Gun Permit Proposal Opposed

Attorneys general in New York and nine other states are asking U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, to stop legislation that would let licensed gun owners carry concealed firearms across state lines, saying it would restrict states' ability to control gun permits inside their borders, forcing them to recognize permits from states with weak oversight. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says 68 percent of the guns used in New York crimes last year were traced to other states. The bill is supported by the National Rifle Association, which says it lets owners protect themselves in other states.

Mother Gets Probation

{Ashland, Kentucky}…Nineteen year old Lakyn Jobe of Ashland was in Boyd County Circuit Court Friday, where she was sentenced to five years probation in the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Cally. In August, Jobe pleaded guilty to first-degree wanton endangerment. Kentucky State Police say, on May 3, 2011 Jobe left Cally at her house with 45 year old Brian Brewster. When Jobe returned, she found Cally unresponsive, took her to Kings Daughter's Medical Center. She was then flown to Charleston Area Medical Center where she died. In August, a jury found Brewster not guilty of manslaughter.  

Arrest Warrant Issued

{Ashland, Kentucky}…Ashland Police say an arrest warrant has been issued for 24 year old Jamar D. Robinson. Investigators say he robbed the Ashland Inn Motel on Winchester Avenue at gunpoint on October 5th. Police believe he is in the Tri-State area and say he is known to hang out at the University Apartments in Ashland.

Stumbo, Beshear Hopeful For Expanded Gambling

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…House Speaker Greg Stumbo is no longer demanding that legislation calling for a constitutional amendment to legalize gambling start in the Senate. Stumbo and Governor Steve Beshear are hoping the departure of Senate President David Williams, who resigned earlier this month to become a circuit judge, will improve the chances of getting a bill through the General Assembly when it convenes in January. Incoming Senate floor leader, Republican Damon Thayer of Georgetown, is one of the state's leading gambling supporters. Stumbo says incoming Senate President, Republican Robert Stivers of Manchester, appears willing to talk with Democratic House leaders and the Democratic governor who has pushed for gambling since he took office in 2007. If a constitutional amendment is approved, it would have to be placed on the ballot in 2014 for Kentucky voters to ratify or reject.

Tax Amnesty Period Ending

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Friday, November 30th, is the last day for delinquent taxpayers to take advantage of Kentucky’s tax amnesty program. The Department of Revenue’s main Frankfort office and taxpayer centers throughout the state are open until 9:00 P.M. local time Friday and will close after the last person in line has been helped. Taxpayers can apply for amnesty even if they haven’t filed tax returns. The Department of Revenue will accept applications through Friday, whether in person or postmarked November 30th. If taxpayers do not have all their documentation in order, they can still apply. The taxpayer applies online, sends a check, even a $10 check, or pays an amount online to be able to participate in amnesty. Department of Revenue officials will then work with those taxpayers to determine the amount of tax owed and a payment schedule through May 30, 2013.

"Give a Gift Made In Kentucky" Month

{Berea, Kentucky}…First Lady Jane Beshear is encouraging Kentuckians to support local businesses and buy Kentucky products this holiday season. To show her support, Beshear presented a proclamation at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea Thursday declaring December "Give a Gift Made In Kentucky" Month.

Officials Say Heroin Making Big Comeback

Dan Smoot, law enforcement director of Operation UNITE, which handles drug investigations in 29 eastern Kentucky counties, says, "There's always some type of drug to step up when another gets taken out." Law enforcement officials in Kentucky and Ohio say, since a crack-down on drug abuse, the set up an electronic system to track pills and the slowdown of a pipeline that had roots in Florida, they have busted more people for a drug that had long ago faded into the background. Officials say heroin, which is generally snorted or injected in powder form, is being imported into the United States from Mexico and Central America. Kentucky State Police submitted 451 suspected heroin samples to its lab in 2010. By 2011, that number increased to 749. Through September 2012, state police had submitted 1,074 cases to the lab.

Mining Inspections Improve

{Washington, D.C.}…A U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement oversight report shows that 87.7 percent of the surface mining inspections required last year in Kentucky were completed, up from 83 percent in the three previous years but down from the state's historic rate of 98 percent. The report also showed the coal industry's compliance with environmental standards was 70 percent. Natural Resources Commissioner Steve Hohmann says the inspection frequency improved to 99 percent in the most recent full quarter, just after the period covered by the report.

Power Plant Pollution Control Upgrade

{Louisville, Kentucky}…State leaders say a nearly $1 billion project to update pollution controls at LG&E's Mill Creek Generating Station in Louisville will be a boost for Kentucky's coal industry. The upgrades are expected to add about 700 construction jobs. They will also allow the 1,400-megawatt plant to continue to burn coal by meeting stricter federal air regulations that go in force in 2016. LG&E says the upgrades will remove 98 percent of the sulfur dioxide from the plant's emissions. Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters says the $940 million upgrade shows power plants "can use coal in an environmentally conscious manner."

Former Harlem Globetrotter Dies

{Lexington, Kentucky}…Harry Sykes, Lexington's first black city commissioner, a civil rights leader and former Harlem Globetrotter, died Wednesday in Lexington of natural causes. He was 85. Sykes was born in Mississippi, where his father was a sharecropper and minister, and attended a one-room school. After the family moved to Chicago in the 1940s, Sykes became a star athlete and won a scholarship to Kentucky State College, now Kentucky State University. Sykes played two years with the Globetrotters after attending Kentucky State College. He left basketball to become a teacher at the old Dunbar High School in Lexington. Sykes served four consecutive terms on the old city commission, beginning in 1963. He was city manager and chief executive officer and elected mayor pro-tem in 1967. He ran for mayor in 1971, the first black candidate for that office. 

