KSP Will Have Drunk Driving Checkpoints

Kentucky State Police will have drunk driving checkpoints set up to make sure those who decide to drink on New Years Eve have a designated driver. Four people were killed in crashes in Kentucky last New Year's Eve. Seven died the year before that. KSP said they'll enforce a zero tolerance. If you're impaired, you'll go to jail.

Mayors Elect Wager on JK-UofL

Lexington Mayor-Elect Jim Gray has a friendly wager on the Cats versus Cardinals basketball game tonight. Gray and Louisville Mayor-Elect Greg Fischer will sit together at the game and discuss ways to help both cities. If UK wins Fischer will put a stuffed Kentucky Wildcat on his desk for a week and host Gray at Churchill Downs. If Louisville wins, Gray will have to put a Cardinal on his desk for a week and host Fischer at Keeneland.

Missy Fields to be Remembered

Those who knew Missy Fields will see her again, some six years after her death, in what's called a florograph. That's her image made from flowers and it will be in the Rose Bowl Parade on Saturday. Missy is credited with saving lives after she died by letting people know before she died that she wanted organs and tissue donated to those who come after her. She'll be honored on the Donate Life float in the Rose Bowl Parade. Some 600 Kentuckians are on a waiting list for organ and tissue donations.

Man Killed Crossing 127

Kentucky State Police shut down part of US 127 in Lincoln County for about two hours last night when a man was killed as he walked across the highway. KSP said an SUV hit the 77 year old man as he left a gas station where he'd just got a hamburger. Police said there was nothing out of the ordinary, no alcohol or drugs by the driver suspected, just that the driver didn't see Bobby Henson. Police said the driver tried to avoid Henson, but couldn't. Henson was transported to Ephraim McDowell Hospital in Danville where he was pronounced dead. The crash happened around 6 p.m.

Caught in the Act!

He was caught in the act!
On Monday morning, Sheriff Curt Folger and Special Deputy Robin Jones we to what came in as a "burglary in progress". It was on Rustin Road near Junction City. It went down around 8:15 a.m. when a woman said she saw a suspect go into a home there and when the law arrived, he was still inside. That's where they found 27 year old Brent Kendall of Airport Road in Junction City. He was carrying stuff out of the house. They arrested him and added to his list of charges. We told you earlier this week that Kendall was suspected of other burglaries in Lincoln County and he was taken to jail.

People in Kentucky Fell Indiana Quake

Some people in Kentucky felt that earthquake that hit Indiana yesterday, The USGS said it was a 3.6 magnitude quake about 50 miles north of Indianapolis that hit around 8 a.m. Not only did folks in Kentucky feel the quake, but some in Ohio and Wisconsin also felt it. Those who know these things, said it felt like a truck passing by.

Crash Victim Recovering

A Mercer County teen who was trying to cross US 127 in Danville on Monday is recovering at home today. Police said 18 year old Sanchez Martin of Harrodsburg was trying to make it across the road at the intersection of Kentucky 2168 when he was hit by an SUV that 18 year old Jordan Helton of Salvisa was driving. Helton suffered cuts in the crash and was treated at the scene. Police said they thought Martin was trying to get to the median where a vehicle had stopped to give him a ride.

Kelley Now Facing Charges

James Kelley is facing murder and attempted murder charges. He's the man who allegedly shot and killed John “Bud” Dacci and injured his wife last week. The 52 year old Kelley is from Lexington and also faces a burglary charge. He's accused of shooting the Daccis on December 22nd, then trying to kill himself in his car parked at Pattie A Clay Hospital on December 23rd. Kelley and John Dacci were at one time, business partners.

Incoming Judge-Exec Replaces Wisehart

Lynn Wisehart has served in the military for years, and is now a major just returned form a tour in Afghanistan. Despite all that, she's been fired as Lincoln County's Emergency Management Director. Incoming Lincoln County Judge-Executive Jim Adams has replaced her with the county's chief deputy, Don Gilliam. Wisehart said she gets it. The position is appointed by the judge executive and that Adams wants someone else in place is what it is. Before Adams dismissed Wisehart, he did consult with County Attorney Daryl Day as there are laws that make sure soldiers have their jobs when they come home. In this case, that's not the case. In an appointed position, anyone can legally be replaced with someone else.

Monday Fire Engulfs Building

Firefighters from several local volunteer fire departments worked to contain a blaze at a building just off U.S. 27 near Burnside. Emergency responders got a report of a vacant residence engulfed around 4:45 p.m. Monday. Burnside Volunteer Fire Department was the first to arrive at the scene just south of the Pitman Creek Bridge, then firefighters asked for help from other departments to fight the flames. The building, which resembled a large log cabin with a stone foundation, had been vacant for several years, and witnesses on the scene said it had once belonged to the state, and had served as an attorney's office before that. Heavy black smoke from the blaze could be seen from downtown Somerset before the flames were brought under control. At one point, part of the building's roof collapsed, but no one was injured. .

Nicholasville Man Arrested; Police Still Looking for Brown

Kentucky State Police have arrested 23 year old Quentin Overstreet of Nicholasville, after Troopers, Nicholasville Police officers executed a search warrant at his home on Arrowhead Drive, Nicholasville. Police recovered several stolen items that include a 2009 Honda motorcycle, a 2006 Polaris ATV, along with five handguns, crack cocaine and controlled substances. KSP charged Overstreet with Receiving Stolen Property Under $10,000, Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon, Defacing a Firearm, Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st, and Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd, a total of 12 counts. Overstreet was booked into the Jessamine County Detention Center. KSP said the arrest is in connection with the search for Paul David Brown. Police think Brown was staying at overstreet's house. Brown has several outstanding arrest warrants in four Central Kentucky counties, but was not found.

Danville Salvation Army Beats Goal

Congratulate yourselves! You helped the Danville Salvation Army's 2010 Christmas Kettle Campaign beat its goal by more than three thousand dollars. Co-commander Lieutenant Dan Nelson said the total brought in was more than 88 thousand 500 dollars. the goal was 85 thousand dollars. Nelson said the army is again grateful to everybody who donated to the campaign that helps families in need. Nelson said the Danville Salvation Army serves Mercer, Lincoln, Garrard, Casey and Boyle counties. He said they could not have beat the goal without not only the donations, but the volunteer bell ringers and those companies who provide matching funds.

Crab Orchard Man Seriously Injured in Crash

A Crab Orchard was last listed in serious condition at UK Medical Center after a crash in Richmond on Tuesday. Richmond Police said that 24 year old Charles Adams was driving his pickup truck on Duncannon Lane when it hit an empty semi trailer that 54 year old David Laswell of Orlando in Rockcastle County was driving. Neither David nor his son, 19 year old Josh Laswell were hurt, but Adams suffered two broken legs and other injuries in the incident. Police said everyone was wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, which happened at the intersection of Duncannon Lane and Industry Road. Police said that Laswell was trying to make a left from Duncannon to Industry when the crash happened, and while police have not said what caused the crash, they think speed may have been a factor.

Police Looking for Man Who Allegedly Stomped Another

There's a warrant out for the arrest of a Garrard County man who police said stomped on a Lincoln County man's head early Tuesday. Danville Police said 23 year old Christopher Richardson is charged with second degree assault after he allegedly kicked and stomped 22 year old Timothy Herring in the face and head. Police said the two were at a party on Ben Ali Drive in Danville Tuesday morning when two women got into a fight. Herring held back one of the women and it was at that point when Richardson began the alleged attack. Herring had several skull fractures and was taken to UK Hospital, treated and released. Police said Richardson is on the lam. He's a white man with blonde hair, six feet tall and about 150 pounds. If you know where Christopher Richardson is, call police.

Casey Co HS AP Wins $43, 000

We told you yesterday that somebody from Casey County won one of the Kentucky Lottery games. We now know who it is. Its' Casey County High School's assistant principal Joshua Blevins. He won 430 thousand dollars on Tuesday night in the Kentucky Lottery Three-Line Lotto. He looked on Wednesday at a list of winning numbers, compared his, and realized that he was a winner. The 29 year old AP is on holiday break from school, and that's a pretty good holiday gift! He bought the ticket at the Dairy Mart in Liberty, and when he went back there on Wednesday, all the TV stations were already there, ready to find out who the winner was. When it was all over, Blevins got about 297 thousand dollars and the Dairy Mart got about ten percent of winnings, or 43 thousand dollars.

Somebody in Casey County WON!

This will pay off those hefty holiday bills: somebody in Casey County won 43 thousand dollars in Tuesday night's 3 Line Lotto. The winning numbers were 2-4-8-15-19-37 and the ticket was sold at Dairy Mart on North Wallace Wilkinson Boulevard in Liberty. Who ever won has 180 days to claim the prize and should probably sign the ticket now. Dairy Mart gets a ten percent prize, so, 43 hundred dollars.

Man Accused of Burglary

It was near the Lincoln-Boyle County line that law enforcement found and arrested 27 year old Brent Kendall. He a Lincoln County man and he's accused of stealing valuables from a home. Police said they saw Kendall coming out the back door of the home. When they searched him, they found not only jewelry from this incident, but other items allegedly taken in another burglary. Kendall's in jail, facing charges of second-degree burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Teen Hit by SUV on Monday

Danville police said a Harrodsburg teen was hit by an SUV Monday afternoon. It happened as the teen was trying to cross US 127 North, near Ky 2168 East in Danville. Police said a southbound vehicle stopped to give the teen a ride, and the incident happened when the teen tried to cross the traffic lanes to get to the stopped car. As the teen tried to cross, the SUV that 18 year old Jordan Helton of Salvisa was driving, hit the teen. The victim was taken to the hospital with head wounds, and police said the injuries looked to be non-life threatening.

