EKB News

New Way To Get News!

2016-06-09T15:59:00.002-04:00

East Kentucky Broadcasting is pleased to announced that beginning today (6-9-16) you can access news at a new location! EKBTV.com will now handle all News stories. So check it out now at EKBTV.com!

BREAKING: A second person has been charged in connection with a Mingo murder.

2016-05-24T15:48:00.001-04:00

Ricky Dean Peterson of Wayne is charged with accessory after the fact, obstructing/resisting and officer and false information to a trooper in connection with the murder, according to a criminal complaint filed in Wayne County Circuit Court.

This is the second arrest in the shooting death of coal executive Ben Hatfield, who was found shot to death Monday in a Mingo County cemetery.

Anthony R. Arriaga, 20, of Gibsanburg, Ohio, who was arrested in Ohio, is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death.

West Virginia House kills tobacco tax hike, stymieing budget

2016-05-24T15:39:00.003-04:00

(AP) — The West Virginia House of Delegates has killed a key tax hike on cigarettes and other tobacco products, stymieing budget negotiations.

The 44-55 vote on Tuesday occurred during the GOP-led Legislature's seventh day of budget session. Each day of session costs $35,000.

The bill would have raised taxes on cigarettes by 45 cents a pack to $1. It would have also increased taxes on other tobacco products.

Many Democrats and some Republicans opposed the legislation.

A similar version previously passed the Senate.

The tax hikes were expected to raise about $76 million annually.

Lawmakers need to cover a $270 million budget gap. Without a budget plan before July 1, the state would go into a government shutdown.

Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin called lawmakers into session May 16.

West Virginia begins allowing concealed guns without permits

2016-05-24T15:38:00.001-04:00

(AP) — West Virginia now lets people 21 years old and up carry hidden guns without permits or training.

The law passed by the Republican-led Legislature took effect Tuesday.

In March, lawmakers needed only a simple majority to override Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's veto of the bill.

Tomblin vetoed it over safety concerns from law enforcement officials. He vetoed similar legislation last year.

It was already legal in West Virginia to carry guns openly — in a holster, for instance — without permits.

The law lets people carry concealed guns in public without permits, by wearing a coat for example. People ages 18 through 20 still will need a permit and training with live firing.

West Virginia is one of 10 states that don't require concealed carry permits.

Beshear asks Supreme Court to hear college funding case

2016-05-24T15:36:00.004-04:00

(AP) — Kentucky's Democratic attorney general has asked the Supreme Court to decide whether Gov. Matt Bevin has the authority to cut college and university budgets without the approval of the state legislature.

A state judge ruled last week that Bevin does have the authority to order public colleges and universities not to spend all of the money the state legislature gave them. Attorney General Andy Beshear is appealing the decision, arguing it gives the governor's office too much power.

The case would normally go to the state Court of Appeals. But Beshear is asking the state Supreme Court to take the case because of its "great and immediate public importance."

A spokeswoman for Bevin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

2 Kentucky groups get federal grants to help poverty areas

2016-05-23T15:22:00.001-04:00

(AP) — A group will receive a $250,000 federal grant to help low-income communities develop businesses and create jobs in eastern Kentucky.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the grant last week for the London-based Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation.

The USDA says matching funds are required locally to double the impact of the grant. The grant will support the Leslie County and Perry County fiscal courts and the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program.

The agency also announced a $95,000 matching grant to Community Action Kentucky to help five rural utilities operate a database to map and manage assets. The communities are Cumberland, Evarts, Jenkins, Liberty and Lynch.

The USDA says the grants involve persistent poverty areas.

Investigation underway into discovery of body in Mingo County

2016-05-23T15:18:00.003-04:00

The Mingo County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the death of a man whose body was discovered this morning at a cemetery.

The body was found about 6:30 Monday morning at Mountain View Memory Gardens outside Williamson. The cause of death is not yet known, but reports indicate the victim had a gunshot wound.

The Sheriff’s Department requested that the State Police Crime Scene Team respond and assist with the investigation.

Extras sought for film about FBI informant slain in Kentucky

2016-05-23T15:16:00.001-04:00

(AP) — A film about an FBI agent who pleaded guilty in Kentucky to strangling an informant in 1989 is scheduled to begin shooting this week in Lexington.

Extras casting director Taylor Woodell says she is looking for paid extras for the movie "Above Suspicion." Information about becoming an extra is available on the Facebook page TW Casting, and some casting calls are planned for Tuesday.

