Study Shows Costs For Rupp Arena

• {Lexington, Kentucky}...Lexington Mayor Jim Gray told state lawmakers Wednesday that he wants to hear from the privately funded Arena, Arts & Entertainment Task Force, which is scheduled to complete its work January 31st on a proposal for the 46-acre district that includes Rupp Arena. The feasibility study shows it would cost less than half as much to renovate Rupp Arena than to demolish the University of Kentucky basketball venue and build another one. The report concludes the city could overhaul the downtown arena for $110 million to $130 million or spend between $300 million and $325 million to replace it. Lexington Mayor Jim Gray says having the report in hand is a big piece of the puzzle as the city decides its course in improving the arena and the adjacent convention center.

Former House Speaker Enters Lexington Prison

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Former Massachusetts Democrat House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi reported late Wednesday morning at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington to begin an 8 year prison sentence on corruption charges. DiMasi was convicted by a federal jury in June of conspiracy, extortion and honest services fraud. Prosecutors say he used his power as speaker to steer two lucrative contracts to a software firm in exchange for kickbacks. In a written statement released by his Boston attorney, DiMasi once again professed his innocence and said he was "outraged" that his reputation and integrity had been sullied and said he would continue to do everything in his power to restore his name. He is appealing.

State Ordered To Release Child-Death Records

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Wednesday, Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd ordered the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to produce 90 internal reviews of social workers' files on children who have been killed or nearly killed as a result of abuse and neglect. Shepherd gave the Cabinet 10 days to comply with the order. Attorneys for the Cabinet told Judge Shepherd that they were hiring temporary staff to redact more than 180 case files involving children who died or nearly died of abuse and neglect. Once redacted, those records will be made available. Shepherd says the purpose of making these records open is not to assess blame to individuals who work at the cabinet, but the child-death records will help legislators who craft policy and the public know what the issues are and how they can help improve the system. The records provoked a lengthy legal battle between the cabinet and the Lexington Herald-Leader and the Louisville Courier-Journal. On November 3rd, Shepherd ruled that the Herald-Leader and Courier-Journal were entitled to the requested records.

State Budget Director Announces Budget Plans

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...At a meeting of the legislature’s joint budget committee Tuesday, State Budget Director Mary Lassiter announced Governor Steve Beshear will cut spending on many state programs by an additional 2 percent to help plug a $190 million hole in the budget for the current fiscal year, exempting base education funding, Medicaid and a handful of other high-priority areas. Lassiter says no state workers will be furloughed as part of the plan. Senator Bob Leeper, the Paducah independent who is co-chairman of the joint budget committee, said after the meeting that he didn’t see any way to avoid more cuts in the next budget. Last month, Leeper released a projection that the state faces a $337 million deficit in 2012-13.

Former U.S. Mail Carriers Plead Guilty

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Forty year old Pamela J. Hawkins and 40 year old James Carter, two former U.S. mail carriers, have pleaded guilty to stealing packages that primarily contained Hydrocodone intended for veterans. Prosecutors say Hawkins admitted Tuesday to taking 10 to 11 drug parcels intended for veterans living in Lawrenceburg during the past 1 1/2 years. Monday, Carter pleaded guilty to stealing up to 60 drug shipments while working for the Lexington Processing and Distribution Center. Those packages were intended for veterans in several Kentucky cities. Carter is to be sentenced March 1st in Lexington and Hawkins on March 13th in Frankfort.

Beshear Orders Child Death Records Released

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Tuesday, Governor Steve Beshear ordered the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services to release all records from its reviews of child deaths and near deaths from abuse and neglect, absent certain information that would identify confidential tipsters. During a Capitol news conference, Beshear said he will press the legislature to pass a law next year to give clear guidance on the release of such information in the future. He also called for an independent review of the state's child protection policies and practices.

Natural Resources Commissioner Fired

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...One of Kentucky's top mining regulators was fired Tuesday. Natural Resources Commissioner Carl Campbell was informed of his termination in a brief letter that said the action was being taken "without cause." Campbell had served 25 years in the former Department for Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. Kentucky Mining Association President Bill Bissett said he was unaware of any issues the industry had with Campbell. As head of the Department for Natural Resources since 2008, Campbell had oversight of mine safety and licensing, mine permits, abandoned mine lands, mine reclamation and enforcement, forestry, and oil and natural gas drilling. Beshear spokeswoman Kerri Richardson confirmed Campbell's dismissal, saying the decision was made at the cabinet level by Environmental Secretary Len Peters, not by Beshear.

Medal Of Honor Recipient Files Lawsuit

{San Antonio, Texas}...Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer, originally from Kentucky, who received the Medal of Honor in September, two years after he saved 36 lives during a six-hour ambush in Afghanistan, has filed a defamation lawsuit  in Texas, alleging his former employer, BAE Systems OASYS Inc., ruined his chances at landing a new job by telling a prospective employer that he was a poor worker during a three-month stint earlier this year, while ridiculing his Medal of Honor, calling him mentally unstable and suggesting he had a drinking problem. BAE hired Meyer in March, but Meyer says he became dismayed in April upon learning that BAE had pursued sales of weapons systems to Pakistan, and he sent an email to his supervisor expressing his disapproval. Meyer wrote that it was "disturbing" how U.S. troops were being issued outdated equipment when better, advanced thermal optic scopes were being offered to Pakistan. According to the lawsuit, Meyer wrote in the email, "We are simply taking the best gear, the best technology on the market to date and giving it to guys that are known to stab us in the back." The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.

Bell County Teen Killed

{Middlesboro, Kentucky}...Fifteen year old Devin Smith of Middlesboro was hunting with his grandfather Saturday near Tazewell, Tennessee when he was fatally shot. Smith was shot in the chest by 66 year old David Roland, another hunter, who mistook him for an animal. Smith would have been 16 years old Wednesday. Visitation for Devin Smith is planned for Thursday night from 3:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at Binghamtown Baptist Church in Middlesboro.

Kentucky's Chief Racing Steward Fired

• {Louisville, Kentucky}...John Veitch was fired Monday, by Public Protection Secretary Robert Vance, from his post as chief racing steward of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commision as he awaits a ruling on whether he should be fined as a result of his performance during the 2010 Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs. Veitch is accused of not performing his duties during last year's Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic by failing to pursue whether Life At Ten, the second betting choice in the race, was fit to run and whether she should have been sent to a test barn after her last-place finish. Veitch has denied doing anything wrong. Brice Rick Williams, an accredited steward, will be the acting replacement for Veitch. Williams is assistant director of the commission’s breeders incentive program.

Beshear Plans Inaugural Celebration

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Governor Steve Beshear's office announced Monday that Beshear is planning a single ball at the Frankfort Convention Center to wrap up a daylong inaugural celebration on December 13th. The inaugural ball, catered by Kentucky State Parks, begins at 7:30 P.M. EST. The day will begin with an inaugural worship service at the Convention Center at 8:30 A.M., followed by a 10:00 A.M. parade. A swearing-in ceremony is set for 2:00 P.M. and the traditional grand march inside the Capitol for 8:00 P.M.

Holiday Highway Fatalities

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Preliminary statistics indicate that two people died in two separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The crashes occurred in Fayette and Mercer County. Both fatalities involved motor vehicles and neither victim was wearing a seat belt. Last year, there were nine highway fatalities during the same time period.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Set

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Finance Cabinet spokeswoman Cindy Landham said Monday that Governor Steve Beshear's administration has opted not to follow the traditional route of issuing a public request for a donated official Christmas tree that state workers typically load aboard a truck and haul to Frankfort where it has, in years past, typically stood at the end of the lengthy walkway leading to the Capitol's front doors. Beshear chose to decorate an evergreen growing on the Capitol's front lawn. He is scheduled to lead the annual tree lighting ceremony on the front lawn of the Capitol on Thursday evening, when a crowd will gather around the spruce that already is sporting ornaments, including a huge star on top. The move is drawing kudos from environmentalists, including leaders of the forest protection group Heartwood.

Kentucky Man Gets Presidential Pardon

{Washington, D.C.}...Retired criminal investigator Phillip Wagner, who led the 1987 bust of one of the largest domestic marijuana syndicates in the country, says he's OK with President Barack Obama's decision to pardon 60 year old Lesley Claywood Berry Jr. a Loretto, Kentucky man involved in the growing operation that landed him in federal prison for three years. As state and federal investigators came through the front door of a barn in Minnesota during a bust of the "Cornbread Mafia" in October 1987, Les Berry Jr. went out the back with six others and nearly escaped but was captured the next day in Wisconsin. Berry pleaded guilty in 1988 to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana. Berry, a one-time associate of 68 year old Johnny Boone, a fugitive known as the "Godfather of Grass" and the "King of Pot," was pardoned on November 21st, restoring his rights to vote and carry a firearm. No reason was given for granting the pardon.

