Marion County Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography (Feb. 3)

Games this Week (Feb. 3)
Maroin County Lady Knights are on the road to face 5th region foe Elizabethtown on Thursday night.  The Knight crew will be on hand with pre-game at 7:20 and tipoff set for 7:30.  Tune in on 100.9 Mike FM and online at lebanonmike.com

Washington County Commanders on the road for boys action Thursday night as they face Hart County.  Hal B. Goode will have the call on 102.7 wysb and online at 1027wysb.com.  Pre-game 7:50 with tip at 8 PM. 

20th district action on Friday night as Marion County travels to Taylor County for a girl boy contest.  THe Knight crew will have the call on 100.9 Mike FM and online at lebanonmike.com.  pre-game at 5:50, tip at 6.

Nelson COunty hosts Bardstown in a 19th district Girl Boy double header.  Jermery McClendon has the call on 102.7 WYSB and online at 1027wysb.com.  pre-game set for 5:50 with Tipoff at 6 P.M.

Saturday night the Washington County Commanders are on the road to North Bullitt.  Hal B. Goode will have the call on 102.7 FM and online at 1027wysb.com.  pregame at 7:20 and tip off at 7:30.

Saturday Febuary the 6th St. Catharine are back on the air.  AM1590 WLBN will have the action with  taking on the University of the Cumberlands.  Women's action at 2 PM with Men at 4 P.M.  You can also listen online to these games at 1590WLBN.com.

Marion and Washington County Schools in Regular Session Today (Feb. 2)

Poll's are Open for Special Election (Feb. 2)
Today may be Groundhog Day, but it's also the day to vote for the 24th District House of Rep. Seat left vacant when Jimmy Higdon was elected Senator.
Candidates on the ballot are: Terry Mills (Dem) and Leo Johnson (Rep).

Pedal Problem To Swamp Toyota Dealers (Feb. 2)
Louisville-area Toyota dealers are preparing for a crush of customers in the wake of the recent recall involving faulty accelerator pedals.  New parts should be arriving later this week to fix the pedals.  Toyota of Louisville, on Dixie Highway, says its technicians will work extended hours and through the weekend if necessary.  The problem has been blamed for sending vehicles lurching forward, out of control.

Common Ground Sought For State Budget (Feb. 2)
Governor Steve Beshear and House Democratic leaders gathered yesterday to try to work together on a blueprint to balance the state budget that is closing in on more than a billion dollars in the red during the next 24 months.  Beshear proposed about 780-million from expanded gambling at horse tracks, which lawmakers immediately rejected.  The governor said they did not discuss specific details regarding cuts, and there was no discussion about layoffs.  Attempts to find a common ground seem to be elusive for the lawmakers.

Lebanon Police are Investigating Thefts (Feb. 2)
LPD is investigating a case of criminal mischief in the 3rd that occurred on Jan. 25th.
Several items, including a purse, digital camera and accessories, jewelry, cell-phone and cd's - all with a total value of $1369.50, was reported stolen. A passenger side window was broken out on the victims 2008 Kia while it was parked on North Harrison Street. The estimated amount of damage was $300.
In a case of burglary 2nd/criminal mischief 2nd, $1000 cash, a fifth of Woodford Reserve Bourbon and a white gold and diamond ring was reported stolen from an Oak Street residence. The total value of the stolen items was $4,525. During the theft, a screen door, bathroom window and the door jam was all broken and damaged.

Games this Week (Feb. 2)
Tuesday night 100.9 Mike FM will carry Washington County as they travel to Campbellsville for a Girl Boy Doubleheader.  Hal B. Goode has the call with pre-game at 5:50 and tipoff at 6.  On line coverage can be heard on lebanonmike.com.

Bethlehem will be at Bardstown for a boys 19th District contest Tuesday night.  Jermery McClendon will have the call on 102.7 FM and online at 1027wysb.com.  Pre-game at 7:20, tipoff at 7:30.

Closings and Cancellations (Feb. 1)
No school in Marion County
Washington County on 1 hour delay
Lebanon Senior Citizens Center is closed today

Accident Sunday Afternoon (Feb. 1)
An injury accident was reported Sunday afternoon at 3:12pm on Highway 527, Raywick.
Responding were members of the Marion County Ambulance Service, Marion County Sheriff's Department, and the Marion County Rescue Squad.
The scene was cleared at 4:14pm.

Don't Forget Tomorrow's Special Election (Feb. 1)
Tomorrow may be Groundhog Day, but it's also the day to vote for the 24th District House of Rep. Seat left vacant when Jimmy Higdon was elected Senator.
Candidates on the ballot are: Leo Johnson (Rep) and Terry Mills (Dem).

Task Force Pushes Renewable-Energy Laws (Feb. 1)
A governor's task force is recommending that Kentucky join more than two dozen other states in adopting laws requiring electricity generated from renewable energy sources.  The task force also wants the General Assembly to fund the start-up of biofuels businesses with a fee on all electricity sold in Kentucky.  Kentucky is more than 90-percent dependent on coal, which is a major source of carbon dioxide.  According to the state Department of Energy Development and Independence, the federal government is poised to impose a national renewable-fuels mandate.

Link Of Stimulus To Jobs Touted, Debated (Feb. 1)
The federal government says almost eleven-thousand jobs in Kentucky can be credited to the stimulus program in the final three months of 2009.  A previous quarterly report, in October, said the program had created or saved more than four-thousand jobs in the state.  However, some say the state's jobless rate of ten-point-seven-percent makes it difficult to connect stimulus spending to any clear economic benefits.

NASA High On Kentucky Satellite (Feb. 1)
A satellite designed and constructed by college students in the Bluegrass State will be soaring into space via a Taurus rocket.  Ben Malphrus, director of Morehead State University's space science center, said NASA's agreement is a breakthrough for university space research programs and the first time NASA has launched Cubesats on any mission.  Cubesat refers to the shape of the tiny satellite that weighs around two pounds.  The  Kentucky Cubesat is one of three that survived competition, along with Montana State University and the University of Colorado.

NEWS FOR SUNDAY JAN. 31
TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH IN SPRINGFIELD WILL HOLD SUNDAY SERVICES THIS AFTERNOON STARTING WITH SUNDAY SCHOOL AT 2 P.M. AND THE WORSHIP SERVICE AT 3 P.M.

THE SPRINGFIELD KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS WILL NOT HAVE THEIR FIFTH SUNDAY BREAKFAST TODAY.  IT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

THE ST CATHERINE COLLEGE - CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY MENS AND WOMENS BASKETBALL GAMES FROM SATURDAY HAVE BEEN MOVED TO MONDAY NIGHT STARTING AT 6 P.M..

The College Goal Sunday event at Campbellsville University Sunday, Jan. 31 has been canceled due to the snow, according to Chris Tolson, director of financial aid at CU.
As an alternative to College Goal Sunday, a toll-free financial aid helpline is available to answer the questions of those who planned to attend College Goal Sunday.
You can call the helpline at 1-888-4-KASFAA beginning Monday, Feb. 1. This hotline will be staffed by financial aid professionals from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Monday, Feb. 15.
Tolson said these professionals will help you complete your financial aid paperwork and answer questions over the phone.
To call Campbellsville University ’s Office of Financial Aid, dial 270-789-5013.

  ICY ROAD CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE THIS MORNING... EVEN THOUGH SNOW HAS ENDED ACROSS THE REGION...HAZARDOUS ROAD CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE. WET SPOTS AND SLUSH FROM EARLIER TREATMENTS ON THE ROADWAYS ARE FROZEN TTHIS MORNING AS TEMPERATURES ARE INTO THE SINGLE DIGITS AND WINDS REMAIN LIGHT. THIS WILL CREATE ICY PATCHES ON THE ROADWAYS ESPECIALLY SECONDARY ROADS...BRIDGES...AND OVERPASSES. DRIVERS SHOULD USE CAUTION IF TRAVELING THIS MORNING. WATCH FOR BLACK ICE AND DRIVE SLOW OVER ICY PATCHES ON THE ROADS.

St. Catharine College will host a Community Forum at the Opera House from 5 pm to 7 pm on February 1st. The Community Forums, to be held in Lebanon , Bardstown and Springfield are scheduled as an initial step in the drafting of St. Catharine College’s next Strategic Plan (2011 through 2015). Discussion will focus on the relationship between St. Catharine College and the community and how the College can forge and strengthen unique, mutually beneficial relationships. St. Catharine College hopes to have broad representation that includes business, education, health care, government, economic development, and social agencies as well as private citizens. SCC alumni are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Nora Hatton at 859-336-5082 or by email at nhatton@sccky.edu.

AARP Tax Aide volunteers will be here on Wednesdays beginning, February 3, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m- 415 Fairgrounds Road, Lebanon. For more information contact the Marion County Extension Office, 270-692-2421

Former Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul campaigned Saturday on behalf of his son Rand Paul, a U.S. Senate candidate in Kentucky .

Ron Paul, a Republican congressman from Texas , spoke to about 600 supporters at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center repeating his call for limited government, balanced budgets and individual liberties.

He urged voters to support his son, who holds similar views on those issues.

The elder Paul quickened Rand Paul's campaign by allowing him to plug into his network of political donors, a move that has made his son the leading fundraiser among Republican candidates with about $1.8 million in contributions so far.

Rand Paul and Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson are the perceived frontrunners in the GOP primary race that involves several other lesser-known Republicans, including western Kentucky businesman Bill Johnson, who last month invested $250,000 of his own money in the race.

Cancellations/Closings/Schedule Changes (Jan. 29)
Lady Celtics Chili Supper scheduled for today/tonight has been cancelled 

Winter Storm Watch Friday Morning (Jan. 29)
WINTER STORM TO AFFECT PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY
TODAY THROUGH SATURDAY.
LOW PRESSURE WILL TRACK ACROSS THE GULF COAST STATES TODAY
THROUGH SATURDAY. THIS SYSTEM WILL BRING WIDESPREAD SNOW TO SOUTH
CENTRAL KENTUCKY THIS AFTERNOON AND INTO CENTRAL KENTUCKY BY THIS
EVENING. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ACCUMULATIONS SHOULD BE NEAR THE
KENTUCKY/TENNESSEE BORDER...WITH LESSER AMOUNTS FARTHER NORTH.
THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM EST /6 PM
CST/ THIS EVENING TO 4 PM EST /3 PM CST/ SATURDAY.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL BEGIN ACROSS CENTRAL KENTUCKY EARLY THIS
EVENING WITH MORE WIDESPREAD SNOW OVERNIGHT INTO SATURDAY
MORNING.
* ACCUMULATIONS...2 TO 4 INCHES EXPECTED...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER
AMOUNTS POSSIBLE.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT SNOW WILL CAUSE
PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS
AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

KSP-Road Condition Phone Numbers/Winter Driving Tips (Jan. 29)
Due to the anticipated winter weather system moving towards the Post 15 District, the Kentucky State Police would like to take this opportunity to provide travelers with some important numbers and information. For road conditions in your area of the state, dial 511  or 866-737-3767 and follow the voice prompts or visit the web at  www.511.ky.gov.  For audio winter driving tips visit the web at http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/posts/post15.htm.

Lebanon-Marion County Chamber of Commerce Annual Award Recipients Names (Jan. 29)
The Lebanon-Marion County Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership and Awards Banquet was held last night at Centre Square. 
Recipients of Awards were: 
Presidents Award - Mike and Janet Gootee
Outstanding Industry Manager - Dennis Brown 
Outstanding Business Person - Rick Goodin
Outstanding Emergency Services Personnel - Don Whitehouse
Outstanding Educator Award - Coury Leathers-Osborne 
Outstanding Farmer Award - Kim and Thad Peterson 
Outstanding Citizen Award - Melissa Lee Knight
Outstanding Chamber Member - Lebanon Police Chief Shelton Young 

Lebanon Police Update Burglary (Jan. 29)
$4000 in jewelry that was reported stolen from East Main Street on the 20th, has been located. $500 worth of damage occurred to the front door of the residence during that burglary. 

State Employees Rally In Frankfort (Jan. 29)
The capitol rotunda in Frankfort was the stage for a rally by state employees yesterday.  They gathered in an effort to call attention regarding their pay, safety, and healthcare benefits.  The group included workers from social service, corrections, and juvenile justice.  They urged lawmakers to fully fund the so-called "Boni Bill," named after slain social service aide Boni Frederick.  Frederick was killed in 2006 after taking a baby for what was to have been a final home visit.

Ford Workers Get Profit-Sharing Checks (Jan. 29)
Ford workers in Louisville will soon be getting something they haven't had since 2005.  Nearly six-thousand hourly employees will receive profit-sharing checks.  Yesterday, auto executives reported a profit in 2009 of two-point-seven-billion dollars, ending three years in the red.  Ford Motor Company was the only automaker in Detroit to avoid bankruptcy last year.  However, the company still has 34-billion dollars in debt, which is nearly twice as much as General Motors.  The profit-sharing checks in March will give each worker 450-dollars.

Retirement Reception for Police Chief Young (Jan. 29)
THE CITY OF LEBANON WILL BE HOSTING A RETIREMENT RECEPTION FOR POLICE CHIEF SHELTON YOUNG AT CITY HALL FROM 2-6PM ON FRIDAY (JAN. 29). REFRESHMENTS AND CAKE WILL BE SERVED. 

Legislative Forum Scheduled for Tomorrow (Jan. 29)
The Marion County Farm Bureau will again this year host a legislative forum, featuring Senator Jimmy Higdon, and House of Representative Candidates Leo Johnson and Terry Mills. The event will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday (January 30) in the conference room of the Farm Bureau office at 690 Metts Drive .

Basketball Action Tonight (Jan. 29)
Friday night Washington County hits the road to Ft. Knox for a Girl Boy Doubleheader.  Catch Hal B. Goode on 102.7 FM and 1027WYSB.com online.  pre-game at 5:50 and tipoff at 6.

Friday night Marion County boys are home as they host Nelson County.  The Knight Crew will have the action with pre-game at 7:20 and tipoff at 7:30 on 100.9 Mike FM and online at lebanonmike.com.

Saturday afternoon St. Catharine College will be in action as they travel to Campbellsville for Women's and Men's Mid South Conference action.  Women's tipoff set for 2 P.M. with the Men's game to follow at 4 P.M.  AM1590 WLBN will have the game with online coverage on 1590wlbn.com.

Winter Storm Watch Friday Morning (Jan. 28)
A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR CENTRAL KENTUCKY FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING. 
* SNOW WILL BEGIN ACROSS CENTRAL KENTUCKY FRIDAY MORNING AND SPREAD NORTHWARD TO THE BLUEGRASS BY THE AFTERNOON HOURS. SNOWFALL WILL CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING. 
* A SHARP NORTH TO SOUTH GRADIENT IN ACCUMULATIONS IS LIKELY. ACCUMULATIONS THROUGH THIS TIME PERIOD ARE EXPECTED TO AVERAGE FROM 2 TO 5 INCHES NORTH OF A LINE FROM BUTLER THROUGH CASEY COUNTIES...AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM BRECKINRIDGE THROUGH CLARK COUNTIES. 
* PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW AND REDUCED VISIBILITIES COULD CAUSE TRAVEL PROBLEMS ACROSS THE WATCH AREA FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY. 
A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Collision on US 68 (Jan. 28)
KSP report a collision that occurred at 4:05pm, 3 miles west of Lebanon on US68. 
Chelsey Wheatley, age 19, of Lebanon was operating at 2006 Mercury, eastbound, on US68, when she lost control, ran off the roadway, overcorrected, coming back onto the roadway striking a vehicle being driven by Tyler Royse, age 25, of Columbia. 
Royse was operating a 2004 Jeep Cherokee, westbound, on US68, when the Wheatley vehicle struck him in the side. 
Both Wheatley and Royse were wearing their seat belts and were treated and released at Spring View Hospital. 
Stephen Burris of Columbia, age 15, was a passenger in the Royse vehicle. He was not wearing a seat belt and was not injured. 

