Friday, September 15, 2006
Washington DC -The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a report on a fatal plane crash in Pike County that says the plane's engine was operating at the time of the accident.
The September second crash on a fog-bound hillside claimed the life of Eastern Kentucky native Rush Bradford. The 65-year-old Bradford was headed for the Big Sandy Regional Airport in Martin County with plans to attend a family reunion. The N-T-S-B says the Murphy, North Carolina resident was flying in weather conditions that required an instrument-rated pilot.
The report says Bradford was certified, but not instrument-rated. He also had not filed a flight plan. The single-engine, two-passenger Cessna 150-K was being flown near Shelby Gap when it crashed into a hillside and caught fire.
Pikeville- Local officials have speculated that weather was probably the contributing factor in the crash. Doug Tackett Director of Pike County Emergency Management spoke to EKB News, saying that while he hadn’t read the NTSB’s report, he feels that weather was probably what caused the plane to crash.
“I’m convinced that the weather probably played a large role in the plane crash.” Tackett continued “The visibility was really poor that morning and I think that was probably the main factor.”
Tackett also spoke on a meeting held last night, in which officials discussed what rescuers could’ve have done more efficiently. “Everyone was pretty well pleased with the overall outcome (of search efforts).”
“Just a couple of little issues…one was communications. We had on Sunday, quit a bit of radio traffic and some of that traffic really wasn’t necessary and they could’ve gone to a talkaround channel and kept that repeater channel free.”
The meeting was held last night at the Dorton fire department.
The September second crash on a fog-bound hillside claimed the life of Eastern Kentucky native Rush Bradford. The 65-year-old Bradford was headed for the Big Sandy Regional Airport in Martin County with plans to attend a family reunion. The N-T-S-B says the Murphy, North Carolina resident was flying in weather conditions that required an instrument-rated pilot.
The report says Bradford was certified, but not instrument-rated. He also had not filed a flight plan. The single-engine, two-passenger Cessna 150-K was being flown near Shelby Gap when it crashed into a hillside and caught fire.
Pikeville- Local officials have speculated that weather was probably the contributing factor in the crash. Doug Tackett Director of Pike County Emergency Management spoke to EKB News, saying that while he hadn’t read the NTSB’s report, he feels that weather was probably what caused the plane to crash.
“I’m convinced that the weather probably played a large role in the plane crash.” Tackett continued “The visibility was really poor that morning and I think that was probably the main factor.”
Tackett also spoke on a meeting held last night, in which officials discussed what rescuers could’ve have done more efficiently. “Everyone was pretty well pleased with the overall outcome (of search efforts).”
“Just a couple of little issues…one was communications. We had on Sunday, quit a bit of radio traffic and some of that traffic really wasn’t necessary and they could’ve gone to a talkaround channel and kept that repeater channel free.”
The meeting was held last night at the Dorton fire department.
Alleged Murderer pleads not guilty
Pikeville - An alleged murderer pleaded not guilty this morning in Pike County Circuit court, after appearing in front of Pike Circuit judge Eddy Coleman. 30 yr old Johnny Levi Prater of Newtown WV, was arrested in the McVeigh area of Pike County and was charged with the murder of 35-year-old Shane Hurley. Hurley’s body was discovered in the Tug Fork River near Woodman Creek by an all-terrain vehicle rider in late in August. Prater, represented by public defender Julio Culiado, entered the not guilty plea and Judge Coleman set a pre-trial hearing for January 5th and set the case for trial on February 26th. Prater remains lodged at the Pike County detention center without bond pending an order from the court.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Emergency officials Announce training Execise to stop public panic
Pikeville - Emergency officials in Pike and Floyd County are giving the public a heads up, as they plan to conduct an emergency response training tomorrow. The exercise is set to take place around 10 o’clock tomorrow morning at the Columbia gas plant at Boldman, and officials are issuing the warning as a way to stop anyone from panicking when they see several emergency agencies taking part in the exercise.
Pike County emergency management is also asking for any first responders or agencies involved in the search and rescue efforts for a plane that crashed in the Shelby Creek area of Pike County to attend an incident review meeting tomorrow evening at the Dorton Fire Department. The meeting will cover the procedures used during the search and serve as a way for responders to discuss how agencies could have worked more efficiently. The meeting is taking place at 6:30 and is open to the public.
