Law enforcement officials are investigating a deadly accident
in Wayne County. The Sheriff's Dept says 29-year-old Elijah
Daffron either jumped from or fell out of a moving car in
Monticello, overnight Saturday night. Investigators say his wife
called for help, but Daffron died after being taken to the hospital.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Dr. Jon Gassett today issued a Wildlife Disaster Contingency Measure for Lake Cumberland which increases the creel limits and reduces size requirements for striped bass. Because of high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels, striped bass are under severe stress and in some cases, dying.

The record summer heat and two major rainfalls since spring have raised water temperatures and reduced dissolved oxygen in Lake Cumberland to levels that cool water fish species like striped bass and walleye cannot tolerate for extended periods. Fish species that are more tolerant of warmer water, such as smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill, are not as affected by the current conditions.

Lake Cumberland is being kept below its normal summer pool while repairs are ongoing to Wolf Creek Dam. The lower lake levels mean it cannot store as much cool water below or above the thermocline where there is enough oxygen for the cool-water fish.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

Gas prices are expected to continue to fall as travelers hit the
road for late summer trips. The national average pump price
has declined for more than 17 days. According to AAA and
other price watchers - it's reached $2.68 a gallon for regular
unleaded. The falling prices are the result of wholesale prices
plunging in early August and they continue to filter into the
retail market.

It’s been a hot three months and statistics prove it. According
to J.D. Rogers, our local weather observer for the National
Weather Service … the temperature reached 90 degrees or
higher on 15 days during August. Normally during June, July
and August – we have 19 days with temperatures at 90 degrees
or above – this year’s three month total was 40 days.

State Police at Columbia are conducting a death investigation
regarding a shooting incident Monday, August 30th near the
Wayne Clinton County line. The 911 Communications Center
received a call at 12:47PM Monday of the shooting. The female
victim, who's name has not been released, reportedly had a
gunshot wound to the head. EMS crews and sheriff’s units from
Wayne and Clinton County responded to the scene near the top
of Poplar Mountain, and a planned flight by air ambulance was
set up on the Golf Course at Duvall Valley – however the victim’s
condition reportedly worsened and she was transported by Wayne
County’s EMS to the Clinton County Hospital and later flown for
further treatment.

Consumer spending rose in July at the fastest pace in four
months, helped by a jump in demand for automobiles.

The Commerce Department says consumer spending rose 0.4
percent in July after three lackluster months. Personal incomes
were up 0.2 percent in July, less than expected but at least an
improvement over June when incomes had not risen at all.

The July spending gain was the best showing since a 0.5 percent
rise in March. But the concern is that demand could taper off in
the second half of this year if unemployment remains near double
digits.

A vehicle pursuit and foot pursuit resulted in the arrest of a
Wayne County man overnight on Friday, August 27th. At
11:32 PM - the Monticello Police Dept got into a pursuit of a
vehicle which ended in a foot pursuit. 37 year old Jeff Foster
was charged with fleeing and evading police in a motor vehicle
and on foot. Foster was also charged with wreckless driving
and three counts of wanton endangerment. He was lodged in
the Wayne County Detention Center.

A burglary Friday, August 27th at Green Hill Estates accounted
for one arrest. The Wayne County Sheriff's Dept charged 35
year old Janet Cann with burglary 2nd and she was lodged in
the Wayne County Detention Center.

Wolf Creek Dam appears to be stable and rehabilitation will
continue next week to the 600 feet area where work was
suspended. A preliminary report from samples taken from a
critical area in the dam indicates no deep instability within
the earthen structure. Contractors will be allowed to resume
grouting and preparation of a work platform this week in
Critical Area 1. A final report will be issued in the next couple
of months and there is no change at the present time in the
December 2012 projected completion date for the project.

State Representative Ken Upchurch announced Friday, August 27th
that a grant of $162,000 had been awarded to Lake Cumberland
Area Drug Task Force. The grant money will be used by law
enforcement in Wayne, McCreary and Pulaski County to continue
their war on drugs.

The funding was secured through the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet from the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Federal funding program, and the state funded Law Enforcement Services Fee (LSF) grant program. In all more than $4 million in JAG and LSF grant funds were awarded to law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth in 2010. These funds will be used by police agencies to combat drugs, drunk driving and other crimes in their communities.

Tuesday night, August 24th - the Wayne County Sheriff's Dept,
Monticello Police Dept, and Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task
Force acted on info that meth had been manufactured at 51
Spring Drive at Patricia Hicks residence. Upon arrival around
10:30 Tuesday night - officers discovered three active meth
labs hidden in a compartment in the bathroom of the home.
Officers also located lithium batteries, salt, ammonia nitrate,
bottles, glass jars and tubing in the residence.

Patricia Hicks was arrested and charged with Manufacturing
Meth and two counts of Controlled Substance Endangerment
of a Child, 4th Degree. Lucas Garner, Willis Koger, Jeff Coffey,
Jessica Dople and Joseph McDermott were also charged with
manufacturing meth. All six were lodged in the Wayne County
Detention Center. Hicks two minor children were present in
the residence with the meth labs. The Cabinet for Families
and Children removed the minor children and they were
transported to the Wayne County Hospital to be tested for
contamination. Officers were assisted at the scene by the
Monticello Fire Dept. The investigation is ongoing and more
arrests are expected.

The McCreary County Grand Jury has indicted 24 year old Michael
Keith on capital murder, first degree robbery, abuse of a corpse
and tampering with physical evidence charges and Barbara Nicole
Troxell has been indicted for criminal complicity. The indictment
alleges that Michael Keith intentionally shot his father, Donald Ray
Keith in the course of stealing an electric guitar. To dispose of
evidence Michael Keith allegedly removed carpet and wood, and
spray painted the walls of the scene. He then burned his father's
body and a recliner. Keith and Troxell are lodged in the McCreary
County Jail.

The Wayne County Lady Cardinal soccer team continued their undefeated season, downing McCreary Central 8-0 on Monday night. It marked the most goals the team has ever scored in a single game, and improved their record to 2-0-1. Jessica Hardin led the way, scoring three goals, which was a first in team history. Shelby Parker scored two goals, and Diamond Dick, Julie Miller, and Denise Franks added a goal each. Miller, Dick, and Ashley Cross also contributed assists on the goals. The Lady Cards return to action at home on Thursday night, when they host Taylor County at 6:30.

The Monticello Police Dept continues to investigate a hit and run
accident that occurred around 10:12 Monday, August 23rd on
North Main – and involved a pedestrian. The driver of the pickup
truck remains at large – after fleeing the scene. A 75 year old
man – who was struck by the pickup truck while riding a bicycle
was transported by EMS to Wayne County Hospital for treatment.

A Monticello man was charged with manufacturing meth Saturday,
August 21st. The Monticello Police arrested 33 year old Jonathan
Moran for Manufacturing Meth, and he was lodged in the Wayne
County Detention Center on a $50,000 dollar cash bond.

Vangent, Inc., a leading global provider of information management
and strategic business process services has announced the donation
of 100 computers to the Wayne County Board of Education - where
Vangent, through a sub-contract relationship with Senture Connect,
LLC provided work opportunities for over 700 employees. The 100
state of the art computers, each complete with monitor, keyboard
and mouse will be used across the school district in classrooms and computer labs. Several of the computers will also be used to replace outdated learning technology currently used by the Wayne County
Adult Education Center located in Monticello. The computers donated
by Vangent will provide a significant upgrade opportunity for Wayne
County schools.

Buck Creek Wildlife Management Area in Pulaski County is now
open. There is an additional 859 acres at Buck Creek for hunters.
The Wildlife Management Area opens under statewide regulations
for hunting deer, turkey, small game and furbearers. Kentucky
Fish and Wildlife will evaluate this first hunting season at Buck
Creek to determine whether special hunting regulations are
needed. No camping, horseback riding or all terrain vehicles
are permitted.

Kentucky's jobless rate has dropped below double digits for the
first time since February 2009. The state Office of Employment
and Training said Thursday that the unemployment rate fell to
9.9 percent last month, down slightly from a revised rate of 10
percent in June. The July rate is nearly a full percentage point
lower than the 10.8 percent jobless figure in July 2009. It marks
the lowest unemployment level in Kentucky since February 2009,
when the rate was 9.6 percent.

