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(News from Fri July
3, 2009)
KENTUCKY STATE POLICE STEPPING UP
HOLIDAY
WEEKEND PATROLS
With the July 4th holiday weekend getting
underway, law enforcement agencies will be stepping up their
patrols watching for erratic drivers, speeders and other
violators. The Kentucky State Police has issued a statement
warning motorists to be cautious over this holiday weekend
and to look for additional patrols. Last year during the
July 4th holiday weekend, 901 accidents were
reported on
Kentucky’s roadways with 9
fatalities reported and 650 people injured. Authorities are
hoping to keep that number down this year for the official
July 4th holiday weekend which runs through
midnight
Sunday.
STEARNS JULY 4TH ACTIVITIES PLANNED
A full day of activities are planned for tomorrow, July 4th,
in downtown Stearns. Among the activities will be arts and
crafts vendors set up in the Outdoor Venture parking lot,
along with the farmer’s market area starting at
2:00pm. The annual car and motorcycle shows will
also be held throughout the afternoon and evening along
Henderson Street in Stearns, while the McCreary County
Museum will offer free admission from 9:00am to 8:00pm
sponsored by the Bank of McCreary County. The museum will
also offer its July featured exhibit “Visions of the Rural
South: The Photography of Doris Ulmann”. Free portrait
sketches by Shirley Nunn will be provided from
5:00-8:00pm
at the museum and a silent auction will be held throughout
the day. The annual fireworks display will be held over the
pond just after dark, or at about 10:00pm. For information on activities
in Stearns on July 4th, call the McCreary County
Museum at 376-5730.
WAYNE
COUNTY
MAN SHOT IN THE HEAD,
AIRLIFTED FOR TREATMENT
Police in
Wayne County are investigating a shooting which
they say took place early Thursday morning on East Highway
90 near Monticello. Investigators
confirm that a male subject was shot in the head and then
airlifted in critical condition for treatment. The case
remains under investigation with few additional details
being released.
McCREARY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT RELEASES JUNE ACTIVITY REPORT
With the month of June now in the books, the McCreary
County Sheriff’s Department has released its June
activity report. The report shows 74 warrants being
served last month, along with 15 criminal summons, 36
civil summons and 3 emergency protective orders. The
sheriff’s department activity report, as well as arrest
reports, can be found online at
www.mccrearysheriff.com.
(News from Wed July 1, 2009)
McCREARY COUNTY WOMAN INVOLVED IN TRAFFIC WRECK
A traffic accident just north of
Somerset Monday involved a McCreary County woman, identified
as 43 year old Cindy Pope of Whitley City. Pope was
reportedly driving a 1997 Honda Civic when she struck a Ford
F250 truck that was attempting a turn at the intersection of
Kentucky Highway 70 and Good Hope Church Road. Pope was
treated at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital while one of
her passengers, 39 year old Kenneth Redden was airlifted to
UK Medical Center in Lexington where he was listed in fair
condition. An 11 year old passenger in Pope\s car was
reportedly not injured. The case is being investigated by
the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department.
STATE MINIMUM WAGE INCREASING, FEDS TO FOLLOW
Those in Kentucky earning less than
$7.25 per hour are now making less than minimum wage.
Kentucky’s minimum wage increases effective today to $7.25,
to be followed by the federal wage on July 24th.
This marks a 70 cent per hour increase over the previous
minimum wage of $6.55. Meanwhile, minimum wage for workers
receiving tips, including wait staff, remains at $2.13 per
hour.
POLICE NEARLY KILLED BY BOOBY TRAP ON GUN CABINET
Officers working with
the Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force in Wayne County
were nearly killed or at least seriously injured when a
booby trapped gun cabinet blasted a shot in their
direction. It happened this past weekend when officers
were attempting to serve a warrant at a home on Old
Jamestown Road north of Monticello. While trying to
remove a forearm from a gun cabinet, the booby trap
caused a shotgun blast which nearly struck the officers.
