Local Man Avoids Serious Injury When Car Goes Over Hillside
A Johnson Co. man is lucky to have avoided serious injury when he lost control of his vehicle and went over an embankment on Monday. According to Johnson Co. Sheriff Deputy Tim Clark, he says "the driver told him he was traveling west from Paintsville on Ky Rt 40 when he hit a "slick" spot on the roadway and lost control sending the 2004 white Chevy Trailblazer careening over the embankment. Luckily, according to Deputy Clark, the vehicle came to a stop against a tree and that kept it from going further down into a creek and possibly causing serious injury. Deputy Clark said the vehicle traveled appoximetely 38 feet from the guardrail to the final rest. The driver of the vehicle did not suffer any serious injuries and was not taken to the hospital. This accident happened around 12:25 pm Monday. Deputy Tim Clark is still invesitgating this accident.
Estill County Parents Charged With Endangering Three Children
Two Estill County parents have been arrested after police say they were found intoxicated while having three minor children in their care. The incident happened on March 22. Police say David R. Chaney, 28, and Marsha R. Maggard, 28, both of Irvine, are both charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a minor.. At approximately 9:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Steak N Shake on Colby Taylor Drive to investigate a report that a man and woman (later identified as Chaney and Maggard) were intoxicated inside the restaurant with three small children. Upon arrival, officers identified Chaney and Maggard and found that they had three children, ages 1, 5, and 10, in their care. Officers further determined that both Chaney and Maggard were under the influence of intoxicants other than alcohol to a level that they were a threat to themselves and could not properly care for the children. Chaney and Maggard were taken into custody and held in the Madison County Detention Center. The children were released to a responsible relative at the direction of social services.
Montgomery County Inmate Death Investigation
According to a news release from the KSP, on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 4:47 a.m., Kentucky State Police in Morehead received a report of a deceased male inmate at the Montgomery County Regional Jail in Mt. Sterling. Montgomery County Jailer Eric Jones reported that inmate Ronald C. Gaunce was found unresponsive in the shower at 3:09 a.m. by a Deputy Jailer. Mr. Gaunce was transported to Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Mt. Sterling where he was pronounced deceased by Dr. Ronald Hamilton. An autopsy is pending at the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort and no foul play is suspected. The incident remains under investigation by Detective David Zimmerman.
Seven Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week (Mar. 18 through Mar. 24)
Preliminary statistics* indicate that seven people died in six separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, Mar. 18 through Sunday, Mar. 24, 2013. One double-fatality, motor vehicle crash occurred in Estill County. One single-fatality, motor vehicle crash occurred in each of the following counties: Jefferson, Knox and Perry. The victim in the Perry County crash was not wearing a seat belt. One single-fatality motorcycle crash occurred in Morgan County. One pedestrian was killed in Jefferson County. Through Mar. 24, preliminary statistics* indicate that 115 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2013. This is 30 less than reported for this time period in 2012. Of the 100 motor vehicle fatalities, 49 victims were not wearing seat belts. One of the four motorcycle fatalities was not wearing a helmet. Ten pedestrians have been killed. One fatality involving an animal drawn vehicle has been reported. A total of 26 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. As of Mar. 24, Kentucky has had 23 days with zero highway fatalities reported during 2013.
Kentucky May Deregulate Landline Phone Service Amid Concerns
Lawmakers have one more day to vote on a bill that would loosen a requirement that telephone companies provide low-cost line service to all customers. States have been revisiting the century-old idea of regulating phone service as a public utility as people drop landline service. Phone companies such as AT&T argue the old rules are outdated, burdening them as they compete with wireless and cable companies that provide phone service but lack the same regulation. AT&T says the legislation would allow them to bring better wireless and internet service to rural areas in Kentucky where landlines remain in wide use. But people fear the bill would endanger landlines before the new technologies are ready. The legislative session ends today. The legislation is Senate Bill 88.
Eastern Ky. Counties Ranked Lowest in Survey of Resident's Health
Oldham County has the healthiest residents in Kentucky, according to the fourth annual County Health Rankings released Wednesday by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The Rankings are available at www.countyhealthrankings.org. This annual report takes a look at multiple factors that influence the health of communities and assesses counties’ health outcomes and health factors, such as lifestyle and access to care, that also impact health and well being. This is the second year in a row Oldham County has led the list for health outcomes.