LPD Report False Fire Alarm (Jan. 28)
The fire alarm sounded at 5:41pm Tuesday afternoon, calling the Lebanon Fire Department to a residence on Westside Drive. 
Arriving at the scene at 5:54pm, the officials reported that nothing was showing. The call was listed as a false alarm.

Nelson County Child Diagnosed With Meningococcal Disease (Jan. 28)
Lincoln Trail District Health Department has been informed that a child from Nelson County has been diagnosed with invasive meningococcal disease.  Meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection of the bloodstream and the thin lining covering the brain and spinal cord.  It is a relatively rare disease and usually occurs as a single isolated event.  This disease most often affects children and young adults.
The child attends a Nelson County Head Start program.  Lincoln Trail District Health Department is taking swift action.  Close contacts have been identified and are being contacted to seek treatment.  Only the close contacts need to receive preventive antibiotic treatment.
Treatment is only recommended for people with close social contact with the ill person’s saliva or nose and throat secretions: eating or drinking from shared plates, utensils or cups, sharing lip balm, and kissing. All pre-school age children in a classroom setting with an infected person are presumed to have close contact. Parents do not need preventative antibiotic treatment.
Students, parents, and staff should be aware of the signs/symptoms of the illness and prepared to seek immediate health care if the following are noted:  sudden onset of fever, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, irritability, lack of appetite, and sometimes, a rash.

ST. Charles Middle SBDM Council Special Called Meeting at 5:15pm Tonight (Jan. 28)

Basketball Action This Week (Jan. 28)
Friday night Washington County hits the road to Ft. Knox for a Girl Boy Doubleheader.  Catch Hal B. Goode on 102.7 FM and 1027WYSB.com online.  pre-game at 5:50 and tipoff at 6.

Friday night Marion County boys are home as they host Nelson County.  The Knight Crew will have the action with pre-game at 7:20 and tipoff at 7:30 on 100.9 Mike FM and online at lebanonmike.com.

Saturday afternoon St. Catharine College will be in action as they travel to Campbellsville for Women's and Men's Mid South Conference action.  Women's tipoff set for 2 P.M. with the Men's game to follow at 4 P.M.  AM1590 WLBN will have the game with online coverage on 1590wlbn.com.

2nd Walk-Away Apprehended (Jan. 27)
41-year-old John K. Francis, the second of two inmates that escaped from Marion County adjustment center on January 17th, 2010, was arrested earlier yesterday by the Mercer County Sheriff's Department when units responded to a domestic and located John K. Francis hiding in a closet. He was being held for Trafficking in a controlled substance 1st degree and Bail Jumping.
He is lodged in the Marion County Detention Center. 
 Brian L. Wyatt was arrested on January 21st near Cox’s Creek, KY.

Lebanon Police Investigate Criminal Mischief and Make Drug Arrests (Jan. 27)
Lebanon Police are investigating a case of Criminal mischief in the 3rd, that occurred on the 25th on North Harrison Street. A passenger side window was broken out on 2008 Kia. $300 worth of estimated amount of damage was done to the vehicle. 
Lebanon Police arrested Christopher A. Smothers, age 28, on the 24th on charges of possession of marijuana, a Marion County warrant for failure to or improper signal/disregarding stop sign/operating on expired operators license/D.U.I 1st.
LPD arrested William Ray Moffitt, age 36, of Lebanon, on the 24th, on charges of trafficking in a controlled substance 1st- cocaine, possession of marijuana, fleeing or evading police 2nd, on foot. 

One Vehicle Accident (Jan. 27)
Misty Morales, age 23, of Jimtown Road, left the roadway in a 1996 Contour, and landed in a nearby yard. Morales, Maximino Garcia, age 34, of Lebanon, and Daniel Lopez, age 17 months of Jimtown Road were both transported to the Spring View Hospital. The accident is being attributed to slick highways. 

Yesterday Was Last Day for Candidate Filing Deadline for Primary Election (Jan. 27)
So many people are running for office in Kentucky it resembles a track meet.  Tuesday was the filing deadline for this year's primaries, and it's shaping up as the most active election cycle in recent history.  At the secretary of state's office in Frankfort , there were eleven candidates for the U.S. Senate, 23 for the U.S. House, 49 for the state Senate and 183 for the state House.  Republican Brooks Wicker, who is seeking the congressional seat of John Yarmuth, said Republicans are encouraged by last week's election of Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown.
Locally, the contested races include for: 
PVA - William U. Scott & Terry "Catfish" Rakes
Sheriff - Jimmy Clements & Carroll Kirkland 
Magistrate for District D - Larry V. Caldwell & Phillip DeWayne Shively
Magistrate for District E - Mike Peterson, Roger "Cotton" Smothers, Charlotte Brady Mattingly, & James Rickie Livers
James R. Moraja, Sr. has filed for Coroner with the only Republican Candidate being Charles "Chuck" Helm running for Coroner. 

Toyota Suspends Sales Of Eight Models (Jan. 27)
Following massive recalls because of sticking gas pedals, Toyota is now suspending sales of eight vehicle models.  The unprecedented move comes after the automaker recalled two-point-three million cars and trucks to fix the problem.  Toyota said the suspension is temporary as the company works to finalize a remedy for the gas pedal problem.  At the same time, the automaker will shut down North American production in Canada , Indiana , Kentucky and Texas due to the suspension, but will not shut down any other plants.  Toyota officials said Lexus and Scion vehicles are not affected.  Other models which are not included in the suspension are the Toyota Prius, Tacoma , and Camry hybrids.

Toyota is suspending sales on the following models:
2009-2010 RAV4
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Matrix
2005-2010 Avalon
Certain 2007-2010 Camry
2010 Highlander
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia

Ford Investing Millions Into Explorer Project (Jan. 27)
There's no word on how it will affect Kentucky 's production lines, but Ford is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into a new version of the Explorer SUV.  According to the auto manufacturer, the updated SUV will be built in Chicago late this year and will result in the addition of 12-hundred new jobs.  Ford says the 400-million-dollar investment will include some 180-million-dollars for manufacturing at its Chicago-area plants.  Another 220-million-dollars will be pegged for launch and engineering costs.  The vehicle is currently produced in the Blue Grass State.

Eleven Deaths on Kentucky Roadways Last Week (Jan. 26)
KSP reports  that eleven people died in ten separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, January 18 through Sunday, January 24, 2010. 
All of the crashes involved motor vehicles and seven of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Single-fatality crashes occurred in Bell , Carter, Fayette (2), Johnson, Lewis, Oldham , Todd and Woodford counties. One crash in Fayette county involved the suspected use of alcohol.
A double-fatality crash occurred in Gallatin county and involved the suspected use of alcohol.
Through January 24,  that 46 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010.  This is the same number of fatalities reported for this time period in 2009.   There were 41 motor vehicle fatalities and 26 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Five pedestrians have been killed.  Five crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.  A total of 10 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.

Lebanon Police Make Arrests (Jan. 26) 
Lebanon Police arrested Shamica V. Calhoun,  age 21, of Lebanon, on Saturday on charges of theft by unlawful taking under $500 "shoplifting. $26 worth of merchandise was recovered and retained by Wal-Mart. 
LPD arrested Daniel Morales, age 26, of Lebanon, on Sunday for charges of alcohol intoxication, Marion County warrant for assault 4th "Domestic Violence" and criminal possession of a forged instrument 3rd. 

THE FIRST MEETING OF THE LEBANON PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD WILL BE HELD TONIGHT AT 6PM AT CITY HALL. 

Realistic Dinosaurs Exhibit To Visit Zoo (Jan. 26)
A major exhibit of robotic dinosaurs is coming to the Louisville Zoo in late March.  "Dinosaurs Alive!" will have 16 of the creatures, including a tyrannosaurus rex.  The beasts roar, snarl and move realistically, and visitors will be allowed to operate one of them by remote control.  The attraction will have a special fee of four dollars for zoo members and five dollars for non-members.  It's expected to run through September.

Wildcats Ascend To Top Spot In Poll (Jan. 26)
To no one's surprise, the University of Kentucky men's basketball team moved up to number one in the "USA Today" Top 25 poll on Monday.  The 19-and-oh Wildcats were a unanimous selection, undoubtedly because they're the only unbeaten team in NCAA Division One.  The Cats will defend their ranking tonight at South Carolina .

Identity Revealed In Calipari Dinner Auction (Jan. 26)
The winner of a dinner with UK head basketball coach John Calipari is none other than telecommunications giant Paul Orberson.  The former Danville resident and huge Wildcat supporter drove the bidding up to nearly 100-thousand-dollars to sit down for a meal with Coach Cal and actress Ashley Judd.  The auction was a part of Calipari's effort to help the earthquake victims in Haiti .  The entire fundraiser was able to generate more than one-million-dollars.  Orberson made his fortune with Excel Telecommunications.

Basketball Action This Week (Jan. 26)
Tuesday night the Marion County Lady Knights are in action as they travel to Bardstown for girls action.  Jeremey McClendon has the call on 100.9 Mike FM and lebanonmike.com.  Pre game at 7:20 and tipoff at 7:30.

Tuesday night 5th Region action as Washington County hosts Caverna in a girl boy doubleheader.  Hal B. Goode has the call on 102.7 WYSB and online at 1027wysb.com.  GAME HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 6:30PM.

Friday night Washington County hits the road to Ft. Knox for a Girl Boy Doubleheader.  Catch Hal B. Goode on 102.7 FM and 1027WYSB.com online.  pre-game at 5:50 and tipoff at 6.

Friday night Marion County boys are home as they host Nelson County.  The Knight Crew will have the action with pre-game at 7:20 and tipoff at 7:30 on 100.9 Mike FM and online at lebanonmike.com.

Saturday afternoon St. Catharine College will be in action as they travel to Campbellsville for Women's and Men's Mid South Conference action.  Women's tipoff set for 2 P.M. with the Men's game to follow at 4 P.M.  AM1590 WLBN will have the game with online coverage on 1590wlbn.com.

Lebanon Police Report Car Fire (Jan. 25)
On Saturday at around 12:26, Lebanon Dispatch received a call of a car on fire at the Lebanon City Park in the upper part. LPD Unit 11 was dispatched at 12:27 and arrived on the scene. The Lebanon Fire Department was dispatched and was en route at 12:30. Lebanon fire department arrived on the scene at 12:32 and the scene was cleared at 12:48.

Lebanon Police Investigating Theft and Burglary (Jan. 25)
LPD is investigating two counts of theft of motor vehicle registration plate/decals. Two license plates, valued at $42, were reportedly stolen from E-Z auto sales on the 18th. 
Lebanon Police are also investigating a case of burglary 2nd/criminal mischief 3rd that occurred on East Main Street on the 20th. A gold oval amethyst ring and a gold oval diamond ring with ring guards, total value of $4,100 stolen. $500 worth of damage occurred to the front door of the victim's residence. 

GOP's McConnell:  Start Over On Healthcare (Jan. 25)
The top Republican in the U.S. Senate wants Congress to scrap current healthcare reform legislation and start over.  Mitch McConnell of Kentucky told NBC's "Meet the Press" the message from the U.S. Senate election in Massachusetts sent that notification clearly.  In that race, Republican Scott Brown beat Democrat Martha Coakley to fill the term of the late Ted Kennedy, breaking the Democrats supermajority.  McConnell called for a concentration on reducing costs, addressing "junk lawsuits against doctors and hospitals," and doing it in a bipartisan fashion.  He said while Republicans were negotiating the bills, their ideas were not included in what passed the House and Senate.  On universal coverage, McConnell said expanding health insurance coverage is a good idea but the plans which have passed "still didn't end up covering everybody."  He expressed hope that the current bills on the table are "finished."

Gospel Melodies Will Feature Church Choirs in Friendly Competition (Jan. 25)
Gospel Melodies, a church choir competition, will be held Sat., March 20, in Lebanon.

This event will feature choirs from across the state vying for the title and cash prizes. Hosted by the non-profit Marion County Arts & Humanities Council, the event will be held at the Lebanon Presbyterian Church 

Each choir will perform two selections. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until the final choir has performed and the winners announced.

There is an entry fee of $25 and the first 10 choirs to apply will be accepted. The deadline to enter is Sat., Feb. 20.

Groups will be judged on choice and expression of song, rhythm, tempo and dynamics, quality and balance of voices, pitch and projection and stage presence and general effect.

Admission to spectators is $10 per person. Proceeds will be used for the many cultural activities sponsored by the MCAHC throughout the year.

For details and a downloadable application, go to www.MarionCountyArts.org, call 270.692.4265 or e-mail festival@marioncountyarts.org.

Basketball Action This Week (Jan. 25)
Monday night it's a Girl Boy 19th District Double header as Bardstown host Bethlehem.  Jermery McCLendon has the call on 102.7 WYSB and online at 1027wysb.com.  pre-game at 5:50 with tipoff set for 6.

Tuesday night the Marion County Lady Knights are in action as they travel to Bardstown for girls action.  Jeremey McClendon has the call on 100.9 Mike FM and lebanonmike.com.  Pre game at 7:20 and tipoff at 7:30.

Tuesday night 5th Region action as Washington County hosts Caverna in a girl boy doubleheader.  Hal B. Goode has the call on 102.7 WYSB and online at 1027wysb.com.  Pregame at 5:50 and tipoff at 6.

Friday night Washington County hits the road to Ft. Knox for a Girl Boy Doubleheader.  Catch Hal B. Goode on 102.7 FM and 1027WYSB.com online.  pre-game at 5:50 and tipoff at 6.

Friday night Marion County boys are home as they host Nelson County.  The Knight Crew will have the action with pre-game at 7:20 and tipoff at 7:30 on 100.9 Mike FM and online at lebanonmike.com.

Saturday afternoon St. Catharine College will be in action as they travel to Campbellsville for Women's and Men's Mid South Conference action.  Women's tipoff set for 2 P.M. with the Men's game to follow at 4 P.M.  AM1590 WLBN will have the game with online coverage on 1590wlbn.com.

Authorities Still Looking for Inmate; Other Apprehended  (Jan. 22)
Authorities are still searching for an inmate that walked away from the Marion Adjustment Center on Sunday afternoon.
John K. Francis is a 41-year-old white male, 5 feet 7 inches, 170 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes.  He was being held for Trafficking in a controlled substance 1st degree and Bail Jumping.
If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of this escapee, please contact the Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555 or Lebanon Police at 692-2121.
38-year-old Brian L. Wyatt was arrested yesterday at 3:10pm by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department at a relative’s residence near Cox’s Creek, KY.  He is being held in the Nelson County Jail.
Again, John K. Francis, who is from Harrodsburg, is still at large.
Francis was scheduled for release in February of 2011

Lebanon Police Report (Jan. 22)
LPD is investigating a case of theft by unlawful taking under $500 that occurred on the 8th of Dec. 
A purse, wallet, digital camera, cash and personal items, total value of $240 was removed from a vehicle while it was parked on Woodlawn Avenue at the Cornerstone to Learning Lot. 
The purse and wallet were recovered by City employees on Woodlawn Avenue on Wednesday and returned to the owner. 
LPD arrested Nancy J. Mattingly, age 48, of Campbellsville, on Wednesday, on charges of theft by unlawful taking under $500 "shoplifting", criminal trespass 3rd, and possession of marijuana. Merchandise, valued at $47.32, was recovered and retained by Walmart. 
LPD arrested Douglas B. Lay, age 54, of Springfield, on Wednesday, on charges of theft by unlawful taking under $500 "shoplifting". Merchandise, valued at $19.96 was recovered and retained by Walmart. 

Small Hike In Kentucky's Jobless Rate (Jan. 22)
Kentucky's jobless rate showed a small increase in December.  Unemployment hit ten-point-seven-percent last month after being ten-point-six-percent in November.  The national jobless rate in December was ten-percent.  Kentucky has lost nearly 60-thousand non-farm jobs since December of 2008 and about 113-thousand jobs since the recession began in December of 2007.

