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LOCAL NEWS FOR THE MONTH

LPD Investigate Burglaries (July 28, 2010)
Lebanon Police Department is investigating a burglary that was reported on Sunday. A HP laptop, X-box, with accessories and games was reported stolen from a residence on Kobert Avenue. The total value was $1,438. The back door glass was broken out during the burglary.
In another burglary that was reported on Monday, a Sanyo Flat Screen 15" TV, and a Mitsubishi DVD, total value of $300 was reported stolen from Valley Lane.

Marion County Attempted Murder Investigation (July 28, 2010)
On July 25, 2010 Kentucky State Police responded to 1495 McElroy Pike in Marion County in reference to a shots fired complaint. Upon arriving at the scene, Trooper John Adams was able to make contact with Joseph Brady (age 46) of Lebanon. Through investigation, it was discovered that Mr. Brady had been armed with a shotgun and been involved in an altercation with a family member. Mr. Brady was subsequently arrested by Trooper Adams for (Attempted) Murder and lodged in the Marion County Detention Center. The investigation is continuing by Trooper Adams.

LPD Investigate Accident (July 27, 2010)
Lebanon Police Department is investigating an accident that occurred on West Main Street in Lebanon yesterday at 7;12pm. Marion County Ambulance and Lebanon Fire Department responded. The scene was cleared at 8:24pm.

TAYLOR COUNTY MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE BASE (July 27, 2010)
Myron Young, age 41, of Campbellsville, Kentucky, in Taylor County, was sentenced to life imprisonment in United States District Court, Bowling Green, Kentucky, for conspiracy to distribute more than fifty grams of cocaine base, U.S. Attorney David J. Hale of the Western District of Kentucky announced today.  Joseph H. McKinley Jr., Judge , United States District Court, imposed the life sentence, in accordance with Federal law, due to Young’s criminal history record of three prior drug trafficking convictions.   There is no parole in the federal judicial system.
Young was found guilty after a jury trial in April.  His son, Zachary Young, was charged in the same indictment but entered a guilty plea.  Having no prior drug convictions, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Larry Fentress, and it was investigated by the Kentucky State Police Drug Task Force, the Campbellsville Police Department, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

Registration Dates at Marion County High School (July 27, 2010)
Seniors will have registration on Monday, July 26 from 12pm to 6pm

Juniors will have registration on Tuesday, July 27 from 12pm to 6pm

Sophomores will have registration on Wednesday, July 28 from 12pm to 6pm

Freshmen will have registration on Thursday, July 29 from 12pm to 6pm

FEES must be paid at this time!!

MCHS Student Fee - mailings of report card/progress, locker, agenda book –  $40 per student

Parking Tag – Student MUST possess a valid Driver’s License at the time of registration to obtain a parking tag - $10

Schedules will only be changed due to the following reasons:

1)      Lack of enrollment for class.

2)      Failure to return contract for AP class.

3)      Duplicate or repeat of a class.

4)      Failed a class that student needed.

5)      Needs a graduation requirement.

6)      If there is a schedule gap.

Attendance to registration is still required.  Parent/Guardian must attend to fill out paperwork. 

Race To The Top Finalists Announced Today (July 27, 2010)
Finalists in the Race To The Top program are expected to be announced today. Kentucky was in the elimination round last time for the federal education funding, but failed to secure any of the grant money. The program is aimed at stimulating the education programs in competing states which implement alternative methods to boost learning. State officials are in doubts as to their chances of gaining any ground this time. Winners from the last round were Delaware and Tennessee .

Obama Presses Senate To Pass Campaign Finance Disclosure Act (July 27, 2010)
President Obama is urging the Senate to pass a campaign finance reform bill, but Senate Republicans, including Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky are against it. The Disclose Act would require special interest groups to identify top donors in campaign advertisements. Obama said the bill is needed after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling allowing unlimited corporate and union spending on political advertisements. Obama said the legislation will help curb spending on political ads. Senate Republicans are expected to block the legislation from moving forward and McConnell called the measure a cynical ploy to help unpopular Democrats get re-elected by quote, "silencing their critics."

  An opportunity for anyone who would like to meet all interviewed applicants for MCHS principal is schedule from 12:00 noon to 1PM in the high school library, Wednesday, July 28, 2010.

Applicants will be introduced to the public at noon by a member of the school’s SBDM council.  

Fatal Accident (July 26)
Trooper David Smith is investigating a fatal collision that occurred at approximately 10:30 am on KY Hwy 208, 2 miles west of Lebanon .   Jerry Sallee, 53 years of age, of Lebanon was operating a 1981 Suzuki motorcycle eastbound on KY Hwy 208.  The motorcycle dropped off the right shoulder of the roadway, striking a guardrail before overturning.  Sallee was pronounced deceased at Spring View Hospital

Federal Health Care Reform Tax Credits Benefit KY Small Businesses (July 26, 2010)
Nearly 90-percent of Kentucky businesses with up to 25 employees will be eligible this year for federal tax credits to provide health coverage for their workers, as part of the federal health reform law. The consumer health organization Families USA and small business advocacy group Small Business Majority issued a report documenting the savings.
The federal health reform law allows small business tax credits of up to 35-percent of the employer’s portion of health premiums. Nonprofit employers can also earn a 25-percent tax credit. More information about the small business tax credit and other provisions of the new federal health reform law can be found at www.kyvoicesforhealth.org.

Lawmakers Advise Colleagues To Prepare For Healthcare Changes (July 26, 2010)
Lawmakers ought to get ready for the new federal healthcare reform law though most of its components won't go into effect until 2014. The "Courier-Journal" reports that was the message conveyed Sunday during the first day of the National Conference of State Legislatures in Louisville . Utah House Speaker David Clark told other lawmakers at the health summit, quote, "You are already behind the eight-ball. There is no time to waste." A top official with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Cindy Mann, said the federal law will alter Medicaid and lawmakers ought to get ready for changes that will add millions more residents to the program over four years.

Congressman Sponsoring Bill That Would Help Cheetahs, Other Large Cats (July 26, 2010)
A Kentucky congressman is pitching a bill to offer five-million dollars to conservation organizations that advocate for endangered cheetahs and other large cats, and also aid a charity his daughter operates. The "Lexington Herald-Leader" reports Congressman Hal Rogers, a Somerset Republican, is sponsoring the bill that would provide the funding to groups, and one that is interested in getting the money is Namibia-based Cheetah Conservation Fund. The Cheetah Conservation Fund's grants administrator is Allison Rogers, Congressman Rogers' daughter. Versailles resident Allison Rogers told the paper, quote, "Obviously, I'm waiting with bated breath. It would help us a lot because the Cheetah Conservation Fund does not have a very big budget.

LPD Report Thefts (July 23, 2010)
Lebanon Police are investigating a case of theft by unlawful taking under $500 that occurred on Wednesday. A weedeater valued at $149.95 was removed from the back of a truck while it was at Circle K Parking Lot. 
A portable DVD player, valued at $250, was reported stolen from a Hamilton Heights residence on the 12th. 
Two dolly straps, and 2 come-a-longs, est. value of $150, were removed from a truck on the 15th from 614 West Main Street. 
On the 12th, two Samsung Air Conditioning units, valued at $498 and rotors for a 2009 Toyota Corolla, valued at $100, were reported stolen from West High Street. 
Also on the 12th, a DXG HD Video Camera, valued at $350, and several CD's - valued at $250, were removed from a vehicle while it was parked on West Chandler Street. 
Two 20" Next Brand Bicycles, each valued at $85, were reported stolen on the 14th from West Chandler Street. Both bicycles were recovered the next day on Chandler. 
LPD are investigating a case of burglary 2nd that occurred on the 8th. The front door and door jam of a residence on East Mulberry Street sustained damage. 
Tracy I. Geiger, Jr., of Loretto, was arrested yesterday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, disregarding a stop sign and DUI 1st. 

Filings for Nov. 2 General Election  (July 23, 2010)
Coroner - James R. Moraja Sr and Charles "Chuck" Helm
School Board, Dist. 3 - Michael Mullins and Alex Ackermann 
School Board, Dist. 4 - Mike Cecil and Steven Bradley Mattingly 
School Board, Dist. 5 - Ed Hacker and Sister Kay Carlew 
Mayor - City of Lebanon - Gary D. Crenshaw 
Mayor - City of Loretto - Robert G. Miles 
Mayor - City of Raywick - Marilyn Mullins 
Conservation District Supervisor - Don Veatch, Joe Bernard Luckett and Dickie Nally 
City Council - Lebanon - James Richarson, Denise Fogle and Kate Palagi

LPD Report (July 22, 2010)
A hay bale was reported on fire in Raywick off Hwy 84 yesterday at 4:23pm – across from St. Joe Road . Raywick Fire personnel reported no fire and the roll bale of hay was smoldering. Scene was cleared at 4:31pm.

Lebanon Fire Department responded to an electrical outlet on fire yesterday at 12:48pm at Goff’s Trailer Park, located at 337 E. Martin Luther King Avenue . The scene was cleared at 1:02pm

Lebanon Police are investigating a case of theft by unlawful taking under $500 that occurred on Elm Street on the 17th. Cash and miscellaneous items, all total value of $9 was reported stolen.

Karen Sypher's Trial Will Stay In Louisville (July 22, 2010)
The trial for a woman accused of trying to extort cash from University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino will be held in Louisville .  Karen Cunagin Sypher faces a total of six federal charges, including retaliating against a witness and lying to the FBI.   Sypher has pleaded not guilty to the charges.  During yesterday's proceedings, Judge Charles Simpson denied several defense motions, including a request to strike the jury panel and another for a change of venue.  Pitino asked the feds for help after 50-year-old Sypher allegedly demanded 10-million dollars for staying quiet about an affair between the two.  Opening statements are scheduled for July 26th.

Former UofL Basketball Player Gets Probation In DUI Case (July 22, 2010)
A former University of Louisville basketball player and Indiana School Board member has been sentenced to six months' probation following a DUI arrest.  Robbie Valentine was taken into custody early in the morning on July 10th.  Indiana State Police say Valentine ran a stop sign and failed a field sobriety test.  Valentine was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence and posted bond after spending several hours at the Floyd County Jail.  Valentine is a member of the Greater Clark County School Board and was inducted into the U of L Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.

Weekend Expected To Provide Big Boost To Louisville 's Economy (July 22, 2010)
Three major events this weekend should provide quite a boost to Louisville 's economy.  Upwards of 60-thousand people are expect to turn out for HullabaLOU, the RV Rally, and the National Conference of State Legislatures.  Local officials anticipate they'll pump about 47-million dollars into local coffers.   The tourism industry supports about 28-thousand jobs in Jefferson County , and annually accounts for about one-point-seven-billion in spending.

Kentucky Coach Calipari Cancels Fundriser For Governor Beshear (July 22, 2010)
University of Kentucky men's basketball coach John Calipari has pulled the plug on a fundraiser to benefit Governor Steve Beshear.  Calipari had scheduled the fundraiser to take place at his Lexington home on August 11th, but after news of the private event became public, Calipari cancelled it.  In a statement on his Facebook page, Calipari said, quote, "I know how politically charged this state is and I recognize that the Big Blue Nation comes from both sides of the aisle."

Paul Continues To Hold Lead Over Conway (July 22, 2010)
For the third straight month, Senate candidate Rand Paul continues to hold a commanding lead over Democratic competitor Jack Conway.  Rasmussen Poll numbers show Paul continues to hold 49-percent of the possible vote, compared to Conway 's 41-percent.  Those numbers have held steady for the three months the Rasmussen Reports organization has conducted polls in the Blue Grass State.  

MARION COUNTY MAN SENTENCED FOR POSSESSION OF COCAINE WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE AND BRANDISHING A FIREARM
Corion Montez Moffitt, age 21, of Lebanon, Kentucky, in Marion County, was sentenced on Monday, July 19, 2010, to 7 years and 6 months imprisonment in United States District Court, Bowling Green, Kentucky, for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and for brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney David J. Hale of the Western District of Kentucky, and Paul Vido, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Louisville Field Division, jointly announced today.  Judge John G. Heyburn II, United States District Court, also sentenced Moffitt to 4 years supervised release following incarceration.  There is no parole in the federal judicial system. 
In his guilty plea, entered on June 14, 2010, Moffitt admitted that on March 23, 2007, in Marion County, Kentucky, he knowingly and intentionally possessed cocaine with intent to distribute and that on that same day, during and in relation to the drug trafficking crime, he brandished a firearm, an AK-47 rifle, by pointing it at the arresting officer.
 This is a Project Backfire prosecution.  Project Backfire is a partnership of state, local and federal law enforcement which targets violent or repeat offenders for prosecution in Federal Court to the fullest extent of the law.
 The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Larry Fentress.  The Louisville Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation in partnership with the Lebanon Police Department, as part of ATF’s ongoing commitment to reduce violent crime and other threats to public safety.

Registration Dates at Marion County High School (July 21)
Seniors will have registration on Monday, July 26 from 12pm to 6pm
Juniors will have registration on Tuesday, July 27 from 12pm to 6pm
Sophomores will have registration on Wednesday, July 28 from 12pm to 6pm
Freshmen will have registration on Thursday, July 29 from 12pm to 6pm
FEES must be paid at this time!!
MCHS Student Fee - mailings of report card/progress, locker, agenda book –  $40 per student
Parking Tag – Student MUST possess a valid Driver’s License at the time of registration to obtain a parking tag - $10
Schedules will only be changed due to the following reasons:

1)   Lack of enrollment for class.

2)     Failure to return contract for AP class.

3)      Duplicate or repeat of a class.

4)      Failed a class that student needed.

5)      Needs a graduation requirement.

6)      If there is a schedule gap.
Attendance to registration is still required.  Parent/Guardian must attend to fill out paperwork. 

Governor Names Permanent Secretaries (July 21)
Governor Steve Beshear Tuesday provided permanent positions to acting secretaries who had served for several months.  Mike Hancock was named secretary to the Transportation Cabinet, and Joe Myer has become secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.  Hancock replaces Joe Prather who resigned last fall, while Myer succeeds Helen Mountjoy who resigned last August.

  Racing Regulators Approve Slot-type Games (July 21)
Racing regulators in the Bluegrass State Tuesday gave a green light to allow racetracks to offer a game resembling slot machines.  Governor Steve Beshear said some tracks may not use the game, and Churchill Downs officials say they aren't ready to install them.  Track President Kevin Flanery said the company wants to see the situation survive more legal analysis.  There are some doubts gamblers will even play the pari-mutuel game when more conventional casino games are available.  

Police bust alleged cockfighting ring (July 20)
Bowling Green Daily News is reporting that nine people were arrested Saturday in Edmonson County after police raided a cockfighting ring in Brownsville.
Sixty-three people from Alabama , Georgia , Tennessee , Ohio , Illinois and Kentucky also were cited for second-degree cruelty to animals and some for promoting gambling.
Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement Special Investigations West also seized several weapons, $35,000 and a marijuana growing operation during the search.
Property owner James F. Martin was arrested on charges of second-degree cruelty to animals, first-degree promoting gambling, permitting gambling and possession of gambling records.
Undercover officers were at the ring, which had stadium seating and a caged arena,  for the past month and conducted the raid about 2 p.m. Saturday.
Among those arrested was Thomas R. Butler, of Loretto, second-degree cruelty to animals and conspiracy to promote gambling.

Eighteen Die On Kentucky Roadways (July 20)

Kentucky State Police say that eighteen people died in sixteen separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, July 12, through Sunday, July 18, 2010. 
Eleven of the crashes involved motor vehicles and eight of the victims were not wearing a seat belt.  Single-fatality crashes occurred in Carter, Clay, Harrison, Jefferson, McCracken, Union and Washington counties.
Two separate double-fatality motor vehicle crashes occurred in Hardin and Jefferson counties.   
Four separate fatal motorcycle involved crashes occurred in Fayette, Graves, Jefferson and Whitley counties.  One victim was wearing a helmet.
Three pedestrian involved fatal crashes occurred in Gallatin and Jefferson (2) counties and the suspected use of alcohol was a factor in both Jefferson County crashes.
KSP say that 383 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010.  This is 42 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2009.   There were 305 motor vehicle fatalities and 154 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Forty-five of those crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.  Thirty-one fatal crashes involved a pedestrian and 1 involved a scooter.  Thirty-six crashes involved a motorcycle and twenty of those victims were not wearing helmets.  Eight crashes involved an ATV and six victims were not wearing helmets.  Two crashes involved a bicycle.  A total of 86 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. 
Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

West Nile Staying Away (July 20)
So far, the West Nile Virus is avoiding Kentucky .
No cases have been reported in the commonwealth or surrounding states. Kentucky health officials credit the heavy rains and flooding that hit earlier this year. While wet weather attracts mosquitos, dryer conditions are needed for West Nile-carrying mosquitos to survive.

Officials still encourage you to take precautions: wear long sleeve clothing and use repellent with DEET.  

Fatal Washington County Accident (July 19, 2010)
Sgt. Jamie Heller is investigating a fatal collision that occurred on Friday July 16, 2010 at 7:47 am on US 150, 5 miles east of Springfield. Stephen Sizemore age 54  of Somerset was operating a 1999 Peterbuilt Semi when he fell asleep at the wheel, sideswiping a 2011 Toyota Camry operated by Koichi Kaawamur age 29 of Bardstown, and a 2000 Nissan Sentra operated by Amanda Joe Trent age 26 of Bardstown.  Sizemore then stuck the front of a 2001 Honda operated by Victor Walters age 45 of Elizabethtown . After striking the front of Walters vehicle, Sizemore’s vehicle overturned on top of Walters vehicle trapping Walters inside. Walters was pronounced deceased at the scene by Washington County Corner Lynn Benedict. Trent was transported to Spring View Hospital where she was treated and released. A passenger in the Kaawamur vehicle was Yoshikazu Yamamoto age 40 of Bardstown and all other drivers were belted and not injured. Sgt Heller was assisted at the scene by CVE officer Cunduff, Trooper Davis, Trooper Cornett, Detective Olsen, Washington County Sheriffs Department , Washington County Fire, Rescue, and EMS and Kentucky Department of Transportation.

Marion County Collision (July 19, 2010)
Trooper Ricky Underwood is investigation a single vehicle injury collision that occurred on KY 208, 7 miles south of Lebanon . George Rakes Jr age 38 of Lebanon was operating a 1984 Dodge pickup when he lost control of the vehicle and struck an embankment. A passenger, Elizabeth Tungate of Campbellsville was arrested and charged with Alcohol Intoxication. Rakes was treated and released from Springview Hospital and charged with driving under the influence, no insurance, no operators license, and open alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle where prohibited. Trooper Underwood was assisted at the scene by Sgt. Greg Brown, Marion County Fire and EMS .

Infant Left In Car In Stable Condition (July 19, 2010)
A 32-year-old Letcher County woman stands accused of locking her children in a hot car while she shoplifted.  Purlina Gibson of Whitesburg was arrested Friday evening outside a Food City store after police found her kids aged six, five, and two months inside her vehicle.  Investigators say the two-month-old child was wrapped in a blanket and struggling to breathe.  The baby is hospitalized in stable condition.  Gibson's other two children are in the care of family members.  Gibson faces numerous charges, including criminal abuse and wanton endangerment.

One Dead In Central Kentucky Flooding (July 19, 2010)
State authorities say one person was reported dead after weekend flash flooding in the central part of Kentucky .  Carrie resident Craig Morris fell from a bridge along U.S. 119 on Saturday as he was surveying the flooding.  The waters also washed out power to more than eleven-thousand customers in Pike, Greenup and Boyd counties.  Homes were also left without tap water.

Berea Graduate To Represent State As Miss Kentucky (July 19, 2010)
A Berea College grad will represent the state as Miss Kentucky in the Miss America pageant.  Djuan Trent was crowned on Saturday night at the Miss Kentucky competition in Lexington .  The 23-year-old Trent previously served as Miss Berea Area.  

July 16, 2010

Highway 150 West between Springfield and Bardstown is closed to through traffic this morning due to a 3-vehicle accident just west of St. Catherine college.  A tractor trailer and 2 other vehicles were involved in the accident, which completely blocked the road.  Traffic has been re-routed while authorities investigate the accident and clear the roadway. 

*Update*  Police now say that four vehicles were involved in the accident and that one fatality has resulted.  The road may open for through traffic around 5:00 p.m.  

Marion County High School Site-Based Decision-Making Council has called a special meeting for 1:00 p.m. this afternoon to finalize principal selection criteria.  The will be in the school library and is open to the public.

Marion County High School Site-Based Decision-Making Council will meet in a special called meeting Monday, July 19, at 1:00 p.m., in the school library.  On the agenda is a discussion regarding personnel.  The meeting is open to the public.

Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear announced yesterday nearly one-point-seven-million dollars in unclaimed money remains in the Kentucky Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program. The state is offering rebates on 16 Energy Star-qualified appliances, and those who buy new appliances can claim the rebates on a first-come first-served basis. Beshear said the rebates are, quote, "the perfect opportunity for Kentucky residents to capitalize on an effective, energy and money-saving program." For more information, log onto kyappliacerebates.com.

The ranking Republican in the U.S. Senate vowed to rein in the size of government if the GOP does well in this fall's congressional races. In a speech to a group of young Republicans, Kentucky's Mitch McConnell said the party is offering the American people a pledge to restore government "to a size and scope that leads to some semblance of competency." Analysts say Republicans stand a chance at gaining the 39 seats needed to take control of the House. They would need to win ten seats to capture control of the Senate. 

Kentucky is cracking down on distracted driving. As of Thursday, it's illegal to text while driving. State highway officials hope that outlawing the practice will deter motorists from thumbing their cell phones and help them keep their eyes focused on the road. Renee Shaw has details...

