(News from Wed March 10, 2010)
McCREARY FISCAL COURT HIRES TOURISM COORDINATOR

Meeting in regular session Tuesday afternoon, the McCreary County Fiscal Court took the recommendation of the county's tourist commission in hiring a new tourism coordinator. By unanimous vote, Ginger McCartt West was selected out of a field of about a dozen applicants, seven of whom were reportedly interviewed last week by a tourism nominating panel. Tourism Chairman Gabriel Jones said the committee was very impressed with West, who reportedly resides in Scott County, Tennessee, adding that the tourist commission is looking forward to moving ahead on several projects with the new coordinator in place. McCreary County Judge Executive Blaine Phillips noted that as is the case with any new county employee, there will be a three month probationary period.

A complete report on Tuesday's fiscal court meeting will be featured on Thursday's 98 News Update reports.  

CORBIN MAN KILLED IN INTERSTATE 75 WRECK

A Corbin man is dead following a late Monday evening crash on Interstate 75 in Whitley County. Police say it appears a 1996 Chevy S-10 pickup truck, driven by 65 year old Larry Rogers, was stopped in one of the I-75 lanes, possibly with engine trouble, when the vehicle was struck by an oncoming 2007 tractor trailer driven by a Dayton, Ohio man. Larry Rogers of Corbin, who was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene while the tractor trailer’s driver was not seriously injured. The wreck remains under investigation.

CUMBERLAND FALLS MANAGER MOVING TO NEW POST

After four and a half years as manager at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Lisa Davis is moving on to a new position within the state park system. Davis will spend her last day in her office at Cumberland Falls today and is set to assume the management position at Barren River State Resort Park next week. Davis said she is making the move to be closer to her family and native Bowling Green in western Kentucky, adding that her family spent many vacations at the state park which she will now be leading. There has been no official decision on a replacement for Davis as manager at Cumberland Falls.  

CENSUS OFFICIALS SEEK INFORMATION FOR 2010 COUNT

With 2010 being Census year in the United States, Census workers are currently seeking up to date information on residents across the nation. As part of that effort, letters were mailed Monday from the US Census to about 90% of all residential addresses in the country informing the recipients that they will be receiving Census forms that need to be filled out and returned. The other 10% of addresses, mainly non-traditional residences, will be visited by Census workers. Those who do not complete and return the forms once received can also expect a knock on their door from workers collecting information. Census officials say that some residents are reluctant to provide information to the government out of fear it will impact their income or taxes, but those same officials say the Census does not collect identifying information such as social security numbers from residents. In addition, a proper Census count helps communities receive federal funding for projects ranging from roads to schools and medical facilities. To find out more about the US Census and why it is important to be counted, you can visit www.2010.census.gov online.  

(News from Tues March 9, 2010)
McCREARY FISCAL COURT TO MEET IN REGULAR SESSION

The McCreary County Fiscal Court will meet in regular session this afternoon at 5:00pm. The court had been alternating their meeting schedule between 9:00am and 6:00pm, but returned to a schedule of meeting each month at 9:00am for several months. After receiving some complaints from citizens, the court decided to return to an alternating schedule, but moved the evening meeting up one hour to 5:00pm. A number of items are set to be on the agenda for today’s meeting, including discussion and possible action on the vacant tourism coordinator position.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE MOVING FORWARD WITH
GAS, OIL WELL PLUGGING

A project aimed at plugging old oil and gas wells in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is moving forward with a recent finding by the National Park Service. The Southeast Regional Director for the National Park Service has issued a ruling approving a “Finding of No Significant Impact” for the project. The ruling means that the decision to plug and reclaim oil and gas wells within the park is now recorded and allows for the project to move forward. The National Park Service, by issuing the ruling, has decided that the project will not significantly affect the human environment within the project area. The project description and recent ruling are available online at parkplanning.nps.gov then by selecting from the “Document List” and finding the files associated with the “Big South Fork Oil and Gas Well Plugging and Reclamation” project. Copies of the report are also available at the park headquarters during normal business hours from 8:00am-4:30pm weekdays. To request a copy call 569-9778. 

HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUT BILL PASSES KENTUCKY HOUSE

After reporting last week that House Bill 301, a bill aimed at lowering the state’s high school dropout rate,  had passed two Kentucky House committees, the bill has now cleared another obstacle by passing in the full House. The vote, taken late Thursday, ended with the bill’s passage by a 94-6 margin. The bill must now receive support in the Senate before it can be signed into law by Governor BeShear. House Bill 301 is co-sponsored by Democratic Representatives Jeff Greer of Bradenburg and Reginald Meeks of Louisville. The measure would raise the age at which students could legally dropout of school. The current age of 16 has remained unchanged since 1920, but would be raised to age 17 in 2013 and eventually to age 18 by 2014. The bill’s supporters hope it will help lower the state’s overall dropout rate.

POLL PUTS PAUL, MONGIARDO IN SENATE RACE LEAD

A new statewide poll just released for the upcoming US Senate race in Kentucky shows Rand Paul leading the way on the GOP side, while Daniel Mongiardo has the edge for the Democrats. The “Bluegrass Poll”, conducted by Louisville’s Courier Journal newspaper along with WHAS television, shows a double digit lead for both candidates over their primary opponents including Jack Conway, current Kentucky Attorney General on the Democratic side and Republic Trey Grayson, current Kentucky Secretary of State. Expert pollsters remind that these types of polls are simply a brief snapshot into what the electorate is thinking at a given time, adding that with more than two months until the May 18^th primary, much can change in the political landscape across Kentucky. The race involves the US Senate seat currently held by Republican Jim Bunning who opted not to seek re-election this year.  

(News from Mon March 8, 2010)
DEATH OF PULASKI COUNTY WOMAN LIKELY NOT FOUL PLAY

In an update to a previous story, the death of a Pulaski County woman is likely not foul play related according to the county’s coroner, Richard New. Coroner New released a statement saying that Carol Barnett, who was actually 56 years old rather than 50 as first reported, was found unresponsive in her home Thursday along with her elderly mother, age 73. Carol Barnett reportedly had Down Syndrome and was an extreme diabetic. Officials say they believe her mother suffered some type of medical emergency, possibly a stroke, which prevented her from caring for her daughter. That reportedly led to Barnett’s death and her mother’s admittance to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital where she remains under treatment. Police are continuing their investigation and say they cannot make an exact determination on the cause of death until autopsy reports are returned, but it appears the case does not involve foul play.

TWO LOCAL SCHOOLS REPORT GAINS IN FALL TESTING

Eight and tenth grade students locally recorded improved test scores in a round of assessments conducted this past fall. The McCreary County Voice reports on the scores which cover the “EXLORE” test taken by eight graders each year and the “PLAN” test taken each year by sophomores. In the eighth grade testing at McCreary County Middle School, the latest scores show improvements in English and science, with a static score in reading and a slight decline in math. Similar scores were seen at the high school level, where sophomores declined in math scores but recorded gains in the areas of English, science and reading. Principals at both schools, including Jason Creekmore at McCreary Middle and Sharon Ross at McCreary Central High School, told The Voice they are pleased with the test scores and that schools officials always review the results to make adjustments as needed. The EXPLORE and PLAN tests are mainly aimed at gauging students’ preparedness for the ACT which is generally taken during the junior year of high school.     

PUBLIC HEARING FOR LANDFILL PROJECT TONIGHT

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Solid Waste Management, has scheduled a public hearing for tonight to discuss the permit application for a landfill project in northern Scott County. This is the second public hearing for the project, with the first hearing held during a time of inclement weather, which officials fear may have kept some interested parties from attending. That, coupled with the volume of written responses, prompted officials to hold the second hearing. The project proposes to locate a landfill adjacent to existing Volunteer Landfill on Bear Creek Road just north of Oneida in northern Scott County, Tennessee. The landfill would be able to accept commercial waste, municipal waste, landscaping and farm waste, construction waste, dead animals, industrial waste and shredded tires. No hazardous materials or waste would be accepted under state regulations according to the proposal. Johnny King, who operated a sold waste disposal company in McCreary County for several years, is listed as the responsible party and operator of the proposed landfill. Written comments on the project will be accepted until April 5^th by writing to Mike Apple, Division of Solid Waste Management, 5^th Floor L & C Tower, 401 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37243-1535. You may also telephone comments to 615-532-0780 by Monday April 5^th. The public hearing is scheduled for this evening in the courtroom of the Oneida City Hall with recorded and written comments accepted between 5:30-6:00pm and the hearing starting at 6:00pm. 

