Medicaid Switches To Managed Care Programs

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Governor Steve Beshear announced Monday that Kentucky had received final approval Friday from the U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services to switch some 560,000 Medicaid recipients into lower-cost managed care programs. Beshear says the switch to managed care is expected to save taxpayers $1.3 billion over the next three years. He says that total includes $375 million that would have been taken out of the General Fund. The managed care organizations to begin serving Kentucky Medicaid recipients are Coventry Cares of Kentucky, Kentucky Spirit Health Plan and Wellcare of Kentucky.

Conway Holds Fundraising Lead

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...According to a finance report filed with the Kentucky of Registry of Election Finance covering an approximately two-week period ending in late October showed that Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway had $174,823 in campaign funds in the bank, while Republican challenger Todd P'Pool had $17,610 on hand. According to the report, Conway banked $106,181 between October 8th and October 24th and more than $817,000 since the May primary election. P'Pool took in just more than $30,000 during the period and nearly $522,000 since the primary election. P'Pool campaign manager David Ray said Monday the challenger has raised a substantial amount since the report.

Beshear and Williams...Heated Debate

• {Lexington,  Kentucky}...Tempers and sharp criticism flared as Governor Steve Beshear and Senate President David Williams went toe-to-toe Monday night in their final 1½-hour debate on Kentucky Educational Television before the November 8th election. Williams said Beshear will have to make deep budget cuts when he returns to Frankfort in January because of past mismanagement. Beshear shot back, “One thing you said that's right is I am coming back.” Williams accused Beshear of being ineffective in working for his 2007 campaign priority of expanded gambling as a way to shore up state revenues and help Kentucky’s racing and breeding industry. Beshear responded that Williams had almost single-handedly prevented gambling legislation from being considered by the full Senate, even though there were enough votes to pass it. Williams argued for tax reform, saying the state needs to get rid of corporate income taxes and replace them with a system of sales taxes that would be decided upon at some point in the future. Beshear argued that the state's tax code may need to be tweaked, but he dismissed the idea of an overhaul. Beshear said Williams' plan, which would involve income tax repeal, would raise the state sales tax to 14 percent, the highest in the nation, but Williams said that was not true. Williams accused Beshear of being responsible for cuts to education, but Beshear said he saved the state from cuts to education while Williams favored them to balance the state budget.

Romney To Hold Fundraiser In Lexington

• {Lexington,  Kentucky}...Ryan Williams, a spokesman for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, said Monday the former Massachusetts governor will hold a fundraiser November 17th in Lexington to raise money for his campaign. Romney is a former investment capital executive. Williams declined to provide further details, citing campaign policy against discussing fundraising efforts.

Louisa Man Allegedly Cuts WV Man's Throat

{Louisa, Kentucky}...Joshua Wilson, 27, of Fort Gay in Wayne County, West Virginia is recovering after getting his throat cut Saturday night while attending a birthday party at a house on Sunset Acres Drive in Louisa, Kentucky. Wilson was first taken to the hospital in Louisa, then airlifted to Cabell Huntington Hospital, where he has been treated and released. Monday afternoon, police arrested James E. Blackburn, 65, of Louisa, and charged him with first degree assault. Witnesses told deputies the two men got into an altercation during the party and that Blackburn pulled out a knife and cut Wilson across the neck. Blackburn was lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville.

Pike County Dependent On Social Security Payments

{Pike County, Kentucky}...If Pike County residents didn't receive their monthly payments from the Social Security Administration, 11.2 percent of total personal income in the county would be lost, a total of $230,844,768 in the most recent reporting year. Pike County is more dependent on Social Security payments than is the rest of the country. Nationally, 5.5 percent of total personal income came from Social Security payments. In Kentucky, 7.6 percent of all income comes from these payments. In Pike County, 18,790 people receive some form of Social Security payment, Social Security beneficiaries represent 28.7 percent of the total county population. Total Social Security payments in Pike County amounted to $3,527 per person. The national average was $2,199 per person, and in Kentucky it was $2,508. Changes to Social Security are being discussed in Congress, which is looking for ways to balance the larger federal budget. If benefits are cut - or if the eligibility age is increased - rural counties and small cities would be disproportionately affected according to the Social Security Administration.

KET Gubernatorial Debate

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...As the November 8th election nears, a 90-minute faceoff, being broadcast statewide on Kentucky Educational Television, beginning at 8:00 P.M. Monday, will give Republican David Williams and Independent Gatewood Galbraith a final opportunity to confront Democratic Governor Steve Beshear in person. University of Louisville political scientist Laurie Rhodebeck says the public television debate isn't likely to sway a race in which Williams trails by some 30 percentage points and Galbraith by 50. Secretary of State Elaine Walker says she expects as few as 25 percent of the state's registered voters will cast ballots.

Lexington Horse Farm Gaining National Attention

{Lexington, Kentucky}...A horse farm on five acres in Lexington is gaining national attention after ranking No. 2 on the list of top ten “Scariest Homes for Sale in America” by www.toptenrealestatedeals.com. The owner of the farm, paranormal author Lura Ketchledge, claims to have had five successful paranormal investigations on the property within the last two years. Ghosts are said to have popped up in family photos and videos over 90 times in the last nine years. Strange shadows, beams of light, whispering and even clear, full-bodied apparitions have been documented and are said to have inspired three novels by the author.

Accident Kills Mercer County Student

• {Harrodsburg, Kentucky}...Alyssa D. Kelty, 17, the daughter of Mercer County Sheriff Ernie Kelty and a student and cheerleader at Mercer County Senior High School, died Friday in a car crash on U.S. 68 west of Harrodsburg. Kentucky State Police say Kelty lost control of her car and crossed the center line, hitting a vehicle driven by 30 year old Shannon Dean. Kelty was pronounced dead at the scene. Dean and two minor children riding with her were treated for their injuries at Haggin Memorial Hospital in Harrodsburg and released.

Fatal Accident At Western Kentucky Mine

{Centertown, Kentucky}...A statement from the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing has identified the workers killed killed Friday morning at Armstrong Coal's Equality mine in Ohio County in western Kentucky as 47 year old Darrel Winstead and 33 year old Samuel Lindsey. Officials say the two men were on a blasting crew from MEMSCO, a subsidiary of Midland Powder Co. of Evansville, Indiana and were driving near a highwall when their truck was inundated by rock and earth at around 6:35 A.M. CDT. Rescuers worked most of the morning to reach the men under the rubble. Ohio County coroner Larry Bevil says crews reached the men around noon CDT, but he says the workers were likely killed immediately by the "huge pile" of rock.

Williams Lagging In Election Finances

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...A report filed Friday with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance shows Republican gubernatorial candidate David Williams is still lagging far behind Democratic Governor Steve Beshear in fundraising. Between October 8th and October 24th, Williams banked $57,621 and just more than $1 million since the May primary election. Beshear had taken in $517,000 for the same period and more than $6 million since May.

Louisville Police Chief Transferring To Denver

{Louisville, Kentucky}... Louisville Police Chief Robert White has announced he is leaving the position he has held since 2003 to head the Denver Police Department. White, Louisville's first black police chief, came to the city from Greensboro, North Carolina in 2003. He oversaw the merger of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Louisville Police Department after the city and county governments merged. White, in a statement Friday, said the decision to leave Louisville was difficult, but he accomplished all that he could in the city. He's expected to be officially named chief in Denver next week. In the past year, White has been a finalist for the police chief job in Atlanta and Dallas.

Homeland Security 'Almighty God' Reference Upheld

• {Louisville, Kentucky}...By a 2-1 vote, the Kentucky Court of Appeals has ruled that Kentucky may continue to give official credit for its homeland security to Almighty God. The decision overturned Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate's ruling in 2009 that the phrase violates the U.S. and Kentucky constitutions of state-established religion. Kentucky's law establishing the state Office of Homeland Security requires its executive director to publicize a "dependence on Almighty God" in training and educational materials and through a plaque at the entrance to the agency's emergency operations center. Judge Laurance B. VanMeter, joined by Judge Thomas Wine, noted that there's no requirement that the Homeland Security director believe in an "Almighty God" or for people to read the plaque. VanMeter noted that the preambles to 44 states, including Kentucky, have references to "a Supreme Being," while three others have establishment clauses that refer explicitly to God or "speak approvingly of religion."

