Monday, February 08, 2010
Unemployment Bill Passes House
KENTUCKY....
Monday, House Bill 349 unanimously passed the House by a 97-0 vote. The bill is aimed at shoring up the state's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which pays benefits to jobless Kentuckians. Under the bill, Kentucky employers would gradually pay more in taxes to fix the trust fund but not nearly as much as they would if the state continues borrowing to keep the fund afloat. If passed, in 2012, jobless workers would generally receive slightly less in weekly benefits and would have to wait a short time before receiving the assistance. As of December, Kentucky's unemployment rate was 10.7%, and the state has borrowed $645.1 million from the federal government since January 2009 to pay unemployment benefits to jobless workers.
Monday, House Bill 349 unanimously passed the House by a 97-0 vote. The bill is aimed at shoring up the state's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which pays benefits to jobless Kentuckians. Under the bill, Kentucky employers would gradually pay more in taxes to fix the trust fund but not nearly as much as they would if the state continues borrowing to keep the fund afloat. If passed, in 2012, jobless workers would generally receive slightly less in weekly benefits and would have to wait a short time before receiving the assistance. As of December, Kentucky's unemployment rate was 10.7%, and the state has borrowed $645.1 million from the federal government since January 2009 to pay unemployment benefits to jobless workers.
Whitley County Man Found Dead
KENTUCKY....
Kentucky State Police say 61 year old Lowell Mullins of Whitley County was found dead Monday outside his car in approximately two feet of water after he apparently drove into a flooded area on Poplar Creek School Road sometime overnight Sunday. Police say alcohol use is suspected.
Kentucky State Police say 61 year old Lowell Mullins of Whitley County was found dead Monday outside his car in approximately two feet of water after he apparently drove into a flooded area on Poplar Creek School Road sometime overnight Sunday. Police say alcohol use is suspected.
Floyd County Homes Evacuated
KENTUCKY....
Late Saturday night, Floyd County officials decided to evacuate some homes in Wheelwright. Authorities say a crumbling hill and a sinking ground have created worry about a potential mudslide. They fear, if that should happen, the families would be placed in danger as the homes could slide over the embankment. Officials believe excess water from the mines has caused the sinking ground, but environmental control supervisor Jim Clark cannot confirm whether the damage is mine-related. He will report his findings to the Frankfort office and the Federal Office of Surface Mining.
Late Saturday night, Floyd County officials decided to evacuate some homes in Wheelwright. Authorities say a crumbling hill and a sinking ground have created worry about a potential mudslide. They fear, if that should happen, the families would be placed in danger as the homes could slide over the embankment. Officials believe excess water from the mines has caused the sinking ground, but environmental control supervisor Jim Clark cannot confirm whether the damage is mine-related. He will report his findings to the Frankfort office and the Federal Office of Surface Mining.
Kentucky First To Adopt Common Core Standards
KENTUCKY....
Kentucky will, on Wednesday, February 10th, become the first state in the nation to formally adopt a resolution implementing the Common Core State Standards in English/language arts and mathematics. The Kentucky Board of Education, the Council on Postsecondary Education and the Education Professional Standards Board will hold a joint meeting at 5:30 P.M. at the Kentucky Community and Technical College Central Office at 300 North Main St., in Versailles, where chairs of the three entities will sign a resolution directing their respective agencies to implement the final common standards. Those in attendance will include Governor Steve Beshear, Kentucky state Senator Ken Winters, chair of the Senate Education Committee, and Representative Carl Rollins, chair of the House Education Committee. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will provide greetings and support via video link.
Kentucky will, on Wednesday, February 10th, become the first state in the nation to formally adopt a resolution implementing the Common Core State Standards in English/language arts and mathematics. The Kentucky Board of Education, the Council on Postsecondary Education and the Education Professional Standards Board will hold a joint meeting at 5:30 P.M. at the Kentucky Community and Technical College Central Office at 300 North Main St., in Versailles, where chairs of the three entities will sign a resolution directing their respective agencies to implement the final common standards. Those in attendance will include Governor Steve Beshear, Kentucky state Senator Ken Winters, chair of the Senate Education Committee, and Representative Carl Rollins, chair of the House Education Committee. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will provide greetings and support via video link.
Pike County Budget
KENTUCKY...