The rankings take into consideration health outcomes, such as illness and death rates, as well as factors that influence health, like smoking, access to health care, socioeconomic status and physical environment. According to the 2013 Rankings, the five counties in Kentucky that ranked highest for health outcomes are Oldham, followed by Boone, Shelby, Lyon, and Spencer. The five counties in Kentucky with the highest health factors are Oldham, Woodford, Boone, Fayette and Scott.
Floyd County was ranked 120th by the survey when it came to rating residents' health. Perry County was ranked 119th, followed by Breahitt County, Wolfe County, Lee County and Pike County, which was ranked 115th. The report examined numerous health factors that affect health within four categories: health behavior, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. Some specific factors of study included: rates of adult smoking, adult obesity, excessive drinking among adults, and teenage births. The report also assessed issues such as the number of uninsured adults, availability of primary care providers, children in poverty and preventable hospital stays.
More information can be found at www.countyhealthrankings.org. Here's a list of "Area" counties and where they ranked, as well as the top 5 counties:
1 Oldham (OL)
2 Boone (BN)
3 Shelby (SH)
4 Lyon (LY)
5 Spencer (SP)
38 Rowan (RW)
69 Morgan (MA)
73 Elliott (EL)
88 Boyd (BY)
91 Carter (CT)
100 Lawrence (LW)
103 Knott (KN)
104 Magoffin (MG)
108 Johnson (JO)
114 Martin (MT)
115 Pike (PI)
116 Lee (LE)
117 Wolfe (WO)
118 Breathitt (BH)
119 Perry (PR)
120 Floyd (FO)
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KSP Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Morgan Co.
According to a news release from the KSP, on March 23, 2013 at 7:18 P.M., Kentucky State Police Morehead was contacted in reference to a single vehicle injury accident on KY 191 near Barker Branch in West Liberty. Trooper Grant Falkner, Trooper Charles Bolin, Morgan County Sheriff's Department, Morgan County EMS, and West Liberty Fire/Rescue responded to the scene. Joshua Branham, 24, of West Liberty, was operating a 1983 Suzuki GS550 motorcycle eastbound on KY 191, When he lost control of the motorcycle, left the eastbound shoulder of the roadway, crossed a creek and struck an embankment coming to a final rest. Morgan County Coroner Raymond Vancleave arrived and pronounced Joshua Branham deceased at 7:25 P.M. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be a factor in the accident. The accident remains under investigation by Trooper Grant Falkner.
KSP Investigating Rowan Co. Accident
According to a seperate news release from the KSP, on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 9:41 p.m., Kentucky State Police Post 8 Morehead received a report of an injury accident on KY174 from Morehead Police Department Dispatch. Trooper Brent Sparks and Trooper Scott Caudill responded to the accident scene. Miranda D. Holbrook, age 20, of Olive Hill was operating a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt East on KY174 when she crossed the centerline, overcorrected then struck a utility pole in a field, after leaving the roadway on the eastbound shoulder. Miranda D. Holbrook was transported to St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead and later transferred to Cabell Hunting Hospital in Huntington, WV. A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was airlifted from the accident scene to Cabell Huntington Hospital. Miranda D. Holbrook is listed in stable condition at this time. The accident remains under investigation by Trooper Brent Sparks. Trooper Sparks and Trooper Caudill were assisted by Rowan County E.M.S., Rowan County Fire Department and Deputy Donnie Hall.
Floyd County Sheriff's Son Arrested
Just days after the president of the Kentucky Sheriff's Association was arrested for D.U.I., his son lands in jail on alcohol-related charges. Jeffery Blackburn was arrested Wednesday after police in Floyd County got a call reporting a reckless driver. Police ended up finding Blackburn in a restaurant. He failed a field sobriety test and was arrested for public intoxication. Last weekend, Floyd County Sheriff John Blackburn was arrested in Powell County for a D.U.I and he's expected to be back in court next month.
Motions Filed in a Magoffin County Manslaughter Case
New motions have been filed in a Magoffin County manslaughter case, which involves the death of Cameron Mullins. Mullins was 4-year-old when he died of blunt force trauma two years ago and his father James Garcia was originally charged with first degree manslaughter, but last month he agreed to amended charges of reckless homicide. During court proceedings last week, a judge rejected the plea agreement that Garcia made and the defense has filed a motion asking the court to sentence Garcia on the reckless homicide charge that he has already pleaded guilty to in the past. No further information has been obtained, but WSIP news will bring you updates when they become available.
