Pike Jail Escapee in Custody
After two months of searching, a Pike Co. jail inmate has been caught and is back in custody. According to the KSP, on Thursday 4-25-2013, KSP received a call reporting two suspicious men had been seen at Jones Creek Elementary and had crossed the road, heading to the Pike County Landfill. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officer Sgt. Keith Justice and CVE Officer Marty Combs responded to the scene. Upon arrival, officers spotted the two men, who immediately took off running. CVE Officer Combs found and arrested Jason Benton, 34, of Varney and a little later, officers found and arrested Jeremiah D. Young, 24, of Phelps, who was wanted by police after escaping jail by walking away from a Pike County work crew Feb. 14. Both men were charged with second-degree trespassing and were lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.
City of Martin in Floyd Co. Risks $300K Default to FEMA
According to a story from the Floyd Co. Times, the Martin city council is facing a difficult task in the months ahead, as they attempt to find receipts and invoices for nearly $300,000 in FEMA projects from 2009. Kentucky Emergency Management officials appeared at a recent council meeting to reassure city officials not to panic just yet, but they will need to find all of the receipts and matching invoices for work performed following the 2009 flood or they will have too repay FEMA nearly $300,000. Martn officials say they have made a little progress, already locating $95,000 worth of invoices and receipts, which has dropped the total down from just over $400,000. Of the remainder, $90,000 is currently in collections, but the collections process has been stopped while the city clerk tries to find the remaining paperwork. Following Hurricane Sandy FEMA has changed their operational rules for a Presidental disaster. Congress has cut back on how much money Congress gives out, so cities and counties will now have to show damages paid out of pocket, to show that they have exceeded what they could afford. Additionally, there will be no more small projects from FEMA where counties or cities received lump some payments up front.
Five Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week
Preliminary statistics* indicate that five people died in five separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways from Monday, Apr. 22 through Sunday, Apr. 28, 2013. One single-fatality, motor vehicle crash occurred in each of the following counties: Boyd, Daviess, Franklin, Jefferson and Wolfe. The victims in Boyd, Franklin, Jefferson and Wolfe counties were not wearing seat belts. The Boyd County and Jefferson County crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Through Apr. 28, preliminary statistics* indicate that 165 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2013. This is 48 less than reported for this time period in 2012. Of the 139 motor vehicle fatalities, 70 victims were not wearing seat belts. Six of the 11 motorcycle fatalities were not wearing helmets. The one ATV fatality was not wearing a helmet. One bicycle rider has been killed. Twelve pedestrians have been killed. One fatality involving an animal drawn vehicle has been reported. A total of 32 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. As of Apr. 28, Kentucky has had 33 days with zero highway fatalities reported during 2013. 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.
Owsley County Clerk Pleads Guilty To Tax Evasion, Abuse Of Public Trust Charges
Attorney General Jack Conway announced Monday the guilty plea of Owsley County Clerk Sid Gabbard on charges of tax evasion and abuse of public trust. Gabbard entered a guilty plea on Friday in Franklin Circuit Court to three counts of abuse of public trust and three counts of willfully filing or making false tax returns, and/or failure to pay tax. The plea agreement also requires Gabbard to resign immediately as Owsley County Clerk and pay $61,118 in restitution to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The charges against Gabbard are the result of an investigation by General Conway's Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Department of Revenue's Division of Special Investigations. The Attorney General's Office launched its investigation of Gabbard in January of 2013 based on a 2010 audit report released in June of 2012 by the Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts. The Attorney General's investigation revealed that Gabbard withheld state income tax from employees' checks, but instead of sending the money to the state he used it as his own. Prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office of Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney Larry Cleveland.
Governor Signs Bryan Durman Act Into Law
Governor Beshear on Monday signed into law the Bryan Durman Act, named for the Lexington Police officer killed in the line of duty exactly three years ago. Durman was killed when Glenn Doneghy ran him over in April 2010. Doneghy was convicted of second-degree manslaughter, but because manslaughter is not considered a violent crime, he'll be eligible for parole in April of next year. Under the Durman Act, anyone convicted of second-degree manslaughter of a clearly-identified police officer or firefighter would have to serve 85 percent of their sentence. If the peace officer was not clearly identified, the person convicted would have to serve 50 percent of the sentence.