Shepherdsville Jury Recommends Death Sentence

{Shepherdsville, Kentucky}... Friday, jurors in Shepherdsville recommended a death sentence for Michael Dale St. Clair, an inmate who escaped from an Oklahoma prison, then killed a Kentucky man in 1991. St. Clair had been convicted of killing Frank Brady, a distillery worker from Bardstown, but won a new sentencing when the Kentucky Supreme Court found errors in his trial. During a weeklong hearing, jurors heard a fellow inmate, who escaped with St. Clair, testify about other slayings prosecutors say St. Clair committed, but hasn't been charged with. St. Clair was charged with murder in Bullitt County. He faces a retrial in Hardin County on a kidnapping charge after the high court overturned that conviction. Sentencing is scheduled for November 16th.

Supreme Court Disbars Fen-Phen Judge

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Thursday, the Kentucky Supreme Court permanently disbarred retired judge Joseph F. "Jay" Bamberger, a circuit court judge in Boone and Gallatin counties from 1992 until 2004. The high court found Bamberger signed off on a deal that gave attorneys nearly two-thirds of a 2001 settlement involving the diet drug fen-phen and didn't disclose to clients the terms of the deal. Bamberger described himself as "embarrassed" during a criminal trial related to the settlement and he stepped down as judge in February 2006 to avoid being removed by Kentucky's judicial conduct commission for his actions. The court ordered Bamberger to pay $18,700 to cover the cost of the disciplinary proceedings. To date, Bamberger and four attorneys who took part in the settlement have lost their licenses. The state's high court is also weighing a request from the Kentucky Bar Association to revoke the license of Stanley Chesley, a prominent Cincinnati attorney known as the "Master of Disaster" for his handling of large, class-action cases. The high court found that attorneys William Gallion and Shirley Cunningham Jr., along with Melbourne Mills Jr., kept $126 million, more than 63 percent of the settlement, for themselves and took another $20 million in "excess funds." The men distributed $74,194,577 to their clients, who were never told about the total amount of the settlement or the fees kept by the lawyers.

Williams Accuses Beshear Of Inept Medicaid Plan

• {Louisville, Kentucky}...Speaking Thursday to a statewide gathering of county officials at the Kentucky Association of Counties annual conference in Louisville, Republican David Williams accused Governor Steve Beshear of doing an inept job in overhauling Kentucky's Medicaid program by incorporating a managed care approach to provide care for the poor and disabled. Over the summer, Beshear announced that three out-of-state companies would oversee Medicaid services for about 560,000 recipients across most of the state. Beshear's administration reset the start of the managed care program to November 1st after an October 1st startup was missed after state health and family services secretary Janie Miller said hospitals needed more time to prepare for the change. Beshear says the change could save $375 million in the state's General Fund over three years and potentially $1.3 billion overall.

Greenup Man Arrested For Wife's Murder

• {Greenup, Kentucky}...Leslie "Cricket" Lee, 40, of Greenup, was found stabbed to death in her bed in March 2011. Thursday, police arrested her husband, Charles Lee. Commonwealth Attorney Cliff Duvall says the arrest took a long time with the Grand Jury because it's an entirely circumstantial case, but there is enough evidence to move forward. Cricket was co-founder of the Borrowed Angels Charity Riders, women bikers dedicated to helping where ever the need arose.

Supreme Court Revokes Maysville Attorney's License

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Thursday, the Kentucky Supreme Court permanently revoked the law license of Margaret Jackson-Rigg of Maysville, an attorney with a history of disciplinary problems. The high court found that, while suspended from legal practice, Jackson-Rigg told a client she was negotiating a settlement with the chain Big Lots, but, in fact, she had not contacted the company. The court also found that Jackson-Rigg failed to dispose of her legal files after being evicted from her law office in May 2010. The court had suspended Jackson-Rigg three times since 2008, once for failing to pay bar dues, once for pleading guilty in 2010 to failing to file state income taxes and once for charging an unreasonable fee.

Inmate Gets Credit Against Sentence

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...A man found guilty of manslaughter but mentally ill in the killing of Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy 37 year old Floyd Cheeks could be released from the Kentucky State Reformatory in La Grange soon after the Kentucky Supreme Court on Thursday gave 46 year old Peter Bard credit against his 20 year sentence for time spent in a mental hospital before trial. A split high court ruled that the Kentucky Department of Corrections in 2008 improperly took away nearly four years of credit from Bard who fatally shot Cheeks, who was trying to serve an emergency protective order on Bard's brother, Ivan Bard, who wasn't home when the shooting happened. Online records with the Corrections Department listed Bard Thursday afternoon with a projected release date of January 26, 2012. Bard has been diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia and has either been in prison or a state hospital since his arrest in 1993. Bard was indicted on a murder charge that year, but was declared incompetent to stand trial on Sept. 12, 1995, and the indictment was thrown out. On Aug. 5, 1998, Bard was indicted again but 20 days later that indictment was dismissed for the same reason. Bard was indicted a third time in March of 2000 and went to trial in 2002, when he was found guilty but mentally ill of first-degree manslaughter.

P'Pool Gets Giuliani Endorsement

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Republican attorney general candidate Todd P'Pool has picked up an endorsement from former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who told a Republican gathering in Louisville Wednesday that the Kentucky attorney general's race carries national importance. Giuliani said that's because P'Pool, if elected, would add Kentucky to the list of states challenging President Barack Obama's federal health care law. Giuliani told the GOP rally that the health care law is a drag on the national economy. Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway has refused to join the legal challenge.

Representative Dewayne Bunch Resigning

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...State Representative Dewayne Bunch, who suffered a severe head injury while breaking up a fight at Whitley County High School, where he was a teacher, in April, is resigning his seat in the Kentucky Legislature. House Republican Leader Jeff Hoover said in a statement Wednesday that Bunch's family had decided that it was best for him and his constituents to resign. Bunch was hospitalized for a month, and then transferred to The Shepherd Center in Atlanta for long-term care. His wife, Regina Bunch, says Dewayne is continuing his recovery and he hopes to be back in Kentucky soon.

Beshear Speaks At KACo Conference

• {Louisville, Kentucky}...In a speech to the Kentucky Association of Counties annual conference Wednesday in Louisville, Governor Steve Beshear touted his stewardship of state government in tough economic times, saying his work is unfinished as he looks ahead to a potential second term if he wins re-election next month. Beshear said he's not going to rest until every Kentuckian that needs a job has a job. Kentucky lost ground on the jobs front in September, when the state unemployment rate rose slightly to 9.7 percent, from 9.5 percent in August.

Next-Generation Student Council Members Sought

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Department of Education is looking for high school students in public schools to apply for a yearlong stint on the Next-Generation Student Council. The council is a new group formed by Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday in order to get feedback from students on critical issues facing schools and on how decisions made at the state level affect them. The group will meet with the commissioner and the Education Department staff both in-person and virtually. Applications can be found on the Education Department web site at http://bit.ly/uTkK76 and must be returned by November 30th. A committee will then choose 11 students in grades 10-12 to serve during the 2011-2012 school year.

Churchill Downs Inc. Reports Record Revenues

• {Louisville, Kentucky}...Louisville-based Churchill Downs Inc. has reported record revenues and earnings for the three-month period that ended September 30th. Earnings from continuing operations for the period more than quadrupled to $19.7 million, or $1.16 per share, versus $3.7 million, or 22 cents per share a year ago. The increase resulted in part from the addition of the Harlow’s Casino Resort & Hotel in Mississippi, which the company bought last year, and the collection of the company’s 19.3 million share of an Illinois riverboat casino subsidy that had been in escrow during a court case. Net revenues from continuing operations rose 13 percent to $166.3 million.

New Residence Hall Planned For UK

• {Kentucky}...University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto announced to the Board of Trustees a plan on Tuesday to remake and expand student housing, starting with a high-tech, $30 million residence hall that would open in 2013. The goal is to eventually create a campus of 9,000 modern residence hall beds. The new dorms would replace most of the existing 5,184 beds on campus, of which only 684 are considered modern. Wednesday, a request for proposal will go out to private developers who could help UK finance and build the latest 600-bed dorm, which will go up on the sports field next to Haggin Hall and near the William T. Young Library. It would serve students in an expanded UK Honors program, as well as others. The Board of Trustees is scheduled to approve final plans for the dorm by December.