Amendment On Gambling Fails In Senate (Jan. 22)
A constitutional amendment that would require a constitutional amendment to expand gambling in Kentucky lost by a party-line vote Thursday in the state Senate.  The measure, introduced by Senate President David Williams, is intended to make it more difficult to expand gambling in the state.  Pro-gambling Democrats have been pushing for a change in state law to allow slot machines at racetracks.  For passage, that would require only a simple majority in each house of the legislature.

State Rep Says He Won't Run Again (Jan. 22)
State Representative Harry Moberly says he won't be back once his term expires in December.  The veteran lawmaker has decided to retire from politics after 31 years, and concentrate on family life and his job at Eastern Kentucky University.  He told the "Herald-Leader" he said he'd spent enough time in the political arena.  Moberly is currently the executive vice president at EKU.

Basketball Action This Weekend (Jan. 22)
Tonight Marion County is in 20th district action as they host Taylor County in at Girl Boy Doubleheader.  The knight crew will have the call on 100.9 Mike FM and online at lebanonmike.com.  Pregame at 6:20 and tipoff at 6:30.

Tonight it's a make up game in the 19th District as Bethlehem travels to Washington County for a Girl Boy Doubleheader.  Hal B. Goode has the call with pre-game at 5:50 and tip-off at 6 on 102.7 F.M. and www.1027wysb.com.

Saturday afternoon St. Catharine College Basketball continues as the Patriots will visit the Bears of Pikeville.  Coverage for the men's begins at 3:50 with tipoff at 4.  Catch the action on AM1590 WLBN and 1590WLBN.com

Lebanon Police Report (Jan. 21)
Joseph Michael Spalding, age 24, of Lebanon was arrested by LPD on Tuesday on charges of theft by unlawful taking under $500 "shoplifting". 
$3.15 in merchandise was recovered and retained by Higdon's Foodtown.

Fifteen Deaths on Kentucky Roadways Last Week (Jan. 21)
Kentucky State Police say that fifteen people died in fifteen separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, January 11 through Sunday, January 17, 2010. 
Thirteen of the crashes involved motor vehicles and seven of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Single-fatality crashes occurred in Anderson, Bullitt, Campbell, Carter, Christian, Clay (2), Laurel (2), Leslie, Warren, Whitley and Woodford counties. The crashes in Christian, Clay and Warren counties involved the suspected use of alcohol.
Two pedestrian involved fatalities occurred in Hardin and Jefferson counties.
Through January 17, 34 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010.  This is 1 less fatality than reported for the same time period in 2009.   There were 29 motor vehicle fatalities and 19 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Five pedestrians have been killed.  One crash involved a commercial motor vehicle.  A total of 7 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.

House Speaker Speaks Out On Budget Plan (Jan. 21)
House Speaker Greg Stumbo yesterday said there's no support for a budget relying on gambling revenue proposed by the governor.  Stumbo instructed the House budget subcommittee to begin work on a new spending blueprint.  However, Governor Beshear said he disagrees about a lack of advocates for his budget and is counting on 780-million dollars in revenue from expanded gambling.  The policy would permit video gambling machines at the state's racetracks.

Cancer Center Earns Accreditation (Jan. 21)
A prestigious three-year national accreditation for quality of care has been awarded to the University of Louisville 's James Graham Brown Cancer Center .  It's the first breast-cancer center in the Bluegrass State to receive the distinction from the American College of Surgeons.  The facility was required to be in compliance with more than two dozen standards to receive the designation.  University President James Ramsey says it's proof of having a world-class center.

Louisville Outreach Team Arrives In Haiti (Jan. 21)
Eight workers from Louisville 's Edge Outreach arrived Wednesday in Haiti to begin installing water-purification units for earthquake survivors.  The nonprofit group plans to set up as many as nine small purifiers, purifying up to ten-thousand gallons of water a day.  The Edge Outreach team is planning to stay until late January.  It is working in conjunction with the Salvation Army.  

Lebanon Police Report (Jan. 20)
Lebanon Police are investigating a case of theft by unlawful taking over $500 "auto". A 1996 Toyota Camry 4-door, valued at $3000 was reported stolen on Monday (Jan. 18) from Old Springfield Road, Rakes Bros. Garage. 
The vehicle was located later in the day on U.S. 31 East in Nelson County, by the Nelson County Sheriff's Office. 
Lebanon Police arrested Bridget D. Hayden, age 37, of Lebanon on charges of theft by unlawful taking under $500. 
Hayden was served a warrant on the 16th by Officer Reece Riley. 
LPD arrested Rebecca S. Hubbard, age 22, of Lebanon, on the 15th on a Boyle County Warrant for theft by deception. 

Miss Marion County Fair Places 3rd   (Jan. 20)
Miss Marion Co. Fair representative, Allison Carroll placed third  Saturday night at the County Fair State Convention at the Galt House in Louisville KY. There were 89 counties in Kentucky that had representatives present.

Kentucky Budget Dependent On Gaming Revenue  (Jan. 20)
The Bluegrass State needs money from expanded gambling to avoid severe cuts to education and human services.  Yesterday, Governor Steve Beshear presented a budget that included 780-million dollars in gaming revenue over the next two fiscal years.  Beshear said 850-million dollars in cuts would be required without it.  The 18-billion-dollar budget doesn't have tax increases or layoffs of state employees.  On the other hand, the gambling bill hasn't even been introduced to the legislature, and is already considered a long shot to get a green light.

Railroad Jobs May Move From Danville (Jan. 20)
Officials at Norfolk Southern Railroad are thinking about eliminating Danville as a crew change location and move to Burnside in Pulaski County.  Rodney Noakes, representative for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said nobody knows right now exactly what's going to happen, and the union plans to negotiate with the railroad soon.  Robin Chapman, spokesman for the Virginia-based company, said employees could qualify for relocation or reverse lodging, but the move isn't expected to happen for another 12 months. 

Marion County High School  Parent/teacher Conference Today From  4:30pm – 6:30pm.  (Jan. 20)

Basketball Action Tonight and This Week (Jan. 20)
Wednesday night the "All A Classic" continues with the semi final round.  Washington County will face Green County in boys action.  Tipoff is set for 7:30 with pre-game around 7:20 on 102.7 WYSB and online at 1027wysb.com. 

Friday night Marion County is in 20th district action as they host Taylor County in at Girl Boy Doubleheader.  The knight crew will have the call on 100.9 Mike FM and online at lebanonmike.com.  Pregame at 5:50 and tipoff at 6.

Friday night it's a make up game in the 19th District as Bethlehem travels to Washington County for a Girl Boy Doubleheader.  Hal B. Goode has the call with pre-game at 5:50 and tip-off at 6 on 102.7 F.M. and www.1027wysb.com.

Saturday afternoon St. Catharine College Basketball continues as the Patriots will visit the Bears of Pikeville.  Coverage for the men's begins at 3:50 with tipoff at 4.  Catch the action on AM1590 WLBN and 1590WLBN.com

Authorities Still Searching for Two Escapees From MAC  (Jan. 19)
At approximately 9:15pm Sunday night, it was verified that Kentucky inmates Brian Wyatt and John Francis walked away from the Minimum Security Unit of Marion Adjustment Center locate in St. Mary.
Inmate Wyatt is described as a 38 year old white male, 6'5" tall, weighing 310 pounds. He has brown eyes, brown hair with a large build and fair complexion.
Inmate Francis is described as a 40 year old white male, 5'10" tall, weighing 200 pounds. He has brown hair, green eyes, with a medium build and medium complexion.
Wyatt is serving a a 10 year sentence for Engaging in Organized Crime-Criminal Syndicate and two counts of Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st degree methamphetamine, out of Jefferson County. Wyatt's Parole Board date was June 14, 2011.
Francis is serving a 6 year sentence for Trafficking Controlled substance, 1st degree, and Bail Jumping 1st degree out of Mercer County. Francis was scheduled to serve out his sentence Feb. 15, 2011.
Officials from the Department of Corrections and CCA-the company that operates MAC-are investigating the circumstances behind the walk-away. The Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement are searching for inmates Wyatt and Francis at this time. If anyone has any information on their whereabouts, they should contact the facility at 692-9622, KSP at 1-800-222-5555 or Lebanon Police at 692-2121.

Danville Dentist To Help ID Bodies In Haiti (Jan. 19)
Dr. Corky Deaton left for Haiti yesterday morning to take part in a project to assist the Haitian government.  The Danville dentist will help identify the remains of people killed in the devastating earthquake.  Matching teeth with dental records is among the primary tools to identify persons killed in disasters, accidents, and homicides.  Deaton previously helped identify bodies after Hurricane Katrina, and during the forensic investigation of Comair Flight 5191 that crashed at Bluegrass Field in Lexington in 2006.

Shepherdsville Girl With Rare Malady Dies (Jan. 19)
Hailey Goranflo was suffering from late infantile Batten disease that causes seizures, dementia, blindness, and finally death.  Seven-year-old Hailey lost her battle with the rare genetic disease and died in Shepherdsville.  Hailey had shown signs of improvement in 2008 after returning from China where she received stem-cell treatments.  Officials say only 250 children suffer from the illness nationwide. 

"Titanic" Exhibit Extended In Louisville (Jan. 19)
Artifacts recovered from the "Titanic" will continue to be on display for another three weeks at the Louisville Science Center.  The popular exhibit opened on October 3rd and is scheduled to end on March 7th.  The event increased the number of visitors to the center by about 85 percent during the fourth-quarter of 2009.  The famous ocean liner went down on her first voyage after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic on the night of April 15th, 1912.

Basketball Action Tonight and This Week (Jan. 19)
Tuesday night it will be a 20th District game as Marion County travels to Adair County for a Girl Boy Doubleheader.  Girls tipoff is at 6:30 with the Knight Crew on 100.9 Mike FM and online at lebanonmike.com.  Pre-game at 6:20

Tuesday night Nelson County will be at home in action.  It will be a Boy Girl Double header.  Game 1 at 6 will have the boys facing Bullitt East and in the nightcap the lady cards will face off against North Hardin.  Jeremery McClendon will have the call with pregame at 5:50 on 102.7 F.M. and online at 1027wysb.com.

Friday night Marion County is in 20th district action as they host Taylor County in at Girl Boy Doubleheader.  The knight crew will have the call on 100.9 Mike FM and online at lebanonmike.com.  Pregame at 5:50 and tipoff at 6.

Closings For Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Jan 18)
No Garbage Pick-up in Marion County Today, today's routes will be picked up along with tomorrow's routes. Tuesday will be a "double up" day, so the routes may run a little earlier than normal.
The Marion County Judge's office in the David R. Hourigan Gov. Center will be closed today.
--All Washington County Public offices will be closed today.

Two Escape From MAC  (Jan. 18)
At approximately 9:15pm last night, it was verified that Kentucky inmates Brian Wyatt and John Francis walked away from the Minimum Security Unit of Marion Adjustment Center locate in St. Mary.
Inmate Wyatt is described as a 38 year old white male, 6'5" tall, weighing 310 pounds. He has brown eyes, brown hair with a large build and fair complexion.
Inmate Francis is described as a 40 year old white male, 5'10" tall, weighing 200 pounds. He has brown hair, green eyes, with a medium build and medium complexion.
Wyatt is serving a a 10 year sentence for Engaging in Organized Crime-Criminal Syndicate and two counts of Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st degree methamphetamine, out of Jefferson County. Wyatt's Parole Board date was June 14, 2011.
Francis is serving a 6 year sentence for Trafficking Controlled substance, 1st degree, and Bail Jumping 1st degree out of Mercer County. Francis was scheduled to serve out his sentence Feb. 15, 2011.
Officials from the Department of Corrections and CCA-the company that operates MAC-are investigating the circumstances behind the walk-away. The Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement are searching for inmates Wyatt and Francis at this time. If anyone has any information on their whereabouts, they should contact the facility at 692-9622, KSP at 1-800-222-5555 or Lebanon Police at 692-2121.

Manning Places in Top 10 of KY State Jr. Miss  (Jan. 18)
Michelle Manning, the 2010 Marion County Junior Miss, finished in the top 10 of Kentucky's Junior Miss pageant, which was held Friday and Saturday.
Manning won a $300 cash scholarship for the Friendship Award during the state competition.
In an update, Buddy Hoskinson from the KY Jr Miss called to say an error was made and Manning also won a $500 cash scholarship for Overall Fitness, which was in error announced to a different contestant at the state program.
She is the daughter of Curt and Judy Manning.

Dr. King Celebration Planned Tonight (Jan. 18)
"THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION" WILL BE HELD AT THE RIVER OF LIVE CHURCH ON HWY 555 IN SPRINGFIELD ON MONDAY (JAN. 18) AT 7PM. THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER IS REV. BILLY JENKINS FROM MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH IN SHEPHERDSVILLE. ALL ARE WELCOME. 

Lebanon Police Activity  (Jan. 15)
Lebanon Police arrested Timothy A. Washington, age 41, of Lebanon, Tuesday, on a Boyle County warrant for theft by deception Under $300.
Lebanon Police arrested Jessica L. Turpin, age 24, of Lebanon, yesterday, on a Taylor County warrant for theft by unlawful taking "shoplifting".
Lebanon Police arrested David L. Curtsinger, age 38, of Campbellsville, on Taylor County warrants for charges of  Rape 1st-strongarm/sodomy 1st/intimidating a witness/unlawful transaction with a minor 3rd and being a persistent felony offender 2nd. 
He was lodged in the Marion County Detention Center. 

KSP Report Accident in Washington County  (Jan. 15)
Trooper Nathan Rhodes is investigating an injury collision that occurred Tuesday at 10:20 PM, 12 miles north of Springfield on KY Highway 429.  17 year old Samantha Seger, of Springfield , was operating a 2002 Ford southbound on KY Highway 429, when she dropped off the shoulder of the roadway.  Seger overcorrected and ran off the roadway, striking a tree.  Seger was treated and released at Springview Hospital .  There were 2 passengers in Seger’s vehicle:  14 year old Lee Ann Abell and 15 year old Emily Seger, both of Springfield .  Both passengers were flown to the University of Louisville , where they will be treated and released.  No occupants in the vehicle were wearing seatbelts. 

UPS Pilots Will Fly Free To Haiti  (Jan. 15)
United Parcel Service pilots have offered to fly free to Haiti.  The Independent Pilots Association represents the Louisville-based airline's 28-hundred pilots and has set up an electronic volunteer database for members to sign up for the missions.  UPS Public Relations Manager Jackie Blair said the flights will be coordinated through the UPS Foundation, a nonprofit arm of Atlanta-based UPS.  The airline will also donate a million dollars to Haiti relief efforts.

Beshear Signs Education Bill Into Law  (Jan. 15)
Governor Steve Beshear has signed an education bill into law, which allows the state to compete for millions of dollars in federal stimulus money.  Yesterday, Beshear thanked legislators from both sides of the aisle for their quick action in getting the house bill into his hands.  He says not only does it allow the state to compete, it sets a precedent for the future.  At the same time, the governor also signed the state's application for the Race To The Top program, which gives federal dollars to help improve underperforming schools. 

Abortion Bill Gets Committee Approval  (Jan. 15)
An abortion bill has been sent to the full state senate after getting committee approval yesterday.  The bill would require women look at an ultrasound picture of the unborn child before an abortion would be performed.  Supporters of the measure say women will be more educated about the consequences of an abortion.  Opponents say it makes the women have additional hardships and even more costs involved. 
Women would be required to meet face-to-face with physicians or their representatives at least 24 hours before the procedure.  Similar bills have passed the Republican-controlled Senate in recent sessions only to die in the Democratic-controlled House.

