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Post by Jim Wilson on Jun 1, 2006 6:34:35 GMT -5
Families Of Fallen Miners Protest Closed Door HearingThe family members of five miners killed in a Harlan County mine explosion protested a closed door hearing as the investigation into the fatal blast begins. Ten employees of Kentucky Darby Number One Mine were subpoenaed to appear before state and federal officials Wednesday, but the widows and families of the men killed were locked out. An update on investigation interviews and the happenings underground at the mine site left widows and families of four miners disgusted with the governor and his office. Three of the widows tried to call Governor Fletcher's office after their representatives were denied access to the interviews, yet again. Rejected but not willing to give up, the widows and their families stood unified outside, reminding state and federal officials and the witnesses why they're here. Even though family members could submit questions to investigators, widows of Jimmy Lee, Bill Petra, Paris Thomas and Roy Middleton say they don't even know what to ask. Federal investigators went underground for the first time Wednesday, even after saying it was still unsafe. United Mine Workers Association officials say a representative also went underground for the first time Wednesday. They were accompanied by two state officials to observe the proceedings. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Local News on Jun 6, 2006 22:58:16 GMT -5
Gas Prices Continue To FluctuateIt's a guessing game- where and when to get the cheapest gas. "I thought, well, I've got enough to get back to London, I'll just go to Speedway... I found that it's $2.88 here today," said Wilma Minton, who was hoping for cheaper gas. Customers said a day, even hours, can make all the difference... and so can the location. "It seems like there's a ten cents difference, depending on what area of the state I'm in," said Nicole Brown, who travels a lot for business. Senator Mitch McConnell said these high prices are spurring some much needed changes. "I think these high prices are going to finally produce the breakthroughs in biodiesel and ethanol renewable fuels that we need," said Senator McConnell. Senator Mitch McConnell admitted the United States has become far too dependent on foreign oil and said that since gas has been cheap for so long, the demand for alternatives fuel just wasn't there, but now. "We're finally getting serious about renewables. There's an ethanol plant in Hopkinsville, a biodiesel plant in Owensboro, a biodiesel plant in northern Kentucky," said Senator McConnell. Even those feeling the pain of rising prices are starting to think beyond the pump. "I think ethanol is made of corn, so I don't understand why we don't do something along those lines to save money," Brown said. "If they can make it cost effective and get it out to all the areas, that would be great," said customer Eddie Thompson. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Local News on Jun 12, 2006 5:38:19 GMT -5
Gas Prices Expected To Remain High Through SummerThe first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season developed Sunday in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and although officials say Tropical Storm Alberto is not going to get much stronger, it is still a reminder that hurricane season is upon us and it will probably affect us even here in Kentucky. According to a report by Triple A, gas prices are expected to remain high throughout the summer. With another active hurricane season, average prices nationwide won't drop below two-sixty a gallon. One hand at the pump and an eye on the dollar sign. "Gas companies want to make more money," said Roger Combs. Because of pain at the pump during the hurricane season, Combs missed out on a summer luxury. "I didn't have a boat last year," Combs said. But he still noticed climbing prices. "I was on the road every day. Gas prices were phenomenal," said Combs. Growing prices were partially attributed to Hurricane Katrina. This year experts expect tropical storms to produce 8 to 10 hurricanes. But despite such predictions, Combs will relax on his boat that he bought after Hurricane Katrina. "Live with the prices. That's all there is," Combs said. But for one business owner, it's hard to live without watching his dollars a little closer. "I know when the gas prices go up, my business goes down," said Terry Davidson. Davidson owns a car wash and with business slowing, he says he's cut back on travelling. "Anytime you take money out of the people's pocket, it's going to affect your business," said Davidson. Many Americans have cut back such as going to the car wash or taking road trips. But the prices don't seem to alter day-to-day commuting routines. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Local News on Jun 13, 2006 7:13:52 GMT -5
New Sex Offender Law Goes Into Effect SoonA new law preventing sex offenders from living too close to schools or playgrounds will go into effect next month. When a new law goes into affect July 1st it will be illegal for any convicted sex offenders to live within a thousand feet of a school, daycare, or park. Law enforcement agencies are notifying sex offenders now, warning them that they will need to move if they're location violates the new law. Elementary school parents we talked to don't think the measure is too much to ask. Those who will need to move will have a 90 day grace period to comply. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Jim Wilson on Jun 16, 2006 7:20:33 GMT -5