Recently, District Six Magistrate Chris Harris was in Lexington while attending two days of meetings concerning the state’s finances. Harris said, while the state faces a $1.5 billion budget shortfall, thanks to careful planning by the Pike County Fiscal Court, the county is not facing such dire circumstances. Throughout the year, Pike County receives money in four installments. Three already received should amount to 75% of the total budget. However, only 73.5% of the planned funds have been received by the county. Harris says the shortage is attributed to a downturn in mineral severance tax.
Recently, District Six Magistrate Chris Harris was in Lexington while attending two days of meetings concerning the state’s finances. Harris said, while the state faces a $1.5 billion budget shortfall, thanks to careful planning by the Pike County Fiscal Court, the county is not facing such dire circumstances. Throughout the year, Pike County receives money in four installments. Three already received should amount to 75% of the total budget. However, only 73.5% of the planned funds have been received by the county. Harris says the shortage is attributed to a downturn in mineral severance tax.
Annual Governor's Prayer Breakfast Set
KENTUCKY....
Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear are inviting Kentuckians to join them and representatives of all three branches of government as they hold the 45th Annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast. The event will begin at 8:00 A.M. Thursday, February 25th, in the Bell Gym at Kentucky State University. The Governor’s Prayer Breakfast has remained a tradition since 1965, and this year's theme is "A Call to Serve" which illustrates the call many Kentuckians have taken to help their neighbors during tough times. The keynote speaker is former United States Representative Harold Ford Jr., of Tennessee. The William Cooper Award will be given to the Kentuckian or group of Kentuckians who work tirelessly in service to others with a motivation of faith and leaving a lasting impact. To nominate a citizen or group for the 2010 William Cooper Award, visit http://www.governor.ky.gov/cooperaward.
Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear are inviting Kentuckians to join them and representatives of all three branches of government as they hold the 45th Annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast. The event will begin at 8:00 A.M. Thursday, February 25th, in the Bell Gym at Kentucky State University. The Governor’s Prayer Breakfast has remained a tradition since 1965, and this year's theme is "A Call to Serve" which illustrates the call many Kentuckians have taken to help their neighbors during tough times. The keynote speaker is former United States Representative Harold Ford Jr., of Tennessee. The William Cooper Award will be given to the Kentuckian or group of Kentuckians who work tirelessly in service to others with a motivation of faith and leaving a lasting impact. To nominate a citizen or group for the 2010 William Cooper Award, visit http://www.governor.ky.gov/cooperaward.
More Toll Roads Proposed
WEST VIRGINIA...
A plan from Governor Joe Manchin to open up the possibility of more toll roads in West Virginia has been presented to the state Legislature. In an effort to complete new road projects, the governor wants to give the West Virginia Parkways Authority the option to expand the state’s toll roads. Currently, the lone pay-as-you-go route is along the West Virginia Turnpike.
Changes are being sought to address the lack of funding available to the state to build and maintain key highways. The state’s dependence on fuel tax collections, which is the major component of the state’s road fund, has caused problems in recent years. Less fuel consumption, more fuel-efficient vehicles, and changing driving habits have been cited for the reduced revenue.
A plan from Governor Joe Manchin to open up the possibility of more toll roads in West Virginia has been presented to the state Legislature. In an effort to complete new road projects, the governor wants to give the West Virginia Parkways Authority the option to expand the state’s toll roads. Currently, the lone pay-as-you-go route is along the West Virginia Turnpike.
Changes are being sought to address the lack of funding available to the state to build and maintain key highways. The state’s dependence on fuel tax collections, which is the major component of the state’s road fund, has caused problems in recent years. Less fuel consumption, more fuel-efficient vehicles, and changing driving habits have been cited for the reduced revenue.
New Judicial Center Hits Snag
KENTUCKY...
Although demolition has begun at the site of the new Pike County Judicial Center in downtown Pikeville, ongoing litigation of some of the properties has created a snag in the progress of the project. The project is moving ahead, but not as quickly as hoped. It seems there's a few problems as the Combs family is disputing the appraisal of their property and attorney Larry Webster is seeking restitution due to his lease being terminated and reimbursement for moving expenses. It's feared the delay could cause bids, as well as the cost of construction materials, to go up ... creating a higher price tag for taxpayers.
