EKB News

Ky. State Capitol Getting Renovation

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:15:00 +0000

In the late 1990s, Kentucky Governor Paul Patton envisioned a major renovation of the state's Capitol building. In preparation for the 100th. anniversary of the Capitol, the ornate rotunda is closed for repairs,which are expected to be completed by January 1st. The rotunda has not had a complete restoration since 1995, and the $450,000 project has been budgeted since 2006.

Investigation Continues For Former State Representative

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:30:00 +0000

As part of an investigation into the slaying of 29 year old Amanda Ross, police in Lexington are searching the digital footprints of former state Representative Steve Nunn to determine if he kept a nude photo of Ross on his cell phone after having been barred in July from having such photos of her, as part of a domestic violence order. In addition, police have obtained e-mail and phone records to learn more about the troubled relationship and to establish time lines involving the whereabouts of Ross and Nunn in the days before her murder.

Man Charged In Hardin County Fatal Accident

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:01:00 +0000

Police say, around 8:30 P.M. Saturday night, 24 year old Michael Brunello was heading east on Kentucky 434 in Hardin County when his vehicle hit another vehicle driven by 30 year old Thomas A. Langley of Vine Grove , causing Langley's vehicle to go off the right shoulder and overturn, resulting in Langley being ejected. He was pronounced dead at Hardin Memorial Hospital. Brunello was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, operating a vehicle under the influence and having no insurance.

Kentucky Officials Say Coal Is Ky.'s Future

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:28:00 +0000

For a long time in Kentucky there has been major thought given to economic development, but many residents remain unsure if foreign investments are the answers to the state's prosperity or economic future. There are at least some who believe in large-scale out of state, or sometimes out of country, industries and then there are those who believe small businesses are the answers to Kentucky's future growth. Some officials say coal should not only be a boost in Kentucky but should also provide clean energy for the world. Some who attended the coal forum at the University of Kentucky this weekend say clean coal technology will help the state go green, while helping the nation. State Representative Rocky Adkins says Kentucky has an unbelievable opportunity to be the national and international leader in the energy field.

Ky. Colleges Seek Funding

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:47:00 +0000

On Friday, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education unanimously signed off on sending a request to Governor Steve Beshear for a proposed collective 4.6% budget increase in state funding next year for Kentucky's public colleges and universities. The request includes a $25 million wish list for academic programs. Seventy million dollars in federal stimulus funding was used this year to avoid cuts in the universities' state funding, but the federal stimulus funding goes away in fiscal year 2012, leaving leaders of eight public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System hoping the state can at least keep its current $1 billion-a-year committment to higher education.

Ky. Retirement System Reports Lesser Shortfall

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:19:00 +0000

Kentucky legislators passed a bill in the summer of 2008 which put the state on a twenty year timeline to get state pension systems back to full funding. A recently released report shows the multi-million dollar shortfall facing the state employee pension plan is about $1.1 billion less than retirement experts forecast, meaning a smaller amount of money for retired public employees' pension and health care would be required from the General Fund the next two years. But, the 2010 legislature will be asked to increase the General Fund contribution to the retirement plans by at least $74 million in the next two year budget.

Kentucky Focuses On Prison Food

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:05:00 +0000

While testifying before the Interim Judiciary Committee Friday, Northpoint Training Center Corrections Officer Matt Hughes told committee members the August 21st. riot was prompted by inmates who were upset over inadequate food being served. Hughes said, "The food was slop." State Corrections officials say, as early as this week, they will issue a report based on a Kentucky State Police investigation. State Representative Brent Yonts has filed a bill that would cancel a $12 million annual contract with Philadelphia-based Aramark Correctional Services. Yonts says problems with food exist at state prisons all over Kentucky.