Program Hopes Stop Kids from Becoming Prescription Drug Addicts
Attorney General Jack Conway says one in five high school students in Kentucky abuse prescription pills. The Keep Kentucky Kids Safe program is the Attorney General's campaign to lower that number. "I'm going around the state and if I can use a little bit of my office to get into these high schools to tell kids, 'look this is a problem. Don't go down this path,' then perhaps we can make a difference," said Attorney General Conway. Attorney General Conway says his efforts and state legislation have reduced prescriptions for Oxycontin, Hydrocodone and Opana drastically during the last year. He also said this has led to the closing of 20 pain clinics in Kentucky. Attorney General Conway says more people die from prescription drug overdoses in Kentucky than from car accidents. The Keep Kentucky Kids Safe program was also presented at Mullins Elementary and Middle School in Pikeville yesterday.
PSC Plan Public Meetings on Replacing Big Sandy Plant; Comments Welcomed
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 ... |
Rowan Co. Fire Leaves House Destroyed
According to reports, a house fire reported over the weekend has destroyed a Rowan County home. Reports indicate the fire broke out at a residence on Dry Creek Road late Friday. Initial reports say at least one person had to be airlifted to UK Hospital for burns they suffered in the blaze. There has been no recent report on the condition of the person injured, nor if any other injuries were sustained in the fire. This fire is still under investigation and we hope to bring you firther updates, when they are mad available.
Arson Investigation Leads To Arrest In Bath County
According to the KSP, on April 26, 2013 at 1:10 P.M., Kentucky State Police Post 8 arrested Gene A. Glover of Bath Co. Glover was charged with two counts of Arson 2nd Degree, two counts of Burglary 2nd Degree, and 21 counts of Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree. The charges stem from two fires that occurred on March 20, 2013 on U.S. 60 East in Bath County. Glover is lodged in the Montgomery County Regional Jail.
KSP Say Two Deaths in a Perry Co. House Fire, Homicides
Kentucky State Police say their investigation into two deaths at the scene of a house fire in Perry Co. has turned into a homicide probe. Firefighters were called to a home in the Busy community of Perry County last week. They found a man, already dead, outside the burning residence and later found the remains of a woman inside the structure. Police said in a statement Friday that the case is being investigated as a double homicide. They said the causes of death are not being released. Police said the state medical examiner's office has identified one victim as 58-year-old Garfield Herald. The statement said officials are still trying to determine the identity of the female. Police are asking anyone with information about the blaze to call 800-222-5555 or 606-435-6069.
Thousands Of Feet Of Copper Stolen From Local Business
Police are looking for the people responsible for stealing more than a mile of copper tubing from a work site in Rowan County. The employee who found the damage says more than 7,000 feet of copper wiring was taken from a portable asphalt plant owned by Hinkle Company in Morehead. Police say the plant was in storage and hadn't been in use for some time. Fixing the damage will cost an estimated $45,000.
Magoffin Man Arrested on Drug Charges
Recent reports out of the Salyersville Independent say an 18 year old Magoffin County man has been arrested for reportedly selling a marijuana joint to a 15-year-old student at Magoffin County High School
The 18-year-old has been identified as Luther Wayne Keeton, Jr., of Salyersville. Police reports indicate Keeton still was in possession of marijuana at the time of his arrest. He has been charged with Trafficking Marijuana (Less than 8 oz) 1st offense, Trafficking Controlled Substance within 1000 ft of a School, Unlawful Transaction with a Minor 1st - Illegal Controlled Substance - Under 18 and Possession of Marijuana Keeton was taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center and has a preliminary hearing set for this week.
State Officials Facing Lawsuit Over Redistricting
The Governor is among several state officials and politicians facing a lawsuit over redistricting. The Boone County clerk, two judge executives and nine northern Kentucky residents filed the suit saying the lack of a redistricting plan is leaving the region 'without' adequate representation in Frankfort. Redistricting happens every ten years to account for population changes. Lawmakers failed to pass a redistricting plan during this year's session.
W.Va. Motorcycle Ride To Honor Slain Sheriff
A motorcycle rally in Mingo County will take on a special meaning this year. The Rally in the Valley set for May 3-5 in downtown Williamson will hold a motorcycle ride to honor the late Sheriff Eugene Crum. The Sheriff Eugene Crum Memorial Poker Run will be held starting at 12:30 p.m. on May 5. Organizer Paul Price of the Sidney, Ky.-based club Appalachian Brotherhood says the route is still being worked out. He expects at least 200 motorcyclists will participate.Price says the cost is $15 per motorcycle. Proceeds will benefit the sheriff's department. Crum was fatally shot on April 3. His widow, Rosie, was appointed interim sheriff the next day. The Rally in the Valley debuted last year as a one-day event.