Leslie County Murder Trial Continues

{Hyden, Kentucky}…Kentucky State Police forensic scientist Marci Adkins testified Wednesday in the Leslie County murder trial of Charles Dwight Watts, the man accused of murdering Kelly Johnson and Chad Muncy in 2009. Adkins, who tested swabs of blood found in the door frame and steering wheel of Watts' car, testified that it matched Chad Muncy's DNA in all 15 locations that she tested. During cross examination, the defense pointed out the only time Watts' DNA was found was on a floor mat in his car. In Kelly Johnson's murder, police collected three cigarette buts from an end table, but Adkins said those all had the same DNA, but testified it did not match the murder victim or Watts. 

Mayor Faces Drug Charge

{Olive Hill, Kentucky}…Officers with the FADE Task Force arrested Olive Hill Mayor Danny Sparks Wednesday evening at his home following an undercover drug buy. Police say Sparks sold undercover officers marijuana.

Rogers Re-Elected As Appropriations Committee Chairman

{Washington, D.C.}…The House Republican Conference has elected Congressman Hal Rogers to a second term as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations. Chairman Rogers says, over the past two years, he’s been proud to oversee the Committee’s responsible shepherding of federal tax dollars under an open and transparent process, saving the American tax payer almost $100 billion, and he looks forward to continuing to work on behalf of the American people.

Hearing Set For USA Harvest Founder

{Louisville, Kentucky}…Wednesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Dave Whalin set a December 20th hearing for 63 year old Hugh "Stan" Curtis of Louisville, the founder of USA Harvest. A bill of information charges Curtis with taking $183,354 in donations from the charity and charging $370,537.67 in personal travel expenses. He faces charges of mail fraud, money laundering and filing false income tax returns.

Stivers Chosen As Senate President

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Senate Republicans met in Frankfort Tuesday where they chose GOP Floor Leader Robert Stivers of Manchester as Senate President over Independent Senator Bob Leeper of Paducah. Longtime Senate President David Williams gave up his Senate seat when Governor Steve Beshear appointed him to a judicial position in southern Kentucky. Senator Stivers won't officially be seated until January.

Senate President Pro Tem Katie Kratz Stine was unopposed in her re-election to that position. The GOP senators chose Damon Thayer of Georgetown as majority floor leader over David Givens of Greensburg. And they chose Brandon Smith of Hazard, another Appalachian lawmaker, as whip over Jimmy Higdon of Lebanon. Dan Seum of Louisville was re-elected as Republican caucus chairman over challenger Joe Bowen of Owensboro.

Scratch-Offs Not Appropriate For Children

{Louisville, Kentucky}...The Kentucky Lottery is discouraging customers from buying scratch-off tickets for children. Spokesman Chip Polson says studies show gambling can have a negative effect on children. He says it isn't illegal to give tickets to a child, but it isn't advised. Lottery officials say research indicates the earlier that young people begin to gamble, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem or addiction. Warning signs of children's possible gambling behavior are frequent unexplained absences, sudden drop in grades, withdrawal from friends, lying about gambling, possession of gambling materials and increased use of gambling language.

E-Rate Passes $1 Million Mark

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...The education rate (e-rate) federal program, which helps fund Internet and telephone service for libraries and schools, has passed the $1 million mark in Kentucky in 2012, making it the most successful year in e-rate history for the state. The $1,033,398 being allotted to Kentucky’s public libraries this year will help ensure libraries are connected to worldwide information networks, regardless of their location. E-rate was enacted by Congress under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, with the program beginning in 1998. Kentucky public libraries have received $7,146,928 in e-rate funding since that time.

Joe B. Hall Wildcat Lodge Demolition Begins

{Lexington, Kentucky}…Demolition began Monday morning on the University of Kentucky Joe B. Hall Wildcat Lodge to make room for a new dorm. The Joe B. Hall Wildcat Lodge, which opened in 1978, was replaced earlier this year by the new Wildcat Coal Lodge. Dennis Brinley, president of HCL Inc., says  the site should be cleared in three weeks.

Tax Amnesty Nearing End

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Department of Revenue officials expect the busiest week yet for Kentucky’s tax amnesty program, which ends Friday, November 30th. Those who take advantage of amnesty will likely save 30 percent or more. For those who don’t, tougher penalties and fees, plus a higher interest rate will be applied along with more aggressive collection efforts. To provide additional taxpayer assistance during the final week of amnesty, the Kentucky Department of Revenue is extending operating hours at its 10 field offices around the state.

Each office will be open regular hours plus extended hours as noted (all times local):

Monday, November 26th through Thursday, November 29th: 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Friday, November 30th:  8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. (or until last taxpayer in line leaves)

A list of the main office in Frankfort and field office locations is available at

http://www.revenue.ky.gov/aboutus/taxpayerservicecenters.htm.

Holiday Highway Fatalities Reported

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Preliminary statistics indicate nine people died in seven separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, November 19th through Sunday, November 25, 2012. Three fatalities occurred in Laurel and Meade Counties prior to the start of the Thanksgiving holiday reporting period, while six fatalities were reported in Barren, Garrard, Oldham, Rockcastle and Rowan Counties as the result of five crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which started at 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 21st and ended at 11:59 P.M. Sunday, November 25th. In 2011, 1,289 traffic crashes occurred throughout Kentucky during the Thanksgiving holiday period, claiming six lives and injuring 393 people. Through November 25th, preliminary statistics indicate 657 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2012. This is eight fewer than reported for this time period in 2011.