Although demolition has begun at the site of the new Pike County Judicial Center in downtown Pikeville, ongoing litigation of some of the properties has created a snag in the progress of the project. The project is moving ahead, but not as quickly as hoped. It seems there's a few problems as the Combs family is disputing the appraisal of their property and attorney Larry Webster is seeking restitution due to his lease being terminated and reimbursement for moving expenses. It's feared the delay could cause bids, as well as the cost of construction materials, to go up ... creating a higher price tag for taxpayers.
Beshear Signs Military Funding Bill
KENTUCKY....
Monday, Governor Steve Beshear signed House Bill 302 after it passed the Kentucky Senate on a 38-0 vote last week. The bill authorizes the sale of $4 million in bonds to build a hangar at Bluegrass Station, formerly Lexington Army Depot, which is managed and maintained by the Department of Military Affairs. Legislators say, not only will the bill aid the cause of our national defense, the project will also create 105 new jobs in addition to the 660 new jobs that have been created at Bluegrass Station within the last year.
Monday, Governor Steve Beshear signed House Bill 302 after it passed the Kentucky Senate on a 38-0 vote last week. The bill authorizes the sale of $4 million in bonds to build a hangar at Bluegrass Station, formerly Lexington Army Depot, which is managed and maintained by the Department of Military Affairs. Legislators say, not only will the bill aid the cause of our national defense, the project will also create 105 new jobs in addition to the 660 new jobs that have been created at Bluegrass Station within the last year.
Massey Protestors Seek Dismissal Of Damages
WEST VIRGINIA...
Five strip mining protesters want a federal judge to dismiss Massey Energy’s lawsuit against them. They say claims of monetary damages are inflated and unsubstantiated. Virginia-based Massey has won a temporary restraining order barring protesters from its West Virginia properties through Feb. 24. Massey claims it’s suffered more than $75,000 in damages, the minimum amount required for a federal court to have jurisdiction over the case. But the protesters say that contradicts a Massey news release claiming a nine-day tree-sitting action in January didn’t stop operations at the Beetree mine. Massey spokesman Jeff Gillenwater says that release was issued the first day, before operations were affected, and that Massey disagrees with the protesters’ claims.
Five strip mining protesters want a federal judge to dismiss Massey Energy’s lawsuit against them. They say claims of monetary damages are inflated and unsubstantiated. Virginia-based Massey has won a temporary restraining order barring protesters from its West Virginia properties through Feb. 24. Massey claims it’s suffered more than $75,000 in damages, the minimum amount required for a federal court to have jurisdiction over the case. But the protesters say that contradicts a Massey news release claiming a nine-day tree-sitting action in January didn’t stop operations at the Beetree mine. Massey spokesman Jeff Gillenwater says that release was issued the first day, before operations were affected, and that Massey disagrees with the protesters’ claims.
McDowell Prison Nearing Completion
WEST VIRGINIA...
With construction on the new McDowell Federal Correctional Institution scheduled for completion next month, officials are stressing opportunities that are currently available for local businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition to the ongoing hiring of employees, the federal prison also will be looking to buy goods and services from the community, according to Rachel Lester, the county’s economic development director. Construction on the $232 million federal prison is scheduled for completion in March. Citizens seeking more details can call the economic development office in Welch at (304) 436-3833.
With construction on the new McDowell Federal Correctional Institution scheduled for completion next month, officials are stressing opportunities that are currently available for local businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition to the ongoing hiring of employees, the federal prison also will be looking to buy goods and services from the community, according to Rachel Lester, the county’s economic development director. Construction on the $232 million federal prison is scheduled for completion in March. Citizens seeking more details can call the economic development office in Welch at (304) 436-3833.
Second Close Call At Yeager Airport
WEST VIRGINIA...
For the second time this year, a commercial airplane averted a crash at Yeager Airport in Charleston around 7:20 A.M. Monday morning. This time two blown tires was the cause. After skidding about 300 to 400 feet down the runway, the plane stopped short of the end of the runway...with only 500 feet to spare. The Delta flight 6121 was headed to Cincinnati with 46 passengers and three crew members onboard. In January, a U. S. Airways regional jet also aborted takeoff...that incident is still under investigation. In that mishap the airport's EMAS emergency system slowed the plane before it ran off the end of the runway.
