Williams Nominated For Judgeship

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Senate President David Williams was among nominees  the Judicial Nominating Commission recommended to Governor Steve Beshear Thursday for an open judgeship in southern Kentucky. Beshear has said he would consider Williams for the job that pays more than $120,000 a year. Williams, a Burkesville attorney, says he is appreciative of the nomination, and, if Beshear appoints him, he will accept. The Judicial Nominating Commission offered Beshear two other options for the judicial seat, southern Kentucky lawyers Angela Capps and Stephen Douglas Hurt. The appointment is to replace the late Judge Eddie Lovelace, who died in September.

Double Murder Indictments

{Sandy Hook, Kentucky}...Elije Randolph and James "Bobby" Eden were indicted in a double murder during a special session of the Elliott County grand jury Thursday. Randolph and Eden are charged with kidnapping and murder in the execution-style shooting deaths of Robert Boggs and Chris Leadingham who were found dead of single gunshot wounds to the head in 2008. Kentucky State Police Troopers say the shootings were the result of a drug deal gone bad. Randolph and Eden are already in jail on unrelated charges. They are being held without bond.

Supreme Court To Hear Beshear Lawsuit

{Louisville, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Supreme Court has decided to hear oral arguments in a challenge to Governor Steve Beshear's decision to use excess funds from the state's charitable gaming department to balance the state budget. In 2008, a group of nonprofits sued Beshear, saying the transfer of $700,000 in surplus funds from the charitable gaming regulatory account didn't pass constitutional muster. A Franklin Circuit judge initially struck down the transfer, but the General Assembly later ratified Beshear's decision. The Kentucky Court of Appeals reversed that decision in 2011.

Kentucky Employment Rates Released

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Office of Employment and Training released jobless rates Thursday showing improvement in 108 counties in September. The new information also shows that 12 counties saw unemployment worsen. Woodford County had the lowest jobless rate in the state at 5.3 percent. Fulton County had the highest unemployment rate at 16.7 percent. Magoffin County was at 15.8 percent. The coalfield counties of Bell, Harlan, Jackson, Leslie, Letcher, Knott, Perry and Wolfe all were between 12.3 percent and 13.7 percent.

Man Sentenced On Child Pornography

{Louisville, Kentucky}...John Dennis Clark III of Louisville, who fled to Europe to escape child pornography charges has been sentenced to 262-months in prison and ordered to remain on lifetime probation after he pleaded guilty to distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography on January 31st. The U.S. Attorney's office in Louisville said Thursday that Clark used a Flickr photo account to upload 13,800 child pornography images in 2007. The FBI traced the account to Louisville and seized Clark's laptop in January 2009. A week later, Clark fled to Poland. Police in Budapest, Hungary, arrested him at an internet cafe in April 2010.

Longtime Attorney Permanently Disbarred

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Supreme Court has permanently disbarred longtime attorney Wayne W. Fitzgerald of Cynthiana after he pleaded guilty to theft of between $500 and $10,000 in client funds. Fitzgerald, who was first admitted to practice law in 1950, can no longer represent clients in Kentucky after he pleaded guilty in Harrison Circuit Court in June to converting a disabled client's Social Security benefits for his own use.

Marijuana Bricks Lead To Arrests

{Cherokee, Kentucky}...Greenup County Sheriff's Deputies arrested James Franklin Hay Sr. and James Hay Jr. of Cherokee after a package containing marijuana was delivered to their home. A postal inspector alerted police to the package, which contained between 21 and 22 pounds of marijuana compressed into bricks. When deputies came to the door, Hay Sr. fled with the box and then went for a gun but dropped it. Deputies say James Hay Sr. has been arrested on marijuana charges before.

Supreme Court Upholds Amish Triangles

Thursday, the Kentucky Supreme Court upheld a state law requiring an Amish sect to post orange safety triangles on their buggies, although the ruling is irrelevant because lawmakers changed the law earlier this year. The new state law allows them to use gray or reflective tape instead. Several Amish men asked the Supreme Court in March to grant them a religious exemption from using the orange triangles.

Man Charged In Murder Of Girlfriend

{London, Kentucky}...Sean Messer appeared in court Wednesday morning after police say he fatally stabbed his girlfriend, 25 year old Pam Bobbitt, Tuesday morning outside their apartment in London. Messer had a not guilty plea entered. Police say Pam Bobbitt was killed in front of her two young children. A preliminary hearing is set for October 30th. Messer remains jailed on a $250,000 bond. 

Civilian Employees Honored By State Police

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...At a ceremony held Wednesday at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort, 25 civilian employees were honored by the Kentucky State Police. Lori Hunsaker of Frankfort, a 17 year veteran of the agency, was named 2012 KSP Civilian Employee of the Year for her work in organizing relief efforts for victims of the March 2, 2012 tornados in eastern Kentucky. After the storms, she quickly organized a donation drive in which volunteer staff from KSP headquarters and Frankfort area employees went to West Liberty and personally delivered donated items to members of the community. Hunsaker's efforts resulted in 11 semi-trailers, eight box trucks and four school buses being filled with donations and delivered to Morgan, Menifee, Pendleton, Laurel, Floyd, Johnson, Grant and Kenton counties. She personally delivered items to more than 50 families in Morgan and Johnson counties.

Blue Ribbon Commission Rejects Food Tax

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The 17 member Blue Ribbon Commission of Tax Reform, a panel appointed by Governor Steve Beshear to study tax reform in Kentucky has rejected a proposal to tax food at grocery stores, saying it would be a burden on the poor. Consultants say a 6 percent tax could generate about $500 million each year. The commission, which met for nearly four hours Tuesday to shorten a list of 96 recommendations, also voted to reject several other proposals, including one that would raise the coal severance tax rate, remove the property tax on airplanes and give a tax credit to people who home-school. After eliminating about 12 proposals on Tuesday, the commission discussed the individual income tax. Kentucky Center for Economic Policy Director Jason Bailey said he supports eliminating itemization but warned against lowering the rate of the income tax, which is the state's largest source of revenue. Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson, who serves as chairman of the panel, says it is making progress.

Voters Casting Absentee Ballots

Frankfort, Kentucky}...In Kentucky, voters who will be out of town or otherwise unable to get to the polls on November 6th can vote early by absentee ballots. Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes said Tuesday that more than 51,000 Kentucky voters have cast absentee ballots or are in the process of doing so. Grimes hasn't projected how many of Kentucky's 3 million eligible voters will turn out on Election Day.