(News from Fri March 5, 2010)
RAIDERS END SEASON WITH REGION TOURNAMENT LOSS

The McCreary Central Raiders brought their 2009-2010 season to a close Thursday night with a loss in first round play of the 12th region tournament. The Raiders faced Mercer County, a team which had defeated McCreary Central early in the season by three points. The margin widened Thursday night with Mercer 62 and the Raiders 52. The Raiders were led in scoring by senior Aaron Watts with 18 points followed by Roark at 17, the only two Raiders in double digits. McCreary Central's overall season record ends at 24-7, 15-2 in region play. The 12th region tournament continues Monday night at Pulaski County High School with West Jessamine and Boyle County facing off at 6:00pm and Pulaski County and Mercer County playing at 8:00pm. The championship game is set for Tuesday night at 7:00pm.
 

McCREARY COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE PLANNED

Those eligible to donate blood are asked to come out for the next McCreary County community blood drive, scheduled for Tuesday March 9^th at the RECC community room. Blood donations will be taken between 2:00-7:00pm next Tuesday. Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with parental consent, and weigh at least 110 pounds. You must also be in generally good health. For complete information on donating blood or to obtain the parental permission form log onto www.kybloodcenter.org. You can also call the Kentucky Blood Center toll free at 1-800-775-2522.  

SCOTT CO HIGH EVACUAATED AFTER BOMB THREAT

Scott County school officials were notified Wednesday morning of a bomb threat which had been called into the county’s 911 center. The call, reportedly made by a young male from a cell phone, was received by dispatchers at about 9:30am stating that a bomb had been placed in Scott County High School. Officers with the Scott County Sheriff’s Department responded to search the school building while school officials evacuated students and staff from the area. After a search with no bomb found, students were reportedly back in class at about 10:15am. The Scott County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the bomb threat, tracing the origin of the call, and say once found, the caller could face felony charges.

“SEXTING” BILL PASSES KENTUCKY HOUSE IN 99-0 VOTE

In a unanimous vote Wednesday, a bill aimed at penalizing a practice known as “sexting” by teenagers passed the Kentucky House. House Bill 143 would allow the courts to place penalties on teens who are caught sending or receiving nude photos or video via text messages. The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Representative Martha Jane King of Lewisburg says she does not think teenagers are aware how serious the practice is. Under the new measure, a first offense would prompt a sentence of community service and a $100 fine, with stiffer penalties for additional offenses. The bill must now go to the Kentucky Senate for consideration.  

McCREARY PUBLIC LIBRARY PARTNERS WITH US CENSUS

With 2010 being Census year across the United States, the McCreary County Public Library has partnered with the US Census to assist local residents in being counted. Census officials say some citizens may be reluctant to return requested forms, but they should remember that an accurate count means grants and funding for projects in areas that otherwise may be left out, according to the Census Bureau. In fact, the 2010 Census count will help communities across the nation share about $400 billion in federal funds annually. That money will be used for projects including schools, hospitals, infrastructure and senior citizen centers. An “Authorized Census Questionnaire Assistance Center” has now been opened at the McCreary County Public Library to assist local residents in completing and submitting their Census forms. The center is available at the library on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00-7:00pm, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:00-5:00pm, and Saturdays from 12:00-3:00pm. For additional information on the 2010 Census or assistance available stop by the public library in Whitley City or call 376-8738.   

(News from Thurs March 4, 2010)
McCREARY RAIDERS HEAD TO 12^TH REGION TOURNAMENT

The McCreary Central Raiders are looking to keep their season and hopes of heading to the boy’s state “Sweet 16” tournament alive tonight as the play in first round action of the 12^th region tournament. The Raiders will face off against Mercer County tonight at 8:00pm from Pulaski County High School Gym. If the Raiders come out on top tonight they will face the winner of this evening’s Pulaski County-Danville game on Monday night at 8:00pm. The 12^th region championship is slated for next Tuesday at 7:00pm. All region tournament games are being played at Pulaski County High School. The Raiders go into the region tournament with a 24-6 record overall this season, 15-1 in region play.   

McCREARY COUNTY MAN GUILTY IN SEX ABUSE CASE

The 42 year old McCreary County man accused of sexually abusing his nine year old stepdaughter last year has pled guilty in the case. The McCreary County Record reports that Rodney J. Dobies appeared in court last week where he entered a guilty plea to charges on the day his trial was set to begin. Dobies was indicted last July on three counts of first degree sexual abuse. Prosecutors are recommending a ten year prison term for each count to run concurrently for a total of ten years in prison. Official sentencing is slated for March 15^th at which time it is also expected Dobies will be order to have no future contact with the victim.