In the search of the home, officers seized more than
$34,000 and six pounds of marijuana hidden inside a farm
silo. Arrested at the scene was 66 year old John Preston
of Monticello charged with multiple counts and lodged in
the Wayne County Detention Center under $100,000 cash
bond. The case remains under investigation by the Lake
Cumberland Area Drug Task Force.
(News from Tues June 30, 2009)
POLICE EXECUTE MAJOR METH LAB BUST IN WHITLEY COUNTY
Police in Whitley County have reported
a major meth lab bust with several arrests and more pending.
The six week investigation led police to a house Saturday
night where a large amount of materials used in the making
of methamphetamine were seized. Arrested were 36 year old
Kelley Coffey, 29 year old Alicia Siler, and 27 year old
Kenneth Buchanan with additional arrests expected in the
case. The Whitley County Sheriff’s Department is leading the
investigation.
McCREARY COUNTY 2009-2010 BUDGET, SALARIES TO GO INTO EFFECT
With July 1st coming
tomorrow, a new fiscal year will begin for county
government, with McCreary County’s $8.7 million budget also
going into effect. Judge Executive Blaine Phillips has said
that the budget is a lean one with no frills and no wasteful
spending. In addition to the budget, which again calls for
roughly $900,000 in occupational tax revenue, the county
also approved a salary schedule for all county employees.
That measure included a 3% across the board increase for all
county employees. Magistrates Roger Phillips and Ralph
Murphy voted against the salary schedule mainly due to the
inclusion of magistrates in the increased salaries.
Magistrate Phillips stated that he would not vote for an
increase in pay for himself, even a cost of living increase,
adding that with no new money coming in it is hard to
justify 3% increases. Judge Phillips noted that county
employees deserve to be able to keep up with the tough
economic times and should receive the increases. He joined
Magistrates Ted Coffey and Judy Redden in approving the
salary schedule which goes into effect tomorrow.
(News from Mon June 29, 2009)
McCREARY COUNTY MAN KILLED IN CASEY COUNTY WRECK
A 52 year old McCreary County man is
dead following a Friday afternoon traffic accident in Casey
County. According to State Police reports from Casey County,
a call was received by 911 dispatchers at about 3:50pm
stating there had been a collision in the Windsor Community
on Kentucky Highway 80. Police say a 2002 Chevy pick up
operated by 24 year old Jimmy Sandusky of Windsor turned
into the path of an oncoming Yamaha motorcycle, operated by
52 year old William Hutchinson of Parkers Lake. The
passengers in the truck were uninjured, but Hutchinson, who
was not wearing a helmet, was transported to Russell County
Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Kentucky
State Police are continuing their investigation of the fatal
crash with assistance from the Casey County Sheriff’s
Department.
McCREARY COUNTY GRAND JURY RETURNS SEVERAL JUNE INDICTMENTS
After returning nearly three dozen
sealed indictments on drug related charges leading to the
recent drug round up, the McCreary County Grand Jury has
just issued its latest list of indictments from its regular
June session. Among those is Loretta Bryant of Stearns for
trafficking in a controlled substance and being a persistent
felony offender. Also indicted on drug charges were Todd
Reagan of Whitley City; Jimmy D Goley of Williamsburg; and
Stephen A Stephens of Whitley City. Other indictments
included Steve Gibson and Charlotte Wright for theft by
failure to make required disposition of property; Michael
Cole for receiving stolen property; Jason King for receiving
stolen property; Rodney McDowell for burglary; Vershawnda
Ragin for credit card fraud; and Adam Bennett, Cody Clark
and Dustin Ridner all for using physical force upon and
causing physical injury to a woman in the course of a
robbery. All indictments are a finding of sufficient
evidence to charge a suspect but are not a finding of guilt.
