Recycling Center Changes Hours

The Danville-Boyle County Recycling Center is changing its hours. Boyle County Solid Waste Coordinator Donna Fechter said the change in hours will show the efficiency of the different locations. She told city and county officials that the Perryville, Alum Springs and Mitchellsburg sites will be open 40 hours a week, Gose Pike will stay at 60 hours a week and Forkland will be open 32 hours a week. Fechter said the number of hours at each site also reflect the business each takes in.

Man Arrested for Buying Sex

We told you about those two parents arrested for selling their daughters for sex, and some of that activity took place in Lancaster. Now, a man's been arrested for buying the sex. Twenty three year old Alexander Gomez Lopez faces a charge of first-degree unlawful transaction with a minor after a police investigation turned up a picture of him on Anthony and Kathy Hart's digital camera. Their daughters were in the picture too. Lopez is here illegally so he's also facing those charges and is in the Madison County Jail on 25 thousand dollars bond. Anthony and Kathy Hart were arrested last week for selling their daughters for sex..

Boyle, Lincoln Cunties Get Grants

Boyle and Lincoln counties have grants that will help in preserving local government records. The grants come from the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Boyle County has more than 14 thousand dollars and Lincoln County has more than 46 thousand dollars. Each of the counties can use the grants to pay to have permanent records put on microfilm.

TADD Wants You To Pledge Not To Text and Drive

April is National Distracted Driver Awareness month. In response to numerous deaths caused by texting and driving, lawyer, Jason Epstein from Seattle, WA. and other law groups from around the nation founded Teens Against Distracted Driving or TADD, a program intended to educate teens about the dangers of driving while distracted. Epstein says that texting and driving is especially deadly for teenagers.







TADD has a pledge you can sign at www.teensagainstdistracteddriving.com. Kentucky currently has a ban of all cell phone use for anyone under the age of 18.

Coal interests critical

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says we are tired of the White House paying lip service to our struggles, while privately backing efforts that are damaging to industries like coal. Lawmakers representing miners say the Obama administration’s push for capping greenhouse gases is like an assault on coal – which has long been the life-blood of many rural communities in Kentucky.

Win Horse Training

Heads up horse owners! You can win two hours of free horse training. Natural horsemanship trainer Holly Williamson will give the training on April 16 at TC Feeds and Pet Center in Junction City. Spectators at TC Feeds' Spring Horse Day can also ask questions and Williamson says she'll answer them during the training. So sign up at TC Feeds and the winner will be drawn on April 9.

Danville Offers Water for Sale to Lancaster

Lancaster officicals have learned that they could meet future water demands, by spending millions of dollars and taking out millions in loans. So the city of Danville is offering to sell water to Lancaster. If there's any question as to its quality, Danville already has a customer base: besides its own residents, Danville sells water to Lake Village Water Association, Garrard County Water Association and more. Officials in Danville say the city only uses about 40 percent of the water its allowed to use out of Lake Herrington. Lancaster would still have to build a pipe to get the water from Danville, so its an issue that the Lancaster city council will continue to consider.

Hatter Selected as Lincoln Co Schools Superintendent

She can now remove the word "interim" from her title, because Karen Hatter has been selected the Lincoln County Schools Superintendent. The Board of Education searched for two months, then decided not to search any more, but give the nod to the person who knew the role the best. Hatter had been an assistant superintendent before becoming the interim superintendent for the past nine months. Hatter will work under a four year contract worth 110 thousand dollars a year. Her climb to the top started as a student in Lincoln County schools, graduating, going to college and returning to teach, and move on from there.

General Fund Presentatoin Meeting Today

There's a special called meeting this afternoon for the general fund presentation. The meeting is at the County Energy R.E.C.C. Community Room at 1009 Houstonville Road in Danville. The meeting is at 5:30 p.m.

Williams, Farmer Coming to Lancaster Friday

The Kentucky GOP gubernatorial race will be in the area when Republican candidate David Williams and his running mate, Richie Farmer are in Lancaster on Friday. They'll meet their electorate from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Garrard County Extension Office on Stanford Road.

Lincoln County in the Middle of Health Rankings

According to the annual County Health Rankings, released yesterday by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Lincoln County ranked in the middle of Kentucky's 120 counties. The county is 52nd of 120 with adult smoking, drinking and obesity below 50 percent. In a news release, Kentucky Public Health Commissioner William Hacker, M.D. said quote -- "This report provides a broader understanding of the health issues affecting our state," Boone County was number one, while Knott County was number 120.

Cats In Houston

It's Thursday. The big game's on Saturday and so the Wildcats are in Houston. They left yesterday on a chartered flight to Houston. Before the plane, they left Wildcat lodge on a bus amid hordes of fans cheering them on as the headed to the airport. UK plays Uconn in the later game on Saturday night around 8:45 p.m.

Free Tax Help Available to those Who Qualify

Free tax help is available for persons whose household income is less than $49,000. Vicki Gooch, Case Worker at the Salvation Army in Danville says the service, which is sponsored by the Heart of Kentucky United Way.







Various levels of preparation are available. Your combined household income must be less than $49,000 and you cannot have served in the military within the last year.

Danville Trying to Pay Bills

The city of Danville is trying to find money for everything the city needs. at Monday's city commission meeting the full commission decided to hold off on some regular expenses like landscaping, favoring instead to find the money to upgrade the fire department's communications system. Chief Woody Ball told the commission that the department's radios need to be converted from analog to digital. City commissions discussed whether they'd move money from the current budget to cover that, or wait until the next fiscal year that starts in July. The cost of the conversion is abut 160 thousand dollars and Ball said if the conversion for all of the city's communications systems are not upgraded, the FCC can revoke licenses for its radio frequencies..”

D2 Simulator Comes to Boyle County High School

Today, students at Boyle County High School will experience real life exposure to the dangers of distracted driving through use of the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety's D2 Simulator. Young Drivers Program Coordinator, Brad Franklin says that teenagers, and some adults, need that wake up call to understand how dangerous distracted driving can be.







Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teenage deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Kentucky, texting while driving is illegal. It is also illegal for persons under the age of 18 to talk on cell phones while driving.

Centre College Going for Pres Debate

Maybe the fourth time's the charm. Centre College will try again to host a presidential debate before the 2012 election. The college was one of 19 places being looked at to host a debate in 2008, and it hosted a vice presidential debate in 2000. That was between Joe Lieberman and Dick Cheney. The application for the latest chance is due on to the Commission on Presidential Debates Thursday. Centre came in second in 08, so they've decided to try again and maybe become the big winner.

Agencies, Municipalities Get Grants

Lincoln and Garrard counties are just two six district counties that got federal dollars on Monday, hand delivered by US Representative Ben Chandler of Kentucky. The checks were grants for programs in the counties. Chandler said they are pieces of a 140 thousand dollar pie. And there were 13 pieces cut of pie that made things sweeter for the city of Crab Orchard, Lincoln County Fiscal Court, Main Street in Stanford and others who got part of the Bluegrass PRIDE money.

Driver Swerves to Miss Deer, Hits Tree

Kentucky State Police are investigating a one vehicle crash that happened last night in Casey County. KSP said 22 year old Richard Marrapodi of Liberty was heading north on Poplar Level Road just north of Liberty when he swerved to miss a deer in the road and slammed into a tree. Troopers said Marrapodi was wearing a seatbelt and was taken to Ephraim McDowell in Danville with non-life threatening injuries.

