In an update to a story we brought you earlier in the week, a jail escapee from Whitley County was captured late Sunday night at his wife's home. 29 year old George Brewer was located and apprehended without incident after he had walked away from a jail work detail Friday afternoon. Brewer was lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center charged with escape in addition to his original charge of receiving stolen property. 
 
 

While the majority of votes cast by the McCreary County Fiscal Court are unanimous votes, Tuesday evening's regular session of the court included two votes that split the court in 3-1 margins, with Magistrate Judy Redden absent. The first issue involved a request by Jailer Tony Ball to add additional deputy jailers to his roster of available personnel. Ball explained to the court that he has part time deputies who have to work other jobs to make a living and may not be available to work hours needed at the jail. This, according to Ball, leads to the need for more people to be sworn in as officers and eligible to work. Fiscal court emphasized that Ball was not to exceed the allowed, and budgeted, 504 hours of work time per week. This is based on three on a shift at all times, 24 hours a day. Ball advised he would only go over those hours in emergency situations, but otherwise just needed the eligible workers to cover the 504 hours a week. Following a lengthy discussion, Magistrate Roger Phillips moved to allow up to five as needed deputies, with the condition that the motion be rescinded if Ball used the deputies to work more than was allowed and budgeted for. The motion was approved by the court with Phillips, and Magistrates Ted Coffey and Ralph Murphy voted in favor, and Judge Executive Blaine Phillips voted against approval, stating that the court was making a mistake.

The second issue which split the court, involved the transfer of Rhonda Ivey from part time EMT with the ambulance service to full time. This came after an executive session, with Roger Phillips voted against thea ction, while Coffey, Judge Phillips, and Murphy approved the move. Magistrate Roger Phillips explained his opposition to the action was based on his desire to see local people who are qualified be considered for such full time positions, while Ivey is a resident outside the county. After the meeting. Phillips also said he was concerned with the fact that seniority had been abolished at the ambulance service by the director last year, but seemed to be used in this promotion.
 
 

Tuesday's regular session of the McCreary County Fiscal Court also included an address by citizen Robert Stephens, with concerns over past, current, and future practices of the US Forest Service within the county. Stephens talked about issues with chemicals used to control vegetation and burning conducted by the forest service, and the impact this appears to have on both the health and way of life for local residents. He noted the forest service seems to have no concern for what local people want and, according to Stephens, refuse to cooperate with and communicate with the public and county leaders. Stephens asked the court to consider forming a commission to look into the forest service's practices, the impact on local residents, and to open up lines of communication. In the end, the court agreed to hold a public meeting to discuss the issue in the coming weeks and to consider forming such a commission, but took no official action Tuesday. Robert Stephens is a former marine, teacher, and candidate for judge executive in the early 1980's. He also holds degress in chemistry and biology.
 
 

During Tuesday's court meeting, the county's governing body voted to accept a renewal of all lines and workers' compensation policy with KACO, the Kentucky Association of Counties, at a total savings in the next year of just over $5000. Judge Phillips noted that one portion of the policy had increased by just over $1000, but the workers' comp. premium was reduced by more than $6000, resulting in the net decrease in payment required by the county. The court also voted to promote Karen Clark at the 911 center from the current role of dispatcher and shift captain, to add the title of office manager, with an annual stipend of $5000.  This will allow Clark to work with the Lake Cumberland Area Development District on 911 addressing, as well as oversee the center's scheduling. The court also voted to create a new position, accepting a job description for a tourism and community events coordinator, replacing the previous tourism executive director position. Judge Phillips stated that the position would include more community involvement and cooperation. The newly created position will be advertised for two weeks in The McCreary County Voice with the information and job description also available online at www.kyvacations.com/job.html. The McCreary County Tourist Commission will accept applicants, conduct interviews and make recommendations to fiscal court on filling the position. McCreary County Fiscal Court will meet in special session next week, although the exact day and time have not been finalized, to approve the first reading of the county's 2008-2009 budget.

