Indictments Handed Down in Floyd Co. Murder Case
A Floyd County grand jury handed down indictments against Ronald and Loretta Wright in the shooting death of Famer Halbert. The Wrights were arrested in March, after Famer Halbert was fatally shot at his residence while asleep. According to police reports, the Wrights had been visiting with Famer Halbert and his wife Lorene before the shooting occurred. Mrs. Halbert was also shot and wounded during a struggle after the shooting. Police say seven of the Halberts’ grandchildren were also located at the residence at the time of the shooting. Ronald Wright was indicted on one count of murder, one count of attempted murder for allegedly shooting Lorene, and seven counts of first-degree wanton endangerment for “manifesting an extreme indifference to human life” for the Halberts’ children, by engaging in conduct which posed a danger of death or serious physical injury. Famer's wife Loretta was indicted on one count complicity to commit murder, one count complicity to attempted murder, and seven counts of complicity to first-degree wanton endangerment. The Wrights are both scheduled to be arraigned in Floyd Circuit Court at 9 a.m., Tuesday. Both Loretta and Ronald Wright remain in custody on $500,000 cash bonds.
Man Charged in Fatal Crash Agrees to Plea Deal
The man charged with murder after a passenger in his vehicle died after a wreck involving a coal truck, has agreed to a reduced plea deal. The accident occurred in March of 2012 on US 119 in Pike County According to the Kentucky State Police, they say 35-year-old Mark Scott was a passenger in the car and died and William Akers, 34, of McAndrews, was charged with murder in connection with the crash. Akers was supposed to go to trial earlier this week, but instead pleased guilty to second-degree manslaughter during a hearing in Pike county Circuit Court.
Indictment Alleges False Disaster Claim Against Magoffin Co. Woman
According to the Floyd Co. Times, a Federal Grand Jury has indicted a Magoffin County woman, accusing her a submitting a fraudulent disaster relief claim. Tina Marie Bailey, who according to the indictment also goes by the last names of Watkins, Howard and Simpkins, was charged with a single count of submitting a false claim after she was accused of submitting a disaster assitance claim June 16, 2009, for a mobile home, although the trailer in question did not sustain any damage and she did not own it. If found guilty, Bailey could face up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines and ordered to repay any money received from the claim in question. Bailey has been ordered to appear May 24 before Magistrate Judge Edward Atkins, in U.S. District Court in Pikeville, to answer the indictment.
Med. License Suspended for Doctor Arrested on Child Porn Charge
The State of Kentucky has suspended the medical license of a Floyd County doctor, who is facing child porn charges. Dr. Bret Dunning, 50, Dana, Ky., was arrested April 30 and charged with one count of possession of matter portraying a sex performance by a minor. State Troopers arrested Dunning following an online investigation by detectives at the Pikeville State Police post. The Board of Medical Licensure suspended Dunning’s license to practice medicine on May 8. Troopers reportedly found three images of child porn on a home computer during a search of his residence. The children in the images were reported to be between four and seven-years-old. The case has been sent to the grand jury and Dunning is currently on strict home confinement.
Harlan County Man Accused Of Putting Child In Freezer Indicted
The Harlan County man accused of putting a 3-year-old boy into a freezer closing the lid on the child has been indicted by a grand jury. The child survived, but a Harlan County Sheriff's deputy says there was a great risk of death in the act. 24-year-old Randy Hammons faces multiple charges including unlawful imprisonment and criminal abuse. Police say Hammons is the live-in boyfriend of the child's mother. Five other children were in the home. Hammons will be in court again August 1st.
Body Of Missing Harlan County Man Found
More news out of Harlan Co., as the body of a man missing was found Thursday. Police say they found a truck belonging Forester Bowling Jr., 41, on Wednesday. Bowling was last seen leaving his home on KY-840 in the Baxter community around 4:30 a.m. on May 9. Nobody had seen him since. Bowling left alone in a black Chevrolet S-10 4x4 pick-up truck. According to the Harlan Daily Enterprise, that truck was discovered in the Bledsoe area. Police brought in bloodhounds to search the scene, but they didn't turn up any sign of Bowling. According to thethe paper, Bowling's body was found not far from where his truck was found. There is no word yet on his cause of death.