Job Growth In Kentucky

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Governor Steve Beshear has announced Kentucky ranked second in the nation for job growth over the past year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Division of Current Employment Statistics.

The Regional and State Employment and Unemployment Summary, released Friday, finds that Kentucky's net job growth from September 2011 to September 2012 was 2.6 percent, second best in the nation behind only North Dakota's 5.6 percent growth.

Kentucky Spirit Health Plan Files Lawsuit

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Kentucky Spirit Health Plan, a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Centene Corp., filed a lawsuit against Kentucky Monday in Franklin County Circuit Court, alleging state officials provided incorrect information that led to $120 million in losses in the first 11 months of its contract. Kentucky Spirit announced last week that it would exercise its right to end the contract effective July 5, 2013, but it is committed to helping the 140,000 clients it serves transfer to one of Kentucky's three other Medicaid contractors. Health and Family Services Secretary Audrey Tayse Haynes says the state intends to hold Kentucky Spirit accountable for its own financial losses caused by terminating the contract.

Gambling Bill Pre-Filed

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...State Representative Mike Nemes of Jefferson County has pre-filed a bill that would allow local counties to hold an election to determine whether people would support casinos or race tracks in their communities. Before any local votes could be taken, voters statewide would have to approve a constitutional amendment allowing expanded gaming.

Voters Warned Of Election Fraud

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Kentucky has a long history of election fraud, traditionally involving people paying cash for votes or doing favors such as spreading gravel on driveways, but it has had instances of prescription drugs being swapped for votes in recent years. The chief elections officials from Kentucky and West Virginia warned their states' politicians Tuesday that they'll be closely watched in the upcoming election to make sure they're not trading money, favors or drugs for votes. Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes said the prescription drug epidemic raises the possibility of pills being traded for ballots. Grimes said widespread abuse of painkillers has pushed up Kentucky's crime rate, and more Kentuckians now die from prescription overdoses than traffic crashes. Grimes said elections officials can't ignore those statistics when it comes to the November 6th election.

Deputy Receives Medal of Valor

Lawrence County Deputy Mark Wheeler has received a Medal of Valor from the Kentucky Sheriff's Association for his work during the March 2nd tornadoes. Wheeler, who was off duty, rushed to his car and drove toward the damage, encountering a 15 year old boy walking in a daze. When he couldn't drive any further, he continued on foot to the home of Karen Wood, where he entered the house in an effort to save her mother and daughter, who were killed in the storm.

Court Rejects Thoroughbred Trainer's Appeal

{Albany, New York}...New York's Court of Appeals has rejected Kentucky Derby-winning thoroughbred trainer Rick Dutrow Jr.'s appeal to overturn his 10 year ban by state regulators because of what he claimed were substantial civil rights issues. Attorney Michael Koenig said the court should decide whether the appearance of bias by Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John Sabini cost the trainer his right to a fair proceeding over drug violations. Koenig argued Sabini had a conflicting role as an officer of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, which advocated revoking his license. The ban has been stayed pending appeals.

Churchill Downs Gets September Racing

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted Tuesday to give Churchill Downs in Louisville a third live racing meet next September. The September schedule will be added to Churchill's traditional spring and fall meets. The 12 additional dates will be Churchill's first all-September meet since 1890. The September dates have traditionally gone to Turfway Park. Besides losing September racing, Turfway Park in suburban Florence will limit its February schedule.

Coal Company Ceases KY Operations

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Frasure Creek Mining, a coal company facing fines for water quality violations in eastern Kentucky says it is no longer mining coal in the state and its financial problems have kept it from resolving a court-ordered mediation over the penalties with state officials and environmental groups. The case began when environmentalists pointed out questionable water quality monitoring practices by Frasure Creek and International Coal Group in 2010. Attorneys met in Franklin County Circuit Court Monday to discuss the status of the case. According to Michael Haines, general counsel for Kentucky's Energy and Environment Cabinet, Frasure Creek Mining of Scott Depot, which has about seven mining complexes in Kentucky, has no income. ICG reached a $575,000 agreement with the state and the activist groups earlier this month.

Mine Officials To Plead Guilty

{Harlan, Kentucky}...Attorneys for Manalapan Mining Company and Joseph Miniard, who was the mine superintendent, and Jefferson Davis, who was its operations manager, have filed court motions, including two on Monday, saying the three will plead guilty to charges they willfully violated federal mine-safety laws. Bryant Massingale, the second-shift foreman, pleaded guilty earlier. A federal grand jury alleged the company and the three men violated a number of safety rules at Manalapan's underground P-1 mine in Harlan County in June 2011. Charges included that miners were told to use inadequate equipment and made to work in areas of the mine where the roof was not properly supported, and that supervisors didn't note dangerous conditions in reports. David Partin, 49, of Pineville, was killed when a large section of the mine wall fell on him. The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration has proposed a fine of nearly $600,000 for alleged violations present when Partin died.

Write-In Candidacy Deadline Nears

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes says people who want to be considered as write-in candidates in the November 6th election in Kentucky must have their paperwork and filing fee turned in by 4:00 P.M. local time Friday. Mailed documents must be received by the same deadline. Under Kentucky law, write-in candidates have to file a declaration of intent and pay a filing fee. Write-in candidates for president and vice president must file a list of presidential electors pledged to the candidates. Write-in votes cast for people who haven't satisfied the filing requirements won't be counted.

Capilouto Meets With Faculty Members

{Lexington, Kentucky}...University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto met with faculty members Monday and promised to consider their concerns over upcoming cuts, a new budgeting system and the future of Kentucky's flagship school. Capilouto said he would stop certain retirement benefits for top administrators and pledged to add more faculty to committees working on budget cuts. However, he did not accede to a list of recommendations the University Senate made two weeks ago that included halting the next round of budget cuts altogether and cutting administrative salaries. The first round of cuts in June resulted in the layoffs of 140 employees.

Group Seeks To Re-Open Kentucky Kingdom

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Six Flags Inc. closed Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville in February 2010. At the time, Kentucky Kingdom was the state's largest theme park. Last week, a group led by Ed Hart submitted a proposal to reopen it. Monday, Hart said his group would make a $120 million investment, including $50 million in start-up funding and $70 million over the term of the lease with the state. His group says it would restore all but one of the existing rides, add four rides and double the size of its water park. The group says it is not asking for any start-up funding from the state to get the rides running again.