A weekend spent riding an all terrain vehicle turned tragic for a Winfield teenager, as she was seriously injured in an ATV accident. The 15 year old girl was reportedly riding with family and friends in the Jellico Creek area Sunday afternoon when the ATV apparently went out of control and struck a bridge abutment. Jada Wilson was reportedly knocked off the ATV and fell about 20 feet into a ravine. Wilson was transported from the scene to UT Medical Center suffering from head trauma injuries.
 
 

With yesterday's primary in the books in West Virginia, the next contest, and all eyes, turn to Kentucky in the Democratic Presidential race. Hillary Clinton is hanging on in the race against Barack Obama, who currently leads in the overall popular vote and in pledged and super delegates. The Kentucky primary next Tuesday is expected to be a win in Clinton's column, but will likely not be enough to gain her much momentum in the final days of the campaign. Most polls, including one just released by The Lexington Herald Leader, have Clinton with a significant advantage in the Commonwealth. The Herald Leader poll puts Clinton with 58% of likely voters while Obama records only 31% support. However, Obama did pick up an endorsement in Kentucky in the last week, with Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo announcing he is supporting the Illinois Senator. His boss, Governor Steve BeShear, is a super delegate, but has not made public for whom he will cast his vote at the Democratic Convention later this summer. Kentucky voters will cast their primary ballots next Tuesday, May 20th with polls open 6am-6pm. Absentee voting is currently underway in county clerks' offices across the state, for those who will be unable to vote May 20th.
 
 

The current leasing agreement between Mercy Health Systems and Scott County for the operation of the hospital in Oneida is set to expire February 1, 2010, but not if Mercy Health has its way. In a presentation by representatives of Mercy Health last week, the Scott County Commission's Community Development Committee was asked to consider negotiating a new, extended contract to allow he company to continue managing the facility, now known as St Mary's Medical Center of Scott County. Mercy Health took over the lease agreement on the hospital from Attentus Healthcare when that company backed out of the arrangement with Scott County. Mercy Health officials say they not only want to continue running the hospital but are actively recruiting physicians to the area with specialties in various fields. The Scott County Community Development Committee took no action on the proposal but agreed to discuss and consider negotiations with Mercy Health in the coming months.
 
 

Nearly 100 years of county history will be portrayed in a play this September, directed by Tennessee playwright Clay Harris. The play, based on the history and the people of McCreary County over the past century, will be held the weekend of September 12th and 13th, with auditions for the cast being held this weekend, Sunday May 18th from 2-4pm at the Whitley City United Methodist Church. Those interested in being a part of this play should plan to attend auditions, with no prior acting experience required. Musicians interested in trying out for inclusion should be prepared to exhibit their skills at the auditions. Clay Harris was responsible for the Timber n' Coal production in Scott County last fall, which will also see an encore presentation at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville in October. For more information on the McCreary County play, call Rhonda Shelton at 215-1664.

After capturing two jail escapees from Bourbon County Saturday in Whitley County, authorities there are now reporting their own jail escape. 29 year old George Brewer walked away from a work detail in the Miller Park area of Corbin at about 2pm Friday, according to a release from the Whitley County Detention Center. Brewer is said to be a non-violent offender, and is not believed to be armed or dangerous. He was being held on charges of receiving stolen property and being a persistent felony offender, and was due for possible release in August, but will now face the additional charge of escape once recaptured. Brewer is described as a white male, 6 feet tall weighing about 155 pounds with light brown skin and brown hair. Anyone with information related to George Brewer's whereabouts is asked to call the Whitley County Detention Center at 606-549-6017.
 
 

Budget cuts are having an impact on most things that received any type of government funding, and the Whitley-Knox County Animal Shelter is no exception. Officials from the shelter met with Whitley County Fiscal Court last week to discuss their budget shortfalls and to ask the county for an increase in the funds received from Whitley County. Pat White, Whitley County Judge Executive, said the shelter has already seen a substantial increase in funding from the county since he took office, and expressed concern over being able to provide another increase. A budget presented to White reportedly showed projected expenses for the upcoming fiscal year at $120,000, while White said revenue from the last year was only $82,000, leaving a budget shortfall of about $38,000. The animal shelter's financial situation, and the possibility of a closure of the facility, would affect McCreary County, which recently signed a contract with the Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter to house and dispose of this county's animals, picked by animal control officer Milford Creekmore II. Animal shelter officials agreed to set up a meeting with leaders from McCreary, Whitley and Knox counties, all of which have contracts with the shelter, to discuss possible options.
 
