School Becomes Fire Hazard After Strong Storms in Lincoln County

The storms that blew through Lincoln County Monday morning left 35-40 buildings damaged and power outages in its wake.








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According to Don Gillium, Director of the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency the affected area stretched 5-6 miles long and maybe a half mile wide.







Gillums says the fire marshall will determine when the middle school is safe.

Lincoln County Wind Storm Damages 35-40 Buildings

Was it a tornado? The winds that blew through Lincoln County yesterday caused damage to 35-40 buildings including water damage to the elementary, middle and high schools. School was canceled after it was determined the middle school electrical system was impacted by the water. Don Gillium, Director of the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency says a determination of the storm's power will be determined today.






No injuries were reported with the storm. The fire marshall will determine when the middle school is safe.

Non-Violent Drug Offender Bill Waiting for Gov's Signature

A bill that some called the most important piece of legislation in years, that would keep non-violent drug offenders out of prison passed the Kentucky Senate yesterday. It would also save the state about 442 million dollars over ten years. Several Senators voiced their support for the bill that would offer those who commit drug crimes without causing violence treatment sentences rather than prison sentences. Lawmakers voted 38 to zero yesterday to pass the measure that they say would save the state money, and keep the prison population down. The House then passed the Senate's version of the bill by a vote of 96 to one. It will soon be on Governor Steve Beshear's desk for his signature. Under the bill, drug traffickers could still be imprisoned if they're found guilty.

Storms Create Havoc in Lincoln, Garrard Counties

While Lincoln County Schools dismissed early because of flooding yesterday, we're still waiting for confirmation as to whether a tornado touched down in Lincoln County. A representative from the National Weather Service office in Louisville is expected here today to tell whether tornadoes touched down in Lincoln and Garrard Counties.

The violent storms yesterday morning seemed to be everywhere. At one point, observers said a storm blew a garage apart in Stanford, jumped US 27 and did damage to the PBK Bank. Still no injuries were reported.

Officials said there were thousands of dollars in damage from high winds south of Stanford. Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Don Gilliam said the county took the hardest hit around 7 a.m. yesterday. He said some in the area had buildings damaged and roofs torn off by the high winds. Trees were down near Cedar Creek Lake, property damage at Crab Orchard and outbuildings blown away on Kentucky 78 near Rowland.

Students who had just arrived for classes at Crab Orchard Elementary School had to be taken to the high school since the power was out at their school. Lincoln County School officials said they also lost some metal buildings and had more sturdy buildings damaged from the high winds.

Lincoln County Schools Superintendent Karen Hatter said they weren't the only students move to the high school.

She said, "Lincoln County Emergency Management Team was out making an inspection and they found the Lincoln County Middle School to be unsafe to be occupied because of the mix of water and the electricity. Water was coming in some of the light fixtures. We had pretty significant leaks and so they ordered us to evacuate the building. So we took those students on buses to the high school gymnasium."

Superintendent Hatter said with several students at the high school, there was even damage there, but the students were not affected.

She said, "There was obvious damage around the high school campus there with the middle school and the sixth grade center and the high school. Some small buildings had been blown over, there was roof damage, we had a lot of leaks in the buildings."

Today's forecast calls for calm winds, sunny skies and a high of 51.

High Winds and Storms Hit Lincoln, Garrard County

While Lincoln County Schools dismissed early because of flooding yesterday, we're still waiting for confirmation as to whether a tornado touched down in Lincoln County. A representative from the National Weather Service office in Louisville is expected here today to tell whether tornadoes touched down in Lincoln and Garrard Counties.

The violent storms yesterday morning seemed to be everywhere. At one point, observers said a storm blew a garage apart in Stanford, jumped US 27 and did damage to the PBK Bank. Still no injuries were reported.

Officials said there were thousands of dollars in damage from high winds south of Stanford. Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Don Gilliam said the county took the hardest hit around 7 a.m. yesterday. He said some in the area had buildings damaged and roofs torn off by the high winds. Trees were down near Cedar Creek Lake, property damage at Crab Orchard and outbuildings blown away on Kentucky 78 near Rowland.

Students who had just arrived for classes at Crab Orchard Elementary School had to be taken to the high school since the power was out at their school. Lincoln County School officials said they also lost some metal buildings and had more sturdy buildings damaged from the high winds.

Lincoln County Schools Superintendent Karen Hatter said they weren't the only students move to the high school.

She said, "Lincoln County Emergency Management Team was out making an inspection and they found the Lincoln County Middle School to be unsafe to be occupied because of the mix of water and the electricity. Water was coming in some of the light fixtures. We had pretty significant leaks and so they ordered us to evacuate the building. So we took those students on buses to the high school gymnasium."

Superintendent Hatter said with several students at the high school, there was even damage there, but the students were not affected.

She said, "There was obvious damage around the high school campus there with the middle school and the sixth grade center and the high school. Some small buildings had been blown over, there was roof damage, we had a lot of leaks in the buildings."

Today's forecast calls for calm winds, sunny skies and a high of 51.

Dustin Worthing Essay Conntest Deadline is March 3

Imagine writing an essay and winning a heifer! The deadline is fast approaching for the 2011 contest that the Worthington family in Lexington presents in memory of 17 year old Dustin who was kill in at crash. The family gives the animals to 4-H and FFA members. They have to submit their essays and a recommendation from their county's extension agent to be eligible for the competition. There's more at http://www.dustinworthingtonmemorial.org. The deadline is March 3.

One Jailed, One Hospitalized After Stabbing

A man is in jail, facing assault charges for allegedly stabbing another man.
Danville Police found the victim with after they responded to a call about a disturbance at Dilehay and Roy Arnold overnight. Marcos Cabrera was flown to UK Hospital for his injuries. A short time later, police arrested Valentine Rodriguez for allegedly stabbing Cabrera.

Flood Watch for Today

THERE'S A FLOOD WATCH IN THE AREA UNTIL THIS AFTERNOON.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINFALL IS EXPECTED ACROSS MUCH OF THE REGION THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON. MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINFALL IS EXPECTED FROM SHOWERS AND STORMS ALONG A COLD FRONT... WITH THE HEAVIEST RAIN EXPECTED THIS MORNING ALONG THE FRONT. WIDESPREAD RAINFALL TOTALS OF 1 TO 2 INCHES EXPECTED... WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE.

* WITH ALREADY SATURATED GROUNDS AND A FEW RIVERS STILL IN FLOOD FROM THE LAST SYSTEM... FLOODING WILL BE LIKELY WITH THE EXPECTED RAINFALL... AS WELL AS ISOLATED FLASH FLOODING FROM ANY THUNDERSTORMS TRAINING OVER THE SAME AREAS.

Holiday in Washington DC Gives You Tax Date Reprieve

If you think that April 15th is the last day to file taxes… well, this year… you are wrong. This year, Tax Day is April 18th…. Michael Devine, spokesman for the IRS says it is all because of a holiday.






Devine says that even though you have a couple of extra days to file this year, you should still file early to avoid extra penalties.

Dog Flu Shots Now in Lancaster

You're being reminded about now to get a flu shot. Now, you can get your dog a flu shot. That's because the Central Kentucky Regional Humane Society in Lancaster has a grant to pay for the H3N8 canine flu vaccine. The grant is from Petfinder.com Foundation and Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. Canine flu can spread quickly from dog to dog, and even more so, experts say, if those dogs are in close contact with each other, so get your dog a flu shot!

Two Indicted for Thefts

They're accused of stealing a car on Christmas Eve, but a Garrard County grand jury indicted a pair last Friday. The indictment says that 20 year old Charles M. Graham of Stanford and 23 year old Sarah Towler of Nicholasville received stolen property valued at more than ten thousand dollars involving a motor vehicle and evading police. Graham also faces five counts of receiving stolen property for allegedly having several stolen items in his possession. Towler also faces a charge of theft of a license plate. Their bonds were set at ten thousand dollars each.