Female Teen Flees

Kentucky State Police are searching for 16 year old Cheyenne Vires who kicked out the back window of a van and fled Friday while being transported to Morehead by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Protection Permanency.

Proposal To Reopen Kentucky Kingdom

{Louisville, Kentucky}...A group headed by Louisville investor Ed Hart submitted a proposal Friday to reopen Kentucky Kingdom. A representative of Premier Attractions Management, which owns or manages about a half-dozen, mostly small, water and amusement parks, including Frontier City in Oklahoma City, toured Kentucky Kingdom when the state opened the fairgrounds park last month for inspection by prospective bidders. Two Premier executives, Kieran Burke and Gary Story, were managers at Kentucky Kingdom for several years after Six Flags bought the park in the late 1990s. Burke says Premier officials seriously considered submitting a proposal on Kentucky Kingdom but ended up deciding not to enter the market. The final decision on any vendor will be made by state Finance Secretary Lori Flanery.

Acquittal In London Murder

{London, Kentucky}...Friday, Judge Robert McGinnis ordered a directed verdict of acquittal for Lisa Gilliam in the January 2011 shooting death of her husband, London attorney 59 year old Larry Gilliam, who was shot at his office. Larry Gilliam died of a gunshot wound to the chest. Lisa Gilliam's defense was that her husband killed himself. Testimony at her trial indicated Larry Gilliam had taken money he was supposed to hold for clients. A jury could not reach a decision in the case a month ago. Judge McGinnis concluded that there was insufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to conclude that Lisa Gilliam killed her husband.

Commission Calling For End To Death Penalty

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...As of April 1st, Kentucky had 35 inmates on death row and last executed an inmate in 2008. The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights has called on the state to end the death penalty, saying it is often applied unfairly against minorities and the poor. State Senator Gerald Neal of Louisville says lawmakers have considered abolishing capital punishment but have never passed legislation to do so.

McConnell Focuses On Economy

{Louisville, Kentucky}... U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says Mitt Romney should stop any new regulations aimed at coal and rule out tax increases if he wins the presidency on November 6th. McConnell says that’s what’s needed to kick-start the slumping private sector. Speaking to a group of about 100 young professionals in Louisville, McConnell also renewed his call for action to control federal spending on Medicare and Social Security, saying both entitlement programs are on “unsustainable paths” because Americans are living longer and doing nothing risks both programs.

Pay Ordered In Child Abuse Case

Friday, the Kentucky Court of Appeals ordered the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services to pay $20,000 to The Courier-Journal and Lexington Herald-Leader in a fight over child abuse records. The appeals court ruled that Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd correctly ordered the state to cover the legal fees for the two newspapers in October 2010. The case involved Kayden Daniels, who was under the supervision of Kentucky's child-protection agency when he died in 2009 after he drank drain cleaner at a mobile home in Wayne County where he stayed with his mother and methamphetamine had allegedly been made.

Pawn Shop Owner's Trial Continued

{Barbourville, Kentucky}...The trial of Knox County pawn shop owner Lewis Gray was supposed to begin Thursday but was continued until November 15th. Gray faces more than 4,000 deferred deposit violation charges after police say he made loans against checks then made people pay him more than the loan, but he does not have a license to do that. Federal charges are pending.

Corbin Man Indicted On Murder

{Corbin, Kentucky}...Fifty-five year old William "Bill" Cox of Corbin has been indicted on a murder charge. Police say, on August 20th, Cox fatally shot his daughter's boyfriend, 21 year old Ryan Abner with a 40-caliber Glock handgun. Cox was also indicted for first-degree wanton endangerment for firing the gun into a vehicle in which his daughter and her baby were. Cox is being held on $250,000 cash bond in the Whitley County Detention Center.

Plans To Widen Mountain Parkway

{Salyersville, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to widen another portion of the Mountain Parkway to four lanes. Preconstruction work for the nearly $22 million project is underway to widen two miles of the road just outside Salyersville, build a new Salyersville interchange and build a new bridge across the Licking River. Construction could begin in 2015.

Governor Attempting To Settle Lawsuit

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Governor Steve Beshear's office is attempting to settle a lawsuit filed by former state Energy and Environment Cabinet director Ron Mills who was fired in 2009. Mills claims he was fired by Energy and Environment Secretary Len Peters because he refused to sign five illegal mine permits sought by Alliance Coal of Tulsa, Oklahoma, covering 55,000 acres in Western Kentucky. Alliance Coal has given more than $585,000 in Kentucky state and federal political donations since 2007. Beshear and the Kentucky Democratic Party are among its many beneficiaries. Mills, who claims whistle-blower status, which could protect him even though he was a political appointee who served at the governor's pleasure, wants to be reinstated and paid $3.23 million in punitive damages and lost wages.

Record Number Of Kentucky Voters

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...A record number of Kentuckians are registered to vote in the November 6th election. Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes said Thursday that 57,145 new voters have been added to the rolls since May, bringing the total to more than 3 million. Grimes says she hopes the record number of voters translates into a record voter turnout on election day. Kentucky has added more than 130,000 voters since the 2008 presidential election.

Judicial Nominating Commission Considers Williams

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Judicial Nominating Commission that could recommend Republican Senate President David Williams for a circuit judgeship in southern Kentucky is set to meet October 25th in Burkesville. Williams has said he's interested in the position, and Democratic Governor Steve Beshear has said he'd consider Williams for the job. Beshear says he believes Williams, a lawyer, is qualified to be a circuit judge.

Kentucky Spirit Cancelling Contract

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Kentucky Spirit Health Plan, a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Centene Corporation, announced Wednesday that it is exercising a contractual right to end its contract with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, effective July 5, 2013. Kentucky Spirit says it is committed to helping the 140,000 clients it serves transition to another provider. Centene Chief Administrative Officer Carol Goldman said the company regrets the loss of the Kentucky jobs, which represent over $12 million a year in wages and benefits. The company will seek to transfer some employees to other locations.

Grimes Asks KY Voters To Honor Veterans

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes says Kentucky is home to more than 350,000 veterans. Grimes is calling for Kentuckians to let their votes in the November 6th election be a show of respect for military veterans. Voters can get lapel buttons to show they voted in honor of a veteran, and those buttons can be personalized to reflect the name of the veteran being honored. The program has been in place across the country since 2007.

People can request their button from their local county clerk's office or by going online at http://www.sos.ky.gov/veterans .