LAUREL COUNTY DEPUTY KILLS SUSPECT IN HIGH SPEED CHASE
A Laurel County
Sheriff’s Deputy was involved in a high speed chase
Friday night which ended in the suspect being shot and
killed by the officer. According to reports Deputy
Richard Sapcupp was chasing suspect 35 year old James
Goforth when the chase ended with Deputy Sapcupp
shooting Goforth, who died from his injuries. The Laurel
County Sheriff’s Department has released few additional
details including why the suspect was being chased or
how the deputy came to fire shots at him. The case is
now being investigated by the London Police Department.
(News from Fri June 26, 2009)
WHITLEY COUNTY TEENS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING
An accidental shooting in Whitley
County Wednesday afternoon resulted in one teenager
critically wounded and in the hospital. Police say a 14 and
15 year old were playing with a gun when it appears it
accidentally went off, striking one of the boys in the
stomach. The teen was transported to UT Medical Center in
Knoxville where he underwent surgery and was listed in
critical condition. Police say no charges are expected as
the shooting was accidental, but remind parents and
guardians to make sure all guns are out of reach of children
and teenagers.
ELEDERLY MAN DROWNS WHILE FISHING IN LAUREL COUNTY
A mysterious drowning is under
investigation in Laurel County. Authorities say 82 year old
Robert Burns was reportedly fishing in Wood Creek Lake at
about 10am Thursday when he lost his footing and fell into
the waters and did not resurface. His body was pulled from
the waters a short time later and he was pronounced dead at
the scene. Investigators say the waters were calm at the
time of Burns’ drowning and they are unsure if he suffered
some kind of medical emergencies just prior to falling in or
if he simply lost his footing. The death remains under
investigation.
STEARNS HOMECOMING & McCREARY HERITAGE DAYS APPROACHING
While a weeklong
carnival in Stearns will not be part of the annual
homecoming and heritage days celebration next week, many
activities are still on the agenda. Among those is live
music each evening and all day Saturday July 4th
with the Coal Miner’s Jamboree. In addition, on Saturday
July 4th, Stearns will light up with a
fireworks display after dark, preceded by live music,
classic car and motorcycle shows, arts and craft
vendors, farmer’s market area, and activities at the
McCreary County Museum including free admission,
portrait sketches, and the annual silent auction. The
July 4th fireworks will be just after dark,
or at approximately 10pm, on Saturday July 4th.
Those wishing to set up at the Stearns Homecoming as a
vendor can stop by the museum, the Big South Fork Scenic
Railway in Stearns, or the McCreary County Tourism
office in Whitley City. For additional information call
the museum at 376-5730 or the tourism office at
376-3008.
(News from Thurs June 25, 2009)
KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES BUDGET PLAN
Meeting in special session in
Frankfort over the last week and a half, the Kentucky
General Assembly has now approved a plan which will deal
with a projected $1 billion shortfall in the state’s budget
over the next year. The plan does not include a proposal for
expanded gambling after that measure was kill in a Senate
committee Monday. The plan does include cuts of 2.6% for
most state agencies across the board but does not require
state employees to take several unpaid vacation days, as was
first called for by Governor BeShear. Lawmakers are calling
the plan a “no frills” budget to help the state deal with
the major budget shortfall it was facing. The Senate and
House negotiated an agreement on the plan Wednesday with
approval from Governor BeShear.
NEW LAWS GO INTO EFFECT TODAY IN KENTUCKY
Today is the day that a number of new
state laws go into effect after receiving approval in the
regular session of the General Assembly earlier this year.
By law, once bills are passed and signed by the Governor,
they go into effect 90 days after the adjournment of the
session, which this year took place on March 26th.
Some of the laws going into effect today include a provision
requiring all US and Kentucky flags purchased by state and
local governments to be made in the USA. In addition, sex
offender laws, animal protection laws, and laws on
agriculture operations all go into effect today in Kentucky.