The movie is about Mark Putnam, who pleaded guilty in June 1990 to first-degree manslaughter in the death of Susan Daniels Smith, a Freeburn, Ky. resident, with whom he was romantically involved. Putnam strangled Smith in a Pikeville Motel. Putnam served 10 years in prison.

The moviemakers are also looking for cars made between 1970 and 1985.

Woodell said filming would be in areas around Lexington and Harlan.

US 23 ROCKSLIDE SAFETY ANNOUCEMENT

2016-05-20T16:12:00.002-04:00

According to the Kentucky State Police Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, due to the prolong closure of U.S. 23, both Northbound and Southbound traffic will be diverted to the Southbound lanes.

During this closure all Commercial traffic with over dimensional loads in excess of 12ft wide will be prohibited. The general motoring public are encouraged to use extra caution while passing through the work zone, particularly during rush hour.

Officers with the Kentucky State Police Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement will increase patrols in the area to ensure the safety of Transportation workers and the general motoring public.

Unemployment rate drops by biggest amount in Kentucky

2016-05-20T15:41:00.001-04:00

(AP) — The Labor Department says unemployment rates were significantly lower in five states in April, led by a big drop in Kentucky. Kentucky saw its unemployment rate fall to 5.3 percent, down from 5.6 percent in March.

The other four states were Arkansas, Delaware, Kansas and Vermont.

Four states saw significantly higher jobless rates last month: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Wyoming and Utah. The largest increase was in Pennsylvania, where the rate rose to 5.3 percent from 4.9 percent.

The other 41 states were seen as having stable unemployment rates from March to April.

The national jobless rate was unchanged in April at 5 percent.

Over the past year, 37 states have added an appreciable number of jobs. Two states have lost jobs, and 11 states have seen job levels essentially unchanged.

West Virginia objects to Alpha Natural sale to hedge fund

2016-05-20T15:39:00.004-04:00

(AP) — West Virginia's environmental authority has filed an objection to the proposed $500 million sale of Alpha Natural Resources' assets to a hedge fund, arguing that the deal could leave the state holding hundreds of millions in reclamation liabilities.

The Department of Environmental Protection filed the objection this week over concerns that a bankruptcy judge's approval of the proposed sale would tilt the process in favor of the hedge fund and institutional investors by having the coal company's major assets be sold off to Alpha's senior lenders.

The state says West Virginia would be forced to accept costly concessions or risk liquidation.

The DEP says the Bristol, Virginia-based company had an obligation of $237 million, as of last month. It filed for bankruptcy protection in August

Pike County says tourism spending up nearly $6 million

2016-05-19T16:41:00.001-04:00

(AP) — Tourism dollars are flowing into Pike County as officials there report an increase of nearly $6 million in visitor spending in 2015.

A release from the county's tourism board says the influx of spending is good news as the region's coal economy continues to slump.

Pike tourism executive director Tony Tackett says marketing efforts have focused on bringing in "group travelers, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts."

Numbers from the state say direct tourism spending in Pike County for 2015 was $69.4 million, an increase of $3.8 million from 2014. Add to that an increase in indirect spending of $2 million over the same time period and the county has seen a boost of about $5.8 million. Indirect spending represents the recirculation of the direct spending dollar in the community.

4 officers who died last year to be honored at ceremony

2016-05-19T16:36:00.001-04:00

(AP) — Kentucky will honor four law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty last year during an annual law enforcement memorial ceremony at the state's Department of Criminal Justice Training.

A statement from the agency says the May 23 event in Richmond will honor the sacrifice of Kentucky State Police troopers Cameron Ponder and Eric Chrisman, Richmond Police Officer Daniel Ellis and Nicholasville Police Officer Burke Rhoads. Ponder and Ellis were fatally shot while investigating calls. Rhodes and Chrisman died in car crashes.

The ceremony also will recognize five others killed in the line of duty between 1893 and 2013, but whose names were not added to the national memorial until recently.

Gov. Matt Bevin will serve as the keynote speaker.

Mine environmental risk grows with bankruptcies in big coal

2016-05-19T16:33:00.001-04:00

(AP) — The growing number of bankruptcies in the coal industry make it increasingly likely taxpayers will get stuck with the huge environmental costs of abandoned mines.

Analysts say it's only a matter of when, where and how many more coal mines will close. Concerns are growing bankrupt coal companies can't meet their cleanup and reclamation obligations.