 

The issue of the animal shelter budget shortfall does not appear on the agenda for tonight's regular May session of the McCreary County Fiscal Court, however the issue could be taken up later at a special session planned this month or at the June court meeting. The date for a special session this month has not been set, but will deal primarily with the first reading of the county's 2008-2009 budget. The regular session slated for tonight includes a number of agenda items, such as budgetary items from the sheriff's office and jail, discussion of staff positions at the 911 center, the possible creation of a new county tourism and community events coordinator position, and a renewal of the counties worker's compensation policy. The court will, in the coming weeks, deal with the new year's budget and a renewal of the county's occupational tax ordinance. The fiscal court will meet in regular session tonight at 6pm in the upstairs courtroom at the McCreary County Courthouse.

Mother's Day Sunday morning was anything but calm and peaceful at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. In fact, the National Weather Service announced Monday that they had confirmed the touchdown of an F-1 tornado at the location near the Whitley-McCreary County line. It happened at about 10am Sunday morning, according to witnesses, who say dozens of trees were uprooted and broken, blocking Highway 90 for several hours. There was some structural damage reported to buildings at the park, but no major injuries have been reported, despite more than 100 visitors being at the park at the time. Crews worked for hours Sunday to clear the road and respond to the emergency prompted by the more than 100 mile per hour winds. Another F-1 tornado was also confirmed to have touched down Sunday morning in Leslie County, in another part of eastern Kentucky.
 
 

Authorities in Whitley County say two jail escapees were captured in their county Saturday. The pair had escaped from the Bourbon County jail on Friday, allegedly stole an SUV from the Bourbon County Fire Department, and made their way to southern Kentucky. Once in Whitley County, the SUV reportedly ran out of gas, forcing the men to travel on foot. The abandoned vehicle was located in Williamsburg Saturday morning, but police say they were able to apprehend the suspects before they could obtain another vehicle to continue their escape effort. Michael McDowell and Shane Carson were arrested and charged with escape from Bourbon County, facing those charges as well as their original charges. Both men are still reportedly lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center, awaiting extradition back to Bourbon County.
 
 

Just as authorities had suspected, a medical condition, not a fall or drowning, caused the death of a 70 year old man at the spillway on Laurel Lake, near the Laurel-Whitley County line. Herman Feltner, Sr. was reportedly fishing with friends at the spillway last Wednesday when he fell about eight feet off a cliff onto rocks below, and then into the water. Medical examinations have determined, according to the Laurel County Coroner's office, that Feltner suffered a cardiac arrest just before falling. A full autopsy is not planned in the case.
 
 

Budget cuts and rising costs have now forced the Kentucky Council on Post secondary Education to approve an increase in tuition fees for Kentucky's universities and community and technical colleges. The hike will range from 6% to 10% for universities and will also impact the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, where rates will jump 5.2%. That is less than the 13% increase requested by Michael McCall, KCTCS President, who now says without the needed increase he asked for, services will likely be cut and so will student enrollment. The tuition hikes will go into effect in the new fiscal year starting July 1st.

A simple fishing trip with friends Wednesday afternoon turned tragic when a man reportedly fell from a cliff into the waters below and was killed. 70 year old Herman Feltner of Hazard was fishing with friends near the Laurel Lake area near the Whitley-Laurel County line Wednesday when he apparently fell about eight feet onto some rocks below and then tumbled into the waters. Investigators say they believe there may have been some kind of medical condition or incident that led to the fall. Feltner was pronounced dead at the scene.
 