Kentucky Foundation Receives $1.5 Million Donation

{Ashland, Kentucky}...Mary Witten Wiseman, president of the Foundation for the Tri-State Community which serves Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia, says the foundation has received a $1.5 million donation from the Mansbach Foundation, a private entity headquartered in Ashland. Tthe donation will be used to create an endowment to fund 20 designated non-profit entities that will be located mostly in the Ashland area. The endowment will begin disbursing funds in 2013.

Hardin County Escapee Captured

{Elizabethtown, Kentucky}...Kentucky State Police arrested 19 year old Joshua Nunn of Edmonton, one of two inmates that escaped the Hardin County Detention Center, Thanksgiving Day after he was found hiding in a closet of a home in Rineyville by police who had gotten an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers. Nunn and 43 year old Lonnie Ray Coy, of Shepherdsville, escaped by walking out the front door and digging a hole under the fence. Both men were minimum security inmates. Coy was serving time for parole violations and flagrant nonsupport and is still at large.

Lawmakers Consider For-Profit Colleges' State Aid

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Some states have moved to reduce for-profit colleges' access to state educational aid, but Kentucky has not. Lawmakers say Kentucky should discuss who gets state aid during the 2012 General Assembly, which starts in January. Kentucky has paid $97 million since 1999 through its state scholarships to privately owned, for-profit colleges, including several under investigation for alleged consumer fraud or other possible wrongdoing. According to a survey by the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs, Kentucky gives nearly 8 percent of need-based student aid to for-profit colleges, which is twice the national average. Only four states give a bigger portion. Among Kentucky's for-profit schools to collect state aid was Decker College in Louisville, which went bankrupt in 2005 amid allegations of fraud and inadequate accreditation, leaving hundreds of students with loan debt and no chance to obtain degrees. Another, the Sullivan University System, saw a nearly 1,000 percent increase in its assets from 1998 to 2009, accumulating $76 million. The federal government and the states, including Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, are scrutinizing for-profit colleges' advertising, student loan defaults and the quality of their teaching. Last week, congressional investigators reported a new round of problems with cheating and dishonest grading and financial aid counseling at seven for-profit colleges.

Tax Incentives Approved For Rare Breed Distillery

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Rare Breed Distillery, the distillery that makes Wild Turkey bourbon, and a feature film starring Ben Kingsley were among projects that got approval for state tax incentives from the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority. Rare Breed, which operates the Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, got preliminary approval for a $4 million expanded visitor's center that will include a tasting room, meeting space, lounge and kitchen. Tourism attractions in Kentucky are eligible for a rebate of sales tax over a 10-year period for up to 25 percent of capital costs. The board also approved incentives for a film adaptation of Henrik Ibsen play, "A Doll's House," that will be shot at sites between Louisville and northern Kentucky this year and next.

Representative Pre-Files Tattoo Bill

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Military regulations regarding tattoos don't necessarily prohibit tattoos on arms and legs and vary according to the branch, but, generally, the military prohibits neck tattoos and tattoos with racist or other material deemed obscene by military command. Kentucky State Representative Ron Crimm, R-Louisville, has pre-filed a bill that would require tattoo parlors to post a sign reminding patrons of military restrictions on body art and that getting them on their necks could prevent them from serving in the military. Crimm says the bill isn't aimed at hurting tattoo parlors.

Iraqi Soldiers Return To Fort Campbell

{Fort Campbell, Kentucky}...The first 50 soldiers to return to Fort Campbell from Iraq since President Barack Obama announced U.S. troops would leave the country by the end of the year arrived back at Fort Campbell Wednesday night. When Obama made the announcement in October, Army officials had said more than 900 soldiers from the installation on the Tennessee-Kentucky state line were deployed in Iraq.

Kentucky Eligible For "Race To The Top"

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Kentucky is among seven states eligible for a third round of federal "Race to the Top" education funding that have submitted applications for a share of $200 million. The U.S. Department of Education says the other states are Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Nine states that were runners-up in the initial "Race to the Top" funding were eligible to apply, but South Carolina opted out and California submitted an incomplete application. The states still in contention have to provide a detailed narrative and budget by December 16th. The winners will be announced in late December.

Supreme Court Upholds Life Sentence

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Supreme Court has upheld the conviction and life sentence of 51 year old Lawrence Robert Stinnett of Bowling Green in the beating death of Christina Renshaw who was found dead in February 2006 by Bowling Green police, who went to her apartment to investigate a domestic violence call. Stinnett was convicted in February 2010. Thirty-four year old Alanda Latonia Lewis of Oklahoma pleaded guilty in July 2010 to complicity to commit murder and complicity to commit kidnapping. She is serving 20 years in prison. The high court has ruled that there were no errors warranting a reversal in Stinnett's case.

MSHA Issues Citations

{Washington, D.C.}...During the latest round of special inspections by federal regulators, the Mine Safety and Health Administration says it issued a total 145 citations to eight coal mines in Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and Utah in October, along with 18 orders. Another 51 citations and 12 orders were issued to three metal or nonmetal mining operations in Texas, Missouri and Nevada. Five withdrawal orders and two citations were issued to Bledsoe Coal Corp.'s Abner Branch Rider Mine in Leslie County, Kentucky. The mine has been issued 34 withdrawal orders since it received a pattern of violation notice In April.

KSP Fatally Shoot Ohio Man

{Harlan, Kentucky}...Twenty-six year old David Wayne Madewell of Springfield, Ohio was found dead in eastern Kentucky after a shootout with Kentucky State Police. Police were called Wednesday morning with a report of a man shooting at a woman's home in Harlan County. When officers arrived, shots were fired at their vehicles, and troopers returned fire. Police say Madewell fled into the woods, and officers later found his body. The case remained under investigation.

Laurel County School Superintendent Resigns

• {London, Kentucky}...Laurel County School Superintendent David Young resigned Tuesday morning following a DUI arrest on Saturday. Deputy Superintendent Denise Griebel was named the acting superintendent. School officials say an interim superintendent will be named later, but it could be three to six months before a permanent superintendent is hired.

Scott And Stumbo Running For Supreme Court

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Former Pike County Circuit Court Judge and current Justice Will T. Scott has filed for re-election to the Kentucky Supreme Court, hoping to win a second term representing eastern Kentucky's 7th district. Scott filed his candidacy papers for the 2012 race with the secretary of state's office Monday. Court of Appeals Judge Janet Stumbo of Van Lear, who served on the Supreme Court until Scott defeated her in 2004, will challenge Scott for the seat. Their first race was a close one with Scott winning by just more than 2,000 votes. Scott outspent Stumbo $245,000 to $175,000.

Beshear Urged To Overhaul Child Welfare System

• {Louisville, Kentucky}...Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates, is urging Governor Steve Beshear to investigate and overhaul the state's child welfare system. The call comes after a judge ordered the release of documents in the death of 9 year old Amy Dye, who was beaten to death by her adoptive brother. Beshear's spokesman, Terry Sebastian, said in a statement Monday that the safety of Kentucky's children is one of the governor's top priorities, and Beshear is reviewing all options available to see if there are steps that should be taken to make them even safer. Court records show that social workers either ignored or dismissed allegations of abuse and neglect against the girl. Brooks says he thinks a thorough review and restructuring of the Kentucky's child-welfare system should be ordered based on information now available in Dye's case.

Representative Yonts Offers Meth Proposal

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Over the past year Kentucky lawmakers have been debating whether to restrict sales of certain cold and allergy medications to people with prescriptions. The idea is expected to be considered again when they convene in January. Representative Brent Yonts, D-Greenville, offered a proposal Tuesday to fight methamphetamine abuse in Kentucky. Yonts says his plan would create a meth-offender registry to prevent more than 5,500 people with meth-related convictions from buying medications containing pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient in the making of meth, but it does not punish law-abiding citizens. If anyone on that computerized registry tries to purchase medications containing pseudoephedrine, police would be automatically alerted. It would limit the amount of pseudoephedrine that a person could purchase to 7.5 grams a month and 60 grams a year to prevent “smurfing,” the practice of sending others to purchase the medications to get around the limits. That would be roughly the equivalent to two boxes a month, or 20 per year.