Somerset Woman Killed in Early Saturday Crash

Pulaski County Sheriff's investigators are reconstructing a crash that killed a woman and injured two children in her car early Saturday. Officials said the crash happened about two miles east of Somerset on Kentucky 192 around 1 a.m. When deputies got to the scene they found that 21 year old Jorge Hernandez' westbound car hit an eastbound vehicle that 28 year old Carol Loveless of Somerset was driving. She was pronounced dead at the scene and the children in her car were taken to area hospitals.

Paver Driver Sues Trucker, Trucking Company

A Mount Vernon man is suing a trucking company and its driver to compensate for injuries he suffered last fall when a dump truck hit the road paver he was operating for his employer and threw him off, causing what was deemed serious bodily injury, Jeffrey Bock was operating the paver and police reports indicate that Matthew Stinnett was driving a dump truck for Cumberland Trucking of Nicholasville when the truck hit the paver. Police said that Stinnett was driving at an unsafe speed for road conditions when the crash happened. The lawsuit was filed in Garrard County since the incident happened on Sugar Creek Road.

Were Cattle Poisoned?

The Louisville Courier Journal is reporting that a Rockcastle County family believes someone poisoned three of their cows. Roberta McGuire told WKYT-TV the cows had not shown any sign of sickness before they found two of them dead and another one dying on Thursday night. The third cow died on Friday morning. She said the family will ask the University of Kentucky to conduct toxicology reports on the animals to determine exactly what killed them. The family is offering a 500 dollar reward for information about the animals' deaths.

Oney Quits Lincoln County Sheriff's Department

He was suspended, having been accused of taking money from a little league fund. Now, Lincoln County Deputy Rob Oney has resigned from the sheriff's department. He'd been on the force for three years, and was the lead investigator in the murder case against Jason Napier for the alleged murder of four year old Nathaniel Knox in 2009. Oney is being investigated by Kentucky State Police since money from the Waynesburg Little League Boosters turned up missing and he was the president of the organization.
Lincoln County Sheriff' Curt Folger said Oney's leaving the department would not affect the case.

Free Spaghetti Dinner and Health Fair to be Held This Saturday

A Community Feeding and Health Fair will be held from 4 to 6:30 PM on Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Danville. Brian Garrett, Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church says it is all in the spirit of unity and community.






The First Baptist Church is located at 200 West Walnut Street.

Tire Waste Bill Passes State House

Getting rid of tire waste -- legally. That's what House Bill 433 aims to do. The bill is co-sponsored by Garrard County Representative Lonnie Napier, and would cut down on the improper disposal of tires. Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Thomason also helped get the bill through the legislature. Along with getting rid of tire waste, the bill would also teach people about the dangers of disposed rubber. The bill passed the house this week, 99 to 0.

Garrard Co Judicial Center Work Moving Along

Work is moving along so well at the Garrard County Judicial Center, that officials say it might be open by June. Work is progressing on things like electrical work, plumbing and drywall, and officials say the next step is painting. When all the work's done, the new facility will house district, circuit, family and drug courts, and circuit court clerk offices.

Not Eye to Eye

There's a bill on Governor Steve Beshear's desk right now that would allow optometrists, those who examine the eyes for medical leeway. The Senate passed the bill on February 11; the House passed it on February 18. All it needs now is the governor's signature or ignorance -- either one makes it law, or his veto. If it becomes law, it would allow optometrists to do some of the same things that an opthamologist does: administer drugs, remove lumps from eyelids, do some laser surgery, and give the Board of Optometric Examiners more authority. Optomistrists say they can better serve people if they can do more.

Man Shot Dead After Allegedly Threatening Deputies

Kentucky State Police said a Pulaski County deputy shot a suspect yesterday morning after the man got drunk and fired a weapon at family members. Wayne County dispatch asked Pulaski to send deputies to Jabez, which is on the Pulaski side of Lake Cumberland. When deputies got to the home on Portland Drive, they found James Lane had been drinking and was firing a weapon. Lane's wife and other family members barricaded themselves inside a bedroom. KSP said deputies felt threatened when Lane did not follow instructions to put the gun down, and one of the deputies shot Lane. He was pronounced dead at the scene. KSP is still investigating.

20 Arrested in Year Long Drug Operation

Twenty people were arrested in Casey County on drug trafficking charges this week. Kentucky State Police, Casey County Sheriff's Department and the Liberty Police Department worked together to make it happen. KSP said they used confidential informants who made several drug buys over the past 18 months in the county. Then, on Tuesday, with indictments in hand, police began arresting their suspects. The operation continued on Wednesday and police said even then, they still had more to arrest. All the suspects were charged with trafficking in controlled substances.

Boyle Co Sheriff's Dept Gets New K-9 Officer

Just like their human counterparts, today's K-9 officers are expected to multi task. That means that Boyle County will retire K-9 Tjard, used primarily for narcotics busts for the past decade, and take on a new K-9 officer who can do it all: narcotics, search and rescue, suspect tracking or finding missing persons. Deputy Derek Robbins will handle the new K-9 officer, just as he's handled Tjard. The new K-9 will be paid for with drug seizure money and will cost the department nearly 12 thousand dollars. Tjard helped seize some 300 thousand dollars of that money.

NSO Concert in Somerset Tonight

National Symphony Orchestra tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the The Center for Rural Development, 2292 South U.S. 27 in Somerset. Direct from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the National Symphony Orchestra will present a full orchestra concert.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children and may be purchased online at www.centertech.com, by contacting The Center or visiting the Box Office,

Man Pulls Crash Victims from Car before it Catches Fire

A Russell Springs man is credited with saving two lives after a crash on Tuesday afternoon. Joe Orazen was late to work after a dental appointment in Lexington when he drove by a crash in front of the Stanford Walmart on US 27. A car and a truck collided, throwing the car into the pole that supports a signal light. Orazen broke the car's back window with a sledge hammer and got the driver and passenger out. Orazen said within minutes the car burst into flames. Both were taken to the hospital for treatment. The driver and passenger in the truck refused treatment.

So-Called Bath Salts Used As Drugs With Lethal Consequences

So-called bath salts with names like "Ivory Wave," "Vanilla Sky" and "Bliss" are being sold over the internet and in convenience stores and are being ingested as drugs. The use has spread rapidly across the U.S. prompting law makers to scramble to pass laws in an effort to ban them. Rusty Payne, Spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Agency in Washington says the use can have lethal consequences.







According to Payne, using the name bath salts is just a marketing scheme. The side effects can include heart attacks and psychological effects such as hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. The elation effects are short-lived, leading to addiction. Even scarier is the false perception that they are safe to use.







The two chemicals found in these so-called bath salts are MDPV and methodrone. The substances are being smoked, snorted and injected and have caused deaths in several states.

Chaz Garcia Honored for Junior Guard Program at Lincoln Co HS

Staff Sergeant Chaz Garcia took on the task of starting a Junior Guard Program in Lincoln County. Garcia was commended for his work and dedication to the program yesterday.

Lieutenant said, " Your accomplishments in developing, supporting and resourcing the first accredited Junior Guard Program is a to your dedication to the Kentucky National Guard. Your leadership insight and hard work has proven tremendous success and provided a unique platform for recruiting future warriors and leaders into our organization."

Garcia said that while the commendation is an honor, there's a more important honor...

"What I want out of this is for these young adults to succeed in life. That's what a true honor to me would be."

Garcia's been working with young people in the junior guard program at Lincoln County High School since 2009.