Last month's lower rate is due to a drop in the state's civilian
labor force because people have become discouraged in their
job search, according to Ron Crouch, director of research and
statistics in the Office of Employment and Training. He notes
that people who haven't looked for a job in the last four weeks
are no longer counted in the labor force.

47 year old Dana J Hicks was arrested Wednesday, August 18th
by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Dept after allegedly ramming a
census workers vehicle while she was parked in his driveway.
Hicks reportedly told the census worker to leave his property or
he was going to hurt her. While she was attempting to leave –
he backed his truck approximately 40 feet striking her vehicle.
Hicks was charged with Wanton Endangerment and lodged in the
Pulaski County Detention Center.

Eight individuals were indicted during the Tuesday, August 17th
regular monthly session of the Wayne County Grand Jury.
Viewers are reminded the indictment of a person by a Grand Jury
is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent, until
and unless proven guilty.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

Wayne Circuit Judge Vernon Miniard Junior sentenced Hope White
to 30 years Tuesday, August 17th in connection with July 2008
stabbing death of Julie Hicks Burchett. White was given credit for
the 416 days served at the Wayne County Detention Center, and
will now be turned over to the Dept of Corrections.

Crockett Dehaai was sentenced to 15 years for Burglary 1st,
Kidnapping, and three counts of Wanton Endangerment in
connection with a home invasion at Rocky Branch and a stand
off with law enforcement officials.

Tommy Stephen Bell who is facing charges of Robbery 1st, Burglary
1st and Theft By Unlawful Taking regarding an incident at a business
on Michigan Avenue was released on a 25,000 dollar cash or 50,000
dollar property bond Tuesday. He was placed on home incarceration
with a GPS monitoring devise.

A McCreary County man, 24 year old Michael Keith has been
charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and
abuse of a corpse in connection with the death of his father,
Donald Ray Keith who has been missing since August 7th.
Cremated remains of a man, around Keiths age were found
Sunday mixed with concrete and a pile of garbage, near
Keiths home. DNA is being used to positively identify the
remains.

The City of Monticello is preparing to swear in three Drug
Task Force Agents - since their police powers have not
been reinstated through the City of Somerset. According
to Monticello Mayor Kenneth Catron, attorneys for the Lake
Cumberland Area Drug Task Force and the City of Monticello
are working on an intergovernmental agreement to swear
in the agents as police officers. The swearing in is expected
to take place in the next few days.

A hearing will be held Thursday, August 19th to give the public
a look at the proposed route for U.S. 127 that runs through
northern Clinton County to the Russell County line and on to the
Jamestown Bypass. The hearing will be held at the Freedom
Christian Church near Jamestown at 5:00 Central Time. Maps
may be viewed and those interested may talk to transportation
officials about the proposed route for the project.

One missing Pulaski County teen, 16 year old Shawna Lanham
who has been missing since Friday, the 13th returned home
unharmed Tuesday, August 17th and 16 year old Bryan Brock
remains at large. Lanham reportedly contacted her mother -
who picked her up on Lost Lodge Road in Burnside. Anyone
with information as to Brock’s whereabouts is asked to contact
the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Dept by calling 678-5145.

Monticello City Council met in regular session Monday night and
heard the first reading of ordinance regarding property taxes this
year. Under the proposed ordinance, real property tax rates would
decrease from 12.1 cents to 12 cents per hundred dollars assessed
value. The rate for tangible property would decrease from 14.1 cents
to 12.2 cents per hundred dollars assessed value.
The rates for motor vehicles and watercraft will remain the same at
22.5 cents per hundred dollars assessed value.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

It's now easier to remove controversial posts from the website Topix.

Attorney General Jack Conway says Kentucky and several other states have reached an agreement with the Internet message board.

Topix had charged $19.99 to have abusive or inappropriate posts reviewed and removed. Now, they'll be taken off for free.

Those posts will also be removed within 3 days, rather than the previous 7 to 14 days.

Topix has also removed the "flagging" option for reporting abusive posts. Many people complained that option was ineffective and confusing, because it required multiple users to "flag" a post before it was reviewed.

Anyone who has complaints about Topix from this point forward is asked to send an email to topixcomplaints@ag.ky.gov.

Monticello Middle School’s We the People: Project Citizen entry, Bullying Hurts!, recently earned the top rating of superior at the national Project Citizen showcase in Louisville. The showcase took place July 25-28 during the National Conference of State Legislators Legislative Summit, which Louisville hosted for the first time.

The Monticello Middle School team’s project was selected to represent Kentucky at the national showcase after earning the top rating of superior at the state showcase May 18 in Frankfort. The project focused on addressing the problem of bullying.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

The State Auditors Office released Wayne County Clerk Josephine
Gregory’s Audit for October 21st through December 31st of 2009.
The Audit found that the financial statement presents fairly in all
material respects, the revenues, expenditures, and excess feels
in conformity with the regulatory basis of accounting. Revenues
totaled $467,048 dollars and expenditures totaled $440,879 –
resulting in excess fees of $26,169 for the period of October 21st
through December 31st of 2009.

Four findings by the State Auditors Office on Former Wayne
County Clerk Melissa Turpin’s Final Audit are being referred
to the State Police– and two of those findings are also being
referred to the State Attorney General.

The four findings referred to the State Police include Former
County Clerk Melissa Turpin having a deficit of $43,242 dollars
in her official bank account as of October 20, 2009 of which
$11,512 is still unpaid. The Former County Clerk should have
also deposited receipts of $7540 dollars into her official bank
account – and should NOT have placed taxpayers at risk by
voiding motor vehicle transactions, and should have NOT have
released liens on her personal vehicles. The voiding of motor
vehicle transactions and releasing liens on her personal vehicles
are also being referred to the Attorney General.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

Political candidates wanting to run as third-party candidates or independents in Kentucky have one more week to submit their filing papers and fees. The same goes for candidates wanting to run for non-partisan races that don't have primary elections like Mayor, City Council and School Board seats, and for those wanting to seek an office with a recent vacancy.

For the first time ever – property owners who cannot afford to pay
their 2009 Real Estate Tax Bills in full may setup a payment plan
with the County Attorney’s Office to avoid the sale of their tax bill
on Tuesday, August 17th at 10AM. Arrangements must be made
prior to the August 17th sale and can result in saving property owners
additional costs – should one of numerous companies purchase their
delinquent 2009 tax bill. Anyone with questions may stop by the
County Clerks Office or call 348-6661.

A Golden Alert has been canceled for a Somerset man who had been missing since Monday evening.

Robert J. Chrisman, age 82, of West Hwy. 80 was located at D & D Food Mart in Science Hill in northern Pulaski County at 11:57 today.

Chrisman told a clerk his name was Robert and he was trying to find Somerset. The clerk called 911 since the man appeared confused. Somerset Police Sgt. Greg Martin responded and identified Chrisman as the subject of the Golden Alert.

Chrisman’s family was notified and they responded and brought Mr. Chrisman home.

Sgt. Martin reported Chrisman seemed to be in good health and uninjured.

A Monticello woman and Lawrenceburg man were transported to
UK Medical Center following an injury accident in Clinton County
Saturday, July 31st involving three motorcycles. According to
the Clinton County Sheriff’s Dept - George and Patty Roberts
of Monticello were on one bike with no helmets and Linda and
Donald Koontz of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky were each on separate
bikes wearing helmets. George Roberts and the Koontz’ reportedly
attempted to slow down and allegedly lost control of their bikes on
a wet road. Donald Koontz was airlifted and Patty Roberts was
transported by EMS to UK Medical Center.

On Saturday, July 31st - a Wayne County man was arrested for
public intoxication on a controlled substance - which resulted in
two drug charges. 31 year old Christopher G. Hughes was charged
with possession of a controlled substance 1st degree (unspecified)
and possession of a controlled substance 3rd degree (unspecified).
Hughes was lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center.

A head count is now underway in McCreary County. UK's Dept
of Forestry placed 126 hair snares across McCreary County to
determine the local black bear population. The population has
grown enough that Fish and Wildlife has hired a new officer,
Dwight Anderson, to handle complaints in Wayne, McCreary and
Whitley counties. To report a bear sighting, call 1-800-25-5378.