McCREARY COUNTY RESIDENT BRINGS JOY OF PAINTING TO COMMUNITY
The “Joy of Painting”
has come to McCreary County through the fingers and
talent of James Hood, who now calls this community his
home. Hood recently relocated to McCreary County where
he has found a goof response for his painting classes
which he has already held at the Falls 4-H Mountain
Craft Center and the McCreary County Public Library.
Hood has another class, which is reportedly already
full, scheduled for this Saturday. However, those
wishing to take part can still reserve a space in his
next class slated for Saturday July 18th from
10:00am-2:00pm at the McCreary Center of Somerset
Community College. The cost is $50 which includes all
materials and allows the participant to leave the class
with their finished painting. Hood is a Bob Ross
certified instructor who was also recognized as one of
the latest McCreary County Chamber of Commerce members
during the group’s June meeting. To reserve a space in
the upcoming class, contact Hood at 354-3417.
(News from Wed
June 24, 2009)
ADDITIONAL SUSPECT NAMES RELEASED FROM DRUG ROUND UP
After reporting the names
of 24 individuals arrested in Fridy’s drug round up in
McCreary
County, we have four
additional names to add to the list. Danny R Worley of
Stearns, Danny Crabtree of Pine Knot, Eric Hawkins of
Whitley City and Ricky Laxton of Stearns were also arrested
Friday during the drug bust following the indictment of 34
suspects. The remaining suspects are still being sought by
authorities with the Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force
which is leading the investigation.
SCOTT
COUNTY WOMAN FILES CIVIL SUIT IN CUSTODY BATTLE
A Winfield,
Tennessee
woman has filed a civil lawsuit against the Scott County
Sheriff’s Department claiming two of the department’s
officers mishandled a custody case. According to the
lawsuit, filed by attorneys on behalf of Virginia Stephens
of Winfield, Officers Marvin Buttram and Jennifer Culver
came to her residence earlier this month claiming to have a
court order from McCreary County granting a local couple,
identified only as “The Bairds” custody of a child whom
Stephens had been granted permanent custody of in 2005. The
Bairds were reportedly the child’s foster parents prior to
that time and had continued to have visitation rights. In
her lawsuit, Stephens claims officers failed to allow her to
read the court order and took the child from the residence
still in a wet bathing suit having pulled the child directly
from a swimming pool. Stephens further claims the officers
failed to fully determine whether the documents presented to
them were a court order or just a petition for custody.
Stephens is suing for $5 million in damages, reimbursement
of all legal fees and for the child to be returned to her
custody. There has been no official response from the Scott
County Sheriff’s Department in the case.
SENATE KILLS EXPANDED GAMBLING MEASURE
A bill which passed in the Kentucky House last Friday
and would have allowed video slot machines in the
state’s horse tracks has been killed in a Senate
committee. The Senate Appropriations and Revenue
Committee voted 10-5 Monday to deny the measure. The
committee, like the full Senate, is controlled by the
Republican party which instead favors placing surcharges
on lottery ticket sales to raise revenue. The Democrats
in Frankfort, controlling the House, favored
raising revenue from the video slots at horse tracks.
House Speaker Greg Stumbo said late Monday that the
issue of expanded gambling is not likely to come up
again in this special session of the General Assembly,
as lawmakers wrestle with a projected $1 billion budget
shortfall.
(News from Tues June 23, 2009)
NAMES OF DRUG ROUND UP SUSPECTS RELEASED
After first reporting yesterday that
law enforcement in McCreary County had nabbed nearly all of
the 34 individuals wanted in a drug round up Friday, we now
have the names of many of those arrested as released by the
Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force, which is leading the
investigation. Among those apprehended in the round up were:
Billy D Miller, Randy Strunk, Billy G
Miller, Michael Ball, Gary W Perry, Allen West, Carl West,
Orville Daugherty, Glenna Garner, Dennis Hardwick, Leslie
Young, Barbara Daugherty, Rhonda Thomson, Timothy Hager,
Pamela Bryant, James E Wilson, Kimberly Murphy, Anna M
Sexton, Andrea L Henderson, Ivan Musgrove, Christina Miller,
Luther Moore, Denzil Cooper, and Ronnie Morgan.