Meth Bust Raises Concerns in a Perry County Community
A man is behind bars after police make the first meth bust of the year in Perry County Saturday morning and to make matters worse, officers found a child inside as well. Residents near the bust say they are happy to see police cracking down in their community's drug problem. Arrested was James D. Richie, police found a hidden meth lab and other meth-making products at his home.Community members say the drug problem has been going on for a long time and they continue to be worried for the safety of their children. Homeowners say they hope police find the many others doing the same as Ritchie throughout the area.Officers are still searching for a man who is believed to be connected to Ritchie. They are asking anyone with information on James Collins in the Slemp area of Perry County to call police.
Kentucky’s Jobless Rate Remained at 7.9% in February 2013
Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate stayed at 7.9 percent from January 2013 to February 2013, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The preliminary February 2013 jobless rate was .4 percentage points below the 8.3 percent rate recorded for the state in February 2012. The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate decreased to 7.7 percent in February 2013 from 7.9 percent in January 2013, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Dizzying Pace For KY Legislators In Upcoming Days
Lawmakers return to the Capitol on Monday with two days remaining to pass legislation intended to shore up Kentucky's pension plans for state and local government retirees. Restoring solvency to the pension system, which has a $33 billion unfunded liability, has been divisive for the Republican-controlled Senate and the Democratic-led House, which have been working on the issue since the Legislature convened in January. Rep. Tommy Turner, R-Somerset, said he expects lawmakers to meet until midnight both days. Gov. Steve Beshear has been meeting with legislative leaders over a 1 ½-week break to try to reach accords on a litany of bills that they hope to pass before adjourning.
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Minutes from the Paintsville City Council Meeting 03-21-13
The Paintsville City Council met in a special called meeting on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the Paintsville City Hall. The meeting got underway with the approval of the minutes from the special called meeting of February 12, 2013. City Council members also approved the monthly department reports from the Police, F.D. Amblance, 911, Emergency management, utilities and the treasurer and they also approved to pay the monthly bills.
First item on the agenda to discuss was the 1st reading of the Ordinance updating pay/classification plan. This is an annual agreement covering all job's under the city that sets the minimun and maximum rate for a particular job. This item was approved. Next the council gave final approval for the deed transfer from the city concerning the Paintsville Park and Playground, to Paintsville City Schools. Next Mayor Porter nominated Mike Schmidt to take over for Dennis Dorton to be placed on the Paintsville Utility Commission. Council approved this nomination. Final item discussed on the night was the apporval from the council to name a street just off Hidden Valley Rd. as Autumn Ridge Rd. This would allow residents on that street to get a 911 address. With no further items to discuss, the meeting adjourned.
Paintsville City Police Searching For Wanted Individual
The Paintsville Police Dept are needing the public's help in locating a wanted individual. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of John Robert E. Daniels is asked to notify law enforcement at 606-789-2200 or dial 911. Mr. Daniels is wanted on several outstanding warrants.
Magoffin Co. Man Still Missing After 3 Weeks
It's been just over 3 weeks into the search for a missing Magoffin man and law enforcement officials continue to have little to go on. Freddy Brown, also known as Freddy Howard, 29, of Johnson Fork, Salyersville, has not been seen since Wednesday, February 27. Brown is 6 foot 2 inches tall, 180 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a green hooded jacket.
According to Magoffin County Sheriff Carson Montgomery, he said his office is still following all leads and investigating, but the investigation has been turned over to the Kentucky State Police and Detective Jason Dials continues working the case. Family members of Brown beg the public for any information they can supply authorities and anyone to please come forward. Officials ask anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Brown, to call Kentucky State Police Post 9 at 606-433-7711 or the Sheriff's Office at 606-349-2914.
Police Make 2 Seperate Drug Busts in Knott Co.