As part of the unemployment extension approved by Congress,
any unemployed Kentuckian's whose checks were cut off after
a program to provide long term benefits lapsed May 29th may
apply to restart payments. If you missed checks - contact the
Kentucky Office of Employment and Training by calling
1-866-291-2916 and request two checks per day for up to three
consecutive days. For more info, log on to www.kewes.ky.gov

Oakwood is reportedly in the process of laying off employees,
which could total as many as fifty three. The facility employs
nearly 1000 who treat and care for 150 disabled clients on site,
and many others. The total amount in cuts is reportedly around
$3 million out of the regular working budget, which is normally
near $70 million. The cutback does not mean Oakwood is in
danger of shutting down - but the layoffs may help keep the
budget stable the reminder of the year.

A Wayne County man, 27 year old Robert Smith was arrested
overnight Sunday, July 25th by the Sheriff’s Dept and charged
with unlawful imprisonment and possession of a controlled
substance. According to reports – two females were allegedly
held at a residence in the Happy Top community. The Wayne
County Sheriff’s Dept and Social Services were involved and
weapons were reportedly confiscated.

Senate President David Williams reportedly said Tuesday, July
27th he has spoken with Ag Commissioner Richie Farmer about
becoming his running mate, and he is considering a race for
governor next year. Williams declined to say how likely it is he
will run for governor - with Farmer or someone else as his
running mate.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Dept made a felony arrest on
Friday, July 23rd at 10:17PM. 55 year old Bobby Sharp
was arrested for failure to appear for a preliminary hearing
on several counts including Assault 4th – Domestic Violence,
Resisting Arrest, Assault 3rd, and Terroristic Threatening.
Sharp was lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center.
His bond was set at 20,000 dollars.

Three injury accidents on Friday, July 23rd resulted in seven
individuals being transported by EMS for treatment - and four
persons refused treatment. The injury accidents occurred
on West KY 90 at Hwy 858, at the KY 90 - KY 92 Intersection
and on Clay Street. The Wayne County Sheriff's Dept
investigated a single vehicle accident involving a tour bus
Friday afternoon near Camp Earl Wallace.

The regular monthly meeting of the Wayne County Grand Jury
resulted in 32 indictments being filed in the Circuit Clerks Office
on Thursday, July 22nd. Viewers are reminded the indictment
of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation only and that
person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

At 9:06PM Saturday, July 24th, the Pulaski County Sheriff's Dept
responded to a residence at 65 Deer Field Court to investigate a
possible working meth lab. Four men were reportedly inside a
garage on the property and several items, commonly used to
manufacture meth, including coleman fuel, ammonium nitrate,
metal cutters, and a coffee filter containing a white powdery
substance were located, along with a one step meth lab.

56 year old Lewis D Dalton, 50 year old James J. Odom and 41
year old Calvin W Carrender of Somerset, along with 52 year old
Dewayne Troxtle of Science Hill were charged with manufacturing
methamphetamine, 1st Offense and lodged in the Pulaski County
Detention Center.

According to a report released Thursday, July 22nd - more than
89.2% of Kentucky small businesses with less than 25 employees
will be eligible this year for tax credits to help pay the cost of
employee health coverage. This means 51,100 small businesses
will qualify. The report also notes that 15,800 Kentucky small
businesses will qualify for the maximum tax credit of 35 percent.
These are businesses that employ 10 or fewer workers who earn
an average wage of less than $25,000, and traditionally have the
most difficult time affording insurance.

State unemployment agencies are ready to resume sending
unemployment payments to people who have been out of
work for six months or more and have seen their benefits
run out. Those unemployed who have been denied jobless
benefits can expect retroactive payments as early as next
week in some states. In other states, it will take longer.
The President's signature on Thursday restored jobless
payments averaging $309 a week to people whose 26
weeks of state benefits have run out.

The Monticello Police Dept arrested two men and a woman late
night Tuesday, July 20th on meth charges. 28 year old Bradley
Powell, 33 year old Troy Paige, and 20 year old Elizabeth A.
Hill were each charged with manufacturing methamphetamine.
Paige was also charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, methamphetamine. All three were lodged in the Wayne County
Detention Center.

Circuit Judge Vernon Miniard Junior took action on several cases
in Wayne Circuit Court Tuesday, July 20th including Krochett
Dehaai, Pamela Winfrey Coffey, Tommy Steven Bell, Brian
Daniels, Richard Earl Smith Junior, Don Coffey and Karen Coffey.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

Somerset police detectives have arrested a Monticello man and woman after an investigation into a Somerset burglary. At 12:32 PM Tuesday, patrol units were dispatched to a burglary in progress on Jill Drive. A resident inside the house heard their back door being kicked open and saw a male and female enter the home. She escaped to a neighbor's house and called 911.

When officers arrived, the suspects fled the scene. Travis Sartain, age 26, of Woodland Hill Road, was captured near Red Roof Inn on South US 27. He was being pursued by Officers Tim Miller and Larry Patterson and was taken into custody by Sgt. Greg Martin. Jalena Cox, age 20, of Daughtrey Street was detained by a neighbor and turned over to Officers David Nelson and Chris Fisher. Sartain and Cox were charged with Burglary 2nd degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd degree, and Theft by Unlawful Taking. The investigation is continuing by Detectives Chris Gates and Michael Grigsby.

Scams involving sweepstakes and lotteries are increasing in Kentucky.

Attorney General Jack Conway says his Office of Consumer Protection has received several calls from people who have either been notified that they won a prize or who have wired money and are now victims of a scam. He says one victim reported losing nearly $10,000 to what appeared to be a sweepstakes company.

Conway said Monday that Kentucky residents should disregard calls or notices from sweepstakes or lottery companies asking for upfront money. He says it is very difficult to recover the funds wired out of the state.

The Wayne County Fiscal Court met in regular session last night (Thursday) and approved a resolution that translates into an additional $250,000 in state highway department funds for blacktopping projects in the county. County Judge-Executive Greg Rankin said that county had been awarded $231,000 from the state for blacktopping projects, which is part of money that is given to every county in the state. But Wayne County was among a handful of counties to receive additional discretionary funding and that will bring the total to nearly $500,000 this year. The paperwork has to be approved for both set of funds before work can begin.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

Texting while driving is no longer allowed in Kentucky. The
practice became illegal on Thursday, as the new law banning
the practice takes effect.

A statement from Gov. Steve Beshear's office says Kentucky had
more than 57,000 crashes last year that were attributed to driver
distraction and inattention. Of those, 200 involved fatalities.

Beshear says he thinks the new law will help reduce fatal crashes.
The law bans texting for drivers of all ages while the vehicle is in
motion except to report illegal activity or to request medical or
emergency aid. Violators will receive warnings until Jan. 1, then
they will be fined.

On Tuesday July 13, 2010 at 4:30 PM the Kentucky State Police, Post 11, London received a complaint of a confrontation between property owners on KY 1619 in Wayne County. Upon arrival Trooper First Class Parrish Baker discovered Lloyd Sheppard, 46, of Wayne County had been inspecting property markers, from a recent survey of his land on KY 1619, when he was confronted by Peter Krauss, 65, of Wayne County, who owns the adjacent land.

During the confrontation Krauss assaulted Sheppard, with a pitchfork, which resulted in a stab wound to the Sheppard’s left hand. Sheppard received non-life threatening injuries during the altercation and was treated and released from the Wayne County Hospital. Krauss was arrested and charged with Assault 1ST Degree and lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center.
Baker is continuing the investigation and was assisted by officers of the Wayne Sheriff’s Office and the Kentucky Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The Monticello City Council approved a
temporary transfer of $140,410 from a Certificate of Deposit to the
general fund. The money comes from principal paid from the sale of
the Monticello Electric Plant Board. It will be transferred back to
the CD, when city revenues increase.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

The Wayne County School District is pleased to announce that Brian Dishman, a Wayne County High School Science Instructor, has been hired to fill the principal vacancy at the local high school. The post was vacated by former Principal Peggy Shearer, who recently retired after serving the high school both as a Language Arts teacher and principal for a total of 28 years

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

Kentucky State Police are actively enforcing a summer campaign
that targets inattentive drivers. Operation K.S.P. runs through
Labor Day weekend and includes over 1,000 safety checkpoints.
Inattentive driving is the failure to pay proper attention to the
roadway while driving. It includes eating, talking, putting on make
up, attending to children and texting.