Wrecker Hits State Police Cruiser

• {Ashland, Kentucky}...Kentucky State Police in Ashland say, around 7:00 A.M. Tuesday morning, Trooper Matt Ridener had just finished investigating a car collision along I-64 in Carter County when his cruiser was involved in an accident. Ridener's cruiser had its emergency lights on and was positioned in the eastbound lanes of the interstate so that the vehicle involved in the accident could be removed from the highway when a Ford Roll-back wrecker driven by Roger Gullet traveling eastbound in the slow lane struck the cruiser, sending into into an embankment. Gullet was not hurt, but Trooper Ridener was treated and released at Kings Daughters Medical Center for injuries to his head.

Fatal Accident In Laurel County

• {London, Kentucky}...Laurel County Sheriff's Deputies say 28 year old Boyd Woods of Manchester died in a crash Monday morning when the minivan he was a passenger in slid into the path of a pickup truck on Ky. 80 about 8 miles east of London. The driver of the van, Melodie Woods, 45, and another passenger, Josh Dakota, 20, both of Manchester, were taken to St. Joseph Hospital in London. The driver of the pickup, Kenny Robinson, 36, of London, was not injured.

Trial Set In Fatal Fire At Murray State

• {Murray, Kentucky}... On Monday, a judge set a July 6th trial date for Jerry Wayne Walker, a Paducah man facing charges in a fatal 1998 dorm fire at Murray State University. The campus fire in Hester Hall killed 19 year old Michael Minger, of Niceville, Florida and later prompted changes in campus fire security in Kentucky. Walker has pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter, arson, assault and 14 counts of wanton endangerment. The judge also took under advisement two motions to dismiss the charges and a third to move the case. Walker's 2001 trial ended when a jury deadlocked 10-2 in favor of acquittal and a judge declared mistrial. Prosecutors charged Walker again in September.

Delay In Farmer Divorce Case

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Frankfort attorney Richard Guarnieri, who is representing Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, said Monday that both he and Rebecca Farmer's attorney, Brian Logan, have agreed to try to resolve their divorce case before going to trial, which had been set for Tuesday. Guarnieri said he and Logan have proposed a court order that will move the trial date to December 29th, while hoping to reach a settlement before then. Rebecca Farmer filed for divorce in April.

Credit Card Processing Company Reaches Agreement

{Ashland, Kentucky}... MMS Resources Inc., an Ashland credit card processing company, has agreed to pay $365,000 to 11 former employees who said they were sexually harassed by the company's owner. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed suit against MMS, alleging the women were threatened with losing their jobs, raises, promotions or other employment opportunities if they protested. MMS and the EEOC agreed to a 30-month consent decree in addition to the payments to the women, who will receive amounts ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. MMS filed for bankruptcy in August while the lawsuit was pending, and the consent decree says if the owner, Brian "Pat" Reed, starts or buys another company, it must create a policy prohibiting sexual harassment against employees.

UK Professor...Professor Of The Year

{Lexington, Kentucky}...University of Kentucky psychology professor Jonathan Golding, who joined the UK faculty in 1988, has won Kentucky's Professor of the Year award from The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Golding was recognized for his teaching skills, particularly in undergraduate education. His work with undergraduates has been recognized before, including with the Chancellor's Award for Teaching in 1994 and 1998, and the College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teacher Award in 2006. He also is serving a three-year term as a Chellgren Center on Undergraduate Education Endowed Professor. Golding's field of study is jurors' reactions to various types of abuse, including child abuse, elder abuse and domestic abuse.

Death Penalty Considered In Bowling Green Slaying

{Bowling Green, Kentucky}...Attorneys say a trial is likely a year or more away for for 33 year old Kathy Michelle Coy of Morgantown, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, tampering with physical evidence, resisting arrest and kidnapping in the death of Jamie Stice, whose remains were found in Warren County on April 14th. No date was set during a pretrial hearing Monday in Bowling Green. Warren County Commonwealth's Attorney Chris Cohron and defense attorney Jim Gibson said they'll set a trial date for late 2012 or early 2013 at a pre-trial conference in January. Police say Coy used a stun gun to subdue Stice before killing her and cutting the baby boy from her body then going to a hospital, claiming she had given birth. The baby, Isaiah Allen Stice Reynolds, survived the incident. After the hearing, Cohron said he plans to have a decision by the Januaty 20th hearing about whether to seek a death sentence for Coy if she's convicted. Cohron says the case bears strong consideration for the death penalty. Coy remains lodged in the Warren County Regional Jail.

Laurel County School Superintendent Arrested

• {London, Kentucky}...Sheriff's Deputies arrested Laurel County School Superintendent David Young, 59, of Green Meadow Drive in London, Saturday night after deputies found him inside a truck that had crashed on U.S. 25. Deputies Shawn Boroviak and Greg Turner were en route to another complaint when they spotted  Young's pickup truck in the ditchline near the intersection of Court Road. Young is charged with driving under the influence, resisting arrest and possessing prescription drugs not in their proper container.

Hardin County Detention Center Inmates Escape

• {Elizabethtown, Kentucky}...Kentucky State Police were notified Sunday morning that an inmate was missing from the Hardin County Detention Center during the 2:00 A.M. head count. When police arrived, they discovered another inmate was missing. Police say it appears the inmates, 43 year old Lonnie Coy and 19 year old Joshua Nunn, dug a hole in the corner of a fence and crawled under it. Coy is described as 6-feet-tall and 195 pounds. Nunn is 5-foot-11, 170 pounds. Coy was serving time for parole violations and flagrant non-support, while Nunn was serving time for manufacturing meth with possession of a handgun.

Officers Fatally Shoot Teen

• {Shelbyville, Kentucky}...A teenager was fatally shot in a confrontation with two Shelbyville police officers at his grandmother’s home Saturday afternoon. The victim, identified by relatives as 18 year old Trey Williams, died at Jewish Hospital Shelbyville. Kentucky State Police received calls that a man used a pipe to break a window and enter a house at Clifton Court. Trooper Ronald Turley, public information officer with Kentucky State Police, who is investigating the case, says, when officers arrived, Williams assaulted them with a piece of pipe. Turley says, about 20 minutes after the officers entered the house, a police dispatcher received a message that officers were down, and that’s when shots were fired. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the state police investigation.

Man Pleads Guilty In Hostage Standoff

{Somerset, Kentucky}...Prosecutors recommended five year sentences for 35 year old Jason Edward Singleton Friday after he pleaded guilty to charges of imprisonment and one count of criminal mischief in Pulaski County. Police say, in January, Singleton took four people hostage at gunpoint at the Super Service trucking center for about 15 minutes before surrendering. Sentencing in the hostage taking is set for December 28th. Singleton still faces charges of killing his wife, Angela Frazier-Singleton, in Madison County. Her dismembered remains were found in a field shortly before the hostage standoff.

Body Found In Carter County

• {Willard, Kentucky}... Kentucky State Police in Ashland are investigating after the body of 29 year old Tammy Ratcliff, from Olive Hill, was found in a wooded area off KY 1496 near Willard  in Carter County early Saturday morning. The body was located about half a mile up an old logging road near the Carter County-Lawrence County line by family members who were deer hunting. She had been missing since Wednesday.

UofL Athletic Business Manager Fired

{Louisville, Kentucky}...University of Louisville officials say they have fired Kerry D. Johnson, the business manager of the school's athletic ticket office, as the result of a probe into the theft of $96,228 from the UofL Athletic Association. The investigation has been turned over to Commonwealth Attorney Dave Stengel's office. It is the fifth time since 2008 that a university employee has been suspected of stealing the school's money or grant funds under its control.

Bowling Green Businessman Awards Veterans' Grant

{Radcliff, Kentucky}...USA Cares, a Kentucky-based non-profit organization that helps military veterans across the country, has received a $100,000 grant donated by Bowling Green businessman and philanthropist Terry Scariot. The grant will go to veterans who are one year away from graduating from Western Kentucky University or any of the 16 schools in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to help them get jobs. The fund will be administered through the Jobs for Vets program, which USA Cares started in March to help provide employment support. The grant is established as the Sgt. Bryan Anderson Jobs for Kentucky Veterans Fund, in honor of Anderson, 26, a Chicago native who became a multiple amputee because of a bomb explosion in Iraq in 2005. Anderson is the national spokesman for USA Cares.