 There will be a Food Preservation Boot Camp held Wednesday, August 4 at the Marion County Extension Office on fairgrounds road. The class will be hands on, including canning, freezing, and drying, lasting from 9:30am-3:30pm. There is a $10 fee, which includes all materials and lunch. Space is limited. For more information and to reserve your spot call the Extension Office! That number is (270)-692-2421.

July 15, 2010 

The Loretto Fire Department answered a call at 11:06 a.m. Wednesday concerning a fire on the Sisters Of Loretto property. A large lawnmower had caught fire. Loretto firefighters had the fire out within a few minutes.

Kentucky is enduring blistering temperatures and heat indices this month, and a social service agency is reaching out to low-income families to help circulate some cooler air. Renee Shaw has details...

Texting while driving is no longer allowed in Kentucky. The practice became illegal on Thursday, as the new law banning the practice takes effect. A statement from Gov. Steve Beshear's office says Kentucky had more than 57,000 crashes last year that were attributed to driver distraction and inattention. Of those, 200 involved fatalities. Beshear says he thinks the new law will help reduce fatal crashes. The law bans texting for drivers of all ages while the vehicle is in motion except to report illegal activity or to request medical or emergency aid. Violators will receive warnings until Jan. 1, then they will be fined.

The 4th of July has passed and now the summer construction season really heats up. From now until Labor Day highway departments across the commonwealth will be working feverishly to repair and modify roadways before the next big summer travel holiday. Major projects include widening on the Blue Grass and Mountain Parkways, I-64 and I-75. Ann Gibson with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds motorists to be careful in work zones by observing reduced speed limits and avoiding distracted driving.

KFC may close some stores in an effort to increase profits. Yesterday, Yum! Chairman and CEO David Novak said the company will do whatever is necessary to make KFC a fast food leader. KFC's second-quarter profits were down about seven percent nationally. But the company is doing exceptionally well in China -- it posted a 33 percent jump in operating profit for the second-quarter. Yum! Brands, Incorporated is based in Louisville.

 There will be a community meeting on Thursday, July 15th at 4pm at the Marion County Board of Education Office.  This meeting will be concerning Marion County High School Principal Selection. The SBDM is also conducting teacher interviews through the day.

The West Marion Elementary SBDM council meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, July 20th, at 5pm.

 

Fire; Accidents (July 13)
A fire was reported at Toyodabo Manufacturing located at 200 Francis Marion Drive in Lebanon yesterday at 9:12am. Units responding were Lebanon Fire Department, Marion County Ambulance, Lebanon Police Department, Marion County Rescue, Bradfordsville Fire Department and Loretto Fire Department.
The scene was cleared at 11:18am.
Trooper John  Boyd of KSP is investigating a one vehicle injury collision that occurred at 11:42 a.m. on Ky 527 one mile South of Holy Cross. Angela Livers age 17 of Loretto was operating a 98 Ford pick-up Northbound on Ky 527 when she dropped of the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle then left the roadway and struck an embankment. Livers was belted and was treated and released at   Spring View Hospital.  Marion County Ambulance, Marion County Rescue, and Loretto Fire Department all responded. The scene was cleared at 1:14am.
The Marion County Sheriff's Department is investigating an injury accident that was reported at 3:53am this morning on Campbellsville Hwy, between the Old Fergie's and Cut Rate Liquors. Also responding were Marion County Ambulance, Marion County Rescue and Lebanon Fire Department. The scene was cleared at 5:07am.

UK Hospital Unveils New Emergency Facility (July 13)
Doors are expected to open for patients at UK Hospital's new emergency facilities tomorrow.  The new building was unveiled by hospital officials at a ceremony yesterday.  Amenities include three different emergency centers, one for just pediatrics, a level one trauma center and an adult emergency center.  Other features include wireless Internet access in waiting areas and mobile X-Ray carts.

Jury Pool Narrows In Pitino Extortion Trial (July 13)
A pool of jurors began narrowing yesterday in advance of the the trial of a woman accused of trying to extort cash from University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino.  Karen Cunagin Sypher faces numerous charges, including retaliating against a witness and lying to the FBI.   During the course of the day's proceedings, 15 potential jurors from a pool of 45 were sent home.  Pitino spoke to the feds after Sypher allegedly demanded millions of dollars for remaining mum about an affair between the two.  Opening statements are scheduled for July 26th.

Chemicals And Drugs Discovered In Ohio River (July 13)
It turns out there's a lot more than just water in the Ohio River, both upstream and downstream from Louisville .  A new study turned up dozens of pharmaceuticals and chemicals including antidepressants, veterinary hormones, even cocaine.  Samples were pulled from more than twenty locations from Pittsburgh to Paducah .  The "Courier-Journal" reports researchers called the concentrations of contaminants "extremely low."

Senate Panel To Take Up Kagan Nomination Today (July 13)
The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider the Supreme Court nomination of Elena Kagan today.  Kagan is President Obama's choice to replace retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.  The 50-year-old Kagan sailed through recent confirmation hearings and is expected to be confirmed by the full Senate later this month, but it will not be unanimous.  Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has already announced his opposition, saying Kagan's career has been marked by "ardent political advocacy."  A statement from the Kentucky Republican stops short of threatening a filibuster of Kagan's nomination.

Fort Campbell Soldier Killed In Afghanistan (July 13)
The war in Afghanistan has claimed the life of another soldier from Fort Campbell .  Private First Class Anthony W. Simmons of Tallahassee , Florida , was killed Thursday in Kunar province when insurgents attacked his unit with indirect fire.  The 25-year-old Simmons was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.  Simmons is survived by his mother, Tina R. Miller.

Congrats to the Boys 9-10 year old All Stars! After winning the District Championships, they are headed to state Saturday.

 

Lebanon Police Report Fire (July 12)
A fire was reported at 7:47pm  Saturday evening on at 725 Tatum Lane. A caller reported his house was full of smoke.
Gravel Switch Fire Department responded to the scene, which was cleared at 8:18pm.

Louisville Man Arrested on Several Charges (July 12)
Philip W. Mattingly, of Louisville, was arrested on Thursday (8th) on charges of fleeing/evading police, wanton endangerment-2counts, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, operating on a suspended operators license, no insurance, careless driving, possession of a controlled substance 3rd, possession of drug paraphernalia, and prescription of a controlled substance not in a proper container.

New Laws Take Effect Thursday (July 12)
Clearing up some recent confusion, Speaker Greg Stumbo says unless they had "emergency" clauses attached during the legislative process, the new laws passed in this year's sessions and signed by Governor Beshear take effect this Thursday, the 15th. Some folks had thought many of the statutes began on the 1st of this month.
The official start for new laws in the commonwealth each year is 3 months after the end of the regular session of the General Assembly, April 15th.
Major bills from this year's regular and special sessions, including the ban on texting while driving, improved accountability for the Kentucky Association of Counties and League of Cities after spending scandals, upping the crime of guards having sex with inmates to a felony, and Stumbo's "Amanda's Law" on domestic violence, all go into effect this week.
Stumbo says most of the year's measures required some time for officials to ramp up to implement them, so the emergency clauses they were introduced with got dropped along the way to approval. The budget retained its emergency designation coming out of the special session, since it needed to start with the fiscal year on the 1st of this month.

New KY Domestic Violence Law on the Books This Week (July 12)
Frankfort, KY – GPS tracking devices for some accused domestic abusers are among the dozens of new laws passed by the Kentucky General Assembly this spring that set to take effect Thursday, July 15th. Comments from Sharon Currens, executive director of the Kentucky Domestic Violence Association.
A high-profile murder case in Lexington last fall prompted new legislation by the Kentucky General Assembly that takes affect this Thursday. The measure, Amanda’s Bill, is named after state worker Amanda Ross – who was gunned down outside her home. The measure allows judges to order those who violate a domestic violence order to wear an electronic tracking device to help ensure that abusers keep a safe distance from victims. Sharon Currens, executive director of the Kentucky Domestic Violence Association, says the new law could help the nearly one in four women who’ll experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
 "This gives us another tool to help petitioners in situations where safety is a key issue. "
Felony charges could be levied against violators who attempt to remove a tracking bracelet. The man accused in the death of Amanda Ross, former state representative Steve Nunn, has pleaded not guilty.

Disaster Drill Thursday (July 12)
On Thursday July 15th, Marion County Emergency Management and the Emergency Services along with Lebanon City Government and the Lebanon Water Works will be hosting a ten county multi agency Emergency Exercise at the Lebanon Water Treatment Plant located at Calvary .
A simulated Chlorine Leak from the treatment plant and a automobile accident at the intersection of 208 and Old Calvary Road will occur simultaneously requiring the response of the Marion County EMS , along with the Lebanon Fire Department, Marion County Rescue Squad, local law enforcement, Lebanon Police Department Dispatch and Marion County Emergency Management and Springview Hospital, along with amateur Radio Operators and the American Red Cross.
The exercise will begin at about 6 PM on Thursday, and the residents of the area need to be aware of various emergency responders and vehicles in the area.
This only a drill and is being used to evaluate the readiness of Marion County to respond to Emergencies.  
Anyone with questions should contact Emergency Manager Kenny Blair at 270-402-1049 or Deputy Hayden Johnson at 270-699-5968

Lebanon Police Report Fire (July 9)
A house fire was reported at 10:49 Thursday morning on the Spencer Hamilton Road in Loretto.
Those responding included the Loretto Fire Department, the Raywick Fire Department and the Marion County Ambulance Service.
The scene was finally cleared at 2:48pm.

Lawyers Debate Evidence In Nunn Murder Trial (July 9)
Prosecutors and defense attorneys in the Steve Nunn murder case were back in court yesterday debating whether or not some of the evidence can be used against him.  Nunn is accused of murdering former fiance Amanda Ross last September.  The evidence in question included a box of items the suspect dropped off with a friend the night before the killing.  The box is said to contain nude pictures of the victim.  A judge has not ruled in the matter.

Newport Duck Boat Ride Shut Down (July 9)
The Duck Boat ride in Newport , Kentucky has closed indefinitely after an accident in Philadelphia earlier this week.  Ride the Ducks boat ride based in Norcross , Georgia is the same company that owns the rides in Philadelphia and Newport .  The company announced today they are shutting down all of their operations nationwide pending an investigation of the accident.  The company says the ride won't be shut down for long.

Louisville Football Player Johnny Patrick Facing Assault Charge (July 9)
A University of Louisville football player has been arrested on an assault charge.  The alleged incident occurred June 27th.  Cornerback Johnny Patrick was taken into custody after a woman told police Patrick threw her to the ground during an argument and a struggle over a cell phone.  Patrick has pleaded not guilty and a judge has ordered him to stay away from the alleged victim.  U of L officials have not commented on Patrick's arrest.

Former Kentucky , NBA Center Turpin Found Dead (July 9)
Former University of Kentucky All-America basketball player Mel Turpin was found dead yesterday.  Police responded to a personal injury report at Turpin's home in Lexington to find the 49-year-old Turpin lifeless inside the residence.  Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn later confirmed the death as a suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound.  A native of Lexington , Turpin played at Kentucky   from 1980 to 1984.  Turpin, a center, played five seasons in the NBA with Cleveland , Utah and  Washington.  

Washington County Board of Education will meet at 6pm, July 8, at the Board Office.

LPD Investigate Burglary (July 8)
$100 in change was stolen from a home at Montgomery Court on Tuesday.

Five Die Over July 4th Holiday Weekend (July 8)
Five people died in five separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways during the official July 4th Independence Day holiday period, which began at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 2 and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 5.
Four of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and three of those were not wearing seat belts. The motor vehicle crashes occurred in Grayson, Hopkins, Bell and Todd counties.  One crash involved a motorcycle in Fayette County and the victim was not wearing a helmet.   The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in this crash.
Through July 5th, 353 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010.  This is 51 less than reported for the same time period in 2009.   There were 287 motor vehicle fatalities and 148 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Twenty-six pedestrians have been killed.  Thirty fatalities involved a motorcycle, one involved a scooter and seven involved an ATV.  Two fatalities involved a  bicycle. Forty-three crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle. A total of eighty fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. 

KSP On the Lookout for Inattentive Drivers (July 8)
Kentucky State Police (KSP) is already in full swing with their summer enforcement campaign that targets inattentive drivers.  Operation K.S.P. ( Kentucky ’s Summer Prevention Plan) began on June 1 and is picking up speed as it sweeps across the state.  The campaign will run through Labor Day weekend and will include over 1,000 safety checkpoints across the state.
KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer said his agency implemented this multi-faceted approach in an effort to reduce highway crashes and deaths by reminding drivers to be alert and have their vehicles road ready.
"Our goal is to inform drivers about the importance of having a safe vehicle, an alert driver and the need for all passengers to wear seat belts," said Brewer.
"Inattentive driving has become a trend with deadly, real consequences and it is the number one cause of crashes in Kentucky ," remarked Brewer.  "We plan to focus on educating drivers about that fact throughout this campaign."
KSP has developed a brochure to pass out at safety check points, will make public service announcements and will utilize social media technology to reach more people.
Inattentive driving is an important challenge for Kentucky drivers because last year more than 6,000 people nationally died in crashes related to it.  In Kentucky , there were over 53,000 related crashes resulting in over 15,000 injuries and 199 fatalities during 2008.
KSP has already conducted 371 safety check points netting 176 DUI arrests, 715 seat belt citations, 68 drug arrests, recovered 1 stolen vehicle and performed 13,622 vehicle inspections.

Beshear Requests Flags To Fly At Half-Staff (July 8)
Governor Steve Beshear is asking that flags statewide be flown at half-staff today in honor of a fallen Kentucky soldier.  Funeral services are being held today for 29-year-old Private First Class Russell Madden, who was killed late last month while serving in Afghanistan .  Madden was killed during a rocket attack on a convoy he was in.  His body returned home Tuesday.  The funeral is at Sacred Heart Church in Highland Heights .

Heat Continues To Strangle Kentucky (July 8)
Intense heat is expected to continue in Eastern Kentucky at least through today.  Forecasts show temperatures expected to remain in the mid-90s as much of the East Coast remains in the grip of a massive heat wave.  Homeless shelters in Louisville are operating above capacity to help people get out of the sweltering temperatures.  The heat wave is blamed for at least one death so far, that of a 92-year-old woman in Philadelphia .
The National Weather Service says if you can make it through today, things should start to cool off a bit with a high of 83 expected tomorrow and thunderstorms a possibility.  By the weekend, this most recent heat wave will have finally given way.  

Louisville Man Admits Threatening Obama In Poem (July 8)
A Louisville man has admitted in federal court to threatening President Obama in a poem.  Twenty-seven-year-old Johnny Logan Spencer Jr. previously said he planned to contest the charges against him on free-speech grounds.  But yesterday, Logan entered a guilty plea to a single count of threatening to inflict bodily harm on the president.  Logan posted a poem on the Internet earlier this year that included the verbiage "DIE negro DIE."  The "Courier-Journal" reports Logan faces up to five years in prison and a 250-thousand dollar fine when he's sentenced in November.

Mother Cited For Leaving Toddler In Hot Car (July 8)
A Louisville woman is in hot water for allegedly leaving her toddler locked inside a hot car.  Police say while 39-year-old Merideth Goldstein shopped at Oxmoor Center on July 5th, her two-year-old son was locked inside her van.  Detectives think the child was alone for nearly half-an-hour.  Paramedics determined the boy was okay.  Goldstein faces a charge of endangering the welfare of a minor.

Heat Wave Expected To Hang Around Until Friday (July 8)
Temperatures in the mid-90s are expected to stick around Eastern Kentucky until Friday.  Authorities are warning people to use extreme caution to avoid heat-related illness.  Residents are urged to drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcoholic drinks which can dehydrate the body.  People are also advised to use plenty of sunscreen and schedule outdoor activities at a time when the heat is not as stifling.

KSP Cracking Down On Distracted Driving (July 8)
Kentucky
authorities have launched their campaign against distracted driving.  Now through the end of summer, Kentucky State Police officers will be holding safety checkpoints, handing out pamphlets to drivers outlining the risks of distractions.  The largest distraction is texting while behind the wheel, which will carry a fine if caught doing so after January 1st.  The checkpoints are taking place through Labor Day.

Agriculture Emergency Assistance (July 8)
Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) announced Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared 15 counties in the Second Congressional District eligible for agriculture emergency assistance for damage caused by the storms that hit the area starting May 1, 2010.  
Congressman Guthrie sent a letter in early May to the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, requesting a prompt review for agriculture emergency assistance given the widespread damage to Kentucky ’s farmers and agriculture industries. Counties eligible for assistance include Barren, Breckinridge, Daviess, Edmonson, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, Marion , Ohio , Taylor , Warren and Washington . “There are overwhelming costs associated with the damage and losses that these communities and individuals have suffered. This declaration gives much needed assistance to our farmers,” Congressman Guthrie said.
For more information, please contact Kentucky ’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) office at (859) 224-7601 or visit FSA’s website at www.fsa.usda.gov on the Internet.  

LPD Investigate Fires (July 6)
Yesterday, the Loretto Fire Department responded to a brush fire at 3:33pm on Hwy 49 toward Loretto from Hwy 49/52. The scene was cleared at 3:50pm. It was reported as a controlled burn.
Lebanon Fire Department also responded to a hay and field fire at 3:55pm yesterday at 706 North Spalding Avenue. The scene was cleared at 4:16pm.

Police Still Investigating Hayride Fatality (July 6)
State authorities continue to investigate a holiday weekend tragedy which left one dead in a hayride accident.  Kentucky State Police are awaiting toxicology results of the driver who was behind the wheel of the tractor when the trailer jack-knifed on a hill of the Mercer County farm.  There were 30 people on board the trailer at the time of the incident.  A total of five people were injured, 44-year-old Terri Hurley fatally.

Heat Wave Expected This Week (July 6)
The eastern part of the country is getting hit by a major heat wave this week and it's expected to roll into Kentucky in coming days.  A high pressure system that moved in from Canada is expected to send temperatures soaring.  The humidity is also expected to climb as the week continues.  The sweltering heat could stick around for at least seven days.  Forecasters warn the high temperatures could shatter decades-old records, making this one of the worst early-summer heat waves in  years.  Residents in eastern states are being urged to stay cool, keep out of the sun and drink plenty of water to avoid potentially life-threatening conditions like heat stroke.

Girl's Legs Crushed When Boat Collides With Jet Ski (July 6)
Danville Police have arrested a man they claim was drunk when his boat collided with a girl riding a jet ski.  The accident happened Friday night on Herrington Lake in Boyle County .  Sammy Hackler faces charges of boating under the influence and assault.  Meanwhile, the 13-year-old girl remains at University Hospital with severe injuries to her legs.  Police say the girl's legs were crushed when Hackler's 17-foot boat crashed into her.

Golden Alert Issued For Campbellsville Man (July 6)
--update— Gilbert Banta has been located and is well---
A Golden Alert has been issued for a Campbellsville man who has been missing since Sunday Evening.  Seventy-nine-year-old Gilbert Banta left his home on Roland Street a little after 6 p.m.  Detectives say Banta may suffer from dementia.  He's described as five-feet-eight, 140 pounds with short gray hair and brown eyes.  Police think Banta may be on his way to Shelbyville.  Anyone with information on Banta's whereabouts is asked to call Campbellsville police.
On July 5, 2010, the Campbellsville Police Department, Campbellsville Taylor Co. Rescue, Campbellsville Fire Dept. and Taylor Co. Sheriff Department, along with community volunteers conducted an extensive ground search and neighborhood canvass.
Air Evac 43 conducted an aerial search and with the assistance of the One Call Now, a witness reported picking the missing person up on U.S. 68 East and dropped him off at the Lebanon , Kentucky Kroger store.
With the assistance Lebanon Police Department, Video surveillance revealed the physical description and clothing Mr. Banta was wearing. Further review of the tape, revealed Mr. Banta shortly left the store and was walking towards US 68 East towards Perryville , KY.
If anyone witnessed nor has any further information to contact the Campbellsville Police Department at (270) 465-4122. It is believed he may be trying to get to Shelbyville , KY. Mr. Banta is wearing khaki pants, a blue dress shirt and white tennis shoes.
 

Walkaway from M.A.C.
AUTHORITIES ARE LOOKING FOR A WALK AWAY FROM THE MARION ADJUSTMENT CENTER. 31 YEAR OLD PARKER PERDUE WAS DISCOVERED MISSING FRIDAY NIGHT (JULY 2), PERDUE IS A WHITE MALE, 5 FEET 10 INCHES TALL, WEIGHS 160 POUNDS, WITH BROWN HAIR AND BLUE EYES. HE WAS SERVING A SENTENCE ON METCALFE COUNTY CHARGES OF UNLAWFUL TRANSACTION WITH A MINOR, SECOND DEGREE, AND POSSESSION OF A METH PRECURSOR. PERDUE WAS ALSO SERVING A CHARGE FROM BARREN COUNTY OF CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A FORGED INSTRUMENT. IF YOU KNOW PERDUE'S LOCATION, PLEASE CALL LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES OR THE MARION ADJUSTMENT CENTER,

Injury Accident (July 2)
Injury accident reported at 1125 Loretto Road in Lebanon yesterday at 4:54pm.  Marion County Rescue and Marion County Ambulance responded. The scene was cleared at 5:40pm. 

June Warmest On Record In Louisville (July 2)
It turns out that June was every bit as hot as you think it was.  In fact, the National Weather Service reports this past month was officially the warmest June on record in Louisville .  The month's average temperature was 81-point-one degrees, a whopping six-point-nine degrees above normal.  Speaking of heat, Sunday, Independence Day, promises to be a bit of a firecracker with a forecast high of 92.  By Tuesday, thermometers in the area could read 97.