Body in Lake Cumberland Listed as Suicide

The death of a Pulaski County woman whose car was pulled from Lake Cumberland on Christmas Day has been ruled a suicide. Coroner Richard New said there was no foul play involved in Sheila Hubbard's death. Rescue workers spent about seven hours pulling the vehicle from the lake at Waitsboro Crossing in Bronston. Law enforcement personnel determined Hubbard's death to be a suicide based on evidence at the scene and the coroner said the cause of death was drowning. He said that toxicology tests that would determine in Hubbard had drugs in her system were not complete yet.

Brown Still Eluding Nicholasville Police

When police say a man's wanted by several law enforcement agencies, they mean several: Danville PD, Mercer County Sheriff's department, Lancaster police, Lexington police, Nicholasville police and KSP. That's who wants Paul David Brown. Police nearly had him yesterday, but again, he managed to get away. He sat in a car outside his mother's house on Green Street in Nicholasville yesterday, but sped off when police approached. He's wanted for stealing, fleeing and evading police. Police said they're encouraging Brown to surrender peacefully.

KSP Wants to Know Who Belongs to the Stuff

The Kentucky State Police Post Richmond has of several items of suspected stolen property that was recovered on January, 19, 2006. As of today, they don't know who owns the stuff and want you to help match property with people. The list of property is at our website wpbkfm.com If you know who owns any of the items, call KSP Sgt. Dustin Hon at (859) 623-2404.

Two Wounded in Fight

Kentucky State Police are investigating a shooting and stabbing that happened on December 23. When troopers got the call, they went to Henson Ridge Road in Casey County where they found two men injured. They said that 51-year-old Darrell Purkerson of Liberty had been shot in the leg and that 35-year-old Ricky Whittle of Liberty had a cut on his arm. Troopers said the two got into a fight and Purkerson cut Whittle. They said Purkerson was shot when 31-year-old Victoria Wright of Liberty pulled a gun and shot him in the leg. Purkerson was airlifted to UK Hospital, treated and released last Sunday, Police said Whittle was treated and released from Casey County Hospital the night of the fight.

Woman Found Dead in Car, in Lake on Christmas

Pulaski County Rescue Squad was called to an are off old Kentucky 90 in Bronston Saturday morning and helped to find an SUV that apparently went into Lake Cumberland around 2 a.m. Christmas morning. Inside the vehicle was the body of a woman that the coroner IDed as 44 year old Sheila L. Hubbard of Pulaski County. The sheriff said somebody found tire tracks in the snow leading to the lake at Waitsboro and called them around 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Sheriff's officials say they don't know much more than that Hubbard's vehicle just went into the water. They are investigating how and why it happened.

Casey Co Grand Jury Indicts Man on Theft Charges

A Casey County grand jury has indicted a man accused of numerous burglaries. The indictments were handed down last week against 20 year old Michael Vincent Harmon, charging him with burglary, theft and criminal mischief. They say he allegedly broke into three Casey County properties and doing some property damage. The indictment charges that on August 12, 2010, Harmon broke into two homes, taking electronics, clothing, and jewelry. Then on November 3, the indictment says, Harmon took an ATV, chainsaw and other items from a building. He's also charged with tampering with physical evidence and separately with receiving stolen property.

Danville Fire Kills Cat; No Humans Hurt

Firefighters in Boyle County say a house fire killed a cat yesterday. They said it started at a home in Danville around 2 p.m. Nobody was at home, but when firefighters got there, they could see flames and smoke through the windows. They put the fire out, but said the home was heavily damaged. Investigators said they thought the fire started at a heating unit.

Scam Not PCH

This possible scam could give a well-known company a possible bad name. Boyle County Sheriff Marty Elliott said last week that he got several calls from people about a mass mailing claiming to be from Publisher's Clearing House. It's not! Elliott said the letter claims the company tried to contact the recipient of their letter unsuccessfully that they'd won a 325 thousand dollar prize. There's a check for nearly three thousand dollar with the letter telling the recipient to deposit it after they talk with a claims agent. Then, the sheriff said, the company tries to get bank information from the people who follow up. So he called. When Elliott said he was the law, the person on the other end of the line hung up. As always, Elliott said, if it sounds too good to be true, it is, and don't fall for it.

Mercern Co Grand Jury Indicts 2 on Meth Charges

A Mercer County grand jury indicted a Salvisa couple last week on meth charges. Forty three year old Waylon Brewer and 39 year old Lacricia Brewer who both live on Bondsville Road, were each charged with making methamphetamine there on last July. No one was home when police found the lab, as they were on the lam. Then KSP got a tip that led to their whereabouts in Springfield. They were arrested last month and bond was set at 50 thousand dollars a piece.

Danville, Perryville Firefighters Pull Off Christmas

They were a little worried they wouldn't be able to pull it off, but Danville and Perryville firefighters did make Christmas happen for more than 400 kids this year, their biggest event yet. Danville Fire Chief Woody Ball said this year’s Danville Firefighters’ Christmas Toy Drive was a success even though he said earlier that it would not make its goal. He said they even raised ten thousand dollars more than their fundraising goal of 28 thousand dollars and he said most of the money didn't come in until about Thanksgiving, when they'd only raised about 65 hundred dollars. Ball said they spend about 70 dollars on each child and still have ten thousand dollars toward next year's giving event.

Fire Damages Home; Cat Killed

Firefighters in Boyle County say a house fire killed a cat yesterday. They said it started at a home in Danville around 2 p.m. Nobody was at home, but when firefighters got there, they could see flames and smoke through the windows. They put the fire out, but said the home was heavily damaged. Investigators said they thought the fire started at a heating unit.

Police Looking For Impaired Drivers

While you may be looking at weather and road conditions before heading out on your Christmas journey, police are looking for impaired drivers. These days, those are not only possibly drunk drivers, but those who talk or text on a cell phone or are otherwise distracted from driving. Police said that while three people were killed in Kentucky during the Holidays last year, that's three too many.

Mercer County Deputies Looking for a Missing Man

Police in Mercer County are looking for a missing elderly man. They said that 93 year old James Benny Yeast was lasts see around 4 p.m. yesterday. He was then in Harrodsburg, heading to the Eastland area in Lexington for a hair cut. Yeast is a black man, about 5-feet-7, 185 pounds, brown eyes and a black and grey mustache. Yeast was driving a 1991 maroon four-door Lincoln. If you spot Yeast. call police.

Owens Sues Employees Over Lost Job

Former Danville City Commissioner Ryan Owens is suing two Danville city employees, claiming they caused him to lose his job. The lawsuit, filed in Boyle Circuit Court, claims that Engineer Earl Coffey and City Manager Paul Stansbury went to Owens' employer, Bell Engineering to, as the suit says, "demand plaintiff’s discharge because defendants believed plaintiff planned to stand for election as Boyle County judge-executive in 2010." Owens was fired on November 17. Coffeey and Stansbury denied that they went to Bell and have filed a motion for the suit to be dismissed. There's a hearing set for January 5.

Couple Indicted for Making Meth With Child Present

A Boyle County couple has been indicted for making and selling meth with a child present. Forty-seven year old Roy D Hines and 25 year old Lavonda Scott of Wells Landing Road were indicted in September. The indictments also charge the pair with controlled substance child endangerment, for allegedly allowing their infant daughter “to be present in the home while illegally compounding chemicals to make methamphetamine, under circumstances placing the child in danger of serious physical injury.” Their bonds were each set at 40 thousand dollars each.

Weston Will Be Lancaster's New Police Chief

Lancaster will have a new police chief next year. Mayor-elect Brenda Powers picked Officer Allen Weston to be chief. That means current Chief Ronald Lamb will become an officer for a few months to make retirement. Weston is well decorated for DUI arrests. His resume also includes running for Garrard County Sheriff, but losing to incumbent Ronnie Wardrip. Powers said Weston had a lot of support to become police chief, with three quarters of the voting in Lancaster pulling the lever for him to be sheriff and the numerous calls she got, calling for Weston to replace Lamb.work.”

Kirkpatrick Named Lincoln County Sheriff's Department's 2010 Officer of the Year

Ryan Kirkpatrick is the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department's 2010 Officer of the Year. Sheriff Curt Folger said Kirkpatrick was the top of the charts in DUI Enforcement, Felony Drug Enforcement, Misdemeanor Arrests, Speed Enforcement, Vehicle Equipment Violations Enforcement and Moving Hazardous Violations Enforcement. Sheriff Folger said that Kirkpatrick has the dedication and achievement in his performance that shows an honorable deputy.

Man To Be Sentenced for Drug Crimes in February.

His run ins with the law may be over. Thirty-six year old Scott Keeney of Science Hill pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts of making meth, three counts of felony wanton endangerment, one of unlawful possession of meth precursors and one of persistent felony offender. He's been confronting law enforcement all year, and in one incident, nearly ran over them. Every time he met up with cops, he was in trouble for something to do with methamphetamine. For all of that, he could be in the big house for 25 years. Keeney will be sentenced in February.

UPDATE: Man in Truck at Pattie Clay IDed as James Kelley

The hospital would not confirm it, but Richmond police would. The man who showed up at Pattie A Clay Regional Medical Center in Richmond was 52 year old James M Kelley. He was found sitting inside a truck in the parking lot with what police said was a self inflicted gunshot wound. Kelley was then transfered to UK Hospital in Lexington for treatment. Kelley is suspected of killing John Dacci and wounding his wife. The Daccis were shot inside their home on Ashley Camp Road on Tuesday night.

The Latest High: Bath Salts

There's a new drug out there, only this one can kill you. Officials with the poison control center say the dangerous new drug is being sold as fake bath salts, and those who ingest it end up in the emergency room. Their choice of ingestion is to snort the salts and several people across the country have been treated for the affects of the substance. Those affects are suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, paranoia. Some of those affected by the drug have been known to attack family and friends. Officials say the drug is being touted just the way k2 or Spice was touted: as incense, and they say its far more dangerous.