Farmer’s Trial Delayed Until October
On Thuresday, a federal judge has agreed to delay former State Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer's trial until October 22, 2013. The trial was originally scheduled to take place in July.Farmer's attorney had requested the trial be delayed until February claiming the case was complex, but the judge said delaying it that long would be excessive. Farmer faces 'federal' charges of misappropriating government resources. His trial will be held in Frankfort. |
Ex-Ashland Police Officer Pleads Guilty To Drug-Related Crimes
A former Ashland Police Officer has entered a guilty plea in federal court to drug-related charges. According to the Ashland Independent, 32-year-old Melvin Charles Schoch Jr. pleaded guilty Monday to charges of attempting to possess oxycodone with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm during the commission of a drug crime. According to the plea agreement, Schoch, while he was an officer for the Ashland Police Department, entered a home looking to take prescription pills and money under the guise of serving a search warrant. Court records show that neither drugs nor cash were found. Sentencing guidelines call for Schoch to spend at least five years in federal prison on the charges He had been scheduled for trial on May 28.
Powell County Teen Indicted In Beating Death of Infant
A Boyd County grand jury has indicted a Powell County teen for murder in the beating death of his girlfriend's baby. Brett R. Thompson, 18, could face 20 years to life in prison if convicted. According to a news release from the KSP last week, 2-month-old Alivia Noel Worstell was found unresponsive on May 4. She was later pronounced dead at an Ashland hospital. An autopsy showed the infant died from head and brain injuries due to blunt force trauma. Thompson will be arraigned on the charge May 24.
Rowan County Woman Charged With DUI, Child Endangerment
A Rowan County woman is charged with having four young kids in a car without child restraints as well as DUI. Mary Lloyd, 24, is in the Rowan County Detention Center charged with four counts of wanton endangerment, DUI and failure to use child restraint. According to citation report, Lloyd was involved in a hit-and-run outside Walmart Tuesday evening. Four kids were in the car - ages 3, 5, 6 and 7 - and not one was in a child restraint. Police say Lloyd failed the field sobriety test, and that blue residue was in her left nostril. She told a deputy that she snorted a Xanax earlier that day. A witness said Lloyd almost struck a guard rail and almost struck another vehicle after the hit-and-run.
Ky. Gov. Plans Campaign To Back Health Exchange
Gov. Steve Beshear's administration is planning a campaign to publicize Kentucky's health benefits exchange ahead of the enrollment period for people seeking health coverage. The exchange will help more than 600,000 uninsured Kentuckians arrange coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Beshear said Wednesday that staff will attend community events, open a toll-free hotline and update the exchange website. The goal is to spread the word about the program to expand coverage in a state with daunting health problems. Beshear says the outreach will be backed by an advertising campaign. The exchange will offer a website that's supposed to make picking health insurance similar to buying an airline ticket from an online travel site. Beshear says the result will be a healthier state. A lawsuit is challenging the legality of the Kentucky exchange.
State Budget Director Reports a Sharp Decline in General Fund Revenue
Kentucky is dealing with huge declines in revenue from key tax sources despite a rebounding national economy. State Budget Director Jane Driskell released a monthly revenue report for April on Friday showing corporate income tax revenue is down by nearly 90 percent. The report says property tax collections fell by 53.5 percent for the month. Cigarette tax revenue is down 22.2 percent. And collections from the all-important sales tax were off 7.3 percent. The two bright spots in the monthly report were a 5.5 percent increase in income tax revenue and an 18.6 percent rise in coal severance tax collections. Driskell said the drop in sales tax revenue was especially conspicuous considering improvements in the national economy and signs of growing consumer confidence.
Richie Farmer's Attorney Makes Special Requests for Prosecutors
The attorney for former State Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has some requests for prosecutors. Defense Attorney Guthrie True wants prosecutors to turn over all documents that might be used against Farmer in his upcoming federal trial. He wants all criminal records of any potential government witnesses. True has filed those requests with the judge. Farmer is charged with misappropriating government resources.
