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Post by ClayLive on Aug 8, 2007 16:27:20 GMT -5
Knox Chamber queries appellate candidatesBy Heather PylesThe two candidates running for the open seat on Kentucky’s appellate court bench were in Barbourville Tuesday afternoon to answer questions and win support for their campaigns. Knox and Laurel District Judge Michael O. Caperton and Clay County Attorney Clay Bishop Jr. attended the Knox County Chamber of Commerce meeting at Union College and spoke to the members, discussing their strengths and experience in Kentucky courts. Caperton, a Laurel County native, emphasized his 13 years of experience as a district judge and said he would bring a veteran eye to the bench should he be elected to the appellate court. “When I first saw the other candidates before the May primary I noticed nobody else has any judicial experience,” Caperton said. Caperton and Bishop are running for the vacant seat on the court of appeals after defeating several other candidates in the May primaries. As a district judge Caperton has reviewed around 120,000 cases, and he said his years on the bench will bring the experience necessary to the appellate court. “How do you review something you’ve never done?” Caperton asked. Caperton went on to say that a person with experience should be elected for a position as a judge. “That just … makes sense,” Caperton said. Bishop Jr. said that, despite his inexperience as a judge, his participation in other areas of Kentucky law will help him lend an experienced voice to the appellate bench. Bishop, who has practiced law for 25 years, is an adjunct professor of paralegal studies at Eastern Kentucky University, and he has been elected Clay County attorney six consecutive terms. He is also a trained mediator. A father of four, Bishop said his role as a mediator is much like that of a judge’s role, but the job is more active. “It (mediating) is more of a hands-on approach to case action,” Bishop said. Bishop, who has mediated more than 300 cases, went on to say that he considers mediation to be better experience for someone attempting to get elected to the bench. “That experience gives me more of a better disposition,” Bishop said. The two candidates had different answers as to why they chose to run for a seat on the Kentucky Court of Appeals, which can only occur after a judge resigns the seat or he/she is removed for another reason. Caperton, a single parent, said he decided to run because of his family. “It’s better for my girls,” Caperton said. Bishop said he had always wanted to be involved in the court system after watching his father serve on the circuit court. “I grew up in the judicial system,” Bishop said. “I’ve always had a great respect for the judicial system.” Bishop’s dream of serving on the court of appeals came about a little later. “It’s been a dream of mine for about 15 years,” Bishop said. Caperton said he would make every effort to uphold the law in cases that would come before him if he were to be elected. “I will faithfully apply the law,” Caperton said. Bishop said he will bring honesty, integrity, character and family values, along with experience in several different areas of the law, to the Kentucky Court of Appeals if he were to win in November. “I don’t just talk the talk, I have walked the walk,” Bishop said. Read the entire article at....TheTimesTribune.com
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Post by Local News on Aug 9, 2007 15:35:59 GMT -5
Mastin gets Second Chance at Lifethetimestribune.comBy Eric SteinkopffLocal people are trying to organize an organ transplant support group in Laurel County, including five-year heart transplant survivor Daryl Mastin, 64, of Sheffield Place in London. After an April 2001 heart attack — following similar episodes in 1983 and 1995 — Mastin was told by doctors at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington that there was so much damage to his heart that he needed to be on the transplant list. “It was nerve-wracking at the time,” said Mastin, a telephone construction and maintenance man for 40 years. “My heart was only 12 percent working.” Up to that point Mastin felt weak most of the time and had so much trouble working that he even sold his house and bought a condominium to avoid cutting the grass. It didn’t take him long to discover that his health insurance would pay for 100 percent of the procedure if he went to the Jewish Hospital at the University of Louisville, compared with 80 percent paid at other hospitals. But he ran into some problems in the screening process. “They check you for all kinds of diseases, like cancer and they check what kind of shape you’re in — they check your lungs,” Mastin said. “I had a problem that I didn’t know about and had to have another operation first to relieve pressure within the heart.” In November 2001 he had major surgery to put a small pump and valve in his heart so that he could eventually be ready to accept a transplant. He needed a respirator on and off for the first four weeks and he was in the hospital for about two months. Through this and other surgeries, Sally — his wife of 43 years and a Manchester native — stayed by his side. “My wife said I looked terrible with all the tubes coming out of my mouth and nose and everywhere,” Mastin said. “My head swelled up and I turned yellow, but I got over it. Family support is important.” But his daughter Tammy Terry and her husband Mark were expecting their first child. There were complications so Tammy wasn’t able to visit as she would have liked. As luck would have it, Mastin was released from the hospital Dec. 31, 2001 and his grandchild was born Jan. 2, 2002. “That was my first one and it was kind of special,” said Mastin. Because he had a device installed to keep him alive, Mastin was moved to the top of the transplant list, and just seven months later his number came up. “May 21, 2002, they called me at 4 a.m. and they flew my wife and me from here to Louisville,” Mastin said. “They said that the blood type matched and ‘we feel we have one (heart) that will work for you.’ I had the transplant that day.” The identity of the donor is still a mystery, but he believes it was a young man who was killed in an automobile accident. “The only thing I knew was that he was 22 years old,” Mastin said. “I never did get a chance to meet him and thank him.” The hospital staff prepared Mastin for the procedure. “They run you through a machine to take all the bacteria out of your blood,” Mastin said. “That probably took them about four hours. Then we went into the operating room around noon.” He remembers briefly waking up that night with a ventilator down his throat and the next morning they took the tube out. “I’ve been doing OK ever since,” Mastin said. But there still are frequent, complicated and uncomfortable tests to make sure he is OK. “When they put an organ in, they have to test you often to see if you’ll reject it,” Mastin said. “That lowers your immune system to reduce the chances of rejection.” During his stay in the hospital and recuperation at the hotel next door, he was probably checked at least four times in the first week alone. “They step you down, testing two weeks, three weeks, one month, six months and a once a year, Mastin said. “After five years you have to go back every year and after 10 years they don’t worry about rejection anymore.” He can play some golf and take his boat out on Laurel River Lake, but is still not allowed to lift heavy items. He gets a little short of breath sometimes and he must take immune suppression and cholesterol reducing drugs for the rest of his life. Still, the benefits are worth the trouble. “My grandkids were at my house this morning,” Mastin said. “I really love them. You get attached to them pretty easy.” The Mastin family regularly attends services at Community Christian Church in London. “I’m a big believer in God,” Mastin said. “I never really did have any doubt. I was a little bit nervous on the helicopter ride, but I didn’t have much of a choice.” Five years later he is still taking it slow and easy. “It was probably three to four years before I was feeling good,” Mastin said. “I try to stay out of really hot or really cold weather.” Mastin said that he wants the public to understand that organs from one person can save several lives at once with the donation of a heart, kidney, liver, lungs, eyes and even skin. “That’s what a lot of people don’t understand — getting a stamp on your drivers license can really help save so many lives,” Mastin said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity. I wouldn’t have made it otherwise. A lot of people don’t get a second chance in life.” Read the entire article at....TheTimesTribune.com
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Post by Kentucky News on Aug 9, 2007 15:41:53 GMT -5
State Auditor Releases Audit of Clay County Clerk’s Fee AccountState Auditor Crit Luallen released the audit of the 2005 financial statement of Clay County Clerk, Freddy W. Thompson. State law requires the Auditor to conduct annual audits of county clerks and sheriffs. The audit found that the Clerk’s financial statement presents fairly the revenues, expenditures, and excess fees of the Clay County Clerk in conformity with the regulatory basis of accounting. The Auditor noted no instances of noncompliance. The Auditor also noted no matters involving internal control over financial reporting and its operation that were considered to be material weaknesses. The County Clerk’s responsibilities include collecting certain taxes, issuing licenses, maintaining county records and providing other services. The Clerk’s office is funded through statutory fees collected in conjunction with these duties. This report, in its entirety, can be accessed on the internet at the following site: www.auditor.ky.gov/Public/Audit_Reports/Archive/2005ClayFEC-PR.htm
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Post by ClayLive on Aug 11, 2007 14:06:02 GMT -5
Read the life story of Preacher Bill & Joyce HolemanMissionaries with KMM since 1953"This is our life's story. While reading, hopefully you will find some humor, sad circumstances, pleasant situations and challenges from God's Holy Word. Travel with us from Kansas (Bill), from Arkansas (Joyce), to California, to Kentucky. See if you, too, can find God's leading and directing throughout our lives. Be encouraged to look for Him in every situation in your life. I guarantee this book to provide you with smiles, tears, joys and challenges." Preacher Bill & Joyce HolemanCLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!