Danville Woman Killed in Sunday Crash

A Danville woman was killed in a crash on Sunday. Police said that 77 year old Ann L McChord was driving through the intersection of Thoroughbred Drive Connector and US 150 late Sunday morning. They said a pick up truck ran the light and hit McChord's vehicle. McChord was taken to UK Hospital and pronounced dead about 12 hours later. Police said she was wearing her seat belt. There's no word on the pick up's driver or any passengers.

Final Four Tickets on Sale

Do you want Final Four tickets? UK is playing! The university is now taking applications for the tickets. You can go online to ukathletics.com/tickets for the application. You can buy two lower level tickets at face value, which is 280 dollars each, and those are without a hotel. All ticket applications have to be submitted by 5 p.m. today. If all the tickets are not sold by that time, the rest will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

State Offers Free GED Test

Normally it costs 55 dollars to take the GED test. But through June 30, the state is offering free GED testing. Kentucky Adult Education is footing the bill for the tests. The free classes leading to the free GED test are available through adult education programs in all of Kentucky's 120 counties. To take the GED test, students have to take the practice GED to prepare for the actual test. The GED is not an online test, but can only be administered with pencil and paper, so those who want to take the test have to go to a testing center. More information is at www.kentuckyged.org.

Two Mega Milliosn Winners in KY

Some people in New York may have won the big prize, 312 million dollars, a few people in Kentucky won some smaller prizes...if a quarter million dollars is a small prized. Two tickets were actually in the Bluegrass worth a quarter million dollars a piece. The winning tickets were sold in Verona and Louisville. The Kentucky Lottery Commission says anybody who holds a winning lottery ticket should sign it right away. The winner has 180 days to claim their prize.

Volunteers Wanted for Clean Up

Volunteers, please report for duty! Okay, its not a draft notice, but those who want to help with Civil War reenactments can go to civilwar.org to volunteer for next weekend's clean up event. No need to bring your musket, but maybe some stone mason tools if you have them, volunteers will be cleaning up and restoring national Civil War sites. In Kentucky, The Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site in Boyle County is one place where the clean up will happen, and there are more throughout the commonwealth. Again, go to civilwar.org for more.

Emma's Cafe Burns to the Ground

Emma's Cafe in Liberty burned to the ground yesterday morning. Fire officials said a woman jogging by around 8 a.m. saw the fire and called 911. Fire fighters contained the fire to the one building, but could not save the popular restaurant. Several regulars to Emma's said it was the place where anybody, with money or without, could eat. Firefighters said they didn't know how the fire started, but that it started in the ceiling of the restaurant.

Republican Govornor Hopefuls Spend Weekend Campaigning

The three Republican gubernatorial candidates were out this weekend drumming up support of their electorate. Bobbie Holsclaw was raising money in Washington DC, while Louisville Businessman Phil Moffett and Kentucky senate president David campaigned in the Bluegrass. They'll all three face each other in the May 17 Republican primary to see who will take on Democratic incumbent Governor Steve Beshear, who's running unopposed.

Two Indicted on Rape, Sodomy Charges

Two were indicted last week in Boyle County in separate rape cases for allegedly having sex with a girl under 14 years old. The grand jury indicted 37 year old Benjamin Roberts of Danville on 28 counts in all -- seven counts of rape and seven counts of sodomy for allegedly having sex with a juvenile female from July of last year through February of this year. Roberts also faces 14 counts of being an habitual offender. His bond was set at 200 thousand dollars. Then, the grand jury indicted 39 year old T.J. Preston of Junction City for the same crime. He faces two counts of rapes and two of sodomy for allegedly having sex will a juvenile earlier this year. His bond was set at 75 thousand dollars.

Cats Head to Final Four!

The UK Wildcats are on their way to the NCAA men's basketball Final Four. They'll take on the University of Connecticut next weekend. Kentucky beat North Carolina 76-69.

Summer is Coming... Train To Be A Lifeguard Now

Here is a sure sign of summer… the McDowell Wellness Center is offering lifeguard training beginning March 31st. Judy Grandstad, head lifeguard instructor says that besides being over the age of 15, there is only one type of requirement for the class.







Many area local pools will be looking for lifeguards soon, so anyone interested should register by March 30th. For more information, call 859-936-9355.

Parents Sold Baby Nine Years Ago to Undercover Cops in Danville

We told you this morning about the tow middle school sister who's parents sold them for sex. Turns out, police say, they're the same couple who, nine years ago sold their baby to undercover cops in Danville. The later abuse allegedly happened in Lancaster, Somerset, Richmond, Berea, and Mount Vernon. When it ended, two middle school girls were in foster care and in counseling. Court documents out of Madison County indicate that the girls' parents would sell them for sex. Now a grand jury in Madison County will hear the case against Kathy and Anthony Hart. The Harts are in the Madison County Detention Center on cash bonds of 25 thousand dollars each.

City Commission Meeting Monday

City of Danville Commisson Meeting is coming up on Monday, March 28th. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at Danville City Hall. That's at 445 West Main Street in Danville.

Ran Paul or Ron Paul Probably for Race to the White House in 2012

US Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky says he won't run for president next year if his father runs, but said a Paul will make a run for the White House. Ron Paul is a congressman from Texas. Political observers say since President Obama did it, it would not be a surprise for a one term US Senator to run for the White House. This is Rand Paul's first term in the Senate.

Parents Jailed, Children in Therapy

The abuse allegedly happened in Lancaster, Somerset, Richmond, Berea, and Mount Vernon. When it ended, two middle school girls were in foster care and in counseling. Court documents out of Madison County indicate that the girls' parents would sell them for sex. Now a grand jury in Madison County will hear the case against Kathy and Anthony Hart. The Harts are in the Madison County Detention Center on cash bonds of 25 thousand dollars each.

Man Faces Numerous Theft Related Charges

See if you can follow this one: Bobby Abner allegedly stole about three tons of scrap metal from a Junction City business and put it in his half ton pick up. As Abner drove through Lincoln County, the truck broke -- not broke down, just broke just outside Stanford on Kentucky 78. Abner told Kentucky State Police Trooper Eric Taylor that all was well and his friend was coming to help, so Taylor went on his way. The next day, Abner got busted in Danville on a public intoxication charge and was in the Boyle County Detention Center. Enter Chris Spear, who drove past the broke pick up on 78. He called KSP to say the three tons of scrap was from his business, and Abner was in for more than allegedly being drunk. He was charged with receiving stolen property, theft and other related charges.

71,000 Children Are Poisoned Every Year By Medications

An estimated 71,000 children and teenagers are seen in emergency departments each year because of medication poisonings. Over 80% of visits were because an unsupervised child found and consumed medications.






Gail Banach with the American Association of Poison Centers wants to remind adults to put away all prescription medications where young children and teenagers cannot get to them.

New Rules for Docks at Herrington

Boyle County Fiscal Court has passed on first reading an ordinance that says if you're building a new dock on Herrington Lake the material has to be enclosed so that it doesn't deteriorate and pollute the lake. It also has to be guaranteed by the manufacturer for five years. The ordinance came out of concerns voiced by those who live at the lake and worked to clean it up. The ordinance says any violation will be a misdemeanor.