Taxing Internet Sales Could Help Local Businesses
Federal legislation (The Marketplace Fairness Act) to tax Internet sales has cleared the U.S. Senate, sending the issue to the House. The issue pits closing a loophole and generating more tax revenue against those opposed to any tax increase and the companies who sell their products by catalog and the Internet. Beth Evans, who owns an old-fashioned toy shop in Lexington, is all for taxing Internet sales. However, she said, she's come to accept the trend. "I don't think it will ever be a level playing field again, I really don't," she declared. "I think there will be people who will say, 'Oh, what the heck, I'll go on and buy it now. You know, I'm going to have to pay tax.'" Currently, states can only collect sales tax from retailers with a physical presence in the buyer's state. According to Jason Bailey, director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, the tax would strengthen the "economic backbone" of communities. "It's fairness to Main Street businesses, local businesses that sell local communities," he stated. "They're essentially at a 6 percent disadvantage in Kentucky because they charge sales tax when you make a purchase." Bailey said taxing Internet sales would also be fairer to people who don't have broadband Internet access. But opponents see it as another tax hike and a regulatory mess. A University of Tennessee study projects the annual loss of sales tax revenues nationwide at $23 billion, including $224 million in Kentucky. Bailey is a member of the governor's tax reform commission, which projected a smaller windfall from taxing Internet sales. "Realistically, probably $130 to $200 million in additional revenue" could be expected, he said. "We don't know exactly how much it will end up being, but that's a good chunk of change that would help our budget situation." In the view of toy store owner Beth Evans, most Internet buyers don't think about how their savings affect their home states. "I don't think people realize today how much money is lost for the schools and the roads and just everything that involves our local economy that depends on sales tax," Evans said. Kentucky has cut $1.6 billion out of the budget in recent years.
KSP Professional Association to Host 2nd Kids Bass Classic
On Saturday May 18, 2013 Kentucky State Police Professional Association hosted the 2nd Annual Fish for Kids Bass Classic. More than one hundred Anglers and sixty boats from across the Commonwealth and nearby states traveled to Jenny Wiley Lake in Floyd County to participate in the classic. Daryl Sexton and Charles Newsome received a $2,500.00 cash prize for 1st place. Dusty Scott and Shane Scott received a $580.00 prize for Big Bass. KSPPA said that the 2nd Annual Fish for Kids Bass Classic was a huge success and proceeds nearly doubled from the previous year. KSPPA said that none of this would have been possible without the assistance of the local communities and local businesses. KSPPA would like to give special thanks to Troopers Jamie Rose and Blake Frasure whom worked tirelessly and donated their personal time to organize this event and make it a great success.
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Minutes from the Johnson County Fiscal Court Meeting 5-13-2013
The Johnson Co. Fiscal Ct. met in regular session Monday, May 13 @ 4:30 pm in the meeting room of the Johnson Co. Courthouse in downtown Paintsville. Ten (10) items were listed on the agenda to discuss on the evening. The meeting began in normal fashion with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting on April 8, 2013 meeting and the court approved to pay the monthly bills. The court also approval to transfer $40,000 from the general fund to the jail fund. The court discussed an amendment to the sheriff's budget in the amount of $16,164.33. It was received from KLEFPF, return of fugitives, insurance payment, reimbursement and a Mtn.Comp grant. This money will go to pay for salaries, office supplies and equipment; vehicle maintenance and repair and travel expense. The court approved this amendment.
The next two items discussed on the agenda, was an amendment for the Fiscal Court in the amount of $3,620.10. This money came from total number of motor vehicle and boat accounts, which was approved and the court approved the county clerk’s quarterly report. Next Judge Daniel had the first reading of the Johnson County Fiscal Court budget for fiscal year 2014 with the total number of accounts receivable totaling $9,239,020.00, and the total number of disbursements at $9,239,020.00. Judge Daniel said the county was in good shape, compared to other surrounding counties and he thanked the commissioners on doing an excellent job with tax payers money.
Next, the court approved Judge Daniel's request to advertize for Mack dump trucks with WorldWide trucks. The county wants to buy two Mack dump trucks on lease to buy, use them for a year, then takes them to an auction in Alabama where WorldWide guarantees the county will get their money back or make a profit. With nothing further, the meeting adjourned.