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Post by Local News on Aug 12, 2007 7:03:44 GMT -5
Manchester's former mayor accused of conspiracyBy Bill Estep, HERALD-LEADER.COMThe man who served nearly 30 years as mayor of Manchester will plead guilty to charges that he extorted kickbacks and had residents' driveways paved for free as part of a conspiracy to control the city for financial and political gain. An attorney for Daugh K. White filed a motion yesterday to rearraign the longtime mayor. That is a request to hold a new arraignment and change a plea from not guilty to guilty. White will plead guilty Monday to one conspiracy charge and one charge under which the government seeks to take $67,000 he and others allegedly got through illegal acts, according to the motion. White's move to plead guilty is a significant development in the second major case in recent years alleging corruption among prominent Clay County residents. That's not only because of the conviction, but also because prosecutors could use White as a witness against others. White's cooperation with the government is one condition of the plea deal, said his attorney, R. Burl McCoy of Lexington. McCoy said White decided to plead guilty because he did not want to put himself and his family through the stress of a trial. White, who left office at the end of 2006, is 74 and has had health problems, McCoy said. White is charged along with Todd Roberts, former Manchester assistant police chief, and Darnell Hipsher, a city council member. The indictment charges that they took part in a conspiracy that included arson, mail fraud, extortion and drug distribution while in office. White and Roberts allegedly schemed with the city-county 911 director, Vernon Hacker -- who has pleaded guilty -- to have a drug dealer burn down a vacant house that was blocking the way of a city construction project in 1999. The three paid the arsonist with cocaine and protected his drug-dealing for years, the indictment charged. But McCoy said the acts White will admit committing as part of the conspiracy involve extortion and illegal blacktopping, not the arson and drug allegations. The extortion charge in the indictment said White demanded kickbacks from a contractor doing business with the city. It did not name the person or company. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen C. Smith sought to introduce evidence that, as part of the scheme, White rigged the contracts by declaring non-existent emergencies or issuing job-change orders so the contractor wouldn't have to bid on the projects. The contractor got eight jobs from May 2004 to October 2006, Smith said in a motion. White's son Kennon -- who got a high-paying city job under his father -- collected cash payments from the contractor, the motion said. On the illegal blacktopping allegation, the indictment said that in late 2005, White and Hipsher told a paving contractor, Elmo Greer and Sons Inc. of Laurel County, to pave 32 private drives without drawing up contracts or billing the owners. Allegations that politicians provided free roadwork to gain votes or help friends are not uncommon in Kentucky. When state auditors found out about the work in April 2006, White and Hipsher tried to cover up the problem by sending bills to 11 people, committing fraud by mailing the bills, the indictment said. If White had gone to trial and been convicted on all charges, the maximum sentence would have been life, according to the indictment. It is hard to tell at this point what his sentence will be under the plea. Because he is admitting guilt under a racketeering charge, it's not clear what conduct will be counted against him in determining a sentencing range, McCoy said. If U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves decides the arson and drug allegations were part of White's conduct even though he didn't admit engaging in those acts, he could still face a sentence of 20 years, McCoy said. "We certainly hope it'll be less," he said. White, whose family once owned a Manchester car dealership, was a political power in the city and Clay County for many years. His father and brother served as mayor before him; White won the office in November 1978 and held it for 28 years, one of the longest tenures of any mayor in Kentucky. Between 1994 and 2002, Daugh White was mayor, his sister Barbara White Colter was state representative and a distant cousin, Jennings B. White, was county clerk. Jennings White and Barbara Colter lost in the 2002 Republican primary. In 2006, Daugh White lost his bid for an eighth term to Carmen Lewis, who aggressively challenged his alleged self-dealing. White was under investigation at the time. Roberts and Hipsher are scheduled for trial Aug. 21. Both have maintained that they are innocent. In addition to conspiring with White, Roberts is charged with stealing more than $5,000 confiscated as part of criminal investigations and is named in a charge that seeks to collect $1 million from him and White. In addition to conspiracy, Hipsher is charged with lying to a federal grand jury. Roberts kept his job as assistant police chief for a year after he was indicted in August 2006, but was suspended with pay. The city council fired him effective earlier this week, however, Lewis said. The case against White, Roberts and the others is the second significant federal public corruption inquiry in Clay County in the past two years. The cases have included allegations of vote-buying involving several former officeholders. In the first, Kenneth Day, a former county election commissioner, admitted running a multimillion-dollar marijuana and cocaine ring from his pawn shop. Jennings White pleaded guilty to laundering money for Day. Don Nolan, a contractor and county Democratic Party chairman, said local people have been shocked at the allegations. "We've got a lot of good people in Clay County," he said. "We're hurt. We're ashamed." Lewis, the mayor, said the black eye from the cases will fade, and the city and county will be better because of the investigations. "It'll be a lot of good that comes out of it," she said. Read the entire article at....
