Meanwhile, Eastern Kentucky homeowners and renters who suffered damage to their property from the severe July 2022 floods still have time for federal disaster assistance.Survivors in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties have until 11:59 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28, 2022 to apply.
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Flood repairs and the lack of reimbursements by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state were discussed during the recent regular meeting of the Pike County fiscal court.Pike Judge-Executive Ray Jones addressed the issue.“Something that is rather alarming is the amount of expenses that the court incurred with the bills last month at $2.5 million,” Jones said. “Some of that is insurance we paid out, some $900,000 in premiums but we have $438,000 for poly bags to fix the embankment failures caused by flooding and we’ll be somewhere north of a million dollars just for poly bags.
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Hospitals across the country are seeing a surge in patients with RSV, a common respiratory disease. To stay current, Kentucky Children’s Hospital is shifting all of its resources, expanding beds into overflow areas and increasing capacity in emergency rooms. Dr. Lindsay Ragsdale says while the virus itself is common, the timing of the surge in cases we’re currently seeing across the country is not so common.Experts say we have not yet hit the peak surge in Kentucky, so cases of RSV will likely continue to rise.
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Halloween is fast approaching and that means kids are getting ready to trick or treat! Time for Trick or Treating in Breathitt County are 6-8 on Halloween 10/31. Same for Floyd, Lee, Letcher, Magoffin, Perry, Pike and Wolfe Counties. Knott County including Flood survivors at Mine Made Adventure Park & Carr Creek State Park will trick or treat from 5-7p.
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The Gifford Road Industrial Park in Magoffin County received $1 million in funding to construct a build-ready certified site. A total of $24.4 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program funds have been earmarked for projects across the state. Magoffin County has the highest unemployment rate in the state of Kentucky. The hope is this industrial park will provide more jobs in the area.
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$54,000 in grants were awarded to several front line outdoor recreation initiatives across the country. Together Outdoors announced Pathfinders of Perry County as one of the nine recepients. Pathfinders program take youths from under represented and/or impoverished backgrounds on trips to local trails, state parks and natural areas.
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The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and its engineering consulting partner have unveiled plans for a new access road from Ky. 15 near the entrance to the Coalfields Industrial Park. The road would replace the existing route to the airport to the Wendell Ford Airport in Perry County. Construction costs for the new road are estimated at $12.4 million. The current timeline is for construction to begin no later than 2024.
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Kentucky governor Andy Beshear says the commonwealth is seeing record-breaking job growth and economic development as part of a visit to Lousville. He says the unemployment rate is sitting at 3.9%.The conversation was part of Greater Louisville Inc.’s Capitol Connection series, speaking with elected officials and political leaders on business issues within the city and the commonwealth.
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During the fall forest fire season, which lasts until December 15th, outdoor burning is banned between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. if the fire is within 150 feet of any woodland, brush or fields containing dry grass or other materials that could catch on fire.At least 6 counties in our region have issued burn bans, which mean no burning at all, no matter what time of the day it is. They are Johnson, Lawrence, Magoffin, Pulaski, Rowan and Whitley. County burn bans are issued by the judge-executive and are enforced by local law enforcement. Those who violate a ban can be charged with a misdemeanor.
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The University of Pikeville has been awarded a $1.5 million grant by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for its Ag-Tech Innovation Center of Excellence Project. This award is part of a recently announced nearly $47 million package supporting 52 projects in 181 coal-impacted counties through ARC’s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative.It’s projected that ARC’s investments have helped create or retain more than 39,600 jobs and prepare more than 100,000 workers and students for new opportunities in entrepreneurship, broadband, tourism and other growing industries.
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The deputy coroner in Pike County confirms the second-grade Pikeville Elementary student who died was Andrew James Allen.He says the 7-year-old died Saturday at UK Children’s Hospital. The cause of death was a medical issue, but further specifics are unavailable.The funeral is scheduled for noon Wednesday at the Main Street Church of Christ in Pikeville, where Allen’s father is the pastor. He says Andrew loved learning and memorizing scripture and would always volunteer to pray.
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With the fear of fentanyl, Trick-or-treating can be a fun Halloween activity for children and their families to enjoy, but before anyone begins eating the candy, there are a few things to keep in mind.Trooper Matt Gayheart with Kentucky State Police Post 13 said caregivers should always do a visual inspection of their kids’ Halloween candy. And because of fentanyl it’s also a good idea to wear gloves when looking at your kids’ treats. And, you should throw away any candy that is already open or looks tampered with.
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The Perry County Fiscal Court was awarded a $1.5 million dollar grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Fund. It is to help build the Rowdy Trailhead and Campground project.The campground property is being used as a county flood removal drop-off point in Rowdy, but once the campground is complete, it will house 30 RV sites.
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As the City of Pikeville’s events roster grows each year, the city has an ongoing issue – a lack of space in which they can hold the events.Pikeville City Manager Philip Elswicksays officials believe that the city does need more events space, specifically for conferences, and the city has taken action to make an actual determination. At its recent meeting, the Pikeville City Commission approved paying the Institute for Service Research $7,656 for a study that will examine whether more conference space is needed and, if so, where it should be located.
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One Eastern Kentucky sheriff’s office is asking everyone who lives near a former elementary school to be alert following some thefts.Last Thursday, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Kentucky Power about a copper theft to their equipment on the property of Lost Creek Elementary School.Once deputies responded to that report, they also discovered the building itself had been broken into and water and electrical lines were missing inside.
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Public transit workers in Louisville, Kentucky, have authorized a strike, but they aren’t walking out just yet. Union members with the Transit Authority of River City voted 95% in favor of the strike authorization Thursday according to The Courier Journal.For now, buses will continue to run as scheduled, with no immediate plans to initiate a strike, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1447 President Lillian Brents said after the vote. The two sides are set to return to the bargaining table on Nov. 2.
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The City of Prestonsburg and the Floyd County Fiscal Court are moving forward with a plan that is years in the making. During the recent SOAR Summit in Pikeville Governor Andy Beshear announced Abandoned Mine Lands funding for the purchase of the former Thunder Ridge racing track. The track, which has been empty for decades, has been a target for the county and city for years. Prestonsburg Mayor Les Stapleton says the former race track is perfect for development, since it already has utilities on-site, includes 58 acres, and is in an ideal location.
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Hundreds of parents, students and teachers showed up as Fayette County Schools partnered with AFT Kentucky 120 United and First Book to distribute 40,000 free books in Lexington over the weekend.“Reading starts the minute you’re born and it’s so crucial to development,” said organizer for AFT KY 120 United, Nema Brewer. “This is a strong message that we’re sending today. It’s saying, ‘hey We’re here. we want to be part of this community. We wanna work together.”
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Prior to UK Men’s Basketball’s blue-white game at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville, the team and staff stopped by Jenny Wiley State Resort Park to hand out some winter clothes to those in need and interact with fans.“We don’t want anyone… to think we’ve forgotten,” said UK Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Calipari. “We haven’t forgotten and it’s going to still take time for people to recover from what they’re going through. So, we want to be there to help.”
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A sign removal project is underway in the seven counties of Highway District 12 – Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Martin and Pike – the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced in a recent statement. All signs illegally placed on state right of way will be removed – this includes signage for political candidates, yard sales, businesses, real estate, or any other purpose.Kentucky law and KYTC policy, the statement aid, prohibit the placement of any signs – for any type of advertising – on state right of way.
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Several change-ups to simplify bear hunting regulations are now in place in Kentucky.Regulation changes proposed by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission received final legislative approval on Oct. 20.Gone are the eight zones and harvest quotas that shut down a season once a set number of female bears was harvested. The newly amended regulations establish fixed season dates with no bear quotas, making it easier for hunters to plan their trips.
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Former Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge Tom Emberton of Edmonton passed away Thursday in a tragic house fire.Edmonton’s mayor, Doug Smith sent out the following statement about Emberton, “Today, Kentucky lost a great father, husband, friend and statesman in a tragic accidental house fire. Tom heroically made certain his wife Julia made it to safety but lost his life during his effort to save their home. Tom Emberton was a treasured son of Metcalfe County Kentucky, having served as a lawyer and chief judge of the Ky. Court of appeals.
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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has announced plans to extend Medicaid coverage for dental, vision and hearing care to hundreds of thousands of adults.He said the initiative removes some health obstacles keeping people from working. He added the expansion will cover about 900,000 adults enrolled in Medicaid.They’ll be eligible for the extended benefits starting Jan. 1, 2023, with no special enrollment period needed.
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Governor Andy Beshear said several Eastern Kentucky communities received more than $9.9 million in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) funds to support 11 projects including the UPIKE Ag-Tech Innovation Center of Excellence.The projects will create more than 600 jobs and will generate up to a $40 million investment.
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If you are still cleaning up from flooding in late July, the deadline to move debris to state or county rights-of-way or a designated community drop-off site is quickly approaching.Crews are making final rounds of debris collection. You should move your debris to state or county rights-of-way or drop-off sites by Nov. 1.This applies to Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Pike counties.If you cannot make the Nov. 1 deadline, you are asked to call your county fiscal court to set up debris removal with county-selected contractors.
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A study from WalletHub shows Kentucky is near the top of the list when it comes to employers struggling to hire.The report released Wednesday ranks Kentucky fourth in the nation. Coming behind Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana.Experts from the study say the labor imbalance continues to worsen. During the height of lockdowns, there were 490 job seekers per 100 job openings. It’s now down to 50 for every 100 openings.
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Work has started on a $6.7 million project to strengthen Panbowl Dam in Breathitt County.Concerns were raised about the dam’s stability following flooding in February 2021 and July 2022.The project closed the northbound lane on KY-15 between Lakeside Drive and Brewer Drive across the dam.Officials say construction will last until next June.
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The City of Pikeville has also announced that the Housing Authority of Pikeville has received the “Significant Achievement Award.” The award, presented by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), highlights the improvements made by the Housing Authority of Pikeville to the condition of the buildings and units it manages.“We are proud to recognize the Housing Authority of Pikeville for the great work they do for our community,” Mayor Jimmy Carter said. “Every day, we are coming together as a community to make Pikeville a great place to live, work and raise a family.
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The City of Pikeville and Pikeville Medical Center unveiled Pikeville’s newest Downtown Bear – “Kindness Bear” – recently at the Appalachian Valley Autism (AVA) Center. Pikeville Mayor Jimmy Carter said the “Kindness Bear” represents the importance of spreading kindness, acceptance and love to everyone – no matter their background.
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Madison County is among the Kentucky counties participating in a rural roads study aimed at keeping drivers safe on rural roads.High Five Rural Traffic Safety Project selected five counties for a year-long seat belt education, enforcement and engineering program.Andrew Chiles, research assistant with the High Five Project says the project is all about trying to encourage more people to wear seat belts and hopefully decrease the number of deadly accidents as a result.
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Recent studies show that nearly one in five American adults with diabetes, ration their insulin to save money.Kentucky has the fourth highest diabetes rate in the country and advocates say they’ve seen insulin prices impact their lives.In Kentucky, around 13% percent of the adult population is diagnosed with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, and many are required to take insulin.According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 26,000 people in Kentucky are diagnosed with diabetes every year.
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Kentucky’s 26th Trail Town is now certified. It is Burkesville in Cumberland County, the Department of Parks said.“Trail Towns are ideal destinations for outdoor recreation lovers,” Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer said in a news release Tuesday. “The program helps drive local and state economies and is an ever-increasing component of the nation’s economic impact. It also brings about more healthy activities and vibrant communities and parks.”
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In addition to other post COVID-19 challenges education in Kentucky faces its own hurdles since the revealing of statewide test scores showing that many students from elementary to high school struggled across a span of core subjects.Fewer than half of students tested statewide were reading at grade level, with even lower across-the-board scores posted in math, science and social studies.
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A former Kentucky Justice Cabinet secretary and lawmaker has been indicted on a charge of first-degree rape.Former state Rep. John Tilley is accused of having sex with a woman who could not consent because she was physically helpless, according to the Fayette County indictment returned last week.The indictment alleges the incident happened around April 15. Tilley was arrested on the same charge in August and posted bond.
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The National Parks Service has awarded grants for cultural heritage preservation projects in Tennessee, Kentucky and five other states in the service’s Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative region.National Parks Service officials said Monday that 23 projects in the region are receiving grants.In Kentucky, the Young Historians Project is receiving $1,193 to train 75 seventh grade students in historical research, sourcing, writing, and public speaking.
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A Federal appeals judge upheld the conviction of a former Southern Kentucky constable.Michael “Wally” Wallace was the constable in Pulaski County for more than a decade.In 2018, Somerset police contacted the FBI after officers believed Wallace planted drugs on someone during a traffic stop.Two officers searched the car and found no drugs. However, the officers said Wallace claimed to have found drugs in a small pill container after spending just seconds looking.
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The Housing Development Alliance (HDA) is in the process of building homes for the flood survivors of Eastern Kentucky.Alongside their usual builds, HDA is building homes for flood survivors in Perry, Knott and Breathitt counties. The organization is beginning this project by building 12 homes, but officials hope to build many more in the future.If you or someone you know is in need of a home or home repairs, officials with HDA said you can give them a call at (606) 436-0437.
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Senator Rand Paul made several stops in Eastern Kentucky on Monday, rallying supporters ahead of the midterms next month.Senator Paul spoke to a crowd at the Wendell H. Ford airport in Perry County on a variety of topics, important to his campaign including reducing the national debit, investigating the origins of COVID-19 and supporting authority be given to the states to decide on abortion.
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One person died Tuesday morning after a crash involving a school bus and a truck.The crash happened along King Coal Highway near Mingo Central.Officials with the Mingo County Board of Education said the driver of the truck died.King Coal Highway was shut down by emergency crews.Seven students and the bus driver were taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
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Because of a recent partnership, students in Eastern Kentucky will have the opportunity to utilize their cultural heritage to learn a new skill set that will help them find creative solutions to community problems.According to Traci Tackett, director of digital literacy for Bit Source, a new research practice partnership grant from the National Science Foundation (NFS) will help students in the Pikeville Independent and Floyd County school districts earn computational thinking pathways by connecting with Appalachian innovators.
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Governor Andy Beshear says 45% of women have reported some kind of abuse in a relationship in their lifetime and 35% of men.State leaders and advocates gathered in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday to mark October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.Advocate leaders trying to end domestic violence say the biggest challenges is survivors finding financial means to leave an abusive relationship.
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In August, President Joe Biden announced the details of his student loan forgiveness plan. Now, those seeking assistance have the opportunity to begin their application process.Anyone seeking student loan forgiveness can now apply through an online portal. Those with the Biden Administration said although people can begin applying, applications will not be processed until the student debt relief site launches at the end of this month.There are income requirements that have to be met.
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Laurel County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Doug Bennett said the district began planning its police department when Kentucky House Bill 63, passed earlier this year, required school resource officers at each school campus.A swearing in ceremony Monday morning showcased the department’s force. 17 officers will staff school campuses. Chief of Police Bobby Day said his officers have backgrounds in law enforcement, with an average of 20 years of experience per officer.
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Back in august, the FDA approved the over-the-counter sale of hearing aids. Now they will become available on October 17th.About 80% of people with hearing loss have not tried to fix it, but now that over-the-counter hearing aids are approved and hitting the market, practitioners hope to change those statistics.Patients will no longer need a prescription for hearing aids, and they can do online testing and fitting themselves.
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A Kentucky county’s court operations that have been closed since the incredible flooding in July will resume later this month.The Knott County Office of Circuit Court Clerk will reopen Oct. 31 in the county Judicial Center.Circuit and district court proceedings will be conducted remotely because of ongoing repairs to the center.Those with the Administrative Office of the Courts in Frankfort say proceedings may be heard in person in another county if all parties agree.
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During the Pikeville City Commission’s recent meeting, commissioners unanimously approved setting the city’s tax rate at 15 cents per $100 of assessed value.The rate has been the same for nearly 15 years. In 2008, the city commission voted to reduce the rate from 17.5 cents per $100 of assessed value to 15 cents per $100 of assessed value for all assessed property except personal watercraft.
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The Poor People’s Campaign says they’re continuing the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and many others, calling for a “revolution of values in America.”Saturday, members of the Kentucky chapter of the Poor People’s Campaign rallied in downtown Lexington as part of a nationwide effort to encourage low-propensity voters to register and vote in the midterm elections.In a study they conducted following the 2020 presidential election, the Poor People’s Campaign found that over 20 million low-income people left their votes on the table.
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The Cumberland Police Department made several arrests Saturday. A news release from the department stated 12 people were arrested in a “major theft case” and others were served warrants. Police said one person was wanted by the U.S. Marshals office.Police say a burglary was reported on Oct. 3 on School Road in the New York Section in Cumberland. Police charged nine people for their role in the burglary.
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Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky has launched a new food safety website where people can report foodborne illnesses.A statement on Thursday from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services says the website allows consumers to report issues directly to state officials instead of the information first going through local or regional health departments that decide whether to investigate further.
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Two weeks to go for Eastern Kentucky flood survivors to apply for federal disaster assistance.The deadline is Friday, October 28.People in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley Counties who suffered damage during the historic flash flooding of July 2022 are eligible to apply.FEMA assistance can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.
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Applications for the Pikeville Community Foundation’s food insecurity grant opened on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The grant provides extra funds for non-profit food programs in Pike County and helps them serve more people in need.“There’s been a great need for food programs,” said Pikeville Community Foundation board member Kathy Atkins. One of many non-profits in the area that have previously received this grant is the Grace Community Kitchen and executive director Debby Bailey says she plans to apply again.
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Gov. Andy Beshear announced the death toll from July’s flooding has increased to 43. Beshear said the two additional deaths were caused by health conditions directly arising from flooding.“Let us pray for those families and all of Eastern Kentucky as we continue to try to stabilize the region and ultimately turn towards rebuilding,” said Beshear.Of the 43 deaths, ten were from Breathitt County, two from Clay County, 19 from Knott County, four from Letcher County, seven from Perry County and one from Pike County.
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Governor Andy Beshear says those convicted of simple marijuana possession on state charges, and have otherwise clean records, can now apply for pardons from his office.The Governor talked about it extensively Thursday during his Team Kentucky briefing, a week after President Biden pardoned federal cases and asked governors to wipe out state convictions.
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A new women’s long-term recovery center is coming to Middlesboro.When completed, the Cumberland River RHOAR Center will house 112 women in recovery from substance abuse.Several local and state officials attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the center in Middlesboro on Wednesday.Congressman Hal Rogers, Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Bell County Judge-Executive Albey Brock and Middlesboro Mayor Rick Nelson were also in attendance.
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National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 16-22.“Driving is a rite of passage for many teens, but it can also be a difficult time for parents and guardians to release their teens to navigate the open road,” said Governor Andy Beshear. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officials said car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States.For every mile driven, teens are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers.
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The Pike County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its ongoing investigation and actions against drug trafficking in Pike County.According to Pike County Sheriff Rodney Scott, months of investigation led to the indictment of numerous individuals wanted for drug crimes, mostly for trafficking in methamphetamine.Scott said the department has three officers whose full-time job is attempting to identify and arrest those responsible for drug trafficking.
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The Williamsburg Police Department is welcoming a new leader.On September 12, Jason Caddell was appointed by Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison as interim chief following former Chief Wayne Bird’s retirement.On Monday, Caddell was officially appointed as chief.
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Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard will host its second annual Cruising with Cruisers Car Show. It will take place this weekend at the old Whitesburg High School campus from 11 am to 4 pm.Trooper Matt Gayheart said the cruise-in raises money for Shop with a Trooper so they can buy Christmas gifts for kids.Last year, the event raised $11,000.
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Kentucky is receiving more than $4 million from the federal government to boost rural health care.The grant will be divided up between several agencies such as St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead, Baptist Health in Corbin and God’s Pantry Food Bank just to name a few.God’s Pantry will receive $585,000. Officials at the food pantry tell us the money will help with food distribution in Eastern Kentucky.
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Churches, organizations and faith-minded folks gathered at the Appalachian Wireless Arena Tuesday for a summit to share ideas and network, hoping to plant the seed of change for area churches. Rooted Church Pastor Michael Clark says the hope is the event will plant the seeds and the people will plant the churches, changing up the current church culture.
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Appalachian Wireless announced it will use a partnership with a technology company to bring 5G cell phone service to its customers in Eastern Kentucky.A news release from Ericsson said both companies will replace existing equipment which will allow them to build a new “cloud-native dual-mode core network for 4G and 5G. 5G would begin arriving to the first 100 sites in late second quarter or early third quarter of 2023.
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Federal, state and local officials gathered in Bell County on Wednesday to break ground on a new steel manufacturing facility in Middlesboro.In the next 15 years, Flash Steelworks plans to invest more than $12 million and create 250 full-time jobs with an hourly rate of $39. Officials say 100 of those are expected to be in place in the next three years.
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Big Sandy Community and Technical College has announced the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art dental facility, the East Kentucky Oral Health Training Center (EKOHTC). A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held recently.The center, according to a statement from BSCTC, will be the new home for the College’s Dental Assisting/Dental Hygiene Integrated Program (DA/DH program) certificate, diploma, and A.A.S. degree programs and the Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) certificate.
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The Pike County Fiscal Court is attempting to bring down the cost of flood insurance in Pike County.The fiscal court heard a presentation during the court’s Oct. 4 meeting from Tetra Tech, which has 450 offices worldwide and offices in both Lexington and Louisville regarding flood insurance rating in the county.Christina Groves with Tetra Tech provided a presentation that could bring the Pike County Community Rating System (CRS) down from the current class 9 rating to a class 8 rating for flood insurance.
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Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman stopped by the mountains on Monday to meet with displaced families, living in travel trailers.“We’re here to check on them and to listen to the concerns that they have or the challenges that they are still facing. And to let them know that we will be with them throughout this process,” she said.Coleman says the trip to Carr Creek Campground brought her perspective that she will carry back with her to Frankfort.
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The iPhone 14?s crash detection feature is causing problems for some thrill-seekers such as on the roller coasters at Dollywoods; the phones are dialing 911 for users who ride roller coasters.Apple’s newest phones come with a feature that automatically calls 911 when users are in car accidents. The phones can detect severe car crashes and, when they do, they prompt users with an option to call emergency services. If the phone’s owner doesn’t see the alert or does not dismiss it within 20 seconds, the phones automatically call 911.
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It has been two and a half months since deadly flash flooding in eastern Kentucky. Thanks to efforts from the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, families and businesses are getting a major helping hand.Monday, the nonprofit announced they have awarded more than $5.3 million in grants to families, nonprofits, small businesses, and family farms impacted by flooding.
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Meanwhile,The Belfry branch of the Pike County Health Department has now reopened with a formal grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony recently.According to Pike County Health Department Director Tammy Riley, the office was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It had reopened a couple of times for brief periods. However, COVID surges kept forcing closures.
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COVID-19 cases are falling in parts of southeastern Kentucky.Health leaders say the virus is still out there, but they are seeing fewer hospitalizations and overall cases.The Cumberland Valley District Health Department serves several counties, including Rockcastle, and Christy Green, the health department director, tells us they are still seeing fewer cases, less than 50 per week, in this county.
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Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC) opened the doors to its new Knox County campus to students Monday morning.The campus offers classes like welding, plumbing and phlebotomy, among others.”In the spring, because of equipment delays, we will have computerized manufacturing and machining,” said Kevin Lambert with SKCTC. “We will have industrial maintenance, fiber optics.”
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A new warning as you scroll through social media, especially facebook.“When we posted for the Breast Cancer Awareness month, we put that patch on there. Then they started popping up. They made this shirt with our special patch for the breast cancer awareness month,” Richmond Police Chief Rodney Richardson said.Richardson saw t-shirts with Richmond Police’s breast cancer awareness patch.Richardson says to be aware this is a scam.
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Kentucky State Police is looking for Kentuckians who want to serve and protect the commonwealth as a sworn trooper.According to the Kentucky State Police, applications are being accepted for both new officers and the law enforcement accelerated program for cadet class.The deadline is October 28.Go to ksprecruit@ky.gov for more information.
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Three Kentucky teachers will be inducted into the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame this fall, including one from Breathitt County.The inductees are Katy Cecil, Addie Henry and the late Wilma Pace.Cecil is an English and public speaking teacher at LaRue County High School. Henry retired from Breathitt County High School in 1996 after teaching English for 28 years.Pace taught business, English and French during her 29-year career at South Marshall High School and South Marshall Middle, where she retired in 1980.
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A body found on the bank of an eastern Kentucky creek has been identified as a missing flood victim, a coroner said.Nancy Cundiff, 29, was one of two people still missing after historic flooding in July killed dozens and left hundreds without homes.
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3-Mile Creek Farms, an animal rescue in the Dorton community of Pike County, is hosting a pumpkin patch throughout the month of October despite being flooded a little more than two months ago. Owner Rob Elkins says he thought he would have to cancel the pumpkin patch.“I just knew that we would have to cancel the pumpkin patch this year, and maybe indefinitely,” said Elkins. “I mean, there was two to three feet of water where we’re standing right now and it was a muddy, rocky mess.”The farm’s pumpkin patch helps stable and feed the animals throughout the winter months, which costs around $1,000 per week.
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Deputies with the Logan County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a string of vandalisms that happened across the county.According to the department, several places were vandalized with graffiti, including Shawnee Island, the Logan Football Field, Omar Little League Field, Church of the Nazarene in Logan, and the Henlawson Church of Christ.There is no person of interest identified at this time.Anyone with information is asked to call (304) 792-8590.
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1.3 billion honey buns are made each year at Flowers Bakery in London, sothose with London Downtown and London Tourism wanted to host a Honey Bun Day to celebrate the dessert.“We decided that today was a great day to celebrate the flavors of fall at our annual ciders night event and marry that with the honey bun because those flavors really go great together,” said Julie Rea, Executive Director of London Downtown.The festivities included a Honey Bun Red Bud ride Saturday morning, along with live music and vendors set up at the London-Laurel Farmers Market.
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Two people were arrested Thursday afternoon in connection with the vandalism of two church buses in Laurel County.29-year-old Ashley Cope and 27-year-old Natasha Scott are accused of cutting holes in the gas tanks of two church buses in the parking lot of Victory Baptist Church near London. The pair was observed on surveillance tape leaving the church in a red pickup truck.
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A new standard license plate option is coming to Kentucky this month.According to the release, the Team Kentucky design will feature the motto that became popular during the pandemic along with the bluegrass the state is known for.The plates will be available for purchase at County Clerk’s offices starting October 24.Fees for standard issue plates are $21.
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A Boone County man has been indicted on a multitude of charges including human trafficking.Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced on Thursday the indictment of 51-year-old Jason Marley for drug possession, forgery, and human trafficking.The indictment stated Marley subjected two individuals to human trafficking, one a minor and the other an adult.
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Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) has announced that 24 law enforcement officers from agencies across the commonwealth graduated the Academy of Police Supervision (APS) Class 92. APS, also called the sergeant’s academy, is a three-week, 122-hour training program targeted for newly promoted sergeants or officers who are on their agency’s promotion list to become sergeants.
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Leaves are turning in Kentucky, just ahead of the peak fall foliage season.The Daniel Boone National Forest is one of the best places to see the leaves change, and of course, officials are gearing up for a busy season.Peak fall color predictors keep eyeing the end of October for the best views. The best colors happen when we have nice warm and bright days followed by cool evenings.The Daniel Boone National Forest has over 700,000 acres, across 21 Kentucky counties.