Napier's Murder Tiral Date Changed

Scheduling conflicts have caused Jason Napier's murder trial to be postponed, It was supposed to start next week, but attorneys in the case couldn't make a hearing this week, so the trial was moved to April 8. Napier is accused of beating his ex girlfriend's four year old son Nathaniel Knox to death in July of 2009. Jessica Noble is Nathaniel's mother, and she's pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for testifying against Napier. Noble is serving a 15 year sentence for her part in her son's death.

Police Arrest Suspect in Check Cashing Robbery

Two days after the place was robbed, Police arrested a suspect in the robbery. They've charged 25 year old Andrew Henninger of Oakland Lane with robbing the Check into Cash in Harrodsburg. Police say he may also be a suspect in the Cash Express robbery in Harrodsburg. Police and Mercer county deputies arrested Henninger Tuesday night in Salvisa on a Mercer County warrant. Henninger is in the Boyle County Detention Center.

Time For Chemicals... Use An Ounce of Prevention

The time has come again to begin getting outside and working. Whether you are on a farm or in the city, you may utilize chemicals on your lawn, garden or in the field. Gail Banach of the American Association of Poison Control Centers reminds us that poisoning can take many forms.






As part of National Poison Prevention week, be sure to take the time to program your cell phone with the national poison control hotline and to remember to read all labels and precautions before using any chemicals.

Man Injured in Farm Accident

A 22 year old man was seriously hurt in a farm related accident yesterday. Authorities in Pulaski County said Thomas Albrey is in serious condition at UK hospital after he was pinned between a tractor and a fence for more than an hour. Farm owner Jasen Upchurch said he stopped by his farm and saw Albrey in trouble. Upchurch backed the tractor off Albrey and called for help. Albrey was airlifted to Lexington after being treated by EMS at the scene.

More on Check Into Cash Robbery\

We now have more information on Monday's Check Into Cash robbery in Harrodsburg. Police say the suspect is described as a white man, about six feet tall, 250 pounds. He displayed a knife when he demanded money during the robbery. Police said he made off with about a thousand dollars. Police said the suspect fled on foot, but only until he caught up with his ride, a white four door car with dark tinted windows. Anybody with more information should call Harrodsburg police.

Lancaster Increases Insurance Tax Rates

We told you yesterday that the Lancaster city council would consider and vote on an insurance tax increase, and they did. It took the council all of ten minutes at a special called meeting to approve the ordinance that raises the insurance tax rate to ten percent. The state is suggesting a 13 or 14 percent increase, so the city would have to vote for another four percent increase on life insurance, but that hasn't happened. The other increase that did happen was a one percent increase on all other insurance taxes like health, fire, vehicle and inland marine. Council members say Lancaster still has the lowest insurance tax rate than other surrounding cities.

AMBERT Alert for Missing Children

Kentucky State Police have issued an AMBER Alert for two children missing from Edmonton in Metcalfe County

Kyra Shockley is 12-years-old, with blonde hair and Hazel eyes. She is 4'8" and 110 lbs.

Christopher Endicott is 15-years-old with blonde hair and green eyes. He is 5'11", 250lbs and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt with a dark colored ball cap and multiple silly bands on each wrist.

They may be traveling in a 1997 White Chevrolet Lumina with Kentucky license plate: 843 GMM

If you have any information on the two, call Kentucky State Police

Corning Hin Harrodsburg Starts Expanding

Corning in Harrodsburg will soon start on its 56 thousand square foot expansion. Mercer County Planning and Zoning approved the expansion yesterday, the day the expansion was set to start. A Kentucky company, WS Construction out of Versailles will build the addition to Corning's current facility on East Office Street. Everybody from WS, to Corning employees to Corning executives say they're excited about expanding the plant in Harrodsburg. Corning said the glass they'll make in the new part of the plant will be such that it can be folded and rolled like paper. The new four story building will make room for several departments at Corning that are crowded into the current building.

Program Your Phone With The National Poison Control Hotline This Week

This week is National Poison Prevention Week. According to Gail Banach, director of public education and communications with the Upstate New York poison center, this is the time to program your cell phone with the national poison control hotline which is 1 800 222 1222.






By calling 1-800-222-1222, you will be connected immediately to your local poison control center. Take the time to program your phone so you can be immediately connected. That one small effort could save a life… maybe your own.

Money Missing From Crab Orchard Coffers

A very astute new Crab Orchard Mayor Billy Shelton said just after he began his term as mayor, he noticed money missing from the city's coffers. He called Kentucky State Police who investigated. Shelton said an unnamed maintenance worker for the city admitted to KSP that he took some of the money, and the mayor dismissed the man from his job. Shelton said thinking there may be more to it than just one person taking tax receipts and other payments to the city, he didn't want to give away too many details. He said under the previous administration, the money collected from taxes, water and sewer payments and trash pick up did not always get deposited into the city's account on a regular basis. The city’s auditor, CPA Craig Butler of Danville said Crab Orchard has not had its books audited in five years. State law requires that the books be audited every other year.

Not long after taking office in January, Crab Orchard Mayor Billy Shelton began to suspect things weren’t adding up with the city’s finances.
“We came in to the office and started noticing missing money, more or less on a weekly basis,” Shelton said.
Shelton called in Kentucky State Police, which is continuing an investigation into the missing funds. The city’s auditor, CPA Craig Butler of Danville, also has been made aware of the situation.
A city employee, whom Shelton described as a general maintenance worker, was fired about a month ago after he admitted taking some of the money.
“The young man admitted to state police that he was taking money, but he said he didn’t take all of it,” Shelton said. “I had to let him go.”
The mayor, who is serving his first term in elected office, did not want to discuss how much money is missing or other details until the investigation is complete.
“I really don’t want to say too much right now,” he said. “It may be deeper than what we think, deeper than one person.”
The city handles money daily from taxes, garbage collection and water and sewer payments, the mayor explained. That money wasn’t always deposited in a timely manner, he said.
“The deposits had been done weekly, or even skipped sometimes,” Shelton said. “We’ve made some changes. We’re doing daily deposits now. We’re doing a lot better.”
Butler, the auditor, said it will be a while before he gets a chance to examine the city’s recent financial transactions because there is a lot of catch-up to do first.
Though state law requires sixth-class cities like Crab Orchard to conduct audits every other year, Butler said the city hasn’t had an audit since 2006.
“They’ve fallen behind on their audits. We’re working on audits for 2007 and 2009 right now,” Butler said. “The mayor did make me aware that some funds were missing, but we barely touched on it. We’ll worry about that later.”

Danvill, Boyle County Arts Groups Get Ceremonial Checks

The real checks came last summer, but last month, some arts organizations in Danville and Boyle County accepted thousands of dollars in ceremonial checks from State Representative Mike Harmon. the Arts Commission of Danville/Boyle County got a check for a thousand dollars last summer and a ceremonial check from Harmon for a thousand dollars last month. The Community Arts Center got a check last summer for 85 hundred dollars and last month for the same 85 hundred dollars. The grants were used for operational support for the organizations.