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Post by ClayLive on Sept 11, 2007 16:28:46 GMT -5
Blame It On Saltby Charles HouseClick Here to order!This book was written by a Clay County author.In the early 1800s when wealthy salt entrepreneurs mixed with Scotch-Irish settlers it created a volatile mix that led to Kentucky's most unique culture and county.
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Post by Kentucky News on Dec 14, 2007 21:59:46 GMT -5
Trout stockings at Bert Combs Lake advancedTrout stockings originally scheduled for January and February in several lakes across Kentucky are being moved to December due to repairs scheduled for the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery. Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan to make repairs to the hatchery’s water intake structures in January, reducing the amount of water available to the hatchery. During the repairs, the hatchery will be using water supplied by two temporary pumps. The diminished water flows to the hatchery reduces the hatchery’s holding capacity, and therefore trout must be stocked before the work begins. The hatchery, located south of Jamestown below Lake Cumberland’s Wolf Creek Dam, supplies all the trout for Kentucky stockings. As part of the new schedule, Woods Creek Lake, Cannon Creek Lake, Cranks Creek Lake, Fish Pond Lake, Bert Combs Lake, Beulah Lake and Paintsville Lake received trout last week. Lakes scheduled to receive trout this week include Mill Creek Lake, Prisoner’s Lake, Three Springs Park Lake and four lakes at Peabody Wildlife Management Area: Island, Musky, Bottom and Goose. Greenbo Lake and the Upper and Lower Sportsman’s Lakes at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Headquarters in Frankfort will receive trout stockings in January, as originally scheduled. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Local News on Dec 17, 2007 6:21:16 GMT -5
Former Hector resident celebrates 100 yearsoxfordpress.comSheridan DePew reached the century mark last month, and he has had 100 years' worth of varied experiences, too. More than half of his hundred years have been spent in Oxford, living in the home he and his sons built on Oxford-Millville Road in the late 1940s. He was one of 12 children of Gilbert and Ann DePew and he was born Nov. 16, 1907 in the community of Hector, in Clay County. He has one brother and one sister still living, a brother in Springfield, and a sister in Indiana. DePew grew up working hard, his daughter, Wanda Wilhelm, said. "Daddy began his working life using oxen to haul trees out of the forests for loggers," she said. "He later started using horses for the same purpose. He prided himself in being able to work the oxen and horses without having to hit them; they just seemed to understand what he needed." He also helped his father manufacture caskets, while his mother did the finish work inside of the casket. DePew married Mattie Edwards in Manchester and they raised seven children at the house — Archie, Leo, Woodrow, Vivian, Ruby, Douglas and Wanda. The family moved to two rental homes in Ohio, then moved to Brookville Indiana, and then to College Corner before coming to Oxford sometime around 1947 or 1948. He was a carpenter most of his life, his daughter said. "He and mother were among the first members of the First Baptist Church in Oxford," she said. "Daddy helped build the building and made sure all of us kids were there every Sunday. Prior to retiring, Daddy enjoyed fishing and working." Mattie DePew died away at the age of 86 at the house. Sheridan DePew enjoyed retirement as much as his working life, finding new interests and activities. Several years into retirement, he picked up his first bowling ball and found a new love. "He entered every Senior Citizens' tournament in the area and came out either on top or close to it every time," his daughter recalls. "He has quite an extensive collection of trophies, pins, ribbons and medals from his many victories which he treasures." He was active in the National Senior Citizens group. He bowled for the last time in Norfolk in 2003, and took second place in the nation for his age group. "His theory was that he didn't have to be the best, he just had to outlive everyone else," his daughter said. "At 100 years young, I think he probably has achieved that." A 100th birthday party was held for him and a special ceremony was held Veterans Day weekend with former Oxford mayor Jerome Conley proclaiming "Sheridan DePew Day" in honor of his many years of service and loyalty to the city of Oxford.
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Post by Local News on Dec 17, 2007 18:07:16 GMT -5
‘A Kentucky Christmas’ sure to delight even the biggest ScroogesBy Sharon Kidd, sentinel-echo.comAnne ShelbyIt’s a holiday buffet of delicious reading. “A Kentucky Christmas” is a book written by 67 authors, all with different memories of a mountain Christmas. Lexington author George Ella Lyon has collected short stories, poems, songs and recipes from across the state and compiled a volume that gives us a taste of traditions belonging to our Appalachian culture. If you look at the table of contents, you will recognize the name Anne Shelby. Shelby is a newspaper columnist in Clay County. Her Kentucky Christmas story, “Jack Hunts Christmas” is a traditional Jack tale about Christmas beans and a search for a Christmas that is coming to everyone’s house but Jack’s. He embarks on a journey where he finds a magic basket, a talking white bear, and enough generosity to satisfy his whole family. It is delightful and insightful. Shelby also writes poems, plays, and children’s books including, “Homeplace” and “The Adventures of Molly Whuppie and Other Stories with an Appalachian accent.” This book contains the richness and diversity that makes it a treasured volume for all ages.
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Post by Kentucky News on Dec 27, 2007 11:26:24 GMT -5
Jobless rates fall in 106 counties from November 2006 to November 2007Unemployment rates fell in 106 Kentucky counties between November 2006 and November 2007, rose in 12 counties and remained the same in two counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education Cabinet. Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.4 percent. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Fayette and Warren counties, 3.5 percent each; Jessamine County, 3.7 percent; Boone County, 3.8 percent; Madison, Mason, Oldham and Scott counties, 3.9 percent each; and Bourbon, Franklin and Kenton counties, 4 percent each. Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 9.2 percent. It was followed by Wolfe County, 8.8 percent; Clay County, 8.7 percent; Harlan and Magoffin counties, 8.5 percent each; Owsley County, 7.5 percent; Morgan County, 7.3 percent; and Bell, McCreary and Menifee, 7.1 percent each. 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
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Post by Local News on Jan 4, 2008 10:04:30 GMT -5
Corbin, London first babies born to Clay County nativesBy Samantha Swindler, thetimestribune.comEmma Grace Torres wasn’t supposed to come into the world Tuesday morning, and her mother had hoped she wouldn’t — just yet. “She was three weeks early,” said her mother, Rebecca Marion. “She was due the 20th so we weren’t prepared at all.” But after experiencing pains throughout the evening, Rebecca went to the hospital at about 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2007. She gave birth to Emma at 8:50 a.m. Jan. 1, 2008 — and Emma became the first baby born at Baptist Regional Medical Center in 2008. BRMC delivers an average of 70-80 babies a month, but the first baby of the year always receives special gift baskets with items donated by local businesses. Rebecca is originally from Manchester, but she now lives in London, where she is a full-time mom. She and Emma’s father, Jason Torres, plan to marry, she said, though they have yet to set a date. Part 2 MarymountBy Brad Hicks, thetimestribune.comWhile she entered the world two days early, it was just in time for Lillian Rose Gilbert to become the first baby born in Laurel County in 2008. At 6:04 a.m. Tuesday, Lillian was born to Tabitha Allen and Shawn Gilbert in Marymount Medical Center in London. Being a New Year’s Day baby is not unfamiliar territory for Tabitha, as she herself was one 25 years ago. Though she will share a birthday with her newborn daughter, Tabitha has hardly had time to reflect upon the uniqueness of it. “It’s crazy,” she said. “I haven’t really thought about it.” Tabitha and Shaun’s other child, Gracie Gilbert, was also there to welcome her little sister into the world. Tabitha is originally from the Clay County area, but both Shaun and Gracie were also born in Marymount Medical Center. The couple learned they would be having a girl about four months ago, but did not have a gender preference. They arrived at the hospital at around 3 a.m. Tuesday. Tabitha was in labor for only around three hours.