Alcoholic-Beverage Recommendations

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…After three months of work, a 22-member task force aimed at overhauling the state’s alcoholic-beverage regulations that date back to Prohibition will vote on committee recommendations on December 13th and send them to Governor Steve Beshear. Recommendations include that the state consolidate more than 70 types of liquor and beer licenses and a repeal of a law that requires county liquor stores and bars to close on the day a city or precinct holds a wet-dry vote. The recommendations come just months after U.S. District Judge John Heyburn II ruled that Kentucky's law allowing alcohol sales at gas stations and drug stores but not groceries is unconstitutional because there's no justification for allowing drug stores that carry groceries to sell wine and liquor while banning it at a pharmaceutical-selling grocery store.

Grandmother Skeptical Of Senate Run

Eighty-five year old Polly Judd, the grandmother of actress Ashley Judd, says she’s skeptical of talk that her famous granddaughter might run for U.S. Senate in Kentucky as a Democratic challenger to Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. Polly Judd, a political activist in Ashland where she once served on the city commission, says McConnell has done more for her hometown than anyone else, and she doesn't think there's any possibility for such a matchup. Ashley Judd hasn’t ruled out a Senate run. 

Supreme Court To Hear Lawson Appeal

{Louisville, Kentucky}…The Kentucky Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by highway contractor Leonard Lawson. Earlier this year, the Kentucky Court of Appeals in a 2-1 ruling rejected an argument by Lawson that his privacy would be invaded if a statement he made to investigators in 1983 was released. The statement was mentioned in a 2008 federal bribery case against Lawson. Lawson agreed to give the statement as part of a deal with state and federal investigators after a company he owned at the time, Mountain Enterprises, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of violating antitrust law. The high court is expected to hear arguments in the case in the late spring or early summer of 2013.

Deputies Exposed To Meth

{Greenup, Kentucky}…Greenup County Deputies Rick Craft and Cody Fuller were attempting to serve a warrant at a home on Culp Creek Road early Sunday morning when 42 year old Hubert Dehart barricaded himself in the bathroom of the home, where an active meth lab was cooking, and attempted to get rid of all the meth making material before deputies gained entry. Deputies Craft and Fuller were overwhelmed by the fumes while arresting Hubert and Pamela Dehart. The deputies were transported to Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, where Deputy Craft was treated and released, but Deputy Fuller had to be admitted into the intensive care unit.

Supreme Court Considering Miranda Rights

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…The Kentucky Supreme Court is considering a case heard in October involving Miranda rights to students being questioned. The case stems from a 2009 incident at Nelson County High School in which a student was questioned behind closed doors, and admitted to a school official and school resource officer to giving away two prescription pain pills. The student was sentenced in juvenile court to 45 days in adult jail, but has appealed, saying his statement should be suppressed because he wasn’t read his Miranda rights. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that Miranda warnings are required for police interrogations for people who are in custody.

International Fraud Operation

{Louisville, Kentucky}…Federal authorities are continuing to investigate several people allegedly involved in a $1.4 million international fraud operation stretching from Kentucky to Europe. Authorities say the people used at least 20 aliases and five fictitious companies, along with a residential address in Louisville, while advertising cars on websites such as eBay and Autotrader, and arranged for wire transfers to pay for vehicles. Once the money was received, it was run through multiple bank accounts in different names then transferred over a two-year period from banks in Kentucky to accounts in Hungary and Romania. U.S. Marshals caught up with Nicholas Corey Garner and Eli Holley in Indiana in mid-September. Both have been returned to Kentucky and pleaded not guilty. Jelahni Williams, who goes by the alias "Ruben Thompson," pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Authorities are still searching for Petrica Octavian Stoian, who took part in the scheme from Budapest, Hungary; Sorin Costea, who also goes by the alias "Adrian Flocea," and also took part in the scheme from Budapest, Hungary; and Sabrina Carmichael, who uses four aliases including "Valerie Pisano" and operated in Kentucky opening bank accounts in the names of the businesses.

Man Struck By Vehicle

{Mount Sterling, Kentucky}…A Kentucky State Police trooper pulled over 21 year old Steven Reilly just before 9:00 P.M. Friday night after observing him riding a motorcycle at speeds close to 110 miles per hour on Interstate 64 near Mount Sterling. When the trooper got out of his car, Reilly started arguing with him, pushed his motorcycle in the trooper's direction, and fled. While attempting to cross the Interstate, Reilly was struck by a vehicle. Reilly was flown to UK Hospital, where he was listed in serious but stable condition Saturday. 

Initiative Focuses On Premature Deliveries

The March of Dimes, the Kentucky Department for Public Health, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the state's Medicaid managed care organizations and several hospitals across the state have partnered in an effort to limit elective premature deliveries to 3 percent or less by the end of next year. The goal was set by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Kentucky Hospital Association project director, nurse Donna Meador, says the KHA network has 16 hospitals that are part of the project. She said the average rate now for elective premature births at the participating hospitals in her networks is 12 percent.

Unions Picket Wal-Mart

{Louisville, Kentucky}...About 60 people picketed outside a Louisville Wal-Mart for about two hours Friday as part a nationwide movement to protest labor practices at the world's largest retailer. Picketers were made up of members from several unions and a group called Kentucky Jobs with Justice, who shouted, "This is what a union looks like! This is what lazy looks like!"

GOP To Hold Senate Caucus

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Republicans leaders in the Senate will meet Tuesday to caucus on whether they will support Republican Senator Robert Stivers, who has served as floor leader for the past four years, or Independent Senator Bob Leeper, who has served as Senate budget committee chairman, for Kentucky's next Senate President. Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Dan Seum says Leeper's eligibility to run for the position might be challenged before the caucus since he is seeking to serve in a Republican role but is registered as an Independent. The vote will be taken by secret ballot, but the choice won't be officials until all senators vote during the legislative session that begins in January.

GED Changes Planned

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Kentucky Adult Education says more than 16,000 Kentuckians have passed parts of the current GED test but have not finished. Those close to completing their GED are being urged to finish before the end of next year. The current version of the GED is being replaced January 2, 2014. Those who have not passed all five portions of the high school-equivalency test will have to begin again with the new test.