Former Manchester Police Officers Arrested

• {Kentucky}...Tuesday, Randall Dodson, 47, a former patrolman with the Manchester Police Department, and former Sgt. Scotty D. Sandlin, 37, were charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance during a drug roundup in Clay County. Officers from Operation UNITE, the Manchester Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky State Police and the U.S. Marshals Service fanned out to look for suspects about 8:00 A.M., and, by early afternoon, officers had arrested 10 of the 15 suspects.

No Grounds To Investigate Williams

• {Kentucky}...The attorney general's office released documents Tuesday that show investigators "found no grounds" to open an investigation into an inmate's claim that she had been sexually abused a decade ago by Republican gubernatorial candidate David Williams. Williams, a Burkesville lawyer, had represented the woman in a criminal case but denied that he had sexual contact with her. The records show that the woman was in the Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women at Pewee Valley when she made the claim against Williams. The Kentucky Bureau of Investigation dropped the case after a preliminary investigation found no basis for charges.

Beshear Tops $10 Million In Campaign Contributions

• {Kentucky}...Democratic Governor Steve Beshear has topped $10 million in contributions for his re-election campaign. A report filed Tuesday with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance shows that he banked another $517,000 over the past two weeks. His Republican challenger, state Senate President David Williams, hasn't yet reported his October fundraising total. Independent candidate Gatewood Galbraith filed a report showing he raised just more than $3,500 during the roughly two-week period.

Fayette County Inmate Indicted

{Kentucky}...Tuesday, a Fayette County grand jury indicted Trina Michelle Hurst, a Fayette County jail inmate, on a charge of second-degree escape, a felony. Hurst, who was being held on charges including probation violation, leaving the scene of an accident, driving with a suspended license and driving under the influence, was scheduled for release March 19th. She was allowed out of jail September 6th to attend the trial of 39 year old Timothy Meskimen, who was convicted of second-degree manslaughter September 9th. Prosecutors say Meskimen killed Hurst's father, Edgar T. Hurst, who was found beaten to death in a shallow grave at a makeshift campsite in Lexington last year. Hurst was arrested September 19th at a shopping center in Harrison County on an escape warrant.

Man Faces Possible Death Sentence

{Kentucky}...In a Kentucky courtroom Tuesday, Michael Dale St. Clair opted to let his attorneys question 51 year old Dennis Gene Reese. St. Clair is facing a possible death sentence in the 1991 slaying of Francis "Frank" Brady of Bardstown. Since first being convicted in 1998, the Kentucky Supreme Court has returned St. Clair for either a new trial or sentencing three times, most recently in April 2010, when it upheld his conviction but overturned the death sentence. Because only the penalty is in question, jurors were being asked only to decide if St. Clair should be sentenced to death or life in prison. St. Clair also faces a retrial in Brady's death in neighboring Hardin County, after the Kentucky Supreme Court overturned the conviction there. During his testimony, Reese laid out a story of how he and St. Clair escaped from a jail in Durant, Oklahoma, in September 1991, and went on a multi-state crime and killing spree through Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Louisiana and Tennessee that ended with Brady's death in October 1991.

Williams Criticizes Beshear

• {Kentucky}...At the kickoff of a statewide bus tour Monday, Republican gubernatorial candidate David Williams and his wife, Robyn Williams, made an early morning appearance before a small gathering of supporters at the Jefferson County GOP headquarters, accusing Governor Steve Beshear of hiding behind his campaign cash and offering no agenda for the state. At the start of his bus tour, Williams pitched his jobs plan, which seeks to eliminate the state personal and corporate income taxes, offer other tax relief for businesses, farmers and individuals and put a moratorium on new administrative regulations. Williams also made a pitch to voters in Louisville, northern Kentucky and Lexington. The harshest words came from Robyn Williams who accused Beshear of looking into a camera and lying to the people that elected him, telling them everything's OK and that we've got a surplus in our `rainy day' fund and a robust recovery that's happening. Williams also claimed Beshear had nothing to do with the amount of money put in the "rainy day fund."

Ellis Park To Offer "Instant Racing"

• {Kentucky}...Monday, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved Ellis Park's request to offer wagering on past horse races. Ron Geary, owner and president of the track, says it is going to increase purses and revenue for the state and it is going to result in 65-85 new full-time jobs. The Henderson track plans to install 252 machines on the ground floor of its clubhouse building during the first few months of 2012. "Instant Racing" is already available at Kentucky Downs in Franklin. In September, it became the first in the state to offer the game. The Family Foundation of Kentucky has a case before the Kentucky Court of Appeals arguing that it is illegal.

Walker Predicts Low Voter Turnout

• {Kentucky}...Secretary of State Elaine Walker predicted Monday that voter turnout in Kentucky for the November 8th general election is expected to be about 25 to 28 percent. That would be considerably lower than the 37.8 percent of Kentucky voters who turned out in 2007 during the last gubernatorial election. Walker said she did not think this year's turnout would be lower than the 22.4 percent in the 1999 race for governor when Democratic incumbent Paul Patton beat Peppy Martin. Walker says more than 5,600 absentee ballots have been requested to date and about 3,800 people already have voted by absentee ballot for a total of 9,506 absentee ballots. At this time in 2007, the state already had more than 37,000 requests for absentee ballots or votes by absentee.

Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Director Resigning

• {Kentucky}...Lisa Underwood, who has been executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for five years, has announced her resignation, effective November 16th. Underwood will rejoin the law firm of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs as a partner to practice equine and business law. Some achievements under Underwood include bringing an internationally recognized testing lab facility to Kentucky and the hiring of the commission's first equine medical director. Underwood has been on the board of directors and the executive committee of the Association of Racing Commissioners International. In 2009, RCI gave her the Len Foote Award for outstanding achievements and contributions. Deputy Executive Director Marc Guilfoil will be appointed interim executive director while a nationwide search is conducted for Underwood's replacement.

Sgt. Dakota Meyer Attends Keeneland's Family Day

• {Kentucky}...Keeneland's Family Day usually features Kentucky men training for the military, but, Sunday, Medal of Honor recipient Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer was on the sidelines of the Keeneland racetrack enjoying one of the traditions of his home state of Kentucky. Meyer says he has embarked on a new mission and is going to go to college in hopes of encouraging education in military families. Marine Sgt. Meyer said he did have opinions about President Obama's recent announcement to end the war in Iraq by the end of the year, but preferred to keep those opinions to himself. Sgt. Meyer said, "If that's the decision the commanders above us make, that's why they get paid more money than I do."  The horses wore camouflage saddle clothes, and, after the race, Meyer and all the jockeys signed the cloth. The saddle cloth will go on Meyer's website to be auctioned off and that money will go to a scholarship.

Rupp Arena Marks 35th Anniversary

• {Kentucky}...Rupp Arena marked the 35th anniversary of its opening concert this past week. The arena has hosted countless concerts, basketball games, circuses, ice shows and monster-truck rallies. The question is how many more anniversaries the home of University of Kentucky basketball will reach. Options include renovating the downtown arena or tearing it down and replacing it with a modern complex. Earlier this year, Mayor Jim Gray said many people think the civic center's arena and convention complex need a redesign and renovation to bring them up to competitive standards. UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said the arena where the Wildcats play must be "the gold standard."

Kentucky Reaches Settlement With Pfizer, Inc.

{Kentucky}...Attorney General Jack Conway has announced that Kentucky has reached a settlement with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Inc. over allegations of illegal off-label marketing of its urology drug Detrol. The settlement concludes a government investigation into the allegations that the company engaged in off-label marketing schemes to promote the sales of Detrol for uses that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The settlement will return $152,607 to the state's Medicaid program. The FDA approved Detrol in March 1998 for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency.

Kanter To Play At Rupp Arena

{Kentucky}...Enes Kanter is one of twelve former UK players scheduled to take the floor at Rupp Arena Monday night in an exhibition game against a group of "Villians" coached by former Duke All-American Christian Laettner. Kanter said, "I'm excited I am finally going to play at Rupp Arena in front of Kentucky's fans, it's great." Last season, the NCAA ruled Kanter permanently ineligible, ending his career at the University of Kentucky. Kanter, who spent the summer playing in his native Turkey with the national team and has been in California the last few weeks training with other NBA players, says he considers Lexington his hometown.

