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Post by Kentucky News on Jan 25, 2012 17:30:33 GMT -5
Candidate Filing Deadline is January 31, 2012 Commonwealth News Center press release
Candidates who wish to be placed on the ballot for the May primary election must file their candidacy papers by 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Candidates for the following public offices must file with the Secretary of State’s office: • U.S. President • U.S. Senators • U.S. Representatives • State Senators in odd-numbered districts • State Representatives • Kentucky Supreme Court Justice in district 7 • Commonwealth’s attorney
In addition, candidates for the unexpired terms for Court of Appeals judge for the 4th appellate district, 1st division, and district judge for the 31st judicial district, 1st division, must file by January 31. “More than 170 candidates have already filed,” said Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, “and we anticipate more will file leading up to the deadline.” Secretary Grimes recommends candidates file in advance of the deadline in case documents are not acceptable; there currently is no opportunity to correct or re-file paperwork after 4 p.m. on January 31. Candidates may access the filing forms required to run for these offices on the Secretary of State’s website, at: app.sos.ky.gov/ElectionsDYC
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Post by Kentucky News on Jan 26, 2012 21:22:02 GMT -5
Federally mandated database to contain drivers’ health certification Commonwealth News Center press release
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2012) – Important changes are ahead for holders of a Kentucky Commercial Driver License (CDL) as the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet implements a federally mandated database project aimed at improving highway safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires CDL holders or applicants to provide medical certification that they are healthy enough to drive. As of Monday, Jan. 30, the information is to be entered into a national database – the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS). “Highway safety has been, and continues to be, a high priority of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet,” KYTC Secretary Mike Hancock said. “It is in the public interest to do what we can to ensure that CDL operators are medically fit to drive. And it is important for these operators to be aware that the licensing process has additional requirements that are going to take more time. They should not wait until their deadline for renewal.” For Kentucky CDL holders or applicants, the CDLIS modernization project means that critical information must be submitted to the KYTC Division of Driver Licensing in Frankfort before the CDL can be renewed or issued by a circuit court clerk. The required information includes a license application and a valid medical card. It also includes, as a new requirement, a “self-certification” form in which drivers or applicants state whether they will be operating in interstate commerce or only within Kentucky or engaging in transportation that is exempted from driver qualification requirements. Processing at the Division of Driver Licensing will take seven to 14 days. Circuit court clerks will no longer be able to enter medical information into an electronic record system. The cabinet is trying to ease the transition. CDL holders whose medical certifications are within 60 days of expiration are being notified of the new process by mail. First-time applicants are being sent a packet of information that explains the new process and includes the license application, medical examination report and self-certification form. Kentucky has about 150,000 CDL holders, including operators of commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs, federally placarded hazardous material vehicles, school buses and other vehicles that can carry 16 or more passengers. Information is at: transportation.ky.gov/Driver-Licensing/Pages/Applying-for-a-CDL.aspx
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Post by Kentucky News on Jan 26, 2012 21:27:42 GMT -5
Nearly 30 Arrested in Connection with Search of Pain Clinic Commonwealth News Center press release
Attorney General Jack Conway today announced the arrest of 29 people after local, state and federal authorities executed a search warrant at the Care More Pain Management Clinic in Johnson County. Investigators from the Attorney General's office, DEA, Johnson County Sheriff's department, Kentucky State Police, Paintsville Police, Prestonsburg Police and Floyd County Sheriff's department, searched the clinic as part of an ongoing investigation by the Attorney General's Office and the DEA into doctors who overprescribe pain medications. During the search, 29 people were arrested on charges of public intoxication, DUI and for outstanding warrants. The arrests were made by the Johnson County Sheriff's Department and Paintsville Police. This is the second time investigators have searched the Care More Clinic in the past year. General Conway's investigators, working with local, state and federal authorities, searched Care More and Dr. Richard Albert's Pain Management Center on February 16, 2011. A federal grand jury indicted Dr. Albert in July of 2011 on one count of conspiracy to distribute drugs without a legitimate medical purpose. It's estimated that Dr. Albert was prescribing more than 100,000 pills a month and averaged 55 patients a day. In December of 2011, Dr. Albert pled guilty in federal court to conspiring to distribute and dispense controlled substances. He is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in Pikeville on April 18, 2012. For more information on Attorney General Conway's efforts to combat prescription drug abuse in Kentucky, please visit: ag.ky.gov/rxabuseA charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Post by Kentucky News on Feb 13, 2012 17:27:22 GMT -5
Jim Gardner
Public Service Commission PSC Vice Chairman Gardner to Lead National Task Force on Environmental Policies Will represent state utility commissions’ views to federal agencies
Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) Vice Chairman Jim Gardner has been named to lead a new task force of state public service commissioners that will serve as a liaison between state utility regulators and federal environmental rule makers. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) has created the Task Force on Environmental Regulation and Generation in order to educate its members about the impacts of federal environmental rules on electric generation. The task force also will work with federal agencies, notably the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to address the implementation of federal environmental rules. NARUC President David Wright has named 10 state commissioners to serve on the task force. They are drawn from existing NARUC committees on electricity, natural gas, water, consumer issues and energy and the environment and represent Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Ohio and Utah. “I am honored to be appointed as chair of this task force,” Gardner said. “State utility commissioners bring an important perspective to the discussion about these environmental rulemakings. I look forward to working with my colleagues and am thankful for this opportunity to serve.” The group will lead NARUC’s efforts to educate its membership about Environmental Protection Agency rulemakings. The task force also will work with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to plan future meetings of the FERC-NARUC Forum on Reliability and the Environment. “This task force will be the key focal point for our members as we address the new environmental rulemakings,” NARUC President Wright said. “We must work together as a team to ensure that these rules do not inhibit reliability or overburden our consumers. “We must get this right because the stakes are so high,” he said. “We’ve got a strong balance of geographic and political diversity on this panel, and I am grateful for Commissioner Gardner’s leadership. He is stepping up at a critical time.” Gardner noted that Kentucky is already beginning to see the impact of the latest round of EPA regulations related to the use of coal as a fuel for electric generation. “These regulations are changing the way Kentucky’s electric utilities produce power,” he said. “Their impact on ratepayers will extend far into the future.’ “The challenge for utility regulators is to find ways to manage and minimize those impacts,” Gardner said. “It is my goal to make this NARUC task force instrumental in helping us meet that challenge.” NARUC is a non-profit organization founded in 1889. Its members include the governmental agencies that regulate telecommunications, energy, and water utilities in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. NARUC represents the interests of state public utility commissions before the three branches of the Federal government. The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Energy and Environment Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in Kentucky and has approximately 90 employees.
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Post by Kentucky News on Feb 15, 2012 18:02:27 GMT -5
Gold Card initiative provides post-9/11 era veterans with priority services
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Nearly 6,000 veterans residing in Kentucky will be eligible to receive priority employment services through a new Gold Card initiative. The program is made available by the U.S. Department of Labor through Kentucky’s Office of Employment and Training (OET). The Gold Card provides unemployed post-9/11 era veterans with job search services for up to six months to help them succeed in today's job market. Post-9/11 veterans who served on active duty and were discharged or released for other than a dishonorable discharge may be eligible for intensive individual services which may include job readiness assessment; development of an individual career plan; career guidance; labor market and skills transferability information; referral to job openings and registered apprenticeship opportunities; information about training providers, information about financial assistance for training; and individual assistance of an employment specialist. Veterans may apply for a Gold Card online at www.dol.gov/vets/goldcard.html or they may visit a local Kentucky Career Center to request Gold Card assistance. To find the nearest Kentucky Career Center, go to www.oet.ky.gov/office/office.asp or call (502) 564-7456. This initiative complements current programs that support veterans throughout the Commonwealth. Last year, Gov. Steve Beshear signed legislation that gives hiring preference to military veterans applying for jobs in state government. OET, an agency of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, helps individuals prepare for, secure and maintain employment; assists employers in locating and selecting the best qualified workers for their job openings; and provides income maintenance to ease the financial burden on individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own. For more information, visit www.oet.ky.gov.