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Post by Local News on Jan 9, 2008 21:09:34 GMT -5
FARMER SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM AS KENTUCKY AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONERAgriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, right, takes the oath of office from District Judge Renee Muncy with help from wife Rebecca, center, and sons Tate and Thomas, front left to right, and oldest son Trey. (Photo by Chris Aldridge)Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer pledged to work with Kentucky leaders of every political persuasion to build on the gains that Kentucky agriculture has made in the past four years and meet the challenges facing the Commonwealth. Commissioner Farmer spoke during ceremonies at the Capitol in which he was sworn into office for a second four-year term. “Kentucky agriculture is more prosperous, more diversified and more united than at any time in its history,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Working with members of the General Assembly, with agricultural leaders from across Kentucky, and with businesses large and small, we have seen Kentucky agriculture make tremendous strides over the past four years.” Commissioner Farmer recounted the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s achievements in his first term, including the new state motor fuel lab, the KDA’s contributions of $300,000 to Kentucky FFA and 4-H, and the growth of the Kentucky Proud movement, which generated an estimated $80 million in retail sales in 2007. He said he looked forward to working with Governor Steve Beshear, Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo and the Kentucky General Assembly on issues such as health care and energy, and he called on them to continue to dedicate 50 percent of Kentucky’s tobacco settlement funds to agricultural diversification. “When I think about how far we’ve come in the last four years, I’m very proud,” Commissioner Farmer said. “When I think about how together we can meet the challenges of the next four years, I can only say, I just can’t wait. My fellow Kentuckians, for our great Commonwealth, the best is yet to come.” Commissioner Farmer is congratulated by David Beck, executive director of Kentucky Farm Bureau, after being sworn in for a second four-year term. (Photo by Chris Aldridge)The preceding press release was from Manchester resident and Commissioner Richie Farmer and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
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Post by Local News on Jan 18, 2008 23:38:32 GMT -5
Former Clay County state trooper sentenced to prisonBy Beth Musgrave, kentucky.comShe knew almost immediately that something was amiss with Kentucky State Police Trooper Jason O'Bannon. He called her frequently, even trying to track her down at her parents' home. The first time she agreed to work as an undercover informant -- making drug buys for him -- he asked her to pull up her bra so he could fondle her breast. And then he exposed himself to her, she said. The woman told U.S. District Judge Jennifer Coffman Thursday in federal court in Lexington that although O'Bannon had pleaded guilty only to a charge related to forcing her to kiss him, his conduct went far beyond that. He was a police officer who preyed on her, she said. Federal prosecutors said the woman's identity should remain confidential because of her work as an informant. Coffman sentenced O'Bannon on Thursday to 10 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay a $3,000 fine and restitution to the victim. Coffman also asked that O'Bannon receive a sex-offender risk assessment and mental health counseling. O'Bannon will be on probation for two years. He is to report to prison by March 3. Before being sentenced, O'Bannon told Coffman that the past 18 months have been some of the darkest moments of his life, and that he had apologized to the victim and his own family. Coffman told O'Bannon that she thought his apology was sincere but that she had to impose a sentence that was appropriate. "Mr. O'Bannon, you were a law enforcement officer; you were to uphold the law," Coffman said. O'Bannon, who had been a state trooper since 1996, resigned shortly after agreeing to plead guilty in August to two counts -- tampering with a witness and deprivation of rights under the color of law. According to court documents, O'Bannon, 33, persuaded a fellow police officer to lie to investigators about his involvement with the woman. O'Bannon originally told federal investigators that the woman had come to his home and had offered sexual favors in return for a reduced sentence. In fact, he had asked the woman, who was charged with a drug crime and then agreed to become an undercover informant, to come to his home to discuss her work. He then forced her to kiss him, court documents say. O'Bannon later changed his story, and so did the police officer who lied on O'Bannon's behalf. The name of that police officer was not disclosed in court documents. Court documents and testimony indicated that the woman who testified Thursday was not the only woman who had had problems with O'Bannon. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Dicken told Coffman that there were other sexual allegations against O'Bannon, but those allegations took place too long ago -- and exceeded the statute of limitations -- or the allegations could not be proved. Court documents show that the state police and the FBI began investigating O'Bannon in the summer and fall of 2006 after they learned of allegations "by females who claimed that (O'Bannon) used his authority as a police officer to coerce them, or attempt to coerce them, into performing sexual acts with O'Bannon in exchange for O'Bannon reducing or dismissing drug charges against them," according to a plea agreement entered in August. O'Bannon worked out of Clay County, but Dicken declined to say after Thursday's hearing whether O'Bannon was involved in an investigation of public corruption in Manchester that eventually netted former Manchester Mayor Daugh White as well as several other city leaders.
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Post by Kentucky News on Jan 24, 2008 22:41:25 GMT -5
Clay County has fifth worst unemployment in stateUnemployment rates rose in 74 Kentucky counties between December 2006 and December 2007, fell in 33 counties and remained the same in 13 counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Education Cabinet. Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 10.1 percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 10 percent; Menifee County, 9.6 percent; Spencer County, 9.2 percent; Clay County, 9 percent; Harlan and Owsley counties, 8.9 percent each; Wolfe County, 8.8 percent; Morgan County, 8.2 percent; and McCreary County, 7.9 percent. Fayette and Woodford counties recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.7 percent each. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Warren County, 3.8 percent; Jessamine County, 4.2 percent; Bourbon, Madison and Scott counties, 4.3 percent each; Franklin County, 4.4 percent; and Boone and Daviess counties, 4.5 percent each. 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. Learn more about the Office of Employment and Training at www.workforce.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Local News on Jan 25, 2008 11:57:14 GMT -5
March Martial Arts Madnessdragonslist.comSaturday March 15th at 11:00, at the Clay County Middle School Gym. Hosted by the Silver Dragon Martial Arts Academy and the Alliance. Schools that sign up before Feb 15th will have their school logos included on the Official tournament t-shirt. Events will include: Sparring, Forms, Weapons Forms, Soft Swords, Soft Knives, Musical Forms, Demonstations, and more! For more information go to silverdragonma.com. General cost is $30.00 for the 1st two events, and then $5.00 for each additional event past the 2nd. Web sign-up is $30.00 for all of the events. Spectators will pay $4.00.
