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Post by In The News on Nov 6, 2012 8:26:30 GMT -5
WYMT Report and Video Alcohol-related arrests increase in Clay County Reporter: Paige Quiggins
It has been more than a year since voters approved alcohol sales in Manchester. In the last month, law enforcement officials said they have made more arrests in Clay County for alcohol-related incidents, mainly among young people. Clay County Sheriff’s Deputies and Manchester police tell me they have seen an increase, especially in recent weeks, in underage drinking, which they said leads to other problems. Law enforcement officials said alcohol related arrests have spiked in the past month. They said they do not believe the sellers are to blame. Police said it has usually been a case of "paying and passing." They said it sometimes leads to them getting behind the wheel, under the influence. Officials said most of the incidents happen at night so they are asking parents of young adults to keep a closer watch on their children. They said with their help they can hopefully help prevent the problem from getting worse. Manchester and Clay County officials said they are patrolling more. Officials said they have also charged several people with distributing alcohol to a minor, a misdemeanor, which is usually comes with a fine. Read the entire article and see the video at: www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Alcohol-related-arrests-increase-in-Clay-Co-177408621.html
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Post by In The News on Nov 10, 2012 7:37:46 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Report and Video Guardrail placed at site of fatal Clay County crash
Nearly one year after a mother and her baby died in a horrible crash in Clay County. Neighbors who witnessed the accident said they are glad something has been done to make the road safer. Two white crosses along a curvy Clay County road were set up in memory of 27-year-old Kimberly Jackson and her five month old daughter Gabriella Ramos. Police said the two died nearly one year ago on Kentucky 11 after Jackson hydro-planed into the nearby creek. Jackson’s husband, Ricky Ramos, survived the crash. Around six months ago, after requests from neighbors and the family, officials said money was set aside to build a guardrail. The Coys said it has been a long time coming. Neighbors said the guardrail has been up for just more than one month. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Guardrail-placed-at-site-of-fatal-crash-178278541.html
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Post by In The News on Nov 10, 2012 15:19:56 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Some damage being reported following historic earthquake in Eastern Kentucky
The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting that an earthquake centered in Kentucky also rattled other states nearby. The USGS website says the epicenter of the 4.3 magnitude earthquake on Saturday afternoon was about 10 miles west of Whitesburg. This is the second largest earthquake on record in the entire state of Kentucky, the other being a 5.2 in Bath County in 1980. People in nearby Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio and Georgia also reported feeling the temblor. National Weather Service spokesman Jeff Carico says employees at the office in Jackson, which is about 60 miles northwest of Whitesburg, felt the ground shake for about 15 seconds. He says the office has gotten numerous calls, but so far no one has reported any serious damage. If you have any reports of damage, please call the WYMT newsroom at 606-439-9968 or email newstip@wymtnews.com www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Some-damage-being-reported-following-historic-earthquake-in-Eastern-Kentucky-178430061.html
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Post by In The News on Nov 27, 2012 18:13:47 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Robert Stivers chosen as president of Kentucky Senate
Republicans in the Kentucky Senate have chosen Robert Stivers of Manchester to be the chamber's new president. Stivers, who has been GOP floor leader, and independent Sen. Bob Leeper of Paducah ran for the post. The new president was selected Tuesday. The post was left open when longtime Senate President David Williams left office to accept a judicial appointment in southern Kentucky. Stivers won't officially become president until January. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Stivers-chosen-as-president-of-Ky-Senate-181064481.html
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Post by In The News on Nov 28, 2012 17:50:01 GMT -5
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Post by In The News on Nov 28, 2012 20:40:26 GMT -5
Robert Stivers
WYMT Report and Video Experts: Eastern Kentucky likely to benefit from Stivers appointment [/b] Reporter: Matthew Rand
Manchester State Senator Robert Stivers has been tapped to replace outgoing Senate President David Williams. This is the first time someone from Eastern Kentucky has been chosen to preside over the State Senate since the office was created in 1992. Experts we talked to say between Stivers and House Speaker Greg Stumbo, Eastern Kentucky is set to be very well represented in the General Assembly. With Greg Stumbo leading the House of Representatives and Robert Stivers set to take the reins of the Senate, experts say increased appropriations to projects in Eastern Kentucky are not out of the question. Benny Bailey, an adjunct professor of political science at Hazard Community and Technical College says the last time Appalachia was this well-represented in the General Assembly was during the late 1990s, a time he says was a period of investment in Eastern Kentucky. Stivers says he is honored to be chosen by his caucus to lead the Senate. When compared with his predecessor, the Manchester Republican says he hopes to have a better relationship with Governor Steve Beshear. House Speaker Stumbo extends his congratulations to Stivers. While Stivers says he will serve as Senate President for the whole state, being a voice from Eastern Kentucky will naturally bode well for the region. Stivers will begin his fifth term in the Senate, and he will officially become Senate President, when the 2013 General Assembly convenes in January. Hazard Senator Brandon Smith has also been selected to serve as Majority Whip. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Experts-Eastern-Kentucky-likely-to-benefit-from-Stivers-appointment-181280581.html