Fulton County Inmate Escapes

{Kentucky}...Kentucky State Police say Joseph Ray Powell, 35, escaped from the Fulton County Detention Center around 5:30 A.M. Saturday morning. Powell was serving time for second-degree robbery and fraudulent use of credit cards over $100. Powell is described as a 5-foot-10 white male, with blue eyes and brown hair.

KSP To Hold Prescription Medications Take Back

{Kentucky}...Prescription medications that are no longer needed can be dropped off at any Kentucky State Police Post from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. October 29th. For more information, you can visit the state police website at kentuckystatepolice.org or call (502) 782- 1780.

Office Of Employment Releases New Figures

{Kentucky}...The Kentucky Office of Employment and Training released the latest unemployment figures Friday showing a slight rise from 9.5 percent in August to 9.7 percent in September. Six job sectors reported declines in employment, with the government sector reporting the sharpest decline with 2,500 jobs lost. Construction dipped by 700 jobs, while the mining and logging sector lost 200. Manufacturing added 900 jobs in September and the educational and health services sector grew by 600.

UK Considering New Oversight Committee

{Kentucky}...Under a proposal approved Thursday by a special committee of trustees, oversight of athletics at the University of Kentucky would move from the UK Athletics Association to a committee of the UK Board of Trustees. The university said Thursday that the new committee would be similar to other board of trustees committees that oversee various operations, including the UK Chandler Hospital. The recommendation came from a specially formed committee of trustees that Chairman Britt Brockman formed shortly after former university President Lee T. Todd gave Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart a contract extension and raise without consulting the board of trustees or the Athletics Association board. Brockman says Barnhart's contract extension had nothing to do with the pending changes.

Ellis Park Seeking To Offer "Instant Racing"

{Kentucky}...Ellis Park in Henderson is seeking to offer "Instant Racing" wagering on past horse races, a game opponents say involves nothing more than slot machines. "Instant Racing" is already being played at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, which became the first in the state to offer the game in September. Ellis Park wants to put 252 machines on the ground floor of its clubhouse building. The request is on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's meeting agenda for Monday in Lexington. In a case currently before the Kentucky Court of Appeals, the Family Foundation of Kentucky argues that the game constitutes illegal gambling. A lower court ruled last year that the game is legal under pari-mutuel gambling laws.

UK No. 2 In Preseason Coaches’ Poll

{Kentucky}...UK is ranked No. 2 in a preseason coaches’ poll for 2012 NCAA Men’s basketball’s Top 25. It’s their highest preseason ranking since being tabbed No. 1 entering the 95-96 season. North Carolina ranked No. 1 on the list, while Louisville came in at No. 8. The Cats will play their Blue and White scrimmage game next Wednesday at Rupp Arena.  For ticket information call the Rupp Arena ticket office at 859-233-3535.

Former Alcohol Related Offenders Program Instructor Indicted

{Kentucky}...A Franklin County grand jury has indicted 39 year old Timothy Monhollen of Lexington, a former state instructor in Kentucky's Alcohol Related Offenders Program, on three counts of tampering with public records. Attorney General Jack Conway's office says Monhollen falsified entries in DUI program completion forms. Monhollen is due in court on December 2nd. He was a certified DUI assessor and DUI instructor in Boyle, Fayette, Jessamine, Lincoln and Mercer counties. The charges against Monhollen are Class D felonies that carry a possible sentence of up to five years in prison.

Cuban Immigrant Wanted In Kentucky

{Kentucky}...Rodolfo Bouza, a 46 year old Cuban immigrant from Miami, is wanted in Kentucky on charges that he defrauded the health care plan by submitting bills for medical supplies Chris Covington, a criminal investigator with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, says he never delivered nor had any intention of producing. Covington says Bouza's case is connected to the prosecutions of four other men in Louisville. Two of those men are awaiting trial, while the other two have pleaded guilty and agreed to repay $1.9 million to the government. Covington and Gary Cantrell, assistant inspector general for investigations for Health and Human Services in Washington, say the scheme started in Miami with someone hiring recruiters and sprawling across the country, usually ending with someone like Bouza operating a small office and billing operation. Two recruiters hired Bouza, 50 year old Leobaldo Perez Gonzalez of Miami and 31 year old Alexander Castillo Dopico, as "nominee owners" to run small offices in Louisville and apply to become Medicare suppliers, giving them access to names of patients and doctors in the programs. Bouza's company, Newberg Services, Inc., billed Medicare $750,000 for bandages and durable medical equipment that were never produced.

Wurtland DuPont Worker Dies

• {Kentucky}...Roger Owens, a worker at the DuPont Plant in Wurtland, Kentucky died Tuesday after being burned by sulfuric acid while on the job in September. Owens had been in the hospital since September 29th when he was flown to the burn unit at Cabell Huntington Hospital. DuPont plant officials and OSHA are investigating the accident. Owens had worked at the plant for six years.

Court of Appeals Dismisses Restoring America Request

• {Kentucky}...The Kentucky Court of Appeals dismissed a request Wednesday to overturn Judge Thomas Wingate's restraining order that halted attack ads against Governor Steve Beshear. A three-judge panel said the group needed to ask Wingate to reconsider the restraining order before filing the appeal. Restoring America, Inc. lawyer Dale V. Bring said in a letter Wednesday that the group has filed updated paperwork with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance in hopes of getting the TV spots running again. The paperwork shows that the group has spent $1.4 million on ads, but it doesn't show who contributed. Republican gubernatorial candidate David Williams' father-in-law, Russell Springs businessman Terry Stephens, said Wednesday he's providing financial support to the group. He also said his contributions are no indication of coordination between the Williams campaign and Restoring America.

Kentucky Family Dealing With Tragedy

{ Kentucky}...A Kentucky family originally from Alabama is dealing with tragedy as Mary Williams searches for answers as to how her son wound up dead in a reservoir and officers say they couldn’t find his clothes. Kentucky State Police say the preliminary cause of the death of 2 year old Gage Max Williams, who went missing from his home in the Pine Knot community of McCreary County Tuesday, has been determined to be accidental drowning. The toddler's body was discovered several hours later in the nearby Laurel Creek Reservoir, just north of Ed Branscum Road. Williams says her son was wearing a shirt and pants when he went missing, and the distance from her home to the lake is rugged and hilly. She doubts Gage would travel that distance by himself. Kentucky State Police say all Williams questions are a part of their active and ongoing death investigation.

State Auditor Candidate Returns Contributions

{Kentucky}...Republican John Kemper has returned near $1,200 in contributions given to his auditor campaign by government officials, and he is challenging Democratic candidate Adam Edelen to do the same. Edelen has accepted nearly $75,000 in contributions from government officials, and Kemper says it should be returned to guard against future conflicts if he's elected.

Toddler Found Dead In Laurel Creek Reservoir

• {Kentucky}...KSP Trooper Don Trosper says a body found in the Laurel Creek Reservoir in the Pine Knot community of McCreary County is believed to be that of Gage Max Williams, who went missing from a home on Ed Branscum Road on Tuesday. State police began a search after being notified around 1:20 P.M. At about 6:55 P.M., they were notified that a child had been found dead in the reservoir, which is just north of Ed Branscum Road. Police say they do not suspect foul play.

Group Seeks To Resume Beshear Attack Ads

• {Kentucky}...Restoring America, an independent political group which supports Republican David Williams, filed a motion Tuesday asking that Franklin County Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate's order keeping attack ads against Democratic Governor Steve Beshear off the air be overturned. Douglas J. Hallock, an attorney for Restoring America, says the constitutional right of free speech is at issue in a legal action brought by the Kentucky Democratic Party. Wingate issued the restraining order Monday after the Kentucky Democratic Party argued Restoring America violated state campaign finance law by not disclosing who donated $1.3 million in contributions. State law requires such groups to identify their donors in reports to the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. A hearing is set for Thursday afternoon on a motion to require Restoring America to disclose the contributors.