House Passes Second of Two Items on Governor's List

That's two! The second thing that Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear wanted done in the special session of the legislature was for law makers to take care of the Medicaid budget, and not cut any other services. The House passed the measure 94-4 last night. Now, Beshear's administration has until August to privatize more Medicaid services, thus avoiding any cuts. While Beshear says the state could save well more than 400 million dollars with the cuts, if he cannot, most state government agencies will see cuts by October first.

Suspext Robs Check Cashing Store

Harrodsburg Police say the Check InTo Cash store was robbed yesterday morning. They say the suspect got into the Chestnut Street business around 9:30 a.m. The suspect is about six feet tall, and was wearing a yellow hooded shirt and red bandanna. The suspect may have left the scene in a white car. Police said the male suspect got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Pondarosa Vandalized

“Kentucky’s Baddest Bullring” was vandalized over the weekend. Pondarosa Speedway track owner Donnie Sullivan found out form the track's promoter. The vandalization means that Friday's practice is canceled. The items listed as vandalized at the track near the Boyle-Lincoln county border at Junction City were things like track lights, wiring, and a grader. There's no idea how much all that's worth but the damage has to be fixed before events at the track can resume.

Lancaster Insurance Rates Could Go Up

The Lancaster city council will take up the issue of increasing the insurance tax rate at tonight's meeting. Council already voted on first reading of the ordinance last Friday to raise insurance tax rates to ten percent. The current insurance tax rate is six percent. The council will read and vote on the measure for a second and final time tonight, and even with the four percent increase, its still three percent what the state's been recommending for some time. Other insurance rates, like health, fire and vehicle insurance would go up by one percent.

Soctors, Hospital Sued for Wrongful Death

Two Danville doctors are named in a wrongful death lawsuit, which claims a Lincoln County man because of their negligence. The suit claims that William D. Smith died of sepsis and other conditions after being treated by Drs. Barry Spoonamore and Tariq Muhammad and Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center. The suit says that Smith was taken to the hospital complaining of abdominal pain and vomiting last April. Muhammad treated him and Spoonamore did surgery to relieve the problem. The suit goes on to say that after the surgery, Smith developed sepsis, his condition deteriorated and his family asked that he be moved to UK hospital in Lexington. The suit claims that the local hospital refused, but five days later, Smith was moved to UK, and diagnosed with respiratory problems, sepsis and a swollen abdomen and he died a few days later. Neither Spoonamore, Muhammad nor Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center has answered the suit.

Struggling With Your Taxes? Help Is Available

Tax Day is quickly coming upon us. This year, that day is April 18th. If you are struggling with your taxes, IRS Spokesman Michael Devine says help is easy to find.







For answers to any question 24 hours a day, go to www.irs.gov or you can call 24 hours a day at 1-800-829-1040.

Lincoln, Boyle Co Populations Up

More Census information is being released and the latest is how population numbers, county by county have risen and fallen in Kentucky. In Boyle County,
the 2010 census shows a population of 28, 432. That's a 2.65 percent increase or 735 more residents than in the 2000 census. In Lincoln County, the population was 24,742. That's a 5.91 percent increase, or 1,381 more residents than in the 2000 census.

Danville-Boyle Co Humane Society Gets New Leadership

Danville-Boyle County Humane Society has a new director. Holley Groshek has been on the job for about a week, steering the organization's lead in all areas of running the humane society. Board members said that Groshek will bring professional management and development to the organization. Groshek has served in other management positions and leadership positions before coming to the humane society.

KY Unemployment rate down

Kentucky's unemployment rate dropped in January. The Office of Employment and Training said yesterday that Webster County had the lowest unemployment rate in all of Kentucky at 8.2 percent. Magoffin County had the highest rate with 21 percent of its residents out of work. Employment and Training said the numbers do not reflect those in the Bluegrass who have not looked for a job recently.

Lincon Co Schools Soccer Field Not Ready for Play

Its March 18 and there are still reminders of the February 28 tornado that damaged school properties in Lincoln County. The tornado did some 30 thousand dollars in damage to the soccer field alone that's shared by Lincoln County Middle and High School. The goals are not usable and the benches are a twisted mess. With the middle school season due to start soon, the field isn't ready for play. There are some fundraiers set for this weekend that were planned before the tornado: There's a basketball tournament on Saturday and a 5-K run the money raised will go for lights on the soccer field.

Woman Killed in MOnday Crash

First responders said a Copper Creek woman was killed in a crash on US 150 East on Monday afternoon. They said they first thought the crash was in Lincoln County, near Crab Orchard, but it was just over the line in Rockcastle County. Nonetheless, Lincoln County offered mutual aid. Investigators said that a Lexington man crossed the centerline of US 150 as he headed east. His vehicle collided with the vehicle that Sherry Turner was driving westbound. First responders said Turner was dead at the scene. The driver of the eastbound vehicle, Mitsuyoshi Nakamura was cut out of his vehicle and taken to Rockcastle County Regional Hospital. Kentucky State Police are investigating and said they did not believe that alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash, but that Nakamura had a laptop computer in his lap when the crash happened.

Senate Gets New Dropout Age Bill

In about five years, there'll be almost no dropping out of school in Kentucky. The House voted yesterday to change a law that's been on the books for generations that let students drop out of school at 16 years old. Legislators voted 87 to 13 to make the drop out age 17 in 2015 and 18 in 2016. Legislators said the change in the law means that there are expectations of students, mostly that they graduate from high school. Opponents said the new law would cause disruptions in classrooms, but over that objection, the law passed and now goes to the Senate.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass Hold Silent Auction and 28th Annual Bowl For Kids Sake

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass have two big events happening this week. The first is a silent auction that is taking place today and tomorrow from 9 AM to 4 PM at Farmers National Bank at 304 Main Street in Danville. Trina Kern, Regional Project Manager names just a few of the items available.







On Saturday, the 28th Annual Bowl for Kids Sake event will take place from noon until 5 PM on Saturday at Danville Bowlarama Lanes.

Danville wants Your Opinion

The city of Danville is seeking public comments regarding the 2011-12 city budget that begins on July 1, 2011. The mayor and city commission believe that it is important to provide a variety of ways for the public to make suggestions or share their ideas. This survey has been created to provide you that opportunity. The survey is open until March 25, 2011. Find the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DanvilleBudget

Lincoln Co BoE to Interview Superintendent Candidates

Lincoln County Board of Education will start interviewing superintendent candidates now that they have the screening committee's recommendations. We won't learn anything about the candidates until they're narrowed down, as the board is protecting their identities to make the process fair to all. The last candidates will be interviewed tomorrow by 5 p.m. Assistant Superintendent Karen Hatter has been running things since former superintendent Larry Woods resigned last June.

Kelley Could Face Capital Punishment

A Lexington man was indicted yesterday for the murder of his former boss, and the attempted murder of the man's wife. The Mercer County grand jury indicted James M. Kelley for the death of John Dacci and the attack on Mary Ann Dacci on December 21st at the couples home at Herrington Lake. The court said that because there were aggravating circumstances with the murder, like burglary, assault and robbery, the 53 year old Kelley could face capital punishment. Kelley is in jail on a million dollar bond.

Smoke Detectors Wake Family to Fire

A Danville family is safe today after a fire in their home yesterday. Fire officials said the sound of smoke detectors woke them to find the fire. Nobody was hurt but fire officials said the fire broke out around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning on Cypress Drive. Fire crews found fire in the attic when they arrived and contained the fire, putting it out in about 20 minutes. Investigators said they don't know how the fire started.