Eight Knott Co. people have been arrested on drug-related charges after two law enforcement conduct meth busts on separate days in the county. Knott County Sheriff Deputies made both drug busts while checking a residence on a completely different reason than a drug search. It all started over the weekend with a warrant issued for Hubert Hall. While deputies where searching for Hall at a home in the Pippa Passes area of Knott Co, police stumbled upon an active meth lab, which led to the arrest of 5 individuals. Arrested were Hall along with Dillon Jent, Robin Slone, Amber Hall, and Robin Fugate. After attending to this case, authorities went on another, unrelated case involving a stolen truck and appliances. While searching for the theft suspects at a home in the Pinetop community, police stumbled upon another active meth lab but did not find the two original suspects inside, but did arrest three others on meth charges, Alma Frazier, Susan Johnson, and Roger Jacobs. Police are still searching for the two theft suspects and two others from Pippa Passes. Seven of the people arrested have already been indicted and the Grand Jury is scheduled to hear Roger Jacob's case next Tuesday.
Two Ashland Men Convicted In Stolen Motorcycle Ring
A federal jury in London, Ky., found two Ashland, Ky., men guilty for their roles in a motorcycle theft ring. Richard Meade, 65, and Mark Justice, 53, were convicted of a conspiracy to engage in money laundering by illegally transferring the ownership of stolen motorcycles and one count each of possession of motorcycles with altered vehicle identification (VIN) numbers. Justice was also convicted of one count of illegally transferring ownership titles of stolen motorcycles while Meade was convicted on one count and acquitted on another count of the same charge. A third defendant, George Ferguson, 64, on trial for the conspiracy charge, was acquitted. The jury reached the verdict Tuesday night after approximately 3 hours of deliberation following more than three weeks of trial. According to trial testimony, the two defendants sold approximately 30 motorcycles out of car lots in Ashland. They sold the motorcycles for between $13,000 and $15,000 apiece.
Justice and Meade participated in a conspiracy in which co-defendant Robert Jason Chapman of Cincinnati coordinated trips with others to motorcycle rallies in South Carolina, South Dakota and Florida. At these events, Chapman and others stole motorcycles and brought them to Kentucky to sell. Chapman previously admitted that he and a co-defendant removed parts of the stolen motorcycles and replaced them with aftermarket parts bearing different vehicle identification numbers (VIN). He registered the stolen motorcycles with the new VIN numbers in Kentucky. Meade and Justice took some of the newly registered motorcycles and sold them. Six other defendants previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the case. The FBI and Kentucky State Police identified nearly 200 victims in this case,which include the original motorcycle owners and insurance companies. The defendants are scheduled for sentencing on July 24, 2013. They face up to 20 years in prison on the illegal transfer of ownership titles charge and the conspiracy charge. Possessing motorcycles with altered VIN numbers carries a maximum 10 year penalty.
Paintsville Police Dept. and Operation UNITE Install Drug Drop Off Station
The Paintsville Police Dept. along with Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education) are offering a way for people to dispose of old prescription medication without adverse consequences. There is now a medication drop box on permanent duty at the Paintsville Police Department. Paintsville Police Chief Stece Sluss said, "this is a good option for disposing of unused and unwanted medications." According to Dan Smoot, Vice President of Operation UNITE, “In counties and cities where they get the word out about thes boxes, they’ve been very successful,” Smoot said the goal is to have a drop box located in all 32 counties covered by Operation UNITE. The drop box can be used for over-the-counter medication as well as prescription drugs. These drop boxes are part of a continuing partnership between the Paintsville Police Department, the Kentucky State Police and Operation UNITE.
What exactly is a drug "drop box"? Chief Sluss said “We want to keep those medicines from falling into the wrong hands. If you’ve got unused medications around, the wrong person could get it — a child could accidentally swallow it and overdose. We just don’t want that. This is the best way to dispose of medications. It will be disposed of properly instead of being flushed down the toilet or just thrown in the trash where it could possibly get into the water supply. This will be the safest and best way for everyone.” There are certain items that cannot be dropped into the box, such as bio-hazardous materials, needles, inhalers and aerosol containers cannot be disposed of in the drop box. Chief Sluss the box will be located just inside the entrance in the lobby of the police department. All you have to do is ring the doorbell and let dispatch know what you are there to do and they will let you in. “People can just come in and drop anything they need, no questions asked. We won’t be checking to see if it was illegal or anything like that. We just want it disposed of.” said Chief Sluss. The Johnson Co. Sheriff's Dept also has a drug drop off station set up at there office in downtown Paintsville.