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Post by Kentucky News on Feb 23, 2012 16:55:55 GMT -5
The seven justices of the Supreme Court of Kentucky are (back row, from left) Justice Will T. Scott, Justice Wil Schroder, Deputy Chief Justice Mary C. Noble, Justice Bill Cunningham, (front row, from left) Justice Lisabeth Hughes Abramson, Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. and Justice Daniel J. Venters. Photo credit: Kentucky Office of Creative Services
Supreme Court of Kentucky to hear legislative redistricting case Feb. 24 in Frankfort
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Supreme Court of Kentucky will convene Friday, Feb. 24, in Frankfort to hear oral arguments about the constitutionality of the General Assembly’s redrawing of state legislative districts. Proceedings are open to the public and will begin at 10 a.m. EST in the Supreme Court Courtroom. The courtroom is located on the second floor of the state Capitol at 700 Capitol Ave. The public may also observe oral arguments via the Supreme Court live stream on the Kentucky Court of Justice website. Oral arguments are available online as they occur in real time and are not available as archives. Justice Will T. Scott is recused in this case. The Supreme Court is the state court of last resort and the final interpreter of Kentucky law. Seven justices (bios) sit on the Supreme Court and all seven justices rule on appeals that come before the court. The justices are elected from seven appellate districts and serve eight-year terms. A chief justice, chosen for a four-year term by fellow justices, is the administrative head of the state’s court system and is responsible for its operation. The Supreme Court may order a ruling or opinion to be published, which means that the ruling becomes the case law governing all similar cases in the future in Kentucky.
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Post by Kentucky News on Feb 24, 2012 16:56:12 GMT -5
Secretary of State to Certify Candidates on Monday Commonwealth News Center press release
Today, the Kentucky Supreme Court affirmed the Franklin Circuit Court’s order that state legislative races for the 2012 election cycle shall be conducted pursuant to the boundaries that were in effect immediately prior to the enactment of House Bill 1. The Court reiterated that the filing deadline for candidates for state Senator and state Representative was February 10, 2012. Consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision and the Franklin Circuit Court’s order, the Secretary of State’s office will certify candidates to the county clerks on Monday, February 27, 2012.
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Post by Kentucky News on Mar 1, 2012 17:18:17 GMT -5
Free GED testing and National Career Readiness Certificate assessments now offered Commonwealth News Center press release
Two important education and workforce credential tests will be free to eligible Kentuckians on a first-come, first-served basis through June 30 or until funds are expended. Free GED tests and assessments to earn a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) are sponsored by Kentucky Adult Education, a unit of the Council on Postsecondary Education, and the Department of Workforce Investment, an agency of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, using federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) incentive funding. GED testing
“We are pleased to offer free testing because it will help many Kentuckians re-energize their education and careers,” said Council on Postsecondary Education President Bob King. “For many Kentuckians, earning a GED is a necessary first step toward college and a career with a family-sustaining wage.” The GED tests provide adults who did not finish high school with the opportunity to certify their attainment of high school-level academic knowledge and skills. Free GED classes are available through local adult education programs in all 120 Kentucky counties. Free testing in 2011 led to a 10 percent increase in the number of Kentuckians earning a GED. A total of 10,294 GEDs were earned in Kentucky in 2010-11. “The current economy is tough for everyone but has an even greater impact if you are looking for work and do not have your high school diploma,” said Reecie D. Stagnolia, vice president, Kentucky Adult Education. “We see this as a way to help the individual student and to help increase educational attainment in Kentucky at the same time.” Kentuckians interested in taking advantage of free classes and the time-limited free GED testing should contact the adult education center in their county to discuss how to get started. To find the local adult education center, call (800) 928-7323 or visit: www.KnowHow2GoKy.org NCRC testing
The NCRC is a national certification that indicates work readiness by administering three WorkKeys assessments: applied mathematics, locating information and reading for information. These specific workplace skills are needed in 77 percent of all jobs profiled for WorkKeys testing. “NCRC is the quantifiable tool that allows employers and economic developers to measure terms such as ‘we need a qualified workforce’ into a credential that means the same thing in Bowling Green, Ohio, Bowling Green, Virginia, and Bowling Green, Kentucky,” said Beth Brinly, commissioner of the Department of Workforce Investment. Eligible individuals can obtain free NCRC testing through local One-Stop Career Centers and adult education centers. This offer is time and space limited, so those interested should schedule through one of these testing locations early and should request a “free NCRC.” To find a One-Stop Career Center, visit: www.oet.ky.gov/des/wis/wfservices.htm
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Post by Kentucky News on Mar 29, 2012 17:29:38 GMT -5
Deadline for Independent Candidates to File is April 2, 2012 Commonwealth News Center press release
Pursuant to KRS 118.365(5) and KRS 118.367, individuals seeking to run as an independent, political organization or political group candidate for certain partisan offices must file their Statement-of-Candidacy forms no later than Monday, April 2, 2012, at 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) in order to be placed on the ballot for the November general election. There is no fee to file a Statement of Candidacy. Candidates for federal offices, nonpartisan offices, and partisan city offices of cities of the second to sixth classes are exempt from this requirement. Potential candidates should contact the Secretary of State’s office or their local county clerks to obtain the necessary paperwork. The following offices that file with the Secretary of State and are scheduled for a regular election in 2012 require the filing of a Statement of Candidacy: • State Senators in odd-numbered districts • State Representatives • Commonwealth’s attorneys for jurisdictions that include more than one county Independent, political organization and political group candidates for these offices must file petitions of nomination, with a $200 filing fee, no later than August 14, 2012. If a potential candidate was required to file a Statement of Candidacy but failed to do so, the Secretary of State and county clerks’ offices cannot accept a petition from the candidate. For more information, please visit the Secretary of State’s website at: www.sos.ky.gov
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Post by Kentucky News on Mar 29, 2012 17:42:14 GMT -5
Basketball… and More! Kentucky’s other attractions gaining attention, thanks to tournament interest Commonwealth News Center press release
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Since there is only one state with two basketball teams in the NCAA Final Four, interest in all things Kentucky continues to grow. The Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism is taking advantage of this increased interest. "Every time you turn on the TV or radio or look at the newspaper this week, you see news about Kentucky,” says Hank Phillips, deputy commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism. “And we are excited to be able to ‘ride that wave’ of publicity. We’re working to take advantage of these opportunities to showcase Kentucky to those who don’t know about the unique offerings we feature. People have heard about our basketball, horses and bourbon. Now they’re learning about some of the other exciting and varied attractions they can experience only in Kentucky, and we’re happy to provide that information.” The state’s new marketing campaign, “There’s Only One,” features the attractions, places and events that can be experienced only in Kentucky, including the Kentucky Derby, bourbon country and Horse Capital of the World. While some attractions are known worldwide, others may not have gained the attention of out-of-state visitors, even though they are well known to Kentuckians. They include the following: Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum, where major leaguers and others get their baseball bats and fans learn about the history of America’s pastime
The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green
The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville – a cultural attraction and international education center that showcases the accomplishments of “The Greatest”
Mammoth Cave, the longest recorded cave system in the world
Cumberland Falls, known as the “Niagara of the South”
International Barbecue Festival and International Bluegrass Museum, both in Owensboro
The birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn and Jefferson Davis
“There are many others, of course, including the Kentucky Horse Park and our status as the Saddlebred Capital of the World,” said Phillips, “but we also want to bring national attention to the unusual and unique places, such as Lost River Cave in Bowling Green and the Red River Gorge, a favorite for adventure lovers. Kentucky tourism attracts several million visitors a year, generates $11.3 billion in economic impact and supports 170,000 Kentucky jobs.” The entire list of “There’s Only One” attractions is available at: www.kentuckytourism.com The Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism is an agency within the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, which promotes the Commonwealth as a travel destination. Tourism in Kentucky has an economic impact of $11.3 billion, supports about 170,000 jobs and generates $1.2 billion in taxes.