So far - 371 safety check points have netted 176 DUI arrests by
KSP - 715 seat belt citations and 68 drug arrests. One stolen
vehicle has been recovered and 13,622 vehicle inspections have
been performed.

According to the Attorney General’s Office - the case against five
individuals from Pulaski County accused of attempting to bribe a
public official has been dismissed without prejudice. Everett
Hyden, Noble Hampton, Virginia “Carol” Hampton, Walter
Creekmore, and Darmus “Bubby” Dalton, Jr. were all charged
with bribery of a public servant, a class C Felony, regarding what
Somerset Police referred to as an attempt to get Commonwealth’s
Attorney Eddy Montgomery to secure the release of a family
member from prison. The case was dismissed by motion of the
Attorney General’s Office - but could possibly be reinstated in
another court. The investigation is ongoing.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday, July 2nd designated
Wayne, Pulaski, and thirteen other counties eligible for farm disaster
assistance due to losses caused by severe storms and flooding earlier
this year. Farmers have 8 months to apply for emergency assistance.
The Farm Service Agency will consider each application on its own
merits, taking into account the extent of production losses, security
available, and repayment ability. Applications for 2010 crop losses will
be accepted in 2011, when the 2010 farm revenue data required by
statute becomes available. Local Farm Service Agency offices can
provide affected farmers with further information.

Recent reports that new cracks have suddenly appeared on the roadway over Wolf Creek Dam are inaccurate, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stated Friday, June 25th . The Corps has been monitoring these cracks
for several years, and widening of the cracks were one of the reasons
work was suspended in March in the 600-foot section of the dam nearest
the concrete embankment.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it is evaluating the
significance of widening cracks on a highway that stretches
across Wolf Creek Dam. The Corps says repair work on a
600-foot section of the Dam won't resume until after test
results are back in August. It stopped work in March after
movement was detected near where the concrete dam
attaches to an earthen embankment. The cracks could be
caused by something as harmless as the weather or as
significant as movement of the embankment. The nearly mile
long structure holds back Lake Cumberland. Federal officials
announced the repair project in 2007, noting that if Wolf Creek
Dam fails, it could flood towns and cities down the Cumberland
River in Kentucky and Tennessee, including Nashville.

This just in to WKYM News ... According to Chief of Police Ralph
Miniard - on Tuesday, June 22nd, officers of the Monticello
Police Dept arrested 21 year old Matthew L. Brown in connection
with the June 15th stabbing on Ridgewood Avenue. Brown was
charged with criminal attempt to commit robbery and criminal
attempt to commit murder. He was lodged in the Wayne County
Detention Center. Brown is the second person to be charged in
last week's stabbing - Steve Spradlin was arrested on Thursday,
June 17th. The investigation is continuing and may lead to the
arrests of additional suspects.

This just in to WKYM News ... According to Police Chief Ralph
Miniard - 44 year old Steve Spradlin was arrested by City
Police Officers Thursday, June 17th following an investigation
into a stabbing incident June 15th on Ridgewood Avenue.
Spradlin was charged with "criminal attempt to commit robbery"
and "criminal attempt to commit murder". He was lodged in
the Wayne County Detention Center with a cash bond of one
hundred thousand dollars. The investigation is continuing and
additional suspects are being sought. Anyone with information
is asked to call Detective Derek Lester at 348-9313.

A split federal appeals court upheld a ban on the Ten
Commandments in a display that included multiple religious
and government documents at two southern Kentucky
courthouses. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in
Cincinnati ruled Wednesday in a 2-1 vote that the permanent
injunction barring McCreary and Pulaski counties from posting
the display can remain in place. The ruling comes in a long
running legal battle that reached the U.S. Supreme Court in
2005.

Along with the Ten Commandments, the displays, called the
"Foundations of Law and Government," included the Bill of Rights,
Magna Carta and Star Spangled Banner. Judge Eric Clay wrote
that the two counties could not provide a "valid secular purpose"
for the display.

According to Wayne County Deputy Sheriff John Hurd - 911
Dispatch received a call at 11:01AM Saturday, May 29th of
a two vehicle head on collision on Highway 1275 near Fall
Creek Heights. A 1997 Toyota Camry operated by Benjamin
Jones of Monticello was traveling South and a 2001 Chevy
Tahoe operated by Brandon Petro of Gaston, Indiana was
traveling North. Deputy Hurd stated that witnesses allege Jones
crossed the center line and hit the Petro vehicle head-on.

A total of eight individuals received multiple injuries. Three
children were assisted out of the vehicles. Five of the eight
were trapped, and four had to be freed by the jaws of life.
Three persons, including a child were flown from the scene to
UK Medical Center. Two were transported by EMS to Lake
Cumberland Regional Hospital, and three others were taken by
EMS to Wayne County Hospital. Two of the individuals were
also flown from Wayne County Hospital to UK - for a total of
five individuals flown to UK Medical Center. Kentucky 1275
was closed for a couple hours following the accident.

The Wayne County Sheriffs Dept was assisted by Monticello
Police, the Monticello Fire Dept, Dept of Fish and Wildlife, Air
Methods and Air Evac.

An estimated 250,000 people are expected to visit the Lake Cumberland area over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The visitors to Lake Cumberland will find the level at about 10 feet above normal following heavy rains earlier this month. After topping out at over 704 feet above sea level in early May, the level as of Friday is 689.84 feet above sea level. The surface temperature is 78 degrees, and boaters are reporting spotty debris at the surface.

Link: Heart of Lake Cumberland

The unemployment rate in Wayne County continues to drop. According to the The Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, the unemployment rate for the county dropped from 14.0 percent in April 2009 to 11.8 percent in April 2010. The rate improved from 12.9 percent in March 2010 to the 11.8 percent rate in April 2010.

The latest snapshot of Kentucky's economy shows unemployment rates have risen in 69 counties with the Appalachian region hardest hit.

Magoffin County had the highest jobless rate with more than 19 percent of workers idled. Jackson, Menifee and Powell counties each had unemployment rates higher than 15 percent.

The Kentucky Office of Employment and Training released the county jobless rates for April on Thursday. Fayette and Woodford counties had the lowest jobless rates at just below 8 percent.

President Obama extended a federal disaster declaration to include Clay, Jackson, Knott, Leslie, Magoffin, Menifee, Pulaski, and Wayne Counties to assist with the flooding and damage that occurred during the May 1-3, 2010 severe storms. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been authorized to provide appropriate assistance for the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s severe storm emergency.

Monticello Middle School team selected to represent Kentucky at national sA Monticello Middle School team’s project has been selected to represent Kentucky at the national showcase for We the People: Project Citizen in July, when the national showcase will take place in Louisville for the first time. The team was chosen to advance after earning a rating of superior at the state Project Citizen showcase May 18 in Frankfort. The team’s project focused on addressing the problem of bullying.

Members of the Project Citizen team from Monticello Middle School are Shawna Aaron, Alia Barrier, Daniel Bertram, Emily Bertram, Matthew Bertram, Rachel Bertram, Brittany Calahan, Jeremiah Chaney, Jake Chaplin, Zoe Davis, Monica Gehring, Cheyenne Jones, McKayla Jones, Jordan Kinnett, Bethany Latham, Stephen Loveless, Zachary Massengale, Tristan McLean, Abi Perkins, Caleb Rose, Cory Sawyer, Trajan Smith, Michael Steele and Tasha Troxell.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

Friday morning at 7:56 AM, Somerset police units responded to a shooting on 200 South Vine Street at the Penthouse Apartments.

When officers arrived, they discovered Chris Ford, age 25, was in his apartment along with his girlfriend. According to the investigation, Ford was playing with a .22 caliber handgun when he accidentally discharged the weapon.

Ford was shot in the mouth area and the bullet exited the facial area. The round the entered and stuck in the ceiling.

Ford was transported to the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital by the Somerset-Pulaski County EMS. He was airlifted to the UK Medical Center by LifeNet.

The investigation is being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division.