Farmer Hired Girlfriend As Special Assistant

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...According to the state Personnel Cabinet, Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer hired his girlfriend, 38 year old Stephanie L. Sandmann, as a special assistant in his department, paying her $5,000 a month. Cabinet officials say Farmer, who lost a bid for lieutenant governor earlier this month, hired Sandmann as a non-merit employee with a start date of October 31st. State Senate President David Williams says Sandmann is Farmer's girlfriend, but he had no idea she joined the state payroll eight days before the November 8th election.

Clay County Man Arrested

{Manchester, Kentucky}...Police say, around 11:00 A.M. Thursday morning, 20 year old Jonathan Lucas and 20 year old Michael Jones were shot at a home on Roots Branch Road in Clay County. Police say Jeremy Fusner shot Jones in the shoulder and Lucas in the leg and fingers and then took off in a Mercury Grand Marquis. After a two hour search in Clay County, the sheriffs department was tipped off that Fusner could be at his sister’s house in Jackson County. The Clay County Sheriffs Deputies met the Jackson County Sheriff's Department at the home of Fusner's sister but were told he had fled into the woods. Jackson County Sheriff Denny Peyman says Fusner was found laying probably 100 to 150 feet into the woods, where he attempted to flee again before being tasered.

Beshear Selects Inauguration Committee Co-chairs

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Governor Steve Beshear has selected eight Kentuckians to oversee his inauguration celebration. The swearing-in ceremony for Beshear and Lt. Governor-elect Jerry Abramson will be December 13th. Chosen as co-chairs of the inauguration committee were Jim and Linda Booth of Inez, Tracy and Carol Farmer of Midway, Wade and Alice Houston of Louisville and Darrell and Lorna Littrell of Henderson. Tracy Farmer and Wade Houston are members of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Several free public events will be planned throughout inauguration day, including the Inaugural Ball and a parade. More details about the events will be made available in coming days.

Kentucky's Jobless Rate Drops

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Kentucky's jobless rate has dipped to 9.6% but remains above the national rate of 9%. The Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet says the state's October figure fell from 9.7% the previous month and 10.2% for October 2010. Office of Employment and Training research and statistics director Ron Crouch says jobs increased in October for the first time since July, including the highest level of nonfarm employment since December 2008.

Lawmakers Pushing For Child Welfare Oversight

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...State Representative Tom Burch and Senator Julie Denton, who co-chair the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare, are pushing for a hearing to determine if the state agency that oversees child welfare is being transparent in how it reports deaths and near deaths of children. The issue has come to the forefront after a Franklin circuit judge recently ordered the release of records in the death of a 9 year old girl in Todd County who was beaten to death. In that case, Franklin Circuit Court Judge Phil Shepherd ruled that the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which oversees child welfare, violated the state's Open Records Act because it did not turn over records requested by the Todd County Standard weekly newspaper. The opinion said the cabinet originally did not respond to the request and then denied having any records, which wasn't true. The judge also said the cabinet did not notify police of abuse reports, as required, and did not perform an internal review of the death as required.

"Kentucky Bourbon Trail" Battle Ends In Settlement

{Louisville, Kentucky}...The legal battle over the "Kentucky Bourbon Trail" has ended in a settlement berween Sazerac Co. and the Kentucky Distillers' Association. The two reached a confidential agreement over the phrase used in promotions for central Kentucky distilleries, just six weeks before the case was set for trial in U.S. District Court in Louisville. The dispute started in summer of 2009, when Sazerac applied for a trademark and copyright on the phrase "Buffalo Trace Distillery on the Bourbon Trail" and "Tom Moore Distillery on the Bourbon Trail." The Distillers' Association sued New Orleans-based Sazerac in May 2010, accusing the company of violating the trademarks on the phrase "Kentucky Bourbon Trail" and logos by using similar phrases and designs in promoting two central Kentucky distilleries not affiliated with the association. Sazerac countersued, asking a judge to cancel the association's trademarks on the "Kentucky Bourbon Trail" phrase, saying the group abandoned legal claims by not seeking to protect it. Sazerac - which owns Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, the 1792 Distillery in Bardstown (which used to be known as Tom Moore Distillery) and Glenmore Distillery in Owensboro - was once a member of the Kentucky Distillers' Association, but resigned from the nonprofit, Frankfort-based group in December 2009 after being unable to settle the dispute over the trademarks.

Advance-Deposit Account Wagering Tax Considered

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Wagers at tracks or off-track betting parlors in Kentucky are taxed, and a portion of those proceeds goes to the development fund, but account wagering, wagers made online or via telephone using advance deposits, is not taxed in Kentucky. During an interim State Government Committee meeting Wednesday, Committee Chairman Damon Thayer of Georgetown and Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark of Louisville said that they would like to see a bill passed next year to tax the growing advance-deposit account wagering segment of the declining pari-mutuel market. Clark said the goal is finding a rate that wouldn’t overtax the companies but would help the horse owners and tracks putting on the races. Thayer would like to see a tax on money bet through account wagering companies benefit the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund, which adds money to purses at Kentucky tracks for Kentucky-bred horses that finish well. A 2010 bill to tax it died.

Accident Kills Clay County Man

• {Manchester, Kentucky}...Kentucky State Police say John R. Russell, 24, of Lockards Creek, a man who died in a car wreck in Clay County Wednesday morning, is suspected to have used drugs or alcohol before driving. Police say Russell was driving about 4 miles south of Manchester when he turned his vehicle into the path of a vehicle driven by Betty Bailey, 58, of Big Creek. Russell was pronounced dead at the scene. Bailey, who was wearing a seat belt, was treated for minor injuries at Manchester Memorial Hospital.

Beshear Urged To Reject Special Session

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...House Minority Floor Leader Jeff Hoover is urging Governor Steve Beshear to reject suggestions for a special legislative session to redraw legislative boundaries. Hoover says convening lawmakers to handle redistricting would be a waste of time and money. Hoover also urged top lawmakers to begin the process for "open meetings" to develop realignment maps that could be voted on during the first week of the regular 2012 General Assembly session that begins in January. Hoover said,  "We should concern ourselves with redistricting in the 2012 session and not waste time and taxpayer money on an unneeded and unnecessary special session." House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, told reporters Tuesday that resolving redistricting this year would remove a contentious issue from the regular legislative session, which will be dominated by work on a new two-year state budget.

Convicted Murderer Receives Death Sentence

• {Shepherdsville, Kentucky}...For the third time, convicted murderer Michael Dale St. Clair received a death sentence Wednesday. St. Clair was convicted in the shooting death of distillery worker Francis "Frank" Brady of Bardstown in 1991 during a multistate crime spree while on the run after escaping from an Oklahoma prison where he was serving a life sentence for other killings. Aside from the Kentucky case, St. Clair has admitted to four other killings. St. Clair expressed no remorse as Special Judge Geoffrey Morris handed down the death sentence in Bullitt Circuit Court and set a January 19th execution date. St. Clair also faces a retrial on January 3rd in Hardin County, where he is charged with kidnapping Brady to steal his truck. The Kentucky case has been returned for either a new trial or resentencing three times by the Kentucky Supreme Court since 1998. St. Clair's attorneys and prosecutors say an appeal is expected, and the execution date will likely be delayed.

Charity Bookkeeper Charged With Embezzlement

• {Louisville, Kentucky}...Wednesday, federal prosecutors in Louisville released a criminal complaint against Mary "Kathy" Monfort, a bookkeeper for the Little Sisters of the Poor charity's Louisville office. Accusations claim Monfort forged the name of a nun in writing 43 checks on the organization's account between April 2010 and November 2011, embezzling more than $200,000. U.S. Secret Service Agent John Spruill wrote in the complaint that Monfort used some of the money to buy two cars, a 2010 Ford Fusion and a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis.

Harlan County Man Dies After Mine Accident

{Harlan, Kentucky}...State officials say 28 year old David J. Middleton, of Baxter, in Harlan County, died Monday at Wellmont Holstien Valley Hospital in Kingsport, Tennessee, nearly two weeks after suffering injuries when the bulldozer he was driving overturned at Nally and Hamilton Enterprise's Mill Branch Mine on November 2nd. Middleton was doing reclamation work on a highwall when the bulldozer flipped several times and landed in the road. Middleton suffered head injuries and was found unconscious. It was the eighth mining-related death in Kentucky this year and the fourth since October 28th. The state Office of Mine Safety and Licensing began providing on-site training and safety reminders to miners and operators this week as a response to the recent deaths.