DEADLINE FOR ROGERS EXPLORERS APPLICATIONS

This Friday March 5^th is the deadline for regional eight graders to apply for a spot in the Rogers Explorers program offered each summer through the Center for Rural Development. The program is held at various dates and locations throughout the summer covering areas such as critical leadership skills, math, science, and entrepreneurship. Eight graders from throughout the Center’s service area in southern and eastern Kentucky are eligible to apply, but a limited number of students will be selected to take part. There is no cost to participants who are selected and applications may be obtained at the Center in Somerset or online at www.centertech.com. Applications must be submitted by the end of the day tomorrow Friday March 5^th. For information visit the website or call Jessica Melton at 606-677-6000 or e-mail jmelton@centertech.com. 

McCREARY CO EXTENSION SERVICE TO HOLD WORKSHOPS

The McCreary County Extension Service has scheduled a series of workshops including a fruit pruning workshop on Tuesday March 9^th with two sessions, at 2:00pm and 5:00pm. To attend, travel to the Worley-Hilltop area where Highway 92 splits and go to the left then to the second house on the left with a red metal roof. An apple grafting workshop is planned for Thursday March 11^th at 6:30pm at the McCreary County Extension Office. The workshops are free and those interested can call the extension service for information at 376-2524.

(News from Wed March 3, 2010)
LAUREL COUNTY MAN CHARGED IN WIFE’S ASSAULT

Acting on a tip, members of the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department responded to a residence late Sunday where they encountered 39 year old Denver Eversole. The man reportedly told police everything was fine, but as officers entered the home they found Eversole’s wife, identified as 23 year old Ella Eversole, in the home’s back bedroom. The woman told police she had been shot in the leg and stabbed in the back by her husband. Ella Eversole was transported for treatment, while Denver Eversole was charged with attempted murder and first degree assault and was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center. The case remains under investigation.

McCREARY SCHOOLS SEEKING APPROVAL FOR EXTENDED DAY

The McCreary County School District is reportedly seeking approval from the state to extend its school day by 30 minutes. The issue was addressed in a recent school board meeting with the possibility of adding the time each day starting Monday March 8^th. However, local school officials must receive approval from the state to do so and that had not happened as of last report. In addition, school officials note that while the added time could be used to make up for lost instructional time and to better prepare for upcoming testing in the spring, it could not be used to make up for days that were completely missed due to weather and illness. Even with the added 30 minutes per day, the McCreary County School District would still see classes in session until at least June 21^st. Meanwhile, school board members were also confronted with the possibility of cutting spring break and Memorial Day break days to make up for missed days. No final decision has been made on those issues. The next school board meeting is slated for March 25^th at 6:00pm. 

KENTUCKY HOUSE CLOSER TO RAISING STATE’S DROPOUT AGE

A bill aimed at lowering the dropout rate among Kentucky’s high schoolers moved a step closer to passage Monday in Frankfort. The bill, sponsored by Representative Jeff Greer of Brandenburg, would gradually increase the legal age at which a student could legally dropout, first from the current age 16 to 17 and then eventually to age 18. The present dropout age has remained the same since 1920 in Kentucky. Representative Greer said times have changed and so must the state’s laws. Greer pointed to a statistic in supporting his bill that 75% of those incarcerated in Kentucky lack a high school diploma. The bill was approved this week by the House Appropriations and Revenue committee, after already receiving approval from the education committee. House Bill 301 must now be approved by the full House.

McCREARY COUNTY SHERIFF’S AUDIT REPORT RELEASED

With the release last week of the latest audit report for the McCreary County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Gus Skinner’s department received a near clean bill of health financially speaking. The audit covers the period from May 2008 to May 2009 and shows only one area of concern within the office. The audit states that the sheriff’s office lacks adequate segregation of duties, meaning that too few personnel have control over various elements of accounts, deposits and payments received. This is an issue commonly seen in small departments and offices. According to the audit, the office collected more than $3,365,000 during that one year period, distributing about $3,251,000 to the various taxing districts and retaining just over $111,000 to operate the sheriff’s office. Complete audit reports can be viewed online at www.auditor.ky.gov where reports can be searched by county.