Nearly $200K Ready For Early Childhood Initiative
The Governor's Office of Early Childhood is making nearly $200,000 available to strengthen early childhood advisory councils and to promote school readiness. The money is being divvied up in grants of nearly $50,000 each to fund four regional initiatives to improve education and health services for Kentucky's youngest citizens. Gov. Steve Beshear has announced that Clinton, Adair, Cumberland and Russell counties will share one of the grants. Morehead State University will work with Bracken, Lewis, Lawrence and Martin counties on another. Madison, Estill, Powell and Lee counties also will receive a grant, as will Todd, Christian, Muhlenberg and Hopkins counties. Governor's Office of Early Childhood executive director Terry Tolan said the intent is to create regional councils that include representatives from school districts, health departments, child care providers and libraries.
|
Johnson Co Officials Join Other Counties in Mock Disaster Drills
Several Paintsville and Johnson Co. officials took part in a area wide mock disaster on Wednesday. At 9 AM Paintsville/Johnson Co. Emergency Mgmt. Director Gary McClure met with representatives from local law enforcement, health dept. hospitals, emergency personel, schools and other officials and conducted the OMEGA exercise drill. This drill centered on what proper procedures needed to be done as a result of a chemical weapons spill, such as anthrax. Representatives went over a plan of action and tried to make it as real as possible and train first responders and health care providers how to handle the situation. Johnson Co. was not the only county participating in this drill Wednesday, as a total of 10 counties in Eastern Ky. took part and officials say events like this help everyone stay prepared for any kind of widespread emergency.
One Person Killed in a Boyd County Car Crash
Officials in Boyd Co. say a man was killed in a single vehicle accident late Tuesday evening. Reports say the driver lost control of the vehicle and rolled over and down an embankment, before coming to a final rest against a tree. The crash happened on Big Run Trace Rd. in Cattlettsburg at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Officers with the Boyd County Sheriff's Department say 33-year-old John D. Jacobs. A 10-year-old girl who was a passenger in the van was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, but has been released. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
KSP Charges 2nd Suspect in a Greenup Co. Murder
According to a news release from the KSP in Ashland, on Wednesday April, 24 2013 the Kentucky State Police charged Aaron W. Gallion, age 35, of Ashland Ky. with Complicity to Commit Murder. He joins Carlton T. Gallman, who was arrested Tuesday Lawrence Co., Ohio and charged with Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Both are currently lodged in the Greenup County Detention Center.
Information was obtained during the course of the investigation by the KSP, which led to the additional arrest and charge. KSP confirmed earlier this week that human remains where located April 19, 2013 on Happy Ridge Road in Greenup , KY and have been positively identified as Christopher M. Frazier, age 29, of Westwood , KY. Greenup County Coroner Neil Wright says the preliminary autopsy results show that Frazier died from several gunshot wounds. He had not been seen or heard from since late March.
Perry Co. B.O.E. Officials Confident Allegations of Misconduct by Some Members, Will be Found Baseless
The chairman of the Perry County Board of Education is confident allegations of misconduct against him and two of his colleagues will be found baseless. In an April 4th letter to the Perry Co. B.O.E., Kentucky Commissioner of Education Terry Holliday accused three board members of ordering officials at Perry County Central High School to give students breaks during the school day - a violation of the state's turnaround plan for the school. The board's chairman, John "Pumpkin" Combs, said the allegations are false and board members have not heard from Holliday since receiving the letters. According to Combs, he said they didn't try to get our side of the story and just came along and said, "We've got stuff that tells us you've done these things.' But somebody in the Department of Education should have came here and sat down and said, 'We want to meet with you. Combs said other board members have written letters to Holliday denying the accusations and he wants to see how those letters are handled before he tries to communicate with Holliday.
Farmer's Arraignment Moved Up To Today
Former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer's arraignment on four felony counts of misappropriating state funds and one of solicitation has been moved up to this afternoon at 4 p.m in Lexington. . The arraignment had initially been set for April 30. The indictment unsealed Monday in Lexington charges Farmer with using his state position to obtain thousands of dollars' worth of gifts, hotel rooms, clothing and computers. It also charges him with hiring friends who did little or no work for the state. Farmer was state agriculture commissioner from 2004 to 2012. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In a separate action, Farmer also faces 42 ethics charges accusing him of misusing state funds and state employees during his time in office.