Lettuce Grown at BCHS Could Be A Cash Crop

If you grow it at school, why not serve it at school? That's what Boyle County FFA member Tucker Huntsinger did. His FFA project was to grow lettuce in the Boyle County High School greenhouse and now, he's serving it to fellow students in the cafeteria. He's producing about 250 heads of lettuce every two months or so, so there's plenty to go around. School officials say the lettuce will be a cash crop for Huntsinger and seven others to go to the FFA’s Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. in July.

Smith Retiring

Win Smith is retiring when school's out this year. The Danville High School Principal is eligible for it and said he made the decision a few weeks ago. He and his son plan to work on a motorsports endeavor. Smith has a long history with Danville High School: He graduated from there and then went on to teach there and finally to be its principal, spending 27 years as an educator. He graduated from DHS in 1978. Smith became principal in 2006 when Joseph Payne left to care for his terminally ill mother,then Smith became the school's permanent principal in December 2006.

Pulaski Co Many Jailed on Boyle Co Warrant

A Pulaski County man's in jail waiting to be extradited to Boyle County. Forty one year old Charles T Reed is accused of "deviant sexual conduct" with a minor under 12 years old. Boyle County authorities notified Pulaski County that Reed was wanted and he was located in his home in Somerset last night. Reed's in the Pulaski County Detention Center on a 95 thousand dollar cash bond.

Heart Health and Nutrition Class Held This Thursday at Garrard County Public Library

February is Heart Month and the Garrard County Public Library will hold a special program to celebrate. Director Laura McWilliams says the program is open to all ages and is free.






Once again, that program will be held this Thursday at 3 PM at the Garrard County Public Library in Lancaster.

House Committee Votes To Strengthen Anti-Bullying Law

A House panel in Frankfort heard from a Kentucky teen yesterday who said he was bullied. The panel is looking at enhancing an anti-bullying law now on the books to include outlawing bullying because of sexual orientation, religion or race. The teen said he told classmates that he was gay, and that's when the verbal abuse started. It then led to physical abuse, and his quitting extracurriculars in which he was involved. Lawmakers say the current laws are not strong enough to combat this sort of thing, so they want them made stronger. The committee voted 21-1 to approve House Bill 370, which includes sexual orientation in school bullying policies.

New Jobs Could Be Coming to Garrard Co

About 100 new jobs could be opening up in Garrard County. Mine Shields, Inc. makes metal refuge chambers that protect miners in cave-ins has been headquartered in the old Christian Appalachian Project building in Lancaster for almost year, and has 35 employees. Now, the company wants to expand once the Mine Safety and Health Administration certifies the chamber. After that, Mine Shields plans to hire about 200 more for a second location in the county.

Garrard Chamber has New Executive Director

The Garrard Chamber of Commerce has a new executive director. Amy Morin has a background in business finance and operations since she was a business owner in Maine for more than 20 years. Morin also worked in New Hampshire administering county government in a small community. Word on the street is that since Amy and her husband Phil fell for Garrard County, she can get businesses to do the same and move here!.

IRS Delay In Processing Returns, "Almost Caught Up"

Taxpayers who claimed itemized deductions had to wait until Valentine's Day to file their 2010 returns. According to IRS Spokesman Michael Devine, the delay was caused by the changes in the tax law which meant the IRS had to reprogram their computers.






Devine says the delay affected some people, but will not affect anyone now. He encourages everyone to file early before the April 18th deadline.

Turpin Parole Denied

The Kentucky Parole Board denied Elizabeth Turpin's parole request yesterday, and she won't be eligible to go before them again for ten years. The board said, in denying Turpin, that a life was taken, a deadly weapon was used and called it a serious crime. Turpin, Karen Brown of Lincoln County and Keith Bouchard were all convicted in the 1986 murder of Turpin's husband Michael for his insurance money. Michael Turpin's family members said they were relieved when they heard the board's decision.

Chase Pleads Not Guilty

A Madison Central High School secretary accused of engaging in sexual acts with a 15-year-old boy pleaded not guilty in Madison County district court yesterday. Police charged 37 year old Lynda K. Chase with one count of rape and four counts of sodomy after she admitted last week to her actions in a recorded interview with police The judge did not set bond, and Chase was not jailed because she's in a wheelchair. The judge did prohibit Chase from having any contact with any schools or any students.

NSO Here!

The National Symphony Orchestra is in Kentucky until the 25th with its 2011 American Residences Tour. NSO will be at Danville and Burgin and other schools and will do educational and outreach performances. When Kentucky applied to be a residency state, it meant that lots of people had to come together to make it so. Danville created the Danville Arts Partners to pull several organizations together to get the NSO here. One of the performances will be "Trombone Music Through the Ages" for fifth to eighth graders on Thursday at 10 a.m. in Gravely Hall at Danville High School. There are lots of other events and we'll keep you posted.

Burgin School Gets Special Guest on Thursday

Thursday will be a big day for students at Burgin School. That's the day that Violinist Gelnn Donnellan will perform for students, faculty and staff. He's with the National Symphony Orchestra from Washington DC. Not only that, but he invented something so...oh, you're just not going to believe it! The event on Thursday is only for students.

Chase in Court Today

The Madison Central High School Secretary accused of sex with a 15 year old is expected in court today. Police charged 37 year old Lynda Chase will rape and sodomy, and she admitted to the charges during a taped interview with police. The wheelchair bound woman was not jailed when she was arrested, police said because of her disability.

Board Could Decide Turpin's Parole Today.

Reports indicate that the Kentucky Parole Board could make a decision today as to whether Elizabeth Turpin gets out of prison. Turpin and two others were convicted of killing her husband in 1986. One of those two was Karen Brown from Lincoln County. The parole board already denied her parole.

ATV and Rider Fall Off Cliff

Shopville firefighters were called to the scene of a fatal ATV crash Saturday night. They said that someone called 911 saying they saw go over the cliff and a flash hit the bottom. The Pulaski County Coroner says 46-year-old Tom Stirrett and his ATV fell 250 feet off an overlook along Bolthouse Ridge Road. Stirrett was dead at the scene from blunt force trauma to the chest.

Stanford Poised to Move Ahead With Long-awaited Sewer Project

Stanford has some good news regarding their sewers. For over a year, the city has been unable to put new taps on the existing sewer system because of a state ban, but they have now been granted permission. Mayor Bill Miracle says the project is long overdue.






Once final approval of a bid on the project has been approved, Miracle says they are ready to move forward. He says the project will take around 18 months to complete.

Worker Injured in Four Story Fall

A brick layer fell four stories in Washington County on Friday afternoon. He was working on a dormitory at St Catharine College in Springfield. Reports indicate that the worker fell from an opening in the building, hit a lift that was up in the air, then hit the ground. Emergency crews on the scene said the worker, who's name was not released, had several injuries, including a collapsed lung and a broken arm. He was flown to UK Hospital for treatment.

Tobacco Harvest Gose Up in Smoke

It was a difficult Friday afternoon for everybody involved to watch a man's livelihood go up in smoke. That's what happened though, when about five thousand pounds of tobacco bales caught fire as the farmer who grew and raised the tobacco was taking it to Farmer’s Warehouse in Danville. Officials said Billy Holland of Green County had to stop at a parking lot on US 127 when he saw smoke coming from the trailer carrying the tobacco. Boyle County fire fighters said nobody was hurt, physically, but it hurt to see all that work gone.

Mosier Winns Garrard Co Spelling Bee

Fifth-grader Kaleigh Mosier won the Garrard County District spelling bee Friday afternoon with the word "rhombus". Mosier came in second in the Paint Lick spelling bee to make her way to the county bee. Camp Dick Robinson fifth-grader Savannah Dodson was Mosier's foe, but fell when she added a "e" to the word “corporal.” Since Mosier won the county bee, she'll go on later this year to the state spelling bee in Louisville.