Pike County emergency management is also asking for any first responders or agencies involved in the search and rescue efforts for a plane that crashed in the Shelby Creek area of Pike County to attend an incident review meeting tomorrow evening at the Dorton Fire Department. The meeting will cover the procedures used during the search and serve as a way for responders to discuss how agencies could have worked more efficiently. The meeting is taking place at 6:30 and is open to the public.
ICG announces cuts
Scott Depot WV - International Coal Group said yesterday that it expects to lose $10 million to $15 million, or 7 cents to 10 cents per share, in 2006 because of the Sago Mine disaster, the idling of another mine and cost pressures at several operations. Tuesday's announcement was the second time this year that Scott Depot-based ICG has lowered its financial outlook. ICG said it now expects to end 2006 with a loss, while revenue is projected to total $900 million. The company said it plans to cut 1.7 million tons of high-cost production: 700,000 tons at its Northern Appalachian operations and about 1 million tons at its Central Appalachian operations. ICG did not identify which operations would be affected but said the cutbacks will begin within three to five days.
A Bevinsville Man Accused of Murder asks for a Bond Reduction
Whitesburg - A Bevinsville man accused of Murder and Kidnapping in Floyd County had his motion for a bond reduction denied today by a special Judge in Letcher County. Attorneys for 47 year old Billy Joe Johnson filed two motions today, one asking for his bond to be reduced from 1 million dollars full cash, which was denied by Letcher County circuit Judge Sam Wright. Johnson’s attorneys also asked that the case be dismissed on the grounds of failing to provide a speedy trial a motion which was also denied by Judge Wright. Johnson was arrested in March 2005 and charged with assault, murder, kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment in the death of 27 year old Michael Stone. Stone was found shot to death on an abandoned strip mine road in Knott County on Aug. 4, 2003. Commonwealths attorney Brent turner told EKB news that they expect the trial to begin sometime in December or January. Johnson is also facing charges in federal court, related to an insurance fraud scheme, Peter has more on that.
Pikeville - According to the federal indictment released in August, Billy Joe Johnson and eight others staged four traffic accidents between January 2001 and February 2004, sometimes using multiple vehicles. They would then make false statements to police and the insurance companies. In exchange for helping the auto owner stage the accident, the others would get a cut of the insurance money or receive medical treatment. They would lie about their injuries and the way the accident occurred, the indictment says.
It is unclear how much money the nine made through the alleged bogus crash scheme. It was the second time in eight months that Billy Joe Johnson has been charged in connection with insurance fraud. In January, a grand jury indicted Johnson and three others on charges that they set a house on fire in 2002 to collect $72,000 in insurance money, charges which are still pending.
Pikeville - According to the federal indictment released in August, Billy Joe Johnson and eight others staged four traffic accidents between January 2001 and February 2004, sometimes using multiple vehicles. They would then make false statements to police and the insurance companies. In exchange for helping the auto owner stage the accident, the others would get a cut of the insurance money or receive medical treatment. They would lie about their injuries and the way the accident occurred, the indictment says.
It is unclear how much money the nine made through the alleged bogus crash scheme. It was the second time in eight months that Billy Joe Johnson has been charged in connection with insurance fraud. In January, a grand jury indicted Johnson and three others on charges that they set a house on fire in 2002 to collect $72,000 in insurance money, charges which are still pending.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
and the rest of the news for September 12
Pikeville - A Meathouse man is now in custody after allegedly holding a woman hostage. 28 year old James E. Stanley was arrested yesterday after the female filled a criminal complaint, alleging that Stanley dragged her from his residence, leaving visible bruises. The complaint goes on to state that Stanley took her to a wooded area at the head of Meathouse and held a knife to her throat threatening to kill her if she tried to leave. Stanley was lodged at the Pike County detention center on a 5,000 dollar full cash bond. He is scheduled to appear again in court on September 14.
Frankfort - The law firm of one of Governor Fletcher's loudest defenders has been given a state contract worth up to one-hundred-thousand dollars. The contract between the state Transportation Cabinet and former gubernatorial candidate Larry Forgy was reviewed by a legislative panel today. Democratic State Senator Ernesto Scorsone of Lexington brought up the matter, pointing out that Forgy was a friend of the governor. Forgy said he did not expect the contract would be worth more than 20-thousand dollars and that another attorney at his firm would be doing the work. Forgy said the contract was no payback for his support of the governor and he called any criticism of it "a cheap shot." The contract runs through the summer of 2008.