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Gov. Andy Beshear has announced the approval of more than $3.25 million in discretionary transportation funding to make much-needed travel and safety improvements on dozens of streets and roads in communities across Kentucky.The award provides for 43 projects in 17 counties and four cities. Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has approved $50.7 million in discretionary transportation funding for hundreds of projects that have benefitted Kentuckians in 105 counties.
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AppalRed Legal Aid held a disaster relief clinic on Wednesday. Attorneys were onsite at CANE Kitchen in Whitesburg helping flood victims with FEMA appeals.Whitney Bailey, staff attorney at AppalRed, said she understands how overwhelming it has been for families to receive denials during this time.AppalRed said they do want to continue to try to do disaster relief clinics. If you are in need of immediate assistance, you can call the AppalRed hotline at 1-866-277-5733.
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The Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter (KRRAS) received a large donation from Petco Love and PetSmart Charities.Both charities donated $25,000 each in disaster relief funds for a donation of $50,000 going to the animal shelter.The donation will help KRRAS care for the hundreds of lost and surrendered animals after the severe flooding.
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For any Breathitt Countians impacted by the flood that are in need of portable heaters this fall and winter, Breathitt County Emergency Management is looking to help.Breathitt County Emergency Management is currently compiling a list of people who have no source of heat or no electric to submit to the state in order to receive portable heaters.If this applies to you, you can call the Breathitt County Courthouse at (606) 666-3800 Ext. 224.
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EKU is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month for the 12th year with an on-campus street fair.Students and faculty from several different Latin American countries shared their culture and contributions with the community. And, growing is an understatement. The campus reports, over the last eight years, LatinX students have doubled in population, making up four percent of the campus community.
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Burning restrictions are in place across Kentucky with the beginning of fall wildfire hazard season, officials said.Outdoor burning is prohibited between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. if the fire is within 150 feet of any woodland, brushland or field with flammable materials, a statement from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet said.The burn ban across the state goes through December 15th.
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It’s been 35 years and it’s still amazing marking when Kentucky took on one of the largest engineering feats in the world and became forever known as the city that moved mountains.On Oct. 2, 1987, according to Jason Belcher, director of the Big Sandy Heritage Museum, the Pikeville Cut-Through project was completed and opened to the public.The Cut-Through project, Belcher said, was the second largest earth moving project in North American history, second only to the Panama Canal.
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A Pike County grand jury will hear the case of a Pikeville man charged with murder.Monroe Jackson, 56, of Caney Drive, Pikeville, was arrested and charged with murder after Kentucky State Police responded to a shooting at Jackson’s residence, where they found Ryan Hurts deceased in a neighbor’s driveway, according to court documents. Hurst died when a bullet hit his chest.
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World War II veteran and Clay County native Oakley Hacker turned 106 on Sunday. Those with the Paul E Patton Eastern Kentucky veterans center say he is the oldest veteran that has ever lived there.Hacker served in the U.S. Navy for two years and after he left the military, he worked various jobs until retiring at 92.”You just take things as it comes,” says Hacker.
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The organization SBP is in Hazard through Friday hosting an Eastern Kentucky flooding regional recovery acceleration week.SBP partnered with the Kentucky River Area Development District and Toyota to host the event bringing together elected officials, local leaders and recovery NGO’s to discuss how best recover in the aftermath of the historic flooding.
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Ministry stretches across the globe as Pastor Samuel Kiguli has been in Hazard over the past month speaking at various churches.Kiguli is from Uganda and is the founder of a nonprofit ministry called “Light with Truth.” The ministry helps give orphans and homeless children in Uganda a home, a hope and a future.Kiguli said he started this ministry because he was saved because of a missionary in Uganda and he wanted to give back the same way he met the Lord.
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Applications are being accepted this month for people who want to become Kentucky State Police troopers.State police say current law enforcement officers also may apply for the accelerated program.The deadline to apply is Oct. 28.The upcoming cadet class is scheduled to start Feb. 28.Those with the agency say starting salary for sworn officers is $61,500 annually, one of the top five in the state.
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Officials with Shaping Our Appalachian Region, or SOAR, have announced the list of keynote speakers for their upcoming summit.The two-day event returns to the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville on October 19th and 20th.Wednesday, October 19th:Mark Rembert, Director of Research and Knowledge for the Center on Rural InnovationJanice Way, President of Leadership Kentucky and Colby Hall, SOAR Executive Director are all on the speaking schedule.
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A housing program known as Higher Ground is the idea of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky (FAKY) and Fahe partnering with the Housing Development Alliance and Homes, Inc. to build 16 new homes for flood survivors.The 16 homes will be split between Perry, Breathitt, Letcher and Knott Counties. Each county will get four homes in total.Homes, Inc. will be constructing four homes in Letcher County, while the Housing Development Alliance will be constructing the other 12 in Perry, Breathitt, and Knott Counties.
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The O’Mobile made its way to Letcher County Central High School Friday morning packed with school supplies.The donations were collected at neighboring O’Charley’s restaurants. One of the collections was in Knoxville, where a “Stuff the O’Mobile” event was held the day before.”Our leadership team is constantly, anytime there’s a need in our community, they are always there and task us and want us to go support,” said Lindsey Smith with O’Charley’s.Donations started in August, the restaurant donated $5,000 worth of school supplies to the Letcher County School District.
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The Perry County Public Library has added a new building. Named the “Inspiration Station,” the building will be used as a free community space that can hold various events.Perry County Public Library Executive Director Sheila Lindsay says the grand opening shines a bright light on the community. She says, ”Not many people know that the library got flooded so we’ve kind of rallied around. We’ve really wanted this for the public, we want to give something positive to the public.”The library will be holding a “Spooktacular Trunk or Treat” on Oct. 15. The event will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Meanwhile, a structure that keeps one of Southern Kentucky’s most notable landmarks in place is getting a facelift.On Thursday, officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a contract worth more than $109 million to replace the spillway gates at Wolf Creek Dam.American Bridge Company will perform the work, which is fully funded by the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022.The dam forms Lake Cumberland, which is a major tourist attraction for our region.
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American Electric Power (AEP) signed an agreement on the sale of its Kentucky Operations to Liberty Utilities.Officials said they expect the deal to close in January 2023 once the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approves the sale. The approval is due by Dec. 16.A news release says once the sale closes, Liberty will gain AEP’s Kentucky operations by buying all the stock of Kentucky Power and AEP Kentucky Transco for nearly $3 billion.
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Kentucky’s fall forest fire season starts Saturday and will last until December 15th. During that period, outdoor burning is banned between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. if the fire is within 150 feet of any woodland, brush or fields containing dry grass or other materials that could catch on fire.The Division of Forestry responds to more than 1,000 wildfires across the state each year. Studies show that 99% of all wildfires in Kentucky are from human activity.
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Gov. Andy Beshear announced the Commonwealth has secured the return of former Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration’s $15 million investment in an aluminum mill in northeastern Kentucky that never materialized, officials with the Governor’s office released in a statement Thursday.The governor also said that the land, which was previously acquired as part of the proposed project, would also be donated back to local communities.
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Governor Andy Beshear has announced more than $3 million in transportation funding for several Kentucky counties and cities.The money will go towards travel and safety improvements on dozens of streets and roads across the Commonwealth.“Modern and efficient transportation infrastructure involves more than interstates and parkways,” Gov. Beshear said. “Well-maintained city streets and county roads – the routes that lead to our homes and schools, our workplaces and houses of worship – are equally important in our daily lives and essential to thriving communities.
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Louisville officers with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection stopped a shipment of fentanyl that they said contained enough drugs to “kill more than 220,000 people.”The shipment arrived from South Africa on Sept. 21 and was seized and inspected by CBP officers in Louisville, according to a release.CBP officers said the shipment contained a bottle labeled as “Hydrozone ph-Balance” and contained white powder inside which tested positive for fentanyl.The package was headed to a residence in Littleton, Colorado.
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Foul play isn’t suspected as Kentucky State Police Post 10 in Harlan is investigating an early morning house fire that killed one person in Harlan County Wednesday.Troopers, along with first responders from the Cumberland and Putney Fire Departments were called to the scene early Wednesday morning just off of KY-522 in the Putney community of Harlan County.
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A group of 30 Kentucky volunteers is preparing to leave for Florida to cook meals for Hurricane Ian victims.Kentucky Baptist Relief just returned from helping in Eastern Kentucky with the flooding there and received the call to head to Florida Wednesday night.The crew will leave from their warehouse and storage facility in Lincoln County and head to a hard-hit area in Florida on Sunday morning. They plan to be cooking 15,000-20,000 meals per day.
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At the request of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, homeowners and renters who suffered damage to their property from the July floods have another month to apply for federal disaster assistance.FEMA has extended the application deadline to Oct. 28 for survivors in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley counties.
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A lawsuit from Kentucky Heartwood is challenging the logging of nearly 4,000 acres of trees at the Daniel Boone National Forest.Kentucky Heartwood officials claim the logging could increase landslides, harm important ecological habitats and remove old growth trees.The U.S. Forestry Service would not comment on the litigation, but according to their website, the logging is part of the larger ‘South Red Bird Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project’.
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A new report says Kentucky has some of the weakest laws on school sexual abuse in the country.The Lexington Herald-Leader is publishing the results of a year-long investigation into teacher misconduct. The paper looked through 194 teachers who lost teaching licenses from 2016 to 2021.Sixty-one percent of their cases were linked to sexual misconduct.
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There is a partnership between public health and the University of Kentucky to assist with the housing problem.State leaders are calling it another tool to help people suffering from drug addiction.Governor Andy Beshear and others announced the launch of a new website to help people find housing, if they are suffering from drug addiction and substance abuse.Kentucky experienced staggering overdose numbers within the past two years, and state leaders said there is a serious need for housing for people who are struggling.
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It’s been announced Pikeville Fire Department Lt. Johnny Lee Cole was named chief of Pikeville Fire Department and will begin serving in his new position on Oct. 1.Cole has been with the fire department for 14 years and served as a Pikeville 911 dispatcher for 6 years prior. According to the mayor, Lt. Cole has been an integral part of the City of Pikeville’s fire department and city response team for 20 years.
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Gov. Andy Beshear has announced nearly 200-thousand dollars in federal funding will go to the Knott County Fiscal Court so they can complete necessary roadwork since the devastating flood.The projects will be on Sam’s Branch, also known as County Road 1158 and Smith View Ridge, also known as County Road 1744. $68,000 will go toward the first project while $112,000 will be used on the second.
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After two years of drive-thru events, the Santa Train will return to the rails Saturday, Nov. 19, for its 80th year, organizers have announced.Last month, Santa Train sponsors CSX, Food City, Kingsport Chamber, Appalachian Power and Soles4Souls announced that the 2022 event would follow the drive-thru format used since 2020. However, feedback and support from the community, in addition to positive developments regarding staffing, have made it possible for the train to run this year.
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A Pike County teacher was recognized by the Kentucky Music Education Association (KMEA) this month as the District 9 High School Teacher of the Year.Mark Hopkins, band director at Shelby Valley High School (SVHS) and Valley Elementary School, said he was humbled and flattered when he found out he had won this prestigious award.A fellow colleague nominated Hopkins for the award.
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Two months after the devastating flood, a lot of progress has been made but there is still a lot to do.The Buckhorn community was among the hardest hit in Perry County. However, people there said the parade of volunteers who helped them get back on their feet was unreal.Buckhorn resident Eric Schonblom showed us a book of everyone who helped him or visited him in the aftermath of the flood signed. There are more than a hundred names in it.
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We are in the middle of harvest season in Kentucky.For many, that could mean seeing more farm equipment on the roads. In order to keep everyone safe, it’s important to be aware and drive carefully.Farmers know they travel slowly, but know that any problem on their route could cause major delays.Dale Dobson works with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farm Safety Program and has a clear message for those on the roads to stay mindful of what’s in front of you on the road.
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Food trucks booths and live music will be at the Big Ideas Festival in Hazard that promises to be a three-day experience of insightful storytelling, arts and culture and community building.The Festival starts on Thursday September 29, and runs through Saturday afternoon, Oct. 1.Event Co-Coordinator Stacie Fugate says there will be round-table talks, a documentary film screening and several keynote speakers, including the Poet Laureates of the United States and Kentucky.
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It has been one year since the largest economic development project in Kentucky’s history.The production on Ford’s electric vehicle battery park in Hardin County is officially underway after an announcement by governor Beshear.To celebrate the announcement, KFC has made limited-edition KenTRUCKy! buckets and has renamed itself on Twitter as KenTRUCKy Fried Chicken.
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Kentucky will play its annual Blue-White men’s basketball scrimmage in eastern Kentucky to benefit victims of the devastating summer floods.The school announced that the Oct. 22 event at Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville will feature a pregame Fan Fest. Ticket proceeds will go through Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief.
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Emergency Disaster Services is coming to Florida from Lexington to help ahead of Hurricane Ian’s impact.While the hurricane’s track still has some uncertainties, this isn’t the group’s first hurricane and they know the time to prepare is now.Matthew Daley with Emergency Disaster Services says 1,000 workers are on their way to southern Georgia, ready to set up base camp before ascending to Florida once Ian arrives this weekend.
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Nearly two months after deadly flooding in our region, one sheriff says the curfew in his county has ended. Breathitt County Sheriff John Hollan posted on his Facebook page it ended at 6 a.m. Monday, September 26th.
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Gov. Andy Beshear posted on Facebook that the Sept. 28 FEMA deadline has been extended to Oct. 28.The deadline was extended for people within the 13 counties approved to apply for individual assistance.
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The four largest U.S. airlines, including Southwest, American, Delta, and United, have all issued travel alerts for destinations most likely to be affected by Hurricane Ian this upcoming weekend.“If you go with American Airlines website, they have the cities listed they expect to be impacted. They’re [the companies] giving waivers to those who are traveling for a certain time period, so there are some restrictions,” according to a Triple A spokesperson.
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Jupiter is getting all the attention tonight. That’s when the solar system’s largest planet will make its closest approach, to Earth, at approximately 367,000,000 miles away. That’s almost half the distance the planet is from the Earth at its farthest.The last time Jupiter was this close was in October 1963. For the best viewing astronomers say after sunset, go to an area where there are no lights and look southeast. That bright object in the sky, it’s Jupiter.
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The full meeting of the Kentucky Parole Board was held Monday morning. During the session, members unanimously voted to keep Michael Carneal in prison to serve out his life sentence.Carneal, now 39, told parole board members last week that he would live with his parents and continue his mental health treatment if they agreed to release him. Carneal was convicted of killing three of his classmates and shooting five others at Heath High School in Paducah back on December 1st, 1997.
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Gov. Andy Beshear made his way to the Mountain Arts Center a few days ago to meet with state and local officials from across the region, along with the public, to discuss upcoming plans to complete 13 additional miles of the Mountain Parkway. Beshear says we have an announcement that is more than a half century in the making. We are going to fulfill the decades-old promise of completing the Mountain Parkway, completing a major connector between Appalachia, and the rest of Kentucky.
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This week marks electric vehicle week across the nation, and electric vehicle enthusiasts are partnering up to show their community the benefits of electric vehicles.From the traditional Tesla to the brand new all-electric pickup trucks, the vehicles are certainly picking up in popularity. Kentucky recently received a grant to put up more charging stations in the Commonwealth, the idea of driving an electric car is becoming more accessible.
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Food and much needed comfort were provided by the members of Summit Community Church in Hazard holding their Sunday service at Carr Creek for flood victims staying on the campgrounds. Even with rain showers church members were eager to support survivors.“Thankfully a lot of people from the church came today and a lot of people that are staying here came and were able to get food. We’re trying to help people and that sort of thing,” Mark Combs, pastor of Summit Community Church, said.
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One of Knott County’s biggest events will be kicking off Sunday, Oct. 2, but this year, event organizers are working to do more than just offer attendees an escape from post-flood life.This year’s Fall Knott County Horse Trail Ride will be used as a fundraiser for flood relief.Knott County Judge-Executive Jeff Dobson said all proceeds from the event will go to the Knott County Long-Term Recovery group to help rebuild the county.
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Knox County, Kentucky will soon have new educational opportunities with the long-awaited grand opening of the Southeast Knox Campus at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 12. On Monday, October 10, classes will begin in face-to face, hybrid, and online formats. Classes include medical assisting, nursing assistant, welding, plumbing, education, and criminal justice, as well as a selection of general education courses. The Campus will be housed in the former Barbourville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
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Still Time to Apply – Eastern Kentucky homeowners and renters who have damage to their property from the severe July floods still have one week to apply with FEMA. The registration deadline is September 28. Keep in Touch with FEMA – Nearly 800 Kentucky homeowners are ineligible for housing assistance due to a missed FEMA inspection. Almost 1,000 renters are also in danger of missing out on assistance because FEMA has not been able to contact them. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA mobile app.
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Gov. Andy Beshear joined state and local officials to announce plans for the final section of the Mountain Parkway Expansion in Eastern Kentucky – delivering on a decades-old promise to complete a four-lane parkway from Winchester to far Eastern Kentucky. Plans are now underway to build 13 additional miles of the Mountain Parkway. This will support economic development opportunities in the area and provide a safer route for motorists in the region. The project is expected to be completed by 2027.
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A ferry that carries vehicles across the Mississippi River between Kentucky and Missouri has closed temporarily due to low water levels, according to officials.When the river gets too low, it becomes difficult for vehicles to load and off-load from the Dorena-Hickman Ferry at both landings, the Kentucky Transportation Department said in a statement.
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It’s back, an event to help 3-Mile Creek Farms is a non-profit animal rescue in the Dorton community of Pike County dedicated to unwanted, neglected and abused farm animals.Each year, the farm hosts several events including a pumpkin patch throughout the month of October, but after severe flooding across the region in late July, plans were put on hold. But now with the help of the community and donors across the nation, the owner plans to open the farm’s pumpkin patch starting October 1.
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Tax rates were set during the regular monthly meeting of the Pike County Public Library District Board of Trustees.The board voted unanimously to keep the rates the same as last year.Interim director of libraries, Delania Adkins, said the decision to keep the rates the same as last year was easy to make.“We felt that due to inflation and the recent flooding, this was the right thing to do,” Adkins said.
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Food City officials presented checks totaling $388,478.50 to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky’s Appalachian Kentucky Crisis Fund to aid Eastern Kentucky flood victims, the company announced in a statement.The campaign ran from Aug. 3 through Aug. 12 in all Kentucky and Tri-City area Food City locations. Customers wishing to participate were given the opportunity to make a monetary donation at the checkout.
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It’s a bit of a mixed bag with local college enrollment. State-wide, enrollment in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System is up 3.5 percent, but Hazard Community and Technical College President Dr. Jennifer Lindon said the floods have adversely affected enrollment in the hardest hit counties.“College students in some of the hardest hit counties… are still struggling with basic needs, and many have had to delay enrollment or withdrawal from classes this Fall,” she said. Meanwhile, the University of Pikeville has seen its highest enrollment numbers in years.
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Officials with Kentucky State Police (KSP) are investigating a deadly shooting in Whitley County.The shooting happened at a home on Patrick Hollow Road Wednesday night.Officials said there was a fight between 48-year-old Martin A. Canada and 31-year-old Kyle W. Chadwell.During the fight, officials said Canada shot Chadwell.Chadwell was taken to Baptist Health of Corbin Hospital, where he later died.Canada is still on the loose.
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Governor Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear received the new, variant-specific, Covid-19 booster, known as the Bivalent Booster.The new booster targets the B.A.4 and B.A5 subvariants of the Omicron variant.Kentucky River District’s Public Health Director Scott Lockard said, if you are looking to get protected, you need to know if you are eligible.The CDC is recommending the Bivalent Booster for anyone over the age of 12.
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Weeks after devastating flooding struck Eastern Kentucky, the death toll has risen again.The death comes as neighbors are still picking up the pieces.Gov. Andy Beshear announced the death toll has risen to 40 — with one person from Pike County losing their life during the clean-up efforts.
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Schools in Eastern Kentucky are being faced with significant financial challenges as students attempt to return to classrooms in need of resources.The nonprofit organization Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) has created the Eastern Kentucky Student Support Fund, and the organization has successfully distributed more than $60,000 to schools in Breathitt, Knott and Perry counties, officials said.
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It’s shown up in Indiana. It’s a new insect that may soon call Kentucky home and it’s unwanted. Scientists say the spotted lanternfly is an invasive species.“One of the side effects of their feeding is that they create is what’s called honeydew. It’s a sugary fecal material and it rains down on people that are underneath trees that are infested,” said Jonathan Larson, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky.
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First responders took part in an exercise to prepare for a possible emergency in Madison County.The Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program, or C-SEPP, has been around since 1989. The program is in response to a what-if scenario involving the chemical weapons stockpile that’s located at the Blue Grass Army Depot.
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A federal judge issued an order Sept. 7 that will allow Pike County to continue to seek to be compensated for its investment in an energy project which never materialized.In the order, U.S. District Judge Robert Wier granted summary judgement to the Pike County Fiscal Court against RCC Big Shoal.
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With more than 270 cats, dogs, puppies and kittens, the Kentucky Humane Society is hosting an adoption event to find homes for animals and help more animals from the Eastern Kentucky floods.Now through Sept. 14, KHS will be waiving adoption fees for adult dogs and cats six months old and over, the organization said.The adoption event will help the organization find loving homes for animals in the shelter and free up space so more animals from Eastern Kentucky can be brought in.Shelters include the Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter in Hazard, and the Floyd County Animal Shelter in Prestonburg.
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Law enforcement agencies across the country are feeling the pinch from staff shortages.Now, some retirees are returning to the job. Kentucky State Police said two recent retirees will once again be serving their community.The trooper “R” program allows retired members of state police who retired with at least 20 years of service and haven’t been gone longer than five years to return and serve their community, and this time around, retirement and other benefits won’t be taken out of their check.
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The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) announced Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) as a National Digital Navigator Corps Grantee.SOAR will be one of 18 organizations to launch the corps.The grant from NDIA is part of $10 million in funding from Google.org, which will help hire people to help get internet access, devices and digital skills to people in their areas.
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PJ Operations, also known as Papa John’s Pizza, partnered with the MAP Foundation of Lexington to donate $20,000 to Perry County Schools since the latest flooding incident.“While its tragic that we have to be in this situation, we can make it at least a little bit better, a little more fun, and make it more memorable for them in a positive way,” said Stephen Overstreet, Operations & Support for PJ Operations.This money will help buy playground equipment.
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One in seven Kentuckians does not have enough food, according to the people behind Hunger Action Month.Governor Andy Beshear and Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman joined the State Agriculture Commissioner Wednesday to ask people to help feed others.Organizers with Feeding America said Hunger Action Month recognizes the more than half a million adults and 162,000 children who go hungry in the Commonwealth.
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Kentuckians in the eastern part of the state pay the most for their electricity bills, according to a new energy affordability tool on the Energy and Environment Cabinet website.More than a dozen Eastern Kentucky counties topped the list for the most expensive monthly electric bills, based on data from 2020, the latest available.Boyd and Pike counties had the most expensive monthly bills in the state, averaging a little more than $147, based on EEC data.
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A crowded field in the 2023 Republican primary for Kentucky Governor has gotten a bit more crowded. Former UN Ambassador Kelly Knight Craft announced her intention to run for the nomination this morning.Craft served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations during the latter half of the Donald Trump administration, from September 2019 until January 2021 when President Joe Biden took office.
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In the aftermath of the devastating July floods that tore through the region, health officials are working to uncover and address the psychological and emotional needs of those who were impacted.Pike County Health Department Public Health Director Tammy Riley said that, as the community moves into the long-term recovery phase, mental health and well-being will be a major concern.
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Volunteers with Samaritan’s Purse are continuing to clean up parts of eastern Kentucky from July’s historic floods, and so far they’ve gutted out 70 homes with over 200 more to go.
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A woman was arrested outside UK head coach John Calipari’s house on Tuesday, according to police.Both UK and Lexington police were called to Calipari’s house in Lexington Tuesday morning for a case of trespassing.The two agencies arrested Emily Williams outside the gate of the home. Williams told police she was looking for a different house.
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Governor Andy Beshear was in Floyd County to announce infrastructure developments in the area.The Governor presented more than $2.5 million for improving existing water infrastructure and replacing approximately 20,000 feet of water lines.“Today, we are in Eastern Kentucky announcing some good news,” Gov. Beshear said. “We will be with our Eastern Kentucky neighbors and families for the long haul. We aren’t going anywhere.”
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With children returning to classrooms across the region, officials are reminding folks to pay close attention when driving near school buses, especially when kids are getting on or off of buses.“When you see those yellow lights flashing, we’re getting ready to make a stop and let the kids off the bus, so when they when the stop arm and when the red lights come on, just be aware and make sure we stop. Keep everybody safe,” said Pikeville Independent Schools’ Transportation Director Chris McNamee.
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FEMA is entering its fifth week on the ground in Eastern Kentucky following the deadly flooding with a deadline coming up of September 28th.
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Big Blue Nation is mourning the loss of former UK Football Coach Guy Morriss.Dick Gabriel with Big Blue Insider reports his wife Jackie said he was “surrounded by his loved ones and went peacefully.”Morriss was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2017.
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Governor Andy Beshear and Representative Hal Rogers were in Perry County to announce infrastructure improvements in the area.Together, they presented $8,893,200 for the cities of Hazard and Buckhorn to improve water systems.“The days of boiling water in Buckhorn are over,” said Rogers.They also announced $856,110 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet that will go towards road resurfacing and creating jobs in the area.
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Immanuel Baptist Church will host its third annual ImmanuelFest on Sept. 17 in Frankfort. The fun-filled family event, which is open to the community, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the front lawn of the church at 1075 Collins Lane in front of Collins Lane Elementary School.ImmanuelFest will feature free food, games, live music and a free yard sale.
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Kentucky earned high marks from Bankrate in its recent study of best states for retirement.The consumer financial services company ranked the Bluegrass State sixth overall, better than such states as Texas, Tennessee, Arizona and North Carolina.Among Kentucky’s strong points, according to the study, is its affordability, which comprised 40% of its score.
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The 32nd annual Pike County Fire School will be held Sept. 9 through Sept. 11 at Pike Central High School.Randy Courtney, president of the Pike County Firefighters Association and chief of the Island Creek VFD says some new classes have been scheduled for this year’s school.“We have 16 classes scheduled for this year,” Courtney said. “And while there is some classroom training, there is a lot of hands-on training as well. Among the highlightes classes is elevator rescue training.
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The pilot and the helicopter who went missing in South Central Kentucky over the weekend have been located, but officials say the pilot, David Stone, did not survive.Marcus Thurman, the Deputy Director of the Glasgow-Barren County Emergency Management told us the small jet executive helicopter was flying toward Glasgow and then planned to fly on to Tennessee.
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Berea College, which has close connections to areas of eastern Kentucky affected by historic flooding in July, is providing funds to help the region, the school’s president said.The funds are expected to total more than $1 million, says college President Lyle Roelofs.The college is also giving employees two additional vacation days to volunteer in affected counties.
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A FEMA appeals help center was set up in the Floyd County Public Library Wednesday, as organizations and retired attorneys have now joined forces to help address concerns with recent denials.Dumas Rescue, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Altech Feeds and a group of five retired attorneys set up an appeals resource center to touch base with those who needed access or had questions about their FEMA appeals.
