatoes that Long will buy from several central Kentucky farms this year. 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 Aug 18, 2008 19:45:10 GMT -5
Twelve Fatalities Reported on Kentucky Roadways Last WeekAugust 4th - August 10thPreliminary statistics* indicate that 12 people died in eleven separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, August 4 through Sunday, August 10, 2008. Seven of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and six of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Carlisle, Hardin, Harlan, Jefferson, Ohio and Pulaski (2) counties. The crash in Pulaski county was a double-fatality and involved the suspected use of alcohol. There was an ATV fatality in Clay county and the victim was not wearing a helmet. The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in this crash. There were three motorcycle fatalities and two of the victims were not wearing helmets. These crashes occurred in Graves, Harlan and McCracken counties and two of the victims were not wearing helmets. There was one pedestrian fatality in Warren county. Through August 10, preliminary statistics* indicate that 461 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 68 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 354 motor vehicle fatalities, 218 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 54 motorcycle fatalities, 33 were not wearing helmets. Fourteen people have been killed in ATV crashes and 13 of those were not wearing helmets. Thirty-seven pedestrians have been killed. A total of 89 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. *These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. The preceding press release was from Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London which serves the following Kentucky Counties: Rockcastle, Wayne, and Whitley. Illegal Aliens given 18 months for firearm possessionErnesto Zuniga-Sanchez, 31, of Laredo, Mexico, and Carlos Martinez-Lopez, 32, of Matehuala, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, were sentenced on Friday, for being illegal aliens in possession of a firearm and unlawful entry into the United States. Zuniga-Sanchez was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, and Martinez-Lopez was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment. In May of 2008, Zuniga-Sanchez and Martinez-Lopez were found guilty by a jury of being illegal aliens in possession of a firearm. The evidence at trial established that on November 17, 2007, Zuniga-Sanchez and Martinez-Lopez were stopped by Lexington Police after they received reports of shots being fired from a vehicle that matched the description of the vehicle Zuniga-Sanchez was driving. A search of the vehicle revealed that a Hi-Point, nine millimeter semiautomatic pistol was underneath the passenger seat, occupied by Martinez-Lopez. The evidence at trial also established that witnesses identified Zuniga-Sanchez as the driver, and that he was in possession of the firearm. The evidence further revealed that Martinez-Lopez possessed the firearm. Prior to the start of the trial, Zuniga-Sanchez pleaded guilty to immigration charges and admitted that he unlawfully entered the United States. Martinez-Lopez also pleaded guilty and admitted that he, having been previously deported, unlawfully entered the United States as well. Under federal law, Zuniga-Sanchez and Martinez-Lopez must serve 85 percent of their respective prison sentences. Both men will be deported upon completing their sentences. James A. Zerhusen, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Ronnie Bastin, Chief, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Division of Police, and Paul Chambers, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), jointly made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by the Lexington Police Department and ICE. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr.. The preceding was a press release from United States Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Kentucky Chief Justice appoints Judge Doughlas M. George as chief regional circuit judgeChief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr. has appointed Circuit Court Judge Doughlas M. George of Springfield to the post of chief regional circuit judge for the Cumberland Region, which is comprised of 23 counties in southeastern Kentucky. Judge George, whose appointment was effective July 1, succeeds Judge Roderick Messer as chief regional circuit judge. Judge Messer retired June 30 to become a senior judge. As chief regional circuit judge, Judge George serves in an administrative capacity. His responsibilities include assigning special judges to serve in cases when presiding judges certify that a special judge is needed. The Cumberland Region covers 10 judicial circuits and consists of Adair, Bell, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, Lincoln, Marion, McCreary, Monroe, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Taylor, Washington, Wayne