Companies Plan To Adapt To Hemp

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Some Kentucky companies are already planning to try to adapt their businesses if the growing of industrial hemp is legalized in 2013. Lexington-based G.F. Vaughan Tobacco executives are planning a trip to Canada to see how the plant is processed in that country, where the crop is legal. Vaughan has spent 100 years processing tobacco, but the heyday of burley tobacco is long past. Hemp was once a staple of Kentucky agriculture but has been outlawed because it is a cousin to marijuana.

Elderly Man Pleads Guilty

{Bowling Green, Kentucky}...Seventy year old Dallas Norris pleaded guilty this week to manufacturing and distributing a controlled substance, money laundering and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Prosecutors said Norris and 10 co-defendants operated a sophisticated marijuana grow operation that was discovered by Kentucky State Police at his Glasgow home last November. A police investigation determined that the operation started in 2008 and was producing seven to 10 pounds of marijuana about every two weeks.

Prosecutors Seek Ban

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Wednesday, federal prosecutors asked a federal judge to ban 55 year old Paul Barth from leaving the state after learning that he had the money to pay $198,277 in restitution to the children’s charity WHAS Crusade for Children and the McMahan fire district but chose instead to buy a new home in Louisville. Prosecutors recently discovered Barth had sold a Florida condo on September 5th for $472,500 and purchased a Louisville home on October 12th with $266,500 in cash. Barth, the former fire chief of the McMahan Fire Protection District, and Crusade chairman,was sentenced Monday to 3 years and five months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution. He had previously pleaded guilty to 15 counts of fraud and money laundering after being accused of using money intended for the Crusade to pay for personal expenses, including vacation, property taxes and Corvette Club expenses. In 2012, the Crusade awarded nearly $5.2 million in grants, ranging from $1,200 for The Rehabilitation Center to $198,000 to the Kosair Children’s Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.

Former Mine Permits Director Reaches Settlement

{Louisville, Kentucky}…Former state mining official Ron Mills has reached a $270,000 settlement with Kentucky's Energy and Environment Cabinet. Mills was Kentucky's director of mine permits but was fired in November 2009. Mills later filed a suit saying he was wrongly terminated for opposing illegal coal mining practices. Mills opposed a state policy that grants mining permits to coal operators before they had obtained rights to enter mine property from all property owners on the permit. He said the policy was illegal and stopped it in August 2008 before it was reinstated the next year. 

Man Pleads Guilty To Drug Charge

{Midland, Texas}…Federal prosecutors in Midland, Texas say 37 year old Rigoberto Marquez of Odessa pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Police say, in mid-2011, Marquez tried to recruit another Texas driver to transport cocaine from Arizona to Ohio, then return money from the sales to Arizona, but the trucker became an FBI informant. On November 18, 2011, Kentucky State Police near Elizabethtown confiscated about $307,000 in drug money hidden in the truck Marquez was driving from Columbus, Ohio.

Death Row Inmate Granted Hearing

{Louisville, Kentucky}…The Kentucky Supreme Court has cleared the way for death row inmate 56 year old Gregory L. Wilson to pursue his claim of being mentally disabled and ineligible for the death penalty in the 1987 kidnapping, rape and slaying of 36 year old Debbie Pooley, a restaurant manager. Wilson's case returns to Kenton Circuit Court for a hearing on his mental retardation claims as well as whether semen used as evidence in the case still exists and should be tested.

Huge Drug Bust

{Louisville, Kentucky}…Police in Metro Louisville say they found more than 2,400 pounds of marijuana and $1 million in cash during drug busts at two different homes in the city Wednesday. Police arrested 22 year old Horacio Magana, 20 year old Maritzein Rangel, 39 year old Evelia Macias-Farias and 40 year old Elias Vazquez-Garcia. 

Train Derailment Leads To Lawsuit

{Louisville, Kentucky}…Four residents affected by a train derailment and fire that led to an evacuation in or around West Point near Louisville on October 31st have filed a class action lawsuit against Paducah & Louisville Railway, CSX and two companies involved in the cleanup. The suit, filed in Hardin County, alleges the railroad company and cleanup contractors allowed toxic substances to be released into residents' property and waited too long to warn residents of the dangers after the blast.    

Substance Abuse Grants Announced

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Governor Steve Beshear has announced that Kentucky has received three federal grants totaling $6.25 million to enhance substance abuse prevention and treatment efforts over the next three years. The funding will support programs aimed at adolescents with mental health and substance use disorders and help fight underage drinking and prescription drug abuse among Kentuckians 12-25 years old. The Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities received the funding from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. DBHDID is housed within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Medi-Share Recommending Options

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Last month, Franklin County Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate concluded that Florida-based Medi-Share, a Christians-only health insurance program, doesn't comply with Kentucky Department of Insurance regulations and won't be allowed to operate in the state after January 1st, leaving some 800 Kentuckians looking elsewhere for coverage. Medi-Share spokeswoman Amy Huffman says one suggestion is that they consider Samaritan Ministries, an Illinois-based cost-sharing ministry that remains in good standing in Kentucky. Huffman says Medi-Share recommended that its members consider medical coverage from secular health insurance companies as well.

KY Woman Convicted In Tennessee Murder

{Knoxville, Tennessee}…A jury in Jackson, Tennessee has convicted Vanessa Coleman of Lebanon, Kentucky of facilitation in the 2007 rape and murder of former University of Tennessee student 21 year old Channon Christian. Coleman was convicted on 13 of 17 charges. Coleman was convicted in 2010 of facilitation in Christian's death, but a retrial was ordered for her and three other defendants after the trial judge in Knoxville acknowledged drug use during her trial. In her first trial, Coleman was acquitted of any crimes committed against Christian's boyfriend, 23 year old Christopher Newsom, who was raped and shot and his body set on fire.