Basketball Action This Weekend  (Jan. 15)...
Friday night action on Commonwealth Broadcasting includes plenty of District action.
 Marion  County will be at home for a 20th district boy girl matchup as they face Campbellsville.  Pregame is set for 6:15 and tipoff for the boys is set for 6:30.  Catch the Knight crew with the call on 100.9 Mike FM and online at lebanonmike.com. 
Meanwhile, Washington County will face Bardstown in a boy-girl doubleheader in 19th District play.  Hal B. Goode will have the call on 102.7 F.M. and online at 1027wysb.com.
Saturday afternoon it will be St. Catharine Men and Women's Basketball on AM1590 WLBN, live from Lourdes Hall on the campus of St. Catharine. St. Catharine will face Mid South Conference foe University of the Cumberlands.  Women's tip-off is at 2 with Men at 4.  Pre-game is at 1:50 on AM1590 WLBN and online at 1590WLBN.com.

Lebanon Police Activity  (Jan. 14)
Lebanon Police is investigating the theft of a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4 door from Kelly Way on the 10th. The car was recovered on the 11th at Rolling/Monica Avenue, but the in-car compact disk/stereo player had been removed. 
In a case of burglary 1st/criminal mischief 3rd, 5 guns, valued at $1,750 were reported stolen on the 8th from Howard Avenue. Damage occurred to the door of the residence during the burglary.
In a case of theft by unlawful taking under $500, a LG 830 Flag Spider Cell phone, valued at $250, was stolen on the 11th from Movie Gallery. 
Lebanon Police arrested Donald Mitchell Leake, age 19, of Raywick, on charges of theft by unlawful taking over $500 being "shoplifting". An Apple I-phone, valued at $499.99, and a hooded jacket, valued at $43 (total of $542) was reported stolen from Walmart on the 11th. Leake was also charged with Marion County warrants for disorderly conduct/resisting arrest, operating on a suspended or revoked operators license and careless Driving. 

Senate Panel Passes Nuclear-Power Bill (Jan. 14)
A bill that would end the quarter-century ban on nuclear power in Kentucky has cleared a Kentucky Senate committee.  The 1984 moratorium prevents construction of nuclear power plants without access to a permanent disposal facility for their radioactive waste.  State Senator Bob Leeper of Paducah says it would take ten years for construction to begin at any new Kentucky power plant.  Leeper would like to see such a plant in his Western Kentucky district.

Hearing Delayed On Video Lottery Amendment (Jan. 14)
A Kentucky Senate hearing has been delayed on the proposed constitutional amendment to legalize video lottery terminals.  Senator Damon Thayer of Georgetown says he wants to see if there's support from the horse industry.  The bill would allow the video terminals in the seven counties with racetracks.  A statewide vote would be needed to ratify the change, and there would be local-option votes where the slots parlors would be located.  Thayer says the plan would provide 100-million dollars a year for purses and breeding incentives.

Pay Cuts For Beshear's Cabinet Members (Jan. 14)
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear says a ten-percent pay cut is in store for senior members of his administration.  Beshear says it's an effort to show solidarity with financially challenged Kentuckians.  Last year, Beshear and Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo took ten-percent pay cuts.  That would be expanded to include all 13 cabinet secretaries.  The reductions would save the state more than 227-thousand dollars.

Calorie Count Requirements For Restaurants Likely On Legislative Agenda (Jan. 14)
It's taken two sessions, but a bill requiring restaurant chains to post calorie contents in their establishments will likely be heard in committee.  The bill proposed by Senator Denise Harper Angel in past sessions has gotten the support of Representative Kelly Flood in the state house.  Flood says she will file the same measure, and house leaders have already said it will get a hearing.  Chains with at least 20 locations would be required to post the nutritional facts about their food.

Lebanon Police Activity  (Jan. 13)
Lebanon Police is investigating a case of burglary 2nd/criminal mischief in the 3rd that happened on New Year's Day on North Forest Street. 
Coin change ($2.00) and consumable goods ($4.00) were stolen and $200 worth of damage occurred to the door frame and trim of the residence. 
In a case of theft by unlawful taking under $500, an Evenflo carseat, valued at $100, was reported stolen on/about the 10th of January from Cypress Street. 
There has been an update in a Dec. Theft case. 
On Dec. 9, $339 worth of construction tools/items were reported stolen from a residence at Rosenwald Village. On Monday, all of the property was recovered by the owner.  

Bill Would Ease Transfer To Four-Year Schools (Jan. 13)
It soon could become easier for Kentucky's community-college students to transfer to four-year public universities.  A bill that cleared a House committee on Tuesday would require the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to align its arts and science courses with bachelor's degree programs at the state universities.  It would prohibit the universities from requiring community-college graduates to repeat or take additional lower-level courses in the same major.  Education officials want to nearly triple the number of community-college transfers to four-year institutions by the year 2020.

Marion County Board of Education Meeting (Jan. 13)
Marion County Board of Education met in regular session last night at 7pm at the Board Office.
County Judge Executive John G. Mattingly presented a proclamation from the Marion County Fiscal Court designating the month of January as School Board Recognition Month.
Superintendent Smith expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Board members for their service and presented certificates to the board members on behalf of the Kentucky School Boards Association.
After a short recess to enjoy refreshments for the celebration of School Board Recognition Month, the Board was back to business.
During the Superintendent's Report, Smith said that MCHS Assistant Principals job had been posted and they were now taking applications. Tammy Newcome resigned as Assistant High School Principal on 12/31/2009.
Judy Gaddie reported that the District has taken 3 snow days, and it is early in the season. Upon her recommendation, the Board decided to use President's Day, Feb. 15, as a make-up day.
During the discussion of snow days, Smith said that there was probably a lot that the average person wasn't aware of to make sure the students are safe. Smith said he learned a lot as he rode with Wayne Keene, Transportation Director, over the last week. He said that he knew there were some questions over whether school should have been cancelled Monday, but Keene said there were several roads completely iced-over in the county Monday. Keene also said he'd been out since 3:30am yesterday morning, checking the roads, before deciding on the 1 hour delay yesterday.

Closings Today Include (Jan. 12):
*  Marion County schools on 1 hour delay 

Last Day to Mail Absentee Ballot is Jan. 26 (Jan. 12)
The Last Day to Mail an Absentee Ballot for the Feb. 2 Special election is Jan. 26. All applications must be in the County Clerk's Office by then. Anyone who due to age or illness is unable to go to the polls may request a ballot. To request an application, you will need to call the County Clerk's Office at 692-2651.
Anyone who is going to be out of town on this date may go into the office starting on Jan. 19, to vote on the absentee machine. 

Lebanon City Council Meeting  (Jan. 12)
Lebanon City Council met in regular session last night. At last night's meeting, the Mayor confirmed that Police Chief Shelton Young is resigning. His last day will be Jan. 31st. After posting the job, the City must wait 60 days before hiring, and then there also may be delays for various reasons, such as background checks, etc. 
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance annexing territory located on Bradfordsville Highway and approved a resolution supporting the assistance agreement by and between Kentucky infrastructure authority and the City of Lebanon.
Also at last night's meeting, the Council agreed to start very early preliminary work to help students at the Area Technology Center get real-world experience by building houses. Nothing is set in stone yet, information was just discussed as possible ways to help achieve this project. 

UK Gets Research Grant From Feds (Jan. 12)
The federal government has given the University of Kentucky nearly 12-million dollars in grant money for energy research.  The money will go to programs including researching better battery technology for vehicles.  Also, the money will expand lab space.  Governor Steve Beshear made the announcement yesterday with UK President Lee Tood at the state capitol.  The entire bill for the project is just under 16-million dollars, with money coming from state federal stimulus dollars and the school.

Accused Cross-Dressing Robbery Suspect Pleads Not Guilty (Jan. 12)
The man accused of robbing two Kentucky businesses and a bank while dressed as a woman has pleaded not guilty to the charges.  During his arraignment yesterday, 40-year-old Troy Lear answered two charges of robbery.  He is being held on 50-thousand dollars bond at the Madison County Detention Center.  Authorities say he held up a Cumberland Valley National Bank, as well as a Richmond hotel and a check cashing business in Danville. 

Dropouts Prove Costly To State Economy (Jan. 12)
Kentucky's high school dropouts are doing more than short-circuiting their future.  They're costing the state money.  According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, students who dropped out last year will cost the state four-billion dollars in lost tax revenue over their lifetime.  They'll also be more likely to go to prison or need social services, costing taxpayers even more.  Governor Steve Beshear has vowed to push for legislation to raise the dropout age from 16 to 18.

Closings Today Include (Jan. 11):
* NO school for Marion County 
Washington and Nelson County School Districts on 1 hour delay 
* Lebanon Senior Citizen's Centers will be closed today.

TWO MEMBERS OF COCAINE CONSPIRACY SENTENCED (Jan. 11):
On January 5, 2010, in United States District Court, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Eladio Pedroza, Jr., a/k/a Junior, age 30, of  Campbellsville, Kentucky, was sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment, and  Jeffery Lynn Bivens, age 25, of Cecilia, Kentucky, was sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment, for possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, United States Attorney Candace G. Hill of the Western District of Kentucky announced today.  Thomas B. Russell, Judge, United States District Court, also sentenced both defendants to 5 years’ supervised release following imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal judicial system.
Pursuant to their plea agreements, Pedroza and Bivens had each previously admitted to the following: between January 10, 2009 and January 13, 2009, in the Western District of Kentucky, Taylor County, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to possess and distribute two kilograms of cocaine.  On January 10, 2009, a confidential informant (CI), working on behalf of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, went to Bivens' residence, and met with Bivens and Pedroza, a/k/a Junior, to purchase a kilogram of cocaine.  Bivens gave the CI approximately 1g of cocaine as sample to show the quality of the kilo.  A price of $29,000 for the kilo was agreed upon by Bivens and the CI.  Following the meeting at the residence, the CI placed recorded phone calls to Bivens and the co-defendant Lamer to arrange the pick up of the kilo of cocaine.  On January 13, 2009, a meeting time and place was arranged.  HIDTA Task Force officers, having the co-defendant Lamer under surveillance, watched as he met with the co-defendant Pedroza at a Vista Motel.  Lamer was stopped by HIDTA Task Force officers on his way to the arranged meeting with the CI.  During the stop Lamer produced one kilo of cocaine and was arrested.  Following Lamer’s arrest,  Pedroza was stopped by HIDTA Task Force officers and arrested.  An additional kilo of cocaine was recovered from Pedroza's vehicle.  In the vehicle along with Pedroza, were the co-defendants Dejesus Cortez Contreras, age 41, a Mexican National and Cruz Serrano Garcia, a/k/a Big Boy, age 60, a Mexican National.  All of the recovered cocaine was tested and lab reports establish the total amount of cocaine to be 1,700 g, with an approximate street value of $170,000.
Co-defendants Contreras and Lamer, having previously pled guilty, are scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Russell on March 1, 2010 and February 1, 2010 respectively.  Defendant Garcia remains set for trial on February 18, 2010.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mac Shannon, and it was investigated by the Bowling Green Warren County Drug Task Force and by the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

State May Step In On Divorce Claims (Jan. 11):
Public-employee retirement systems could soon be forced to honor domestic-relations orders in Kentucky.  Some state legislators want to make it easier for residents involved in a divorce to collect on state pensions that are considered marital assets.  Currently, 45 of 50 states have mechanisms that provide for retirement system benefit payments to a divorced spouse.  Most private-sector pension plans are required to honor domestic-relations orders.

Hospital Ends Pediatric Heart Transplants (Jan. 11):
Kosair Children's Hospital is no longer performing pediatric heart transplants.  The hospital performed the country's second successful heart transplant on an infant 24 years ago and was the only hospital in the state serving such a need.  Hospital officials say the decision was based on low patient volume, the deaths of both babies who received transplants last year and a change in leadership of the program.  Even in a peak year in 2005, doctors performed only five transplants.

Arts Center Evacuated By Electrical Fire
A weekend electrical fire caused more than 100 people to be evacuated from the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.  An improv show was taking place in the Mex Theater at the time, causing the evacuation of cast, crew and audience members.  There were no injuries.  The fire's cause is under investigation.

Closings Today Include (Jan. 8):
* NO school for Marion, Washington, Nelson, or Taylor Counties  
* Lebanon Senior Citizen's Centers will be closed today.
* MARION COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL OPEN AT 10:30AM - PATRONS MAY USE THE INTERNET LOG-IN OR CALL THE LIBRARY TO RENEW THEIR ITEMS.
* WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY IS CLOSED TODAY
* BLUEGRASS STOCK YARDS IN CAMPBELLSVILLE WILL CANCEL THEIR 10AM SALE SATURDAY (JAN. 9) DUE TO THE WEATHER

Gov. Beshear Visits Curtis Maruyasu America Yesterday - Jan. 8, 2010
MORE THAN FOUR-HUNDRED KENTUCKY JOBS HAVE BEEN SAVED AND THE GOVERNOR IS CREDITING A TWO-THOUSAND-NINE LEGISLATIVE ACT FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE.
DUE TO ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AUTO PARTS MAKER CURTIS MARUYASU AMERICA . . . C-M-A. . .DECIDED TO BEGIN MAKING PRODUCTS IN-HOUSE THAT HAD BEEN PURCHASED FROM OUTSIDE SUPPLIERS, INCLUDING FOREIGN SOURCES.  BUT THE 11-MILLION-DOLLAR COST OF NEW EQUIPMENT THREATENED TO FORCE C-M-A FROM MARION COUNTY AFTER TWO DECADES THERE.  A MILLION DOLLARS IN TAX BENEFITS UNDER THE TWO-THOUSAND-NINE INCENTIVES FOR A NEW KENTUCKY LEGISLATION IS KEEPING C-M-A IN LEBANON, PRESERVING FOUR-HUNDRED-16 JOBS:
GOVERNOR STEVE BESHEAR TOLD WORKERS AT THE PLANT THAT HELPING EXISTING INDUSTRIES IN DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES IS WHAT THE LEGISLATION WAS INTENDED TO DO. 
DOUGLAS VYVERBERG, PRESIDENT OF CURTIS MARUYASU AMERICA , SAYS THE INCENTIVE MONEY GIVES C-M-A AN OPPORTUNITY TO VERTICALLY INTEGRATE AND ELIMINATE THE NEED TO PURCHASE FROM OTHERS, INCLUDING SOME COMPETITORS AND FOREIGN SUPPLIERS.  HE SAYS THE TAX INCENTIVE THROUGH THE INCENTIVES FOR A NEW KENTUCKY ACT ARE SIGNIFICANT.
GOVERNOR STEVE BESHEAR SAYS IT’S ALWAYS EXCITING TO ANNOUNCE A NEW COMPANY AND BRINGING NEW JOBS.  BUT HE SAYS IN TIMES LIKE THESE IT’S JUST AS IMPORTANT TO RETAIN THE JOBS KENTUCKY HAS, SOMETHING THE INCENTIVES FOR A NEW KENTUCKY LEGISLATION RECOGNIZED WHICH THE OLD INCENTIVES DID NOT. 

House Panel Approves Domestic-Violence Bill  Jan. 8
A Kentucky House committee has approved a bill requiring some people accused of domestic violence to wear global-positioning devices.  The bill was prompted by last year's slaying of Amanda Ross, a state worker from Lexington whose ex-fiance, former State Representative Steve Nunn, has been charged.  The bill would clarify the law and list circumstances in which the GPS device is appropriate.  A vote by the full House could come as early as Tuesday.

Governor Tells Legislature The State Can Survive Jan. 8
The Bluegrass State can survive.  That's the news from Governor Steve Beshear as he faces an estimated billion-dollar deficit during the next two years.  Beshear and the General Assembly have slashed the budget a half-dozen times since he became chief executive of Kentucky.  However, House Speaker Greg Stumbo says the governor has ruffled some feathers among a few members of the General Assembly, and that has to be corrected.  Beshear told lawmakers, quote, "We can focus on the future by addressing fundamental problems," and he refuses to hunker-down and hide.