Lost and Found: Students Separated from Group on Field Trip

GPS -- three letters in the alphabet. The alphabet that all school kids learn. But none of that mattered when some Danville High School students got lost this week during a field trip. The group had gone to the Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge on Tuesday and some of the students became separated from the group. So the search and rescue team from the Boyle County Fire Department was sent to the wildlife refuge. The students were found within a few minutes, and everybody was okay. Principal Win Smith said nobody was in any danger, and the four students that separated from the group to find shelter from the rain had a cell phone and called 911.

Stanford Teen Hurt in Crash

Kentucky State Police say a Stanford teen was hurt in a single vehicle crash yesterday. They said that 17 year old Josiah McGirr was eastbound on Moores Lane, lost control of his vehicle and over corrected as he tried to get it back on the road. The car hit a tree and it took rescuers almost half an hour to get him out of the car. He was taken to UK Hospital with multiple injuries.

Kentucky Attorney General Warns Public of Japan Earthquake Scams

Attorneys General and law enforcement both locally and nationwide are seeing an increase in scam activity since the Japan earthquake. They say there are some things to consider before you make a donation, so you can be sure it's going where you intend it to:






Shelly Johnson, Deputy Communications Director for Jack Conway, Kentucky Attorney General, says the American Red Cross is accepting donations for disaster relief, and their long history with helping in time of need will ensure the money gets to those who need it.

Engineering Department Launches Twitter Feed

You can now follow the City of Danville's Engineering Department on Twitter. The new Twitter account has project updates, upcoming events, and other important information. You can find the feed at Twitter@danvillekyengr

Danvill to Hire Water Plant Design Engineer

Danville is looking to hire an engineer who will design the city's new water plant. That's why City Engineer Earl Coffey said qualifications for the job will be advertised. The city wants to design a 16 million dollar water plant, and the work has to start by 2014. Danville is trying to get grant money that will go toward the project. City commissioners had not wanted to move quite this fast with the project, but say by starting now, they stand a better chance of getting the grant and moving the plant forward.

Picky Thieves Burglarize Burgin Home

The Burgin police chief said these burglars were particular, and now police are looking for them. Chief Jim Caldwell said somebody broke into a home last Thursday and took thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, Police said the thieves left other valuables in the home, but made off with the trinkets. Call the Mercer County Sheriff's Department or Burgin Police if you know anything.

You Can Donate to the Red Cross for Japan Relief

The American Red Cross is asking for your donations to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The agency says the disaster is the worst in that country since World War II. If you'd like to donate five thousand dollars or more, call the local Red Cross chapter at
859) 236-6538, and they'll be able to tell you how to make that donation. For donations smaller than five thousand dollars, go to redcross.org and specify that your contribution is for Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. You can also make a ten dollar donation from your cell phone by texting redcross to 90999 and the ten dollar donation will be charged to your cell phone bill.

Hacker Gets Probation Again

David Hacker may have realized how serious the case against him was when he was in a Lincoln County courtroom this week. He had his attorney enter and Alford plea on his behalf to a lesser charge of menacing. The 51 year old Hacker was charged with accosting a Stanford woman while he was on probation for a similar charge. Hacker also entered an Alford plea to resisting arrest charges when Stanford police were trying to arrest him. An Alford plea is not a guilty plea but says that Hacker acknowledged that there is sufficient evidence for a jury to find him guilty. He'll wear a GPS anklet so that his movements can be tracked.

Man with Record Leads Police on Chase

For the second time in as many years, a Lawrenceburg man led police on a high speed chase last Friday. John Tompkins was then arrested on related charges, including wanton endangerment. Burgin Police Chief Jim Caldwell said he chased the 31 year old Tompkins at speeds of more than 100 miles an hour for about ten miles. Caldwell said he knew Tompkins didn't have a driver's license and was called when Tompkins was spotted driving in Burgin. The chief said Tompkins has been a problem for police for about ten years now.

Mercer Co Fire Destroys Home

But in Cornishville, a fire destroyed a home yesterday. That fire started around 3 a.m. and a man got out safely with his pets. Mercer County Fire officials said crews went to the home on Huffman Road, where it was engulfed. Firefighters don't know where or how the fire started.

Fire in Stanford Apartment Started in Bedroom

A fire in a bedroom at a Stanford apartment yesterday morning sent local firefighters there. There are five apartments in the building on East Main Street where the fire broke out around 5 a.m. Stanford Fire Chief Kenny McDaniel said the fire was out in just a few minutes. He said the fire started in a bed, but the fire is under investigation. Nobody was hurt, but the unit where the fire started sustained heavy fire damage.

Missing 13 Year Old Found with 20 Year Old Man

Somerset Police said a man's facing rape charges after he was found with a 13 year old girl. They said just after 10:30 Saturday night, they got a call to the Somerset Mall on a missing child case. The child's father reported the 13 year old missing when she went to the mall with a friend, but left with an unknown man. Police said the man is 20 year old Jose Ruiz. They found him and the 13 year old at a home on Griffin Avenue and took her to the hospital. They took Ruiz to the Pulaski County Detention Center.

Lawmakers Back in Frankfort for Special Session

Lawmakers are back in Frankfort after Governor Steve Beshear called a Special Session last week. The need is to fix Medicaid and to vote on raising the high school dropout age. Senate President David Williams called the Governor's proposal to deal with the Medicaid shortfall 'irresponsible' and the chamber decided to adjourn. The special session will cost taxpayers more than $60,000 a day.

Gas Prices Up

Average retail gasoline prices in the area have gone up by about 11 cents per gallon over the past week, averaging $3.56 per gallon yesterday. That compares with the national average that increased by about four cents a gallon in the past week. A year ago, gas prices were about 85 cents less than they are now.

Stanford Tables Talk on Fort Logan Grant

Stanford Mayor Bill Miracle says the Fort Foundation got some good news and some bad news last week: it has a 23 thousand dollar grant, but the city has to raise 40 thousand dollars to get it. The money would be used for the Fort Logan Project. The foundation has fund raisers planned, but the mayor says the city would have to borrow the matching funds and the foundation would turn over its money raised to the city to make the loan payment. Council members say they're worried about borrowing the money since its already in debt. Council tabled the talk at last week's meeting. Stanford's been working with the fort for about 15 years.

National Ag Day.., A Day For Everyone

National Ag Day, which takes place Wednesday, is about recognizing and celebrating the tremendous contribution agriculture makes to our lives… every day. Dr. John Bonner, Chairman of the Ag Council of America and Executive Vice President of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology believes everyone in this country has a reason to celebrate agriculture.






For more information on agriculture and how you can celebrate, go to agday.org.

Set Your Clocks Forward This Weekend

As you Spring Forward your clocks this weekend, you might just be saving lives. According to Russ Rader, Vice President of Communications for the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, Daylight Savings time has been proven to make our roads safer.







The Daylight Savings system is not perfect… it's complex, farmers are adversely affected and the health benefits are a mixed bag, but it is a plus for some businesses and saves energy. And here's a bit of trivia…. Hawaii and Arizona are the only states in America who do NOT participate in daylight savings time.