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Post by In The News on Dec 9, 2012 7:07:38 GMT -5
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Post by In The News on Dec 10, 2012 6:09:51 GMT -5
WKYT-TV Report and Video Two murders in 48 hours keep Clay County investigators busy
Less than 48 hours apart, investigators in Clay County opened two murder case files. One where a man was found dead in his home after being beaten and robbed. The other was a body so badly burned they have not been able to identify the victim. It's a crime with more questions than answers at this point. Investigators were called to the Crawfish community of Clay County, on Saturday afternoon, where the body was found off a dirt road and they say it was so burned they couldn't say if it was male or female, initially. They now know the victim is a male, and people in the community believe it could Eli Marcum, a man who's been missing for a week. The body was found while family members of Marcum were out searching for their loved one. Investigators haven't confirmed the identity, and they say there is still much more to track down. This case only adds that to the list of questions they are already having to answer in another murder committed just a day-and-a-half before. In that case, 74-year-old Earl Woods was found dead Thursday night, in his home, after he had been robbed and beaten. While detectives have their hands full working two killings in a short time period, they say they are making progress and have leads. Still, no arrests have been made. Read the entire article and see the video at: www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/Two-murders-in-48-hours-keeps-Clay-County-investigators-busy-182766221.html
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Post by In The News on Dec 11, 2012 11:23:45 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Report and Video Family member of murder victim pleads for help in 911 call
The chilling 911 call of an ongoing Clay County murder investigation was exclusively released Monday. On Thursday, dispatchers answered the desperate screams of family members who found 74 year old Earl Woods dead inside his home. Dispatchers asked for the address of the home and the caller then gave more explanation. Deputies with the Clay County Sheriff's Office were the first on the scene, and it took them a total of 11 minutes to get to the home from the time the call was made. The coroner has reported that Woods died from multiple sharp and blunt force injuries. Police are still investigating the murder of Earl Woods and have made no arrests. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Family-member-of-murder-victim-pleads-for-help-in-911-call-182897671.html
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Post by In The News on Dec 12, 2012 22:00:10 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Report and Video Clay County drug roundup nets several arrests
Law enforcement officials were out this morning looking for alleged drug offenders in Clay County. As of early this afternoon, police had made 18 arrests based on 24 drug indictments. Law enforcement officials say the roundup was aimed at curbing Clay County's prescription drug crisis. Clay County police agencies joined forces to round up alleged drug offenders Tuesday, leading to a rough morning for some. The roundup was the result of an eight month investigation by Manchester Police, the Clay County Sheriff's Department and Operation UNITE. Law enforcement officials we talked to say their message is clear. More than 20 trafficking indictments were issued in the countywide sweep. Officials say pot and pills have become a serious problem. Officials say Tuesday's roundup is a small step in fighting the larger drug problem in Clay County. More indictments are expected in the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information can call Operation UNITE's drug tip line at 1-866-424-4382. For a list of those arrested go to: claycotalk.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=local&thread=263&page=2#13193www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Clay-County-drug-roundup-nets-several-arrests-183077901.html
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Post by In The News on Dec 12, 2012 22:00:41 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Knott County man indicted for conspiring to distribute oxycodone in Clay County
A man has been indicted on federal charges in connection with a double murder in Knott County back in July. Eugene Slone is now charged with killing Davey Sparkman and Keisha Sexton in the Topmost Community. Count two and three of the indictment say Slone did kill Sparkman and Sexton with the intent to retaliate against them for providing information to a law enforcement officer. Count one of the indictment charges Slone and 11 others for conspiring to distribute oxycodone in Knott, Letcher, Clay and Perry Counties. The federal indictment says Slone could face the death penalty for the two murders. Slone is already in custody on the drug charges. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Man-indicted-on-federal-charges-for-Knott-Co-murder-183241682.html
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Post by In The News on Dec 14, 2012 18:32:52 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Report and Video 911 tapes released from day Eli Marcum's body was found Reporter: Katie Roach