On May 21, 2010 at 3:30 PM, Bret Howard, age 29, of Somerset was charged on an outstanding Pulaski District Court Indictment.

Howard was the subject of criminal investigation since January when a 16-year-old female student of Somerset High School reported Howard offered to pay her for oral sex.

The case was taken to the Pulaski Grand Jury in May after the investigation was complete. The Grand Jury voted to remand the case to the Pulaski District Court for prosecution.

Howard was charged with Criminal Solicitation to Promoting a Sexual Performance of a Minor Under 18. he was issued a court date of May 27, 2010 at 9:00 AM.

Two candidates filed Thursday, May 20th to run in the November
General Election. Kenneth D. Catron filed for Mayor and Dallas
Hoskins filed for City Council. The filing deadline for Mayor, City
Council, School Board or seats on the Soil Conservation District's
Board at the County Clerk's Office is August 10th at 4PM.

The agenda for Kentucky's upcoming special legislative session has
been expanded to include unemployment insurance. The main issue
awaiting lawmakers is passing a two-year state budget. Governor
Beshear said Thursday, May 20th that the agenda will now include
shoring up the state's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund which
pays out benefits to jobless Kentuckians, and another issue will be
to expand alcohol sampling licenses to support tourism.

In Tuesday's Primary Election in Wayne County.....in the race for Judge Executive, Ken Upchurch defeated Jerry Sloan 2,102 to 1,332. Upchurch will face Democrat Greg Rankin, in the General Election.

In the race for the Republican nomination for County Clerk, Sheridan Wright got 1799 votes to Janie Turner's 1541. Wright will face Democratic nominee Josephine Gregory in the November Election.

Charles Boston and David Koontz will be their parties nominees for the office of Sheriff. Democrat Boston defeated Eric Huffaker 1,105 to 453, while Republican Koontz got 2466 votes. His opponents, Billy Burke received 385 votes, while Grady Pyles got 360 votes.

In the race for Jailer, Ray Upchurch won the Republican nomination by defeating Jerry Guinn, 1,870 to 1,730 votes. Upchurch will face Democratic nominee Danny Baker in the General Election.

In the Magistrate races....in District 1, the winners were Democrat Danny Bell and Republican Ronnie Turner. Bell got 296 votes to Shirley Garth's 178. Turner received 264 votes, while Alan Hopper got 245 and Andrew Simpson received 130.

In District 2, the nominees were Democrat Jeffery Darrell Dishman and Republican Roger Blevins. Disman picked up 265 votes, while challengers Rick Thompson got 64 votes and Jason Stinson received 45. On the Republican side, Blevins got 246 votes. Oren Stinson was next with 193 votes, followed by Jackie Gibbons with 153, Barney Tom Denney with 121, Jody Dishman with 97, Norman Foster with 60, Doug Acrey with 37, Kim Brake with 36, and Danny Wallace with 31.

In District 3, Republican Dale Vaughn won with 464 votes, followed by Ricky Worley with 266, and Mark Abbott with 168. Vaughn will face Democrat
write in candidate Tony Gregory in the November Election.

In District 4, Richard Munsey was the Democratic nominee with 408 votes, as Clifton New was next with 100 votes. Munsey will face Republican Troy Neal in the General Election

In Wayne County, in the race for Disrict Judge, Scarlett Latham received 1880 votes, Larry Rogers received 1811, while Athena Cooper got 753. The three county totals for District Judge including Wayne, Russell, and Clinton, Latham 5,910, Rogers 4,335, and Cooper 3,567. Latham and Rogers will be on the ballot on the General Election for the position.

For Constable in District 2, Jamie Piercy won the Republican nomination with 266 votes, while Larry Dean Pyles got 235, Mike Brown Picked up 191, and Bobby Carrender got 123.

For Constable in District 3, Republican Kendall Tucker won with 409 votes. James Nevels had 153, while James Morrow got 145.

In the Republican Constable Race in District 4, Ed Reynolds was the winner with 303 votes. Tyler Huff received 218, while Curtis Lasley received 128.

More details on Tuesday's election on WFLW and WKYM news.

The Monticello Board of Education took action last night (Monday) to
divide the school back into an elementary school and a middle and a high
school with two principals. The elementary school will include preschool
through fifth grade, while the middle and high school will include sixth
through 12th grade. The school operated under two principals until five years ago, when it changed to the the current one principal and one asst. principal setup.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

In Circuit Court Action on Monday, May 17th - Circuit Judge
Vernon Miniard Junior postponed Hope White's sentencing
til August 17th. Miniard did not go ahead with the sentencing
due to the Defense Attorney's requesting DNA testing on a
certain piece of evidence. The case will be up for review on
August 17th and White may possibly be sentenced at that
time. White was just recently found guilty of the July 2008
stabbing death of Julie Hicks Burchett in Wayne Circuit Court.

The birth of modern modular homes through a joint partnership involving the University of Kentucky and several other entities could be the salvation of the houseboat industry in Kentucky.

Link: Righting the Ship

A car fire reported at 1:32 Friday, May 14th just off West KY
92 on Frisby Road accounted for a Wayne County woman
receiving second and third degree burns. According to Wayne
County Deputy Sheriff John Hurd - Patricia Hicks was taken
to Wayne County Hospital and later transported to UK Medical
Center. The vehicle was a total loss, and the investigation is
continuing.

On May 11, 2010 local law enforcement received a theft complaint at a local motel. Upon the arrival of Deputies from the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office and the Kentucky State Police it was discovered that two individuals had rented two rooms at the motel. During the investigation the officers were informed that the two individuals had just returned from Florida with a large number of prescription pills.

The Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force (LCADTF) was contacted by the arriving officers. The two individuals who rented the rooms were identified as Billy Williams, 58, of Pine Knot, Kentucky and Connie Girdler, 49, of Apopka, Florida. Seized during a search of the individuals were a total of 727 pills, being identified as Percocet, Hydrocodone and Xanax. Many of them were high dosage units. Also seized was $2,860.00 in U.S. currency. The street value of the drugs was estimated at approximately $10,000 dollars.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) program has approved a $34,049 grant for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department to purchase two Ford Explorer vehicles. This grant will improve civic protection and emergency response time for the citizens of Wayne County.

Rural Development funds will be combined with $24,587 from the Wayne County Fiscal Court, totaling $54,636 in funding, to purchase two new 2010 4WD Ford Explorer vehicles for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. These vehicles will be purchased in order to provide efficient and effective protection and emergency services for the 5,981 citizens of Monticello and for surrounding rural areas in Wayne County.

Last weeks flooding caused severe damage across Kentucky and certainly here in Wayne County, as Judge/Executive Greg Rankin Declared a State of Emergency and Governor Steve Beshear has requested federal assistance to help recover from the storms and flooding.

It is crucial that any home or business that was damaged to save all receipts for repairs take photos of the area affected and report all damage to the County Judge Executive’s office at 606.348.4241.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

Update: Shawn Keith Durham and Michael Wayne Durham have been arrested in the western part of Virgina. Details in reference to the arrest in Virginia are not available at this time. Both will be brought back to KY to answer to the local charges pending extradition. No timetable for the extradtion is available.

Update: Investigators from Post 15 are attempting to locate 2 males for questioning. 24-year-old Shawn Keith Durham, a 5'4" 125 lb. white male with brown hair and brown eyes, of Lincoln County and 23-year-old Michael Wayne Durham, a 5'7" 143 lb. white male with brown hair and brown eyes, of Madison County. Both men are currently wanted in Boyle County on charges of Robbery 1st, Assault 1st, Kidnapping, Wanton Endangerment 1st and Theft by Unlawful Taking. The men could be traveling in a dark colored 4 door sedan. If anyone has information as to their whereabouts or has contact with them do not approach as they should be considered armed and dangerous. Please contact the Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555.


A bullet resistant vest is being credited with saving the life of
a Russell County Deputy Sheriff who was shot early Wednesday
morning while checking a vehicle at the overlook to Wolf Creek
Dam off of Manntown Road.