That totals 24 out of 34 suspects
named in a recent sealed indictment for alleged drug
trafficking. Law enforcement officials in McCreary County
are continuing their search for the remaining suspects.
During Friday’s round up, it is reported that officers
seized about $4000 in cash, one vehicle, 22-80 milligram
OxyContin tablets and 30 Xanax tablets. The drug round up
was the result of a year long investigation being led by the
Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force along with partners the
McCreary County Sheriff’s Department and Kentucky State
Police.
THIRTEEN DEAD IN CRASHES ON KENTUCKY ROADWAYS
According to information released by
the Kentucky State Police, thirteen individuals died in
crashes on the state’s roadways between Monday June 15th
and Sunday June 21st. Among those killed were two
in a crash in neighboring Pulaski County, along with fatal
crashes in Jefferson, Marshall, Montgomery, Pendleton,
Rowan, and Woodford Counties. Alcohol was said to be a
factor in the Pulaski County wreck, where the driver of one
of the vehicles has now been arrested and charged with the
deaths. The state police is asking motorists to help by
reporting erratic drivers to their toll free hotline at
1-800-222-5555.
JOB CORPS FIRE CREW STUDENTS RECOGNIZED
During a ceremony last
week, several staff members and students with the Pine
Knot Job Corps Center were recognized by Daniel Boone
National Forest officials for their dedicated service in
fore management and safety. Job Corps students selected
to work with the fire crews are trained as professional
firefighters with nearly 60 students currently enrolled
in the fire crew program. Such students and Job Corps
staff are often called upon to help battle fires in
nearly all regions of the country at various times
throughout the year.
(News from Monday June 22, 2009)
McCREARY COUNTY DRUG ROUND UP NETS AT LEAST 28 ARRESTS
The Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task
Force with cooperation from local law enforcement agencies
conducted a major drug round up in McCreary County Friday,
resulting in at least 28 arrests. Investigators say a 27
year old woman from Michigan, identified as Andrea
Henderson, allegedly transported OxyContin pills from
Michigan to McCreary County where they were set to be
distributed through a drug trafficking operation. The Drug
Task Force reportedly had arrest warrants for 34 suspects
and had nabbed at least 28 of those as of Friday afternoon.
The case remains under investigation by the Lake Cumberland
Area Drug Task Force and its partner agencies.
GAMBLING BILL PASSES KENTUCKY HOUSE, HEADED FOR SENATE
The bill aimed at expanding gambling
in Kentucky passed its first major obstacle Friday with
passage by the Kentucky House by a 52-45 margin. Included in
the 52 votes in favor of the bill were 8 Republicans, who
sided with Democrats to approve the measure which would
allow for video slot machines at Kentucky’s horse race
tracks. The bill now moves to the Senate where it faces a
less positive response. The Republican led Senate is
reportedly vowing to kill the bill without much support for
moving it forward. Instead, Senate President David Williams
says he will continuing pushing a proposal for a surcharge
on Kentucky lottery tickets to help raise revenue instead.
The state is currently facing a budget shortfall estimated
at nearly $1 billion and is looking at various ways to deal
with that issue.
FEDERAL FUNDING APPROVED FOR UPGRADES IN THE DANIEL BOONE
US Congressman Hal Rogers announced
Friday that the US Forest Service has approved nearly $3.7
million in funding to go toward upgrades and improvements in
the Daniel Boone National Forest. Among projects to be
funded will be debris removal, trail and road restoration,
forest thinning, stream and ecosystem monitoring, and dump
clean ups within the forest. Those clean ups will reportedly
be completed in partnership with Eastern Kentucky PRIDE. The
Daniel Boone National Forest covers 700,000 acres across
southern and eastern Kentucky, including a large percentage
of McCreary County’s overall lands.
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