 

A food service worker in Barbourville, in nearby Knox County, was in US District Court in London this week, where she entered a guilty plea to charges related to putting a staple in meatloaf. According to prosecutors, 27 year old Joreen Crawford pled guilty Monday to one count of tampering with a consumer product, resulting in a loss of about $1200 for her employer. The charges stem from an incident in which Crawford is accused of putting a staple in a meatloaf that was meant for distribution to a national restaurant chain. After company officials were first notified of the incident by one of Crawford's co-workers, the entire batch of meatloaf, or about 3,500 pounds of meat, had to be recalled in order to identify the meatloaf that had been involved. Following the guilty plea, Crawford is now set for sentencing on August 14th when she could face up to ten years behind bars.
 
 

Identity theft is a growing problem, but the McCreary County Public Library, in cooperation with Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Robert Stephens, will be hosting a program to help individuals learn if they are at risk. The program will also provide tips to help prevent this type of theft and information about what to do if you fall victim to it. The program will be this Saturday May 10th starting at 2PM at the public library and is free and open to the public. For information call the library at 376-8738 or log onto www.mccrearylibrary.org.
 
 

A McCreary County man was recently arrested in Pulaski County on a district court warrant for flagrant non-support. According to a report from the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department, 29 year old Steven Watson of Pine Knot was arrested for allegedly owing more than $2000 in support, as ordered by the Pulaski County Court in 2001. Watson was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center under a cash bond which equals the amount owed in child support.

A McCreary County man was reportedly arrested in Pulaski County Sunday morning after police were called to the county's Keno area because a man was spotted lying next to the railroad tracks. Upon arrival, officers found the man, later identified as 50 year old Jones M. Eller, Jr. with an address listed as Mike Cooper Road in Pine Knot. Eller was found to be in possession of controlled substances and was charged with 1st degree possession, possession of marijuana, and possession or use of drug paraphernalia. He was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center as an investigation continues by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department.
 
 

Illegal immigration receives a lot of attention in the national spotlight and in border states, but it is also a concern for authorities in Kentucky. In fact, a tip led police to Somerset Hardwood Company this week, where dozens, possibly more than one hundred, illegal immigrants were found to be working. Many of those illegals were taken into custody by officials who say they were using fake IDs in many cases to obtain employment at the business. Following the raid, Somerset Hardwoods released a statement saying, in part, that they do not knowingly employee illegal immigrants and if the credentials of any employee are found to be false after employment, they are immediately terminated. An investigation into the case is continuing by authorities in Pulaski County.
 
 

Rising gas prices are having an impact on nearly everything these days, including decreasing numbers of community watch members. According to a report from the McCreary County Record, East Pine Knot Community Watch has seen a reduction in the number of willing drivers for the program and they are attributing that directly to the higher gas costs and the failure of donations to meet those needs. That results in those that are willing to drive for the community watch paying much of that expense out of their own pocket, in addition to the time they are giving up. This has resulted in a decrease in membership from nearly 50 available drivers several years ago to just a few now. The East Pine Knot Community Watch currently covers the areas of Pine Knot, Revelo and Strunk, and is working to recruit new members in each of those areas. The groups next meeting is tonight, Thursday May 8th at 6pm at the Pine Knot Fire House, with all interested citizens encouraged to attend.
 
 

A recent event drew not only a good crowd of attendees, but raised awareness and money for 12 year old Paige West, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and is in need of a double lung transplant. Last Saturday, classic car owners, enthusiasts, and the general public came out for a classic car show in downtown Whitley City. In all, the event raised more than $5000 for West, or $5286.33 to be exact. Additional money was also raised last Friday at a benefit singing sponsored in part by the McCreary County ATV-OHV Club.

It is a common problem these days, and the McCreary County Sheriff's Department is currently investigating the latest in a string of copper thefts in the area. The latest was reported by a security guard at the South Fork Coal Company Justus Preparation plant in Revelo Saturday evening. The guard reportedly witnessed two subjects coming out of a building on the property and stated that one of the subjects was carrying bolt cutters. The suspects fled the scene on foot when confronted by the guard, who was able to identify one of them from a mug shot. A vehicle belonging to that individual, whose identity has not yet been released to the public, was located on the property. The investigation into the case is ongoing by the McCreary County Sheriff's Department with arrests pending. 
 