Set Your Clock Forward This Weekend

As you Spring Forward your clocks this weekend, you might just be saving lives. According to Russ Rader, Vice President of Communications for the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, Daylight Savings time has been proven to make our roads safer.







The Daylight Savings system is not perfect… it's complex, farmers are adversely affected and the health benefits are a mixed bag, but it is a plus for some businesses and saves energy. And here's a bit of trivia…. Hawaii and Arizona are the only states in America who do NOT participate in daylight savings time.

Gipson Suing Douglas

Jimmy Gipson said he was fired as Junction City's police chief for calling another police agency to investigate the mayor, whom Gipson claimed was drunk. Mayor Jim Douglas said he was within his rights as mayor to fire the police chief. Gipson is claiming whistle blower status, but Douglas said that does not pertain here. In light of losing his job, Gipson is suing Douglas. Douglas' attorneys are calling for a dismissal of the suit, on the grounds it has no validity. Arguments in the motion to dismiss are set for March 30 in Boyle County.

Hamlins Agree to Clean Up

Robert and Mary Hamlin say they're going to clean up their property. Its taken about seven years to get that far, but the couple entered into an agreement with the Danville-Boyle County Planning and Zoning Commission last month. They say that by July 1, they'll remove about 50 junk cars and other items which will then make the property comply with Planning and Zoning rules. If that happens, a news release indicates that criminal charges against Robert Hamlin will be dismissed. He had been charged because he refused to clean up the refuse.

Man Busted on Meth, Child Endangerment Charges

A Pulaski County man was arrested this week when law enforcement found a meth lab at a Bronston house and a teen living there. Sheriff's deputies said 48 year old John Cross of Kentucky 790 in Bronston was arrested on Wednesday and charged with child endangerment and meth making. As they investigated the scene, they found a 14 year old girl, identified as Cross' daughter in the house. Cross was jailed on the charges and the girl turned over to other relatives.

Garrard County Welcomes Members of the American Council of Young Political Leaders

The public is invited to a special reception this Friday to welcome members of the American Council of Young Political Leaders, a 12 member delegation from Italy, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. Nathan Mick, Garrard County Economic Development Director says the delegation, who are on a week-long tour of Washington DC and Kentucky, are here to understand our American government, policies and politics.






The reception takes place at 4 PM Friday at the Garrard County Public Library in Lancaster.

Nobody Hurt in Bus Rollover

Nobody was hurt yesterday when a Casey County school bus rolled as students were heading home. Casey County Deputy Sheriff Chad Weddle said 13 students, the driver and a monitor on the bus were checked out at the scene but nobody went to the hospital. Weddle said the bus and an 18 wheeler were on their own sides of Kentucky 551, when the bus dropped a wheel off the road and rolled.

Estate vs. Estate

One estate has filed suit against another in a wrongful death case last year. James Greenwood worked for Shannon Corman in his black powder explosives company when the powder and ammunition exploded in January of 2010. The blast killed Corman and injured Greenwood. He died six months later. The suit seeks unspecified damages against Corman's estate for medical expenses, loss of support, pain, suffering and death. It also seeks damages for the emotional loss his five and seven year old daughters are suffering. Corman's estate has not responded to the suit.

Garrard Students Get 2 Days for Spring Break

While some school districts will extend school days to get out for the semester in early June, others are making up all those snow days in other ways. Garrard County students will give up part of spring break to get out of school on May 19. School officials said the board voted for the plan and students will get two days of spring break, going to classes on three. So the make up days are April 4, 5 and 6 so that classes will be finished well before the first of June. Garrard County students missed 13 days of school because of the winter weather.

Harrodsburg Finances Get a Clean Bill of Health

Harrodsburg's finances are in order. That's from Craig A. Butler who is a certified public accountant out of Danville. He brought it to the city commission on Monday night. Despite the clean audit, commissioners say they may make some changes to keep things in line. They say they could reform the overtime regulations and the furlough days. Butler also said the city could make the cuts, but its up to city officials to decide if they can, and not compromise anything.

Danville Budget Public Input Tonight

There's a special called Danville City Council meeting tonight. The meeting is at 5:30 p.m. in the Danville High School Auditorium. Its on Lexington Avenue in Danville. The meeting is to gather the public's input on the city's budget. Again, 5:30 tonight, Danville High School Auditorium.

Three Children Escape Safely from Nicholasville House Fire

Three children got out of a burning house in Nicholasville safely yesterday. Fire investigators said the fire started just before 9 p.m. Firefighters said when they got to the scene, flames were shooting from the home. They don't know what caused the fire, but fire officials said it may have started in a back bedroom. The fire was under control quickly, and they said the house was heavily damaged.

Young People Can Apply To Be A Part of Yellowstone's Youth Corp

Yellowstone National Park is looking for young people between the ages of 15 and 18 to work in their Youth Conservation Corps Program this summer. Those who are selected will live, learn and work on the park for one month and will get paid doing it. Al Nash, Parks Spokesperson says they are looking for young people with diverse backgrounds from all over the country.






For more information, go to www.nps.gov/yell and look for YCC jobs or call 307-344-2256. Deadline to apply is March 14th.

Banks in Court April 11

Richard M. Banks is due in Mercer District Court at 1 p.m. April 11 after those 30 horses were found malnourished on his Mercer County property last week. Banks also has a property on US 27 South in Stanford and Lincoln County Sheriff Carl Folger said his deputies have made a few trips there on complaints of poor conditions for horses there, but Folger said the animals there always had hay and water. Banks heads the Central Kentucky Equine Rescue.

Danville Getting Phillip Morris Tobacco Receiving Station

Lebanon's loss is Danville's gain as a Phillip Morris tobacco receiving station moves here from there. The building will be on the South Danville Bypass in time for this year's buying season. Officials at Philip Morris said they're moving here to give growers a more up-to-date place to bring their product, and to be able to bring it to a more centrally located facility. Its not known yet how many people will be employed at the Danville location. They also say growers are being informed of the change in locations.

Danville Commission to Take Up Sign Issue

They talked about it a lot at Monday's city commission meeting, but Danville City Commissioners didn't do anything to change the rules governing the city's signs. They decided they'd talk about it in three weeks, after they get suggestions on changes to the sign ordinance. In three weeks, the commission could wrap up work that's been going on for a year or so on signage in the city. The biggest complaints the city has heard regard signs that are not supposed to be where they are, the size of signs and people wanting signs that the city doesn't allow.

Pulaski County School Days Could Be Extended

The school day could be getting longer in Pulaski County so that the school year gets shorter. Since last Friday, when House Bill 427 was approved -- its the one that allows options for schools to make up snow days -- Pulaski Asst. Superintendent Sonya Wilds is waiting for the governor to sign the bill so that the district can extend the school day. The bill is expected to be signed this week or next.

Bill Clarifies "Conceal Carry" in a Vehicle

Where can a person place a weapon in a vehicle if he or she has a concealed carry permit? A bill that answers that question is on its way to Governor Steve Beshear's desk. Representative Alecia Webb-Edgington, one of the primary sponsors of this legislation said the bill clarifies that the only place where a loaded or unloaded weapon can be stored in a vehicle is in the manufacturers installed glove compartment. Webb-Edgington said the law needed to be clarified, so that's what this bill does.