Charleston WV- Massey Energy Corp. announced yesterday it will install belt line sprinklers, modify its escape training and equip its mine rescue teams with thermal imaging systems in an effort to prevent underground fires and improve rescue efforts. The moves were prompted by a review of safety and rescue procedures after the January deaths of two miners following a belt line fire at subsidiary Aracoma Coal Co.'s Alma No. 1 mine in Logan County, W.Va. Miners Donald Bragg and Ellery Hatfield died in the fire after they became separated by thick smoke from a mine crew trying to escape the Jan. 19 blaze. Their bodies were found two days later.
Frankfort - The law firm of one of Governor Fletcher's loudest defenders has been given a state contract worth up to one-hundred-thousand dollars. The contract between the state Transportation Cabinet and former gubernatorial candidate Larry Forgy was reviewed by a legislative panel today. Democratic State Senator Ernesto Scorsone of Lexington brought up the matter, pointing out that Forgy was a friend of the governor. Forgy said he did not expect the contract would be worth more than 20-thousand dollars and that another attorney at his firm would be doing the work. Forgy said the contract was no payback for his support of the governor and he called any criticism of it "a cheap shot." The contract runs through the summer of 2008.
Charleston WV- Massey Energy Corp. announced yesterday it will install belt line sprinklers, modify its escape training and equip its mine rescue teams with thermal imaging systems in an effort to prevent underground fires and improve rescue efforts. The moves were prompted by a review of safety and rescue procedures after the January deaths of two miners following a belt line fire at subsidiary Aracoma Coal Co.'s Alma No. 1 mine in Logan County, W.Va. Miners Donald Bragg and Ellery Hatfield died in the fire after they became separated by thick smoke from a mine crew trying to escape the Jan. 19 blaze. Their bodies were found two days later.
Salvation Army teams up with retail giant to throw a young boy a party he won’t forget.
Pikeville - “W-A-L-M-A-R-T…What’s that spell?”
“Wal-Mart!”
“Who’s Wal-Mart is it?”
“ETHANS!!”
And five year old Ethan Bentley was happy to make the Pikeville Wal-Mart his, as he embarked on a shopping spree courtesy of many volunteers touched by the Bentley Family’s tragic story.
Before setting out in the store to purchase what ever his heart desired, Wal-Mart management led the group of associates, volunteers and family of Ethan’s in the traditional Wal-Mart cheer, which usually ends with the phrase “Who’s Wal-Mart is it?; My Wal-Mart!”
But on Tuesday September 5, the giant retail store belonged to Ethan.
Surrounded by balloons, toys, family, Salvation Army volunteers and Wal-Mart associates Ethan Bentley seemed to be on top of the world, however, it’s been a rough road for the young man with an infections smile over the last couple of months.
On June 5th Ethan, a Virgie resident suffering from caner underwent a liver transplant at a hospital in Cincinnati. The operation, though successful, kept the Bentley family away from their Virgie home for seven weeks over the summer.
Once arriving back home, Ethan’s family found that they had been robbed. According to Ethan’s parents, the thief took everything of value in the home.
“When we got home Late on a Friday night, we came in and they had taken everything of value.” stated Donna Bentley recalling the ordeal.
“What made me madder than anything though was that they had gone into Ethan’s room and took his Bennie Babies.” Bentley continued “That’s why I say it was so cold.”
After hearing of Ethan’s story, Salvation Army volunteers decided to throw Ethan a party on the afternoon of September 5, and the Pikeville Wal-Mart was happy to chip in.
The Salvation Army decided to give Ethan Five Hundred dollars to go shopping on and Wal-Mart contributed two hundred more, allowing him to buy whatever he wanted.
“Wal-Mart!”
“Who’s Wal-Mart is it?”
“ETHANS!!”
And five year old Ethan Bentley was happy to make the Pikeville Wal-Mart his, as he embarked on a shopping spree courtesy of many volunteers touched by the Bentley Family’s tragic story.
Before setting out in the store to purchase what ever his heart desired, Wal-Mart management led the group of associates, volunteers and family of Ethan’s in the traditional Wal-Mart cheer, which usually ends with the phrase “Who’s Wal-Mart is it?; My Wal-Mart!”