 

Whether the United States economy is in a true recession remains a topic of debate among leaders, but one indication of a lagging economy is the increase in jobless currently being seen. This is true both at the local, regional, state and national levels, according to data released by the Kentucky Labor Department. The figures show five out of ten Lake Cumberland region counties to have higher unemployment rates between February and march, the most recent numbers available. Among those counties with more job seekers is McCreary County, where the figure rose from 9.5% to 9.9%, inching close to double digit numbers. This was the highest unemployment rate in the entire ten county area, where Clinton, Green, McCreary, Taylor and Wayne Counties all saw higher jobless rates. Those counties with lower rates included Adair, Casey and Russell, while Pulaski and Cumberland Counties rates were unchanged. The Lake Cumberland region overall has seen a steady increase in jobless rates this year, inching from 6.6% in January to 6.9 in February and 7.1% in March. Kentucky's rate has also increased since January's 5.9% to 6.1% in March, however this was down slightly from February when the Commonwealth recorded 6.2% unemployed. Nationally, jobless rates remained steady at 5.2% for two consecutive months. Unemployment rates are based on the numbers of active job seekers within a four week period.
 
 

This weekend will be packed with a number of regional events, including the local Hillbilly Mud Bog at the three mile marker in southern McCreary County on Highway 27. The event is being sponsored by the McCreary County ATV-OHV club and McCreary County Community Housing Development Corporation(McCHDO). Friday will featured four wheelers and saturday four wheel drive vehicles such as jeeps and trucks. Registration both days begins at 5pm with the event to begin at 6pm. Gate admission is $5 with children 12 and under free. Proceeds will support McCHDO. For information call Rodney Wilson at 354-2755. Also being held this weekend is the Heart of Lake Cumberland Spring Festival in Monticello. Events to be held at Memorial Park include live music, children's activities, poker run, and vendors. The event will be held Friday from 6-10pm and Saturday from 11am-11pm and is sponsored by the Monticello-Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. For information call their office at 606-348-3064. A fundraising concert is also being held this Friday evening at Oak Hill Plaza in Somerset, with Bonepony and Brother Stone performing. Tickets for this event are $20 with proceeds supporting this year's Master Musicians Festival, set for July 18th and 19th at festival field on the campus of Somerset Community College. Information on the fundraising concert or this year's festival can be obtained by calling 1-866-349-1738.
 
 

Eligible donors are being asked to help save lives by giving blood at a community blood drive scheduled for next Tuesday May 13th at the McCreary County Public Library. The drive will take place between 2-7pm. The Kentucky Blood Center, which serves 67 hospitals and clinics in central and eastern Kentucky, will over see the drive. For more information on donating blood, call the Center at 1-800-775-2522 or log onto www.kybloodcenter.org.

A local store was reportedly the victim of a burglary during the overnight hours either late Saturday or early Sunday morning. The McCreary County Sheriff's Department is investigating the incident after employees at the Whitley City Dollar General Store discovered the burglary upon opening Sunday morning. Investigators say a back door of the store had been compromised, allowing entry by the perpetrators. An undisclosed amount of cash was reportedly taken from a safe inside the store. No suspects have been identified but an investigation into the case is underway.
 
 

What started as a routine traffic stop by McCreary County Sheriff's Deputy David Sampson Friday evening, ended in a drug bust and seizure. During the traffic stop in the Son in Law Ridge area of Revelo, officers obtained consent to search the vehicle where they located a quantity of a white powdery substance, believed to be a controlled substance. While no arrests were made pending testing of the substance, investigators say the case will likely be presented to a grand jury for action. The McCreary County Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation.
 
 

After receiving notice last month that Medicaid funding for Oakwood in Somerset would be cut out completely, state officials say they are actively seeking reinstatement and have at least won the first round. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which oversees Oakwood, says it has received confirmation that Medicaid funding will continue for at least 30 days from the date of notification that funding would be cut, or through May 15th. Cabinet officials say they are working on extending that temporary funding allowance, to allow time to fight for permanent reinstatement. The decision to cut the federal funding was made, in large part, due to problems at the facility in recent years including accusations of resident abuse and neglect. Oakwood is the state's largest provider of residential services for mentally impaired adults.
 