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Son of Murdered Johnson Co Couple Indicted on 2 Counts of Murder
On Wednesday, the Johnson County Grand Jury met and handed down several indictments against the son of the Johnson Co. couple who was reported missing for several months, but whose battered and partially decompossed bodies where found. 30-year-old Willie Blanton was indicted on 2 counts of murder in the death of his parents, Sandra and Larry Blanton. He was also indicted on 2 counts of tampering with physical evidence, for burying his parents on their family farm in the Oil Springs community of Johnson Co. Blanton’s former girlfriend, Amanda Fannin had reached a plea deal with the Commonwealth Attorney back in February that gave Johnson County Sheriff Dwayne Price, "key" information that led officials to the location of the missing couple's bodies. Part of the terms of that agreement, meant Fannin cannot be prosecuted for crimes she may have committed after learning of the deaths and to never seek the death penalty for Willie Blanton. Fannin could still be charged however, if she's found to have left out important information, lied, or to have been involved in murdering the couple. Willie Blanton was also indicted for being a persistent felony offender, a charge which elevates the murder and tampering charges. If convicted, Blanton could get life without parole, or up to 50 years in prison. Blanton is currently being held in the Boyd County Detention Center.
Floyd Co. Shooting/Murder Case Heading to Grand Jury
Loretta Wright appeared in Floyd District Court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing following the shooting death of her brother-in-law, Famer Halbert, last week. Kentucky State Police Det. Jason Dials relayed to the court the events surrounding Halbert’s death. According to Dials’ testimony, Ronald and Loretta Wright had come by the home to visit with Lorene and Famer Halbert, and had been discussing the death of their son. Dials said that the Wrights visited with Lorene Halbert for probably 30 minutes, while Famer was asleep in his bedroom. As they were getting ready to leave, Ronald Wright allegedly asked to use the restroom. As Lorene Halbert and Loretta Wright waited on the front porch, a gunshot was heard. Dials said 54-year-old Famer Halbert, of McDowell, died in his bed of a close contact gunshot to the forehead. Dials then testified that multiple struggles ensued over the weapon, and that during these struggles both Lorene Halbert and Ronald Wright were shot. According to Dials, the Halberts’ seven grandchildren were home at the time of the shooting, and some of those children have issued statements saying they witnessed the struggle over the weapon.
Dials testified that no official murder weapon has yet to be recovered, though he added that .357 ammunition was found in Ronald Wright’s possession. Dials told the court on Tuesday that the weapon that killed Famer Halbert was a “large caliber projectile.” Loretta Wright is currently charged with one count of complicity to commit murder and one count of attempted murder. Ronald Wright, has reportedly been served with an arrest warrant, and is awaiting extradition back to Kentucky. Floyd County District Judge Jimmy Marcum remanded the case to the hands of a Floyd County grand jury. Because the Halberts’ grandchildren were in the home at the time of the shooting, the grand jury could add as many as seven counts of first-degree wanton endangerment against the Wrights.
Pike County Man Indicted for Attempted Murder, Rape
A Pike County man has been indicted in connection with an alleged domestic disturbance incident that left a woman unconscious. A grand jury has charged Jonathan Thornsbury, 29, of Sydney, with attempted murder, rape, sodomy and being a persistent felony offender. Reports indicate that on March 7, Kentucky Sate Police said they were responding to a call at a residence in the Sydney community of a possible domestic, but learned that the individuals had already left the residence. A short time later, after searching for a vehicle, troopers said they located the vehicle in question and belonging to the individuals involved with this disturbance call at a nearby store. Inside the vehicle, troopers say they found an unresponsive woman. Troopers took the woman to Pikeville Medical Center where she was admitted into ICU for her injuries. Thornsbury is expected to be in Pike County Circuit Court on March 27 for a hearing.
Three Family Members Arrested in Flatwoods During a Tuesday Drug Bust
Three family members have been arrested following a drug bust at two homes in the Flatwoods community Tuesday night. Reports indicate that around 7 p.m., members of the FADE Task Force, Flatwoods Police Russell Police and Vanceburg Police executed two search warrants at the homes on Beth Ann Drive. Investigators said the raid was a result of a lengthy investigation stemming from citizen complaints in this particular neighborhood. Arrested was James Bowen, Mary Beth Bowen and Steve Bowen, all on drug-related charges. Police said Mary Beth Bowen, 52, and James Bowen, 31, are mother and son, and that Steve Bowen is Mary Beth Bowen's ex-husband. Investigators say they confiscated prescription drugs, cash, syringes, drug paraphernalia and suspected stolen property. All three people were taken tot the Greenup County Detention Center.