Attorney Seeks To Have Judge Dismissed

Kentucky Chief Justice John Minton Jr. is being asked to disqualify Senior Judge Martin McDonald from hearing the case of death row inmate Roger Dale Epperson, who is seeking a new trial based on claims his trial lawyers were ineffective. Assistant public advocate David Barron says McDonald harbors a bias against his client because, in a previous hearing, McDonald made a threatening gesture toward him. McDonald threatened to strangle the lawyer if he called the judge's cell phone again and called the lawyer's case "ridiculous."

Court Postponed For USA Harvest Founder

{Louisville, Kentucky}...A Thursday court date for Stan Curtis, the founder of the USA Harvest, has been postponed. Curtis is charged with money laundering, mail fraud, and filing a false tax return. He is accused of taking nearly $200,000 from USA Harvest in Louisville and charging more than $350,000 to the charity for travel, entertainment and meals. His lawyer, Scott Cox, and Curtis' family say he is hospitalized with a blood infection.

September Racing Recommended For Churchill Downs

Wednesday, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission recommended that Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, pick up September racing dates that traditionally have gone to Turfway Park in northern Kentucky. Under the proposal, Turfway Park would have its live racing schedule cut nearly in half, from 81 days this year to 45 in 2013. Churchill Downs track president Kevin Flanery says Churchill plans to use the September dates to expand into the national simulcast business. The full Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is expected to vote on all the 2013 racing dates statewide at its meeting next week.

Kentucky Teacher Of The Year

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...During a ceremony at the state Capitol Wednesday, Corbin Middle School language arts teacher Kristal Doolin was named Kentucky Teacher of the Year. The honor comes with a $10,000 cash prize. Doolin, a graduate of Union College in Barbourville, has taught for 15 years. Heidi Givens of Tamarack Elementary in Daviess County was named the Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Allison Hunt of duPont Manual High School in Jefferson County was named High School Teacher of the Year. Givens and Hunt received $3,000 awards. The annual Teacher of the Year award is sponsored by Ashland Inc., which has recognized outstanding Kentucky teachers since 1988, providing more than $650,000 in cash prizes.

Man Charged With Lexington Murder

{Shelby County, Tennessee}...Lexington Police and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested 21 year old Maurice Ward Jr. in Shelby County, Tennessee Monday and charged him with murder in the death of 31 year old Anthoney Carol Beaumont Jr. who was shot in the parking lot of Northpoint/Lexington Healthcare Center, a Lexington nursing home, on October 2nd. Beaumont's wife worked at the center.

Prescriptions Drop Under Drug Law

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Governor Steve Beshear released figures Tuesday showing the amount of Hydrocodone prescribed since Kentucky passed a prescription drug bill dropped 7.5 percent from 20.9 million doses to 19.3 million doses by August, while Oxycodone prescriptions declined by 6.4 percent and Xanax prescriptions fell by 9 percent over the same period. The prescription drug bill, which passed in a special legislative session in April and went into effect July 20th, requires medical professionals who write prescriptions to use the state's prescription monitoring system, known as KASPER. The number of users grew from 7,911 to 21,542 in six months. Kentucky's new law is being credited for the closure of 10 pain management clinics. State regulators are working with private insurance companies and Medicaid managers to make sure health insurance plans help cover the cost of urine tests required under House Bill 1.

Inmate Sues After Attack

{Bowling Green, Kentucky}...Brandon Milam filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Bowling Green against the Warren County Regional Jail, its top official and an inmate, seeking unspecified damages for pain and suffering and medical expenses. The lawsuit alleges Milam, an incarcerated gay man who is now on home incarceration, was attacked in July, when a fellow inmate bit off part of his nose, disfiguring him and causing him to lose his sense of smell. A gay-rights group posted a photo showing a hole on the left side of Milam's nose.

Man Accused Of Seeing 28 Dentists

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Louisville Police have arrested 42 year old Michael A. Osswald and charged him with 22 counts of attempting to obtain or obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. Police believe Osswald went to 28 dentists during a five-month period complaining of pain in order to get prescriptions for Hydrocodone and Tramadol. Police say he filled the prescriptions at several pharmacies, often going to the same pharmacies for duplicate orders.

Man Sentenced For Fraud

{Owensboro, Kentucky}...Tuesday, Chief U.S. Judge Joseph H. McKinley Jr. sentenced 28 year old Cory B. George of Owensboro, the owner of G3 Capital Management, to eight years in prison and ordered him to pay $1.6 million in restitution for a scheme to defraud investors in three states. George pleaded guilty to 11 counts of mail fraud, admitting to setting up G3 offices in Owensboro, Kentucky, Palm Beach, Florida and Houston, Texas. Prosecutors say, between December 2009 and April 2011, George mailed fraudulent certificates of deposit, deposited investor checks into a bank account in G3's name and mailed small interest payments to a Kentucky investor. George was ordered to forfeit contents of three bank accounts totaling about $484,000.

Flu Shots Time

It’s time to get your flu shot! Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu. According to the website www.flu.gov, which provides comprehensive government-wide information on the flu, everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu this year.

Competency Test For Tax Preparers

The Internal Revenue Service is urging the 4,016 Kentucky tax return preparers who have yet to schedule their competency test to register immediately or risk difficulty finding a date, time or location as next year's exam deadline nears. For most of these preparers, the appropriate test will be the Registered Tax Return
Preparer competency test. More than 60 percent of taxpayers nationwide use a tax preparer. Under the new rules, all professional tax return preparers must register with the IRS, obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number, and adhere to ethical standards. Currently there are 8,684 Kentucky preparers who have obtained a PTIN from the IRS.

Amanda's Center Opens

{Lexington, Kentucky}...At a news conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, Fayette County Sheriff Kathy Witt, U.S. Representative Ben Chandler and others announced the opening of Amanda's Center, a 24-hour point of contact for domestic violence victims. Amanda's Center is on the first floor of the Fayette County District Courthouse in downtown Lexington. The office was named after Amanda Ross, the former fiancée of former state lawmaker Steve Nunn. Ross was gunned down in 2009. Her death has prompted changes to domestic violence laws in Kentucky. Amanda's Law, which passed in 2010, allows domestic violence victims to be alerted by a GPS tracking system when their aggressors get too close. Ross's mother, Diana Ross, was among those who spoke during the ceremony.