After searching for almost one week, the family of Eli Marcum found a burned body in the Crawfish Community of Clay County. On Thursday, Mountain News obtained a copy of the 911 tapes. From the moment they called 911, the family feared the worst. The caller also told dispatchers that they had been looking for him since Sunday. Police are still investigating the murder and have not made any arrests. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/911-tapes-released-from-day-Eli-Marcums-body-was-found-183419381.html
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Post by In The News on Dec 15, 2012 8:46:21 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Former teacher, Mary Etta White, hospitalized after being hit by car
A Clay County woman is recovering at U.K. Medical Center after police say she was hit by a car while crossing the street in downtown Manchester Thursday night. Police say 65-year-old Mary Etta White was crossing the street a little after 7 p.m. Thursday when a car failed to stop and hit her. The victim's family says her injuries are extensive. Police say the driver of the vehicle tried to swerve to miss White, but was unsuccessful. No charges are expected to be filed against the driver, John Barton Pennington. Police say the accident reminds drivers to be careful. Family members say they are still processing the news, but mostly they are just in shock. They urge everyone to watch out for pedestrians. They say they do not want something like this to happen to anyone else. White was airlifted Thursday night to U.K. Medical Center in Lexington. As of late Friday, she was listed in serious condition. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Former-teacher-hospitalized-after-being-hit-by-car-183568721.html
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Post by In The News on Dec 21, 2012 16:49:00 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Article and Video Fire Destroys Middlesboro Little Caesars owned by Manchester Family Reporter: Angela Sparkman
A fire heavily damaged a Bell County restaurant and now its forty-seven employees are suddenly without work before Christmas. A fire started early Thursday morning at the Little Caesars in Middlesboro. It was closed when the fire broke out so no one was injured. The Little Caesars had just opened last month. The Smith family spent one year building Little Caesars in Middlesboro, then a fire took it away in a day. The family owns and operates the Little Caesars in Manchester. Firefighters say around five o'clock Thursday morning, fire spread through the inside of the building. Firefighters believe the fire is accidental, but they have not determined what caused it yet. The Smith family is already planning to rebuild and re-open as soon as possible. The family says they are thankful no one was hurt. Firefighters say someone driving by saw the smoke and reported the fire. Firefighters believe the fire had been smoldering inside for awhile before it was reported. Read the article and see the video at: www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Fire-damages-Middlesboro-restaurant-184345431.html
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Post by In The News on Dec 21, 2012 20:53:07 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Clay County man will spend 10 years behind bars
A Clay County man will spend 10 years behind bars after pleading guilty to second degree robbery. Prosecutors say 30-year-old Gregory Jackson gave the teller at First State Financial Bank a note saying he had a gun and wanted money back in June. Police say he took the money and left in a blue Ford pick-up. Officials found him an hour later on 25E headed towards Pineville. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Clay-County-man-will-spend-10-years-behind-bars-184486751.html
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Post by In The News on Jan 7, 2013 22:43:32 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Plane makes emergency landing in Clay County
A small, single engine plane made an emergency crash landing Monday in Clay County. It happened just off Highway 66, near the Big Creek area. Fortunately, the pilot walked away unhurt, but the situation could have ended much worse. 65-year old David Styer of Mt. Gilead, Ohio says he was on his way to Middlesboro when he ran out of fuel. He was about to touch down when a couple of pedestrians appeared in front of his aircraft on the roadway. "He veered to the right to avoid striking one of those pedestrians, and he clipped a guide wire with the wing of his plane," said state police Trooper Nick Metcalf. Read the entire article at: www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Small-plane-makes-crash-landing-in-Clay-County-185963681.html
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Post by In The News on Jan 7, 2013 22:45:20 GMT -5
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Post by In The News on Jan 26, 2013 6:20:41 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Report and Video Clay County drivers undeterred by ice Reporter: Matthew Rand
Old Man Winter could not keep people off the roads in Clay County, one of the areas hardest hit by the ice storm. Sheets of ice glazed cars, roads and buildings alike in Clay County Friday morning, but county officials say accidents remained at a minimum. Clay County Judge-Executive Joe Asher says Friday's ice was a nuisance, but it could have been a lot worse. Asher says people should drive carefully, and be patient as crews work to get all the roads clear. Read the entire article and see the video at: www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Clay-County-drivers-undeterred-by-ice-188422141.html
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Post by In The News on Jan 30, 2013 21:47:03 GMT -5
WYMT-TV City of Manchester looking to annex property