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Post by ClayLive on Mar 4, 2008 20:59:03 GMT -5
Rogers Announces Nearly $75,000 for Clay County Health CareHal RogersU.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $74,000 to develop a rural health care network led by Manchester Memorial Hospital in Clay County. The federal Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant integrates clinical, information, administrative, and financial systems across members. A health network enables various health care organizations to work together to increase patient service and support functions. “Integrating medical services enables the health-care community to serve regions more efficiently,” said Rogers. “I am pleased to see the federal health department investing in our region’s rural health care needs.” The ultimate goal of establishing a rural health network is to strengthen the health care delivery system at the community, regional, and state level by improving the viability of the individual providers in the network. Grant funds typically are used to acquire staff, contract with technical experts, and purchase resources to build and operate the network. Manchester Memorial Hospital, an acute care, non-profit hospital, has been providing healthcare to Clay County and surrounding communities since 1971. The preceding press release was from United States Representative Hal Rogers.
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Post by Local News on Mar 5, 2008 17:25:20 GMT -5
Weather service seeks observers in Eastern KentuckyBy Shawntaye Hopkins, kentucky.comEastern Kentuckians are needed to collect crucial weather information that helps people decide whether to grab an umbrella, lace up the snow boots or simply stay indoors. Cooperative Observer Program participants send precipitation totals and temperatures to the National Weather Service each day via Internet or phone. The details help the weather service obtain and report an accurate picture of conditions in that area. Information from observers helps the weather service to issue appropriate advisories, and it is posted online for anyone’s use. But it’s not a job for goof-offs. It’s a long-term volunteer commitment that helps the National Weather Service verify forecasts and stay updated on weather conditions. The observers make sure meteorologists miles away aren’t reporting 2 inches of snow in an observer’s community when there really is 6 inches. During the worst conditions, the observers could be called on day or night for help. “A good volunteer is getting very hard to find,” said David Stamper, observation program leader in Jackson. “We want dedicated people who are going to do it.” Eula Skidmore, 81, of Slade has been dedicated to recording precipitation totals at her home for about 23 years. She volunteered because there wasn’t a weather service in Jackson at the time, and Louisville meteorologists needed help in the area. “It’s not always easy to get up early in the morning and do it,” Skidmore said. But, Skidmore said, she enjoys being a local expert on weather conditions. She’s received calls from businesses interested in rainfall totals for the week or month. And about four years ago she warned management at the Red River Historical Museum in Clay City about flooding that had already started in her community. “I think it’s interesting to know and keep a record for my own self, and I feel like it helps other people too,” Skidmore said. The weather service has at least one observer in each county; some large counties have more. Observers are needed in London (Laurel County) for a midnight recording and in Owingsville (Bath County), Frenchburg (Menifee County), Campton (Wolfe County), McKee (Jackson County), Alice Lloyd College or Hindman (Knott County), Manchester (Clay County), and inside the city limits of Irvine (Estill County). Most of the volunteers are asked to report information to the weather service before 9 a.m. each day, Stamper said. He said Jackson currently has about 60 cooperating weather observers. They include citizen and groups such as Kentucky State Police and a local Somerset radio station. Many of Jackson’s volunteers are retirees. Some are farmers and others interested in the weather. Some observers call the weather service with reports before going to work in the morning. Several of Jackson’s volunteers, including recent recipients of awards given for providing quality reports, have been weather observers for decades. “You gotta be dedicated,” said Jeff Carico, a hydrometeorological technician at the weather service in Jackson. “They are really providing a community service.” The dedication has been recognized with top weather service awards for Kentucky’s observers. Those honors include the Thomas Jefferson Award, given to no more than five recipients nationwide annually for outstanding achievements, and the John Campanius Holm Award, given to no more than 25 people annually. Last year, Skidmore won a Holm award.
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Post by Local News on Mar 5, 2008 17:28:09 GMT -5
Bill would ban anonymous Web commentspolwatchers.typepad.comTim CouchKentuckians couldn't post anonymous comments to Web sites anymore under House Bill 775, filed Tuesday by Rep. Tim Couch, R-Hyden. Couch's bill would require anyone who contributes to a Web site to register their real name, address and e-mail address with that Web site. Their full name then would be used whenever they posted a comment. Web site operators who violated the disclosure law would be fined $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense. Couch on Wednesday readily acknowledged that his bill raises First Amendment issues regarding free speech, so he won't be pushing it. But he wanted to call attention to the phenomenon of unkind and often untrue comments about people being posted online by Kentuckians hiding behind the cloak of anonymity. "Some nasty things have been said about high school kids in my district, usually by other kids," Couch said. "The adults get in on it, too." "When you're anonymous, you can say anything you want to about someone and nobody knows who you are," he said. Couch said he, too, has been the subject of anonymous online roasting, and while he doesn't enjoy it, he doesn't think there's much the legislature can do about it. "I think right now (online posting) is pretty much just on its own. It's a machine that's going to go its own way," Couch said. "The state can try to pass some rules, but I don't really think it would do anything."
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Post by Kentucky News on Mar 13, 2008 16:19:46 GMT -5
Jobless rates down in 88 counties from January 2007 to January 2008Clay County listed with fourth highest unempoyment in stateUnemployment rates fell in 88 Kentucky counties between January 2007 and January 2008, rose in 24 counties and remained the same in eight counties, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of thue Education Cabinet. Fayette and Woodford counties recorded the lowest jobless rates in the commonwealth at 4.2 percent each. Other counties with low unemployment rates were Warren County, 4.6 percent; Boone and Jessamine counties, 4.8 percent each; Madison and Scott counties, 4.9 percent each; Bourbon and Boyd counties, 5.1 percent each; and Henderson and Union counties, 5.2 percent each. Jackson County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 12.1 percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 11.2 percent; Menifee County, 10.9 percent; Clay County, 10.4 percent; Morgan County, 10.1 percent; Wolfe County, 10 percent; Bath County, 9.7 percent; Lewis County, 9.6 percent; and Harlan and Lawrence counties, 9.4 percent each. 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. Learn more about the Office of Employment and Training at www.workforce.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from
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Post by ClayLive on Mar 15, 2008 19:42:00 GMT -5
Smith Family reunion!!The Relatives of Vernan and Martha Betsy Smith all are welcome to join us for our first annual family reunion to be held on April 5th, 2008 at the Stinson and Rawlings Park on Memorial Drive, in Manchester, kentucky starting at 12 noon. Come and see the family you haven't seen in years or the ones you haven't seen at all. There will be a live band and music present for you to enjoy. Also there will be lots of games such as a horseshoe terminate for the adults, a hot dog eatting contest, sack race, the best pie contest and many more games to win prizes in. There will be a quilt raffle and family reunion t-shirts for sale. All proceeds will go to our next family reunion. Please bring a dish of your choice to share with others. If we all bring a dish there will be plenty food to go around.