Closings Today Include (Jan. 7):
* NO school for Marion, Washington, Nelson, or Taylor Counties  Jan.7, 2009
* Lebanon and Bradfordsville Senior Citizen's Centers will be closed today.
* All Middle School Basketball Games with the Mid-KY Conference (covering Marion, Washington, and Nelson Counties) have been cancelled and will be made up at another date.
* Tonight's meeting for the Marion County Association for the Handicapped has been Cancelled.
* St. A Volleyball practice for tonight has been cancelled.
MARION COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL CLOSE AT 4PM TODAY
THE WEIGHT WATCHERS MEETING AT LEBANON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IS CANCELLED TONIGHT

Winter Storm Warning  Issued (Jan. 7)
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST /6 PM CST/ THIS EVENING... SNOW WILL END OR TAPER OFF TO FLURRIES BY LATE AFTERNOON FROM WEST TO EAST. ON AND OFF LIGHT SNOW MAY LINGER THROUGH THE EVENING HOURS ACROSS SOUTHERN INDIANA OR NORTHERN KENTUCKY.
TOTAL SNOWFALL AMOUNTS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE LIKELY ACROSS CENTRAL KENTUCKY AND SOUTHERN INDIANA... WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS OF AROUND 5 INCHES POSSIBLE. WITH TEMPERATURES REMAINING WELL BELOW FREEZING... THIS SNOW WILL READILY STICK. EXPECT DETERIORATING ROAD CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULT TRAVEL TODAY... ESPECIALLY THIS AFTERNOON.
* OTHER IMPACTS: VERY COLD ARCTIC AIR WILL ARRIVE BY EARLY EVENING. NORTHWEST WINDS BEHIND THE COLD FRONT OF 15-25 MPH WILL BRING BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW THAT MAY REDUCE VISIBILITIES. WIND CHILL READINGS WILL LIKELY FALL TO BETWEEN 0 AND 10 ABOVE DURING THE EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS.

Winter Weather Tips From Inter County Energy (Jan. 7)
Extra precaution and preparedness should be taken during this weather event as high winds and blowing snow could cause blinking lights and power outages.  For more information on how to prepare for a winter outage, please visit our website at www.intercountyenergy.net.
Inter-County Energy customers can report power outages 24-hours a day, 7-days a week by calling 1-888-266-7322 or 236-4561 .

Lebanon Police Report (Jan. 7)
At 12:30pm Wednesday afternoon, the Lebanon Police Department was advised of a tree and fence line being on fire at 6440 Holy Cross Road.
The Loretto Fire Department responded, arriving on the scene at 12;40pm and clearing the scene at 12:57pm.

At 3:06 am this morning (1/7), a wire was reported to be on fire behind #12 Blossom Lane in Lebanon.
Fire Chief Ricky Mattingly advised that the incident had left two trailers without electricity, and that this had been a service connection of Kentucky Utilities that had burned, not requiring a response by the fire department.
Kentucky Utilities was advised of the incident and indicated that a work crew would respond.

A Smith and Wesson Nickel Plate 357 Six Shot Revolver, valued at $700, was reported stolen this week from Shuck Avenue. The revolver has since been located and recovered.

LPD is investigating a case of theft by unlawful taking from an automobile. A Salamander BTU Kerosene Heater and a 30' Heat Tape, total value of $240, was reported stolen from a vehicle parked on East Main Street on the 5th.

Five Deaths on Kentucky Roadways During New Year’s Holiday Jan. 6, 2009
Preliminary statistics indicate that five people died in five separate crashes on Kentucky roadways during the New Year’s holiday enforcement period (Thursday, December 31, 2009 through Sunday, January 3, 2010).  Last year there were four highway fatalities during the same enforcement period.
All of the crashes involved motor vehicles and four of the victims were not wearing seat belts.  Single-fatality crashes occurred in Oldham, Logan, Pike (2) and Scott counties. The crashes in Logan and Scott county involved the suspected use of alcohol.
Through December 31, preliminary statistics indicate that 771 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2009.  This is 55 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2008.  There were 628 motor vehicle fatalities and 346 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Forty pedestrians and 5 bicyclists have been killed.  Eighty fatalities involved a motorcycle and seventeen fatalities involved an ATV.  Seventy-three crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.  A total of 160 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

Lebanon Police Investigating Shoplifting Jan. 6, 2009
LPD is investigating a case of theft by unlawful taking under $500 "shoplifting". A Sony DVD Player and a Pioneer CD player, total value of $390 was stolen from Radio Shack on Jan. 4.

Lebanon Man and Casey County Man Are Candidates for Special Election Jan. 6, 2009
Terry Mills, of Lebanon, is the Democratic candidate for the House of Representatives in District 24, which covers Marion, Casey and part of Pulaski Counties.  It is the seat formerly held by Jimmy Higdon who was elected to the State Senate last month.  The special election will take place on February 2.
Mills retired after a 35-year career with the Social Security Administration serving Marion, Casey and six surrounding counties.  This is his first run for public office.  He was selected unanimously by the Democratic Executive Committee members of the three counties at a convention in Lebanon Monday night.
Mills, 59, graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1973 with a degree in Business Administration. He and his wife Patty have been married for 39 years and have three children and four grandchildren.  He retired as Acting District Manager of the Campbellsville Social Security office in 2007.
Leo Johnson of Liberty is the Republican Candidate. The 31 year old had worked for the Administrative Office of the Courts in Casey County since March 2006. However, according to the Associated Press, he has resigned from the job in order to run for office.

Even With Huge Shortfall, Kentucky Might Borrow Jan. 6, 2009
Kentucky could be headed for more debt.  Even with a one-billion-dollar budget shortfall looming, House and Senate leaders want money for schools, roads and sewer projects and seem willing to borrow to make it happen.  After Tuesday's first day of the 2010 legislative session, Senate President David Williams and House Speaker Greg Stumbo said low-interest bond rates justify authorizing a limited amount of debt.  Governor Steve Beshear is expected to address the budget shortfall tonight in his State of the Commonwealth speech.

Major Snowfall, Cold Weekend In Forecast Jan. 6, 2009
The winter season's first major snowfall is expected early Thursday morning and it could leave three to five inches in Louisville.  Wind-chill temperatures could drop to zero on Thursday night, and it's probably going to be a bitter-cold weekend.  On Tuesday, Louisville street crews were pouring brine on roadways and readying their snowplows.  The city hasn't had temperatures above freezing since New Year's Eve.

Monday Accidents Jan. 5, 2009
The Marion County Sheriff's Department is investigating an injury accident that occurred at 3999 Loretto Road last night at 5:14pm. Marion County Ambulance and the Marion County Rescue responded. The scene was cleared at 6:31pm.

Lebanon Police is investigating an injury accident that occurred at Main Street and Corporate Drive yesterday at 2:29pm. Marion County Ambulance responded. The scene was cleared at 3:34pm.

Last Day for Candidate Filing for Special Election 2/2/2010  Jan. 5, 2009

Brooks Steps Down As UK Football Coach Jan. 5, 2009
Eighty-percent became 100-percent on Monday for University of Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks.  Brooks, who said after the team's loss to Clemson in the Music City Bowl that he was "80-percent" certain he wouldn't be back next season, made it official when he informed UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart on Sunday.  Barnhart had been trying to persuade Brooks to stay on.  Offensive coordinator Joker Phillips, who was designated as Brooks's successor two years ago, will take the reins of the program.

School Funding Spared From Budget Cuts Jan. 5, 2009
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has managed to spare public-school funding and state workers' jobs from budget cuts.  On Monday, the governor said he would use more federal stimulus funds, take money from small state accounts and cut spending by three-percent for some state agencies in order to patch a 108-million-dollar shortfall.  Senate President David Williams said the governor still hasn't cut spending sufficiently.  Beshear is scheduled to present his 2010-2012 budget to lawmakers in two weeks, and a revenue shortage of more than one-point-four-billion dollars is looming.

Extended Cold Plus Snow In Forecast Jan. 5, 2009
High temperatures are expected to stay below freezing through the weekend.  The last time Louisville endured such an extended cold spell was nine years ago.  The record for consecutive days with highs below 32 degrees is 17, set more than 90 years ago.  A Thursday snowfall could drop one to three inches on the area.

Washington County Accident Yesterday Evening Jan. 4, 2009
Trooper Donnie Moses is investigating a collision which occurred 1 mile North of Springfield on Bloomfield Rd @ 6:22 p.m.  Ryan Moreland, age 33, of Ohio, was belted, was operating a 2003 Peterbilt pulling a cattle trailer and was attempting to turn on to Ky 55  when the trailer was struck from behind by a 2003 Mercury, operated by Mildred Cheser, age 86, Springfield, was belted.  Cheser was transported to Spring View Hospital by Washington Co EMS where she was treated and released.  Moreland was not injured. Trooper Moses was assisted at the scene by Trooper John Adams.

Lebanon Police Investigating Theft  Jan. 4, 2009
Lebanon Police Department is investigating a case of theft by unlawful taking. $100 in cash was reported stolen on the 1st from a resident of East Chandler Street.

Fire Jan. 4, 2009
Members of the Bradfordsville and Lebanon Fire Departments, Kentucky State Police, Bradfordsville Police Department and the Marion County Ambulance Service responded to a trailer fire Sunday morning at 1080 Josh Cox Road.
The alarm sounded at 12:09am, with the scene being cleared at about 1:34am.

Cold Weather Will Be Staying Around Jan. 4, 2009
One word:  Layers.  The next two weeks are expected to stay very cold in the Louisville area, and there will be a 60-percent chance of light snow by Thursday.  Since the temperature hit 43 degrees on December 31st, it has been well below freezing in the region.  It's the coldest stretch since the first week of February three years ago.

"No Easy Answers" For Kentucky's Finances Jan. 4, 2009
The Kentucky General Assembly convenes Tuesday for its 60-day session with the state's financial crisis looming as a dark cloud overhead.  House Republican Leader Jeff Hoover of Jamestown says there will be "no easy answers and no good answers" to the state's fiscal predicament.  Deep cuts seems likely, and layoffs of state workers and reductions in school funding are possible.  Governor Steve Beshear is expected to push hard again for the legalization of video slot machines at race tracks.  The state's two-year budget shortfall is estimated at more than one-point-four-billion dollars.

Bill Focuses On For-Profit Loan Counsel Jan. 4, 2009
Companies taking advantage of homeowners fearing foreclosure could soon be incurring the wrath of the Kentucky General Assembly.  Representative Susan Westrom of Lexington has pre-filed a bill that would limit the fees such businesses could charge to help with loan modifications.  The measure also would require them to register with the state and would subject them to annual audits.  The for-profit loan counselors didn't even exist until a few years ago.  There are 17 free counselors in Louisville who have been certified by the federal government and funded through the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program.

Lebanon Police Report Dec. 31, 2009
LPD arrested Michael D. Garland, of Lebanon Junction, on Dec. 29th, on Hardin County warrants for - use/possession of drug paraphernalia 2nd, possession of marijuana and alcohol intoxication 1st and 2nd. 

Lebanon Police is investigating a case of theft by unlawful taking from a building on North Proctor Knott Avenue on the 23rd. Over $1500 in cash and checks was reported missing. 

LPD is investigating a case of Criminal Mischief that occurred on/around Dec. 27 at Graham Memorial Park. $800 worth of damage was done to eight inflatable lawn ornaments at the park.

Scammers Asking for Donations in County Dec. 31, 2009
WLBN news desk has heard from Fire Chief Ricky Mattingly that there are people approaching others asking for contributions/donations for a Fire Department Calendar. Mattingly says no such calendar exists and these people are scammers. If you are approached by someone asking for a contribution for a Fire Department Calendar, contact the local authorities. Lebanon Police Department may be reached at 692-2121.

Eligible Voters Dec. 31, 2009
Registered voters, age 18 - on or before- the special election day, Feb. 2, 2010 are eligible to vote in the upcoming special election. 
If a person is not currently registered to vote, the last day to register for the special election day is Jan. 4. Mail in voter cards have to be postmarked by Jan. 4. 
The last day to change party affiliation is Dec. 31. Mail in voter cards have to be postmarked by Dec. 31. This determines voter eligibility for May 18, 2010 Primary Election. 
Please call the County Clerk's Office at 692-2651.

Holiday Closings and Schedule Changes  Dec. 31, 2009
The Marion Circuit Clerk's Office and the Marion County Clerk's Offices will be closed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Dec. 31-Jan 2).

The Marion County Sheriff's Office will be open on Thursday (New Year's Eve) from 8:30-4:30, but will be closed Friday and Saturday. 

The Marion County Public Library will be closed on New Year's Day (Jan. 1). 

Washington county offices of the Circuit Clerk, County Clerk, Sheriff, and Property Valuation will be closed from Dec. 31-Jan. 3 for the Holidays.

There   will    be  Sanitation  Service  (Garbage)  pick-up   on  Thurs.- Dec.  31^st ,  2009 -  New  Years  Eve—But  probably  will  be  a  little  earlier  than  usual-  please  set  your  Garbage  out  for  an  “Earlier   than  Normal”   Pick-Up  on  Thurs.  Dec. 31^st ,  2009—New  Years   Eve.
There   will   be   NO    Garbage  Pick-Up  on  Friday-  Jan. 1^st ,  2010 -  NEW  YEARS   DAY—The  Friday  route  will  be  picked  up  Monday - Jan.  4^th,  2010  -  along  with   the  normal  Monday   Pick-up.—This  combined  Fri./Monday  pick-up  may   be  a  little  earlier  than  normal --  so  please  set  your  Garbage  our  earlier-  Monday  _ Jan. 4^th,  2010.  Crews   are   “doubling-up”  and  running  two  days  in  one—so  they  may  be  a   little  earlier  than  normal.
The  Marion  County  Judges  office  will  be  closed   Thurs. - Dec.  31^st,  2009—thru  Sun.  Jan. 3^rd,  2010—it  will  re-open  on  Monday -  Jan.   4^th,   2010.

Rumpke Sanitation in Springfield will provide scheduled  Thursday (Dec. 31). There will be collections on Friday (Jan. 1st). Customers with garbage pickup on Friday will receive service on Saturday.

The City of Springfield Public Works will be picking up recycling this week on Wed. Dec. 30 due to the New Year Holiday. Please have your bins out on that date. They will return to the regular schedule on Jan. 14th.

Lebanon Police Report Dec. 30, 2009
Lebanon Police have made an arrest in a burglary that occurred on Dec. 8 on North Forest Street. 
Shawn R. Glover, age 20, of Lebanon, was served a warrant on Dec. 24, for receiving stolen property. 
Patrick D. Whitlock, age 27, of Lebanon, was charged on Dec. 24, on a Marion County warrant for Wanton Endangerment 2nd/fleeing or evading police 2nd (on foot) and a Marion County warrant for convicted felon in possession of firearm/convicted felon in possession of handgun. 
Robert Dale Smothers, age 44, of Lebanon, was arrested on Dec. 24, with a Marion County warrant for convicted felon in possession of a firearm/convicted felon in possession of a handgun and being a persistent felony offender 1st. 
Lebanon Police are also investigating a case of arson in the 3rd that occurred on Dec. 26, on North Spalding Avenue and an assault that occurred on the 24th on Lake Avenue. 
Francisco Sanchez received a stab wound to his left leg and upper torso. Sanchez was treated at Spring View Hospital.
Lebanon Police are investigating an attempted murder that occurred on Dec. 25th. 
Justin L. Edelen, of Bardstown, was shot at Maple Street Apartments. Edelen received gunshot wounds to his upper abdomen and right arm, which were treated at Spring View. He was later transferred to University Hospital. 

KSP Report Three Deaths Dec. 29, 2009
Kentucky State Police say that three people died in three separate crashes on Kentucky roadways during the Christmas holiday enforcement period (Thursday, December 24 through Sunday, December 29, 2009). Last year there were ten highway fatalities during the same enforcement period. 
Two of the crashes involved motor vehicles and neither victim was wearing a seat belt.  Single-fatality crashes occurred in Marshall and Shelby counties and the crash in Marshall involved the suspected use of alcohol.
The other holiday crash involved an ATV in Pike county.  The victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Through December 27, KSP reports that 768 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2009.  This is 52 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2008.  There were 626 motor vehicle fatalities and 346 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Thirty-nine pedestrians and 5 bicyclists have been killed.  Eighty fatalities involved a motorcycle and seventeen fatalities involved an ATV.  Seventy-three crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.  A total of 160 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. 