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There are changes on the way for the curfew in Breathitt County that has been in place since last month’s deadly flooding.Breathitt County Sheriff John Hollan announced on Facebook Wednesday evening that the county’s curfew is being shortened by two hours. It now extends each day from 12:00 midnight through 6:00 a.m.However, the curfew still does not include commuting to and from work, emergencies, first responders, and school activities.
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Unfortunately, an eastern Kentucky man has been charged in the fatal shooting of his 12-year-old daughter, officials said.Stacy Collins, 47, was charged with murder in the death of Stacia Collins, Johnson County Sheriff Doug Saylor said, according to news outlets.The girl’s body was found on Aug. 11 along a rural road after her father was found with with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Saylor.
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With the Nov. 8 general election just a little over two months away, the question of purchasing additional voting machines was addressed by the Pike County Fiscal Court at its Aug. 24 meeting.During the meeting, Pike County Clerk Rhonda Taylor and members of the Pike County Board of Elections informed the court that six additional voting centers could be opened if the court approved the purchase of additional voting machines and equipment.
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The last day to register for FEMA aid is September 28. Officials say if you have applied for FEMA aid but were denied, it could be because of missing information. They say communication is key to getting FEMA assistance. You should give them a good phone number so inspectors can schedule a time to visit your home. They also say you should go to a disaster recovery center to meet with a FEMA representative in person.
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Community Trust Bank in Hindman opened its doors again on Wednesday after being closed for more than a month.The Knott County Community Trust Bank branch manager, Daryl Slone, said water rose six to eight inches in the building, but nothing was lost that cannot be replaced.The bank staff said they are excited to have the doors open again.
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Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell says he’s far from satisfied with the federal response to catastrophic flooding in eastern Kentucky, but acknowledged communication problems have complicated outreach to flood victims.McConnell visited the Kentucky Emergency Management Operations Center for an update on the government response to the flood-stricken Appalachian region. President Biden says federal relief will continue coming to the region until Kentuckians can get back on their feet.
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You need to schedule your appointment at kybloodcenter.org. KBC says the blood supply has reached critical levels for many blood types, which is a concern headed into a holiday weekend.“The nation’s blood supply is always low during the summer, when schools are out of session and people are busy with vacations,” says the vice president of external relations for KBC.To boost summer donations, KBC is giving away a Toyota vehicle and the giveaway is entering its final days. Donors who register by Sept. 10 will be entered to win a 2022 Toyota RAV4.
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Eastern Kentucky athletic director Matt Roan says football coach Walt Wells is hospitalized in stable condition after having a cardiac episode at work Sunday morning.Roan said in a statement Sunday night that Wells was in intensive care at UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington. Wells is 10-10 after two seasons at the FCS-level school, including 7-4 last year. EKU is scheduled to open the season Friday night at Eastern Michigan.
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The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has received $5.14 million in federal funds to prevent wrong-way crashes.Between 2015 and 2020, there were 88 wrong-way driving crashes in Kentucky where a driver used an off-ramp in the wrong direction. These 88 crashes resulted in 16 fatalities and 27 serious injuries.A new technology awareness program is designed to alert wrong way drivers, other drivers and emergency responders.
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Governor Andy Beshear was in Lawrence County to award funding for safety and infrastructure projects in the area funded by several grants and programs.The plans for the $2.4 million in funding are to build a new walking and biking path, renovate a fire station, build a fire station and install waterlines to more than 55 homes.“All of this funding will improve the health and safety of Kentuckians, and nothing is more important to me than that,” Gov. Beshear said.
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It’s open: the brand new Beacons of Hope Women’s Residential Center in Hazard has opened its doors. The treatment center offers opportunities to those in recovery without having to travel far from home.This facility is a spin-off program of Primary Care Centers of Eastern Kentucky’s Pregnancy and Beyond Program, which focuses on pregnant women in recovery. Those with Primary Care say a men’s facility is being built next.
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A ferry that carries vehicles across the Mississippi River between Kentucky and Missouri is closed temporarily due to low water, officials said.The Kentucky Transportation Department said it has no timetable on when the Dorena-Hickman Ferry will resume operations.Motorists can check on the ferry’s operating status by calling (731) 693-0210.
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Officials with the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department are asking local businesses with ATMs to make sure their security measures are working properly.Officials said they are monitoring a group of thieves who have damaged and stolen from ATMs around Whitley, Laurel and Knox Counties. The thefts are occurring after the business has closed.
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Weeks have passed since the flood, but survivors are still working through the damage with spirit-filled hearts to repair the damage and move on. We had a bunch of antiques in our building says Kelly Smith, owner of Smith’s Junkyard in Fisty.Smith’s Junkyard was underwater for hours, destroying a lot of his equipment.Right down the road from Smith’s Junkyard is Fisty Corner Church, which was also submerged. Arthur Holland, pastor of Fisty Corner Church says even though water and mud filled his building and destroyed his home, the church will return.
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A logistics company is opening a new headquarters operation in northern Kentucky that will create 210 jobs, officials said.Mackenzie and Paige Logistics LLC will invest $4 million for the facility in Florence, Gov. Andy Besehear said in a statement.There are currently 30 people employed at offices in Boone.
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Houses of worship and other nonprofit organizations may be eligible for FEMA assistance to help pay for emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoration of facilities damaged by the Eastern Kentucky flooding that started on July 26.The Public Assistance program may provide financial assistance to certain private, nonprofit organizations – including houses of worship – to restore facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster. The federal share for Public Assistance projects is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost.
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The Louisville Metro Crisis Call Diversion Program began in March with the goal to help those suffering from a mental health crisis.Since then, the Deputy Director of Metro Emergency Services, Kelly Jones, says they have received over 1,000 calls.However, due to staffing and the divisions they cover, they have only been able to respond to a portion of them.”We’ve been able to respond to over 300 of those calls and give folks access to different types of services, which has enhanced our ability to cut down on police runs,” Jones said. “On police time.”
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Another need since the devastating flooding is being met. The University of Kentucky Global Opthalmology Program visited Hazard to offer free eye care to Eastern Kentuckians on Saturday.The visit is part of a regular stop for the program, but this time was more meaningful. Global Opthalomology Program director Ana Bastos says they knew the need for eye care might be even greater after the flood.
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Beginning payments are coming to flood survivors in Eastern Kentucky saying they are receiving disaster assistance payments from FEMA between $179 and $195.Officials with FEMA said this money can help pay for a contractor to inspect the damage and provide an estimated repair cost.Funds can be used for a contractor to inspect HVAC and septic systems, wells, retaining walls or privately-owned roads and bridges.
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Even more animals are coming into the Kentucky Humane Society with more than 70 animals from shelters recently in Eastern Kentucky that continue to be overwhelmed in the aftermath of the deadly flooding.After floods ravaged EKY communities nearly a month ago, there were more than 250 homeless animals at various shelters. KHS said more animals are expected to arrive at those shelters as displaced animals continue to be brought in.
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Pikeville Elementary and Pikeville High School recently opened classes for the year, with two new staff members in place intended to give parents and students a little peace of mind.Paul Kimberlain, who retired from the Pikeville Police Department in 2018 with 20 years of service, is now employed as a school resource officer at Pikeville Independent Elementary School and Robert Orem, who served as an SRO in Fleming County from 2007-2016 and was with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department from 2017 until the present, has started as the school resource officer at Pikeville High School.
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Food pantries and Kentuckians across the Commonwealth teamed up to help the region “power up”.Three donation sites were set up in Hazard, Pikeville and Ashland this week for people to bring in supplies that would be given to people in need across the mountains and the state.“This regional aspect of us helping ourselves in many ways. We’ve got a lot of people here in Eastern Kentucky that can come in and make those donations and support the ones that are hurting desperately,” said Bob Shurtleff, the External Affairs Manager at Kentucky Power.
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More helping hands for kids of Eastern KY since the flooding. Former United Nations Ambassador, Kelly Knight Craft, was at the Jackson Walmart helping children who were impacted by the flooding.She was there representing the Craft Foundation, in partnership with the University of Kentucky Varsity Letter Association, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky and Breathitt County Schools getting clothes, toys and other items the children wanted or needed.
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Several county officials throughout the region are calling for additional assistance during the state’s special session.Floyd County Judge-Executive Robbie Williams, along with other county judge-executives, requested more funds for a mitigation process regarding the dredging of creeks and streams throughout the region.Williams is one of many county judge-executives whose county was affected by severe flooding in late July due to overflowing waterways after the excessive rainfall.
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More than $3 million of federal funding is making its way to the Bluegrass State to help develop what state officials call a “robust public transit system”.Gov. Andy Beshear announced the funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve infrastructure and transportation systems across the Commonwealth.Among the agencies is the Harlan County Community Action Agency.
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More helping hands as Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, along with UK Men’s Basketball head coach John Calipari and “special guests” are in Prestonsburg today to deliver shoes to flood victims.The group is in Eastern Kentucky to hand out donated shoes to people who lost belongings in the July flooding.The Calipari Foundation has donated 5,000 pairs of shoes and Hanes has donated 10,000 pairs of socks.
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The National Park Service has awarded $180,000 to help with rehabilitation efforts at the Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site, originally the site of the Old Mill Baptist Church.The grant is a part of a program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet said in a statement.
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The school doors are certainly open as UK spokesperson Jay Blanton says there could be a record number of students filling in classrooms across campus, with more than 32,000 students enrolled for the new academic year.That number included a record incoming freshman class of more than 6,000 students. That did cause some challenges when it came to housing them.Blanton says they originally had to convert some multipurpose rooms to accommodate an overflow of students, but he says that issue has since been resolved.
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Lowe’s has set up a tool rental trailer outside of the retail store in Hazard, offering pressure washers, generators or anything else needed to aid people in the cleanup process. Lowe’s employees say the rental trailer will be there for the next few weeks.”It felt exciting and encouraging that our company would think enough to transport a tool rental for our community that would help our community to try to get back on their feet and to help our customers get the things that they need,” said Teresa Johnson, store manager of the Hazard Lowe’s.The Lowe’s tool rental trailer is open everyday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Governor Andy Beshear has announced many people are seeing FEMA approvals in Eastern Kentucky after backlash to many reports of denied aid requests.He said FEMA has approved 2,080 people who were initially denied.
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Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education officials said college graduation rates are continuing to climb in the state although undergraduate enrollment has fallen.The council’s 2022 Progress Report said graduation rates increased 1.8 percentage points at public universities and 4.1 points in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Graduation among minorities has climbed 4 percent, too.
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Shortly after the Floyd County shooting, an anonymous donor reached out to the Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Purcell describes the donor as an animal lover who was hurt after the devastating shooting killed a K9. The donor offered to buy a bulletproof vest for their K9 unit. Sheriff Purcell said the donation meant so much to their deputies because a bulletproof vest can cost more than a thousand dollars. He said with this donation, they will have more money in their budget to get more gear for their deputies.
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Nine people were arrested at the Kentucky State Fair, which closed Saturday night after suspicious activity was reported to law enforcement, authorities said.Kentucky State Police said in a statement on Twitter that the fair began a “soft close” at about 10 p.m. Saturday to ensure the safety of attendees. Police said there were no reported injuries.The initial investigation shows that a group of people “caused panic with noise-making devices, leading fair goers to believe shots” had been fired, police said Sunday in a news release.
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a Business Recovery Center (BRC) is now in Knott County.The center will be at the Hindman City Hall. The address is 10 Professor Clarke Circle, Hindman, KY 41822.The BRC will provide one-on-one help in submitting a disaster loan application for businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters impacted by deadly flooding in late July.The center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.It joins other centers open in Perry, Pike, Clay and Letcher counties.
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In addition to being a hub for flood supplies, the Log Cathedral is the only site in Perry County listed on the Register for Historic Places that is now providing some peace, too. The Buckhorn Lake Area Presbyterian Church met in the Log Cathedral Sunday for the first time since the flood, adding some sense of normalcy in a chaotic time.
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Operation BBQ Relief has set up at Food City in Hazard and is sending meals all across the region. So far the relief group has sent around 90,000 meals to flood victims in a span of 23 days.Michele Rusek, a member of Operation BBQ Relief, said it is their mission to serve Eastern Kentuckians.. Getting that hot meal, that matters to the citizens of these seven counties that were most affected. That’s what’s most important to us,” says Rusek. Operation BBQ Relief will be in Hazard until Wednesday, August 24.
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A week after criticizing FEMA and their lack of approval for eastern Kentucky flood victims, Gov. Andy Beshear says it is starting to get better. This week FEMA officials announced some additional steps they were taking to get more people approved, and Thursday the governor says numbers are going up.Since then, the application approval has gone from 30 to 50%.While Beshear says that’s not high enough, he said the other 50% should try and get to their FEMA location where they can help figure out what you need to be approved.
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Members of the law enforcement community in one Eastern Kentucky county are mourning the loss of one of their own.In a post on the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, officials say longtime Deputy John Dale III died earlier this week.The post did not state how he died, but said Dale started his career at the Paintsville Police Department and spent more than 30 years in law enforcement.His last assignment was as a deputy at the Judicial Center in Paintsville.Funeral arrangements aren’t yet known.
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Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency have announced the expansion the number of Mobile Recovery Centers throughout Eastern Kentucky.The two new locations are in Leslie County and Martin County.The Leslie County center is at Leslie County 911 at 24770 Hwy. 421 in Hyden and the Martin County center is at the Martin County Business Center at 104 East Main Street in Inez. In Breathitt County the Jackson Library is the assigned FEMA Center.
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Pro-life wins in Kentucky until at least November as abortion remains banned in Kentucky.The Kentucky Supreme Court issued an order Thursday morning which means abortion in the state will remain blocked.The court declined to reverse a Kentucky Court of Appeals judge who had allowed enforcement of two laws that ban nearly all abortion while a legal challenge is pending in Jefferson Circuit Court.The State Supreme Court will have another hearing in November.
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Officials with Baptist Health Corbin said they are following trends across the state and country with COVID protocol.The outpatient COVID-19 screening center at the hospital is shutting down as many people believe the coronavirus is becoming an endemic instead of a pandemic.“The need for that clinic in general-we had a clinic the community could drive through too-that has tapered way off,” said Dr. David Worthy. “I think it is because the general population now has a much higher level of immunity.”
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Representative Hal Rogers said on Thursday that a long-term solution is needed following the flooding in Eastern Kentucky.The Fifth District Representative said a solution to severe flooding along the Cumberland River was found decades ago, adding he wonders if something similar could work in the communities hit by flooding in the Kentucky mountains.Rogers wants the Corps of Engineers to analyze the area.
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Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency have announced they’ve expanding the number of Mobile Recovery Centers throughout Eastern Kentucky.The two new locations are in Leslie County and Martin County.The Leslie County center will be at the Floodplain Management Building at 24770 Hwy. 221 in Hyden and the Martin County center will be at the Martin County Business Center at 104 East Main Street in Inez. The Breathitt County office is at the Jackson Library.
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Unfortunately, deputies with the Perry County Sheriff’s Office are increasing patrols in one area of the county after receiving reports of people stealing fuel.The reports are of someone stealing fuel from the excavators and equipment around East Perry Elementary School during the overnight hours. Deputies say they and their colleagues from Hazard Police will be monitoring the area at night.Sheriff’s officials urging your help, too and to call the sheriff’s department with information.
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The help continues pouring into the region including from Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) that recently launched the Eastern Kentucky Student Support Fund to help students affected by flooding.Executive Director Colby Hall said people at the organization are working with public Kindergarten through 12th grade school systems in FEMA-declared disaster counties.SOAR is providing school supplies, bedding and gas cards to help with transportation to and from school.
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As clean-up continues for quite awhile ARH Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Fares Khater warns that people should be careful around mold because it can affect a person’s health more than they may expect.“If you have low immune system we call that immunocompromised patients,” said Khater. “Especially cancer patients on chemo therapy or organ transplant patients on medications, or a patient on heavy immunosuppressant therapy, or even HIV patients. These patients should not be cleaning mold.”He added that even the healthiest of people can be affected by mold, so everyone should be cautious.
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FEMA is in the Perry area of Ary to can help replace some of what was lost in the recent devastating flooding.Bridges are still out, cars are still in the creek and homes remain crushed, but assistance is on the way. FEMA arrived in the Ary community recently, where officials will be set up to meet with people one on one through today at the Homeplace Community Center.
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To help take your mind off of the flooding, Kentucky State Parks has launched a photo contest that encourages visitors to capture some of the best parts of their stay.Kentucky Department of Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer said in a statement that the contest aims to attract more travelers and showcase places of beauty.Photos can be entered in the categories of camping, scenic, trails and park activities and will be judged on factors including originality and artistic composition.Photos are due by October 31st.
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If you live in Knott County Thacker-Grisby Communications is taking some stress off its customers.In a Facebook post this morning, company officials said they are aware customers are receiving notices on past due bills. They said by law they are required to send those notices out.Officials said they are waiving all late and past due fees for the month of August due to historic flooding.
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Experts who are visiting disaster centers in Kentucky can help people whose heirlooms and keepsakes were damaged in recent flooding.The Heritage Emergency National Task Force experts may be able to help save photos, artwork, quilts, important documents and other items, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said.The first stop is the Clay County Community Center from Friday through Sunday.
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With many churches and organizations pitching-in to help the flood victims of Eastern KY an organization based in Breathitt County, Aspire Appalachia, is starting a project to donate drywall, sub flooring and any other necessary materials needed to reconstruct homes destroyed or damaged in the flooding.”We’re very thankful to have the opportunity to help our community during its time of need and to help other communities during their times of need, whatever that may look like,” said Wallace Caleb Bates, the Community Outreach Coordinator with Aspire Appalachia.
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And, CANE Kitchen in Whitesburg is serving 1200 meals daily to the community.Valerie Ison Horn with CANE Kitchen said as soon as the flooding began, Kitchen Manager Brandon Fleming got right to work.“We began immediately with preparing food, and we served our first meal at noon on Thursday, flood day, the 28th,” said Horn.Since then, people impacted by flooding in the community have stopped by to get breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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Baptist Health Lexington is partnering with the other Baptist Health hospitals to donate supplies to Eastern Kentucky in the wake of the recent flooding.The donation drive is employee-driven and the folks at Baptist Health know it’s important to help their neighbors. Louisville-based nonprofit Supplies Overseas is helping to distribute those supplies in Eastern Kentucky.Baptist Health employees are collecting household items, medicines, baby food, baby formula, and more for those in need.
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And, experts who are visiting disaster centers in Kentucky can help those whose heirlooms and keepsakes were damaged in recent flooding.Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said experts from the Heritage Emergency National Task Force may be able to help save photos, artwork, quilts, important documents and other items.The experts are visiting Clay County Community Center this week Friday through Sunday.
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Governor Andy Beshear has called on all Kentuckians to help as flood clean-up and recovery efforts continue in eastern Kentucky. And the Richmond KY police department has stepped up donating supplies and food . According to Chief Rodney Richardson, Richmond Chief of Police, “it was a teamwork effort between the police department and the community, the citizens of Richmond, because, if it wasn’t for them bringing those items to us to take and deliver down there, it wouldn’t have been possible.”
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced two Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) were set to open Monday in Elkhorn City and Virgie. These BRCs are established to provide one-on-one assistance in submitting a disaster loan application for Kentucky businesses impacted by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that began on July 26.The disaster declaration covers Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, and Whitley counties in Kentucky.
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All of Perry County is under a boil water advisory as officials with the City of Hazard Utilities have posted a statement on Facebook saying the city’s water plant had damages to its raw water pumps and is now using spare resources.Officials said they have ordered new pumps, and the old pumps were damaged by mud and debris from the river.Because the plant only has one pump, the amount of water it can get into the plant has decreased by 400 gallons a minute.
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With both the incidents around the recent flooding and returning to school Eastern KY mental health professionals say it is important for parents and care givers to monitor their children’s behavior and performance.”If you’re seeing more talking back or more door slamming or just engaging in reckless behavior in the home or outside of the home, to kind of stop and think if maybe anxiety or depression could be driving that,” said Dr. Alissa C. Briggs, psychologist with the University of Kentucky Division of Adolescent Medicine.
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It was a great day for golf with Pikeville’s first responders hitting the green Monday to bring in some money for the city’s community outreach fund.The Christmas With a First Responder golf scramble brought in thousands of dollars, which will go toward the city’s Christmas and school supplies programs.The event was hosted at Stone Crest Golf Course.
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Mobile disaster recovery centers are open in Magoffin and Owsley counties to assist Kentucky flood victims.Magoffin County: Magoffin County Health Dept.-119 E. Mountain Parkway Salyersville, KY 41465 and Owsley County: Owsley Rec Center-99 County Barn Road Booneville, KY 41314.The mobile centers will be open until 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, according to a news release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. And then the centers will open again next Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
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Officials are warning drivers of possible traffic delays on U.S. 421 in Leslie County.A cross drain project is underway. The construction will be between Rocky Field Road and Elmers Lane.One lane will be closed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.And transportation officials are warning of possibloe 45 minutes delays on the road alternating in both directions.
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Be aware of cleanup activities throughout Eastern KY. In Breathitt and Perry Counties, contract crews will be working on debris removal throughout the day today.The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet awarded a contract for cleanup to AshBritt in the flood-affected areas of the region. Eleven of the 13 counties covered by the disaster declaration opted to join the contract: Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry and Pike.
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A Kentucky judge was suspended with pay on Friday following testimony that he pressured a lawyer practicing in his court to support his reelection campaign.Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission voted 3-2 to suspend 42nd Judicial Circuit Judge Jamie Jameson following a daylong hearing in which he told commissioners they were being used for political purposes, The Paducah Sun reported.
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Now that Kentucky students head back to school, the CDC has relaxed its COVID guidelines. Local doctor Jeff Foxx says this is still a fluid situation that could see further changes, especially as Kentucky’s children return to classrooms.?We don’t know what’s going to happen when the kids go back to school,” said Dr. Foxx. “Are we going to see a bigger surge? Are we going to see a new variant?”But at this time, he believes the CDC has likely made the right choice with its latest guidance. It means that quarantine of exposed persons is not recommended, and the organization also dropped social distancing and other guidelines.
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Gospel Light Baptist Church of Hazard, and others filled up their ATVs as much as they could to help flooding victims.“We’re trying to help the community out as much as possible and when other counties called to request help. We put the word out and most of our members joined to help out other people,” Joe Hawker, treasurer of the Jackson County Off-Roaders Association, said.
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Local priest Father Jim Sichko has been receiving donations from people hoping to help out flood victims through him. He went to Hindman Settlement School to give out $5000 worth of Amazon gift cards to flood victims. Sichko, who is based out of Lexington, says the visit was in honor of two people who spoke highly of the area.”I decided to step up, and in honor of her and my own mother who passed away recently, to give as much as I can to this area,” he said.Sichko says he plans to continue donating supplies to flood victims as long as people are sending him things to donate.
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Top state officials met in Frankfort this week to announce the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health.It will be composed of judicial, legal, and healthcare professionals, among others to improve the justice system’s handling of those struggling with mental health.Chief Justice of Kentucky John Minton Jr. said the judicial system has become the default system, which takes on the resulting mental trauma.
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The city of Pikeville and the Pike County Libraries have partnered to bring together children’s books with a family-friendly hike that’s a quarter mile long and has no inclines.Pikeville’s Story Trail opened on Monday, Aug. 8 at Bob Amos Park and people have come throughout the week to enjoy the trail.“We have 24 posts along the trail with individual pages of a story,” said Pike County Libraries Program Coordinator Maggie Salisbury. “The idea is that you and your family can come read the story as you walk the trail.”
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Federal assistance is available for renters whose homes and property were damaged by recent floods in eastern Kentucky.The Federal Emergency Management Agency said individual assistance is available to renters as well as homeowners and can help pay for temporary housing.Eligible counties are Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley, FEMA said.
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Three bounce houses are set up at Marie Robert’s Elementary School. The goal is to let kids play in the midst of the flooding that’s ravaged the area. Jessica Wilmore says that she was passing through flooded areas and thought about the children now without homes. She reached out to her friend, who owns Big Bounce Nation in Lexington, and the two decided to bring bounce houses to the elementary school so that kids in the community could laugh, run, and just play.
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Homeowners across the region are fighting mold growing in their homes since the recent flooding two weeks ago.Officials say using a moisture meter, you can check to see if your home might be at risk for mold. Officials say if the moisture reads at around 10-16%, it is fine.If the moisture number is over 30%, that could mean trouble.Before you start cleaning the walls, experts say it is important to make sure the structure is dry.
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Students in central Kentucky are back in school and safety is a top priority.In April, the legislature passed House Bill 63 requiring all school campuses to have school resource officers. Yet, many districts did not meet the August 1 deadline. Education officials say some districts don’t have the money right now to fill the position. While others have the money, but don’t have applicants.
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Federal assistance is available for renters whose homes and property were damaged by recent floods in eastern Kentucky. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said individual assistance is available to renters as well as homeowners and can help pay for temporary housing.Eligible counties are Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Whitley, says FEMA.
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Organizers for the 2022 Knott County Gingerbread Festival announced the event is canceled.The announcement was made in a Facebook post.Organizers said the festival committee, volunteers, and vendors are heartbroken due to the destruction caused by the historic flooding our region saw on July 28th.They ask any of their sponsors, volunteers and community leaders to spend their time and money putting their businesses and communities back together.
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A logistics provider plans to invest $25 million for a new operation in Bowling Green that will create 110 jobs, Gov. Andy Beshear said. Bluegrass Supply Chain Services LLC is expanding its logistics capabilities to serve the automotive and food and beverage markets, according to a statement Tuesday from Beshear’s office.
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And the help keeps coming to Eastern KY. Denny’s is sending its Mobile Relief Diner to Eastern Kentucky to serve communities impacted by deadly flooding.The 53-foot mobile diner will serve free breakfast to Eastern Kentuckians from today to Sunday, August 14.The breakfast will include two pancakes, two sausage links, hot coffee and cold water.You can find the mobile diner in the Hazard Lowe’s parking lot. The address is 81 Commerce Drive, Hazard KY, 41701.
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Several Letcher County communities are still without water, but now one fire department is offering a sustainable solution to this issue.The Mayking Fire Department partnered with the Louisville-based company WaterStep to receive a water purification system at their station.The silo holds 5,000 gallons of water that people will be able to stop by and pick up in the upcoming days.Fire officials also say the system can transform water into bleach.
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Veterans exposed to burn pits while serving overseas will have an easier time getting medical care. For many years, veterans’ service organizations have been working towards the change, saying younger veterans were dying due to exposure to toxic fumes, and said they’ve had to fight the VA to access care.President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act on Wednesday.
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With school starting for many students over the upcoming days and weeks, Kentucky drivers are warned to not illegally pass stopped school buses.The Kentucky Department of Education partnered with the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety to show drivers what they need to do if a school bus is stopped to pick up or drop off school children.Drivers who do not stop for a school bus with its stop sign out and lights activated face a minimum penalty of $100 and could also face a penalty on their driving record.
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If you graduated from Alice Lloyd College and your diploma was injured or lost in the Eastern Kentucky flooding, no worries.Officials with Alice Lloyd have announced they would be replacing diplomas for people who may have lost theirs in the flash flooding.“We are proud of our graduates and the hard work and achievements that an ALC diploma represents,” said a release from school officials. “Therefore, Alice Lloyd College alumni impacted by flooding can replace lost or damaged diplomas for free.