But on Tuesday September 5, the giant retail store belonged to Ethan.
Surrounded by balloons, toys, family, Salvation Army volunteers and Wal-Mart associates Ethan Bentley seemed to be on top of the world, however, it’s been a rough road for the young man with an infections smile over the last couple of months.
On June 5th Ethan, a Virgie resident suffering from caner underwent a liver transplant at a hospital in Cincinnati. The operation, though successful, kept the Bentley family away from their Virgie home for seven weeks over the summer.
Once arriving back home, Ethan’s family found that they had been robbed. According to Ethan’s parents, the thief took everything of value in the home.
“When we got home Late on a Friday night, we came in and they had taken everything of value.” stated Donna Bentley recalling the ordeal.
“What made me madder than anything though was that they had gone into Ethan’s room and took his Bennie Babies.” Bentley continued “That’s why I say it was so cold.”
After hearing of Ethan’s story, Salvation Army volunteers decided to throw Ethan a party on the afternoon of September 5, and the Pikeville Wal-Mart was happy to chip in.
The Salvation Army decided to give Ethan Five Hundred dollars to go shopping on and Wal-Mart contributed two hundred more, allowing him to buy whatever he wanted.
Man being held without bond on numerous charges
Pikeville - A Shelbiana man has found himself behind bars for a number of violations, all beginning with a traffic stop. Yesterday 32 year old Willie T. McCoy III was driving a tractor without a trailer, on US 23 near the Buckley’s Creek Intersection. That’s where an officer with the Pikeville police department began a pursuit, after the McCoy refused to pull over. According to the citation, McCoy was swerving all over the road, ran a red light and finally stopped after exiting the city. Officer John Hunt stated that McCoy’s pupils were extremely constricted and had no balance. A search of the vehicle uncovered 29 hydrocodone and lead officer Hunt to another offense. 6 checks belonging to another person were found inside the vehicle as well. Officer Hunt contacted the lady on the checks and verified that they had indeed been stolen, leading to McCoy being charged with Criminal Possession of a forged instrument and forgery 2nd degree, possession of a controlled substance 2nd and 3rd degree as well as traffic violations consisting of Fleeing first degree, operating a vehicle under the influence among other charges. McCoy, who even fell asleep in the back of the cruiser, was lodged at the Pike County Detention center and is being held without bond until his court date, September 21st.
Bluegrass for Education Benefit Concert held at MAC
Prestonsburg - On Saturday September 9, the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg played host to a very special benefit concert called Bluegrass for education featuring the Charlie Sizemore band. Proceeds from the concert, which featured performances by the Big Sandy Singers, Five miles from no where and of course, the Charlie Sizemore band were are all donated to Big Sandy Community and technical College.
“Charlie Sizemore is a local musician who grew up in Magoffin County and went to school at PCC (Prestonsburg Community and Technical College)” stated Linda Lyon, public relations for the Big Sandy Community and Technical College system. “About four years ago he decided to do something to give back to the community that had given him so much.”
Sizemore, who had hung up his guitar and went into retirement to practice law in Nashville, had not performed in close to fifteen years according to Lyon.
“He came back; out of retirement to do a benefit for us (BSCTCS) and it just kind of recharged his desire to perform.” Lyon continued.
Since the original benefit concert, Sizemore has once again taken to the stage several times and has made the Bluegrass for Education concert an annual event and once again for the fourth year in a row Charlie Sizemore put on a spectacular show, bringing a packed house to its feet.
Monday, September 11, 2006
And thats the way it is on September 11th 2006
Prestonsburg- A fatal collision in Prestonsburg has lead to the death of a clay city woman. Yesterday evening around the 5 o’clock hour a vehicle driven by 24 year old Ronnie Ward of Wayland was traveling North on US 23 near the Prestonsburg Inn when it crossed the median into the South Bound Lane and struck another vehicle head on. 21 year old Lori K. Fulks was transported to Saint Mary’s Hospital in Huntington where she was later pronounced dead. Another passenger in the vehicle, 4 yr old Jakob T. Ward was also being treated at Saint Mary’s hospital. Officers with the Prestonsburg Police Department, which is investigating the crash, are asking for anyone who witnessed the collision and didn’t speak with an officer to contact the Prestonsburg PD immediately.