Danville Woman Faces DUI Charge After Collision

A Danville woman faces a DUI charge after she allegedly sideswiped another vehicle with hers. Police arrested 37 year old Barbi Maupin of Patrician Place on Hustonville Road on Tuesday. Her car scraped the side of another car that was heading south. Police said Maupin kept going after she sideswiped the other car, so that driver called police and started following her. Maupin was pulled over and as police arrested her and searched her car, they found a bottle of clear liquid. Police suspect Maupin was under the influence of something other than alcohol. Maupin is in the Boyle County Detention Center on ten thousand dollars bond.

Tamara Wilson's Children Say Shooting Wiliam Wilson was Justified

While she could get ten years for killing her husband, Tamara Wilson's children say that the shooting of their father William Wilson was justified. They said he abused Tamara on a regular basis. Prosecutors said there was no evidence of abuse. They said that William was coming at Tamara when he was shot. Prosecutors said he was sitting down when she shot him four times. They said their mother is innocent. She was found guilty of the August 2008 shooting and will be sentenced in January.

Person Believed to be Shooting Suspect Tries Suicide at Pattie A Clay Hosp

Police were on the scene of a shooting at Pattie A. Clay hospital Wednesday night. Hospital officials won't say much about its, but that it may have been an attempted suicide. Police said they found a car that belonged to James Kelley, the man wanted in a murder investigation in Burgin. Police think Kelley shot and killed John 'Bud' Dacci and shot and injured Dacci's wife, Mary Ann, at the couple's Mercer county home and they've been looking for him since Tuesday night. No one else was hurt in the shooting at the hospital and police said whoever it was that shot themselves is at UK Hospital.

Pulaski Man Busted on Drug Smuggling Charges

A Pulaski County man was arrested after an investigation into a drug smuggling operation at an eastern Kentucky prison. Twenty-five year old Larry Ellison of Somerset was arrested Monday on one count of second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance following a sting operation at a local shopping center parking lot. Ellison was also served with an outstanding Pulaski County indictment warrant, also for second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

Reward Offered for Missing Woman

The family and friends of Kara Tingle Rigdon, who hasn't been seen since July 17, are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to her whereabouts.
The last time anyone saw 27 year old Kara Rigdon of Gravel Switch, she was on Beechfork Loop Road in Gravel Switch.
If anyone has any information about Kara, please call the Kentucky State Police at 1 (800) 222-5555.

The family is still taking donations to increase the amount of the reward. If anyone in the community would like to donate money to the reward fund, please make your check payable to the Kara Tingle Rigdon Reward Fund, P.O. Box 5, Lebanon, Kentucky 40033. You may also drop your donation off at any Peoples Bank location. Any amount of donation would be greatly appreciated.

UPDATE: Sheriff Releases More Info on Deadly Shooting

We now know who Mercer County Sheriff's investigators are looking for in connection with that deadly double shooting last night in Burgin. Sheriff's officials ID the suspect as 52 year old James Kelley and say he is armed and dangerous. The shooting happened around 8 p.m. yesterday at a home on Ashley Camp Road in Burgin. The man killed in the shooting is 54-year-old John "Bud" Dacci. Dacci's wife was injured in the shooting. She's at UK Medical Center and emergency personnel said she was alert when they took her there. Police believe Kelley could be driving a 2007 Nissan Titan pickup truck with Kentucky license plate 7067 BC. If you see it, call police

Interstate Traffic Diverted By Crash Involving Explosive Material

Westbound Interstate 70 traffic had to be diverted yesterday afternoon after a truck carrying hazardous materials crashed. Colorado's Department of Transportation closed Interstate 70 lanes approaching the Eisenhower Tunnel after a tanker truck carrying almost 40-thousand pounds of explosive gel dumped about 50 gallons onto the roadway. The truck collided with a heavy tow truck around 2:30 p.m. Both drivers were taken to Summit Medical Center in Frisco for treatment. By 7 p.m. last night westbound lanes were still closed.

Man Arrested After Multi-County Chase

A chase through three counties was only the start of an adventure that landed a Casey County man in jail. Liberty Police Chief Steve Garrett went to check on a BMW where he got word of drug use in the vehicle. Garrett said he noticed a gun on the passenger's seat and the driver wouldn't get out of the car. Garrett opened the passenger door and the driver took off, causing Garrett to hurt his arm. The police chase, with speeds up to 100 miles an hour, went through Casey, Adair and Russell Counties. Police said the car only stopped when it was rammed by a Russell County Deputy's car and the driver, Gregory Joseph Stapleton was arrested, but not without a fight. The evidence in the car led to a meth lab at a dry cleaning business that Stapleton owned. He's in jail on numerous charges.

KY Population Up, Delegation Keeps All Six Congressional Seats

The Census numbers were released yesterday and Kentucky's population grew by about seven and a half percent in the past ten years. That means the Commonwealth will keep all six of its congressional seats. The over all population increased by 300 thousand in the ten years since the last Census. Even with keeping all six seats in Congress, congressional district lines will have to be redrawn since Kentucky's population has shifted. House Speaker Greg Stumbo's spokesman said that likely won't happen until 2012.

Danville City Hall Holiday Hours

Don't forget, today is the last day to do any business at Danville City Hall before the holiday. City Hall will be closed tomorrow and Friday for the Christmas holiday. It will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, December 27.
Also, City Hall will be closed for the New Year’s holiday on Friday, December 31. It will reopen on Monday, January 3, 2011 at 8:30 a.m.

For either holiday, should you have a water or sewer emergency, call the water filtration plant at 238-1241.

One Dead, One Injured in Double Shooting

Mercer County Sheriff's investigators say a man who is still at large after a double shooting last night in Burgin should be considered armed and dangerous. The incident happened around 8 p.m. last night at a house on Ashley Camp Road. When police went to the house, they found a man dead and a woman shot. She was rushed to a hospital in Lexington and officials said she was alert and talking as she was taken by ambulance to the hospital. We'll have details as they become available.

McConnell Worried About FCC Regs on the Internet

Kentucky's Mitch McConnell, who is also the U.S. Senate Republican Leader said yesterday that he's concerned about the government getting involved in internet oversight.

On the floor of the Senate he said, “The Internet has transformed our society, our economy, and the very way we communicate with others. It’s served as a remarkable platform for innovation at the end of the 20th century and now at the beginning of the 21st century - and all of this has been made possible because people have been free to create and innovate, to push the limits of invention free from government involvement."

Late last night, the FCC did approve new Internet access rules that prohibit network operators from meddling with Web traffic into American homes but don't extend to the fast-growing market for smartphones and tablet computers, like iPhones and iPads. The FCC has always regulated radio and TV.

Roadside Santa at it Again!

Did you see Hilltop Santa? If you didn't, then something's wrong, 'cause he's there! CW Gay is perched atop the hill by his house waving at you as you drive by. He's on the north side of US 27 near Lancaster. He's been standing outside his house in full Santa regalia this year, just as he's done for the past 17 years and he said he loves it: the suit, the cold -- okay maybe not the cold -- the cars going by, the kids. And that's who he doing it for -- the kids. Gay said he'll be there the rest of this season and the next.

Crab Orchard Man Busted on Meth Charges

A Crab Orchard man is in the Lincoln County Regional Jail charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and trafficking in meth. Officials said that 48 year old Timothy Wayne Coffee was arrested over the weekend and was still in jail this morning on a ten thousand dollar bond. Lincoln County Sheriff's deputies got help from Pulaski County Hazmat when they searched Coffee's house for about seven hours early Sunday and found components conducive to a meth lab.

Police Look for Suspect and "Persons of Interest" in Tobacco Store Robbery

Investigators are looking for a man who they say robbed The Fast Lane Discount Tobacco on South Highway 27 in Somerset. It happened around 9 p.m. Friday. Pulaski County Sheriff's officials said the man went into the store, pulled a gut and demanded money from the clerk. Deputies said the suspect fled with the money and the clerk was not hurt. The suspect is described as a white man in his late teens or early 20s, five feet four to five feet seven inches tall, 130 to 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a two toned blue striped hooded jacket with blue jeans, boots and gloves. Police are also looking for a man and a woman they call persons of interest in the case. They were inside the store just before the robbery. The woman was wearing bright pink sweat pants, a gray hoodie, toboggan, a brown jacket and boots, and one pink glove and one purple glove. The man was wearing a camouflage hooded jacket.

Mercer Co Lawmen Loo for Suspects

Lawmen in Mercer County are looking for three suspects in what they're calling a rash of thefts. The suspects are 31 year old Paul David Brown, who's a white male, 27 year old Sharon A. Brown, She's a white female, and 23 year old Sarah Towler who is a white female. Sheriff's deputies said the three are responsible for business and car break-ins and they allegedly took firearms, lottery tickets, cigarettes and Christmas presents. They all have family in Garrard County and have lived in Lancaster and Nicholasville. If you know where sheriff's deputies can find the trio, call 911.

Harrodsburg Woman Busted for Trying to Pick Up Dead Friend's Prescription

Harrodsburg Police arrested a woman when she tried to pick up her dead friend's prescription. Police were called to the Kroger pharmacy last Thursday. They said that 46-year-old Sandra K. Drury of Harrodsburg called the pharmacy to make sure the script had been filled. She also, they said told the pharmacy she'd be there in a few hours to pick it up. The prescription was for generic Neurontin. Police said Drury knew her friend was dead, but tried to use the prescription, so they arrested her, charging her with trying to obtain a controlled substance by fraud. She's in the Boyle County Jail.

Pulaski County's New Justice Center Now Open

Its new, but people in Pulaski County say its necessary -- that new judicial center we told you about last week. Its now open and despite the frigid temps, a lot of people came out to see the new facility. Those who will be there every day say they can now do their jobs better than before. In the old facility, there were numerous judges bumping into each other because there wasn't enough room. Now they have the room they need. Chief Justice of Kentucky John Minton said, for instance, family court judges now have room for the family to come to court.

Agency Calls for Investigation into Man's Death

After a man from Louisville died just after being moved to a group home in Somerset, the state should take notice. That's from advocates who say this sort of thing shouldn't happen. The Courier Journal is reporting today that 61 year old Richard Tardy was moved about 100 miles away from where he lived at the Bingham Center, his family and the city he knew, and while some say they're surprised, other said it should never have happened. Tardy was profoundly disabled, and April DuVal of the Council on Developmental Disabilities in Louisville said this case needs to be reviewed. The Pulaski County coroner said Tardy died of natural causes.