National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day

{Booneville, Kentucky}...The Operation UNITE Pill Dragon, which was given to UNITE officials by the Kentucky National Guard in 2010, burned its one millionth pill Monday afternoon in Owsley County as lawmakers joined Congressman Hal Rogers and community members in participating in National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day. Rogers gave medicine lock boxes to the county sheriff to help people get rid of unwanted drugs even when the Pill Dragon is not in town. Rogers recognized Senator Robert Stivers of Manchester for his efforts in allocating state funding for Operation UNITE and paid tribute to Lt. Col. Brian Howay of the Ky. National Guard for his efforts to fight drugs.

Suboxone Smuggled Into Jail

{Harlan, Kentucky}...Corrections officers at the Harlan County Detention Center are monitoring for Suboxone coming into the jail after investigators say an inmate's girlfriend brought underwear to the jail for him that had Suboxone strips glued onto the tags. Larissa Jones and Daniel Bustle are charged with promoting contraband. Investigators say Deryan Caldwell prepared the Suboxone strips in the underwear. He and his wife, Stephanie Caldwell, are also charged with promoting contraband.

Dalai Lama Plans KY Trip

{Louisville, Kentucky}...The Dalai Lama is planning a three-day visit to Louisville next year. The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader will give a public talk, offer Buddhist teachings and reach out to young people during his May 19-21 visit. The 77 year old spiritual leader lives in exile in India. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in the 1950s amid China's rule of the Himalayan region. China says Tibet has always been part of its territory, but many Tibetans say the region was virtually independent for centuries and that Beijing's control is draining Tibetan culture. Since 2009, dozens of Tibetans have set themselves on fire to protest Chinese rule. The Dalai Lama won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for advocating nonviolent liberation for Tibet. He has visited the United States regularly for the past 30 years. His last visit to Louisville was in 1994.

Racehorse Summit At Keeneland

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Prevention is the focus for the fourth annual Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit at Keeneland. Tuesday's session covers topics such as racetrack surfaces, an update on medication-reform efforts, effects of training and racing on the musculoskeletal system, steroids in training and safety at racetracks. Wednesday will feature panels on safety initiatives and the continuing push for after-care programs. The event is open to the public and will be streamed live at http://www.keeneland.com and http://www.grayson-jockeyclub.org .

Plan Approved For UK Dorms

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Sunday, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees gave the go-ahead for private developer Memphis-based Education Realty Trust to build and manage five new residence halls on four sites. The cost for a total of 2,317 modern beds would be $133.7 million. Under the deal, two Cooperstown Drive buildings would be torn down to build two dorms, the old Wildcat Lodge would be demolished for two dorms on that site and the parking lot next to it and the last dorm would be built on the site of Haggin Hall, set to be demolished in May. Construction is under way for a new $25.2 million dorm next to Haggin Hall near the William T. Young Library. The leases for all the planned buildings would be 75 years. UK would receive 16 percent of gross revenue from rent until Education Realty realizes a 9 percent rate of return, estimated after about 30 years. UK then would receive 25 percent of net income. That revenue would be used to support learning communities in the residence halls. Some of the dorms also could include some commercial spaces.

Groups Working To Improve High-Speed Internet Access

A little more than 90 percent of Kentucky residents have access to high-speed or broadband Internet, putting the state 40th out of 50 states for access to high-speed Internet. Brian Kiser, the director of the Kentucky Commonwealth Office of Broadband Outreach and Development, which is funded in part by federal stimulus money, says the group is currently mapping Kentucky's broadband accessibility in an effort to improve Kentucky's access to high-speed Internet.  Before a legislative subcommittee on rural issues last week, Kiser said the majority of people with high-speed Internet access are in Lexington, Louisville and Northern Kentucky, roughly 2.25 million people or 55 percent of the population. The rest of the state has patches of areas where high-speed Internet is available, but some of that access is too slow or too expensive. The Commonwealth Office of Broadband Outreach and Development is working with nonprofit Connect Kentucky and Connected Nation as well as other local nonprofit and government groups to find ways to increase high-speed Internet access throughout Kentucky.

Hardin County Jail Escapee Captured

{Elizabethtown, Kentucky}...A Hardin County Jail escapee was captured Saturday night by the Elizabethtown Police. Twenty-three year old Robert Wilson, who was being held on a second-degree rape charge, escaped Friday when a sergeant went to get Wilson's belongings to transport him to the facility on US31W. Kentucky State Police say the door to the outside activity area of the jail was not locked, and the outside gate was locked, but could still be opened and closed.

Flynt Management Group Considering Louisville

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt, a Magoffin County native who  lives in California, is considering opening an adult retail store in downtown Louisville. Flynt Management Group, which operates a chain of stores called Hollywood Hustler, has a store in Lexington. Louisville real estate agent Fernando Trevino says he took Flynt and a Cincinnati agent to view available property in the 4th Street Live area, but Alan DeLisle, executive director of the Louisville Downtown Development Corp., says Flynt's store is not the kind of business the group is looking for to further build up the area.

Morehead State University Makes Contact With Satellite

{Morehead, Kentucky}...Scientists at Morehead State University have made contact with the Cosmic X-Ray Background Nanosatellite, a satellite built by the school that was one of many launched on a U.S. Department of Defense rocket on September 13th. Scientists expect it to remain in orbit for about a decade. University officials say the next step will be to assist the satellite to perform experiments, including taking measurements that could add insight to physics of the early universe. If the device is operational, it will be the first satellite built entirely in Kentucky to be launched and deployed.

Estimated 51.4 Million Watched Debate

The Nielsen company announced Friday that an estimated 51.4 million people watched the vice presidential debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan Thursday night. It was shown on 10 different television networks. That total falls well below the nearly 70 million people who saw the Palin-Biden debate in 2008. Excluding 2008, Nielsen said the Biden-Ryan debate had more viewers than any other vice presidential debate since 1984, when George Bush debated Geraldine Ferraro.

Two Arrested At Vice-Presidential Debate

{Danville, Kentucky}...Two Los Angeles men are scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in Boyle District Court. Police say 47 year old Rives Miller Grogan was charged with disorderly conduct after he climbed a tree and shouted anti-abortion slogans at a crowd gathered to watch Thursday night's vice-presidential debate on a large-screen TV. Grogan was arrested earlier in the week for running across the field during a playoff game between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants. Police also arrested 27 year old Frankie Cruz and charged him with criminal trespassing.