Beshear Signs Bill Empowering Abuse Review Panel
Gov. Steve Beshear has signed a bill giving broader investigative powers to a state panel that reviews serious cases of child abuse and neglect in Kentucky. Beshear created the panel last year by executive order. But the law he signed Wednesday gives panel members deeper access to case files involving children who died or suffered serious injuries. The law also allows panel members to discuss certain cases in private to protect victims' identities. The 20-member panel began reviewing cases earlier this year. It is tasked with making recommendations to social services agencies on how to improve abuse investigations. Panel members have already said that more training is needed to better serve Kentucky's children.
UK Tuition Expected to Increase 3%
Tuition at the University of Kentucky is expected to go up 3 percent next year, the smallest increase since 1997. According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, the finance committee of the UK Board of Trustees approved the suggested tuition increase without any discussion. This now goes to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education for final approval. The average in-state undergraduate student will pay $10,110 in the 2013-14 school year. It will be the first time that annual tuition has topped $10,000. Tuition at UK, the state's largest public university, has jumped 150 percent in the past decade.
Putting Food on the Table: Report says Kentucky Still Struggles
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Many people in Kentucky struggle to put food on their tables, despite an upturn in the state's economy. The state ranks 19th for the number of people who say they didn't have enough money to buy food at least once in the last year, according to a report released by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). The report says that's one out of every five Kentuckians (20.3 percent). Marian Guinn, who oversees the God's Pantry Food Bank, which collects and distributes donated food throughout the eastern half of Kentucky, said people are still struggling. "The fact that we're serving one in seven Kentuckians, and in actuality one in five Kentuckians may be struggling to meet the nutritional requirements of their household, is not at all surprising." The southeast and southwestern states are the two regions of the country where food hardship numbers are the highest, according to the report. It highlights the need to improve food stamp benefits, which are now called SNAP. The president of the Food Research and Action Center, Jim Weill, said that when people's nutritional needs aren't met, it's difficult for them to move ahead in other aspects of their lives. "We know from the research that means that parents and kids aren't doing as well at work and at school as they would be doing if they were consistently eating a healthy diet," he declared. Weill said improving food stamp benefits would start with passing a national Farm Bill that protects and strengthens the program. Some in Congress have suggested reducing benefits. The 5th district in Kentucky has the 23rd-highest food hardship rate among congressional districts nationwide. Guinn said that region of the state does not have enough food pantries and there are not enough employers fueling the economy. "Our struggles in south central and southeastern Kentucky relate to the rural nature of many of those counties as well as the lack of a lot of social service infrastructure," she asserted. Guinn said the good news is that God's Pantry has been able to grow distribution in recent years, a trend she hopes will continue. The FRAC report is at FRAC.org.
Big Sandy RECC “Beat the Peak” Thursday March 21st from 6 am to 10 am
Big Sandy RECC is asking their members to "Beat the Peak" this morning, “We’re asking all Big Sandy RECC members to voluntarily conserve or limit energy on Thursday morning from 6 am to 10 am when our membership will be using the greatest amount of electricity. It is during these times that our cooperative often must purchase power from the market at extremely high prices.” During “normal” load periods, Big Sandy RECC pays only pennies per kilowatt-hour for power. However, during times of “peak” demand, Big Sandy RECC can pay up to one dollar per kilowatt-hour. “If we have to buy expensive power during a peak, as a not-for-profit cooperative we must pass these higher costs to our members. That causes power bills to increase.” “We’re asking members to be our partners in holding down costs by turning off all unnecessary lights or appliances during the peak period, and by delaying their use of dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers and any use of hot water.” “Working together with our members, we can “Beat the Peak” by using our electricity resources wisely.” “By working together, we can hold down rising energy costs.” David Estepp, CEO. If you have questions, please contact Bruce Aaron Davis at 606-789-4095 or toll free at 1-888-789-7322.