Man Injured in Crash last Week Dies

A Boyle County man injured in a crash last Wednesday has died. The Fayette County Coroner's office reports that 71 year old Talmadge Shewmaker died Sunday afternoon at University of Kentucky Medical Center Sunday. Shewmaker crashed just before 8 a.m. Wednesday when his car slid on a patch of ice on Kentucky 34 in Boyle County and slammed into a tree. Officials said Shewmaker died of blunt force trauma.

Woman Arrested for Burglaries; Man Still Sought

Police have arrested a woman suspected of stealing a bank card. Amanda McQueen was busted over the weekend after a traffic stop in Danville. Boyle County sheriff's investigators said they found stolen items in her car and during a search of her home and that of a second suspect. Police said they think McQueen and Daniel Tharp are responsible for several thefts in the county. Police are still looking for Tharp but McQueen faces several charges with using the stolen card. Investigators say they think McQueen also committed several burglaries, which is where they say she got the debit card.

Casey County Looking for Jail Escapees

Police have been looking for two women who escaped from the Casey County Detention Center Saturday night. They said that 36-year-old Dana Lee Carter and 25-year-old Jeanna Johnson fled out a kitchen door around 6:30 p.m. Carter is described as a white female, 5'6", 145 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Johnson is a white female, 5'4", 115 pounds with hazel eyes and brown hair. Police said the pair is not dangerous. Anyone with information should call 911.

Danville City Offices Post Holiday Hours

If you need to conduct any business at Danville City Hall this week, you have three days. City hall will be closed for the Christmas holiday on Thursday and Friday, December 23 and 24. Regular hours resume on Monday, December 27 at 8:30 a.m. If you have a water or sewer emergency, contact the water filtration plant at 238-1241.

Pulaski Co Fire Totals Building

The building is a total loss, but nobody was hurt in a fire in Pulaski County this morning. It happened at the Old Cumberland Lumber Comapny on West Highway 80 in Somerset and has been contained. The building had not only the lumber yard in it, but a dry wall business, cabinet maker and a tobacco store. The blaze that lit up the sky took more than 100 firefighters to put out.

Road Update

There is still some ice out there and even today the freezing drizzle isn't letting up.
Garrard County officials are advising folks simply stay off the roads if at all possible.

Be Safe During Winter Storms

Now that round one of winter weather has passed, and things will hopefully be back to normal soon, there are some things you can do to keep power running to your home, even if the power goes out. Inter-County Energy says if you're using a portable generator, make sure its connected properly. They suggest calling a qualified electrician to connect it. Use the right cords to plug appliances into the generator. Don't plug the generator into a wall socket and never use the generator indoors. There are lots of other tips to keep you safe during winter storms. Go to
www.intercountyenergy.net

School Closings for Today

School Closings for today:

Lincoln County Schools
Garrard County Schools
Casey County Schools
Boyle County Schools
Rockcastle County Schools
Mercer County Schools
Danville Schools
Danville Christian Academy
Danville Montessori School
Burgin Independent Schools
Pulaski County Schools
Somerset Christian School

Stay tuned to WPBK-FM for further weather related news, closings or delays.

Hoskins Leaves Norton Center

Centre College's Norton Center will be looking for a new leader, as Debra Hoskins is gone. The longtime director or programs and public relations was in the running for the executive directorship of the center, but that was given to Steven A. Hoffman. Hoskins spent 20 years at Norton Center and as she left, her colleagues had nothing but praise for her saying she was responsible for many of the extraordinary events there. Hoskins said her biggest coup was when she landed the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for its American debut.

From NWS: Hazardous Conditions Continue

ALTHOUGH THE SIGNIFICANT WINTRY PRECIPITATION HAS MOVED EAST OF THE AREA...EXPECT PATCHES OF LIGHT FREEZING RAIN OR FREEZING DRIZZLE TO PERSIST THROUGH THE AFTERNOON HOURS. SOME PATCHY FOG EXISTS AS WELL WHICH MAY REDUCE VISIBILITIES TO LESS THAN ONE MILE AT TIMES.

MANY SECONDARY ROADWAYS STILL COVERED WITH SNOW AND ICE REMAIN HAZARDOUS. IN ADDITION...RE-FREEZING OF WET ROADWAYS MAY OCCUR THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING AS COLDER AIR MOVES IN FROM THE NORTHWEST. USE CAUTION AND ALLOW EXTRA STOPPING DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU IF TRAVELING TODAY.

KSP Investigating Crash into KY River in Estill Co

Kentucky State Police are investigating a crash on Doe Creek Road in Estill County. At least one vehicle was submerged in the Kentucky River. On Wednesday, Dec.15 at 5:06 p.m., Trooper John Felder responded to a possible crash on Doe Creek Road and upon his arrival found evidence at the scene that suggested a vehicle had driven into the Kentucky River. The Estill County Swift Water Rescue Team and Estill County Fire and Rescue also responded. At 9:00 p.m., a diver entered the water and located the vehicle, but found no evidence of any occupants. Rescue personnel remained at the scene overnight and have resumed search efforts after being delayed due to hazardous weather conditions. Kentucky State Police cannot confirm the identity of the driver, or if there were any other occupants in the vehicle. The vehicle has since been pulled to the riverbank and the crash is still under investigation.

Pulaski Judicial facility to be Dedicated on Dec 20

Its been open for about two months, so now that they know it all works, its time to dedicate the Pulaski Court of justice. Chief Pulaski Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey T. Burdette said its going from the old to the new. He watched for years as the new facility went through its planning, paperwork, development and building stages. Several people will be on hand for the dedication on December 20 -- people like U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers. State legislators, circuit and district judges, county magistrates, other local officials and AOC staff. Pulaski County’s new judicial facility consists of approximately 77,800 square feet and features three levels.

UPDATED: School Closings for Thursday Dec. 16 as of 5:45 a.m.

Here is the list of schools closed today:

Boyle County Schools

Casey County Schools

Central Ky. Christian-Harrodsburg

Danville Christian Academy

Danville Montessori School

Danville Schools

Garrard County Schools

Hope Way Head Start-Pulaski County Closed

Jessamine County Schools

Liberty Head Start

Lincoln County Schools

Mercer County Schools

Perry County Schools

Pulaski County Schools

Rockcastle Adult Education Center

Rockcastle County Schools

Science Hill Head Start

Somerset Independent

Southern Head Start-Pulaski Co.

and Lincoln Christian Academy is observing its Snow Plan Thursday

Listen to WPBK-FM for further weather related news, closings or delays.

UPDATED: School Closings for Thursday, December 16, 2010

Here is the list of schools closed today:

Boyle County Schools

Casey County Schools

Danville Christian Academy

Danville Schools

Garrard County Schools

Hope Way Head Start-Pulaski County Closed

Jessamine County Schools

Liberty Head Start

Lincoln County Schools

Mercer County Schools

Perry County Schools

Pulaski County Schools

Science Hill Head Start

Southern Head Start-Pulaski Co.

Rockcastle County Schools

and Lincoln Christian Academy is observing its Snow Plan Thursday

School Closings for Thursday, December 16, 2010

Here is the list of schools closed today:

Boyle County Schools

Casey County Schools

Danville Christian Academy

Danville Schools

Garrard County Schools

Jessamine County Schools

Liberty Head Start

Lincoln County Schools

Mercer County Schools

Perry County Schools

Pulaski County Schools

Rockcastle County Schools

and Lincoln Christian Academy is observing its Snow Plan Thursday

Library Board Has No Plans for New Property Acquisition

They don't know quite how they'll use the space, but the Boyle County Public Library District Library Board of Trustees now owns a former law offices building at West Broadway and South Fourth Street and the old First Baptist Church education building on South Fourth Street. They bought both for well less than a million dollars. Library officials say they do know how they'll use the parking spaces that come with the buildings, and there aren't enough of those, -- park in them. Board members say they'll probably have to make some changes to the law offices building before they can use it, and they'll continue renting space in the church building to New Mission Worship Center for now.

Stanford Hires Clerk, Annexes Land

First, the city of Stanford hired a new city clerk. Mayor Bill Miracle said the city attorney said it would be better to have a clerk in place before the second reading of a major ordinance. Denise Pike was hired, even without the job opening being advertised or other applications being reviewed. Miracle said Pike had been filling in as clerk since Sandy Gooch was fired a month ago. Then council voted unanimously to annex the 296 acres into the city that the voters approved in November. That means the city now has about 110 new homes and several businesses.

Man Killed in Crash Had Medical Condition

Pulaski County Sheriff's officials say a Somerset man whose vehicle crashed into a house Monday evening apparently suffered a medical problem before the crash. 47 year old Anthony L. Gilbert was taken to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, where he died. Sheriff's officials said Gilbert was driving south on Dahl Road, east of Somerset, around 10:15 p.m. when his vehicle went off the road and hit the house. Investigators have not said what the medical problem was. A news release said damage to the house was minor.

Garrard Debt Paid Off Sooner Than Expected

Garrard Judge-Executive John Wilson says the old Garrard Memorial Hospital debt should be paid off in less than two years. It was three years ago that Garrard County Fiscal Court refinanced the millions of dollars of debt from the hospital. The debt is a 4.5 million dollar loan from the Kentucky Association of Counties that the now closed hospital incurred. Once the debt is paid off, Wilson said he'll push for tax cuts since it took raising taxes to pay off the debt.

Man Injured in Crash on Snake Ridge Road

KSP investigated a collision that happened just after noon yesterday on Snake Ridge Road, about eight miles north of Liberty. Trooper said 37 year old Clinton Brock of Liberty was heading south on Snake Ridge Road when he lost control of his vehicle after he hit a patch of ice and the vehicle overturned. Brock was wearing a seatbelt and taken to Ephraim McDowell in Danville, treated and released.