Animal Overpopulation Expected Soon

Pulaski County Public Safety Director Tiger Robinson says there’s a state forestry burn ban currently ongoing, restricting the times and locations where individuals can burn outdoor fires. Robinson said its because its too dry to burn. He said even with all the snow we've had, there's no moisture in the ground to protect from spreading a fire. The ban means that fires cannot be started between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and they have to be 150 feet from any wooded area. The burn ban's in effect until the end of April.

Pulaski County Fires Must Be Burned Carefully

Pulaski County Public Safety Director Tiger Robinson says there’s a state forestry burn ban currently ongoing, restricting the times and locations where individuals can burn outdoor fires. Robinson said its because its too dry to burn. He said even with all the snow we've had, there's no moisture in the ground to protect from spreading a fire. The ban means that fires cannot be started between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and they have to be 150 feet from any wooded area. The burn ban's in effect until the end of April.

Beef Processing Plant Being Planned for Pulaski Co.

Its only in the talking stages, but there are plans in the works for a beef processing plant in Pulaski County. Officials say they're looking for investers, and those investers will want a say in where the plant is located. There's also a question of what incentives will be offered. For paperwork purposes, those who are working on details of the plant, that is expected to employ about 750 people, would be in the Lake Cumberland area.

Garrard County Public Library Asks Community to Fill Out Survey

Garrard County Public Library is asking members of the community to give their two cents worth on what they want from a library plan.






Director Laura McWilliams says the more responses they receive, the better able they will be to make improvements in the library.

Payne Pleads Not Guilty

A Richmond man accused of killing his fiancee and his mother late last year pleaded not guilty yesterday. Police arrested John Payne in December at the Berea Days Inn hotel and Payne admitted to killing both women. Police found their bodies in a house in Richmond.

Madison Central HS Secretary Arrested for Having Sex with Minor

Madison Central High School Secretary, 37 year old Lynda Chase will be in court on Monday, charged with rape and sodomy of a 15 year old student. The charges were being investigated on Wednesday, and the case was quickly given to Kentucky State Police. Chase confessed to engaging in sex with a 15 year old male, as police taped and interview with her. While Chase was arrested and charged, she was not jailed because she's in a wheelchair.

Lincoln County's Fire Rating improves

If you own a home in Lincoln County, you could see your homeowners insurance go down, and you can thank firefighters for that. The Insurance Services Office told Fire Chief Danny Glass that the county's public protection classification has improved. That means that lots of homes are close to fire protection, like a hydrant or fire station. Not all homes will qualify, because some are not close enough to fire protection. But how much will you save? People who know this sort of thing say maybe 25 to 35 percent a year.

Couple Allegedly Steals From Grandmother

The allegedly took as much as 200 thousand dollars from her grandmother. Anne Rush and Benjamin Rush of Danville were indicted yesterday on one count each of exploitation of an adult more than $300 after they allegedly took money from Anne Rush's grandmother, Geraldine Watts for ten months last year. The Rushes moved in with Waits to car for her, and prosecutors say they used her money for themselves. Court documents indicate that even after Waits went into a nursing home, the pair was still spending her money. The Rushes were arrested and bond was set at ten thousand dollars each.

Houseboat Builder to Build Houses

A houseboat building company in Somerset is pulling itself out of the downed economy. Stardust Cruisers says it will build "green" modular homes. Not green as in the color, but green as in environmentally friendly. The green modular homes will be a prototype of the houseboats, but it will be for land, not for water. Stardust says the houses will be built in the houseboat factory in hopes of improving the employment outlook at Lake Cumberland.

Danville Accepting Applications from Agencies

The City of Danville is accepting Applications for Financial Assistance from agencies for appropriations for fiscal 2011. Agencies interested in applying should download the Application from the city's website and return the original and 5 copies to the City Manager by March 18, 2011 in order for an agency to be considered for funding during the city's budget process. The City of Danville Board of Commissioners will carefully consider all eligible requests. For questions, please contact the City Manager.

Burnside and Somerset Vying for Property for Annexation

There's a piece of property between Burnside and Somerset that both cities wanted to annex: Somerset for the number of people it would add to its population, on its way to being a second class city. Burnside for its land and the potential of expanding commercial development. After much back and forth, arguing and carrying on, residents of the Slate Branch area told the Somerset City Council that they didn't want to be annexed by either city.

Junction City Could Start Recycling

Junction City could be getting curbside recycling. The city will be part of the application that Boyle County is putting forth to expand the program. The city plans to used the grant money, if they get it, to make a city trailer available to start collecting items to be recycled this summer. The grant means that two inmates and Public Works director Randy Wells would pick up the recycling, But sorting recyclables is something that county employees would do.

Brown Indicted

A Boyle County grand jury indicted Paul David Brown last week on charges that he allegedly broke into Homestead Mortgage in Danville last May and took about 500 dollars worth of items from the business. The 31 year old Brown is from Lancaster. He fled from police in Jessamine and Garrard Counties, and was captured in Lexington. Brown eluded police in Garrard County on Christmas and then the next day, eluded Nicholasville police by driving through several yard, in two different, allegedly stolen vehicles. He was nabbed in Lexington on January 6 on numerous charges.

Garrard County Getting Major Improvements

Garrard County is getting some major work paid for with money that's not coming from Garrard County. The Department of Transportation will pay for repairs to improvements to four roads. Two wooden bridges will be replaced, and some government buildings improved with grant money. And the county will take on an intern. Tony Young is an EKU student.
Judge-Executive John Wilson said he and Young will work on writing a grant that will put trails in Logan-Hubble Memorial Park. The park is shared with Lincoln County.
Both bridges currently seem sturdy, though the one on Scott’s Fork Road is missing a slat and is in worse condition than the one on Little Road.

Trooper Injured At Scene of Fatal Accident

A Kentucky State Trooper has been injured along with three others in a fatal accident that happened yesterday at around 6:48 AM eight miles east of Richmond. Trooper Chris Chenault, 45 of Lexington, was injured when he was struck by a Madison County EMS while photographing the scene of the fatal accident that killed Roy T. Burgees, 63 of Irvine. The two other injuries were Jillian Willoughby, 26 of Millersburg and Steve A. Skaggs, 53 of Jeffersonville. The accident occurred when Burgess' vehicle crossed the centerline and struck Skaggs' vehicle. The crash remains under investigation.

Turpin Goes Before KY Parole Board Next Week

Now, its Elizabeth Turpin's turn. She's the second lesbian lover in a love triangle who, with her lover Karen Brown, killed Turpin's husband for money. Turpin is now asking for parole, so next Tuesday, she'll go before the Kentucky Parole Board. Turpin, Brown and Keith Bouchard, who all worked together at one point, were convicted of Michael Turpin's murder in 1986. The board decided against parole for Brown earlier this month.

Check Into Cash on Skyview Robbery Suspect Sought

Danville Police are asking for the public's help in locating a suspect involved in an armed robbery at Check Into Cash located on Skyview Drive. The robbery took place at around 9:20 yesterday morning. The suspect is described as a dark skinned man about 6 feet tall wearing blue jeans and a red, windsuit-type jacket.






Assistant Chief Tony Gray says a store clerk was robbed of some personal belongings, but no injuries were reported.

Plan Saves Harrodsburg Fire Dept and City $

Harrodsburg is making some fiscal maneuvers to get its budget in line. Commissioner Marvin “Bubby” Isham said at Monday's meeting that the city could replace two retiring firefighters with four part timers. He said it will lower taxes, allow for a pay increase for full time firefighters and it would not compromise the city's fire protection. And on top of all that, Isham said tax payers would save about seven thousand dollars a year since the city won't be paying for benefits for the part timers.