KY Jobless Rate Improves

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Tuesday, the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training released data showing jobless rates improved in October in 101 counties, worsened in 17 and stayed the same in two. Woodford County had the lowest unemployment rate at 5.6 percent. Magoffin County had the worst unemployment rate in the state at 15.5 percent. Bell, Harlan, Jackson, Knott, Leslie and Letcher counties had unemployment rates ranging from 13 percent to 13.5 percent.

Repeal Of Public Pensions Considered

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…In hopes of reining in a growing unfunded liability that now exceeds $30 billion, Tuesday, the Kentucky Public Pensions Task Force approved a list of proposed reforms recommending a repeal of built-in cost-of-living increases for government retirees. The proposals include the creation of a "hybrid cash balance" retirement plan similar to a 401 plan for employees hired after July 1, 2013. Not among the task force's recommendations Tuesday was an earlier suggestion that the state take on more debt through a bond sale to close the funding gap in the pension plans for state and local government retirees. 

Holliday Elected National President

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday has been elected president of the Council of Chief State School Officers' Board of Directors for 2013-14. Holliday, who has been education commissioner since 2009, has been on the council's board for two years and holds positions with other national education policy groups.

Cigarette Tax Increase Considered

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Monday, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform gave an initial OK to increasing the cigarette tax to $1 a pack from the current 60 cents. The proposed cigarette tax hike, if approved by lawmakers, would be the second since 2009 when it was doubled from 30 cents a pack. The panel also endorsed a proposal to allow voters in cash-strapped local governments across Kentucky to decide through ballot initiatives whether to approve temporary sales tax increases to pay for specific building projects.

State Approves Annexation

{Pineville, Kentucky}…The state has sent a memorandum of understanding to the Pineville City Council to annex the lodge and restaurant at the Pine Mountain State Park into the city limits. If annexed, Pineville will collect occupational and restaurant taxes at the park. Mayor Sherwin Rader says he believes city council and the state department of parks will reach a deal soon and then the city council is expected to annex the park.

Anti-Smurfing Campaign Launched

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Monday, Governor Steve Beshear joined members of the General Assembly, representatives from the Kentucky Retail Federation, the Kentucky Pharmacists Association and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association in announcing the launch of a privately-funded statewide campaign aimed at increasing public awareness about smurfing, the illegal process of buying products containing pseudoephedrine on behalf of methamphetamine criminals. The goal of the Anti-Smurfing Campaign is to inform potential smurfers and the general public-through signage displayed at pharmacy sales counters that smurfing is a serious criminal offense that can result in jail time.

New State Budget Director Hired

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Governor Steve Beshear announced Monday that Jane Driskell, a veteran government finance staffer, has been hired to serve as state budget director for Kentucky, replacing Mary Lassiter, who has been serving as both budget director and as head of the governor's executive cabinet. Lassiter will continue as executive cabinet secretary. Driskell will take over the high-profile duties in January. Driskell started her government career in 1985 as a policy and budget analyst in the Governor's Office for Policy and Management. She also has held executive management positions in Louisville and Lexington governments, including deputy mayor, chief financial officer, budget director and commissioner of finance.

Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty

{Bowling Green, Kentucky}…Kentucky federal income tax preparer 47 year old Greg P. Denham of Glasgow pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Bowling Green to aiding and assisting in the preparing of false income tax returns. Denham admitted to 35 counts charging that, between February 2006 and May 2009, he prepared income tax returns for other people that misrepresented or under-reported taxes owed. Denham faces a maximum of three years in prison when sentenced February 14th. 

Highway Fatalities Down

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Preliminary statistics indicate that five people died in five separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, November 12th through Sunday, November 18, 2012. One single fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Floyd, Hardin, Jefferson, Nelson and Warren Counties. Through November 18th, preliminary statistics indicate 641 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2012. This is eight fewer than reported for this time period in 2011. 

Counties Selected For Post-Election Audit

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Attorney General Jack Conway has announced that six Kentucky counties were chosen in a random drawing Monday afternoon to undergo independent inquiries for any potential irregularities that may have occurred during the general election on Tuesday, November 6th.

The counties are:

Grayson

Bracken

Johnson

Lewis

Bath

Bourbon

Tax Reform Commission To Meet

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Recommendations from changing the state income and sales tax rates to increasing the cigarette tax may be finalized Monday when Governor Steve Beshear’s tax reform commission meets. At its last meeting on November 8th, the commission supported cutting the amount of annual pension income that should be exempt from the income tax to $15,000 from $41,110. It also said Social Security benefits, now exempt from the state income tax, should be taxed on a scale, as the federal government does, and it recommended disallowing 75 percent of the total in itemized deductions to which a taxpayer is currently entitled for things like home mortgage interest and charitable contributions.

Governor Beshear has asked for a final report no later than December 15th. He also has said he will discuss the final recommendations with legislative leaders and decide what sort of reform to propose to the General Assembly, which writes state tax laws.

The federal government does not tax Social Security benefits if an individual’s total income is less than $25,000. Social Security benefits are taxed if an individual’s total income is $25,000 to $34,000. And up to 85 percent of benefits may be taxable for individual total incomes more than $34,000.

Horse Trainers Complaining About New Rule

Horse trainers are complaining that a new rule which took effect October 5th allowing only state veterinarians to administer the anti-bleeder medication Lasix to horses on race day isn't working. They say, since the rule took effect, four mistakes have been made. The first two mixups took place at Keeneland. The most recent errors occurred last week at Churchill Downs when two horses were scratched after receiving Lasix shots from state vets. Kentucky Equine Medical Director Mary Scollay who says she understands the frustration, is asking for patience as the new system is implemented. She also says new protocols are being put in place to prevent future errors.