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Local Schools Compete Well in State Governor's Cup Competition
Congratulations to all the local Elementary, Middle and High School teams that competed Monday at the 2013 Governor's Cup in Louisville. Over the past decade, Johnson Co has been represented very well by the Paintsville School system and the Johnson Co. School system and this year was no different. The following is a list of how well our schools and individuals did.
* Middle School -
Overall
Johnson Co Middle School won their 10th State title, the most titles in the history of the competition.
Future Problem Solving
1 Heath Middle
2 Johnson County Middle
3 Paintsville
Quick Recall
1 Johnson County Middle
Social Studies
4 Dillon Conley * - Johnson County Middle
6 Jed Riego * - Paintsville
8 Tyler Ratliff * - Johnson County Middle
Language Arts
1 Andrew Chapman - Johnson County Middle
5 Carrie Jo Cecil * - Louisa Middle
6 Kenzi Butcher - Johnson County Middle
7 Leah Blair - Johnson County Middle
Mathematics
8 Lauren Endicott * - Johnson County Middle
* High School -
Quick Recall
1 Pikeville
Future Problem Solving
6 Johnson Central
Arts and Humanities -
8 Noor Ali * - Pikeville
Science -
11 Clay Davenport * - Johnson Central
Social Studies -
10 Ammad Mansoor - Pikeville
Language Arts -
7 Iman Ali * - Pikeville
Elementary - (JR FPS Component Event)
Paintsville finished in 1st place (2nd yr in a row)
W.R. Castle finished in 2nd Place
Meade Memorial finished in 5th Place
Central Elementary - Jonathan Holbrook (1st Jr. writing), Peyton Duncan (2nd Jr. writing), Megan Owens (3rd Jr. writing),
Paintsville - Alex Fowler (2nd Scenario), Emma Plaxico (4th Scenario)
Again Congratulations on ALL your hard work, you have certainly reprsented Johnson Co and Paintsville Schools systems well and have proven that these 2 school are the best in the State.
North Carolina Man Charged in the Murder of Former Pike County Residents
According to WYMT-TV, a North Carolina man is behind bars in that State, accused in the murder of a Pike County woman and her son. Reports say Police in North Wilkesboro, N.C. arrested 33 year old Jason Pardue over the weekend. The arrest comes after officers found Kelly Pruitt, 33 (a former resident of Phelps) and her son Kevin Hurley, 8 dead at their home Friday. The mother and son had been missing for several days before police found them and officers say Pardue continued to live in the home for days after the two were killed. Reports also indicated that Pruitt was stabbed multiple times and evidence suggests Hurley was suffocated. Pardue was charged with two counts of murder, two counts of first-degree sex offense with a minor under 13 and one count of incest.
One Injured in Accident on US 23 in Floyd Co.
Reports from Floyd Co. indicate that weather conditions are to blame for a two-vehicle accident that occurred on Monday, on U.S. 23 near Prestonsburg that sent one person to the hospital. According to Prestonsburg Fire Chief Bobby Carpenter, a Ford Mustang driven by female (whose identity has not yet been released) was traveling north on U.S. 23 Monday around 2:00 p.m. when the vehicle hydroplaned across the road and collided with a box truck which was traveling south. After the Mustang hydroplaned across the road, it struck the box truck between the front and rear wheels and was severely impacted. The driver of the vehicle was safely extricated from the vehicle and transported to Highlands Regional Medical Center by ambulance. According to Carpenter, the driver could not be airlifted due to poor visibility and storm conditions. The driver of the other vehicle was said to not be injured. The Prestonsburg Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Prestonsburg Police Department, Floyd County Rescue Squad, the Kentucky State Police, and Transtar Ambulance Service.
Seven Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week
Preliminary statistics* indicate that seven people died in seven separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways from Monday, Mar. 11 through Sunday, Mar. 17. One single-fatality, motor vehicle crash occurred in each of the following counties: Allen, Bell, Casey, Christian, Pulaski and Trigg. The victims in Allen and Christian counties were not wearing seat belts. The crash in Pulaski County involved the suspected use of alcohol. One pedestrian was killed in Jefferson County in a crash that involved the suspected use of alcohol. Through Mar. 17, preliminary statistics* indicate that 107 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2013. This is 31 less than reported for this time period in 2012. As of Mar. 17, Kentucky has had 21 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.
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