Casey Co Making Up Snow Days

Like other schools districts in the area, Casey County Board of Education has had to make changes in this year's calendar so that students can make up snow days. To start with, there IS school this Friday. It was scheduled to be a day for teachers only. There's also no President's Day out of school for students next Monday. They'll also give up three days of spring break in April, so it'll be a four-day weekend. Students missed 19 days so far this year because of the weather, and with what the board announced, they're down to 15 that have to be made up. The last day of classes this school year will be May 31, instead of May 20 as originally planned.

Re-Encactors Want Garrard Co Courthouse

Imagine having to ask permission to pillage and steal from the courthouse! That's exactly what a group of Civil War re-enactors did when they went before the Garrard County fiscal court on Monday. The plan is to take the tax roles, so that the Confederacy won't know who did and who did not pay taxes. That's not how it really happened; what really happened was that the courthouse was captured in the Battle of Lancaster. Fiscal Court said they'd think it over for about a month, since the event doesn't happen until July, and they'd get back to the potential pillagers.

Woman Dies Hours After Crash

We told you yesterday about a woman who was involved in a four vehicle crash over the weekend when she ran a red light on Kentucky 300 in Boyle County. The Fayette County coroner said 61 year old Margaret Cook died yesterday at UK Hospital. Police said the people in the three other vehicles involved in the crash were not seriously hurt. A pick up hit Cook's car, causing a chain reaction crash that involved all four vehicles.

Housing Authority Meeting Today

The Housing Authority of Danville meets this morning at 8 o'clock. The meeting is at Danville City Hall at 445 West Main Street in Danville.

Car Hits House in Boyle County

A Mitchellsburg couple was jolted early Sunday when a car slammed into their house. Neither Chris, nor Anna Carroll were hurt when the crash happened. Chris Carroll said he went outside to find the car on its top and on fire. The driver and three passengers got out of the car and waited inside the Carroll's house for emergency responders. Carroll said he heard the car hit a ditch on the neighbor's property, then his car, then his house. The Carroll's house was damaged from the impact of the crash.

Richmond Police Not Looking for Suspects in Double Shooting

We told you yesterday about a double shooting in Richmond on Sunday night that left one man dead and another in critical condition. Police now say they're not looking for any suspects , but are working on whether it might have been a murder-suicide or even a double suicide. Police say the two men, 53 year old James Joe Thacker and 37 year old Danny Joe Thacker are uncle and nephew, and the elder Thacker died at the scene near US 25 in Richmond. Police said both men have previous criminal records.

Man Dies Hours After Traffic Fatal in Somerset

A man died at at UK hospital Monday afternoon about hours after he was hit by a car in Somerset. Police say that Ronnie Cassada was making a right turn onto Monticello Street, when a second car rear ended his. As Cassada got out of his car to check on the other driver, a third car hit Cassada, sending him to the hospital. Police said that both drivers reported the afternoon sun blinded them and they couldn't see the situation in front of them. As of Monday night, no charges had been filed against either driver.

Eubank Woman Killed in Car-Into-House Crash Monday

Kentucky State Police said a Eubank woman was killed early Monday when her car went off a road, became airborne, and hit a house. It happened on White Rock Road, just south of Mount Vernon, in Rockcastle County. KSP said The car that 67-year-old Dessie Smith was driving was heading south, and they're trying to figure out why the car left the road and hit an embankment. The impact caused the car to go airborne and it landed against a house. Smith was pronounced dead at a local hospital, but police do not suspect drugs or alcohol in the crash. The house was slightly damaged.

One Dead, One Critical After Shooting in Richmond

Richmond police say one man is dead, another in the hospital after a shooting yesterday. Police responded to shots fire around 6 p.m. on US 25 on the southern edge of Richmond and found the two in a car with gunshot wounds. The man who survived is at UK Hospital in critical condition. Right now, police have no witnesses to the shooting, and no suspects.

Yeong Gets 30 Months in Corning Conspiracy

A California consultant has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for his part in conspiring to steal highly valuable flat-panel-glass blueprints from Corning Inc. and turn them over to a rival business in Taiwan. Yeong Lin could have been sentenced to as much as five years in prison. He was sentenced last week.
While Lin worked as a consultant for Taiwan-based PicVue Electronics, prosecutors alleged he put PicVue officials in contact with a Corning employee who offered drawings he got illegally from a Corning glassmaking plant in Harrodsburg. Prosecutors said earlier that the materials, for which Corning had to sue to get back, were worth more than 50 million dollars.

Free Valentine Movie Tonight At The Boyle County Library

The Boyle County Library is showing a free movie this evening, just in time for Valentine's Day.






Georgia DeAraujo, Boyle County Public Library Assistant Director says the movie starts at 7 PM. Call the Library at 859.238.7323 for the movie title.

One Arrested, One Treated After Stabbing

One man was hospitalized and another arrested after a fight at the Arby's in Stanford on Friday afternoon. Witnesses said Landon Pullmer and Kevin Johnson, both from Stanford, got into a fist fight and, they said, that Pullmer pulled a knife. He's accused of stabbing Johnson several times. Johnson was taken to the hospital for treatment with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

Two in Trouble After Two County Chase

Two people face several charges after they led police on a chase through two counties on Saturday. The chase started in Pulaski County on Highway 27 and ended when the two crashed into a ditch on Kentucky 92 in Wayne County. The suspects were IDed as Shawn Richmond and Geneva Chitwood. Police said the two fled after the allegedly broke into Shiloh Equipment Company.

Boyle Co Investigating $15,000 Theft of Antiques

Boyle County investigators said on Saturday that they have no leads yet in the theft of about 15 thousand dollars worth of Civil War era collectibles, including currency, coins and weapons from a Perryville antique dealer. They said there is some evidence they might develop, like the fact that whoever did it wanted something sweet to eat since they broke into the pastry case at Merchants Row Cafe and Antiques where the missing items were stolen and apparently took some donuts. Sheriff's officials said the theft happened Friday night.

Noble's Records Needed to Defend Napier

February 21 could be the day that a Lincoln County judge makes a ruling in the murder case against Jason Napier. Napier is accused of beating his ex-girlfriend's son Nathaniel to death in 2009. February 21 is when there's a pretrial conference scheduled, and the judge has been asked to decide if allowing the defense to see Jessica Noble's medical records. She's Nathaniel's mother, and is serving a 15 year sentence for her part in the four year old's death. She agreed to testify against Napier for a lesser sentence in the case. The defense says Noble's records are necessary to defend Napier.

Intense Fire Engulfs Historic "Old Matheny Place"

The fire broke out around midnight Friday night and kept crews on the scene until about six, Saturday morning. When it was over, an historic home was destroyed. It happened near Ottenheim in Lincoln County. Firefighters described the place on Kentucky 1770 as a huge old house. They said the fire burned long, and intense, engulfing the house. The people who lived in what's called "the old Matheny place" got out safely. Fire officials said temperatures were so cold that at one point, they had no trucks that were not frozen.

School Closings and Delays for Friday, February 11, 2011

We have school closings and delays this morning, though not as many as yesterday.

Casey County Schools closed, but staff report
Garrard County Schools on a one hour delay
Lincoln Christian Academy is on its snow plan
Lincoln County Schools closed
Pulaski County Schools closed

Tickets To Be Distributed For National Symphony Orchestra Event

This is Kentucky's year to have the National Symphony Orchestra do a series of workshop and concerts in various communities. Danville will have three of those events with a special one for children at the Boyle County Library.






While the event is free, seating is limited. Georgia DeAraujo, Boyle County Public Library Assistant Director says that tickets will be distributed starting Monday at the library.