Preliminary Hearing Set For Clay County Man

{Oneida, Kentucky}...A preliminary hearing has been set for November 28th for 23 year old Bobby Sester of Oneida for charges of second-degree manslaughter and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Police say Sester had been drinking and admitted to taking prescription pills when he ran his truck over Clay County toddler 14 month-old Clarissa Danielle Burkhart. Sester has entered a not guilty plea.

Lexington Company To Repay Texas Customers

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing Inc. of Lexington has agreed to repay Texas customers up to $1.3 million after being accused of using deceptive trade practices in operating an illegal pyramid scheme. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott says customers of Fortune High-Tech complained that the company falsely represented what they would earn by becoming independent representatives of the organization. Refund claims must be submitted to the Texas agency by November 28th.

Horse Racing Commission Panel Hears Testimony

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...During a daylong hearing in Frankfort, a Kentucky Horse Racing Commission panel heard testimony from20 people, including industry groups and others, about whether an anti-bleeding medication should be banned on race days. The drug, commonly known as Lasix or Salix, is the only drug allowed to be given to horses on race day.

Stumbo Considering Special Session

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...House Speaker Greg Stumbo says he prefers convening a special legislative session this year to redraw Kentucky's legislative boundaries to match population shifts over the past decade. But Stumbo says an agreement would have to be reached beforehand with Senate leaders, but he hasn't met with Senate President David Williams about redistricting plans. Special sessions cost taxpayers more than $60,000 a day. Governor Steve Beshear has said in the past he would be open to a special session if lawmakers have an agreement in hand to assure a speedy conclusion.

Kentucky Reports Brush Fires

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...More than a dozen brush fires were reported in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio Sunday. In Greenup County, a brush fire was reported in the Little Sandy fire district off the Industrial Turnpike. In Martin County one fire was reported in Inez. A serious brush fire happened in Vanceburg in Lewis County, Kentucky. Firefighters fought that fire until Sunday evening. Wade Maggard with the Kentucky River District Division of Forestry says, Saturday alone, the Kentucky River District had 13 wildfires, and a large majority of them could have been avoided. Officials say most wildfires that were started this weekend were not simple brush fires but they were actually arsons.

Bunch Selected Nominee To Replace Husband

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Regina Bunch, a special education teacher in the Whitley County school system, was selected Monday evening by GOP leaders from Laurel and Whitley counties to be the party nominee to replace her husband Representative Dewayne Bunch, who resigned his state House seat last month because of injuries he suffered while trying to break up a school fight at Whitley County High School on April 12, 2011. State Republican Party chairman Steve Robertson said Monday night that former Whitley County superintendent Lonnie Anderson had considered seeking the GOP nomination, but he sent a letter to party leaders in support of Regina Bunch. Whitley County Democratic Party chairman Donnie Witt said Democrats in the district have no plans to pick a Democratic nominee, because Regina Bunch, who would get the sympathy vote and vote from teachers and church people, would be hard to beat.

Department Of Agriculture Investigation Wrapping Up

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Personnel Board is about to wrap up its investigation of job changes in the state Department of Agriculture. Mark Sipek, executive director of the board, told the panel Monday that it will receive a report at its December 9th meeting on the investigation of the agriculture department's decision to move two employees late last year from politically appointed non-merit positions to merit jobs, which would protect them from dismissal after Commissioner Richie Farmer leaves office at the end of this year. Danita Fentress-Laird and Kathryn Willis voluntarily vacated their merit jobs as assistant directors in July after the personnel board's investigation became public, and they returned to their previous posts as political appointees. In August, the personnel board deferred acting on an anonymous request to expand its hiring investigation in the agriculture department after an agriculture department employee alleged that Jennifer Ledford, who was hired earlier this year by the department as a political appointee, was improperly given a merit job.

Deputy Sheriff To Be Extradited To Virginia

{Grayson,  Kentucky}...Former Bedford County Deputy Sheriff 47 year old Ernest Grubbs appeared before a judge in Carter County, Kentucky Monday morning where he waived extradition and will be returned to Virginia to face a dozen counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor. Grubbs has been held at the Carter County Detention Center in Grayson on an abduction charge since Kentucky State Police Troopers captured him Wednesday on Interstate 64. Authorities say Audrey McCombs, the 16 year old he's accused of abducting, has been returned to Virginia.

Kentucky Applies For No Child Left Behind Waiver

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Department of Education has submitted its application asking to be relieved of some requirements under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. States were allowed to request waivers of 10 provisions of the law, which was aimed at closing achievement gaps in public schools but has been criticized for promoting an atmosphere of "teaching to the test." In September, President Barack Obama said states could apply for relief if they could prove they were taking steps to close gaps, promote accountability and ensure students graduate ready for college or the work force. Terry Holliday, Kentucky's commissioner of education, says he believes our public school accountability model exceeds the basic requirements, while retaining an intense focus on the ultimate goal of college and career readiness for all students.

Arraignment In Accident Involving UK Players

• {Levington, Kentucky}...Scott M. Roseberry, 22, of Versailles, the driver of a vehicle that hit a sport utility vehicle carrying UK guard Stacey Poole and forward Terrence Jones at 2:30 A.M. Friday told police he had drunk four or five beers before the wreck. Roseberry, charged with driving under the influence and failure of a non-owner operator to maintain insurance, is scheduled to be arraigned in Fayette District Court at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday. Jones said the car in which he was riding was driven by Larry Warren, who attended the same high school as Jones in Portland, Oregon.

Death Row Inmate Hearing Decision Stayed

• {Louisville, Kentucky}...Death row inmate, 41 year old John Mills, was allowed on October 28th to argue for his release before the Kentucky Parole Board - a hearing that officials now agree should not have taken place. The Kentucky Department of Corrections, as well as attorneys involved in the case, say the Parole Board erred in allowing Mills to argue for his freedom. The hearing, the first involving a death row inmate in Kentucky, came months after a judge threw out Mills' death sentence for the August 1995 stabbing death of 79 year old Arthur L. Phipps in Knox County. Mills was still under a death sentence at the time of the hearing because prosecutors and Mills' lawyer appealed to the Kentucky Supreme Court. The order was automatically stayed.

Raided Rehabilitation Clinic Reopened

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Progressive Medical and Rehabilitation Group, Inc., a Louisville medical rehabilitation clinic that was raided by the FBI on Thursday, was reopened and treating patients by noon on Friday after agents spent 24 hours searching the facility. FBI spokesman David Beyer says the search warrant has been sealed by a federal court judge. No arrests were made. The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure has restricted the license of Progressive's medical director, Dr. George Nobile, who is accused of giving nurses at the clinic pre-signed prescription pads for controlled substances.

UK To Pay Back $7.6M To Endowments

{Lexington, Kentucky}...The University of Kentucky will pay back $7.6 million after dipping into endowment principal to fund Bucks for Brains, a program that provides matching state dollars for certain private donations. The state's higher education governing agency noticed that UK was spending endowment principal in 2010. Council on Postsecondary Education president Bob King says that when state funds are used to match private donations, the principal is not supposed to be touched. In the past, with the permission of donors, UK has spent 4.25% each year from its endowments without regard to how the investments performed in the stock market. Much of UK's Bucks for Brains endowments are used to pay  salaries. When the markets collapsed in 2008, the endowment incomes fell, but the obligations to faculty did not.

Breathitt County Man Convicted Of Manslaughter

{Jackson, Kentucky}...A Breathitt County jury has recommended ten years in prison for Jeffery Noble who was convicted of manslaughter in the death of 20 month old Destiny Tincher who died last May of head injuries. As the attorneys gave their closing arguments Friday morning, Jeffery Noble's defense said this case has a lot of unanswered questions. Sentencing will be on December 9th.

Election To Replace State Representative Bunch

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Governor Steve Beshear has set a special election for December 20th to replace State Representative Dewayne Bunch who is recovering from a brain injury after trying to break up a fight at Whitley County High School where he taught. The winner will take office immediately.

Powell County Explosion Victim Dies

{Stanton, Kentucky}...Karen Knox died Friday afternoon after being injured when a home on Upper Paint Creek Road in the Stanton community of Powell County exploded in September. The blast instantly killed her father, 84 year old Stanley "Jack" Roberts. A week later, her brother, Jerry Roberts, 60, of Clay City, died from his injuries. Family members say Jerry Roberts and Knox were trying to fix their father's propane gas line when the house exploded.