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Post by Local News on Mar 19, 2008 11:46:57 GMT -5
Chad's Hope Center Openswymtnews.com(L-R) Congressman Hal Rogers, Charlie McWhorter, Ken Bolin, Frank Peters, Carmen Lewis and Michael Brown cut the ribbon at the dedication of Chad's Hope Center.Many eastern Kentuckians have high expectations for a new drug abuse treatment center in Clay County. Chad's Hope Center was made possible by a partnership between local government and religious leaders, and Tuesday's open house was bittersweet for the father who donated 80 acres of land for the facility. Charlie McWhorter's wife isn't here to see their dream of Chad's Hope Center become a reality. But the treatment facility named in honor of their son, who died of a drug overdose, gives McWhorter hope for other families. “Is important to me that something good come from something that was tragic. It can happen to anybody's family,” Charlie said. The 55-bed center is already home to four men trying to turn their lives around. “The hope that Charlie had for Chad can be re-birthed and reborn in so many other of your children,” Representative Hal Rogers said. Brian Rose beat his addiction 633 days ago. His work as a counselor here helps him stay sober. “Plus I know where they've been, I know most of their thoughts and just seeing their families come back in and seeing the hope come back in to their life, because it is possible but we get to a point where we don't believe it is possible,” Rose said. Daily journals and support groups are just the beginning of what McWhorter hopes will become the greatest memorial to his son. Those who helped plant the seed for Chad's Hope, believe that will happen for years to come. www.chadshopeky.com
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Post by Kentucky News on Mar 20, 2008 8:16:22 GMT -5
Judges successfully mediate felony cases for first time in Clay CountyFor the first time in Clay County, judges used mediation to successfully settle 18 out of 19 felony cases Friday. The mediation was coordinated through an Administrative Office of the Courts program designed to reduce court caseloads. Senior Judges Charles W. Boteler Jr., Stephen A. Hayden and Steve K. Mershon, who are trained mediators, worked to resolve the cases on behalf of Circuit Judge Oscar Gayle House, who serves Clay, Jackson and Leslie counties. Senior judges are retired judges who receive an enhanced retirement benefit for filling in when a sitting judge dies or retires and in circumstances that lead to unusually congested dockets. The judges, working separately, addressed 19 cases on the dockets for Clay, Jackson and Leslie counties, settling all but one of them. Defendants in the cases were accused of offenses including burglary, drug trafficking, theft, assault, fleeing and evading law enforcement, and manufacturing methamphetamine. The defendant and prosecution in each case volunteered to participate in mediation. Of the cases settled, all 18 defendants pleaded guilty, some to charges that prosecutors agreed to amend from felonies to misdemeanors. Other defendants agreed to terms to settle their cases, such as paying restitution or completing a Drug Court program. Prosecutors dismissed charges in some cases so defendants would plead guilty to other crimes with which they were charged. At least one defendant pleaded guilty to all charges. In the one unsettled case, which involved theft by unlawful taking of more than $300, the parties did not reach an agreement. Following mediation, the parties went before Judge House, who ruled in the cases based on the agreements reached in mediation. The judge, who has the authority to accept or refuse resolutions agreed upon in mediation, accepted all of the settlements. Judge House deemed the mediations successful, saying they saved time and money and satisfied everyone involved. “The defendants loved it. People actually listened to them. They said that people would listen to them in court too, but it would be a jury that might sentence them to 50 years,” he said. “The Commonwealth loved it too. We very seldom leave court with people who are happy, but we did. It was phenomenal." Judge House contacted the AOC’s Division of Mediation about setting up mediation for felony cases in his circuit in order to conclude some of the more than 400 cases on the burgeoning dockets in Clay, Jackson and Leslie counties and possibly reduce populations in area jails, which are bursting at the seams, he said. The cases the judges settled Friday would have taken six to eight weeks of work by the court, deputy clerks and others had they been handled traditionally, Judge House said. “Really, it boggles my mind. I’m thrilled to death,” Judge House said. “It was very productive and very successful.” Mediation is an informal process in which a neutral third party facilitates the resolution of a dispute between two or more parties and is commonly used to resolve civil cases. The AOC also has the CAMP, or Court Annexed Mediation Program, in nine counties for mediating misdemeanors and some family law cases. However, prior to Clay County, judges in only two other Kentucky circuits previously used mediation to address felony cases: Chief Circuit Judge Anthony W. Frohlich, who serves Boone and Gallatin counties and was the first in Kentucky to use mediation as a method for settling felonies, and Chief Circuit Judge Marc I. Rosen, who serves Boyd County. The mediation process is designed to help disputing parties reach an agreement on all or part of the issues in dispute. Decision-making authority remains with the parties, not the mediator. The mediator assists the parties in identifying issues, fostering joint problem solving and exploring settlement alternatives. In criminal mediation, the mediator, defendant, prosecutor, defense attorney and sometimes the crime victim are present. The judges who conducted mediations in Clay County mediated Thursday in Boyd County, with the addition of Chief Senior Judge William J. Wehr. Judge Wehr helped the AOC’s Division of Mediation coordinate the effort to mediate felony cases in both counties and helped train the judges. The mediation in Boyd County also went well, with the judges settling eight of the 12 cases on the docket. Judge Hayden said mediation saves money by resolving cases that could otherwise go on for days in court. The method works, in many cases, because – as Judge House pointed out – it gives people a chance to have their say, he said. “Sometimes it’s just giving people the opportunity to voice their concerns,” Judge Hayden said. “A lot of times, people feel like they are not being heard. But in mediation, they feel like, ‘Hey, I’m being listened to.’ ” Judge Mershon agreed, adding that both sides in a felony case may prefer mediation with a senior judge to a trial because they feel there is a knowledgeable, retired judge with ostensible authority weighing in on their case. Carol Paisley, manager of the AOC’s Division of Mediation, said the division plans to continue working with judges to get felony cases handled through mediation rather than in full court when possible. “We have a process that works and we have mediators available,” said Paisley, who worked with Judge Wehr to coordinate the mediations in Clay and Boyd counties. “Now it’s just a matter of identifying the next areas to use this program, which likely will be jurisdictions with heavy caseloads and an overcrowded jail nearby. Overcrowded jails pass on significant costs to the counties and this is one tool to help reduce those costs.” The AOC in Frankfort is the operational 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. As the fiscal agent for the state court system, the AOC executes the Judicial Branch budget. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Local News on Mar 26, 2008 15:17:08 GMT -5