New Assistant Super Named (July 2)
From a press release from Donald Smith, Superintendent of Marion County Schools, "Mrs. Taylora Schlosser will be the district’s new Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services.  We had some exemplary candidates and this decision was not taken lightly.  With her experience at all grade levels Ms. Schlosser brings a wealth of instructional knowledge to this position.  She has presented numerous workshops throughout the state for PLC’s; she is familiar with the needs and goals of our district and is committed to the  success of our schools and community.

KSP News (July 2)
During the month of June, 2010, there were 33 traffic accidents investigated by the State Police working in the Post 15 area in the 11 counties of Adair, Casey, Clinton , Cumberland , Green, Marion , Metcalfe, Monroe , Russell, Taylor and Washington . This brings our yearly fatality count to 8 compared with 24 through this same period in 2009.
State wide fatality count stands at 340 compared with 389 through this same period in 2009.
During the month of June, 2010, there were 835 citations written, 203 courtesy notices written, 1126 vehicles inspected, 819 complaints answered, 95 motorists assisted, 90 criminal cases opened and 199 criminal arrests made.

The Kentucky State Police, Post 15, Columbia, which provides coverage for Washington, Marion, Taylor, Casey, Russell, Green, Metcalfe, Monroe, Clinton, Cumberland and Adair counties will be conducting periodic traffic safety checkpoints at locations approved by the Kentucky State Police Policy and Procedures Manual. These checkpoints will be conducted in an effort to enforce the traffic laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky . Special attention will be paid to occupant protection (seatbelt adherence), sobriety and insurance and registration violations.

The Marion County Fair Association is looking for a 5-7 year old boy from Marion County to compete in the Kentucky State Fair Pageant in August.  If interested, please come to the Extension Office on Tuesday, July 6th at 6:30 p.m. 

July 4th Closings/Schedule Changing’s/Celebrations
The Marion Circuit Clerk’s Office will be closed Saturday (July 3rd) and Monday (July 5th) for the Holiday . The office will reopen on Tuesday (July 6th) at 8:30am.  

The   Offices  in  the  David  R.  Hourigan  Government  Center  will  be  closed  Saturday- July 3, 2010 Sunday – July  4th, 2010  and  Monday – July  5th,  2010  -  for  the  July  4th – 2010  Holiday 
MONDAY – JULY  5TH, 2010  IS  A  HOLIDAY  FOR  COUNTY  EMPLOYEES
The  PVA  Office,  The  Marion  County  Clerk’s  Office  and  the  Sheriff’s  Office  will  also  be  closed, These   same  days—Sat. –July 3rd, Sun.- July 4th, and  Mon. – July  5th -  2010
The  Sheriff  will  respond  to   calls- but  the  calls  need  to  be  routed  through  Central  Dispatch  at   the  Lebanon   Police  Department.
SANITATION  ROUTES  THAT  NORMALLY   RUN   ON  MONDAY-  WILL  RUN  TUESDAY JULY  6TH-   WHEN  THE  NORMAL  MONDAY  AND  TUESDAY  ROUTES  WILL  BOTH  BE  COLLECTED--  THIS  IS  A  “DOUBLE  - UP”  DAY  FOR  SANITATION--  AND  TRUCKS  MAY  RUN  A  LITTLE   EARLIER  THAN  NORMAL.

Washington County Circuit Clerk's Office will be open on Saturday from 9-12noon, however, they will be closed on Monday for the holiday. 

The Marion County Public Library and the Lebanon Community Action Offices will also be closed on Monday. 

The City of Lebanon Administrative Office will be closed on Monday. 

There will be a July 4th Patriotic Parade on Sunday at 4pm on North Spalding Avenue .

Injury Accident (July 1)
Injury accident reported on Hwy 49 just before Pleasant Valley Road in Bradfordsville yesterday at 12:44pm. The Marion County Sheriff's Department, Marion County Rescue, Marion County Ambulance and the Bradfordsville Fire Department responded. The scene was cleared at 3:38pm. 

LP Make Arrest (July 1)
Shawn Wayne Kinninham, of Middlesboro, was arrested on Tuesday on a Marion County warrant for theft of services. He was lodged in the Marion County Detention Center. 

2010 Little Miss and Mister Fair Pageant Winners (July 1) 
12-18 months:   Boy
                    Winner - Aiden Knopp, son of Sammy & Amanda Knopp
                    Runner-up - Xavier Lee Hayden, son of Tonya Gootee & Timmon Hayden
                         Girl
                    Winner - Amelia Lee Hunt, daughter of Josh & Nora Hunt
                     Runner-up - Kyra Smith, daughter of Britany Turner & Brandon SMith
 
19-23 months:    Boy
                     Winner - Bradley Cash Bickett, son of Brad & Tina Bickett
                     Runner-up - Zachary D. Adams, son of Samantha Claypool & John Adams
                          Girl
                     Winner - Marissa K. Tucker, daughter of Roy & Cara Tucker
                     Runner-up - Isabella Hope Wheeler, daughter of Shawn & Amanda Wheeler
 
2-4 years old:     Boy
                     Winner - Ethan Knopp, son of Sammy & Amanda Knopp
                     Runner-up - Brandon Lee Estes, son of Tammy Washburn
                         Girl
                     Winner - Emily Grace Mattingly, daughter of Rob-ann & Bruce Mattingly
                     Runner-up - Brooklyn DeVerney, daughter of Ashley Mullins & William DeVerney
 
5-7 years old:    Girl
                     Winner- Marisa Nulle, daughter of Lisa Richards & Mark Nulle
                     Runner-up - Molli Elizabeth Smothers, daughter of Jessica O'Bryan
 
8-12 years old:   Girl
                      Winner - Carrington McKay, daughter of Tracy & Lamont McKay
                      Runner-up - Layla Cambron, daughter of Chasity Wright
 

The Marion County Fair Association is looking for a 5-7 year old boy from Marion County to compete in the Kentucky State Fair Pageant in August.  If interested, please come to the Extension Office on Tuesday, July 6th at 6:30 p.m. 

Winning Mega Millions Ticket Sold In Lexington (July 1)
Kentucky State Lottery officials say there was a winning ticket sold in Lexington for Tuesday night's Mega Millions drawing.  The winner was sold at the Chevron on Polo Club Lane , and is worth 250-thousand-dollars.  The single ticket matched all five white balls, but failed to match the Mega Ball number.  The store will get a 25-hundred-dollar bonus for the sale.  

Pedestrian Accident (June 30)

A pedestrian, Helen Smith, 81, of Lebanon was hit by a lumber truck at the intersection of Main Street and Spalding           Avenue (near the Lebanon Post Office) at approximately 1 p.m. Tuesday. Smith was transported to Spring View                 Hospital 's helipad. She was flown to University Hospital in Louisville .                                                                                 

Kentucky One Of The Fattest States In The U.S. (June 30)
A new report indicates that Kentucky is one of the fattest states in the U.S.   The Trust for America 's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation rank Kentucky the seventh-fattest state in the nation.  More than 30-percent of the state's residents are obese or overweight.  Frighteningly, Kentucky ranked third worst for child obesity.  The report titled "F as in Fat" How Obesity Threatens America 's Future" says nationally, nearly two-thirds of American adults are overweight.  Mississippi is the fattest state in America with nearly 34-percent of its residents either obese or overweight.  Colorado is the slimmest state.

LP Investigate Burglary (June 30)
On June 24, $1025.00 worth of jewelry was reported stolen from an East Chandler Street residence. Damage also occurred to the door of the residence during entry. 

Five Motorcyclists Die on Kentucky Roadways Last Week (June 29)
KSP say twelve people died in eleven separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, June 21, through Sunday, June 27, 2010. 
Six of the crashes involved motor vehicles and four of the victims were not wearing a seat belt.  Single-fatality crashes occurred in Breathitt, Estill, Jefferson (2), Kenton and Pulaski counties.  The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in the Breathitt and Pulaski County crashes.
One fatal ATV involved crash occurred in Knox County .  The victim was not wearing a helmet.
A double fatality motorcycle crash occurred in Breckinridge County and both victims were wearing helmets.  Three single fatality motorcycle crashes occurred in Magoffin, Muhlenberg and Shelby counties.  One of the victims was wearing a helmet. Through June 27, 329 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010.  This is 51 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2009.   There were 268 motor vehicle fatalities and 136 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Forty-two of those crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.  Twenty-six fatal crashes involved a pedestrian and 1 involved a scooter.  Twenty-seven crashes involved a motorcycle and thirteen of those victims were not wearing helmets.  Six crashes involved an ATV and four victims were not wearing helmets.  One crash involved a bicycle.  A total of 75 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. 

Senator Higdon to Visit Three Counties on Wednesday (June 29)
Senator Higdon will be visiting the county offices in Mercer, Nelson, and Taylor counties to meet people and take any questions or comments about the recent legislative session or any other concern they may have.  All are welcome.  Wednesday, June 30th

9-11am, Mercer County county offices

12-2pm, Nelson County county offices

3-5pm, Taylor County county offices

Miss Teen Marion County and Miss Marion County Fair 2010 Winners (June 29)
Miss Teen Marion County  2nd runner up - Casey Sowers - daughter of Michelle Mattingly and Cecil Sowers.
Miss Teen Marion County 1st runner up - Bethanie Pittman - daughter of Jason and Stephanie Pittman
Winner and new Miss Teen Marion County Fair - Leah Mudd - daughter of Debbie Mudd

Miss Marion County Fair - 2nd runner up - Ashely Dora Coomer of Greensburg 
1st runner up - Corinna Hughes of Columbia 
Winner and new Miss Marion County Fair - Heather Green of Owensboro

Work on Miller Pike (June 29)
Motorists using Miller Pike, in Marion County , will experience delays over the next days. Nalley and Haydon will be working on the road, laying down fresh oil and restricting traffic to one lane. Motorists are advised to avoid Miller Pike through Wednesday in order to avoid the traffic delays.  

Motorcycle Accident (June 28)
Trooper Bryan Coyt is investigating a collision that occurred at 8:14pm on KY 49 in the limits of Loretto. John F. Golden, age 52 of Springfield , was operating a 1978 Harley Davidson Motorcycle when he lost control, and was thrown from the motorcycle. Golden was not wearing a helmet and was air lifted by Air Evac to U of L. Trooper Coyt was assisted at the scene by Trooper Ricky Underwood, Loretto Fire, Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Rescue and EMS . Alcohol is believed to be a factor and charges are pending.

VP Biden In Louisville Today (June 28)
Vice President Joe Biden will make a stop in Louisville today.  The VP will speak at General Electric's Appliance Park about tax credits for energy efficient appliances.  Planning to joining Biden are Governor Steve Beshear and Representative John Yarmuth.  Notable in his absence will be Attorney General Jack Conway, who claims a scheduling conflict made an appearance with Biden impossible.

Vehicle Fire (June 28)
On Friday (June 25) at 5:07pm, the Lebanon Police Department received a call of a vehicle on fire on Raywick/St. Joe Road . Marion County Sheriffs Office and Raywick Fire Department responded to the scene. The scene was cleared around 5:41pm.

LPD Investigating Theft/ Make Arrest on Warrants (June 28)
A Blackberry Curve 8310 Cell Phone, valued at $350, was reported stolen from West Main this weekend.
Donna Marie McConnell, of Lebanon , was arrested on the 25th on charges of alcohol intoxication, and a Lincoln County warrant for theft by unlawful taking/criminal trespass/persistent felony offender 2nd.

LPD Report Thefts (June 25)
LPD report that a juvenile was assaulted and $4 cash was stolen from her on the 16th. The injury was minor - no medical attention was sought. 
Two plastic flower pots, valued at $100, were stolen from Communicare on the 11th. 

Kentucky Unemployment Rates Drop In Most Counties   (June 25)
State officials say unemployment rates have dropped in more than three-fourths of Kentucky 's counties.  Employment officials released statistics yesterday, showing a reduction in unemployment in 93 of Kentucky 's 120 counties for May.  The statewide jobless rate dropped to ten-point-four-percent, which is the first time in more than two years the state has seen an improvement from the same month the previous year.  Unemployment rates across the state include ten-point-four-percent in Jefferson County , eight-percent in Oldham County , ten-point-four-percent in Bullitt County , eight-point-seven-percent in Shelby County and nine-point-three-percent in Spencer County .

Five Kentucky Players Selected In NBA Draft (June 25)
The University of Kentucky made NBA history when  Wildcats players were selected in last night's NBA Draft.  The Washington Wizards selected guard John Wall with the first-overall pick.  Wall averaged 16-point-six points, four-point-three rebounds and six-point-five assists in his only year at Kentucky last season.  NBA Commissioner David Stern also called the names of DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton.  Cousins is headed to Sacramento with the fifth pick, Patterson was taken 14th by the Houston Rockets, the Oklahoma City Thunder picked Bledsoe 18th, and Orton is going to Orlando with the 29th pick.

Washington Fiscal Court (June 25)
WASHINGTON FISCAL COURT WILL MEET IN REGULAR SESSION AT 9 FRIDAY MORNING.....THE AGENDA INCLUDES RECOGNITION OF FORMER DEPUTY JUDGE EXECUTIVE BILLY ROY LOGSDON, THE SHERIFF DEPARTMENT'S 2009 TAX SETTLEMENT, A ST. CATHERINE BOND LETTER TO THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD AND DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS..... FOLLOWING THE OPEN REGULAR MEETING THERE WILL BE A CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS REAL ESTATE
.... 03:17:10

Weather Statement (June 24)
HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE TODAY...
WITH AFTERNOON TEMPERATURES EXPECTED TO REACH THE MID 90S ALONG WITH HIGH HUMIDITY VALUES...HEAT INDICES WILL REACH VALUES OF AROUND 99 TO 104 THIS AFTERNOON. THE HIGHEST HEAT INDICES WILL LIKELY OCCUR BETWEEN 1PM AND 7PM LOCAL TIME. PERSONS ENGAGING IN STRENUOUS OUTSIDE ACTIVITY COULD EXPERIENCE HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES IF PROPER PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER...WEAR LIGHT-WEIGHT AND LIGHT-COLORED CLOTHING. STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM IF POSSIBLE...STAY OUT OF THE SUN...AND CHECK ON RELATIVES...NEIGHBORS AND PETS.

LPD Investigating Theft  (June 24)
Lebanon Police are investigating a case of burglary 2nd, that was reported on Tuesday (22nd). A scuba diving knife with a leather case, valued at $15, was reported stolen from a West Mulberry Street residence. Damage occurred to the door jam during entry. The amount of damage is unknown.

Washington County Road Construction (June 24)
A section of KY 152 east of Springfield , in Washington County , will be closed to through traffic beginning Tuesday, July 6, while crews replace a culvert and widen the shoulder of the roadway between KY 433 and KY 442, near Boswell Lane . The work will take about two weeks. Motorists can detour via KY 442 and U.S. 150. Visit http://511.ky.gov for the latest statewide traffic updates.

Potential Sypher Jurors Face Lots Of Questions (June 24)
Potential jurors in the Karen Sypher trial will have to answer a lot of questions.  Before being seated, jurors will face numerous queries about religion, morals, and abortion.   Sypher is scheduled to go on trial July 12th for attempting to extort cash from University of Louisville men's basketball Coach Rick Pitino.  Pitino went to the feds after Sypher allegedly demanded millions of dollars for remaining mum about an affair between the two.

Springfield's Independence Day Celebration Coming Up (June 24)
THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD'S INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION IS FRIDAY JULY 2ND....THIS YEAR'S THEME IS "HONORING OUR VETERANS AND MILITARY"....ALL LOCAL VETS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE AT 7 PM.....CONTACT THE SPRINGFIELD MAIN STREET RENAISSANCE OFFICE TO REGISTER FOR THE PARADE.....THE OFFICE IS LOCATED AT 124 WEST MAIN STREET IN DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD OR CALL 859-336-5412 EXTENSION 2....

Bardstown Traffic Relief (June 24)
NELSON COUNTY JUDGE EXECUTIVE DEAN WATTS ANNOUNCED TUESDAY THAT A QUICK FIX TO RELEIVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT ONE OF BARDSTOWN'S BUSIEST INTERSECTIONS IS ON ITS WAY.....NEW STRIPING TO INDICATE A SECOND LEFT TURN LANE ON HIGHWAY 245 IN FRONT OF SAVE-A-LOT AT THE HIGHWAY 62 BLOOMFIELD ROAD INTERSECTION WILL BE ADDED....AND A NEW WESTBOUND LANE ON THE 245 BY-PASS FROM WAL-MART TO THE HIGHWAY 62 INTERSECTION WILL BE INSTALLED.... MAGO CONSTRUCTION OF BARDSTOWN HAS THE CONTRACT AND WORK SHOULD BEGIN IN THE NEXT 60 TO 90 DAYS....  

Another Heat Advisory (June 23)

LPD Investigating Theft  (June 23)
Lebanon Police are investigating a case of theft by unlawful taking under $500 that occurred on the 21st.
$100 in cash, a pair of eyeglasses and case, a phone charger, 2 types of prescription drugs, a bottle of Nasonex spray and other miscellaneous items, with a total value of $281.18 were removed from a vehicle while it was parked at the Lebanon Post Office Parking Lot.

Marion County Fair Events Today (June 23)
The Marion County Open 4H and Marion County Open Dairy Show will be held at 10am today.
The Little Dairy Princess and the Junior Dairy Farmer registrations will be held at 11:30am with the events held at noon.

19 Deaths on KY Roads (June 23)
KSP report that nineteen people died in fifteen separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, June 14, through Sunday, June 20, 2010. 
Ten of the crashes involved motor vehicles and seven of the victims were not wearing a seat belt.  Single-fatality crashes occurred in Boyd, Daviess, Hopkins, Jefferson (2), Lincoln and Scott counties.
Two separate double-fatality crashes occurred in McCracken and Muhlenberg counties.  A triple-fatality crash occurred in Henderson County .  The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in the McCracken County crash. 
One fatal ATV involved crash occurred in Lawrence County .  The victim was not wearing a helmet.
Three fatal motorcycle involved crashes occurred in Campbell , Graves and Lawrence counties.  None of the victims were wearing helmets.
One pedestrian involved fatal crash occurred in Jefferson County .
Through June 20, 310 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010.  This is 54 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2009.   There were 255 motor vehicle fatalities and 128 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Forty-two of those crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.  Twenty-six fatal crashes involved a pedestrian and 1 involved a scooter.  Twenty-two crashes involved a motorcycle and eleven of those victims were not wearing helmets.  Five crashes involved an ATV and three victims were not wearing helmets.  One crash involved a bicycle.  A total of 71 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

Holiday World Announces New President, CEO (June 23)
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari will continue to be owned and operated by the Koch family "into perpetuity," says the park's new president and CEO Dan Koch.  The 46-year-old Koch takes the helm following the sudden death of his brother Will earlier this month.  Koch says he plans to stay the course with Holiday World & Splashin' Safari's long-range expansion plans, community involvement, and philanthropic efforts.

 

Weather Statement (June 22)
HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE TODAY...
WITH AFTERNOON TEMPERATURES EXPECTED TO REACH THE MID 90S ALONG WITH HIGH HUMIDITY VALUES...HEAT INDICES WILL REACH VALUES OF AROUND 99 TO 104 THIS AFTERNOON. THE HIGHEST HEAT INDICES WILL LIKELY OCCUR BETWEEN 1PM AND 7PM LOCAL TIME. PERSONS ENGAGING IN STRENUOUS OUTSIDE ACTIVITY COULD EXPERIENCE HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES IF PROPER PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER...WEAR LIGHT-WEIGHT AND LIGHT-COLORED CLOTHING. STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM IF POSSIBLE...STAY OUT OF THE SUN...AND CHECK ON RELATIVES...NEIGHBORS AND PETS.

Bradfordsville Fire  (June 22)
Bradfordsville Fire Department responded to a trailer fire at 3:01am on Central Avenue . The scene was cleared at 4:03am.

LPD Investigating Theft  (June 22)
A Playstation 3 console with wireless controllers and 5 Playstation 3 video games, total value of $670 was removed from a vehicle while it was parked on Blossom Lane on the 13th.

Light to Be Installed on Bypass (June 22)
According to Senator Jimmy Higdon, correspondence with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reports that the Cabinet has continued to monitor the intersection of KY 49 and KY 2154 on the Lebanon Bypass and a recent signal warrant analysis revealed that conditions have changed at this location and a traffic signal is now warranted.
At this time, the Cabinet’s Division of Traffic Operations and District 4 Office in Elizabethtown are finalizing the plans for the signal system and anticipate that the installation will be ready to begin in July.

Entry Forms Due for Baby Contest (June 22)
Entry forms for the baby contests at the 2010 Marion County Fair MUST be returned to the Marion County Extension Office 415 Fairgrounds Road, Lebanon KY by Thursday, June 24th  For more information contact the extension office, 692-2421 OR Rita Spalding.

Free Concert Lineup Announced For State Fair (June 22) Officials have announced the musical lineup for the Kentucky State Fair, kicking off with Joan Jett on Thursday August 19th.  The next night's show features M.C. Hammer.  Other highlights include appearances by the Oak Ridge boys, Jackyl, Charlie Daniels, and Jake Owen.  All concerts are free with paid admission to the fair.  Each show will begin at 8 p.m. at Cardinal Stadium.  For more information, log on to kystatefair.org.

  Kentucky Man Receives Life Sentences In Wisconsin Killings (June 22) A Kentucky man has been handed two life sentences for a pair of Wisconsin killings.  Edward Edwards was sentenced yesterday in a Milwaukee court for the 1980 murders of Tim Hack and Kelly Drew.  The 77-year-old admitted to another pair of 1977 slayings in Ohio just ten days before his sentence was handed out.  Edwards has agreed to carry out his sentence in Ohio , but will not be eligible for parole until he is 97.  