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Post by Kentucky News on Mar 31, 2012 20:37:08 GMT -5
Voter Registration Deadline Approaching Commonwealth News Center press release
The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming May 22 Primary is Monday, April 23. County clerks’ offices throughout Kentucky will accept voter registration cards until the close of business on that date. Mail-in voter registration applications must be postmarked by April 23. “Voter turnout tends to be higher during presidential election years,” Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes noted. In anticipation of heightened interest, Grimes reminds Kentuckians of several important voting laws: • Changes in party affiliation for the 2012 Primary Election were due by December 31, 2011. Voters who changed their party affiliation after that date are not eligible to vote in partisan races in the Primary, although they may vote on nonpartisan races on the May Primary ballot. Since January 1, 2012, more than 7,000 voters have switched party affiliation, forfeiting their ability to vote in partisan primaries in May. Voters who changed their party affiliation after December 31, 2011, may still vote for their candidate(s) of choice in the November General Election. • Voters who have recently moved need to update their voter registration information by no later than April 23, 2012. Pursuant to KRS 116.025(6), individuals who move from one county to another county while the voter registration books are open and fail to update their registration information before the voter registration books close are not permitted to vote in the Primary. • Minors who are 17 years old but will be 18 years old on or before the General Election (November 6, 2012) are eligible to register and entitled to vote in the upcoming Primary (although they are not eligible to vote in special elections until they are 18 years old). “The success of our democratic society is premised on all eligible citizens exercising the right to vote,” said Grimes. “I hope that as many Kentuckians as are able will register and participate in the upcoming elections.” You can check your current registration status at: cdcbp.ky.gov/VICWeb/index.jspand view sample ballots at: www.sos.ky.govRegistration cards and other information about registering to vote are available at: elect.ky.govYou can also contact the State Board of Elections at (502) 573-7100 if you have any questions.
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Post by Kentucky News on Apr 6, 2012 11:54:30 GMT -5
Kick-Off to National Child Abuse Awareness Month Commonwealth News Center press release
The Kentucky Association of Children's Advocacy Centers (KACAC) kicked-off National Child Abuse Awareness Month with a celebration of hope and healing at the Capitol today. More than 5,000 pinwheels lined the front lawn to honor the child sexual abuse victims served by the state's 15 regional Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) in 2011. Pinwheels are used as the symbol for child abuse prevention. "Each pinwheel signifies a child that has suffered as a result of this heinous crime," said Deputy Attorney General Patrick Hughes. "The Attorney General's Office is committed to working hand-in-hand with Children's Advocacy Centers, social workers, prosecutors and law enforcement to protect Kentucky kids from child sexual abuse." Nationally, rates regarding child victims of rape or sexual assault range from 1.2 to 1.9 children per 1,000. Approximately one-third of all sexual assaults reported to law enforcement involved a victim under the age of 12. It is also estimated that only one in 10 victims of sexual abuse ever discloses the abuse. "The Children's Advocacy Centers of Kentucky saw a staggering number of children for services in the last fiscal year. Our hope is that these numbers indicate an increased awareness about the work of Multi-disciplinary teams and the services offered by CACs," said Meghan Wright, KACAC State Coordinator. "The events yesterday and today have been a reminder that sexual abuse remains a problem throughout the Commonwealth. Yet, these pinwheels also help us remember the tremendous work of centers and teams in the lives of 5,035 children who had extraordinary courage." Kentucky's regional CACs provide services for the investigation, treatment and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. Services include forensic interviews, medical examinations, mental health and related supported services and staffing of multidisciplinary teams. In 2011, the advocacy centers provided 3,183 forensic interviews and 1,021 medical examinations to child victims of sexual abuse. The Attorney General's Office of Victims Advocacy provides staff and support to the Kentucky Multidisciplinary Commission on Child Sexual Abuse as well as the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Board (CSAEP), CSAEP, which administers the Child Victims Trust Fund (CVTF). Revenue from the "I Care About Kids" license plates helped CVTF provide more than $58,000 to children's advocacy centers last year to defray the costs of child sexual abuse medical exams. Additionally, the fund provided $137,000 in 2011 for regional and statewide initiatives to prevent child sexual abuse. The Kentucky Multidisciplinary Commission on Child Sexual Abuse brings together front-line responders such as law enforcement, prosecutors, children's advocacy centers and social workers to develop and approve protocols] for investigating and prosecuting child sexual abuse for local multidisciplinary teams. In Fiscal Year 2011, General Conway's Office of Victims Advocacy provided resource referral and technical assistance to more than 7,000 victims and service providers. The office works to ensure that Kentucky's crime victims are treated with respect and dignity as their cases proceed through an often complicated criminal justice system.