Louisville Company Wins Sherman Minton Bridge Project

{Kentucky}...Hall Contracting of Kentucky, the Louisville company selected to repair the closed Sherman Minton Bridge, says it can have the work done by early March at a cost of $13.9 million. The firm’s winning bid is well below the $20 million Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear estimated last month it would cost, and its proposed completion date of March 2nd is at least 1 1/2 months less than both governors expected. The reinforcement plan calls for 2.4 million pounds of new steel to be bolted to beams running the length of the bridge beneath the lower roadways, and,  according to federal requirements, the steel must be produced in the United States.

Kentucky Teacher Of The Year Awarded

{Kentucky}...Kimberly Shearer, an English teacher from Boone County High School has been named Kentucky Teacher of the Year. Shearer received the honor, sponsored by Ashland Inc., in a ceremony at the state Capitol  Tuesday. Shearer, a graduate of Georgetown College who holds master's degrees from Northern Kentucky University and Western Kentucky University, also serves as her school's writing coordinator. Elizabeth Ann Fuller, a third grade reading and writing teacher at J.B. Atkinson Academy in Jefferson County, was named 2012 Elementary School Teacher of the Year. And Jenni Lou Jackson, an eighth grade language arts teacher at Corbin Middle School, was named 2012 Middle School Teacher of the Year. Ashland Inc. Teacher Achievement Awards also went to 21 other teachers.

Tobacco Distributor Pleads Not Guilty

{ Kentucky}...Forty-one year old Pedro "Peter" Bello, of Miami, Florida, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges in Kentucky of using phony invoices to avoid paying taxes on millions of dollars' worth of cigarettes that he sold in several states. During an arraignment in Louisville, U.S. Magistrate Judge Dave Whalin restricted Bello's travel to Kentucky and south Florida without permission of a probation officer. Bello's attorney Kent Westberry, told Whalin that restricting travel completely to south Florida and the Kentucky area "would make it virtually impossible" for his client to operate his tobacco wholesaler business. Whalin set a December 12th trial date. Prosecutors want Bello to forfeit $2 million if he's convicted. Federal investigators have been tracking Bello since at least 2002, when prosecutors in Texas sought to secretly listen to cellphone conversations involving him. He was linked to several large-scale investigations and named in a civil lawsuit brought by the city of New York over untaxed cigarettes, but never charged until the current case.

Capilouto Formally Installed As UK President

{Kentucky}...Tuesday, University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto was formally installed, after being on the job for almost four months. Capilouto is UK's 12th president. Capilouto marked the occasion with a bold promise to build new dormitories and classroom buildings. Capilouto said to a full audience at the Singletary Center for the Arts that this is the University of Kentucky's time to honor a promise that goes back 150 years, a covenant to improve the Commonwealth by educating its citizens. Capilouto, who came to UK from the provost position at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, is expected to discuss a facilities plan in more detail at the October 25th Board of Trustees meeting.

Georgetown College Player Faces Drug Charge

{Kentucky}...Georgetown Police have arrested 22 year old Michael Syrett and charged him with trafficking a controlled substance. Police say the Georgetown College junior transfer received 1,100 percoset pills, with an estimated street value of $33,000,  in the mail Friday on campus. Detectives say Syrett told them the pills were for someone else.

Paul Releases Hold On Oil/Gas Regulation

{Kentucky}...Senator Rand Paul has dropped his “hold” on a bill to toughen federal safety regulation of oil and gas pipelines. Oil and gas pipeline industry officials and congressional aides said last month that Paul and his staff had explained privately that he was blocking efforts to pass the bill using unanimous consent procedures that avoid a lengthy debate because he is opposed in principle to its expansion of federal regulation. Paul agreed to drop his opposition to the measure after winning agreement from its sponsors to add an amendment to the bill to close a gap in regulations that allows older pipelines to escape safety testing requirements.

Conway And P’Pool Debate

{Kentucky}...In a live debate Monday night on Kentucky Educational Television, candidates for Kentucky Attorney General battled over federal health-care reform, drug enforcement and the role of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Republican Todd P’Pool, challenging Democrat incumbent Jack Conway, promised to join the litigation challenging the federal health care reform law of 2010 and attacked Conway for not doing so. Conway, in turn, said he’s running on his record of managing an efficient office under a tight budget and sees no reason to join litigation already headed to final resolution by the U.S Supreme Court. Conway said he’s going to put Kentucky first and attack Kentucky problems. P’Pool and Conway also sparred over illegal methamphetamine labs and whether psuedoephedreine, an over-the-counter cold medication, should be changed to a prescription-only medication. P’Pool said he would rather see a lifetime ban on meth traffickers from buying the medication than punish “soccer moms” who need drugs commonly sold as Sudafed for their families. Conway said the problem is that meth labs have proliferated around Kentucky and have the worst impact on children who are in homes where adults are using hazardous chemicals to produce meth. Conway noted that he joined U.S. Representative Hal Rogers, R-Somerset, in calling for the medication to be restricted to prescription only even though it’s not popular with most consumers.

KFC Yum Center Expected To Show Profit

• {Kentucky}...During its first year of operation in Louisville, the KFC Yum Center arena, which spent years in the making at a cost of $238 million, has had a dramatic effect on Louisville's entertainment, sports and downtown business scenes. Since it opened last October, it has drawn big names in entertainment, such as Elton John, Kid Rock and Katy Perry, and new attendance records have been set for University of Louisville men's and women's basketball games. Dennis Petrullo, director of event bookings for the Louisville area for AEG Facilities, which is responsible for concerts at the Yum! Center said most non-UofL events at the arena had strong ticket sales, and only a handful had disappointing sales. The Yum! Center was partially funded by $75 million in state-backed bonds. The most recent financial report for January through July of this year showed a net loss of $467,402, but Jim Host, chairman of the Louisville Arena Authority, says it doesn't include revenue from the arena's first three months or the $2 million in concert sales since July. He also noted that there will be 20 home basketball games from October through the end of the year. Host said he is confident after crunching the numbers that the arena will show a profit of between $500,000 and $1.2 million in its first year.

Beshear Kicks Off Statewide Bus Tour

• {Kentucky}...Sunday, Governor Steve Beshear kicked off a statewide bus tour with other Democratic candidates hoping to boost all of his party's down-ballot candidates ahead of the November 8th general election. Beshear told about 50 supporters who crowded into his Lexington office Sunday afternoon, "If folks don't go vote, we don't win." Polls have Beshear leading Republican David Williams by 25 to 30 percentage points. Hoping to capitalize on that popularity, fellow Democrats running for agriculture commissioner, attorney general, auditor, secretary of state and treasurer seized the chance to join Beshear on the bus tour.  Speaking for the Williams campaign, Republican Party Chairman Steve Robertson said Democratic unity isn't so impressive. We've known for some time that the Democratic ticket is united in its support of Barack Obama for President, abortion, and Steve Beshear's record of high unemployment, but it was nice of them to reaffirm it for us. Republican insider Larry Forgy, a Frankfort attorney, said Kentucky voters are suspicious of all the money being spent by Democrats, and that could play in Williams' favor. Forgy said, "I don't want to argue with all the polls, but I simply will say that it isn't over until the people go vote. And, the Democrats rely on an awful lot of people who are driven to the polls by excitement, and their vote is not as reliable as a conservative vote."

Boyd County Teen Arrested

• {Kentucky}...Boyd County Deputies arrested 19 year old Joshua Smith in Rush, Kentucky late Saturday after he confessed to attempting to rob a newspaper deliveryman and a Kentucky Electric Steel security guard at gunpoint for some cash and pills. Smith is charged with carrying a concealed deadly weapon and two counts or robbery.

EKU Freshman Charged With Arson

{Kentucky}...Eastern Kentucky University police have charged Samuel Stephen McFarland, a freshman from Williamsburg who lives in Commonwealth Hall, with arson, criminal mischief and wanton endangerment after a Thursday morning dorm fire that temporarily displaced students. EKU spokesman Marc Whitt said McFarland is accused of setting two bulletin boards, on the 8th and 19th floors, on fire shortly before 4:15 A.M. The fires damaged walls and activated the building's sprinkler systems.