Johnson Co. Dog Owner Charged in Pit Bull Attack
The owner of the dog, investigators say attacked an 8-year-old Johnson Co. girl nearly 2 weeks ago, has been charged in the incident. Donnie Castle, 36, of Nippa, Ky., has been charged with misdemeanor harboring a vicious animal. According to a Johnson Co. Sheriff's Dept news release and Deputy Tim Clark, the 8-year-old victim was Arissa Kestner who officials say was playing at her grandparent’s house when the dog, who was nearby chained up, broke off its chain and attacked her. Deputy Clark stated that the little girl had a bad bite on her side measuring 11 centimeters and another on one of her legs, along with several puncture wounds. In the news release, deputy Clark stated that Mr. Castle indicated to him that the dog had attacked another child earlier in the year. On Monday (5-13-2013) Donnie Castle made a plea of not guilty to all of the charges and could be facing up to 90 days in jail if convicted.
Fugitive Captured in Lawrence Co. out of Tenn.
According to a news release from the Lawrence Co. Sheriff's Dept., on May 13th just before 11:00 pm Lawrence County 911 received a call of a single vehicle accident on Hwy 644. The caller advised that a male subject was seen running from the accident scene. Deputy Mason Keefer, Deputy Dwayne Bowen and Patrolman Steven Wilburn responded to the accident and after viewing items at the scene they learned that the vehicle had a stolen TN license plate on it and the vehicle belonged to Ray Anthony Farmer, 56 of Clarksville, TN. Mr. Farmer was a wanted fugitive out of TN who the Sheriff’s Office and local Police had been looking for on a burglary of New World Video in October and also multiple warrants out of Clarksville in Montgomery County TN, Triggs and Todd counties in KY for charges including auto theft and burglary. Deputies Keefer, Bowen and Wilhite then went to the residence of Georgann Johnson, 62 of Louisa where Mr. Farmer had been known to frequent. Upon arrival they saw windshield glass in front of the residence. Ms. Johnson said that Mr. Farmer was not there but after a search of the property he was seen behind the home along with items that appeared to have come from the residence. Farmer fled when the deputies got close to him, but was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit and brief struggle. He was then treated and released from Three Rivers Medical Center for injuries suffered in the accident. He was charged with Fleeing or Evading 1st Degree, Possession of Marijuana and Resisting Arrest for this incident. He was also served with an arrest warrant for the burglary of New World Video in Louisa which occurred back in October of 2012. Mr. Farmer was entered as wanted in a NCIC (National Crime Information Center) and was served with multiple warrants from Clarksville TN, Triggs County, KY and Todd County, KY. Georgann Johnson was also arrested and charged with Hindering Prosecution and Apprehension for assisting Farmer. Both were transported and lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville, Ky.
Martin Co. Fire Officials say a Recent House Fire Looks Suspicious
If you live in Martin Co. the smell of smoke has filled the air on several occasions lately due to structure fires. Now fire officials in that county say it's not just the fire that smells, it's what is causing the fire that smells a little fishy to them. A weekend fire in the Warfield area of Martin Co. has fire officials wondering who is doing this and why. The early Sunday morning trailer fire located on River Front Road was fully engulfed when members of the Warfield VFD arrived on scene. They discovered someone had broken out all of the windows in the trailor, which fire officials say makes them think whomever possibly set this fire, looks to have done it before. This trailor had no electricity going to it and another possible clue to arson, was that officials found a gas can nearby. In all, this is the sixth suspicious fire involving an abandoned home just this year. Officials don't yet have any leads, but they hope they can put a stop this problem before something worse happens. Fire officials ask anyone with information about this fire or any other suspicious fires to contact the Martin County Sheriff's Office.
Eight Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week
Preliminary statistics* indicate that eight people died in eight separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways from Monday, May 6 through Sunday, May 12, 2013. Three single-fatality, motor vehicle crashes occurred in Jefferson County. None of the victims were wearing seat belts. One of the crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. One single-fatality, motor vehicle crash occurred in each of the following counties: Barren, Daviess and Jessamine. The victim in Barren County was not wearing a seat belt. One single-fatality, motorcycle crash occurred in each of the following counties: Lyon and Simpson. Neither of the victims were wearing a helmet. Through May 12, preliminary statistics* indicate that 190 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2013. This is 53 less than reported for this time period in 2012. Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.