 

The rising cost of fuel is having an effect on nearly all other expenses, and the US Postal Service is no exception. The service has announced that because of the increase in the cost to sip mail, they will increase the price of a first class stamp from the current 41 cents to 42 cents. This increase will go into effect next Monday May 12th, but post offices are already selling the newly priced stamp, in anticipation for the price hike. This is the second increase in stamp prices in a year, and postal service officials say it can be directly attributed to the rising cost of gas.

With assistance from a fire extinguisher allegedly used to break out a window in the front of the McCreary County jail, two inmates escaped the confines of the local detention center briefly Monday morning. According to information released by the McCreary County Sheriff's Department, inmates Darrin Renfro and Virgil Allen overpowered Deputy Jailer Earl Sumner to gain their freedom, but were recaptured a short time later, returned to the jail, and now face the additional charge of escape. Renfro was recently arrested in connection with the discovery of a working meth lab, while Allen was charged with an unspecified misdemeanor charge. Both are now back in custody at the McCreary County Jail. The McCreary County Ambulance Service was on the scene of the jail early Monday morning treating undisclosed injuries suffered by the deputy jailer in the incident.
 
 

After hearing testimony last week for three days, a jury found Troy Baird guilty on the charge of manslaughter Friday, recommending a ten year prison sentence. Baird was accused of stabbing as many as five people in an altercation in early January 2007, killing one of them identified as Betty Crabtree. Police alleged drugs were involved in the dispute and the stabbing, and arrested Baird within hours of the incident, which occurred in the Strunk area of McCreary County. The jury could have returned a number of verdicts including not guilty, guilty of murder or the verdict which was returned, guilty on the count of manslaughter. The jury also recommended Baird serve ten years behind bars, but official sentencing will be left to Judge Jerry Winchester on June 16th, when Baird will return to court for his sentencing hearing. He remains lodged in the McCreary County jail, where he has been since his arrest nearly a year and a half ago.
 
 

A Pulaski County Grand Jury has formally charged a man with shooting his own wife. The grand jury returned an indictment late last week against 21 year old Samuel Jeremy Rose on the count of 1st degree assault for "causing serious physical injury" with "extreme indifference to the value of human life." Rose is accused of shooting his wife, 27 year old Chaskia Burdine Rose, last August during an argument. Mrs. Rose was reportedly left with a critical gunshot wound to her head. Mr. Rose told authorities that the gun had accidentally discharged and that his wife had actually shot herself. This, according to police, turned out to be false information, with charges soon filed claiming that Samuel Rose had actually fired the weapon and then delayed in seeking medical attention for his wife. Samuel Rose is currently being held in the Pulaski County Detention Center under $50,000 cash or property bond.
 
 

Local law enforcement officials were called to a location off KY Highway 896 in the Sawyer community recently, where they discovered an operational moonshine still. Among officers on the scene dismantling the still were McCreary County Sheriff's Deputies Chris King and Andy Strunk, Constable Jamie Higgenbotham and US Forest Service Officer Sean Ready and State Police Trooper Shlyer Jones. The McCreary County Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation into the discovery and say arrests may be forthcoming in the case.
 
 

While those watching the presidential primaries are focused this week on Indiana and North Carolina, both of which cast ballots tomorrow(Tuesday), Kentucky's primary is just two weeks away, on Tuesday May 20th. Election officials are busily preparing for the primary, both at the local and state levels. Locally, election precinct officers' training is scheduled for tonight at 6pm at the McCreary County Courthouse. The absentee voting machines are also now open for business in the County Clerk's office, for those who will be unable to vote on Tuesday May 20th. The McCreary County Board of Elections also plans to meet May 14th to inspect all local voting machines for the upcoming election. In addition to the race for President, locally voters will also cast ballots for the US Senate seat, currently held by Mitch McConnell, and district judge for McCreary and Whitley Counties.