Special Election Date Set Dec. 29, 2009
Gov. Beshear has issued a writ of election to fill the vacant 24th District seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives. The district includes Casey and Marion counties and part of Pulaski County. 
The special election will be held Feb. 2, 2010. 
The seat became vacant when Jimmy Higdon resigned from the House after he was elected to fill the vacant 14th District State Senate Seat. 

New Candidate Filing Dec. 29, 2009
Charlotte Brady Mattingly has filed for District E Magistrate for the 2010 Primary Election to be held on May 18, 2010. Candidate filing deadline is January 26, 2010 at 4pm. 

Anyone desiring to change their party affiliation for the upcoming primary election must have completed a new voter card and have it on file by Dec. 31, in the County Clerk's Office HOWEVER remember that the Marion County Clerks Office will be closed on the 31st for the Holiday. IF the registration card is mailed, it must be "postmarked" by Dec. 31. Any questions, call the County Clerk's office at 270-692-2651.

The County Clerk also wants you to know that the 30th is the last day for vehicle licenses for the month of Dec.-the AVIS system will be down and not back up until Jan. 4. 

Lebanon Police Report Dec. 28, 2009
A "possible" injury accident was reported Friday afternoon at 3:46pm on the Raywick/St. Francis Road, after a car was found to be off the roadway, in a ditch. 
Responders included the Marion County Ambulance Service, Marion County Rescue and the Marion County Sheriff's Office. Records indicate that no one was transported. 
The scene was cleared at 4:28pm. 

An injury accident was reported at 4pm Friday afternoon on the Scotts Ridge Road, Raywick. 
Those agencies responding included the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky State Police, Marion County Ambulance Service and the Raywick Fire Department. 
Records indicate that those injured refused treatment and transport. 
The scene was cleared at 5:16pm. 

KSP Report Accident Dec. 28, 2009
Trooper John Adams is investigating a collision that occurred on Friday December 25, 2009 at 6:53 est. Ernest Fisher age 17 of Lebanon was operating a 1998 Chevy on St Rose Lebanon Rd 2 miles south of Springfield . Fisher was traveling south and failed to negotiate a curve, ran off an embankment, and struck a tree head-on. Airbags were deployed and seatbelt was in use. Fisher was treated and released from Spring View Hospital . Trooper Adams was assisted at the scene by Washington County EMS , fire, and rescue.

Defense Earmarks Headed For Kentucky, Indiana Dec. 28, 2009
The 636-billion-dollar defense spending bill signed by President Barack Obama includes more than 500-million dollars in projects and programs for Kentucky and Indiana.  About four-fifths of that amount was requested by the Obama administration for chemical weapons destruction at Blue Grass Army Depot near Richmond, Kentucky.  The bill also provides for continued development of a second engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.  If the engine ever goes into production, its fan blades would be made by the General Electric plant in Madisonville, Kentucky.

Huge Powerball Jackpot Still Unclaimed Dec. 28, 2009
The largest Powerball ticket ever sold in Kentucky is out there somewhere.  The winning ticket for Saturday's Powerball jackpot, worth more than 128-million dollars, was sold in Georgetown but the holder hasn't come forward.  The largest jackpot won previously in Kentucky was 89-point-three-million dollars in January of 1996.  The odds of winning Saturday's jackpot were one in more than 195 million.

Lebanon Police Report Dec. 23, 2009
LPD is investigating a case of criminal mischief 2nd, that occurred on Monday at Lebanon National Cemetery.  According to the report, damage was done to the grass by an unknown vehicle. The estimated amount of damage was $750. 

Lebanon Police is investigating a case of theft by unlawful taking over $500 "auto" that was reported on Tuesday. According to the report, a 2005 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab 4-wheel drive pickup truck, estimated at $15,500,w as reported stolen on Monday from North Woodlawn Avenue. The truck was recovered by KSP yesterday on Fairgrounds road. The vehicle had been burned. 

LP is investigating a burglary 2nd/criminal mischief 3rd, that was reported on Monday. A door of a residence on Loretto Road was broken out and $500 in cash/change was reported stolen. The estimated amount of damage was $200. 

Drive-By Shooting In Washington County Dec. 23, 2009
The Springfield Sun reports that a drive-by shooting happened yesterday on Mt. Zion Road in Washington County. 
Mario Sanchez, age 42, was arrested in the case on charges of 7 counts of wanton endangerment, criminal mischief 3rd degree and alcohol intoxication in a public place - 1st and 2nd offenses. 
The shooting occurred after a dispute between Sanchez and Michael Boblitt at 4826 Mt. Zion Road. 
Sanchez was lodged in the Marion County Detention Center. 

Arrest Made in Springfield Tobacco Theft Dec. 23, 2009
Donnie Lee Hardin, age 37, was arrested on charges of burglary in the 2nd, and theft by unlawful taking over $10,000. Hardin was lodged in the Marion County Jail.

Lady Knights Win First Major In-Season Tourney Title Dec. 23, 2009
Marion County survived 5 Manual shots in the final 30 seconds of last night's game to hang on 44-42 on Tuesday in the championship game of the Republic Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington Catholic. 

Holiday Closings and Schedule Changes  Dec. 23, 2009
Garbage Pick up in Bradfordsville will be Wednesday Dec. 23, instead of Christmas Eve beginning 5pm. 

The Marion Circuit Clerk's Office and the Marion County Clerk's Offices will be closed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Dec 24- 26) and again on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Dec. 31-Jan 2).

The  Marion  County   Judges  office  will  be  closed  on  Dec.  24^th  thru  Dec.  27^th-  it  will  re-open  on  Monday,   Dec.   28^th,   2009.

The Marion County Public Library will be closed Dec. 24 and 25th and again on New Year's Day (Jan. 1). 

There   will   be   Sanitation  Service  (Garbage)  pick-up  on   Christmas  Eve- Thurs- Dec. 24,   2009—But  probably   will  be  a   little   earlier  than  usual  -- please  set  your   Garbage  out  for  an  earlier  than  normal  Pick-up  on  Dec.  24^th-  Christmas  Eve.
Sanitation   workers  will  try  to  end  their  routes  early,  so  they  can  have  some time  with  their  family.
There  will   be  NO   Garbage  pick-up  on  Friday,  Christmas   Day – Dec.  25^th,-   The  Friday  route  will  be  picked  up  on  Monday   along  with  the  normal  Monday  Pick-up. –This  combined  Fri./Monday   pick-up  may   be   a  little  earlier  than  normal-  so  please  set  your  garbage  out  a  earlier  - Monday- Dec. 28^th, 2009.  Crews  are   “doubling-up”  and  running  two  days  in  one- so  they  may  be  a  little  earlier  than  normal.

Rumpke Sanitation in Springfield will provide scheduled serves thru Thursday (Dec. 24). There will be collections on Friday (Dec. 25). Customers with garbage pickup on Friday will receive service on Saturday. 

Washington county offices of the Circuit Clerk, County Clerk, Sheriff, and Property Valuation will be closed from Dec. 24-27th and Dec. 31-Jan. 3 for the Holidays.

There   will    be  Sanitation  Service  (Garbage)  pick-up   on  Thurs.- Dec.  31^st ,  2009 -  New  Years  Eve—But  probably  will  be  a  little  earlier  than  usual-  please  set  your  Garbage  out  for  an  “Earlier   than  Normal”   Pick-Up  on  Thurs.  Dec. 31^st ,  2009—New  Years   Eve.
There   will   be   NO    Garbage  Pick-Up  on  Friday-  Jan. 1^st ,  2010 -  NEW  YEARS   DAY—The  Friday  route  will  be  picked  up  Monday - Jan.  4^th,  2010  -  along  with   the  normal  Monday   Pick-up.—This  combined  Fri./Monday  pick-up  may   be  a  little  earlier  than  normal --  so  please  set  your  Garbage  our  earlier-  Monday  _ Jan. 4^th,  2010.  Crews   are   “doubling-up”  and  running  two  days  in  one—so  they  may  be  a   little  earlier  than  normal.
The  Marion  County  Judges  office  will  be  closed   Thurs. - Dec.  31^st,  2009—thru  Sun.  Jan. 3^rd,  2010—it  will  re-open  on  Monday -  Jan.   4^th,   2010.

Rumpke Sanitation in Springfield will provide scheduled  Thursday (Dec. 31). There will be collections on Friday (Jan. 1st). Customers with garbage pickup on Friday will receive service on Saturday.

KSP Report 6 Deaths Last Week on KY Roads Dec. 22, 2009
Kentucky State Police say that six people died in six separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, December 14 through Sunday, December 20, 2009.    
Five of the crashes involved motor vehicles and one victim was not wearing a seat belt. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Barren, Fayette, Hardin, Henderson and Wayne counties.  One pedestrian fatality occurred in Meade county.
Through December 20,  757 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2009.  This is 39 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2008.   There were 616 motor vehicle fatalities and 342 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Thirty-nine pedestrians and 5 bicyclists have been killed.  Eighty fatalities involved a motorcycle, sixteen fatalities involved an ATV and one involved a scooter.  Seventy-two crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.  A total of 158 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.  

Lebanon Police Report Dec. 22, 2009
Police are investigating a burglary that occurred on the 18th and was reported on the 21st. $70 in cash was reported stolen from a North Harrison Street resident. 

Police arrested Melanie A. Mattingly, age 23, of Springfield on Saturday (19th) on charges of Public intoxication (controlled substance)/theft by unlawful taking under $500/prescription controlled substance not in original container/possession drug paraphernalia 1st/ theft of controlled substance 1st under $300/trafficking controlled substance 2nd and trafficking controlled substance 3rd. 
$15 worth of merchandise was recovered and retained by Kroger at the time of the arrest.  

Budget Projection Is Due Dec. 21, 2009
The state financial picture should come  into sharp focus today.  Economists of the Consensus Forecasting Group will meet in Frankfort to present updated projections on the budget shortfall expected during the rest of the year, and the amount anticipated to be short next fiscal year.  At last report, the shortage was estimated at 161-million dollars for the remainder of 2009, and gaps between a billion and one-point-five-billion during the next two years.  Lawmakers will have to approve a two-year budget for fiscal 2011 and 2012 when they meet next month.

Middle Class Files For Benefits Dec. 21, 2009
Unemployment is hovering around ten percent in the Bluegrass State, and middle class families are feeling its effect and wondering if recovery is really in progress.  In the past fiscal year, 40 percent of people filing for unemployment in the state have qualified for the maximum benefit.  Claimants need to make almost 32-thousand dollars to receive the maximum amount.  Even healthcare professionals have been arriving at the downtown Louisville branch of the state Office of Employment and Training.

Sawyer Moves Into Anchor's Chair Dec. 21, 2009
The distinguished television career of native Kentuckian Diane Sawyer takes a new turn tonight with her debut as anchor of the evening news on ABC.  She has been with the network the past two decades, the last eleven with "Good Morning America."  In 2007, she was ranked 62nd on "Forbes" magazine's list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women.  Her mother, Jean Sawyer Hayes, still lives in Louisville.

Bill To Prosecute Mothers Of Addicted Newborns Dec. 21, 2009
Representative Richard Henderson of Jeffersonville pre-filed a bill that would make mothers of drug and alcohol-addicted newborns subject to criminal prosecution in the Bluegrass State.  Henderson said a child born with a debilitating injury is not fair.  The measure will have an uphill battle, because every major medical group opposes penalizing pregnant addicts via the criminal justice system.  Associate Professor Dr. Sharon Barron at the University of Kentucky, says, quote, "We know the number one risk for babies is lack of prenatal care and this legislation will not help babies."

H1N1 Vaccination Clinics  Dec. 17, 2009
The Lincoln Trail District Health Department will hold community H1N1 Vaccination Clinics in all seven counties it serves this week.
Local clinics will be held Thursday,  Dec. 17,  at the Nelson County Health Department from 2-6pm, at the Washington County Health Department from 3-6pm and in Marion County from 3-6pm at Centre Square.
Linda Simms, Director of Lincoln Trail Health Department, said the Clinics will be open to anyone age 6 months and older who wants the vaccine, and vaccinations will be available to everyone, not just the targeted groups.

Kentucky In Middle Of Top 50 States For Small Businesses Dec. 17, 2009
Kentucky falls in the top half of the United States for places friendly to small businesses.  The numbers from the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council rank the state 22nd in the nation.  Determining factors in the rankings include tax rates, minimum wage rates, private property protection and legal liability costs.  The council is a non-profit group aimed at small business advocacy.

Senate Republican Leader:  Start Over On Health Care Dec. 17, 2009
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell advises Democrats to kill their health care bill and start over.  In a Capitol news conference, McConnell said there's growing public opposition to the legislation.  He said it would actually lead to higher healthcare costs, higher taxes and would further grow the soaring federal deficit.  The Kentucky Republican called it an "historic mistake."  Senate Democratic leaders are struggling to find the 60 votes needed to move healthcare reform forward.

Increase In Children Living In Poverty Dec. 17, 2009
The number of Kentucky children living in poverty is on the rise.  A report by Kentucky Youth Advocates says almost one-fourth of the state's children are poor, and the number probably is even higher because the finding is based on data from 2007.  The average monthly number of Kentucky children receiving food stamps increased 42-percent over an eight-year period ending last year.

No Texting While Driving For State Workers Dec. 17, 2009
Kentucky state employees can't text-message while driving state vehicles anymore.  Governor Steve Beshear issued an executive order Wednesday, saying "state government can and should continue to demonstrate leadership in reducing avoidable highway dangers."  Beshear cited statistics showing 53-thousand crashes and nearly 200 fatalities were linked to distracted driving last year.  The ban, which takes effect immediately, does not apply to talking on a cell phone.

H1N1 Vaccination Clinics  Dec. 16, 2009
The Lincoln Trail District Health Department will hold community H1N1 Vaccination Clinics in all seven counties it serves this week.
Local clinics will be held Thursday,  Dec. 17,  at the Nelson County Health Department from 2-6pm, at the Washington County Health Department from 3-6pm and in Marion County from 3-6pm at Centre Square.
Linda Simms, Director of Lincoln Trail Health Department, said the Clinics will be open to anyone age 6 months and older who wants the vaccine, and vaccinations will be available to everyone, not just the targeted groups.

Lawmakers See Grim Outlook For Budget Dec. 16, 2009
State House budget Chairman Rick Rand said it's going to be nearly impossible to spare basic school funding from cuts during the second year of the next two-year budget.  Rand ruled out any interest in tax reform, while he and other lawmakers considered passing a one-year budget and returning in January to handle the second year.  The state has already slashed 800-million dollars since the recession was born, and faces a gap of over one-billion dollars until the end of the 2011-2012 biennial budget.  Democrat Jimmie Lee of Elizabethtown said, quote, "We've got to move dollars around to protect programs."

Owensboro Diocese Gets New Bishop Dec. 16, 2009
The Diocese of Owensboro has a new bishop.  The Reverend William Francis Medley will succeed Bishop John J. McRaith, who resigned in January due to health issues.  Fifty-seven-year-old Medley was born and raised in Marion County and has served in various roles at the Louisville archdiocese.  He is the first priest from the archdiocese to be named a bishop in more than two decades.

Derby and Oaks Tickets On Sale Dec. 16, 2009
Horseracing fans who want first crack at Derby and Oaks tickets need to be at their computers at high noon today.  That's when Churchill Downs will offer special bundle packages for both 2010 races to the first three-thousand customers at www.churchilldowns.com.  Bundle prices range from 172 dollars for first floor bleacher seats to 63-hundred dollars for prime third-floor box seats.  Churchill Downs will also still be selling tickets onsite for walkup customers.