Suspect in the Shooting Death of the Mingo Co W.Va. Sheriff, set to be Arraigned Today
The man accused of fatally shooting Mingo County, W.Va Sheriff Eugene Crum will make his first court appearance today. 37-year-old Tennis Melvin Maynard will be arraigned in a Cabell County courtroom charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and fleeing authorities. Maynard had been in the hospital ever since the shooting, after he was shot by a deputy following a short car chase following the shooting. The attempted murder charge stems from that incident, in which he was accused of pulling a gun on the deputy. Maynard was indicted last month on charges related to Crum's April 3 slaying. Investigators have not discussed a possible motive.
Free GED Testing Available May 15-July 31
The GED® test will be free in Kentucky May 15-July 31. Kentuckians taking the test during that timeframe will not have to pay the usual test fee, which will be paid by Kentucky Adult Education, a unit of the Council on Postsecondary Education. The GED® test provides adults who did not finish high school with the opportunity to certify their attainment of high school-level academic knowledge and skills. Normally, the entire GED® test taken the conventional way on paper costs the test taker $60; the fee for taking the entire computer-based GED® test is $120, a cost set by the national GED Testing Service. Free GED® classes are available through local adult education programs in all 120 Kentucky counties. It's particularly important for those without a high school diploma to pass all five parts of the GED® test this year because the GED® test will change January 1, 2014. In Kentucky, approximately 16,000 people have started taking the test but have not completed. All previous scores will expire and anyone who has started but not completed will have to start over. The last test date in Kentucky this year will be December 18, 2013. Kentuckians interested in 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 and click on "Adults."
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Three Arrested in Alleged Car Theft Ring
Accordingto the KSP in Pikeville, three (3) Floyd County men have been arrested and another man is still being sought after, after troopers busted an auto theft ring on Caney Fork in Floyd Co. This discovery actually took place in April of this year, after KSP received a tip about a stolen coal truck, but they found much more when they arrived at the scene. Officers discovered four doors, a hood and a trunk lid from a Lincoln Navigator that had been reported stolen in Prestonsburg, a 1975 Chevy log truck, a 2007 Jeep Liberty stolen in Prestonsburg, and the title of a 1996 GMC Jimmy that had been stolen in Martin County. KSP issued arrest warants for four men believed to be connected to the ring of auto thefts. KSP have been able to arrest 3 of the men.
- Billy J. Shepherd, 38, of David, was arrested at East Point and charged with theft by unlawful taking (over $10,000), criminal trespassing, persistent felony offender, and trafficking in stolen vehicles or vehicle parts. During the arrest, police suspected Shepherd was also trafficking in narcotics, and requested a body cavity search of his person. Following the search, which was performed at Highlands Regional Medical Center, Shepherd was additionally charged with three counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, after a plastic bag containing heroin, cocaine and oxycodone was removed.
- Kevin Ousley, 24, of Martin, was served with a warrant charging him with theft by unlawful taking (over $10,000) and trafficking in stolen vehicles/vehicle parts.
- Matthew Ousley, 31, of Martin, was also served with warrants charging him with theft by unlawful taking (over $10,000) and trafficking in stolen vehicles/vehicle parts. He was additionally charged with second-degree possession of a controlled substance, third-degree possession of a controlled substance, and prescription controlled substance not in original container.
Both the Ousleys and Shepherd were scheduled to appear in court yesterday (Monday, May 13) for their preliminary hearing. An arrest warrant has been issued for Shepherd’s brother, Thomas Shepherd, who is also facing charges of theft by unlawful taking (over $10,000), trafficking in stolen vehicle/vehicle parts, persistent felony offender, and fleeing or evading police. Anyone with information about the case or the whereabouts of Thomas Shepherd is asked to call the Kentucky State Police at (606) 433-7711. This case remains under investigation by Officer Dennis Hutchinson, with Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.
Three Arrested in Greenup County Meth Bust
Sheriff Deputies in Greenup Co. were busy Saturday after they conducted a meth bust and arrested three individuals. According to Greenup Co. Sheriff Keith Cooper, he said members of his Drug Interdiction team found a large amount meth inside a car they stopped in South Shore. Deputies then searched a residence in the 200-block of Sunshine Lane in South Shore where they found an active meth lab and a large amount of drug paraphernalia. Sheriff Cooper says deputies found a five-year-old inside the residence on Sunshine Lane. Arrested was Dennis Carby, 45, of South Shore, with manufacturing meth, wanton endangerment and possession of heroin. Tasmine Hammon, 25, of Sciotoville, Ohio, and Alvin Branham, 42, of Portsmouth, Ohio. Both were charged with trafficking in meth. All three people were taken to the Greenup County Detention Center.Copper says additional charges are expected in the case.