Ky. Legislator Urges Domestic Violence Protection

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:45:00 +0000

About 11,000 domestic violence orders are issued in Kentucky each year. In an effort to protect domestic violence victims, House Speaker Greg Stumbo filed the Amanda Bill and is hoping to change state law when the General Assembly session begins in January. Stumbo told a legislative panel Friday that, if Kentucky had a law on the books to allow judges to order electronic monitoring devices for the most dangerous offenders, 29 year old Amanda Ross would have had a better chance to protect herself before being gunned down in the early morning hours of September 11th. While there's no guaranteed protection from domestic violence, Stumbo says monitoring devices would alert potential victims of imminent danger by sending a signal when offenders are near.

Letcher County Killer Denied Parole

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:33:00 +0000

Earlier this week, the Kentucky Parole Board denied parole for confessed notorius Letcher County murderer, 51 year old Donald Terry Bartley. Bartley of Evarts (Harlan County) was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the August 1985 murder of 23 year old Tammy Dee Acker and robbery and attempted murder of her father, 79 year old Roscoe J. Acker of Fleming Neon. Bartley pleaded guilty in 1987 and testified he and death row inmates Roger Epperson and Benny Lee Hodge fatally stabbed Tammy Acker after robbing Dr. Roscoe Acker's bedside safe of $1.9 million.

W. Va. Continues To Celebrate Second Energy Star Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:23:00 +0000

West Virginians still have time to take advantage of the state's second Energy Star sales tax holiday while fixing up their homes or maybe preparing to leave a big, energy saving product under the Christmas tree or to help with that Thanksgiving turkey. Participants have until Monday, November 30th. to purchase certain qualified products without being subjected to sales and use taxes on items if they're valued at $5,000 or less, have earned the Energy Star label and are intended for noncommercial home or personal use. The holiday legislation was introduced by Governor Joe Manchin in 2008, and the idea was supported by the West Virginia Legislature. Funding came when Attorney General Darrell McGraw's Office successfully litigated against two credit card companies on behalf of West Virginia consumers.

Work Release Escapee Captured

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:13:00 +0000

A Mount Olive inmate who escaped on October 26th. from a minimum security work release camp was captured by State Police in Boone County and Boone County Sheriff's deputies. Acting upon information from family members and the discovery of a stolen van, authorities tracked down Kenneth Hager in a wooded area in Gordon, where Hager said he had been staying in the mountains. Police are continuing to search for William Cline, who escaped with Hager.

Sentence Reduced For W. Va. Abductor

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:48:00 +0000

Retired U.S. Marine Captain Michael Brown of McKavett, Texas, was convicted of felony attempt to commit kidnapping and misdemeanor petit larceny after being indicted in January 2006 on more serious charges of kidnapping and grand larceny. Brown entered Kennedy pleas to charges that, while portraying himself as a police officer, he abducted 19 year old Lui Jin, a Cabell-Midland High School student, from the Milton Flea Market on October 2, 2005. The girl escaped from his vehicle when he stopped at a manufactured homes business in Quincy, West Virginia. Brown was sentenced to three years probation, two to be served on home confinement, and he agreed to pay restitution and court costs after being accused of stealing collector coins from Jin's father. Home confinement does not exist in Brown's hometown.

W. Va. Annual Medical Conference Set

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:14:00 +0000

The annual conference for the largest medical meeting in the state of West Virginia is scheduled to return to Huntington this coming Friday, November 13th. and run through Sunday, November 15th., while being hosted by the Family Medicine Foundation of West Virginia at the Pullman Plaza Hotel. More than 1,300 people are expected to attend as medical professionals, business leaders, students and the public come together to hear renowned and local speakers educate physicians and health care professionals on 27 different medical topics. Troy Brown, former wide receiver for the New England Patriots, will be this year's sports celebrity speaker. Speakers will also include Dr. David Doman, Doctor of the Year in Washington, D.C., along with other well known doctors who will cover subjects from exercise to depression, thyroid disorders and Hepatitis, among other things.