Senator-Elect Higdon Public Swearing In Today   Dec. 16, 2009
Senator-Elect Jimmy Higdon (R-Lebanon) will be sworn in Wednesday, December 16th at 1:00pm in the gymnasium of Marion County High School.  The students, the public, and the press are all welcome to attend.
“I am humbled and honored by the trust the people of the 14th senatorial district have shown me.  As a proud graduate of Marion County High School, I want to share this moment with the students along with the good people of the district,” Senator-Elect Higdon stated.
The newest state senator will be given the oath of office by Representative Stan Lee (R-Lexington) who is the first Marion County High School graduate to be elected to the State House of Representatives.  Senator-Elect Higdon is the first Marion County High School alum elected to the State Senate.

KSP Report 15 Deaths Dec. 15, 2009
Fifteen people died in thirteen separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, December 7 through Sunday, December 13, 2009.
All of the crashes involved motor vehicles and six victims were not wearing seat belts. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Barren, Harlan, Hart, Hopkins, Jefferson, Kenton, Laurel, Meade, Montgomery, Pike and Shelby counties.  The crashes in Jefferson and Montgomery counties involved the suspected use of alcohol.
Through December 13,  749 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2009.  This is 28 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2008.  There were 609 motor vehicle fatalities and 340 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Thirty-eight pedestrians and 5 bicyclists have been killed.  Eighty fatalities involved a motorcycle, sixteen fatalities involved an ATV and one involved a scooter.  Seventy-two crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.  A total of 158 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.

New GE Product Line Brings Hundreds Of Jobs To Louisville Dec. 15, 2009
Hundreds of new jobs are being created at the GE facility in Louisville.  Governor Steve Beshear and Mayor Jerry Abramson made the announcement at the GE Louisville Appliance Park yesterday.  More than 430 new jobs will be created with the 80-million-dollar investment which will add a high-end front load washer and dryer line to the location.  The announcement follows GE's decision in June to manufacture its new line of energy-efficient, hybrid electric water heaters in Louisville, creating approximately 420 jobs.

Police Report Thefts  Dec. 11, 2009
Several construction items were stolen on Wednesday from a residence of Rosenwald Village. Lebanon Police report the total value of the stolen items was $339.
Lebanon Police report a case of Burglary 1st/Criminal Mischief 2nd that occurred on Tuesday.
A 60th Anniversary Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Tweed guitar case, Winchester Model 1897 16-gauge shotgun, and a Kodak E-Z Share Digital Camera were stolen from North Forest Street. The total value of the stolen items is $1,850, and there was $500 of damage done to the residence during entry.
A laptop was reported stolen  Monday from the Lebanon Housing Authority.
Police report 75 Hydrocodone Pills were removed from a visitors purse on Monday at the Hampton Inn.

Arrest Made on Charges Including Drug Related  Dec. 11, 2009
Lebanon Police arrested Timmon Lee Hayden, age 19, of Lebanon, on Monday on charges of Alcohol Intoxication, a Marion County warrant for Public Intoxication/possession of Marijuana/possession of drug paraphernalia.

KY State Police to Pay Damages to Lebanon Teen's Estate Dec. 11, 2009
Kentucky State Police have been ordered to pay nearly 170 thousand dollars in damages to the estate of a 17 year old Lebanon teen, who was kidnapped and killed 13 years ago. Lebron Gaither of Lebanon, had agreed to serve as a confidential informant for police after being charged with a crime while in high school. However, a state tribunal has found police allowed a drug dealer to learn Gaither's identity and then used him in  a drug buy that turned fatal. The case was delayed for years by court appeals. 

Games This Weekend Dec. 11, 2009
Friday night - Border line battle - Washington County entertains Marion County in a Boy Girl Doubleheader.  Pre-game at 5:50 and tipoff 6 PM with boys to follow.  Tune in on 100.9 Mike FM and online at lebanonmike.com
Friday night - Nelson County hosts Bethlehem in a 19th District Girl Boy Doubleheader contest  Coverage on 102.7 WYSB and online at 1027WYSB.com begins with a tipoff at 6 P.M.
Saturday  - December 12 St. Catharine Basketball will hit the airwaves as the
Patriots entertain Tennesse Wesleyan at Lourdes Hall on the campus of St. Catharine College.  Tipoff is set of 4 PM, join our coverage on AM 1590 WLBN with pregame at 3:50.  Online coverage can be heard on 1590WLBN.com.

KSP Post 15 Area  Dec. 10, 2009
During the month of November, 2009, there were 47 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.
There was one fatality: GONZALES, ALEX DANIEL; Liberty, Kentucky, was killed in Taylor County on 11/05/2009.
This brings our yearly fatality count to 41 compared with 40 through this same period in 2008.
State wide fatality count stands at 707 compared with 744 through this same period in 2008.
During the month of November, 2009, there were 1573 citations written, 321 courtesy notices written, 1879 vehicles inspected, 940 complaints answered, 126 motorists assisted, 71 criminal cases opened and 311 criminal arrests made.

KSP Report 16 Died on KY Roads Last Week Dec. 10, 2009
KSP report that sixteen people died in fourteen separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, November 30 through Sunday, December 6, 2009.    
Fourteen of the crashes involved motor vehicles and ten victims were not wearing seat belts. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Hardin (2), Jefferson (2), Laurel, Livingston, Madison, Oldham, Pendleton, Pulaski, Rowan and Shelby counties.  The crashes in Hardin, Jefferson and Livingston counties involved the suspected use of alcohol.
A double-fatality crash occurred in Lincoln county and both victims were not wearing seat belts.
One fatal motorcycle crash occurred in Harrison county.  A pedestrian crash occurred in Bath county.
Through December 6,  731 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2009.  This is 30 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2008.   There were 592 motor vehicle fatalities and 332 of those victims were not wearing seat belts.  Thirty-seven pedestrians and 5 bicyclists have been killed.  Eighty fatalities involved a motorcycle, sixteen fatalities involved an ATV and one involved a scooter.  Seventy-one crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.  A total of 156 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. 

Storm Claims Three Lives in KY  Dec. 10, 2009
The Associated press reports that in the last two days, the storm dumped nearly 3 inches of rain on parts of Kentucky, and high wind warnings were issued for much of the state, as the region braced for gusts that were possible to reach 60 mph. The state received reports of several thousand power outages due to the high winds.
The storm claimed the lives of three individuals across the state Tuesday and Wednesday.
The body of a man who was trying to rescue his wife was found yesterday. William Grover, age 58, set out on a tractor to rescue his wife after her pickup truck was trapped in a flooded waterway near their home.
Jodine Grover had called him and emergency services on her cell phone after ending up in the flooded waterway. She survived the rising waters when firefighters reached her vehicle.
However, the tractor was found on its side in high water about 200 yards from the home and about a mile from the pickup. His body was found about four miles from the tractor.
The storm also killed a pregnant 17 year old girl in Somerset yesterday.
Kaitlyn Griffin and others were unloading a vehicle when a tree fell on her.
In eastern Kentucky, Vanessa Bishop, age 37, of Harlan County died when her car hydroplaned on KY 38, left the road and hit a tree.

Weather Alert  Dec. 9, 2009
HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM  THIS EVENING...
THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL BEGIN JUST AFTER SUNRISE THIS MORNING... AND WILL LAST UNTIL ROUGHLY 7PM EST THIS EVENING... WITH THE BEST CHANCE OCCURRING BETWEEN 9AM AND 2PM LOCAL TIME.
* SUSTAINED WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED... AS WELL AS WIND GUSTS TO AROUND 55 MPH AT TIMES... ESPECIALLY IN ANY HIGHER TERRAIN AREAS.
* VEHICLES ON NORTH-TO-SOUTH ROADWAYS... ESPECIALLY HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES... WILL HAVE EXTREME DIFFICULTY TRAVELING TODAY. IT IS POSSIBLE VEHICLES COULD BE BLOWN OFF OF ROADWAYS. SOME LOOSE ITEMS LIKE GARBAGE CANS... LAWN FURNITURE AND OTHER SUCH ITEMS WILL EASILY BE BLOWN AWAY. SMALL BRANCHES COULD ALSO BE SNAPPED AND BLOWN DOWN IN THESE HIGH WINDS... AS WELL AS A FEW TREES AND POWERLINES. THUS... POWER OUTAGES WILL LIKELY OCCUR AS WELL.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...A HIGH WIND WARNING MEANS A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT IS EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SUSTAINED WIND SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH OR GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR MORE CAN LEAD TO PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Unofficial Election Results for the 14th District State Senate Race  Dec. 9, 2009

Total Registered Voters = 83,416
Total Votes Cast = 20,208
Turnout = 24%

5 WRITE-INS WERE VOTED IN MARION COUNTY

Lebanon Police Make Arrests Dec. 9, 2009
Lebanon Police arrested Catherine M. Mayes, of Greensburg, on Dec. 3, for charges of burglary 2nd/theft by unlawful taking  all others under $10,000. A diamond sweetheart ring and a diamond engagement ring, total value of $860 was stolen from Hamilton Heights. The jewelry was recovered on Dec. 4th.
Charles F. Porter, of Lebanon, was arrested on Dec. 7, for charges of possession of a controlled substance 1st - 2nd offense - cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Noe Velazquez-Jimenez, of Lebanon, was arrested on Dec. 5 on charges of alcohol intoxication and theft by unlawful taking under $500 "shoplifting". The merchandise, valued at $6.35, was recovered and retained by Higdon's Foodtown.
Kendra Epps and Bridget D. Hayden, both of Lebanon, were arrested on Dec. 7, for theft by unlawful taking over $500.
A wallet and cash, valued at $1,700 and a wallet and cash, valued at $1000 were both stolen on Monday.

KSP Make Arrest On Drug Charges  Dec. 8, 2009
On Saturday, at 7:01 EDT, Post 15 received a complaint from Marion County dispatch in reference to a domestic violence call at 75 Cloyd Brady Lane in Marion County.  The caller, 32-year-old Jennifer Nichols, advised that 40-year-old Nevel Thompson had put a gun to her head.
Troopers Donnie Moses and John Adams responded to the residence with the Lebanon City Police and Marion County Sheriff's office.  Further investigation revealed that the incident had not occurred as originally reported which led to the caller, Jennifer Nichols, being  charged with Falsely Reporting and Incident.  More information led to the arrest of Nevelle Thompson on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Trafficking in Marijuana, Public Intoxication and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  He was lodged in the Marion County Detention Center.

Special Election to Be Held Today Dec. 8, 2009
Polls are open until 6pm today for the 14th District Senate Race. Jimmy Higdon and Jody Haydon are vying for the job which covers Marion, Mercer, Nelson, Taylor and Washington Counties. Marion County has 12,558 registered voters. 10,399 registered as Democrats. 1,788 as Republicans and 371 listed as other. Karen Spalding (County Clerk) wants to remind voters in the Loretto and St. Francis Precincts to vote at Loretto City Hall.

Lebanon City Council Met Last Night
Listen to the newscast on our home page for the story - located in the left hand column.

New Candidate Filing for Primary Dec. 8, 2009
Phillip DeWayne Shively has filed for District D Magistrate in Marion County.

Police Report Dec. 8, 2009
Police received a call of a vehicle in the ditch this morning at 6:03 (a possible injury accident) on HWY 289 in front of Cut Rate Liquors. The scene was cleared at 6;15, there was no one in the vehicle.

Tonight's Game Dec. 8, 2009
District action tonight as Marion County is home in a Boy-Girl Doubleheader against Adair County. Pre-game for the boys is 6:15 tip-off set for 6:30 on 100.9 Mike FM and lebanonmike.com

Local Events Dec. 8, 2009
The Marion County Ranch Horse Club will meet Wednesday (Dec. 9) at 7:30pm at the Agriculture Extension Office on Fairgrounds Road. They will be discussing bylaws and spring trail rides. New members are welcome.

The Marion County FFA Alumni is sponsoring a chili supper at the Knights and Lady Knights home opener tonight, December 8^th at the high school cafeteria from 5-7 pm.  For $5, you get all you can eat chili, a drink and a sandwich.  Proceeds benefit the Marion County FFA Alumni scholarship fund. 

Two Vehicle Accident Sunday        Dec. 7, 2009
A two vehicle accident was reported on the J.W. Bradshaw Lane, off Hwy 208, near Phillipsburg, Sunday afternoon at 1:21pm.
Jerica Guffey, age 27, of Columbia, was operating a 2000 Nissan, Northbound on Bradshaw lane when she entered a curve and struck a 1998 Ford, operated by Brittany Hall, age 22, of Finley, head on.  Both operators were belted at the time of the collision.  A passenger in the Hall vehicle, 7 year old Carl Hall II was also belted.  Guffey was transported from the scene by personal vehicle to Spring View Hospital where she was treated and released for her injuries.  Carl Hall II was transported from the scene by Marion County EMS and taken to Spring View Hospital where he was also treated and released.  Brittany Hall was not injured in the collision.
Trooper Cornett from Kentucky State Police worked the accident. Lebanon Police also report that members of the Marion County Ambulance Service and Marion County Rescue Squad worked the scene. The scene was cleared at 2:28pm.

Stolen Vehicle  Dec. 7, 2009
A vehicle reported stolen in Marion County has been recovered by the Nelson County Sheriff's Department. The vehicle was stolen sometime early Saturday and recovered late Saturday afternoon. The case is under investigation.

Superintendents Prepare For Education Cuts Dec. 7, 2009
Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday has told superintendents to expect a six percent cut to the Department of Education budget.  It amounts to about 20-million dollars but the plan does not include cutting Support Education Excellence or district health and life insurance.  Programs under review to be reduced include dropout prevention plus gifted and talented education.  KDE spokeswoman Lisa Gross said they are developing a plan but listening to superintendents.

Obama Headed To Senate Today To Press Dems On Healthcare  Dec. 7, 2009
Despite efforts by President Obama at the U.S. Capitol, Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell says Republicans plan to debate healthcare reform into the new year.  Obama was in the Senate yesterday to press Democrats to come together and agree on the reform bill.  Currently, Democrats are about four votes short of the 60 needed to pass the legislation.  McConnell says opponents of healthcare reform benefit the more the public learns about the bill.

Marion County Farm Bureau Recognized  Dec. 7, 2009
The Marion County Farm Bureau was recognized for its County Young Farmer Program with the 2009 Gold Star Award of Excellence during the recent Kentucky Farm Bureau annual meeting in Louisville . 
The Marion County Farm Bureau has won top honors in the Kentucky Farm Bureau Safety Challenge Awards competition for their active role in the county's family fitness and safety day.

Kentucky Food Banks Confirm Escalating Hunger Crisis  Dec. 7, 2009
As millions of people of all faiths prepare for the holidays, volunteers for many faith-based groups in central and eastern Kentucky are preparing to distribute meals for families in need. Hunger is a reality for many Kentuckians, according to Mandy Brajuha, external relations coordinator for the group God's Pantry in Lexington.
"Across our 50-county service area - and we know that number is true, not only in the state of Kentucky, but across the country right now - we're seeing a 32 percent increase in demand this year versus last year."
Food banks across the state are reporting that the current recession and unemployment are having a profound effect on the people seeking assistance.
"We have clients that have full-time jobs; people who have had never had to ask for emergency food assistance. And they have found themselves in a very precarious position, and they are having to navigate the social service system for the first time in their lives."
Brajuha says food banks are looking for volunteers, but help for those in need is still available.
"We can take someone's dollar, and then, in turn, distribute about four-and-a-half meals for that dollar. So, certainly a financial donation to any food bank is a great way to help, but food donations are also. I know children really enjoy getting into the spirit by picking out food at the grocery."
Some people may be uncomfortable asking for help the first time, Brajuha says. The economic downturn across the nation has a lot to do with that.
There is still time to help those in need. Information on pantry locations in Kentucky and on donating food and volunteering is available by calling 859-288-5324.