Olive Hill Man Arraigned and Charged in Murder Case
The Olive Hill man, who has been charged with the murder of Paul Dillon "Nemo" Bryant, made a court appearance Monday morning. The Elliott County Grand Jury indicted Kyle S. Holbrook, 20, on charges of murder and tampering with physical evidence last month. Bryant 19, went missing in February 2011 and his body was found a couple of months later in a pond in Elliott County. According to the indictment, Bryant was murdered between February 28 and April 3, 2011, shot in the head. Holbrook has pleaded not guilty to both charges against him and will return to court June 8 for a bond hearing. Holbrook is being held in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.
KSP Continue Search for a Convicted Felon
The Kentucky State Police are currently searching for a convicted felon, they describe as armed and dangerous. Troopers are looking for Jason Brown, 30. They suspect he could be in the Huntington area, where he is originally from. Brown is wanted on multiple drug trafficking charges involving Heroin and Cocaine in Boyd County KSP ask that if anyone has information on Jason Brown, to please call the Kentucky State Police at 606-928-6421. Callers may remain anonymous.
State Agriculture Commissioner Explains Ky. Hemp Possibilities in Recent Washington Visit
Kentucky's Agriculture Commissioner James Comer visited Washington D.C. Friday. Comer met with federal agencies, Republican leaders and White House officials about the possibility of Kentucky growing hemp. Comer says he hoped Kentucky would get a waiver from the government to be the first state to reintroduce the crop to the U.S. market, but he now thinks that is unlikely. The main obstacle remains with the drug enforcement administration. The D.E.A. does not differentiate between hemp and marijuana. Comer says he is hoping the issue will catch attention at the national level.
PSC to Hold Public Meeting on Replacing Big Sandy Plant Tonight
The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) will offer opportunities next month for members of the public to provide comments regarding the proposal by Kentucky Power Co. to purchase replacement electric generating capacity in order to retire the Big Sandy generating facility near Louisa. A public meeting will be held Tuesday, May 14 in Louisa. On Wednesday, May 15, the PSC will conduct a teleconference linking sites in Whitesburg and Hazard with the commission offices in Frankfort. Both the meeting and the teleconference will begin with a presentation by PSC staff on the regulatory processes governing the case and an overview of the Kentucky Power proposal. “These meetings are an opportunity for the public to learn how the PSC reaches a decision in cases such as this,” PSC Chairman David Armstrong said. “The meetings also allow the PSC to hear directly from ratepayers in these matters.” The presentation by PSC staff and a question-and-answer period will begin at 5 p.m. EDT each day and last an hour. Public comments will follow at 6 p.m. EDT. Kentucky Power is seeking PSC approval of an agreement to purchase a 50 percent interest in Ohio Power Company’s Mitchell power plant, which is south of Moundsville, West Virginia. Kentucky Power and Ohio Power are both subsidiaries of American Electric Power Co. The 780 megawatts of capacity from Mitchell would nearly replace the 800 megawatts generated by the larger of two units at the Big Sandy plant. In its application, Kentucky Power says the cost of the Mitchell purchase will be about $536 million. That is $404 million less than the estimated cost of upgrading Big Sandy’s 800-megawatt unit in order to meet stricter federal air quality standards, as the company earlier had proposed to do. Kentucky Power canceled the upgrade plans in May 2012 and said it would consider other options. The plan to purchase generating capacity at Mitchell is the best of the available alternatives, Kentucky Power said in its application to the PSC. The 800-megawatt Big Sandy unit now is scheduled to close in mid-2015. An older, 278-megawatt unit at Big Sandy is scheduled to be either converted to burn natural gas or shut down by the end of 2014. Kentucky Power has not yet finalized plans for the unit or for replacing that power. Both the Big Sandy units and the Mitchell units burn coal. But the Mitchell units are newer than the Big Sandy plant and have the equipment needed to comply with federal air quality regulations. Kentucky Power estimates that the purchase of the Mitchell units will result in an eight percent increase in customer bills, or about $6 per month for a typical residential customer. The rate impact of upgrading Big Sandy had been estimated by the company at about $31 per month for residential customers. The public meetings are scheduled for: Louisa Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 5:00 p.m. EDT Lawrence County Community Center 205 Bulldog Lane Whitesburg Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 5:00 p.m. EDT Room 203 Whitesburg ...