KY Legislature Wants Dropout Age Raised

In 2009, six thousand kids dropped out of school in Kentucky. Now, the general assembly is working to change that. The House has passed a bill that gradually moves the legal age when a student can drop out of school from 16 to 17 in 2015, then up to 18 in 2016. The Senate gets it next, but senators say it could have a tougher road there, as they say the bill won't have much impact. It passed the House by a 91 to 8 vote.

County Deputy Saves City Officer's Life

As several law enforcement officer who work overnights in Danville and Boyle County shared a meal at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center cafeteria early Sunday morning, Danville police officer Daniel Grigsby started choking. That's when Boyle County Deputy Sheriff Jeff Stith went into action. He performed the Heimlich maneuver on Grigsby. Stitch got his airway opened, and Grigsby was breathing again. Some nurses were standing by and checked out Grigsby in case he needed further medical attention. Grigsby said he was grateful that Stith saved his life.

Two Countis Team Up for Grant

Officials from both Mercer and Boyle Counties teamed up this week to apply for a 165 thousand dollar regional Hazardous waste disposal grant. The grant is for a one day event where residents of both counties can dispose of hazardous materials, like fluids from cars, flammable liquids, and fire extinguishers. Boyle County unanimously approved the grant application this week, and Mercer County will give its final approval on February 22.

Danville City Commission Meeting Monday

Don't forget, there's a Danville City Commission meeting on Monday, February 14. It starts at 5:30 p.m. and commission members will put their hearts into their work!

SCHOOL CLOSINGS for Thursday, February 10, 2011

We haven't had this for a few days, but we do have some school closings.

Boyle County Schools are closed
Burgin Independent School is closed
Casey County Schools are closed
Danville Schools are closed
Danville Christian Academy is closed
Danville Montessori School is closed
Dunbar Head Start-Pulaski County is closed
Garrard County Schools are closed
Liberty Head Start is closed
Lincoln Christian Academy is on its snow plan
Lincoln County Schools are closed
Mercer County Schools are closed
Pulaski County Schools are closed
Rockcastle County Schools are closed
Somerset Independent is closed

Man Robs Business, Punches Clerk

A man who allegedly robbed a Danville check cashing business at gunpoint on Tuesday also apparently punched the clerk in the face. Danville Police have no description of the man, but said he came into the Check into Cash on Skywatch Drive near Kroger about 11 a.m with a handgun, demanded money, punched the clerk and fled. Police said he likely fled on foot, but while police followed footprints in the snow, they did not find him. Witnesses said the suspect wore a black hooded jacket, blue jeans and a bandana-like cloth over his face. Anyone with information should call Danville Police.

Plea Negotiations Ongoing in Murder Case

There's been no agreement yet on a plea for a woman accused of killing her mother for insurance money. Twenty-four-year-old Megan Brooks and Paul Estes are accused of helping to suffocate her mother Debroa Brooks to get her life insurance money. Megan Brooks' attorney came to court in Mercer County with a new offer in the plea negotiations, but Commonwealth’s Attorney Richie Bottoms said he wanted to discuss it with Debora Brooks' family, but he felt it would not be accepted. Court information indicates that the case is eligible for the death penalty as Brooks and Estes were pursuing money when Debora Brook was killed. Brooks and Estes have been held in the Boyle County Detention Center under $200,000 cash bonds since they were arrested. The next court date is March 8.

Four Council Members Abstain from Discussion for Possible Conflict of Interest

When your mayor and several of your city council members work for the school system, it makes it difficult to conduct business. Such the case with Lancaster city council and Garrard County Schools. Three council members are teachers and Mayor Brenda Powers is the school district's community education director. So when Garrard County Superintendent Donald Aldridge asked the council to cut him a break with the district's water bill because 700 thousand gallons of water was lost in a leaky pipe, the city attorney suggested the four not say anything, as it would give the appearance of a conflict of interest. In the end, City Attorney Leonard Smith said the policy was for only one adjustment every 12 months, and the district received an adjustment on a bill last October.

Valentine's Day Deliveries Do Not Disrupt Class At Boyle County

Sometimes, deliveries on Valentine's Day at high and middle schools can cause disruptions in class, but that is not the case at Boyle County, according to High School secretary Sherry Bodner.






Delivers must be made after 1 PM and no glass or balloons can be taken on buses.

Nemes' Bill Would Impose Term Limits

Representative Mike Nemes from Louisville said that yesterday he filed a bill to amend the Kentucky Constitution to put term limits on state legislators. It means that House and Senate members could serve no more than three consecutive terms. Nemes’ bill would also extend the number of years a legislator would serve between elections. House members would go from two to four years, and terms for members of the Senate would increase from four to six years. He said this would keep some continuity in the chambers.

Abandoned House Fire Could be Arson

Lincoln County fire investigators are looking into arson as the cause of a fire at an abandoned house. Station five was called to the scene around 7 p.m. on Saturday and the house was engulfed and they said was a total loss. The fire at the house on Kentucky 1247 kept firefighters on the scene for about four hours.

Fuller Center Wants to Create Homeowners

The Springfield Fuller Center for Housing is looking for families interested in owning a home. Cathy Carrico is the secretary for the center and said there's an informational meeting on February 15 at 6:30 p.m.at Cornerstone Christian Church. That's also one of the places where applications can be picked up. So is Community Action. Those at the meeting will learn how new homeowners are chosen, and how to get a zero percent, 20 year mortgage by partnering with the Fuller Center.

Heart of Danville Bridal Hop Scheduled For February 19th

Brides will be gathering in Danville on February 19th to take part in the Bridal Hop, a Heart of Danville Main Street Program.






Jeanie Collier, Events Coordinator for the Heart of Danville says the event will take place from 10 AM to 3 PM. A free gift bag and maps are available at 215 West Main Street. Parking is free. Call (859) 236-1909 for more information.

Lacaster Interim Police Chief Saves City Money

Lancaster's interim Police Chief is making some changes to save money, and the city says they're good changes, Chief Allen Weston said he's picked up some more hours since he takes home a salary, thereby saving the department some overtime that officers would have to pick up and be paid for. Weston said by doing that he save the city about 36 hundred dollars last month. He said he can't work 14 hour days all the time, but by hiring some part time officers to cover the hours, he can still save the city about 43 thousand dollars.

First Field to Fork Fest This Summer

Garrard County holds its first “Field to Fork Festival” this summer. There will be everything imaginable to teach festival goers about where our food comes from and how it get on our plates. The festival will be on the grounds of Halcomb’s Knob Farm, six miles from I-75, exit 76, in Paint Lick. Right now the plan is for 45 vendors, a 25 stall farmer's market and 24 "sustainable edible workshops” held all day. So far, there are two sponsors, and organizers are looking for more. If you want to get involved, go to fieldtoforkfestival.com

Garrard County Economic Development Takes on Intern

Garrard County Economic Development is taking on an intern for the semester. Tyler Lane is from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, but graduated from Centre College in Danville in January of this year. GCED Director Nathan Mick said Lane will help the organization pursue businesses that want to come to the area. He will also work on the GrowingGarrard.com website and help market the organization to potential businesses.