One eastern Kentucky city may be doubling in size soon. The City of Manchester in Clay County is looking to annex property to the north, northeast and northwest. Mayor George Saylor says this would give the city more land so that it can grow, but not everyone is for the proposal. Some people we talked to who live in the proposed annexed area say they already receive all the benefits of living in the city without having to pay the extra property taxes. The process is expected to take several months. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/City-of-Manchester-looking-to-annex-property-189110991.html
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Post by In The News on Feb 6, 2013 22:01:47 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Lawsuit filed against Cumberland Valley District Health Department
A Cumberland Valley District Health Department employee says she was punished for reporting possible retirement fund violations to the Attorney General. Now a lawsuit has been filed against the health department. Registered Nurse Fonda Harris was considering retirement. She claims on January 25th, the Kentucky Retirement System told her no money had gone into her retirement account for at least six months. However, Harris says the money came out of her paychecks. Harris reported it to the Attorney General's office. Tuesday, she filed a lawsuit against the Cumberland Valley District Health Department, the Board of Directors, Chairman John Parsons, and Acting Director Lynnett Renner. The lawsuit was filed in Clay County Circuit Court. In the lawsuit, Harris claims Renner reprimanded her when she reported potential violations to the Attorney General's Office. The lawsuit accuses the Cumberland Valley District Health Department of violating Kentucky's Whistleblower Act. Last week, Cumberland Valley District Health Department Interim Director Lynnett Renner told us the money was being withheld from the retirement accounts because they could not afford the matching payment right now. Renner said they hope to resume payments in March. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Lawsuit-filed-against-Cumberland-Valley-District-Health-Department-190122071.html
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Post by In The News on Feb 19, 2013 5:39:20 GMT -5
WKYT-TV Forest fire breaks out in Clay County
Firefighters battled a forest fire near the Hal Rogers Parkway Monday night. It broke out near exit 22 of the parkway. Firefighters haven't yet said what sparked the fire, but they say it burned a few acres. They said the fire never threatened any buildings. They hope the rain, which is expected to move into eastern Kentucky early Tuesday morning, will help put them put out the fire. www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/191765101.html
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Post by In The News on Feb 19, 2013 13:50:48 GMT -5
WYMT-TV First responders talk about safety following recent deaths nationwide
First responders across the region are looking at safety procedures after recent deaths of EMT'S in Indiana and firefighters in Texas. Officials say safety is the top priority in the Kentucky State Police and at the Manchester Fire Department. Jamey Mills with the Manchester Fire Department says they participate in weekly training sessions that last from 4 to 5 hours and include going over events from the previous week and correcting any mistakes that were made. Officials at the Manchester Fire Department say part of their planning involves analyzing buildings in Manchester to develop a strategy in case they need to respond to one of them during an emergency call. Mills says safely fighting fires is a team effort, but police often respond to situations by themselves. Read the entire article at: www.wkyt.com/yourtown/locations/clay/headlines/First-responders-talk-about-safety-following-recent-deaths-nationwide-191789261.html
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Post by In The News on Feb 20, 2013 6:32:48 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Manchester City Council meeting draws annexation protesters
Dozens of people came to the Manchester City Council meeting tonight to protest, after talk of an annexation plan that includes areas north of the city. People there said they are worried they will have to pay more taxes if where they live becomes part of the City of Manchester. City officials say they have only discussed annexation, and no formal steps to do so have been taken. A big crowd that even included former legendary coach Bobby Keith came to the Manchester City Council meeting Tuesday night, and the topic of annexation was on everybody's mind. The city council floated the idea earlier this month of annexing portions of Clay County north of the city. The mayor says the idea was to increase the city's population. Even though the City of Manchester has taken no official steps towards annexation, well over 100 people showed up at Tuesday night's city council meeting to protest the move. Protesters say they would rather live independent of the city. No citizens spoke in favor of annexation. Only time will tell if Manchester officials move forward with any annexation plans. The mayor says any plans to annex land into the city would require two public hearings for public inquiry. He estimates it would be at least a year before such a plan could be put into motion. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Manchester-City-Council-meeting-draws-annexation-protesters-191948101.html
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Post by In The News on Feb 21, 2013 5:00:50 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Two arrested after high-speed chase in Clay County
Two men are arrested in Clay County after leading police on a 130 mile an hour chase. Around 4pm Tuesday, Kentucky State Police say they tried to stop two motorcycles on Ky. 638 for speeding. Police say the two drivers refused to stop, and led police on a chase for five miles, going 130 mph in a 55 mph zone. William Mitchell, 22, and Josh Jarvis, 22, were both arrested for speeding, fleeing or evading police, and improper passing. www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Two-arrested-after-high-speed-chase-in-Clay-County-192124991.html