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Johnson Co. Sheriff's Dept. Release April 2013 Activity Reports
April Activity for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
Total 9/11 calls received for April 2013: 676
Total collisions worked = 15
With injury=5
With property damage = 10
Fatalities = 0
April 2013 Citations Written
Warrants Served – 46
Trafficking of a Controlled Substance – 21
Manufacturing Methamphetamine – 8
Cultivating of Marijuana – 2
DUI’s – 6
AI – 3
Possession of Open Alcohol Beverage in Motor Vehicle – 3
Assault – 2
Violation of EPO – 1
Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon – 1
Harboring a Vicious Animal – 1
Fleeing and Evading – 1
No License – 4
Driving on Suspended License – 3
License to be in Possession – 4
No Insurance – 11
No Proof of Insurance- 23
Speeding – 26
No Seat Belt -2
Disregarding Stop Sign – 2
Improper Equipment – 7
Expired Registration Plate – 15
Expired Registration Receipt – 15
Excessive Window Tint – 1
Arrest Warrant Issued for Floyd Co. Man Who Crashed into a House Last Week
An arrest warrant has been issued for a Floyd Co. man who pleaded guilty to a drunk driving charge last week after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a Prestonsburg home. Travis Lee Goble, 22, of Cow Creek, was arrested on Monday, May 7 and charged with DUI.(first offense), failure to maintain required insurance, and failure to wear a seatbelt, after plowing his truck through the wall of a home owned by Ralph Sr. and Ann Davis. The Davis' told Police that after crashing through the wall of the house, Goble attempted to back up and leave the residence. According to the Floyd Co. Times, Police said they did not expect any other charges to be forth coming against Goble who, after pleading guilty a few days after the accident, was sentenced to $1,000 in fines, loss of his driver’s license for 90 days, and forced to attend ADE classes. Any restitution sought by the Davises would be a civil matter according to Police. Now an arrest warrant has been issued for Travis Lee Goble on two counts of first degree wanton endangerment, first degree criminal mischief and attempting to leave the scene of an accident. First degree wanton endangerment, and criminal mischief are both class D felonies. Leaving the scene of an accident is a class A misdemeanor. Police ask that if anyone has any knowledge of the whereabouts of Travis Lee Goble, to please contact them at (606) 886-1010.
The Following are news releasees from the KSP
* Kentucky State Police Conduct Death Investigation in Estill County
According to a the KSP, on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 9:58 pm EDT Kentucky State Police and deputies from the Estill County Sheriff's Department arrived at a residence on JR Furniture Road to serve arrest warrants on Timothy Snowden for Assault First Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment First Degree and Violation of KY EPO/DVO. Trooper Jason Carpenter spoke to the homeowner who confirmed that Timothy Snowden was in the residence. While officers were evacuating the homeowner from the residence they heard a single gunshot. KSP and the Estill County Sheriff's Office secured the residence. The KSP Special Response Team was called to the scene and located Timothy Snowden in the residence deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. The Estill County Coroner responded to the scene and pronounced Timothy Snowden, 57 years old of Paint Lick dead on Sunday, May 12, 2013. Detective Rod Morris is the investigating officer and was assisted at the scene by Estill County EMS and other KSP personnel.