State and federal regulators for years have allowed coal companies to promise to clean up mines instead of setting aside money to do so. The practice is called self-bonding.

The Associated Press has counted up more than $3.3 billion in coal self-bonding obligations in nine top coal-mining states. That includes $2.3 billion in self-bonding by the three biggest coal companies in Chapter 11: Alpha Natural Resources, Arch Coal and Peabody Energy.

KSP Makes Arrests at Party Complaint in Magoffin County

2016-05-19T16:31:00.001-04:00

Acting on an anonymous tip, Trooper Zach Haney from Kentucky State Police, Post 09 Pikeville, responded to a residence at Salyersville in Magoffin County in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 19, 2016.

At the scene, Trooper Haney discovered multiple juveniles had been consuming alcohol in the presence of adults. The adults, Dearl Peters, 41 of Salyersville, Wendell King, 40 of Salyersville, and Leaha Vanhoose, 22 of Paintsville, were arrested at the residence. Peters, King, and Vanhoose were each charged with 5 counts of Unlawful Transaction with a Minor 3^rd Degree, and were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

The incident remains under investigation with the possibility of additional charges pending.

Hatton looks to expand beyond Letcher

2016-05-19T11:52:00.001-04:00

The race to fill Leslie Combs’ seat in the state House of Representatives will be decided in November, and on the Democratic side, a relative newcomer to politics pulled out the win in last night’s primary election. EKB News Reporter Chris Anderson sat down with Assistant Letcher County Attorney Angie Hatton to talk about what she brings to the race, not only in her home of Letcher County, but also in Pike County, where she’s not as well known. He has this report.

Workshop promotes agricultural opportunities in Eastern Kentucky

2016-05-19T11:51:00.000-04:00

As Eastern Kentucky continues to look for ways to diversify its economy, one alternative often mentioned is agriculture. Today, local farmers and others took part in a workshop to explore opportunities available in ag fields. EKB News Reporter Shelby Steele has details.

Pikeville Police host cookout for officers

2016-05-18T22:00:00.000-04:00

Today, police officers and law enforcement officials from various agencies gathered for an annual cookout, hosted by the Pikeville Police Department. This is one of many events happening around the region during National Police Officers Memorial Week. As Pikeville Police Chief Phillip Reed explains, this is an opportunity for different agencies to come together, share stories, and strengthen relationships.

Chief Reed says today’s event, as well as Friday’s law enforcement memorial ceremony, are funded by donations from the community. The public is invited to attend the special ceremony, which Reed says allows everyone to see a softer side of law enforcement.

Between 100 and 150 officers attended today’s cookout.

Judge rules Bevin can cut college, university budgets

2016-05-18T16:50:00.004-04:00

(AP) — A Kentucky judge has ruled Republican Gov. Matt Bevin can cut the budgets of public colleges and universities without the approval of the state legislature.

Franklin County Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate says two state laws allow Bevin to reduce allotments for public colleges and universities. Wingate ruled while the governor's powers are usually confined to the state constitution, the legislature can give the governor additional powers by passing laws. He said Bevin's cuts of nearly $18 million to colleges and universities this year are not improper.

Bevin proposed the cuts in January. The state legislature did not approve them. Bevin ordered the cuts anyway. Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear sued him.

Wingate ordered Bevin to leave the $18 million alone until the case has been resolved.

West Virginia lawmakers ask governor for more budget options

2016-05-18T15:38:00.001-04:00

(AP) — Republican legislative leaders are asking Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin for more options during the ongoing budget session.

In a letter Tuesday, Senate President Bill Cole and House Speaker Tim Armstead named other options to close a $270 million gap.

Among them are $10 million from an infrastructure fund; eliminating the secretary of the arts and education, worth $852,000; and $16 million in greyhound subsidies.

They want to revive bills introduced by Tomblin this year that would change the school aid formula, worth $15 million, and take $9 million in casino funding. Lawmakers previously killed the bills.

Tomblin has proposed tax increases on tobacco and e-cigarettes, cellphone and landline use, and sales.

Tomblin's response letter says he's willing to discuss new items if lawmakers outline their alternative budget plan.

Tomblin called them into session Monday.

Weather prompts advisory for West Virginia beekeepers

2016-05-18T15:36:00.001-04:00

(AP) — West Virginia beekeepers are being advised to keep an eye on honeybee colonies because of unfavorable weather conditions.

A news release from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture said the weather is causing a delay in honey flow, meaning many colonies have exhausted their food supplies.