Lone Oak- In his strongest attack on Governor Fletcher since he agreed to end a criminal investigation against him, Attorney General Greg Stumbo has accused the state's chief executive of being untruthful. Stumbo spoke Saturday at the Saint John Picnic in Lone Oak. He was one of 30 elected officials, political party leaders and candidates who spoke at the 46th annual event. Stumbo said Fletcher spent five (m) million dollars of taxpayers' money to cover up wrongdoing and crimes in his administration. He added that for 18 months, Fletcher told the public there was nothing to the investigation and that no one broke the law. He added there is now a document that Fletcher signed that effectively says that is not true. Last month, the investigation ended when Stumbo and Fletcher reached a compromise. The charges against Fletcher were dropped in exchange for Fletcher acknowledging there was evidence of wrongdoing by his administration and that the actions were inappropriate. Fletcher did not attend the picnic and has stated that the investigation was politically motivated by Stumbo.
Hazard - Two jail inmates who have been on the run since last month are back behind bars. Hazard Police say Robert Caress and Timothy Bailey turned themselves in Friday night, leading to the men facing escape charges. Caress and Bailey escaped from custody by breaking out of a transportation vehicle taking them back from a court appearance to the Kentucky River Regional Jail in Hazard. A third man, Brain Stamper who also made a getaway was caught soon after the escape.
The state personnel cabinet says a flood of workers could be retiring from their state jobs in the next two years. Up to one-third of the state's 34 thousand employees are expected to retire. The Fletcher administration is confidentially surveying every state agency to see where new workers will be needed. The surveys should be complete by November, and the state plans offer training in the affected agencies for new workers so that the significant drop does not affect services from the state.
Frankfort - Governor Ernie Fletcher has directed that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff on Monday, September 11, 2006, to honor those who were among the first Americans to lose their lives in the war against terror. “September 11 is a date that will weigh heavy on our hearts for many years to come,” said Governor Fletcher. “Kentuckians recognize the sacrifice of those Americans who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. We will continue to remember the victims, as well as their friends and families, in our thoughts and prayers.” Flags are to remain lowered through sundown this evening.
Lone Oak- In his strongest attack on Governor Fletcher since he agreed to end a criminal investigation against him, Attorney General Greg Stumbo has accused the state's chief executive of being untruthful. Stumbo spoke Saturday at the Saint John Picnic in Lone Oak. He was one of 30 elected officials, political party leaders and candidates who spoke at the 46th annual event. Stumbo said Fletcher spent five (m) million dollars of taxpayers' money to cover up wrongdoing and crimes in his administration. He added that for 18 months, Fletcher told the public there was nothing to the investigation and that no one broke the law. He added there is now a document that Fletcher signed that effectively says that is not true. Last month, the investigation ended when Stumbo and Fletcher reached a compromise. The charges against Fletcher were dropped in exchange for Fletcher acknowledging there was evidence of wrongdoing by his administration and that the actions were inappropriate. Fletcher did not attend the picnic and has stated that the investigation was politically motivated by Stumbo.
Hazard - Two jail inmates who have been on the run since last month are back behind bars. Hazard Police say Robert Caress and Timothy Bailey turned themselves in Friday night, leading to the men facing escape charges. Caress and Bailey escaped from custody by breaking out of a transportation vehicle taking them back from a court appearance to the Kentucky River Regional Jail in Hazard. A third man, Brain Stamper who also made a getaway was caught soon after the escape.
The state personnel cabinet says a flood of workers could be retiring from their state jobs in the next two years. Up to one-third of the state's 34 thousand employees are expected to retire. The Fletcher administration is confidentially surveying every state agency to see where new workers will be needed. The surveys should be complete by November, and the state plans offer training in the affected agencies for new workers so that the significant drop does not affect services from the state.
Frankfort - Governor Ernie Fletcher has directed that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff on Monday, September 11, 2006, to honor those who were among the first Americans to lose their lives in the war against terror. “September 11 is a date that will weigh heavy on our hearts for many years to come,” said Governor Fletcher. “Kentuckians recognize the sacrifice of those Americans who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. We will continue to remember the victims, as well as their friends and families, in our thoughts and prayers.” Flags are to remain lowered through sundown this evening.