KSP To Participate In National Operation Safe Driver Week

{Kentucky}...According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, aggressive and unsafe drivers are primary factors in more deaths on our roadways than a 737 airplane crashing every other week. Beginning Sunday, Kentucky State Police will join in a national campaign to reduce the number of traffic fatalities resulting from aggressive and unsafe drivers during Operation Safe Driver week. During this time, law enforcement officers across the U.S. will respond vigorously to aggressive and unsafe drivers as well as step-up seat-belt enforcement. Operation Safe Driver focuses on avoiding distracted and aggressive driving and warns drivers to buckle-up, pay attention, slow down, avoid tailgating and stay out of blind spots.

Consensus Forecasting Group Considers General Fund

{Kentucky}...The Consensus Forecasting Group met Friday with state budget officials and estimated that revenue in the state's $9 billion General Fund will grow by 2.8 percent, which is less than the 3.5 percent growth rate predicted in August. The group earlier estimated that the state would end fiscal 2012 with a $192 million surplus. The economists plan to update the estimate again in December with a final forecast in January. The group cautioned that the national and international economy could hurt the state's finances over the next two years.

Beshear Campaign Explains Emails

• {Kentucky}...State employees have given nearly $850,000 to the re-election campaign of Governor Steve Beshear. The Kentucky Republican Party complained this summer that the administration was illegally targeting state workers for contributions. That issue gained more traction Thursday when administration officials acknowledged that Finance Secretary Lori Flanery used her state email account, apparently by mistake, to contact some of the roughly 175 people invited to an October 12th fundraiser she planned to host for Beshear. Republican Party Chairman Steve Robertson said Friday, as he did Thursday night, that Beshear must release the names of those who received Flanery’s emails. Friday, the Beshear campaign released a list of those to whom Flanery emailed retractions after she realized some invitations had gone out from her state email account, but it said it could not supply a list of all those who got the original emails.

Lawrence County Grand Jury Indicts Anesthesiologist

• {Kentucky}...Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway says Lee Adam Balaklaw, an anesthesiologist from Louisa who formerly owned two eastern Kentucky pain clinics, has been incited by a Lawrence County Grand Jury on 20 counts of Medicaid fraud following an investigation into his billing practices at Anesthesia Associates of Louisa. The indictment alleges Balaklaw intentionally or wantonly submitted fraudulent and false claims to Medicaid by claiming he treated multiple patients using pain treatment injections into the tendon. The charges allege that from January 2007 through July 2010, Balaklaw fraudulently billed $90,000 for the 29 patients.

Contract Extended For UofL President

{Kentucky}...The University of Louisville trustees have extended President James R. Ramsey's contract through 2020. Compensation issues are to be worked out later by the board and the UofL Foundation, which pays part of Ramsey's salary. Ramsey is currently paid $478,939 annually after accepting a 5 percent raise in July. His contract had been set to expire in June. During Ramsey's tenure, the university has improved its six-year graduation rate from 33 percent to 50.8 percent, annual research expenditures from $80.9 million to $198.4 million and the university's endowment from $478.9 million to $783.2 million. Trustee Marie Abrams, who represents alumni, says Ramsey understands Kentucky's postsecondary education reform law of 1997 better than anybody with the possible exception of former Governor Paul Patton, who signed it.

Hearing Continues For Fort Campbell Army Sgt.

{Kentucky}...Attorneys for Fort Campbell Army Sgt. Brent Burke, who is charged in the murder of his estranged wife and another woman in Kentucky in 2007, questioned the credibility of the police investigation during a hearing to determine whether he should face a court-martial. The Army charged Sgt. Burke in the deaths of Tracy Burke and her former mother-in-law Karen Comer after civilian authorities in Hardin County dismissed charges against him due to four mistrials. Burke's attorneys questioned Detective Larry Walker during the Article 32 hearing on Friday at the installation on the Tennessee-Kentucky state line. This is Burke's second Article 32 hearing, which is similar to a civilian grand jury proceeding. Defense attorneys asked for a second hearing after his case was referred to a general court-martial.

Clay County Constable's Wife To Plead Guilty

{Kentucky}...Jennifer Roberts, the wife of Clay County constable Jack Roberts, is expected to plead guilty to illegally selling pain pills. Police arrested Jennifer Roberts and her husband Jack Roberts in July after they both allegedly sold pills to an informant. Jack Roberts is scheduled to go on trial next week.

Coal Operators Lax On Gubernatorial Campaign Donations

{ Kentucky}...Coal operators with a reputation of using their money to influence elections have been keeping their wallets closed this year in Kentucky. According to reports filed Wednesday with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, Republican David Williams has received about $24,000 from employees of the state's largest coal companies, while Governor Steve Beshear, a coal advocate who is seeking re-election to a second term, picked up about $14,000. Phil Osborne, executive director of the mining advocacy group Faces of Coal, said Kentucky miners and coal operators haven't been as financially engaged this year because they consider both of the major candidates friendly to their industry, even though GOP-sponsored TV and radio ads have attacked Beshear as an anti-coal Democrat. David Adams, executive director of the conservative political group Kentucky Knows Best, says coal companies don't need to get involved in the governor's race because they win either way. Independent candidate Lexington attorney Gatewood Galbraith opposes mountaintop removal.

Kentucky Preacher Found Dead In Tennessee

{Kentucky}...Police say a body found near Rock Creek Park in Lewisburg, Tennessee has been identified as 49 year old David Dickinson of Elkton, a Kentucky preacher missing since September. Police say Dickinson was at a revival in Lewisburg on September 26th, when he went for a walk and never returned. The cause of death continues to be investigated, but officials say there were no signs of foul play.

First Lady Jane Beshear Announces Equestrian Trail

{Kentucky}...First Lady Jane Beshear announced Thursday that a new equestrian trail in Harlan County will connect to Cumberland Gap National Park. The planned nine-mile long trail will be called the Brush Mountain Trail. The trail will follow the historic route of Sherman Hensley, who moved supplies up and down the Cumberland Mountain range to and from Hensley Settlement, an early 1900s settlement preserved by the National Park Service.

Beshear's Re-Election Campaign Outraises Williams'

• {Kentucky}...According to disclosure forms filed Wednesday with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, Governor Steve Beshear's re-election campaign has raised more than $4.1 million since May, about four times more than Republican candidate David Williams raised during that period. Beshear's campaign reported having $1.07 million cash on hand for the most recent filing period from May 17th to October 7th. The campaign said it has pre-purchased $1 million of television advertisements for the final weeks of the campaign. Williams reported raising $1.02 million for the general election and had $261,802.50 cash on hand. Williams is running with Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer. Election Day is November 8th.

New York Racing Board Revokes Dutrow's License

• {Kentucky}...The New York State Racing and Wagering Board revoked trainer Richard Dutrow, Jr.’s license on Wednesday and fined Dutrow $50,000 for violations relating to a post-race positive of one of his horses and the unlicensed possession of hypodermic syringes. Dutrow, who trained 2008 Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, is banned for 10 years. The ban and fine represent one of the most significant cumulative penalties issued by the group. Board Chairman John Sabini said, "New York’s racing industry has no place or patience for Mr. Dutrow. His repeated violations and disregard of the rules of racing has eroded confidence in the betting public and caused an embarrassment throughout the industry.”

Secretary Of State Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

• {Kentucky}...Kentucky Secretary of State Elaine Walker announced Wednesday that she was diagnosed October 4th with breast cancer. Walker says she will complete the remaining 21/2 months of her term as she undergoes treatment. Walker said, "I am now one of 3,000 Kentuckians who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year." Walker says a routine mammogram and follow-up tests detected the cancer early. She and her doctors are still in early discussions about treatment options, but it's certain that surgery will be part of her treatment. Walker says she chose to make the information public to encourage more women to do routine self-exams and to get mammograms.

Former Blue Grass Airport Director Probated

{Kentucky}...Wednesday, Fayette County Circuit Judge Pamela Goodwine approved 18 months probation for 53 year old John P. Slone, the former director of planning and development at the Blue Grass Airport, who admitted playing a part in an airport spending scandal. Slone was sentenced to 12 months in jail in June 2010 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit theft by deception, a misdemeanor, in the airport scandal. Goodwine conditionally discharged that sentence for two years. In June, Goodwine ordered Slone to serve 12 months in jail after he violated the terms of his conditional discharge by being arrested for driving under the influence in Bartholomew County, Indiana. He pleaded guilty in May.