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Officials with the University of Pikeville recently announced the UPIKE Family Flood Support Initiative to help people and areas affected by the devastating flooding that hit the region about a week ago.Officials with the university also encouraged people to donate to the UPIKE Student Emergency Fund, which was established in 2020 to help students continue their education after being impacted by emergencies or disasters.You can visit upike.edu/floodrelief and click ‘Give Now’ to donate.
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Appalachian Regional Healthcare says they still need cleaning supplies.At ARH headquarters in Lexington, workers have set up a large tent to keep more supplies outside as they come through. The needs of people in Eastern Kentucky keep changing by the day and ARH hopes to keep meeting those needs.Lately, ARH has been collecting water, cleaning supplies, and nonperishable food items. They are now asking for baby formula, air mattresses, camp stoves, dehumidifiers, work gloves and work boots.
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More helping hands are pitching in to help flood victims. The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) men’s basketball team went to the donation and distribution center at the JC Penny’s building in Hazard recently to do what they could to lighten the load for volunteers and victims. The athletes helped in any place needed, folding, sorting and lifting donations at the center.”We talk about this all the time, its not what you get, its what you give, and that’s not just in basketball but in life,” said A.W. Hamilton, EKU men’s basketball’s head coach.
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More information is being released about a crash that killed three people on a southern Kentucky interstate. The California man accused of causing the crash was in court Tuesday morning.A detective testified about the suspect driving the wrong way and being under the influence of alcohol.Joshua Poore is accused of driving the wrong way on the interstate and crashing into a car carrying three people from Illinois. Before officers could get it stopped, the collision occurred said Lt. Detective Chris Edwards with the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.
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Tennessee-based HCA Healthcare Inc. officials say they will give up to $400,000 to assist with relief to those affected by flooding in Eastern Kentucky.Officials said Monday they will contribute $100,000 to the American Red Cross, $100,000 to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund, up to $50,000 in HCA Healthcare direct relief grants to Galen College of Nursing students with disaster needs, at least $100,000 through in-kind donations to meet critical community needs and up to $50,000 in colleague matching gifts.
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Texas Roadhouse locations in several states are taking part in a fundraiser to benefit Eastern Kentucky flood victims.On Tuesday, August 9th, the restaurants listed below will donate 100% of the profits of the day to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund.Locations include London, Pikeville, Louisville, Bowling Green, and in Western KY in Paducah.
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Lotte Aluminium Materials USA plans an aluminum foil manufacturing operation to serve the electric vehicle battery industry in Kentucky and is expected to create 122 full-time jobs.The company is investing $238.7 million in the plant in Hardin County, Gov. Andy Beshear’s office announced last week.Lotte Chemical announced a joint venture with Lotte Aluminium to produce 36,000 tons of cathode foil, used in electric vehicle batteries.
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Meanwhile, groups like the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) have set up at the Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter in Hazard to help shelter staff with donations, help take care of animals and help to ensure the pet owners of the area are taken care of as well.”As soon as they knew there were donations here, the line was all the way out to the road and people were waiting over an hour to come in and get bags of dog food or cat food so that way they can keep their pets,” said Jennifer Gardner, Disaster Response Program Officer for the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
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There’s a desperate need for over three thousand families that have filled out an application created by the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky that would give them money to support flood relief efforts.Now, the foundation is looking for more donations to continue supporting Eastern Kentucky.The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky will be giving out checks starting at $250 plus $50 per child to families who are approved according to Kristin Collins, who is the Chief Operating Officer for the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky.
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With the death toll from the Eastern KY flooding at 37 lives lost Governor Beshear has announced that under the federal declaration of emergency order, the federal government will cover 100% of the costs for certain emergency services for Eastern Kentucky counties and cities for up to 30 days. Beshear did not specify which areas or which costs that includes.The Governor also said in the post that “this is good news and will be a big help.”
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The Salvation Army has served several of the communities impacted by flooding recently, distributing ten thousand meals in the process.The organization held its last distribution, for the region, in the Lothair community of Perry County on Sunday.The Salvation Army handed out hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, food, water and even Walmart gift cards.“It’s always a blessing to be able to come and serve our fellow neighbors and to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them,” said Major Kati Chase with the Salvation Army.The Salvation Army says service untis will continue to service areas through the long haul.
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Eastern Kentuckians are spread out, so the SBA is making sure its disaster and business recovery centers are accessible. A round table discussion was recently held to address similar concerns from those impacted. SBA officials says they’ll provide below market interest rates to home and business owners during a disaster. Those loans can be paid back over 30 years. Homeowners can request up to $200,000. Businesses can seek up to $2 million for physical damages and economic recovery.
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Churches in Eastern Kentucky are getting used to gathering in unusual spots after the flooding damaged a lot of worship structures.For Cornerstone Church in Whitesburg, they adapted by setting up under a Cajun Navy tent outside of their damaged building. Their pastor, Frank Holbrook, wanted to act as swift as possible.Summit Church in Whitesburg normally meets at the Letcher County Shriner’s Club, but they gave their space up for people that need shelter.The Cajun Navy has a tent set up outside of the Cornerstone Church, where anyone that needs supplies can get them.
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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says people affected by severe storms and flooding in seven counties may apply for disaster unemployment assistance.The counties are Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Pike, and more counties are expected to be added. It is not necessary to apply in person.Sites are planned for each county to provide different types of help. To file an initial claim, visit kcc.ky.gov or call (502) 875-0442 by September 3rd.
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Kentucky’s current Secretary of State, Michael Adams, officially announced his campaign for re-election today.“Based on my performance in this Office, at the most difficult time in its history, I would like to seek a promotion to higher office; but at this critical time, I am needed at my current post,” Adams said in his release.
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Eastern Kentucky University hosted a donation drive Thursday at the EKU’s Arts Center. Campus leaders say it’s not about EKU but about Madison County stepping up to help those going through a difficult time.The university collected nonperishable food items, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene products.Aramark also donated four pallets of water.
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Clay County Schools will delay their start date by one week because of the recent flooding.Staff will report to school on Monday, August 15.The first day for students will be on Thursday, August 18.
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Free laundry services are being offered to flood survivors in Eastern Kentucky.In partnership with Matthew 25: Ministries and Procter and Gamble, Tide Loads of Hope is providing everyday essentials to those who need it most to help bring a sense of normalcy in this time of need.The Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry Unit has been deployed to Hazard, Kentucky.The mobile laundry vehicle is at the Walmart Supercenter on Daniel Boone Plaza, providing free, full-service laundry to residents affected by the recent floods.
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Kentucky Baptist Relief is a faith-based organization that helps people recover from disasters around the world, but, on Thursday, crews were helping people in Letcher County.Volunteers help people after damaging hurricanes, tornadoes and major floods, and they are used to seeing damage and destruction.However, men and women in the organization said the flooding in Eastern Kentucky was among the worst they have ever seen.Organizers add with the extent of damage it may take longet than a day to clean out a home.
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To help with the aftermath of the devastating flooding in Eastern Kentucky, Lowe’s has decided to help the communities rebuild. Officials with the company announced it would be donating $500,000 to support organizations helping in the region.Earlier this week, officials hosted a bucket brigade at three locations in Paintsville, Pikeville and Hazard. During the event, officials passed out more than 400 buckets of cleaning supplies.Next week, Lowe’s officials will go door-to-door to hand out an additional 200 totes of flood relief supplies.
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Now in Kentucky for the second time in a year is Operation BBQ Relief after flash floods destroyed many lives in southeastern Kentucky, families are finding that basic necessities such as showers, clean clothes, and hot meals are a luxury. Set-up in Hazard Operation BBQ Relief is providing thousands of meals according to Dewayne Daniel, Director for Operation BBQ Relief.
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Tyson Foods is donating two million meals to flood victims and first responders in Eastern Kentucky.The company is partnering with Walmart, but plans are also underway to provide food and assistance to other communities.Its ‘Meals That Matter’ disaster relief trailer will be in the parking lot of the Hazard Walmart today starting at 8:00 a.m. Volunteers will pass out food and water.Tyson Foods will also donate 160,000 meals to God’s Pantry Food Bank in Lexington.
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The City of Hazard is still looking for volunteers to help clean up following deadly flooding.City officials are partnering with Team Rubicon Disaster Relief in the effort.Volunteers are needed to clean homes and other areas.City Commissioner Luke Glaser says they need 50 to 100 volunteers. He says if you want to volunteer, you can meet at The Forum every morning at 7:45 a.m.
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A Kentucky man has been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for using false pretenses to accept $370,000 in paycheck protection loans under a federal COVID-19 assistance program.David Christopher Lewis, 49, was sentenced in federal court last week for his guilty plea to wire fraud. He also was ordered to pay full restitution.In his plea agreement, Lewis admitted he submitted fraudulent applications in May 2020 for loans.Evidence submitted at his sentencing hearing showed that Lewis paid himself or his wife more than $100,000 of the loan money.
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Cory Harris, a musician in the region, was born and raised in Letcher County.The county was one of the areas devastated by Kentucky’s recent flooding.Now, Harris is using his voice to support his home. The mountain musician just wrote a new song inspired by the resilience he has seen as the people of Eastern Kentucky stand together while facing the unthinkable. He says the song is all about the determination to help despite feeling helpless.
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Kentucky Power’s parent company, American Electric Power (AEP), is giving back to the region they serve following last week’s devastating flooding.On Wednesday, officials with the company announced the AEP Foundation will donate $100,000 to four organizations working to address the immediate needs of those affected by the event.
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Kentucky Humane Society in Louisville is in desperate need of supplies after taking in over 100 animals from flood-ravaged areas in Eastern Kentucky.Most of the animals were in the shelter before the flooding. They were transported out to make room for animals that were lost of injured in the July 26 storms.They are most in need of canned chicken, pill pockets for dogs, towels, blankets, puppy pads, canned dog/puppy/cat/kitten food, soft dog treats, one large scale for dogs and a few can openers. The shelter also accepts gently used towels, blankets and toys.
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Meanwhile, Morehead State University, in an effort to support students from areas affected by the flooding, has announced early check-in.Any student planning to live in MSU residential housing this fall semester may contact Office of Student Housing and request early check-in if they need a place to stay.Check-in can begin Sunday, Aug. 7. This applies to MSU students from the following counties: Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Wolfe.
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The back-to-school start date for Floyd County Schools has been pushed back at least to two weeks due to damaging flooding in the county.The school board voted Tuesday to alter the academic calendar. Rather than classes several schools throughout the county are now being used as a hub, to provide services and resources for community members left struggling without basic necessities after water rose quickly July 26 and wiped-out communities
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Among the many volunteers and organizations throughout eastern Kentucky right now, helping the hundreds if not thousands of people in need there is Samaritan’s Purse, which arrived in Breathitt County Monday night.Samaritan’s Purse is on the ground trying to help families rebuild now that the flood waters have receded, and many homes are destroyed.
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Gov. Andy Beshear says in an update the death toll from the recent flooding has risen to 37 while hundreds of people remained unaccounted for five days after one of the nation’s poorest regions was swamped by nearly a foot of rain. The water poured down hillsides and into valleys and hollows, engulfing entire towns. Mudslides marooned some people on steep slopes.Beshear suggested many of the unaccounted for would be located when cellphone service resumes.
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Meanwhile, Ascend Elements Inc. will invest $310 million in a new Kentucky plant, creating 250 full-time jobs in Christian County.Ascend produces advanced, sustainable battery materials from recycled lithium-ion batteries. The plant will produce enough recycled battery precursor and sustainable cathode active materials to equip up to 250,000 electric vehicles annually, Gov. Andy Beshear’s office said Monday.
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The United States Postal Services (USPS) announced temporary operations in Eastern Kentucky following flooding.A news release stated mail carriers will attempt delivery where and when it safe to do so. They will not drive on flooded or damaged roads or bridges and will avoid other potentially dangerous situations. If your post office is temporarily closed, you can find locations for mail pick up at https://www.usps.com/here. You are asked to bring your photo ID for mail and package pick up.
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After announcing the deaths of 35 Kentuckians in historic flooding, Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered flags to half-staff.Beshear ordered flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of Kentuckians lost to or impacted by the recent historic Eastern Kentucky flooding events.Flags at state office buildings should be lowered to half-staff beginning at sunrise Tuesday, Aug. 2, and remain so until sundown Monday, Aug. 8.
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced low-interest disaster loans are available to businesses and residents in Kentucky following deadly flooding. According to the SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, the disaster declaration covers Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry Counties in Kentucky. People there are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.
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As another way of helping flood victims, the Internal Revenue Service has announced that victims of the severe storms and flooding in Eastern Kentucky will now have until Nov. 15, 2022 to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.Individuals and households affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that reside or have a business in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, and Wolfe counties qualify for tax relief.
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Knowing that many in the flood ravaged region are without the ability to go out and get food, Kentucky Farm Bureau staff set up at the County Line Community Church, located on the Perry County and Breathitt County border, to help prepare and deliver breakfast to people in need.“Its just a wonderful blessing to be able to come in and serve people that haven’t been able to use their bathroom, they don’t have water, they don’t have electricity, they can’t get to food,” said George Bates, Claim Director for Kentucky Farm Bureau.
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New ones are here and more are on the way as Officials with the Letcher County Sheriff’s Department announced they have received cruisers from law enforcement agencies around the region. A post on the Letcher County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page said they had received cruisers from the Mt. Washington Police Department, Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Harlan Police Department and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
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Officials with the Corbin Arena are offering free event tickets in exchange for flood relief donations.The ‘EKY Disaster Relief Donation Drive’ is from today through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Corbin Arena box office.Two tickets for each show will be provided, and donation requirements include cases of gatorade, diapers and wipes, personal hygiene items, adult blankets and non-perishable food items.
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The Friends of Land Between the Lake is hosting its annual Hummingbird Festival this weekend.The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Woodlands Nature Station.Programs include hummingbird banding and release demonstrations, seminars on attracting the birds and others, photo contest winners, crafts and games for children and other attractions.
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The Federal Aviation Association announced Sunday that it would be extending its temporary flight restriction order over the skies of Eastern Kentucky.The FAA’s order, which includes drones and other UAV operations, is to assure safety for aerial searches of flood zones.The order covers 35 nautical miles in Hazard, Ky.The order is set to expire on Tuesday.
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In an update Governor Andy Beshear says 28 people have died in Eastern Kentucky’s historic flooding.The Governor added two deaths were in Clay County, 15 deaths were in Knott County, two deaths were in Letcher County, three deaths were in Perry County and six deaths were in Breathitt County.“We have hundreds of millions of dollars of damage, hundreds of people displaced, but we are moving and moving fast,” said Beshear.
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In just a couple of days, those at East Perry Elementary School have put back to school prep on hold to help the devastated flooded communities in our area.“There has been no separation,” said Jody Maggard, coordinator of the East Perry flood relief efforts. “There is no ‘we are going to do this for this group,’ or ‘we are going to do this for that group,’ its everyone coming together and saying, ‘we’re gonna do it for everyone.’”The Perry County School System is offering food, water, clothing, cleaning supplies and other essentials at East Perry and offering an emergency shelter at West Perry Elementary.
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Experts predict opioid overdoses will climb in both rural and urban areas because of the lethal practice of mixing the highly addictive narcotics with other drugs.The coming wave of opioid overdoses “will be worse than ever seen before,” said researchers from Northwestern Medicine in Chicago who studied trends and used a predictive model to determine where deaths would escalate.
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While resuce crews are hrd at work trying to save Eastern KY residents if you need to report a missing person in the counties of Breathitt, Perry, Knott, Letcher or Leslie, contact Post 13 in Hazard at 606-435-6069.If you need to report a missing person in the counties of Magoffin, Johnson, Martin, Floyd, or Pike, contact Post 9 in Pikeville at 606-433-7711.
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Meanwhile, President Biden has declared a major disaster in Kentucky following the flash flooding that hit the eastern part of the Commonwealth. He’s ordered federal aid to help support local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the aftermath of the flooding.The release from the White House said the federal funding will be available in the counties of Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Wolfe.
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Unfortunately the need exists for local search and rescue teams, assisted by the National Guard, to continue their search today for people missing in record flooding.Several inches of rain fell early Thursday morning, leading to Flash Flood Emergencies for several Eastern Kentucky counties.Governor Andy Beshear has confirmed 15 people were killed, a death toll he expects to grow as the rain keeps falling.Governor Beshear is expected to assess the flood damage in Eastern Kentucky today.
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Three lives wwere taken by Torrential rains unleashing devastating floods in Appalachia on Thursday in Jackson, as fast-rising water sent people scurrying to rooftops to be rescued.Water gushed from hillsides and flooded out of streambeds, inundating homes, businesses and roads throughout eastern Kentucky.
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Governor Andy Beshear has established the Team Eastern KY Flood Relief Fund Website, The one and two things that we’re going to need are water and cleaning supplies,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “We’ve already got a lot of water ordered and going out there, but people are going to need more as their systems are going to be shut down.” Governor Beshear says donations can be made on the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund website.
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Extra boats, life jackets and more are being provided by Floyd County locals in small communities such as Wayland, Garrett and Maytown that have been devasted by flash flooding, leaving many folks without homes or trapped inside of them.First responders and rescue squads have responded and carried out several rescues Thursday morning and throughout the rest of the day according to Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt.
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Throughout Breathitt County the flooding is beyond the scale of anything that I’ve ever been involved with in my 24 years of fish and wildlife,” says Greg Watts with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources.KY-15 was submerged in some places, limiting travel for people in the region. If you are in a safe place, just stay there and check on your neighbors and pray for the community,” says Jeffrey Combs, Chief Deputy Coroner with the Perry County Coroner’s Office.
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Mayor Donald “Happy” Mobelini has declared a State of Emergency for the City of Hazard.In the declaration, Mayor Mobelini cites the excessive amounts of rainfall in the past two days, which has resulted in major flooding, as the catalyst for the State of Emergency.The Mayor said, “Due to countless slides, fallen trees, power outages and life-threatening conditions, I declare a State of Emergency for the City of Hazard.”“There are currently two emergency shelters set up in the county, Gospel Light Church and First Presbyterian.
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Looking at the aftermath of the flooding last nght and ths mornng rhe Mayor of Hindman, Tracy Neice, said the flooding that hit Eastern Kentucky is some of the worst he has ever seen.Throughout the city, there are several major water line breaks and reports of a gas line break.The Mayor also said there are several people unaccounted for and multiple homes destroyed. There are also many cars underwater and rescues are underway.The new Hindman pool is completely destroyed and the building next to it fell into the pool, according to the Mayor.
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A federal judge on Tuesday threw out multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuits against five media companies brought by a Kentucky student involved in a 2019 widely viewed encounter with a Native American man at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.Nicholas Sandmann, then a 16-year-old student at Covington Catholic High School, sued several media companies, alleging they defamed him in their reporting of the incident.
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Goody bages are being distributed at this Friday’s last installment of the Kentucky River District Health Department’s July summer reading event.Every Friday of July, a staff member has shared a video reading an informational book on the KRDHD Facebook page for kids in the community to enjoy. The topics that have already been covered are tobacco prevention and feelings.
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Gov. Andy Beshear announced three cities across the Commonwealth would be getting $13 million to support job growth and industrial expansion. Two of the cities included are in southern and Eastern Kentucky.Henderson, Pikeville and Monticello will be getting the money, which is from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) $300 million Coal Communities Commitment program. The funds are expected to help the Kentucky cities create more than 650 jobs and more than $500 million in investment.
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State Representative Chris Fugate and State Senator Brandon Smith talked to Hazard/Perry County Chamber of Commerce members this week discussing coal jobs, ATV trails and the Wendell Ford Airport in Perry County. For instance, the ATV system in West Virginia has grown their small coal town counties,” said Rep. Chris Fugate, who represents the 84th District. “Last year, the economic impact was $38 million.” State leaders want Eastern Kentucky counties to bring in that much money or more.
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A months-long investigation ended Tuesday as the Pikeville Police Department rolled out its drug roundup in an effort to clean up the city streets.The agency, working with EMTs from the fire department, broke into four groups before searching for 21 people they believe to be involved in drug trafficking in the area, working to serve 28 sealed indictments.
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Funding is available to help boost the Kentucky tourism industry, which saw a decline in visitors with the coronavirus pandemic, officials said.The state will allocate $75 million over the next several weeks to help eligible tourism organizations that apply and show the impact of the virus, Gov. Andy Beshear’s office said Monday in a statement. The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act and was allocated by the General Assembly earlier this year.
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Kentucky’s Attorney General, Daniel Cameron, is encouraging Kentuckians to “Be a Fraud Fighter” with a new fraud awareness campaign.On Tuesday, Cameron announced a campaign with his Office of Senior Protection that aims to protect people across the Commonwealth from scams. Cameron says the campaign is to put scammers on alert that fraud in the Commonwealth won’t be tolerated.
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With some roads completely covered cleanup is underway in parts of eastern Kentucky hit hard by flash flooding Tuesday morning. Multiple reports of heavy rain and flooding in parts of Magoffin and Floyd Counties, haveleft some people cleaning water out of their homes.At Abbott Creek Road in northern Floyd County, the road at times was completely covered by water.
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The Perry County public library is celebrating the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).The Perry County library Facebook page shared a post saying several businesses and organizations will have booths for you to hear about their services.“The spirit of the ADA Awards will be presented to people in our local community who have gone beyond the spirit of ADA to advocate for people with disabilities,” according to the post. There will also be food, entertainment and door prizes for those in attendance.
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During a special meeting July 18, the Pikeville Independent Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to begin the process of establishing its own police force.Pikeville Superintendent David Trimble said during the meeting that he hopes to have the department up and running with an officer in both Pikeville High School and Pikeville Elementary School by Aug. 11, the first day of the coming school year.
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Some pro-life news, with the recent Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Appalachian Pregnancy Care Center is anticipating a greater need for its services.As a consequence, the organization is reaching out to pro-life advocates and the church community in an effort to continue to provide optimum care for mothers and babies.Executive Director of APCC Kay Hammond said there have been community members who have reached out since the Roe decision inquiring how to help.Pike, Johnson and Floyd counties have pregnancy centers.
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Most Kentucky kids go back to school in just a few weeks.School districts are starting to put COVID-19 protocols in place to hopefully keep numbers down this school year. They’re also going back and forth deciding if students should be required to wear masks.With COVID-19 numbers going up in Kentucky, pediatricians say it’s a good idea to get your child vaccinated if you have not already.
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On Monday, Officials with Hazard Utilities shared a post on Facebook saying some customers might experience low water pressure or lose water after damage caused by a car.The post states a car hit a pump station on the Right Fork of Maces Creek near Stratton Fork.The damages are being assessed and the necessary parts will be bought to make repairs as soon as possible.If anyone saw the car hit the station, they are encouraged to call Hazard City Hall at 606-436-3171.
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Located in northeastern Tennessee and Southeastern KY, Big South Fork National River and Recreation area is hosting a day of stories, music and crafts called the “Haunting in the Hills” Storytelling Festival in September.The event will be held at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center and Campground from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 17. The events are free.Park officials say the storytelling started out 30 years ago as a small program for local schools and has grown to a full-day festival with professional storytellers from around the world.
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It’s official Kentucky Treasurer Allison Ball has announced that she will run for state auditor next year.The Republican is finishing a second term as state treasurer.Ball said in a campaign release Friday that she has delivered on her “promise to serve as a watchdog of taxpayer dollars.”Ball says as treasurer, her office returned $142 million in unclaimed property to Kentuckians.
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Gov. Andy Beshear has announced a new online tool designed to provide Kentucky families a roadmap to financial independence.The tool shows families who receive public assistance a way to calculate how much it takes for them to afford necessities without state and federal assistance.The Family Resource Simulator is available to guide individuals and families in understanding how income changes can impact heath care, childcare and other state and federal benefits.The free tool can be accessed at kystats.ky.gov/FRS. It was created by the Kentucky Center for Statistics.
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When starting back to school August 10th, Kentucky’s largest school district in Louisville will require universal masking on school property as Jefferson County moves into the highest level of COVID-19 community spread.The change begins Monday and lasts until Jefferson County comes out of the red, media outlets reported. It comes a little more than two weeks before classes resume in Jefferson County Public Schools.
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The National Breast Cancer Foundation says, Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in American women with the exception of skin cancers.In an effort to help other women detect breast cancer at an early stage and raise awareness, Jessica Baladad os Eastern Kentucky decided to use her experience to help others with an app. She created the ‘Feel For Your Life’ app after starting a social media project called ‘Feel For Life’ and I started that when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33-years-old,” said Baladad. You can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
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Unfortunately foul play is suspected as officials with Kentucky State Police (KSP) are investigating a death in Jackson County.Shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, KSP got a call from Jackson County 911 about a dead woman found inside a home on Rice Hill Road in McKee.KSP Troopers, Detectives and the Jackson County Coroner’s Office went to the home.According to officials, 83-year-old Mary King Abrams possibly suffered fatal injuries from a puncture wound.If you have any information about this investigation, you can stay anonymous by calling 1-800-222-5555.
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The City of Prestonsburg held its 2022 Back to School Bash on Saturday at Archer Park. The first time the event was held since the pandemic began and with a few changes.Since the announcement that the Floyd County School District is purchasing free supplies for all students, those who attended the Back to School Bash received several items and services that would help their students get ready before heading to the classroom according to organizer Izzy Ramsey.
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The Daniel Boone National Forest spanning 21 counties across Kentucky is receiving $540,000 from Great American Outdoors Act to update some of its facilities.Forest Service officials said in a statement that a portion of the recently allocated funds will be used at recreation facilities like Barren Fork Horse Camp and Bell Farm Horse Camp in McCreary County.Crews will replace picnic tables, grills, serving tables and lantern posts.
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Abortion will remain legal in Kentucky after a judge’s decision issuing a temporary injunction while the ACLU’s lawsuit over the state’s trigger law banning abortion is decided.The judge had previously granted the ACLU’s request for a restraining order against the law and the ACLU wanted the judge to continue blocking it. Attorney General Daniel Cameron wanted the trigger law to remain in efect during the lawsuit to protect life.
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Governor Andy Beshear has announced $30 million will go towards helping improve water systems across the Commonwealth.The money will fund 29 projects in Kentucky, which will benefit 1,245 households.“Having clean, reliable water service is a basic human right, and from the start of my administration I have prioritized funding major upgrades to these crucial utilities all across the commonwealth,” Gov. Beshear said. “We’ve provided hundreds of millions of dollars to communities through my Cleaner Water Program.”
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It could be said that the numbers show Kentuckians want a change with Republicans now outnumbering Democrats by more than 2,400, according to figures released recently by the State Board of Elections.The GOP has been growing in Kentucky in the last few years, and Republican leaders said this clearly points to Kentucky as being a red state.Republican registrations have been climbing gradually over the past dozen years Republicans have pointed to the leadership of McConnell leading the way.
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A Kentucky coal company was fined $51,000 for failing to submit court-ordered plans to clean up two polluted West Virginia mine sites.U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers issued the order Monday against Lexington Coal Company LLC, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reported. In May, Chambers found the company in contempt for not complying with his previous order to submit a plan to address selenium discharges and other pollution at the sites in Mingo County. The KY company has until August 1st to submit a plan.