Drug Makers' Verdicts Overturned

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Friday, the Kentucky Court of Appeals overturned $30 million in verdicts against Sandoz Inc. and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, sending it back to Franklin Circuit Court with an order to enter judgments for the two companies. The decisions came two years after Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway won a $16 million decision against Sandoz and a $14.7 million decision against AstraZeneca in a case involving claims that the companies inflated prescription drug prices for Medicaid reimbursements.

Biden And Ryan Debate

{Danville, Kentucky}...Vice President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate Paul Ryan faced off Thursday night at Centre College in Danville on issues ranging from the fate of Medicare to the terrorist attack on U.S. diplomats in Libya. Ryan aggressively challenged the Obama administration’s first accounts of the Libya attacks, saying President Barack Obama referred to an anti-Muslim video six times in a speech to the United Nations after the Libya attack rather than calling it a terrorist attack. Biden defended the administration’s response, saying it relied on intelligence reports that turned out to be false. Ryan betrayed no signs of nervousness about the showdown with Biden, a veteran of 36 years of Senate debates.

Tyson Foods Recalling Chicken Wings

Tyson Foods has announced a recall of more than 67,000 pounds of packaged chicken wings labeled as Honey BBQ Flavored Boneless Chicken Wyngz because of misbranding and undeclared allergens. Buffalo Style Boneless Chicken Wyngz were packaged in bags meant for Honey BBQ Flavored Boneless Chicken Wyngz and contain the allergens milk, soy and egg, which are not declared on the Honey BBQ Flavored Boneless Chicken Wyngz label. The products were produced on August 7th and August 8, 2012, and were distributed to retail stores nationwide. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Tyson Foods' Consumer Relations at (866) 328-3156.

Paul Asked About Presidential Plans

{Danville, Kentucky}...Before Thursday night's vice presidential debate at Centre College in Danville, reporters asked Republican U.S. Senator Rand Paul if he expects to be engaged in a presidential debate in 2016, but Paul said it's too soon to say. His father, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination this year. Rand Paul won his Senate seat in 2010, largely thanks to a wave of tea party support.

Big Media Eyes Focus On VP Debate

{Danville, Kentucky}...Big media eyes are focused on Thursday night's vice presidential debate between incumbent Joe Biden and U.S. Representative Paul Ryan. TV broadcast locations have already formed along the sidewalk outside the Norton Center for the Arts at Centre College in Danville, where the debate takes place at 9:00 P.M. Inside, the college's gymnasium has been converted into a massive media center complete with a "spin alley," where, after the debate, representatives of each campaign will try to convince reporters their guy won. A huge portable stage for MSNBC has been erected behind the statue of President Lincoln. Fox News anchor Bret Baier will anchor the network's coverage along with Megyn Kelly. Shepard Smith and Neil Cavuto are also slated to be present. CBS News on-air reporter Nancy Cordes will cover the Barack Obama and Biden ticket and chief legal correspondent Jan Crawford will cover the Mitt Romney and Ryan campaign. The broadcast will be anchored by Scott Pelly in New York. MSNBC has set up a broadcast stage where shows such as The Daily Rundown with Chuck Todd and Chris Matthews' Hardball will originate Thursday.

Man Sentenced To Life In Prison

{Greenup, Kentucky}...Wednesday, a jury in Greenup County covicted Charles "Steve" Lee of murder in the March 2011 death of his wife, Leslie "Crickett" Lee-Lanham. One hour later, Judge Bob Conley sentenced Lee to life in prison. Lee will be eligible for parole in 20 years.

  

Kentuckians Urged Not To Text While Driving

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Kentucky passed a law against texting while driving two years ago. Wednesday, Governor Steve Beshear joined officials from AT&T Kentucky, the Kentucky State Police and other highway safety advocates to urge Kentuckians not to text while driving. Beshear said he has ordered window decals placed on some 11,000 state vehicles and on 4,000 state patrol cars with the message "No Text On Board."

State Revenue Increases

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Budget Director Mary Lassiter announced Wednesday that total revenue for the month of September reached nearly $885 million, up from $840 million a year ago. A 26.1 percent increase in corporate income tax revenue, coupled with an 8.1 percent rise in individual income tax receipts, allowed the state to post an overall 5.3 percent increase in general operating funds for the month. Those taxes produced $466 million. The state's sales tax revenue rose by 1.2 percent, generating $321 million, and lottery revenue was up 9.4 percent to $17.5 million. Property tax collections were down nearly 13 percent, while cigarette tax receipts fell by 14 percent and revenue from the coal severance tax dropped another 19 percent.

Rowan County Students Suspended

{Morehead, Kentucky}...Sixteen students at Rowan County Senior High School, mostly in the freshman and sophomore class, were suspended Monday after sexually-explicit images of other students were found on their phones late last week. As part of their discipline, the students have been banned from using their cell phones on school grounds for the rest of the year and had to miss Saturday's Homecoming dance.

Not Guilty Pleas Entered For UK Players

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Tuesday, Lexington attorney Jim Lowry appeared in Fayette County District Court where he entered not guilty pleas for University of Kentucky football running back Raymond Sanders of Stone Mountain, Georgia, cornerback Marcus Caffey of Atlanta and wide receiver Bookie Cobbins of New Orleans. The players were charged September 13th with possession of marijuana. The players were not present. Their next court date is January 16th. The three are eligible for the criminal diversion program, an alternative sentencing program designed for first-time offenders.

Narcotics Costly For Medicaid Program

{Lexington, Kentucky}...According to a new study by the University of Kentucky, during the 2000s, narcotics were prescribed to adult Medicaid patients in Kentucky more than any other class of drug. The study found that patients in eastern Kentucky received double or triple the quantity of narcotics that patients got in most other Kentucky counties. UK's Center for Business and Economic Research found that, from 2000 to 2010,  more than 3.8 million prescriptions for narcotics were written for adults, costing the Medicaid program $212 million. Martin County led the state in narcotics prescriptions with 26,609 grams prescribed per 1,000 member-years of Medicaid. Shelby County had the lowest figure, 2,218 grams per 1,000 member-years of Medicaid.

 

Kentucky Resident Dies From Fungal Meningitis

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Health officials say one Kentucky resident has died from fungal meningitis. The state Public Health Department says it has been notified that five Kentucky residents have been diagnosed with fungal meningitis after receiving medical care in Tennessee. The cases match the pattern of an outbreak linked to injections of steroids distributed by the New England Compounding Center in Massachusetts. The state department recommends people contact a health care provider as soon as possible if they have received epidural steroid injections since May 21st and have symptoms such as worsening headache, fever, sensitivity to light, stiff neck, new weakness or numbness in any part of the body or slurred speech. Nationally, health officials say there have been 105 cases of fungal meningitis, with eight deaths.