Former Legal Aid Director Files Lawsuit

{Kentucky}...Cynthia Elliott, who is black, filed a employment-discrimination lawsuit last week, claiming the board of the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky, which she once directed, fired her because of her gender and race and in retaliation for her firing white employees. Elliott said in her lawsuit that the AppalReD board falsely accused her of stealing $10,600 through the use of one of its bank cards. The agency is the main provider of civil legal help for poor people in eastern Kentucky. The board dismissed Elliott in January after information from an internal whistle blower sparked an investigation. She had been director of the agency, known by the acronym AppalReD, since 2007, and had been one of its staff attorneys earlier. Jonathan Picklesimer, the interim executive director, said Wednesday that an audit completed since then shows AppalReD overspent its budget by nearly $1 million during the past four years, and the non-profit used reserve funds to make up for the deficit.

Paducah Man Sues Facebook

• {Kentucky}...David Hoffman of Paducah has filed a federal lawsuit against the social networking company Facebook that accuses it of violating wiretap laws by recording his Web browsing history when he wasn't logged into the site. Hoffman is asking a judge to grant class-action status to represent the roughly 150 million Facebook users in the United States. Hoffman's lawsuit seeks a preliminary and temporary injunction restraining Facebook from intercepting electronic information when users aren't logged in and from disclosing any of the information already acquired. It also seeks damages of $100 per day for each of the class members or $10,000 per violation, along with an undisclosed amount in punitive damages. The Kentucky lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court, is similar to cases filed in recent weeks in California, Kansas and Louisiana stemming from the revelation that Facebook placed programs known as tracking cookies on the browsers of its users that traced their Internet activity. Each of those lawsuits also seeks to represent Facebook users in the United States. When the issue of the cookies first arose, the company issued a statement saying there was no security or privacy breach and Facebook did not store or use any information it should not have. The company said many sites use cookies to personalize content and provide security.

Education Commissioner's International Trips Defended

• {Kentucky}...Tuesday, Education spokeswoman Lisa Gross defended recent international trips by Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday that were financed by the Pearson Foundation, a foundation associated with a company that does business with the Kentucky Department of Education. Sunday, a story in the New York Times questioned such trips by Holliday and other top U.S. educators that were funded by the Pearson Foundation, quoting critics suggesting that the trips were "junkets" that might raise ethical issues for those involved. The New York Times story said some experts think the Pearson organization might be using its foundation's funding of such trips to boost its education-related business, which could violate the federal tax code. Gross said Holliday took trips to international education conferences in China in May and Brazil in September, and the trips were organized through the Council of Chief State School Officers, made up of the top education officials in each state. The Pearson Foundation is associated with Pearson Inc., a major national publishing company that received a $57.7 million, seven-year state contract to prepare the new K-Prep student test and perform related work. Gross said the Pearson Inc. contract was awarded through Kentucky's state procurement process, and Holliday was not involved.

Kentucky Traffic Deaths Down

• {Kentucky}...The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety reports traffic deaths are down 7.7 percent statewide from the same time last year, and the commonwealth appears to be on track for a sixth consecutive year of decline. Officials say the number of crashes in northern Kentucky counties, where a considerable amount of highway construction is under way, are up 27.2 percent, although there have been only three deaths, one fewer than this time last year. Authorities say installation of cable barriers on interstate highways and the presence of police in construction zones have helped cut the number of traffic deaths.

Worker Admits To Stealing From London Cracker Barrel

• {Kentucky}...Police in London arrested Jesse Eldridge Monday for stealing nearly $10,000 worth of merchandise from the Cracker Barrel where he worked. Officers responded to the Cracker Barrel in London after a manager witnessed an employee loading his vehicle with items he had taken from the gift shop. Eldridge admitted to police that he had been stealing merchandise from the store over the past several months, storing some at his apartment and some inside a storage building on KY 192. Officers uncovered nearly $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise. Eldridge was charged with receiving stolen property and theft by unlawful taking.

Ethics Commission Dismisses Complaint Against Candidate

• {Kentucky}...The Legislative Ethics Commission filed an order Tuesday afternoon, dismissing a complaint filed against Republican agriculture commissioner candidate James Comer, who stood accused by political opponents of using a state employee to work on his campaign during regular business hours. Comer, a state lawmaker form Tompkinsville, is running for agriculture commissioner against Democrat Bob Farmer, a Louisville marketing strategist. At issue were Facebook postings that the Farmer campaign alleged were filed by a state worker on state time. The ethics panel said the complaint against Comer contained "significant errors."

Deer Collisions In The Fall

(Kentucky)  When asked to identify the most dangerous animal in the United States, most people, depending on where they live, would likely point first to a bear, mountain lion, alligator or even a shark. While those are all seemingly logical choices, statistics from the Insurance Information Institute reveal that the deadliest animal roaming the country is actually the white-tailed deer.

According to the Insurance Information Institute's estimates, each year white-tailed deer are responsible for tens of thousands of injuries and the deaths of approximately 150 Americans simply by causing car accidents. Those collisions also carry the hefty price tag of $4.6 billion annually in insurance claims. Locally, data from the Kentucky State Police (KSP) shows that the collisions also have seasonal peaks. Nearly 47% of all collisions with deer take place during the months of October, November and December.

The primary reason why the number of deer collisions increases in the fall is that's when deer are breeding  It's what deer have on their mind to find other deer, not worry about where the cars are headed.

Commission Focuses On Kentucky Retirement Systems

• {Kentucky}...The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which regulates investment markets, wants to depose officials at the Kentucky Retirement Systems as part of its "informal inquiry" into the role of placement agents at the $13 billion pension fund. In June, state Auditor Crit Luallen issued a report on business practices at KRS that revealed nearly $11.6 million in fees paid or committed to placement agents from 2007 to 2010. Several current and former KRS executives have received subpoenas from the SEC, and all members of the KRS board of trustees since 2007 are expected to be deposed. Attorneys for KRS are trying to negotiate a deal with the SEC so the interviews are conducted in Kentucky rather than forcing everyone to travel to New York. Luallen said placement agent Glen Sergeon of New York enjoyed close access to KRS through his previously undisclosed relationship with Adam Tosh, then KRS' chief investment officer. Tosh resigned in 2010, shortly after internal auditors at KRS questioned him about nearly $6 million in fees paid to Sergeon.

Trainer Positive About Injured Colt’s Life

• {Kentucky}...Trainer Kenny McPeek said Monday that it would be a miracle if Here Comes Frazier, the 2 year old colt that fractured his right hock while crashing into Keeneland’s turf-course rail while leading the Bourbon Stakes nearing mid-stretch, ever returns to racing. But, he expressed confidence that the colt’s life is not in jeopardy. X-rays showed that Here Comes Frazier has no fractures to his hip or pelvis, but fractures to his right hock are complex. McPeek says Here Comes Frazier's hock probably has three or four different cracks in it, small pieces on the outside and one major fracture that runs through the center. The problem is that they can’t see the center fracture very well. They decided they didn’t want to operate on him for a week or 10 days to see how that particular area responds. And they can’t put a screw in it because they don’t know what direction to go at it from.

National Association Drafting Kentucky Meth Bill

• {Kentucky}...Kentucky is currently fourth in the nation when it comes to meth production. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association says meth production is a problem in Kentucky and as a result they are drafting a bill that would prevent convicted meth offenders from purchasing over the counter pseudoephedrine. CHPA representatives say the bill would also lower the purchase of pseudoephedrine to seven and half grams per month and sixty grams annually. Elizabeth Funderburk, Senior Director of Media Relations at CHPA, says compromise is the solution to the meth epidemic in Kentucky. Funderburk says the Association hopes implementing the meth offender registry block list, which is expected to soon be in use in Tennessee, will strike at the heart of the criminal meth cook. Dan Smoot with Operation UNITE says the meth registry won't work for the same reason meth check doesn't work. People just get others to buy the products for them.

Louisville Using Electronic EPO Process

{Kentucky}...Louisville has become the first community in the nation to process emergency-protective orders electronically. Louisville has been testing the system since August 22nd. Court officials say obtaining protection orders and getting them into the hands of law enforcement  has long been a time-consuming process, but, under the system, the average amount of time it has taken for nearly 400 petitions to be signed is less than 30 minutes. Officials, including U.S. Representative John Yarmuth, D-3rd District, say they hope the rest of the state will get the system soon. Christian County is next in line to get it in a few weeks.