Kentucky Board Of Education Reverses Vote On Teaching Secular TermsThe Kentucky Board of Education says teaching the secular terms "Common Era" (C.E.) and "Before Common Era" (B.C.E.) instead of B.C. and A.D. is history. The board voted in April to teach both B.C.E. and C.E. alongside B.C. and A.D. when talking about historic times. But a board with six new members reversed that vote saying there was nothing wrong the the old system. An outcry of public support for teaching the B.C. and A.D. terms followed the April vote. The new board members say they're just doing what the people of Kentucky want. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Local News on Jun 18, 2006 11:23:35 GMT -5
Bear Sightings On The Increase In Eastern KentuckyPeople all across the region have been spotting bears on roadways and in their backyards. Now Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officials are warning people to be cautious around these large animals. People have seen bears all around and there was even a wreck here in Perry County involving a bear recently, but with these sightings becoming more common, you need to know what safety steps to take in case you come across a bear. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officials work to keep the lives of bears and humans separate but sometimes those paths cross and it could turn into a scary situation. "Bears are becoming more common in eastern Kentucky, people need to understand that bears are not particularly dangerous but they are an animal that we to need to give wide birth," said Wildlife Coordinator Steve Beam. For many years, black bears were a rare sight in eastern Kentucky. "They were extirpated, which means they were shot out or harvested about 150 years ago," said Jon Gassett But recently, the bears have been migrating back to the mountains of eastern Kentucky from neighboring states and now we all need to be careful about what we leave outside. "When there are things around the home that could be food items, pet food, garbage, that sort of thing, or when people actually feed bears then they will tend to come closer to homes," said Gassett. But it is illegal to feed bears and if you do feed them, the bear probably won't last long. "A fed bear is a dead bear," said Gassett. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officials want everyone to remember if they see a bear to never approach it and to never try and feed it. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Local News on Jun 18, 2006 11:32:00 GMT -5
Officials Urge Safety Around Lakes And PoolsThere have been several drownings already this year. The hot days of summer send a lot of people to our area pools and lakes but safety should be a concern around water. At Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, the rules are clearly posted to people of all ages safe. They do not recommend going to the lake by yourself no matter what your age and children under 16 should never left alone around the water. Parents are urged to tell their kids how to be safe when around the lake or pool. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Local News on Jun 21, 2006 15:31:18 GMT -5
Police Investigating Scam Hitting Eastern KentuckyPolice are reporting more cases of an old scam in eastern Kentucky. State police officials say there have been eight to ten incidents of people receiving lotto scam checks in the last two months. The scammers send counterfeit checks through the mail to victims promising an even bigger prize if they deposit the check and then send their own personal check covering fees to the scammers. State police warn this scam is happening nationwide and for everyone to be careful of other scams by never giving away personal information over the phone. State police ask you to contact them if you receive a questionable check or phone call. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Jim Wilson on Jun 28, 2006 19:48:09 GMT -5
Police Search For Woman Passing Bogus ChecksPolice in southern Kentucky want businesses to be on the look out for a woman passing bogus checks. They say she is wanted for forging several checks at two businesses in Laurel County. Police say the checks actually belonged to a dead man from Leslie County. Police are offering a 500 dollar reward and police ask you to call 606-878-2746 with any information. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Local News on Jun 30, 2006 10:14:07 GMT -5
University Will Have Say In Anti-Baptist LawsuitThe University of the Cumberlands will have a say in a lawsuit against Governor Fletcher over it's proposed pharmacy school. The Kentucky Fairness Alliance, a teacher's association and two ministers are suing the Governor for allowing lawmakers to give the school ten million dollars for it's pharmacy school project. They argue the school should not get the public funds because they expelled a gay student in April. The Franklin Circuit Court has granted the University's request to be heard when considering the case. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Local News on Jun 30, 2006 20:57:19 GMT -5