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Plans to build an aluminum mill in Kentucky have taken a new direction. Steel producer officials say they will construct and operate the mill somewhere in the southeastern U.S.That’s after it reached a deal with the company that has failed to deliver on its promise to build the plant near Ashland, Kentucky.Steel Dynamics didn’t specify where the plant would be located.Company officials say they will own more than 94% of the facility through a joint venture arrangement with Unity Aluminum.
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The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office says it’s the largest meth bust in the history of their sheriff’s office.The undercover drug buy that led to a hostage situation in Laurel County has resulted in the arrests of five people and a huge amount of drugs seized.police say they found a large amount of drugs, including almost 44 pounds of meth, nearly five pounds of cocaine and 19,000 “dosage units” of pressed fentanyl.
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Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) have introduced legislation to clarify part of the Right to Try Act.The legislation would clarify the act should allow terminally ill patients to have access to Schedule I drugs if said drugs have been through a Phase 1 clinical trial. In other words, the goal of the bill is to take away obstacles presented by the Controlled Substances Act.The federal Right to Try law takes the FDA out of doctor-patient decisions, giving regulation back to the states.
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Here in the mountains, heat indexes will be near triple digits by the end of the week. Officials with the Pikeville Fire Department are reminding you to stay hydrated, stay cool and stay weather aware.“Make a plan for your day if you’re going to be out working in that environment to take regular breaks, to hydrate throughout the day,” said Pikeville FD PIO Nicholas Fleming.Fleming added that knowing your body’s limits is also important, especially if you suffer from preexisting medical conditions.
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A 20-year project is finally complete.Governor Andy Beshear joined other state officials to celebrate the completion of the KY-30 highway, which goes from Booneville to London.The Governor unveiled an honorary sign which names the final portion of the highway in Jackson County after former State Representative Marie Rader.The final portion, which was completed Wednesday, straightened the highway and cut drive times in half for people in the area.The project as a whole also helped to widen the road to make travel easier and safer along the highway.
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Donations of hot wheels cars and trucks are being accepted by the Corbin Shrine Club to give to children.Over 1,000 cars have been donated already by various shrine clubs in Kentucky and they are still collecting more.The Hot Wheels cars will be given to patients at the Shriner’s Children’s Lexington Hospital.President of the shrine club, Jimmy Hendrickson, said it’s all about giving back to the patients and seeing them smile.
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A woman was found to be OK and reunited with her family following an overnight rescue on Tuesday.The London-Laurel Rescue Squad was called to Hawk Creek Road for reports of a missing woman.Officials said the woman was hiking with her family when she got separated on a trail.Crews used an infrared drone along with three search teams to find the woman.
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Kentucky State Police are asking the public to vote on what to name their bulldog mascot.The agency received name submissions earlier this month and narrowed the list down to 10 possibilities. People can vote for one of those names through July 21, says the agency.The agency has used a bulldog image at promotional events over the years and decided to develop it into an official mascot as a fun way to engage with all ages, officials said.
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The Appalachian Regional Healthcare in Hazard collaborated with the Perry County Pop-Up Farmer’s Market to provide healthier options for the ARH staff and community members.“ARH wants to provide more healthy more options for our staff and our community members,” said Nicole Smith, Community Development Manager for ARH’s Kentucky River District. “We hope that by inviting people on site here to our hospital that we’re able to do that for the community.”Organizers said the next pop-up market at the hospital is August 16. ARH hopes to have the blood mobile back at the next event.
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The Harlan City Fire Department will be saying goodbye to one of their own as long-time Fire Chief Linette Hutchison is retiring.Hutchison has filled this role for 22 years, becoming one of the first women to hold the title of fire chief across our region.Hutchison began her firefighting journey in the 80s.She is returing at the end of this month and plans to spend more time on her motorcycle and gardeniing.
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An outpatient program for those in recovery now has its own location in Hazard to continue its mission. Mountain Comprehensive Care Center recently opened its Intensive Outpatient Program facility on Combs Road in Hazard.The new facility offers a larger and more comfortable space for those in recovery to gather and receive tips and support from counselors and other staff members to continue their recovery journey.The facility is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
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In a stuff the car event, The Christian Appalachian Project and Lexington’s Crossroad Church provided supplies for the “drive-thru” and volunteered to “ stuff” cars. And other organizations from all around Kentucky helped volunteer for and provide supplies for a toy distribution in Martin County on Monday.Martin County High School held their first toy drive for members of the community in the parking lot of their school. Cars could drive to the tents with their trunks opened while volunteers placed everything from food to toys in the trunks of their cars with no cost to them.
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Quite a few new pro-education laws are now in effect iin Kentucky. Governor Beshear joined state lawmakers, educators and advocates to sign the six bills.The bills address post-secondary pathways for high school students in alternative schools and teacher shortages. They will support early literacy education, due process for university students, and speed up the process for school district construction projects, the release said.
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With the need for hospital workers one Southern Kentucky doctor says we are in the middle of a COVID outbreak, but cases are mild.“We are seeing much more than 2 months ago, where we got to just to one, or two or three cases a day,” said Dr. David Worthy, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President at Baptist Health Corbin. “So, we’re higher than that, we’re somewhere between 10 and 20.”Viruses change through mutation, meaning sometimes the mutations result in a new variant of a virus. Doctors said we are seeing the BA4 and BA5 omicron variants.
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The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice is recruiting applicants for more than 160 job openings at 24 facilities across the state, officials said.As part of the recruitment efforts, a job fair is being held July 20 at Jefferson Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Louisville, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet said in a statement.
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The City of Pikeville is claiming in a recently filed lawsuit that the parent company of its cable TV franchisee – Suddenlink – engaged in cost-cutting measures which unfairly reduced the quality of service to communities like Pikeville.According to the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Pikeville, the problems emerged when, in 2015.“This lawsuit represents years of frustration by Pikeville residents over Suddenlink’s failure to deliver services as required by the Ordinance,” says Pikeville City Attorney Russell Davis.
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The deadline for lawyers to file arguments on Kentucky’s abortion ban has passed.A judge set the deadline for the ACLU and Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s office for noon Monday.The ACLU wants the judge to continue blocking Kentucky’s trigger law, which kicked in when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and ended federal abortion protections.Cameron’s office says the law should take effect while the lawsuit plays out.
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With the anticipation of more new customers, a new People’s Insurance location opened in Inez on Monday.The community and members of the establishment celebrated the new opening with a ribbon cutting at one of the newest locations.The Inez location was one of three ribbon cuttings that happened Monday afternoon.Casey Leguire, Senior Vice President of Sales, said two other locations in Pikeville and Louisa also celebrated their grand openings.
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With the turn of the calendar into July new KY laws have taken effect including Senate Bill 1 which designates local superintendents as the lead official for selecting the appropriate educational curriculum and materials for local schools. It also includes language from the Teaching American Principles Act, which will require instruction in social studies to align with a list of core concepts and documents that supporters say are central to American civics.
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For 6-dollars per meal you can help with the recovery of Floyd County Sheriff’s Department deputy Darrin Lawson. A community benefit lunch is in the works. Lawson was injured during a shootout in Allen in June.Deputy Lawson is at UK Hospital in Lexington where he has undergone surgeries for his injuries.He was recently reunited with his two-year-old daughter last week.The benefit is from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 27th at the Old Courthouse in Floyd County.
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The Kentucky State Fair is hiring workers for next month’s festival in Louisville. News outlets are reporting that the fair is hiring workers for dozens of roles including admission, traffic control, guest services, operations, maintenance, outdoor cleanup and housekeeping.Morning, day, evening and overnight shifts that include indoor and outdoor work are available, the fair said in a news release.The fair runs from Aug. 18 through Aug. 28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Hiring will take place through Aug. 28.
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Locking up your home and cars during the summer months is crucial says Gilbert Acciardo, Public Affairs Deputy with the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office. He says it’s a prime time for vacations and with many of us leaving for our next getaway, there are some tips to keep in mind to ensure the security of your home and the safety of you and your loved ones. He adds not to let your guard down while you’re away.
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A popular restaurant in Prestonsburg is closed until further notice.According to a post on the Billy Ray’s Restaurant Facebook page, an incident happened on Friday involving a car and the front of the restaurant.We appreciate your patience as we work diligently to get this fixed as quick as we can. We are looking forward to getting back to serving all of you,” the post read.
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Officials with the London Police Department announced a “significant” drug bust on Saturday.According to police, someone noticed two men who looked like they were sleeping in a car.The car was parked in front of the Murphy Oil station on KY-192.When police got to the scene, they saw drugs in plain view in the car. After investigating, police found quite a few illegal drugs and firearms.“Two out-of-state suspected drug dealers picked the wrong I-75 exit at which to take a nap Saturday,” a post read on the London Police Department Facebook page.
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Judge-Executive Ray Jones says the senior center in Pikeville is important to the senior citizens in the Pikeville area. So, they will soon have a new space to call their home away from home, thanks to the Pike County Fiscal Court, the Senior Citizens Board and a $1 million grant from the state.In the early stages of the pandemic, the Pikeville center closed its doors due to concerns about the facility that made it unsafe structurally. Since then, county officials have been working to bring back a bigger, better center to the seniors in the area.
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Today, a release from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Secretary of State announced the position would be reinstated as the Chair of the State Board of Elections, thanks to Senate Bill 216.“This Office is no longer on probation,” Secretary Michael G. Adams said. “We have cleaned up the scandals that previously embarrassed our Commonwealth and weakened public confidence in the election process.
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After more than six months of rebuilding, a youth development center has reopened in a western Kentucky town devastated by a tornado last December.Gov. Andy Beshear joined officials from the state Department of Juvenile Justice on Tuesday to reopen the doors to the youth development center in Mayfield.The center sustained severe structural damage to the roof and walls collapsed on the night of Dec. 10, when the tornado struck.
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The City of London Police Department is experiencing some changes in leadership.Travis Dotson, a Laurel County native who has previously held the roles of lieutenant and sergeant within the department, was named the Interim Chief of Police just a few days ago.Dotson has been with the department for nearly twenty years and said he is excited to step into this new role.
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The goal is keeping the community safe and the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office is enforcing an Interdiction Team, a task force comprised of two officers who strictly focus on drug-related issues in the area.The sheriff’s office has also partnered with the Barbourville Police Department and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to create the 75-80 Interdiction Team.Those with the sheriff’s office say the 75-80 team has impacted the area in a big way, seizing large quantities of drugs and ultimately creating a safer region.
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A country music artist Eddie Montgomery from Montgomery Gentry in central Kentucky has a new children’s book out that he hopes teaches children about trusting and supporting law enforcement. It’s entitled “Police Officers Our Friends!” It’s set in his hometown of Danville. The timing of this book comes as one Kentucky community is needing support. It’s been just a few weeks since several law enforcement officers were killed in Floyd County.
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held an informational public meeting in Paintsville Tuesday Night.The purpose was to inform and hear from the public, in regards to the major ‘Flood Risk Management’ project in the city, that includes the construction of floodwalls.“This was a meeting for the public, and we been having what we call stake-holder meetings for some time now, but we wanted to let the public know exactly how this was going to work and what it was going to look like” Said Paintsville Mayor Bill Mike Runyon.
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A Kentucky judge has struck down a measure that would have weakened Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s appointment authority over a key ethics commission by shifting power to Republican officials to select a majority of the members.In his ruling Monday, Jefferson Circuit Judge McKay Chauvin said the measure severely “diminishes and diverts” the governor’s constitutional duty to ensure the state’s executive branch ethics code is “faithfully executed.”
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The Satellite Shop has partnered with Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter KRRAS for its upcoming Dish Cares event, using its resources to help raise funds for the shelter through a donation drive, yard sale, and silent auction.This marks the second time Dish Cares has chosen the shelter, but those with the Satellite Shop hope this event will be even bigger than the last.The event with a silent auction will be held August 1st at the Satellite Shop.
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Lance Storz appeared virtually in front of a Floyd County Circuit Court judge Tuesday morning.The day before a grand jury indicted Storz on 20 charges ranging from assault, wanton endangerment and murder.His arraignment is set for August 1 at 1:00 p.m.The indictment alleges Storz attempted to commit murder when he shot at the following officers: Prestonsburg Police Officer Keith Duncan, Floyd County Deputy Darrin Lawson, Floyd County Deputy Chris Hall, Floyd County Deputy Dusty Newsome, member of Kentucky State Police Billy Ball and Constable Gary Wolfe.
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Until now stealing packages in KY has only been punished as a misdemeanor. New laws are set to take effect Thursday from issues discussed in this year’s General Assembly. One could change the punishment for people caught stealing packages from doorsteps and porches.Senate Bill 23 was designed to cut down on “porch pirating.” Police in Danville and Stanford said it has been a common complaint, usually around the holidays or during times when packages frequently are delivered.
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With fentanyl the leading cause of overdose deaths iin Kentucky, Dalton’s Law, or House Bill 215, is going to take effect on Thursday in Kentucky. It’ll require people convicted of trafficking fentanyl to serve harsher sentences.An official at Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) said they’re really starting to get concerned with rising fentanyl overdoses in the state and they hope this new law will bring justice to people who have lost their lives to addiction.
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Officials with the supermarket chain Food City have announced an expansion of its partnership with DoorDash to bring on-demand food delivery to 117 stores across five states.The states in the expansion include Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.Aside from food, the delivery service will also include floral arrangements at participating stores.“Food City is committed to providing our loyal customers with the best products and services possible,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. “
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The man, Lance Storz, accused of murdering three police officers, a police K9 and injuring several others in the Allen Community of Floyd County on June 30 was indicted Monday.Lance Storz was originally scheduled to appear in Floyd County District Court for a preliminary hearing.Instead, an indictment was handed down, with Storz facing 20 charges, including assault, wanton endangerment and murder.A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
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Great econmic news. Governor Andy Beshear has announced that Kentucky recently reported its highest annual growth rate in more than 30 years.In the last year, the Office of State Budget Director reported 14.6% growth, according to a release from the Governor’s office.“One of my most important jobs as Governor is to ensure the financial strength and solvency of our great commonwealth – essentially to make sure our financial house is in order,” Gov. Beshear said.
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Floyd County businesses Lou’s Place for Pets and Shirt Gallery have partnered to raise funds for the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department following the shooting in Allen.They started making shirts honoring fallen K-9 officer Drago, and they have been bombarded with requests ever since, leading to them selling more than one thousand t-shirts.
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A fun event the second annual Quilting in the Mountains Shop Hop is taking place this week, inviting new and experienced quilters to take part in the festivities.The shop hop kicked off on the 8th and will continue until the 16th.Six quilt shops across the region are taking part, offering special prizes to the shoppers who visit each of the businesses involved.Customers will be offered a passport to take to each of the businesses. Once each business owner has signed the passport, the customer will be entered in a drawing to win a Brother Sewing Machine or gift certificates from each of the shops.
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Floyd County law enforcement have received thousands of dollars along with supplies from many different sources after the tragic shooting in Allen, including supplies from law enforecement officers and others wanting to help the time of need.The Floyd County Community Foundation has been a big part of that effort, raising over $39,000 since the shooting according to Floyd County Community Foundation chair Ellen Harris.
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A group selected to turn a massive settlement into action to combat opioid addiction will meet for the first time this week in the state capitol.Attorney General Daniel Cameron says the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission will hold its first meeting Tuesday afternoon in Frankfort.The panel is charged with administering Kentucky’s portion of settlements finalized this year with drugmaker Johnson & Johnson and three major distributors.The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed.Half of Kentucky’s $483 million settlement will flow directly to cities and counties for opioid-abuse abatement efforts
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A Kentucky school district has banned middle and high school students from using backpacks to address safety concerns.The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that Knox County Schools will implement the policy when students return to school in August.School spokesperson Frank Shelton says the policy will prevent students from using a bag to conceal items.The new policy doesn’t affect elementary school kids.
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The city of Pikeville was forced to reschedule its Independence Day celebrations once again to July 15, after being moved from July 4 to July 8 due to the tragedy in Floyd County.City officials say because several first responders were sent to help out in Prestonsburg following the events on June 30 in Allen, the originally planned celebrations on July 4 were moved to July 8.Now, following severe weather threats, the city has rescheduled once again to July 15 at approximately 9:45 p.m.
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A Pike County candidate for property valuation administrator who fell short in the May primary is ending his lawsuit aimed at getting a recount.In the May primary, Cullen Hall lost to Kevin Auton by 100 votes, receiving 2,661 votes to Auton’s 1,761 votes.In Hall’s lawsuit, it’s alleged that 259 ballots were not counted and were reported as under-voted or over-voted in the PVA race and deemed invalid by the Pike County Board of Elections.
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Police in Floyd County are searching for a truck that was stolen from a car dealership sometime last week.In a post on the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page, deputies state they believe the 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Express was stolen either late Wednesday or early Thursday from Affordable Automotive at Harold.If you have any information on where the truck might be, you are asked to call dispatch at 606-886-6171.
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With nearly 17,000 people driving it daily, bumper-to-bumper traffic along Carol Malone Boulevard is a daily struggle. Now work is underway to widen the travel lanes, improve the turning lanes – including an upgraded U.S. 60 (Main Street) intersection with dedicated right and left-turn lanes and two through lanes – as well as a new sidewalk, curbing, and other work to reduce congestion and to improve traffic flow and safety along the downtown highway.
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During KPS’s 74th birthday celebration, a new ride along mascot was announced. Officials said the custom-designed bulldog was created by KSP’s graphic designer, Aaron Tupts, and made possible by BAM Mascots, Inc. It will be used in community outreach initiatives to build relationships with people young and old.The bulldog will visit hospitals with troopers as they deliver Trooper Teddy Bears to terminally ill children.
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According to army officials work has begun on eliminating the last chemical weapons stockpile stored at an Army depot in Kentucky.The Blue Grass Army Depot’s stockpile of decades-old M55 rockets containing GB nerve agent makes up about half of the 523 tons of weapons that were originally stored there. The nerve agent, also known as sarin, is colorless, odorless and highly toxic.
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In road construction, the Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mines will begin repairs to Ky. 1460 Chloe Road. Cross drain replacement work is scheduled at mile point 1.28 (1.28 miles north of U.S. 460 and 3.9 miles Southeast of Ky. 1426). Work will begin Monday, July 18, and continue through July 22.The asphalt will be cut open for drain installation making the roadway impassable. All motorists, including Emergency Vehicles, will need to seek an alternate route during the closure.
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People living in or near Southwest Virginia looking for some free dental care will have an opportunity later this month.Officials with Mission of Mercy are bringing their services back to Wise County on July 22nd and 23rd for the first in-person clinic since the pandemic began.The event will be held at the Convocation Center on the campus of UVA-Wise from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.Registration for this free event begins on July 21st.
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During a news conference at the Pike County Courthouse, Gov. Beshear presented huge checks for infrastructure and tourism projects for the City of Pikeville, Pike County, the Mountain Water District, and the Breaks Interstate Park.“None of these ideas started in Frankfort. They all started here,” Beshear said. “You’re at the forefront- right here in Pike County- of what is going to be the model of workforce development moving forward.”
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The Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame at Western Kentucky University is accepting nominations for this year’s class.It recognizes educators from around the state who positively impact the teaching profession and their students, the university said.The induction ceremony will be in November.All nominations must be submitted by Aug. 15.
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Work to remove a dam on the Green River is on hold due to low water intake levels, according to officials.Crews began removing Green River Lock and Dam No. 5 last September, but stopped work after Edmonson County Water District General Manager Tony Sanders expressed concern last week about water intake levels.
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The governor joined officials with Pikeville Medical Center and others to announce a new initiative of healthcare employment around regional training, better known as Project HEART.As part of the news conference, Gov. Beshear presented the Galen School of Nursing a check for more than $975,000 for equipment and supplies to open a new campus in Pikeville that would help supply much-needed nurses to PMC. The first class is expected to start in the next 90 days.
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Paycheck deductions determine how much of your money goes straight to you and how much is set aside for taxes, retirement, insurance, and other expenses. Planning your deductions could put more money from each paycheck into your wallet, while also ensuring you do not owe taxes when you file.Likewise, Michael Joyce with the financial firm Agili said you want to make sure you’re not deducting too much from your paycheck.
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Organizations in Hyden are making an effort to feed struggling families in Leslie County.The Leslie County Sheriff’s Office and the city of Hyden are partnering up with Mountain Comprehensive Care Center to host a food drive for the remainder of July.Amanda Wooten, Clinic Coordinator at the Mountain Comprehensive Care Center in Hyden says she has seen families struggle especially in the summer since children are not getting meals from school.Until July 31st, the sheriff’s department will have cruisers sitting outside the Hyden IGA and Save-A-Lot In hopes that shoppers will grab some extra groceries and donate.
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Some customers of one power company will have some extra money in their pockets when their next bill comes, thanks to the Kentucky Attorney General’s office.The Office of Rate Intervention stepped in to intervene in a proposed rate increase from South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation, also known as South KY RECC, to the Kentucky Public Service Commission.If the entire increase had been approved, the power company’s base rate would have gone up 7.71%.Daniel Cameron and his team were able to reduce the original proposal by 33.9%, which saved customers in the region a lot of money.
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One man found himself in a bad situation Tuesday night after being trapped by rising flood water.Officials with the Manchester Fire Department posted about the incident on their Facebook page.In the post, we’re told they were called to KY 638 in the evening hours for a report of a truck swept away by flood water with the driver still inside. Firefighters say this is one of the many reasons we preach “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”. The man was rescued.
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Leaders with the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg have announced the cost of tuition, room and board for in-state undergraduate students will stay the same through spring 2023.“We want students to know that there continues to be an affordable path to an education at Cumberlands,” said Dr. Larry L. Cockrum, Cumberlands president said in a news release. According to a story in the Lane Report, every public university in Kentucky and the community college system all increased tuition by at least one percent for the new year.
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As fraud numbers continue to go up, identity protection experts are urging parents to freeze their child’s credit to avoid a lifetime of financial headaches.According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity fraud incidents increased around 45% in 2020, with children frequently the target.James Lee, the COO for the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit focused on helping people with identity crimes, said it’s more important than ever for parents to consider freezing their children’s credit.
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Officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced some good news for aspiring drivers. You can get your learning permit or driver’s license at any regional licensing branch, regardless of where you live.As part of House Bill 453, all circuit clerks transitioned their services to the 25 KYTC offices across the state, nine of which are in our region.“We appreciate KSP and KYTC working together to expand driver licensing services to Kentuckians statewide,” said Gov. Andy Beshear in a news release. “Now that residents can make an appointment at any regional office, our Kentucky families have expanded access to the services they need.
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From theater camps, to art nights, to live music, The Appalachian Arts Alliance is known for being creative in Hazard.Starting today the Arts Alliance is hosting another community art night at the center. Families in the community are invited to come create some summer-themed artwork and learn how to make new crafts.The event will begin tonight, from 5-6 pm.
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Soldiers at Fort Campbell are having a ceremony today to mark deployment to Europe, the first time 101st Airborne has deployed to Europe in nearly 80 years.The 101st Airborne and the 101st Airborne Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion will case their colors in the ceremony. Casing of the colors is an Army tradition that represents movement to a new location.
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Years of problems over internet and television services in the City of Pikeville will be moving to civil court. Recently, the Pikeville City Commission voted to file a lawsuit against cable television franchise holder Suddenlink and its parent companies for alleged violations of the cable television franchise agreement for the City of Pikeville.City Attorney Rusty Davis said that, about a year ago, Pikeville gave Suddenlink a notice that their company was in default of their franchise ordinance and the city set a hearing for Suddenlink to contest the ordinance.
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One business owner walked away with $10,000 following a recent competition for grant funding at Hazard Community and Techincal College.Dakota Hoskins was announced as the winner of the Shaping Our Appalachian Region, or SOAR, Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition. Hoskins, the grand prize winner, was the first of six finalists to take the stage during the pitch competition. A car wash owner, he developed a unique and affordable barcode system for operators to implement to increase profits and marketing reach.
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Gov. Andy Beshear has announced another round of state assistance for regions of Kentucky hit by tornadoes last December.The nearly $800,000 in funding will go to Hopkins and Taylor counties, according to the governor.More than $655,000 will be sent to Hopkins County for the purchase of heavy equipment to help with debris removal, he said. About $134,000 will be used for debris removal in Taylor County.
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Kentuckians interested in becoming optometrists may may now begin applying for the state’s Optometry Scholarship program, administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).“This scholarship will help future optometrists fulfill their dreams of being able to help those in need,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “By making these funds available, our hope is the recipients will practice optometry in Kentucky, thereby giving more of their fellow Kentuckians an opportunity to access quality eye care.”The scholarship may be used at the Kentucky College of Optometry at the University of Pikeville.
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The case regarding the primary election totals for the Property Valuation Administrator’s race received its first court hearing June 27.Cullen Hall brought forth the lawsuit against Kevin Auton and the Pike County Board of Elections after coming up 100 votes shy of victory.Auton, who received 2,761 votes to Hall’s 2,661 votes, was appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear to fill the unexpired term of former PVA Lonnie Osborne who resigned earlier this year.
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Governor Andy Beshear has ordered flags to half-staff from sunrise Tuesday, July 5 to sunset on Thursday, July 7 in honor of Floyd County peace officers who died after being shot on Thursday, June 30 during a standoff in Floyd County.
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It’s a startling number, more than 25 million people relied on loans from those close to them to meet spending needs, according to the Census Bureau’s latest household pulse survey on finances. That figure is up from 19.1 million people from the same time last year.Kaben Clauson, the CEO of Pigeon Loans, said a big reason could be that a third of all Americans are in a group called “credit invisible”. The “credit invisible” either have no real credit history or have a credit score that’s been damaged, and they can’t get a favorable rate.
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The Hazard Lions Club is celebrating Independence Day by putting up flags around the city.Club members headed out early Monday morning to place flags around different parts of Hazard. The club’s secretary, Cindy Francis says altogether, members put up more than 200 flags. Francis said the tradition started 50 years ago.She says the flags will go up again on Labor Day.
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The Appalachian Wireless Arena saw an uptick in revenue in the 2021-2022 fiscal year, which ended June 30, and expects greater revenue increases in this fiscal year.On June 27, the Pikeville Exposition Center Board of Directors – a body made up of the Pikeville City Commission and which oversees the arena – approved the arena’s budget for 2022-2023, which accounts for an expected $3.4 million in revenue.
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Funeral arrangements are announced for the three officers killed during Thursday’s shooting in Floyd County. Visitation for Floyd County Sheriff’s Deputy and Martin Fire Department Fire Chief William Petry will be at Nelson Frazier Funeral Home in Martin, Kentucky. The visitation will be all day today.The funeral will be held Tuesday, July 5, at 11 a.m. at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.The burial will then follow at Gethsemane Gardens in Prestonsburg.The visitation for Captain of Prestonsburg City Police and School Resource Officer Ralph Frasure will start today at 6:00 p.m. at Nelson Frazier Funeral Home. The visitation will continue all day on Tuesday.The funeral will be Wednesday, July 6, at 1:00 p.m. at the Mountain Arts Center.The burial will follow at Gethsemane Gardens.The visitation for Prestonsburg City Police Officer Jacob Chaffins will start on Tuesday, July 5, at 6:00 p.m. at Tom’s Creek Freewill Baptist Church in Ivel. The visitation will continue all day on Wednesday.The funeral will be on Thursday, July 7, at 1:00 p.m. at the Mountain Arts Center.The burial will follow at Gethsemane Gardens.