Barn Fire (June 21)
Gravel Switch Fire Department members responded to a barn fire on Logan Hill Road in eastern Marion County, near Gravel Switch this morning.
The fire was reported at 2:32am, with several units responding.
Assistant Chief Kevin Rogers requested that State Police be contacted due to arson being suspected.
Crews were on the scene for several hours this morning.

Two-Year-Old Girl Found In Pool Dies (June 21)
A two-year-old Kentucky girl found unresponsive in the family swimming pool has died.  Authorities say Anarae Lefau of Burgin was discovered Thursday by her grandmother at the bottom of an above-ground pool.  Emergency responders were able to get the little girl to resume breathing and she was transported to University of Kentucky Hospital.  Authorities say Lefau died early Saturday morning.  The death is being investigated as an accident.

Senate Minority Leader McConnell:  BP Needs To Apologize (June 21)
Congressional Republicans continue to distance themselves from an apology issued by Congressman Joe Barton of Texas to BP CEO Tony Hayward last week.  Barton made the statement during a House hearing on Thursday, saying he thought the 20-billion-dollar fund BP will set up to pay those affected by the oil spill is a "government shakedown."  On "Fox News Sunday," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he couldn't disagree more with Barton.  The Kentucky Republican said BP doesn't need to be apologized to and the oil giant is the one who needs to issue the mea culpa.

Police Investigating Infant Death (June 21)
Lexington police are investigating after a five-month-old baby died yesterday morning after being left in a hot car.  Authorities say the child was found Saturday afternoon, and was rushed to the hospital by rescuers.  The infant was having trouble breathing at the time.  The official cause of death has been listed as accidental. .  Kentucky law states a person can be charged with felony second-degree manslaughter in a case like this.

Man Charged With Attempted Murder Following Stabbing (June 21)
A Harrodsburg man is facing attempted murder charges following a weekend stabbing.  Police say Connie Anthony Blacketer Junior stabbed the victim in the laundry room of the Hanover Apartments Saturday afternoon.  The victim is expected to recover after being taken to Haggin Hospital .  The 24-year-old suspect is being held at the Boyle County Detention Center .

McConnell Says Some Of Kagan's Views "Quite Troubling" (June 21)
Confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan are set to begin June 28th.  Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said with the start of those sessions a week off, it's still too early to predict if she will face a Republican filibuster.  The GOP senator from Kentucky told "Fox News Sunday," quote, "some of her views are quite troubling, at least to me, in the area of political speech and the First Amendment."  McConnell said the documents which have come in from her time in the Clinton administration show Kagan has argued "that the government could ban pamphlets."

Washington County Junior Miss (June 21)
Anna Pettus, daughter of John and Barbara Pettus, was crowned 2011 Washington County Junior Miss Saturday.  

Vehicle Fire (June 18)
A vehicle fire was reported on Myers Road, near Bradfordsville Thursday afternoon, shortly after 1pm.
Members of the Bradfordsville and Gravel Switch Fire Departments responded, with the scene being cleared about an hour later.

Pregnant Woman Can't Be Charged For Drug Use (June 18)
Kentucky mothers cannot be charged criminally for drug or alcohol use during pregnancy.  A ruling from the state supreme court yesterday shows the Maternal Health Act of 1992 does not make provisions for such charges.  The case centered around Ina Cochran, who gave birth to a child in 2005 which tested positive for cocaine.  The act on the state's law books specifically says such charges could discourage mothers-to-be from seeking the proper pre-natal care.

Arrests made in Two County Theft Ring (June 18)
A two month investigation into a theft ring in Russell and Adair Counties has ended with the arrests of 4 persons and the recovery of over $15,000 in stolen property. 
Detectives from Kentucky State Police, Post 15 as well as Adair County Sheriff Ralph Curry and Russell County Sheriff Larry Bennett, searched 5 residences in Russell County and located stolen property.  Items recovered included 3 ATV's, a television, home decor items and antique collectibles.  The burglaries occurred in the communities of White Oak,  Montpelier , and Old Columbia Road .

Jets Over Kentucky (June 18)
Jets Over Kentucky Week kicks off with free flying for pilots July 4-8 at the Lebanon-Springfield Airport just outside downtown Lebanon, Ky. This radio-controlled jet show is a Kentucky Tourism Council Top 10 Summer Event and is expected to draw nearly 200 pilots from all over the U.S. and three other countries. Pilots range from ages 10-80 and some are national and international champions of RC jet competitions.  

KY STATE POLICE INVESTIGATING ACCIDENT (JUNE 17)
Trooper Brian Coyt is investigating a collision that occurred Tuesday afternoon at 2:18pm, 8 miles North of Springfield on Doe Run Lane .  Bobby Wilson, age 53 of Junction City was traveling West on Doe Run Lane in a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado truck; he was attempting to negotiate a narrow curve when he struck a1998 Chevrolet truck traveling East, being operated by Chris Kuchenbrod, age 37 of Springfield.  Wilson and Kuchenbrod were both wearing their seatbelt and not injured.  A passenger in Kuchenbrod’s vehicle, 13 yr old Christian Kuchenbrod of Springfield was wearing a seatbelt; he was treated and released from Springview Hospital .  Trooper Coyt was assisted at the scene by Trooper John Adams and Washington County EMS .

Republican Leader Questions Obama's Motives In Spill Response (JUNE 17)
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is questioning President Obama's motives in the ongoing response to the BP Gulf oil disaster.  In his address to the nation, the President said the U.S. must take the opportunity to aggressively pursue alternative energy to reduce the nation's dependence on oil.  The Kentucky Senator in turn accused the White House of using the Gulf crisis to push an "ideological agenda" on energy and global climate change.  A sweeping energy and climate change bill is pending in the Senate.  Similar legislation was passed earlier by the House.

GOP Set To Announce New Kentucky Leadership (JUNE 17)
Kentucky Republicans will be getting a new leader.  The GOP says it's set to announce a new chairman on Saturday.  Governor Steve Beshear is widely expected to tap his own deputy chief of staff to take the job.  The "Herald Leader" reports Daniel Lodgson should be the one to take over for the outgoing Charlie Moore.  Moore has served since early 2009, but told Beshear it wasn't a long-term solution.

LEBANON POLICE MAKE ARRESTS (JUNE 17)
LPD arrested Lora Jaclyn Penn on the 8th on charges of burglary 2nd, hindering prosecution and apprehension/resisting arrest/disorderly conduct/menancing/fleeing and evading 2nd/assault 4th.
Jaclyn Kay Abbott, of Columbia, was arrested on the 8th on charges of assault 4th, resisting arrest, hindering prosecution and apprehension and disorderly conduct.

Gravel Switch Fire Call (June 16)
Gravel Switch Fire Department responded to a barn fire on the end of Bradfordsville end of Rollertown Road. The scene was cleared at 6:21am. 

State and local officials dedicate Industrial Drive extension in Marion County (June 16)
Transportation Cabinet representatives, state legislators and local officials yesterday unveiled signs naming the route connecting U.S. 68 to Metts Drive in memory of Sgt. Jonathan Adam Hughes, who died in Iraq in 2005.
Contract crews are finalizing work on the project, and the road will open this week.
Hughes, 21, of Lebanon , was assigned to the Kentucky Army National Guard's Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery, of Campbellsville, when he died after an explosive device detonated near the armored vehicle in which he was traveling. Hughes had joined the Guard in 2001 at age 17.

Registration Dates at Marion County High School (June 16)
Seniors will have registration on Monday, July 26 from 12pm to 6pm
Juniors will have registration on Tuesday, July 27 from 12pm to 6pm
Sophomores will have registration on Wednesday, July 28 from 12pm to 6pm
Freshmen will have registration on Thursday, July 29 from 12pm to 6pm

Schedules will only be changed due to the following reasons:
Lack of enrollment for class. Failure to return contract for AP class. Duplicate or repeat of a class. Failed a class that student needed. Needs a graduation requirement If there is a schedule gap.
Attendance to registration is still required.  Parents must attend to fill out paperwork.

Upcoming Golf Tournaments (June 16)
It’s time to sign up for the annual Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber Golf Classic, Saturday June 26 at Bardstown Country Club at Maywood.  Teams and individuals are welcome!  The day begins with 7:30 a.m. breakfast and an 8 a.m. shotgun start.  Lots of fun and prizes!  Call us at the Chamber to reserve your spot or visit us online to make your reservation.  Get your foursome together or sign up as an individual – don’t miss the fun!

The 2010 Post 15 Tpr. Island Golf Tournament has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 6th at the Rosewood Golf Club in Lebanon , KY.   Registration begins at 8:00 EDT with play starting at 9:00 EDT.  Registration fee is $60.00 per player (teams of 4) with A, B, C, D handicapped players.  This includes golf, cart, lunch and giveaway items.  Country music Superstars Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry and John Michael Montgomery will be playing.  Everyone is encouraged to come by the Club for a tour of the Eddie Montgomery tour bus and to participate in a Post Tournament Auction, beginning at 2:00 p.m. EDT, that will include items such as a guitar autographed by Eddie and John Michael Montgomery, a 10 person VIP tour of Makers Mark Distillery and much more. To register, contact TFC. Billy Gregory at William.gregory@ky.gov or call 270-805-1703.  Registrants may also register the day of the tournament.

Heavy Thunderstorms Hit Louisville and Southern Indiana (June 16)
Heavy thunderstorms and accompanying strong winds wreaked havoc on trees and power lines last night.  Officials say about two-thousand people lost power in Jefferson and Oldham counties, and about 15-hundred folks spent a portion of the night in the dark in Floyd and Clark counties in Southern Indiana.  The National Weather Service reports rainfall totaled two-thirds of an inch in areas of Jefferson County .  At storm's peak, wind gusts of 50 miles-per-hour were reported.

Police: Man Buys Social Security Numbers For Five-Dollars (June 16)
Louisville Metro police have arrested a Florida man they claim was buying Social Security numbers from homeless people for five-dollars each.  Thirty-year-old Antonio Phillips was nabbed on Monday.  Cops say they found 500-dollars in five-dollar bills inside Phillips' car, along with weapons and a list of homeless shelters.  Investigators are trying to determine if Phillips was acting alone or was part of an identity theft ring.  He's been charged with trafficking in stolen identities and carrying a concealed deadly weapon.  

Bypass Ceremony Scheduled for Today (June 15)
A ceremony to open the Industrial Drive access road in Lebanon is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 15.  The event will be held on-site where the new road intersects U.S. 68/55, across from the Veterans Memorial Bypass.   State and local officials are scheduled to attend.

Loretto Fire Chief Found Dead (June 15)
Loretto Fire Chief Mark Mattingly was found dead in his home Monday morning after he did not report to work at Maker's Mark. He was 42 years old. The cause of death has not yet been released.

Holiday World Owner Will Koch Dies (June 15)
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari owner and president Will Koch passed away Sunday evening at his home.  Koch died of what the family believes to be complications from diabetes. Funeral arrangements are pending. Koch was 48.

KSP Report 16 Deaths on KY Roads (June 15)
Kentucky State Police say that 16 people died in 14 separate crashes on Kentucky ’s roadways from Monday, June 7 through Sunday, June 13, 2010.
Thirteen of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles. Six of the victims were not wearing seat belts. One of the fatalities was the result of a crash involving alcohol. Three of the fatalities were riding motorcycles. One was not wearing a helmet.
Two double-fatality crashes occurred: one in Boyle County and one in Ohio County . Two single-fatality crashes occurred in Boyd County and Henderson County . Single-fatality crashes occurred in Barren, Breckinridge, Estill, Floyd, Hardin, Jefferson, Letcher and Muhlenberg counties.
Through June 13,  287 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010. This is 60 fewer than reported for this time period in 2009. Of the 237 motor vehicle fatalities, 119 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 19 motorcycle fatalities, eight were not wearing helmets. Three of the four ATV fatalities were not wearing helmets. The single scooter fatality was not wearing a helmet. One bicyclist and 25 pedestrians have been killed. A total of 67 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.
Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

Preacher Indicted On Sex Charges (June 15)
42-year-old Carlos Mendez-Almendra of 2227 Cane Valley Road in Columbia has been indicted in Taylor and Adair Counties for sex crimes.   Mendez-Almendra was indicted by the Taylor County Grand Jury for First Degree Sexual Abuse and Intimidating a Witness and by the Adair County Grand Jury for First Degree Rape and Sexual misconduct in related cases.
The investigation is on-going and the indictments are the result of complaints filed in mid April of this year.  Mendez-Almendra was the preacher at a Spanish speaking church, Apostoles Prophetas, on Ky 531 in Adair County . The church has been closed.  Detective B.J. Burton is investigating.

KSP Investigating Accident In Washington County (June 15)
Trooper John Adams is investigating a collision that occurred @ approximately 12:20 a.m. on The Bluegrass Parkway in Washington County .  Latreece Michelle Crawford, age 21, of Bardstown, was operating a 2002 Oldsmobile traveling eastbound. 
Crawford swerved to avoid a deer, over corrected, and slid into the median.  Crawford, who was wearing her seatbelt, was transported to Springview Hospital by Washington County EMS for non life threatening injuries.   

June 14, 2010

A ceremony to open the Industrial Drive access road in Lebanon is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 15.  The event will be held on-site where the new road intersects U.S. 68/55, across from the Veterans Memorial Bypass.   State and local officials are scheduled to attend.

Trooper Bryan Coyt is investigating a collision that occurred on U.S. 68, 5 miles west of Lebanon on Saturday.  43 year old Timothy Nicholas of Campbellsville was operating a Harley Davidson motorcycle with passenger Shari Walters, age 46, of Campbellsville.  Nicholas tried to avoid a collision and overturned the bike.  Walters was transported by private vehicle to Spring View Hospital.  Nicholas later went to Taylor Regional Hospital.  Trooper Coyt was assisted at the scene by Trooper Jonathan Boyd and by Marion County EMS.

Trooper John Adams is investigating a collision that occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday on Hwy 152 in Washington County.  Jessica Brown, age 27, of Loretto, was operating a 1995 Oldsmobile when she failed to negotiate a curve causing the vehicle to leave the roadway.  The vehicle then struck a tree and a culvert.  Brown, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported to Spring View Hospital by Washington County EMS and treated for non-life threatening injuries.  Trooper Adams was assisted at the scene by Washington County EMS, Fire and Rescue.

Two men are lucky to be alive following a plane crash in Taylor County Saturday night.  Officials say that 69 year old Dale Willis was piloting a Cessna 170 aircraft which flipped over during landing.  Willis and his passenger, 52 year old Barry Smith, were trapped and had to cut from the vehicle.  Both men were transported to Taylor Regional Hospital.  Willis was then transferred to University Hospital in Louisville.  The FAA continues to investigate the crash.

Checks for $250.00 are going out to people with Medicare Part D who have already hit the prescription drug coverage gap, known as the 'doughnut hole', for their medical expenses this year.  The AARP is warning recipients about potential scams in which people are offered help to get their rebates, for a price, which is unnecessary since the checks are automatically mailed by Medicare to those who qualify.  To report a suspected scam, call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Lebanon City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. today at City Hall for a budget work session.  The meeting is open to the public.

Lebanon Police Report Accident (June 11)
The LPD reports an injury accident Thursday afternoon at 4:15pm near the intersection of Highways 527 and 52 in Loretto. 
Responders included Kentucky State Police, Marion County Sheriff's Department, Marion County Ambulance Service, Marion County Rescue, the Loretto Fire Department and the Air Evac Helicopter Service. 
The scene was cleared at 5:36pm. 

LPD Make Arrests (June 11)
Lebanon Police arrested Marilyn Gun, Lebanon, on the 6th on a Marion County warrant for theft by deception under $300.
Kendra Epps, of Lebanon, was arrested on the 5th, on a Marion County warrant for theft by unlawful taking. 

KENTUCKY ALERTED TO WATCH FOR SCAMS, FRAUD FOLLOWING STORMS

FEMA does not charge fees for processing disaster aid
When floodwaters subside, one of the first things to float to the surface is the scam artist.
The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) remind businesses and homeowners to be wary of individuals who may try to take advantage of you.
The most common types of fraud after disaster strikes are scam artists, contractor fraud, and identity theft.
Scammers may come to your door, pretend to be a disaster official and try to charge money to process a registration or inspect a home. Some contractors might ask for advance money then disappear. Others might ask for personal information to try to steal your identity.
Remember: FEMA and the SBA never charge a fee for processing disaster aid.
FEMA workers are not contractors.  They will not offer to do the work for you or have their cousin, brother, friend call to “help you out.” FEMA and the SBA never endorse specific contractors.
To protect yourself from unscrupulous contractors:
 Use Known Contractors First: If you were satisfied with past work done by local licensed contractors, try them first.  Do business only with licensed and insured contractors. If they cannot help you, ask for recommendations. If you must hire a contractor you don’t know, talk to several of them and verify their phone number, address, website, etc. before signing anything.
Ask for references.  Contractors should be willing to provide names of previous customers. Contact some of those customers and ask if they would hire the contractor again.
Ask for proof of insurance.  Be sure the contractor has disability and workers’ compensation insurance.  If not, you may be liable for accidents on your property.
Ask for a written estimate.  Make sure it includes everything you expect the contractor to do.  Also, find out up-front if the contractor will charge a fee for the estimate.
Get a written contract.  The contract should clearly state all work, costs and the payment schedule.  Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces.  You may want to have an attorney look at the contract before signing it. Applicants who have limited income or those unable to obtain legal counsel can get free disaster legal services by calling 877-445-8763.
 Get guarantees in writing (if separate from the contract). If the contractor provides guarantees, he/she should clearly state what is covered by that guarantee, who is responsible for fulfilling the guarantee (dealer, contractor or manufacturer), and how long the guarantee is valid.
Get a copy of the final, signed contract. Before signing, read it over carefully.  Once signed, the contract is binding on both you and the contractor. 
Do not sign off before the job is finished.  Make sure the work is done to your satisfaction before signing completion papers or making a final payment.  A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not finished properly. 
Beware of identity theft
FEMA Community Relations teams, other disaster officials and inspectors are in Kentucky communities right now, meeting face-to-face with affected citizens, local officials, and business owners. These workers are there to help citizens register for federal disaster assistance. To protect your identity:

·         Withhold Personal Information: Unless you require special assistance to register your damage, do not give personal information such as your bank account numbers, social security number, or other information to those without proper identification. This goes for on the phone, online, or in person.

·         Ask for ID: Always ask for identification from any official who stops at your home or business. Among legitimate officials that may visit your home are FEMA inspectors, SBA loss verifiers, federal/commonwealth community relations teams, and local building officials. Look for a prominently displayed identity card. All FEMA workers are happy to let you look closely at their ID when asked. The ID will have a photograph of the person wearing it, the words FEMA, a seal, the person’s name, and an expiration date.

If you think someone has stolen your identity, call or write all three credit bureaus and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report. The fraud alert tells creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts.
To report suspected fraud in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, call the Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division at (502) 696-5389. Additional information about this disaster is available at www.fema.gov and www.kyem.ky.gov/currentdisasters.

U Of L Board Approves Tuition Hike (June 11)
Putting your son or daughter through college at the University of Louisville just got a bit more expensive.  A six percent tuition hike for the 2010-2011 school year was approved yesterday by the Board of Trustees.  The new rates mean in-state undergrads will have to fork over about 500-dollars more, with tuition rising to 84-hundred dollars yearly.  Students in medical, dental, and law schools are subject to an eight percent increase.

WASHINGTON COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE (JUNE 11)
The Springfield Washington County Relay for Life will be this Friday night
at St. Catharine College in front of Lourdes Hall.  Gates open at 5 with
opening ceremony at 7.  As always the public is invited to attend and if you
have any questions or would like to make a donation, contact Cathy Carrico
at 481-1863.

2010 MARION COUNTY FAIR - OPEN CLASS and 4-H exhibits (June 11)
2010 MARION COUNTY FAIR - OPEN CLASS and 4-H exhibits will be taken on MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. FLORAL HALL BUILDING at the Marion County Fairgrounds, 720 Fairgrounds Road . For a list of what may be entered watch for the 2010 Marion County Fair Tabloid coming out
with the Lebanon Enterprise on June 16 OR contact the Marion County Extension Office, 270-692-2421.

Marion County Fair Board will meet on SATURDAY, June 12, 9:00 a.m. at the Marion County Extension Office, 415 Fairgrounds Road , Lebanon . Any questions, call 692-2421.  

The Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (IFOS) will be held on Thursday, June 17th  at 5:01pm.  IFOS will be held at Willie A’s Restaurant in Lebanon and will be sponsored by Willie A’s as well.  Everyone invited!  Please come out and enjoy fun, prizes, food and of course networking!  

Senator Jimmy Higdon will be having an informational meeting to discuss the process that felons may use to restore their voting rights.  Please attend if you are interested. Place: Marion County Public Library Date: Thursday, June 17, 2010 Time: 7:00 pm

WASHINGTON COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE (JUNE 10)
The Springfield Washington County Relay for Life will be this Friday night
at St. Catharine College in front of Lourdes Hall.  Gates open at 5 with
opening ceremony at 7.  As always the public is invited to attend and if you
have any questions or would like to make a donation, contact Cathy Carrico
at 481-1863.

Three graduate from Central Kentucky Youth Entrepreneurial Society (June 10)

 Three of Marion County brightest young people graduated from the Central Kentucky Youth Entrepreneurial Society last week after nine months of rigorous training.