(News from Tues March 2, 2010)
LAUREL COUNTY MOTHER FACING METH MAKING CHARGES

Police in Laurel County say when they were called to a possible meth lab operation Friday night, they found more than they expected. In addition to a working meth lab and components used in the operation, officers discovered five children at the residence. All five were taken into custody by state social services, while their mother, identified as 28 year old Roberta Petro, was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine. The woman is also charged with five counts of endangering the welfare of a minor. Petro was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center as the investigation continues.

McCREARY LISTED AMONG UNHEALTHIEST COUNTIES

A report conducted by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute in cooperation with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows McCreary County among the unhealthiest counties. The report studied the health of each county within the fifty states and ranks McCreary as the 112^th poorest in terms of health factors and outcomes, and last overall in health in Kentucky. Several programs locally are working to change that including a healthy cooking class sponsored in part by the Get Healthy McCreary Coalition. The class is held the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm at the McCreary Christian Care Center. In addition, the 18^th annual McCreary County Health Fair is scheduled for Saturday March 27^th from 8:00AM-12noon at the McCreary Middle School. For information on either project, contact the McCreary Christian Care Center at 376-8742.

GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS MARCH
SEVERE STORM PREPAREDNESS MONTH

In a recent order signed by Kentucky Governor Steve BeShear, the month of March was declared “Severe Storms Preparedness Month” across the Commonwealth. Emergency officials are urging residents to prepare for severe weather, including storms and tornados which are more frequent during the months of March and April. The Federal Communications Commission, as part of this effort, granted a waiver to the state for the use of a “live” tornado warning drill which will use the same codes and directions as a real tornado warning. That drill was scheduled for today, Tuesday March 2^nd, at 10:07am eastern time across Kentucky. Residents can find out more about preparing for severe weather by logging onto www.kyem.ky.gov or www.weather.gov.     

LAKE CUMBERLAND POLAR PLUNGE DRAWS CROWD, MONEY

Nearly 100 people turned out Saturday for the annual Lake Cumberland Polar Plunge which was held at Lee’s Ford Resort and Marina near Somerset. The event is held each year to raise money and awareness for the Kentucky Special Olympics. Early reports from this year’s event put the amount raised at $30,000 but money was still coming in at last report.  

(News from Mon March 1, 2010)
McCREARY CENTRAL CLAIMS DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

In a rivalry match up Friday night, McCreary Central claimed the 2010 48^th District Boy’s Basketball Championship title defeating Wayne County 57-35. The Raiders were led in scoring by Aaron Watts, the only Raider in the game to score double digits for a total of 25 points. The Raiders improve their overall season record to 24-6 with the win and move on to the 12^th Regional Tournament which tips off this Wednesday at Pulaski County High School. Wednesday night’s action includes Wayne County vs. West Jessamine at 6:00pm, followed by Boyle County taking on Casey County at 8:00pm. Thursday night’s games feature Pulaski County vs. Danville at 6:00pm and McCreary Central battling Mercer County at 8:00pm. Mercer County comes into the contest with an overall 20-9 record, 12-4 in region play, while the Raiders can boast a 24-6 record, 15-1 in region play.  However, the Raiders will have to bring their “A” game, as they suffered their only region defeat to Mercer County at the start of this season on Mercer County’s home court by a score of 73-70. The region tournament semifinals will be held Monday March 8^th, with the championship game Tuesday March 9^th. Again, all 12^th regional tournament games in boy’s action will be played at Pulaski County High School. In other local sports news, the McCreary Central Co-Ed Cheerleading squad recently finished in third place overall in a state tournament. The tournament was held at Western Kentucky University.

McCREARY COUNTY MAN FACING POSSIBLE DEATH PENALTY

A McCreary County man accused in the murder of Pine Knot resident Patricia Stephens last September could face the death penalty if convicted. The McCreary County Voice reports that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office has filed a petition with the court seeking the death penalty due to the aggravated circumstance of robbery, which they claim Ronnie Laxton was committing when he murdered Stephens. Laxton was previously convicted in 1996 of reckless homicide when he pled guilty to charges he had been drinking and recklessly discharged a gun, killing Morton Duvall, Jr. No trial date has been set for the murder case against Laxton, but a pre-trial hearing is set for late April.