Governor’s Conference Focuses On Coal

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Kentucky relies on coal for more than 90 percent of its electricity and is the third-largest coal producing state, but that will change if the EPA makes final its carbon dioxide limits on new power plants. At Monday's governor's conference on the environment in Louisville, Len Peters, secretary of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, said EPA's proposed federal regulations are stifling any new coal-burning power plants. Paul Thompson , senior vice president of energy services for LG&E and KU Energy, said natural gas prices are low now, but that could change. Thompson said the EPA rules would allow for coal-fired plants to capture and inject carbon-dioxide emissions deep into the ground, but that technology isn’t yet practical. 

Plans To Turn Ali’s Home Into Museum

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Jared Weiss, the Las Vegas real estate investor who paid $70,000 for  boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s boyhood home in western Louisville is planning to turn it into a museum, restoring and refurnishing it as it looked in the 1950s when Ali lived there. Weiss says he expects to have to spend up to $75,000 to renovate and furnish the home with Ali memorabilia, but he wants the whole world to see it. Ali’s brother, Rahman Ali, whose given name was Rudy Clay, told Weiss his family lived in the Grand Avenue house from 1947 to 1961, the year after Muhammad Ali, then Cassius Clay Jr., won the Olympics boxing gold medal.

Bill Seeks Legislative Pension Reform

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Representative Steve Riggs, a Jeffersontown Democrat who is chairman of the House Local Government Committee, has pre-filed a bill for the 2013 General Assembly session that would reduce legislative pension benefits and create a 401(k)-style retirement plan for new lawmakers. The retirement plans for state employees, police, cities and counties, teachers, legislators and the judicial branch are projecting $33 billion in unfunded liabilities over the coming decades. At least five other pre-filed bills and political candidates across the state are seeking similar pension reforms.

BOE Approves Changes In Student Restraint

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Monday, the state Board of Education unanimously approved some changes to a new statewide policy regarding when and how students may be restrained in public schools. The proposal prohibits physical restraint of students except when a child's behavior poses imminent danger of serious physical harm. It also requires that school staff receive training to help them identify situations considered serious enough for restraint and to learn positive reinforcement methods. The amended proposal adds examples of behavior methods used in classrooms that are not considered physical restraint, such as verbal commands and redirecting students to promote safety. It also adds a restriction on the restraint of students who use their hands to communicate.

Scott And Stumbo Sign Judicial Pledge

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott and former Justice Janet Stumbo have each signed a pledge to conduct their race in a dignified manner, while disavowing false or misleading advertising and other campaign tactics. Scott and Stumbo are squaring off against each other in a rematch of their 2004 race when Scott defeated then-Justice Stumbo in a close race. Stumbo has since gone on to serve as judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals. The pledge was crafted by the nonpartisan, nonprofit Kentucky Judicial Campaign Committee.

FDA Cracking Down On Websites

As part of a global crackdown on online sellers of counterfeit and illegal medical products, the Food and Drug Administration has ordered operators of about 4,100 Internet websites to immediately stop selling unapproved medications to U.S. consumers. Interpol, the international police agency, says about $10.5 million worth of medicines were seized worldwide last week and more than 18,000 illegal pharmacy websites were shuttered. The FDA has sent warning letters to three companies behind most of the websites, seized some illegal medicines and filed civil and criminal charges against the companies.

Centre College Preparing For Vice Presidential Debate

{Danville, Kentucky}...Centre College in Danville is increasing security in anticipation of Thursday's vice presidential debate between Vice President Joe Biden and Republican U.S. Representative Paul Ryan. Chain-link fences and concrete barriers have been installed on streets around the college, and beginning Tuesday, key roads around the campus will be closing and those attending the debate will have their bags searched. There will be video screens for people to watch nearby.

Florida Doctor To Be Arraigned

{Ashland, Kentucky}...Dr. Clara S. Rodriguez-Iznaga, a Florida physician, is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in federal court in Ashland on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money-laundering. Rodriguez-Iznaga is accused of conspiring with William James Muldoon Jr. and Jody Robinson to illegally distribute prescription narcotics in northeastern Kentucky. Robinson was the owner of two pain management clinics, Florida Global Medical in Plantation, Florida, where Rodriguiz-Iznaga worked, and Ohio Pain Relief Center in Portsmouth, Ohio. Muldoon and Robinson have entered not-guilty pleas.

Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Kills Seven

Saturday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said a rare fungal meningitis outbreak has spread to more than 60 people across nine states. Federal health officials say seven people have died so far, and they fear thousands more could have been exposed. Officials say the outbreak may have been caused by a steroid made by The New England Compounding Center, a specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts, where inspectors found at least one sealed vial that was contaminated. The steroid has been recalled. The steroid is commonly used to treat back pain. The New England Compounding Center has said it is cooperating with health investigators. It was investigated by Massachusetts regulators in 2006.

Churchill Downs To Buy Casino And Hotel

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Churchill Downs Inc. announced Friday it is buying Riverwalk Casino and Hotel in Vicksburg, Mississippi for $141 million. The agreement is contingent on receiving a gaming license. The deal is expected to close by year's end. The property includes a 25,000-square-foot gaming floor, an 80-room hotel, a multifunctional event center and two dining areas. Churchill Downs also owns Harlow's Casino Resort & Hotel in Greenville, 90 miles north of the Riverwalk property.

Kentucky State Fair Board Chooses New CEO

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Las Vegas convention consultant 52 year old Clifford "Rip" Rippetoe has been unanimously chosen as the new president and CEO of the Kentucky State Fair Board, replacing Harold Workman, whose retirement is effective at the end of the year. Workman has been president and CEO since 1993. Rippetoe was executive director and CEO of visitor information services for Utah for the 2002 Olympic Games.

Williams Open To Circuit Court Judgeship

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Lourdes Baez-Schrader, a spokeswoman for Kentucky Senate President David Williams, says Williams would consider a judicial appointment if an offer is made. A circuit court judgeship is open in Williams's district, and Governor Steve Beshear, who must make an appointment to fill the two-year term, says he believes Williams is qualified for the job. If appointed, Williams would be required to forfeit his seat as Republican Senate President, a position he has held since 2000. Beshear appointed members to a judicial nominating commission Thursday, including two from Williams' hometown. That panel, which is scheduled to meet October 26th, will recommend three candidates for Beshear to consider as replacements for the previous judge, Circuit Judge Eddie Lovelace, who died in September with two years remaining in his term. One additional member will be chosen by the Kentucky Bar Association.