The release advises feeding colonies that are light on honey until the honey flow returns. Agriculture Commissioner Walt Helmick says feed the bees if necessary to prevent unnecessary colony losses.

State Apiarist Wade Stiltner say beekeepers also should remove surplus supers so bees won't store the artificial feed.

Ex-police officer pleads guilty to sexually assaulting teen

2016-05-18T15:34:00.001-04:00

(AP) — A former Delbarton police officer has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl while he was still on the force.

27-year-old Jonathan New could face up to five years in prison after pleading guilty on Tuesday to one count of third-degree sexual assault.

State police say three people had come forward, accusing New of sexual assault.

Authorities say New had sexual relations with the 15-year-old in November and December.

According to the reports, Delbarton Police Chief Earl Spence says he was made aware of the allegations in February, at which time he suspended New and then fired him a week later.

Authorities say charges connected to the cases of the other two alleged victims will be dismissed as part of the plea deal.

Proposals sought to attract jobs, industry to Appalachia

2016-05-18T15:32:00.003-04:00

(AP) — Kentucky officials are seeking proposals from local leaders for projects that will attract new industry and more jobs to Appalachia.

A statement says the Cabinet of Economic Development and the Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands are collaborating in the pilot program that seeks to boost the economy in eastern Kentucky. The release says up to $30 million in federal grant money is available for the program.

U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers, who worked to secure the funding, said the program would help Kentucky's struggling Appalachian communities as they try to rebound from a slump in the coal industry.

Erik Dunnigan, who is acting Secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development, says local leaders are encouraged to seek options that have the potential to provide "dynamic growth and jobs."

Election fraud hotline receives 76 calls

2016-05-18T11:46:00.000-04:00

Following yesterday’s primary, the Kentucky attorney general’s office has reported the number of calls it received on its election fraud hotline. Throughout the day, the number received 76 calls from 31 counties. That’s more than the combined number of calls received both of last year’s elections, but far less than the number received in either of 2014’s local races. Several calls originated in Eastern Kentucky, including four calls of vote buying or selling in Breathitt County and a report of electioneering within 100 feet of the polls in Floyd County. There were also questions about procedural issues originating from Breathitt, Floyd, Johnson and Pike counties. By law, the attorney general’s office does not provide any information regarding specific complaints or potential investigations resulting from them.

KSP Post 09 Honoring Fallen Troopers

2016-05-17T17:12:00.003-04:00

In commemoration of National Police Officers Memorial Week, the Kentucky State Police Post 9 Pikeville will honor fallen Troopers on Wednesday May 18^thand Thursday May 19, 2016. KSP Post 9 will do a wreath presentation at the burial site of each fallen Trooper. Friends, family and co-workers of the fallen Troopers are welcome to attend.

Trooper Jerome S. Clifton, age 30, was fatally shot Oct. 1, 1980, while attempting to arrest a shooting suspect in a domestic disturbance incident in Pike County. Trooper Clifton was assigned to Post 9 Pikeville and was a nine-year veteran of the Kentucky State Police. He was survived by his wife and two daughters. He is buried at Davidson Memorial Gardens in Ivel in Floyd County, Ky. In honor of his service and sacrifice, the US 23 railroad bridge between Allen and Dwale has been designated the Trooper Jerome "Butch" Clifton Memorial Bridge.

Trooper Johnny Adkins Post 9, Pikeville, died as a result of injury suffered on November 19, 1995, while attempting to arrest a suspect in Martin County. He is buried at Saltwell Cemetery in Inez, Ky. (November 24, 1995)

Trooper Jonathan Leonard, age 28, was involved in a two vehicle crash on US 119, in the community of Sidney in Pike County. Trooper Leonard was assigned to Post 9 Pikeville and had served with the Kentucky State Police for three years. In honor of his service and sacrifice, KY 468 in Pike County was named the "Trooper Jonathan K. Leonard Highway" in June of 2008. This was by fiscal court resolution. (December 19, 2006)

Kentucky State Police will also be presenting wreaths at the grave sites of Sgt. Larry Prater final resting place Davidson Memorial Gardens, Ivel, KY. Detective Joey Howard final resting place Howard Family Cemetery in Knott County, KY. Tpr. Larry Preston final resting place Highland Memorial Park, Staffordsville, KY. Tpr. Rick Conn final resting place Davidson Memorial Gardens Ivel, KY. Tpr. Alex Rubado Final resting place Highland Memorial Park, Staffordsville, Ky.