Manchester native writes about her 'Beautiful Journey'By Linda Stahl, courier-journal.comThank goodness Lucille Carloftis, the matriarch of the Carloftis family of Rockcastle County has recorded her unique story in the memoir, A Beautiful Journey. She takes us back to the days before interstate highways -- when tourists traveled scenic roads at a leisurely pace looking for inviting places and people. On U.S. 25 near the town of Livingston in southeastern Kentucky, travelers found the Carloftis family operating Fort Sequoyah along the banks of the Rockcastle River. It was a full-scale replica of a 1700s Cherokee Indian village populated by Indians who came from all over the country to perform and demonstrate their skills. Fort Sequoyah was the creation of Lucille and her husband, Carlo, 13 years her senior. He hailed from Pineville, where he had been in the restaurant business, and when they married, he had entrepreneurial yearnings. Soon the young couple, who admired American Indian culture, found themselves re-creating an Indian way of life. They did so without benefit of electricity and water. The Carloftises lived a life close to nature as they raised six children and operated their tourism attraction. Lucille's appreciation for nature comes through when she writes about falling asleep "to the sounds of croaking bullfrogs and the lonesome calls of the whippoorwill." Her memoir is about a succession of businesses on the Carloftis property along U.S. 25, but it also is about her three sons and three daughters, their relationship to the landscape and the people who came there. After the Indian village, the couple erected a 19th Century riverboat town with a paddle-wheeler called the Rockcastle Queen offering cruises. The impact of the opening of Interstate 75 in 1969 rates an entire chapter. Lucille, who grew up in Manchester, weaves in vivid recollections of her days attending a one-room school and describes her decision to attend college after her youngest child started school. After graduation in 1981, she became an elementary schoolteacher in Livingston. While pursuing her teaching career, her husband of 44 years died, and the affection of her students helped her through that rocky period. "Children would stop halfway down the hall, give me a quick hug and then pass on by without a word. Through the grace of God, family, friends and help from these little healing arms, I slowly recovered," she writes. Lucille never lost the business acumen she developed as a young married woman. Today she is proprietor of the Rockcastle River Trading Co., an upscale home and garden store located on the same propriety where Fort Sequoyah once thrived. One of her sons, Jon Carloftis, a highly acclaimed garden designer, famous in Manhattan for his more than 50 rooftop gardens, oversees the business operation. Should you get off I-75 at exit 49 and visit the store, you will likely find Lucille Carloftis doing what she has done so well for so long -- warmly welcoming travelers.
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Post by Kentucky News on Mar 27, 2008 21:20:26 GMT -5
Stivers Led Committee Unanmiously Passes Cybersafety LegislationRobert StiversAttorney General Jack Conway today thanked the Senate Judiciary Committee for unanimously passing House Bill 367, legislation that he drafted, which was sponsored by Rep. Johnny Bell (D-Glasgow), that strengthens Kentucky laws prohibiting internet child predators, cybercrimes and other modern law-enforcement challenges. “I want to thank Sen. Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), the chair of the Judiciary Committee, for his leadership from day one on this important issue,” General Conway said. “Thanks to his leadership and the support of Sen. David Williams (R-Burkesville), we have a chance to bring our laws up to date with changes in technology and put together a bill that will help keep Kentucky families safe. I appreciate the good faith and bipartisan manner in which this bill was handled. It’s simply about protecting children in every corner of Commonwealth. House Bill 367 will now be considered by the full Senate. House Bill 367House Bill 367 prohibits registered sex offenders from using social-networking websites that are frequented by minors, like MySpace and Facebook. Passage of this bill will allow Kentucky prosecutors to criminally charge sex offenders removed from the sites. Since May of last year, MySpace has removed the profiles of 40,000 sex offenders; 350 of those were from Kentucky. The legislation also requires that sex offenders update their email addresses and online identifiers with the registry in a similar fashion as they update their physical addresses. The email addresses and online profiles will be available in a searchable database that will be accessible to the public. Email addresses will be removed from individual pages on the registry because of the concern that sex offenders may use these email addresses to communicate with each other or create online communities. These changes will bring the registry into compliance with the federal Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. The bill amends Kentucky’s stalking statute to include cyberstalking, recognizing that threats or harassment can take place online and in person. The the loophole in current law by clarifying that is a crime for a person to transmit live sexually explicit images of themselves to minors over the Internet via webcam or other technological devices. Police will also be able to seize personal property, such as a computer or car, which has been used in the commission of online sexual offenses against children. In addition to the cybersafety legislation, Attorney General Conway has pledged to create an Internet Crimes Unit that will be operational this spring. The group will investigate crimes committed online, from scams to solicitation of minors. For more information about cybersafety, visit www.ag.ky.gov. The preceding press release was from
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Post by Local News on Apr 13, 2008 15:04:59 GMT -5
Miley Cyrus in Clay County for ‘Save the Children’disneysociety.comCLICK HERE to watch the video on YouTube. Miley Cyrus and her father Billy Ray Cyrus traveled to Clay County, Kentucky to film a short documentary in support of the charity “Save the Children“. You can see Miley Cyrus on “Idol Gives Back” by clicking on the link above.
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Post by Local News on May 15, 2008 18:31:18 GMT -5
Math Made Easy — Caring + energetic = Kim SmithBy Tara Kaprowy, sentinel-echo.comKim Smith will be the first to tell you she hates being interviewed. But after being named one of the London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce’s teachers of the year, she seems resigned to the fact that she’ll have to talk about herself. It’s a halting process — full of double backs and self edification. But once she touches on the satisfaction that comes from being a teacher, things start to flow more easily. Smith’s greatest gratification comes from knowing she’s making a difference. “Just today one of the teachers told me that an eighth grade student had written about me for his writing portfolio,” she said. “He said I had stayed after him all the time. He said he didn’t like me at the time, but realized now he sure did learn a lot. It’s things like that — when things come back and they tell you later. When they realize when you’ve been there for them. And what you did is because you care about them.” Smith, 45, started teaching at South Laurel Middle School four years ago, after more than 15 years of working at a school in her native Clay County. The move was a practical one. Not only was Smith’s old school closing, her family had already planted new roots in Laurel County. “My husband teaches (at South Middle),” she said. “My son was going to go into sixth grade here. God just worked everything out at the right time.” Indeed, a position for a sixth grade math teacher — Smith’s grade and subject of choice — opened. Smith went into education thanks to the influence of her granny, Virgie H. Smith. “She was a teacher for 43 years,” Smith said. “She was my inspiration. She always had a lot of good advice.” After graduating from Eastern Kentucky University with her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, she went on to earn her master’s degree from Union College and her Rank 1 at EKU. She zeroed in on teaching math because of her love for the subject and her desire to untie the complexities associated with the oft-dreaded subject. “I want to make math simple for my students so they can really understand it — not just the process of it,” she said. “I know kids have trouble with it and I want to make it as simple for them so they can succeed at it.” To help her students, Smith uses constant oral repetition and coins attention-getting phrases to both trigger permanent learning and create a dynamic atmosphere. “I try to be real energetic,” she explained. “I’m very structured. I’m strict, but I care. They really know that.” Smith also has standards she expects her students to meet. “Everyone in my room participates,” she said. “I tell them I have real high expectations.”