KENTUCKY SENATOR BLOCKS UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

With double digit unemployment in many of Kentucky’s counties, Jim Bunning, US Senator from Kentucky, single handedly blocked an extension of unemployment benefits under consideration in Washington Thursday. According to reports from the nation’s capitol, the Senate was set to extend benefits by about a month for many Americans which were set to have those benefits expire this past weekend. The bill under consideration was a $10 billion measure. Senator Bunning objected to the bill because he said it would add to the country’s deficits and debt. While Bunning reportedly admitted that the bill would likely pass eventually, he said he would continue to block it as long as he could. While another vote on the bill is expected this coming Tuesday, since the measure was not extended last week, millions of Americans were set to be cut off from unemployment benefits this past weekend. Meanwhile, bomb threats were reported over the weekend at the offices of Senator Jim Bunning and Congressman Hal Rogers. Police are investigating the threats and say they do not know if the threats are in anyway related to Bunning’s move last week.   

KENTUCKY SENATE GIVES NOD TO BIBLE TEACHING BILL

In a 37-1 vote last Thursday, the Kentucky Senate gave its approval to a bill which would allow for the teaching of bible course in the state’s public schools. Senate Bill 142 would allow bible classes to be taught in classrooms, with Democratic Senator Kathy Stein of Lexington casting the only dissenting vote. Stein said she is unsure if the measure is constitutional. Prior to the Senate vote, the bill’s sponsor, Democrat David Boswell spoke on why he feels the bill can pass the test set forth by Supreme Court rulings. The bill must now gain full support from the Kentucky House and be signed by Governor BeShear before becoming law. 

(News from Fri Feb 26, 2010)
McCREARY CENTRAL VS WAYNE COUNTY
IN DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

In a match up that has been a sports rivalry for years, McCreary Central will battle Wayne County tonight for the 48^th district championship in boys’ basketball. McCreary Central heads into the game with an overall 23-6 record on the season, including a 14-1 record in region play and a 6-0 record so far in district play. The Raiders only loss in the 12^th region came in their season opener on December 1^st against Mercer County. The squads only other losses this season have been at the hand of Lexington Catholic twice, Scott County, Knott County Central and Blanche Ely, Florida. The Raiders defeated the Wayne County Cardinals in their only regular season contest on December 15^th by a score of 76-54. Wayne County comes into tonight’s championship battle with an overall 19-10 record this season, 14-6 in region play and 3-3 in the district. The 48^th district boys’ basketball championship game tips off at 7:00pm tonight at Southwestern Pulaski High School.

WHITLEY CO SHERIFF’S AUDIT SHOWS
MAJOR DEFICITS, POOR RECORDS

An audit report released this week on the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department shows major issues dating back to the period from 2007 to 2008. Sheriff Lawrence Hodge’s office reportedly had a deficit of at least $87,589 in its 2007 tax collection account and more than $15,000 in 2008, for a total of more than $100,000. That, according to auditors, may even be a low figure since poor documentation and record keeping in the Whitley County Sheriff’s office make it difficult to get an actual sum of the monies reportedly paid in taxes to the office but not deposited in the accounts. Other issues raised by that audit included money deposited into the wrong accounts, lack of oversight within the office, and late tax payments to various county agencies. One issue noted was a case when sheriff’s department employees were paid for unused vacation time, however instead of being listed as taxable income, the total of more than $11,000 was entered under office supplies. In March of last year, Sheriff Hodge reportedly told county leaders that he had less than $1 in excess fees from 2008 to turn over to the county, when the audit shows more than $46,000 in that account. Whitley County Sheriff Lawrence Hodge has failed to respond to the audit findings to this date. Complete audit reports can be viewed online by visiting www.auditor.ky.gov.

DEADLINE ARRIVES FOR TOURISM POSITION APPLICATIONS

Today is the deadline for applicants for the tourism and community events coordinator position in McCreary County to submit their application and resume. The position is funded by the McCreary County Tourist Commission which receives its funding from a 3% transient tax on all local lodging properties as well as 3% of the county occupational tax received by tourism. Applications for the position should be submitted to the McCreary County Judge Executive’s office by 4:00pm today, with a tourist commission personnel committee set to meet and begin interviews next week. The tourist commission has set a special meeting for Monday March 8^th at 4:30pm to discuss the recommendation of the personnel committee and potentially select its preferred applicants. Fiscal court, which will ultimately hire a new tourism coordinator, is set to meet again Tuesday March 9^th at 5:00pm. It is not yet known whether the court will fill the position at that time or opt to table the issue for a future meeting.