Abbe George, a St. Augustine sixth-grader, China Grundy, a Lebanon Middle School sixth-grader, and Holly Craig, a Marion County High School junior, successfully completed the necessary course work and independent study and are now qualified to engage in entrepreneurial activities. They received their diplomas during a brief ceremony at the Convention Complex at Centre Square May 27.

Central Kentucky YES is dedicated to finding and nurturing young people who want to start a business now or in the future. Students learn about entrepreneurial activities, how to find helpful information, feasibility issues, networking, hear guest speakers and more. Whether the student wants to start his or her own business now or in the future, YES offers a gateway to the road to the becoming a successful entrepreneur.

There is no charge for the once per month class and middle, high school and college age students in central Kentucky are eligible to join.

Classes are typically held the last Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. and the 2009-10 YES course will begin Sept. 23.

For more information or to request an application, e-mail LtccDirector@windstream.net or call 270.692.8902. Information and a downloadable application can be found at www.VisitLebanonKy.com/ckyes.htm.

 

Lebanon Police Investigating Theft (June 10)
LPD is investigating a case of theft by unlawful taking under $500. Two 4.5foot pre-lit cedar topiary trees, valued at $270, were stolen from a residence on South Proctor Knott Avenue. 

 

Knights Start Practice (June 10)
The Marion County Knights have started their first practices under new head coach Anthony Epps. The Knights will have several practice sessions and new games during the month of June, as well as games against area teams prior to the start of the KHSAA mandated dead period, which begins June 25th. 
Epps, current players, and other volunteers will also host a basketball camp June 14-16th at the Roby Dome from 9am to 12noon each day. 

2010 MARION COUNTY FAIR - OPEN CLASS and 4-H exhibits (June 10)
2010 MARION COUNTY FAIR - OPEN CLASS and 4-H exhibits will be taken on MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. FLORAL HALL BUILDING at the Marion County Fairgrounds, 720 Fairgrounds Road . For a list of what may be entered watch for the 2010 Marion County Fair Tabloid coming out
with the Lebanon Enterprise on June 16 OR contact the Marion County Extension Office, 270-692-2421.

BARDSTOWN MAN INDICTED FOR RECEIVING, POSSESSING, AND DISTRIBUTING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY (JUNE 9)
A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an Indictment against David W. Morris, age 28, of Bardstown, Kentucky, in Nelson County, on charges of receiving, possessing, and distributing child pornography, United States Attorney David J. Hale of the Western District of Kentucky announced today.             
The Indictment alleges that on or about June 9, 2009, Morris knowingly transported child pornography over the Internet.  The Indictment also charges that Morris knowingly received child pornography between March 26, 2009, and July 1, 2009.  Additionally, the Indictment charges Morris with knowingly possessing child pornography on or about July 1, 2009.
According to an Affidavit filed by a Kentucky State Police Detective in support of a Criminal Complaint against Morris, law enforcement officials became aware of Morris’s criminal conduct through an undercover operation conducted on the Internet.  The Detective downloaded child pornography files (including movie files) from a computer at Morris’s residence in Nelson County, Kentucky.  Law enforcement officials later executed a state search warrant and found additional child pornography on the computers and storage media taken from the home.  When law enforcement officials executed the Search Warrant, Morris had been charged in state court with inappropriate sexual contact with a 13-year-old child.
In the event of a conviction, the maximum potential penalties are 100 years’ imprisonment, a $750,000.00 fine, and supervised release for a period of at least 5 years and could be any number of years up to and including life.  If convicted, Morris faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit
www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless, and it was investigated by the Kentucky State Police and its Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Morris is scheduled to appear for arraignment before the United States Magistrate Judge on June 22, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., in Louisville, Kentucky.
The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

FEMA Representative at Centre Square Wednesday (June 9)
The  Community  meeting  with  FEMA  Officials  will   be  held  in  the "Auditorium/Angelic  Hall"  at  Centre  Square on  Wed. evening - June  9th- at   6:30 p.m.-  All  potential Claim or  Loss  victims  are  strongly  encouraged  to  attend -- if  you have  not  notified  FEMA  of  your  losses  it  is  not  too  late to   file  a  claim.
FEMA  will  meet with  local  residents  who  were  impacted  in  the  May 1st &  2nd  Flood  Event -- who    had  Flood  Damages  and  who  may  need  to  file  a  claim  for  flood  losses. The  meeting  will  be  held  on  Wed- June 9th, 2010  at  Centre  Square  at  6:30  p.m
Many  people  have  had  flood  damage- basements  flooded, first  floor  living  space, personal  property, and  the  Federal Disaster  Declaration - FEMA-DR-1919 may  make  a  variety of  assistance- grants, small  business  loans,  and  other  monetary  benefits  available. 
Many  people  called  local  officials  with  their  name and   address  after  the  event- some  of  this  information  was  referred  to  Disaster  personnel-  BUT--  every individual  that  suffered flooding  must  "Self  Report"  their  own  damage  to  1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or  on  line  to  www.DisasterAssistance.gov .  Simply  turning  your  name  in  to  local officials  did  not  register  you  with  FEMA .- Local  Government  cannot  register  individuals  for  a  damage  claim. if  you  had  damage during  the  flood  event- you need  to attend  this  meeting  on  Wed. June 9th  at Centre  Square  at  6:30 p.m.. FEMA  representatives  will  be  there  to  provide  info  on : Individual  Assistance,  SBA  grants  and  loans  for  individual  and  small  Business, Mitigation  Programs,  and  the National  Flood  Insurance  Program.

Residents of Washington County May Be Eligible for Help from Flooding (June 8)
 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S.
Small Business Administration (SBA) offering  residents of Washington County federal disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners
The U.S. Small Administration (SBA) is currently working with residents of Washington County for Federal Disaster Loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.  If you are a homeowner or renter, Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) may refer you to the SBA.  SBA disaster loans are the primary source of money to pay for repair or replacement costs not fully covered by insurance or other compensation.  SBA offers low interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations.
 •    Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair their primary
     residence.
•    Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace
     personal property.
•    Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of
      property damage or economic injury.
•    SBA offers low interest working capital loans (called Economic Injury
      Disaster Loans) to small businesses and most private, non-profit
      organizations of all sizes having difficulty meeting obligations as a
      result of the disaster.
FEMA and the SBA are currently in Springfield on the second floor of the old Courthouse at 111 Cross Main Street and will be there most of this week.  For additional information on the SBA Federal Loan Program, you may speak with R. Gary Colton, Public Information Officer with the SBA, or you can reach him at (916) 203-6626 or by e-mail at richard.colton@sba.gov.  You may also apply on-line at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Construction Downtown Bardstown Thru Thursday (June 8)
The 100 block of N. Third Street will be closed to all traffic Monday evening beginning at 5:00 PM.
Tuesday and part of Wednesday, West bound traffic will be closed on Broadway at  Third Street . The traffic coming into Court Square from E. Stephen Foster and W. Stephen Foster will taper off to two lanes and continue around the court house with only one lane open.  CAUTION:  Slow down in this area, there are workers around every corner. For the duration of the construction around the Court Square, there will be no semi-trailer truck traffic from the Court Square north on Third Street . They will be working clockwise around the old Court House, beginning at the John Fitch monument on the Northeast side of Stephen Foster Ave. Construction is subject to change.

Attorney General Warns Of Grandparent Scams (June 8)
Kentucky authorities are warning grandparents to protect their online identity as a new round of scams targeting those with grandchildren are popping up.  The Attorney General's Office says grandparents are contacted by a "grandchild" who claims to have an emergency such as being arrest and instructs them to wire money to help them out.  Scammers are potentially using social networking sites like Facebook to harvest private information to help in the operation.

FEMA Representative at Centre Square Wednesday (June 8)
The  Community  meeting  with  FEMA  Officials  will   be  held  in  the "Auditorium/Angelic  Hall"  at  Centre  Square on  Wed. evening - June  9th- at   6:30 p.m.-  All  potential Claim or  Loss  victims  are  strongly  encouraged  to  attend -- if  you have  not  notified  FEMA  of  your  losses  it  is  not  too  late to   file  a  claim.
FEMA  will  meet with  local  residents  who  were  impacted  in  the  May 1st &  2nd  Flood  Event -- who    had  Flood  Damages  and  who  may  need  to  file  a  claim  for  flood  losses. The  meeting  will  be  held  on  Wed- June 9th, 2010  at  Centre  Square  at  6:30  p.m
Many  people  have  had  flood  damage- basements  flooded, first  floor  living  space, personal  property, and  the  Federal Disaster  Declaration - FEMA-DR-1919 may  make  a  variety of  assistance- grants, small  business  loans,  and  other  monetary  benefits  available. 
Many  people  called  local  officials  with  their  name and   address  after  the  event- some  of  this  information  was  referred  to  Disaster  personnel-  BUT--  every individual  that  suffered flooding  must  "Self  Report"  their  own  damage  to  1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or  on  line  to  www.DisasterAssistance.gov .  Simply  turning  your  name  in  to  local officials  did  not  register  you  with  FEMA .- Local  Government  cannot  register  individuals  for  a  damage  claim. if  you  had  damage during  the  flood  event- you need  to attend  this  meeting  on  Wed. June 9th  at Centre  Square  at  6:30 p.m.. FEMA  representatives  will  be  there  to  provide  info  on : Individual  Assistance,  SBA  grants  and  loans  for  individual  and  small  Business, Mitigation  Programs,  and  the National  Flood  Insurance  Program.  

Washington County Accident (June 7)
Trooper John Adams is investigating a collision that occurred Sunday night @ 8:10pm, 12 miles North of Springfield at the junction of Chaplin Road and KY 555.
John C. Daley, age 45 of Lexington, was traveling North on Chaplin Road in a 2006 Ford F150 when he failed to observe a stop sign due to glare from the sun.  Daley struck a 1998 Dodge Ram traveling South on KY 555; the driver of the truck, Joseph W. Adams, age 50 of Willisburg  was taken by private vehicle to Springview Hospital for minor injuries.  Three passengers in the Daley vehicle, 43 yr old Teresa Daley, 6 yr old Ashton Daley, and 4 yr old Emma Daley all from Lexington were transported by EMS to Springview Hospital for treatment of non life threatening injuries.  Adams, along with a passenger in his vehicle, 57 yr old Connie Sue Adams were transported by EMS to Flaget Hospital in Bardstown for treatment of non life threatening injuries.  The adults were wearing seat belts; the children were in child restraints.  Trooper Adams was assisted at the scene by Trooper Ricky Underwood, Washington County EMS , and Washington County Fire and Rescue.

FEMA Representative at Centre Square Wednesday (June 7)
FEMA  will  meet with  local  residents  who  were  impacted  in  the  May 1st &  2nd  Flood  Event -- who    had  Flood  Damages  and  who  may  need  to  file  a  claim  for  flood  losses. The  meeting  will  be  held  on  Wed- June 9th, 2010  at  Centre  Square  at  6:30  p.m
Many  people  have  had  flood  damage- basements  flooded, first  floor  living  space, personal  property, and  the  Federal Disaster  Declaration - FEMA-DR-1919 may  make  a  variety of  assistance- grants, small  business  loans,  and  other  monetary  benefits  available. 
Many  people  called  local  officials  with  their  name and   address  after  the  event- some  of  this  information  was  referred  to  Disaster  personnel-  BUT--  every individual  that  suffered flooding  must  "Self  Report"  their  own  damage  to  1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or  on  line  to  www.DisasterAssistance.gov .  Simply  turning  your  name  in  to  local officials  did  not  register  you  with  FEMA .- Local  Government  cannot  register  individuals  for  a  damage  claim. if  you  had  damage during  the  flood  event- you need  to attend  this  meeting  on  Wed. June 9th  at Centre  Square  at  6:30 p.m.. FEMA  representatives  will  be  there  to  provide  info  on : Individual  Assistance,  SBA  grants  and  loans  for  individual  and  small  Business, Mitigation  Programs,  and  the National  Flood  Insurance  Program.

Portions Of State Budget Meet Governor's Veto (June 7)
Nearly 20 items of the recently passed state budget have met the veto pen of Governor Steve Beshear.  The 19 provisions axed from the spending plan include slashing the salary of Economic Development Secretary Larry Hayes.  Beshear says the reasoning behind the vetoes is to ensure he will be able to implement spending cuts over the next two years.  He also says the budget passed in special session wasn't according to his proposal, but it's better than shutdowns of the state government.

Crusade For Children Collects More Than Five-Million Dollars (June 7)
The final numbers are in and it looks like the Crusade For Children fundraiser had its best year since 2005.  The 57th annual event for special-needs kids raked in five-point-three-million dollars.  Hundreds of firefighters from Kentucky and Southern Indiana participated in this year's drive.  The Crusade for Children was established in 1954 by WHAS-TV.  Over the years, the crusade has raised more than 133-million dollars for agencies, schools and hospitals.  

Police Warn Citizens Of Phone Scam (June 4)
Kentucky State Police sent a warning yesterday about a new phone scam.  The callers say they are raising money to benefit fallen state troopers or help buy drug dogs for schools.  Lieutenant David Jude said the calls are not authorized by the Kentucky State Police and should be reported as soon as they are received.  The Kentucky State Police Professional Association is not currently involved in fundraising activities.  Anyone receiving one of these calls should report it at 502-875-1625.

200-Thousand-Dollar Powerball Ticket Sold In Kentucky (June 4)
It wasn't the big winner in Wednesday night's Powerball drawing, but a winning ticket was sold in Kentucky .  Lottery officials say one ticket sold at the Saddlebrook Quick Stop in London matched all five white numbers and is worth 200-thousand-dollars.  The winner has yet to come forward.  The ticket is one of ten sold for the drawing which matched five of the six winning numbers.  The jackpot ticket was sold in Ohio , worth over 260-million-dollars.

Eagles To Perform At New Arena (June 4)
One of the greatest bands in the history of rock and roll will christen the new KFC Yum! Center.  Mayor Jerry Abramson and Arena Authority Chairman Jim Host announced yesterday The Eagles will headline the first concert in the new downtown arena on October 16th.  The arena was scheduled to open in November, but construction crews will put the finishing touches on the new building ahead of schedule.  

Attorney General Looking To Cut Off Utility Rate Increases (June 3)
Attorney General Jack Conway is looking to squash rate increases from Kentucky Utilities and Louisville Glass and Electric. Conway says because the companies are being sold, the new ownership should have to make the case for rate increases to the Public Service Commission.  The utilities were looking to make a 250-million-dollar increase on July 31st.  If approved, it would be the largest combined increase in state history.

University Apologizes For Potential Online Security Breach (June 3)
Officials with the University of Louisville are apologizing for a possible security breach.  More than 700 kidney dialysis patients' Social Security numbers and medical information were apparently available online for the past 19 months.  An error made by a doctor and employee in October of 2008 created the breach.  UofL spokesman Mark Hebert says it's unknown whether anyone not authorized to access the information ever looked at it.

Derby Runner-Up Ice Box Is Favorite In Belmont Stakes (June 3)
Kentucky Derby runner-up Ice Box is the three-to-one morning line favorite for the 142nd running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday at Belmont Park in Elmont , New York .  Ice Box will start from the sixth post position for trainer Nick Zito in the field of 12 for the one-and-a-half grueling miles of the Belmont Stakes.  Ice Box skipped the Preakness after finishing second to Super Saver at Churchill Downs on May 1st.

Marion County Fair Board will meet on SATURDAY, June 12, 9:00 a.m. at the Marion County Extension Office, 415 Fairgrounds Road , Lebanon . Any questions, call 692-2421.  

KSP Report Six Deaths on KY Roads During the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend (June 2)
Kentucky State Police report that six people died in six separate crashes on Kentucky 's roadways during the official Memorial Day holiday period, which began at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28 and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 31.
Four of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and two of those were not wearing seat belts. The motor vehicle crashes occurred in Clark, Hopkins, Morgan, and Oldham counties. 
One crash involved a motorcycle in Rowan County and the victim was not wearing a helmet.  An ATV fatal crash occurred in Breathitt County and the victim was not wearing a helmet.  The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in the ATV crash.
Through May 31, KSP say that 253 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010.  This is 72 less than reported for the same time period in 2009.   There were 210 motor vehicle fatalities and 111 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Twenty-four pedestrians have been killed.  Fourteen fatalities involved a motorcycle, 1 involved a scooter and three involved an ATV.  Thirty-two crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle. A total of sixty fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. 

Accident Reported (June 2)
Injury accident reported last night on Three Pines Road last night at 7:54pm in Bradfordsville. The accident was a vehicle versed a moped. The Marion County Ambulance and KSP responded. The scene was cleared at 8:20pm.

Central KY Community Theatre Summer Camp Registrations (June 2)
The Central Kentucky Community Theatre will be having there summer camp starting June 7th thru July 23 with 2 shows on July 23.This years production will be Disney's "Alice in Wonderland". Camp is done on a week by week basis and will be taking the fourth of July week off! Camp is Mon. - Fri. 10am - 3pm and is only $65 per week, you only pay for the weeks you attend!! Register at www.centralkytheatre.com or stop by the Springfield Opera house or call 859-336-5412 ext. 4

Powerball Jackpot Balloons To 260-Million Dollars (June 2)
Powerball fever is sweeping Kentucky .  No one matched all the numbers in Saturday's drawing, which means tonight's jackpot should reach a whopping 260-million dollars.  The cash jackpot is pegged at about 134-million dollars.  Though tonight's jackpot is huge, it pales in comparison to the biggest Powerball jackpot of all time.  In February 2006, a single ticket won 365-million dollars.  

Washington Fiscal Court Meeting (June 1)
Washington County Solid Waste Coordinator George Ann Palmer said Friday her department has been working to clean up an illegal dump site on East Texas Loop and the owner of a junk yard on Caldwell-Tablow Road has finally been identified.
Palmer also reported there was a labor shortage at the at the Regional Recycling Center and is working with community action for more people. Judge Executive John Settles said the amount of white item tonnage was lower than anticipated, however the overall volume at the center is up.

Washington Fiscal Court voted Friday morning to absorb half of a fuel surcharge being imposed by Rumpke Sanitation, the County's garbage hauler. The other half will be passed along to customers.
Solid Waste Coordinator George Ann Palmer says the surcharge will be added to garbage bills for the months of July, August, and September.

Lebanon Police Report (June 1)
LPD is investigating a case of theft by unlawful taking over $500 that occurred on the 27th. Items, with a total value of $1152, were reported stolen from Mock Avenue.
In a case of criminal mischief, a 1995 Mercury was damaged on Cleaver Court on the 29th.

Report: More Than One in Four in KY has a Pre-existing Health Condition (June1)
Tom Joseph
 It's estimated nearly one million people in Kentucky under age 65 have been diagnosed with a pre-existing medical condition. That's more than one in four Kentuckians, according to a new report from the health reform advocacy group Families USA.
Nurse practitioner Elizabeth Kostas-Polston says the numbers are not surprising, given the patients she has seen in her practice. Pre-existing conditions don't just impact those who are older, she warns, they also affect adults who are working and raising families.
"I am seeing women in their 40s who've already had episodes of heart attacks or strokes and/or have high blood pressure. Even 15 years ago, I would say, we would have seen less of this in younger women."
Kostas-Polston says when someone is having problems related to a pre-existing health condition, all areas of their life can suffer.
"When they have a health problem that's not addressed, it affects their quality of life, their ability to work and their ability to care for their families."
The report also says that while low-income Kentuckians are slightly more likely to be affected by pre-existing conditions, nearly two-thirds of those with with the kind of pre-existing conditions that could lead to a denial of coverage are middle-class and higher-income Americans.

Memorial Day Schedule Changes (May 28)
Memorial  Day --Monday,  May  31st  , 2010-  is  a  Holiday  for  County  Employees
The   David  R.  Hourigan  Government  Center   Offices  will   be  closed  on   Monday – May 31st , 2010
-There  will be  NO  GARBAGE/SANITATION    PICK-UP   ON   MONDAY- MEMORIAL   DAY
(The   Monday  route  will  be  picked  up  on  Tuesday - Along  with   the  normal   Pick-up  for  Tuesday  occurring   as   well- TUESDAY  WILL  BE  A “DOUBLE -UP”  DAY   FOR  SANITATION   WORKERS)
IF 
YOU  NORMALLY  SET  YOUR GARBAGE  OUT  ON  SUNDAY  NIGHT- PLEASE  WAIT  TIL  MONDAY NIGHT  TO  SET  YOUR  GARBAGE  OUT- SO  IT  WILL  NOT   GET   SCATTERED  BEFORE  PICKUP
REMINDER- THERE  ARE  SEVERAL  PEOPLE  USING  “OVER-SIZE”  GARBAGE  CANS - LIKE  55 GALLON   DRUMSTHE GARBAGE  IN  THESE  TYPE  CONTAINERS   MUST  BE  “BAGGED”  SO  EMPLOYEES  CAN   EASILY  PULL  OUT  THE   BAGS--WITHOUT   “TIPPING”   THE  ENTIRE  CAN -- WHICH  IS  TOO   HEAVY  TO  LIFT,  &  MAY CAUSE  INJURY  TO  SANITATION  EMPLOYEES.
(THE  ORDINANCE  STATES  CONTAINERS  “NOT  LESS  THAN  10  GALLONS  NOR  MORE  THAN  35  GALLONS  IN  NOMINAL   CAPACITY” ….  “SHALL   HAVE   HANDLES,   BAILS   OR  OTHER  SUITABLE   LIFTING  DEVICES   OR  FEATURES”  …”CONTAINER  & CONTENTS   SHALL   NOT  EXCEED   75  POUNDS”  ) -  PLEASE  BE  CONSIDERATE  OF  SANITATION  EMPLOYEES. 