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Gov. Andy Beshear has announced another round of state assistance for regions of Kentucky hit by tornadoes last December.The nearly $800,000 in funding will go to Hopkins and Taylor counties, says the governor and will be used for debris removal in both towns.The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management continues to receive applications for the state aid. The requests are being reviewed carefully to ensure the funds are used to their maximum benefit, Beshear’s office said.
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Car lovers can park, peruse, and pitch in to help the VFW at a Cruise event happening in Pikeville today.Kentucky State Police Post 9, the Appalachian Wireless Arena and the City of Pikeville partnered for the cruise-in, bringing live music, door prizes and more to Main Street and the arena parking lot.The event, which kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, will also serve as a fundraiser for Pikeville VFW Post 3769.
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Unfortunately, after the officer-involved shooting that happened in Floyd County Thursday night, several holiday events in the area have been canceled. Today, a post was shared on the Prestonsburg Tourism Facebook page announcing the postponing of Star City Day.“In [light] of last night’s tragedy, we believe it is in the best interest of our community to postpone Star City Day at this time,” said the post.A new date has not been announced yet. Also, a release from the City of Pikeville said the Independence Day Festival is canceled. The decision was made to pay respect to the fallen officers after Thursday’s shooting.
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The Appalachian Center for the Arts is welcoming folks to a female-fronted “FUNdraiser” to celebrate the creativity and resilience of women in Appalachia. The Mountain Grrl Experience is set to hit for two days on July 22 and 23 in downtown Pikeville.The event, in its second year, will bring arts, vendors, food, and fun to Pikeville as world-class musicians and local and regional talents bring their arts to the space.
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A judge has issued a ruling to temporarily block Kentucky’s ban on abortions.The ACLU filed the lawsuit Monday, just days after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.Kentucky’s trigger law, which was passed in 2019, went into effect immediately, banning abortions in the state. The ACLU says the ban violates the state’s constitution.A judge heard arguments Wednesday in the case. Then, the judge granted the ACLU’s request for a restraining order against the trigger law. Judges have also temporarily blocked similar trigger laws in Texas, Utah, and Louisiana.
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Governor Andy Beshear has announced more than $1.8 million in discretionary transportation funding to help four local governments with road repairs and improvements.More than 856-thousand dollars is going to Perry County.“These projects were thoughtfully planned, well-designed and will benefit the people of their communities,” Beshear said. “In addition to new pavement, the work will include repair of road base failures, improved drainage and design changes to help traffic flow more smoothly and safely.”
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Ahead of the November election, Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams says more new voters were added to the state’s registration rolls than were removed in May.That marks the third straight month of voter registration gains.Adams said that from May 18 through May 31, 8,617 new voters registered. Another 4,420 were removed, mostly due to deaths.The rolls reopened for registration on May 18, a day after the state’s primary election.
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Governor Beshear joined company officials breaking ground on a new campus in western Louisville that will house a hospital and a headquarters for Goodwill Industries.The new hospital will be the first in the predominantly African American area west of Ninth Street in Louisville since a Marine hospital closed in the 1930s.The $100 million Norton Healthcare Opportunity Campus on Broadway will be built on a 20-acre site. The project was announced in February.
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Kids in Hazard now have another place to splash around in this summer.The City of Hazard recently opened a splash pad next to the farmers market pavilion downtown, hoping to provide another space for kids to come and enjoy themselves during the warmer months.Hazard City Manager Tony Eversole said they have more developments like this in the works. Eversole added the splash pad will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
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A report from Stacker named the best school districts in Kentucky.The report said Stacker used data from Niche who ranks schools based on a variety of factors like SAT/ACT scores and teacher salaries.Two Eastern Kentucky school districts made the list.Hazard Independent Schools and Pikeville Independent Schools.
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Students from 13 schools across the region have come together for some one-on-one communication with the international space center.It’s an “out-of-this-world” opportunity being offered by the Challenger Learning Center in Hazard.“This is something not many people get to do…it’s something unique,” said Sawyer Hall, who represented locally Breathitt County High School as their student ambassador.The student ambassadors had the opportunity to come to the center and record individual questions to send to astronauts at NASA.
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Kentucky State University regents have selected an interim campus president for the upcoming school year while the search continues to fill the position on a long-term basis.Ronald A. Johnson was chosen for the interim role by KSU regents. Johnson is a former president of Clark Atlanta University, a private historically black university in Atlanta.
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It’s being described as one of the largest drug seizures in Kentucky since a joint effort between local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Southern Kentucky. Officials with the Somerset Police Department announced the bust this morning following a five-month investigation.Two men, Wesley Aaron Calhoun and Dennie A. Smith, both of Somerset, were recently indicted in the case.As part of the investigation, officers from SPD, Kentucky State Police, the FBI and the DEA were able to collect 30 pounds of crystal meth, six handguns, two AR rifles and more than $30,000 in cash.
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Kentucky’s juvenile justice agency is hiring people to help fill more than 90 full- and part-time positions across 24 facilities.To help in recruitment, the Department of Juvenile Justice is offering a job fair today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT at the Campbell Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Newport.While the department’s vacancy rates are improving, DJJ Commissioner Vicki Reed said it needs more people committed to fostering and investing in the life of each youth.
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A deadline is quickly approaching for Kentucky schools. Every Kentucky school campus needs to have a school resource officer by August 1.The requirement comes after lawmakers passed a school safety plan. However, at least one central Kentucky school system is struggling to find SROs to patrol their schools.For instance, Mercer County Superintendent Jason Booher says they have advertised an opening for an SRO since the spring of last year but not a single person has applied.
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Hazard’s vendors and shoppers have a new place to discover the unique items people in the area have to offer at 441 N Main Street.The new location of the Hazard Vendor’s Mall is right across from the old location on Main Street.The old location typically hosted multiple vendors at once, but the owners of the new location said they hope to branch away from that and become an individual storefront.Items are offerred at a fraction of the regular price according to owners.
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Governor Andy Beshear has announced $8 million dollars in funding for early childhood education.The funding will go towards developmental questionnaires for parents of children from birth to three years old.“By doing a developmental screening, we see where most children are at, what milestone they are achieving, like their gross motor skills, and their fine motor skills,” says Kentucky River District, Public Health Director Scott Lockard.
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Investigators are warning businesses in Kentucky to be aware of a counterfeit money scam.Olive Hill police say three suspects are involved in a scam where they’ve gone into businesses and used $500 worth of fake 20-dollar-bills to purchase pre-paid credit cards.Police say the secret service and KSP are assisting in the investigation. Fake money is known to have been used in Cincinnati, Carter County and in Morehead so far.
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All throughout this week LoveLoud is filling the streets of Pike County once again, as area church groups come together for a week of service.The annual mission – organized through the Pike Association of Southern Baptists – hit the streets Monday, with construction, community service and other projects on deck for the week.Organizers say nearly 100 people from the county and even around the state are helping out this week.
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After showing off their skills, 12 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet heavy equipment operators, seven of them from districts serving the mountains, will head down south later this year to showcase their skills.The KYTC State Equipment Operators’ Safety and Training Conference, otherwise known as the Statewide Equipment Roadeo, was held last week in Lexington. The top two performers from six different obstacle course competitions move on to the regionals in September down in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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A fire started in the Hope Center’s women’s center kitchen last week but was contained by the sprinkler system. Aside from the fire and smoke damage, there was also flooding in their kitchen, pantry, and dining room.They were able to dry out and fix the dining room, but the repair process is taking longer than anticipated and they are still waiting for an insurance assessment. In the meantime, they’re hoping to fix and replace their appliances as soon as possible, but, in the meantime, they are still asking for more donations of paper goods and nonperishable foods and drinks.
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Students in the Pikeville Independent Schools District will soon have an increased access to mental health services at both schools.During the Independent Schools Board of Education recent meeting, the board approved creating districtwide psychologist and social worker positions.Superintendent David Trimble said the two hires would be itinerant positions and would be broken down to serve grades K-12.The positions he said, will add to the mental health services already available at Pikeville Independent.
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When you apply to rent an apartment, finance a car, or borrow money, lenders look at your credit reports and credit scores to help determine your eligibility.Many credit card companies provide credit scores to their users for free. If yours doesn’t, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says it’s providing information and resources for both free and paid methods for learning your score.According to Credit.org, credit scores can range from 300 to 850, with a good score being 680 or higher.
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Part of the craze and allure for young people using the Juul cigarettes is the way some vaping products are marketed. They are colorful, they have fruity flavors and that is one of the reasons the FDA has come down hard on Juul, ordering them to be pulled from store shelves last week.Kentucky school officials say they’re working hard to get the products out of kids’ hands but they say the size of them, the way they are produced, they are very easy to conceal.
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A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 516,000 visitors to Mammoth Cave National Park in 2021 spent $47.9 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 643 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $69.2 million.To learn more about national parks in Kentucky and how the National Park Service works with Kentucky communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/KENTUCKY.
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Due to the looss of the Mayfield grain elevator in the tornadoe surge loast December farmers in western Kentucky are getting some relief. Gov. Andy Beshear has announced that up to $3.25 million will help farmers continue to grow and process grains. Funds are from the Team West Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund.Beshear said the Graves County Grain Assistance Program was established after a group concerned about potential loss of crop yield contacted the governor.
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A large aluminum plant in Kentucky is temporarily halting production and laying off more than 600 workers due to rising energy costs.Century Aluminum has announced plans to shut down its Hawesville smelter for 9 to 12 months starting in August. The plant, with about 628 workers, is the second-largest employer in Hancock County, the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reported.
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A Kentucky man pardoned by former Gov. Matt Bevin, who said the man will do “great things with his life,” is facing assault and strangulation charges.The Kentucky Enquirer reports 20-year-old Johiem Bandy, of Covington, is charged with strangulation, assault and second-degree criminal mischief for incidents that happened in March and April, according to court documents.
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With the Fourth of July nearly here officials are issuing a reminder on firework safety.”The sparkler’s that everyone likes to give the little kids, they burn somewhere between 18 hundred and two thousand degrees,” says Fire Marshal Tracey Key said. ”These things can hurt you in a moment’s notice, and turn your fantastic party into pretty much a disaster.” The following safety tips are also recommended: Wear safety glasses.Follow the instructions on the fireworks.Light the fireworks off of a flat and level ground that’s 200 feet away from the building and other people.
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A trail system that was developed just in the last five years is now being used by mountain bikers from across the Commonwealth. Ben Braman is the designer and builder behind the Perry County Trail System. He says in partnership with the Perry County Trail System, the Bluegrass Mountain Cup held a mountain bike race in Perry County on Sunday. The Bluegrass Mountain Cup kicked off a weekend full of racing on Saturday with the inaugural Kiss the Goat Trail Race, finishing off their mountain bike racing series on Sunday.
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It’s the biggest pro-life victory in decades. The Supreme Court today has overturned Roe v. Wade, effectively ending recognition of a constitutional right to abortion and giving individual states the power to allow, limit, or ban the practice altogether.The ruling came in the court’s opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which centered on a Mississippi law that banned abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.Meanwhile,KY Attorney General Daneil Cameron is among that leaders with reaction saying Today is a day that many have hoped for-the issue of abortion has been returned to the people and to the states, where it belongs. This moment deserves to be celebrated, but it also calls for renewed commitment. Renewed commitment to life-affirming care for the unborn, for mothers, and for Kentucky families.
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Drivers in the Commonwealth can now report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General and under state law price gougers can be held accountable.“Kentucky families deserve relief from increasing gas prices,” Gov. Beshear said during a recent news conference. The governor recently sent a letter to Attorney General Daniel Cameron asking for advice about making the declaration. Cameron responded that his office had already received more than 260 complaints of price gouging with 22 of those stating that prices were 10% or more above the state average at the time.
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Officials with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture have increased funding for one program for farmers markets.Kentucky Department of Agriculture announced that an additional $25,000 in funding would be put towards the senior farmers market nutrition program. That will help boost the total funding to more than half a million dollars, doing their part to help ensure inflation does not leave Eastern Kentucky seniors in trouble needing food.
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A federal grand jury in London, KY has indicted a Kentucky State Police trooper for conspiracy as well as engaging in misleading conduct in order to prevent communication to a federal official or commission of a federal offense.32-year-old Michael L. Howell, along with a second KSP Trooper, are alleged to have conspired with others in an effort to conceal the true nature of force used by KSP Troopers, and the circumstances under which force is used, to detain an arrestee.
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From hearing lectures to even watching anopen heart surgery, Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) is working with its partners to address the ongoing nationwide nursing crisis with the creation of the Appalachian Nursing Academy.The academy brought 17 students from across Kentucky’s Appalachian counties into Pikeville last week for a two-week summer program aimed at mentoring, teaching, and exploring the local nursing field. Tomorrow a ceremony will take place to celebrate the students’ accomplishments, sending them home with certificates of completion, prizes, and scholarships to be used in the continuance of their educations.
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Gov. Andy Beshear on June 22 announced the opening of a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Driver Licensing Regional Office in Pikeville.The new office is at 126 Trivette Drive. Its business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beshear says Kentuckians have more choices, like opting for a REAL ID version that’s accepted for air travel and military base access, renewing online or by mail, or choosing a card good for eight years instead of four.
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Staying off your phone and paying attention are the main tips from AAA to reduce motorcycle crashes.Lori Weaver Hawkins with AAA Bluegrass says the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the ‘100 deadliest days’ and that’s because of the increase in crashes overall. And with more motorcyclists on the road because of gas prices, we’ve already seen a number of crashes over the last several weeks.
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A bipartisan government relations, public affairs and consulting firm announced it would be opening an office in Frankfort, Kentucky.The Cornerstone Government Affairs office will initially have Katelyn Bunning, former legislative director to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Karen Kelly, former district director to the Dean of the House of Representatives Hal Rogers (R-KY), and Ethan Witt, former assistant vice president of government and community relations for Eastern Kentucky University.
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Even adoptable animals are having to be euthanized as an animal shelter in Hazard is experiencing a surplus of animals that are in desperate need of homes.Those with the Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter said they are running out of room to house any more strays, but animals are still showing up. Earlier this week 25 animals were left at the shelter and before the gates opened the next day there were already 10 more.To learn more about ways to volunteer, adopt or foster, contact The Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter via Facebook.
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Kentucky’s most populated county has received nearly $360,000 in awards to enhance accessibility and improve three parks, Gov. Andy Beshear said.The funding is for projects at Jefferson Memorial Forest in Fairdale, Little Hunting Creek Park in Prospect and Wetherby Park in Middletown – all in Jefferson County.The funding comes from the Land & Water Conservation Fund.
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Governor Andy Beshear has announced the opening of a new driver licensing regional office in Pikeville on Wednesday, making it the 30th office to open across the commonwealth.The new office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 126 Trivette Drive.“We continue to expand access to Driver Licensing Regional Offices as one of three ways Kentuckians can now renew a driver’s licenses or state identification card,” says Beshear.
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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has run into a roadblock in trying to deliver relief for Louisville-area motorists forced to pay more at the pump for reformulated gas.Federal regulators denied his request for a waiver to temporarily remove the requirement that costlier but cleaner-burning reformulated fuel be sold in Metro Louisville, the Democratic governor said Tuesday
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To make college more accessible, Governor Andy Beshear has announced Eastern Kentucky University will be getting a total of $369,200 to improve safety and accessibility features on campus.The money will help build a six-foot-wide sidewalk, with adequate lighting to give students and faculty a safer way to and from campus.The funding is from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and improvements will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA).
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If you are out on the interstate the rest of this week and notice more Kentucky State Troopers out patrolling than usual, there is a reason for that.Tuesday through Thursday, troopers will be monitoring interstates as part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s SafeDRIVE initiative.The “DRIVE” in SafeDRIVE’s acronym stands for Distracted Reckless Impaired Visibility Enforcement.Major Nathan Day, Director for the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, says Operation SafeDRIVE can significantly impact highway safety.
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A recently passed law in Kentucky mandates every school district assign a School Resource Officer (SRO) to each of its campuses.House Bill 63 passed the General Assembly during the 2022 legislative session and was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear in April.Since then school districts across the region have put plans in motion to comply with the law by the August 1, 2022 deadline.
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The Fourth of July is just two weeks away. Ahead of holidays like Independence Day, it’s important to know your county’s rules and regulations for fireworks.In Kentucky, the state law says you cannot ignite fireworks within 200 feet of homes, vehicles, structures, or other people. Each county also has rules on exactly which fireworks are permitted.“A good rule of thumb here in Fayette County is if it goes up or blows up, it’s illegal in Fayette County,” says a Lexington firefighter.
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The Morgan County Rescue Squad received a big boost from the Judge-Executive’s office.On Monday, Morgan County Judge-Executive John Will Stacy presented a more than $49,000 check to the county’s rescue squad.Several members of the team were on hand for the check presentation.The money will be used for equipment and support of the work the rescue squad provides to the region.
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During a special Pike County Fiscal Court meeting recently, the court heard an update on the landfill expansion project from Tom Ramsey, project engineer for the project from Geosyntec Consultants.“Mr. Ramsey has worked on the permitting process for the landfill expansion,” said Pike Judge-Executive Ray Jones. “That permit was approved in the spring and the next step is to submit the technical drawings and once submitted, probably in the fall or early winter we anticipate that the state division of waste management will approve the design of the landfill expansion.”
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The Magoffin County school system is mourning the death of Brenda Prater.A Facebook post said Prater began working with the system in August of 1990 as a bus driver.“For over 30 years, she was an excellent and reliable employee who will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her, especially the children she carefully transported on Bus 2030,” the post said.The post went on to say Prater was a vital member of the system’s transportation department and her service will not be forgotten.
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Kentucky transportation officials are advising motorists of lane closures on Interstate 75 and state highways during this coming week.The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet also says the Dorena-Hickman Ferry connecting the state with Missouri across the Mississippi River has resumed operating.Officials said ramp changes are planned for I-75 exit 15 in Whitley County have alreaady begun for pavement projects.
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In the U.S., a pedestrian is killed every 84 seconds in a roadway-related incident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.With the weather heating up and kids out of school, more people could be out near roadways. Because of this, health and safety experts are reminding everyone of the necessary precautions to stay safe when out walking, running, or biking.Scott Lockard, Public Health Director for the Kentucky River District Health Department says it’s important to be mindful of where you choose to walk as well.“These country roads that are narrow, especially around curbs, may not be the best place to do so, so is there a better quality place to get in that exercise,” says Lockard.
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Saying it isn’t uncommon to be found exploring a crime scene in the dark in Scott County, the Georgetown Police Department was awarded six new Guardian Angel Light Devices to help officers while they work in low light conditions. Officer Ryan Hill said the clip on devices come in handy while directing traffic or working a collision.They have multiple light settings. The devices clip on to an officer’s vest, and come with an attachment for a bike.
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Broadband is important to Governor Andy Beshear who just announced funding for broadband expansion in the Commonwealth.The funding, which totals to more than $89 million, is part of the Governor’s Better Kentucky Plan.The money is going towards bringing faster, more reliable internet to unserved communities across the state.
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Experts are recommending with summer weather already here, it’s important for everyone to wear protective sunscreen, including children.Sun damage can have serious long-term consequences, and Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD said getting sunburn as a child can increase the risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. She says the best kind is the one you can rub into the skin.
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Dozens of volunteers showed up over the weekend at the Kentucky River to help with trash clean-up.The annual river sweep has been a tradition for the past 25 years. “Unlike many cities, we have a lot of creeks that flow through our city, but we don’t have a river that runs through the middle,” said Jennifer Myatt, Fayette County River Sweep coordinator. “We get to bring people down and they get to see the Kentucky river up close.”Myatt said the group usually picks up around 1 ton of trash that included lawn furniture, old coolers, pieces of boats, a water heater and even a message in a bottle.
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The Kentucky Supreme Court has agreed to consider a lawsuit that seeks to re-erect a statue of a Louisville civic and military leader who fought for the Confederacy before later renouncing it.
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Johnny Augusta, a former Cumberland mayor and City Council member, died on Saturday.Augusta was the husband of another former mayor, Sara Augusta.Funeral arrangements have not been released.
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Programs range from crafts, reading, and entertainment events, but all focus on stopping the “summer slide,” when kids lose some of the information they have learned over summer vacation as the Pike County Library has recently kicked off its summer programs for kids 12 and under.Programs are offered three times a week, providing summer learning experiences, and an opportunity to strengthen social skills and have some fun.“We have three programs every week for kids,” said program coordinator Maggie Salisbury.
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Rowan County is looking more friendly for hikers and bikers thanks to a new bike and pedestrian plan.On Thursday, Senior Advisor to Gov. Andy Beshear Rocky Adkins presented a $240,000 check from the governor’s office to Rowan County Tourism to help get things moving.The plan includes upgrades to city sidewalks in Morehead as well as upgrades to trails across the county, including the Daniel Boone National Forest.“It’s amazing for our communities. Anything for recreation for our communities. If nothing else, the pandemic has taught us is to embrace our outdoors, and we’re surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest.
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The MMRC Regional Industrial Park in Rowan County is getting a big boost from $452 thousand in funding.A bit more than $200 thousand is coming from the Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet and the Regional Industrial Development Authority is matching that amount.Governor Andy Beshear’s Senior Advisor Rocky Adkins was in Rowan County Thursday to present the check. That sum will go toward building infrastructure and other development.It includes a 150 thousand square foot pad on a 22 acre site to build on.
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Federal funding has been awarded to Kentucky to support protections for older adults and those with disabilities, officials said.Adult Protective Services in Kentucky will receive $2.1 million and the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman will receive $238,000 from the Administration for Community Living, Gov. Andy Beshear said Wednesday in a statement.
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June is Men’s Health Month. Healthcare workers say while there are specific diseases and illnesses men are more prone to get, they are less likely to go to the doctor for sickness or wellness checks.”They’re also less likely to see a doctor regularly, especially just for a well check, ya see, people come to us when they’re sick thankfully, but we like to see people when they’re well so that we can keep them well,” Kay Greer, Advance Practice RN at CHI Saint Joseph London, said.Healthcare workers are encouraging men to go to the doctor during Men’s Health Month, or any time, for a wellness check that could end up being lifesaving.
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A sharply divided Kentucky Supreme Court ruled Thursday that police violated a robbery suspect’s constitutional protections by accessing his cellphone without a warrant, calling use of the phone as a tracking device “profoundly invasive.”In the 4-3 decision, the court’s majority said the robbery suspect was subjected to a warrantless search when police obtained his real-time cellphone location information.
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In the wake of a recent drowning in Laurel County and as the heat wave continues, many families are turning to the pool, but unsupervised children can find their way into bodies of water unexpectedly. Swim safety instructors say it’s never too early or too late to learn how to swim.In the corner of a packed YMCA pool, life saving practices are put into action. Amid excited screams and splashes, every second is counted. The swim instructors’ goal is to prevent an emergency.“It’s never too late to learn how to swim,” YMCA District Vice President Dana Ensley said. And also says it’s never too early.
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The Big Sandy chapter of The Sons of the American Revolution and Boy Scout Troop 147 held a flag retirement ceremony Tuesday evening at Archer Park near Prestonsburg.The traditional process separates the field of united blue stars and the red and white bands paying special reverence to each individual piece.Cub scouts, Boy Scouts and members of the community respectfully retired more than 100 flags too torn or dirty to continue flying.
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Some drivers in the southern counties will have another place to go closer to home to get their drivers licenses renewed and the soon to be required REAL IDs. Gov. Andy Beshear has announced a new Kentucky Transportation Cabinet regional office will open in Pineville.The office is located at 101 Courthouse Square on the second floor and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.The Pineville office is the 29th KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office, with at least two more offices planned at Pikeville and a second location in Lexington.There is a similar location in Jackson.
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Kentucky’s Republican attorney general went to court Tuesday claiming the Democratic governor’s administration missed a deadline to set up a regulatory process for a sweeping new abortion law currently blocked by a federal court order.In a maneuver loaded with political and legal implications, Attorney General Daniel Cameron said in his lawsuit against Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration that state officials are still obligated to craft regulations and create forms associated with the new law’s restrictions.
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CHI Saint Joseph Health is notifying patients by mail that private information might have been exposed.CHI Saint Joseph Health says one of their vendor partners, MCG Health, informed them of a cybersecurity event that may have exposed some of our patients’ protected health information. According to a press release, MCG determined on March 25, 2022, that an unauthorized party had previously obtained personal information that matched data stored on MCG’s systems.
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The Challenger Center’s STEAM Team internship program gives high school students an opportunity to have a Summer of skills development and community volunteering.The community service part of the mission kicked off at the Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter this week, where the interns dropped off dog runs, and medical and cleaning supplies to the overcrowded facility.STEAM Team Program Manager Joseph Collins said while volunteering is a huge part of the program, the experiences are rooted in giving young people unique building experiences.
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Just months away from midterm elections and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has announced his support for his chamber’s emerging bipartisan gun agreement, boosting momentum for modest but notable election-year action by Congress on an issue that’s deadlocked lawmakers for three decades.The Kentucky Republican said he hoped an outline of the accord, released Sunday by 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans, would be translated into legislation and enacted.
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The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is observing Juneteenth with two free presentations.Ranger Layton Carr will lead a discussion at 11 a.m. Saturday about Abraham Lincoln’s legacy in pushing for emancipation and how that led to the formation of Juneteenth, the National Park Service said in a statement.In the afternoon, Kentucky Humanities Council Chautauqua performer Virgil Covington Jr. will portray William Wells Brown in a living history presentation “How I Got My Name,” according to a statement.
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As you try to beat the heat this week, power companies and cooperatives are getting ready for more people to boost their air conditioning.Daniel Lowry with Kentucky Utilities said they’ll treat this week much like any other, and that they’re anticipating no issues even with the high temperatures.“Fortunately, we have sufficient generation capacity to meet that energy demand,” Lowry said.Lowry adds to increase your thermostat setting to the highest point possible to keep your home comfortable and that even a sligt adjust can save up to 7% on your bill.
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Bluegrass Crime Stoppers is partnering with the Lexington Police Department on an initiative that aims to help solve some homicide cases in central Kentucky, officials said.Bluegrass Crime Stoppers has committed $10,000 over the next three months to unsolved homicides from 2022 in Lexington, police detective Anthony Delimpo said in a statement.
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In the hot weather you might want to schedule a car inspection. High temps can even be extremely costly when it comes to your car. “A lot of overheating problems, a lot of air conditioner problems, a lot of battery problems. That pretty much wraps it up because the heat is just as bad on the cars as the cold air is,” said John Parker, general manager of Complete Automotive.Parker says it can really cost you in the long run.“It’s fairly cheap to do an inspection, compared to a repair. Sometimes it gets outrageous,” Parker said.
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Partnership Housing in Owsley County is among the lucky non-profit recipients the Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels awarded among 32 Eastern Kentucky non-profits more than $320,000.The event, which was held at the Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg, marks the beginning of the ‘Colonels’ Grant-Impact Week.This year, more than $3 million will be awarded to 314 non-profits across the commonwealth.
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The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding anyone seeking physical damage disaster loans following storms on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day that the deadline to file their application is coming up soon.The deadline is July 18, 2022.The declaration includes, in our area: Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Martin, and Pike Counties in Kentucky; Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise Counties in Virginia; and Mingo County in West Virginia. The physical damage disaster loans cover physical property damage caused by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides.