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For the second time this year, a commercial airplane averted a crash at Yeager Airport in Charleston around 7:20 A.M. Monday morning. This time two blown tires was the cause. After skidding about 300 to 400 feet down the runway, the plane stopped short of the end of the runway...with only 500 feet to spare. The Delta flight 6121 was headed to Cincinnati with 46 passengers and three crew members onboard. In January, a U. S. Airways regional jet also aborted takeoff...that incident is still under investigation. In that mishap the airport's EMAS emergency system slowed the plane before it ran off the end of the runway.
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Sunday, February 07, 2010
Property Reassessment In West Virginia
WEST VIRGINIA....
As part of a three-year project to reassess property in all of West Virginia's 55 counties, State Tax Commissioner Christopher G. Morris says, this year, properties in 24 counties will be reassessed. Morris says appraisers will carry photo identification cards indicating they are contractors for the State Tax Department, and no one should ask for personal information. Some residents may receive phone calls or questionnaires concerning property sales, but again, no one should ask for personal information. The counties included are: Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Gilmer, Greenbrier, Jackson, Lewis, Mason and Monroe as well as Nicholas, Pendleton, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Putnam, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Upshur, Webster, Wirt and Wood.
As part of a three-year project to reassess property in all of West Virginia's 55 counties, State Tax Commissioner Christopher G. Morris says, this year, properties in 24 counties will be reassessed. Morris says appraisers will carry photo identification cards indicating they are contractors for the State Tax Department, and no one should ask for personal information. Some residents may receive phone calls or questionnaires concerning property sales, but again, no one should ask for personal information. The counties included are: Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Gilmer, Greenbrier, Jackson, Lewis, Mason and Monroe as well as Nicholas, Pendleton, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Putnam, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Upshur, Webster, Wirt and Wood.
South Charleston And Hurricane Levies Pass
WEST VIRGINIA....
Voters in South Charleston and Hurricane headed to the polls Saturday to decide whether to renew their annual levies. In South Charleston, voters overwhelmingly said yes to a tax that has been in place since 1947. 672 people voted yes and 19 voted against it. The levy makes up $1.2 million of the city's budget, paying for things like police and fire protection, library services and public works. In Hurricane, the levy passed by a narrow margin...241 voted for their city's levy while 138 voted against it, saying yes for the next five years. The levy needed at least 60% to pass, and it only got 63%.
Voters in South Charleston and Hurricane headed to the polls Saturday to decide whether to renew their annual levies. In South Charleston, voters overwhelmingly said yes to a tax that has been in place since 1947. 672 people voted yes and 19 voted against it. The levy makes up $1.2 million of the city's budget, paying for things like police and fire protection, library services and public works. In Hurricane, the levy passed by a narrow margin...241 voted for their city's levy while 138 voted against it, saying yes for the next five years. The levy needed at least 60% to pass, and it only got 63%.
Snow Storm Leaves Thousands Without Power
WEST VIRGINIA....
As the result of a winter storm that dumped nearly 30 inches of snow in portions of West Virginia, thousands of customers are experiencing another round of power outages. The bulk of Saturday's outages are in West Virginia's higher elevations and in the Eastern Panhandle...while Appalachian Power reports about 5,000 customers are without power in West Virginia. Allegheny Power reported 37,000 customers still without power Sunday, including more than 6,000 customers in Monongalia County and another 4,000 in Marion County. At the height of the storm, Allegheny was dealing with more than 90,000 outages. The heaviest show accumulations range from over a foot in Morgantown to more than two feet in the Eastern Panhandle.
As the result of a winter storm that dumped nearly 30 inches of snow in portions of West Virginia, thousands of customers are experiencing another round of power outages. The bulk of Saturday's outages are in West Virginia's higher elevations and in the Eastern Panhandle...while Appalachian Power reports about 5,000 customers are without power in West Virginia. Allegheny Power reported 37,000 customers still without power Sunday, including more than 6,000 customers in Monongalia County and another 4,000 in Marion County. At the height of the storm, Allegheny was dealing with more than 90,000 outages. The heaviest show accumulations range from over a foot in Morgantown to more than two feet in the Eastern Panhandle.