Big Blue Nation Emerges Victorious

The Big Blue Nation of lifesavers came through on Friday and pulled out another Big Blue Crush win by defeating Tennessee, 3,160 to 3,107. This was the third year in a row that Kentucky fans won the annual blood battle, and after 25 years of competing, the score is now even with 12 wins each and one tie. KBC, the largest FDA regulated blood bank in Kentucky, is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring a safe, adequate blood supply for patients at nearly 70 Kentucky hospitals and clinics in more than 60 counties. KBC relies on volunteers to donate 400 pints of blood per day to meet area patients' needs. Over the last year, KBC distributed nearly 130,000 blood components. 

Bronze Sculpture To Honor Miners

{Harlan, Kentucky}…Artist Joyce Minnick, a Harlan native who currently lives in Indiana, has donated a bronze sculpture called "A Way of Life" to honor eastern Kentucky miners, which is planned to be displayed at the Coal Museum in Benham. Minnick says she used mining items that belonged to her grandfather, John W. Jump of Closplint, to create the sculpture. Minnick is raising funds to cast her creation in bronze before it is placed at the museum. In order to do that, she is asking that people interested in adding a loved one's name to a bronze plaque that will go with the sculpture contribute $100 to the project. She says she is taking 100 names, just enough to pay for the bronze casting, and that those who contribute will be notified of the date that the sculpture will be dedicated.

National Adoption Day

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, of the more than 7,000 children in out-of-home care in Kentucky, more than 1,800 have the goal of adoption. Of that number, approximately 300 are available for adoption. Governor Steve Beshear joined other national, state and local leaders in commemorating the 12th anniversary of National Adoption Day. Celebrated every year the Saturday before Thanksgiving, National Adoption Day is a collective effort to raise awareness of the 100,000 children in foster care who are waiting to find safe and loving families through adoption. Since the first National Adoption Day, nearly 40,000 children have joined permanent families on this special day. This year the National Adoption Day Coalition expects the adoption of 4,500 foster care children to be finalized, and events will be held across the nation to celebrate all families who adopt.

Convicted Murderer Wins New Trial

{Louisville, Kentucky}...Friday, the Kentucky Court of Appeals ordered the Madison Circuit Court to retry 27 year old Christopher McGorman Jr., who was convicted in the January 29, 2000 shooting death of a classmate, 14 year old Larry Raney of Winchester. McGorman was 14 at the time of the shooting but was tried as an adult. He's serving life in prison at the Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville. The court determined his attorney was ineffective when he allowed McGorman to be interviewed by police without independently investigating the shooting or having his client evaluated. The court concluded that those mistakes permeated the entire trial, rendering it unfair.

Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty

{Lexington, Kentucky}...Former Lexington Police Officer 43 year old Keith Todd pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree assault, DUI, wanton endangerment, tampering with evidence and attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud. The controlled substance was Zolpidem, a prescription medication used to treat insomnia. Police say, in March, Todd was driving under the influence when he hit Penny Bentley who was walking on along Lexington's Legacy Trail, which is for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. Bentley's leg was broken, and she suffered other injuries. A breath test showed Todd's blood-alcohol level was 0.084. Todd faced a maximum of 20 years in prison, but prosecutors recommended a 17 year sentence plus $200 in fines and court costs. Fayette Circuit Judge Pamela Goodwine scheduled sentencing for January 11th.

Glitch Causes Food Stamp Problems

Millions of food stamp recipients in 10 states were unable to use their debit cards for about six hours Friday after an outage at JPMorgan Chase. Bank officials say the outage affected Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, South Carolina, Indiana, Kentucky, Connecticut, West Virginia, Delaware. It also hit the U.S. Virgin Islands. Bank spokesman Mike Fusco apologized for the inconvenience and said the technical glitch was resolved around 1 p.m. Friday, but he declined to discuss details of what exactly went wrong.

Trial Set In Cold Case Murder

{Halran, Kentucky}…Earnest Hensley is set to go on trial December 4th after being accused of killing coal operator and business partner Harry Miller Maupin of Richmond. Maupin went missing in 1985 and the case was considered cold until July of this year. Maupin's body was never found, but police say they learned he was shot and then his body was moved out of Halran County.

Not Guilty Plea In Deputy’s Death

{Lebanon, Kentucky}…Forty-nine year old DeWayne Shipp has pleaded not guilty to murder in the shooting death of a deputy. The funeral for Marion County Sheriff's Deputy 31 year old Carl Anthony Rakes will be held Saturday. Rakes was taken to Spring View Hospital in Lebanon after he was shot about 2:00 A.M. Wednesday morning, but he died during surgery.  Preliminary autopsy results showed that Rakes died from two gunshot wounds to the abdomen and upper torso.

Parties Select Senate Candidates

On November 27th, Senate Republicans will elect a new leader, who is expected to then become Senate president when lawmakers convene in early January for the 2013 legislative session. Candidates for the top spot include Senate Majority Leader Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, and Senator Robert Leeper, an independent from Paducah. Former Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, vacated the seat after being appointed to an open circuit court judgeship by Governor Steve Beshear.

State Representative Sara Beth Gregory, R-Monticello, will face Democrat Bill Conn, a Williamsburg teacher and a first-time candidate, in a December 18th special election for an open state Senate seat. Democratic and Republican party officials from the 16th Senate District, which includes Clinton, Cumberland, McCreary, Monroe, Wayne and Whitley counties, nominated Gregory and Conn at separate meetings late Thursday evening.