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Post by Kentucky News on Apr 11, 2012 11:55:47 GMT -5
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month Report suspected abuse and neglect to (800) KYSAFE1 Commonwealth News Center press release
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 4, 2012) – April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and Gov. Steve Beshear and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) are reminding citizens that reporting suspected child abuse or neglect is the law. “Protecting our children should be everyone’s number one priority, and during the month of April, we are raising awareness about the warning signs of child abuse and how to report it,” Gov. Beshear said. “The Cabinet works year round to educate our families and investigate every aspect of abuse. Together, we can make Kentucky a safer place for all our children.” Kentucky law states that those who suspect child abuse or neglect must report it to the local office of the CHFS Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) or law enforcement. “Keeping kids safe is everyone’s responsibility,” said Teresa James, acting commissioner of DCBS. “Our staff takes every report seriously.” Reporting is simple, and it’s anonymous. DCBS has changed its centralized, toll-free reporting hotline to an easy-to-remember number: (800) KYSAFE1. Calls are routed to one of eight regional intake offices and from there are assigned to the appropriate county and staff for investigation. Jim Grace, assistant director of the DCBS Division of Protection and Permanency, said that in 2010, there were approximately 47,000 child abuse and neglect reports in Kentucky. Grace said many children were the focus of multiple reports. “Rarely does abuse or neglect happen just one time,” he said. After receiving a report, DCBS staff determines if the referral meets criteria for abuse. An investigation is conducted within 24 hours in most cases, but in cases where the child may be in immediate danger, a worker will investigate within the hour. Law enforcement may also become involved to investigate whether a crime has been committed or whether children need to be removed for safety. A judge makes the final decision about a child’s removal through a court order. If a family must be separated for the child’s protection, DCBS tries to reunite the family under better circumstances. “Keeping families together is our goal,” Grace said. “We want children to return home to a stronger, safer family.” Grace said a social services employee will work with families to assess strengths and needs and determine what services are available from community partners. “We try to teach families that abuse doesn’t need to be a part of their lives,” Grace said. “We can help remove barriers that prevent parents from providing for their children’s well-being.” Some reports aren’t accepted if they don’t meet criteria to warrant an investigation. “If there is a question about whether a particular situation is abuse or neglect, we always prefer the person make the call and talk over what has come to their attention,” Grace said. “Our social service workers are experts who can help callers sort things out. They collect specific information that allows us to know whether we have the authority to investigate a specific incident.” Grace said vital information to have when reporting abuse and neglect includes the child’s name, approximate age, address, parents’ names and location of the child at the time the call is made. Specific information about why you believe the child is being abused or neglected and by whom, as well as the names and phone numbers of other people who may have information about the reported abuse or neglect, is also important. If a child is in immediate danger, you should call 911 or local police, Grace said. When the caller’s concerns do not meet DCBS criteria for abuse, the family may be referred to other agencies for needed resources. For example, if a child is not appropriately clothed for the season, the family may be referred to a clothing bank. “We are committed to helping families by addressing the problems that can cause stress and lead to abuse and neglect,” he said. Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK), one of the cabinet’s community partners, is a statewide nonprofit agency whose mission is to prevent the abuse and neglect of Kentucky's children through its outreach. “Abuse and neglect are associated with short- and long-term consequences that affect not only the child and family, but also society as a whole,” said PCAK Executive Director Jill Seyfred. “PCAK gives parents and caregivers expert guidance on child safety. We’re proud to be one of DCBS’s partners in prevention.” PCAK suggests several tips to help prevent child abuse. Child Abuse Prevention Strategies — Never discipline a child when your anger is out of control. — Never leave a child unattended, especially in a car. — Learn the signs of physical abuse. Take note of bruises, cuts, burns or other injuries a child cannot explain. — Teach children the difference between “good touches,” “bad touches” and “confusing touches.” — When a child tells you he or she doesn’t want to be with someone, this could be a red flag. Listen to the child, and believe what he or she says. — Be aware of changes in a child’s behavior or attitude, and inquire about it. — Teach children what to do if you become separated while away from home. — Teach children the correct names of his or her private body parts. — Be alert for any talk that reveals premature sexual understanding. — Pay attention when someone shows greater than normal interest in a child. — Make certain that your child’s school or day care center will release him or her only to you or someone you designate. PCAK offers a toll-free hotline – (800) CHILDREN – that provides information and referrals to help prevent child abuse. Visit them online at: www.pcaky.orgLearn more about the cabinet’s efforts to prevent child abuse online at: chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dpp/childsafety.htm
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Post by Kentucky News on Apr 20, 2012 16:39:37 GMT -5
Additional Vote Buying Charges Filed against Breathitt County Schools Superintendent Commonwealth News Center press release
Attorney General Jack Conway, United States Attorney of the Eastern District, Kerry B. Harvey, and FBI Special Agent in Charge, Perrye Turner jointly announce additional charges against Breathitt County Schools Superintendent Arch Turner in connection with a vote buying conspiracy. According to a superseding indictment returned yesterday, the 66-year-old Turner of Booneville, Ky. conspired with John L. Turner, also of Booneville, to buy votes in the May 2010 primary election. The new indictment also alleges that Arch Turner influenced another individual to commit perjury. Turner allegedly instructed this individual to falsely testify before a grand jury that he had no knowledge of buying votes. Arch Turner was originally indicted on March 1, 2012 for conspiracy to buy votes in the fall 2010 election in Breathitt County. He also was charged with obstructing justice and making false statements to a federal agent. John Turner was not charged in the original indictment. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Attorney General's Office and the FBI. The Indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth R. Taylor and trial attorney Brian Lichter with the Public Integrity Section of the United States Department of Justice. The defendants' appearances before the United States District Court have not yet been set. If convicted, Arch Turner faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, and John L.Turner faces a maximum prison sentence of five years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences. A charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed until and unless proven guilty.
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Post by Kentucky News on Apr 24, 2012 19:55:38 GMT -5
Absentee Voting for Primary Election is Open Commonwealth News Center press release
Through provisions in Kentucky law that permit certain voters to cast absentee ballots prior to Election Day, voters across Kentucky are already heading to the polls, either in person or by mail. Individuals who are eligible to participate in the May 22 Primary Election via absentee ballot include: • Military personnel, their dependents, and overseas citizens • Students who temporarily reside outside the county • Other voters who temporarily reside outside of Kentucky (e.g., vacationers) • Voters who are incarcerated but have not yet been convicted • Voters whose employment takes them outside the county during all hours the polling place is open • Voters who will be out of the county on Election Day • Military personnel confined to base who learn of that confinement within seven days or less of the election • Voters and spouses of voters who have surgery scheduled that will require hospitalization on Election Day • Pregnant women in their third trimester • Precinct Election Officials • Voters of advanced age or who suffer from disability or illness Depending on the reason for casting an absentee ballot, an individual may be permitted to vote either by mail-in ballot or in person. Voters may request an absentee ballot application from their county clerk in person or via telephone, fax, or email. Applications for mail-in absentee ballots must be received by the clerk’s office by no later than May 15, 2012, and the completed absentee ballot must be received by the county clerk by 6:00 p.m. local time on Election Day. In-person absentee voting will begin in all counties no later than May 4, 2012, although county boards of elections may permit in-person absentee balloting to start earlier than that date. In-person absentee voting is conducted during the county clerk’s regular business hours on voting machines similar to those used on Election Day. In-person absentee votes must be cast by close of business on May 21. “Voting is both a right and a responsibility,” said Alison Lundergan Grimes, Kentucky’s Secretary of State and Chief Election Officer. “Our law provides a number of different methods for casting a ballot, and I hope as many people as possible will make their voices heard on Election Day.” Secretary Grimes also reminds voters that with the start of in-person absentee voting, electioneering laws are in effect in buildings where absentee voting is conducted. During polling hours, electioneering is prohibited inside the absentee voting locations, and electioneering materials may not be affixed to the interior or exterior of those buildings. Anyone with questions about absentee voting or electioneering laws should contact their county board of elections, county clerk, or the State Board of Elections. Additional information is also available online at elect.ky.gov.
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Post by Kentucky News on May 2, 2012 16:27:57 GMT -5
Division of Water provides guidelines for removal of creek gravel from streams Commonwealth News Center press release
Reports of excessive gravel removal from Kentucky streams have prompted the Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) to reiterate creek gravel extraction guidelines to minimize impacts on the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the waterway. Creek gravel is used by road departments, construction companies and private landowners in a variety of ways. However, when gravel is removed from the stream channel in an environmentally unsound manner, the disturbance to the stream bed and banks can degrade the stream channel, water quality and aquatic life, said Barbara Scott, supervisor of the DOW Water Quality Certification Section. “Gravel removal causes the stream bed and banks to become unstable, sometimes for miles upstream and downstream,” said Scott. “The resulting head cuts and bank failures impact farmlands, wetlands, recreational areas and infrastructure.” Scott said because gravel provides a natural filtering system, its removal increases the volume of sediment in the water. The resulting cloudy, or turbid, water harms fish by clogging their gills, reducing the oxygen in the water and impairing feeding and egg development. Guidelines for creek gravel excavation: * Excavate gravel by using backhoes and front-end loaders to scoop and lift the material and place it outside of the stream channel. Perform work from the bank of the stream, avoiding use of vehicles in the stream channel. * Restrict excavation to the top 12 inches of gravel bars outside of the stream flow. * Excavate only once per year during low-flow periods of late summer or fall, avoiding the fish spawning season of April 15 to June 15. * Maintain a buffer of 10 feet between the shoreline and the work area and minimize vegetation loss. It should be noted that in-stream activities that significantly increase sedimentation or alter stream flow are violations of state water quality standards and may be subject to enforcement action. Additionally, stockpiling of excavated material in the floodplain will require the acquisition of a floodplain permit from DOW.