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Winning more than 32 medals at the USA Special Olympics games, including 15 gold medals Team Kentucky has returned to Louisville following the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games according to a press release.For the first time ever, all 58 athletes, Unified partners, and coaches that make up the team were on the same flight together from Orlando to Louisville, the release said.
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A program is being launched that would allow cities and counties to apply for transportation, support groups, recovery meetings and employment services at no cost to those looking for treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. It’s in the form of a bill signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear following last year’s general assembly could help create “Recovery Ready Communities” in an effort to help those battling drug addiction.
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Already assiting with getting 76-million dollars into the region for water, now, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Congressman Hal Rogers have announced more funding for water system improvements in the city of Wheelwright, Kentucky.The $770,669 comes from an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) infrastructure program, which was established by McConnell.The ARC program aims to provide funding to distressed communities in Central Appalachia.
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Ford Motor Co. has awarded a volunteer fire department more than $40,000 raised from the sale of timber harvested at the future site of twin electric vehicle battery plants in Kentucky.The donation to the Glendale Volunteer Fire Department totaled $41,589, increasing the department’s annual average budget of $80,000 by more than 50%, Ford said.
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The more than 1500 people filling Blue Grass Airport Saturday night experienced alot of different emotions.The more than 130 veterans, on the first all-woman Honor Flight Kentucky, were met with hugs, tears, gifts, and most importantly love from people all over the state.They were flown for free to the nation’s capitol for a time to be honored for their service.
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Standing on the front porch of a newly built home, a western Kentucky town devastated by a tornado six months ago celebrated another milestone in its recovery a few days ago – part of a massive relief effort that Gov. Andy Beshear hailed as representing “the best of America.”Three families were handed keys to their new homes in Mayfield – the first houses to be fully constructed since the town took a direct hit from the storm system that spawned deadly tornadoes last Dec. 10 and 11. Eighty-one people died in Kentucky.
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Pass on the ketchup and mustard a locally owned and family-operated food truck is combining a cookout favorite with crazy toppings and combinations.Weird Az Hotdogs owner Richard Burchett says it’s all about bringing new flavors to the mountains and Eastern Kentucky.Hotdogs like “The Big Marsh”, a caramel, chocolate, and roasted marshmallow-topped hotdog, a peanut butter and jelly hotdog, or a hotdog simply known as the “Cereal Killer” are just some of Burchett’s concoctions.
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Floyd County officials are excited for the future as a project to lift up the Martin community- in more ways than one- continues its second phase.The Army Corps of Engineers Martin Flood Project is working to take down the old structures in the downtown area and lift up the land to target flood concerns on the city’s Main Street. Officials say phase 2 should be completed by March 2023.
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The visitation for a Breathitt County football player who died unexpectedly is 6 p.m. tonight at the Herald & Stewart & Halsey Funeral Home in West Liberty.Jason Blake Perry died Sunday, June 5, at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington.The 16-year-old had just completed his sophomore year at Breathitt County High School.The cause of death has not been released.
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The National Drowning Prevention Alliance reports the United States loses hundreds of children to unintentional drowning each year.Before you head to the pool, make sure you have some safety precautions in mind.“Just know your boundaries. If you can swim good then do what you want, but if you can’t try to stay in the shallow end and learn before you go out and try to swim in the deep end or dive or anything,” said Noah Pack, a lifeguard at the Perry County Pool. And Noah says never let kids swim alone.
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Another chemical nerve agent destroyed, and one more to go. Officials with the Blue Grass Chemical Outreach Office have announced all the VX rockets stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot have been neutralized.The Blue Grass Chemical Outreach Office has announced the elimination of 17,000 rockets containing the VX nerve agent. Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe said the entire chemical stockpile is almost destroyed.
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With kids out of school and the woes of inflation and gas prices, there’s more pressure on parents to provide three meals a day.Louisville nonprofit Neighborhood House is doing everything they can to make it possible to feed everyone with their food pantry in Portland. They serve children and families in Dare to Care’s service area, including all eight counties in Kentucky and five counties in Southern Indiana. Organizers say anyone can stop by to pick up box of dry, canned, and frozen goods. All someone needs is their ID and a piece of mail.
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Just for you! If you have been looking for a guide for local trails, restaurants or other fun things to do in the region, soon enough there will be an app for that.Backroads of Appalachia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting motorsports in the region all while improving local tourism and economy, will be launching the Backroads of Appalachia app on Friday, June 10.
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Red River Economic Development has started a fundraising campaign as they continue to push their concerns over a resort development for the Red River Gorge.The proposal was first discussed nearly three years ago, and includes a restaurant, distillery and room for live performances.They are looking for $60,000 to fund studies on any environmental impacts the development would cause in the area. Developers said the nearly 900-acre site would bring 500 jobs to the area.
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Then, the board overseeing Kentucky’s largest school district has filed a lawsuit over legislation passed this year that would shift some authority from the panel to the superintendent.Jefferson County’s board of education said Monday that it sued state Education Commissioner Jason Glass in Jefferson County Circuit Court to block portions of the sweeping education measure that set to take effect on July 14, news outlets reported. The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of the new limits.
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The Interim Joint Committee on Education met in Frankfort this week to discuss the state’s teacher shortage.Kentucky Education Commissioner Dr. Jason Glass said the shortage will get worse if lawmakers don’t act.Dr. Glass told lawmakers that even though alternative teaching programs like Teach For America help address the shortage, the biggest focus should be on traditional teaching programs here in Kentucky.
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Honor Flight Kentucky has been flying veterans from Lexington to DC to recognize them for their service. But this weekend, there’s a change with recognizing women veterans.For the first time ever, Honor Flight Kentucky will take off for the nation’s capital with only women on board. The weekend trip will be spent celebrating and honoring the more than 130 Kentucky women.
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Kentucky tourism directors are already seeing an uptick in crowds at events and a sense of getting back to normal for the first time in two years.“So far this year, it’s done really well as far as the turnout, the kids are all there, people smiling, people are hugging again,” Tim Parks, Manchester Tourism Director said.Along with full crowds for early summer events, directors are seeing an increase in ticket sales to upcoming events.”Manchester Music Fest in September, our VIP tickets went on sale Saturday at noon, and we have sold 60% of those tickets in less than a week,” Parks said.
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The Daniel Boone National Forest is waiving fees at recreation sites in honor of National Get Outdoors Day.Fees won’t be collected at forest-operated recreation sites on Saturday, a statement from the U.S. Forest Service said. The waiver does not apply to concession-operated sites and reserve group-use areas.The day was established for both experienced outdoor enthusiasts and newcomers to explore the outdoors.
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GPS tracking helped to track two men from Bell County who’ve been arrested, charged with attempting to steal telephone wire.Just after 4:00 p.m. Monday, Bell County dispatchers received a call from AT&T representatives regarding phone company staff tracking freshly cut phone line.AT&T representatives said the line had been cut in the area of Old Pineville Pike.
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This past weekend, Walters GM Automall and McCoy Motorsports were both reportedly vandalized.On the Walters GM Facebook page, a post, with pictures of the man who reportedly vandalized the property, asked people in the area to contact the business with any information.If you recognize the man, you can call 606-268-9489 or message Walters GM on Facebook.
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After being closed for two years because of the pandemic, the Christian Appalachian Project has reopened its thrift store in Mount Vernon.The store, Grateful Threadz, has been a staple in the Mount Vernon community since the doors first opened in 2008. The COVID-19 pandemic forced them to close their doors in March 2020 but those doors are opening once again. The Christian Appalachian Project offers affordable clothing and household items to families in the community.
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According to state health officials there are many blood donations in Southern Kentucky in the O negative category and with the Kentucky Blood Center serving 70 hospitals donation centers like the new location in Corbin help keep supply in stock.”We like to have a three day supply of blood on our shelves at all times,” said Mandy Brajuha with the Kentucky Blood Center. “We have been at a one day or less supply for the better part of two years now.” The new location is in Southern Kentucky.
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Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron has introduced the members of a new opioid settlement commission.The new commission will decide how to spend the more than $480 million settlement concerning the opioid crisis in Kentucky.“I hate to say its well deserved because it has a bad story in why it is deserved. But at the next of the day it is great to see something positive coming from that,” said Kevin Horn of the Isaiah House. The CDC reported that Kentucky had a more than 13.5% increase in overdose deaths in the last year.
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With people going back to work after the pandemic and the tough economy animal shelters and rescues across the state are in a dire state.Anita Spreitzer the VP and General Manager of Paws 4 the Cause said they’re calling it a Code Red Crisis situation.“It’s really bad right now. Very bad. The worst I’ve seen in 12 years here in Kentucky.”Spreitzer said unless they can find people to at least foster right now, shelters will have to euthanize dogs and cats in large numbers.
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Kentucky State Representative Savannah Maddox has announced she will be entering her name into the gubernatorial race.On May 26, Maddox shared a tweet that said a “special announcement” would be coming on June 6. Today, a candidacy website was launched for Maddox’s campaign. She also changed her Twitter biography to say “Candidate for Governor”. She also changed her header to a candidacy banner.
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A Kentucky man was fatally shot Saturday outside a church where a funeral was being held.A woman was also injured in the shooting outside the Unity Worship Center. Lexington Police were called to the center around 2 p.m., The Lexington Herald-Leader reported.Joseph Demetrius Richardson, 35, of Versailles, died of a gunshot wound, according to the Fayette County coroner’s office.
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With the federal governoment reporting the creation of 390-thousand new jobs last month the restaurant industry in Kentucky is hoping for even a fraction of those new job numbers.“Coming out of the pandemic, we were really low and we did see wages increase, which is great,” Stacy Roof from the Kentucky Restaurant Association said. “But we still haven’t seen as many people come back as we need.”Normally, when someone says the phrase “pre-pandemic,” they’re referring to a good thing. Restaurants have struggled throughout the pandemic, but things weren’t exactly rosy before it either,” she says.
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A three-time mayor of the City of Hyden has died.78-year-old Eugene Stewart died at the Mary Breckinridge Hospital in Hyden.Stewart served as mayor from 1994 until 2006.Prior to his mayoral stint, he served several terms on the Hyden City Council.As the mayor of Hyden, Stewart obtained a $3 million upgrade and renovation to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, secured new sidewalks and streetlights, acquired a city police force of five full-time officers.
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A place known for chicken is showcasing its other specialty in its seventh annual Burger Week.“This week is all about giving our local chefs an opportunity to showcase their skills,” Executive Director at Kentucky Tourism and Convention Commission Maggy Monhollen said.Nine restaurants in Corbin will be participating in Burger Week, each spending weeks preparing the perfect burger.Each specialty burger is six dollars.
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Bell County Volunteer Fire Department officials said some people will work in their yard in the middle of the summer heat. They say that is often the hottest time, adding it is the worst time to get outside and work.”Early in the morning, late in the evening, to remain hydrated is really, really important,” said Tim H. Mills with the fire department. “Sometimes we feel healthy when we’re outside working and we’re sweating, and it is a good thing, it is healthy.”
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In Jefferson County, one state-level lawmaker isn’t waiting around for the federal government. Rep. Ken Fleming (R-District 48) has been working to bring a free mental health and threat-reporting app to Kentucky for months.“It’s a cooperative, collaborative approach with law enforcement and mental health communities in order to make this happen,” Fleming said.The name of the app being developed is called SafeKY.
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With summertime in Kentucky comes the onslaught of mosquitos. So, the Fayette County Health Department has announced a new initiative to “fight the bite.”“The first thing that people need to do is to take steps on their own. Take a walk around your yard and eliminate standing water,” said Kevin Hall with the health department. Health officials say you can pick up the free larvacide tablets to fight the bite at the health department and put them in standing water locations in your yard. The health department will also instruct you on how to use them effectively.
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The new Mountain Comprehensive Health Care (MCHC) clinic opened in Elkhorn City this month. The event brought to fruition a commitment made over 10 years ago to build a clinic in Elkhorn City.“This is a great day in Elkhorn City,” Mayor Mike Taylor said. “It took a while but it’s here and it’s open.” According to the clinic’s CEO we suffered some setbacks with funding that never took place and of course COVID set us back a bit.
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A new park costing 1.16 million dollars allowing public access to the Kentucky River is planned in Fayette County.The city plans to purchase 30 acres (12 hectares) on the river near the Interstate 75 bridge into Madison County, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said last week in a statement. The city has signed an agreement, but the Urban County Council still needs to approve it. Funding will come from developer’s fees.
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Pike County Central High School Life Management and JROTC classes participated in the 2022 Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment Community Clean Up at Mossy Bottom in Pike County.The students and staff were able to gather and fill more than 25 industrial sized garbage bags.
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A new park that will allow public access to the Kentucky River is planned in Fayette County with the cost being paid for by developerss fees.The city plans to purchase 30 acres (12 hectares) on the river near the Interstate 75 bridge into Madison County, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said last week in a statement. The city has signed an agreement, but the Urban County Council still needs to approve it.
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U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) has announced he has requested nearly $54 million for 15 community projects in southern and Eastern Kentucky in fiscal year 2023 to revitalize the region. The earmark requests include medical training, flood control, expanding access to clean water and reliable sewer systems, roadway construction, bolstering substance abuse recovery and prevention efforts, and creating new economic development opportunities.
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A police investigation is underway at an Eastern Kentucky school district looking into damage left behind by students.Johnson County Schools Superintendent Thom Cochran released a statement Monday evening discussing the matter.Cochran said he learned about damage left to Paintsville High School’s baseball field. He said there were “JC” signs spray painted and district runner-up medallions belonging to students of the Johnson Central High School baseball team left on the field.
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During the recent Pike County Board of Education meeting, the board approved a budget for the coming fiscal year.The 2022-2023 Tentative Budget and 2022-2023 Principals Combined Budgets were approved.The board must approve a Tentative Budget for 2022-2023 school year that is balanced.Superintendent Dr. Reed Adkins said the state requires a 2 percent contingency fund, and the Pike County School District is at 8 percent.
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And the winner is..Candace Terrell, owner of the pet groomers business Bella Pooch received the award for Best Window Decoration in the City of Pikeville in celebration of “National Police Officer”Week.”Terrell announced she has decided to donate the prizes donated by the Appalachian News-Express and Mountain Top Media to local charities.The contest was a project of the City of Pikeville Tourism and Pikeville Police Department.
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The Big Blue Nation is raising money to support UK color analyst and former UK basketball player Mike Pratt.He was diagnosed with cancer back in 2019 and had a tumor removed from his colon, then one removed from his liver.Pratt underwent radiation, but the cancer has returned. UK men’s basketball Head Coach John Calipari says he and his wife, Ellen, will match $50,000 in donations.
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Williams Roberts, the Commander of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 133 in Leslie County, is asking for support from veterans and people in the county during an announcement on Memorial Day.DAV volunteers assist veterans in life and offer an honor guard and funeral services for Kentucky’s soldiers when they die.Commander Roberts said his chapter needs veterans to volunteer with them urgently so the chapter members may continue their work.Roberts said to call (606) 672-2253 if you are able to help.
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Serving meals now twice weekly on Mondays and Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm volunteers, officials and community members gathered at the Grace Community Kitchen in Pikeville to celebrate its seven-year anniversary of serving the community.Although the kitchen officially opened seven years ago, Executive Director Debby Bailey said the church has been serving free meals more than 10 years prior on holidays like Easter and Christmas, and through time, hard work and guidance from the Lord, the kitchen was born and started serving meals more frequently.
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Education officials say it’s going to be tough, but the Madison County Board of Education has become the latest school district to approve raises for teachers and staff.A three percent raise will go into effect for certified staff, and an extra dollar an hour for classified staff.In a meeting Thursday night, the board says teachers deserve the raises, but it is going to strain their budget.All Kentucky districts are being given an increase in SEEK funding, which is set to help cover the costs for district-based raises.
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A Kentucky coal company has been found in contempt for failing to submit court-ordered plans to clean up two polluted West Virginia mine sites.U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers issued a contempt order against Lexington Coal Company LLC.Environmental groups alleged in a 2019 lawsuit that the company was discharging pollutants illegally at its Low Gap Surface Mine No. 2 and No. 10 Mine.
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Governor Andy Beshear has announced incoming Kentucky high school seniors, who have previously taken the ACT, will be eligible to take the test a second time for free.According to national data, students are more likely to increase their ACT score by retaking the test a second time.“This is an education-first administration, and our goal is to provide opportunities for Kentucky’s kids to succeed in their goals of a post-secondary education,” said Gov. Beshear. “
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Batten down the hatches according to Thousand Sticks Volunteer Fire Department Captain John Newell saying they were called to a crash on Hal Rogers Parkway in Leslie County early Wednesday morning.”What happened is the truck carrying these vehicles lost them and apparently, according to him [driver], he did not know that these had fallen off his truck,” said Newell.He wants to remind drivers not to follow too close to trucks or cars in front of them. Newell added they could have responded to a scene much worse if someone had been following this driver.
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The first memorial was dedicated nearly 22 years ago. Now more names have been added to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial.Since 2007, the memorial has been in Richmond, near the Department of Criminal Justice Training Center. It was moved there after the original memorial became too small for all the names that were being added.Thursday, seven officers who died in the line of duty last year were recognized, along with five others who are historical honorees.
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The 118th Kentucky State Fair will be at the Kentucky Exposition Center from August 18-28.Six of the 26 acts that will be performing as part of the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series were announced, which will be free with fair admission, according to a release.Headliners include the Oak Ridge Boys, Trace Adkins and Niko Moon.Additional acts are expected to be announced on June 1.Early purchase tickets are 8 dollars per person.
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After flood waters went through Pike County awhile ago and drying up FEMA assistance applications for assistance opened online and through next week with SBA workers set up a Kentucky Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Belfry Volunteer Fire Department. The loans could get homeowners up to $200,000 in loans, with a 1.43% interest rate over the next 30 years, could help homeowners and renters with up to $40,000 in replacing personal items, and help local businesses that were impacted by the unexpected flooding this winter.
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An unfortunate report, Feeding America released The State of Senior Hunger in America in 2020, a study that sheds light on the extent to which food insecurity – or having limited access to enough food to live a healthy lifestyle – affects individuals aged 60 and older.The report shows that in 2020, 6.8 percent of seniors aged 60 or older in the United States, or 5.2 million seniors total, were food insecure, a rate that was unchanged compared to 2019. In Kentucky, the food insecurity rate for seniors was 10.8 percent, higher compared to the national rate and 4th highest in the nation.
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Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ? MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2022, the hospital announced in a statement this week. PMC is one of only 240 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.The statement said the award recognizes PMC’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients.
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A reminder from state highway officials more than 1,200 work zone crashes across Kentucky last year resulted in almost 300 injuries and seven deaths, six of those deaths were drivers or passengers.“However, when folks do enter the work zone, we do need to make sure they are entering it at safe speeds and watching out for the workers,” said Jason Siwula, Kentucky Office of Highway Safety.Police also said road rage is leading to crashes, as drivers get angry at some driving too fast or too slow.
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There’s no place quite like home as Housing Development Alliance workers are digging the last footer in Gurneys Bend, just one year after the project kicked off.On May 11, 2021, HDA partnered with the City of Hazard with the goal of building 15 new homes for low income citizens. Today that goal became a reality as they began digging on the 15th home.11 homeowners have moved in as of May 25, 2022.City officials plan a celebration in the fall.
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God’s Pantry Food Bank is ready as some school districts in central and eastern Kentucky are already finished with the school year.However, some children who depend on school breakfast and lunch still need to be fed. “There are two times in a year where hunger is particularly pronounced. One is during the holidays when we are trying to do all the things we are trying to do during the holidays. The other is at the beginning of the summer when school ends and children need support during the summer,” said Michael Halligan, CEO of God’s Pantry Food Bank.He says last summer, the number of children fed through this program reached about 70,000.
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A former Clay County sheriff’s deputy pleaded guilty on a charge Tuesday in the Clay County Circuit Court.Troopers said the guilty plea comes from an investigation that began in January 2020. Brandon Edwards, 30, pleaded guilty to one county of “unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to into prohibited activities.”Police said that is a Class D felony. He was indicted on the charge in July 2020.Edwards is due to be sentenced the beginning of August.
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As we head into Memorial Day weekend, more Kentuckians are looking to head out on the roads despite high gas prices.AAA of the Bluegrass estimates half a million Kentuckians are hitting the road.“A lot of people said, ‘Hey, we’re taking that trip anyway. We’re going to cut that budget elsewhere.’ Today we’re looking at gas prices that are right around the $4.60 mark nationwide. Here in Kentucky, we’re averaging just under 4.30, said Lori Weaver Hawkins, public affairs manager for AAA of the Bluegrass.
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Coming up in June, the Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands announced it will be offering three free workshops. The workshops will be for people interested in bidding on reclamation, revitalization or abatement projects.On June 9, the workshop will be held online via Microsoft Teams. On June 14, the offering will be in-person in London at the London AML field office. The third workshop will be held in Prestonsburg June 21 at the Prestonsburg AML Field Office.According to a release from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, the topics will include how to register with the commonwealth as a contractor.
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How about live summer music? The Virginia Theater in downtown Somerset sat empty for almost 30 years, and now city officials said it is almost ready to re-open as a live entertainment space.The 100-year-old theater was built in 1922 and most recently was known as The Virginia Cinema. In 1994, the building was damaged in an ice storm and left to deteriorate.In 2020, the City of Somerset acquired the property and in 2021 the council voted to finance a revitalization project.
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Seven Kentucky law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty last year will be remembered during a ceremony this week.Gov. Andy Beshear will join the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation and the Department of Criminal Justice Training for the ceremony Thursday. The event will be at 10 a.m. at the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial monument site at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet said.
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A Kentucky fire department has honored a hiker who survived a fall of more than 100 feet and nearly died.The Lexington Fire Department honored Joshua Alexander during its annual awards ceremony Saturday, according to news outlets.Alexander spent more than four months in a hospital after he fell during a hike in July and broke ribs, his legs and pelvis, and suffered other injuries.
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During the May 17 Pikeville Independent Schools Board of Education meeting, the board unanimously approved a 3 percent pay increase for all employees.A consent item for approval included the salary schedule for the 2022-2023 school year. Details include a 3 percent pay increase across the board for all Pikeville Independent Schools employees.Pikeville Independent Schools Superintendent David Trimble said the pay increase of 3 percent is a good move forward for everyone.
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Kentucky Congressman Hal Rogers recently announced $2.2 million in funding for a farmer’s market and streetscaping and landscaping projects in downtown Manchester. Now Governor Andy Beshear is joining state leaders and the Volunteers of America to unveil the “1 Clay County” initiative, which aims to boost economic growth in Manchester and the surrounding parts of the county.
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Since peanut butter is one of the most popular items at local food pantries, health officials are investigating a multi-state salmonella outbreak.It’s been linked to certain Jif peanut products made at the J.M. Smucker Company facility in Lexington. The company has voluntarily recalled close to 50 different varieties of peanut butter products.More than a dozen illnesses have been reported.A total of 14 illnesses have been reported in 12 different states. According to the FDA, salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.
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Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument and Mill Springs National Cemetery are working together to honor military service members who died in the line of duty.Memorial Day events will begin at the Mill Springs Battlefield with a remembrance ceremony at Zollicoffer Park to reflect on the Civil War battle, officials said in a statement. Afterward, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Dean Collins will speak the National Cemetery for a service to honor those who died while serving in the military.
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The Appalachian Wireless Arena in collaboration with Pikeville City Tourism, and with the help of the Pikeville Fire Department is currently working to establish a new trail system beginning and ending at the Bob Amos Park.This initial system, according to a statement from the tourism office, will be approximately 5 miles in length and will be a looped system eliminating any backtracking, which will provide an assortment of terrain types and constant scenic changes for the entirety of the trail.
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Pike County is getting a new hiking trail system this summer.The Real McCoy Trail is underway. A five-mile loop, starting and ending at Bob Amos Park.The Appalachian Wireless Arena is in collaboration with Pikeville City Tourism and Pikeville Fire Department to bring the trail to life.Officials are looking for volunteers to help with the construction and maintenance of the trail. Pikeville City Tourism is looking for private property owners to collaborate on furthering Pike County trail systems potential.
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With plans to open by Memorial Day weekens the Star City, Prestonsburg is preparing for a splash-filled summer as crews work to bring back the beach at Dewey Lake.The Dewey Lagoon, a 300-square-foot beach area near the boat ramps at Dewey Lake, will bring a little aquatic action back to the people of Prestonsburg.Organizers say it will cost 3 dollars per person for the Lake entry and then 5 dollars per person if you want to enjoy the obstacle course.
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In Harlan beginning in July 2021 and now after some delay, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Appalachia club leaders say construction equipment is in place and an opening date in the Fall is in sight.Boys and Girls Clubs of Appalachia CEO, Kateena Haynes, said she waited for the news about a new facility for more than one decade until the call came. She adds the new space will allow for expansion of the popular nutrition program.
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It was all about Soon-to-be moms and recent moms gathering at Chaney’s Dairy Barn for Kentucky Moms Day.The event is helped put together by LifeSkills Regional Prevention Center.Soon-to-be moms and recent moms were able to pre-register and win prizes such as toys, diapers, and other baby items.For more information on LifeSkills Regional Prevention Center or the Kentucky Moms group, go to lifeskills.com.
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Following Tuesday’s primary election, a new Pulaski County Judge-Executive will be sworn in next year.Marshall Todd is the Pulaski County Judge-Executive elect, beating incumbent Steve Kelley by more than four thousand votes.Todd said he was thrilled and surprised by the voter turnout for him.He says he plans to have an open and honest government for the people.
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Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear was joined by Republican lawmakers to highlight recently passed legislation to support military families.One measure expands the Military Family Assistance Trust Fund to provide money for emergency expenses for members of the Kentucky National Guard and reserve components calling Kentucky home. Expenses include housing, utilities, groceries, health insurance co-pays and child care.
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As a way of connecting with the kids the Pineville Police Department is working to build a healthy relationship with students throughout the community.”The kids are our main goal, I mean we love the kids, we do anything we can do to help them,” Chief Brandon Hollingsworth at Pineville Police Department said.They supply students with school supplies at the beginning of every year, participate in shop with a cop around Christmas and help out with other community and school events.
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To raise money for Shop With A Trooper Kentucky State Police Post 9 is inviting car enthusiasts to show off and show out in Pikeville this weekend, hosting the post’s second car show.The outdoor car show kicks off behind Pikeville’s Applebee’s Saturday, with registration open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Trooper Michael Coleman said the event is all about family fun and flashy cars, and inviting the community out to admire the automobiles.
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Governor Beshear made what he called a historic announcement saying Kentucky’s unemployment rate was officially at its lowest in the Commonwealth’s history.According to the Governor, the state’s 3.9% unemployment rate comes after one year of major success for the state in terms of the economy.He also announced a slew of more than 250 new high-paying jobs coming to Clark County in the near future.
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Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron is issued a consumer warning for scams related to the current baby formula shortage.He said the scammers will typically pose as online sellers claiming to sell in-demand products at prices that are too good to be true.Cameeron is urging parents and caregivers to purchase baby formula from known, reputable sources and, when possible, use a credit card to make the purchase.Also, avoid paying for infant formula up front, if purchasing from an unknown source.
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Beginning Monday, May 23, the bridge crossing the North Fork of the Kentucky River on Kenmont Road at Jeff in Perry County will be closed.The bridge will remain closed until the replacement structure is complete enough to carry traffic.A detour is available to drivers via Kenmont Road and KY 15.Construction on the bridge is scheduled to be finished by August 23.