Angel Tree Distribution Postponed

The winter storm has not only affected commerce, but now, the Angel Tree. The Danville Salvation Army says it has postponed distribution of Angel Tree gifts until next week. They were supposed to be delivered today and tomorrow, but the weather's keeping that from happening. Army co-commander Lieutenant Dan Nelson said those who had appointments to pick up gifts today will pick them up at the same times on Monday. Gift recipients who were supposed to pick up gifts on Friday should plan to pick them up on Tuesday.

Liberty Man Injured in Crash on Icy Road

KSP investigated a collision that happened just after noon yesterday on Snake Ridge Road, about eight miles north of Liberty. Trooper said 37 year old Clinton Brockof Liberty was heading south on Snake Ridge Roak when he lost control of his vehicle after he hit a patch of ice and the vehicle overturned. Brock was wearing a seatbelt and taken to Ephraim McDowell in Danville, treated and released.

Tuesday Wreck Hurts Parksville Man

Authorities say a 71-year old Parksville man was airlifted to Louisville after his car skidded of an icy road yesterday. Reports indicate “Tuck” Shewmaker was eastbound on Lebanon Road near Tank Pond when he lost control of his 2004 Mazda, crossed the westbound lane and left the road. The vehicle went airborne and struck a tree, spinning the car around before it came to a rest. Shewmaker suffered head and neck trauma and in serious condition at last check. With more icy conditions coming, police advise drivers who have to get out to slow down and increase your following and stopping distances.

Lincoln Co Raises Land Line Surcharge

Fewer and fewer people are using land line telephones, so the law of supply and demand says that the cost of those lines will go up. That's true! the surcharge on those land lines is going up. The monthly surcharge will go up by 50 cents, to three dollars a month. That increase came after the Lincoln Fiscal Court approved the increase on Tuesday. That charge helps pay for 911 emergency service in the county and is added to a customer's phone bill. Officials said that the county loses two dollars and 50 cents every time somebody cancels their land line account to go solely with a cell phone.

Vehicle Broken into In Mercer Co, Maybe Other Counties

Law enforcement in Boyle, Mercer and Jessamine Counties are working together to figure out if some car break ins on Sunday are related. Mercer County deputies said that several vehicles were broken into on Lexington Road and several items that were would-be Christmas gifts were stolen. Officials said they were looking for a dark colored SUV with a white man and two white women in it that may have been involved in that break in and some in the other two counties. If you know anything about the break ins, call police.

Harrodsburg City Attorney Resigns

Harrodsburg's city attorney says he'll leave that post at the end of this year. David Taylor has been the city attorney for ten years and announced formally at Monday's Board of Commissioners meeting that he was leaving. Taylor tried to resign a year ago, but when City Administrator Ed Music asked him to stay on, he agreed. Taylor said he and Music worked well together, and that he'd be there so long as Music was. Music died last month. Taylor said now that most everyone he's worked with is being replaced, its time to go.

Danville Salvation Army Needs $50K in 10 Days

There are ten days left in the Salvation Army's 2010 Christmas Kettle Campaign and officials with the organization say they're just slightly ahead of this time last year. So far, they've raised about 30,700 dollars at five bell ringing stations. Lieutenant Dan Nelson said that's about 770 dollars more than at this point in 2009.
He said with a goal of 85 thousand dollars, the next ten days are crucial. They need to raise five to six thousand dollars a day to make the goal that helps the people how need holiday help. Nelson said they're hoping for a shot in the arm this weekend when Danville Office Equipment will match donations totaling $5,000 on those days. So he's hopeful that shoppers will give to the red kettles as they're shopping for their own holiday giving.

Mackville Man Gets 15 Years for Attempted Murder for Hire

A Mackville man who admitted trying to hire someone to murder another person will spend the next 15-years in prison. Police said that in 2009 Ryan Dean admitted that he tried to hire an undercover Kentucky State police detective to murder someone and offered to pay him 10 pounds of marijuana. Dean also wanted the undercover officer to cut off a tattoo on the victim's leg and give it to him as proof of the murder and so he could keep it as a memento. All this happened while Dean was in the Marion County Detention Center.

Save a Life and Win!

Donate blood between Dec. 8 and 24 and you will be entered to win a trip to the 2011 BBVA Compass Bowl to cheer the Wildcats to victory over Pittsburgh. Save a life and join Operation Win in Birmingham this January!

The 2011 UK Bowl Package includes roundtrip deluxe motor coach transportation from Lexington to Birmingham for two, a one-night stay in a double room at The Doubletree Birmingham, two lower level bowl game tickets, game day transfers and a professional trip director.

Donate at any Kentucky Blood Center location or a Mobile Blood Drive for your chance to win the 2011 UK Bowl Package.

1-1-11 if you TXT you'll get a TKT

Starting January 1, if you text and drive you will be ticketed. Kentucky State Police just want to remind you so that they'll have the job security of writing the tickets for those who distract their own driving by texting. They'll also ticket you if you're under 18 and you're talking on your cell phone while you're driving. Violators will be liable for fines of $25 on a first offense and $50 on each subsequent offense, plus court costs. With more than 200 fatalities attributed to distracted drivers in Kentucky last year, the commonwealth decided to do something about it and became the 22nd state in the country to outlaw texting while driving.

Kentucky Blood Drive Tomorrow

The Kentucky Blood Drive is tomorrow and the Bloodmobile will be l in the front of City Hall/Police Station. So come to city hall to donate blood tomorrow from noon to 5 p.m. For more informattion go to the city' website at danvilleky.org.

Flags at Half Staff Today Honor Brig. Gen Fleenor

Flags will fly at half staff today in honor of a fallen soldier. Governor Steve Beshear has directed that flags be lowered today in honor of Brigadier General Kenneth R. Fleenor, who died on Saturday. Fleenor was from Bowling Green and graduated from Western Kentucky University He went into the military in 1967. Fleenor's many decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Services are today in Texas. Governor Beshear ordered flags on all government buildings at half staff from sunrise to sunset today and encourages businesses, organizations and individuals to do the same.

Casey County Hunter Found Dead

Fifty one year old William Gruber of Casey County had been missing since around 7 a.m. Saturday, as he and his son were hunting and had split up. Gruber didn't make the arranged meeting place several hours later and his son called for help. Gruber was found dead around 1:30 Sunday morning. Coroner Thomas Clark said Gruber died of a heart attack. Gruber's body was found on a farm north of Liberty just off US 127.

Chamber Events This Week

Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce's Winterfest Committee is collecting wrapping paper and tape to use to wrap gifts this year. If you have a donation, drop it off at the Chamber office or State Farm Insurance. The group is also looking for volunteers to wrap gifts, Sunday, December 19, at 3 p.m. in the cafe of the High School.

The Lincoln County Middle School Christmas Gala has been rescheduled for Thursday. 21 Century Dance team will perform, and there will be jewerly, gloves, pillows, etc. made by the students, for sale. This is from 5:30-7:30. Concert begins at 6 p.m

Five Nicholasville Businesses Ripped Off

Nicholasville Police are investigating five different businesses were burglarized overnight. They said all had front door glass broken and cash registers and other items stolen. The five were Enterprise Rent-a-Car on Lexington Road, Rent-a-Center on North Main Street, Pit Stop on Richmond Avenue, Pops Pawn on East Maple Street and Little Caesars Pizza on North Main Street. In all five, police said there were three suspects driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

They are described as:
1. Small (possible female) wearing a white hat, black coat with a white fur trimmed hood, gloves, black pants with white shoes.
2. Large build male, 6'0" wearing a white hoodie, blue basketball shorts, light colored tennis shoes, some kind of face covering and gloves
3. Unknown sex, wearing grey pants with a stripe down the side and a green coat with hood.

If you know anything, call Nicholasville Police.

Harrodsburg Officer Back at Work Today

That Harrodsburg office who was hurt in a crash during a chase last Thursday is due back at work today. A news release said Officer Brian Hislope hurt his neck and shoulder was treated at hospital after the crash. Thursday morning, around 3, Hislope spotted a pick up truck and began a traffic stop when the truck took off, blowing smoke at him as he followed the truck, causing Hislope to crash. The truck, with four people in it crashed a short time later and the male driver, 19 year old Michael Isham and a 17 year old male passenger fled on foot leaving two females in the truck. Isham turned himself in a few hours after the chase and its not known if the juvenile will face charges. The women were taken to hospital, but refused treatment.

Man to be Sentenced Next Month in Woman's Death

A Rockcastle County man will be sentenced next month in connection with the death of Juanita Davis and assault for causing injuries to her granddaughter Becky Davis in October of last year. Twenty-nine year old Michael Allen admitted he was under the influence of drugs when he hit Davis' car. Juanita Davis had been an official with the Rockcastle County Republican Party and in the 5th Congressional District. Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Jeremy Bartley said he'll suggest 20 years when Allen is sentenced.

Chase Starts During Parade

Rockcastle County Police say they think alcohol was a factor in this one: a man led them on a chase that started on a holiday parade route. KSP said Timmy Coots almost hit an officer on Saturday as he drove through the parade route. The chase went into Laurel County where Coots' car went over an embankment. He was taken to the hospital.

No Charges Against Bluegrass 911 Center Director

There was no criminal intent when the Bluegrass 911 Center went into debt. That from the board chair, Bill Miracle, who also said last week, that No charges are expected to be filed against Ronnie Dobson. Dobson was the center's director when it went into thousands of dollars debt. Miracle said he didn't think Dobson had the necessary management skills to run the place without running it into debt. The board discovered, after Dobson resigned telling Miracle that there were outstanding tax and retirement fund bills, that the center was actually owed 90 thousand dollars on those bills.