The annual Memorial Day Service at Lebanon National Cemetery will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 30, 2010.

The Marion Circuit Clerks Office will be closed Saturday and Monday (29th and 31st) for Memorial Day.

KSP Report Accident Yesterday Morning (May 28)
Trooper Fred Cornett is investigating a collision that occurred at 8:55 a.m., yesterday (Thursday) 4 miles west of Lebanon on US68.  The collision occurred when a 1999 Ford, operated by George Johnson, age 52, of Columbia , was traveling eastbound on US68.  Johnson, who was belted, attempted to overtake another vehicle, also traveling eastbound, when he left the westbound lane, struck a guardrail and then an embankment.  Johnson and a passenger, 20 year old Bethany Helm, of Columbia , who was not belted, were both transported by Marion County EMS to the Taylor Regional Hospital .  Johnson was treated and released.  Helm was admitted to TRH due to her injuries.  Trooper Cornett was assisted at the scene by Marion County EMS .

Lebanon Police Report Fire Alarm and Accident (May 28)
A fire was reported at 1590 St. Rose Road in Lebanon at 11:52am yesterday. Lebanon Fire Department and the Marion County Ambulance Service responded. The scene was cleared at 12:07pm.

An injury accident occurred on KY 289 around Muldraugh Hill area around 9:05am yesterday. The Marion County Ambulance Service, Marion County Rescue Squad and the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded. The scene was cleared at 11:04am.

Budget Committee Approves Proposal (May 28)
The Senate's budget committee has approved a spending proposal that could prevent a partial shutdown of state government.  The 17-point-one-billion-dollar, two-year budget restores money to build new schools.  Lawmakers are rushing to pass the new budget ahead of the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1st.  The proposal now heads to the full Senate for consideration.  Each day of this week's special session is costing taxpayers about 63-thousand dollars.

New Kentucky Kingdom Operator Named (May 28)
The State Fair Board has signed a contract with a new operator for Kentucky Kingdom.  Ed Hart, who ran the theme park from 1989 to 1997, will once again take the helm.  In February, bankrupt Six Flags walked away from its lease and announced the closure of Kentucky Kingdom.  Hart hopes to have the park up and running by Memorial Day 2011.  Several companies had stepped forward in the past few months and indicated an interest in reopening the park.

Lebanon Police Report (May 27)
An injury accident was reported Wednesday afternoon, shortly after 12:30pm at the intersection of Industrial and Metts Drives, in Lebanon.
Responding were members of the Lebanon Police Department and the Marion County Ambulance Service.
Records indicate that the patient refused treatment and transport.
The scene was cleared shortly after 1 o'clock.

A second injury accident took place early this morning at 12:09am.
Responding were members of the Marion County Ambulance Service, Loretto Fire Department, Loretto EMS and the Marion County Deputy Sheriff Tony Belcher.
The driver was cited for Driving under the Influence, Leaving the Scene of an Accident and for having expired Registration. The scene was cleared at 1:20am.

The Lebanon Fire Department responded to a fire in the parking lot area of the Factory Connection at 703 E. Main Street, Wednesday evening shortly after 6pm.
Apparently, someone had tossed a cigarette in the area of mulch causing a fire.
The Fire Department responded and had the fire out within a few minutes. The scene was cleared at 6:20pm

New Kentucky Kingdom Operator To Be Named Today (May 27)
The State Fair Board will reportedly sign a contract with a new operator for Kentucky Kingdom at a meeting this afternoon.  Several companies have stepped forward in the past few months and indicated an interest in reopening the theme park.  That's unlikely to happen this summer due to litigation yet to be resolved with former operator Six Flags.  In February, bankrupt Six Flags walked away from its lease and announced the closure of the park.

New Kosair Children's Medical Center Opens (May 27)
The new Kosair Children's Medical Center is officially open for business.  Officials say the first surgical procedure at the new facility was performed yesterday morning.  The facility off Chamberlain Lane features year-round pediatric emergency services, including X-ray, MRI, and cardiology services.  Kosair's emergency room is open to the public 24 hours a day.

Rand Paul's Campaign Manager Ousted   (May 27)
The man who ran Kentucky U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul's campaign through last Tuesday's Republican primary has been booted from the post.  David Adams was shown the door following a series of embarrassing statements made by the candidate regarding civil rights.  He'll now take over the role of campaign chairman.  The campaign's lead consultant, Jesse Benton, will take over the campaign manager post.  Paul is running against Democrat Jack Conway, Kentucky's attorney general, for the U.S. Senate seat.

Nine Deaths on KY Roads Last Week (May 26)
KSP indicate that nine people died in nine separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, May 17 through Sunday, May 23, 2010. 
Five of the crashes involved motor vehicles and three of the victims were not wearing seat belts.  Single-fatality crashes occurred in Knott, Perry (2), Pulaski and Union counties. The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in the Union County crash.
One fatal motorcycle involved crash occurred in Jackson County .  The victim was wearing a helmet.
Three pedestrian involved fatal crashes occurred in Fayette, Franklin and Jefferson counties.
Through May 23, 240 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010.  This is 66 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2009.   There were 200 motor vehicle fatalities and 106 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Thirty-two of those crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.  Twenty-four fatal crashes involved a pedestrian and 1 involved a scooter.  Twelve crashes involved a motorcycle and four of those victims were not wearing helmets.  Two crashes involved an ATV and one victim was not wearing a helmet.   A total of 52 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. 

  Click It Or Ticket Campaign Already Rolling (May 26)
 If motorists are ignoring the annual Click It Or Ticket campaign, the Lexington police are not.  Authorities say one checkpoint alone yielded three dozen citations in two hours on Monday.  The operation at the Fayette-Woodford County line also led to the arrest of two people for driving without a licence.  Only six of the citations were for seat belt violations, while the others were for various infractions.  Those who are found in compliance during the campaign will get a voucher to be entered to win race tickets at Kentucky Speedway.  The operation runs until June 6th.

Legislators Say Budget To Be Hammered Out By Friday (May 26 )
State lawmakers say they'll hammer out a new budget by this weekend.  Leaders from both houses say they're optimistic they can bring this week's special session to a close with a spending plan in place for the next two years.  House leaders say a vote on the plan should come down today.  Legislators were called back to service by Governor Steve Beshear after failing to come to an agreement.  Failure to agree on a budget could send the state into a partial shutdown.  Beshear says he wants to know by June 1st, because it would take a month to implement changes.

Guthrie Announces Additional Counties Added to Disaster Declaration (May 26 )

Assistance now available to Barren, Breckinridge, Edmonson, Green, Hancock, Hart, LaRue, Marion , Nelson, Ohio , Taylor and Warren

Washington , D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) announced today, Tuesday, May 25, 2010, that the Federal Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth has been extended to include additional counties in the Second Congressional District in response to the storms that hit the area starting May 1, 2010. 

On Tuesday, May 11, 2010, President Obama signed a disaster declaration for Kentucky , making federal aid available to affected individuals, businesses, and state and local governments in several counties. Below is a complete list of all counties that are now eligible to apply for assistance.

The counties now eligible for Individual Assistance include Barren, Green, Hart, Marion, Nelson and Warren.

The counties now eligible for Public Assistance include Barren, Breckinridge, Edmonson, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hart, LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Ohio, Taylor and Warren.

Those in the affected counties can apply by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or visiting http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm

Budget Vote Likely Today (May 25)
Legislators are likely to vote on a spending plan for the State of Kentucky today.  The move comes after not agreeing to a budget during the typical 60-day session.  Lawmakers were called back to Frankfort , starting a special session yesterday called by Governor Steve Beshear.  The governor is proposing a two-year plan which includes cuts to state agencies in both years.  If a plan is not put into place by July 1st, the state could face a partial government shutdown.

Click It Or Ticket Checkpoints In Effect (May 25)
Kentucky drivers are being reminded to buckle up, but it may cost them a few bucks at the same time.  The state's annual "Click It Or Ticket" campaign kicked off yesterday with checkpoints in effect across the state.  Drivers will be checked for seat belt usage until June 6th.  Those wearing their belts when passing through will also be rewarded.  Officers will be handing out vouchers to those in compliance which enters them to win tickets at the Kentucky Speedway.

VP Biden To Visit Jeffersonville In June (May 25)
Vice President Joe Biden is on his way to Indiana to campaign for a fellow Democrat.  Biden is scheduled to be in Jeffersonville June 28th to stump for U.S. Representative Baron Hill.  Tickets for the general reception are priced at 250-dollars.  The "Courier-Journal" reports Biden's visit is expected to be the first in a series of events to support Hill's campaign for reelection.  Hill will square off against Republican Todd Young in November's election.  

LPD Report Friday Afternoon Accident (May 24)
At about 3pm Friday afternoon, an injury accident was reported to have taken place on Shortline Pike, in Lebanon, just before Hundley Lane.
Responding were members of the Marion County Ambulance Service, Kentucky State Police, Lebanon Fire Department and the Marion County Rescue Squad.
Records indicate the patient refused treatment/transport, with the scene being cleared at 3:15pm.

Transformer Fire (May 24)
At 3:43 Thursday afternoon, a transformer was reported to be on fire at the corner of Woodlawn and Mercer Avenues in Lebanon.
Upon investigation by Fire Chief Ricky Mattingly, it was found that the top of the transformer had blown out, with Kentucky Utilities being advised of the situation.
The scene was cleared at 5:14pm.

LPD Investigating Cases Theft By Unlawful Taking (May 24)
Lebanon Police say $500 in cash was reported stolen from a Parrish Street residence on the 15th and $305.82 worth of merchandise was shoplifted on May 17th from Higdon's Foodtown.

Paul Still Hot Topic On "Meet The Press" Despite Cancelation (May 24)
Kentucky 's Republican Senate nominee Rand Paul decided to skip his planned appearance on NBC's "Meet The Press" Sunday.  Host David Gregory said Paul's spokesman released a statement to NBC saying Paul was bowing out of the program to, quote, "avoid the liberal bias of the media."  Gregory said the nominee's reluctance to appear might have something to do with statements he made recently critical of the way the Obama administration has handled the Gulf Coast oil spill.

Kentucky Unemployment Rate Down Slightly (May 24)
The state Office of Employment and Training reports Kentucky 's unemployment rate fell slightly in April.  Figures released Friday indicate the state's jobless rate was ten-point-six percent.  The state gained 75-hundred jobs in April, the second month in a row to post job gains.  The "Courier-Journal" notes manufacturing jobs were up 22-hundred for the month, while Kentucky 's leisure and hospitality sector shed 900 jobs.     

KSP Report Accident on Mays Chapel Road (May 20)
Trooper Brian Coyt is investigating a collision which occurred 05/19/2010 at 11:41 hours, 5 miles east of Lebanon on Mays Chapel Road .  The collision occurred when Roy McElroy, age 29, of Lebanon, was operating his 2005 Ford, traveling northbound on Mays Chapel Road and swerved to avoid an animal in the roadway, dropped off the shoulder of the roadway, overcorrected and struck an embankment, causing the vehicle to overturn three times before coming to final rest.  McElroy was belted at the time of the collision and was transported to the Spring View Hospital for injuries he sustained in the collision. The scene was cleared at about 1pm.

KSP Report Four Deaths on KY Roads  (May 20)
Kentucky State Police report that four people died in four separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, May 10 through Sunday, May 16, 2010. 
Three of the crashes involved motor vehicles and one victim was not wearing a seat belt.  Single-fatality crashes occurred in Bourbon, Letcher and Madison counties. The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in the Letcher County crash.
One fatal motorcycle-involved crash occurred in Simpson County .  The victim was wearing a helmet.
KSP say that  228 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010.  This is 66 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2009.   There were 192 motor vehicle fatalities and 100 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Thirty-two of those crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.  Twenty-one fatal crashes involved a pedestrian and 1 involved a scooter.  Eleven crashes involved a motorcycle and four of those victims were not wearing helmets.  Two crashes involved an ATV and one victim was not wearing a helmet.   A total of 49 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. 

UPS Pilot Layoffs To Begin Sunday (May 20)
Fifty-four UPS pilots will lose their jobs on Sunday.  The company announced the cuts yesterday as part of a cost-saving measure. UPS officials unveiled plans earlier this year to axe 300 pilots by 2012.  An additional round of layoffs is expected before the end of the year.  UPS' main global air hub is based at Louisville International Airport .  Twenty-four of those being furloughed this weekend are Louisville-based pilots.

Louisville Residents Sue BP Over Gulf Oil Spill (May 20)
Two Louisville men have filed a federal lawsuit over the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico .  Larry O'Bryan and Stephen Ernst are suing BP and numerous other companies involved in the disastrous spill because they each own rental property along the Gulf Coast .  Attorneys for both men claim their clients have been financially impacted by the spill because neither has been able to rent their properties.  Attorneys for the men are seeking class-action status for the suit.

NOW REGISTERING FOR SUMMER AND FALL CLASSES AT THE SPRINGFIELD CAMPUS (May 20)
The Springfield Campus of Elizabethtown Community & Technical College is currently enrolling students into degree, diploma and certificate programs in Electrical Technology, Machine Tool Technology and Industrial Maintenance Technology.
For information, the business office is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
*Placement exams may be taken at the Springfield campus.*
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College-Springfield Campus 
 160 Corporate Drive  
Springfield, KY 40069
    Phone:  859-336-1361
Fax: 859-336-1694
E-mail:   dkrenning0001@kctcs.edu
APPLY ONLINE—www.elizabethtown.kctcs.edu

Election Results In For Marion County (May 19)
 

 

Johnson Martin  Paul  Scribner Stephenson Grayson Conway Mongiardo Price Sweeney  Buckmaster Scott Rakes Kirkland Clements
Gravel Switch 0 0 6 0 0 6 96 90 11 7 7 104 125 129 102
Bradfordsville 2 2 11 2 1 21 103 131 12 5 9 95 192 250 45
Glasscock 1 0 26 0 1 18 174 87 15 6 12 131 187 159 162
Fire Dep/Jail 2 0 15 0 1 0 76 55 12 5 4 75 94 80 91
Library 0 0 9 0 1 7 87 67 8 4 4 93 93 89 99
Basement Jr High 2 1 15 0 1 18 197 163 19 5 14 202 215 158 260
1rolling hills 1 1 11 1 1 2 94 59 8 8 2 87 105 95 99
Courthouse 3 0 29 0 0 29 232 173 11 3 4 192 258 189 262
Calvary 2 0 21 0 0 12 179 114 17 2 15 128 214 133 213
Hamilton Heights 1 0 13 1 2 7 82 60 5 0 4 67 89 75 81
Jessetown  1 1 17 0 0 8 141 108 11 9 10 153 157 135 173
Depot 1 1 17 0 2 9 167 120 11 6 5 179 154 120 217
Raywick 2 0 23 1 0 10 193 171 16 8 20 290 153 90 351
Loretto  1 1 11 0 1 6 255 141 11 11 11 273 176 123 328
Saint Francis 1 0 7 0 0 3 81 73 5 4 9 111 74 62 125
Holy Cross  0 0 4 0 0 0 97 53 8 2 6 88 81 66 106
Saint Charles 2 1 22 0 2 16 193 165 17 4 3 218 197 101 316
absentee  1 0 20 0 0 7 112 70 12 5 2 136 91 89 143
Total  23 8 277 5 13 179 2559 1900 209 94 141 2622 2655 2143 3173

 

  Shively Caldwell Livers Peterson Mattingly Smothers 
Gravel Switch            
Bradfordsville            
Glasscock            
Fire Dep/Jail            
Library            
Basement Jr High            
Rolling Hills            
Courthouse 64 367        
Calvary 68 275        
Hamilton Heights 35 113        
Jessetown      98 51 62 103
Depot     34 77 82 143
Raywick     77 44 66 254
Loretto             
Saint Francis            
Holy Cross             
Saint Charles            
absentee  10 27 7 9 12 25
Total  177 782 216 181 222 525

48% Voter Turnout in Marion County 
Local Race winners - Terry "Catfish" Rakes for PVA, Jimmy Clements for Sheriff 
Larry Caldwell and Roger "Cotton" Smothers for Magistrates

Marion County Clerk's Office will open at 10am this morning.

Washington County Election Results (May 19)

  Johnson Martin  Paul  Scribner Stephenson Grayson Conway Mongiardo Price Sweeney  Buckmaster Black  Hamilton
                           
Total  22 6 367 4 10 201 1286 931 118 148 90 2373 351
  Bartley Langford Corbett Keene, Jr. Hardin Settles Yaste Graves Coulter Goode Wohner Osbourne O'Bryan  Simms
                           
Total  1404 466 900 656 2029 264 29 161 59 284 154 98 121 421

42% Voter turnout in Washington County 
Bartley will vie with Republican Jim Crouch, who was unopposed in the primary, for the sheriff's race.
Glenn Black will face Republican Julie McCray Waits in the general election for County Clerk.
Jailer Steve Hardin will face Republican Terry Warner in the general election.
Magistrate Benjamin Settles will run against Republican Wallace Devine in the general election.

Paul And Conway To Compete In Kentucky Senate General Election (May 19)
Tea Party favorite Rand Paul has won Kentucky 's Republican U.S. Senate primary election.  Paul defeated his GOP primary opponent, Secretary of State Trey Grayson.  Paul is a medical doctor and the son of Texas Congressman Ron Paul, also a Republican and Libertarian.  Paul will face off with the winner of the Democratic primary, Jack Conway, in November.  The winner of the general election will replace retiring Republican Senator Jim Bunning.

Accused Killer Featured On AMW In Boyle Co. Jail (May 19)
The man accused of killing a tattoo-parlor patron in New Mexico last year, who's also featured on "America's Most Wanted," is now behind bars in Boyle County.  Forty-three-year-old Phillip "Ed" Harrison was taken into custody Monday night at his Danville residence.  Investigators say Harrison was employed at the Pleasurable Pain Tattoo Shop nearby his home.  He's wanted in New Mexico for allegedly shooting and killing a man during a fight at a tattoo parlor in 2009.  Harrison has been booked into a Boyle County jail on a 73-thousand dollars bond.

ADDITIONAL KENTUCKY COUNTIES - Including Marion -  DESIGNATED FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE (May 19)
 Nine additional counties have been designated for Individual Assistance and 21 for all categories of Public Assistance as part of Kentucky 's federal disaster declaration, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
This announcement brings the total number of counties designated for Individual Assistance to 17 with today's addition of Adair, Bath , Boyd, Carter, Franklin , Greenup, Madison, Marion , and Mercer counties. Other counties previously designated for Individual Assistance are: Casey, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Metcalfe, Rockcastle, Rowan, and Woodford counties.
Individual Assistance for homeowners and renters can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.  Also low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Affected residents and business owners in the newly designated counties may apply for assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing disability may call the TTY number at 800-462-7585. The registration lines are available until 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., local time. An application may also be completed online by going to
www.disasterassistance.gov.
Today's announcement also makes federal funding available to commonwealth and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, mudslides and tornadoes that began May 1, in the counties of Adair, Barren, Bath, Boyle, Carter, Casey, Cumberland, Edmonson, Garrard, Grayson, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Menifee, Nelson, Simpson, Rowan, Warren, Washington and Woodford counties. Other counties previously designated for Public Assistance are Allen, Hart, Lewis, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Rockcastle.
Under this cost-share program, FEMA usually funds 75 percent of the cost for eligible work by commonwealth and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

KSP Click It or Ticket Campaign to Get Underway  (May 18)
Units from Post 15 will be participating in the 2010 National Click It or Ticket campaign from May 24 – June 6.  Kentucky ’s primary seatbelt law has resulted in an increase in seatbelt usage from 67.2 percent in 2006 to 80 percent in 2009; the national average is 84 percent. 
In 2009, there were 791 fatalities on Kentucky roadways with 460 daytime fatalities (6 a.m to 5:59 p.m.) and 331 nighttime fatalities (6 p.m – 5:59 a.m.).  During the 2009 campaign, KSP wrote 9,921 seatbelt citations.

CAMPBELLSVILLE MAN SENTENCED ON CHARGES OF RECEIPT AND POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY (May 18)
On May 13, 2010, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph H. McKinley sentenced Paul Nance, age 56, of Campbellsville, Taylor County, Kentucky, to 10 years of incarceration for receipt and possession of child pornography using his computer.  The Indictment alleged that between November 28, 2006 and April 4, 2007, Nance received and possessed images of child pornography.   In his plea of guilty entered in open court on November 20, 2009, the evidence established that Nance had downloaded multiple videos and images of minors engaging in sexual activity using the Limewire file sharing program.  There is no parole in the federal system
This case was brought as part of
Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit
www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Lebanon Police Report Arrests (May 18)
Lebanon Police recently arrested the following:
Stephen C. Green of Louisville, on 5/16, on charges of theft by unlawful taking under $500. $53.50 worth of gasoline was stolen from Five Start on West Main Street.
Marian Michelle McCormack, of Lebanon, was arrested on the 16th, on a Marion County warrant for theft by deception and a Marion County warrant for promoting contraband 1st.
Debbie June Wright, of Lebanon, was arrested on the 15th on charges of a Marion County warrant for promoting contraband 1st.
Robert Lee Hutchinson, of Lebanon, was arrested on the 14th, for charges of a DUI, Driving on a suspended operators license and leaving the scene of an accident - hit and run.

KSP Arson Investigator Requested (May 17)
The Bradfordsville Fire Department and the Marion County Ambulance Service responded to a house fire Saturday morning at 7:12am at 405 West Riverview Drive in Bradfordsville.
The Fire Department requested that the Kentucky State Police Arson Investigator contact them.
The scene was cleared at 9:13am.

Last Day For Absentee Voting (May 17)
Today is the last day for in-house absentee voting at your County Clerk's office for tomorrow's election. Absentee voting is mainly for eligible registered voters who will be out town on Election Day, May 18.