Beshear Plans Modest Inaugural Celebration

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...In planning his December 13th inauguration, Governor Steve Beshear says he wants to be thrifty in planning the privately funded inaugural celebration that traditionally lasts a full day, beginning with a parade through Frankfort and ending with an elaborate ball at the Capitol. Beshear says a more modest celebration sends the message to Kentuckians that his administration is mindful of the financial woes many of them are dealing with. An inaugural committee will raise money from private donors to cover the costs.

Calipari Imposes Curfew

{Lexington, Kentucky}...University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari has imposed a curfew on the University of Kentucky men's basketball team for the rest of the season after guard Stacey Poole and another person suffered minor injuries at about 2:30 A.M. Friday morning when a car driven by 22 year old Scott M. Roseberry swerved over the center line into the wrong lane of traffic and struck their SUV, pushing it into a parked Camry. Calipari posted on his web site, CoachCal.com, that forward Terrence Jones left the scene, fearing an altercation with the driver. Jones later went to the hospital after speaking with police. Roseberry was charged with DUI and insurance violations.

Clay County Constable Convicted

• {Manchester, Kentucky}...After two days of testimony, a federal jury convicted Clay County constable Jackie "The Tireman" Roberts, 50, Thursday of selling pain pills and illegally possessing a gun. Roberts, who got his nickname because he owns a tire store, sold two pain pills to an undercover informant at the store in July. The next day, police found a pistol at a place where Roberts had stayed, and a family member told police it belonged to Roberts. Roberts was not supposed to have a gun because of prior convictions, including felony robbery, domestic violence, assault, theft and welfare fraud. His criminal record will qualify Roberts for an enhanced sentence. Roberts' wife, Jennifer, pleaded guilty in the case to selling pills. Both will be sentenced in March.

New Lynch Mayor Considering Mining

{Lynch, Kentucky}...Re-elected Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has promised to be friendly to the coal industry, but, this week, voters elected a new mayor in the Harlan County town of Lynch. Lynch sets at the foot of Black Mountain, and the Kentucky-Virginia state line runs down the middle of the mountain. The Virginia side of the mountain has been surface mined, while the Kentucky side is still untouched. Some in Lynch are concerned about the town’s drinking water, which comes off the mountain. The city has filed a petition with the state to declare the lands unsuitable for mining. The petition was denied, but Lynch is appealing the decision. Current mayor Taylor Hall was involved in the city’s efforts to prevent the mine, but Hall didn’t win re-election. Mayor-elect Johnnie Adams isn’t sure what he’ll do about the petition yet, but he’s more inclined to work out a deal with the coal companies.

Senator Paul's Resolution Rejected

• {Washington, D.C.}...By a 56-41 vote, the Democrat-controlled Senate on Thursday rejected a resolution by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky to block a regulation intended to curb power plant pollution that blows downwind into other states. Paul said the step was needed to rein in what he called the Obama administration's overzealous job-killing approach to environmental protection. Paul said the resolution was simply asking that the clean air regulations already on the books stay in place and that we do not make the regulations so onerous that they put utility plants out of business, resulting in an inability to supply electricity in this country. Unlike normal legislation, which needs 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, his resolution needed a simple majority to pass, but six Republicans voted against it.

Heating Assistance Takes Dramatic Federal Cut

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Tens of thousands of low-income Kentucky families could be without heating assistance this winter because of a dramatic cut in federal funding. The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, has allocated $24 million to Kentucky. With $3 million left over from last year, Kentucky has about $27 million for the program. For the past two years, the state had been allocated about $60 million and had used almost all of it each year. The program has two parts. Millions are allocated to families during a subsidy phase that helps all eligible households at or below 130 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Whatever money is left from the subsidy phase is used to assist families with a heating crisis. In 2010, the state spent $16.2 million assisting 113,900 families with subsidies. It then spent $41.7 million helping more than 190,000 families in crisis. Mark Cornett, a state deputy commissioner overseeing the Department for Community Based Services, which supervises LIHEAP for the state, says it appears that, with the funding level, very little will be left over for crisis.

Seniors Rally In Frankfort

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...In 2009, 6,891 older residents in Kentucky were on a waiting list to have meals delivered to their homes through a Meals on Wheels program or to be able to eat at a senior center. By August 2011, the numbers on that list had increased to 8,199. Senior citizens are calling for additional state funding for programs that serve the elderly. An estimated 375 seniors rallied at the Capitol Thursday in hopes of convincing lawmakers to appropriate more money to the Department of Aging and Independent Living in order to get thousands of people off of waiting lists for a variety of services. Participants in Thursday's rally called for sufficient funding for meals, in-home care, transportation, adult day care and other senior services.

Medical Parole Hearing Set In Deputy's Death

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Fifty-six year old William Bennett has an early medical parole hearing set for the week of November 28th after being sentenced to up to 120 years in prison for killing Fayette County Deputy 24 year old Joe Angelucci in 1988. A jury found Bennett guilty of murder but mentally ill in the death of Angelucci, who died three weeks after being shot. Bennett's sister, Carnetta Davis of Lexington, says her brother has been gravely ill since August, and Bennett, who was housed at the state reformatory near La Grange, is now shackled to a bed in a long-term care facility in Louisville, unable to move and unaware of his surroundings. Davis says her brother is in a coma, and the breathing machine is breathing for him. Jennifer Brislin, director of communications for the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, said Wednesday that she could not discuss Bennett's medical condition but that it met statutory requirements for an early medical parole hearing. Angelucci's parents, former Fayette Circuit Judge Armand Angelucci and his wife, Joyce, say Bennett should have to continue serving his sentence.

Murder Trial Set For Fort Campbell Sergeant

• {Fort Campbell, Kentucky}...A hearing officer has recommended that Sergeant Brent Burke, a Fort Campbell soldier charged in the 2007 shooting deaths of his ex-wife, Tracy Burke and her former mother-in-law, Karen Comer, face a general court-martial. A statement from the Army post on the Kentucky-Tennessee line says a trial date for Sergeant Burke to face charges of murder has been set for February 6th. The Army charged Burke in the shootings after civilian authorities in Hardin County dismissed charges against him due to four mistrials. Burke has maintained his innocence.

Louisville Judge Sentences Man To 10 Years

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Wednesday, Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Charles Cunningham Jr. sentenced 28 year old David Michael Rose to 10 years in prison. Rose, who was placed on probation in 2008 after being convicted on eight counts of passing bad checks, was arrested in Oceanside, California, near San Diego, on September 30th, after he was caught passing bad checks. He had been the subject of a nationwide manhunt. Rose launched a newspaper called Metro Messenger in June that he said was designed to fill the void of “good news” in the Louisville media, but it closed after two issues. His then-girlfriend financed Rose’s businesses from her retirement account and lost thousands of dollars, along with additional investors. Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Leland Hulbert Jr. said Rose had taken between $200,000 and $300,000 from investors, while pretended to be a media mogul, falsely claiming to be a college graduate and not telling them he was a convicted felon.

Job Creation Top Priority In Beshear's Second Term

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Economists say Governor Beshear's second term likely will involve the same problems Kentucky experienced in his first term - an ailing economy, widespread job losses and dwindling state revenues. But officials are predicting modest growth over the next couple of years. Even with an economic upswing, budget experts believe the state will face a deficit of more than $300 million in the next fiscal year. Beshear says his top priority in his second term will be job creation.

KSP Release Louisville School Bus Accident Report

{Louisville, Kentucky}...In a report released Wednesday, Kentucky State Police classified the November 3rd Louisville Collegiate School bus accident on Interstate 65 near Cave City as a two-car hit-and-run accident. Police initially said a white tractor-trailer had hit the bus before it tumbled down an embankment, then later backtracked. The report states that the bus sustained minor damage, with white paint on the left front fender. Authorities say the driver of a tractor-trailer may not have been aware of the contact between the two vehicles. Kentucky State Police say 19 people were injured. The bus was carrying 16 fourth graders, two teachers and the driver to Mammoth Cave for a field trip.

KSP Arrest Former Virginia Deputy

{Rush, Kentucky}...Virginia State Police say a former sheriff's deputy faces an abduction charge in the disappearance of a teenager who was found with the suspect in Kentucky. Kentucky State Police officers arrested 47 year old Earnest William Grubbs following a traffic stop Wednesday morning near Rush, and 16 year old Audrey Marie McCombs was with him. She was uninjured. McCombs, a Liberty High School sophomore, was last seen at her home in Bedford County at 9:00 P.M. Sunday night. Grubbs was fired from his job as a resource officer at the school following his arrest last month on 12 counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor. He is being held at the Carter County Detention Center in Kentucky awaiting extradition.