Wilderness Trace Grants Applications Being Taken

Counties in our area are eligible for a 750 dollar grant that helps to improve the quality of life. The Wilderness Trace Community Foundation is accepting applications for the grants that are for basic needs in the Wilderness Trace area. Those needs would include food banks, homeless shelters or similar projects in Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln or Mercer counties. The applications are available at www.cflouisville.org and the deadline to apply is April 29.

Both Houses Work on Budget

House and Senate leaders in Frankfort will be back at the negotiating table again today over the state's budget. Republicans are suggesting cutting some of the state's 6.5 billion dollar Medicaid program. There suggestion that the funding formula for K-12 and higher ed be cut. The budget has to be passed by midnight tonight so that Governor Steve Beshear has a day to veto it, if he so chooses..

Investigators Still Trying to Find Fire Cause

Boyle County Assistant Fire Chief Paul McCrystal lives about three miles from the Mitchellsburg Road address where 19 Saddlebred horses died. He said he could smell the smoke from Saturday's fire from his house and by the time firefighters got there, the barn was engulfed. He said while the cause of the fire is still being investigated, fire officials believe the horses died of smoke inhalation. He said that a man driving by saw the midnight fire, and alerted John Gregory who leases the property and trains the horses. Gregory called 911.



The Boyle County Fire Department was back at a Perryville horse farm Monday, combing through the ashes of a barn where 19 Saddlebreds died early Saturday after a blaze destroyed the massive structure.

The fire department had not determined a cause. Investigators had few leads as of Monday afternoon, Boyle County Assistant Fire Chief Paul McCrystal said. McCrystal said that all 19 of the horses had been accounted for and that they probably died of smoke inhalation.

The fire at 1701 Mitchellsburg Road was reported at midnight Friday by a man who saw flames when he drove past the farm, McCrystal said. The man woke the trainer, John Gregory, and called 911.

According to McCrystal, the horses are owned by various people who brought their Saddlebreds to be trained by Gregory, who he said is devastated by the weekend tragedy.

McCrystal, who lives only 3 miles from the scene, said he could smell the smoke from his house. When the fire department got to the barn, "it was fully involved," he said, "and the flames were coming through the roof and it was about to fall in."

Twenty-seven firefighters responded to the blaze at the 250-by-100-foot barn.

Crews battled the fire for about five hours. One firefighter had to be taken to a hospital for minor injuries. He was treated and released.

Pulaski County Gets $15,000 From PRIDE

PRIDE has given Pulaski County and its cities up to $18,000 to pick up roadside litter, offer free trash drop-off events and remove dumps during PRIDE Spring Cleanup Month in April.

Pulaski County is eligible for $15,000, and $1,000 is available to Somerset. Burnside, Eubank, Ferguson and Science Hill can receive up to $500 each. The funding levels are based on the number of road miles in the county and cities.

PRIDE also will give the county and cities T-shirts and cleanup supplies to distribute to Spring Cleanup volunteers.

“Local governments rally volunteers and target trash problems during the Spring Cleanup, and we are glad to support their efforts to create a clean, healthy environment for their citizens and visitors,” said Tammie Wilson of PRIDE, the nonprofit organization that sponsors the annual Spring Cleanup campaign in southern and eastern Kentucky.

“I encourage volunteers to partner with their local governments during Spring Cleanup Month,” Wilson said. “To meet our 2011 ‘Get Five for PRIDE’ challenge, each city and county is trying to increase its volunteer numbers by five percent over last year. For citizens, we’re asking everyone to bring at least five friends to volunteer with you. By working together, you can have fun and more quickly make a big difference in your community.”

“Volunteers work for free, but disposing of the trash costs money, and that’s where the Spring Cleanup Funds come in,” Wilson added. “When a dump cleanup is too big or dangerous for volunteers, Spring Cleanup Funds will help local governments pay a contractor to tackle the problem.”

All local governments in PRIDE’s 38-county service area are eligible for Spring Cleanup funds, thanks to a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

To qualify for its available funding, the local government must comply with funding guidelines. A match of 10 percent of the award must be met through volunteer hours.

Protect Yourself From ID

This week is National Consumer Protection Week. One way you can protect yourself from Identity Theft, according to Detective A. J. Mullins of the Danville Police department, is to simply not sign your credit or debit cards. Mullins suggests writing "Check For ID" on the back. She also says to be careful in restaurants when using a credit card.






If you feel you have been a victim of Identity Theft, you should first contact your financial institution and then your local law enforcement.

Richmond Police Investigate Crash

Police and emergency officials were on the scene this morning of an SUV that crashed into a house in Richmond. It happened around 5:30 a.m. at a home on Highway 52. There is no word on any injuries or what may have caused the accident.

Debate Over Beer Sales Continues At State Capitol

Insiders say the governor's office supports liquor stores and bars, helping them keep a monopoly on full-strength beers. State law says grocery and convenience stores can't sell full-strength beer but liquor stores, bars and restaurants can't sell low-alcohol beer. Law required beer makers to reveal the alcohol content of their beer but Governor Hickenlooper's office repealed that rule. Republican State Representative Larry Liston of Colorado Springs opposes the repeal and will discuss it tomorrow at the Capitol.

Operation 'Caddy Shack' Stops Golf Course Thief

A coordinated effort by authorities in Adams County and the state's Attorney General's Office called "Operation Caddy Shack" netted the arrest of a man suspected of ripping off more than 93-thousand-dollars from individuals and golf courses on the Front Range. Attorney General John Suthers says 44-year-old Marc Friel stole items including golf clubs, computer equipment and a vehicle between November 2009 and June last year. Friel was indicted on 20 counts and authorities say he gained access to golf clubs by disabling security equipment.

National Consumer Protection Week Begins Monday

Today marks the beginning of National Consumer Protection Week, a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions. According to John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications and Fraud at the National Consumers League with today's technologies, it pays to learn how to protect one's self.







For more information, go to ncpw.gov.

Junction City Hopes to Move Up

Junction City is on its way to becoming a fourth class city, if the state senate approves. The house voted 82 to 16 to up the classification from fifth class to fourth class, but some lawmakers question whether the city actually has enough population to be a fourth class city. That takes three thousand people.
Representative Mike Harmon of Danville cast a vote against the reclassification, saying he was concerned about the population numbers.

Kentucky Family Hurt in Tennessee Crash

A Kentucky family was hurt in a Tennessee crash Tuesday night. Officials said their van broke down in Gatlinburg and the tow truck that was pulling it slammed into an apartment building. Margie Edwards, Cheryl Burnett and Gary Burnett, all of Somerset, were riding inside the tow truck. They were injured and taken to the University of Tennessee hospital, as was the tow truck driver. No one inside the building was hurt.

National Ground Water Week Serves As A Reminder...

Groundwater is a resource we simply cannot ignore, although we sometimes take it for granted. Next week is National Groundwater Awareness Week, which, according to Cliff Treyens, Public Awareness Director for the National Ground Water Association, is the time to remind us that we all have a responsibility to be good groundwater stewards.






An example of a step you can take is properly disposing of used motor oil and common household chemicals. To learn more, go to ngwa.org.