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Post by In The News on Mar 7, 2013 9:36:23 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Guardsman Charged in Fatal North Dakota Crash that Killed Clay County Man
A Kentucky National Guardsman from Lawrence County, Ky., has pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with a crash that killed two passengers and injured a third. The single vehicle accident happened in Devils Lake, North Dakota, in September. Christopher Brandt, 23, of Lowmansville, Ky., is charged with two counts of manslaughter and one count of reckless endangerment. He entered the not guilty pleas during a hearing Monday. Authorities say Brandt was driving drunk at a high speed when he lost control of his car and hit a tree. The crash killed Ronald Forsyth, 31, of Owneton, Ky. and Jason Burnette, 23, of Manchester, Ky. Brandt and David Duncan, 23, of Hueyville, Ky. were injured. All four were Kentucky guardsmen in training at Camp Grafton, near Devils Lake. Brandt faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/Ky-Guardsman-Charged-in-Fatal-North-Dakota-Crash-195559641.html
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Post by In The News on Mar 7, 2013 9:36:49 GMT -5
Oran Brumley
WYMT-TV Murder trial has been delayed
The trial of a man accused of killing a Clay County sheriff more than 43 years ago has been delayed. In May of last year, Oran Brumley was charged with the 1969 murder of 52-year-old Sheriff James "Matt" Sizemore. Brumley has pleaded not guilty in the case. Officials say in June of 1969, Sizemore was gunned down while serving warrants on Ephram Creek Road. Brumley's trial is now set for September 10th. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Murder-trial-has-been-delayed-195704141.html
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Post by In The News on Mar 8, 2013 10:14:32 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Video and Article Manchester Man Applies for Coal Job that May not be Available
One eastern Kentucky man who applied for one of the jobs in question at Professional Contracting said nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Paul Davidson has been laid off from the mines since November 2012. So when he heard 800 coal jobs were coming open through Professional Contracting, he drove more than one hour from Clay County to the company's headquarters in Norton, Virginia. Davidson said when he applied he was not told what mining company would be creating the jobs. Davidson said they did not ask him for any money. Read the article and see the video at: www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Applicant-for-coal-jobs-many-are-calling-fake-says-everything-seemed-legitimate-192789381.html
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Post by In The News on Mar 16, 2013 5:24:45 GMT -5
Funeral Saturday for Knox County fire victims to be held in Clay County
Tomorrow friends and family will say their final goodbyes to a mother and her three young children who were killed in a deadly house fire in Knox County last weekend. The funeral for 22-year-old Nina Asher and her children, William Junior, Camden, and Abigail will be held at the Antioch Baptist Church in Clay County at 2 PM Saturday. Her fiancé, Jesse Disney, also died in the fire, along with two-year-olds Paiten and Briel Cox. Their funerals were Thursday. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/-Funeral-Saturday-for-Knox-County-fire-victims-198532511.html
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Post by In The News on Mar 21, 2013 5:03:51 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Article and Video Clay County seeing decrease in drug overdoses Reporter: Katie Roach
One eastern Kentucky county saw dramatic changes in the number of drug related deaths in just a one year period. The Clay County coroner released a report that says drug overdoses were cut by more than half in the past year. In 2011 Clay County Coroner Danny Finley says one person out of every thousand died of a drug overdose. He says that's about six times more than the national average. Of the 103 cases he worked that year, he says half tested positive for narcotics. But in one year, the numbers went way down. In 2011 there were 43 drug related deaths in Clay County, and in 2012 there were only 27. The coroner also says the drug overdoses dropped from 22 to eight. Finley and Clay County Sheriff Kevin Johnson say they attribute the decreasing numbers to the fact that doctors who over-prescribe are being targeted. But the sheriff says they still have a long way to go. While most of the report is encouraging. It says in 2011 there were no deaths involving the drug fentanyl, but in 2012 there were five. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Clay-Co-seeing-decrease-in-drug-overdoses-199238611.html
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Post by In The News on Apr 10, 2013 4:31:10 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Article and Video Clay County drug roundup results in several arrests Reporter: Matthew Rand
Operation UNITE and law enforcement officials joined forces in Clay County Tuesday to round up more than one dozen people on drug-related charges. Police say the drug roundup was the result of a four month undercover investigation into narcotics in Clay County. The multi-agency operation included members of the Manchester City Police, Clay County Sheriff's Office and Kentucky State Police. Last week, a Clay County grand jury handed down indictments on 32 individuals faced with various drug charges. Read the article and view the video at: www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Clay-drug-roundup-results-in-several-arrests-202218801.html
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