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Post by Kentucky News on May 2, 2012 16:31:57 GMT -5
Precinct Election Officers Needed Commonwealth News Center press release
Secretary of State and Chief Election Officer Alison Lundergan Grimes encourages citizens to take an active role in the May 22 Primary Election by signing up to serve as precinct election officers, or poll workers. “Serving the Commonwealth as a precinct election officer is both valuable to the election process and personally rewarding,” said Grimes. “Precinct officers make our democratic system work, and this is an excellent opportunity to participate in shaping the future of your community and state.” To be qualified to act as a precinct election officer, you must be 18 on or before November 6, 2012, be a qualified voter, not have changed your party affiliation within one year prior to your appointment, and not be either a candidate or the spouse, parent, brother, sister, or child of a candidate who is to be voted for in the election. Duties include attending mandatory training, arranging the polling location with necessary information and equipment, processing voters, and completing and returning paperwork to the county clerk’s office on election night. Each precinct in the state must have four precinct election officers serving on the day of the election. Precinct election officers are paid at least $60 per election, plus additional compensation for mileage and mandatory training. For more information or to sign up to become a precinct election officer, contact your county clerk or visit the State Board of Elections website at elect.ky.gov.
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Post by Kentucky News on May 8, 2012 18:44:24 GMT -5
I-75 southbound at Jellico closed, northbound down to single lane Commonwealth News Center press release
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 8, 2012) – Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has closed the southbound lanes of Interstate 75 south of the Kentucky border as crews work to stabilize a rock slope near a section of embankment that collapsed on March 8. In addition, northbound I-75 traffic is reduced to one lane for approximately three miles in the area of the collapse, between mile markers 141 and 144. The area is between Newcomb and Caryville, Tenn. The closures will be required until at least Thursday, May 10, according to TDOT. Motorists should be prepared for long delays and travel through the area with extreme caution. New cracks developed at the location of the March 8 slide. Barrier walls will be set up with the goal of reopening one southbound lane to traffic and maintaining one open northbound lane. TDOT recommends the following alternate routes and detours: Detour Route for I-75 South: Take Exit 160 in Jellico, Tenn., follow U.S. 25W to LaFollette and back onto I-75 South at Exit 134 in Caryville. g.co/maps/j4ejzWide Load Detour Route for I-75 South: Take Exit 160 in Jellico, turn right and follow SR 297 West to SR 63 and back onto I-75 South at Exit 141. g.co/maps/db9xdDetour route for I-40 destinations east of Dandridge, Tenn.: Take Exit 29 at Corbin, Ky., follow U.S. 25E to Morristown, Tenn., take I-81 South to its junction with I-40. g.co/maps/egnr2However, U.S. 25E is reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction at the Kentucky-Tennessee border due to pavement repairs inside the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will use portable message boards and dynamic overhead signs to advise motorists of possible delays. Tennessee travel and construction information can be accessed at: www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartwaySmartphone users can use the TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.
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Post by Kentucky News on May 10, 2012 11:53:35 GMT -5
Republicans lead Democrats 3-1 in New Voter Registration Commonwealth News Center press release
More Kentuckians than ever will appear on the voter rolls in the May 22nd Primary Election, announces Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes. The total number of registered voters – 2,980,009 – beats the previous record of 2,944,603, set during the 2011 General Election, by more than 35,000 voters. There has been an increase of more than 100,000 registered voters since the last Presidential Preference Primary, in 2008, at which time 2,857,231 citizens were registered. The total number of registered voters has increased by 35,406, or 1.20%, since the 2011 General Election. In comparison, voter registration figures increased by a net of 32,062, or 1.11%, from the 2010 General Election to the 2011 Primary. Leading up to the 2008 Primary, registration totals increased by 16,333 voters, or 0.58%. Grimes, the Commonwealth’s Chief Election Official, said, “I am excited to see that so many Kentuckians are exercising the right and fulfilling the responsibility to vote. I hope the increase in registration translates to greater turnout on Election Day.” Each of the political parties has seen an increase in registered voters since the November 2011 General Election. Democrats have grown their ranks by 0.48%, or 7,922 voters, from 1,639,005 to 1,646,927. Republicans have added 21,517 voters, growing 1.95% from 1,100,930 to 1,122,447. “Other” has increased by 5,967 voters, or 2.92%, from 204,668 to 210,635. Consistent with recent years, the electorate is comprised of approximately 53% women and 47% men. Democrats now make up 55.27% of Kentucky voters, and 37.67% are Republicans. 7.07% of voters are identified as “Other.” For Democrats, the figures represent a decrease in percentage of voters since November 2011, with a change of -0.39%; Republicans and “Other” increased their relative representation by 0.28% and 0.12%, respectively. Since the 2008 Primary Election, there has been a net increase of 122,778 total voters, or 4.30%. There are 17,082 more Democrats, for an increase of 1.05%; 82,009 more Republicans, for an increase of 7.88%; and 23,687 more “Other” voters, for an increase of 12.67%. Since May of 2008, the percentage of the electorate represented by each group has shifted -1.77% for Democrats, 1.26% for Republicans, and 0.53% for “Other.” Grimes stressed the importance of following through with the next step: voting. “I am proud that Kentuckians have answered the call to register as voters, but now that the registration books are closed, I urge every eligible person to vote in the May 22 Primary.” You can download or listen to Grimes’ public service announcement encouraging voters to turn out for the election at sos.ky.gov. Voters may access the Voter Information Center (VIC) on the State Board of Elections’ website to confirm their voter registration status, determine whether they are eligible to vote in the Primary, and locate their polling place. For complete registration statistics, additional election information, or to access the VIC, visit elect.ky.gov.
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Post by Kentucky News on May 23, 2012 16:09:32 GMT -5
New job training program offered to veterans Commonwealth News Center press release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Unemployed veterans aged 35 – 60 may qualify for up to 12 months of job training through the new Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). VRAP will provide training for programs of education that lead to a high-demand occupation. The program, a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Labor, will start July 1, 2012. The program is limited nationally to 45,000 participants from July 1, 2012, through Sept. 30, 2012, and 54,000 participants from Oct. 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants may receive up to 12 months of assistance equal to the monthly full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty program, which is currently $1,473 per month. Every veteran who participates will be provided employment assistance upon completion of the program. Applications are now available online at: benefits.va.gov/vowTo qualify, a veteran must: · Be at least 35 but no more than 60 years old,
· Be unemployed,
· Have an other than dishonorable discharge,
· Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program,
· Not be in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability, and
· Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program.
Participants must be enrolled in a program of education approved for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an associate degree, non-college degree, or a certificate, and provide training towards a high-demand occupation. For a list of approved high-demand occupations and to learn more go to: gibill.va.gov/benefits/other_programs/vrap.htmlAll veterans are encouraged to visit the Office of Employment and Training (OET) for individual assistance in developing a plan to achieve career goals and to find labor market information on high-demand occupations in the area. Computers are provided to apply for the VRAP assistance. To find an OET near you, go to: www.oet.ky.gov/office/office.aspor call (502) 564-7456 OET helps individuals prepare for, secure and maintain employment; assists employers in locating and selecting the best qualified workers for their job openings; and provides income maintenance to ease the financial burden on individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own.