Beshear Signs Alternative Sentencing Bill

Its official: Kentucky will now have more room in its prisons for more violent offenders. Governor Steve Beshear signed that law that gives non-violent offenders an alternative to prison, like treatment. Legislators also say the bill will help curb spending on prisoners, it will save about 422 million dollars. The bill also ups treatment programs for those who do not commit violent drug crimes. There are only a few days left in the legislative session, and observers say this is probably the biggest bill that's come out of the session.

Man in Jail on Meth Charges

A Mercer County man is under arrest for meth related charges. Deputies found alleged meth making paraphernalia in 29 year old Delanie Riley's car. Riley is from Harrodsburg and was charged when deputies found the items during a traffic stop. He's in the Mercer County Detention Center on 50 thousand dollars cash bond.

School Safety Conference Today, Tomorrow

There's a two day conference in Somerset starting today that's expected to draw school safety officials from around the country. What will they talk about? What everybody's been talking about when it comes to keeping kids safe: internet threats, cyber bullying, school safety initiatives and finding the dollars to implement all those programs. The conference is at the Center for Rural Development and is for rural schools.

Special Relay For Life Team Fundraiser Being Held

Lucinda Mullins, CMA at Dr. Bates, Miller and Sims tells us they have a special fundraising project for their Relay for Life team.






All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society's 2011 Lincoln County Relay for Life that will be held in June. For more information, call 606-365-1547.

Grand Jury Indicted Man on Five Felonies

A Stanford man was indicted last week on numerous charges, including felonies of fetal homicide and wanton murder. Court documents said 43 year old Rodney Alcorn faces the charges after a crash last October. A grand jury said in its findings that Alcorn was under the influence of alcohol when the fatal crash happened. It happened on US 150 when Alcorn was driving from Danville and heading toward Stanford, lost control of his vehicle and slammed into a rock wall, then rolling numerous times. Neither Alcorn nor his passenger Teresa Hoskins were wearing seatbelts, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The Lincoln County Coroner said after an autopsy that the Danville woman was pregnant when she was killed. Her four year old daughter was treated and released from UK Hospital. Alcorn is still in the Lincoln County Regional Detention Center.

Metamorphosis of Meth in Kentucky Tonight

It'll be a shocking event, and the presenters are suggesting that only those 18 years old and older attend.
“Metamorphosis of Meth in Kentucky” is at 6 o'clock tonight at Lions Park. It depicts what meth does to people. Its relevant because meth is prevalent in the Commonwealth. Former Kentucky Congressman, Jack Coleman represented Mercer County in Congress for 12 years, and now heads the Christian anti-drug organization, Transformation Mercer. They're the ones making tonight's presentation. Officials say Kentucky has the third highest number of meth labs than any state in the country and they want people to be aware of what the number one drug to make, buy, sell and use does to people. They say tonight's presentation will do that.

Audit Shows How and How Much was Taken from Garrard Co Clerks Office

A state audit shows that the Garrard County clerk's office needed to make procedural changes before a single employee reviewed records and eventually made off with nearly 20 thousand dollars. County Clerk Stacy May said shortly after Elizabeth Lane was fired last year, she and a second employee began reviewing receipts on a daily basis. Prior to her firing, Lane had been the sole person doing that, which gave her leeway to take money, record transactions, then void the records, allegedly making off with the funds. Lane was indicted on a single count of theft of more than ten thousand dollars and 16 lesser counts. The audit was released on Monday.

Sheriff's Investigators Find Evidence of Pill Mill After Crash

We told you yesterday that police found drugs, guns and money in Steven Wilson's truck after he crashed it in Boyle County. Now, investigators say he had a prescription for 90 Percocet pills that was filled in five days ago, and they said the bottle was empty on Monday when they found it at the crash scene. We've also found out that it wasn't a thousand dollars in cash, but ten thousand dollars, and the two guns. Boyle County Sheriff Marty Elliott said he thinks Wilson is involved in the drug trade that runs from Georgia and Florida, and up to Kentucky.

Only 25 Tickets left for Chili Night Out

Right now, there are only about 25 tickets left for the Berea Arts Council's Chili Night Out art auction. The annual event is on Saturday, starting at 5:30 p.m., in the Berea Community School gymnasium. Students and faculty from Berea Community College's ag department will prepare locally grown food, and about 120 art pieces will be auctioned off. BAC's executive director, Gwen Childs said the tickets are 30 dollars and can be purchased by calling 985-9317.

EF 1 Tornado Hit Lincoln County

The National Weather Service confirmed yesterday that it was an EF1 tornado that hit Lincoln County on Monday. Meteorologists said much of the damage was at the middle and high schools. NWS investigators looked at out buildings, roofs and other damage and determined that the winds were between 95 and 100 miles an hour. They said the tornado probably started on Brock Drive in Stanford and moved to the schools. Nobody was hurt in the storm.

How Much Does 911 Cost?

How much does it cost to run 911 service in Kentucky? We might not find out if the legislature doesn't get a move on. Senate bill 119 calls for reforming how 911 centers in the commonwealth are funded. Right now, we pay for 911 service with a fee on our landlines, but with those disappearing, the question is where will the money come from to pay for 911 service. Cell phone companies only pay a small part of the cost of 911 service. Local leaders say paying for 911 could mean a charge on cell phones. Bill sponsor Tom Buford said before the legislature delves into finding the money, they want to know how the money's being spent on the state's 911 centers.

Danville Lawn Chair Film Festival Returns

The Danville Lawn Chair Film Festival was such a hit last year, the date was changed from September to May 20 to help start up the Heart of Danville’s Lawn Chair Theater Summer Movie Series. The Danville Lawn Chair Film Festival was such a hit last year that there are lots of other changes too: things like The Lawn Chair Challenge in which filmmakers have to put specific aspects into their celluloid creations; Cell Action Challenge in which filmmakers can only use their cell phones or similar handheld devices on which to shoot their short films. And there's more, but the challenge for organizers is to get more than the 150 people who attended last year to come this year.

Man Critical and Maybe in Legal trouble

A Boyle County man's in critical condition and in trouble. Sheriff Marty Elliot said his deputies went to a crash near Northpoint Training Center on Kentucky 33 around 10 o'clock Monday night and when they got there, they found a pickup that had hit a tree and rolled, throwing the driver out. Elliot said Steven Wilson was airlifted to UK Hospital. Deputies found alcohol, pills, handguns and about a thousand dollars cash in the truck as they investigated the crash. Wilson faces several other charges related to the crash that led to an investigation at his home. He was also under surveillance by two Boyle County deputies.

Read Across America Kicks Off Nationally and Locally

Well, there we were… we were working like that, when who should show up, but the Cat in the Hat. Tomorrow, Dr. Seuss will turn 107 years old and all across the country… teachers, students, parents, military personnel… will all be celebrating the thrill of reading with the 14th Annual Read Across America event. National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel encourages everyone to get involved.






Read Across America will kick off at the White House with First Lady Michelle Obama and a celebrity cast. Local events will be held at schools and libraries near you. For more information on how you can get involved, go to www.nea.org/readacross.

Danville Gains Jobs Lost in Ohio

Job losses in Ohio mean new jobs in Danville. Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems says it will cut 70 hourly union and salaried jobs at a plant in Ohio and move them to a new plant in Danville. Meggitt makes parts for commercial and military aircraft and the new facility will be near Meggitt's existing plants in Danville.