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Post by Local News on May 21, 2008 8:04:35 GMT -5
Stepp finishes fourth in seven man fieldBy Jack Brammer, kentucky.comAfter two unsuccessful attempts to get his party’s nomination to be governor of Kentucky, Louisville businessman Bruce Lunsford turned back six challengers, including Kenneth Stepp of Manchester, Tuesday to get the Democratic Party’s nod to run against Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell for U.S. Senate in November. McConnell, who is only the second Kentuckian to lead his party in the U.S. Senate, faced only token opposition in Tuesday’s GOP primary election in Whitley County truck driver Daniel Essek. Lunsford’s chief rival in Tuesday’s Democratic contest was Louisville businessman Greg Fischer, who ran TV ads questioning Lunsford’s business practices and his endorsement of Republican Ernie Fletcher over Democrat Ben Chandler in the 2003 governor’s race. Lunsford dropped out of that race only days before the Democratic primary election. He also was unsuccessful in his bid last year forOther Democrats running limited campaigns in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate were: Prospect physician Michael Cassaro, Amazon.com warehouse worker James E. Rice of Campbellsville, Manchester attorney Kenneth Stepp, retired construction company owner David Lynn Williams of Barren County, and former U.S. Postal Service employee David Wylie of Harrodsburg. U.S. SENATE - CLAY COUNTY electionresults.ky.govDemocratic Primary ResultsBruce Lunsford 268 48.5% Greg Fischer 145 26.2% James E. Rice 58 10.5% Kenneth Stepp 44 8.0% David L. Williams 28 5.1% Michael Cassaro 7 1.3% David Wylie 3 0.5% Mitch McConnellRepublican Primary ResultsMitch McConnell 2,079 83.8% Daniel Essek 402 16.2% Couch to return to FrankfortTim CouchIn other races, several incumbents won primaries and won't face opponents in the fall, including Rep. Tim Couch, R-Hyden, in the 90th District, Rep. Marie Rader, R-McKee, in the 89th and longtime Rep. Charles Siler, R-Corbin. Although he ended up in a tight race, Siler defeated challenger Dewayne Bunch. KY REPRESENTATIVE 90TH DIST - CLAY COUNTYelectionresults.ky.govRepublican Primary ResultsTim Couch 1,967 68.5% Urshell Smith 860 29.9% Ronnie L. Melton 45 1.6% Adkins to face off with Stivers in fallRobert StiversIn the 25th District, Michael "Whitey" Adkins of West Liberty got nearly twice the votes as Pete M. Frye, of Campton, in the Democratic primary for the seat, which serves Clay, Knox, Lee, Magoffin, Morgan, Owsley and Wolfe counties. Adkins will attempt to unseat Republican State Sen. Robert Stivers of Manchester in the fall election. Incumbent Stivers ran unopposed in Tuesday's Republican primary. KY SENATOR 25TH DIST - CLAY COUNTYelectionresults.ky.govDemocratic Primary ResultsMichael "Whitey" Adkins 348 73.1% Pete M. Frye 128 26.9% U.S. PRESIDENT - CLAY COUNTYDemocratic Primary ResultsHillary Clinton 553 85.2% Barack Obama 68 10.5% "UNCOMMITTED" 15 2.3% John Edwards 13 2.0% Republican Primary ResultsJohn McCain 1,897 73.8% "UNCOMMITTED" 220 8.6% Mike Huckabee 216 8.4% Ron Paul 137 5.3% Mitt Romney 48 1.9% Rudolph W. Giuliani 31 1.2% Alan Keyes 20 0.8%
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Post by Local News on Jun 7, 2008 9:35:27 GMT -5
Asher Sizemore & Little JimmieCountry music star Asher Sizemore was born in Manchester on June 6, 1906. During the depression years of the 1930s, Sizemore and his son, Little Jimmie, were very popular radio personalities, broadcasting mostly from Louisville. Jimmie was only about 5 years old when they started singing together. He won the hearts of children and adults everywhere as he sang songs like "Chawin’ Gum" or when he signed the show off with "As I Lay Me Down To Sleep". They were also regulars on WSM's Grand Ole Opry from 1933 to about 1943. Asher established a very successful mail-order service for their annual books of Hearth & Home Songs. (photo above) They also made transcription disc recordings that Asher syndicated to stations throughout the south and Midwest. Listen to these old radio broadcast's, and hear Asher and Little Jimmie sing right from their hearts. CLICK HERE to hear Asher and announcer James Alderman as they sell the above mentioned song books. Folks, this is true historic country radio. Asher Sizemore died in 1973.
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Post by Local News on Jun 25, 2008 6:28:58 GMT -5
Jackson's Grandaughter weds at LMU Amphitheatermiddlesborodailynews.comThe parents of Tonya Sherrell Hubbard and Robert Welzie Skidmore announce the marriage of their children. The bride is the daughter of Dewey and Sylvia Hubbard of Cumberland Gap, Tenn. She is the granddaughter of the late G.C. Jackson and Ruth Jackson of Manchester, Ky., and the late Hobert Hubbard and Gracie Hubbard of Pineville. The bridegroom is the son of David and Carolyn Skidmore of Alanthus Hill, Tenn. He is the grandson of the late Chester “Dib” Livesay and Lucy Livesay of Alanthus Hill, and Barney and Irene Skidmore of Rose Hill, Va. Ms. Hubbard and her fianc/ are 2008 graduates of Lincoln Memorial University, and are employed as medical technologists by Covenent Health System in Knoxville, Tenn. The couple exchanged vows at an open ceremony June 21, at the LMU Amphitheater.
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Post by ClayLive on Jul 16, 2008 10:19:01 GMT -5
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