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Post by Kentucky News on May 29, 2012 18:55:15 GMT -5
Visit the Scene of Feud in New Hatfield-McCoy Miniseries Commonwealth News Center press release
If you’re fascinated by the bloody Hatfield-McCoy feud, the late 19th-century conflict between rival Kentucky and West Virginia families that’s now featured on movie and TV screens, a visit to Pike County, Ky. will help satisfy your curiosity. Many tourists each year travel to eastern Kentucky to see the areas and historic relics that remain from the days of the feud. Improvements to various feud sites have been completed, and historical markers commemorate many key locales. Research by local historians has been compiled in an audio compact disc called the "Hatfield–McCoy Feud Driving Tour." The CD provides a self-guided driving tour of the restored feud sites. It includes maps and pictures as well as the audio CD. You can order the CD by visiting www.tourpikecounty.com or by calling 800-844-7453. You might also wish to attend the annual Hillbilly Days festival in Pikeville, Ky., which each April draws thousands of visitors to the area of the feud for a weekend of regional entertainment, food, contests and celebrations. You can get more information on the festival at www.hillbillydays.com. The feud involved two families of the Kentucky and West Virginia mountains along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River. The bitter conflict stemmed from many causes, but the origins have been traced to divided loyalties during the Civil War and even a Romeo-Juliet romance between members of the rival clans. The McCoys, who lived in Pike County, Ky., mostly sided with the Union during the Civil War, while the Hatfields, from neighboring Mingo County, W.Va., were aligned with the Confederates. The first real violence in the feud was the 1865 slaying of returning Union soldier Asa Harmon McCoy, generally believed to have been committed by members of the Hatfield family. Between 1880 and 1891, the feud claimed a dozen members of the two families, becoming headline news around the country and compelling the governors of both Kentucky and West Virginia to call up their state militias to restore order. The governor of West Virginia once even threatened to have his militia invade Kentucky. Kentucky’s governor responded by sending his chief military aide to Pike County to investigate the situation. Besides a dozen who died, at least 10 persons were wounded in that decade. The feud has entered the American vocabulary as a metaphor for any parties to a bitter rivalry. More than a century later, the story of the feud has become a modern symbol for the perils of family honor, justice and vengeance. Over the years, the feud has been the subject of several film portrayals, and this week separate feature-film and miniseries productions are debuting on U.S. movie and TV screens. For more information about travel in Kentucky, visit: www.kentuckytourism.com
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Post by Kentucky News on Jul 3, 2012 17:15:26 GMT -5
No State Property Tax Rate Cut this year Commonwealth News Center press release
The Kentucky Department of Revenue has set the 2012 State Real Property Tax Rate at 12.2 cents per $100 of assessed value. Kentucky Revised Statute 132.020 requires the Department of Revenue to set the real property rate no later than July 1 of each year. This rate is based on the revenue generated from the increase in taxable real property assessments from 2011 to 2012. If the increase in revenue is more than four percent after the exclusion of new property added to the tax roll during 2012, then the prior year rate must be reduced. Because the assessment increase for 2012 is estimated at 1.03 percent, the state rate will remain the same as the 2011 rate, 12.2 cents per $100 of assessed value. The rate has remained unchanged since 2008. All of the revenue generated from the state property tax rate will go into the state’s General Fund.
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Post by Kentucky News on Jul 13, 2012 7:18:07 GMT -5
'I Support Veterans’ License Plate Now Available Commonwealth News Center press release
Governor Steve Beshear announced today that Kentuckians can show their support for veterans with newly available vehicle license plates. “Kentuckians are proud of our veterans, and many will want to display that message of support in a visible way,” Gov. Beshear said. The new plates – available even to those who are not veterans themselves – show support for veterans and also raise funds for veterans programs. “The ‘I Support Veterans’ license plate will give an opportunity for all Kentuckians who wish to support veterans' services to do so, and to show that support by putting this license plate on their vehicle,” said Rep. Tanya Pullin, who chairs the House Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety. “I was pleased to have sponsored the bill in the 2011 Session of the Kentucky General Assembly that created this special plate. It will create additional revenue to be used by the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs to serve veterans in Kentucky.” Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ken Lucas said the new license plates were designed in response to citizens’ interest in supporting veterans. “Many people over the years have asked us for a license plate that expresses their support for veterans even though they themselves do not qualify for veterans’ license plates. We worked hard to come up with a design that would express that sentiment appropriately, and are grateful for the help and cooperation of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in making this plate a reality,” Lucas said. “We are particularly indebted to Rep. Pullin and other legislators for shepherding this law through and ensuring that KDVA would receive a portion of the fee of each Support Veterans license plate purchased. Those funds will enable us to keep programs that help veterans directly, including filing benefit claims, getting help finding jobs, maintaining their homes, and accessing other services.” In addition to working with veterans to help them obtain the state and federal benefits they have earned, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs also operates three veteran nursing homes in Wilmore, Hazard and Hanson, and veterans cemeteries in Hopkinsville, Radcliff, Williamstown and Greenup County. Veterans’ benefits field representatives serve veterans locally in 17 field offices throughout the state. KDVA is also planning a new veterans nursing home in Radcliff and a new veterans cemetery in Leslie County. “It gives our department great pride and pleasure to help make plates available to the citizens of the Commonwealth that honor veterans,” said Department of Vehicle Regulation Commissioner Tom Zawacki.
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Post by Kentucky News on Jul 14, 2012 6:42:20 GMT -5
State to Promote Preservation of Boone's Trail Commonwealth News Center press release
Agencies of Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet are applauding an effort by the national Boone Society to develop and promote the historic Boone Trace through eastern Kentucky. This famous road, which followed trails used by Native Americans and buffaloes, was used by thousands of settlers traveling to Kentucky and beyond, launching the westward movement. Properly developed, marked and promoted, the trace could become an economic engine stimulating tourism in the region, proponents say. The Boone Society, a national organization of Boone family descendants, interested genealogists and historians, is working to identify, restore and preserve the trail blazed in 1775 by Daniel Boone, who was then an agent of the Transylvania Company. Known as the Boone Trace, the 117 mile trail entered Kentucky at Cumberland Gap near Middlesboro, crossed the Cumberland River at Pineville, ran northwest past London, and ended at Fort Boonesborough near Richmond. Upon further progress in the Boone Society’s development efforts, the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism and the Kentucky Department of Parks will assist the Boone Society with promotion of the Boone Trace and its historical significance. There are four state parks and one national park within the Boone Trace corridor: the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site, Levi Jackson State Park, and Fort Boonesborough State Park. In 1915, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) placed 12 stone markers along the trail to highlight its historical significance. These and other historical markers placed along the route since that time will be the focus of an effort by the Boone Society to list the Boone Trace on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, visit the Boone Society website at: www.boonesociety.orgThe Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism is an agency within the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, which promotes the Commonwealth as a travel destination. Tourism in Kentucky has an economic impact of nearly $11.7 billion, supports about 170,000 jobs and generates more than $1.2 billion in taxes.