Beshear/Abramson Win By Wide Margin

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Democrat Steve Beshear defeated Republican David Williams and Independent Gatewood Galbraith Tuesday to win another four-year term as Kentucky's governor. The inauguration for Beshear and Abramson will be December 13th. Abramson will become the first top-ranking Jewish politician to hold a statewide office in Kentucky's history.

At a celebration in Frankfort's Civic Center with his running mate, former Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, Beshear said in this election he asked the voters to send a strong message — a message of rejecting the politics of obstruction, the politics of division and the politics of religious intolerance. Beshear, who made few campaign promises in 2011, promised a "lean and efficient" government in the next four years. Williams, who was at Lexington's Marriott Griffin Gate with his running mate, state Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, said he and Beshear would meet after a few days of rest to try to find common ground. Williams said, "I feel I'm a better man because of this experience and I want to work with all the folks who are willing to work with us to make sure we have a better Kentucky." Williams said he told Senate Republicans that they "were getting a new and improved David Williams." Williams plans to complete his current term as Senate president, which runs through January 2013.

Accused Shooter Pleads Not Guilty

• {Lexington, Kentucky}...Lexington police have charged Demetrius "Demetrics" L. Flynn with two counts of first-degree assault in the shooting of Jerrad Grider, 25, and Brooks D. Richardson, 19, who were shot while standing on the sidewalk outside Silks Lounge in Lexington early Friday. Police say Flynn opened fire into the crowd after he was kicked out of the bar. Flynn pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Monday afternoon. Grider, a junior at the University of Kentucky, was taken to University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital with life-threatening injuries, but his mother, Debbie, said the bullet went through his back and came out his stomach, and a piece of his colon had to be cut out and reattached. Richardson, who was shot in the face, underwent surgery on Friday at St. Joseph East Hospital and has been released.

Chief U.S. District Judge Taking Senior Status

{Paducah, Kentucky}...Chief U.S. District Judge 65 year old Thomas B. Russell, a federal judge who hears cases in Paducah and Louisville, will take senior status on November 15th, meaning he won't occupy a specific seat on the bench and may work only part-time. Judge Russell, who was appointed in 1994 and is based in Paducah, says he plans to continue with a full caseload. Judge Joseph H. McKinley will succeed him as chief judge.

James River Coal Reports Loss

{Richmond, Kentucky}...Richmond-based James River Coal says it lost money in the third quarter because it missed shipments of steel-making coal and ran into higher costs. Tuesday, the company reported a net loss of $3.7 million, or 11 cents per share in the quarter. That compares with a year-ago profit of $9.2 million, or 33 cents per share. It lost 9 cents per share excluding certain items. James River said revenue jumped 77% to $303.9 million, but the cost of selling coal and freight services rose even faster. Demand has been strong this year for export coal used in steel making. The company has operations in Kentucky, West Virginia and Indiana.

State Medical Board Investigating Lexington Doctor

{Lexington, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure launched an investigation Monday into the "prescribing practices" of Dr. Najam Azmat, a doctor at Lexington Algiatry, a walk-in pain management clinic on North Broadway in Lexington. Doug Wilson, an investigator with the board, says the investigation stems from numerous grievances which describe suspected inappropriate prescriptions of controlled substances. Wilson says the complaints came from other physicians who questioned the high number of prescriptions their patients have received from the clinic. Residents also have complained about the high number of visitors who seem to be from out of the county or from other states.

Accident Kills Louisa Man

• {Louisa, Kentucky}...Terry Bentley, 50, of Louisa was pronounced dead about an hour after he pulled his pickup into the path of a coal truck that was traveling south on U.S. 23 at the intersection of Fallsburg Road north of Louisa around 9:30 A.M. Monday morning.

Judge Blocks Cigarette Warning Labels

{Washington, D.C.}...Monday, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon blocked graphic new warning labels scheduled to appear next year on all cigarette packs sold in the United States, saying they impinge on the tobacco companies’ right to free speech. Judge Leon halted use of the labels until the companies’ lawsuit against the federal government is concluded, a process that could take years and may end up in the Supreme Court. The labels, unveiled by the federal Food and Drug Administration in June, are the first change in cigarette pack warnings in 25 years. The government’s nine warning labels include one showing a dead man with stitches down his chest and another depicting a tracheal tube with smoke coming out of it. If the FDA prevails,  the United States would become the 44th nation to enact pictorial health warnings for cigarettes. Christopher W. Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, called the decision “bad for public health” and a “victory for Big Tobacco.”

Tight State Budget Predicted

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...State Senator Bob Leeper, chairman of the budget committee, says he expects a deficit of at least $337 million in next year's general fund and says next year's budget "is going to be tighter than the current one. A modest increase is expected in revenues, but some moves made this year to save money can't be repeated, and millions in federal stimulus dollars received in the current budget cycle aren't expected for the 2012-2014 budget. Representative Rick Rand, who chairs the House budget committee, has a brighter outlook, but still says the budget will be tight and the state will have to hold the line on spending.

Croatian Woman Accused Of Bosnian War Crimes

{Lexington, Kentucky}...U.S. Magistrate Robert Wier is weighing whether to order a Croatian woman back to Europe to face charges of murder and torture. Wier heard arguments Monday over whether Bosnia has offered enough proof to have 52 year old Azra Basic (BAH'-sihk) returned to that country to face charges
stemming from the unraveling of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Basic's attorney, Patrick Nash, says there isn't enough proof that the alleged victims were civilians or that his client committed any crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Arehart says 26 witnesses provided statements alleging murder and torture and at least six witnesses picked Basic out of a photo lineup. Basic had been living for several years in eastern Kentucky, where she worked at a nursing home and a food factory before her arrest in March.

Lexington Man Sentenced To Life In Prison

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Twenty-one year old Brian Crabtree of Lexington was sentenced Friday to life in prison without parole for the rape and death of a 2 year old girl. Crabtree pleaded guilty in September in the 2008 death of Katelynn Stinnett, who was left in his care while the child's father was at work. Stinnett and the children's mother, Angela Coleman, were estranged at the time. A Lexington police sergeant testified at a hearing that Crabtree, after giving Katelynn a bath, dropped the girl, and her head struck the floor. The officer testified that Crabtree then raped her. Prosecutor Ray Larson says he did not seek the death penalty because Crabtree has a low IQ.

Deer Accident Kills Driver

{Crofton, Kentucky}... Kentucky State Police say 21 year old Zachary Hawkins of Crofton, in western Kentucky, was driving a truck on Madisonville Road around 6:00 P.M. Saturday when he hit a deer, which flew through the windshield and fatally struck him. A 14 year old passenger was taken to Jennie Stuart Medical Center for injuries received in the accident. KSP spokesperson Lt. David Jude says this time of year accounts for nearly 50 percent of all collisions with deer. Last year, over 3,000 deer-related collisions occurred in Kentucky, with four of those being fatal.

University Hospital Attempts To Overturn Ruling

{Louisville, Kentucky}...In an effort to keep documents related to a proposed hospital merger private, University Hospital in Louisville filed a lawsuit Friday seeking to overturn a ruling last month by Attorney General Jack Conway that it is a public entity. Opponents of the merger say University is public institution and should not have to adhere to some Catholic health directives, such as a ban on sterilizations. University has argued that it is a private facility. Any ruling in the lawsuit could affect the proposed merger of University, Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare, and St. Joseph Health System in Lexington.

Candidates Making Final Push

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Political candidates fanned out across Kentucky in search of votes on the final weekend before Tuesday's  general election. Democratic Governor Steve Beshear has been hop-scotching the state since Friday holding political rallies at airports while Republican challenger David Williams has concentrated largely on the state's GOP strongholds, hoping to get a large turnout from his party. Candidates for agriculture commissioner, attorney general, auditor, secretary of state and treasurer also have been making their rounds, and, in homes across Kentucky, television viewers have been bombarded with some $20 million worth of ads. Kentucky has some 2.9 million registered voters, of which 1.6 million are Democrats, 1.1 million are Republicans and 200,000 are Independents, Libertarians or members of other third parties. Secretary of State Elaine Walker says she expects as few as 25 percent of them to cast ballots on Tuesday. Recent polls have shown Beshear leading Williams by 25 to 30 percentage points, despite outside political groups running some $4 million worth of ads that support Williams over Beshear. Williams took his campaign Saturday to northern Kentucky's GOP stronghold where he told supporters to be on the lookout for an Election Day upset. Beshear headed to the eastern coalfields.