Regional Medical Symposium Saturday in Paintsville
Medical professionals are invited to attend a free training on prescription drug abuse and diversion on Saturday, April 27, at the Ramada Inn in Paintsville. The free symposium provides information about new state reporting requirements, the importance of understanding addiction, and presents ideas to help providers effectively treat pain while reducing the risk for abuse. Nearly 120 medical professionals attended the first of four free symposia held April 13 on the campus of Morehead State University. Other forums are scheduled for May 11 at the Holiday Inn University Plaza Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green and June 8 at the Eastern Kentucky University Center in Manchester. These “Kentucky Medical Communities UNITEd” forums – presented by the Appalachian Regional Commission, Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives, and Operation UNITE – begin with registration and a continental breakfast at 8:30 am and conclude at 3:00 pm. Lunch is included. Participants in the training forums are eligible to receive 4.5 continuing education credit hours for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, dentists, dental hygienists, pharmacists, social workers, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors, psychologists and Certified Health Education Specialists. Much of the forum focuses on understanding the Kentucky All-Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting (KASPER) system and new regulations enacted by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2012 (known as House Bill 1 or “The Pill Mill Bill”) that require prescribers and dispensers to utilize the system.
These trainings have been approved by the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, Kentucky Board of Nursing, and Certified Health Education Specialists as meeting statutory requirements imposed by House Bill 1. Dave Hopkins, KASPER Program Manager within the Kentucky Office of Inspector General, noted that, with a few exceptions carved out during the 2013 General Assembly, anyone licensed to prescribe or dispense controlled substances to individuals must report to KASPER. Starting July 1, these reports must be made within one business day, Hopkins said. “Our data will become much more timely.” Dr. Jones, who said he has “lived this thing on both sides,” attempted to alleviate concern about the new regulations. While there is no charge to attend, registration is required. Complete symposia information and on-line registration is available at www.cecentral.com/live/6653 or you may call 859-257-5320 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.
Area Business to Participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
According to Operation Unite officials, Food City stores all across Eastern Ky. will be taking part in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Food City has partnered with Operation UNITE to collect and safely dispose of unwanted or unused medications on Saturday, April 27. Six Food City Pharmacy locations in five counties will accept medications from residents between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no charge for this service.
UNITE Coalition members, along with law enforcement officials, will staff drop-off locations at Food City stores located at:
• 330 North Mayo Trail, Paintsville (Johnson County)
• 2138 South Mayo Trail, Pikeville (Pike County)
• 28093 Thompson Plaza, South Williamson (Pike County)
• 102 North 12th Street, Middlesboro (Bell County)
• 2478 South U.S. Highway 421, Harlan (Harlan County)
• 429 University Drive, Prestonsburg (Floyd County)
In addition, all Kentucky State Police Posts will serve as drop-off locations. In this region KSP Posts are located in Ashland (Post 14), Harlan (Post 10), Hazard (Post 13), London (Post 11), Morehead (Post 8), Pikeville (Post 9) and Richmond (Post 7). All medication turned in at Food City or other locations will be turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for disposal. If you are unable to attend Saturday’s event, and still wish to safely dispose of your medications, Operation UNITE and other agencies have placed permanent medication drop boxes in most southern and eastern Kentucky counties. A list of locations is available on the UNITE website. View list of locations.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back events were initiated by the DEA two years ago to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications. The DEA, in conjunction with state and local partners, has removed more than 2 million pounds of prescription medications from circulation in five previous take-back events. Learn more at 1-800-882-9539 or visit the DEA Take-Back Day website. For information about Operation UNITE visit their website at www.operationunite.org.
|
Inmate Stabbed At Eastern Kentucky Prison Dies
According to a news release from the KSP, on Sunday, April 21, 2013 Kentucky State Police Post 8 in Morehead, conducted and investigated the stabbing of Michael S. Lynch. Mr. Lynch was stabbed in the neck by Eric S. Chapman while incarcerated at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in West Liberty. Mr Lynch was air lifted to the University of Kentucky where he was listed in critical condition. On April 22, 2013, Mr. Lynch succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by the medical staff at UK Hospital. Lynch was serving a 25-year sentence for murder in Calloway County. He was airlifted to UK Hospital where he died Monday. Chapman is serving 17 years for robbery and assault in Whitley County, and receiving stolen property in Lexington.The incident remains under investigation by Detective Donnie McGraw.