Bill Would Make Pseudoephedrine a "Legend " Drug

A Kentucky lawmaker wants to make pseudoephedrine harder to get than just an over the counter drug. Representative David Floyd of Bardstown filed a bill in the House yesterday, which if passed would make products containing pseudoephedrine a Legend drug, and available through the determination of a pharmacist, or by a prescription from a medical practitioner. A Legend drug is not considered a controlled substance. The Republican said his proposal is a compromise between showing ID for the drug and having to get a prescription from a doctor. Pseudoephedrine is the main component in methamphetamine. Under Floyd's bill, pharmacists would have to ask a series of questions and that information would go into a tracking database to try to catch those who go from one store to another seeking the drug. It would also hold pharmacists responsible as the front line in combating its use in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

KSP Investigates Dead Woman During Traffic Stop

Kentucky State Police are investigating a death after a commercial vehicle was stopped on I-75 near Richmond. Two troopers stopped a vehicle they said was driving erratically and saw an unresponsive female passenger. Madison County EMS made the scene, and the woman was declared deceased by the deputy coroner. The driver, 31 year old Chasity Hall of Mount Sterling, Kentucky was charged several possession and driving offenses and taken to the Madison County Detention Center. A third passenger was not charged. Police said the death is being investigated as a possible overdose. The victim has been identified as 42 year old Lisa Rogers of Mount Sterling, Ky.

man to be Sentenced today for Stealing Corning Information

A man who stole Corning designs from the plant in Harrodsburg, albeit through a third party, will be sentenced today. Federal proscrutorz said that Yeong Lin could get up to five years in prison after he put officials from PicVue Electronics in touch with a man who stole blueprints from Corning. Corning got their information back but only after they sued PicVue. Officials said Corning's information was worth at least 50 million dollars.

Stolen Car Found, Pair Arrested

What was going on in the Somerset K-mart parking lot Friday night? Police said it was suspicious, so they investigated. That's when they also found a stolen car. Police got the call around 6 p.m. and found 45-year-old Winston Wright of Somerset and 19-year-old Fadale Zamora of Danville and a 2008 Nissan Murano. Police ran the car's information through their computer and found it to be stolen from Covington. They arrested Zamora fopr receiving stolen property over ten thousand dollars and Wright for carrying a concealed weapon and took the pair to the Pulaski Count Detention Center.

China Will Be the Topic at Monthly Friends of the Boyle County Library Meeting

Friends of the Boyle County Library will host "Shanghai: 1920s Flappers to 2010s Tycoons" 7 p.m. Thursday in the library community room. Kyle Anderson who teaches Chinese language and culture at Centre College is the featured speaker.






Georgia DeAraujo, Boyle County Public Library Assistant Director says the program is free and open to the public.

Man Leads KSP on Chase Through Somerset

One man is in jail after he led Kentucky State Police on a chase in Pulaski County. KSP said 55-year old Vernon Tyree faces assault and criminal mischief charges, DIU, fleeing and evading and traffic violations, as he also nearly hit a pedestrian with his SUV. Police said Tyree allegedly attacked a man and as police investigated that complaint, Tyree led them on a chase through Somerset.

Four Hurt in Four Vehicle Crash in Boyle Co

Four people were hurt in a four vehicle crash in Boyle County yesterday morning. Sheriff's investigators said that around 7:30 a.m., 61-year-old Margaret Cook of Junction City was heading west on Kentucky 300 and apparently ran a red light at US 127. Her car was hit by a pick up truck that 24 year-old Timothy B. Johnson of Danville was driving. Neither he nor is passenger were hurt. The truck then hit a truck that 39-year-old Shane Whittaker of Hustonville was driving. He was treated at the hospital and released. Both pick ups then hit 28 year old Heather Preston's car. She and her two year old child were treated and released. Cook was airlifted to UK Hospital for treatment.

National Symphony Orchestra in Danville Feb 24

The Kennedy Center's website says that the National Symphony Orchestra will be performing throughout Kentucky from February 17 through the 25, and will include a stop in Danville, and one in Somerset. It's the orchestra's 2011 American Residency, and the orchestra will take part in more than 100 educational outreach programs. The NSO will be in Danville on February 24.

Commodiites Distributed in Casey County

Commodities will be distributed to income-eligible Casey County residents from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow at the Casey County Recycling Center at 1175 Campbellsville Street in Liberty. Recipients are asked to bring their own containers.

Details of Angela Singleton's Murder Surfacing

More details are coming out about the murder of Angela Singleton. Kentucky State Police said Jason Singleton had been gathering items used to cut and saw. When KSP troops got a warrant to search Singleton's home in Madison County, the warrant was specific to quote -- "any item that could be used as cutting/chopping instruments in the dismemberment" of a body. Angela Singleton's body was found dismembered and in plastic bags on January 19 and her car was found, burned, in Lexington. Jason Singleton was arrested in Somerset on January 20 after holding hostages and a standoff with police. He's still in the Pulaski County Detention Center.

More Winter Weather Today

Winter Weather Advisory issued this morning for Casey, Garrard and Lincoln Counties that expires at 10 o'clock tonight.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICES SAYS: RAIN WILL GRADUALLY CHANGE TO SNOW DURING THE DAY SOUTHEAST OF THE OHIO RIVER. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LOUISVILLE HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW, WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 4 THIS AFTERNOON TO 10 EST THIS EVENING. RAIN WILL CHANGE TO SNOW BY LATE THIS AFTERNOON WITH UP TO ONE INCH OF ACCUMULATION BEFORE TAPERING OFF BY LATE EVENING. A SLUSHY ACCUMULATION OF SNOW IS EXPECTED ON ROADWAYS DURING THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL. SINCE PAVEMENT TEMPERATURES WILL BE RELATIVELY WARM. MOST OF THE ACCUMULATION WILL BE ON GRASSY AND ELEVATED SURFACES. MUCH COLDER AIR IS MOVING INTO THE REGION THIS EVENING COULD QUICKLY FREEZE WET ROADWAYS.

Pulaski Water Rates Double

Double the bill for the same amount of water is what a lot of Pulaski County residents saw when they opened their water bills for January. It seems Southeastern Water Association went to the Public Service Commission to ask for a rate increase so they could improve their infrastructure, and they got it. So now, Southeastern is spending more than five million dollars on those improvements, and their customers are paying for it -- twice what they had been paying for water at the end of 2010. Those concerned about the increase are encouraged to attend tomorrow's fiscal court meeting at 10 a.m.and the Southeastern Water Association Board meeting on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Pulaski Co Woman Burned in Trash Fire Dies

The Pulaski County woman who accidentally set herself on fire while burning trash died over the weekend. Officials say 78-year old Edna Meece's clothes caught fire as she burned trash in a pile at a home in Shopville last Thursday. Meece put the fire out by rolling on the ground, but her family said she suffered third degree burns. The Fayette County Coroner said Meece died at UK Hospital Saturday night.

Audit Shows Stanford Reserves Low

Messy paperwork, lost paperwork and unintentional missing paperwork are some of what accountant Craig Butler said caused the city of Stanford to have a reserve that's just under 93 thousand dollars. He said that while there's no set amount, or any amount at all that a city has to have in reserves, Stanford has about five percent of its total expenditures for last year. He said he'd like to see 15 to 20 percent. Mayor Bill Miracle said they tried to remedy that by cutting expenses. He also said that annexing would bring in about 40 thousand dollars through June and about 20 thousand dollars a year thereafter. Miracle made no comment about firing clerk Sandy Gooch last fall.

Man Busted in Drug Raid

A two week investigation by Kentucky State Police drug investigators and Lincoln County deputies led to confiscating a stash of cash, drugs and vehicles in a raid on a McKinney home last week. Police arrested 61-year-old Julian Farmer at his home, charging him with trafficking in a controlled substance. Police got about 300 doses of prescription meds and about 12 thousand dollars in cash. They also got two vehicles. Farmer was taken to the Lincoln County Regional Jail.