Camry Could Fall From Top Sales Spot (May 17)
The Georgetown-made Toyota Camry could lose its place atop the list of best selling cars in the U.S.   Sales figures show the Honda Accord has overtaken the car during the first quarter of 2010.  The slow sales could be attributed to problems the Japanese automaker had with faulty accelerator pedals.  Toyota stopped selling the Camry for a short time earlier this year.  The last time the Accord beat out the Camry was in 2001.

Derby Winner Won't Run At Belmont (May 17)
Kentucky Derby champ Super Saver and Preakness Stakes winner Lookin At Lucky will both skip the Belmont Stakes on June 5th.  The Belmont Stakes, a grueling one-and-one-half miles, will be run without the two previous winners in the Triple Crown for the second time in five years.  In 2006, Barbaro won the Derby and suffered devastating injuries two weeks later in the Preakness, which was won by Bernardini, who then skipped the Belmont .

McConnell Won't Call For Oil Damage Cap Repeal (May 17)
Lawmakers from both parties agree oil giant BP needs to foot the bill for the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico , but there's a split on how much money it should pay.  On NBC's "Meet the Press," Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York said he favors repealing a cap on damages that currently stands at 75-million dollars.  Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky wouldn't sign on to repealing the cap on how much BP would have to pay.  He said doing that would mean only very large oil producers would be able to meet the cap and drill for oil offshore.

Senators Schumer, McConnell Discuss Kagan SCOTUS Nomination (May 17)
Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan will face stiff questioning from U.S. senators this summer in her confirmation hearings.  Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York and Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky both said that on NBC's "Meet the Press."  McConnell said after President Bush nominated and withdrew the name of Harriet Myers for the high court, it's important any candidate for the job not be a "rubber stamp" for the administration.  He said Republicans have many questions for Kagan related to her barring military recruiters from the campus of Harvard University and for the Citizens United case in which Kagan said unlimited corporate money could flow into politics undisclosed.  Schumer is also concerned about that case, and added many Democrats were shocked by it.

Woman With Local Ties Convicted on 17 Counts in a Kidnapping, Rape, and Murder Case (May 14)
WBIR.com reports that Vanessa Coleman, a 2006 Washington County High School graduate, escaped the death penalty and life in prison. But a jury convicted her Thursday on 17 counts in the January 2007 kidnapping, rape, and murder case of a West Knox County, Tenn., couple who were carjacked while on a date.
The jury found Coleman not guilty of all of the counts related to victim Chris Newsom. Testimony at trial alleged she never saw Newsom.
The 17 convictions all relate to victim Channon Christian. The jury found Coleman facilitated her murder, rape, kidnapping, and theft of property.
A different jury also selected from the Nashville area found defendant Letalvis Cobbins guilty of Christian's murder and facilitation of Newsom's murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without a chance for parole
Cobbins' friend George Thomas was convicted of both murders and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Lemaricus Davidson was convicted of first degree murder for the deaths of Christian and Newsom. He has been sentenced to the death penalty.

Fire Alarms (May 14)
The Bradfordsville Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire at 475 Medlock Creek Road, Bradfordsville, Thursday afternoon at 4:41pm. The scene was cleared at 5:14pm.
At 9:49 Thursday evening, members of the Lebanon Police Department and the Lebanon Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at #49 Maple Street Apartments.
The scene was cleared at 10:13pm

Jobless Claims Rise In Kentucky Despite National Numbers (May 14)
Despite a national downturn in first-time jobless claims, Kentucky bucked the trend and posted one of the biggest increases in the nation. The Blue Grass State and New York both posted the largest in the U.S. for the week ending May 1st. The largest decreases in first-time unemployment filings occurred in California, Massachusetts and Indiana, with California citing fewer layoffs in the service industry.
Suspects Wanted For Shooting Deputy Arrested (May 14)
Two men wanted in connection with the shooting of a Russell County sheriff's deputy have been arrested in Virginia. Twenty-four-year-old Shawn Durham and 23-year-old Michael Durham were nabbed yesterday in Norton. Deputy Cary York stopped a car near Wolf Creek Dam early Wednesday morning. As the 35-year-old York approached the vehicle someone inside fired several shots at him. York was hit at least three times in the chest but was not injured, thanks to his bulletproof vest. The Durham brothers are locked up in Duffield, Virginia, awaiting extradition.
Likely UofL Tuition Hike Announced (May 14)
Parents, it's time to dig a little deeper. The University of Louisville has announced another tuition hike. UofL President Dr. James Ramsey said Thursday budget cuts public universities have endured are to blame for the six percent increase. The increase approved by the university's finance panel equates to four-thousand-448 dollars a semester for full-time students, up 476 dollars. The increase is not set in stone -- it still must be approved by the full board.

KSP Say Eleven People Died Last Week on KY Roads (May 13)
KSP say that eleven people died in eleven separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, May 3 through Sunday, May 9, 2010. 
Eight of the crashes involved motor vehicles and five of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Single-fatality crashes occurred in Daviess, Jefferson, Jessamine, Mason, Muhlenberg, Scott and Simpson (2) counties. The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in the Jefferson County crash.
Two fatal crashes involved motorcycles and occurred in Jefferson and Owsley counties.  Both victims were wearing helmets.
One pedestrian involved fatal crash occurred in Johnson County.
Through May 9 KSP indicate that 224 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010.  This is 58 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2009.   There were 188 motor vehicle fatalities and 98 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Thirty-one of those crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.  Twenty-two fatal crashes involved a pedestrian and 1 involved a scooter.  Ten crashes involved a motorcycle and four of those victims were not wearing helmets.  Two crashes involved an ATV and one victim was not wearing a helmet.   A total of 47 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. 

Beshear Calls For May 24th Special Session (May 13)
The state legislature may settle the budget wrangling later this month. Governor Steve Beshear has called a special session to begin May 24th. He says he has a revised spending plan together, which calls for no new taxes. The proposal also includes only limited cuts to education statewide. Both sides were unable to come to an agreement on any spending plan, and Beshear has warned of a potential government shutdown if nothing is in place by the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Baby Elephant Dies At Louisville Zoo (May 13)
A three-year-old elephant known as Scotty has died at the Louisville Zoo. Officials say Scotty had been suffering from severe gastric and intestinal problems. Wednesday night, veterinarians determined that the situation was inoperable, and the elephant was put down. Zoo Director John Walczak said, quote, "this is a very sad day for us. We did everything we could to see Scotty through this. We are deeply mourning his loss." Scotty was the first elephant to be born in the Bluegrass State.
Bulletproof Vest Saves Sheriff Deputy's Life (May 13)
(Russell County, KY) -- A Russell County sheriff's deputy is alive today, thanks to his bulletproof vest. A spokesman for state police says 35-year-old deputy Cary York stopped a car near Wolf Creek Dam early Wednesday morning. As York approached the vehicle someone inside it fired several shots at him. York was hit at least three times in the chest but was not injured. The "Herald-Leader" reports the suspect sped away in a dark-colored Ford Taurus with tinted windows and no visible license plate.
Investigators from Post 15 are attempting to locate 2 males for questioning.  24-year-old Shawn Keith Durham, a 5'4" 125 lb. white male with brown hair and brown eyes, of Lincoln County and 23-year-old Michael Wayne Durham, a 5'7" 143 lb. white male with brown hair and brown eyes,  of Madison County.  Both men are currently wanted in Boyle County on charges of Robbery 1st, Assault 1st, Kidnapping, Wanton Endangerment 1st and Theft by Unlawful Taking.  The men could be traveling in a dark colored 4 door sedan.   If anyone has information as to their whereabouts or has contact with them do not approach as they should be considered armed and dangerous.  Please contact the Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555. 
Poll: Conway And Mongiardo In Dead Heat (May 13)
(Louisville, KY) -- A new poll conducted for the "Courier Journal" and "WHAS-TV" puts Democrats Jack Conway and Daniel Mongiardo in a virtual dead-heat in Kentucky's U.S. Senate primary. Republican Rand Paul continues to hold on to a healthy double-digit lead over Secretary of State Trey Grayson in the SurveyUSA poll. The poll of eleven-hundred likely voters was conducted May 9th through the 11th.

UK Basketball Wins Attendance Battle (May 13)

(Lexington, KY) -- College basketball is alive and well in the Bluegrass State. The NCAA announced yesterday that Kentucky led the nation in men's college basketball attendance for the fifth straight season. The Wildcats averaged 24-thousand-111 fans for 18 home dates. Syracuse came in second with an average attendance of 22-thousand-152. Louisville had the third-best attendance in the country with 19-thousand-397 fans per game.

Accident (May 12)
LPD report an injury accident occurred yesterday at 9:41am about 4 miles out of Lebanon on Loretto Highway. A vehicle flipped in the creek. Marion County Sheriff Department, Marion County Ambulance and Marion County Rescue responded. The scene was cleared at 11:51am. There was no transport by Marion County Ambulance.

Washington County Fiscal Court (May 12)
Washington County Fiscal Court today agreed to become the fiscal agent in applying for a pair of grants related to Highway 150 being declared a Lincoln Heritage Scenic By-way. Amy Potts of the Frankfort based non-profit group "Preservation Kentucky" says the grant funds will be used to promote tourism.
Highway 150 from Nelson County to Perryville in Boyle County has been declared a Lincoln Heritage scenic by-way. Similar resolutions have been approved in Nelson, Larue and Boyle Counties. 
The Northwest Washington Elementary school cheerleaders were recognized during Friday Washington Fiscal Court meeting. The squad won first place in a cheerleading competition Feb. 27th in Louisville. The are coached by Michele Lyons. 
Lyons also said it is the first competition that North Washington cheerleaders have participated. Each of the young ladies were presented a certificate by Judge Executive John Settles. 

Update in Shooting (May 12)
On Monday, May 10 at 9:32 EDT, 47-year-old Douglas J. Hutchins of St Francis, KY was arrested and charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 2nd degree 1st offense, Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree 1st offense, Prescription Drugs not in Proper Container, Cultivating Marijuana over 5 Plants, Trafficking in Marijuana over 8 ounces and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 1st
26-year-old Michael Chad Greenwell sustained injuries (unspecified) during the shooting and was transported from a residence on New Hope Road in Nelson County to the New Hope Fire Department where he was then flown by helicopter to University Hospital in Louisville.  He remains in stable condition. During the course of the shooting investigation, miscellaneous drugs and paraphernalia were discovered at Hutchins residence which led to his arrest.  Hutchins is a suspect in the shooting that will be presented to the Marion County Grand Jury at a later date.

Obama Declares Disaster In Kentucky After Storm (May 12)
President Obama has declared parts of Kentucky a disaster area in the wake of storms and flooding that hit the state the weekend of May 1st. Federal assistance will now be available to individuals and households in eight counties. FEMA has initially designated Casey, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Metcalfe, Rockcastle, Rowan and Woodford counties as eligible for assistance, but left the door open for additional counties to be added to the declaration at a later date.

Washington County Fiscal Court (May 11)
Washington  County Judge Executive John Settles has appointed two magistrates to a salary committee. Morris Sweazy and Billy riney will look at salaries and hourly wages for all county employees and then report back to fiscal court.

State Revenues Down, Creates Chances Of Budget Shortfall (May 11)
(Frankfort, KY) -- State revenues fell again in April, creating the chances of a 30-million-dollar budget shortfall for the current fiscal year. State officials say the revenues were down five-percent from the previous year, and follows a trend for the last 16 months. Revenues have not grown in 14 of those months. If the numbers continue with the bleak outlook, Governor Steve Beshear could be looking at slashing more of the state budget, in addition to the lack of an approved spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

Shooting leaves man in stable condition (May 11)
Troopers and Detectives from Post 15 are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred at approximately 3:07 EDT in the St Francis and New Hope areas of Marion and Nelson County.  26-year-old Michael Chad Greenwell sustained injuries (unspecified) and was transported from a residence on New Hope Road in Nelson County to the New Hope Fire Department where he was then flown by helicopter to University Hospital in Louisville.  He remains in stable condition.  At this time, no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.  Marion and Nelson County Sheriff's Departments are assisting.

Washington County Fiscal Court (May 10)
Washington Fiscal Court met Friday and Washington County Solid Waste coordinator George Ann Palmer says Rumpke Sanitation has agreed to a 3 percent surcharge removal from next quarter's bill for all residential customers. The surcharge removal was over a breach of contract by Rumpke. Palmer also said she and Judge Executive John Settles are in discussions with the Marion Adjustment Center and Isaiah House to supply workers at the Regional Recycling Center.
Fiscal Court is also considering a county wide clean-up service for every other year.

The Rural Secondary Road Program was presented to Washington Fiscal Court Friday morning by representatives of the state Transportation Cabinet District Office in Elizabethtown. Just over 140 miles of roads will receive maintenance and repairs or resurfacing this year. The state will spend $787,430 dollars on the projects. A 2.8 mile section of KY 152, Loretto Road, will get new pavement. Repair work is also scheduled for section of Highways 150 and 55. The Northwest Springfield by-pass is on schedule and should be completed in December of this year. Fiscal Court also approved approved a resolution to accept an old US 150 Road Bed which includes one road and its two approaches into the county road system at the state's request.

Single Vehicle Accident Sunday (May 10)
The Marion County Ambulance Service and the Marion County Sheriff's Department responded to a single vehicle accident Sunday afternoon at 4pm at 135 Wren Road, Gravel Switch.
According to Deputy Sheriff, Tony Belcher, the mishap took place in a private driveway when the driver lost control in the gravel.
The scene was cleared at about 4:48pm.

Bill Banning Texting While Driving Signed into Law (May 10)
Starting in January, it will be illegal to text while driving. House Bill 415 has been officially signed into law by Governor Beshear. The new law states that it is unlawful to write or send a text message or email while behind the wheel. The law also prohibits those under 18 from using a cell phone while driving. The fine for a first offense will be $25 dollars and subsequent offenses will cost $50 dollars plus court costs. Until January, police will issue warnings to violators.

Services In High Demand During KY's Community Action Month (May 10)
May has been proclaimed 'Community Action Month' in Kentucky by Governor Stever Beshear, and the observance comes at a time when many community-based agencies are seeing record demand for their services. Community Action Kentucky (CAK) oversees close to two dozen programs across the state, raising awareness about poverty and offering services to lower-income Kentuckians, ranging from energy assistance to housing, to education and employment help, to Meals on Wheels.
Interim executive director Roger McCann says the idea is to offer that help in such a way that it comes full circle.
"The taxpayer gets a return on investment every time we weatherize a home, and the same thing with Head Start. We hope that those kids will be better educated and be able to get better jobs when they mature and enter the work force."
McCann says the past couple of years truly have put a different face on poverty in Kentucky. People, who once had no idea what Community Action Kentucky was, now turn to it for help.
"They were folks that had jobs and suddenly found themselves unemployed and they risked losing their home, or had lost their home even, and came to us looking for assistance."
McCann shares another of the agency's goals: to find flexibility in the kinds of help CAK provides, without compromising the big picture.
"The client certainly may change and so our programs may change. They bring new issues and new problems that we have to solve, but the mission stays the same."
McCann stresses that Community Action Kentucky isn't about handouts; short-term help is coupled with long-term strategies to lift Kentuckians out of poverty. The groups that make up CAK have combined budgets of about $150 million and employ roughly 4,000 people.
 

Washington County Fiscal Court (May 10)
Washington Fiscal Court met Friday and Washington County Solid Waste coordinator George Ann Palmer says Rumpke Sanitation has agreed to a 3 percent surcharge removal from next quarter's bill for all residential customers. The surcharge removal was over a breach of contract by Rumpke. Palmer also said she and Judge Executive John Settles are in discussions with the Marion Adjustment Center and Isaiah House to supply workers at the Regional Recycling Center.
Fiscal Court is also considering a county wide clean-up service for every other year.

The Rural Secondary Road Program was presented to Washington Fiscal Court Friday morning by representatives of the state Transportation Cabinet District Office in Elizabethtown. Just over 140 miles of roads will receive maintenance and repairs or resurfacing this year. The state will spend $787,430 dollars on the projects. A 2.8 mile section of KY 152, Loretto Road, will get new pavement. Repair work is also scheduled for section of Highways 150 and 55. The Northwest Springfield by-pass is on schedule and should be completed in December of this year. Fiscal Court also approved approved a resolution to accept an old US 150 Road Bed which includes one road and its two approaches into the county road system at the state's request.

Single Vehicle Accident Sunday (May 10)
The Marion County Ambulance Service and the Marion County Sheriff's Department responded to a single vehicle accident Sunday afternoon at 4pm at 135 Wren Road, Gravel Switch.
According to Deputy Sheriff, Tony Belcher, the mishap took place in a private driveway when the driver lost control in the gravel.
The scene was cleared at about 4:48pm.

Bill Banning Texting While Driving Signed into Law (May 10)
Starting in January, it will be illegal to text while driving. House Bill 415 has been officially signed into law by Governor Beshear. The new law states that it is unlawful to write or send a text message or email while behind the wheel. The law also prohibits those under 18 from using a cell phone while driving. The fine for a first offense will be $25 dollars and subsequent offenses will cost $50 dollars plus court costs. Until January, police will issue warnings to violators.

Services In High Demand During KY's Community Action Month (May 10)
May has been proclaimed 'Community Action Month' in Kentucky by Governor Stever Beshear, and the observance comes at a time when many community-based agencies are seeing record demand for their services. Community Action Kentucky (CAK) oversees close to two dozen programs across the state, raising awareness about poverty and offering services to lower-income Kentuckians, ranging from energy assistance to housing, to education and employment help, to Meals on Wheels.
Interim executive director Roger McCann says the idea is to offer that help in such a way that it comes full circle.
"The taxpayer gets a return on investment every time we weatherize a home, and the same thing with Head Start. We hope that those kids will be better educated and be able to get better jobs when they mature and enter the work force."
McCann says the past couple of years truly have put a different face on poverty in Kentucky. People, who once had no idea what Community Action Kentucky was, now turn to it for help.
"They were folks that had jobs and suddenly found themselves unemployed and they risked losing their home, or had lost their home even, and came to us looking for assistance."
McCann shares another of the agency's goals: to find flexibility in the kinds of help CAK provides, without compromising the big picture.
"The client certainly may change and so our programs may change. They bring new issues and new problems that we have to solve, but the mission stays the same."
McCann stresses that Community Action Kentucky isn't about handouts; short-term help is coupled with long-term strategies to lift Kentuckians out of poverty. The groups that make up CAK have combined budgets of about $150 million and employ roughly 4,000 people.
 

Boil Water Advisory Lifted For Marion County (May 7)

Opportunity to Help Victims and Volunteers (May 7)
Woodlawn Baptist Church is accepting donations for victims of the flooding that occurred this weekend. 
Rev. Greg Haynes said Woodlawn would accept any donated items - furniture, clothing, etc. He said there are people who lost everything they owned as a result of theblooding.
If you would like to make a donation, call Woodlawn Church at 692-4825.

Washington County chapter of the American Red Cross are asking for items to
assist the flood victims in Washington County.  Furniture, toiletries,
cleaning supplies, clothing, bedding and other items are needed for those
who have been left homeless during the recent flooding. Drop-off point will
be the Holy Trinity Parish Community Center in Fredericktown. 
To make a donation or for additional information contact Scott Fattizzi at
859-481-1931.

Teen Leads Police on Chase Spanning Eight Counties (May 7)
WLEX 18 TV is reporting that a teenage driver led police on a chase, spanning eight counties and two time zones early this morning.
The chase started in Lexington around 12:30 a.m. Lexington police say Officer Bryan Jared pulled over an SUV, with a teenage driver behind the wheel, for reckless driving. But before the Jared could do much, the SUV took off, ramming his cruiser. A few moments later, a Kentucky State Police cruiser joined the chase when the SUV whizzed by. From there, the SUV did a  complete lap around New Circle Road, flew up Versailles Road onto the Bluegrass Parkway, and then led troopers across seven counties, reaching speeds of over 100 mph.
In Taylor County, the teen slammed into a State Police cruiser, but even that didn't slow his roll. Finally, the driver lost control of the SUV and spun out, just inside Green County.
Police say the teenager is a 17-year-old from Eaton, Ohio. He faces numerous felony and traffic charges stemming from the chase. The juvenile is also wanted in Ohio on robbery and assault charges.
The teen was taken to Jane Todd Crawford  Hospital in Greensburg to be checked out.

Kentucky Kingdom Won't Reopen In 2010 (May 7)
Kentucky Kingdom won't reopen in 2010.  That's the word from the president and CEO of the Kentucky State Fair Board.  Harold Workman told the Metro Council that there are as many as six operators ready to make an offer on the theme park, but litigation against Six Flags will stall the process.  The Fair Board is suing Six Flags, the former operator of Kentucky Kingdom , for 15-million dollars.  Workman also told the Council that he believes the litigation against Six Flags will be settled amicably now that the company has come out of bankruptcy.  

Boil Water Advisory For Marion County (May 6)

Opportunity to Help Victims and Volunteers (May 6)
Washington County chapter of the American Red Cross are asking for items to
assist the flood victims in Washington County.  Furniture, toiletries,
cleaning supplies, clothing, bedding and other items are needed for those
who have been left homeless during the recent flooding. Drop-off point will
be the Holy Trinity Parish Community Center in Fredericktown. 
To make a donation or for additional information contact Scott Fattizzi at
859-481-1931.

Beshear Looking To Get Disaster Declaration For Farms (May 6)
Governor Steve Beshear is looking to get help for Kentucky farmers hit by recent flooding.  Beshear says he's asked U.S. Agriculture officials for a disaster declaration, which would make aid available to crop growers statewide.  The official declaration letter was sent to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack's office yesterday.  Beshear says the storms and flooding have impacted farming in all areas across the Blue Grass State , and funding is needed from the USDA to help recoup some of the losses.