Officials Urge Water Safety This Holiday WeekendWaterways are Kentucky's premiere destinations for recreation, but they're often the scene of tragedy. At least four people have drowned in southern Kentucky lakes and rivers. Kentucky law requires children 12 and younger to have life jackets on, even if the boat isn't moving. And people who want to swim should avoid certain areas. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Jim Wilson on Jul 2, 2006 21:29:25 GMT -5
Officials Urge Water Safety This Holiday WeekendWaterways are Kentucky's premiere destinations for recreation, but they're often the scene of tragedy. At least four people have drowned in southern Kentucky lakes and rivers. Kentucky law requires children 12 and younger to have life jackets on, even if the boat isn't moving. And people who want to swim should avoid certain areas. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Jim Wilson on Jul 5, 2006 9:10:39 GMT -5
Keep Track Of Sex OffendersThe internet is making it easier for communities to keep track of convicted sex offenders. The current list of registered sex offenders in Kentucky is over 5 thousand names long but with such a long list websites are actually making it easier to keep track. There are now many websites out there to help educate the community about sex offenders, but one of the latest was started by John Walsh from Americas Most Wanted. By simply typing in your address a map will pop up showing you all of the offenders in your area, including the crime and their picture. The commonwealth of Kentucky has also set up a similar site that includes the current state laws against sex offenders but they are working to pass a bill to strengthen these laws. The bill calls for sex offenders to stay one thousand feet from school, public pools, and daycares. Parents are urged to educate themselves as well as their children as to what these offenders look like in case the children are approached. Make sure you bookmark these sights: www.familywatchdog.uskspsor.state.ky.usRead the entire story at....
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Post by Jim Wilson on Jul 8, 2006 15:09:47 GMT -5
Health Insurance For Public School Employees May Be On The RiseAn eastern Kentucky legislator and physician say the Fletcher administration's plans for 2007 may include a change in health insurance for public school employees. Hazard Senator Dan Mongiardo says the Fletcher administration may raise health insurance premiums for public school employees by as much as nine percent next year. Mongiardo says that premiums may go up, and benefits may be cut, for public school employees next year. While he stresses that the talk in Frankfort is in the early stages, he says that if speculation becomes reality, it could be enough to drive teachers out of the classrooms. "Teachers are concerned. We already don't pay our teachers enough. This is another cost cut, salary cut to them basically," said Sen. Mongiardo. A spokesman from the governor's personnel cabinet says that the insurance information was originally presented during the winter, for information and discussion purposes, and at this point no final decision has been made. Mongiardo says that as the plans develop, teachers need to voice their opinions. "Teachers have a very loud voice. There are a lot of them in the state and if they stand with one voice they can make a lot of changes," said Sen. Mongiardo. Mongiardo says co-pays may increase by as much as 15 dollars per doctor's visit and prescription benefits could go up by five dollars, but once again, this is all preliminary, and no decisions have been made in Frankfort yet. Read the entire story at....
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Post by Local News on Aug 6, 2006 20:31:20 GMT -5
Police Investigating Sexual Assault Case At A Summer CampJulie Maloney ReportsState police continue to investigate a sexual assault case at a summer camp in Jackson County. Twenty year old James Bledsoe was arrested June 30th at the Andrew Jackson Camp in Jackson County. He was charged with two counts of sexual assault. In the police report, Trooper Bowman says Bledsoe admitted that he quote, "fondled a nine year old females breasts and grabbed her nine year old sisters rear end." One camp official says this is the first summer there's been an alleged incident since the camp has been open over the past 30 years and says he still feels the camp is safe. "Most kids find it a refuge. They grow educationally, they get to participate in activities they normally would not," said Christian Appalachian Project President Bill Mills. Mills says the camp always does a background check and a thorough interview before hiring counselors. The Kentucky State Police continues to investigate. Officers say they're in the process of interviewing kids who attended the camp this summer. "The investigation is ongoing and we expect additional information to be brought forward to the grand jury," said Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Gregory. The case is expected to go before the grand jury again in September 5th. Officials at Camp Andrew Jackson tell us they informed all parents of children who attended the camp this summer. They also say the incident has not affected attendance at the camp this year. Read the entire story at....
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