Two Hurt in Three Vehicle Crash on Saturday

Two people were hurt Saturday in a three vehicle crash on the south Danville bypass near O’Charley’s restaurant. Police said that 40-year-old Reuben Harness of Danville and an unidentified passenger in his vehicle were taken to the hospital after the noon crash. Police said Harness was trying to turn on to the bypass from Brent Avenue when his car was hit by a Ford Expedition that 34-year-old Jeremy Shryock of Midway was driving. Police said Shryock was eastbound on the bypass and couldn't stop at a red light at the intersection of Brent Avenue. That's when he collided with a car that 30-year-old Catherine Gooch of Danville was driving. Police said the force of the collision sent Shryock’s vehicle into Harness’s sedan. Police said alcohol is not a suspected contributor to the crash.

Former Junction City Chief Sues to Get Job Back

Was Junction City's mayor drunk? Former police chief Jimmy Gipson says so, and that's what he alleges in his law suit. Gipson filed to suit to get his job back. He said he called another police agency to investigate Mayor Jim Douglas' alleged drinking on the job. Gipson said his calling that other agency is why Douglas fired him, and he wants his job back. Gipson's complaint, filed last week in Boyle Circuit Court says he wants his job, back pay and punitive damages that are not specified. Douglas has 20 days to respond.

Danville To Hold Community Blood Drive

Danville will hold a Community Blood drive this Wednesday from noon until five.






Denise Fields, Marketing and Communications Manager says the blood drive will be in the Kentucky Blood Center mobile unit at 445 West Main Street.

Danville High School Wins Prestigious Energy Star Award

Danville High School is only one of six high schools in Kentucky to earn the U.S. Environmental Agency's prestigious Energy Star Award. Danville High School principal Win Smith says the award sends a good message to the kids and the community on how to be energy efficient.






To earn the Energy Star, a K-12 school must perform in the top 25 percent nationwide with regard to energy consumption.

Operation UNITE Unites in Frankfort

There is support in Kentucky for making psueodephedrine a prescription only drug, or a controlled substance. Lots of people rallied in Frankfort yesterday to show that support. Operation UNITE says other states that have passed similar measures and have seen the number of meth labs decrease dramatically. Pseudoephedrine is the main ingredient in methamphetamine. The Kentucky Senate takes up the measure next week.

Napier Gets New Attorney, New Trial Date

He has a new attorney, a new trial date, but the same murder charge. Thirty-three year old Jason Napier of Stanford is accused of beating four year old Nathaniel Knox to death in July of 2009. The trial was set to start on February 11, but its been moved to March 28, and Napier is in jail on a quarter million dollar cash bond. The child's mother is already doing time since she pleaded guilty to related charges last year. Jessica Noble is in prison for 15 years. After Napier hired a new lawyer, the judge allowed for a new trial date so the attorney could get up to speed on the case.

Barn on Elm Street Burns Down

What was once the place for auctions on Elm Street is no more. The barn burned to the ground yesterday morning and Lincoln County Fire Chief Danny Glass said it burned hot, but was out by about 9 a.m. He said his crews were on the scene for a while longer putting out hot spots. Glass said he didn't know how the fire started. He did know when it started because officials at the 911 center said it was around 6 a.m. when they got the call. Six fire companies responded to the call.

Lincoln Co Looks for New Superintendenht

Lincoln County is officially looking for a new superintendent. The school district has a screening committee in place and it held its first meeting this week, albeit closed to the public. That's how a lot of the process to find a replacement for Larry Woods who resigned in June will be. As the search committee takes applications, interviews, narrows down the search and interviews more then makes an offer, the stakeholders in the county's educational system will not be privy to all that. The six members of the screening committee learned this week what would be acceptable and what would not be in the search for a new superintendent. The committee hopes to bring the board of education a new superintendent at the end of March.

Pulaski Co Woman Catches Fire

A Somerset woman was hospitalized after she was burned as she burned trash at her Pulaski County home yesterday. Sheriff's officials said 78 year old Edna Meece's clothing caught fire just after 11 a.m. outside her house on James Taylor Road. Fire officials said Meece was burning trash in a pile outside her home, her clothing caught fire, and she was able to stop, drop and roll to put the fire out. Then she called 911. Meece was flown to the UK Burn Center with first and second degree burns.

Somerset Helps with Housing

The City of Somerset is again looking to provide housr for the elderly and families in need. The mayor and council passed an affordable house measure that gives 25 thousand dollars a year to build or rehab up to ten homes a year. Families can get help through the Somerset Housing Authority. The city will decide who will get the assistance. The money coms from the Housing Authority to city's budget.

Even Trial Judge Asks That Convicted Murders Not be Paroled

Not only the victim's family, but the judge who presided over the murder trial of the two women who carried out the murder 25 years ago went before the Kentucky parole board in Frankfort this week to beg the board not th free the convicts. Elizabeth Turpin and Karen Brown of Lincoln County, were convicted in 1986 of killing Elizabeth's then new husband Michael Turpin over money. He was stabbed 19 times with a parring knife and his body found February 1986. Karen Brown has already met with two members of the parole board who could not come to a decision about her parole. Now, the full nine member board will take it up on Monday. Elizabeth Turpin's hearing is in mid-February, Michael Turpin's parents and brother told the board that their lives are quote -- "over and these two women are still alive." Judge Armand Angelucci asked also that the two not be freed. He said quote -- ."If you release them, it will be a slap in the face of justice."

Beshear Touts Positives in State of the Commonwealth Addressd

Governor Steve Beshear said in his State of the Commonwealth address last night that Kentucky is coming out of the recession. As proof, he told legislators that in the last year and a half, nearly 250 companies have invested almost $2.2 billion. in Kentucky. More than half of Kentucky's manufacturers plan to hire this year. Unemployment rates are down in 84 counties from a year ago. State receipts were up almost five and a half percent through the first half of the year – the first time in three years that revenues aren't falling short of projections. The prison populations are dropping and the governor pointed to several other positives in Kentucky that he said outlined moving away from recession.

Grand Jury Gets Singleton Hostage Case

The case of the man accused of taking hostages in Somerset two weeks ago, after reporting his wife missing, goes to a grand jury. Jason Singleton was in Pulaski County District Court on Monday for a preliminary hearing. He's accused of taking hostages at Super Service on January 20, for which he was arrested. As police investigated that incident, they found a short time later that Singleton's wife Angela, who had been reported as missing, was found dead in Madison County the day previous. Singleton would be charged with killing her, but is still in the Pulaski County Detention Center on the hostage and police stand off charges

Second Rockslide in Two weeks at Garrard-Jessamine Co Line

Another rockslide on Sunday night affected part of US 27 in Garrard County and its the second time in almost two weeks that it's happened. This time, it happened near the Jessamine-Garrard County line on the east side of 27. The road was cleared by Monday morning, and its believed that several vehicles may have been damaged in the slide. No one was hurt in the rock slide.

Vault Issue at Cemetery Solved

Remember when we told you that a man presented concerns about Danville's cemeteries to the city commission last week? Well, they held a special meeting on Monday to talk about them. City engineer Josh Morgan confirmed, in his state of the cemeteries discussion, many of the issues that Jim Talley talked about. Others at Monday's meeting brought up concerns about Hillsdale and Bellevue cemeteries. Mayor Bernie Hunstand said they came to no conclusions but the did identify several issues. One issue was put to rest, though. Assistant City attorney Stephen Dexter said yes, some of the vaults Mr Talley mentioned had been moved, but not unearthed, and not moved far -- just enough to make room for one more vault. He said no statutes were violated.

McConnell Visits McDowell Med Center

Senator Mitch McConnell was here late last month -- we told you about that -- and he visited Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center. The Senator met with the hospital's leadership team, board members and local doctors. They discussed health care reform with McConnell and how it would affect health care workers. The hospital's president and CEO, Vicki Darnell, said the hospital depends on getting reimbursed for patient care with uninterrupted access to the dollars that the government sends here. She said with reform in its current state, that access could be interrupted. McDowell was the only hospital that McConnell visited on his recent trip to the area.