W. Va. Police Departments Receive Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:57:00 +0000

In recognition of their participation in a nationwide Community Traffic Safety Program, five West Virginia Police Departments, Ceredo, Huntington, Point Pleasant and State Police posts in Huntington and Ripley, were presented AAA's Platinum Community Traffic Safety Awards Friday. Gold Awards, the second highest recognition, were presented to Barboursville, Hurricane and Milton Police Departments, along with the Putnam County Sheriff's Department. Silver Awards were received by New Haven and Sisterville Police Departments, along with Cabell and Mineral counties Sheriff's Departments, while Kenova and Ravenswood Police Departments were given Bronze Awards.

W. Va. Turnpike Revenue Helps With Repairs

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:17:00 +0000

A 60% rate increase on the West Virginia Turnpike, which went into effect August 1st., has boosted collections by more than 30%. Figures released this week indicate the turnpike collected $19 million from July to September, up from revenues of $14.6 million during the same period in 2008. Engineers had projected the increase would bring in about $19 million more a year which would help with maintenance projects. A few projects began right after the toll increase and are scheduled to wrap up for the winter. Crews have made progress on a four-mile stretch in Beckley, which includes raising the median wall and ditches to coincide with a several inch overlay, preparing that project for major repaving next spring. Toll money is slated for four significant jobs, including 28 lane miles, to also begin next spring. Engineers estimate it will take 10 years to get the 88-mile toll road where it needs to be. State law would currenly allow the tolls to be removed in 2019.

Pike County Offers Tourism Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:07:00 +0000

Pike County Judge Executive Wayne Rutherford says local parks are important in the area, and recently, the Hatfield-McCoy Park in McCarr opened. The park has a loading and unloading area for canoes and kayaks to access the Tug Fork River, an outdoor theater, two shelters with charcoal grills, a walking track, a basketball court and a large playground. Rutherford says Pike County has much to offer in adventure tourism, and, in the near future, people will have access to ATV trails in three states with several trail heads located in Pike County. He says water tourism projects are being considered for the area which will, in due time, draw thousands of visitors to the beautiful mountains of eastern Kentucky.

Foreign Metallurgical Coal Sales Increase

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:28:00 +0000

Big coal producers say, while the bulk of U.S. coal goes to electric power plants, and massive piles of unused coal outside of U.S. plants grow, the rising demand for metallurgical coal, an ingredient in steelmaking, is a foreign phenomenon. Officials say booming Asian economies are hungry for energy. Alpha Natural Resources, the top U.S. producer of metallurgical coal, is planning to up production one million tons next year, while orders are coming in from Eastern and Western Europe. As U.S. mines continue to idle and producers don't expect things to improve before next year and maybe closer to 2011, there is a recovery in world steel output. A half-dozen U.S. producers reported stronger than expected third-quarter profits based on sales in China, where steel plants are operating at more than 90% capacity.

Former Kentucky Representative Indicted

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Former state Representative Steve Nunn has been indicted in Hart County on six counts of wanton endangerment. Investigators say, on September 11th., officers found Nunn sitting against the headstone of his parents in a cemetery about 130 miles southwest of the scene where his former fiancee, 29 year old Amanda Ross, was gunned down earlier that morning outside her Lexington home. The indictment alleges Nunn fired a gun near six police officers.

Ky. Governor Vows Support For Coal...While Proclaiming Coal Appreciation Month

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:32:00 +0000

Earlier this week, Governor Steve Beshear pledged his support to the coalfields, while praising miners for the hard work they do and reassuring them he is definitely on their side. He says delays in the permit process are hurting the coal industry. In an effort to help, 15 mine inspectors and 19 permit reviewers are being hired. The new mine inspectors will also serve as a part of the state's rescue teams, allowing smaller mines to remain open. Beshear says coal is a valuable energy source to the nation, and the Kentucky government will be investing funds into several coal energy projects. The aim is to help decrease the nation's dependency on foreign oil. Beshear signed a proclamation declaring November as Coal Appreciation Month.