Greenup Woman Admits To Burglary

• {Greenup, Kentucky}... Kentucky State Police say 25 year old Rebecca Peterman of Greenup came to the Greenup County Detention Center Thursday evening and confessed to her role in a burglary that happened along McKay Road in Lloyd on July 28th of this year. Troopers say Peterman and two other suspects pried open a door of a home, and stole jewelry, clothes, and electronics. Peterman is charged with burglary, theft, and persistent felony offender.

Nine Indicted For Vote Buying

{Lexington, Kentucky}...A federal grand jury in Lexington has indicted 47 year old Michael Salyers, 61 year old Naomi Johnson,  61 year old Jackie Jennings, 44 year old Earl Young, 43 year old Paula Jean Noble, 50 year old Joseph Strong, 53 year old Richard L. Turner, 53 year old George Daniel Strong and 37 year old Woodrow Glenn Burton on charges of conspiracy to buy votes in the 2010 election. Eight defendants are from Breathitt County. Turner is from Owsley County.

Kemper And P'Pool Announce Endorsements

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Former Major League baseball pitcher Jim Bunning, who served in the U.S. House and Senate for more than two decades, has weighed in on Kentucky's race for auditor by endorsing Republican John Kemper. Republican Todd P'Pool has received an endorsement from Sarah Palin in his race for state attorney general. P'Pool announced the endorsement of the former Alaska governor and 2008 vice presidential candidate Friday.

Williams Pledges To End Unpaid Furloughs

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...Republican gubernatorial candidate David Williams is pledging to end unpaid furloughs for state government workers if he's elected Tuesday. Democratic Governor Steve Beshear, who is seeking re-election to a second term, says he had to impose the unpaid furloughs to avoid layoffs in the tough financial times brought on by an ailing economy. Williams said Thursday that the mandatory furloughs had minimal impact on the state budget and should never have been imposed.

Kentucky Cabinet Ordered To Release Records

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Thursday, Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd ordered the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services to release records of child abuse deaths, saying the Cabinet had no legal basis for withholding the information. Shepherd ruled that such information must be disclosed despite the cabinet's citation of confidentiality. The order comes after a court battle by The Courier-Journal and the Lexington Herald-Leader to obtain records of children who die or are seriously injured from abuse. Shepherd ordered the cabinet and the newspapers to meet within 10 days to negotiate on the release of the voluminous records.

Bus Accident Causes Injuries

• {Louisville, Kentucky}...Sixteen Louisville Collegiate School students and three adults were taken to T.J. Samson Community Hospital in Glasgow Thursday morning after their bus rolled over about 9:45 A.M. in Hart County during a field trip to Mammoth Cave. Six kids were later transported to Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville. One adult was transported to University Hospital in Louisville. Some of those injured have broken bones.

Ads To Blast Senator Rand Paul

• {Lexington, Kentucky}...The League of Conservation Voters will begin airing a two week $150,000 TV ad on Lexington stations blasting Senator Rand Paul. The organization is targeting a resolution Paul introduced that seeks to nullify the Cross State Air Pollution Rule, a public health safeguard developed by the EPA to require power plants to decrease air pollution that travels across state lines. The group's president, Gene Karpinski, called the measure irresponsible. The ad calls for Kentuckians to contact Paul and "tell him to stop pushing laws that protect out-of-state polluters. Karpinski says, "Senator Paul should be working in Washington to protect his constituents from dangerous pollution, not leading efforts to allow out of state polluters to endanger the health and well-being of Kentucky families." Paul spokeswoman Moira Bagley says Senator Paul is keeping his promise to fight the out-of-control Obama EPA and its war on Kentucky coal, and out-of-state interest groups distorting the facts will not deter him from fighting for Kentuckians against this radical administration's attempt to shut down coal plants and mines.

FBI Offering Reward For "Bad Hair Bandit"

• {Louisville, Kentucky}...The FBI is putting up billboards in hopes of catching the bank robber dubbed the "Bad Hair Bandit." The suspect has hit six banks since June, including robberies in Knox, Whitley and McCreary counties as well as a bank in Jellico, Tennessee. In each robbery, the suspect has worn a woman’s wig and sunglasses. The “Bad Hair Bandit” is described as a white male between 5’8 and 5’10 with a stocky build. The FBI is offering a reward for his arrest.  If you have any information, call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

PSC Announces Heating Rates

• {Frankfort, Ky}...The Kentucky Public Service Commission has announced that Kentucky customers will be paying about the same amount for natural gas this winter as they did last year. About 44 percent of Kentuckians heat their homes with natural gas. The 39 perent of Kentuckians who use electric heat, along with the small percentage of those who use propane and fuel oil, will see higher costs than last year. Changes in individual ratepayer bills will vary by company and customer usage. Consumers are urged to weatherize their homes and ask their gas supplier about budget billing.

Bluegrass Poll Shows Small Gain For Williams

• {Louisville, Kentucky}...As we head into next Tuesday's election, a poll, conducted by SurveyUSA last Friday through Tuesday, found Senate President David Williams has gained little ground in his race against Governor Steve Beshear. The latest Courier-Journal/WHAS11 Bluegrass Poll shows Beshear with 54 percent of the vote and Williams with 29 percent. Independent Gatewood Galbraith, the third candidate in the race, remains at 9 percent, with 8 percent undecided. The last Bluegrass Poll, conducted by SurveyUSA in late September, found Beshear with a 31-point lead.

Gubernatorial Candidates Divided On Tax Breaks

{Frankfort, Ky}...Gubernatorial candidates are divided on the issue of providing tax breaks to companies that want to expand in Kentucky. Governor Beshear says tax incentives have proven important in keeping Kentucky competitive with other states to recruit and keep jobs during a time of economic upheaval. Republican challenger David Williams calls economic incentives a broken model. Independent Gatewood Galbraith says states should not be competing to see who can give away the most money to attract jobs.

Bunch To Seek Husband's Seat

{Williamsburg, Kentucky}...Regina Bunch, the wife of former Kentucky Representative Williamsburg Republican Dewayne Bunch, who resigned his seat last Wednesday as a result of injuries he suffered while breaking up a fight at Whitley County High School in April, has announced she will run for the remainder of his House term. Bunch says she is doing what she believes her husband would expect her to do. She plans to meet with Republican Party officials in Whitley and Laurel counties to ask for their support in a special election.

Appeal Set For Fen-Phen Lawyers

{Louisville, Kentucky}...The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday announced that arguments in the case of 58 year old William Gallion and 54 year old Shirley Cunningham Jr. will be January 17th in Cincinnati. The former attorneys were sentenced to decades in federal prison and ordered to pay $127 million in restitution for defrauding hundreds of clients in a settlement involving the diet-drug fen-phen. Gallion was sentenced to 25 years and Cunningham to 20 years after being convicted in 2009 of scamming clients out of $94.6 million.

Bell County Superintendent Accused Of Cover-Up

{London, Kentucky}...A federal lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in London last week claims Bell County Superintendent George Thompson failed to notify authorities, as required by law, about an alleged sexual assault of a third-grader by a former substitute teacher at Frakes Elementary School during the 2002-2003 school year. It also says Thompson helped remove documents that could have been used in a legal case against the teacher. Thompson says the teacher no longer works at Frakes. The lawsuit, seeking unspecified damages, was filed by Lexington attorney Daniel Luke Morgan.

Kentucky Has New State Troopers

• {Frankfort, Kentucky}...There are 60 new Kentucky State Police Troopers this week, bringing the total number in the state to 914. The new troopers received their diplomas over the weekend in Frankfort after a 23-week training course that began in May with 81 cadets. Ten failed initial physical testing in the first two hours, while 11 more resigned in the following weeks. Their training consisted of more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study in topics ranging from electronic crimes to hostage negotiations to traffic control.

Senate Rejects Senator Paul's Plan

• {Washington, D.C.}...Tuesday, the Senate voted 60-38 to reject a plan by Senator Rand Paul to divert some federal transportation spending for additional bridge repairs in Kentucky and other states. The proposed amendment to a fiscal 2012 spending measure would have eliminated $700 million for bike and pedestrian paths, wildlife tunnels and landscaping and designated the money for bridge repairs. Paul says his plan required no additional taxes and did not increase the national debt. President Barack Obama used the Brent Spence Bridge linking Cincinnati and northern Kentucky and the closed Sherman Minton Bridge between Louisville and Southern Indiana as a symbol of the nation’s deteriorating infrastructure, a prime target of spending in his jobs bill.