Rowan County Man Accused of Deceiving, Sexually Abusing Man With Disabilities
A Rowan County man is charged with knowingly abusing an adult, accused of deceiving a man with mental disabilities and sexually abusing him in a Lexington motel room. According to court documents, Joel Becks told the man he was taking him to a basketball game in Nashville, but investigators say that's not what happened. According to the arrest warrant which LEX18 obtained, 34-year-old Joel Becks offered to take the man with mental disabilities to the OVC Men's Basketball championship in Nashville, TN. and claimed he was a Morehead State University employee. The warrant says Becks called the Job Corp Training Center in Frenchburg, which the victim participated in, and also told them he was an MSU employee and would pay for the man to go to the game. Becks isn't listed as working at MSU. Documents say they met up on March 1st in Lexington but instead of going to the game, Becks took the man to the Motel 6 on Elkhorn Road and allegedly sexually abused him. Rowan County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Joel Becks at his home on Apri 19th . He bonded out of jail on a $10,000 bond. LEX18 went to his home in Morehead. Becks did not answer the door, but his roommate did, and we were told the allegations are "lies." LEX18 reached out to the Job Corp Training Center in Frenchburg, but we did not hear back. We're told a court date for Joel Beck's arraignment in Fayette County has not yet been set.
Floyd Co. Sheriff Steps Down as President of the Kentucky Sheriff's Association
An Eastern Kentucky law enforcement official has stepped down as the President of the Kentucky Sheriff's Association. According to reports, Floyd County Sheriff John K. Blackburn resigned as president this past weekend. Last month, Sheriff Blackburn was charged with driving under the influence on the Mtn. Parkway in Powell County. Police say he appeared drunk and blew a .202 on a breathalyzer. He entered a guilty plea and served a four day sentence in jail earlier this month.
Johnson Co. Sheriff's Dept Issue "Scam Alert"
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office would like to make everyone aware of a new scam being run in our area. The caller may identify himself as Michael Collins. He will be calling from a number with an 876 area code. This is a Jamaican phone number. He will tell you that you have won a prize, but, in order to claim it you will have to mail him a check or money order first. He will then tell you someone will be by your home to deliver your prize money to you. Do not send this man any money. Sheriff Price stated, “You’ve heard it a hundred times before, but I’ll say it again. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” If you receive a call from this man, or any similar call, please notify the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at 789-3411.
Johnson Co. and Surrounding Counties Participaring in Emergency Exercie This Week
The following is a news release from Paintsville/Johnson Co. Emergency Mgmt. Director, Gary McClure, concerning a planned community emergency exercise to be held April 24 and 25, 2013.
WHO: Region 10 Healthcare Planning Coalition (HPC) consisting of preparedness partners in Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Floyd, Greenup, Johnson, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin and Pike Counties.
WHAT: Conducting a regional full scale exercise dealing with a mock Anthrax/white powder disaster in which those persons “exposed” to the white powder will have to be decontaminated on site and transported to the local hospital for decontamination again and treatment. The local health departments will be requesting federal assets to treat affected populations.
WHEN: The regional full scale exercise referred to as “Operation Omega Shield” will be from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on April 24th and 25th.
WHERE: The exercise will be taking place in each of the ten counties in Region 10. Hospitals, health departments, long-term care centers and local government agencies will be participating in the exercise.
|
2 Men Hurt in a Monday Boating Accident on Paintsville Lake
At around 7 pm MOnday evening, 911 dispatch received a call from boater on the Paintsville Lake saying they found 2 men seriously injured and in the water on the Paintsville Lake. Dispatch toned out the Johnson Co. Rescue Squad, Flat Gap VFD and EMS to the area of McKenzie Branch on the Lake. When emergency crews arrived on scene they found that the two me had severe cuts from the prop of their boat and where badly bleeding, but concious. The men told rescuers that they where thrown from their boat about 6 pm and had treaded water for nearly an hour before someone heard their cries for help.After emergency crews tended to the men at the scene, the Johnson Co. Rescue Squad ttraansported the 2 men, by boat, to the main Paintsville Lake dock where a Landing Zone had been set up to fly the men to a Hospital in Huntington, W.Va. The men's identity has not been released at this time, nor the cause of the accident. According to Johnson Co. Rescue Squad Chief Jeff Helton, he said the injuries where very severe, but could not elaborate on what type of injuries either of the 2 men suffered. Helton also added that each crew memeber from his squad as well as those who responded from the Flat Gap V.F.D. Paintsville E.M.S. and Kentucky Fish & Wildlife worked well together during this emergency and it was a valiant team effort. Situations like this don't happen often, but when they do it's good to know that emergency crews know exactly what to do from their hours of training and work together for the safety and concern of the injured individuals. No further information has been released at this time, as the investigation continues into a cause of this accident. WSIP news will bring you further updates when they become available. |
|
|
LISTEN LIVE