Danville Police Need Information on Four Robberies

Its the first time Danville police have had four unsolved robberies on their books in the span of a month, but that's why they want your help. The four robberies happened in less than a month's time: between November 12 and December 2. Two happened at gas stations, one at a convenience store and one at a check cashing place. Three involved handguns and one involved a knife. No one was hurt in any of the incidents. All four suspects in all four robberies fled on foot. Police will not say whether there's a pattern or if the crimes are related. What they will say is that with a downed economy and the holidays approaching, people will unfortunately do what they have to do.

Closings for Monday, December 13, 2010

Due to wintry weather, school has been canceled for Monday in Lincoln County.

Pleasant View Baptist Church Children's Christmas Drama that was canceled last night is rescheduled for next Sunday night, December 19th at 6:30 PM.

Grace Fellowship Church Children's program that was canceled last night has been rescheduled for Wednesday, December 15th at 7 PM.

The LCHS football banquet scheduled for tonight has been postponed to January 10th.

Listen to WPBK-FM for further weather related news, closings or delays.

Family Needs Home After Second Fire

Their house burned twice in 12 hours, and now, they have no home. A neighbor came an woke them around midnight Saturday morning when he saw the fire. Dolly Morgan said the house wasn't insured and they cannot replace it. She said all five members of her family are alive and well, they just need a home. Anyone who wants to donate household items can do so at Freedom Baptist Church in Stanford.

Today is Mary Todd Lincoln's Birthday

Today, Mary Todd Lincoln would be 192 years old, so the US Mint is commemorating her birthday with a gold coin. The coin was released earlier this month. The obverse side or "heads", as we know it, features a likeness of her with the words" MARY TODD LINCOLN, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 2010, 16th and 1861-1865," the years during which she was the spouse of the President. The reverse or "tails" side depicts Mary Todd Lincoln bringing wounded Union soldiers flowers and books, with the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM.

KSP's Shop With A Cop is Tomorrow

The Kentucky State Police Post 7 in Richmond will conduct the annual "Shop with a Trooper" tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. The locations are the Richmond and Stanford Wal Mart stores. This program gives deserving and underprivileged children the opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for themselves and their loved ones. The children who are picked to participate have been chosen by the troopers assigned to their communities. The "Shop with a Trooper" program is made possible by private and corporate donations. Anyone may donate to the program. Those who wish to contribute may contact any of the sixteen Kentucky State Police Posts across the Commonwealth, or they may contact their local Kentucky State Police Trooper.

Wilson Guilty of Killing Husband

It took the jury eight hours to convict a Nancy Kentucky woman of murdering her husband back in 2008. Tamara Wilson was convicted of second degree manslaughter and could get up to ten years in prison during sentencing. Wilson maintained that shooting her husband William "Frankie" Wilson was in self-defense after she said she feared for her life. Police said the couple had been arguing for most of the day on August 13 of 2008 and at the end of the day, Tamara Wilson shot her husband, hitting him four times, with a .22 rifle. Wilson's attorney will ask for shock probation instead of prison for his client.

Casey County Project Gets Funding

Of 13 projets statewide that got funded with 90 thousand dollars in grant from the Kentucky Heritage Council, one is in our area. University of Kentucky's Department of Landscape Architecture received 88 hundred dollars for a survey in Casey County that will focus on rural landscapes.

Jury Has Pulaski Murder Trial

The jury has had the case since last night in Pulaski County in the case of whether a woman shot her husband in self defense. Tamara Elaine Wilson is on trial for shooting and killing her husband William "Frankie" Wilson, but was it self defense? That's what the jury is deciding. The shooting happened in 2008 and the three day trial wrapped up yesterday and went to the jury last night. Court documents said the shooting happened after a argument on August 13 of 2008. Police said self-defense, but a grand jury three months after the shooting said murder. Police said Tamara shot Frankie four times with a .22 rifle. Her attorney claimed at trial that Tamara feared for her life.

New US 27 Sset to Open at 9 a.m. Today

Today is the day, 9 a.m.! The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Highways says traffic will switch to the new US 27 in Garrard County. We've been telling you about this for a while, traffic moves to the middle section of the new roadway. For local traffic, there will be four access points, and from north to south, they are: Connector 2, Canoe Creek Road, Kentucky 1355/Mt. Hebron Road and Sutton Lane. The intersection with Kentucky 152 won't be open. Motorists from Kentucky 152 will access the new US 27 at Connector 2. Guiding signage will be in place to get you to and from Kentucky 152 and US 27. Speeds will be reduced to 45 miles an hour.

Hunstad Says People Will Know What's Going On

Danville's mayor elect, Bernie Hunstad said you'll be able to know everything that's going on in city government -- that's called transparency. Hunstad was the last speaker in this year's Danville-Boyle County Chamber of Commerce public policy series. He said residents should know how decisions are made at city hall are made and conclusions reached especially with respect to the budget. Hunstad said priority will be what's happening inside city hall, then, in six months, outside city hall, workforce development and recruiting the best for the police force. He was hit with the question of whether alcohol sales in Danville would stop, since police are partly funded with some of the profits. He didn't answer during the forum.

Harrodsburg Officer Hurt in Early Morning Chase

A Harrodsburg police officer was injured during a chase early today. Brian Hislope's cruiser left a road and struck a fence shortly after 3 a.m. after his vision was obscured by thick smoke pouring from a pickup he was chasing, according to a police report. The chase started after Hislope had stopped a pickup on Warwick Road, but as he approached the vehicle, it sped away, almost hitting him. He gave chase, and crashed a short time later as he crested a hill. It wasn't much further before the pickup crashed, and the driver and a boy ran, leaving behind two women. Two hours later, the man police believe was the driver called 9-1-1 to report the crash. Officer Hislope was treated and released; Michael Dakota Isham, the driver, was arrested. The two women in the pickup refused treatment.

Alleged Murder-Kidnapper Could be in KY

An AMBER Alert was issued, but police say a man who disappeared from Virginia with his slain girlfriend's 12-year-old daughter could be in Kentucky. Investigators in Roanoke County, Virginia say they've received hundreds of tips about Brittany Smith and 32-year-old Jeffrey Easley, her suspected abductor. Police say they think easley killed Brittany's mother, Tina Smith, last Friday and kidnapped Brittany. He got away in a 2005 4-door Dodge Neon sedan with a rear spoiler.

KSP Looking for Property Owner

The Kentucky State Police wants the public's help in identifying the owner of several items of property recovered in Boyle County. Last Friday, KSP Detective Monte Owens recovered a jewelry box that contained a Canadian dollar bill, several pieces of costume jewelry, and an obituary card for Stella Hesselbach. Hesselbach died in 1970 and was buried in Hamilton County Ohio. If you have any information regarding the rightful owner of this property, please contact Detective Monte Owens at 1-800-222-5555 or (859) 623-2404. You can remain anonymous.

Number of Cases of Whooping Cough Up

The number of people coming down with whooping cough is going up and health officials are urging Kentuckians to get vaccinated. They said that in 2007, the number of whooping cough cases in the state was 47. This year there are already more than 250. The Kentucky Department of Public Health says children under one year old are most at risk for significant complications from the illness.

Part of New US 27 Opens Tomorrow

A new part of US 27 opens tomorrow at 9 a.m. in northern Garrard County. Remember, we've been telling you this! Traffic moves from the old to the news near Sutton Lane, past Camp Dick Robinson Elementary School and stay on the new stretch to just north of Kentucky 152. Watch for the opening and be aware of the four points where you can access the new part of the road. From south to north, they're at Sutton Lane, Kentucky 1355 or Mount Hebron Road, Canoe Creek Road and north of Ballard Road. There'll be signs up with directions.

Outgoing Mayor Rinthen Cautions on Funds

He cut five city jobs a year ago to save Lancaster a lot of red ink, and now, outgoing Mayor Don Rinthen is telling those who will now run the city to watch how they spend the city's money. At the final scheduled city council meeting on Monday, Rinthen said the municipal insurance tax, which is a major funding source for the city, is likely to bring in a lot less than expected -- about 100 thousand dollars less than expected -- by fiscal year end. He also said, in an open letter to residents, that other funds will come up short. Because of the economy, they have not generated as mch as was expected.

"Swirl, Sip and Shop" -- NOT!

Heart of Danville will not have the beat of "Swirl, Sip and Shop". While the shop part can go on, the swirl and sip parts cannot since Daville's ABC administrator -- they're the ones who give temporary liquor licenese -- denied the event the needed license. While other Kentucky cities do it successfully, as Jule Wagner, Heart of Danville's executive director said on Monday, Danville will not be doing it at all. The biggest reason city manager Paul Stansbury gave for the city and the ABC not granting the temporary license was that wine would be poured inside businesses that did not have liquor licenses, and while there were several other issues involved, Stansbury said he hoped similar events could go on in the future.

Live, Drive Thru Nativity Tonight tThrough Saturday

Dec 9 - Dec 11, Danville First Church of God presents its Live Drive-Thru Nativity Scene with scenes from the Life of Christ. Come and enjoy and then enjoy some hot chocolate and warm fellowship afterwards!
Keep you seatbelts fastened!

Boyle County Station 1 to Move to New Location

Location, location, location. It's a cliché in the real estate industry, but location can be one of the most important facts in public safety, when it comes to where fire stations are put. That's why Boyle County Fire Chief Donnie Sexton says the fire protection district jumped at the chance to buy the old Builder's Choice facility on Lebanon Road. They paid just over a million dollars and will be moving Engine 1 and its crews, along with the fire district headquarters, to the building. The big bays for the fire equipment were a nice feature, and saved some money in the remodeling that's hoped to be done by Christmas. But the most important thing, Sexton says, is how much it will help response times in much of the county. A training center will be established on the property, allowing the department to apply for state and federal fire grants that previously were off limits.

Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber Wants to Raise $700K a Year for Scholarships

High school grads from Somerset and Pulaski County could get scholarships to Somerset Community College if the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce achieves its goal. The chamber's goal is to raise 700 thousand dollars a year for those tuition based scholarships. How will they do it? The chamber has set up a 501(c)3 non profit organization called the Somerset-Pulaski County Community Connection to both raise the funds and administer the scholarships. The Connection wants to give each graduate of the county's three high schools and Somerset Christian School each a three thousand dollar scholarship that will come from private, tax deductible donations to the Connection.