Sheriff Larry Bennett reports that Deputy Carey York had
approached a vehicle with no visible license plate parked at the
overlook just before 3:30AM when an individual in the vehicle
fired shots at York. The Sheriff said York then sought cover
from the gunfire behind his vehicle, then returned fire. The
vehicle fled the scene toward U.S. 127. The direction of travel
of the vehicle once it reached Highway 127 is not known. York
reported the vehicle was dark in color, possibly a Ford Taurus,
with dark windows. City, county and state law enforcement
officers combed the area in efforts of locating the suspect
vehicle but neither the vehicle nor the suspect have been
located. Deputy York was checked out at the Russell County
Hospital after the shooting. Two rounds struck the Deputy’s
bullet proof vest in the center chest area. State Police Lt.
Eric Wolford and Sheriff Bennett are leading the investigation
into the shooting.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to alert all Wayne County citizens of
a blacktopping scam. If anyone comes to your home claiming they
have excess blacktop from a job they’re doing in your area, and
would like to blacktop your driveway, please call the Sheriff’s
Office immediately at 348-5416 or 911. Those involved with the
scam are reportedly charging excessive amounts after completing
driveway blacktopping.

The Monticello City Council met Monday, May 10th and heard the first
reading of the budget ordinance for the 2010-11 fiscal year. Total
appropriations for the general fund in the budget are 1,865,955. The budget
is very similar to the one the city is currently operating under. It keeps
funding levels for next year nearly the same as this year. This budget reflects
a large number of capital projects that the city has received funding for next year. The total budget for capital projects is approximately $24 million. This includes an $11.2 million project at the water treatment plant and an $8.6
million project at the waste water treatment plant.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

Former Wayne County Clerk Melissa Turpin who pleaded guilty
in April to two counts of making a false tax return or failing to
pay taxes was formally sentenced Friday, May 7th in Franklin
Circuit Court. The Judge presiding over the case sentenced
Turpin to five years – the jail time was probated, and she is to
pay a two hundred dollar monthly restitution payment. The
charges stemmed from Turpin failing to pay taxes on the money
taken while she was Wayne County Clerk.

Crews who spent two days searching for a missing teen found
his body. They made the discovery Friday morning in Lake
Cumberland, in Pulaski County, where 18-year-old John Tyler
Pickerell disappeared Wednesday night while kayaking.
Pickerell's body was spotted more than a hundred feet under
water. Crews recovered his body around 7PM Friday, May 7th.
Pickerell was a senior at Southwestern High School. He was
supposed to graduate next month.

The search continues for a man who robbed a McCreary County
convenience store. The armed robbery occurred at Fastway. The
man made his getaway, apparently on foot and no one was injured.
The suspect has been described a tall male 6’1” or 2” of medium
to thick build. He was wearing a black ski mask, dark clothing and
gloves. He was armed with a handgun. The suspect was tracked
with a canine almost to the train tracks just below the store. Anyone
with information about the case is urged to contact Sheriff Skinner
at 376-2322 or call the anonymous tipline at 376-8847.

A pursuit Thursday, May 6th that covered several counties and
reached speeds in excess of 100 MPH ended in Green County
with the arrest of a 17-year-old juvenile. The juvenile, wanted
in Ohio on felony robbery and assault charges, rammed and
disabled a Lexington Police cruiser while the Lexington Division
of Police were actively investigating a disturbance involving the
juveniles sport utility vehicle.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

The Kentucky Department for Public Health has issued safety guidelines
for after floods regarding tetanus, mold cleanup, and food safety. For
more information about public health issues related to flooding, visit the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

The National Weather Service Office in Jackson, Kentucky has
confirmed an EF2 tornado in Wayne County. A team comprised
of personnel from the National Weather Service and Wayne
County Emergency Management surveyed the damage in an
area one mile South of Betsy in Northeast Wayne County.
Based on their findings - it was determined that the damage
was caused by an EF2 tornado. The time the tornado touched
down was 4:25PM on Sunday, May 2nd. It's path length was a
quarter of a mile - it's width 100 yards. Numerous trees were
downed, part of a roof was blown off a brick home, and the
corner of an outside wall collapsed. The estimated wind speed
of the tornado was 110 to 120 miles per hour.

According to Monticello Police Chief Ralph Miniard - on Friday,
April 30th between 2PM and 11:30PM - investigations by the
Monticello Police Dept, Operation UNITE, The Wayne County
Sheriff's Dept and Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force
resulted in a number of persons detained on Victory Drive
in Monticello and the discovery and seizure of seven active
meth labs, a quantity of components and precursors and a
quantity of methamphetamine product. The investigation is
continuing.

At least four persons were reportedly arrested in connection
with this incident. Jim Hurt was charged with possession of a
controlled substance. Hurt's bond at $25,000 cash only. Julie
Kempton was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Brian Bryant was charged with assault 4th, terroristic
threatening and two bench warrants and Kyle Guffey was
charged with assault 4th and criminal mischief. All four were
lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center.

On Friday, April 30th - two Science Hill men and a Wayne County
woman were injured in a near head on collision just off of Hwy
3106 on 1275. According to Deputy Sheriff Robert Ellis – the two
vehicle injury accident reported at 12:18 Friday occurred when
one of the vehicles involved was thought to have crossed the
center line – causing the collision. A Science Hill man was flown
from the scene – and the other man, along with Angela Honey of
Monticello was transported to the Wayne County Hospital for
treatment. A juvenile in the Honey vehicle was treated at the
scene and released. The investigation is continuing.

The search is over for a registered sex offender who escaped from the Pulaski County Courthouse. Authorities in Kenton County captured 42-year-old Gary Wayne Courtney.

Police were able to track him down through cell phone transmissions.

After the escape, investigators say Courtney made his way inside a home in Somerset and stole a woman's car.

Police found that car Thursday night, but were not able to locate Courtney.

He's been extradited to Pulaski County where he'll face theft and escape charges.

U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded Wayne County EMS $37,145 to purchase 3 power cots and 3 stair chairs for EMS rescue operations. These devices assist emergency medical technicians (EMT) in quickly aiding a person down a flight of stairs and into an ambulance with reduced likelihood of EMT or patient injury.

A grand jury in Russell County has indicted two men in a 2006 murder.
Kentucky State Police said in a news release that the charges involve
the death of Paul Montgomery in Russell County. Police said 52-year-
old Steven W. Williams of Russell Springs was indicted on charges of
murder and tampering with physical evidence. The indictment against 45-year-old Danny Hill of Jamestown is for complicity to commit murder
and tampering with physical evidence. The indictments were returned
Tuesday. Williams was already held on federal drug charges. Hill was
arrested at his home.

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, chaired by Gov. Steve Beshear, approved the South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation for $10,150 in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds and $10,150 in state agricultural development funds to conduct a feasibility study of biomass potential in the Lake Cumberland region. Read more at wkym.com newscenter

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, chaired by Gov. Steve Beshear, approved the South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation for $10,150 in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds and $10,150 in state agricultural development funds to conduct a feasibility study of biomass potential in the Lake Cumberland region.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and contract crews will begin roadside mowing in the 10-county Somerset highway district May 17.

Mowing season stretches through early fall and includes three cutting cycles along the 2,365 miles of state-maintained highways in the 10 Somerset district counties: Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Lincoln, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell and Wayne.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

After receiving just over a half inch of rain the first 23 days of April, the Monticello area got 3.09 inches of rain for the 24 hour period ending at 7AM Sunday, according to J.D. Rogers, official statitician for the National Weather Service. Northern Wayne County was under a Tornado Warning for about 45 minutes late Saturday night, as the entire county was under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for about an hour late Saturday evening.

After deliberating approximately four hours Friday night,
April 23rd a Wayne Circuit Court Jury found Hope White
guilty of murder as charged in connection with the stabbing
death of Julie Hicks Burchett. The jury recommended thirty
years and White's sentencing will be held in May.