Kentucky Secures Child Care Funding

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:27:00 +0000

More than 42,000 Kentucky children are under state subsidized child-care. Governor Steve Beshear says, without child-care providers, many parents couldn't work, seek employment or receive education or training. To pay for training and other resources for child-care providers, Kentucky will receive $4 million in federal stimulus funds. Two million dollars will be used to pay for training that emphasizes education and development for infants and toddlers, while some will be used for distance-learning opportunities which make training more accessible to providers. In addition, the money will support a partnership with Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky on the "Never Shake a Baby" initiative, purchase child booster seats, to be distributed by the Department of Public Health; and promote Stars for Kids.

Bill Could Turn Jail Abuse Into Felony

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:12:00 +0000

People in authority shouldn't be allowed to misuse that authority, whether it be a teacher or a member of the law enforcement. If Kentucky lawmakers pass legislation filed by state Senator Julie Denton when the Kentucky General Assembly meets in January, the next time a jailer or deputy jailer is accused of sexual misconduct with an inmate, they could be facing a felony charge. Records indicate there have been several examples of jailers or deputy jailers in Kentucky who have allegedly been involved in sexual misconduct with inmates or staff, but currently, those charges are misdemeanors. Denton, along with several lawmakers and officials, says it's wrong for someone to use their power to take advantage of those who have no recourse. If the legislation passes, this type of conduct would be considered first-degree sexual abuse, a felony, but it could not be used retroactively.

Pike County Holds Summit Hearing On Climate Change

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:49:00 +0000

Is it reality or is it just speculation ? In hopes of educating business leaders about the controversial issue surrounding climate change, Thursday afternoon, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce hosted a summit meeting in Pikeville. Canadian scientist Tom Harris spoke to hundreds who gathered to discuss the issue. Harris, who works with more than 40 other scientists, says climate change is hard to prove or disprove, listing it as the most complex scientific problem faced. He says, although we continue to learn and realize more on the subject all the time, it leaves us in an era of negative discovery that we don't fully understand. Harris says CO2 has gone up in the last 10 years and is continuing to go up, but temperatures have stabilized, while slightly dropping...so the theory of global warming doesn't match the facts. He says it's not right for lawmakers to attack the coal industry on a political theory, while crippling the area coal and natural gas industries unfairly.

Former Wyoming County Bus Driver Convicted

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Former Wyoming County school bus driver, 46 year old Robert Junior Thomas, will face 10 to 20 years in prison after being convicted earlier this week of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian. Prosecutors say he sexually abused a 16 year old female who was a student in the summer school program for which Thomas worked.

Resolution Honors West Virginia Miners

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:49:00 +0000

Mingo County Young Democrats President Justin Marcum says, "Coal miners are the backbone of West Virginia and America." Now, those miners will be honored as a resolution will name December 6th. as National Miners' Day. The date was chosen because it's the date of the great coal mining tragedy at Monongah, West Virginia, the worst mining disaster in U.S. history. On the morning of December 6, 1907, around 10:28 A.M., a series of explosions and fire spread through two connected underground Fairmont Coal Co. mines, No. 6 and No. 8, shaking the earth as far as eight miles away, shattering pavement and buildings, hurling people and horses to the ground, knocking streetcars off their rails and officially killing 361 miners. Marcum initially drafted the resolution in March while attending the West Virginia Young Democrats convention in Wheeling, and the resolution was introduced by Congressman Nick Rahall on November 4, 2009. Miners will now be recognized for their service, dedication and contributions to this country.

W. Va. Budget Shapes Up Well

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:47:00 +0000

Although West Virginia revenue figures indicate a $16 million shortfall which is expected to widen to around $100 million by June 30th., Governor Joe Manchin says he does not yet plan to lay off public workers, cut programs or raise taxes. Earlier this week, revenue officials announced the administration has a "cushion" of $168 million in revenues left from the two previous years. They say that surplus, with the state's emergency reserves, which exceed $537 million, and a bulk of federal stimulus funding left, the state can avoid harsh steps.