Jingle Bell Jog Raises Thousands

The Jingle Bell Jog raised more than ten thousand dollars for the Altzheimers Association and organizer Angela Todd said it was the people of Lincoln County who gave with their hearts to make it happen. Nearly 350 people ran in the run/walk on Saturday morning to help usher in the holiday season, Braving Stanford's cold that canceled the parade the night before. But runners aren't paraders and they'll get out in just about any weather!

Bloodmobile in Danville Next Week

City of Danville officials and the Red Cross are issuing an urgent reminder that the holiday season is one of the times that the need for blood and blood products goes up, while donations historically fall off strongly. One week from tomorrow, that's December 15th, the bloodmobile will be in town for an afternoon blood drive. It will be parked in front of City Hall and the Police station from noon to 5pm. If you'd like to make an appointment to donate, call Joyce Collins or Donna Peek at 859-236-1200. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Not Many Problems Driving in "Trace" of Snow

There was only a smidge of snow in Somerset, but drivers were nonetheless careful as they ventured out yesterday -- at least until they get used to winter driving again! The National Weather service said Pulaski County only got a trace of snow both Saturday and Monday, probably less than half an inch. While dispatchers at Pulaski County 911 got a few calls of slide offs on Saturday there were no major problems.

Pulaski Drug Arrests

Two Pulaski County men were arrested for allegedly selling drugs. Sheriff's deputies accused 45-year-old Paul Bell of making and selling meth. He was taken to the Pulaski County Detention Center. In a separate case, deputies arrested Travis Evans, charging him with trafficking a controlled substance.

Pulaski Co Men Arrested in Separate Incidents

Two Pulaski County men were arrested for allegedly selling drugs. Sheriff's deputies accused 45-year-old Paul Bell of making and selling meth. He was taken to the Pulaski County Detention Center. In a separate case, deputies arrested Travis Evans, charging him with trafficking a controlled substance.

Classes Canceled in Lincoln Co

School has been cancelled today in Lincoln County due to wintry weather. WPBK-FM will have any other closings or cancellations.

Businesses Showcase at The Center for Rural Development Today

Wanna learn what your kids already know? There's a free Business Services Showcase today from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset. You can learn more about social media like Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and more, and all this will help your own business to find ways to better reach out to your customers. The event is free and open to the public and if you visit all the booths, you'll be eligible to win the grand prize, a Flip Video Camera courtesy of The Center.

Nobody Seriously Hurt in Crash at Marion-Washington Co Line

There was a crash last night at the Marion-Washington County line. Kentucky State Police said that 66 year old Thomas Mattingly of Lebanon was heading north on Kentucky 55 in his Dodge truck when he hit some debris in the road, slid on black ice and collided head on with a car that 29 year old Allison Dones of Bardstown was driving. Troopers said everybody was wearing seatbelts. Mattingly and his passenger refused treatment at the scene, but Dones and her passengers were treated and released from Springview Hospital in Lebanon.

Three Days and Counting: New Section of US 27 Opens Dec 10

Its now just three days away -- a part of new US 27 is scheduled to open on December 10 in Garrard County. As we've told you, and we'll remind you again, traffic will move from the old to the new road at 9 a.m. that day near Sutton Lane, past Camp Dick Robinson Elementary School. It will stay on the new part of 27 to just north of Kentucky 152. There are plans for later on that will create a second expansion from Kentucky 34 to the U.S. 150 bypass in Stanford.

Boyle County Clerk Attends Training in Lexington

She's been Boyle County's Clerk for two years now, and recently, Trille Bottom went up to Lexington for the Kentucky County Clerks’ Association fall conference, giving her some advanced education. There, she went to several training sessions to get a better handle on her job as clerk and her county clerk's office. County clerks are looked upon to wear several hats at once and some of those issues were covered in sessions about new procedures for recordings and titling and registration of motor vehicles and election procedures. Several state legislators spoke to the group about how they and county clerks can work together to better serve the public.

Kentucky Trust Co of Danville Being Acquired by Whitaker Bank Inc in Lexington

Under a recent agreement, Kentucky Trust Company of Danville will be acquired by Lexington based Whitaker Bank Incorporated, based in Lexington. Officials with Kentucky Trust said the acquisition is contingent on shareholders' approval, but that they expect that to happen by the end of the year -- 24 days away -- then, everything changes officially on January 1. Everybody at Kentucky Trust now will keep their jobs after the new year and the new ownership. Alan Turbyfill is the president, CEO and chairman of the board of Kentucky Trust. He said Jim Sullivan of Danville started the bank about 15 years ago when Sullivan left Bank of Danville's trust department, bring four of those employees to his new bank. Whitaker said Kentucky Trust currently has assets of more than 420 million dollars.

Missing Cincinnati Man Found Safe in Danville

A man missing from Cincinnati was found in Danville yesterday. Police said that 88 year old Curtis Wilkinson was found safe here Monday afternoon. They said he left his sister a voice mail on Sunday that he was coming to Kentucky to visit his son in Liberty but he didn't get here, and that's about all that police are saying about the incident. Wilkinson was found safe in Danville.

Allison Newman is Stanford's New Snow Queen

Even with the parade being canceled on Friday because of the cold, as you heard here on WPBK, the Stanford's Snow Court Royalty went on at Lincoln High School. Winner Allison Newman, who is the daughter of Ramona Wall and Donny Newman, and escorted by Micah Ward, said she was pleased with her performance and her win.

She said, "It was mainly based on interviews, so it showed people that I have good speaking skills and I represented myself well and my organization, so I just did, I think I just did and all around good job and made a good name for Big Brothers and Big Sisters going out to win."

First Runner- Alena “Summer” Sebastian,
Second Runner- Deanna Yocum, Third Runner-Morgan Reed, Fourth Runner- Ashley Owens, Fifth Runner- Megan Long,
Sixth Runner- Dakota Roberts. Countesses were Winner- Gabby Gabriel, First Runner- Emma Kaiser, Second Runner-Kayli Padgett, Third Runner- Madelyn Day. Duchesses were Winner- Zoe Gooch, First Runner-Elizabeth Brown, Second Runner-Brayli Steberl. Princesses were Winner- McKenna James, First Runner -Makayla Greer, Second Runner- Lilly Blanton.

Satruday Snow: Could Have Been Worse

If it's going to snow, one of the better times to have it happen is a Saturday morning. For the second year in a row, our first snowfall came on a Saturday, but this year's wasn't the mess that last year's was. Salt and sand crews were about all it took to keep city streets and county roads cleared, as the worst of the winter weather passed to the north through the Lexington area. Dispatchers say there was one injury accident on Highway 39 south.

Time to County the Birds

Now that the census has counted the people, let's get people to count the birds! Its time for the National Audubon Society's 111th annual bird count. It'll be in the Danville area on December 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its the 62nd year that Danville has been involved in the count. If you were on a bird counting team last year, your team captain will contact you about being on the team again this year. If you have not participated and you want to, you'll have to send an e to nveklund@roadrunner.com today.

Recount Solidifies Collier's Win on Nicholasville City Commission

The single vote that separated the winner and the loser in the Nicholasville City Commission stood, and more: Johnny Collier stayed on the commission after all the votes were again counted last week, and even added three votes to his win. Betty Black, who challenged and paid for the recount, lost to Collier. The recount was solidified when Jessamine Circuit Judge Hunter Daugherty issued a ruling that agreed with the election board that Collier had in fact won. Black congratulated Collier on his win.

Man Accused of Killing His Girlfriend and His Mother

Richmond Police say a man is responsible for a double murder there on Saturday. They said that 37-year-old John Payne shot and killed 32-year-old Meredith King and 55-year-old Cornellia Mullins, whose bodies were found inside a Hillsdale Avenue home Saturday afternoon. Payne faces two counts of murder and one of tampering with physical evidence and police say more charges could be filed against him. Police said the women are Payne's mother and his girlfriend.

Harrison Co Fire Kills Four

Four people were killed in a house fire in Berry, Kentucky. That's in Harrison County. Fire officials said it started around 3 a.m. Sunday. Neighbors who said their dogs alerted them called 911 and tried to help the victims. They said they thought a kerosene heater caused the fire, but officials have not confirmed that. The Kentucky State Police Fire Marshal is investigating the deadly fire.

LCRH Visiting Hours Change Starting Today

After a six month study of how other hospitals handle it, Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital will change its late evening visitation policy, starting today. Hospital officials said while daytime visiting hours will stay the same, any time between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., visiting hours after 9 p.m. will change. The hospital says there will be no visitation after 9 p.m. except for special situations. Children under 12 are not allowed in patient rooms but for the Maternal/Child Unit. No more than two visitors are allowed in patient rooms at one time. Hospital officials said the new policy will allow a quieter atmosphere in which to rest more comfortably.

Corning's Harrodsburg Plant to Add 80 Jobs with $186M Investment

Corning at Harrodsburg ins going ape over Gorilla Glass and the 186 million dollar investment the company is making in the plant will mean 80 people will be hired. Corning said that while Gorilla Glass was developed in the 1960s and there weren't a lot of uses for it then, there are now. The company said the glass is being used in smart phones, computers and personal televisions. The Harrodsburg plant will also make thin film photovotaics for solar panels.

Stanford Votes This Week To Annex Property

The cit of Stanford will grow by nearly 300 acres if the city council votes to annex property near Stanford Elementary School this week. That would be their second reading of the ordinance. Council voted unanimously for the issue on first reading last week. The annexation finally got a vote of residents last month, and it was 57 for and 31 against the city annexing the property. It means the city will see an additional 200 thousand dollars a pear in new money in taxes and fees from the new property. It also means residents will see city services to their homes.