USDA Rural Development presented a check for 7.2 million to
the City of Monticello Thursday, April 22nd to upgrade it's
wastewater treatment plant. Rural Development is providing
the City with a low interest loan totaling 4.984 million and a
grant for 2.136 million to fund improvements to the plant.
Additional funding sources include a 1.5 million grant from the
Economic Development Administration.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

The Pulaski County Sheriff's Dept is investigating the recovery of
skeletal remains found in a remote area of Eastern Pulaski County
on Monday, April 19th. The skeletal remains were in a wooded
area off the East Adkins Arthur Road near the Rockcastle County
River.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

Fifteen Wayne County Middle School students were recognized as Duke University Academic Talent Search participants during the Wayne County Board of Education monthly meeting on April 19th. These middle school students were part of the Academic Talent Search based on their high achievement test scores. The next phase of the search was to take the ACT college entrance exam. For seventh grade students taking the ACT, a high score got them state recognition and they were invited to a state reception at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. A truly high score resulted in national recognition.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

Farmers and motorists are urged to exercise caution as farm equipment
is transported on Kentucky roads during the planting season. If you’re driving on rural Kentucky roads this time of year - be on the lookout for slow-moving farm vehicles. Farmers are encouraged to watch out for drivers who may top a hill or round a curve and not expect to see a farm vehicle on the road.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

The Wayne County Board of Education met in regular session last night
(Monday) and approved the staffing formulas for the site-based councils in
the district. Superintendent John Dalton noted that these are the same
formulas from last year, but added that the district may have to take action
on these again, after the state legislature holds it special session and
adopts a budget.

Also during the meeting, the board approved the amended calender for the
current school year. The final day for classes will be June 3. Closing day
for teachers is June 4.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

A fire on Monday, April 19th at a business off of North Main in
Monticello resulted in EMS transporting a 34 year old female
to the Wayne County Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
The Monticello Fire Dept responded to the fire at Tech Line
at 2:22 Monday afternoon and firefighters were still on the scene
a couple of hours later.

State police say toxicology results on the driver of the semi who
crashed into a van last month and killed eleven people showed
he did not have drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of the
crash. Police say Kenneth Laymon's semi crossed the center line
of I-65 in Hart County hitting a van carrying a Mennonite family.
10 people in the van and Laymon were killed. Two children
survived.

Gov. Steve Beshear today signed House Bill 415 into law—banning texting for all drivers and cell phone use for drivers under 18.

The law bans texting for drivers of all ages while the vehicle is in motion. For drivers over 18, it allows the use of global positioning devices and reading, selecting or entering a telephone number or name for the purpose of making a phone call. Texting is allowed only to report illegal activity or to request medical or emergency aid.

For drivers under 18, no use of personal communication devices such as cell phones and pagers is allowed while the vehicle is in motion. The use of a global positioning system is allowed, but manually entering information must be completed while the vehicle is stopped.

Emergency and public safety vehicles are exempt when the use of a personal communication device is essential to the operator’s official duties.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

WKYM news is reporting exclusively that former County Clerk Melissa Turpin has pleaded guilty to two counts of making a false tax return or failing to pay taxes. Turpin was scheduled to go to trial on the charges Wednesday April 14 in Franklin Circuit Court.

According to Commonwealth’s Attorney Larry Cleveland – the charges were for failure to pay taxes on the money taken while Turpin was Wayne County Clerk. Turpin’s sentencing will be May 7th and the recommendation is 5 years on each count to serve concurrently.

Monticello City Council met in regular session last night (Monday) and
decided to return a copy of the proposed E-911 board's budget for next year
with a letter explaining that the city cannot afford to contribute more than
$120,000. That's the same amount that the city provided for the E-911 board
for the current fiscal year, and City Clerk-Treasurer Greg Latham noted that
they council cannot afford the $90,000 increase that was part of the new
budget proposal.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

The Kentucky Senate has passed a bill to allow school districts
to possibly skip some makeup days if classes were canceled
for an extended time due to storms or illness. The proposal
would apply to school districts that have missed 20 or more
instructional days. School boards in those districts could ask
the state education commissioner to waive the makeup of
school days missed beyond 20 days, up to a maximum of 10
days. The measure would allow districts to make up missed
time by lengthening the school day.

On Wednesday March 24, 2010 at 7:30 PM the Kentucky State Police Post 11, London arrested one person in connection with a shooting incident that occurred at the Lakeview Yachts on KY 90 east of Monticello.

KSP Detective Doug Boyd arrested David C. Shores, 42, of Bronston, KY and charged him with Assault 1st degree.

Shores was lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center.

KSP Detective Boyd is in charge of the investigation and was assisted in the arrest by KSP Trooper First Class Chris Ison.

This just in to WKYM News - The Wayne County Coroner's Office
was called by 911 Dispatch early Friday, March 19th to a home
on Columbia Avenue where a man had been found dead. 30 year
old Christopher Crabtree was found unresponsive in his home
around 6:25AM.

EMS paramedics and Monticello Police were called in and Crabtree
was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 6:50AM by
Wayne County Coroner Forrest Hicks and Deputy Coroner Gordon
Hicks. A cause or manner of death has not been determined at
this time. An autopsy is scheduled at the State Medical Examiners
Office in Frankfort to assist with the investigation.

An appeal has been filed with the Kentucky Court of Appeals
regarding the wet – dry issue in Jamestown. Litigation will
continue - as a notice of appeal was filed Friday, March 12th
seeking a reversal of a judge’s decision that set aside the
election held November 24th. It could take several months
before a decision is rendered.

An assault on Sycamore Street overnight Sunday, March 14th
resulted in the arrest of two women and two men and one person
was transported to UK Medical Center for treatment. 19 year old
Casey Coyle was charged with assault, first – and 18 year old
Chelsie Denney, 23 year old Conner Pendleton, and 52 year old
Tim Pendleton were each charged with disorderly conduct. All four
were lodged in the Wayne County Detention.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District announced Wednesday, March 10th a partial suspension of work on the Wolf Creek Dam Safety
Major Rehabilitation Project in Jamestown, Ky. Instrumentation used to monitor the foundation has indicated movement and increased hydrostatic pressure
since work began in the area adjacent to the concrete section of the dam,
which includes Critical Area 1.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

The Kentucky Department of Highways says
campaign signs that are placed on a state highway right of way will
be removed for safety.
The department warned political candidates in a news release
that highway crews have been told to remove the signs through the
election cycle. Acting State Highway Engineer Steve Waddle says the signs are hazards for drivers becuase they block the area reserved for
motorists who run off the road. Waddle says they are also a danger to maintence crews who handle roadside mowing.
Illegal signs will be taken to the state highway garage in each
county and kept for two weeks. Owners may claim them by showing
identification and completing a claim form. Unclaimed signs will be discarded.

The Wayne County Seventh Grade Boys Basketball team is state champions again. Wayne County defeated Knox County 65 to 61 in the championship game of the 58 team state tournament in Lexington over the weekend.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

Kentucky State Police would like to take this opportunity to provide travelers with some important numbers and information. For road conditions in your area of the state, dial 511 or 866-737-3767 and follow the voice prompts or visit the web at www.511.ky.gov. For audio winter driving tips visit the web at http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/posts/post15.htm.

45 year old Eddie P. Clark was charged with manufacturing
meth off of East KY 92 on Hwy 1756 overnight, Wednesday,
January 13th. Clark was lodged in the Wayne County Detention
Center. The Sheriff’s Dept, Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task
Force and Monticello Fire Dept responded.

On Saturday, December 19, 2009, at 9:40 AM the Kentucky State
Police, Post 11 London, received a report of a two vehicle traffic
crash on KY 1009 in Wayne County. Upon arrival Trooper David
Reed determined that a 1998 Ford Crown Victoria, operated by
Danny Dishman, 59, of Monticello, was southbound on KY 1009
when, for an unknown reason, it crossed the centerline and struck
a 2005 GMC Envoy, operated by Sherry Stockton, 67, of Monticello,
head-on.

Click here to READ THE FULL STORY

According to a release, Saturday morning, December 19th,
the Wayne County Coroner's Office was called to the scene
of a two vehicle automobile accident in the Gap Creek
community, which had resulted in one fatality.

Danny K. Dishman, age 59, of the Chestnut Grove area of
Wayne County, was pronounced dead at app. 10:15 AM by
Wayne County Coroner Forrest Hicks and Deputy Coroner
Gordon Hicks. Dishman, the sole occupant of his vehicle,
was reported to have been traveling south on KY 1009 when
the collision occurred. A post-mortem exam of Dishman
suggested that seat belts were in use at the time of the
accident, and injuries found during that examination indicated
that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the chest.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is considering a utility rate hike
to pay for the ongoing repairs to Wolf Creek Dam. The Commonwealth
Journal of Somerset reports that a Kentucky Congressman and officials
with the Corp have exchanged letters about the possible rate increase
and a local power supplier has acknowledged that a rate increase has
been discussed.