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Post by Kentucky News on Jul 21, 2012 14:54:12 GMT -5
It's Summertime in Kentucky and the Living Is Easy on a Houseboat Commonwealth News Center press release
Summer is upon us, and there’s no better way to enjoy its lazy days than on a houseboat. Kentucky is often referred to as the “Houseboating Capital of the U.S.,” and there’s ample justification for this term. The state is full of lakes that lend themselves to this pleasant pastime, offering a vast number of coves and fingers that allow houseboats to tie up or anchor away from the main channel and provide boaters with a peaceful, secluded atmosphere. Then there’s the ease with which visitors can rent houseboats from marinas operating on the lakes. Lake Cumberland boasts multiple marinas that specialize in renting these commodious craft to vacationers who crave laid-back quality time on the water with family and friends. When you add other popular waters like Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Dale Hollow Lake, more marinas rent houseboats of various sizes and degrees of luxury in Kentucky than almost anywhere else. A great place to locate information on the state’s major lakes or marinas offering houseboat rentals is the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism’s Official Visitor’s Guide, which has detailed listings for facilities in nine separate regions of the state. The guide is available online at www.kentuckytourism.com. A printed guide can be ordered online or by calling 800-225-8747. And don’t forget that Kentucky is a leading houseboat manufacturing center. Buyers from all over the world order custom-built craft to match their particular desires. In Monticello, Somerset, Russell Springs and other towns around Lake Cumberland, you’ll find some of the world’s best-known houseboat builders eager to provide the craft of your dreams. Many vacationers who’ve gotten their feet wet with a rental eventually decide to become owners. In the early 1950s, a Somerset native, Jim Sharpe, began building small houseboats at a facility on the banks of the newly impounded Lake Cumberland. Sharpe got the idea for the business when he realized that visitors to the lake had few options for accommodations close to the water. As the business grew, the size and luxury of the boats he built grew with it. The company’s reputation spread, and Sharpe became known as the Henry Ford of houseboats. Although Sharpe is now retired, his company is still run by second- and third-generation family members. For those who aren’t looking to buy, renting is an enjoyable alternative. The time of year and size of the boat determines the rental cost. A boat that sleeps 12 with six private cabins and amenities like kitchen, wet bar, central air conditioning and outdoor grill can rent for about $4,000 for Monday-Friday during peak season. Because of the pastime’s popularity, make arrangements for your Kentucky houseboat vacation as far as possible in advance. The Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism is an agency within the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, which promotes the Commonwealth as a travel destination. Tourism in Kentucky has an economic impact of nearly $11.7 billion, supports about 170,000 jobs and generates more than $1.2 billion in taxes.
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Post by Kentucky News on Jul 27, 2012 15:30:22 GMT -5
Expansion of Keep Kentucky Kids Safe Initiative Announced Commonwealth News Center press release
Attorney General Jack Conway and his Keep Kentucky Kids Safe partners today announced the launch of a new initiative to warn Kentuckians about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and to remind the public of the importance of monitoring, securing and safely disposing of unneeded prescription pills. With the generosity of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI), a key partner in General Conway's Keep Kentucky Kids Safe program, and Lamar Outdoor Advertising, prescription drug abuse awareness billboards are going up across the Commonwealth. "We are doing everything we can to warn Kentuckians about the deadly consequences of prescription drug abuse to ensure that we don't lose another generation to this scourge," General Conway said. "I appreciate the assistance we have received from Lamar, NADDI and our other partners as we launch this new awareness effort across the Commonwealth." The non-medical use or abuse of prescription pills is the fastest-growing drug problem in the United States, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. With controlled-substance prescriptions on the rise in 118 of the state's 120 counties, Kentucky is the fourth most medicated state in the country, according to Forbes Magazine. Last year, medical professionals in Kentucky prescribed 219 million doses of hydrocodone. That's 50 doses for every man, woman and child in the Commonwealth. Over the past decade, prescription drug overdose deaths have doubled, rising to nearly 1,000 a year. More people in Kentucky are dying from overdoses than traffic accidents. "Lamar Advertising is proud to partner with General Conway on this very important initiative to prevent Prescription Drug Abuse," said Mike Gibson, Sales Manager for Lamar Lexington. "Lamar will display this urgent message in more than a dozen cities across Kentucky immediately." Keep Kentucky Kids Safe billboards are already on display at multiple locations in Lexington and will appear in Danville, Frankfort, Somerset, Winchester, Morehead, London, Liberty, Louisville, Richmond, Paducah, Owensboro and Covington in the coming weeks. "The Keep Kentucky Kids Safe campaign builds on the longstanding partnership between NADDI and the Attorney General's Office," said Paula York, NADDI of Kentucky President. "NADDI will continue to work with General Conway and his staff to educate law enforcement, healthcare professionals, as well as Kentucky families, about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and the importance of monitoring and securing prescription pills in the home." In 2010, General Conway joined with the parents of overdose victims, the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, NADDI, Operation UNITE and the Kentucky Pharmacists Association to launch the Keep Kentucky Kids Safe statewide education and awareness initiative. To date, General Conway and his partners have warned more than 10,000 middle and high school students in nearly two dozen counties about the risks associated with prescription drug abuse. As part of the Keep Kentucky Kids Safe program, students are encouraged to participate in an annual statewide video PSA contest on the perils of prescription drug abuse. Additionally, Attorney General Conway and his staff will raise awareness about prescription drug abuse at this year's Kentucky State Fair. The Attorney General's booth will be in the law enforcement section of the South Wing. Attorney General Conway's Prescription Drug Diversion Efforts
In addition to his public awareness efforts, Attorney General Conway worked closely with Governor Beshear, House Speaker Stumbo and other lawmakers to win passage of landmark legislation to prevent the abuse and diversion of prescription pills in the Commonwealth. Earlier this week, General Conway joined the Governor, law enforcement and representatives from medical licensure boards to discuss the recent implementation of House Bill 1 and how it can save lives by cracking down on illegal pill mills and expansion of the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting system (KASPER). In 2009, Attorney General Conway launched Kentucky's first and only statewide Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force. The task force has been involved in more than 130 prescription drug diversion investigations, including Operation Flamingo Road, the state's largest prescription drug bust that resulted in the arrests of more than 500 people. General Conway also reached across party lines to work with Florida's Attorney General Pam Bondi to see that her state implemented an electronic prescription drug monitoring system similar to Kentucky's KASPER system. The two continue to work closely to combat prescription drug abuse in their respective states and nationally. Generals Conway and Bondi are co-chairing the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Substance Abuse Committee and are committed to ensuring that all 50 states have prescription drug monitoring programs and that all of the programs can share data across state lines. Additionally, the Attorney General's office is a member of the Interstate Prescription Drug Task Force that is working with neighboring states, like Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia, to shut down the prescription drug pipeline into Kentucky. For more information on General Conway's drug diversion efforts and the Keep Kentucky Kids Safe program, please visit: ag.ky.gov/rxabuse
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Post by Kentucky News on Jul 30, 2012 12:18:37 GMT -5
Attorney General Conway keeps $5 Million of Mortgage Settlement for his own office Commonwealth News Center press release
Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway announced today that his office will allocate the $19.2 million Kentucky received as part of the National Mortgage Settlement to agencies that create affordable housing, provide relief or legal assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure, redevelop foreclosed properties and reduce blight created by vacant properties. “I am proud to say that the money I secured on behalf of Kentucky will be going to help people and communities who were harmed by the mortgage foreclosure crisis,” General Conway said. “This settlement will provide second chances for people who’ve lost their homes, help revitalize properties that have been abandoned, and develop affordable housing in communities throughout our Commonwealth.” General Conway made the announcement today in Louisville. As Kentucky’s largest city, it suffered the most severe impact from the national mortgage foreclosure crisis. From 2008 through 2011, banks foreclosed on 66,997 properties in Kentucky – 16,403 of those properties are in Louisville. “These dollars will make a real and significant impact in our distressed neighborhoods,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “We plan to use this money to strategically invest in programs with real results.” Breakdown of Settlement Allocations $5 million to the Office of the Attorney General to assist consumers and investigate mortgage and securities issues. This includes potential litigation regarding MERS involvement in wrongful foreclosures. $4 million to update the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting Program. Money will be used to enhance software to ensure compliance with House Bill 1, Kentucky’s newly enacted prescription drug abuse law. $7.5 million to the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC). $3 million to the NeighborWorks Alliance, which will leverage matching grants for an additional $7.5 million. Funds will be provided to federally-supported housing programs that cover all of Kentucky’s 120 counties to assist with purchase and rehabilitation of existing properties, purchase and rehabilitation of affordable rental properties, and purchase of mortgages to restructure payment in an effort to allow homeowners to retain properties. $3 million to establish a down payment pool and closing cost assistance pool for owners who want to purchase vacant or foreclosed properties. $1.5 million to the Homeownership Protection Center, which will fund 19 Kentucky Housing Corporation approved counseling agencies that provide foreclosure prevention and pre-purchase counseling. $1.5 million to the City of Louisville. $750,000 to the city’s Vacant Abandoned Property Initiative that targets properties in Louisville that have been abandoned by foreclosing on the city liens to return them to productive use and the property tax rolls. The money is eligible for a match by the Bloomberg Foundation. $500,000 to the Targeted Demolition Program that addresses the problem of blight by removing deteriorated structures that have been abandoned. $250,000 to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which provides grants to organizations dedicated to creating or preserving affordable housing for low and moderate-income families. $250,000 to each of the four regional Legal Aid centers in Kentucky. Money will be used to assist homeowners who are going through the foreclosure process or seeking to avoid foreclosure. $150,000 to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Funds will provide lead abatement through the Division of Public Health. “We appreciate General Conway allocating a significant portion for housing programs that will help stabilize communities, stimulate home purchases and assist Kentucky families at risk of foreclosure,” said KHC Chief Executive Officer Richard L. McQuady. In addition to providing guidance on how the funds should be spent, to ensure accountability, the organizations must report to the Office of the Attorney General every month on how the settlement dollars are actually being spent “I am pleased our office identified agencies that can match our settlement dollars with other grants to maximize the potential assistance to our friends and neighbors,” said General Conway. “This settlement is going to help the people of Kentucky and our communities that have all been touched by this foreclosure crisis.” Mortgage Settlement History Forty nine state attorneys general reached the settlement with the nation’s five largest banks in March of 2012. In addition to the $19.2 million, Kentucky also received $38.7 million that will be allocated by the administrator of the settlement to consumers who qualify for refinancing, loan write downs, debt restructuring and/or payments of up to $2,000. The five banks included in the settlement are: Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citi, and Ally/GMAC. In order for consumers to receive direct assistance from this portion of the settlement, they must have a mortgage that is or was held by one of these banks. A website has been established to provide consumers with information about the settlement at: www.NationalMortgageSettlement.com
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Post by Kentucky News on Aug 1, 2012 22:19:14 GMT -5
Kentucky introducing new, tamper-resistant driver’s license Commonwealth News Center press release
Kentucky in August begins a transition to a new driver’s license that, while similar in appearance to current licenses, contains security features for greater protection of privacy and resistance to tampering. “The new licenses are the manifestation of Kentucky’s efforts to improve the level of service provided to our customers, in addition to securing a credential Kentuckians use each day,” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Department of Vehicle Regulation Commissioner Tom Zawacki said. “It was already time to replace the cameras and computer equipment – most of it more than 10 years old – that our circuit court clerks use in issuing driver’s licenses,” Zawacki said. “That made it an ideal time to also make this transition to a new license.” The new license has multiple layers of security features, all linked to each other, so counterfeiters must compromise multiple technologies – not just one. The licenses’ new features include: • Digital watermark imperceptible to the human eye • Bank note-level fine line printing • Improved dual-side lamination for greater tamper resistance and durability • Hologram with single-color, ultraviolet “ghost” image Kentucky last updated driver’s licenses in 2001, with the introduction of digital licenses. The new format offered improved security. Kentucky was the first state to put the driver’s image in the bar code on the back of the license. With the next stage of Kentucky’s driver’s license, those security measures will be tightened to provide even greater resistance to fraud. Installation of new cameras and computer equipment will require a one-day suspension of driver’s license processing at each circuit court clerk’s office. Installations are scheduled to begin in August and be completed by October. The first installation of equipment will be in McLean County Aug. 7. The new licenses should be available there the next day. Starting in the fall, new licenses will also feature veteran and organ donor designations. Customers are not required to obtain new licenses until their current licenses expire. The process for obtaining or renewing a driver license will not change. The cost of $20 will also remain the same. More information and answers to some frequently asked questions can be found on KYTC’s website: transportation.ky.gov/pages/digital-drivers-license.aspx. MorphoTrust USA, which provides driver’s license issuance solutions for 41 states and the District of Columbia, is partnering with the state to implement the new work stations and camera systems, including new security features in the driver’s license.
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Post by Kentucky News on Aug 10, 2012 20:07:23 GMT -5
Kentucky law out of touch with difficulties facing overseas voters Commonwealth News Center press release
Today, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes filed a lawsuit in Franklin Circuit Court to protect the rights of uniformed service and overseas voters to vote in special elections in the Commonwealth. Grimes is seeking judicial relief to allow sufficient time for those voters to receive, fill out, and return absentee ballots. “Currently, Kentucky law does not provide adequate time for overseas citizens, including men and women in the military who are stationed abroad, to have a full opportunity to vote and have their ballots counted in special elections,” said Grimes, the Commonwealth’s Chief Election Official. “Kentucky law is not only inconsistent with federal requirements, but also out of touch with the practical difficulties facing overseas voters and the county clerks, who administer elections. With the court’s assistance, I am hopeful we can resolve this matter to protect our overseas citizens’ fundamental right to vote.” To date, special elections to fill vacancies in the Kentucky House, Second District, and Kentucky Senate, Nineteenth District, are scheduled for November 6, 2012, the same date as the General Election. If additional vacancies arise, more special elections could be scheduled, including one to fill the vacancy in the office of United States House of Representatives, Fourth Congressional District. The Department of Defense’s Federal Voting Assistance Project has found that ballots must be sent 45 days prior to an election in order for overseas, and especially military, voters to have adequate time to receive, vote, and return them. As a result, in all federal elections, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Voting Act requires states to transmit a validly requested ballot to a uniformed service or overseas voter by no later than 45 days prior to the election, if the request was received at least 45 days in advance, and within three days of the request if received thereafter. Kentucky’s special election law allows candidates under KRS 118.770 to file petitions and certificates of nomination up to 28 days before the scheduled special election. Thus, absentee ballots for special elections to fill vacancies in the General Assembly, U.S. Congress, and the office of Governor can be sent out a maximum of only 27 days before the special election. “Regardless of whether it’s a special or regular election, every election matters, and every vote counts,” said Grimes. “Kentuckians who risk their lives on the battlefield must have their voices protected at the ballot box, and I believe it is important to be proactive so that their right to vote is not compromised pending enactment of a new state law.”
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Post by Kentucky News on Aug 11, 2012 6:15:20 GMT -5
Cumberland Falls, Natural Bridge State Resort Parks Recognized by TripAdvisor Commonwealth News Center press release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Three Kentucky state resort parks have been honored by TripAdvisor with certificates of excellence for receiving top ratings from guests for 2012. The parks – Cumberland Falls, Natural Bridge and Kentucky Dam Village – recently received the awards from TripAdvisor, which provides reviews and other information about hotels, lodges, resorts and other destinations. “We’re honored by this recognition for these resorts and our hardworking staff,” said Parks Commissioner Elaine Walker. “We appreciate the positive comments we get from our guests and are always working to improve what we offer.” The Kentucky State Parks system includes 17 resort parks that feature lodging and restaurants. Most resorts also have cottages, as well as recreational opportunities such as hiking trails, golf courses, boating and campgrounds. For more information and reservations, visit: www.parks.ky.gov
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