Jingle Bell Jog and Snow Queen Parade Tomorrow

Stanford's holiday season gears up tomorrow morning with the Jingle Bell Jog and some 400 runners, but first, there's tonight's pre-race Pasta Dinner to give runners and watchers alike, just the right carbs! The dinner's put on by Fazoli's and is from 5 to 8 at the Christian Life Center on Church Street. Then the Snow Queen Parade starts at 6 p.m. tomorrow and ends with crowning the queen and her court, where else, but on the courthouse steps! Some 30 candidates are vying for the crown. In between the two events is a chance to get a jump on holiday shopping in downtown Stanford.

Copper Stolen From Old School Building

They were just about to turn the old school into a community center when it was burglarized this week. Pulaski County Sheriff Todd Wood said the thieves were after the copper wiring in the school. He said sometime on Monday, they made their way into the building and cut the copper wiring. Now sheriff's investigators are checking with scrap metal companies to see who might have tried to sell the wiring. County commissioners said that their first priority in making the old school a community center was a fence to keep it safe.

New Part of US 27 in Garrard County Opens December 10

Its new! Its improved! Its US 27 and its almost open! Okay, parts of it anyway. The part in northern Garrard County is set to open on December 10 when traffic will switch from the old to the new 27 near Sutton Lane, past Camp Dick Robinson Elementary school. Traffic will continue on US 27 to just north of Kentucky 152.

Heart of Danville Christmas Parade Tonight

The Heart of Danville's Christmas Parade is tonight at 7 p.m. on Main Street. At 6 p.m. is the tree lighting ceremony at Weisiger Park at the Boyle County Courthouse, then at 6:30 there's a reception.
Lining up for the parade is on Walnut Street between Church Street and Maple Avenue, also at 6:30. Judging the floats and calling the parade will be in front of city hall.

Fire Guts Crab Orchard Home

A local family who had just moved into their newly purchases house is now looking for another after a fire yesterday gutted their home outside Crab Orchard. Freddie Carman said his wife Amanda and three year old son Alex were the only two at home at the time, but got out of the house safely. Amanda said she noticed smoke coming from Alex's room, grabbed him and got out. Its not known how the fire started, but what is known is that the house is a total loss. Freddie said the house was insured so they'll stay with relatives until they find another home.

Danville Christmas Parade

Don't forget, tomorrow night is the annual Heart of Danville Christmas parade. Before the parade, the tree-lighting ceremony will be held at 6pm at Weisiger Park at the Boyle County Courthouse. Floats will line up about 6:30pm on Walnut between Church and Maple, and the parade steps off down Main Street at 7 p.m. Line up to watch along Main between College and Second Streets.

Family Offers Reward for Return of Unique Ring

A woman says a wedding ring given to her by her husband of fifty years, who died five years ago, was stolen with another special ring after thieves broke into cars up and down a Garrard County street late Tuesday night or early Wednesday. Now, her family is offering a no-questions-asked reward for the return of the rings. When Carrie Barker's husband Jack died the day after Thanksgiving five years ago, she says the only thing she had left were memories, and the wedding ring he had made especially for her 55 years ago.

On Tuesday night or early Wednesday, while Barker was staying overnight with her daughter at her home in Garrard County, someone broke into her car and stole her purse. She says her car was locked up, but that didn't stop the thief, who took a rock and smashed it right through the car window. Now her family is offering a $500 reward, and says there will be no quesitons asked of the person who returns the one-of-a-kind ring.

Live Nativity Friday and Saturday

Danville Church of God holds its second annual live nativity from this weekend. The drive thru event is from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 516 South Fourth Street. If you want to help out the Danville Fire Department’s Toys for Tots, bring new unwrapped toys and donations when you come to the event. Enter from the Church's Third Street entrance and exit on Fourth Street. The event's free and so's the hot chocolate!

Lincoln Co Grand Jury Hands Down Indictments

A Lincoln County grand jury's been busy: first indicting a Crab Orchard man for allegedly burglarizing a church in Waynesburg. Michael Dale Douglas of Narrow Gap Road was indicted last week for allegedly breaking into Pleasant View Baptist Church in September. His bond was set at 25 thousand dollars.
Then a Somerset man was indicted on six counts related to helping some juveniles take property that belonged to Lincoln County in October. His bond set at 20 thousand dollars. And the grand jury indicted Michael D. Johnson Jr. of Harrodsburg on two counts of forgery in September. His bond was set at ten thousand dollars.

20 Arrested in "Operation Novermber Rain Part Two"

It was dubbed "Operation November Rain Part Two". An eight-month long investigation in Nicholasville has culminated with the arrests of another 20 drug trafficking suspects, and more arrests are expected. Yesterday morning, law enforcement officers from the Kentucky State Police and the Nicholasville Police Department, began serving arrest warrants on suspected drug traffickers. They were all taken to the Jessamine County Detention Center on charges that include trafficking in marijuana and prescription medications.

Danville Christmas Parade

Danville's Christmas Parade is tomorrow. The parade starts at 7 p.m. at Main and College Streets and ends at Main and Second.

Pulaski County Home Ordered Closed

After five citations, the state of Kentucky is shutting down a personal care home in Pulaski County. Regulators said that the safet of residents at Hilltop rest Home in Science Hill has been put at risk on numerous occasions and its license will be revoked on December 9. Its been two years since the state shut down a home like this. Hilltop got five Type A citations, which are the harshest the state can deliver for its violating state regulations. An order by the Office of Inspector General said that the facility failed to hire an employee who was on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Abuse Registry and also failed to keep a three day supply of food on hand. Health Solutions Assisted Living out of Somerset owns Hilltop and said it had already planned to close the facility.

Wreaths Across America Coming Up

Wreaths Across America Day is coming up in just over a week. On December 11, at national cemeteries all across the country, ceremonial wreaths will be placed to remember all soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who served and to honor their sacrifices during the holiday season. In Kentucky, the Patriot Guard Riders of Kentucky will take charge of the ceremonies, with local groups handling the individual ceremonies.

Lebanon City Council Member Arrested

A newly elected Lebanon city council member was arrested last Saturday. Police reports indicate that Jerry Abell was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and public intoxication. Lebanon Police report that as they were arresting a woman at her residence who allegedly hit a utility pole, putting the lights out at the police station, Abell showed up and police said he smelled of alcohol. He then left with his brother, and was arrested after the two stopped at Valley View Drive. Police said he continued yelling and was arrested, but not until after he refused police orders to put his hands behind his back to be handcuffed.

Innovative Longtime Pulaski County Extension Agent Dies at 98

Everyone who is anyone in Pulaski County farming knew Hugh Hurst as the "Baron" of Agriculture. The longtime University of Kentucky Extension agent for Pulaski county died Monday night from complications of a recent fall. He was 98. Hurst is credited with introducing such concepts as no-till farming to Pulaski county, along with practices such as double-cropping. He was an extension agent for 34 years. Funeral arrangements are still being completed.

Liberty/Casey County Historical Museum Inc. Needs A Home

They've gathered stuff that preserves history, but now the board of the Liberty/Casey County Historical Museum, Inc. needs a home. President Myrtle Russell, VP Tommye Allen, secretary Otis Patton and treasurer Jewell Lynn each have their own homes, but now they need a home for the museum. That's where Paul Patton comes in. He chairs the committee that's trying to find a permanent home for the museum, and there are lots of other people involved in the new adventure, so they need a place to show off the treasures of the county's past.

STAARS Shine on Dec 9

The STAARS will be out on December 9, as Kentucky's First Lady, Jane Beshear will be in Somerset to promote staying in school. Beshear has taken up the cross of high school dropout prevention and is working to get students to finish and graduate from high school. She will be at the Center for Rural Development and be joined by leaders throughout the state. The Summit, set to begin at 9 a.m. (EST), is the last of seven regional meetings held across the state in partnership with Graduate Kentucky, a state dropout-reduction initiative which emphasizes working at the local level to keep students in school.

Four Indicted on Meth Charges

A McCreary County grand jury returned eight indictments last week charging four people with making methamphetamine. One of those four, 31 year old Edwin Loudermilk is from Somerset. The other three are from Kentucky and Tennessee. All four face charges that connect them to an October meth bust in McCreary County. Police got a tip about the drug activity and made the arrests. There were two active meth labs in the home, which has since burned.

Kentucky Set to be in Top Five for Meth Production

By the end of this year, officials say Kentucky could be among the top five states that produce methamphetamine, They say that in October alone, there were more than 110 meth labs found in the Bluegrass. The reason they say for the high number of places making the illegal and dangerous drug is the availability of pseudo ephedrine. That's why they say they want laws making things like Sudafed a controlled substance. Law enforcement officials say it would cut the number of meth labs in the state dramatically.

First Swirl, Sip and Shop Event Next Week

Grab your wine glasses! Its time for Swirl, Sip and Shop -- Heart of Danville's first event that happens a week from today. Its wine paired with shopping in downtown Danville and its from 4 to 8 p.m. on December 9. You'll actually get a commemorative wine glass to take from shop to shop as you find that perfect gift paired with the perfect wine. Tickets are 15 dollars and you can get them at Heart of Danville and other downtown places.

Old Bridge Golf Course Could Close

Boyle County's only public golf course could be closing on January first. The owners of Old Bridge Golf Course sent neighbors in the subdivision there a letter telling them the news this week. They said it will take more than 600 thousand dollars to keep the course open in 2011, so at a meeting this coming Sunday, they'll present the idea to homeowners there who use the course most that they purchase 600 dollar memberships to help keep the course open. Those same neighbors say if the golf course closes, their property values will decrease, so many say they're considering the proposal.

New Faces at Garrard Animal Shelter

The Garrard County Animal Shelter is under new direction, at least for a time. While Sharon Graham is taking some time off for medical leave, Jon Acuff is the interim animal control officer. Earlene Harris is the volunteer director at the shelter, at least temporarily. She's responsible, in the past for bringing more volunteers and getting them to help out more often. Amee Harrison is a new part time employee. She has experience with the Central Kentucky Regional Humane Society in Lancaster. Judge-Executive John Wilson said Graham is still employed with the shelter, just taking time off.