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December 7, 2009: RADAR 103, the latest Arbitron report on network radio, shows that radio reaches more than 236 million people 12 and older in a typical week. That's 92.5 percent of people 12+, and includes 90 percent of 12 to 17-year-olds.

The nearly 7,700 RADAR-affiliated stations are heard by more than 216 million people 12 and older, up from 210 million listeners a year ago, in RADAR 99. Network radio reaches 86 percent of 18-34s weekly, Arbitron reports.

Radio reaches 95 percent of college graduates ages 25-54 each week, and nearly 96 percent of 25-54s with a college degree and annual income of $50,000 or more. Nearly 93 percent of black non-Hispanic persons 12 and older hear radio every week, as well as 94 percent of black non-Hispanics and Hispanics ages 18-49.

Law enforcement officials investigating the discovery of 21 year old
Kevin Price’s remains and at least one other individual say theres
nothing new to report. The FBI evidence recovery team wrapped
up its investigation Thursday in Pulaski County. Dr. Emily Craig will
now begin analyzing the bone fragments at the State Medical
Examiners lab. Craig has not yet determined whether the other
individual was burned there at the same time that Price’s body was
burned or if it was days, weeks, or even years earlier.

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The FBI is expected to be on the scene again Thursday in Pulaski County after the county coroner said more human remains were found at the site where the body of a missing man was found over the weekend.

Police say the burned remains of Kevin Price, 21, who had been missing since November 9, were discovered off Strawberry Road in Pulaski County on Saturday. Upon further investigation, police say the bones of at least one other person were found at the site.

The coroner confirmed that the newly discovered bones were not Price's. The state's forensic medical examiner, Dr. Emily Craig, could not determine the bones age or if they belong to males or females because the bones were also burned.

The coroner said the Sheriffs' Department and FBI will meet at the site on Thursday morning to look for more evidence.

Officials say more human bones have been found in the area where a Pulaski County man was killed.

The body of Kevin Price, 21, was found over the weekend.

He had been missing for nearly three weeks. A search yesterday turned up more bones, although their origins are unknown.

The coroner's office says they hope to release more information on the investigation sometime today.

The body of a Pulaski county man missing since early November was found late Saturday afternoon.

Coroner Richard New said it had been identified as 21-year-old Jeffrey Kevin Price. Price hadn't been seen since November 9 when his truck was found burned up in a rural area of the county.

The Pulaski County Sheriff's Department responded to a report that a body had been found in a remote area just off Strawberry Road near Pittman Creek late Saturday afternoon. The body was burned, but New says clothing and other items nearby made them believe it was Price.
Sunday, the medical examiners office positively identified it as Price.

The Task Force is asking that anyone with information into this case or anyone that saw suspicious activity in the area of Strawberry Road on or about Monday November 9, 2009 to contact investigators at (606) 678-5145. Callers may remain anonymous if they wish.

Voters in Jamestown and Lake precincts voted yesterday to permit alcohol sales at certain restaurants, but did not give their approval for alcohol sales within the city limits...however, the voting has apparently left some questions unresolved.

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Motorists traveling from the southern portion of the Lake Cumberland area to Interstate 75 will now have a quicker route.
Two-way traffic is now flowing on two northbound lanes of scenic new Ky. 1247 between northern Burnside and the 914 bypass near Ferguson. Flashing message boards in all directions announce the opening.

With much anticipation and enthusiastic attitudes fourteen WCHS students launched canoes and kayaks on the Big South Fork (BSF) at Blue Heron mine to begin an exciting twelve mile trip down river to Alum Ford. The trip was an opportunity and reward for their participation in community service events and to involve them in paddle sports activities.

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It's been said over the years that a lot of people wouldn't believe that
something happened in Monticello unless they heard it from local broadcaster
Eddie Neal. For 47 years, people tuned in to WFLW early every morning to
hear the local news broadcast by Neal's distinctive voice.
Neal, 84, passed away on Sunday, October 18 after a brief illness.

Link: Wayne County Outlook on Eddie

County Clerk Melissa Turpin resigned from her office on Tuesday, October
20th. In an appearance before Circuit Judge Vernon Miniard, Turpin pled guilty to four felony counts, and Judge Miniard sentenced Turpin to 10 years
each on two counts of abuse of a public trust and five years each on two counts of theft by unlawful taking. All sentences are to run concurrent for a total of ten years.

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Brother Eddie Neal, age 84 passed away Sunday at 1:47AM at the home of his son Gary Neal , in Monticello. Eddie was a 47 year on air personality on station WFLW-AM. He began his radio career at WFLW in July 1962 and worked until July 29, 2009. He was also the founding pastor of the Albany Full Gospel Apostolic Church.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday at 1:00 PM CT at the Albany Full Gospel Apostolic Church, with visitation after 10AM CT Tuesday morning at the Church. Talbott Funeral Home of Albany will be in charge of arrangements.

On Monday, September 07, 2009 Kentucky State Police Detective Doug Boyd charged Richard E. Smith, Jr., 50, of Wayne County with Murder.

Smith was initially charged on Saturday, September 05, 2009 with Assault 1st Degree in reference to a shooting incident on Chestnut Oaks Road in the Parnell Community of Wayne County, KY.

The shooting victim, 23 year old Samantha L. Rigney, was pronounced dead on Sunday 06, 2009 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center by the Fayette County Coroner.

On Saturday, September 05, 2009 the Kentucky State Police, Post 11 in London, was notified by the Monticello/Wayne County 911 Center of a possible shooting incident at a residence on Chestnut Oaks Road in the Parnell Community of Wayne County, KY.

KSP Trooper Sean Dixon along with officers from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and the Monticello Police Department responded to the residence discovering the victim, Samantha L. Rigney, 23, of Wayne County.

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Great American Insurance Company has filed a Civil Suit against County Clerk Melissa Turpin to recoup $75,000 paid to the Commonwealth.
In the suit filed Wednesday, August 26th – Great American Insurance Company is asking for reimbursement of the $75,000 dollars paid, plus interest from the date of payment – til paid. The Insurance Company is also asking for its loss and expenses – including reasonable attorney fees – with interest from the date of payment til paid. Turpin has been served and has twenty days to respond.

Local obituaries are now available online by clicking the "OBITUARIES" button to the left.

According to an update from the State Police Post at London - preliminary autopsy results indicate the 20-month-old Wayne County child ingested a chemical liquid, used in the Manufacturing of Methamphetamine, which resulted in his death. The child was pronounced dead by the Wayne County Hospital ER Doctor at 11:57PM on May 30th.

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IMG College, Incorporated announces the WKYM has been chosen as the official voice of UK Athletics in Monticello. WKYM was again selected over WMKZ as voice of the football and basketball Cats through the 2013 season. The first broadcast of the 2009 football season will be the Rich Brooks Show, Monday August 31st as the football Cats go for their fourth consecutive post season Bowl appearance. This will be the 43rd consecutive season of broadcasting UK Sports for WKYM.
UK Sports programming on WKYM is backed by this website, and wildcatsradio.com. Both websites have had over 2 million page views in the past year.

FRANKFORT, KY (7-23-09) State Auditor Crit Luallen Thursday, July 23rd released Wayne County Clerk Melissa Turpin’s audit of her 2008 financial statement, which refers a $52,930 deficit in her official account to the
Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office for
further investigation.

The Auditor’s Office referred an $87,056 deficit to law enforcement in December 2008 as part of its 2007 audit, making the current deficit in the Wayne County Clerk’s Office total $139,986 through 2008. Law enforcement is currently investigating the matter.

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Locair, the sole carrier at Lake Cumberland Regional Airport will be adding
another destination on August 5th - nonstop service to Baltimore, Maryland.
The flights will operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Locair
is also launching a TWO DAY fare sale - hoping to draw travelers away from
Interstate 75 travel. The "I Hate I 75" Fare Sale - all seats - all flights will
be only $74 each way, plus taxes starting Friday at 12:01AM thru Saturday
11:59PM.

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