Conway Alerting Of Foreclosure Settlement

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway has begun a public service campaign to alert people before a January 18th deadline to apply for money from the $25 billion national mortgage foreclosure settlement reached last spring. Conway says Kentucky received almost $59 million and has millions to distribute. Homeowners who received mortgages from Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citi or Ally/GMAC from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2011 are eligible for financial assistance. As many as 5,000 Kentuckians are thought to be eligible for settlement money because they were wrongfully foreclosed on, and tens of thousands more might be eligible for write-downs. Conway says Kentucky homeowners who were foreclosed on could get $2,000 without conceding legal rights to pursue other remedies.

Execution Method Revised

{Louisville, Kentucky}…Kentucky has moved one step closer to resuming executions by sending new rules for lethal injections to lawmakers. The revised regulations specify that doses of the drug used in the one-drug execution, 3 grams of sodium thiopental or 5 grams of pentobarbital, be repeated if the inmate has not died within 10 minutes. In a two-drug execution, the warden may authorize continued injections of 60 milligrams of hydromorphone until the inmate dies if the initial injection is not deadly. Also under the new rules, there will be no specific time limit on an inmate's last words. The warden at the Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville has the option of shutting off an overhead microphone if the statement is deemed "intentionally offensive" to witnesses or excessive in length. Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd struck down Kentucky's three-drug method more than a year ago and ordered a one-drug process put into place before any more executions would be allowed. Kentucky has executed three people since the reinstatement of capital punishment in 1976.

Woman Pleads Guilty In Toddler’s Death

{Elizabethtown, Kentucky}…Twenty-eight year old Ashley N. Chapman entered a guilty plea in Hardin Circuit Court Wednesday to a murder charge in the death of 2 year old Layla Johnson. Chapman admitted she had taken drugs, including Xanax, while the girl was in her care on January 25th. Chapman said, although she can't remember all the events that transpired, she did recall the girl fell and landed on her head on the hardwood floor. Chapman said she didn't seek medical treatment for the child, who died days later from a head injury. Prosecutor Eric Carr says the victim's family agreed to the plea deal, and he is recommending a 35 year sentence.

Commission Responsible For Legal Fees

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd has ruled that the Legislative Research Commission is responsible for the legal fees of lawmakers who successfully challenged political redistricting in court. Judge Shepherd gave the LRC 30 days to either pay up or appeal his ruling that the agency owes $112,375 for House Republicans who challenged how legislative districts were redrawn and $74,480 to state Senator Kathy Stein's legal team. The Kentucky Supreme Court found that the maps weren't properly redrawn. Lawmakers are expected to take the issue up again in the next legislative session, which begins in January.

Nunn Held Liable In Wrongful Death Lawsuit

{Lexington, Kentucky}…Last month, former Kentucky lawmaker 61 year old Steve Nunn was found liable in a wrongful death civil lawsuit filed by Diana Ross, the  mother of 29 year old Amanda Ross, who was gunned down outside her Lexington townhome on September 11, 2009. Nunn pleaded guilty to murder in June 2011 and is serving life in prison in Green River Correctional Complex in Muhlenberg County. Fayette Circuit Judge James Ishmael has set a trial on damages for August 12, 2013.

Included in the trial will be negligence claims against Opera House Square and claims against Nunn's daughter, Mary Elizabeth Nunn of Glasgow to which the suit alleges Nunn illegally transferred property in Glasgow to avoid having the Ross family claim it as damages in a civil suit. In a court filing from March, Nunn said he got into the townhome community the morning of the slaying by using a key to the pedestrian gate given to him by Amanda Ross.

AG Commissioner Seeks To Legalize Hemp

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer says he will seek to legalize industrial hemp in 2013. During a Wednesday meeting of the Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission, Comer vowed passing hemp legislation would be his top priority. For now, however, federal law prohibits growing the plant for industrial, recreational or medicinal purposes because of its association with marijuana. Kentucky once was a leading producer of industrial hemp, a tall, leafy plant later outlawed for decades. Hemp and marijuana are the same species, cannabis sativa, but are genetically distinct. Hemp has a negligible content of THC, the psychoactive compound that gives marijuana users a high.

Minister Sentenced For Tax Evasion

{Covington, Kentucky}…U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves sentenced 63 year old Ronald Weinland of Union Wednesday to 3 1/2 years in prison and ordered him to pay $245,176 in back taxes and a $7,000 fine. Weinland was convicted in June of five counts of income tax evasion for failing to pay taxes on $4.4 million in income from 2004 to 2007. Weinland is considering appealing the sentence.

Filing For Special Senate Election

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is reminding individuals interested in running in the December 18, 2012, special election to fill the vacancy in 16th State Senate District that they must file the appropriate paperwork with her office no later than 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, November 20, 2012. Pursuant to the Dewayne Bunch Act, passed by the General Assembly this year, the November 20th filing deadline applies to all candidates, including write-in candidates. 

Man Pleads Guilty To Tampering

{Murray, Kentucky}…Jerry Walker Jr. has pleaded guilty to charges of tampering with evidence after being acquitted in July of arson, manslaughter, assault and wanton endangerment in the September 18, 1998, fire at Murray State University that killed student Michael Minger of Niceville, Florida and injured several others. The charges are related to six anonymous letters written right after the blaze that attempted to place blame for it. Defense attorney Dennis Null says his client admits he wrote the letters, but maintains he did not set the blaze. Under the agreement, Walker won't serve jail time and his record will be expunged in five years as long as he meets the terms of the pre-trial diversion, which includes helping to maintain a plaque in Minger's honor on Murray State's campus.

German Automotive Supplier Coming To Lexington

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Governor Steve Beshear has announced that German-owned automotive supplier Webasto Sunroof Systems Inc. plans to expand manufacturing operations in Lexington, creating 65 new, full-time jobs and investing $10 million in the Commonwealth. Governor Beshear met to discuss the potential project with Webasto officials this summer during an economic development trip to Germany.