Tractor Trailer Stolen In Greenup County

{Kentucky}...Kentucky State Police are investigating after two men stole the cab of tractor trailer from the Marathon Truck Stop in Greenup County at 3:00 A.M. Sunday morning. Troopers say surveillance video shows the two men unhooking the trailer from the cab, gaining entry to the locked cab and then driving off. The cab is a medium blue, 2005 Peterbilt Conventional style CAB/Sleeper with dual chrome bull-hauler stacks. The truck has Kentucky license number A10431. Anyone with any information concerning the theft is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police at 606-928-6421.

Horse Injured In Bourbon Stakes At Keeneland

• {Kentucky}...Jockey Julien Leparoux escaped serious injury in Sunday’s $150,000 Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland, but Here Comes Frazier sustained a life-threatening injury when the 2 year old colt crashed into the turf-course rail while seemingly shying from the jockey’s right-hand whip in the upper stretch. The colt was taken to Rood & Riddle equine hospital after suffering a compound fracture of his right hock. Here Comes Frazier, the second choice, had led all the way and had a one-length lead about the three-sixteenths pole when Leparoux raised the whip. Leparoux later said he did not actually strike the colt and could not say for sure that caused Here Comes Frazier to careen sideways into the rail, falling and bouncing back into the aluminum structure. Leparoux went sailing over the rail, tumbling and skidding for at least several yards. Trainer Kenny McPeek said after the race that Here Comes Frazier, a seven-length winner in an Arlington maiden race in his only other start, had never been hit with a whip.

Drug Companies Against Prescriptions For Cold Medicines

• {Kentucky}...A representative of companies that produce cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, a main ingredient in methamphetamine, suggested to the Interim Joint Committee on the Judiciary Friday that Kentucky lawmakers need to consider an alternative rather than to require a prescription for the drugs.

Carlos Gutierrez, with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, says those convicted of meth crimes could be placed on a registry of people banned from buying the drugs. Dan Smoot, who leads the drug task force Operation Unite in southeastern Kentucky, says a registry would not work because most of the people who make meth don't buy the cold medicines themselves.

Two Physicians Working To Preserve Boone's Trace

• {Kentucky}...Dr. Sam Compton of Nashville, Tennessee, and Dr. John Fox of Lexington, Kentucky, members of the Boone Society, are working together to preserve a trail blazed by Daniel Boone in 1775 from East Tennessee to central Kentucky. The physicians say the trail known as Boone's Trace could be turned into an avenue of economic development, education and recreation. Boone's Trace passes through the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and three Kentucky state parks - Pine Mountain in Bell County, Levi Jackson in Laurel County and Fort Boonesborough in Madison County. Author K. Randell Jones, who wrote a book about Boone's journeys, says Boone's Trace could become "an economic engine" if it is marked properly and promoted. Fox says the directors of the Cumberland Gap and Levi Jackson parks are interested in the idea. Some areas of Boone's Trace are already marked.

Judge Rules Against Taco Bell

• {Kentucky}...U.S. District Court Judge Phyllis Hamilton in Oakland, California has ruled that Taco Bell violated federal and California laws protecting the disabled from discrimination. Judge Hamilton is now deciding what improvements the company must make to the 220 stores it owns in California and how much to fine the fast-food chain. Hamilton ruled that a store in San Pablo, which is being used as an example of all the company-owned California locations, failed to provide proper handicap parking, wheelchair access and other accommodations for the disabled. The ruling was prompted by a class action lawsuit filed in December 2002. Taco Bell is owned by Louisville, Ky.-based Yum Brands Inc.

Former Clerk Pleads Guilty To Lottery Fraud

• {Kentucky}...Thirty-eight year old Joanne Wiggins, a who worked as a store clerk at a Meijer Gas in Louisville, pleaded guilty Friday and agreed to serve five years in prison for lottery fraud. Wiggins and three other people were indicted this summer after undercover Kentucky Lottery Corp. security officers took winning scratch-off tickets to retailers and asked if the tickets were winners. The four were accused of telling the officers that the tickets were losers so they could cash them. Wiggins will be sentenced November 7th.

Bond Lowered For Former Pastor

• {Kentucky}...Thursday, Harlan County Special Judge James Bowling lowered the bond for former Loyall Church of God pastor Jeremy Caraway. Caraway was charged in July with nine counts, including second-degree rape and first-degree sexual abuse. His attorney, Linda West, says Caraway's family left Harlan County because of threats after the charges were filed. Caraway pleaded not guilty at an arraignment in August.

Committee Raises Money To Re-Elect Jack Conway

• {Kentucky}...The Bluegrass Democratic Attorneys General Association has created an independent political committee that has raised more than $600,000 to support Jack Conway's bid for re-election. The Association filed a list of contributors Friday that shows large donations from corporations and organized labor, including $50,000 from Office Depot and $25,000 each from the American Federation of Teachers, Altria Client Services , Pfizer and others. Travis Berry, executive director of the Denver-based Democratic Attorneys General Association, is listed as chairman. He said the new committee was formed to support the Democratic candidate for attorney general in Kentucky, and Conway is not connected with the committee and has nothing to do with its fundraising.

Judge Rules In Favor Of Coal Industry

{Kentucky}...U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., has ruled in favor of the coal industry in a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2009, the EPA announced it would be scrutinizing permits for valley fills, which are used in mountaintop removal. Now, 21 permits are pending, including 13 in Kentucky. The National Mining Association sued the agency, questioning its jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act to review permits for mountaintop removal mines. The judge’s ruling means power over the permits could revert back to the Army Corps of Engineers, which has traditionally had authority over those particular permits. Luke Popovich, spokesman for the NMA, said, “We’re encouraged and we really think this is hopefully a sign that the EPA will take to heart, and take a long and hard look at how it’s going about trying to discourage coal mining and coal production and use in this country.” Environmental groups criticized the ruling, and say granting the permits will put air and water quality in jeopardy.

Accused Elliott County Murderers In Court

{Kentucky}...The man and woman arrested following the murder of an Elliott County man were in court Thursday morning, just hours before the victim’s funeral. Earl Ray Adkins, 48, was found shot to death outside his house in Sandy Hook Sunday morning. Sunday night, police arrested Bobby Gilliam, 31, of Sandy Hook, in Clinton County, Ohio. He is now back in Elliott County where he is charged with capital murder. Melinda Applegate, 27, of Sandy Hook, was arrested following an interview with State Police detectives Tuesday afternoon and charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, and tampering with physical evidence. Both Gilliam and Applegate were arraigned in Elliott County District Court Thursday morning.
Gilliam was denied bond, and Applegate’s bond was set at $1 million.

AG Rules University Medical Center Inc. Public

{Kentucky}...Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway ruled Thursday that University Medical Center Inc., the nonprofit corporation that operates University Hospital, is a public institution, not a private one as the hospital and the University of Louisville have claimed in arguments for a proposed merger. Conway found that University Medical Center Inc. was established and created, and is controlled by the University of Louisville. Conway said UMC violated the state’s open-records law when it refused to turn over records requested by ACLU of Kentucky. Conway’s decision will not directly affect the fate of the proposed merger between three hospital systems, which would put University Hospital under Catholic control, but the finding reinforces the earlier positions by Conway and Governor Steve Beshear that the deal cannot take place without the approval of state government, which owns the hospital property and granted the contract for University Medical Center to operate it. The finding also could have implications for the merger’s fate because arguments that the deal would violate the Constitution’s ban on government favoring a religion are based on University Hospital being public.

National Rifle Association Rates Williams And Beshear

{Kentucky}...The National Rifle Association has given Democratic Governor Steve Beshear and Republican challenger David Williams "A" ratings in the November 8th general election. Heidi Keesling, the NRA's Kentucky liaison, said the group won't be making an endorsement in the governor's race. Keesling says NRA members will interpret the "A" ratings of Beshear and Williams to mean that both candidates are pro-gun and pro-hunting and that they support the right to keep and bear arms. Keesling says the ratings shouldn't be considered political endorsements.