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At the firefighter’s memorial in Frankfort a service was held in Frankfort to honor emergency medical personnel who have died in the line of duty.There will be at least 35 names placed on the new memorial once it is built in Frankfort. Wednesday’s service was the first since 2019. There has been an effort to build a permanent memorial for five years.
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Remote Area Medical, or RAM, will be hosting a free pop-up clinic in Hazard on June 11th and 12th.RAM is asking for General Support Volunteers to help with the set-up and tear-down of the Clinic, and to help assist patients with registration and mobility.RAM is also hosting a free pop-up clinic this weekend in Emory, VA. Medical services being offered include vision, dental, hearing, chest X-rays and more. The clinic in Hazard will offer basic medical, hearing, vision and women’s care To volunteer go to.https://volunteer.ramusa.org/ and complete an application.
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Bobby McCool has been reelected as 97th District State Representative and received 60% of the vote in the GOP primary.District 97 spans all of Martin and Johnson Counties as well as a section of Pike County.McCool has been in office since 2018 and says he will enter his third term and continue to help Eastern Kentucky proper through teamwork.
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Beware! The Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker has gotten multiple reports of a new job scam twist that involves downloading a messaging app called Telegram.Telegram is an app that lets you encrypt your text messages, the BBB reported the scammer will offer you a job and ask you to download the app to continue talking about the job offer, including asking for your banking information.
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The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration has cited the owners of an eastern Kentucky surface mine where a worker was killed by a falling tree, according to a published report.Nally & Hamilton Enterprises was cited for not following a plan that required removing trees on top of the mine’s highwall and for failing to identify, report and correct a hazardous situation, the federal agency said, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.
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Pikeville High School students were part of an assembly Tuesday, during which recruiters from PMC dived into some of the open positions at the hospital facilities and how the job openings often look different than some might expect. The recruitment team from Pikeville Medical Center wrapped up the program focused on bringing the future generations into the future of healthcare.
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Funeral arrangements are pending for a Calloway County deputy killed in an officer-involved shooting in front of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office who is now identified.On Tuesday, May 17, Kentucky State Police identified the officer as 44-year-old Calloway County Chief Deputy Jody Cash.They said Chief Deputy Cash also served as a KSP trooper from 2011 until 2018 when he retired at the rank of sergeant.
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A tourism organization in Harlan County is putting on a scavenger hunt for the community.The scavenger hunt highlights historic landmarks and local businesses, while offering a grand prize of $250 to a winner.”You take a picture or a selfie at that iconic location and then you submit it to us either through Facebook or through e-mail and then you get entered into a chance to win $250,” Brandon Pennington, Executive Director at Harlan Tourist and Convention Commission said. There are 30 locations being hinted at on the website. Each place you visit and then a submit a picture is considered an extra entry.
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Some soldiers at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky-Tennessee border are preparing to deploy to Europe.Deployment of Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division and the 2nd Brigade Combat Team will begin as soon as this summer, the 101st said.The Army announced in March that about 300 soldiers from Fort Knox’s Victory Corps were being deployed to Germany and Poland to bolster U.S. Army forces in Europe.
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Governor Andy Beshear has announced a $1.5 million grant will go to the Sandy Hook Water District.The grant is part of Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Central Appalachia Distressed County Infrastructure initiative.The funding will allow for new water infrastructure. The infrastructure will improve service for more than 1,200 homes and 85 businesses.
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It’s been a year since Berea College became the nation’s first to construct a hydrpower plant now, Berea College is partnering with Appalachian Hydro Associates to build a second hydropower plant in Lee County.The new plant will be at Lock and Dam 14 near Heidelberg.Lock 14 was originally built and used for traveling, but it was abandoned in the mid-1990s.The dam is currently used for water supply and to maintain the river for recreational use.
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Clay County Clerk Beverly Craft says with primary elections taking place today, county clerks offices across the region have been preparing to ensure voting goes smoothly for everyone involved.Craft said the biggest hurdle in preparing for Tuesday’s election has been securing election officers and retraining those who sat out in 2020.“We had quite a few elderly election officers that sat out that year, so a lot of our officers had never used this new equipment so we had five or six sessions of hands-on training,” she said.
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U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Dean of the U.S. House Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) have announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will provide two airports in Kentucky’s Appalachian region with $169,100 through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to fund infrastructure improvements. Quite a bit of the funding is being allocated to make hangar repairs at the Pike County/Hatcher Field Airport.
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Thanks to a variety of tips, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office continued its ongoing actions to stem drug trafficking recently, with deputies arresting six individuals and seeking several more.Pike County Sheriff Rodney Scott said the roundups are something the sheriff’s office conducts regularly in an ongoing effort by the department’s drug investigators.
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The Altman Eye Center celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, May 14, at 147 Hibbard Street in downtown Pikeville.Along with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the center also celebrated with free hot dogs for the community as well as inflatables for the kids.Dr. J. Turner Altman, a Pikeville-native returning to the region after graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s school of optometry, said it is an honor to be back in the community he and his family call home.
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As the weather gets warmer, park officials and search and rescue workers are reminding everyone of the precautions we should take before we head out on a hike. One of the most important according to park officials is to know where yoour hike will take you and to use a gps device on your phone and also have a compass. They also say to wear breathable pants and a lightweight, long-sleeve shirt can help protect you from insects and poisonous plants.
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Officials with Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 9 in Pikeville will honor fallen troopers on Monday, May 16, in recognition of National Police Officers Memorial Week.Officials will do a wreath presentation at the burial site of each trooper.You’re also invited to attend the memorial event.There are three troopers that will be honored at their burial sites.
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Kentucky’s Primary election is on Tuesday May 17.If you are planning to vote on election day there are a few things to keep in mind so you don’t run into any problems.The first thing to know is where you should go to vote. You need to head to your home precinct polling location. There’s more than 200 of them across Jefferson County. Several forms of approved ID include: A Driver’s License,A Social Security Card, Any ID issued by a county in KY that’s been approved by the State Board of Elections and shows a voter’s name.
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Unemployment is going mobile. Officials say Kentucky will use federal funding to establish a mobile unemployment insurance office to make the program more accessible.A statement from the Kentucky Labor Cabinet states the agency will have the ability to send the mobile office to underserved communities where it can help people with several actions including filing for benefits, requesting payments and participating in eligibility reviews.
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Officials say volunteers are being sought in 45 counties to review cases of Kentucky children in foster care.A statement from the Administrative Office of the Courts states Citizen Foster Care Review Boards assess cases and make recommendations to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and to state courts on each child’s behalf. You would need to commit to one day per month.
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ADA compliance is the goal of Casting for Kids is looking out for the Paintsville community.A new project kicked off this week with a ribbon-cutting near the boat ramp at Paintsville Lake. Local and state representatives gathered to celebrate the opening of a new initiative that aims to open the waterway to more people.The Casting for Kids Boardwalk and Kayak Launch will provide an ADA-compliant space for people with mobility differences to enjoy the waterfront in a way they may not have been able to before. The project is expected to be completed the end of this year.
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It’s become official Kentucky’s current Attorney General officially filed paperwork on Wednesday to run for governor in 2023. He joins two others on the republican ticket: Auditor Mike Harmon and Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles.“I’ve decided to run for Governor because Kentucky needs a leader who reflects the values of the men, women and children of all 120 counties,” said Daniel Cameron. “That’s not our current Governor.”
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You’re still encouraged to seek out an alternate route through today since the West Prestonsburg bridge in Pikeville was closed Tuesday due to severe cracking in the bridge deck’s pavement overlay.The bridge is on KY-2555, next to the entrance to Archer Park.Crews are still making repairs and are hoping to open the bridge again by the end of today.
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Barbourville mayor David Thompson said the concession stand and the projection area are near completion and the drive-in screen should be completed soon in Knox County.During a time where things were uncertain for movie theaters and drive-ins, the City of Barbourville and Barbourville Tourism were forging a plan to bring a drive-in to town.Construction is underway for the Knox Drive-In, which will be located just behind Brickyard Pond.
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God’s Pantry Food Bank, which serves Central and Eastern Kentucky was the big winner on KY givees Day raising more than $63,000. More than 3,000 Kentuckians did their part on Tuesday, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars during the state’s annual day of giving.$725,649 was donated online during the 10th annual event.Kentucky Gives Day has raised $4.2 million by participating nonprofits since it was launched by Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN), the state association of nonprofits. This year’s total topped the $721,385 raised during the 2021 event.
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Finding the next big idea in Appalachia is the aim of Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) hosting its third annual StartUp Appalachia Pitch Competition this summer.The competition, which will take place as part of SOAR’s Focus Summit at Hazard Community and Technical College June 23, is still accepting applications for new businesses seeking funding.
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Kentucky’s Democratic governor recently filed suit seeking to block a new state law that gives Republican officials the power to appoint a majority of members to a key ethics commission.Gov. Andy Beshear’s legal challenge warns that the reconstituted membership on the state Executive Branch Ethics Commission could launch politically based, meritless investigations.
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More than 400 University of Pikeville (UPike) students celebrated their achievements by earning their degrees during the spring commencement ceremonies for undergraduate, graduate and health professions on May 7, at the Appalachian Wireless Arena. Graduates and families were able to attend the in-person ceremonies or watch virtually via livestream.
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U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie is back in the good graces of Donald Trump, who declared two years ago that the Kentucky maverick should be thrown out of the Republican Party.Massie won Trump’s endorsement Tuesday ahead of the Bluegrass State’s primary election next week.
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There are nearly 20 thousand people registered to vote in Perry County. Perry County Clerk Wayne Napier said his office is prepared for election day.”Now we are doing absentee in-person voting but starting Thursday, Friday, Saturday,” said Napier. “You’ll be able to vote in the courthouse, anyone will be able to come in to vote.”Currently, there is not a huge turnout for in-person absentee voting. Napier’s office has also mailed out 200 mail-in ballots. Plus, the county has four county-wide voting centers.Perry County Central High School, Gospel Light Baptist Youth and Community Center in Chavies, Whitaker Athletic Center, and the Old Sears building in Lothair.
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This week is National Nursing Home Week.Staff and residents at the Owsley County Comprehensive Care Center are spending the day celebrating and remembering.Debbie Clemons, a registered nurse and MDS Coordinator for the Owsley County Comprehensive Care Center remembers they were hit especially hard by the pandemic.
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A bridge in Floyd County that sees hundreds of drivers every day is not as strong as it used to be. The bridge will be shut down for several months as crews rebuild from the ground up.It’s the KY-550 Joseph Gearheart Bridge that sits over Brush Creek near the intersection with KY-850.The bridge was already on the list to be replaced. After a car crashed into the guardrail the damage accelerated construction
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Do you have an artistic idea? Kentucky artists are invited to submit their work for possible exhibition at the state Capitol.A statement from Gov. Andy Beshear says selected artworks will be displayed for six months in the two main halls of the Capitol and in the Team Kentucky Digital Art Gallery before being returned to the artists.The deadline to submit artwork for consideration for the fall 2022 exhibit is June 3rd.
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Governor Andy Beshear presented a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant, CDBG, to Bath County to improve emergency services. Governor Beshear also presents more than $72,000 for new sidewalks along U.S. Highway 60.“This investment will help Kentuckians in Bath County get the life-saving health care they need in an emergency,” Gov. Beshear said. In addition, Bath County will work with the Bath County Ambulance District to construct a new ambulance services building at 78 Rowland Avenue in Owingsville. This will replace the current ambulance services building, which is in a congested location and is too small to maintain current operations.
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Early voting begins on May 12 and will last for three days, ending on May 14. Election Day is May 17 and polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The early voting in-person location is Kroger Field. If you’re unable to make it to the polling site, you can mail-in your ballot as an absentee voter. Plus, there’s a voting option to go to the clerk’s office. Officials say to remember to bring your ID.
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Governor Andy Beshear is suing all of Kentucky’s constitutional officers. The governor filed suit against Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Secretary of State Michael Adams, State Treasurer Alison Ball, State Auditor Mike Harmon and Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. They’re all Republicans.The lawsuit is over House Bill 334. The measure would remove current members of the executive branch ethics commission. It shifts the majority of the appointments to the other state officers.Governor Beshear vetoed the bill, but lawmakers overrode the veto.
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While the Appalachian Horse Project provides veterinary and re-homing to free-roaming horses in Southeast KY,Volunteers with the Appalachian Horse Project are spreading the message that ‘Kindness Rocks,’ by hiding painted ‘Kindness Rocks’ at the Knott County Trail Day.Kristin Maggard is a volunteer with the AHP. She said the ‘Kindness Rocks’ initiative is about spreading kindness to humans and horses.“To kind of get the message out there and to have fun, to find it, ‘oh look this is really cute,’ keep it, re-hide it. They’ve got our hashtag on the back of it they can find us on social media.”
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A Kentucky judge has held the state’s child welfare agency in contempt for the second time this year, according to a published report.Barren County Family Court Judge Micah Wood Pence said her order stems from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services failure to follow a court decision to return a child to her mother, the Courier Journal reported.
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Motorists in Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Martin and Pike counties can expect to encounter slow-moving caravans of trucks and heavy equipment which is now underway. These equipment convoys will spray waterborne pavement striping on asphalt surfaces. The work is weather-dependent.Drivers are advised to observe signs on the convoy vehicles as well as flaggers, to slow down when approaching the moving work zone, and to pass using extreme caution.
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Last night in downtown Pikeville, crews with the Pikeville Fire Department responded to reports of a fire at 121 South College St.Officials with the department said the call came through and the fire was mostly extinguished in around 30 minutes.The home had minor damage and the exteriors of two neighboring homes were also damaged, but officials say there were no injuries.Still no word what casued the blaze.
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It’s now open. Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) is expanding its services in Kentucky.White Oak Hill will serve as a 140-bed men’s residential drug and alcohol treatment center.The facility is located at the old Inez Middle School. Purchased back in 2020, the property has undergone complete renovations.Tim Robinson, CEO of ARC says they’ll employ around 50 employees and it will be a 24-hour treatment facility.
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The Kentucky Public Service Commission officially approved the sale of Kentucky Power from American Electric Power to Liberty Utilities, Inc. Thursday.After an announcement in October 2021, Liberty officially filed to purchase Kentucky Power and AEP Kentucky Transmission Company, LLC in January 2022 for more than $2.8 billion, including taking on more than $1.2 billion in debt. The new company also plans to retain all employees.
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Some great news for Eastern KY. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Congressman Hal Rogers have announced the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will be awarding $1.5 million to the Sandy Hook Water District.The funds, which come from ARC’s infrastructure program, will help improve water systems in the area.According to a release from McConnell and Rogers, the current Sandy Hook Water Treatment Plant is more than 60 years old and in desperate need of improvements.
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Federal, state and local law enforcement and health officials gathered in Cincinnati this week to announce a significant law enforcement operation regarding the opioid epidemic in the Appalachian region.This announcement regards the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force (ARPO), an operation that aims to target medical professionals who have abused their licenses and also profited from the opioid industry.Officials said since the proposal of ARPO three years ago, they have charged more than a hundred individuals who are responsible for the distribution of more than 100 million pills.
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A disagreement that began over a car ended with police saying the suspect in an early morning shooting that left one person critically injured is now in custody.According to Stanton Police Department, 21-year-old Aaron Couch has been taken into custody after an “extensive foot chase.”Police said the shooting happened inside a car at Pine Creek Apartments in Stanton, just before 3 a.m. Wednesday. Reports indicate Couch shot a man and then took off
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The City of Pikeville announced April 25 that the “Independence Day at Pikeville” 4th of July festival will be happening again this summer. The 2022 festival held July 2 through July 4, will include a street festival, live music, family fun at the park and fireworks show.The city also said in a statement that it is calling for artists and other vendors to sign up to be a part of the festival. The City of Pikeville will donate all proceeds from booth and vendor fees to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3769.
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Using DNA and other evidence officials say the remains of a recently identified Eastern Kentucky soldier who was killed in the Korean War will be interred in his hometown of Whitesburg.The U.S. Army Human Resources Command at Fort Knox said in a statement that graveside services for Army Cpl. Donald L. Menken will be performed May 14 by Everidge Funeral Home in Whitesburg before interment at Green Acres Cemetery.
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A new education gallery is planned for visitors at the National Corvette Museum in south-central Kentucky, officials said.The gallery will take the place of a children’s area and will give the museum the opportunity to provide educational experiences for the next generation of Corvette enthusiasts, engineers and designers, museum spokeswoman Mariah Hughes told the Daily News.
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The Mountain Water District (MWD) board of commissioners is a member short with the announcement of the resignation of Kevin Varney.During the MWD board meeting April 28, it was announced that Varney had tendered his resignation earlier in the week.While no specific reason was given, district manager Roy Sawyers said he understood it was for personal reasons but did not elaborate.
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U.S. Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell of KY has issued a statement after what he called a “lawless attack” on the independence of the Supreme Court regarding a possible overturn of Roe V Wade.Earlier Tuesday, Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed the authenticity of the leaked draft and said he had ordered an investigation into what he called an “egregious breach of trust.” He says by every indication, this was yet another escalation in the radical left’s ongoing campaign to bully and intimidate federal judges and substitute mob rule for the rule of law.
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Kentucky State Police have issued a news release asking the public for help in looking for a Harlan County man who has been missing for more than one month.Will Smith, 36, of Evarts, was last seen by his family on March 26 of this year.The release said he was seen driving a car but it is not known where he might have been going.Anyone with information can call 606-573-3131. The case is under investigation.
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A pat on the back to local law enforcement the Knox County Sheriff has announced the arrest of an escaped Kentucky inmate in Flat Lick.Challis Ray Davis, 41, escaped the Clay County Detention Center on March 25, 2022, according to a release from the Sheriff’s office. He was originally arrested on drug trafficking and persistent felony charges.He was sentenced to 8 years in prison in October 2021. He was taken back to the Knox County Detention Center.
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Save the Childern awarded SPARK Ministries a grant to open a reading nook and leaders with multiple organizations held a ribbon-cutting for the new reading corner and learning space for kids at the Perry County Courthouse.The new space will be at SPARK Ministries inside of the courthouse.A news release stated the ribbon-cutting kicks off an initiative “that will work to promote and support early learning and literacy for children whose parents and caregivers are undergoing treatment for addiction recovery.”
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The Supreme Court is leaving in place the illegal campaign contributions conviction of Kentucky businessman and former Democratic Party chief, Jerry Lundergan.The high court on Monday turned away Lundergan’s appeal of his conviction. As is typical, the justices did not say why they rejected his case.A jury convicted Jerry Lundergan on charges that he broke federal law by paying for approximately $200,000 for goods and services that benefitted his daughter’s campaign.
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Christmas for Kids of Kentucky is a non-profit organization that focuses on making sure kids have a Merry Christmas.“From December 11th to December 10th of the next year, we’re just raising as much money as possible through all the organization’s efforts,” said Christmas for Kids of Kentucky President Brandon May. He says donations will also be accepted at Spring Fling, May 21st and 22nd we have the Paul Griner Memorial Scramble that all the benefit of that goes to Christmas for Kids this year at Paintsville Country Club on June 25th.
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Kentucky State Police is hosting its Trooper Island raffle, giving you a chance at a new truck to support an old tradition.A 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Denali is up for grabs as troopers from posts across the state set up to stress the importance of the money the raffle brings in. Post 9 PAO, Trooper Michael Coleman says the money raised from these raffles is crucial in the continuance of Trooper Island, keeping the summer camp free to underprivileged kids ages 10-12.
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Students college readiness and each school’s graduation rate and enrollement were factors when U.S. News & World Report recently released a list for ‘Best Kentucky High Schools’, with two Eastern Kentucky schools claiming top 15.Pikeville Independent ranked #12 and Harlan Independent followed close behind with the #14 spot.“Its a recognition that is very well deserved for the kids and the adults of this district,” said Pikeville Independent Superintendent David Trimble.
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Using a location on Main Street and after record funding was announced for Kentucky schools through the new state budget, Representative Bobby McCool announced Paintsville High School will be getting $2.5 million for a new career center.The goal of the career center will be to connect rural students with remote jobs and career pathways in high-demand industries.
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While there’s still no word on what sparked the fire, at least 20 horses are dead after a barn caught fire in Scott County over the weekend.Firefighters confirm a barn at Brannon Stables caught fire early Sunday morning.Crews say it was completely burned to the ground by the time they made it there. Investigators say they’ll be examining the area this week.
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For writing and dispensing controlled substances without a medical reason, a Pikeville doctor and nurse were indicted by a federal grand jury in London this week on charges related to the alleged unlawful distribution of controlled substances.According to the indictment, Dr. Crystal Compton was associated with several medical practices in and around Pikeville, including Eastern Kentucky Medical Group, Betsy Lane Primary Care and The Good Doctor, while Registered Nurse Kayla Lambert worked with Compton at one or more of Compton’s medical practices.
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To boost business and celebrate small businesses, Market 606 kicked off in downtown Paintsville over the weekend and crowds came in bunches to browse small businesses.“Small business is big business in our communities and that’s no different here in Johnson County,” said Johnson County Judge-Executive Mark McKenzie. “We are a very pro-business organization as a government.”The event was focused on giving small, local shops, brick-and-mortar or otherwise, a chance to get out and boost their business.
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Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles has announced his run for governor on the Republican ticket.He has served in his current position for two terms.As of now, current Governor Andy Beshear is running for re-election unopposed on the Democratic side. Quarles joins State Auditor Mike Harmon, who is also running for the nomination on the GOP side. Several other Republicans are expected to enter the race soon, too.
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Witih summer coming, veterinarians are reminding pet owners to take preventative measures against heartworms. Heart worms are defined as a parasitic roundworm that is spread through mosquito bites and can cause various heart and lung issues in animals.Cats are at risk for heartworms, but they are more commonly seen in dogs.Dr. William Hagans at Town & Country Animal Clinic said even if your pets stay indoors, it is still important to have them treated for ticks, fleas and heartworms.
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On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and officials from the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet gathered at the Capitol in Frankfort to honor more than a dozen Kentucky Main Street communities and business leaders. Lt. Gov. Coleman said in a news release, “I understand just how important these areas are to our rural communities. For five generations, my family owned and operated Coleman Lumber Yard in downtown Harrodsburg. The Kentucky Main Street program was created in 1979 to reverse economic decline in central business districts through historic preservation and redevelopment of commercial buildings.
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A tornado-stricken county in western Kentucky will receive $8.5 million in additional support, signaling the start of a new round of assistance for a region working to recover from the devastating storms last December, Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday.Hopkins County is the first county to receive support from the new West Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies fund, Beshear said.
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This week a Middlesboro man was indicted by a Grand Jury on several charges of violating trust provision and one charge of theft.Clyde Creech is facing 38 charges of violating trust provision for pre-need payments for funeral good, which is a class C felony. A class C felony constitutes five to 10 years in prison.The other charge, which is theft by failure to make required disposition of property over $500, is a class D felony, which constitutes one to five years in prison.The charges allege Creech committed these offenses between 1994 and 2014.
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While opponents of Marcy’s law say that the law itself is unfair to the defendants and creates more of an uphill battle for them that challenge to strike down Marsy’s Law in Kentucky is being tossed out of court.Voters approved the constitutional amendment in 2019 and 2020.The law itself gives rights to the victims of crimes, such as being notified of any hearings for a suspect and the ability to speak at any hearing like a plea, release, or sentencing hearing.
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In Pulaski County lawmakers say schools were going to receive more money after this year’s session.“We at Pulaski County should see about a $3 million increase to our funds,” said Patrick Richardson with Pulaski County Schools. “However for me to give out a 2 percent pay increase is going to exceed $2.5 million.”Richardson said any funding increase is appreciated but he wanted targeted teacher raises.
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A K9 Deputy with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office will be receiving some new gear.K9 “Rocky” is set to receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation.The organization is called Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and is donating the vest in memory of a K9 who was killed in Arkansas two years ago.
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Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) and AppHarvest, a central Kentucky based sustainable food company, will partner to improve the health and well-being of their employees in Appalachia.More about the partnership is being announced a little later.
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EMS members are training in Berea on new ways to respond to an emergency scene. They’re receiving training through the Resuscitation Academy.“What high performance CPR does is it takes that basic understanding of CPR and then takes it to the next level,” said Jonathan Larsen, Resuscitation Academy Faculty Member.Larsen is a faculty member with the Resuscitation Academy based out of Seattle. They were in Berea with first responders from around Kentucky and teaching them how to be even better in the field.This is the first branch of the Resuscitation Academy here in Kentucky.
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In a news release, officials with the Attorney General’s office said a prosecution by Daniel Cameron’s office led to the conviction of a Laurel County woman on Medicaid fraud charges.An investigation by the Office of Medicaid fraud and Abuse resulted in Caroline Hendy, 53, being convicted.According to the AG’s Office’s release, Eyedeal Eyecare, owned by Hendy, falsely billed Medicaid for duplicate services and items, such as fittings, repairs, frames and more to the tune of 68-thousand dollars from Medicaid.
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Great news for drivers. Gov. Andy Beshear paid a visit to the Pike County Fiscal Courtroom in downtown Pikeville with some big announcements.One announcement was the upcoming opening of a regional licensing office in the downtown area. This will offer several services to folks throughout the Big Sandy Region and surrounding counties.“To get their driver’s license, to get their real ID, to get their CDL, to take that driver’s license test,” said Gov. Beshear, now we’re having to do the work to create these regional centers.”
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SOS Interntational based out of Louisville has sent thousands of pounds of relief supplies to help people caught in the refugee crisis in Poland.On Tuesday, UPS transported about 45,000 pounds of humanitarian relief for Ukrainian refugees from its Worldport air hub in Louisville to Warsaw, Poland.A UPS 767 was loaded with multiple pallets of relief supplies. Things like medical goods, food and water purification equipment. The shipments will go to agencies helping with the growing refugee crisis resulting from the military action in Ukraine.
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An elevator maintenance project could have been worse when the Knoxville Fire Department responded to Westview Tower Apartments after an elevator fell eleven floors Tuesday afternoon.According to KFD Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks, no one was injured; however, officials on the scene said it could have been bad in a different scenario.“We are really glad that no one was injured. It could’ve been very bad if, say, four or five people were in the elevator,” Wilbanks said.
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Would you like to work in nature? Positions are available at Buckhorn Lake State Park in Perry County.”It’s going to be beautiful here soon, everything’s blooming out,” said Chris Fugate, the park manager.As park officials prepare for the busy season ahead, they said they need more staff members on board to make sure the season is successful.There are at least one dozen positions that need to be filled, including seasonal cooks and servers.
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The University of Pikeville has seen its share of growth and change in recent years, advancing the region. That effort is now being recognized through the East Kentucky Leadership Foundation’s Tony Turner Award.From an expanded nursing school in a new facility, to an athletic complex on the corner of town, to growing class sizes in many programs under the UPIKE umbrella, the Bears keep getting bigger.“We’ve been stable through the pandemic and we’re anticipating one of our largest classes ever for this coming fall,” said UPIKE President Dr. Burton Webb.
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Saturday, April 30th is Independent Bookstore Day, a national event celebrating independently owned book stores and giving readers the opportunity to score some great deals.The Red Spotted Newt in Hazard is one local book store participating in Saturday’s festivities.Red Spotted Ne