UK Senate Council Criticizes Capilouto

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Thursday, the University of Kentucky Senate Council sent a memo to President Eli Capilouto over past and upcoming budget cuts, complaining about a lack of transparency and accusing him of creating a "false crisis." Council chairwoman Lee X. Blonder wrote in the memo that, "As such, they feel that the current crisis is largely due to presidential priorities that include new spending proposals in excess of $50 million." Capilouto's initiatives include a new debt service fund of $15 million to help with construction projects, expanded scholarships, a 5 percent merit raise pool and other strategic investments. Bob Grossman, a chemistry professor and vice chairman of the Senate Council, said the purpose of the memo was to inform Capilouto of how unhappy faculty members are of his handling of the state budget cuts and cuts due to decisions he has made.

Friends Of Coal Sponsoring UK Game

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Friends of Coal will continue its public relations campaign this weekend by serving as signature sponsor for the University of Kentucky vs. Mississippi State football game. Kentucky Coal Association President Bill Bissett says the campaign is aimed at educating people about the importance of coal in maintaining an affordable supply of electricity. More than 58,000 people have purchased "Friends of Coal" license plates, generating money that paid for $75,000 in scholarships to UK engineering students last year. The total for the next round of scholarships will be announced at halftime during Saturday's game.

Tobacco Distributors Indicted

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Thursday, a federal grand jury in Louisville indicted 42 year old Pedro "Peter" Bello of Miami, his sister, Caridad Bello, and her husband, Juan Hernandez, both of St. Louis, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors say they used phony invoices written by GT Northeast in Missouri to avoid paying Kentucky taxes on  $12 million worth of cigarettes sold in several states. If convicted, prosecutors want Bello to forfeit $2 million. Federal investigators had been tracking Pedro Bello since at least 2002. He was named in a civil lawsuit brought by the city of New York over untaxed cigarettes. A federal grand jury in Louisville initially charged him in October 2011, but re-indicted him Thursday.

Legal Battle Over "Father of Bluegrass Music"

Campbell "Doc" Mercer kicked off The Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Music Festival celebrating the life and music of Bill Monroe Thursday near Rosine in western Kentucky, but without the name of the "Father of Bluegrass Music" to promote it. Mercer is in a legal battle with Ohio County and its industrial foundation about whether he was ever given the legal right to use Monroe's name for commercial purposes. Ohio County and the foundation lay legal claim to Monroe's name and image after they bought the rights from  Monroe's son 13 years ago. Mercer says the county granted him the rights to use Monroe's name in 2001, but the county says there was never any intent to allow Mercer to use Monroe's name and likeness. The Kentucky Court of Appeals is set to hear arguments in the case November 19th in Hardinsburg. Monroe, born September 13, 1911, at Jerusalem Ridge, near Rosine in Ohio County, is credited by music historians with creating the sound that became known as bluegrass music.

Keep Campaign Signs Away From State Highways

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Transportation officials are reminding citizens to keep campaign signs away from state highways as we approach the November election. Kentucky law prohibits the placement of political or other advertising signs on state rights of way, including signs attached to utility poles or fences within the area. The Transportation Cabinet warns that any illegally placed signs will be removed, moved to the state highway garage in each county and will be kept for five working days before they are thrown away.

Keeneland Pulling Out Of Equine Education Project

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Keeneland officials have confirmed that the track is pulling out of the Kentucky Equine Education Project. The Kentucky Equine Education Project has unsuccessfully lobbied for expanded gambling at the state's racetracks. Keeneland's withdrawal does not mean the Lexington track is abandoning efforts to bring slots or casino gambling to the state. KEEP chairman Corey Johnsen said Wednesday that the group will continue efforts to pursue gambling as well as a sales tax exemption for farm purchases.

Unbridled Learning Accountability Model Adopted

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Department of Education is adopting the Unbridled Learning Accountability Model, replacing the former CATS testing system that was in place for 10 years. State officials say they expect scores to be 30 to 40 points lower, but under this new model, they also want parents to know these scores cannot be compared to previous years. Schools will be ranked across the state, and there will be added emphasis on college and career readiness. Officials expect to release last years test scores at the end of the month.

Unclean Conditions At Indiana Farm

The Food and Drug Administration's report on the mid-August inspections at Chamberlain Farm Produce Inc. in Owensville, Indiana shows an inspector found improperly cleaned and apparently rusted and corroded equipment and what appeared to be algae growing in standing water beneath conveyer belts.
On August 22nd, about a week after the inspections, Chamberlain announced it had voluntarily recalled all of its cantaloupes due to concerns that some might be tainted with salmonella. The outbreak sickened at least 270 people in 26 states and killed three people in Kentucky. Last month, the farm pulled its watermelons from the market after salmonella was found on some of those fruits. Gary Zhao, an attorney for Chamberlain Farm Produce, said Wednesday that the farm has been cooperating fully with FDA officials.

Former Fort Campbell Soldier Convicted

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway says former Fort Campbell soldier, 27 year old Michael Myers of Oak Grove, has been convicted by a Christian County jury on 12 counts of possessing child porn. The  jury recommended a one-year sentence in addition to a requirement that he register as a sex offender for 20 years. Myers will be sentenced December 5th. Conway says Myers' indictment in 2010 stemmed from an undercover investigation that was undertaken by his cybercrimes unit in September 2009.

Federal Judge Halts Liquor Sales

Wednesday, U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II ruled that an appeal by state officials and package liquor stores is unlikely to succeed, but allowing sales to go forward immediately would cause legal confusion before lawmakers could act to fix the statute in question. In August, Heyburn ruled that Kentucky's law barring grocery stores, gas stations and other retailers from selling wine and liquor is unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. The state and liquor stores say they plan to appeal the decision to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.

KSP Initiating "Text A Tip"

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The Kentucky State Police is initiating "Text a Tip," a new proactive program where citizens are now able to text confidential tips from their cell phone. Anyone with texting capabilities from personal electronic devices can simply text 67283 in the address field, then type KSPTIP in the message field, leave a space and then enter information about a crime. If your tip went through successfully, you will receive an instant confirmation text on your phone. The program is designed to report criminal activity, assist with neighborhood watch and serve as an additional resource for schools and college campuses.