ConeXus Expanding Louisville Operations

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Governor Steve Beshear has announced that ConeXus World Global LLC plans to expand its operations in Louisville, adding 30 new, full-time jobs and investing $1.8 million in the project. Established in Louisville in 2010, ConeXus has offices in Kentucky and Belgium. The company plans to add a 7,200-square-foot technical center in Louisville, which will handle support and dispatch operations for customers around the world. The company helps customers plan, build, support and manage network and IT infrastructures. ConeXus’s other services include digital signage technology and maintenance, consulting, integration and management.

Body Found In Car Trunk

{Bowling Green, Kentucky}…Police are investigating after the body of 31 year old Joey Smith of Bowling Green was found Saturday in the trunk of his car, which was parked at an apartment complex in the city. Bowling Green Police Officer Ronnie Ward says the case is being investigated as a homicide.

LIHEAP Funding Available

Funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is now available, and the money is first come first serve. Earlier this month the federal government had not released funding for the program when applications were first being accepted. You can still apply at local community action agencies. 

Postal Service Warns Of Bogus Emails

The U.S. Postal Service says some postal customers are receiving bogus emails. The emails claim to be from the U.S. Postal Service and contain fraudulent information about an attempted or intercepted package delivery or online postage charges. The emails contain a link or attachment that, when opened, installs a malicious virus that can steal personal information from your computer. Postal inspectors warn not to click on the link, open the attachment or print the label as instructed. The Postal Service advises to just delete the message.

New Seating For Kentucky Derby

{Louisville, Kentucky}…The 2013 Kentucky Derby is set for May 4th. Churchill Downs said Tuesday it is adding stadium-type seating at the first turn, with about one-third of 30 ascending rows under cover. It will include unlimited food and drink, betting windows and restrooms on the ground floor. The new section replaces the Infield Club. Ticket prices include the Kentucky Oaks on the day before the Derby and range from $698 for uncovered seats to $799 for seats located under cover.

Religious Leader To Be Sentenced

{Covington, Kentucky}…Sixty-three year old Ronald Weinland of Union, a religious figure considered as a prophet who told his followers the end of the world was imminent, will be sentenced Wednesday after being convicted in June of failing to pay $245,000 in taxes on his $4.4 million income from 2004 through 2007. The government is seeking a five year prison sentence when Weinland is sentenced in U.S. District Court in Covington.

Meeting On Deadly Meningitis Outbreak

{Washington, D.C.}…About 440 people have been sickened by contaminated steroid shots distributed by Framingham, Massachusetts-based New England Compounding Center, and more than 32 deaths have been reported since the outbreak began in September. According to congressional investigators, federal health inspectors wanted to shut down the pharmacy linked to a recent deadly meningitis outbreak nearly ten years ago. The NECC has been closed since early last month, and Massachusetts officials have taken steps to permanently revoke its license. The pharmacy has recalled all the products it makes, including 17,700 single-dose vials of a steroid that tested positive for the fungus tied to the outbreak. A meeting is set for Wednesday to examine how the outbreak could have been prevented. 

Tennessee Police Seek Extradition Of Teen

{Louisville, Kentucky}…Police in Tennessee say they will seek the extradition of 19 year old Caleb Lawrence Mullins, a man officials say was found in Louisville early Monday with a vehicle belonging to his aunt, 43 year old Karen Mullins, hours after she was discovered fatally stabbed and lying on her kitchen floor. Jackson, Tennessee Police found Mullins dead at her home late Sunday night after her twin sister in Louisville asked police to check on her. Jackson Police traveled to Louisville and questioned Caleb Mullins, then issued a news release saying they believed Mullins was stabbed by her nephew on Saturday, and they expect to charge him. Police say Karen Mullins moved to Jackson from Louisville in March and Caleb Mullins followed in October.

UPS Foundation Pulls Boy Scouts’ Grant

{Atlanta, Georgia}...The Atlanta-based UPS Foundation announced Thursday it will no longer give grants to the Boy Scouts of America as long as the group excludes gays and lesbians from being scouts or scout leaders. The shipping giant made the change after an online petition protesting the foundation's annual grants to the Boy Scouts attracted more than 80,000 signatures. The UPS Foundation gave $150,000 to the Boy Scouts in 2010.

Grant For Recreational Trails

{Frankfort, Kentucky}…Twenty-one agencies will share more than $1.1 million in grants to develop and maintain recreational trails across the state. The Recreational Trail Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. The money will help pay for the acquisition of easements and trailhead facilities for motorized and non-motorized use.

Mother And Daughter Face Charges

{Hyden, Kentucky}…Fifty-one year old Beth Ann Hensley has been charged with trafficking, cultivation and possession of marijuana, and her daughter, Tracy Hensley, has been charged with unlawful transaction with a minor and child endangerment. Leslie County Sheriff’s Deputies say they were alerted after photographs of two of Tracy’s boys, a one year old and another between 3 and 5, were developed at a local business. The photo showed the boys with joints in their mouths. Leslie County Sheriff's Deputy Adrian Cornett says police found 24 marijuana plants around the home of the children's grandmother, Beth Ann, and processed marijuana in a baggie. Five children, ages 1 to 7, were removed from Tracy Hensley's home.

Kentucky Lottery Sales Up

{Louisville, Kentucky}…The Kentucky Lottery has started its new fiscal year off with an increase. First quarter sales, through September 30^th, were up 10.3 percent over the same period in 2011. Overall statewide ticket sales totaled $185.7 million, a $19.1 million gain over the same period last year. Powerball sales were up $6.1 million, fueled by payoffs of $337 million and $202 million. Pick 3 and Pick 4 sales were up a combined $3.2 million.