Local Groups Calling Citizens to Tell Them About Unclaimed Property (May 6)
Members  of  the  Lebanon  Lions  Club, Marion  County  Senior  Citizens, local  officials,  Magistrates, and  other  volunteers  will  be  attempting  to  contact  local  Marion  County  Residents today  -  (May 6th) .This  is  an  attempt  to notify  and inform  them  of  Claims  they  may  have  for  "Unclaimed  Property"  that has  been  identified  in  their  name. Calls  will  be  made  on May 6th  from  Lebanon City  Hall  from 10:00 a.m.  till  2:00 p.m.- telling  citizens  how  to "Claim"  their  property.  This is an   outreach  program  of  State  Treasurer  Todd  Hollenbach.

Harrodsburg Doctor Offered Plea Deal In Wife's Murder (May 6)
Prosecutors have offered a plea deal to Dr. Steven Hall in the case surrounding the murder of his wife last May.  The "Herald-Leader" reports neither side discussed the terms of the deal following a pretrial conference earlier this week.  Hall has until May 25th to decide whether or not to take the deal, as his trial is set to begin in mid-August.  The doctor is accused of running down his wife with a boat, causing fatal injuries.  Testimony in the case shows the two were in a heated argument when she was sent overboard.  Hall says the whole thing was an accident.

Trucker In Deadly I-65 Crash Was On Phone And Speeding (May 6)
The driver of a tractor-trailer that smashed into a van filled with Mennonites, killing eleven people, was on the phone and possibly speeding when the March 26th crash occurred.  A state report on the accident concludes that 45-year-old Kenneth Laymon of Alabama was distracted and his vehicle was out of control.  Laymon's truck crossed the median of Interstate 65 about 75 miles south of Louisville and collided with the van head-on.  The van was carrying people from the Marrowbone community about ten miles west of Burkesville.  Two young children survived the crash and are in the care of family members.

FEMA Teams Due In Kentucky Today To Assess Flood Damage (May 6) 
Teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will arrive in Kentucky today to take a look at damage caused by widespread flooding.  A spokesman for the state Division of Emergency Management said several FEMA groups will fan out across flood-ravaged areas of the Bluegrass State .  The goal is to determine if damage is widespread enough to qualify for federal disaster relief.  The "Herald-Leader" reports that the threshold for the state to qualify for federal disaster funds is five-point-two-million dollars.  State officials believe damage for last weekend's storms far exceeds that amount.

Kentucky Poll: Paul Holds Commanding Lead, Mongiardo Ahead (May 6)
With less than two weeks to go before the May 18th election, a new Kentucky poll of likely voters gives Rand Paul a 12-point lead over Trey Grayson in the GOP race for U.S. Senate.  In the Democratic battle, Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo leads Attorney General Jack Conway by seven-points.  The poll was conducted by Research 2000 for the "Herald-Leader," WKYT in Lexington and WAVE in Louisville .
 

Boil Water Advisory For Marion County (May 5)

Red Cross In Bradfordsville (May 5)
The Red Cross Assessment team will be at the Bradfordsville Civic Center today from 10am until 12noon to assist those affected by the recent flood and in need of immediate assistance.
The Kentucky Baptist Convention Disaster Relief teams will also be assisting in clean-up efforts this week.

Opportunity to Help Victims and Volunteers (May 5)
You can drop off food to the Lebanon United Methodist Church today from 9am-1pm to help the volunteers and the people of Bradfordsville. Chicken, cold cuts, bread, casseroles, etc will be gladly accepted and delivered to those in need.
Washington County chapter of the American Red Cross are asking for items to
assist the flood victims in Washington County.  Furniture, toiletries,
cleaning supplies, clothing, bedding and other items are needed for those
who have been left homeless during the recent flooding. Drop-off point will
be the Holy Trinity Parish Community Center in Fredericktown. 
To make a donation or for additional information contact Scott Fattizzi at
859-481-1931.

Flood Aftermath (May 5)
Marion, Washington, and Nelson Counties continue cleanup efforts following the widespread flooding earlier this week. Washington County Judge-Executive John A. Settle and Nelson County Judge-Executive Dean Watts both declared local states of emergency Tuesday.
Marion County Judge Executive John G. Mattingly says that he has filed a general claim for the county through the American Red Cross for help with the cleanup. Mattingly says 20 residence in Bradfordsville and a couple of businesses were heavily damaged. He also says that ten residences in Calvary sustained heavily damaged basements or ground floors. According to Judge Mattingly the Red Cross will be available in other parts of Marion County for help doing structural cleanup, such as the removal of waterlogged insulation and so on. Requests for such help will be coordinated through the emergency management department. If you need help, contact the County Judges office 692-3451.
If President Obama declares Kentucky a Federal disaster area, Mattingly says that there may be some assistance for individuals, businesses and agricultural concerns. Questions about such assistance should be directed to the Judge's office at 692-3451.

Washington County Judge Executive John Settles announces that Washington
County has declared a State of Emergency due to the recent heavy rains and
flooding in Washington County.  Judge Settles stated that Governor Steve
Beshear
has requested federal assistance to help residents recover from
these latest storms.  It is crucial that you take photos of any damage, save
all repair receipts and report damage to homes and businesses to Kevin
Devine
, Washington County OEM Director.  Devine can be reached at
859-336-0746.  This information will be used to help the community receive
all eligible assistance Washington County would qualify for.

Fire Suspected; None Found (May 5)
Bradfordsville Fire Department and the Marion County Ambulance responded to a house trailer on fire at 106 Popes Creek Road last night at 7:12pm. The scene was cleared at 7:38pm. The fire department reported no fire on arrival. The owner had burned something, put the fire out and smoked up the house.

Absentee Voting (May 5)
Washington County Clerk, Glenn Black, has announced that absentee voting for the May 18, 2010 primary is now available at the clerk’s office in the annex of the old courthouse through May 17 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 9-12 noon on Saturday. Training for precinct workers will be Wednesday, May 5 in the courtroom of the old courthouse.

Dedication Ceremony for Springfield Campus of the ECTC (May 5)
Dedication ceremonies will be held Thursday, May 6 for the Springfield Campus of Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC).
ECTC President/CEO Dr. Thelma J. White and Kentucky Community and Technical College System President Dr. Michael B. McCall will lead a delegation of state, local and college officials who are expected to participate in the 1:30 p.m. ceremony at the new facility, which is located in the Springfield-Washington County Commerce Center.
The event, which will include building tours and a reception, is open to the public.
Ground was broken on May 15, 2008 for the $14.5 million, 50,000-square-foot Springfield Campus building. Construction was completed last month, and college personnel are working to
complete voice and data infrastructure and install instructional equipment. Several specialized classes currently are being taught in the new facility.
ECTC will offer a limited number of summer classes beginning June 1, and college officials plan a full schedule of technical program classes beginning in August that will lead to certificate, diploma and associate degrees. ECTC will partner with St. Catharine College in Springfield to ensure that students have access to general education classes.
Ross Tarrant Architects of Lexington designed the new facility. Morel Construction Company of Louisville was the general contractor.
More information about ECTC’s Springfield Campus is available by calling Darrin Powell, ECTC Springfield Campus director, at 270-268-0334.

KSP Doing Traffic Stops (May 5)
The Kentucky State Police, Post 15, Columbia, which provides coverage for Washington, Marion, Taylor, Casey, Russell, Green, Metcalfe, Monroe, Clinton, Cumberland and Adair counties will be conducting periodic traffic safety checkpoints at locations approved by the Kentucky State Police Policy and Procedures Manual. These checkpoints will be conducted in an effort to enforce the traffic laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Special attention will be paid to occupant protection (seatbelt adherence), sobriety and insurance and registration violations.

Closings/Cancellations (May 4)
The Loretto and Lebanon Senior Citizens Centers will be closed today.

Red Cross In Bradfordsville (May 4)
The Red Cross Assessment team will be at the Bradfordsville Civic Center today from 10am until 12noon to assist those affected by the recent flood and in need of immediate assistance.
The Kentucky Baptist Convention Disaster Relief teams will also be assisting in clean-up efforts this week.

Opportunity to Help Victims and Volunteers (May 4)
You can drop off food to the Lebanon United Methodist Church today and tomorrow from 9am-1pm to help the volunteers and the people of Bradfordsville. Chicken, cold cuts, bread, casseroles, etc will be gladly accepted and delievered to those in need.

Beshear Declares State Of Emergency (May 4)
Governor Steve Beshear has declared a state of emergency due to widespread flooding across the state.  Such declarations have been made in 40 counties, including Marion County.  Beshear says he urges citizens to be safe as they try to move around the state.  The declaration means Kentucky can coordinate with the federal government and the Red Cross for relief efforts.  So far, there are at least four storm related deaths in the state in addition to others in Tennessee and Mississippi.  Damages are estimated to be in the six-million-dollar range, but authorities say those estimates are very early and could grow.

Downtown New Haven Under Water (May 4)
Rains over the weekend have swollen the Rolling Fork River reaking havoc on downtown New Haven and surrounding areas in Nelson County.
Downtown New Haven is closed and seven businesses have been evacuated. Fire Chief Freddy Dewitt says that the worst is yet to come, as the Rolling Fork River is expected to crest sometime today.
Around 15 residences and two apartment complexes have had their access roads covered in water yesterday but are passable today. Residents are warned to stay out of the water if possible, if you have to enter the water make sure you don't have any open wounds or cuts because the water is not clean.

Two Adults and One Juvenile Arrested/Cited on Drug Charges in Three Separate Cases (May 4)
A juvenile was cited on 4/29 on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia on West Mulberry Street.
Brandon Lee Calhoun, of Lebanon, was arrested on 4/30 on charges of possession of marijuana.
Abner Adona Morales Vasquez, of Loretto, was arrested on 5/2 on charges of reckless driving, DUI, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, no operators license, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in motor vehicle.

Closings/Cancellations (May 3)
No School for Marion, Washington, Taylor and Green Counties. 
All games at Graham Memorial Park are cancelled for today/tonight.
Joy Mining shutting down 1st shift at 10:30am - 2nd shift called off

National Weather Service Extends Flood Warning (May 3)
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LOUISVILLE HAS ISSUED A
* FLOOD WARNING FOR... ANDERSON COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... BOURBON COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... BOYLE COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... CLARK COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... FAYETTE COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... THIS INCLUDES THE CITY OF LEXINGTON... FRANKLIN COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... GARRARD COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... HARRISON COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... JESSAMINE COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... MADISON COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... MERCER COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... NICHOLAS COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... SCOTT COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... THIS INCLUDES THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN... WOODFORD COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY... BRECKINRIDGE COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... HARDIN COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... LARUE COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... MEADE COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... NELSON COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... WASHINGTON COUNTY IN NORTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... OHIO COUNTY IN NORTHWEST KENTUCKY... ADAIR COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... ALLEN COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... BARREN COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... BUTLER COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... CASEY COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... CLINTON COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... EDMONSON COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... GRAYSON COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... GREEN COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... HART COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... LINCOLN COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... LOGAN COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... MARION COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... METCALFE COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... MONROE COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... RUSSELL COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... SIMPSON COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... TAYLOR COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... WARREN COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY... THIS INCLUDES THE CITY OF BOWLING GREEN...

* UNTIL 2pm

* AT 658 AM EDT -- THE GOOD NEWS IS THE RAIN HAS ENDED. HOWEVER NUMEROUS ROADS ARE STILL IMPASSABLE...AND CLOSED FROM THE 6 TO 10 INCHES OF RAIN THAT FELL OVER THE PAST TWO DAYS. THEREFORE...AN AREAL FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

MOST FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. NEVER DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. FLOOD WATERS ARE USUALLY DEEPER THAN THEY APPEAR. JUST ONE FOOT OF FLOWING WATER IS POWERFUL ENOUGH TO SWEEP VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD. WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED ROADS MAKE THE SMART CHOICE...TURN AROUND...DON'T DROWN.

DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. THE WATER DEPTH MAY BE TOO GREAT TO ALLOW YOUR CAR TO CROSS SAFELY. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND.

Roadway Warning and Boil Water Advisory (May 3)
The Marion County Sheriff's Department and the Lebanon Police Department advise motorists to be extremely careful when traveling due to mud on the roadways. It can be extremely slick and hazardous, so use extreme caution.
All Marion County Citizens  are under a boil water advisory, and are also urged to conserve water. The treatment plant at Calvary was underwater at around 7pm last night -- causing the plant to be shut down, as the water resides, work is underway to fix the issues. 

Kentucky Dept of Transportation Announcing Closures/Roadwork (May 3)
The Kentucky Department of Transportation is announcing the temporary closure of KY 2154, the Lebanon Bypass. With the weather permitting, work is scheduled to start today (May 3). The roadway will be closed between KY 49 and US68 for sinkhole repair. The road will be closed approximately 3 days. The detour route will be signed and will follow KY 49 to KY 55. The traffic will follow KY 55 back to US 68.

All the beginning of construction on US 68 in Marion/Boyle Counties is anticipated to start tomorrow. The Allen Company is anticipating starting construction of the new alignment of US 68 from KY 243 to the previously improved section in Boyle County. Work is scheduled to begin May 4 and is anticipated to complete prior to Dec. 1, 2010.

Accidents Over the Weekend (May 3)
An injury accident occurred Sunday morning at 12:30am at 1045 Raywick/St. Francis Road, Loretto. Departments responding were the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Marion County Ambulance Service, Loretto Fire Department, and the Marion County Rescue. The scene was cleared at 2:03am.

An injury accident occurred Friday evening at 6:21pm at 4950 Hwy 52, Loretto. Departments responding included the KSP, Marion County Ambulance Service, Loretto Fire Department, and Marion County Rescue. The scene was cleared at 7:32pm.

A two vehicle accident took place at 10:02pm on the Veterans Memorial Highway in Lebanon. The Marion County Ambulance Service, the Lebanon Police Department and Marion County Rescue responded with the scene being cleared at 11:17pm.

A single vehicle accident was reported Saturday morning at 1:04am at 450 Spencer Hamilton Road in Loretto. The Marion County Ambulance, Marion County Sheriff's Department, Marion County Rescue, Loretto Fire Department, Loretto EMS and Air Evac helicopter service responded, with the scene being cleared at 3:17am.

National Weather Service Issues Flood Watch For the Weekend (April 30)
FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR
* ALL OF CENTRAL KENTUCKY AND SOUTHERN INDIANA
* FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING

* A FRONTAL BOUNDARY WILL APPROACH THE REGION FROM THE WEST AND STALL OUT ACROSS WESTERN KENTUCKY ON SATURDAY. WIDESPREAD SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL MOVE ACROSS THE REGION ON SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT. IN THIS FIRST EPISODE...RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 2-3 INCHES OF RAINFALL ARE POSSIBLE IN AREAS WEST OF INTERSTATE 65...WITH 1-2 INCHES POSSIBLE IN AREAS EAST OF INTERSTATE 65. A SECOND AND MORE POTENT EPISODE OF WEATHER IS EXPECTED FOR SUNDAY WHERE MORE HEAVY RAINFALL IS EXPECTED. BY SUNDAY NIGHT ANOTHER 2-3 INCHES OF RAINFALL WILL BE POSSIBLE THE WESTERN HALF OF THE WATCH AREA...WITH ANOTHER 1-2 INCHES ACROSS THE EASTERN SECTIONS. TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 4-6 INCHES ARE EXPECTED IN AREAS WEST OF I-65 BY EARLY MONDAY...WITH 2-4 INCHES POSSIBLE IN AREAS EAST OF INTERSTATE 65. SOME LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS OF RAINFALL ARE CERTAINLY POSSIBLE...WHERE SOME LOCATIONS MAY END UP RECEIVING OVER 6 PLUS INCHES OF RAINFALL.

* SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS AFFECTING THE AREA THIS WEEKEND COULD CAUSE HEAVY RAINFALL FOR SEVERAL HOURS...AND TRAIN OVER THE SAME AREAS LEADING TO A SIGNIFICANT FLOODING THREAT FOR THE REGION. WITH THE EXTREME LIKELIHOOD OF HEAVY RAIN...AND LOCALLY HIGH RAINFALL TOTALS OVER 6 INCHES IN PLACES...FLASH FLOODING IS VERY LIKELY THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED. STAY ABREAST OF THE SITUATION BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE AT WEATHER.GOV/LOUISVILLE.

19 Arrested In Drug Round-Up (April 30)
On April 29, 2010 the Kentucky State Police Post 15 - Columbia conducted a drug round-up of several individuals.  Following a year long undercover drug investigation by Kentucky State Police the following individuals were arrested:
1) Danny Jefferies Sr. of Lebanon , KY ( age 63) -Charged with three (3) counts of Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Degree
2) Jamie Hunt of Lebanon , KY (age 32) -Charged with T.I.C.S 2nd Degrre and Persistent Felony Offender 2nd Degree
3) Dustin Tatum of Lebanon , KY (age 23) -Charged with three (3) counts of T.I.C.S. 1st Degree
4) Erica Garrett of Lebanon , KY (age 41) -Charged with T.I.C.S. 2nd Degree
5) Lee Ann Mays of Lebanon, KY (age 24) -Charged with T.I.C.S. 1st Degree
6) Tina Mays of Lebanon, KY (age 40) -Charged with two (2) of T.I.C.S. 1st Degree
7) Charles Yantis of Lebanon , KY (age 34) -Charged with T.I.C.S. 2nd Degree
8) Tammy Bickett of Lebanon , KY (age 41) -Charged with one (1) T.I.C.S 1st Degree and two (2) counts T.I.C.S 2nd Degree 
9) Natasha Bennett of Lebanon , KY (age 35) -Charged with T.I.C.S. 1st Degree and T.I.C.S. 2nd Degree
10) Jo Ann Feese of Lebanon , KY (age 33)
-Charged with T.I.C.S. 2nd Degree 
11) Joshua Sallee of Lebanon , KY (age 28) -Charged with two (2) counts T.I.C.S 2nd Degree
12) Andrea Sallee of Lebanon , KY (age 27) -Charged with T.I.C.S 2nd Degree
13) Rita Jefferies of Lebanon , KY (age 65) -Charged with Prescription Controlled Substance not in Original Container
14) Vickie Yantis of Lebanon , KY (age 41) -Charged with T.I.C.S. 1st Degree and P.F.O 1st Degree
15) Maurice Spalding of Lebanon , KY (age 45) -Charged with two (2) counts of T.I.C.S. 2nd Degree
16) Billy Joseph Feese of Springfield , KY (age 30) -Charged with two (2) counts of T.I.C.S 1st Degree
17) Jack Moore of Springfield , KY (age 48) -Charged with T.I.C.S. 1st Degree
18) Ricky L. Garrett of Lebanon , KY (age 24) -Charged with T.I.C.S 1st Degree
19) Randell Garrett of Lebanon , KY (age 57) -Charged with two (2) counts of T.I.C.S. 1st Degree.
More arrests are pending in reference to the undercover investigation.

NELSON COUNTY AIRMAN NAMED ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD (April 30)
TIME named Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Antonio D. Travis to the 2010 TIME 100, the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world for his efforts after the Haiti earthquake.
Chief Travis was one of the first U.S. military members on the ground at the Toussaint L’Ouverture International Airport in Port au Prince, Haiti, only 30 hours after the earthquake and less than 12 hours after the nation’s President requested U.S. assistance. The chief led a team of Special Tactics Airmen from the 23rd, 21st and 123rd Special Tactics Squadrons.
With his team of battle-hardened combat veterans, Chief Travis led the largest single-runway operation in history, using hand-held radios to control thousands of aircraft. Their air traffic control tower was a card table set up next to the airport’s runway.
“Twenty-eight minutes after touchdown, we controlled the first air landing followed immediately by a departure, and we did not slow down for the next 12 days,” Chief Travis, who hails from Nelson County, Ky., told lawmakers during Congressional testimony.
After establishing control of the airfield there, his team orchestrated an orderly flow for incoming aircraft and creatively dealt with the constraints of the inadequate airfield, which potentially could have limited relief operations. Facing 42 aircraft jammed into a parking ramp designed to accommodate 10 large planes, untangling the gridlock was the first of many seemingly insurmountable challenges necessary to facilitate the flood of inbound relief flights.
In the dawn of the U.S. response to the Haitian crisis, Chief Travis coordinated with Miami FAA officials via text messaging on his Blackberry. His ingenuity paid massive dividends as priority aircraft transited the small airport delivering lifesaving water, food and medical supplies in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development led international humanitarian effort.
From chaos, Chief Travis established order as his combat controllers reduced a four-hour hold time in the air on day one to less than two hours on day two and less than 15 minutes by day three. 
For 12 days, the airfield team ran the international airport in Port au Prince for 24 hours a day. Together with more than 200 other Air Commandos from Hurlburt Field, Fla., they tirelessly ensured the safe and effective control of over 4,000 takeoffs and landings, an average of one aircraft operation every five minutes, and enabled the delivery of 4 million pounds of humanitarian relief to the people of Haiti
Without computers or electricity, Chief Travis and his team controlled as many as 250 aircraft a day, exceeding the normal capacity of the airfield by 1,400 percent without a single incident. By January 25, his team was able to hand operations over to Air Force air traffic controllers with a portable control tower.
While directing the airfield operations, Chief Travis also supervised a group of pararescuemen, or PJs, and medical technicians who augmented the notable Fairfax County search and rescue team.  These teams were credited with 13 technical rescues