and Whitley counties. Judge George is a circuit judge for Kentucky’s 11th Judicial Circuit, which is comprised of Green, Marion, Taylor and Washington counties. He has served as circuit judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit since January 1998. He is also chief circuit judge for the four-county circuit. Judge George served 14 years as a District Court judge prior to joining the circuit bench. Chief Justice Minton appointed Circuit Judge Paul E. Braden, who serves McCreary and Whitley counties, as vice chief regional circuit judge for the Cumberland Region. The AOC is the administrative arm of the Kentucky Court of Justice and supports the activities of 4,000 court system employees, including the elected offices of justices, judges and circuit court clerks. The AOC also executes the Judicial Branch budget. The preceding press release was from MAN SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS AND TEN MONTHS FOR INTERSTATE TRAVEL TO ENGAGE IN SEXUAL CONDUCT WITH A MINORGeorge C. Bloomer, age 64, of Peoria, Arizona, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months imprisonment in United States District Court, Owensboro, Kentucky, for interstate travel with intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor, U.S. Attorney David L. Huber announced today. Joseph H. McKinley, Jr., Judge United States District Court, also sentenced Bloomer to 5 years supervised release following incarceration. There is no parole in the federal judicial system. In addition, a fine of $10,000 was imposed. Judge McKinley also entered a preliminary order of forfeiture forfeiting Bloomer’s ownership interest in a 2004 GMC Envoy SUV and a Hewlett-Packard laptop computer to the United States. Bloomer had pled guilty to interstate travel with intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor. Bloomer admitted that on or between November 1, 2006, and May 19, 2007, he had chatted online using AOL’s Instant Messaging feature with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old minor female living in Owensboro, Kentucky, with her mother. The 14-year-old girl Bloomer believed he was talking to was actually a Detective with the Owensboro Police Department who was conducting an online undercover investigation involving the sexual exploitation of children. During the online chats, Bloomer, who was using the screen name Azguy1944, frequently discussed his desire to have sex with “Jill.” In one of their first chats, Bloomer asked “Jill” if she was really 14, and said it was a little risky for him to be chatting with a 14-year-old. When the undercover said, “[W]e can stop if you want,” Bloomer responded, (I) don’t ... in fact if we hit it off [I’]m coming to ky for a week end.” Bloomer also told the undercover officer, “[I’]d love to take you to bed ... you need someone to show you just how good sex can be.” Bloomer told the undercover, “[Y]ou need a man to show you how its done.” On November 6, 2006, Bloomer told “Jill” he was coming to Owensboro after the holidays. He asked the undercover whether the considerable difference in their ages was an issue. When the undercover responded, “[N]o, “ and asked “It bothers you im 14?”, Bloomer said “[Y]ou do know we are going to make love[?]”. In April 2006, when Bloomer began planning for his trip to Owensboro to see “Jill,” he told her, “[W]e just have to be very CAREFUL... . [I’]m taking a risky chance but you are worth it.” During online chats in May 2007, Bloomer told the undercover officer he planned to travel from Arizona to Owensboro where he would get a hotel room. He asked the undercover for the names of hotels near the mall which “Jill” would be able to get to by bus. Bloomer told the undercover that he would be traveling with his laptop computer, and that he would contact “Jill” when he reached Owensboro. On May 18, 2007, Bloomer checked into the Comfort Suites Hotel in Owensboro, Kentucky. During online chat sessions on May 19, 2007, which began around 9:30 a.m. and ended shortly before 11:00 a.m., Bloomer told the undercover he was in Owensboro. Bloomer gave “Jill” directions to the hotel, including his room number. The undercover told Bloomer she had made arrangements to spend the night with a friend, and Bloomer cautioned Jill not to do anything to make her mother upset, or which would cause her mother to call her friend’s house to check up on her, and told her to “get .... over here.” Bloomer was arrested around noon in his room at the Comfort Suites. Bloomer had his laptop computer in his room, along with a small bag of marijuana, a bottle of wine, adult movies, ten condoms, and women’s lingerie, size small. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marisa J. Ford and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Owensboro Police Department. The preceding was a press release from Kentucky office of the FBI.
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