* A Saturday Accident in Rowan County Halts Traffic For Hours
According to a news release from the KSP, on Saturday May 11, 2013 at 4:12 am Kentucky State Police Morehead received a call from Morehead Police Dispatch in reference to an injury accident at the 136 mile marker on Interstate 64 in Rowan County. Trooper Jared Wagner, CVE Officer Tommy Jones, Rowan County Sheriff Department, Rowan County Fire and EMS and Kentucky Department of Transportation responded to the scene. Richard Allen 38 of Tonopah, Arizona was operating his 2012 Freightliner eastbound on Interstate 64 when he lost control of the vehicle and exited the left shoulder of the roadway. Mr. Allen entered the median and overturned. The tractor trailer came to final rest blocking both lanes of traffic. The passenger Edward Smith 38 of Tonopah, Arizona was transported to St Claire Regional Medical Center and was treated and released with minor injuries. Mr. Allen was transported to University of Kentucky Medical Center and is being treated for serious injuries. Alcohol at this time does not appear to have played a part in this accident. The accident remains under investigation by Trooper Jared Wagner.
* KSP Make Several Arrest on Drug Related Charges
According to a news release from the KSP, on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 11:29 p.m, Kentucky State Police Post 8 Morehead Troopers and Detectives executed a search warrant at 673 McCarty Branch Road in the Salt Lick community of Bath County. The search warrant yielded the seizure of numerous drugs and a large amount of cash along with the arrest of eight individuals.
- Wymer G. Ball, 43 of Salt Lick, was charged with Trafficking in Synthetic Drugs 1st Offense, Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 1st Offense - Drug Unspecified, Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2nd Degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance, 3rd degree, Illegal Possession of a Legend Drug and Drug Paraphernalia - Buy/ Possession.
- Malanie Reffitt, 40 of Salt Lick, was charged with Trafficking in Synthetic Drugs 1st Offense, Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 1st Offense, Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2nd Degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance, 3rd degree, Illegal Possession of a Legend Drug, Drug Paraphernalia - Buy/Possession, Resisting Arrest, Escape 3rd, Menacing and Public Intoxication.
- Eric S. Jones, 34 of Owingsville, was charged with Possession of Synthetic Drugs 1st Offense and Drug Paraphernalia - Buy/Possession.
- Arnel A. Murphy II, 43 of Ohio, was charged with Public Intoxication and Giving Officer False Name or Address.
- Richard L. Harmon, 37 of Sandy Hook, was charged with Public Intoxication.
- Calvin Reynolds, 31 of Morehead, was charged with Public Intoxication.
- Brett Wilson, 28 of Olive Hill, was charged with Public Intoxication, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Synthetic Drugs, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Degree, 1st Offense (Methamphetamine).
- Chad Reynolds, 35 of Salt Lick, was charged with Public Intoxication, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Degree, 1st Offense, Drug Paraphernalia - Buy/ Possession, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
All subjects were lodged in the Montgomery County Detention Center. The incident remains under investigation by Kentucky State Police Post 8 Morehead.
Gov. Steve Beshear Says Medicaid Will Expand
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Gov. Steve Beshear gave the green light Thursday to Medicaid expansion in Kentucky. The governor says enlarging the government health care program will provide coverage to an additional 308,000 Kentuckians, cutting the state's uninsured population in half. Cathy Allgood Murphy, associate director for advocacy with AARP Kentucky, says expansion will help Kentuckians up to age 64 who don't have health insurance and are currently unable to qualify for Medicaid. "We're helping older Americans who've lost their jobs that can't find new ones," she adds, "and they can't get affordable health care." Allgood Murphy says expansion will also provide Medicaid to an estimated 14,800 uninsured and under-insured veterans and their spouses. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates, says providing health care to thousands of uninsured parents will also benefit their children. "There is a direct correlation between parents being insured," he explains, "and parents taking their kids to see the doctor for well-care exams and for more preventative care." There are an estimated 162,000 uninsured parents in Kentucky. Brooks says Medicaid expansion will provide coverage to 97,000 of those parents. The federal government will foot the entire bill for the first three years. In 2017, the state will have to start paying a small percentage of the expansion costs. Republican lawmakers warn the state cannot afford the long-term costs, while the governor claims the move will create nearly 17,000 new jobs and pump more than $15 billion into the economy over the next six years. Allgood Murphy of AARP calls it a smart investment. "I mean we're paying for this care anyway by doing charitable care through the hospitals," she maintains. "Folks going to the ER - they can't pay for it. We're paying higher premiums, those who are covered. So this is smart all the way around and it's a responsible way to do it." The expansion, which will begin in January, will push the Medicaid eligibility cut-off to 138 percent of the federal poverty rate.
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