Lebanon Police Report Dec. 4, 2009
Lebanon Police are investigating a case of Criminal Mischief 1st that occurred on Tuesday, Dec. 1st. A thousand dollars in damage was done to a 2003 Chevy Pickup on North Spalding Avenue.
Lebanon Police also report that a juvenile was cited on Aug. 28, for possession of a firearm by a minor.

Marion County Fiscal Court Dec. 4, 2009
Marion County Fiscal Court met in regular session last night and approved the minutes of a special called meeting that was held on Nov. 21. During that meeting, the Court voted to go to an HRA type plan for the county employees health insurance for 2010, and to keep Macky Hagan as the agent of record. This passed by a vote of 3-2, with the dissenting votes being cast by Wicker and Smothers.
Last night, the court heard from Jeff Baltas, out of Elizabethtown, who will be the third party administrator for the plan.

Chickens Overtake Horses In Farm Economy Dec. 4, 2009
Kentucky's horse industry is no longer number one in the state's farm economy.  Poultry receipts made an estimated one-percent gain this year, while there was a 31-percent drop in revenues from horse sales and stud fees.  Figures were released Thursday by University of Kentucky agricultural economists at the Kentucky Farm Bureau convention in Louisville.  The state's poultry industry is predicted to climb steadily.  Horses overtook tobacco as the state's top agricultural product ten years ago.

Beshear To Meet On Education Budget Cuts Dec. 4, 2009
State leaders are meeting today with Governor Steve Beshear to discuss proposed cuts to the state's education spending.  The proposal includes 20-million-dollars in cuts submitted to state budget officials yesterday.  Education Department spokeswoman Lisa Gross says those cuts aren't set in stone, but only a gameplan for slashing six-percent of spending.  On the chopping block for cuts are dropout prevention programs and gifted education.

Lebanon Man and Son Injured in Accident Dec. 3, 2009
THREE PEOPLE WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AFTER A TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT LAST NIGHT IN TAYLOR COUNTY.
ACCORDING TO THE TAYLOR COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE,  41 YEAR OLD DAVID SANDUSKY OF LEBANON WAS OPERATING A 1992 CHEVY PICKUP TRUCK PULLING AN 18 FOOT CATTLE TRAILER, TRAVELING EAST ON US68. UPON APPROACHING PALESTINE ROAD,  THE BREAKS ON THE TRAILER LOCKED UP AS HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO STOP FOR A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM WAITING TO MAKE A TURN. THE VEHICLE THEN CROSSED OVER THE CENTER LINE INTO THE ONCOMING LANE
INTO THE PATH OF A VAN DRIVEN BY 43 YEAR OLD JEFFREY PERRY OF CAMPBELLSVILLE.
SANDUSKY WAS TAKEN TO TAYLOR REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF MINOR CHEST/HEAD INJURIES.
PERRY WAS TAKEN TO UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE HOSPITAL IN STABLE CONDITION.
A PASSENGER IN THE SANDUSKY VEHICLE, 14 YEAR OLD MICHAEL SANDUSKY OF LEBANON, WAS TAKEN TO KOSAIR'S HOSPITAL IN LOUISVILLE AND WAS LISTED IN CRITICAL CONDITION AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED JUST BEFORE 7 P.M. LAST NIGHT  IN TAYLOR COUNTY.

Garage Fire Dec. 3, 2009
A fully involved garage fire was reported Wednesday evening at 7:14pm at 2445 St. Mary's Road, Lebanon.
Responding were members of the Lebanon Fire Department, the Marion County Sheriff's Office, and the Marion County Ambulance Service.
The scene was cleared at 8:27pm.

State Colleges Seeing More Remedial Students Dec. 3, 2009
Colleges and universities in the Bluegrass State are expecting an increase in students who need remedial classes in reading and math next year.  Community colleges could see a 50 percent increase in the 13-thousand first-time students who took such classes this fall.  Research institutions such as the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky have more selective admissions policies, and probably will not be affected as much.  Many students will find themselves paying tuition for classes that won't count toward a degree.

Governor Reverses Ground On Tax Reform Dec. 3, 2009
The Bluegrass State is facing the toughest budget situation seen in the commonwealth in a long time.  However, Governor Steve Beshear said the middle of the recession is not the time to have broad-based tax increases.  He said he would do everything to protect important priority areas from being cut.  Beshear said he isn't concerned with a Survey USA poll that showed his favorable rating has dropped to 39 percent, because he is doing his best to get people through the recession period.

Shoppers Beware: Check the Toy Gift List for Safety  Dec. 3, 2009
Before wrapping those holiday gifts for kids purchased over the long weekend, Kentuckians are being advised to take a closer look at them. Almost 5 million toys have been recalled this year, yet danger still lurks on store shelves in Kentucky and elsewhere across the nation.
This year's "10 Worst Toys" report from World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH) finds it has been an active year for toy recalls, with a lot of focus on lead and toxic risks. According to attorney James Swartz, the 2009 WATCH list mostly involves toys with strangulation, choking and projectile hazards - some sold as "appropriate for all ages."
"The 'rugged mini' on the list and the 'mini babies in the bathtub' - these are sold for babies. Their small parts hazards or puncture hazards aren't evident when you look at the toy."
A "Curious George" counting book, "X-Men" action figure and a Disney rocket launcher also made the "worst toys" list this year. Such familiar names on toy packaging can mislead consumers, who perceive those products to be safer, Swartz warns. In the past two years, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has recorded 10 deaths of children who choked on toy parts.
Some toy companies have responded to the listing with updated safety information; in previous years, listing of other toys has resulted in safety recalls. Swartz says he's encouraged by new policies being considered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission that would give the agency more 'teeth' to go after companies selling dangerous toys.
"In the meantime, there is certainly a lot of repetition going on in terms of the types of hazards we're finding out on the shelves."
This is the 37th year the list has been compiled. The full list of hazardous toys is available at http://toysafety.org/worstToyList_index.shtml.

H1N1 Vaccine Clinic's in Elementary Schools Dec. 2, 2009
The Marion County Health Department in conjunction with the Marion County School District are offering H1N1 vaccines to all elementary school age students.  The clinics will be held as follows:
December 3^rd West Marion Elementary from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
December 3^rd Calvary Elementary from 12:30 – 3:00 pm
December 4^th Lebanon Elementary from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
December 4^th Glasscock Elementary from 12:30 – 3:00 pm
The vaccine is free to all students who have a signed parent consent form on file in the school office by the date of the vaccine clinic.  The consent forms along with information concerning the H1N1 virus and vaccines were sent home with all elementary students.  Anyone needing a consent form or has questions concerning the clinics may call the child’s school or contact Judy Gaddie, Director of Pupil Personnel, at (270) 692-3721.
A parent wishing to be present when the vaccine is administered may take their child to the Marion County Health Department.

Marion Circuit Clerk's Will No Longer Process Passports Dec. 2, 2009
Due to increased costs and security requirements imposed by the U.S. Department of State Passport Services, effective Dec. 31, 2009, the Marion County Circuit Clerk's Office will no longer be processing U.S. Passports.
The local post office is now filing paperwork with the federal government to become a passport agent and hopes to be approved for this service in the near future.
Go to www.travel.state.gov for additional information or call the U.S. Passport Agency at 1-877-487-2778. You may also email the National Passport Information Center at npic@state.gov

Citizens National Bank Announces Pat Mattingly As Member to Board of Directors Dec. 2, 2009
Mattingly started Pat's Pharmacy in 1984. He is a graduate of Western KY University and earned his Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky.
Mattingly is currently a Board of Trustee for Spring View Hospital, a Board of Director for the Marion County Junior Miss and an active choir member at St. Augustine Church. Mattingly is a member of the Kentucky Pharmacy Association and the Lebanon Marion County Chamber of Commerce, and is a past president of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association, the Lebanon Kiwanis Club and an active Ham Days volunteer.

National Guard Troops Await Possible Orders Dec. 2, 2009
Kentucky's National Guard troops are waiting to hear if they'll soon be on their way back to Afghanistan.  Last year, nearly 500 soldiers from the 201st Engineer Battalion were there during a dangerous eight-month tour clearing mines and roadside bombs.  This year, they're spending the holidays at home.  Seventeen soldiers with the Kentucky National Guard have died in combat while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Richmond Nursing Home Second Worst Dec. 2, 2009
The U.S. Government Accountability Office reported yesterday a Richmond nursing home known as Madison Manor is the second worst in the nation.  Hidden video camera recorded aides abusing elderly residents at the for-profit chain owned by Extendicare that operates 21 homes in Kentucky.  GAO official John Dicken said the ranking was based on information that included deficiencies in facilities found during three federal surveys.  Executives at Extendicare say their nursing facilities are now in compliance with regulations.

Reducing Fire Risks For Christmas Trees Dec. 2, 2009
The Glasgow Fire Department says a freshly cut Christmas tree can pose a tremendous fire hazard when its dry branches are covered by strings of electric lights.  The department is offering a tree dipping service free of charge now through December 23rd and urges residents to have their trees covered in flame retardant material.  The solution of boric acid and borax will also make trees stay green longer.  For more information, call 651-5170.

School Programs At Risk Of Being Cut Dec. 2, 2009
Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday had some bad news Monday for the state's public school superintendents.  In an e-mail, Holliday told the administrators there could be 20-million dollars in cuts this year to programs such as preschool for at-risk and disabled children, reading help and dropout prevention.  The state's school funding formula and employee health insurance apparently will be spared.  Last month, Governor Steve Beshear ordered state agencies to plan for six-percent reductions in light of a 161-million-dollar budget shortfall.

Four Counties Tops In Nation For Food Stamps Dec. 2, 2009
Four state counties are among the worst in the nation when it comes to residents relying on food stamps.  Kentucky numbers show Owsley County is the worst offender, where nearly half of the residents use funds provided for staple foods.  Four other counties were ranked in the top 25 in the nation.  Those include Wolfe, Lee, Clay and Magoffin Counties.

Game Tonight Dec. 2, 2009
The Washington County Commanders head to Taylorsville tonight for a boys contest.  100.9 will have the call tonight on 100.9 Mike F.M. with pre-game at 7:15 and tip-off at 7:30.

Police Investigating Accident  Dec. 1, 2009
Lebanon Police say an injury accident occurred yesterday at 10:57am at Main and Walnut Street. Marion County Ambulance and the Marion County Rescue responded. The scene was cleared at 11:59am.

Lebanon Police cited a juvenile on Nov. 24th at Marion County High School on charges of possession of marijuana/possession of drug paraphernalia.

Springfield bypass construction to impact KY 55, KY 528 traffic Dec. 1, 2009
Construction of the Springfield US 150 northwest bypass will impact traffic on KY 55 and KY 528 beginning this week. Trucks hauling dirt and rock will be crossing KY 55 and KY 528 near the construction site for the next month, as weather permits.
The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph in the work zones, and flaggers will be posted to direct traffic. Motorists are asked to use extra caution.

H1N1 Vaccine Clinic's in Elementary Schools Dec. 1, 2009
The Marion County Health Department in conjunction with the Marion County School District are offering H1N1 vaccines to all elementary school age students.  The clinics will be held as follows:
December 3^rd West Marion Elementary from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
December 3^rd Calvary Elementary from 12:30 – 3:00 pm
December 4^th Lebanon Elementary from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
December 4^th Glasscock Elementary from 12:30 – 3:00 pm
The vaccine is free to all students who have a signed parent consent form on file in the school office by the date of the vaccine clinic.  The consent forms along with information concerning the H1N1 virus and vaccines were sent home with all elementary students.  Anyone needing a consent form or has questions concerning the clinics may call the child’s school or contact Judy Gaddie, Director of Pupil Personnel, at (270) 692-3721.
A parent wishing to be present when the vaccine is administered may take their child to the Marion County Health Department.

New Candidate Filings for 2010 Primary
Carroll Kirkland has filed for Sherriff and Steve Masterson has filed for District H Magistrate.
Candidate filing deadline is January 26, 2010 at 4pm.

Music Fest Set For Summer At Churchill Downs Dec. 1, 2009
Some of the biggest names in music are set to descend on Churchill Downs this summer.  The HullabaLOU music festival lineup has been announced for the three-day event presented by Churchill Downs Entertainment.  Rockers Bon Jovi will headline Friday, July 23rd, with the Dave Matthews Band closing out the festivities that Sunday.  The lineup is a mix of pop, classic rock, and country.  Megastar Kenny Chesney has the Saturday night headline slot.

Jobless Benefit Delay Blamed On Computer Dec. 1, 2009
A spokesman for the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training reports about ten-thousand unemployed workers in the Bluegrass State are waiting for jobless benefits.  They may have to wait a little longer while technicians reprogram the state's computer system.  Officials anticipate everything should be up to speed within ten days.  Letters explaining how to collect funds will be mailed to those who qualify.  Last week, Indiana began allowing residents to file for the 14-week extension signed by President Obama on November 6th.

Inmate Apprehended Nov. 30, 2009
Marion Adjustment Center reported a walk away at 10:38pm last night, however the inmate was apprehended shortly after at 11:55pm.

KSP Investigating Fire Nov. 30, 2009
Kentucky State Police Arson Investigator Alex Wesley is investigating a residential fire that occurred at the home of Gravel Switch Volunteer Fire Department Chief Larry Vaughn. Lebanon/Marion County dispatch received a call Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 9:26 AM, that there was a fire at 109 East Railroad Street in Gravel Switch.  Fire fighters responded and prevented a total loss but the home sustained significant damage.  No one was at the residence when the fire occurred and there were no injuries.  Detective Wesley was assisted at the scene by State Fire Marshall Deputy Mike Burk and Arson is suspected.  If anyone has any information regarding this investigation, please contact your local law enforcement agency or the Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555.

Churchill Downs To Announce Major Event Nov. 30, 2009
Officials at Churchill Downs are expected to announce a major event for the historic race track today.  The Louisville-based racing and gambling company has an entertainment division headed by Steve Sexton.  Churchill has previously hosted concerts by the Rolling Stones and The Police.  Yesterday, officials did not reveal what the summer event will be, but said it would eventually create activities involving racing and concerts, and have an economic impact in the "tens of millions" of dollars.

Mercer High Will Host State Senate Candidates Nov. 30, 2009
A special election is just about a week away with a couple of relatively unfamiliar hopefuls in the race to fill the 14th District Senate seat.  Mercer County Senior High School will host a forum today for Democrat Jodie Haydon and Republican Jimmy Higdon.  The event is open to the public and will allow voters to get to know the candidates who will answer ten questions submitted by students from Mercer County and Burgin Independent schools.  Haydon is a former state representative and now vice president of a construction company, while Higdon is serving his fourth term in the 24th District.

Kentucky Black Friday Shoppers Mixed On Spending Nov. 30, 2009
Shoppers in parts of Kentucky showed mixed feelings while stores opened with doorbuster savings on Black Friday.  Spending habits appeared mixed in a poll of shoppers by WKYT.  The station says some haven't changed spending habits, while others appeared on the scene poised with ads in hand looking for the best possible deals.  Others say the economy had a lot to do with how they spent their hard earned dollars, with concerns over job security and other factors.

Injury Accident Yesterday  Nov. 26, 2009
An injury accident occurred at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Hwy and Loretto Road Wednesday afternoon at 4:55pm. Responding were members of the Lebanon Police Department, Marion County Ambulance Service and the Marion County Rescue Squad. The scene was cleared at 5:26pm. 

A two vehicle accident was reported at the intersection of Walnut Street and West Main Street at 9:39pm. Responding were members of the Lebanon Police Department and the Marion County Ambulance Service. The scene was cleared at 9:11pm.

Knights Take on Lone Oak   Nov. 26, 2009
In the Class 4A Semi Final Game tomorrow night, the Marion County Knights will take on Lone Oak. Pre-game is at 8:15pm, Kick-off at 8:30pm and can be heard on 100.9 MIKE FM and 1590 WLBN and streaming live on www.Lebano